Today marks the 80th anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition in the United States! On December 5th 1933, Utah (ironic enough) was the final state to ratify the 21st Amendment, fulfilling the 1/3 majority vote needed for its passage. And thus, the 18th Amendment – banning the sale and manufacturing of alcohol – was repealed!

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The 21st Amendment

Ratified December 5, 1933
Section 1. The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.
Section 2. The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use there in of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.
Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.

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A little over 100 years ago there were over 3,000 breweries in the United States, but then along came Prohibition. But the American brewing spirit persevered. 5 years after its repeal there were several hundred breweries producing beer. (source: Dr. Bill Sysak, Stone Brewing Co.)

Today in America, there are over 2,136 breweries — a number which is rapidly increasing, according the Brewers Association.

Although today is a very happy day in the history of the U.S. (for alcohol lovers), the effects of Prohibition still live on 79 years later. Nearly half of Mississippi’s counties are dry. Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Virginia and Texas all boast a high percentage of dry counties. Alaska has nearly 129 dry towns. And then, there are the hundreds of, often contradictory, state alcohol laws across the country that regulate the manufacturing and sale of alcohol. Here are some examples of these laws.

But, at the end of the day, even with how annoying some state laws might be, we can still be eternally grateful that we are not, in fact, experiencing a complete Prohibition (although, some regions might feel like they are).

In celebration of the 21st Amendment and support of the craft beer revolution, I thought it was only appropriate to share with the world a video that I, personally, believe truly encompasses the craft beer mentality and the passion of its biggest advocates.

“We must educate the average beer drinker. We must illuminate the possibilities. We must help and support our local breweries. We must spread the message. Introduce, educate, and illuminate the choices. Spread the message and declare with conviction:

I AM A CRAFT BEER DRINKER.”

I am a Craft Beer Drinker from New Brew Thursday on Vimeo

Written by Stephen Johnson : @darthweef
Directed by John Holzer : @johnholzer
Produced by New Brew Thursday : @newbrewthursday

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If you’ve never had Orval, you can’t call yourself a true beer geek.

Okay, okay. All snobbery aside, it’s no secret that Orval is one of my favorite beers in the world. And it has been since the first time I took a sip of it on May 31st 2008. Yes, that’s right. I remember the exact date I tried my first Orval, and how could I not?

It was on a slightly overcast evening at The Maproom in Chicago. It was one of the most pinnacle nights of my life as it was the first time I met Brian Van Zandbergen and Stephen Beaumont, two men who would ultimately become my mentors in beer, as well as the first time I experienced a gueuze, it was the first time I tried a saison, and it was the first time I had Orval.

Orval is an extremely intriguing beer. It is the one Trappist beer to get dry-hopped and it is the only Trappist beer to get spiked with Brettanomyces upon bottling. As a result of being bottle-conditioned with wild yeast, Orval is constantly evolving inside of the bottle. No two bottles of Orval are the same.

If you drink Orval fresh, it tastes very similar to an English Pale Ale–spicy, floral, slightly bitter and very dry. But if you taste it after the 5 month mark, you will find yourself drinking an entirely different beer. And the more age it has, the more unique it becomes.

The Orval Legend

As if the beer wasn’t cool enough itself, the story of Orval’s creation is equally intriguing. According to legend, Countess Matilda of Tuscany (an Italian noblewoman remembered for her military accomplishments) was passing through this region in about 1070 with her retinue. She stopped at a clear spring and trailed her hand in the water – and her wedding ring, a gift of her recently-deceased husband, slipped off her finger and sank. Distraught, she knelt and prayed fervently for its return . . . and a trout swam to the surface with the ring in its mouth, returning it to her. She is said to have claimed “Truly, this is a golden valley!” (French: Or = gold; val = valley) She gave the land to the church, and the trout with the gold ring can be seen to this day in the Orval logo. (Source: Merchant Du Vin)

Orval Abbey

Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Orval is a Cistercian monastery situated near Florenville, in the province of Luxembourg, really close to the French border. As is customary with Cistercians, the Community of Orval provides entirely for itself through its own activities (mainly cheese-making, hospitality, and beer brewing). All generated profits are devoted both to various forms of social and charitable aids, and to the upkeep of the monastery.

Photo Credit: Charlie Papazian

Orval Brewery

Throughout the long history of Orval, it is assumed that there has always been a brewery on the grounds. Various facts corroborate this idea. There have been topographical references on old drawings. There was also a detailed description of production left by a Franciscan visitor three hundred years ago. And an area called the “hop-field” was located very close to the monastery. (Source: Orval)

The present day brewery was built in 1931 with intentions of creating a new source of funds for the monastery’s reconstruction. The brewery was designed by Henry Vaes, who is also responsible for designing the iconic Orval beer glass. Orval was the first Trappist beer to be sold nationally around Belgium.

