The Beer Is Good at Fiddler's Hearth Beer Update

Another quick update on "The Beer Is Good at Fiddler's Hearth" this coming Saturday (11am-12am) at Fiddler's Hearth on Main Street in South Bend... Below is the opening lineup of beers to get the party started!

Four Horsemen Surprise Beer (Cask) (?,?%)
New Holland Ichabod (Cask) (Pumpkin Ale, 5.5%)
Dogfish My Antonia (Imperial Pilsner, 7.5%)
Brewdog Punk (American IPA, 6%)
Brouwerij Liefmans Oud Bruin (Flanders Oud Bruin, 5%)
'08 Sierra Nevada Bigfoot (American Barleywine, 9.6%)
Stone 15th Anniversary (American Black Ale, 10.8%)
Sun King Osiris (American Pale, 5.6%)

And many, many more....

The Beer Is Good at Fiddler's Hearth Update

After over two months of planning, we are finally only one week away from the first annual The Beer Is Good at Fiddler's Hearth event! If this is the first time you've heard of this, we'd like to invite you out to Fiddler's Hearth on Main Street in South Bend to enjoy a huge list of really great craft beer that you wouldn't normally find around South Bend, or anywhere for that matter. We've already let the cat out of the bag with Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout, 2010 Founders Nemesis Barleywine, and a special beer we brewed with Four Horsemen, but there are also a ton of others that we haven't mentioned (although if you look at the food specials, I bet you can pick out a 4th...)!

As for the real reason I'm posting an update... The Food Is Good! I received an email last night from Sean at Fiddler's regarding the food specials and now I'm almost as excited about that as I am about the beer! Their Chef did a great job of making sure there is something for everyone, and crafting food that would not only pair well with the incredible beer lineup, but also soak up some of that high gravity brew that you will be enjoying.

Prices haven't been made official, but from what I'm hearing, it sounds like everything is going to be very reasonable. So without further ado...

1. Beef short rib stew in a bread bowl 

2. Lamb “lollypops” with spicy chimichurri sauce

3. Mussels steamed with 2009 Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine

4. Portabella fries with spicy sour cream sauce

5. Irish flatbread topped with rasher bacon, apple, caramelized onion and warm brie sauce

6. Montecristo sandwich

7. Soft pretzel necklace

8. Apple fritter with homemade caramel sauce

Founders Harvest Ale

After some deliberation, I figured there was no proper way to follow up Andy's monumental Canadian Breakfast Stout review (A+!), but the closest I could get might actually be this other Founders brew...

Style: Wet-hopped ale / American IPA

Brewery: Founders Brewing Company

Package: 12oz bottle into pint glass

ABV: 6.5%

IBUs: 70

From Founders's description:

This liquid dream pours a hazy golden orange straw color with a white, two-finger head. Your first sip of this beer rewards you with a super juicy hop presence bursting with citrus, then finishes to introduce toasted malt undertones.

Appearance: Hazy dark yellow straw. A finger and a half of frothy, bone white head that thinned rapidly. Nominal rings of sticky lacing left on the glass.

Aroma: Big citrusy notes. Slightly piney and a little sweet.

Taste: The freshest and juiciest of hops! Citrus and grapefruit dominate. Hoppy throughout, a touch sweet, with a bitter bite of a finish. Not getting much malt and, honestly, I don't mind. This is a hop-head's dream.

Mouthfeel: Solidly medium. A light resinous coating of the mouth, but still finding it smooth and very drinkable. Almost no carbonation that I could see.

Overall: Another home run from Founders. The hops star and shine brightly, as they should in this style. By far my favorite wet-hopped beer and also an excellent IPA in general. I did this tasting last week and, unfortunately, it's likely that all the Harvest Ale in this area was already gone by even then, let alone now. If you manage to still find some, don't delay in either picking it up or drinking it as this is not one to age.

(Full disclosure: This is my first experience with Founders Harvest Ale and I've been told by Harvest Ale veterans that this year's batch is extremely well done, so those who've had it before - Your mileage may have varied.)

Grade: A

Completely subjective intangible (that didn't affect the review or overall grade): I accidentally deleted the obligatory bottle cap picture I took, but it's the standard Founders hat. Label is pretty standard also, maybe even sub-par for Founders. Yadda, yadda, yadda. This is all I could think about after having this wonderful beer:

On tap at Bar Louie (Mishawaka, IN)

Just received word from Bar Louie in Mishawaka about a handful of great beer that is new on tap this month, so make sure to stop down and enjoy a pint!

