Battle of the Dopplebocks at The Pub (Granger, IN)

Just received word from "The Pub" in Granger, IN about an event happening on March 7th at 7pm titled, "Battle of the Dopplebocks."

BotD as I am calling it for brevity sake will feature two Dopplebocks; Bell's Consecrator (8%, 84/100 on BeerAdvocate) and Sun King Dominator (8.1%, ?/100 on BeerAdvocate).

I'm told this is the only keg of Consecrator that will be available in our area, and the keg of Dominator was specifically brought in from Sun King by The Pub for enjoyment at their establishment, making this a truly unique event.

There will be some sort of voting system by which people can pick from the two the one they enjoyed most; what they do with that information afterward I'm not aware.

This should be a lot of fun, so if you are able to attend, you should!

Michigan Brewery Tour (Sponsored by Fiddler's Hearth)

So here is the reason I've been so tight-lipped about my planned brewery/pub trip... My friends at Fiddler's Hearth are planning a Michigan Brewery Tour on April 7th! For $40, you will have the opportunity to hit Founders, Bell's, Hopcat, Arcadia and Dark Horse, all while not having to worry about driving! Along with safe transportation, the trip will also include a light breakfast at Fiddler's and pizza at Dark Horse!

Reserve your spot in person while you still can and ready your best drinkin' hat (responsibly, of course), April 7th is going to be a blast!

The Pub Tap list (Granger, IN)

Received this Tap List from a loyal TBIG follower the other day, and definitely wanted to share with you all. Cheers!

Bell's - Two Hearted
Bell's - Hopslam
Great Lakes - Commodore Perry
Victory - Prima Pils
Sun King - Wee Mac
Sun King - Sunlight
Sun King - Zaius Oatmeal Stout
Sixpoint - Diesel Stout

ON DECK:
Sun King - Dominator
Sun King - Million Dollar Brewski

Iechyd Da "Leaps" into brewing on February 29th

In my best Pauly D voice, I would like to inform you that, "Beers here!"

We will be welcoming the 4th brewery within a year to our area (Four Horsemen, Bare Hands, Greenbush), Iechyd Da Brewing Company. They are taking an opportunity to "leap" into their business venture on leap day, February 29th, by hosting a invitation-only beer tasting at their new brewery in Elkhart. About 65 lucky people that follow their Facebook page had a chance to receive an invitation to tour the brewery and taste 8 of the beers that will be flowing.

TheBeerIsGood.com was fortunate enough to be invited to cover this event, taste some beer, and share in the celebration of the latest brewery to join the craft beer community. For those who missed out on an invitation this time around, I'll make sure to take plenty of pictures, try all of the beers and rub-in the fantastic time we are all sure to have. Don't worry though, their opening is right around the corner, giving everyone the chance at some great brew!

On a side note, their logo is pretty badass, amiright?

2nd Annual Blue Chip Brewfest Update (Michigan City, IN)

Just a quick update on the 2nd Annual Blue Chip Brewfest in Michigan City. I received word that VIP tickets are completely SOLD OUT, and general admission tickets are going quickly. If you didn't make it out last year, you missed a really great time, and is sure to be this year as well.

For more info, check out my post from a few weeks ago about this event.

When I come across a tap list, I will make sure to forward it along. Cheers!

Club LaSalle Tap List (South Bend, IN)

Here's a new addition to the tap lists that I try to post every 2 weeks, Club LaSalle, who was nice enough to forward it along to me via email. I'm long overdue for a visit to this restaurant, and am happy to see that they are embracing our beloved beverage! They are also working on a few fun things craft beer related, so stay tuned for more info!


Guinness  $6.50
Stella  $6.00
Southern Tier Eurotrash Pilz  $5.00
Magic Hat #9  $5.00
New Belgium Cocoa Mole  $7.00
Greenbush Anger Black IPA  $6.00

Fiddler's Hearth Tap List

Someone who follows the blog was kind enough to snap this pic of the Fiddler's Hearth Beer menu Tuesday night. Although the taps change frequently, many of these will continue to be on tap. Also, as of yesterday, they tapped Brother Benjamin from Greenbush!