Michael Jackson’s Insight

“The present Abbey, officially called Notre Dame d’Orval, stands alongside the ruins of the old. Bread and cheese are made for sale, as well as a startlingly dry, hoppy, ale of approximately 6.2 abv, with an dark orange colour. This world-classic brew gains some of its astonishing complexity from a secondary fermentation with multiple strains of yeast, including “semi-wild” Brettanomyces which imparts a “hop-sack” or “horse-blanket” character. Devotees like to bottle-age this beer for between six months and three years. It is a powerful aperitif.” — Michael Jackson, The Beer Hunter.

The Wench’s Tasting Notes (circa 2008)

Appearance: Amber-orange color. Cloudy with large fluffy head – which lasts a really long time and leaves a thick film of lacing.

Aroma: Mild Belgian yeast aroma (sweet yeast with hints of cloves). Slightly floral nose with citrus notes (compliments of the hops, naturally).

Taste: Well-balanced ale! The ale has an interesting acidic “bite” that is nicely neutralized by a mild malt and mild yeast taste. The floral hops are apparent on the taste and help balance out the sweetness of the malt as well as kill some of the acidity. The finish is tart and slightly bitter, lingering … enough. Medium to full body. Nicely carbonated. Alcohol is very hard to detect on the taste, which makes it a super easy ale to drink.

Overall: As always, ORVAL is a classic. This is a MUST TRY BEFORE YOU DIE kind of beer. I don’t care who you are and if you don’t like beer – you must try Orval at least once in your lifetime.

Orval is a staple in my beer diet.

Why? Because it could very well be the quintessential example of what a well-balanced, well-rounded ale should look, smell, feel and taste like. It reminds me of Goldie Locks and The Three Bears. Not too strong. Not too weak. Not too sweet, not too bitter, not too sour, not too astringent -EVERYTHING IN BALANCE.

(I wrote all that 5 years ago….BTW).

How to Find Orval

Merchant Du Vin is the sole importer of Orval. For a list of their distributors, visit: http://www.merchantduvin.com/distributors-resellers.html

To learn how Orval beer is made, visit this link.

And if you really want to see me embarrass myself, watch this vertical tasting video of me filmed roughly three years ago…… (be warned, I was a newbie back then).

Share your Orval stories with me in the comment section below!!!

Skip the Guinness this St. Patrick’s Day. Celebrate with an Irish-inspired craft stout instead!

According to Brewer’s Association, the traditional Irish stout falls into two categories, depending on alcohol strength. These two style categories include the Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout (think Guinness Draught) and Foreign Export-Style Stout (think Guiness Foreign Extra Stout). Both styles are black in color with prominent coffee-like roasted malt aromas. Each boasts an initial malt sweetness with hints of caramel flavor and distinctively bitter, dry-roasted finish. Classic Irish-Style Dry Stouts have an alcohol range of 3.8-5% abv., while Foreign Export-Style Stouts are between 4.5-7.5% abv.

Here is a list of 10 Wench-approved craft beer substitutions for Guinness, in no particular order. Can’t find any of the beers listed below? Check out RateBeer.com for a great list of Irish-inspired dry stouts. Cheers!

10 Craft Beer Alternatives for Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day

1. Brooklyn Irish Dry Stout

Commercial Description: Brooklyn Irish Stout is brewed the old-fashioned way, without the nitrogen addition. A large portion of the grain is roasted like coffee beans, developing the typical color and flavor of this beer. Aside from British pale malts, the beer includes caramel malts, black patent malt, unmalted black barley and a proportion of flaked raw barley, which helps the beer develop a beautiful, thick natural head. 4.7% abv

2. Moylans Dragoons Dry Irish Stout

Commercial Description: Dry, roasty and incredibly rich in flavor, Dragoons Dry Irish Stout is made with a unique blend of imported hops and malted barley from the United Kingdom. This award winning stout is brewed in the Irish tradition to commemorate General Stephen Moylan, Irish-born commander of the 4th Continental Dragoons during the American Revolutionary War. 8% abv.

3. Boulevard Dry Stout

Commercial Description: Velvety black and perfectly opaque, this surprisingly smooth, drinkable beer is a delightful harmony of smoky roasted flavors and tangy, coffee-like notes. Available only on tap at fine establishments throughout our distribution region. 4.9% abv.

4. Short’s Uncle Stevie Irish Stout

Commercial Description: Short’s version of the classic Irish Stout, complete with a dark color, soft head, and smooth full flavor typical of this lighter bodied style. A simple grist formula provides a base of roasted malt flavors while the infusion of nitrogen adds the creamy drinkability everyone loves. 5.5% abv.

5. Starr Hill Dark Starr Stout

Commercial Description: Starr Hill’s Dark Starr Stout has won more national and international awards than any other Dry Irish Stout in the country. Brewed with roasted barley, and with hints of coffee and dark chocolate, it packs a robust taste into a surprisingly light body. This signature brew pours like velvet and drinks like a slice of grandma’s pumpernickel bread. 5.2% abv.

6. North Coast Old No. #38

Commercial Description: Named for a retired California Western Railroad steam engine on the Fort Bragg to Willits run through the Redwoods, Old No. 38 Stout is a smooth, firm-bodied stout with the toasted character and coffee notes of dark malts and roasted barley. 5.4% abv.

