Freetail's La Muerta Coming Tomorrow

Press release from our friends down in San Antone:

FREETAIL BREWING CO. ANNOUNCES ANNUAL RELEASE OF LA MUERTA

Locally owned and operated brewpub prepares for release of its highly anticipated Imperial Stout

(Oct. 17, 2011) San Antonio, TX – Freetail Brewing Co. announces the annual release of its highly-anticipated and sought- after Imperial Stout, La Muerta, with the draft release on Día de los Muertos (Tuesday, November 1) and the bottle release (dubbed Día de La Muerta) on Saturday, November 5.

The annual bottle release of La Muerta has become one of Texas’ premier craft beer events, attracting fans of better beer from across the state to get their hands on the limited 22 oz. bottles.

“We constantly receive questions about La Muerta’s return, and Día de La Muerta has become a much-anticipated celebration,” said Freetail Brewing Co. Founder and CEO Scott Metzger. “In just a few years it has transformed into an event where fans get here hours before we open and hang out on the patio making new friends. It’s a really fun atmosphere that we don’t see much in Texas, but is thankfully becoming more common.”

The November 1 release of La Muerta will be draught only at the brewpub with no growler fills allowed, but the 22 oz. bottles will be available promptly at 11:30 am on the 5^th. Bottles will be priced at $11 each with a three bottle per person limit. Freetail will also tap a number of rare beers including 2010 La Muerta and the debut of Pickly RealTail.

“We have increased production each year, yet every year it has sold out faster than ever – both on draft and in bottles,” added Metzger. “This year’s edition is the largest bottling run we’ve ever undertaken, all hand bottled by our brewers who work tirelessly to make these kinds of events possible.”

Last Day of Austin Beer Week

12:00 pm
2011 Green Corn Project Fall Festival feat. (512) Brewing
@ Boggy Creek Farm

1:00 pm
Pairing - Local Brewers, Local Beer, Artisan Cheese & More
@ Draught House Pub & Brewery

2:00 pm
Lovejoy's Special Selections & Austin-Brewed Happy Hour
@ Lovejoy’s Tap Room & Brewery

6:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Saint Arnold Pumpkinator
@ The Ginger Man

7:00 pm
Haunted Halloween Ball - Local Craft Beer, Wine, Spirits(!) w. Chef-Paired Food
@ Mansion at Judges’ Hill

All Day
Greenling - Local Beer Sale & Delivery
@ Greenling Organic & Local Food Delivery

All Day
Rare Beer On Tap
@ The HighBall

All Day
$3 Austin Beers (12oz)
@ Parkside

All Day
$10 Growler Fills of 'Rational' House Beer
@ Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery

All Day
$12 House Pitchers
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Barton Springs)

All Day
$12 House Pitchers
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Lake Travis)

Saturday's Austin Beer Week Schedule

12:00 pm
Circle Brewing's Haunted Open House
@ Circle Brewing Co.

12:00 pm
Brewing Tour & Tasting - Live Oak Brewing
@ Live Oak Brewing Co.

1:00 pm
Jester King Funk'in Sour Gravity Fest
@ Jester King Craft Brewing

4:00 pm
Lovejoy's Special Selections & Austin-Brewed Happy Hour
@ Lovejoy’s Tap Room & Brewery

4:00 pm
Brewery Tour + Tasting - Uncle Billy's Lake Travis
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Lake Travis)

5:00 pm
Meet the Brewer + Cask Tapping - Austin Beerworks Mr. Falcon
@ Draught House Pub & Brewery

6:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Thirsty Planet Double Dry Hopped Bucket Head IPA
@ Red’s Porch

8:00 pm
Tapping + Movie - Jester King Farmhouse Ale Series, Contests & Zombie Film Premiere
@ The Dig Pub

All Day
Greenling - Local Beer Sale & Delivery
@ Greenling Organic & Local Food Delivery

All Day
Rare Beer On Tap
@ The HighBall

All Day
$3 Austin Beers (12oz)
@ Parkside

All Day
$10 Growler Fills of 'Rational' House Beer
@ Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery

Beer and Movies on 'Slackerwood'

Hey gang,
My talented and vivacious beer-loving friend Debbie Cerda from Slackerwood (a site covering the Austin film scene) has an announcement for you, check it out:

It's alive! We are proud and elated to introduce a new monthly feature on Slackerwood called "Film on Tap", a new column about the many ways that beer (and sometimes booze including wine) and cinema intersect in Austin.

