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A Thought On High ABV Beers

One thing I often tend to notice is that there are a good amount of people that prefer to drink higher
ABV beers as we approach the colder months, beers like the Imperial stouts and barley wines start showing up and people start to enjoy them, especially at some of the fall and winter beer festivals. I, myself, tend to enjoy all types of beers year-round, even the larger ABV ones so I often find this interesting. Are people doing this because they just like these beers in colder months as they can add warmth or is it just because they have become trained to expect and drink these often at this time of year because this is when many of the breweries release them?

Having a space where I can store some of these bigger beers allows me to build a collection that I can enjoy year-round, but it has never been a seasonal thing for me. Now I am not saying I will crack a 15% ABV in the middle of a hot summer day, but sitting out on a summer night having a nice stout and stogie is a pleasant experience as well. At least, I think so. Beer shouldn't be just dictated by seasons, it should be more about the feel of enjoying it and being able to do so when the mood or setting is right. 

I guess all of this just came to mind as I am writing this during much of the initial Oktoberfest week here in the states which happens right before the turn for many into looking for some of these bigger beers, after pumpkin beers of course. Although pumpkin beers are a whole other thing as many now start releasing them in July which also goes to my point, people start scooping them up that look forward to those as well. There was a time when this used to be more in October but now that timeline has shifted, so if it can be for pumpkin beers then why not the high ABV ones?

We are pretty much two months out before the release of probably the most heralded imperial stout which is the Goose Island Bourbon County Stout and its suite of variants. Maybe, this is why many look forward to really November being stout season as it is often referred to. We will see other breweries also release theirs like Epic Brewing and their Big Bad Baptist beers as well, and many others but beer is bigger than just one season. And if you have ever thought about starting a beer cellar then this is one of the best times of the year to do so because of the inventory that will be produced and available.

One of my favorite higher ABV beers to also enjoy year-round is New Holland Brewing and their Dragon's Milk series. Each year they often have some wonderful variants and their base version is also offered year-round as well, showing these beers do not have to just be enjoyed in one or two seasons. If you have not tried their beers then I definitely recommend them, and if you are a person that enjoys high ABV beers usually in the fall or winter then maybe keep some back as well. Pulling one of these out on a spring or summer evening when relaxing may just surprise you with how good it may be at that time as well. Just remember to drink responsibly as they can still sneak up on you if not careful, but free yourself of thinking these are just for a certain time of the year. They are for any time that you deem them so, Cheers!

MadTree Releases Premium Vodka Soda Variety Pack With Two New Flavors

CINCINNATI (September 14, 2022) – A variety of ways to sway is coming soon. Sway by MadTree variety 8-packs will be available beginning Monday, September 19th in four delicious flavor combinations; Strawberry Guava, Grapefruit Ginger, Blackberry Hibiscus, and an exclusive to the variety pack -- Raspberry Lemon. One of the best selling ready-to-drink cocktails in the Greater Cincinnati area, customers will now be able to sway away with two additional artfully crafted products. The Blackberry Hibiscus flavor is also available for purchase in 4-packs.

“The overwhelming positive response to Sway by MadTree has blown us away,” said Brady Duncan, co-founder of MadTree. “Seeing people enjoying Sway by MadTree at our Taproom and Alcove, at FC Cincinnati matches, and other spots around town, that’s what it’s all about. It keeps us motivated each and every day.”

Born from their successful house-made cocktail program implemented a few years ago in their Oakley taproom, Sway by MadTree has been an exciting and innovative way to expand their consumer base beyond just beer drinkers while staying committed to crafting the best possible product. MadTree is excited for this brand to help them continue connecting people with each other and highlight their membership to 1% for the Planet, in which MadTree donates 1% of all sales to environmental non-profit organizations.

“We’re beyond excited to offer even more deliciously unique flavors as well as a variety pack for our Sway by MadTree brand,” said Duncan. “We launched just six months ago with only two flavors and to be able to double that already is pretty incredible. The new flavors were released in our Oakley taproom a few weeks ago and have quickly become fan favorites, especially the Blackberry Hibiscus.”

All Sway by MadTree flavors have a 4.5% alcohol by volume, 90 calories, one carb, zero sugar, and are gluten-free. Crafted with real, locally sourced vodka from Northside Distilling in 12-ounce sleek cans, look for Sway by MadTree variety 8-packs on store shelves beginning the week of September 19th throughout Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky.