7. Sprecher Irish-style Stout

Commercial Description: This tribute to St. Patrick’s Day is smooth and creamy, with distinctive flavors and aromas reminiscent of bitter-sweet chocolate and dark coffee. Just one precious batch of this robust, ebony colored stout is brewed each year. 5.73% abv

8. Avery Out of Bounds Stout

Commercial Description: This big, roasty stout takes flavor to the extreme. We aren’t afraid to use plenty of rich roasted barley and a mountain of hops to give this full-bodied stout that little extra something you’ve been looking for in a beer. 6.3% abv.

9. Bison Chocolate Stout

Commercial Description: Like Barry White’s voice in a bottle, Bison’s Chocolate Stout is a dark, slow-pouring aphrodisiac of the smoothest proportions. Rich and roasty with charismatic flavors of dark chocolate and espresso, and creamy, dry finish. 5% abv. (Disclaimer: I work for Bison)

10. Saranac Irish Stout

Commercial Description: Deep within the heart of the Irish lies an uncanny passion for what they call “Leann Dubh”, or black ale.  Saranac Irish Stout is a lavish beer blended with dark malts to create a coffee like taste.  Look for a roasted character that is surprisingly smooth and refreshing, pint after pint. 5.5% abv.

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Slainte!

Although Twitter still remains my favorite and preferred social media platform, Instagram is quickly becoming one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

There is a great community of craft beer enthusiasts and craft breweries on Instagram – but often times the two don’t always connect. Instagram users are more likely to tag pictures with a brewery’s hashtag rather than the brewery’s user name. Whereas hashtags are a necessary search tool for both Instagram, but my experience suggests that the @ sign works better when trying to connect with brands.

With the goal of increasing engagement in the community, especially between breweries and fans, I’ve developed a working list of all the craft breweries that I know of that are on Instagram. Each brewery is linked to their static instagram page. As long as you are signed into Instgram.com, you should be able to like the brewery from your computer. If you experience any issue, please let me know!

The next time you share an awesome #craft picture on Instagram, don’t forget to tag the brewery!

Craft Breweries on Instagram

Note: Breweries, please don’t be offended if I leave you off at first. Instagram does not allow for key word searches. If I missed a brewery, I encourage you to mention them in the comment section below so I can edit my list accordingly.