Read (and share!) our first installment here:

http://www.slackerwood.com/node/2528

Please feel free to contact me with any updates for your organization, venue or business that you think relevant content -- screenings, movie nights, brewery sponsorships of film-relate events -- or add me to your media list as needed.

Thank you for your continued support of the Austin and Texas film communities, as well as fine craft beer, wine and more!

Friday Austin Beer Week Schedule

2:00 pm
Brewery Tour - Real Ale Brewing
@ Real Ale Brewing Co.

4:00 pm
Lovejoy's Special Selections & Austin-Brewed Happy Hour
@ Lovejoy’s Tap Room & Brewery

4:00 pm
Tapping + Meet the Brewers - Independence 7th Anniversary
@ Opal Divine’s Freehouse

5:00 pm
Tapping & Meet the Brewer - Ranger Creek
@ Draught House Pub & Brewery

5:00 pm
Meet the Brewer + Tapping - Twisted X Siesta Prickly Pear Lager Release Party
@ Fion Wine Pub (Bee Cave)

5:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Independence ESB
@ HomeField Grill

5:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Real Ale Lost Gold IPA
@ Billy’s on Burnet

6:00 pm
Tapping + Meet the Brewer - Live Oak Treehugger
@ Alamo Drafthouse (South Lamar)

6:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Jester King Boxer's Revenge Farmhouse Ale
@ Red’s Porch

6:00 pm
Tapping - Circle Nightlight
@ The Ginger Man

7:00 pm
BeerTownAustin and Hops & Grain Buy the Beer, Keep the 'Stache (Glass)
@ Billy’s on Burnet

All Day
Greenling - Local Beer Sale & Delivery
@ Greenling Organic & Local Food Delivery

All Day
Rare Beer On Tap
@ The HighBall

All Day
$3 Austin Beers (12oz)
@ Parkside

3:00 pm
Happy Hour - $1 off All House Beers
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Barton Springs)

3:00 pm
Happy Hour - $1 off All House Beers
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Lake Travis)

7:00 pm
Pint Night - Southern Star Pro Am American Black Lager
@ Draft Pick

'Chronicle' on Jester King Suit

On Tuesday, I posted about the Jester King/Zax/Authentic Beverages lawsuit against the state of Texas. Today, my former Austin Chronicle news staff colleague Richard Whittaker had his own report. It is, of course, well written. I especially like this analogy from Richard, which perfectly sums up the stupidity of the Texas law requiring that any beer stronger than 4% alcohol be arbitrarily labeled as "ale":

"Unfortunately, that is like saying all large pies are apple – it is simply not true."

Thursday's Austin Beer Week Schedule

3:00 pm
In-Store Tasting - Real Ale Lost Gold IPA, Oktoberfest, Coffee Porter
@ Central Market Westgate

4:00 pm
Thirsty Planet Open House
@ Thirsty Planet Brewing Co.

4:00 pm
Lovejoy's Special Selections & Austin-Brewed Happy Hour
@ Lovejoy’s Tap Room & Brewery

5:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Independence ESB
@ Flying Saucer

6:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Real Ale Lost Gold IPA
@ Opal Divine’s Freehouse

6:00 pm
Tapping + Meet the Brewer - Ranger Creek Oaked Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Porter
@ Alamo Drafthouse (South Lamar)

6:00 pm
Special Tapping - (512) THREE on the patio!
@ Billy’s on Burnet

6:00 pm
Pairing - Jester King Wild & Farmhouse w. Local, Artisan Cheese, Meat & Bread
@ Draught House Pub & Brewery

6:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Uncle Billy's Hop Back Black IPA (Barton Springs)
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Barton Springs)

6:00 pm
Cask + Mysterium Verum Tapping - Real Ale Aged Sisyphus & WT3F?!
@ Red’s Porch

6:30 pm
(512) Brewer's Dinner, 2011
@ Olivia

6:30 pm
Meet the Brewer + Tasting - (512) Brewing + (512) THREE
@ Billy’s on Burnet

7:00 pm
Meet the Brewers + Tasting - Circle Brewing
@ Trifecta on 3rh

7:00 pm
Anniversary Tasting - (512) Three, Two, One... Plus One
@ The Ginger Man

7:00 pm
Cask Tapping - NXNW Batch 1200 Collaboration Beer
@ North By Northwest Restaurant & Brewery

7:00 pm
Black Star Co-op Brews & Local Cheeses
@ Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery

7:00 pm
Cask Tapping + Meet the Brewer - Live Oak Dry-Hopped Oaktoberfest
@ The Dig Pub