Stone Double Bastard (American Strong Ale, 11.2%)
Founders Breakfast Stout (Imperial Stout, 8.3%)
Bell's Double Cream Stout (American Stout, 6.1%)
Greenbush Dunegras (American IPA, 6.7%)
3 Floyds Broo Doo (Wet Hop, American IPA, 7%)
3 Floyds Arctic Panzer Wolf (American Double, 9%)
Figure Eight Hangdog (Couldn't find info anywhere on this one)

I was also given some heads-up about what is on the way, so keep an eye out for updates!

Sun King on tap at The Pub (Granger, IN)

Thanks to loyal thebeerisgood.com follower, Corey, I just received word that a few beers from Sun King Brewery are/will be on tap at The Pub on Cleveland Road in Granger.

Why is this a big deal? Well first of all, Sun King is a small, but highly rated brewery based out of Indianapolis, recently winning numerous awards at Great American Beer Fest. Unfortunately for those of us in Northern Indiana, Sun King isn't distributed this far North.

Hats off to The Pub for driving down to Indy for these kegs, and lugging them all the way back up here for those in Michiana to enjoy! Below are the beers that you can expect to see...

Sun King Osiris (American Pale, 5.6%) (On Now)
Sun King Bitter Druid (ESB, 5.8%) (On Deck)
Sun King Sunlight (Cream Ale, 5.3%) (On Deck)


*For other great tips like this, drop a line to andy(at)thebeerisgood(dot)com

South Bend Brewfest Recap

After several days of cold and rain, the clouds finally parted, making way for the sun to shine down on hundreds of craft beer fans during yesterday's South Bend Brewfest at the Century Center. This highly anticipated festival included well over 100 beers to sample from over two dozen breweries from around the country and world.

Just a few of the local and regional breweries represented include Bell's, Founders, 3 Floyds, Four Horsemen, Bare Hands, Iechyd Da (kinda, but more on that later), Greenbush, Figure 8 and Backroad. On top of those great local favorites were many imported beers along with home-brew demonstrations and the Michiana Extract and Grain (MEGA) group talking all things beer.

Covering this event primarily from a blogger perspective, I only sampled a few select beers that I've not had the opportunity to try yet. First up was a silky smooth Chocolate Stout from Bare Hands that tasted exactly as the name suggested, chocolatey and thoroughly delicious. Although I've yet to come across a Pumpkin flavored beer that I like, I took a sip of their Pumpkin Ale... yep, still not a fan. In addition to enjoying the Chocolate Stout, people seemed to really like the Double IPA, Pale Ale and ThaI.P.A. Chris is a great guy that brews some fantastic beer, so look for Bare Hands to open in Granger before the end of the year!

Next up was a visit to another favorite local brewery, Greenbush. Although Scott (Brewer/Owner) was unable to attend, the rockstar women of Greenbush represented the brewery well. Their tap list included many of the same great beers from their Fiddler's Hearth invasion on October 12th such as Dungras, Anger, Pain and more. Dunegras IPA has evaded me since they opened over the summer, so this was my chance to savor every delicious hopped-up drop. If you haven't made it up to Sawyer, MI yet, what are you waiting for?  

Of course I couldn't pass up stopping by to see my friends Ben and Stephen at Four Horsemen. Having already sampled many of their offerings, I wanted to try the fabled Raspberry Ale that was rumored to be an accident turned success. Generally speaking, I'm not typically a fruity beer kind of guy, but I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Light, slightly tart and very refreshing, this "accident" would be an awesome way to cap a hot summer day. Ben mentioned that they are considering brewing this again in the future.

Finally after scheduling conflicts prevented a visit to new kids on the block (but certainly not new to brewing), Iechyd Da from Elkhart, it was great to stop by and talk to owners Chip and Summer Lewis. Unfortunately due to some ridiculous excise rule, Iechyd Da was unable to pour their beer for all to enjoy, but it was nice to spend time talking beer and plans to open their brewery/tasting room in Elkhart during the 2nd quarter of next year. Look for a post sometime in the next few weeks regarding an upcoming visit!

 

We could not have asked for a nicer day to sample beers from all over the country! Special thanks to Ben Amster of Indiana Beer, the Century Center and all involved for putting on such a great event. What was your favorite beer and/or brewery from Saturday?

South Bend Brewfest Reminder

Just a friendly reminder that we are a day away from the first annual South Bend Brewfest, held at the Century Center from 12-4. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $30, or $10 for designated drivers. It's certain to be a great time!

Here are a few links for further information...

Event Information
Beer List

Half Acre Expanding Brewery, Increasing Output

We give a lot of love to our Indiana and Michigan craft brethren, but I wanted to drop a note about a neighbor to the west - Chicago, IL based, and locally owned, Half Acre Beer Company.