Craft Beer Road Trip Update

There has been a few people inquire about the Craft Beer Road Trip I mentioned a few weeks ago, so I wanted to give everyone an update on what's happening with this...

Without releasing too many details before they are ready, another local who is very into craft beer contacted me to say he had been working on a similar trip. He's still hammering out details, but it's looking like a possible April trip to all the right spots in Michigan. When I hear it's ready to be passed along, I will do that.

So where does that leave The Beer Is Good trip? It's still likely to happen, I just want to make sure the timing doesn't cause problems with the other one planned. Also, since the other trip is going to make the rounds in Michigan, I'm going to try to work out Chicago instead. A few places I'm hoping to add will be Revolution, Local Option, Half Acre, Map Room, The Publican and Haymarket, but that depends on if they can accommodate a group of about 30.

Anyhow, I didn't want to leave the people who were looking forward to this hanging, so that's where it stands. If you have any comments or suggestions for the Chicago trip, definitely let me know!

Bell's Oberon release date

Some people notice the transition of seasons by the change in weather, I however choose to recognize them with beer releases and sports instead.

According to a source, Bell's will be releasing Oberon on March 26th, almost directly between the start of Spring (March 20th) and opening day of baseball (April 4th). This of course means that warmer weather, outdoor drinking and sundresses (hopefully not for our male readers) are right around the corner!

When I hear of any sundress Oberon parties, I will be sure forward them along!

Whole Foods in Mishawaka, IN

It's fairly old news at this point, but in case you've been living under a rock, or pint glass, you should know that Whole Foods is opening a store at the former Borders bookstore on Grape Road in Mishawaka sometime within the year.

No, I'm not getting into foodie news or business openings, but Whole Foods does have an interesting craft beer aspect to it that may benefit our area...

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to travel to several much larger cities around the country, and almost always take the opportunity to visit a Whole Foods when possible. One of the major reasons I gravitate toward this supermarket chain is because of their commitment to Craft Beer, which is quite helpful when picking up snacks and other items for the week.

Of course some WF stores have better selections than others, which I'm sure is a result of various factors, but you can usually find a reasonable lineup of craft beer available in that region.

The best example of this is the Whole Foods in the East Village of NYC (known as the Bowery Beer Room), which I stumbled upon quite accidentally. This very large room features over 1,000 different beers, and 6 growler stations for 32 and 64 ounce fills. The only place I've seen that comes close to this is the South Loop Binny's in Chicago.

So you might be asking, what's the point? With craft beer in our area exploding at the rate that it has been, having another place to find beer will be great. In the unlikely event that someone from Whole Foods reads this, it would be incredible to finally have a store that sells growlers. Fresh beer from Founders, Bell's or 3 Floyds to take home by the jug full? Count me in! 

Michiana Beer Nuts 3rd Anniversary Party

If you live in the Michiana area and don't read Michiana Beer Nuts by Eric Strader, then you are missing out. Over the last 3 years, Eric has pumped out hundreds of high-quality and informative posts about craft beer in our area and beyond.

On March 8th, Eric will be celebrating the 3rd anniversary of his beer blog at the Constant Spring in Goshen, his typical hangout as Fiddler's Hearth is mine. For this event, there will be 6 beers from Greenbush on tap, along with the attendance of the ambassador of all things Greenbush, Jill. For more information regarding the lineup, check out this post.

The journey from South Bend to Goshen isn't short, of course, but last year was a great time, and this year is sure to be no different.

Cheers, and congratulations to Eric on all of his hard work!

Founders Curmudgeon's Better Half availability

In the South Bend area and looking for Founders Curmudgeon's Better Half, but the lists at the local liquor stores are full, or is already sold out?

I just received word that this should be on the shelf at Martin's Supermarket on SR 23 next to Notre Dame campus sometime today. From what I understand, they only have 6 bottles of the case left, as a "vendor" purchased the other half already. I wasn't given a definitive time for display, however this may be a good option if you missed out...

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The last week or so in beer hunting...