All Day
Greenling - Local Beer Sale & Delivery
@ Greenling Organic & Local Food Delivery

All Day
Rare Beer On Tap
@ The HighBall

All Day
$3 Austin Beers (12oz)
@ Parkside

7:00 pm
Pint Night - Independence Brewluminati
@ Draft Pick

Wednesday's Austin Beer Week Schedule

4:00 pm
Cask Tapping + Meet the Brewer - Live Oak Dry-Hop Oaktoberfest
@ Opal Divine’s Freehouse

4:00 pm
Lovejoy's Special Selections & Austin-Brewed Happy Hour
@ Lovejoy’s Tap Room & Brewery

5:00 pm
Meet the Brewer - Circle Brewing
@ Flying Saucer

5:00 pm
24 Diner's Exclusive Real Ale Cask Beer & Food Pairing
@ 24 Diner

5:00 pm
Tapping + Release Party - Hops & Grain (Inaugural!) + Austin Beer Guide
@ Draught House Pub & Brewery

5:30 pm
Cask Tapping - Jester King Boxer's Revenge Wild Provision Ale Firkin
@ Billy’s on Burnet

6:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Independence Convict Hill Stout
@ Red’s Porch

6:00 pm
Cask Tapping + Meet the Brewer - Rahr Kellerfest
@ The Ginger Man

6:00 pm
Tapping + Meet the Brewer - Austin Beerworks
@ Opal Divine’s Freehouse

6:30 pm
Brewery Tour & Tasting - Uncle Billy's, Barton Springs
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Barton Springs)

7:00 pm
Tapping - Twisted X Siesta & Meet the Founders Party
@ The Dig Pub

7:00 pm
Seasonal Brew Social on the Pavilion + Logo Pint Night
@ North By Northwest Restaurant & Brewery

7:00 pm
Brewery Tour + Tasting - Black Star Co-op
@ Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery

8:00 pm
Tapping - Saint Arnold Santo Kick-off!!
@ Skinny’s Ballroom

All Day
Greenling - Local Beer Sale & Delivery
@ Greenling Organic & Local Food Delivery

All Day
Rare Beer On Tap
@ The HighBall

All Day
$3 Austin Beers (12oz)
@ Parkside

Jester King Sues TABC Over Freedom of Speech

Jester King Brewery has announced a lawsuit against the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission on grounds that the state has violated its free speech and equal protection rights. I don't know if it will succeed, but it's certainly justified. The parts I like best:

• They want to get rid of the stupid requirements that beer under 4% alcohol by volume be labeled as "beer" and over 4% as "ale." This results in the idiotic situation of lagers being labeled as "ale" or "malt liquor." Those are brewing style terminologies, not ABV. I once had a publicity guy give me an embarrassed apology as he handed me a review bottle of a dopplebock that was labeled "ale" because TABC required it. (A bock, of course, is a lager, not an ale.)
  
• They want Texas brewers to be able to list ABV on bottles, like out-of-state beers do. I would guess the rationale for banning that info on bottles is that the state doesn't want people seeking out strong beer to get wasted. I would argue that it's necessary to prevent people from getting wasted. If I'm drinking a strong beer, I need to know that. I've accidentally gotten plowed on beers that were stronger than I thought, and it's not fun. I guess I should have thanked TABC in between pukes those nights. I'd even go further than the suit and suggest that brewers and bars be required to list ABV.
• And most important of all, they want to do away with laws prohibiting production breweries from selling on-premises and brewpubs from selling off-premises. These are unreasonable restraints of commerce. Back in the spring I thoroughly documented failed attempts to legislate such change, so I guess it will have to be done in the courts.

Co-plaintiffs are distributor Authentic Beverage Co. and Austin restaurant Zax. If you want to read the full texts of the suit and TABC's response, go to BeerNews.org.

Thieves Hit Hops & Grain — So They Party

Boy, as if small business owners don't have a hard enough time trying to make their dream a reality: Hops & Grain, one of Austin's newest production breweries, got hit by thieves, who stole a bunch of copper wiring and left them without electricity. Charming. But being good-natured folks, they decided the best revenge would be to throw a party. Click on the flyer for full details, and then get over there on Sunday and help them out. It'll be good for your soul. It's not part of Austin Beer Week, but it would still be a nice way to cap ABW off.

