Archive for the '2010' Category

This past Saturday saw the 3rd bottle release of Freetail Brewing Co’s popular La Muerta, a day otherwise known as: Dia de La Muerta. La Muerta is Freetail’s immensely popular Imperial Stout. Its release, whether in the bottle or on draft, is always highly anticipated. Usually release in November each year in conjunction with Dia de los Muertos. Each year LaMuerta’s reputation seems to grow and has spread outside of Texas.

photo courtesy of Freetail Brewing

This year, folks were lined up as early as 9am at the San Antonio area brewpub, to ensure they had a shot when bottles went on sale at 11:30. Last years bottling was around 85 or so and sold out quickly. This year, bottling was increased to around 450 and those clamoring for bottles were limited to 4 each. Despite the increase in bottling this year, La Muerta sold out in about 3 hours, showing again it quite the hot commodity.

This years offering certainly has not disappointed. Filled with strong, yet balanced. notes of smoke and chocolate. Fair warning to the faint of heart, this homage to the dearly departed weighs in at around 10.2% ANV (Alcohol by Volume). Tread lightly, but enjoy. It’ quite the treat and perfect for the cooler fall weather in San Antonio.

Continue reading ‘Dia De La Muerta And The Phenomenon That Is Freetail Brewing’

Something that just doesn’t happen often hit Houston, Texas this week. A week long string of events know as Houston Beer Week that began this past Monday, October 11th and  continues throughout the week, culminating with the Monsters of Beer Charity Festival this Sunday, October 17th.2010. So what exactly is a beer week? Why have one? What’s the purpose anyway? Did I realize it’s already Thursday and the week is almost over?

Image Courtesy of Houston Beer Week

I’ll try to answer these questions and more! A ‘beer week’ is typically a celebration of the craft beer culture that exists in a particular locale. For Houston, something like this hasn’t happened in about ten years, so this is indeed a treat for those craft beer aficionados craving good beer. The great thing about a beer week, Houston included, is that the events happen at different craft beer related locations throughout the city. Cost is depended upon the location, so can pick and choose what you go to.

As to why a beer week should be held, why the heck not?! Especially in craft beer starved Texas, that is only beginning to progress in this area over the last few years and the purpose is to educate you on what goes into a good beer and how to recognize one! Expose you to as much of what is available in your area and the country as possible.

Yes, I realize it is already Thursday and that you have likely missed many of the events. Regardless, I’m going to fill you in on what has transpired thus far, what Houston Beer Week is all about  and what you can expect the remainder of the week.

Continue reading ‘Houston Beer Week’

Article originally published by on UpTake by me

Opening later this month on the San Antonio Riverwalk, is the latest restaurant of acclaimed Chef John Besh: Luke San Antonio. Reflective of what he has done with his sister restaurant Luke of New Orleans, Chef Besh is seeking to take the feel and ambiance of Luke in New Orleans to San Antonio. “It is really exciting for me to be bringing my beloved Lüke to a city with such vibrancy and spirit as San Antonio,” says Chef Besh. “I know an even stronger bond will be built between the two great food cities and hope area residents are awaiting Lüke’s opening with much anticipation.”

The restaurant is to be a combination of a French Brasserie with elements of a gastro-pub with a large craft beer and wine selection. The cuisine is expected to honor both the Old World and local alike. Executive Chef McHugh who has been with the Besh family restaurants for sometime, will be heading up the culinary staff at Luke San Antonio

Chef John Besh - Courtesy of Luke San Antonio

Continue reading ‘Craft Beer and Brasserie Style Grub’

Well, another year has come and gone for The Great American Beer Festival. With 2, 200 beers available and 522 breweries covering 48 states (stats courtesy of the Brewers Association), this was a record breaking year for the festival. It even sold out 5 weeks prior to the event, a record this year. In addition to the variety of beers for all to try, the festival at its core is still an industry event. At the core of this, is the competition. The Brewers Association states that this years competition has:

152 judges,10 countries,10% international, and 10% new judges

•79 categories, representing 133 different styles of beer

•125 competition volunteers

•More than 3,500 beers entries

It was incredible to watch, taste and most importantly, learn about so many good craft beers available around the country. Without further ado, I give you this years winners: 2010 Great American Beer Festival winners.

Originally posted on UpTake Sep 20, 2010 6:37 – By: Jeremybanas

If you are considering a trip to Colorado in the fall and are not sure where to go or what to do, let me suggest something. Head to Denver and the Great American Beer Festival, or GABF as it’s affectionately known. GABF is the largest beer festival in the world. This year alone it was host to over 450 breweries and more than 2,000 different craft beers available. What is craft beer though? Who is a craft brewer? The Brewers Association defines a craft brewer as “An American craft brewer is small, independent and traditional. Small: Annual production of beer less than 2 million barrels. Independent: Less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member who is not themselves a craft brewer.” Essentially, they are the brewers who create a beer, not mass produce it.

Day 1 of the General Session

The event is a chance for these craft brewers to get their beers exposed to so many people who would not otherwise know of these breweries or get a chance to try there beers. This is especially important when you consider that the U.S. has more breweries in operation than prior to Prohibition, but most of us may not even know exist. It is also a chance for many to be educated about what beer has to offer. The event has seminars on everything from beer styles, to how to start a brewery. Many industry representatives are on site as well.

Continue reading ‘Fall Destinations in Colorado: The Great American Beer Festival’