When I thought about my beer budget for the month of February, I factored in the release of Founders Curmudgeon's Better Half, Founders All Day IPA, 3 Floyds Zombie Dust, and maybe a few other things. So far, that's pretty much gone out the window...

The first surprise was from Bell's. They quietly released their much anticipated Black Note Stout (Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels), of which they hand bottled less than 1,100. No announcements on facebook, twitter or their website, they stealthily filled their beer cooler in the general store, then leaked the word. Much to everyone's surprise, this went about 24 hours with just word of mouth without being outed on BeerAdvocate.com. Had this been announced prior to release day, it would have likely sold out in a few hours, with extremely terrible lines. When I bought my bottles (2 bottle limit, $23/ea for 750ml), I was the only person in the store, and one of my bottles was hand-numbered just shy of 200. It will be really great to try this acclaimed beer for the first time, and store the second for a special occasion.

Next up was a beer I have been anticipating for a while, but gave up on hunting since it had been released in Chicago quite a while ago... that was until last week when a facebook update from City-wide Liquors saying it had arrived - Goose Island Bourbon County Coffee Stout (Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Intelligentsia Coffee). From what I understand, the South Bend area only received 2 cases (24 bottles), all of which was either pre-sold, or sold out within a couple of hours.

Last big surprise was something I knew was coming, but I was lucky enough to get an early call saying it was ready for me to pick up. Founders Curmudgeon's Better Half (Old Ale aged in Maple Bourbon Barrels) is the 3rd in the Backstage Series (After Blushing Monk and CBS) from one of my favorite breweries. The official release date is tomorrow, which I believe is the earliest date stores are permitted to sell this beer, but fortunately for me, this particular store wasn't in the mood to follow the rules. CBH will be another very difficult to find beer, with most places either not getting it, or pre-sold out. Your best bet, if you aren't on a list somewhere, is to make the trek up to Grand Rapids tomorrow morning and wait in line to purchase a max of two bottles. 

So like that, my February budget is blown, less than halfway in, but I was fortunate enough to score some really great and rare beer. Looking forward to fighting the urge to hoard these, and instead cracking them open with friends. Can't wait to blow my March budget on Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout!

I'm starting to think that these extra special releases are becoming a vicious cycle...

Founders Curmudgeon's Better Half

So this happened today....

The Mark tap list (South Bend, IN)

This is not only the tap list at The Mark Dine and Tap, but the bottle list as well. Thanks to The Mark for the email and the detailed information, much appreciated! Some really great beer on that list!

St. Bernardus Abt 12

Quadrupel.  Water, pumped up from a depth of 150 meters is the basis of all St. Bernardus beers. This water is not only the purest but has also a historical background.  Scientists have proved that the water that is pumped up now, is originating from rainfall from the time of Jeanne d’Arc. A dark ivory colored beer with a high fermentation. The show piece of the brewery. Village of Watou in West Flanders, Belgium. (10.5% abv) .25 L $9 or .5 L $16

Southern Tier Iniquity

IBA.  Allow the darkness to consume you.  Lakewood, New York.  (10% abv)  .3 L  6.00

New Belgium Cocoa Mole

Spice.  Say Hola to a spiced up ale full of cocoa and ancho, guajillo, chipotle peppers. But don’t fear the heat, because plenty of caramel and chocolate malts bring a smooth, complex flavor to our Cocoa Molé. Scents of cinnamon when poured will have you saying, “¡Olé for molé!”.  Fort Collins, Colorado. (9% abv)  12 oz.  $8

Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti

Imperial stout.  Oak aging gives a subtle vanilla character, rounding out Yeti’s intense roastiness and huge hoppy nature. Denver, Colorado. (9.5% abv)  12 oz.  $8

Bell’s Best Brown Ale

Brown Ale.  A smooth, toasty brown ale. With hints of caramel and cocoa, the malt body has the depth to stand up to cool weather, but does not come across as heavy. This balancing act is aided by the generous use of American hops. Kalamazoo, Michigan (5.8% abv) 16 oz. $6