Tuesday's Austin Beer Week Schedule

3:00 pm
In-Store Tasting - Real Ale Oktoberfest & Coffee Porter
@ Whole Foods Market (Gateway)

4:00 pm
Special Tapping - Black Star Epsilon, First of the Infinite Series
@ Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery

4:00 pm
Lovejoy's Special Selections & Austin-Brewed Happy Hour
@ Lovejoy’s Tap Room & Brewery

5:00 pm
Pairing - Local Beer & Artisan Cheese
@ Red’s Porch

5:00 pm
Tapping + Meet the Brewer - Rahr & Sons Lã Grange Farmhouse + Imperial Pilsner
@ Draft Pick

5:00 pm
Tapping - Real Ale WT3F?!
@ Haddingtons American Tavern

5:00 pm
Meet the Brewer - (512) Brewing
@ Draught House Pub & Brewery

5:30 pm
Meet the Brewer - Thirsty Planet Pint Night
@ Opal Divine’s Freehouse

6:00 pm
Tapping - Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest Ale & Estate Harvest Ale
@ Black Sheep Lodge

6:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Uncle Billy's Surprise Brew (Lake Travis)
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Lake Travis)

6:00 pm
Tapping - Dogfish Head Bitches Brew
@ Alamo Drafthouse (South Lamar)

6:00 pm
Meet the Brewer - Circle Brewing
@ Dog & Duck Pub

6:00 pm
Rare Tapping - Real Ale Mysterium Verum 'Empire'
@ Alamo Drafthouse (Lake Creek)

6:00 pm
Tapping - Real Ale 15th Anniversary Ale
@ The Ginger Man

6:00 pm
Beer & Chocolate - Appreciation of a Perfect Pairing
@ North By Northwest Restaurant & Brewery

8:00 pm
Movie Night - "Beer Wars" Waged at NXNW
@ North By Northwest Restaurant & Brewery

All Day
Greenling - Local Beer Sale & Delivery
@ Greenling Organic & Local Food Delivery

All Day
Rare Beer On Tap
@ The HighBall

All Day
$3 Austin Beers (12oz)
@ Parkside

4:00 pm
Pint Night - (512) Brewing
@ Red’s Porch

7:00 pm
Pint Night - Rahr & Sons Peckerwrecker & Oktoberfest
@ Draft Pick

All Day
Texas Tuesday - $2.75 TX Drafts
@ Billy’s on Burnet

Monday's Austin Beer Week Schedule

4:00 pm
Lovejoy's Special Selections & Austin-Brewed Happy Hour
@ Lovejoy’s Tap Room & Brewery

5:00 pm
Tapping, Meet the Brewer + Pairing - Rahr Angry Goat Weizen Doppelbock
@ Draught House Pub & Brewery

6:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Independence ESB
@ The Ginger Man

6:00 pm
Tapping - Real Ale Mysterium Verum WT3F?!
@ The Dig Pub

6:00 pm
Tapping + Meet the Brewer- Jester King Farmhouse Black Metal Imperial Stout
@ Alamo Drafthouse (South Lamar)

6:00 pm
Rare Beer Tapping - Sierra, Real, (512), St. Arnold, Twisted X
@ Red’s Porch

6:00 pm
Tapping + Meet the Brewer - Real Ale Showcase w. Sisyphus & Cask ESB
@ Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery

7:00 pm
Collaborative Tapping - Lovejoy's Belgian Strong Ale Made w. Real Ale / Freetail Yeast
@ Lovejoy’s Tap Room & Brewery

All Day
Greenling - Local Beer Sale & Delivery
@ Greenling Organic & Local Food Delivery

All Day
Rare Beer On Tap
@ The HighBall

All Day
$3 Austin Beers (12oz)
@ Parkside

All Day
$3 Club Mugs (23 oz) for everyone
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Lake Travis)

All Day
$3 Club Mugs (23 oz) for everyone
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Barton Springs)

200,000 Visitors!

Today I passed 200,000 visitors, according to Sitemeter. Of course, that's not exactly accurate, because I didn't start using Sitemeter until I'd been doing this for about six months. But good enough for me.

Sorry, there are no prizes, just my gratitude for visiting.