Located at 4257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago, this relatively small outfit is comparable to Indianapolis' Sun King Brewing when in its infancy, currently putting out around 7,500 barrels per year from their 10,000 square foot facility. Sun King made 5,200 barrels in their first full year of production from their similar sized 13,000 square foot facility. (They've since expanded into an additional 13,000 square feet.) Contrast Half Acre's footprint with, say, Bell's Brewery, at an estimated 75,000 square feet by the end of their expansion, and you've got an idea of what they're working with.

Founded in 2007, Half Acre's lineup includes many well received brews, such as year-rounders Daisy Cutter (5.2% pale ale), Over Ale (6% brown ale), and Gossamer (4.2% blonde ale), along with specialties and one-offs such as the recently frenzied over Galactic Double Daisy Cutter (8% double/imperial IPA). Their year round wares are sold in 16oz cans, with the specialties and one-offs in bottled packaging.

As reported in the Chicago Tribune, Half Acre is now expanding. Though they're only growing by 1,300 square feet, the additional space is expected to contribute to doubling production - Up to about 15,000 barrels per year. Through more efficient use of their space, co-owner Matt Gallagher says the result will be "less inventory outages and more specialty beers...by mid-2012." Great news!

Right?

Well, yes, fantastic news for Chicagoans. Unfortunately for Hoosiers, it doesn't appear Half Acre is going to increase distribution beyond Chicago for the foreseeable future. Us here in South Bend have the good fortune of being relatively close, but the majority of Indiana is likely missing out.

If you haven't picked up any Half Acre on trips to, or passing through, Chicago yet, I highly recommend you give them a shot. In turn, we might encourage their continued growth and one day see them enter the Indiana market. Hopefully soon, Half Acre will be what's "In Your Guts"!

---

Semi-breaking news: As I was wrapping up this post and about to publish, I happened to receive word that the indispensable Binny's Beverage Depot - another place you should definitely visit in Chicago - is hosting a Half Acre Galactic Double Daisy Cutter tapping a week from today, 10/26, at the South Loop Binny's location from 6-8PM CST (reservations required). I've been told by reliable sources that GDDC is a sublime brew, so stop by if you live, or happen to be, in the area!

Founders Breakfast Stout Breakfast Tickets On Sale Tomorrow (10/19)

This may be of little solace to those who were left out in the cold attempting to track down a bottle of Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout, but Founders will be holding their annual Breakfast Stout Breakfast on Saturday, November 12th, from 10:00AM-1:00PM.

Please note, this is in celebration of the regular Breakfast Stout, if you can call such a delectable brew regular.

Tickets for this event go on sale tomorrow, 10/19, at 11:00AM EST and can be purchased at the Founders taproom for $30 each, limit 8 per person. If you're not going to be in the Grand Rapids, MI area, you can also purchase tickets with a credit card via phone by calling (616) 776-1195.

From the Founders event page:

Your Breakfast Stout Breakfast ticket includes

• a commemorative 16oz Breakfast Stout Breakfast coffee mug

• your first fill-up of Breakfast Stout (or any class 1 beer)

• an expansive, delicious breakfast buffet catered by Gilmore Catering

• live entertainment from Son de Mexico, the Midwest’s finest mariachi band

• tons of fun, laughs, and fond memories that will last a lifetime

Pajamas encouraged? Sounds like a good time. Obviously, you can also count on the beer being good as well.

Currently On Draft and In Bottles at Villa Macri

Deciding to change things up a bit, we dined at Villa Macri Ristorante this weekend. (Thanks, Groupon!) Located at Toscana Park in Granger, IN, Villa Macri is the current home of the former Macri's Deli.

Items from both their new fine dining menu and the old, reliable deli menu were very good. As you can see in the images below, some solid brews, but nothing too exciting on the craft front. Not on the menu, they also currently have Three Floyds Gumballhead and New Holland Dragon's Milk on tap.

Two interesting things to point out here:

1. 34oz drafts of Gumballhead ran us only $8. Read that again - 34oz... Gumballhead drafts... $8. At most other establishments you'd be paying $5-$6 just for a 16oz pint, maybe 20oz if you're lucky. We finished off one of their Gumballhead kegs, but they immediately put on another. Run down and get some before it's gone as well! Enjoy - Responsibly, of course!
2. Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA in bottles? Hmm, seems odd that they'd still be getting DFH products. I didn't inquire about it, but I suppose it could be old, they don't have it any longer, or they have a trick up their sleeve distribution-wise.

 

Greenbush Invades Indiana

Just as The Beatles arrived in America for the first time to scores of screaming fans, Greenbush Brewing Company has made a splash in the craft beer scene of Northern Indiana by bringing a handful of their brews to Fiddler's Hearth in South Bend.