A

18th Street Brewery: @18thstreetbrewery

Against the Grain: @atgbrewery

Alaskan Brewing: @alaskanbrewing

Allagash Brewing: @allagashbrewing

Almanac Beer: @almanacbeer

Anchor Brewing: @anchorbrewing

Anderson Valley: @andersonvalleybrewing

B

Beachwood BBQ Brewing: @beachwoodbbq_brewing

Bear Republic: @bearrepublic

Bells Brewery: @bellsbrewery

Bellwoods Brewing: @bellwoodsbeer

Big Bend Brewing Co: @bigbendbrewing

Bison Organic Beer: @bisonbrew

Bootlegger’s Brewing: @bootleggersbrew

Boulevard Brewing: @boulevardbeer

Breckenridge Brewing: @breckbrew

Brooklyn Brewery: @brooklynbrewery

C

Captain Lawrence: @cptlawrence

Carton Brewing: @cartonbrewing

Center of the Universe Brewing Company: @COTUBrew

Cigar City: @cigarcitybeer

Court Avenue Brewing Company: @courtavebrew

D

Deep Ellum Brewing Company: @deepellumbrewco

Descutes Brewery: @deschutesbeer

Dogfish Head: @dogfishbeer

Drake’s Brewery: @drakesbrewery

E

Eagle Rock Brewery: @eaglerockbrew

Epic Beer: @epicbeer

Epic Brewing: @epicbrewery

F

Fireman’s Brewing: @firemansbrew

Firestone Walker: @firestonewalker

Flying Dog: @flyingdogbrewery

Founders Brewing: @foundersbrewing

Frog Hair Brewing: @froghairbeer

G

Great Lakes Brewing Co: @glbc_cleveland

Green Bush Brewing: @greenbushbrew

Green Flash: @greenflashbeer

H

Half Acre: @halfacrebeer

Hangar 24 Brewery: @hangar24brewery

Hardywood Brewery: @hardywood

Harpoon Brewery: @harpoonbrewery

Hopworks Urban Brewery: @hopworksbeer

J

Jackie O’s Brewery: @jackieosbrewery

Jolly Pumpkin: @jollypumpkin

K

Kane Brewing: @kanebrewing

Karl Strauss: @karl_strauss

L

Lady Face Ale Co.: @ladyfaceale

Left Hand Brewing: @lefthandbrewing

Licking Hole Creek: @lickingholecreekcraftbrewery

Lost Abbey: @lostabbey

M

Magnolia Brew Pub: @magnoliapub

Maui Brewing Co.: @mauibrewingco

Migration Brewing: @migrationbrewing

Mikkeller Brewing: @mikkellerbeer

Mothers Brewing: @mothersbrewing

N

New Belgium: @newbelgium

Newburgh Brewing: @newburghbrewing

New Holland: @newhollandbrew

Night Shift Brewing: @nightshiftbeer

Ninkasi Brewing: @ninkasibrewing

Noble Ale Works: @noblealeworks

O

Odell Brewing: @odellbrewing

Ommegang: @breweryommegang

Oskar Blues: @oskarbluesbrewery

P

Peak Organic Beer: @peakorganicbrewing

Pipework Brewing: @pipeworksbrewing

Pizza Port: @pizzaport

Philips Brewing: @philipsbeer

R

Rogue Ales: @rogueales

S

Samuel Adams: @samueladamsbeer

Schafly Brewing: @schaflybeer

Sierra Nevada: @sierranevadabeer

Six Point Brewery: @sixpointbrewery

Shmaltz Brewing: @shmaltzbrewing

Ska Brewing: @skabrewing

SocieteBrewing: @societebrewing

Solemn Oath Brewery: @solemnoathbeer

Speakeasy Beer: @speakeasybeer

Stone Brewing Co: @stonebrewingco

Sun King Brewing: @sunkingbrewing

Sweetwater Brewing: @sweetwaterbrew

T

The Bruery: @thebruery

Thomas Creek Brewery: @thomascreekbrewery

V

Victory Brewing: @victorybeer

W

Wynkoop Brewing: @wynkoopbrew

Z

Zauber Brewing: @zauberbrewing

True story: I’m the queen of snacking. And my number one vice = all things salty + crunchy, especially chips. And nothing pairs as well with my chip vice quite like my biggest vice, craft beer. In my opinion, beer and chips are a match made in heaven.

But, like beer, not all chips are created equally. Not all beer is made with grain. Not all potato chips are made of potatoes. Just like some breweries use adjuncts in beer, some chip manufacturers use artificial ingredients in chips. It’s sad, but true.

This is why I recently teamed up with Kettle Brand Chips on the Real Chips Deserve Real Beer campaign. Thirty years ago, Kettle Brand pioneered the kettle cooking style that’s become the gold standard for all-natural potato chips. They cook real, unpeeled potatoes in small batches using only the finest all-natural, non-GMO ingredients. No trans fats, no  MSG, no artificial colors or flavors, and no ingredients you can’t pronounce.

When you open a bag of Kettle Brand Potato Chips, you know you’re getting real chips made with real ingredients by real people. Kettle Brand Chips are the real deal.

I’m a huge advocate for all things artisan and craft. Which is why I was elated to join forces with Kettle Brand to develop beer pairings for their amazing line of potato chips. And now, just in time for the Super Bowl, I’m happy to share 7 of these pairings with you! And don’t forget to follow Kettle on Twitter: @KettleChips!

Xoxo,

The Wench

In my opinion, very few things in this world pair best with (college) football than craft beer and artisan potato chips.

It is no secret that Kettle is my favorite brand of chips. Not only do they offer a unrivaled and delicious range of flavors, Kettle makes their chips using only the finest all-natural, non-GMO ingredients (I’m super against GMO’s). They do not use trans fats, MSG, artificial colors or flavors, or any ingredients that you cannot pronounce or need to Google to find out what they are.

Kettle Brand® is also dedicated to sustainable business practices. Green building, renewable energy, habitat restoration, recycling and reuse make up the pillars of the Kettle Brand® environmental initiatives. Kettle Brand chips are not only healthier for our bodies, but also for the planet. You read read more about their sustainability initiatives here.

In honor of the BCS Bowl Championship Series, I partnered with Kettle Brand® to create 5 kick-ass craft beer & chip pairings for each of the major 5 bowl games. I kicked the series of BCS Bowl Chip & Beer Pairings with picks for the 2013 Rose Bowl and 2013 Orange Bowl. Next up we have the Sugar Bow on January 2nd. And here are my picks:

2013 Sugar Bowl: Florida vs. Louisville

Played since 1935, The Sugar Bowl, along with the Orange Bowl and Sun Bowl, are the second-oldest bowl games in the country, behind the Rose Bowl. The Sugar is played on January 2nd in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Under the current BCS format, the Sugar Bowl continues to host the SEC champion against a top-tier at-large opponent, unless the SEC champion goes to the BCS National Championship Game.When this happens, the Sugar Bowl usually selects the highest-ranked SEC team still available in the BCS pool. Starting in January 2015, the Sugar Bowl game will feature the SEC and Big 12 conference champions (unless they are involved in the national championship game).

This year, Alabama won the SEC conference as well as a bid to the National Championship game – leaving its opponent, Georgia, out of the BCS Bowl Championship Series running. Florida then, by default, slipped into the second-highest ranked SEC team spot, winning the bid to the Sugar Bowl. Something tells me that none of this sits well with Georgia.

After defeating Rutgers in its last game of the season, Louisville became Co-Champions of the Big East Conference alongside Syracuse and Rutgers (they do not have a play off at this time). Rutgers was rewarded at the end of the season with a bid to join the Big Ten, while Louisville secured a spot in the Sugar Bowl as a result of boasting the best season record and final ranking of 22 in the BCS standings.

