Happy Mardi Gras!

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I hope whatever part of the country you are in this fine Catholic Holiday treats you well. I do not know if I plan on doing a whole lot but do have a few drink options (some obvious a few more unique) you should consider.

1) Abita Mardi Gras Bock: Not only is the name fitting but Abita is made in Louisiana. Furthermore, this helles bock is perfect for Spring which should be right around the corner but strong enough to hold up to the chilly weather most of the United States is still dealing with.

2) Abita Restoration Pale Ale: Yes, I went with two beers from Abita, it just seemed appropriate. The Restoration Pale Ale is liberally hopped and perfect for a day of drinking.

3) Pat O’Briens Hurricane Mix: I have drank a large amount of hurricanes in my day and this mix is my favorite. Plus, Pat O’Briens is from New Orleans which adds credibility to the drink.

4) A cocktail featuring Cachaca: Cachaca is a Brazilian distilled spirit that is made from pure sugarcane rather than molasses (which is usually the case for rum). Considering the famous Carnival Celebrations in Brazil, cachaca is a perfectly appropriate and delicious beverage of choice. Try the Agua Luca or Ypioca brands. The mixing possibilities are endless, pineapple juice, coconut juice, strawberries and many other combinations will work magnificently.

5) A mojito: An elegant and delicious combination of white rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime juice, sparkling water and mint.

Check In

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A bunch of my college friends returned to Springfield this weekend, therefore the HopSlam flowed freely and I simply do not want to think about beer today.  Tomorrow, I promise I will get back to talking about beer. Today I just wanted to mention two great services that are available in Springfield, Missouri, that many people may not have heard of. These services will deliver food from several high quality as well as several fast food restaurants right to your doorstep. So, if you are hungry and lazy at the same time check out http://www.quikdine.com/ordering/restrnts/ which includes restaurants such as the Gem of India, Rosatis, Skybox and Buffalo Wild Wings. If their portfolio just does not do it for you try out http://www.lightning-delivery.com/ which will bring you things such as McDonalds, Taco Bell, Wing Shack and even Krispy Creme!

Events in Springfield This Weekend

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This weekend in Springfield, Missouri is pretty big. Here are two events that while not necessarily beer related, for some, certainly involve beer. The first event is Visioncon. Visioncon is a gaming, fantasy, Sci-Fi and Anime Convention. It will be at the Clarion Hotel Friday Feb 17th and Saturday Feb 18th. I have been told that this is a family friendly event during the day with more of a party atmosphere at night. There will be authors, artists and other special guests.

The other event is the Sertoma Chili Cook-Off on Saturday Feb 18th. The chili cook-Off will be held at the Springfield Expo Center. There will be live music, beer and of course tons of chili! It is always a lot of fun and the proceeds go to the Springfield Boys & Girls Club. Both events should be a lot of fun. The Missouri State Bears also host Old Dominion at JQH Arena.

Boulevard Chocolate Ale Refund

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In case you did not catch this story, a few batches of the Boulevard Chocolate Ale exhibited some off flavors and Boulevard is offering a refund. The beer will not hurt you, but it will not be up to Boulevard’s standard of excellence. Here is the release for Boulevard’s Website.

February 15, 2012

To All Boulevard Customers:

At Boulevard Brewing Company, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail. As part of our quality assurance program, we conduct extensive laboratory and sensory analysis on all of our beers, both before and after their release. This week, some post-release checks of Chocolate Ale, our current Smokestack seasonal offering, revealed that certain batches of the beer had begun to exhibit flavors and aromas not intended by our brewers, attributes not detected prior to the January release of the beer.

As you might imagine, we are dismayed by this discovery, and are conducting exhaustive investigations in an effort to pinpoint the problem. At this point we know enough to confirm that it was limited to three batches of Chocolate Ale bottles – it did not extend to other Chocolate Ale bottles, to Chocolate Ale draft beer, or to any other Boulevard beers. We can also confirm that the batches in question are not harmful to consume, but may simply display an undesirable flavor.

We stand behind all of our beers, and accordingly are offering a full refund to any consumer who purchased a bottle of Chocolate Ale from the following batches: 2011-1, 2011-2, or 2011-3. The batch number can be found on the back label of the bottle, in the upper right-hand corner (click here to view image – the batch number is indicated by the last digit on the top line.). To receive a refund, send us the name of the store where you purchased the beer, the purchase price, your name and mailing address, and a scan or photo of the back label from your bottle of Chocolate Ale, batch 2011-1, 2011-2, or 2011-3. If you purchased more than one bottle, please include a photograph of all bottles together.

You can e-mail this information to refund@boulevard.com, or mail it to “Chocolate Ale Refund, Boulevard Brewing Company, 2501 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64108.” You can expect a check within 2 to 4 weeks of your submission.