For those not familiar with Greenbush Brewing Company, they are very young, opening within the last 6 months (give or take) in the small town of Sawyer, Michigan. The hype surrounding this brewery has been unreal, selling out of beer within the first few weeks of opening and having to close the tasting room for a week while they brew more. Everyone that I have encountered that has experienced their beer cannot say enough great things about them. Scott, the head brewer/owner, is a welcomed rebel in the industry. He crafts beer in the interest of taste and maxium kick-assery, not tradition or style guidelines. Their beers range from a not-quite-stout/not-quite-porter and an angry black IPA, to a pale ale with a different hop profile with each batch and a Belgian golden (with a little something extra) - plus everything in between.

For this joyous occasion, Greenbush / Indiana Beer brought the following lineup...

Momento Mori (Oktoberfest, 6.3%)
Dunegras (IPA, 6.7%)
Anger (Black IPA, 7.6%)
Retribution (Belgian Strong Ale, 8.7%)
1825 (Belgian Strong Ale, 9.3%)
Pain (Imperial Milk Stout, 11.2%)

I had the great opportunity to try each one of those beers, mostly in small samples, and I enjoyed everything. In the interest of honesty, I was not a huge fan of Momento Mori, but that's likely due to the fact that I don't normally enjoy Oktoberfest beers. The beer that really did it for me that night was one that I've been on the lookout for since they opened; Anger. Black IPAs have become one of my favorite styles over the last year, but it seems only a handful are actually done well. Fortunately I now have a local go-to Black IPA in Anger... this beer is amazing! I loved every sip of roasty, bitter, hoppy delicousness. Although I did manage to sample the other beers, Anger was my drink of choice the entire night.

By the time I left around 10:30, most Greenbush beers had run out, and for good reason. Talking with Ben of Indiana Beer, it sounds like we should be seeing more in our area... hopefully soon. Make sure to stop out to South Bend Brewfest for more Greenbush and other great local beer!

Good Beer Wins, with Greenbush Brewing Company!

South Bend Brewfest Beer List

Since several people asked, below is the list of beers for the South Bend Brewfest on October 22nd from 12-4. Tickets can still be ordered via the Morris Performing Arts Center, or at the door. Don't miss it!

Blue Moon
White Ale
Harvest Ale

Evil Genius
Good n Evil Golden Ale
Evil Eye P.A.

Four Horsemen
Pale Ale 
Blonde Ale 
Irish Red 
Irish Stout 
Rye IPA 
Porter 
Raspberry Ale 
Headless Horseman Pumpkin Ale

Greenbush Brewing
1825 Belgian Golden Ale 
Anger Black IPA 
Dunegras IPA 
Retribution Belgian Special Ale 
Memento Mori Oktoberfest 
Bantam Belgian Pale Ale 

Leinenkugels
Creamy Dark 
Berry Weisse 
Fireside Nut Brown 
Classic Amber 
Sunset Wheat 

New Belgium
Belgo IPA 
Abbey Ale 
Fat Tire 
Snow Day 

New Holland
Ichabod Pumpkin Ale
Sundog Amber Ale
Imperial Hatter
Dragon's Milk
Mad Hatter
Pilgrim's Dole Wheatwine
Charkoota Rye

North American Breweries
Dundee IPA
Dundee Oktoberfest
Magic Hat #9
Magic Hat Howl
Pyramid Hefeweizen 
Pyramid Apricot Ale 

North Coast Brewing
Brother Thelonious
Le Merle Saison
Old Rasputin
Pranqster
Red Seal 

Samuel Adams
Boston Lager 
Double Pumpkin 
Imperial Double Bock
Imperial Stout
Imperial Wee Heavy
Imperial White Ale
Latitude 48 IPA 
Maple Pecan Porter 
Oaked Ale 
Winter Lager 

Shiner
102 Double Wheat 
Bock 
Holiday Cheer 

Southern Tier
2xIPA 
Farmer's Tan
Harvest Ale 
Jahva
Mokah
Oat
Pumking
Unearthly IPA

Upland
Bad Elmer's Porter 
Double Dragonfly
Komodo Dragonfly Black IPA 
Wheat Ale 

Woodchuck Cider
Amber
Fall Cider 
Granny Smith 
Pear 
Raspberry 

Back Road
Autumn Black IPA 
Pole Shift Pale Ale 
Blueberry Stout 
Back Road Mild Ale 

Bare Hands
American Pale Ale 
ThaI.P.A. 
Chocolate Milk Stout 
Belgian Golden 
Pumpkin Pie 
Double IPA 

Founder's Brewing
Breakfast Stout 
Centennial IPA 
Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale 

Figure 8 Brewing
Where Lizards Dare IPA 
Ro Shampo Imperial Red 
Solar Collector Hoppy Wheat 
Black Rye PA 

Bells
Best Brown 
Pale Ale 
Two Hearted IPA 
Amber Ale 
Kalamazoo Stout 

Boulevard
Unfiltered Wheat
Double Wide IPA 
Tank 7 Saison 
Dark Truth Stout 
Sixth Glass Quadrupel 

