Tuesday Mashup

My schedule has been crazy lately, with lots of stuff going on, but I wanted to update you on a few things...

• 3 Floyds Zombie Dust and Brian Boru has been on tap in the South Bend area lately, selling out in some places. Keep an eye out for it!

• Tomorrow is Flat 12 nigh at Fiddler's Hearth in South Bend... try one or all of their tasty brews, it will be well worth it!

• The Pub in Granger has some great beer on tap, such as...

• Bell's 2 Hearted
• Bell's Consecrator
• Sun King Dominator
• Sun King Zaius Oatmeal Stout
• Sun King Wee Mac
• Sun King Sunlight
• 3 Floyds Gumballhead
• 3 Floyds Jinx Proof
• Flat 12 Pogues Run

• The much anticipated 'Resin' from Sixpoint has hit Citywide downtown South Bend. They only received about 12 4-packs, so this one will move quick!

Massive Labels Update

As is wont to happen, there was quite a dry spell for new, local, and interesting labels and then suddenly - BOOM! - there have been loads recently. Lots of stuff to look forward to. Sit tight for this massive update.

All labels are for 12oz bottles unless otherwise noted.

Founders Curmudgeon's Better Half - 11.9% Old Ale brewed with molasses and aged in maple syrup bourbon barrels. 750ml bottle. You may already know the deal with this one, but it's rumored to be what was previously known as "Kaiser Curmudgeon" and is likely the next release in the Backstage Series expected to arrive after the first of the year.

Half Acre Big Hugs - 9.5% Imperial Stout. 22oz bottle. A once a year limited release. May be a very small amount end up on Chicagoland shelves, but if you happen to live, or be in, Chicago on December 18th, you might want to stop by their brewery and snag some.

Founders All Day - 4.7% India Pale Ale. Keg collar. Mainly had to post this for Andy because of all the great things he's told me about it, specifically that it's a sessionable, incredibly flavorful IPA. Founders has said this might begin to be bottled sometime in 2012.

Sun King Wee Muckle - 9% Scotch Ale. 16oz can. Winning gold at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival in the Scotch Ale category, Sun King has decided to package this brew into their trademark tallboy cans.

Short's Pontius Road Pilsner - 4.7% Czech Pilsner. Previously only available at the Short's pub in Bellaire, MI, Pontius Road is now making its way to bottles.

Bell's Harvest Ale - 750ml bottle. Seems to be a fresh hop/wet hop/harvest style IPA of unknown ABV, at least to this blogger. Probably, and unfortunately, will be a Kalamazoo release only, but as you can tell from the previous sentence, I couldn't find much about it. Sure would like to get my hands on a bottle though.

Brewery Vivant Kludde - 9.5% Belgian Style Dark Ale. 16oz can. From the makers of what is likely America's first canned Belgian IPA, Triomphe, comes Kludde, a canned Belgian Style Dark Ale.

Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale - 4.4% Wheat. 12oz can. It's 312... IN A CAN! (You may now return to your regular hating of GI, AB/InBev, United, etc.)

New Albanian Bonfire of the Valkyries - 6% Smoked Black Lager. 22oz bottle. I'll confess to not knowing much about New Albanian or ever having any of their beers, but damn, they do have some really kick-ass labels. This is an update to an existing brand.

New Albanian Solidarity - 8.5% Baltic Porter. 22oz bottle. Again, update to an existing New Albanian brand.

Arcadia Ales Sky High Rye - 6% Rye Pale Ale. 12oz can. Sky High Rye is the second canned brew from the Battle Creek, MI brewery after Whitsun debuted earlier this year.

Three Floyds Live A Rich Life - 8.7% Belgian Style Double India Pale Ale. 22oz bottle. Similar to the Founders Curmudgeon's Better Half name change, it appears this is actually Shark Pants - which I might interject probably has the coolest label that I don't think actually appeared on a bottle - re-branded. The rumor mill was grinding out theories that FFF might have had to change the label due to issues with the original's artist.

