News
Lonerider and ClickOptimize are sponsoring a commercial contest. You can find details on the contest here.

All About Beer has sent out word that the World Beer Festival in Raleigh has been moved to May 2nd. Tickets will go on sale March 24th.

In other news All About Beer had a tour at Boylan Bridge recently you can see the pictures here. Boylan should open this week is what my sources are indicating.

Aviator is profiled in today's New Raleigh.

Events
First Bell's Firkin Tapping in NC
February 25th 6pm
Raleigh Times Bar
Raleigh, NC
The first ever tapping of a Bell's firkin in NC happens on the 25th. Bell's Gold Medal-Winning Porter gets tapped at 6pm at the Raleigh Times Bar.

Bell's Hopslam Firkin Tapping
February 26th 5pm
Tyler's Taproom
Durham, NC
Not content with one cask tasting you can check out another tasting in Durham.

East Meets West - Terrapin & Stone Brewery Dinner
March 4th 6:30pm
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza
Chapel Hill, NC
Just about sold out at last report, but you might still be able to find tickets.

Foothills Casks Tasting
March 2nd
Tyler's Taproom
Apex, NC
A dry hopped IPA and a Vanilla bean bourbon barrel Porter are the reported offerings.

Lone Rider Tour
March 7th 1pm
Lone Rider Brewery
Raleigh, NC

Duck-Rabbit Beer Dinner
March 17th
Four Square
Durham, NC

Duck-Rabbit Cask Tasting
March 18th
Broad Street Cafe
Durham, NC

Sierra Nevada Beer Dinner at Brixx
April 15th 6:30pm
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza
Chapel Hill, NC

A new post idea I have been considering, a review of the week's blog posts or beer stories that interested me.

Stan points us to Deschutes blog talking about how your big monster hoppy ale may not have as many IBU's as you think. I think this is a great counterpoint to the Extreme beers in vogue.

Bill Brand who was injured during SF Beer week died. I mostly knew Bill from his posts online but I got to meet him last year briefly. He was very friendly and enthusiastic character. Justin, of the Brewing Network, tells his personal account of how Bill inspired his work. Bill will be missed.

A bit older a story, a counter point to the online banter over HB 1192 in Colorado DJ Spiess examines the bill and thinks it's monopoly protection for Liquor stores. I agree with DJ's assessment from all I have read on the bill. It seems odd that the Colorado Brewers Guild would want to limit their future sales, but that is their choice.

Last and not least I got to sample a preview of Fullsteam's beer last night. Their steampunk tap system is quite a sight to be seen. Unfortunately the Carolina Common was all gone by the time I got there, but I did get to sample the Sweet Potato ale. The sweet potato had a subtle character that became more apparent as the beer warmed. The beer struck me as a well balanced ale with a decidedly Southern character. Fullsteam will launch in the Triangle area later this year.

News
Boylan Bridge is profiled in the News Observer. Reading his list of things Andrew Leager won't have at his establishment, it strikes me that in this current economy you should not be turning people away before you even open your doors. I wish him luck with his concept. They are currently hiring as New Raleigh points out.

Aviator emailed that it's bourbon cask aged ales will be tapped on March 1st, no word on the venue yet.

Events
Lone Rider Tour
February 20th 6pm
Lone Rider Brewery
Raleigh, NC

Fullsteam at Durham's Third Friday
February 20th 6pm
Bull City Arts Collective
401 Foster Street
Durham, NC
Want a sneak peak of the Durham brewery, here's your chance.

Fat Tuesday Beer Dinner with Bells
February 24th 5pm
The Pit
Raleigh, NC

First Bell's Firkin tapping in NC
February 25th 6pm
Raleigh Times Bar
Raleigh, NC
The first ever tapping of a Bell's firkin in NC happens on the 25th. Bell's Gold Medal-Winning Porter gets tapped at 6pm at the Raleigh Times Bar.

East Meets West - Terrapin & Stone Brewery Dinner
March 4th 6:30pm
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza
Chapel Hill, NC
Just about sold out at last report, but you might still be able to find tickets.

Lone Rider Tour
March 7th 1pm
Lone Rider Brewery
Raleigh, NC

Duck-Rabbit Beer Dinner
March 17th
Four Square
Durham, NC

Duck-Rabbit Cask Tasting
March 18th
Broad Street Cafe
Durham, NC

I had the chance to sample new releases into the North Carolina market thanks to the people at Harris Beverage.* The Widmer people brought Drop Top Amber ale and Drifter Pale ale.