Indiana / Michigan Breweries
Three Floyds Pride and Joy 
Dark Horse Crooked Tree IPA 
Dark Horse Sapient Trip Ale 
Oaken Barrel Razz Wheat 
Barley Island Dirty Helen Brown Ale 

Imports
Blanche De Bruxelles
Bourgogne Des Flandres
Hopus
Timmerman's Framboise
Timmerman's Kriek
Timmerman's Strawberry
Timmerman's Oude Gueuze
Estrella Daura Gluten Free
Guinness Black Lager
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout
Hacker Pschorr Weisse
Konig Ludwig Weisse
Peroni
Pilsner Urquell
Tiger Beer
Tyskie

Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout

Style: Imperial Stout

Description: "Ale Brewed with Chocolate and Coffee, Aged in Maple Syrup-Bourbon Barrels"

Brewery: Founders Brewing Company (Grand Rapids, MI)

Package: 750ml into Bruges glass

ABV: 10.6%

Aroma: Huge coffee and dark chocolate right up front with maple syrup just peeking through. A touch of bourbon is there to remind you that this isn't your ordinary Imperial Stout.

Appearance: A black hole of darkness with a creamy 1-finger tan head. Thin sheets of sticky lace cling to the side, only to be enveloped by each swirl of the glass.

Taste: While some beers give you a certain impression from the aroma that doesn't quite match the taste, that's certainly not the case with CBS. Center stage is the coffee and bitter chocolate, but the maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance it all out. A seductive hint of bourbon provides just a fleeting warmth, but certainly does not steal the show.

Mouthfeel: Viscous, a little oily and coats the entire mouth in sweet delicousness. Medium carbonation rounds out the experience.

Overall: In my opinion, this is nearly perfectly balanced, but allows the chocolate and coffee to shine just a bit more than the other components. Let this bad boy warm up a bit before drinking so that all of the aroma and flavor can come out. This certainly isn't an after-work refresher, but instead a rich, decadent dessert that I'll choose over cake (and I love cake) any day.  

Notes: I had to go through a lot to get this bottle, as South Bend only received two cases for the entire city. My go-to shop couldn't even hook me up this time around, but my long search was worth every tasty sip. Hats off to founders for giving what the customers have been asking for. When you add CBS to their offerings of KBS, Breakfast Stout, Backwoods Bastard, Cashew Mountain Brown, Harvest Ale, etc., etc., etc., it's tough to argue against Founders being one of the best breweries in the country.

Grade: One of the few beers that lives up to the incredible hype, and probably the best beer I've ever had. In my book, CBS gets an A+.

Fun Fact: I rescued this bottle from a ghetto liquor store in Niles, MI (Which charged me roughly 25% more than serious craft beer shops in the area were charging). As one employee was going in the back to find it, the other lady behind the desk looked me dead in the eyes and said, "I'm mad at you." Having no idea what the hell she was talking about (had I once dated her sister?), I looked around first to my left, then to my right. Realizing she was actually talking to me, I decided to indulge her crazy. Apparently this particular bottle was supposed to go to her because she had looked it up on the internet and decided, "it sounded good." Knowing the answer already, I asked if she was a craft beer drinker, to which she replied, "I don't really like beer, but sometimes I drink Coors Light." While paying the lady who resurfaced with the bottle, I assured her that people who normally don't like beer probably would not enjoy this, especially at that price. While trying to explain what I meant more thoroughly, she cut me off to ask, "does it have that weird beer taste to it?" I smiled and thanked her for her time, leaving with this rare bottle held tightly in both hands.

Greenbush Launch Event at Fiddler's Hearth

"Good Beer Wins" and now so do we!

Excellent news today from Michigan Microbrews that Greenbush Brewing Company will be throwing a launch party at South Bend's own Fiddler's Hearth next week.

Wednesday, October 12th, starting at 5:00pm, you'll be able to sample beers from the following tentative - subject to change, of course - draft list:

- Memento Mori (6.3% Oktoberfest Ale)

- Dunegras (6.7% IPA)
- Anger (7.6% Black IPA)
- Retribution (8.3% Belgian Hybrid)
- 1825 (9.3% Belgian Strong)
- Pain (11.2% Imperial Cream Stout)

For the many of us who haven't been able to make the ~50 minute trip up to Sawyer, MI yet, and/or don't live in Michigan or Illinois where Greenbush is currently available, here's our chance to sample six of their brews right in our own backyard. I know I'm hoping to attend.

Live in Michigan and still thirsting for Greenbush closer to home? There will also be launch parties at Hopcat in Grand Rapids on October 20th and Crunchy's in East Lansing on October 26th.

