New Belgium Brewing Sues Oasis Brewing

New Belgium Brewing Company in Colorado and Oasis Brewing Company in Austin both have a beer named Slow Ride. New Belgium says they filed a trademark application before Oasis did. Oasis on the other hand, maintain that they started selling their beer in May, before New Belgium's application was made.

Both sides have dug in their heels, and until the matter is settled, New Belgium's Slow Ride Session IPA will be called New Belgium Session IPA in Texas.

Pop & Stop Ends the Horror of Wasted Beer!

Joe Hackel, a Denver area rocket scientist aeropace engineer, has come up with Pop and Stop--a 3D printed, silicone combination bottle opener and stopper. This device could end Beer Abuse around the world.

He's started a Kickstarter to finance production of the device, so head over there and donate, already!

Or you could just buy the BottleTool here. Either way...

This is the Droid I'm Looking For: Keg-a-Droid

Keg-a-Droid is made by a veteran robot manufacturer, SuperDroid Workshop. It consists of a wheeled platform with a modified, half barrel keg on top, and a tap tower, complete with CO2. Put a 1/6 bbl keg, or one of your Cornie Kegs, into the modified keg, full with ice and attach to the tap. A remote control system will bring your beer to you, not the other way around!

Finally!

It is a tad pricey, though. You need to pony up $2100 on their Kickstarter page to get your own Keg-a-Droid complete with a charging station (which I imagine to look like something Seven of Nine used on Star Trek: Voyager).

Siege Week Set Ahead of Alamo Beer Company Grand Opening

San Antonio, TX –  Alamo Beer Company will be touring local establishments to commemorate the historic “Siege of the Alamo.”  The beer company will be visiting 11 locations beginning February 23 through March 5. The tour concludes on March 6 with the public grand opening of the beer company’s beer hall, beer garden and the start of regular brewery tours.

The Siege Week tour kicks off at Tucker’s Kozy Korner located at 1338 East Houston Street, on Monday, February 23 at 6:00 PM.  Other stops include Tycoon Flats, Bombay Bicycle Club, GS1221 plus others. A list of tour stops can be found at Alamobeer.com or by visiting the company’s social media sites.
(Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlamoBeerCo or Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlamoBeerCo)

The Siege Week tour will be a way for fans to interact with the brewery team and take in the locally brewed beer. In addition to brewing its Golden Ale, Alamo Beer Company will add a German Pale Ale, Amber Lager and Pilsner to their line-up at the grand opening.

“The story of the Alamo is timeless and evokes the spirit of Texas. Our beer carries this tradition,” stated Eugene Simor, President and Founder of Alamo Beer Company. “To bring attention to this story and share our beer with our city is important to us as we expand our presence,” he concluded.

Alamo Beer Company introduced ALAMO Golden Ale in October 2003. Since then, it has continued to grow locally and has quickly expanded to West Texas, South Texas, Houston & Austin. It is currently sold in HEB Grocery Stores, Whole Foods, Gabriel’s, Specs, and other retail outlets. ALAMO Golden Ale is also available in a number of bars and restaurants within those markets.

Fort Bend Brewing Closes

I thought I posted this last week, but I didn't.

Ty and Sharon Coburn announced the closure of two year old Fort Bend Brewing Company on the brewery's Facebook page.

Sad to see a craft brewery shut down.

Please Let it be Gillespie County! Please Let it be Gillespie County!

Freetail Brewing Company recently announced they would expand to surrounding counties. (YES!) Comal, Guadalupe and Gonzales counties, in fact. (Damn.)

Well maybe someday...

Small BREW vs BEER Acts Comparison Infographic

Contact your National Quackerwodger and tell it that you support the Small BREW Act.

Reminder! “Beer Talk” at Pedernales Brewing Company - February 21

The brewers at PBC will host a discussion with home brewers or others interested in beer.  There is no charge for the event and if you like talking about beer with a beer in your hand, you will be able to purchase pints from the adjacent tasting room.

1 pm at 97 Hitchin' Post Trail on S. US Hwy 87. (Look for the big beer bottle.) Call (830) 998-7486 for details.

Picture From Rowena

A picture from the Hubble Telescope?

Horny Toad Brewing Open House Saturday - February 7

Finally!

This Saturday, I don't have to work the same day as the Horny Toad Brewing Company open house. So my brother and I will meet Satan in Rowena.

According to Mike, the owner, there will be six beers on-tap: Concho Cream Ale, Angelo Amber Ale, Kickapoo IPA, Mesquite Bean Brown Ale, Pump Jack Porter and Chocolate Cherry Stout. There will also be brisket, pulled pork, sausage, beans and potato salad.

I spoke with David, who helps Mike brew, a few weeks ago, and he sold me on the Mesquite Bean Brown Ale, so I am looking forward to that. And the Chocolate Cherry Stout sounds fun, too.

I'll be wearing my Brewing Network cap, so if you see me, say hello. I'll be standing next the guy making everyone laugh.

Beer Protects Us From Alzheimers and Parkinsons!

Chinese scientists recently released a study suggesting that Xanthohumol (Xn), a compound found in hops, protects the brain against the damage caused by Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. Xn is known to be an antioxidant and protects us from heart disease and cancer. The scientists suggest that to obtain the best benefits, we should drink organic beer with no added alcohol (?) in moderation.

I wonder if eating hops would provide the same protection? Graham Kerr, in his Swiftly Seasoned cookbook used hops in a German spice blend.