Sugar Bowl Kettle Chip: Red Chili

Boasting a hot hint of cayenne pepper, a key ingredient in both Cajun and Creole cuisines, Red Chili is both sweet and spicy, making it a perfect match for the New Orleans-based Sugar Bowl. Back by popular demand for its 30th Anniversary series, Red Chili was actually Kettle’s very first flavor produced in 1982, after Sea Salt. It marries the flavor of sriracha sauce with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a searing chili sensation that leaves just the right amount of heat on the tip of your tongue.

Sugar Bowl Beer Pairing: American Amber Ale

Coppery red in color with notable Pacific Northwest hop bitterness and hints of caramel sweetness, American Ambers are a perfect match for the both the spicy heat and hints of sweetness in the Red Chili chips. Caramel malt flavors compliment the tart and sweet flavors in the chips, while the American hops sooth the hot pepper burn.

Sadly, both Florida and Kentucky are not the strongest states in the union when it comes to craft breweries per capita.

Louisville Fan Recommendations: Cumberland Red Ale, West Sixth Deliberation Amber, Lexington Brewing Kentucky Ale

Florida Fan Recommendations: Pensacola Bay Brewery Riptide, Cigar City Tocobaga Red Ale, Funky Buddha Don’t Try Amber Ale, Swamp Head Brewery Stump Knocker (APA)

Both Fan Recommendations: Anderson Valley Boont Amber, New Belgium Fat Tire, Troeggs Nugget Nectar, Speakeasy Prohibition Ale, Green Flash Hop Head Read Ale

Wench’s Sugar Bowl Pick: Florida Gators

Having to publicly state my preference for Florida hurts me much more than anyone could possibly imagine. Florida crushed my dreams of an Ohio State National Championship title not once, but twice, in the same year and in two different sports. The mere mention of Florida make my blood boil. Nonetheless, all grudges aside, Florida is by far the better team in the Sugar Bowl matchup. So, despite my sincere loathing for green and orange, the Gators get my pick.

Stay tuned, next up are my picks for the 2013 Fiesta Bowl!!

Cheers!!

In my opinion, very few things in this world pair best with (college) football than craft beer and artisan potato chips.

In honor of the BCS Bowl Game Series, I partnered with Kettle Brand® to create 5 kick-ass craft beer & chip pairings for each of the major 5 bowl games. (Technically, only 5 games – Rose, Orange, Sugar, Fiesta, Championship Game – are a part of the BCS Bowl Series. The other games are considered to be “invitationals.”)

I kicked the series off with my picks for the 2013 Rose Bowl. You can read my chip & beer paring recommendations as well as my winning pick for the game here. But today, we discuss the Orange Bowl.

2013 Orange Bowl – Florida State vs. N. Illinois

The Orange Bowl is played at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It has been played annually since January 1, 1935. Since 2007 the Orange Bowl has been host to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) champion unless they are involved in the national championship game.

This year, one team selected for the Orange Bowl caused quite the outrage from sports commentators and fans alike. After winning the Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championship against Kent St., Northern Illinois secured the 15th spot in the BCS rankings, finishing the season with a 12-1 record. The aforementioned achievements then gave the Huskies an automatic spot in the Orange Bowl over the higher ranked, and arguably much better, teams of the SEC and Big12. Top ranked Georgia, LSU, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Oklahoma were all shut out from the BCS Bowl Series – while the little MAC school finally got its chance to play in one of the largest and most important bowl games in the country.

Orange Bowl Kettle Chip: Backyard BBQ

Playing in its “backyard” city Miami, the Seminoles have some serious home team advantage in this game. Get it…. backyard? Backyard BBQ?

And how could you not love the flavor of Kettle’s Backyard Barbeque®? Smoky, spicy, tangy and sweet – it’s the perfect flavor combination. This flavor is definitely in my top five!

Orange Bowl Beer Pairing: Black IPA

Just like this year’s Orange Bowl, the Black IPA has sparked quite the controversy in the the craft beer community regarding its name. Technically, the style has already been named and defined by the Brewers Association as the American-style Black Ale. Some argue that it should be called a Cascadian Dark Ale. But that is a conversation for another time.

The Black IPA is essentially an IPA brewed with the addition of dark specialty malts resulting in a dark brown to black-colored, moderate to intensely-hopped ale with a hint of roasted malt flavor.

Black IPAs are one of my favorite beer pairings for BBQ food. The dark, roasted malts compliment the smoky flavors in the chips, while the sweet and tart flavors help to balance the hop bittnerness in the beer.