3 Floyds Anniversary Party Tickets & Other Notes

Figured these were too short for their own posts, so here are some 3 Floyds notes, quickie style.

Anniversary Party Tickets Website
Announced today via their blog, 3 Floyds has released the website where you can purchase tickets to their 15th Anniversary Party starting 10/10/11, 1:00pm Central Time. That address?

http://3floyds.tickets.musictoday.com/

You'll definitely want to be on the ball if you're interested in getting tickets to this event on 11/12/11. Full details can be found here.

RE: Ohio Distribution
3 Floyds has addressed some of the skepticism and rumors running rampant around parts of the Internet regarding many different facets of their brewery in a page titled "FAQ and Rumors" on their website, which I previously hadn't noticed until today. In a topic we touched on last week, and has been speculated about elsewhere, they have this to say about their expanding distribution to Ohio:

1. We’re expanding distribution to Ohio.
This is true. However, Ohio will only receive limited release, specialty beers (Seasonal releases and one-offs). Ohio will not drain Chicago and Indiana’s Gumballhead or Alpha King supply. Adding Ohio will allow us to increase production on limited release beers which benefits all markets.

Seems like enough said. For now...

Zombie Dust Bottles
The brewpub is out again. :(

Not soon enough for some, I fear.

Founders CBS: A Tale of Luck, Gouging and Availability

My Precious...

Like a hurricane, Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout has come and gone through the South Bend area, leaving a path of destruction, sadness, and about 24 smiles.

For those that follow beer news closely (obsessively?) and called their local bottle shop immediately upon Founders making CBS official, a bottle was theirs to be had. Even calling a few weeks ago would have likely snagged you one, but as it turned out, most people have lives outside of this thing of ours and missed the boat.

I was lucky enough to snag a couple, one for now and one for later. One of places I scored a bottle (will remain nameless to protect further hook-ups) gouged me a bit on it, however it wasn't nearly as bad as some reported stores selling a bottle for $40 or more when they were going for $15 at the brewery on October 1st. Founders Brewing Company released a post today commenting on the issue of gauging by saying, "Lastly, we've noticed that retail price gouging is also being discussed. I can only give you the brewery's position on this, but please note that, legally, once we sell our products to our wholesaler, they in turn sell it to retailers throughout our states of distribution. We have no control over what this retailer will charge for beer. We do establish our suggested retail pricing, but we cannot enforce this whatsoever. When we hear of retail price gouging, it annoys us as much as it annoys you. Our recommendation to our wholesalers in dealing with retailers that are gouging is to communicate that, if the retailer does not stop overcharging, they will jeopardize their ability to receive Founders specialty items in the future."

Also addressed in the statement was the issue of availability in which they mention their expansion plans by saying, "As some of you are aware, we have been undergoing constant expansion for the past few years and have been working toward a master plan that will increase our annual brewing capacity by four times our current level."

The rumor mill was saying Founders released approximately 1,000 cases (12,000 750ml bottles) of CBS. Definitely not a lot, but I applaud them for spreading the wealth, unlike other breweries that release special beer only at their brewery on one specific day. Also, even though I don't live in Michigan, I admire them taking care of their own state by distributing 21% of the release within that state, while all other states saw 12% or less.

What I'm trying to say here is that Founders did a tremendous job of listening to the customers and releasing as much of what they demanded as they could, given their current capacity. Any issues with availability and cost should be taken up with the store you frequent, as well as their distributor. In the end, Founders will never make everyone happy, especially with this being a leading First World Problem. Hats off to Founders for yet another amazing beer!

The Week (Or So) In Labels

Several new labels in this update - A couple from old favorites and a handful from local newcomers...

Bell's Quinannan Falls - 6.4% pale lager - The former draft-only release was being sold at the Bell's General Store in 750ml bottles, but with this label approval it appears it will also be available... somewhere... in 12oz bottles as well.

Goose Island Bramble Rye Bourbon County Stout - 13% bourbon stout. As reported here earlier, Bramble Rye is coming and here's the 22oz label.

Greenbush Momento Mori - 6.1% Oktoberfest. The Sawyer, MI brewery is back again just in time for the fall season with this 12oz packaged ale.

Four Horsemen Brewing Company - This batch of labels are for FHBC's first 12oz bottled releases. If you've visited their tasting room, they may look familiar. (My apologies on the size and quality. Just working with what's available.) 4.8% Pale Ale, 5.2% Irish Lager, 4.2% Irish Red Ale, 4.2% Blonde Ale, and lastly Evil Genius', for whom FHBC is contract brewing, Good 'n Evil Golden Ale (4.5%).