We strive to make superior beers, and extend a sincere apology to those who were disappointed. We promise to learn from this experience, and to redouble our efforts to ensure that every Boulevard beer is worthy of our discerning customers.

If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your support.

Your Friends at Boulevard Brewing Company

Farms Gastropub Named Best U.K. Restaurant Outside of the U.K.

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Farmers Gastropub in downtown Springfield, Missouri was named the best British Restaurant outside of the U.K. by The Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatlife/9053953/Best-of-British-competition-the-winners.html

BEST RESTAURANT

Described by its nominator as “a little piece of Britain in the heart of America”, this welcoming gastropub was highly commended in our last competition and this year managed to scoop the prize for top restaurant. We imagine its 26 draught beers will be flowing freely to celebrate.

Farmers is a charming place with excellent food, staff and some of the highest quality taps in Springfield, Missouri. Check it out!

Here is a more in depth article from the Springfield News Leader about Farmers. http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120215/BUSINESS/302150035/Farmers-Gastropub-Britain-award-Telegraph-restaurant?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

A Few Valentine’s Day Beverage Ideas

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As I am sure you know, tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Since, I have already talked about chocolate beers and local gourmet chocolate options, I have compiled a list of a few other seasonally appropriate drinks. I could not resist adding one chocolate beer to this list, but I promise I have not mentioned it yet!

1) Bartenders I’m Bananas Over You Liquor: This creamy rum based cocktail is pretty darn delicious. Try it on the rocks or in conjunction with things such as Kahlua, Bailey’s, Creme de Cacao or Curacao. Honestly, the possibilities are endless.

2) Samuel Smith Organic Strawberry Ale: This ale is filled with soft and seductive strawberries that will greatly enhance the Valentine’s Day mood.

3) Anchorage Brewing Company Love Buzz: The name fits the occasion, plus the Love Buzz is a phenomenal saison aged in French Pinot Noir barrels.  Unfortunately it may prove to be extremely difficult to get at this time. I assure you, it is worth the effort.

4) Kinky Liqueur: Kinky is a liqueur that combines vodka, mango, blood orange liqueur and passion fruit. It is also bright pink, if that does not scream Valentine’s Day, I don’t know what does…

5) New Belgium Cocoa Mole: Ok, so here is the chocolate beer. Like nearly everything New Belgium produces, it will not disappoint. The Cocoa Mole is filled with peppers, cinnamon and chocolate. A truly delicious combination.

6) Argyle Brut: While it does not carry the seductive title of Champagne (true Champagnes are only made in the Champagne region of France), it does carry all the things that make Champagnes great (at a much more affordable price). This is one of my favorite sparkling wines and at around $20 a bottle worth every penny.

7) Silver Cap Brut Rose: This wine is sparkling, bright pink, fruity and inexpensive. Perfect for Valentine’s Day.

8 ) Moet and Chandon Rose Imperial: One of the most famous and romantic names on the market. This critically acclaimed champagne is another excellent drink for the night.

9) Lindemans Frambois: This beer is sweet with tons of raspberry flavor and a tart finish. The girlfriends will love it!

10) Chocovine: Chocovine is a thick chocolaty wine based liqueur. Do not let the name fool you, this beverage is all about the chocolate, thick, creamy and delicious. They also make several flavors including raspberry, coffee and whipped cream.

11) X-Rated Fusion Liqueur: Similar to Kinky Liqueur, bright pink, filled with fruit juice and vodka.

12) Bartenders Cocktail Hot Sex: Combination of Canton Ginger Liqueur, vodka, cream and chocolate flavor, what is not to like?

If you are single this Valentine’s Day get your self some Bell’s Hopslam and enjoy the ride! You may also want to consider Bitch Grenache, on top of the name grenache is a magnificent grape.

New Glarus Raspberry Tart (Review)

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The New Glarus Raspberry Tart is very difficult to get if you are not in Wisconsin, but believe me it is worth the effort. The Raspberry Tart is really a life changing fruit beer. The color is a beautiful brick red with a pink head that just looks clean and inviting. The aroma is filled with sweet succulent raspberry puree. The taste followed the aroma and took the raspberry-ness to another level. Sweet, slightly tart and extremely drinkable, with some of the most amazing raspberry flavor in existence. The only thing I dislike about this beer is that I do not have any more left. I can only imagine the cooking and pairing options for such a beer. I need to get http://www.visionsofsugarplum.com/ a bottle, so she can see its awesomeness. I also think the wax cap is a great touch.

New Glarus and Bovice

Bovice approves this message.