Flat 12 Pogues Run Porter

Porter.  Smooth and balanced with slight roast and chocolate notes, yet it’s not heavy, just like a good porter should be. Indianapolis, Indiana.  (5.5% abv)  16 oz.  $6.50

Six Point Begali Tiger IPA

IPA.  Hoppy snap upfront, but strides at a steady pace, and finishes balanced.  Brooklyn, New York.  (6.4% abv)  16 oz. $6

Spaten Lager

German lager.  The full rounded body is a superb balance between hops and a malty sweetness.  Munich, Germany. (5.2% abv) .5 L $6.50

Stone 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale

American strong ale.  Brewed with Anaheim chiles and cinnamon.  San Diego, California.  (9.4% abv)  16 oz.  $8.50 

North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

Nitrogen stout.  Winner of 12 gold medals. Dark, strong, roasty and endlessly complex.  Fort Bragg, California.  (9% abv) 16 oz. $7

Three Floyds Behemoth Barleywine

Barleywine. Complex caramel sweetness is well balanced by generous hopping, delivering an intense, smooth drinking experience. Intense fruity caramel malts, citrus hops, and alcohol notes waft up to tickle your senses.  Munster, Indiana.  (12% abv) 12 oz. $9

Three Floyds Dreadnaught

Imperial IPA. A hophead’s dream beer. This Imperial India Pale Ale has an opening salvo of mango, peach and citrus hop aromas that sit atop a pronounced caramel malt backbone.  Munster, Indiana.  (9.5% abv) 12 oz. $9

TRADITIONAL

Brasserie de Rochefort Trappistes 10 

Abt/Quadrupel.  Rochefort, Belgium. 

(11.3 % abv) 11.2 oz.   $12  TRAPPIST

Brasserie de Rochefort Trappistes 8  

Belgian Strong Ale.  Rochefort, Belgium.  

(9.2 % abv) 11.2 oz.  $10  TRAPPIST

Brasserie de Rochefort Trappistes 6

Belgian Strong Ale.  Rochefort, Belgium.  

( 7.5% abv) 11.2 oz.  $10  TRAPPIST

Orval ‘11

Belgian Ale.  Florenville - Villers-d.-Orval, Belgium.

( 6.2% abv) 11.2 oz.  $10  TRAPPIST

Oud Beersel Bersalis Kadet

Belgian Ale.  Beersel, Belgium.  (4.5% abv)  750 ml. $19

St. Bernardus Tripel

Abbey Tripel.  Watou, Belgium. (8% abv) 11.2 oz. $8

Lefebvre Hopus

Belgian IPA.  Rebecq-Quenast, Belgium.  

(8.3% abv)  330 ml. $10

Timmermans Oude Gueuze  

Lambic. Itterbeek, Belgium. (5.5% abv)  750 ml. $12

Oud Beersel Framboise  

Lambic.  Beersel, Belgium.  (5% abv) 375 ml.  $14

Duchesse De Bourgogne  

Belgian Sour Ale.  Vichte, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  

(6% abv) 11.2 oz.  $10

Duchesse Echt Kriekenbier

Wild Ale (Cherry).  Vichte, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  

(6.8% abv) 750 ml. $20

Kasteel Rouge

Fruit Beer (Cherry).  Ingelmunster, Belgium. 

(8% abv)  11.2 oz. $8

Zywiec Porter

Baltic Porter.  Cieszyn, Poland.  (9.5% abv) 16.9 oz. $6

Brasserie Grain d’Orge Belzebuth

Blond Ale. Ronchin, France. 

(13% abv)  8.4 oz. $10

Estrella Damm Daura  

Lager. Barcelona, Spain. (5.4% abv) 330 ml.  $6  GF

Hofbräu Kaltenhausen Edelweiss

German Hefeweizen.  Hallein, Austria. 

(5.5% abv) 16.9 oz. $7.50

Kaliber NA

NA.  Dublin, Ireland.  (0.50% abv)  12 oz.  $5

CRAFT

Le Bilboquet MacKroken

Scotch Ale with Honey.  Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. 

