For my 2017 side project, I decided to marry three interests: design, beer, and history. The goal is to resurrect long closed breweries with a fresh look—every Monday through Friday. This #ResurrectSeries will dive into cities all over the U.S. starting with my local area of Albany, NY and Beverwyck Brewing Company.
Beverwyck Brewing opened in 1878 on North Ferry Street in Albany, NY. During this time Albany was listed as having 80 breweries. Yes, 80 breweries. Prohibition forced Beverwyck to use its non-alcoholic beverage license to stay open until 1933 when it reopened with beer. F.M. Schaefer & Sons Brewing Co. acquired Beverwyck in 1950 and eventually closed it down in 1972.
Nothing too strict for any "facts" with this project. It is all in fun and the spirit of enjoying an ale together, so tall tales will likely grace a label or two.
The Albany area wouldn't be anything without being on an early American "highway". Enter the Port—er of Albany at 8.5%
For #2 of the year, I am creating a collaboration that I assume would have eventually happened. Beverwyck Brewing and Meadow Brook Farm in Clarksville for a milk stout. I can remember some family getting the glass bottles delivered and the insulated metal box on the front steps.
For #3 we explore the Albany Pine Bush; one of the largest of the 20 inland pine barrens in the world. So the obvious style for this ecological landmark is a double IPA. The Boy Scouts taught me to be prepared, so pack two for the trail.
The Troy board… or Toohey board? Called by either name, this type of dart board is from Troy, NY. With large diameter feathered wooden darts you would have to side step the shooting line to fit all three darts in a tight pattern. That is why the board has a larger bull and no triple. Being a solid basswood and double sided make these very long lasting for home or local pubs. If you want one there is a local business in Fonda, NY that sells them: Mohawk Dart Boards. My connection is quite a few family and friends having these in their basement rec-rooms. As a kid, I may have thrown a few darts from across the room—baseball style. *Sorry aunt Joyce & uncle Warren if you’re reading this.
The tale of the “baker’s dozen” is from Albany? Fable, fact, who cares. Below is the tale from Charles M. Skinner’s book Myths and Legends of our Own Land. For the style of beer, I thought a winter ale was in order. Along the same lines as a cookie ale; higher in alcohol and a bit sweeter.
"Baas [Boss] Volckert Jan Pietersen Van Amsterdam kept a bake-shop in Albany, and lives in history as the man who invented New Year cakes and made gingerbread babies in the likeness of his own fat offspring. Good churchman though he was, the bane of his life was a fear of being bewitched, and perhaps it was to keep out evil spirits, who might make one last effort to gain the mastery over him, ere he turned the customary leaf with the incoming year, that he had primed himself with an extra glass of spirits on the last night of 1654. His sales had been brisk, and as he sat in his little shop, meditating comfortably on the gains he would make when his harmless rivals—the knikkerbakkers (bakers of marbles)—sent for their usual supply of olie-koeks and mince-pies on the morrow, he was startled by a sharp rap, and an ugly old woman entered. "Give me a dozen New Year's cookies!" she cried, in a shrill voice. "Vell, den, you needn' sbeak so loud. I aind teaf, den." "A dozen!" she screamed. "Give me a dozen. Here are only twelve." "Vell, den, dwalf is a dozen." "One more! I want a dozen." "Vell, den, if you vant anodder, go to de duyvil and ged it." Did the hag take him at his word? She left the shop, and from that time it seemed as if poor Volckert was bewitched, indeed, for his cakes were stolen; his bread was so light that it went up the chimney, when it was not so heavy that it fell through the oven; invisible hands plucked bricks from that same oven and pelted him until he was blue; his wife became deaf, his children went unkempt, and his trade went elsewhere. Thrice the old woman reappeared, and each time was sent anew to the devil; but at last, in despair, the baker called on Saint Nicolaus to come and advise him. His call was answered with startling quickness, for, almost while he was making it, the venerable patron of Dutch feasts stood before him. The good soul advised the trembling man to be more generous in his dealings with his fellows, and after a lecture on charity he vanished, when, lo! the old woman was there in his place.