The Drifter had a citrus hop character that made most of it's 32 IBUs. The aroma and floral were quite strong, but without the bitterness you expect in Western Pale ales. The crystal malt was apparent and it blending to make one of the more unique Pale ales I have tried. It had an almost mint or herbal character on the palette in the finish. It was a very refreshing ale that I can see doing quite well in the Summer.

I had first tried Drop Top in Arizona a few years ago, but I don't recall the hop character being as apparent as it is now. I don't know if this is a recipe change or a fault of my memory of the beer. Interestingly the Drifter is darker than the Drop Top.

Of the two beers Drifter is one I would seek out, but the Drop Top was satisfying as well. They will be making their way to the East Coast in April.

* If you live in the Triangle area you should join the Triangle Beer Meetup, I have found about some great area events through Steve and the rest of the members.

News
Big Boss will begin distributing in the Triad area very shortly. No word on specific venues the demand for their beer just keeps growing.

I heard that Gordon Biersch may be opening a location in North Hills area at the new Renaissance hotel. Prospective opening date is next Fall, but I haven't found any confirmation yet.

Big Boss also invites you to vote in the Best of 2009 in the Indy Weekly. You have to vote in 25 of the 166 categories for your votes to be considered. I am not sure how much I'll be able to answer because I haven't lived here long enough.

Events
14th Anniversary Celebration
February 13th
Carolina Brewery
Chapel Hill, NC
First 500 customers to buy a pint get a free commemorative logo pint glass, a special Anniversary Ale on tap. Live music that night from Birds & Arrows (9pm) and Sweet By & By (10pm).

Friday da Firkenteenth with Triangle Brewing
February 13th 5pm
Tyler Taproom
Durham, NC
100th batch of Triangle's IPA, followed by a firkin of the "Best of Both Worlds" Stout (which has coffee, chocolate and raspberries added).

Big Boss Tour
February 14th 2pm
Big Boss Brewery
Raleigh, NC

Duck-Rabbit Tasting
February 14th
Chatham Market
Pittsboro, NC

Duck-Rabbit Cask Tasting
February 15th
Recovery Room
Chapel Hill, NC

Lone Rider Tour
February 20th 6pm
Lone Rider Brewery
Raleigh, NC

East Meets West - Terrapin & Stone Brewery Dinner
March 4th 6:30pm
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza
Chapel Hill, NC
Just about sold out at last report, but you might still be able to find tickets.

Lone Rider Tour
March 7th 1pm
Lone Rider Brewery
Raleigh, NC

Duck-Rabbit Beer Dinner
March 17th
Four Square
Durham, NC

Duck-Rabbit Cask Tasting
March 18th
Broad Street Cafe
Durham, NC

I just got in and heard about Bill Brand's accident last night. I only had the chance to meet him once at The Trappist last year. He was very friendly and full of good cheer that afternoon. I hope he makes a speedy recovery.

I'll be joining in a toast to his health at 7pm tonight, if you have enjoyed his writings as much as I have join us.

Representative Earl Pomeroy has reintroduced a bill to reduce the taxes on beer. This bill is designated H.R. 836, a bill 'To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce the tax on beer to its pre-1991 level, and for other purposes.' Considering the increased costs craft brewing has faced in the last few years now would be a perfect time to change the law. Last session Representative Pomeroy had 238 cosponsors for this bill he currently has 13. It's time that craft beer lovers step up to help the brewing community.

Here is a draft letter for beer lovers to use to contact their member of Congress, please feel free to copy and pass along to others.

Dear Representative [Name],

Craft brewing has been changing the United States the last two decades. Besides brewing beer they demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit and show that America can craft products that we can all take pride in. For that reason I ask you to Cosponsor H.R. 836 .

There are three primary reasons why you should support H.R. 836. Craft Brewers have faced cost increases in grain, hops, and transportation fees. This bill will help them balance these increased costs to keep them succeeding in this difficult economy.

This bill will support small business. There are over 1400 craft breweries in the United States. Charlie Papazian, President of the American Homebrewers Association(AHA), estimates nationally, small and independent craft brewers employ nearly 98,000 full- and part-time employees.

Lastly this bill will promote artisan brewers and their work to promote local, sustainable businesses. According to the AHA there is a craft brewer within 10 miles of most Americas. Supporting craft brewing keeps money in the local economy. Furthermore, these are business that are actively involved in local communities and charities on a daily basis.