(10.8% abv) 16.9 oz. $18

North Coast Le Merle

Saison.  Fort Bragg, California. 

(7.9% abv)  750 ml. $15

North Coast Grand Cru

Strong Ale.  Fort Bragg, California. 

(12.5% abv)  16.9 oz. $29

North Coast Old Stock Reserve ‘09

Old Ale.  Fort Bragg, California. 

(13.7% abv)  16.9 oz.  $32

North Coast Old Stock ‘11

Barley Wine.  Fort Bragg, California. 

(11.7% abv)12 oz. $8

North Coast Old Rasputin XIV

Bourbon Barrel Stout.  Fort Bragg, California. 

(11.5% abv)  16.9 oz.  $32

 Le Bilboquet Corriveau

Oat Stout.  Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. 

(5.5 % abv) 16.9 oz. $14

Southern Tier Mokah

Mokah Stout.  Lake Wood, New York. 

(10.9% abv) 22 oz.  $11

Three Floyds Black Sun Stout

Dry Stout. Munster, Indiana. (5.25% abv)  22 oz.  $15

New Belgium La Folie

Sour Ale.  Fort Collins, Colorado.  (6% abv) 22 oz.  $22

Sprecher Black Bavarian

Schwarzbier.  Glendale, Wisconsin.  (6 % abv)  16 oz.  $5

Dark Horse Perkulator Dopplebock

Coffee Dopplebock. Marshall, Michigan. 

(7.5%) 12 oz. $6

Sam Adams Light

Lager.  Boston, Massachusetts.  (4% abv) 12 oz.  $5

Spire Apple Cider

Hard Cider.  Olympia, Washington.  

(5% abv)  22 oz.  $13 GF

Spire Pear Cider

Hard Cider.  Olympia, Washington.  

(5% abv)  22 oz.  $13 GF

Four Horsemen Brewing Co. Hop Rush Party!

Stephen, the brewer for Four Horsemen dropped this note on my Facebook wall reminding me about the event tonight...

"This weekend is going to big in the tap room @ Four Horsemen Brewing Company and alot of people have been ready for us to make a beer like this one. This is a new direction for us (but was planned from the begining) so we are hitting a milestone thats sure to impress and surprise fans- especially the craft beer drinkers. All-in-all 60lbs of American hops were used in HOP RUSH giving it 95 IBU's (Bittering scale) and a massive amount of imported English and German malts to provide the malt foundation and mouth feel you would expect from a hearty IPA. At 9% ABV, 95 IBU's (hopped 7 times, including dry hopping) You can expect HOP RUSH to be full flavoured and rival any American or European IPA. When we launched the test batch in our tap room a couple of weeks ago on a friday night, it was gone saturday night. We took a keg of HOP RUSH to Indy's Winter Fest and blew that one. Like I said above, people are going to be surprised. Cheers!"

In addition to the beer tapping, Jason Sappen from Blammo will be playing live in the brewery from 6-10pm!

I have only had a small sample of this, not enough to give a full opinion, however it showed a lot of citrusy, hoppy promise. It also seems to be well received to those who try it, so get down there and try their latest addition to the lineup and support great local craft beer!

Sun King cans now available at City-Wide Liquors

Heard some great news last night via a Facebook update from City-Wide Liquors (with locations in and around South Bend) about having cans of Sun King beer in stock. At this time, this is exclusive to City-Wide locations, since they are the only liquor store operation to send a truck down to Indianapolis to pick up enough of it. Cheers to them for going the extra mile (actually 284, round trip) for their customers!

The cans available are Wee Mac (Scottish Ale), Sunlight (Cream Ale) and Osiris (Pale Ale).