I have no way of knowing exactly who Mr. 200K is, but Sitemeter tells me it was someone from Mountain View, California, using a Macintosh, and they landed on a post I made in 2009 titled "My Wife Is Hot." It doesn't showing me what search terms they used to find me, but something tells me they weren't looking for beer. :-)

Sunday's Austin Beer Week Schedule

11:00 am
NXNW Oktoberfest Weekend
@ North By Northwest Restaurant & Brewery

11:00 am
Hope Farmer's Market 2nd Birthday Party feat. (512)
@ HOPE Farmers Market

1:00 pm
Uncle Billy's Charity Poker Tournament (Lake Travis)
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Lake Travis)

2:00 pm
Lovejoy's Special Selections & Austin-Brewed Happy Hour
@ Lovejoy’s Tap Room & Brewery

3:00 pm
Ultimate Fan Boy Bike Pub Crawl Strikes Back
@ Billy’s on Burnet

3:00 pm
Beer Olympics Hosted by the Draught House
@ Draught House Pub & Brewery

5:00 pm
Taste Off + Pairing - New Belgium vs Real Ale
@ Opal Divine’s Freehouse

5:00 pm
Tapping + Meet the Brewer - Jester King Farmhouse Wytchmaker & Black Metal
@ Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery

7:00 pm
Bats & Beers Boat Social w. Independence & FRANK's Pairing
@ Pride & Joy Flagship Party Boat (Capital Cruise)

All Day
Greenling - Local Beer Sale & Delivery
@ Greenling Organic & Local Food Delivery

All Day
Rare Beer On Tap
@ The HighBall

All Day
$3 Austin Beers (12oz)
@ Parkside

All Day
$12 House Pitchers
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Barton Springs)

All Day
$12 House Pitchers
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Lake Travis)

Austin Beer Week Starts Saturday!

You better start planning out your Austin Beer Week activities now. Seriously, this is gonna be like a South by Southwest of beer — too much to do, so you'll have to pick and choose. To get you started, here's the calendar for the first day (Saturday, Oct. 22). To see the full schedule, click on that link to their website. (Confession: I'm probably gonna miss a lot of the first weekend's events, as the Texas Rangers are in the World Series. But I'll drink lots of Texas beer to bring them good Karma.)

11:00 am
Brewery Tour + Tasting - (512) Brewing Co.
@ (512) Brewing Co.

11:00 am
NXNW Oktoberfest Weekend
@ North By Northwest Restaurant & Brewery

12:00 pm
Brewing Tour & Tasting - Live Oak Brewing
@ Live Oak Brewing Co.

1:00 pm
Draught House 43rd Anniversary Party
@ Draught House Pub & Brewery

1:00 pm
The Dig Pub 4th Anniversary Party & Oktoberfest Celebration
@ The Dig Pub

4:00 pm
Independence Brewing 7th Anniversary Party
@ Independence Brewing Co.

4:00 pm
Lovejoy's Special Selections & Austin-Brewed Happy Hour
@ Lovejoy’s Tap Room & Brewery

4:00 pm
Brewery Tour + Tasting - Uncle Billy's Lake Travis
@ Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que (Lake Travis)

4:00 pm
Special Tapping - 2010 (512) BRUIN + Special Irrational Menu Items
@ Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery

5:00 pm
Pairing - Local Beer & Local Artisan Sausage
@ Red’s Porch

5:30 pm
Cask Tapping - Jester King Black Metal with Whiskey-Soaked Chip Addition
@ Alamo Drafthouse (Lake Creek)

6:30 pm
Cask Tapping - Ranger Creek La Bestia Aimable feat. Bourbon-Soaked Oak
@ Billy’s on Burnet

7:00 pm
Cask Tapping - Live Oak Dry Hopped Oaktoberfest
@ Draft Pick

Saint Arnold Santo In Stores Today

Saint Arnold's new "black Kölsch," Santo, hits stores today. I got a review six-pack yesterday. Not sure I taste the Kölsch aspect of it, but it is definitely lighter than your typical dark beer, with a faint touch of roastiness. Saint Arnold's brewers are no doubt happy to finally get this out to the public after a false start back in September, as they relate in press release below.

Saint Arnold Brewing Slates Santo for October 20^th Release

HOUSTON, October 18, 2011 – Saint Arnold Brewing Company (www.saintarnold.com), the oldest craft brewery in Texas, today announced its newest year-round beer, Santo, will be released on October 20, 2011. Originally planned for September, the release of Santo was delayed after the initial batch was tasted and the brewers felt there was something missing. After modifying the mash temperature and replacing the wheat malt with Munich malt, the brewers believe they have created the light, refreshing yet dark and flavorful beer they were after.

It is the second major new brew to be introduced by Saint Arnold in October, following closely on the heels of Saint Arnold Pumpkinator, which will be released on October 13^th.