FSU Fan Recommendations: Cigar City Either Black Ale, Cigar City Or Black Ale

NIU Fan Recommendations: Half Acre Sticky Fat

Both Fan Recommendations: 21st Amendment Back in Black, Alaskan Black IPA, Ten Barrel S1NIST0R Black Ale, Deschutes Hop in the Dark (CDA)

Wench’s Orange Bowl Pick: Florida State University

As much as I love rooting for the underdog (like how I chose Wisconsin over Stanford), the outcome of this game, in my opinion, is a no-brainer. Although the Huskies have pretty decent quarterback in Jordan Lynch, they are entering the Orange Bowl, without a head coach, against a team that had its eyes set on the National Championship just a few months back. My pick goes to the ‘Noles.

Stay tuned for my next pick – the 2013 Sugar Bowl!!

Cheers!

If you follow my musings even in the slightest, you are probably aware of my intense, almost fanatic, passion for all things Ohio State and my intense, almost obsessive, passion for all things craft beer.

Although the undefeated Ohio State football team is ineligible for the BCS Bowl Game Series, it is sill one of my favorite times of year. Forget the ball dropping in Times Square, the highlight of my New Years celebration has been, and will always be, the Rose Bowl.

In my opinion, very few things in this world pair best with (college) football than craft beer and artisan potato chips.

As a slow foodie, champion of sustainability, and lover of all things salty and crunchy, Kettle is my favorite brand of chips. And, it was my favorite even before I became friends with the company and started this project. In fact, our friendship became through sharing my love of Kettle Chips on Twitter.

Kettle Chips is not only my favorite brand because of its delicious range of flavors, but also because they make chips using only the finest all-natural, non-GMO ingredients (I’m super against GMO’s). They do not use trans fats, MSG, artificial colors or flavors, or any ingredients that you cannot pronounce or need to Google to find out what they are.

But that’s not all folks. In 2007, Kettle Brand® opened the first LEED® Gold certified food manufacturing plant in the U.S. They also use both wind power and solar power to fuel the plant and 100% of the waste vegetable oil from the Kettle production process is converted into biodiesel. For more information on Kettle’s sustainability initiative, visit this link.

In honor of the BCS Bowl Game Series, I partnered with Kettle Brand® to create 5 kick-ass craft beer & chip pairings for each of the major 5 bowl games. (Technically, only 5 games – Rose, Orange, Sugar, Fiesta, Championship Game – are a part of the BCS Bowl Series. The other games are considered to be “invitationals.”)

So, without further ado – let’s kick off the series with my favorite one of them all – the Rose Bowl.

Rose Bowl 2013 – Stanford vs. Wisconsin

Nicknamed “The Granddaddy of Them All” – the Rose Bowl is the oldest bowl game. The Rose Bowl hosts the Big Ten and Pacific-12 conference champions unless they are involved in the national championship game.

Rose Bowl Kettle Chip: Cheddar & Beer

Who can resist the hearty flavors of the Midwest? Robust and malty beer notes are layered on this chip with extra sharp and tangy cheese for a perfect balance that goes down smooth. Limited 30th Anniversary batch.

Rose Bowl Beer Pairing: American Pale Ale

Two words come to mind when I think of Wisconsin – cheddar & beer. Its no secret that beer loves cheese – especially sharp flavored ones like cheddar. For this particular chip, I went with a classic American Pale Ale. The malt flavors in the beer directly compliment the malt flavors in the chips, while the pine and citrus notes in the American hop varietals shine with the salty and fatty flavors from the Cheddar cheese. This is also a perfect match-up for the Rose Bowl since California (home of both Standford and the Rose Bowl) is technically the “grandfather” state of the American Pale Ale.

Wisconsin Fan Recommendations: New Glarus Moon Man Pale Ale, LakeFront Cream City Pale Ale, Horney Goat Hopped Up N’ Horney, Sprecher Extra Pale Ale.

Stanford Fan Recommendations: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Firestone Walker Pale 31, Stone Pale Ale, 21st Amendment Bitter American.

Wench’s Rose Bowl Pick:Wisconsin

Although Stanford did a badass job of upsetting USC early in the season and then dethroning Oregon later in the season, my heart and gut always has me cheering for the Big Ten. Wisconsin may have looked weak earlier in the season, but after annihilating Nebraska (70-31) in the Big Ten Conference Championship, I’m quite certain that have what it takes to win in Pasadena. Not to mention, Wisconsin’s loss of a head coach just might be the best thing that has happened to them all year. The return of legendary coach Barry Alvarez almost guarantees the Badgers a win in the Rose Bowl. My pick goes to the Big Ten Badgers.

Stay tuned for my Kettle Brand chips & craft beer pairings for the other 4 games – Orange, Sugar, Fiesta & National Championship!!

CHEERS!

Before I start this post, it is important to disclose that I work as a freelance writer with the Brewer’s Association (CraftBeer.com) as well as work full-time for a craft brewery (Bison Organic Beer) that is a member of the Brewer’s Association.

A not-for-profit trade association, the Brewers Association purpose is to promote and protect small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. It is an organization made up of brewers, members of the allied trade, beer wholesalers, individuals, other associate members and the Brewers Association staff.

In an effort to hold true to its promise to protect small and independent craft breweries, the Brewers Association released a statement yesterday addressing its concerns about craft-imitating beer brands and the craft-ification of domestic beer. Strong, powerful and blunt – the statement has caused quite a stir in both the craft and non-craft segments of the beer community.