Avery Trogdor the Burninator - 7.6% Smoked Doppelbock. Keg collar. Why would I put a simple keg collar from a brewery in Boulder, CO that we'll probably not see around these parts? First, Avery puts out some quality products and you can usually find some in Michigan. (They pulled out of Indiana earlier this year.) Second, because they named this beer after one of the Internet's earlier and greater cartoons/memes. Apparently they brewed this as a one-off in the past and are now bringing it back for a second round. Never heard of Trogdor? Do yourself a favor and waste the rest of your day watching Strong Bad.

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.

3 Floyds Sightings In Ohio

For the first time since 2008, Ohio appears to be getting some 3 Floyds love again thanks to Cavalier Distributing.

The quantities appear to be limited at locations such as Bedford Heights-based Lizardville Beer Store & Whiskey Bar; 1 bottle each per person and no growler fills for the beers available on tap. According to additional reports from Ohio residents online, the allocations are the same or similar at other area bottle shops and bars, but I'm sure Ohioans aren't going to complain too much. At least now they don't have to drive hundreds of miles west to get their delicious brew.

The confirmations of a 3 Floyds return started to roll in on Tuesday via the @Lizardville Twitter account with:

Followed by the @3floyds Twitter account on Wednesday:

And finally again today from @Lizardville:

A salute from us to both 3 Floyds and our Ohio neighbors to the East - Enjoy!

And to our neighbors to the North - Sorry, Michigan, your long wait for 3 Floyds continues...

3 Floyds 15th Anniversary Party

Two of my favorite things are coming together on November 12th; 3 Floyds and Party. More specifically, FFF is throwing a 15th Anniversary Party at the Brewery, and they are releasing a special beer for this purpose!

According to their Blog Post, the XV brew will be a blend of Surley Darkness, Mikkeller's Beer Geek Brunch, De Struise's Black Albert and FFF Dark Lord for "maximum ass kickery," as they describe.

A few quick talking points...

- Takes place on 11/12/11
- Tickets are $25ea, only 2500 tix will be sold
- 700 of the 2500 tix will be sold at the brewery, the rest online. Date to be announced
- XV will be bottled and sold for $30ea, bottle limit will be determined at packaging
- All of the 4 breweries represented in XV will also have beer available at the event
- Live entertainment and plenty of food will be available

I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it to the anniversary party, however if anyone is feeling generous enough to bring me back a bottle, you will be my best friend for the day.

Cheers, and congratulations to 3 Floyds on 15 years!

3 Floyds Zombie Dust Bottles

This is basically old news now, as information about Three Floyds Zombie Dust being bottled and available at the Brewpub has been reported by several people. With that being said, we here at TBIG.com are huge dust heads, so I couldn't help mentioning at least a little somethin' somethin' about this momentous occasion.

For the record, Zombie Dust is one of my favorite brews, an American Pale Ale at 6.2%, and priced at $10/6 pack or $35 for a case. There was much speculation about what the price would be, since a growler would set you back $24. In my opinion, $10 is definitely a reasonable asking price.

I've talked to local South Bend stores who have mentioned that they expect to see some in the future, but really have no idea when. Also speaking with World Class Beverage, the distributor for 3 Floyds in most or all of Indiana, did not reveal a timeline. Everyone knows how persistent I can be, so I also called the Brewery. The nice woman on the phone informed me that the Chicago area was going to get the first shipment (I know, what the hell, right?) and if someone from the South Bend area wants some, they are better off making a trip to the brewpub.

Once I hear it's coming to the South Bend area (and after I get my share), I'll let you all know.

Zombie Dust tap update

Just a quick note for those that don't follow our twitter and facebook feeds. The Mark Dine and Tap on Eddy Street in South Bend has 3 Floyds Zombie Dust and Dreadnaught on tap.

Go get some, but please save a pint for me!