She repeated her demand for one more cake, and Volckert Jan Pietersen, etc., gave it, whereupon she exclaimed, "The spell is broken, and from this time a dozen is thirteen!" Taking from the counter a gingerbread effigy of Saint Nicolaus, she made the astonished Dutchman lay his hand upon it and swear to give more liberal measure in the future. So, until thirteen new States arose from the ruins of the colonies,—when the shrewd Yankees restored the original measure,—thirteen made a baker's dozen."
Next up: People's Brewing Company in Duluth, Minnesota. Peoples Brewing Company of Duluth was ahead of its time. Founded on socialist principles in 1907 by Martin Smith, F.G. Sandstedt, and Michael J. Gleeson, the brewery stood up to big beer long before it was hip to do so.
In the upper Midwest region, chiefly Minnesota and Wisconsin, we are accustomed to getting a small beer with our Bloody Marys, called a snit. In the 1950s vodka was scarce in the US mostly due to some shenanigans in Russia. Because of this, a relatively new drink, the Bloody Mary, was missing a main ingredient. Minnesotans, long known for their heartiness, gumption, and fondness for plaid, did not take well to the idea of not enjoying a Bloody Mary before going out to cut massive ice cubes out of the lakes. Creatively, they began making Bloody Marys with beer, something that was not experiencing a supply problem. But here’s the thing. The cans were typically 10 or 12 oz. of beer. To ensure ideal deliciousness of your Bloody Mary, you don’t want the entire beer in your drink. Minnesotans are also, let’s say “thrifty”. They wouldn’t want the extra beer just tossed out or wasted somehow. So the bartender would empty the rest of the beer can into a lowball or large shot glass and serve it to you with your Bloody Mary. *Cue angelic singing* The snit is born.
*Folklore of the snit as explained on the blog Brunchkateers(dot)com 👆🍺
As I researched Minnesota, I found the sport of bandy. Since it’s cold there and you need to stay warm with anything possible, I created a bandy-wine beer to go with this type of game. Brief history below
Bandy is a winter sport that is the precursor to hockey. It is played on ice with a ball and non curved sticks, 11 players on the ice for each team, rink is the size of a football field, goalies have no stick, the goal is the size of a field hockey goal, and there is no side walls to stop the ball. Dating back to the 10th–11th centuries with the modern version in 18th century Russia.
Bandy is a winter sport that is the precursor to hockey. It is played on ice with a ball and non curved sticks, 11 players on the ice for each team, rink is the size of a football field, goalies have no stick, the goal is the size of a field hockey goal, and there is no side walls to stop the ball. Dating back to the 10th–11th centuries with the modern version in 18th century Russia.
To celebrate one of Duluth's famous (former) residents, we have a can of Zimmy Pale Ale. When he went electric in '65 there was a great shift in his music and his fans view. The Nobel prize was pretty impressive too.
Charles Schultz hailing from Saint Paul, is a point of pride for Minnesotans. People's Brewing would have no doubt given a nod to this iconic, homegrown artist.
Established in 1858, the brewery took its name from Shuter’s (or Shooter’s) Hill around which King and Duke Streets now extend. It was also variously called Klein’s Brewery or Englehardt’s Brewery after two of its proprietors. During its 34-year history, the brewery had several proprietors. It would be considered a micro brewery by todays standards, brewing about 500 barrels of production per year.
First of the third week in my resurrect beers series is a nod to the @torpedofactory a former actual factory that is now a museum and art center. Also wallop is a navy term for a devastating blow. Cheers VA 🍻
A weisse beer seemed fitting when crossed with Fox Mulder from the X files. His address is the show was given as apartment 42 2630 Hegal Place, Alexandria, VA 23242. Although not actual history, Shooter’s would have used this local reference to crate a unique brew.
A place to visit while in Alexandria is Gadsby's Tavern. It had been a tavern prior to the Gadsby’s name, operating as Mason’s Ordinary. This was an interesting side note that “ordinary" was a term used for pubs or taverns in the 18th century. Opening in the 1770’s, its famous guests included: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, and James Monroe. During its decline, the Metropolitan Museum of Art purchased its architectural contents for preservation and has the historic ballroom on display in NYC. The sign for the tavern had an image of a bunch of grapes which led to the nickname "bunch of grapes tavern".