About MadTree Brewing Company

MadTree puts purpose in every pour. Founded in 2013, MadTree has always been driven to craft great beer - but more importantly - to build something bigger than themselves and the high-quality beer they produce. Since the beginning, MadTree has cared deeply about creating meaningful connections with their communities. They embrace their namesake and work to celebrate and protect nature while reducing their impact on the environment. They are proud members of 1% for the Planet with a commitment to donate 1% of sales to non-profits focused on environmental sustainability. The craftspeople at MadTree wake up every day to connect people to nature and each other. MadTree. Inspiring Madness. Rooted in Purpose.

Ohio Pint Day Returns Tuesday, Sept. 27

Ohio Pint Day Returns for Third Year More than 180 breweries offering collectible pint glasses to benefit brewing industry. COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Craft Brewers Association is organizing the third annual Ohio Pint Day, to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. That day, more than 180 breweries across the state will offer this year's limited edition, collectible pint glass in their taprooms to celebrate the occasion and raise funds for their industry trade association. Ohio Pint Day has become a beloved annual tradition for the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, its member breweries and for fans of Ohio craft beer. Demand for the collectible Ohio Pint Day glass was so high each of the past two years that many breweries sold out on the day of the event. This year, approximately 13,000 glasses will be available at participating breweries all over the state. In partnership with the participating breweries and glass manufacturer Boelter Beverage, $1 from every glass will be donated to the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, the non-profit organization that represents and advocates for Ohio’s independently-owned craft breweries. “We’re excited to see Pint Day promotions gain popularity not just here in Ohio, but across the country” said Ohio Craft Brewers Association executive director Mary MacDonald. “These unique art glasses not only draw people into their local breweries, but they also help non-profit brewers guilds like ours fund our mission to promote and protect the brewing industry at the state level.” The Ohio Craft Brewers Association commissioned artist Juan Vergara to design this year’s Ohio Pint Day glass after admiring the artwork that lines the walls of his brewery, Pulpo Beer Company in Willoughby. “My inspiration behind this year’s Ohio Pint Day design was Solidarity,” Vergara explains in his artist’s statement. “With every struggle the hospitality industry has been through in the past couple of years and as it continues to this day, we shall never forget that lending a helping hand between all of us and sharing our misfortunes and accomplishments we can all survive and overcome.” On Ohio Pint Day, craft beer fans can expect to find many different offers from participating breweries. Some breweries may sell the glass filled with the customer’s choice of beer, others may include the glass with a crowler or growler purchase to go, still others may sell the glass individually. Users of the Ohio On Tap brewery passport app will be able to receive a bonus passport stamp by purchasing an Ohio Pint Day glass. Users will be able to submit selfies with their glass from Sept. 27 through Oct. 2 to receive the stamp. A complete list and map of participating breweries can be found at https://ohiocraftbeer.org/ohiopintday/ Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; to promote safe, responsible enjoyment of Ohio craft beer; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.

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Oktoberfest One Of My Favorite Times To Drink Beer

 As I pondered over some of the things I thought about and discussed over the last week in beer, I was still left curious about what I wanted to write about this week for the blog. And then the light bulb went off or maybe since my focus is on beer, I should say the tap started pouting. Yes, I like that more. The tap started pouring and I was like, bang, it's the start of Oktoberfest all around the world. What could be better, and yes, the simplest things are sometimes those right in front of us as shown yet again.

I do really enjoy the Oktoberfest season which I really started to enjoy more over the more recent years. The great beers, the delicious foods, the fun people, and the always fun atmosphere tends to have me looking forward to it every year now. Although, for me, it is now settling in that this will be my first time outside of Cincinnati to look to enjoy.

Oktoberfest originated on October 12, 1810, as a festival of celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, later King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Wow, I am so glad my last name is Jones, imagine having to learn to spell that as a kid, ha. But from that great day, we are still reaping the honor of it and having great fun doing so.

Well, what many may not know is that Cincinnati had a large German heritage that settled the area, in fact, right across the river is Mainstrausse which was a settled area for many Germans and the effect can still be felt and enjoyed today. Places with great beer and food abound, and over in Newport, Kentucky, the first Hofbrauhaus in the states was actually created with ties to the family in Germany from what I have been told. Sidenote: If you haven't been to Cincinnati for a beer trip, you need to and that is all I am going to say about that.

But going back a couple of paragraphs, I mentioned that this is my first time to really enjoy it in other areas and see how it may be celebrated. I am curious to find out but I do miss the Weiner dog races, the watching of Joey Chestnut devouring some sausages as he cruises to another eating championship fun, the stein races, and some of all of the other pageantry. Now, I know I may see some of these types of things here and sure they will still be some fun times, but Cincinnati was the number 2 spot behind Munich for Oktoberfest festivals in the world. It was actually number 1 a couple of years ago thanks but not really thanks to Covid, and averages around 500,000 people that come to the event each year from all over the world and that was always one of the coolest things, enjoying beers with strangers over some good conversations. This is what really made it fun for me, and hopefully, this will continue for me in Baltimore as well. 