If you have not read the statement, I recommend doing so before reading the rest of my post.

Many have taken it upon themselves to analyze, criticize and even reject the statement made by the Brewers Association. As someone with a vested interest in the Brewers Association, both personally and professionally, I would like to take a minute to discuss my own opinions on the statement.

Although some have interpreted it as one, the statement was not an attack against big beer. In actuality, it was a call to action for what I will refer to as a “Right to Know” movement in craft beer.

Truth be told, I’m no stranger to the “Right to Know” concept. The brewery I work for just spent weeks fighting for the passage of Proposition 37 in California – a bill that would have forced companies to label GMO ingredients. Sadly, big business did what big business does best – it squashed the little guys and the proposition failed.

You may be asking yourself, what’s the big deal? Do consumers really care if they know if they are eating GMOs? If something with GMOs tastes good, consumers will probably still eat it – right? Well, probably. After all, American still eat billions of dollars worth of products riddled with high-fructose corn syrup, MSG, aspartame, nitrates, artificial food coloring and other additives that have been linked to severe medical conditions like cancer, heart disease and death.

FDC Labeling laws force companies to list every single ingredient, the good, the bad, the ugly, on all food and beverage labels. This means the consumer, hypothetically, is being made aware of the foods it consumes. And if this consumer, despite medical studies and health warnings, decides to eat high fructose corn syrup and, therefor, subject his body to the potentially harmful effects of consuming high fructose corn syrup, well that is a choice is his to make.

Same with GMO ingredients. The following countries have banned or restricted the import, distribution, sale, utilization, field trials and commercial planting of GMO’s: European Union, Norway, Austria, Germany United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, Egypt, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, and so on and so forth. Americans have the right to know if GMO ingredients are used in foods that they consume.

This brings us back to the statement made by the Brewers Association.

According to the Brewers Association, “Large, multinational brewers appear to be deliberately attempting to blur the lines between their crafty, craft-like beers and true craft beers from today’s small and independent brewers. We call for transparency in brand ownership and for information to be clearly presented in a way that allows beer drinkers to make an informed choice about who brewed the beer they are drinking.”

Essentially, the Brewers Association is campaigning for the same thing that the GMO-labeling advocates are pushing for – the Right to Know. Yes, the two arguments couldn’t be more different, but the message is still the same. Consumers have the Right to Know who makes their beer and where they money is going.

Denying the consumer’s right to know and, as a result, the right to choice, directly violates the “Consumer Bill of Rights”.

In his 1962 “Consumer Bill of Rights” speech to Congress of the United States, President John F. Kennedy called upon the Federal Government to take necessary legislative and federal actions to protect the rights of consumers. According to President JFK, these rights include:

(1) The right to safety–to be protected against the marketing of goods which are hazardous to health or life.

(2) The right to be informed–to be protected against fraudulent, deceitful, or grossly misleading information, advertising, labeling, or other practices, and to be given the facts he needs to make an informed choice.

(3) The right to choose–to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of products and services at competitive prices; and in those industries in which competition is not workable and Government regulation is substituted, an assurance of satisfactory quality and service at fair prices.

(4) The right to be heard–to be assured that consumer interests will receive full and sympathetic consideration in the formulation of Government policy, and fair and expeditious treatment in its administrative tribunals.

In 1985, the concept of consumer rights was endorsed by the United Nations through the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection, which expanded the aforementioned list to include eight basic rights. One of these rights includes the right to consumer education. Essentially, this means that consumers have the right to acquire knowledge and skills needed to make informed, confident choices about goods and services, while being aware of basic consumer rights and responsibilities and how to act on them.

In an ideal world, the right to be informed, the right to information, the right to choose and the right to education should all be protected with product labels. Labels should serve as educational platforms, providing factual and complete information about the products inside them.

“Witnessing both the tremendous success and growth of craft brewers and the fact that many beer lovers are turning away from mass-produced light lagers, the large brewers have been seeking entry into the craft beer marketplace. Many started producing their own craft-imitating beers, while some purchased (or are attempting to purchase) large or full stakes in small and independent breweries.” – Brewers Association statement, Dec. 13 2012.

The issue at hand is not the actual quality of the beers being produced by large brewers. Yes, large brewers have the ability to develop, sell and market innovative, unique, interesting, adjunct-free beers that rival those of smaller, independently owned craft breweries. BUT, the consumer also has the right to know who really makes the beer – aka who gets paid when all is said and done.

Does knowing that AB-Inbev or Miller-Coors is the company behind a beer really make a difference in consumer perception and consumption? Some would argue not. If a beer tastes good, well then, who cares who makes it. Others will argue that consumers deserve the knowledge and skills required to make informed, confident purchasing decisions when it comes to beer.

The most conscientious consumers believe in voting with their wallet. These are the consumers that buy local, organic and craft whenever possible. These consumers refuse to patron establishments owned by big business. They refuse to let their dollar support globalization. They care about what they put into their body. And they care about where products come. But even the craftiest of crafty large corporations can fool even the most discerning of consumers.