Elixir Saison
This design was inspired by the Almanac bottles of Chad Michael though much less detailed (1 hour limit for each in my series). Some day I'll nail down that ornate style. A must visit in Alexandria is the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop. The business was started in 1792 by Edward Stabler. Potent potables for $600 Alex: Once the Civil War erupted, Alexandria was quickly occupied by Union troops – a fact noted in the Leadbeater business’ daybook. After the First Battle of Manassas, Union troops poured into Alexandria and the Apothecary’s books reported that many soldiers stood in line to buy “Hot Drops”, a cough expectorant containing paprika and alcohol. The drops sold for a cent each and sold over $1,000 in one day!
This could be compared to limited release brews with long lines outside just to snag the max allowed. I’m looking at you Tree House and Hill Farmstead.
This design was inspired by the Almanac bottles of Chad Michael though much less detailed (1 hour limit for each in my series). Some day I'll nail down that ornate style. A must visit in Alexandria is the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop. The business was started in 1792 by Edward Stabler. Potent potables for $600 Alex: Once the Civil War erupted, Alexandria was quickly occupied by Union troops – a fact noted in the Leadbeater business’ daybook. After the First Battle of Manassas, Union troops poured into Alexandria and the Apothecary’s books reported that many soldiers stood in line to buy “Hot Drops”, a cough expectorant containing paprika and alcohol. The drops sold for a cent each and sold over $1,000 in one day!
This could be compared to limited release brews with long lines outside just to snag the max allowed. I’m looking at you Tree House and Hill Farmstead.
Next week is Omaha, Nebraska and the forgotten brewery; Willow Springs. From what I could find, it was in business from 1900–1923.
Must be in the Front Row Blonde Ale
The home of the college baseball World Series has been Omaha since 1950. Pair that with the classic line of Bob Ueker and you have the first beer for this week of my 2017 project. Check my website or other shots for the full lineup so far for the Resurrect Beer Series. For this week I am trying to have a more consistent look for the packaging; adhering to the logo's diagonal shadow will be the foundation.
Omaha has one of the coolest places to enjoy a craft beer: @beercade There a few locations throughout the midwest and I’d like to visit all of them. A bar with all vintage pinball and video games, yes please. Way better than modern game room restaurant combos. The quote is a neon sign in one of their locations and I think it should be the tagline for the brand as a whole. So I made it a beer design for this week. While playing some Centipede I’d prefer to have a stronger beer due to long lapses between sips. A Trappist style seemed to make sense and I haven’t dome one yet. Not sure if anyone has done this style in a can; might make traditionalists squirm.
TV tray Altbier
Home of the TV dinner is Omaha, Nebraska. Swanson & Sons began marketing TV dinners in the 50’s, and the practice of eating while watching television skyrocketed due to the ease of preparation. The original TV Dinner sold for 98 cents. So an alt-meal deserves an altbier.
Home of the TV dinner is Omaha, Nebraska. Swanson & Sons began marketing TV dinners in the 50’s, and the practice of eating while watching television skyrocketed due to the ease of preparation. The original TV Dinner sold for 98 cents. So an alt-meal deserves an altbier.
Swing Time Helles
One of Omaha’s notable residents is Fred Astaire. The kicker (pun intended) is that he was born there because his father landed a job with @storzbrewing I wanted to hint towards his dancing without using an image of Astaire himself. The foot placement charts have always been an interesting piece of design to me and was the first thing to come to mind. A helles seemed like a good choice to sip after a dance session on set.
One of Omaha’s notable residents is Fred Astaire. The kicker (pun intended) is that he was born there because his father landed a job with @storzbrewing I wanted to hint towards his dancing without using an image of Astaire himself. The foot placement charts have always been an interesting piece of design to me and was the first thing to come to mind. A helles seemed like a good choice to sip after a dance session on set.