This bill makes sense in these trying times, I ask you to sign on as a Cosponsor to H.R. 836. Thank you for your time and I look forward to your support.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

If you don't want to use my letter feel free to write your own, just remember to keep it polite and focus on the issue. Unsure of who your Member of Congress is you can find your House Member here and your Senators here. It's a good idea to include your address so they can verify you are from their district as most members of Congress will not answer letters from people in other districts.

Now is a prime moment to take action, it's San Francisco Beer Week. Philadelphia Beer Week is not far behind. Brewers and beer bloggers can work these events to let beer lovers know about this issue. Currently no Members from California, Oregon or Pennsylvania have signed on to this legislation. Considering how much craft beer is part of these states they should be some of the most active supporters on this important issue.

So let's see if we can move this bill forward.

For this month's Session the theme is "A Tripel for Two." What Tripel would you pick to share with that good friend, family member, or lover?

Alan had suggested people Tweet their experiences and I was one of a handful of people who did, you can see the results here. It was a handy way to write notes for this Session, but remembering to always use the hashtag was a bit annoying.

For this Session rather than simply pick one beer, I picked a Belgian and an American example for comparison. The Belgian was Maredsous and America was represented by Flying Dog's Kerberos.

The tasting was done side by side with the FoodGeek at my side, while I knew which beer was which I didn't initially tell her so she had go by senses alone.

Once the glasses are poured, Maredsous had the edge on head retention, it also had more citrus-pineapple notes. It also had a more smooth sweetness in the flavor. FoodGeek liked the complexity of the Belgian better, she also noted Belgian was still actively giving off bubbles late into the tasting.

Kerberos has more "old beer aroma" in the FoodGeek's words. I suspected this is old bottle. I had noticed a hangtag from a contest last Summer on the Kerberos and asked online how old the beer was based on the bottle code. I heard back it was brewed probably last May. Definite signs of oxidation in the Keberos, not pleasantly so. I suspect Kerberos was the victim of improper treatment at the hands of the retailer or distributor, the poor abused Pup never had a chance to shine.

Maredsous won this round and decidedly so it definitely shined so if you are looking for a Tripel give it a try.

It's good to see confirmation of the earlier report now at Beer Advocate. I know this will make the Food Geek happy though I am looking forward to 2 Below at the holidays.

I have a confession to make, I won't be writing just for this site anymore. I'll also be helping people get to know North Carolina beer at Know Your Brewer.

It all started with Pop The Cap. For those who are unaware it was an organization created to lift North Carolina’s 6% alcohol by volume cap on beer. In 2005 it succeeded. According to the group's by laws any leftover funds were to be used to educate people about North Carolina beer. Sean Wilson and I were talking recently, he asked if I wanted to help, I jumped at the chance. Breweries, events listings, and interviews with the people that make your beer will all be part of the site, so stop by in the coming weeks and get to know the local scene a little better.

Last night as I was brewing an Alt beer and I was thinking about my brewing resolution. I realized as much as I'd like to go to all grain brewing if I get to do all I want to this year, I may not be able to give the proper attention to dialing in the new approach to brewing. And I was okay with it if I didn't go all grain. I have been brewing partial mash and extract brewing for the majority of beers I have produced. I am fine with that because I am happy with the beers I get from my process. It still remains fun, because I add new and interesting ingredients so if I keep that in the mix I'll be okay with sticking with my existing method.

But I'd still like to move to all grain if I can find the time.

News
New Raleigh offers us some background on the new Natty Greene's location in Raleigh.

Calendar
Big Operator Release Party
February 5th 5pm
Horniblows Tavern
Raleigh, NC
This is their Belgian Black Raspberry Ale. It has been aged in the fruit and is 8% strong.

Sexual Chocolate Release Party
February 6th 6pm
Foothills Brewing
Winston-Salem, NC
Foothills will host a party for the unveil of this beer. It will be available only on site Friday, but with to go sales at 11am the next morning.

Lone Rider Tour
February 7th 1pm
Lone Rider Brewery
Raleigh, NC

Triangle Brewing Tour
February 7th 1pm
Triangle Brewery
Durham, NC

14th Anniversary Celebration
February 13th
Carolina Brewery
Just a brief mention in a recent newsletter, but no indication as to which of the locations will host the party. They will have collectable anniversary pint glasses, a special Anniversary Ale on tap and live music that evening.

Big Boss Tour
February 14th 2pm
Big Boss Brewery
Raleigh, NC

East Meets West - Terrapin & Stone Brewery Dinner
March 4th 6:30pm
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza
Chapel Hill, NC
Just about sold out at last report, but you might still be able to find tickets.