What do you enjoy about Oktoberfest? Let me know by leaving a comment and if you haven't been to one of the festivals then I recommend you do so. Nobody ever said, what a bad Oktoberfest that was, that I ever heard! 🍻

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Guinness Open Gate Brewery Visit

This past weekend, I finally had the chance to make the long overdue trip down to the Guinness Open Gate Brewery here in the Baltimore area. And I must tell you, it was definitely worth visiting and checking out. From the great feel of the exterior to the nice warm feeling of the interior to the well-designed space, the brewery itself definitely created its own tone to make it distinctive.

So I and my old friend Keith decided to connect up here to grab lunch and catch up now that we are both in Baltimore. You see, Keith is one of my longest-living friends that I still connect with as we go back to when we met many years ago when I was in 7th grade and he was in 5th, and we were pretty much neighbors growing up. There are many stories I could share of the fun we had back in the day as we reminisced but that's maybe for another time, but since moving back to the east this was a great time for us to catch up again and neither of us had a chance to check out the Guinness spot so it made a perfect choice.

So as we met and headed into the parking lot, it was easy to just be amazed at the look and the design of the brewery to which I alluded earlier. This huge entrance sits at the top of the steps and just beckons you to step inside. A large courtyard outside with a huge space that it would be easy for football or in America a soccer game to break out if it wasn't for the chairs and tables occupying it. Had it not been for the rain showers that we were underway on this afternoon, we could have easily enjoyed some of the spots outside as well.

This being said, we entered the brewery, and just as nice as it was on the outside, the inside did not disappoint. Funny thing on the way in, I was asked for identification. Lol. that hasn't happened for many years, it must have been the shave from the new razor, lol. But, walking in, Keith already had a good corner spot at the bar and so we were ready to rock and roll.

As we discussed the brewery, Keith like myself had been a Guinness drinker for a number of years. So talking with each other and knowing the parts of the Guinness history that I did, I shared some of that as we spoke, and Keith was intrigued as he himself had also been a Guinness fan to which I wasn't aware. 

Now the cool thing about going to a brewery and why I also recommend people to do so from time to time is that the brewery experience can be that much more for fans of beer. The tap list offered many offerings that you would not see in a store or even a bar, you have to go there and the collection of beers on tap they had was across a nice beer diverse spectrum. Also in talking about diversity., this also transcended into the staff as well which was great to see and all were welcoming.

So, getting into the beers, my buddy Keith pretty much kept it on the Guinness IPA which he was enjoying. I, myself, well, of course, had to mix it up. So as I almost always do, I decided to start with two flights that they were offering with one being more of a hop flight and the other being a mix of ales that included an amber, porter, brown, and stout. All of the flight beers were part of their experimental beers as also was my capper of the Old Fashioned-Inspired Ale which I went full size on. Although. full size on an 11.5% ABV meant 1/2 size of a large snifter, lol. It worked though.

We both went with the burgers for lunch although the English breakfast was almost the selection to go with which may be the choice the next time I go. For that, you must order between 11am and 2pm, but it looks to be a little loaded mini-feast. The burger though was done well though, came out medium as ordered and was juicy as can be. Coupled with their Guinness-style chips which were like french fries done in chip form and were perfect for dipping into their homemade ketchup, along with a good size pickle too.

Overall no real complaints about the food or the beer, although the one thing I will say about the pricing is that I do feel the beers were more costly than some of the other breweries that you may be accustomed to visiting. Maybe, this is just part of the Guinness experience but at $15.50 for one flight and $18.50 for another, they were the most expensive that I have ever paid anywhere on the flight level. The Old Fashioned-Inspired Ale wasn't bad at $11.25 considering and the burger at $18 was a little higher than average but not really too crazy. Overall, it was a great experience, and definitely would recommend a visit if you are in the Baltimore area and want a brewery to check out. Keep in mind, that it is the only Guinness brewery in the states so that alone makes it that much more attractive for a visit in my book.

