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Search Results Archives: October 2009

October 30, 2009

The Founder of Dogfish Head Brewing Shares his Secrets

by strive4impact — Categories: Books — No Comments

I am a lover of big, strong, tasty brews so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I rank Dogfish Head Brewing Company among my favorites. I like most every product produced by this company and when I found out that brewer and entrepreneur Sam Calagione wrote a book about his brewing operation and path to success, I was anxious to read it to see if Calagione had any interesting tips on the business of brewing. What I discovered with this book is that Sam Calagione has some good advice to offer brewing/restaurant entrepreneurs and others who have a pressing urge to start their own company. He has tried many different things at his Dogfish Head Brewing Company, and his penchant for the unusual has proven to be a great success and serving as the backbone of his business.

Calagione spends the majority of this book discussing Dogfish Head Brewing from the early days of formation all the way to the point of maturity. He talks at length about his own business model and how his method of management has helped transform his company. He talks about everything from innovation to employee morale to profit sharing to community involvement. He shows how his model of success has worked for his type of business and how the same model can be applied to other types of businesses as well.
This book see- saws back and forth between business guide and autobiography but it leans more toward the business side of the equation. Calagione frequently offers up his own company as an example of which business tactics work and which do not. Calagione has achieved a great deal of success but he has the humility to admit that he has also made his share of mistakes. He points these out in the book where appropriate, showing how a misstep here and a miscalculation there added up to exponential problems down the road and what you, the fledgling business owner, can do to avoid making the same mistakes.
One small disappointment with this book is that it’s a business guide more than anything else. I have nothing against business guides and I certainly applaud anyone who wants to startup a new brewery. However, I was hoping to find out more about the man behind Dogfish Head Shelter Pale Ale and Chicory Stout and not just a book about starting and running a company. Calagione does share a few personal moments from his past, like his expulsion from private school; his passion for beer; the role his wife has played in his success; etc. But other than this, the book is more about business than anything else.
Brewing up a Business, in spite of its less than perfect writing and content is, overall, a good book for the budding entrepreneur and for beer geeks of all stripes and colors. Sam Calagione writes fairly well and he offers up a good deal of humor to keep the book from getting too serious. He has achieved a great deal of success with his Dogfish Head Brewing Company and he wants to share this success with small business owners everywhere. With the right passion, innovation, and drive, a small company can achieve greatness and Sam Calagione is a tribute to this fact.
Rating: 7 Cheers out of 10

October 26, 2009

Celebrating German Heritage in Galveston, Texas

by strive4impact — Categories: Festivals — No Comments

October is a month of transition in the United States as most areas of the nation witness cooler temperatures, shorter days, and autumn colors. The month of October is also notable for one other very important reason: Oktoberfest celebrations, many of which are held in numerous cities across the USA. The Gulf city of Galveston, Texas happens to have an Oktoberfest of its own, and I happened to pay a visit to this event for the first time on Saturday, October 24, 2009, walking away with mixed feelings overall.

First, let’s discuss the facts. The Galveston Octoberfest is normally held on the last full weekend of October each year and is a two- day event that kicks off on Friday and ends Saturday evening. The First Lutheran Church of Galveston sponsors the event and it is held around the church area, in downtown Galveston.The year 2009 marks the twenty- eight celebration of this event in the coastal city of Galveston.
I had never attended this festival in the past, so I made my entry to the event with an open mind and a sense of anticipation. I have attended many different Oktoberfest celebrations across the United States and I have witnessed my share of good and bad. The Galveston Oktoberfest falls somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. It is a little bit smaller than I expected, covering sections of four small blocks around the First Lutheran Church. It includes a covered section with tables, seats, and live German music; a few food vendors; and a few beer stands complete with several taps each. There is also a sale of Oktoberfest- related goods held inside the church; an auction; sweet snacks sold under another tent; and a section designed especially for children, complete with bounce houses, obstacle course, slides, etc. Events vary slightly from year to year, so there could be slightly more or less in the future.
Galveston’s Oktoberfest packs many people into a small space and thus it can get very crowded. Like I said, this is one of the smaller Oktoberfests I have attended and the lack of space combined with a few thousand attendees makes for a bumpy experience. But probably the greatest disappointment with the 2009 Galveston Oktoberfest is the lack of authentic German beer. I found Hofbrau and Hofbrau Oktoberfest offered for sale, but other than this, the majority of the other products were standard American swill. By my estimation, there were only about twelve to fifteen different beer products available for consumption. Food supplies were also somewhat limited. I found a booth selling German sausage, sauerkraut, and the usual side dishes, along with another section selling s full plate of German food that included red cabbage and German potato salad. But there was little else and the only alternative foods offered (besides the sweets) were hamburgers and hot dogs.
I like that the Galveston Oktoberfest includes a section just for kids. This makes it much easier to keep the little ones occupied during a festival that is generally designed for the adult crowd. I also like the many gifts offered for sale inside the church. They offered the usual beer steins and other items typical of other Oktoberfests, but there were also some other, more interesting and unique gift items and souvenirs.