Tap Lists in and around South Bend

So I think this is the longest list I've put together so far. Thanks to everyone that sends me tap lists through Facebook and email, that makes spreading the word so much easier. If anyone happens to know what's currently on tap at Fiddler's Hearth, BDubs, The Mark and others, please shoot me a note to andy@thebeerisgood.com

Fiddler’s Hearth (South Bend, IN)
(I have the specials, but not the lineup)
Wednesday Night – $1 off all draught
Thursday – Founder’s Red’s Rye & Dry Hopped Pale ($5/pint for each)
Friday – 3 Floyds Alpha King & Gumballhead ($5/pint for each)
Saturday – Schlafly Kolsch ($4.50/pint)

Bar Louie (Mishawaka, IN)
Flat 12 - Walkabout
Figure 8 - Black Corridor
Great Divide - Oak Yeti
Founders - Porter
Founders - Breakfast Stout
Bell's - Two Hearted
3 Floyds - Alpha King
3 Floyds - Arctic Panzer Wolf
3 Floyds - Gumballhead
Finch's - Cut Throat Pale Ale
Sam Adam's - Alpine Spring
Evil Genius - Evil Eye PA

O’Rourke’s (South Bend, IN)
Bell’s – Amber
Bell’s – Two Hearted
Bell’s – Hopslam
North Coast – Red Seal Ale
Sierra Nevada – Celebration Ale
3 Floyds – Alpha King
3 Floyds – Dreadnaught
New Belgium – Fat Tire
4 Horsemen – O’Rourke’s Blonde Ale
Victory – Storm King Stout
New Holland – Dragon’s Milk

Chubby Trout (Elkhart, IN)

Southern Tier - Eurotrash Pilz

Greenbush - 1825

Goose Island - IPA

Sierra Nevada - Ruthless ryePA

New Belgium - Fat tire

New Belgium - Ranger IPA

3 Floyds - Gumballhead

3 Floyds - Alpha King
3 Floyds -  Behemoth

Bell’s - Two Hearted
Bell’s - Hopslam

Spaten - Dunkel

Boulevard - Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale

Founders – Breakfast Stout

Legends (Notre Dame, IN)
4 Horsemen Blonde (Changing to Stout)
Sierra Nevada – Pale Ale
Sierra Nevada – Ruthless Rye IPA
Bell’s – Amber
Bell’s – 2 Hearted

Bell’s – Hopslam
New Belgium – Fat Tire
Upland – Wheat
3 Floyds – Robert the Bruce

Corndance (Mishawaka, IN)
Goose Island - Sofie
Dark Horse - Scotty Karate
Dark Horse - Crooked Tree
Greenbush - Mammoth
Founders - Dirty Bastard
New Holland - Dragon's Milk (Only Permanent Handle)
Evil Genius - Good N' Evil

The Pub (Granger, IN)
Sun King – Osiris
Sun King – Sink The Clipper
Sun King - Sunlight

Great Lakes – Edmund Fitzgerald

Bell’s – Hopslam
Bell’s – Two Hearted

3 Floyds – Arctic Panzer Wolf

3 Floyds – Gumballhead

Miles Lab (Elkhart, IN)
3 Floyds – Gumballhead
3 Floyds – Dreadnaught
3 Floyds – Alpha King
3 Floyds  - Arctic Panzer Wolf
Bell’s - Hopslam
Bell’s – Two Hearted
Breckenridge – Oatmeal Stout
Rogue – Dead Guy
Schlafly – Porter
Ommegang – Rare Vos
Brooklyn – Lager
Bell’s – Winter White
Boulevard – Unfiltered Wheat
Upland – Dragonfly IPA

Bleacher’s (Mishwaka, IN)
Finch’s – Cut Throat Pale Ale

Bell’s - Oarsmen

Sam Adam’s – Alpine Spring

Sixpoint – Bengali Tiger
Sixpoint – Sweet Action
Sixpoint – Righteous Ale

Southern Tier - Unearthly

3 Floyds – Pride and Joy
Rogue – Double Dead Guy
Dark Horse – Buffo Brown
Founders – Centennial

Greenbush – Anger

Wheatberry – (Buchanan, MI)
Left Hand – Sawtooth
Bell’s – Hopslam
Arcadia – Hopmouth
Ommegang – Knomegang
Heavy Seas – Winter Storm
Founder’s – Backwoods Bastard
Short’s – Good Humans
Great Divide – Fresh Hop
Brewery Vivant – Kludde
Arcadia – Sky High Rye

Evil Genius Beer Company Press Release

Evil Genius Beer Company – Evil EYE PA (AIPA) Press Release

Evil Genius Beer Company is pleased to announce the introduction of the first beer in its “EYE” series, Evil EYE PA, an American India Pale Ale.