"Alpha King Lime is the new Bud Light Lime"

I know it's a fairly poor picture, but what we have here is a bottle of Three Floyds Alpha King served to me with a lime in it by the staff at Hacienda on Portage Rd. in South Bend.

I'm understanding of our waitress, who seemed new, and I'll allow not serving the bottle with a glass, neither of which were probably her fault anyway, but... Seriously? A lime in an Alpha King? For shame, Hacienda.

Showing this to Andy prompted the poignant comment that is the title of this post.

"Alpha King Lime is the new Bud Light Lime."

We agreed that they must have received requests from customers in the past for a lime in their Alpha King, or something of that nature. There has to be a reason they thought it to be acceptable.

Either way though, still an epic fail. At least we got a good chuckle out of it.

Zombie Dust @ Fiddler's Hearth on Friday (South Bend, IN)

Just got word confirming that 3 Floyds Zombie Dust will again be at Fiddler's Hearth Public House on Friday, August 26th. Zombie Dust (American Pale, 6.2%) is one of the highest ranked Pale Ales on BeerAdvocate.com, and is one of my personal favorites. Every time this beer is put on, it doesn't last past the evening, so if you can't make it Friday, you'll almost certainly miss out.

What a great way to cap my vacation...

Labels!

Labels for new beers, or new labels for existing beers, are approved every day. With craft beer in its current boom state, new label approvals can reach into the hundreds each week. I plan to make this a feature likely focusing on local breweries, beers we're looking forward to, or those labels that are simply interesting in and of themselves.

Fresh on the heels of the label for the highly anticipated Zombie Dust, Three Floyds has also been busy with a number of other labels.

Three Floyds Jinx Proof - 5.10% ABV Dortmunder. While previously only available at the brewpub in 22oz bottles and with a different label, this approval was for 12oz bottles. At the time of writing this, it was unclear if it would now be distributed outside of the brewpub as well.

Brewdog & Three Floyds collaboration Bitch Please - 11.5% ABV Barleywine. As this has existed overseas for a while now, it appears this approval is finally for a stateside release in 350ml bottles (11.16oz).

Mikkeller & Three Floyds collaboration Boogoop - 10.4% ABV Buckwheat Wine. This 22oz bottled brew is the fourth in a line of collaborations between these two breweries, the others being Hvedegoop, Ruggoop and Oatgoop.

Sun King Oktoberfest - 5.8% Oktoberfest. While not a new beer in the Sun King repertoire, I believe this is a new 16oz can from them.

New Albanian Jaxon - 11% ABV Barleywine. Look for this offering in 22oz bombers from the New Albany, IN brewery. Alternately, just look for my dog on the label! (Note: Not actually my dog on the label.)

Clown Shoes Muffin Top - 10% ABV Belgian-style Tripel India Pale Ale. This is for the 22oz version. The 12oz was approved a couple of weeks ago if I understand correctly. Clown Shoes, based out of Ipswich, MA, generally supplies their own jokes and this is no exception.

Also, a special mention here to South Bend's own Four Horsemen Brewing Company who just had a truckload of various sized keg labels approved, as did Evil Genius for whom FHBC is contract brewing.

3 Floyds Zombie Dust Bottle Label

Thanks to BeerNews.org, the new 3 Floyds Zombie Dust (American Pale Ale, 6.2%) label is now available. This means that we are now one step closer to one of my absolute favorite beers being released to the public on a regular basis. If you've never had this beer before, let me fill you in on the back story. The Breweries from Heaven and Hell decided to collaborate on a beer that came to be known as Cenotaph, and later renamed to Zombie Dust. It became so popular that the two breweries decided to sell the recipe to 3 Floyds to be bottled for the enjoyment of sinners and saints alike.

I've had the opportunity to try this three times, twice at Fiddler's Hearth and once from a growler, and my addiction for this grows with each occasion.