Admission to the Galveston Oktoberfest is free. Parking is also free, and it is easy to find parking within a short walking distance of the event. The event doesn’t offer much in the way of security, but it didn’t appear to be necessary, based on my experience. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits as they enjoyed their food and drink and listened to the music.
I recommend taking some time to visit the Galveston Oktoberfest if you happen to be in Galveston or the Houston metropolitan area and want some inexpensive fun and entertainment. It isn’t the greatest Oktoberfest I have ever experienced and the German beer is sorely lacking. But the admission and parking are free, the entertainment is lively, and the children can have fun while mom and dad enjoy their German sausage and pint of Hofbrau Oktoberfest. It isn’t worth going out of one’s way to attend, but it is worth a stop if you happen to be nearby the city of Galveston toward the end of October.
Rating: 6 Cheers out of 10

October 23, 2009

Rogue Somer Orange Honey Ale: Sweet and Refreshing, but Good Enough for Rogue?

by strive4impact — Categories: Domestic — No Comments

Summertime beer is great for those times when you want something a little lighter and a little more refreshing. Fortunately, for the beer drinking public, manufacturers have responded in kind and there are dozens of summer seasonal products just waiting to be consumed. One of them is Rogue Somer Orange Honey Ale, an American Summer Wheat Ale

Beer Bio:
Style: American Wheat Aler
Alcohol Level: 5.2 Percent by Volume
Calories: Unknown
Carbs: Unknown
Rogue Somer Orange Honey Ale pours to a mostly clear body at first, with a straw colored hue and a nose that combines light citrus, wheat, and light clove. The head of foam on this beer is slight and doesn’t last very long, even with an aggressive pour.
Rogue Somer Orange Honey Ale offers a light, refreshing taste that is marked by its combination of wheat, yeast, honey, and light citrus taste. The taste of grains and the seltzer- like body make for a good, agreeable taste even though the flavor of hops is almost non- existent. The beer achieves its taste combination in large part from the ingredients, which include two row and wheat malts, oats, wildflower honey, orange peel, and coriander. The aftertaste is somewhat fruity and quite pleasant.
Rogue is a brewery synonymous with fine ales and it ranks among my all- time favorite brewing operations. This Oregon- based company has produced most every style of beer known to man, including all of the standard types of ale along with some more creative undertakings. Rogue Somer Orange Honey Ale ranks as one of the newer products from Rogue and it makes for a nice change of pace from the heavier brew to which I am most accustomed.
Rogue Somer Orange Honey Ale does offer some nice refreshment and it is certainly a good beer product. However, I don’t necessarily rate this among my favorite Rogue products and the reason is primarily because my expectations for Rogue are so high. I try my best not to compare any beer with other products made by the same brewery, but this is often easier said than done. And when I think about some of the delectable malt beverages made by Rogue, it is difficult not to judge this product a little more harshly and relegate it to the ranks of the average to slightly above average brews that are tasty, but not incredibly so.
Rogue Somer Orange Honey Ale is a good product, but I would like it better if it included a little more hop character and a little more body. It certainly has some nice qualities to offer, but Rogue has done better. This product doesn’t necessarily live up to my expectations and thus I consider it only an average beer product overall.
Rating: 6 Cheers out of 10

October 19, 2009

Simple, Hoppy IPA for Beginners

by strive4impact — Categories: Recipes — No Comments

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October 12, 2009

Michelob Porter isn’t Pretty, but the Taste is Acceptable

by strive4impact — Categories: Macrobreweries — No Comments

I love most all styles of beer, but I have a special affection for dark brew. Given an open choice, I will almost always select a dark beer such as porter or stout instead of a lighter beer like a pilsner or wheat ale. I also tend to judge these types of beer more harshly and one beer that meets my strict requirements, but not by much, is Michelob Porter, an American, all- malt porter.