I firmly believe that consumers have the Right to Know about the beer they are drinking. Is it a product of a small and independent brewer? Or is it from a crafty large brewer, seeking to capitalize on the mounting success of small and independent craft brewers? Do you know? Well, now you do. (Click on the image below for a full scale view).

Be the change, spread the message and tell the world that we, as a consumers, deserve the Right to Know.

This Saturday kicks of the 179th Oktoberfest — the largest and, quite possibly, the most drunken party in the world.

As with many regional designations in the alcohol world (Bourbon, Bordeaux, Trappist to name a few), the label “Oktoberfest” is reserved for only the beer produced within the city walls of Munich, Germany. Oktoberfest Beer is a registered Trademark by the Club of Munich Brewers — meaning only said brewers can use the name. The only breweries qualified to use the name are as follows:

• Augustiner-Bräu
• Hacker-Pschorr-Bräu
• Löwenbräu
• Paulaner-Bräu
• Spatenbräu
• Staatliches Hofbräu-München

As with Bourbons and Bordeaux, Oktoberfest-biers are also subject to production rules. The official Oktoberfest-biers must be produced according to the Reinheitsgebot — the German Purity law that states beer can only be made from a combination of barley, hops, yeast and water (no extraneous ingredients). Also, these beers must not exceed 6% alcohol per volume.

And last but not least, the only the official Munich Oktoberfest beers are the only beers allowed to be served at the traditional Oktoberfest celebration. Quite the exclusive club, if you ask me.

Alas, what happens to the poor little heathen brewers outside the Munch city limits? Well folks, a rose by any other name. Technically speaking, any brewer can brew the Oktoberfest-style, also known as a Marzen. They just can’t call it Oktoberfest-bier. All Bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is Bourbon — get me?

Although my favorite not-official-but-traditional Oktoberfest-style is from Ayinger, I also love many American interpretations. As with most traditional styles of beer, the Americans have a tendency to push the recipes limits, typically by giving them a dose of American hops. Instead of plugging the corporate-owned, not-technically-craft-beer producers of the official Oktoberfest beers, this post is dedicated to promoting the awesome O-Fest brewers in the U.S. (sorry Canadians).

It is important to note that the nature of these beers makes them extremely enjoyable while very fresh — but not so fun when drank old. So get your fill now, and please don’t cellar them unless otherwise instructed by the breweries!

10 American O-Fest Beers Worth Trying

1. Victory Brewing – Festbier

Commercial Description: Seductively smooth, this medium-bodied amber beauty is akin to the great Oktoberfest beers of Munich. All German malts and whole flower European hops make this lager true to style.

Abv: 5.6%

2. Flying Dog – Dogtoberfest

Commercial Description: Brewed with 100% imported German ingredients. Full-bodied caramel sweet with a light, toasted and crisp, clean finish.

Abv: 5.6%

3. Left Hand – Oktoberfest

Commercial Description: Biscuity, malty goodness dominates upfront while the noble pedigree hops lend a properly spicy, dry finish. Zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi.

Abv: 6.6%

4. New Glarus – Staghorn Octoberfest

Commercial Description: Brewed using the time honored methods and an extra slow lager to release the smooth flavor of our roasted malts. Expect this bier to pour with a rich head of foam that will enhance its incredible spice bouquet. Staghorn Octoberfest combines a smooth amber body with a clean crisp finish. Abv: 6.25%

5. Great Lakes – Oktoberfest

Commercial Description: An amber lager with rich malt flavor balanced by fragrant noble hops.

Abv: 5.2%

6. Bell’s Beer – Octoberfest

Commercial Description: Octoberfest trades in the assertive hop presence for a focus on a light caramel malt note, lending body without too much sweetness.

Abv: 5.5%

7. Avery – The Kaiser

Commercial Description: We took all that is good in a traditional Oktoberfest – gorgeous, deep copper sheen, massive malty backbone and spicy, floral, pungent noble hops – then intensified each into this, an Imperial Oktoberfest.

Abv: 9-10% (please note, this is an Imperial)

8. Brooklyn – Oktoberfest

Commercial Description: Brewed from the finest German malt and hops, Brooklyn Oktoberfest is true to the original style, fullbodied and malty, with a bready aroma and light, brisk hop bitterness.

Abv: 5.5%

9. Short’s – Noble Chaos Octoberfest

Commercial Description: A subtle hop bouquet and toasted caramel malt flavors create a well balanced beer that finishes fresh and clean. With a pleasant nose and medium body, this brew is a taste of the season.

Abv: 5.5%

10. Sprecher – Oktoberfest

Commercial Description: Traditionally brewed to celebrate the harvest season, this reddish-brown lager has a rich caramel character and a long flavorful finish. Its delicious malty sweetness is nicely accented by a slightly fruity bouquet and a mild hop flavor. Abv: 5.75%

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Was your favorite American O-Fest style not on the list? Tell us about it in the comment section below!!!