Add this to the list of beers I need to drink: 8-Bit Pale Ale

Tallgrass Brewing Co. has a new beer out that is obviously marketed to kids and geeks. And it worked because I wanted to try this even before I read the description of hops used. This is some brilliant marketing and can design.

Just like those classic video games we all grew up with, 8-Bit Pale Ale is spectacularly simple at first glance yet remarkably fun and complex when you get into it. Our Hop Rocket infuses the character of Austrailian grown Galaxy Hops into an American Pale Ale, giving a unique tropical, almost melon aroma in a classic American style.
ABV: 5.2% IBU: 40 Malts: 2 Row, Victory, Vienna & Munich Hops: Magnum, Centennial, Cascade & Galaxy

Tropical melon aroma? Count me in. Too bad this is not availble in Canada though.

Celebrate Global Warming March with a Beer

Spring time is upon us and the weather is amazing. The sun is out and the birds are chirping… And you and your friends should be celebrating with a beer! For all the Montrealers out there, McAuslan announced it is opening the terrace on Wednesday for a 5 a 7 BBQ.

It`s SPRING FEVER!! The weather is beautiful and it is warm, so we are opening the terrace for 1 day only, this Wednesday march 21st for a 5 a 7! BBQ, beer on tap and lots of fun! See you there!

A microbrewery brewed out of spite: Spiteful Brewing

Here is a great interview with two lifelong friends born out of a hockey fight who are starting a brewery in Chicago. Small and at their own pace. They describe themselves as a nanobrewery and are trying to supply a few bars in the Chicago area.

Shaffer and Klein’s hockey friendship strengthened in high school when they played for the same team for three years before they ditched the ice for the warm sun of Arizona during college. After a year there together, Brad transferred to Colorado, where his craft beer obsession took root. It hasn’t let go.

I like the idea of two guys who spent a few years brewing in their kitchen going at it incrementally. Instead of trying, and potentially failing, by opening a big brewery right out of the gate. It seems like they are doing it the right way. More craft beer can only be a good thing. Keep an eye out for them when you’re in Chicago.

Benelux Moves Into Verdun, Ends 47 Year Prohibition In Area.

It’s surprising to me that no bars have existed in Verdun for 47 years, but alas it’s true. Until Benelux, a microbrewery, moves in sometime this spring. Since 1965 only restaurants in the area were able to obtain an alcohol license.

La microbrasserie sera située «près de la rue de L’Église», a-t-on simplement indiqué.
Le nouveau commerce marquera un virage important selon le maire de Verdun, Claude Trudel.

«C’est une première étape qui nous permettra d’aller plus loin», a indiqué le maire, en précisant que d’autres établissements de ce genre pourraient voir le jour. Toutefois, «il n’est pas question pour l’instant d’ouvrir la porte toute grande aux bars».

Bacon and Beer AND MAPLE!

Well it’s March and here in Quebec we like our Maple Syrup. And normally at a cabane à sucre you will mix said maple syrup with bacon and pork rinds and all kinds of lovely pork meats. So the idea of a bacon maple ale sounds absolutely delicious! I’ve had a few smokey flavoured ales and porters from Germany that had a bit of a bacon familiarity but this is the first time I’ve seen a product using bacon.

They use 13 ingredients in this brew, including many smoked malts, pure maple flavouring and applewood-smoked bacon. Sold in 750mL pig pink painted bottles. This is a huge smokey beer that will definitely fill your stomach with the spirit of spring.

This beer is available in the states. You might be able to order this online. At $13 dollars and about $23 in shipping I’m not sure if it is exactly worth it.

Rogue Ales has collided with Voodoo Doughnut to create Bacon Maple Ale! This unique artisan creation contains a baker’s dozen number of ingredients including bacon and maple syrup from one of Voodoo’s signature doughnuts.

Voodoo Bacon Maple Ale is available for purchase by the bottle at one of the following locations:

Rogue Hall
1717 SW Park Ave.
Portland, OR 97201
Rogue Distillery & Public House
1339 NW Flanders St
Portland, OR 97209
The Green Dragon
928 SE 9th Ave
Portland, OR 97214
Brewer’s on the Bay
2320 OSU Drive
Newport, OR 97365
Rogue Ales Public House
748 SW Bay Blvd.
Newport, OR 97365
Rogue Ales Public House
100 39th St. (Pier 39)
Astoria, OR 97103
Issaquah Brewhouse
35 W. Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA 98027
Rogue Ales Public House
North Beach
673 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Bacon Maple Ale is also available for purchase by mail order on the rogue.com store.

A Beer a Day Keeps The Doctor Away

Often a source of the only clean water available, in moderation, beer can be good for you. It appears that the carbon-dioxide in the beer improved water absorption with carbohydrates replacing lost calories for athletes. Beer is also rich in B vitamins, silica for bone health and fibre. What about that beer belly you ask? Well, glass for glass, beer has less calories than wine. Just cut out the binge drinking and the chips and salsa.

‘Beer has a bad image – it is more often associated with drunken football crowds than health-conscious, discerning drinkers,’ says Dr George Philliskirk of The Institute of Brewing and Distillery, who specialises in yeast research. ‘But when drunk in moderation, beer provides a wider range of health benefits than wine.’

Like you needed a reason to drink beer. Now you have no excuse not to crack one open tonight with dinner! Cheers.