Beer Bio:
Style: American Porter
Alcohol Level: 5.9 Percent by Volume
Calories: 180 per 12 oz. serving
Carbs: 13.2 grams per 12 oz. serving
Michelob Porter is a dark brew, sporting a mostly brown body with ruby accents. The nose on this porter emphasizes caramel, light roasted, malt, and a touch of cocoa. This beer is very fizzy and the small head of foam dissolves into nothing in a very short time, leaving behind a glass of beer that looks like a soft drink. The flavors present include roasted malt, coffee, bittersweet chocolate, and a touch of cherry/raspberry. The body of this beer is medium and crisp, with a finish that is slightly bitter.
Anheuser- Busch is a company with a large product line and it continues to expand into new terrorities. Most of the Anheuser- Busch craft beer attempts have been marketed under the Michelob lineup and Michelob Porter follows this established trend. I can agree that this porter certainly offers some nice qualities, such as its complex array of flavors that includes everything from chocolate to coffee to cherry. But Michelob Porter has other qualities that are less than appealing and the most obvious is the downright ugly appearance. The color is nice, but a pour into your favorite glass produces large bubbles that gather in bunches on the sides of the glass, making the beer look like a fountain soft drink. The barely noticebale head of foam fizzes into nothing in a matter of seconds, making for a most unpleasant first impression.
Aside from the appearance, Michelob Porter does have a few good qualities. There is a decent level of complexity and I appreciate the attempt to blend together so many different flavors into one product. The beer is medium in body and crisp due to the fizziness more than anything else. But the taste is far from the great flavor I expect in a world class porter. It isn’t bad, but my porter- seasoned taste buds expect something a little more memorable.
I like that Anheuser- Busch has given in to market pressures and continues to produce craft- oriented beer products. The company has scored a roughly equal share of hits and misses and Michelob Porter ranks as a middle of the road attempt at producing a quality craft porter. It’s tough to get past such a hideous physical appearance, but Michelob Porter is a respectable effort from Michelob that could be even better with some more attention to detail.
Rating: 6 Cheers out of 10

October 10, 2009

Imbibe Magazine: Enjoying the World’s Great Beverages

by strive4impact — Categories: Magazines — No Comments

Are you a beverage aficionado? If so, then you will likely enjoy Imbibe Magazine. This publication is dedicated to the love of fine drink and it includes articles about the great beverages, the institutions, and the individuals who bring these liquid delights to our stores and restaurants every day of the year.

Imbibe Magazine is a publication that dedicates part of its space to beer and its articles are often focused on beer culture, history, destinations, products, and profiles. Imbibe Magazine likes to discuss the different malt beverages available to the public, the best beer to drink with certain foods, etc. It is also a magazine about people and places, with featured articles that cover the unique personalities and the interesting destinations that involve beer consumption, beer education, etc.
One thing you should know about Imbibe Magazine is that its coverage is not limited to beer. This is actually a magazine that covers a multitude of drinks, even though it tends to concentrate on adult beverages. Wine, scotch, rum, vodka, and other spirits get their share of small talk in the pages of Imbibe Magazine and there is also some room for non- alcoholic drinks such as coffee and tea. Once again, Imbibe Magazine focuses on the products, the places, and the people responsible for bring these beverages to our attention.
Imbibe Magazine is published only six times per year, but those who have read this magazine say the anticipation is part of the magazine’s appeal. With coverage of people, places, and things, along with product reviews, recipes, and practical advice, Imbibe Magazine ranks as a very good choice of reading material for lovers of fine adult beverages.
Rating: 8 Cheers out of 10

October 7, 2009

Zymurgy: The Magazine of the American Homebrewer’s Association

by strive4impact — Categories: Magazines — No Comments

Brought to you by the American Homebrewer’s Association, Zymurgy Magazine is a publication dedicated to brewing brew. The magazine was founded by Charlie Papazian: the author of The New Complete Joy of Homebrewing and the man responsible for spawning thousands of new homebrewing enthusiasts each year.