“When we set out to create Santo, the idea was to create the beer we always wished we would get when we ordered a dark Mexican lager to go with our enchiladas,” said Saint Arnold Founder/Brewer Brock Wagner. “While we were a little embarrassed about announcing that we decided to dump our first batch, we are happy with the decision, especially given the beer that we are ready to release now. Our brewing team has been thoroughly enjoying this new version. We haven’t waited for the release date to tap some for ourselves.”

Santo is a black Kölsch. It is light in body and dark in color. Despite Santo’s dark appearance, the beer maintains other characteristics of a true Kölsch. Saint Arnold uses the same special Kölsch yeast – an ale yeast that ferments at almost lager temperatures – that is used in Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower Beer. This contributes to Santo being light bodied and floral even though it has a distinctive dark malt flavor.

Santo is brewed using pale two-row and pils malted barley, a dash of Munich malt and an addition of black malt. Saint Arnold uses Hallertau Hersbrucker hops, added to the brew kettle in four separate cycles to create a delicate flavor and aroma. It has an original gravity of 1.045 (11.4° Plato), bitterness of 17 IBU and alcohol content (by volume) of 4.6 percent.

Santo will be available on tap and in 12-ounce bottles sold in six-packs and cases throughout Texas starting on October 20, 2011.

Santo is the sixth year-round beer from Saint Arnold. It joins Saint Arnold Amber Ale, Saint Arnold Brown Ale, Saint Arnold Elissa IPA, Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower Beer and Saint Arnold Weedwacker in the regular lineup.

Hops & Grains Debuts, Austin Beer Guide Returns

Press release from Austin Beer Guide:

Austin Beer Guide 
to Release Fall Issue
and Throw Issue Release Party (Again)

AUSTIN – They (BeerTownAustin and Craft Austin) used to have their own, separate blogs, but they’ve pretty much trashed those to focus on one magazine and one website — Austin Beer Guide. The fall issue of Austin Beer Guide is printing now and poised to make a medium to huge splash on the Austin (beer) scene. They hope you like the new guide, as it nearly gave the publisher a nervous breakdown. What is in the issue? Good question: The usual stuff (maps, brewery and brew pub write ups, etc.). This is the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) issue. They were given press credentials, therefore obligated to write about it. It is still an Austin-centric issue though, with GABF coverage given a Texan angle (mostly). Did you love the word search last issue? Well it’s back, along with a crossword puzzle! And much (should be read MUCH) more.

Distribution of the fall guide will start during Austin Beer Week — http://austinbeerweek.com. Drop locations include area breweries, brew pubs, bars, shops and restaurants. Follow ABG twitter feed for distribution as it happens.

ALSO, to celebrate the new issue, there will be an issue release party on October 26th. The party will start around 5pm at the Draught House (4112 Medical Pkwy). ABG will play second fiddle to Hops & Grain, for whom the party is really being thrown. The party will be the first time their beers will be served anywhere on Earth. BeerTown Austin Tom Selleck-esque Mustache pint glasses will be given out for free with the purchase of any Hops & Grain beer. There will also be a grab bag full of junk (amazing swag) from GABF and local brewers.

For more info please visit: www.austinbeerguide.com and www.twitter.com/austinbeerguide

Release party URL: http://austinbeerweek.com/event.php?id=01022

A Beer Kiss

Interesting photography from my wife:


I might have to turn that into my new logo or something. (So, just to plant my flag: photo copyright Lee Nichols and Margaret Bridgeman)

Need Your Advice on Beer Magazines

I'm thinking of pitching an article to one of the national beer magazines, so tell me: Which one(s) do you read/subscribe to?

'Austin Chronicle' Best of Austin Awards

The 2011 edition of The Austin Chronicle's Best of Austin Awards is on newsstands today (and online, of course). Here are the awards that are specifically beer-related:

Readers Picks
Best Beer/Wine Prices: Spec's
Best Local Beer: Live Oak Brewing

Critics Picks
Best New Brewery: Jester King Brewery

Click to the issue, or pick up a paper copy, to read the write-ups of those and other winners. Congratulations, winners!

Austin Beer Week Is Coming

Austin Beer Week is returning Oct. 22. Last year's event were great. Damn this is a good time to be drinking beer in Austin. Check out the website.

Another Austin Craft Beer Fest

Just got this press release, hot on the heels of last month's Texas Craft Brewers Festival:

Central Texas Beer Festival to Showcase Texas Independent Breweries on April 21^st 2012 at the Austin Music Hall

Festival to feature local food vendors and live music

Austin, TX Oct 12^th 2011 – Game Path today announced the first annual Central Texas Beer Festival to take place on April 21^st 2012 at the Austin Music Hall. The Festival will be the ideal location for beer aficionados to connect with 20+ independent breweries from Texas and beyond.