3 Floyds Zombie Dust on tap at Fiddler's Hearth Friday

If you've had 3 Floyds "Zombie Dust" (6.2% American Pale Ale, brewed with Citra hops) before, you know how rediculously tasty it is. Make sure to stop by Fiddler's Hearth on Main St. in South Bend for a pint... just make sure to save me some!

3 Floyds Blackheart available in South Bend

I recently picked up this little number in South Bend, and is available at Belmont on South Bend Ave, and Citywide on Grape. Blackheart (9% abv) is an English style IPA, brewed with all traditional English ingredients and aged on toasted oak. Get it while you still can!

Weekend Roundup (Pre-National Craft Beer Week)

What a badass beer weekend it's been, starting Friday afternoon...

Stopped by my favorite brewery, 3 Floyds, for some lunch and awesome beer. As usual, I had the pizza, tasty as always. Along with the great food, I ordered a Zombie Dust, which unfortunately they had run out of at the time I was there, so I settled for a 3 Kings. While eating, I was able to meet Barnaby, Vice President of FFF and one hell of a cool guy. After two pints of 3K, a half pint of Arctic Panzer Wolf and most of a pepperoni pizza, it was time to order the "to go" brew and be on my way. Unfortunately for my good friend AV, I must have had one of the last few 3 Kings, because he was unable to get the growler he was hoping for. This, of course, was after the disappointment of not being able to grab a couple growlers of Zombie Dust. Instead, we decided to grab a few bombers of their one-time special brew "Evil Power," an Imperial Pilsner. All in all, another great visit to 3 Floyds. The only downside... Zombie Dust was back on tap just an hour after I left, as was Blackheart and others.

Saturday afternoon was set aside for a few pints at my favorite local pub, Fiddler's Hearth. Every week they have something special on tap, which happened to be one of my other favorite brewery's, Sierra Nevada. From S.N., they had the new Ovila Abbey Dubbel, a specialty one-time only beer on tap, along with the Estate Homegrown Ale and other great beer. I'm not an expert on Belgian style beers, however I did enjoy the dubbel very much. Fortunately I have a bottle in my fridge, and am looking forward to giving it a review. The Estate Homegrown (pictured to the right), is wet-hopped and uses Sierra Nevada's homegrown barley. This was a delicious, well balanced brew with nice lacing that marked each sip from the glass. I also happen to have the alcohol tolerance of an entire beer pong championship team. 

While enjoying a few pints at Fiddler's, I had the opportunity to talk beer with a really cool local fellow beer geek, Andrew. Not only did I have a good time conversing with him, but he also brought me beer! In advance of a trade we are going to make, he gave me a bottle of Hop Czar from Brideport Brewing Company in Oregon, and a Lagunitas IPA. All in all, another good time a Fid's.

Since the kids were away for the weekend, I decided to pickup some special brew for Saturday night with my wife. I stopped at my go-to bottle shop, Citywide downtown, for some Founders Old Curmudgeon Ale. Not only was I hooked up with this year's Curmudgeon, we did some hunting through the cooler for a vertical of it, 2008-2011. My wife and I had a great time sharing each year, starting with the 2011 and going backward, noting the difference in taste. We found the freshness of the 2011 was very good, but also enjoyed the 2009 with it's more mellow malt profile and alcohol.

What am I drinking today? While working around the house, I've managed to share and enjoy a Bare Hands Belgian Golden Strong, the Lagunitas IPA that Andrew gave me, a Rogue Mocha Porter, the bomber of 3 Floyds Evil Power and I reviewed (which I'll share at a later date) the Bridgeport Hop Czar. Don't worry ladies and gentlemen, this was over 9 hours with plenty of water and breaks in between.

Overall, it was a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend. I was able to try a lot of really great beer, catch up on some sleep and watch the Cubs win, then lose, then get postponed.

3 Floyds Brian Boru

Style: Irish Red Ale 
Brewery: 3 Floyds
Package: Bomber into Bruges
ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 40
Location: Citywide Downtown S.B.

Aroma: Piny/Resiny, citrus, toasted malts, toffee and floral hops.