 

On an unrelated note, here is a good article about pairing chocolate and beer. http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2012/02/beer-pairings-best-beers-with-chocolate-valentines-day.html

Great Missouri Chocolate

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Twitter tells me that today is National Chocolate Day. Since I have recently talked about some excellent chocolate beers, I will talk about some excellent chocolatiers and chocolate makers. I am a huge fan of chocolate and fortunate that Missouri is home to several excellent chocolatiers and  chocolate makers. Here are a few of my favorites.

1) Askinosie Chocolate: Former lawyer Sean Askinosie left the field of law in 2005 to start creating chocolate in Springfield, Missouri. I am glad he did! His chocolate is excellent and I am not the only one who knows it. It has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Southern Living and many other publications. It is also used in Dogfish Head’s Theobroma. Perhaps the best thing about Askinosie Chocolate is the emphasis on terroir and more importantly the actual farmers Sean Askinosie contracts with. Askinosie gives the farmers better than fair trade prices and a cut of 10% of the net profits for chocolate made with beans grown on their farms. Sean Askinosie is also very active in the local community and eager to educate the public about chocolate. Did I mention Askinosie Chocolate is delicious? http://www.askinosie.com/default.aspx.

2) Christopher Elbow Chocolates: The Kansas City chocolatier Christopher Elbow is much more than a simple chocolatier, Christopher Elbow is an artist. His passion is apparent in both the unique ingredients he chooses to incorporate into his chocolate but also the designs themselves. Each piece is a work of art and a cannot miss for chocolate fans. His chocolate is featured in the extremely popular Boulevard Chocolate Ale. http://www.elbowchocolates.com/

3) Candy House: This Southwest Missouri chocolatier has extensive and elegant offerings ranging from fudge to snack mixes. http://www.candyhouse.net/index.html

4) Russel Stover Candies: This Kansas City based candy manufacturer is one of the oldest, largest and most respected names in the business. This iconic manufacturer has been making fine chocolates since 1923. http://www.russellstover.com/jump.jsp?itemID=4&itemType=CATEGORY

5) Panache Chocolatier: This Kansas City gift shop is another must stop for Midwest chocolate. Try the Choco Poppo popcorn. http://www.chocolatekc.com/

6) Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company: If you find yourself near St. Louis, check out this award winning chocolate company. Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate also includes the legendary Mavrakos brand. http://www.chocolatechocolate.com/

7) André’s Confiserie Suisse: Another unique chocolatier from Kansas City, André’s makes gourmet chocolate in the Swiss tradition. http://www.andreschocolates.com/index.php

8 ) Lake Forest Confections: This St. Louis Chocolatier has a unique portfolio including old world recipes and new creations. It has also been featured on the Today Show. http://lakeforestchocolates.com/index.php

 

Brewers Association Adds Indigenous Beer Category for 2012

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The 2012 Brewers Association Style guidelines are out. The guidelines for 140 different styles are updated every year and used at competitions such as the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. (Both are events that I would love to attend, it is a shame that Missouri does not host any contests of this caliber…yet.) This year, the Brewers Association has added the Indigenous Beer Category in which competing beers must include ”at least one regional combination of ingredients and/or techniques must be unique and differentiated from ingredients and/or techniques commonly used by brewers throughout the world”.

http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/media/press-releases/show?title=brewers-association-announces-2012-style-guidelines

I think this a pretty cool new category. A region’s beer has, throughout history provided a source of pride for various locals. I think modernity and especially globalization has taken some of this uniqueness away from us. This development and recognition will further innovation and distinction in various parts of the country. I can not help but think of Odell’s upcoming  “Footprint” beer as well as unique regional styles such as rauchbiers and lambics (yes, I know many great breweries have mimicked these styles outside of Bamburg and Brussels). I look forward to seeing the beers that are entered into this category.

Odell Brewing Footprint Coming Soon

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This weekend Odell will be releasing an extremely unique beer, Odell Footprint. Odell is distributed in ten states and each state contributed something to this beer.

“Colorado - Hops & Barley, Arizona - Prickly Pear, Idaho - Barley & Hops, Kansas - Wheat, Minnesota - Wild Rice, Missouri - Oak Barrels, Nebraska - Corn, New Mexico – Green Chilis, South Dakota – Barley & Honey, Wyoming - Wheat”

I think this is an extremely cool idea and judging from Odell’s track record of extremely high quality brews, expect this beer to be stellar.

http://odellbrewing.com/beers/single-serve-landing/footprint

On an unrelated note here is a list of the best selling craft breweries in 2011

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/07/top-20-craft-breweries_n_1238076.html

Here is a series of videos by Stone Brewing’s Greg Koch on selling craft beer, absolutely worth watching if you own or run a bar.

http://sellingcraftbeer.com/