In addition, the Festival will include local Austin vendors offering a wide variety of food – some specifically to be enjoyed with different beers. The growing number of brew pubs will also be represented. The event will benefit the Capital Area Food Bank ( www.austinfoodbank.org ) by collecting food and cash donations,

To ensure a fun, friendly atmosphere, the Festival will limit the number of tickets available to attendees. Tickets will be $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

“We want to celebrate the success and growth of independent brewers in Texas and the Festival will feature only independent brews,” said Steve Farrer, Festival Executive Director, “we have listened to some of the concerns raised by the brewers and think we have the right formula for a successful Festival.”

The Austin Music Hall is a premier special event and concert facility. The Festival stage will feature live music throughout the event.

The Festival will run from noon to 8PM and admittance will be strictly 21 and up only.

A limited number of exhibit and sponsorships are available. More information from Steve Farrer – contact details below.

The Central Texas Beer Festival is produced by Game Path LLC.

Steve Farrer

Executive Director

512 415 8300

steve@gamepathevents.com

Real Ale Dinner at Flying Saucer

If you're looking at this on some kind of a reader that doesn't show images, you'll need to actually go to the blog post to see this:

Pedernales Brewing Company Needs Head Brewer

I spotted this on the Facebook page of Pedernales Brewing Company. I think their contact number is LEE HEREFORD, 830/669-2917

We are looking for a head brewer. Dr. Paul is dealing with some health issues and cannot be physically on-site for the next few months. We are looking for an individual that has at least five years experience working in a production brewery; not a Brewpub; familiar with bottling and kegging equipment; and willing to be mentored by Dr. Paul. Competitive salary and an opportunity to earn an equity stake in the company. If you know anyone that fits our needs, and wouldn't mind living in beautiful Fredericksburg, TX, please put them in touch with us. And please add Dr. Paul to your prayer list. Cheers!

Saint Arnold Austin News & Events

From their newsletter:

OCTOBER 10, Saint Arnold Oktoberfest Pint Night-Ginger Man, 6pm
It's time for some fine Saint Arnold Oktoberfest, but then it always is!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, PUMPKINATOR!
You knew it as Saint Arnold Divine Reserve #9-it is making a comeback as a seasonal, and will be available in very limited amounts in 22oz bottles and draft!

OCTOBER 15, UT-v-OSU Tailgates
Root for Horns with Bevo's Benchwarmers (lot in front of Bullock Museum) and UT Tailgaters, 18th @ San Jacinto-both will have some cold Saint Arnold and great grub! ( 4 hrs before game time, which is TBA)

OCTOBER 16, Chefs Under Fire-Finals, 6pm
AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center.
Three deserving chefs will compete for the Chefs Under Fire Champion title to be awarded by Celebrity Chef Judge Chefs David Bull, Tyson Cole, & Kent Rathbun
http://www.chefsunderfire.com/tickets/

OCTOBER 19, Saint Arnold Oktoberfest Pint Night, Zax, 6pm
One of Austin's best beer-centric restaurants celebrates Oktoberfest, so stop in for some tasty Saint Arnold!
http://zaxaustin.com/

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, SANTO is released!!!
A new tasty beer by Saint Arnold is described as a black Kölsch will start showing up at your favorite beer stores!

OCTOBER 24, Homesick Texan Booksigning, Book People, 7pm
Our friend Lisa Fain, transplanted Texan in NYC, whose blog, Homesick Texan, has evolved into a cookbook and she will be signing them and drinking cold Saint Arnold all the while!
http://www.bookpeople.com/event/lisa-fain-homesick-texan-cookbook

OCTOBER 29 UT-v-Kansas, and that means it's tailgate time again!
Bevo's Benchwarmers (lot in front of Bullock Museum) and UT Tailgaters, 18th @ San Jacinto-Hook 'em Horns! ( 4 hrs before game time, which is TBA)

OCTOBER 30, Austin Beer Week
Cask-Conditioned Saint Arnold Pumpkinator, Ginger Man, 6pm. A rare treat for sure to close out Austin Beer Week!!

Coming Soon: Christmas Ale; Sailing Santa; Austin Pub Crawl

Shiner Promoting Texas Musicians

Press release from Shiner:

Who will be the next Shiner Rising Star?