Appearance: Very deep amber color, slightly off-white, foamy head.

Taste: Subtle sweet caramel malt with a big flowery hop profile. Low bitterness and finishes dry.

Mouthfeel: Medium body and mild carbonation.

  Overall: Brian Boru is a good session beer with big flavor, although a bit unbalanced.

Notes:  Brewed with Amarillo hops and is a February release. This sold out pretty quickly at the Citywide in downtown South Bend, however I have recently seen some still lingering at the Belmont on South Bend Ave. Pick it up while you still can!

Grade: A

3 Floyds / Sun King Three Kings

Style: American Pale Ale
Brewery: 3 Floyds / SunKing
Package: Growler into Pint
ABV: 5.4
IBU: 50
Location: FFF Brewpub

Aroma: Not a very big aroma, but there is light citrus, floral hops and hints of pine.

Appearance: Hazy golden color with a white head, leaves sheets of lace sticking to the glass.

Taste: Citrusy orange and grapefruit, grassy and slight floral hops balanced well with a sweet malt profile. The bitterness is very low.

Mouthfeel: Very light feeling, bordering watery. Medium carbonation.

  Overall: This is one hell of a session beer. The taste and mouthfeel is a lot more tame then I am used to from 3 Floyds, but this was such an enjoyable brew that I sessioned through an entire growler in one evening; I suggest you do the same to compare results.

Notes:  Three Kings is a collaborate brew between 3 Floyds and SunKing to commemorate their alliance to change the archaic brewery laws in the state of Indiana. Available for a limited time at both SunKing and 3 Floyds, get it before it runs out!

Grade: A-

3 Floyds Zombie Dust

Style:  American Pale Ale
Brewery: 3 Floyds
Package: Growler into pint glass
ABV: 6.2%
Gravity: Unknown
IBU: 50
Location: 3 Floyd's Brew Pub

Aroma: Big floral hop aroma and citrus

Appearance: Nice hazy golden color with a foamy white head that dissipates quickly leaving sticky lace clinging to the side of the glass

Taste: Citrus, Tangerine, great hop flavor and just the right amount of bitterness, balanced slightly with sweet malt

Mouthfeel: Medium carbonation and body

  Drinkability: This brew is extremely good, at 6.2% ABV, it's not meant to be a session beer, but it is so delicious that I don't care, I'll drink the entire growler in one sitting

Notes: Zombie Dust is a single hop (Citra hops from Yakima Valley) American Pale Ale, one of my favorite styles. Rumor has it that 3 Floyds is going to start bottling Zombie Dust within the next few months, a move that I fully embrace. This brewery was already in my top 3 before; Zombie Dust makes them #1 in my book. I can't say enough about this beer... drop what you are doing, drive to Munster and get some. If they don't have it on tap when you get there, camp out until they do.

Food Pairing: Typical Pale Ale pairing, pizza, spicy food, burgers... this will complement a lot and is very refreshing.

Grade: A+ (Yeah, it really is that good.)

Dark Lord Day

It's that time of year again.  The sun starts to shine more often, the snow melts and Dark Lord Day is just around the corner on April 30th.

For those of you unfamiliar with DLD, it is an annual event held at 3 Floyds Brewery in Munster, Indiana.  The entire day centers around their famed Dark Lord Imperial Russian Stout, which is only available for purchase on this day, every year.  In addition to the opportunity to purchase Dark Lord, those attending also have the ability to try a wide variety of beer from 3 Floyds and other brewers from around the country, combined with plenty of food and live music.

Tickets go on sale March 19th for $10 each, with a portion of the proceeds going to local charities.  For more information, visit the 3 Floyds Website.

3 Floyd's Pride & Joy

Style:  Mild Ale / American Pale Ale
Brewery: 3 Floyds
Package: Growler into glass
ABV: 5.0%
Gravity: Unknown
IBU: 30
Location: 3 Floyd's Brew Pub

Aroma: Piny and Floral Hops, slight sweetness from the malt.