Founders Harvest Ale hits the South Bend Area

It's that time of year again. The leaves are changing colors, football is playing every weekend and hops are being harvested. With the fresh harvest of this beautiful plant comes wet-hopped harvest beers, from many well known breweries. One of my favorites happens to be Founders Harvest Ale (American IPA, 6.5%), and as of yesterday it has hit local stores in South Bend. You really can't beat the amazing piny, citrusy and floral qualities of fresh hops in a harvest beer, most of which were tossed in within 24 hours of being pulled from the vine.

A 4-pack will set you back roughly $11-$12 dollars and I've confirmed the availability at the following places... Get it while it's fresh and still in stock!

Citywide Liquors on Jefferson and Grape
Belmont on South Bend Ave.

If you see it anywhere else in the area, feel free to leave a comment. Cheers!

Garrett Oliver Tour Hits Chicago Next Week

Head Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster and author of The Oxford Companion to Beer, Garrett Oliver, hits Chicago, IL next week for three dates in support of his new book and, of course, beer.

The Chicago stop of Oliver's tour will be the closest to the Michiana area and your best chance of meeting, and possibly sharing a pint and conversation with, one of our generation's great beer icons. Full details from each tour location and links to the events on their respective websites below.

Tuesday, October 11th - The Publican Restaurant

We will be welcoming Garrett Oliver, award-winning brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery in promotion of his new book, “The Oxford Companion to Beer.” We will be creating a prix fixe menu along with Herb Eckhouse of La Quercia, who will be debuting a new ham.

Wednesday, October 12th - Binny's South Loop

Celebrate the release of his new book, The Oxford Companion to Beer, the most comprehensive beer book ever published. And there's beer! We're celebrating the release of the new Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout. Plus, we'll tap some limited releases including The Concoction, The Companion, Post Road Pumpkin, and old favorite Brooklyn Brown Ale, all available at the bar. $5 gets your pour of Brooklyn Brown. Reservations are required.

Thursday, October 13th - Hopleaf Bar

The suave sophistication of New York meets the dapper practicality of Chicago as two thought leaders of the American craft beer scene discuss the world of beer and the newly-released landmark publication Oxford Companion to Beer while tasting their favorite brews. 

New Yorker Garret Oliver is the brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewing, author of The Brewmaster’s Table and editor of the first Oxford Companion to Beer which is being released this fall. 

Chicagoan Ray Daniels is the founder and director of the Cicerone Certification Program, author of Designing Great Beers and other books and a contributor to the Oxford Companion to Beer. 

Join us as these two entertaining and highly knowledgeable beer experts talk about what it was like to compile a book that lays claim to being the world’s most comprehensive resource on the subject of beer. In addition to sharing their thoughts, they’ll take your questions about beer, brewing and what it takes to make it in the beer world today. 

This event will take place in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, and is free to the public. Copies of the Oxford Companion to Beer will be available for purchase.

As I'm sure you remember from Andy's previous post, The Oxford Companion to Beer releases on 10/7. To whet your appetite for the book, Time Out New York had an excellent Q & A with the brewmaster last week.

The rest of Mr. Oliver's current tour schedule, according to the Brooklyn blog, is as follows:

Denver, CO

Sep 29-Oct 2

San Francisco, CA

Oct 3-Oct 4

Seattle, WA

Oct 6-Oct 7

Twin Cities, MN

Oct 8-Oct 10

Chicago, IL

Oct 11-Oct 13

Cleveland, OH

Oct 14

Great American Beer Festival Award Results

Sun King (Indianapolis, IN) was taking no prisoners at GABF this year, racking up an impressive 8 medals! You can find the PDF here, but below is a list of winners from our region, just confirming that we live in one of the most fertile areas of the craft beer nation!

For those not familiar with GABF, it is a national beer festival held annually in Denver, CO. It's a multiple day event consisting of everything beer, but focuses on sampling thousands of beers from around the country and beer judging by panels of highly trained experts. When it comes to beer festivals, this is the best of the best.

So without further ado, here is the list of the best beers our region has to offer...

Category: 3 Fruit Beer - 56 Entries
Gold: Raspberry Tart, New Glarus Brewing Co., New Glarus, WI

Category: 4 Fruit Wheat Beer - 48 Entries
Gold: 5 Lizard, 5 Rabbit Cerveceria, Chicago, IL

Category: 8 Coffee Beer - 60 Entries
Gold: Java Mac, Sun King Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN

Category: 14 Experimental Beer - 83 Entries
Gold: Mangalitsa Pig Port, Right Brain Brewery, Traverse City, MI

Category: 16 Gluten-Free Beer - 15 Entries
Silver: New Grist, Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee, WI

Category: 17 American-Blego-Style Ale - 43 Entries
Gold: Angry Birds, Haymarket Pub & Brewery, Chicago, IL

