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Radiohead rocks
We got a little break this weekend (whew!) with a trip to the old stomping grounds of Charlotte to see Radiohead kick some rock butt and have brunch for Mother’s Day. (Today is Mother’s Day.) While at the show, the other half was plowing through the sold-out crowd to find our friend, John, when he hears “Bruisin’ Ales! Bruisin’ Ales!” Wow. It might have been more appropriate to yell “Karma Police!” or something, but hey, we’re flattered. [Photostream: w.a.s.t.e./Jonny Greenwood]

It’s been some time since we’ve been to the amphitheater and could not believe the price of concessions. To go along with the outrageous food prices, try mustering the courage to spend $9 on a tall boy of Icehouse. Ugh. The alternative? Only $11 for draft of Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat, Newcastle Brown, Stella Artois, and some other stuff we had never even heard of.

Doodling on money
Found this on Boing Boing, which gave a good chuckle. JoeD! on flickr does characters of past presidents. We like Mr. Peanut Washington and Rainbow Bright Hamilton. Whole set.

Two movies we recommend
The Outdoorsmen: A wild scene of testerone and beer. A bunch of “responsible husbands, fathers, and co-workers” gather somewhere in the wilderness of Washington for just one weekend a year and partake in a self-stylized series of physically challenging events. All combined with beer. You must see to believe. Watch the trailer.

Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride: A(nother) retrospective and tribute to our favorite Gonzo, Hunter S. Thompson’s wild ride of a life. With commentary from family, and celebs like Bill Murray, Johnny Depp, Benecio del Toro, Sean Pean, as well as his long-time artist and friend, Ralph Steadman. Might be time to revisit The Rum Diary, which is also being made into a movie.

We haven’t had a Belgian tasting in some time, so we’re heading back across the pond this week with some very special treats. Don Richardson of All Good Brands joins us next week with Mark Fields of Ararat Distributing for a sampling of the De Proef Brewmaster’s Collection. Don’t miss these unique and award-winning examples of the Belgian brewer’s art!

Le Grand Blanche
“Beautiful hazy golden color capped by bright white foam. Floral and tropical fruit aromas followed by a soft wheaty palette. Finishes with a hint of hop and coriander spice notes. A bit more body than many Belgian Wits, but still stylish and refreshing.”
96 points/World Beer Championships

Saison Imperiale
“Created in 2006. While the style is generally known for its light body and subtle spice, Saison Imperiale is a bolder, ‘mega’ interpretation of the style. Light amber in color, funky wild yeast notes and spice to the nose, with a bit more malt character, body, and hop notes as appropriate to the ‘Imperiale’ style.”
89 points/World Beer Championships

Reinaert Flemish Wild Ale
“Fermented three times with two different yeasts, including a strain of brettanomyces—the “wild yeast” of lambic brewing. Pale golden color with an enormous rocky white head. Brett and spicy aromatic notes, with a malty-juicy note on the palate. Finishes with Brett and dry hop notes.”
94 points/World Beer Championships

Signature Ale
“A unique collaboration with noted San Diego brewer Tomme Arthur. A complex hybrid of aggressively hopped west coast IPA, combined with traditional Belgian brettanomyces fermentation. Strong citrus hop notes followed by hints of sourness and delicate spice and a long fimish.”
94 points/World Beer Championships

August 29—5:30pm
McCormick Field
$50/pp 

Dinner at the Ballpark: Ommegang
Cooperstown isn’t just home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, it’s home to Brewery Ommegang. This casual pre-game dinner will feature five courses of “upscale” ballpark food. Our libation specialist of the evening will be Dave Gonzalez of DuvelUSA. Menu details to come…

*FREE Ommegang ballcap and game admission included.* 

To save and buy the three-event pre-game package, click here for more info.

Aug 15—5:30pm
McCormick Field
$25/pp

Beer 101: Beer Basics
Sample beer styles from around the world!
Hop-Aroma: Learn about varieties of the magic flower of beer.
The Pint at Hand: Learn how to choose proper glassware for beer styles.
MALT Showcase: Experience the process of brewing beer.

*Hors d’ouvres and game admission included.*

To save and buy the three-event pre-game package, click here for more info.

Ah, summertime and baseball. We’re hosting three special pre-game events at McCormick Field throughout the summer months to support our Asheville Tourists. All prices include admission to that night’s game.

Each will be added to the calendar as further details are planned, but here’s the skinny:

June 27—$25/pp
Pop the Cap: A Celebration of NC Craft Beer
Sean Wilson, President of Pop The Cap, joins us for this pre-game event celebrating North Carolina’s craft brews from the coast to the mountains. A selection of beer samples from around the state (and around the corner) will be sampled. Hors d’ouvres included.

Aug 15—$25/pp
Beer 101: Beer Basics
Beers from around the world! Hors d’ouvres included.
Hop-Aroma: Learn about varieties of the magic flower of beer.
The Pint at Hand: Learn how to choose proper glassware for beer styles.
MALT Showcase: Experience the process of brewing beer.

Aug 29—$50/pp
Dinner at the Ballpark: Ommegang
Cooperstown isn’t just home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, it’s home to Brewery Ommegang. This casual pre-game dinner will feature five courses of “upscale” ballpark food. Includes a FREE Ommegang ballcap!

*Purchase all three events together for $85/pp and save $15.*