Appearance: Amber with a thick, frothy, off-white head.  Leaves some sticky lace down the side of the glass.

Taste:  Tastes very similar to how it smells, with big pine flavors mixed with crisp citrus, balanced out with sweet caramel malts.

Mouthfeel: Mild carbonation, crisp and clean.
 
Drinkability:  This is an absolutely smooth session beer.  At 5%, you can enjoy a few of these without overpowering your taste buds.

Notes:  Although I can't find any documentation on ingredients, this seems like a great showcase of one or more hop varieties such as Cascade and Amarillo.  Overall very smooth, this is an ale that even casual drinkers can enjoy.  I've seen this in local South Bend, Elkhart and Mishawaka liquor stores, or you could pick up a growler from their brewpub in Munster.

Food Pairing: Seafood and spicy food.  You really can't go wrong with some really spicy wings and a pint of this.

Grade: B+

3 Floyds Brew Pub

My Wife - "The kids are away Saturday night, would you be interested in checking out 3 Floyds?"
Me - "Hell yes."

Date night was on.

We made the trip down to Munster, IN, approximately 75 minutes from South Bend.  In the heart of an industrial park sits 3 Floyds (or FFF to some) brew pub.  To avoid long lines and get back home at a reasonable time, we left at 2:30 and arrived just before 3 local time.  Our plan to avoid lines didn't work, as there were already 15 people waiting before us, the parking lot was full and cars lined the narrow street.  In most restaurants, this line would have move quickly, but not here.  We found that once people get in, sit down and start receiving their beer, they don't want to leave!  We waited in line for about 45 minutes, something I would never do for most places, but this was different.

The heavily tattooed and pierced doorman finally permitted entry.  We made our way into the dimly lit pub and to our table with a window view of the brewery.  The overall atmosphere of this place is really cool, with punk/metal themed artwork filling the walls and random flags hanging from the ceiling.  Unlike most pubs which would be playing some sporting event, FFF was showing a Bruce Lee movie.  Their menu was far less stylish and much more straight to the point, with beer occupying roughly 2/3 of it.

I was a kid in a candy store... With so many beers to choose from, how could I be expected to pick just a few?  There were some favorites you can find around here such as Gumball, Dreadnaught and Alpha King, as well as many you can't.  In the mood for my favorite style, I went with Cortez, a single hop (El Dorado) Pale Ale with 45 IBU and 7% ABV.  There is no room for beer judging on date night, I didn't even take notes.  With that being said, this was a mighty fine brew, crisp, clean and refreshing.  As good as this was, the next choice was even more important.  Knowing that I have to drive, and the trip was fairly long, the next selection would have to be my last.  Next up, Robert the Bruce, a scottish-style ale with 6.5% ABV and 24 IBU's.  This was another really solid beer, with roasted malts and a full body.  If you are in the mood for something different, they also have a lengthy list of guest brews, both on tap and in the bottle/can.  Much to my surprise, they had PBR... I hope that was a joke.

An hour and a half later, our meal and beer finished, it was time to go.  You didn't think I would call it quits with just two beers did you?  I was sure to pick up a growler of Pride and Joy, a mild session ale, on our way out.  Overall, I was impressed with 3 Floyds and thoroughly enjoyed my time there.  The Beer Is Good, the atmosphere was unique and although slow, the service was great.

Although I'm no restaurateur, I suppose a few of you care about the food... it was good.  You're not going to find roast duck or foie gras, just really good pub food.  The pizza I ordered rivaled that of many NYC pies I've had, and my wife had an incredible roast beef sandwich.  If you can convince a designated driver to accompany you, I'm sure they'll be satisfied with the food.

After this experience, I will undoubtedly be there on April 30th for Dark Lord Day!   

By the way...

If you plan to tour the brewery (which I had hoped to), call ahead to reserve your spot.  Tours were given at 1, 2:30 and 4, unfortunately I was unable to see any of them.