Zymurgy Magazine is dedicated to the craft of brewing beer and it is largely a technical magazine. Some of the articles provide coverage of an existing brewery with in- depth analysis of the company and its brewing operations. Other articles focus exclusively on the art of making beer at home. The articles vary and can cover anything related to brewing beer. It could be advice on different hop varieties. Another article may cover different techniques. Others might talk about improvements to equipment. Whatever the topic, Zymurgy Magazine wants the homebrewer to constantly look for ways to experiment and/or improve. Making beer can be a complex art, and Zymurgy Magazine wants the homebrewer to consider all of the possibilities before firing up the kettle for a new round of homemade brew.
Besides brewing, Zymurgy Magazine also keeps its readers informed of events and competitions. Homebrewers naturally like to attend beer events and they like to enter brewing competitions, so Zymurgy Magazine is certain to include many upcoming events in every issue. The magazine has a definite sense of community and it strives to bring together the many individuals from coast to coast who share a common interest in the hobby of making beer. And, of course, Zymurgy Magazine is a good resource for finding recipes. Each issue includes several recipes that can be considered for your next batch of homemade beer. Many of them are quite creative and some require more advanced brewing techniques, but the rewards are worth the effort.
Zymurgy Magazine has been in publication since 1982, and it ranks as the oldest beer magazine presently in circulation. It is only published six times per year, but a subscription includes membership in the American Homebrewer’s Association along with other benefits. It is a very good magazine for homebrewers and one that comes with a high recommendation.
Rating: 9 Cheers out of 10

October 4, 2009

Bud Light Golden Wheat: Citrus and Wheat Refreshment……AAAHHH!

by strive4impact — Categories: Macrobreweries — No Comments

Anheuser- Busch commands a large market share among American breweries. Products such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob, and others rank among the top- selling beers in the nation and have held a steady share of the market for more than twenty years. Still, Anheuser- Busch needs to create new products from time to time and one of their latest creations is Bud Light Golden Wheat, a refreshing wheat beer product.

Beer Bio:
Style: Spiced Wheat Beer
Alcohol Level: 4.1 Percent by Volume
Calories: 118 per 12 oz. serving
Carbs: 8 grams per 12 oz. serving
Bud Light Golden Wheat offers a nice appearance and makes a positive first impression. The beer is golden in color and features a cloudy body. The head of foam is better than that of regular Bud Light and it maintains a thin layer of bubbles as you consume. The nose on Bud Light Golden Wheat combines malted wheat and citrus.
Taste- wise, Bud Light Golden Wheat has a flavor that reflects its aroma and name. The flavor that stands out is citrus, followed by light pale and wheat malts, and a touch of coriander. The beer is light in body and leaves a citrus- like flavor in the mouth that lingers after each sip.
Anheuser- Busch has introduced several new products in the past few years and the company has had its share of hits and misses. Because of its inconsistencies with its new products, I usually don’t set my expectations very high when I sample a new Anheuser- Busch product for the first time. However, when I first heard about Bud Light Golden Wheat, I felt a strong sense of curiosity and my expectations were higher than usual. This might seem surprising, given my disdain for that other Bud Light spinoff, Bud Light with Lime. However, Bud Light Golden Wheat sounded like a beer with some promise and I was anxious to track down a six- pack and give it a try.
Sampling Bud Light Golden Wheat for the first time, I noticed a few important features in this beer’s appearance that distinguish this product from its namesake. Some of these differences are surprising, like thr fact that Bud Light Golden Wheat is unfiltered and a little cloudy. There is even a little bit of sediment that settles on the bottom of each bottle. These are two traits you would normally not associate with something from Anheuser- Busch brew and these atypical qualities are part of the beer’s appeal.
Appearance is a nice start to any drinking experience, but what about the flavor? Well, Bud Light Golden Wheat is actually a decent malt beverage product. As I described above, the flavor of Bud Light Golden Wheat combines citrus, wheat, pale malt, and a dab of coriander. The most dominate of these flavors is the citrus and it is the taste that sticks with you the longest. The flavors of malt and coriander in Bud Light Golden Wheat are less pronounced, and the taste is generally sweet, making the beer very easy to drink.
Bud Light Golden Wheat is a little lighter than I prefer and it lacks the malt backbone that is essential for a great beer. Still, in spite of these shortcomings, Bud Light is- dare I say it- a good beer product. It has some very good refreshment qualities and lower than average calories and carbs. I like it better than Bud Light with Lime and while it isn’t good enough to rank as a world- class product, it is still a decent beer that offers some easy drinking qualities.
Rating: 6 Cheers out of 10