Cheers! 🍻

New Resource Helps Consumers Find Ohio-Grown Beers

Fresh Hop Ohio Campaign Helps Consumers Drink Beer Grown Here COLUMBUS, Ohio – For craft beer lovers – especially the "hop heads" – this is the best time of year. Harvest season gives Ohio breweries an opportunity to showcase one-of-a-kind beers made with locally grown and freshly picked hops. To help consumers find these once-a-year beers at breweries across the state, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association and the Ohio Hop Growers Guild have launched Fresh Hop Ohio, a guide to the first beers brewed with the 2022 hop crop. Most of the beer consumed around the world is made with hops that are kiln dried and pelletized for longer shelf life and ease of storage. The beers featured in the Fresh Hop Ohio campaign are all brewed with fresh, unprocessed hops grown by Ohio farmers. Fresh hop beers offer uniquely robust aromas and flavors, and are only available during the fall harvest season. "As Ohio's craft brewing industry has grown to more than 400 independently owned breweries, Ohio's hop growers have also increased in number, acreage and available varieties," said Ohio Craft Brewers Association executive director Mary MacDonald. "Brewing beer with locally sourced hops, barley and other ingredients is a great way for our industry to further our commitments to supporting the local economy and practicing environmental stewardship." The beer list at the Fresh Hop Ohio page continues to grow as farmers around the state complete their harvesting and brewers schedule their brew days to use the hops at the peak of freshness. Consumers can see the name and location of the brewery, the name and style of beer, the name of the hop grower and varieties used in the beer, as well as an estimate of when the beer will be available at the brewery taproom. Additions are made to the list as new information comes in from the breweries. See the beer list at https://ohiocraftbeer.org/freshhopohio Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve, diversify and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; to promote safe, responsible enjoyment of Ohio craft beer; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.

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Beer Diversity And The Need To Be Better On Both Sides

So one of the things that I have recently decided to do was to look at writing again and to provide a little something different than the video content that I often share. I mean, I do have a journalism degree so it kind of makes sense. I do hope you enjoy the writings which of course will still be focused mainly on beer, and my take on the various subjects that I look to share. These will be looking to be weekly and most will probably be short but some may be longer depending on the topic, but I will try to keep them all entertaining for sure. This being said, let's go ahead and dive in.

So what from beer has caught my attention recently? One thing has been still that I see is a lack of diversity still in beer, not just from the brewery side of things but also on the consumer side as well. Recently, Pittsburgh just held its Barrel and Flow Fest which, unfortunately, I was not able to attend as the date conflicted with previous family obligations. However, it looked to be another rousing success from what I saw read from the event. This is awesome in that it keeps pushing forward and each time since its creation has been growing, even as we faced a pandemic.

But seeing and knowing this and from what I know from my marketing background as well as advertising education which I gained under that journalism degree that I mentioned, I am still kind of but not totally surprised by missed opportunities to not just black people but all people of color that can benefit the brewing industry. There is a fondness for craft beer in Black, Latino, Asian, Native American, and anyone else that I may have missed communities. And if I missed your community then I do apologize as I was looking here at the major ones as a whole. But, as I sat in a brewery this past week for the longest time I was the only Black person there, staff or patron, and the thought just pondered my mind. 

The funny thing is that while there, the music being played was either hip-hop or r&b and I was like, well, this is interesting. Now music can be loved by anyone of any group and as a former radio DJ I will easily attest to this, but it just was one of those things that made me go hmmm. After a little time, I did see another Black male arrive as well as a Black female, they were with separate friends but in the time our numbers tripled, lol, so we were on a roll.

Now I will tell you that I never have had an issue being the only Black person anywhere, I think my early years in Catholic school probably laid the foundation for this. But still, it is funny more so maybe with craft beer than in other industry areas because there are so many touches of things that reflect on the Black community with everything from the ambiance at a brewery to the names of the beers and the culture kind of being taken for granted I feel in many cases. I feel this also happens a little with the Latino community as well with beers being called Mexican lagers, which there is not even a BJCP style as far as I know, and no one really has a definition for it. Tasting them, they are most often just the same as an adjunct lager made here in the states so what's the difference, adding a lime wedge?

But I digress and going back to my main point that drove these thoughts, how does diversity increase more? If we are having our cultures tapped into then we should also have some representation as well across the bar to which we can relate. Anything else can be seen as stealing and exploiting in some type of fashion. This doesn't mean that this is the goal of the brewery but merely, the perception that may be received. Maybe it's also on us to show up at these places that we enjoy and also ask these questions as patrons and consumers. I would like to see more people of color behind the bar, one because I used to be one back in the 90s, and is great for social skills building. And two, having other people will bring other views and other opportunities that can even help brewing grow more. Beer is a great unifier and what better place to build unity and have great conversations than a brewery? The Black Is Beautiful initiative started by Weathered Souls has been a great start for awareness, hopefully, we keep building on top of that and keep moving things forward to even higher success.

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