Music and beer make a natural pair. In support of Texas' independent music and independent taste, Shiner began the annual Shiner Rising Star competition. This year, hundreds of bands from across Texas applied for the opportunity to produce music and be seen with Shiner Records. Twenty-four bands were accepted into the competition, and only four will compete against each other during the final round.

On October 20^th, the four final artists will meet at Love and War in Texas, in Plano, and battle to be the next Shiner Rising Star. The final deserving artist will be awarded:

· An opportunity to work with a nationally known, critically acclaimed record producer

· New equipment, courtesy of Kona Guitars & GP Percussion

· National exposure in Alternate Route Americana Music Magazine

· And most importantly, a record deal with Shiner Records!

For the first time, the 2011 Shiner Rising Star competition is being simulcast online at KHYI.com (via RogueTV.net). Tune in on Thursday, October 20^th at 8PM to see the final round.

The Shiner Rising Star competition provides all of the competing artists the chance to be seen by different audiences in new and different venues, helping the bands get their foot-in-the-door with venue and bar owners. In addition, the bands get to hear opinions and feedback from judges in the acting, music, and business industries. Stay tuned to find out who the 2011 Shiner Rising Star will be!

Beer Dinner in Round Rock

Click on the image to see a larger version. Click here for more info about HomeField Grill.

Saint Arnold Pumpkinator (DR 9 Returns!)

I know pumpkin beers are kind of controversial, but take my word for it: Saint Arnold's Divine Reserve Number 9, a limited-edition pumpkin imperial stout released back in 2009, was awesome.

Now, DR9 is coming back as a holiday seasonal, renamed Pumpkinator. This is the first time Saint Arnold has re-released one of their Divine Reserve selections, which are usually very limited edition and always cause Texas craft beer lovers to run around like chickens with their heads cut off to snatch up a six-pack before supplies run out. Presumably this run will be larger, so no need to knock over little old ladies in the beer aisle to get it.

Press release from Saint Arnold below:

Thirteen is a Lucky Number for Texas Craft Beer Fans

First Annual Release of Saint Arnold Pumpkinator™ Slated for October 13th

HOUSTON, October 4, 2011 – Just in time for Halloween, Saint Arnold Brewing Company (www.saintarnold.com) will resurrect one of its dearly departed brews. But Saint Arnold Pumpkinator is no zombie of a beer. Formerly released as Saint Arnold Divine Reserve No. 9 nearly two years ago, Pumpkinator is slated for the first of what will be an annual pre-holiday release on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

Saint Arnold Pumpkinator is an Imperial Pumpkin Stout Ale. There are a number of firsts associated with Saint Arnold Pumpinator’s release, including:

- The first new seasonal brew introduced by Saint Arnold since the release of Saint Arnold Spring Bock 13 years ago.

- The first re-release of one of the brewery’s Saint Arnold Divine Reserve recipes.

- The first beer from Saint Arnold to be released in 22-ounce bombers.

“When we first introduced Saint Arnold Divine Reserve No. 9 in 2009, we set out to brew a beer that would stand up to the spicing traditionally associated with pumpkin ales,” said Brock Wagner, Founder/Brewer of Saint Arnold Brewing. “Our solution was to pumpkinize an imperial stout. We loved the result. We found it to be the perfect finish to our Thanksgiving dinners – and it made our relatives much more enjoyable.”

Black with ruby highlights, Saint Arnold Pumpkinator is full of pumpkin pie spices with notes of nutmeg, caraway and vanilla. In fact, some describe the beer’s taste as chocolate pumpkin pie. For this brew, serving at temperatures of 50 degrees or higher can considerably enhance the flavor profile. As it warms, the spices move forward in the taste and the chocolate moves to the finish. The pumpkin provides a pleasant undertone and a nice mouthfeel.

Saint Arnold Pupkinator will be available in 22-ounce bombers sold separately or in 12-bomber cases and in limited draft.

Unemployed!

So here's the deal: As some of you may have heard, in late August, I lost my job. Yes, these difficult times for the print media industry claimed another victim, and it was me — I got laid off.

However, if you're an Austinite, you may have also noticed that I still had a write-up of the Texas Craft Brewers Festival in last week's Austin Chronicle. That's because I'm still covering beer for them on a freelance basis. (By the way, TCBF was awesome, and I will eventually write something about it.)

So I still have that gig, but not full-time work. If you know of any jobs out there that require strong writing, editing, and communications skills, especially in the Austin area, please let me know. Thanks!