At 6% ABV, this AIPA goes down easier than (insert dirty thought here). Brewed with two types of malts and four varieties of hops, including Australian Galaxy, pineapple, citrus, and passion fruit aromas and flavors wave through the pallet.

For those looking for a sessionable IPA, this one’s for you. Evil EYE PA pairs well with any entree, as its citrus flavors and tropical fruit aromas add a zest to any meal.

Stats:
ABV: 6%
IBU: 68
Malts: Two Row, Simpsons
Hops: Amarillo, Falconers Flight, Warrior, and Galaxy

About the Company
Evil Genius Beer Company is the brainchild of Luke Bowen, Trevor Hayward, and Mark Braunwarth. Founded in 2010, Evil Genius Beer currently contract brews its products through Four Horsemen Brewing Company in South Bend, Indiana. Evil Genius is committed to brewing full-flavored, yet sessionable craft beers which can be enjoyed by all.

Web: www.evilgeniusbeer.com
Twitter: @evilgeniusbeer
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EvilGeniusBeerCompany
Contact: Luke Bowen (610) 563-8055
Email: Luke@evilgeniusbeer.com

Founders All Day IPA finally here!

I spoke with Chris, the owner of Liquor Cabinet (Hilltop Road, St. Joe, Michigan), yesterday regarding the new release of Founders All Day IPA and he had some great news for me...

All Day IPA is described as a "session ale" and that's precisely what it's meant for. At 4.7% and 42 IBUs, this beer has great hoppy floral and citrus characteristics that finishes crisp and clean, giving you the ability to drink more than one or two. I had this for the first time on tap at Founders Fest last June as my palate cleanser between Blushing Monk and Kaiser Curmudgeon (now Curmudgeon's Better Half), and was excited to find that it is now a year 'round offering in 6-packs. Unfortunately for us Hoosiers, this beer is not available in our state, but for those that live in the South Bend area, you can likely find this at Crocker's in Niles, or Liquor Cabinet in Saint Joseph.

Come to find out, Liquor Cabinet has 5 cases of this sweet nectar in the back already, delivered earlier yesterday! Due to Founders rules, he is unable to sell any of it until Monday, the 6th. To the best of my recollection, he said the price is $10/6, which is certainly fair in my opinion. I will definitely be there Monday to pick up a couple of sixers!

Cheers to another great beer from one of my favorite breweries!

Inside the biz... "Joining forces"

If you're like me, you not only enjoy great craft beer, but are also very interested in the business aspects as well. The intricacies of the beer business are often more profound than many realize, such as hop shortages, political lobbying, expansion, the 3-tier system, experimentation... I could go on for a lot longer. I recently received an email from a friend in the business that tipped me off to something really interesting happening between Indiana Beer and World Class Beverage, both of which distribute beer in the South Bend area.

As of March 5th, Indiana Beer is taking over the entirety of the World Class Beverage catalog in Northern Indiana. This means the likes of Bell's, 3 Floyds, Dark Horse, Schlafly, Boulevard, and more will suddenly be under the purview of the fine folks of Indiana Beer. Along with the beer moving, Indiana Beer is also receiving another very knowledge and well-liked sales rep from World Class as part of the deal.

Fortunately for both parties, I'm told this wasn't a forceful takeover of business, but a mutually beneficial arrangement between the two parties.

So what does this mean for beer locally? Nothing really, you'll still be able to find all of your favorites from both of the distributors at your local stores. Behind the scenes though will be a stronger company with more pull when it comes to liquor law legislation and removal of any competition between two distributors, and the beers along with it. The most exciting thing I see coming out of this deal is a wider variety of beer at brewfests setup by Indiana Beer, such as the one coming up at Blue Chip and greater collaboration when it comes to other events in our area.

Cheers!


-Andy
andy@thebeerisgood.com