Category: 19 American-Style Brett Ale - 31 Entries
Bronze: Grimalkin - Super Kitty Fantastico, Brugge Brasserie, Indianapolis, IN

Category: 20 Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer - 40 Entries
Silver: Wee Pogue, Sun King Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN

Category: 21 Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer - 118 Entries
Silver: BBJ (Bourbon Barrel Johan), Sun King Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN
Bronze: Barrel Aged Naked Evil BBW, Hoppin' Frog Brewing Co., Akron, OH

Category: 24 Aged Beer - 36 Entries
Gold: Expedition Stout, Bell's Brewery, Galesburg, MI

Category: 27 American-Style or International-Style Pilsener - 31 Entries
Silver: Popcorn Pilsner, Sun King Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN

Category: 30 Munich-Style Helles - 38 Entries
Silver: Where in the Helles Gunner?, Emmett's Brewing Co., West Dundee, IL

Category: 31 Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest - 20 Entries
Bronze: Dog Days Lager, Two Brothers Brewing Co., Warrenville, IL

Category: 35 German-Style Marzen - 58 Entries
Silver: Munster Fest, 3 Floyds Brewing Co., Munster, IN

Category: 41 German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock - 22 Entries
Gold: Autumnal Fire, Capital Brewery Co., Middleton, WI
Bronze: Eisphyre, Capital Brewery Co., Middleton, WI

Category: 42 Baltic-Style Porter - 19 Entries
Gold: Battle Axe Baltic Porter, Fat Head's Brewery, North Olmsted, OH

Category: 48 International-Style Pale Ale - 20 Entries
Silver- Intercontinental Pale Ale, Flossmoor Stations Brewing Co., Flossmoor, IL

Category: 51 American-Style IPA - 176 Entries
Bronze: Head Hunter IPA, Fat Head's Brewery, North Olmsted, OH

Category: 57 Extra Special Bitter - 43 Entries
Bronze: Harvest Ale, Goose Island Beer Co., Chicago, IL

Category: 58 Scottish-Style Ale - 27 Entries
Gold: Hope and King Scotch Ale, Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN

Category: 62 American-Style Black Ale - 74 Entries
Gold: Blacktop IPA, New Glarus Brewing Co., New Glarus, WI

Category: 66 German-Style Wheat Ale - 23 Entries
Bronze: Dark-n-Curvy, Piece Brewery, Chicago, IL

Category: 68 French- and Belgian-Style Saison - 65 Entries
Bronze: Sofie, Goose Island Beer Co., Chicago, IL

Category: 69 Belgian- and French-Style Ale - 56 Entries
Bronze: Pin-Up Blonde, Bastone Brewery, Royal Oak, MI

Category: 70 Belgian-Style Lambic or Sour Ale - 51 Entries
Silver: Blue Sunday, New Holland Brewing Co., Holland, MI

Category: 72 Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale - 59 Entries
Gold: Buffalo Slumber, Sun King Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN

Category: 75 Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout - 24 Entries
Gold: Ring of Dingle, Sun King Brewery Co., Indianapolis, IN

Category: 78 Sweet Stout - 19 Entries
Silver, Cream Stout, Redwood Brewing Co., Flint, MI

Category: 80 Imperial Stout - 56 Entries
Gold: BORIS The Crusher Oatmeal-Imperial Stout, Hoppin' Frog Brewing Co., Akron, OH

Category: 81 Scotch Ale - 39 Entries
Gold: Wee Muckle, Sun King Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN
Silver: Wee Heavy, Vintage Brewing Co., Madison, WI

Category: 83 Barley Wine-Style Ale - 42 Entries
Bronze: Johan The Barleywine, Sun King Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN

Also, honorable mention to the great state of California for racking up a ton of awards. If you've ever tried beer from that state, I'm sure you'll understand why!

Oktoberfest at Miles Lab (Elkhart, IN)

"Ein Bier, bitte!"

We here at The Beer Is Good haven't made the trek out to Miles Lab in Elkhart yet, but have heard lots of great things not only about their food (They have a cheeseburger that uses grilled cheese sandwiches as the buns!!), but also their dedication to craft beer.

This might be just a little too last minute, but word has it that they are putting on their first annual Oktoberfest celebration today from 11am until 11pm. A couple of the brews you can expect to be on tap include...

Schlafly Pumpkin Ale (Pumpkin, 8%)
Spaten Oktoberfestbier (Oktoberfest, 5.9%)
Weihenstephaner Festbier (Oktoberfest, 5.8%)
Bell's Octoberfest (Oktoberfest, 5.5%)
New Belgium Hoptober (American Blonde, 6%)
Sam Adams Octoberfest (Oktoberfest, 5.3%)

Miles Lab is located at 3763 East Jackson Blvd in Elkhart

If you're on Facebook, check out their fan page for updated tap lists, specials, and other bits of info.