Joe Joe coffee stout
The world’s largest coffee pot is located in Omaha Nebraska. The Sapp Brothers skinned a water tower to look like a coffee pot with steaming spout and it lights up from time to time. I like happening upon random attractions like this while traveling.
The world’s largest coffee pot is located in Omaha Nebraska. The Sapp Brothers skinned a water tower to look like a coffee pot with steaming spout and it lights up from time to time. I like happening upon random attractions like this while traveling.
Sneak peek at next week in my Resurrect Series: Casco Brew. Formerly Casco Brewing that closed in 1875 and their opening date is unknown. Located in Portland and referencing Casco Bay. There has been a Casco Bay Brewing in recent years that was purchased by Shipyard Brewing. I decided to stick to the Casco without the bay. For the mark, I wanted to reference the water due to its importance in Maine's history and growth. Lakeside by @marksimonson was a perfect typeface to hug the flow of soft waves and also mimic boat sails.
Squatch Spruce Tip IPA
According to Bigfoot experts, Maine is a perfect habitat for the allusive creature. The perfect forests for food and shelter, along with a climate that better matches their furry exterior. What better beer for the deep woods than an spruce tip IPA.
According to Bigfoot experts, Maine is a perfect habitat for the allusive creature. The perfect forests for food and shelter, along with a climate that better matches their furry exterior. What better beer for the deep woods than an spruce tip IPA.
Little Birch Picks aged ale 6.2%
At one time, Maine produced over 90% of all toothpicks in the U.S. Now you have some more useless knowledge, just remember this for watching Jeopardy. I was tempted to do a birch beer, but it didn't quite fit the theme.
At one time, Maine produced over 90% of all toothpicks in the U.S. Now you have some more useless knowledge, just remember this for watching Jeopardy. I was tempted to do a birch beer, but it didn't quite fit the theme.
The Eyes Have It: one session ale 8.5%
The first east coast city to legalize recreational marijuana: Portland, Maine. In thinking of a design for a weed beer, I wanted to not use the typical imagery. So I settled on some eye drops and the play on words for voting a measure into law. “One session” ale could be confusing, but it sounded different and these are fake beers. No need to pass this to the left.
The first east coast city to legalize recreational marijuana: Portland, Maine. In thinking of a design for a weed beer, I wanted to not use the typical imagery. So I settled on some eye drops and the play on words for voting a measure into law. “One session” ale could be confusing, but it sounded different and these are fake beers. No need to pass this to the left.
They All Float helles 5.2%
Arguably atop Portland’s list of famous natives is author Stephen King One of my favorites is It with Pennywise the clown. His famous line, “they all float down here” had to work its way into today’s design. Right Georgie boy? I also am looking forward to the remake @itthemovie2017 *I had to go back to the can for the final Casco Brewery design, which I think I’ll stick with for a while.
Arguably atop Portland’s list of famous natives is author Stephen King One of my favorites is It with Pennywise the clown. His famous line, “they all float down here” had to work its way into today’s design. Right Georgie boy? I also am looking forward to the remake @itthemovie2017 *I had to go back to the can for the final Casco Brewery design, which I think I’ll stick with for a while.
Barbecue capital of the world: Kansas City, Missouri. Book your flights now kiddos, it’s time for a food adventure. The most barbecue restaurants per person is a claim to fame that I’m okay with. To match the flavors of barbecue sauce I decided to do a smoked lager. Lighter and flavorful; perfect beer when you’re having more than one rib and more than one beer.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City has large shuttlecock sculptures on their massive lawn. The a four-part outdoor sculpture of oversized badminton shuttlecocks by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Set up a net and game on. We can have some sandwiches and a few märzen afterwards. *Ask first, I don’t know if they allow alcohol consumption in their lawns. @nelsonatkins was also the site for the 2016 Made in the Middle conference, which is on my list for next time around.
Gear Up Lager
Heim Brewery has a large role in the history of Kansas City, Missouri. There are archives one can read, but also remnants that can be seen around the city. Including the Heim 20 firehouse. I assume that they paid to have this built or sponsored it in some manner. Perhaps to ensure that the brewery didn’t burn down, but also to add to the community. My expert consultant for this design was Engine 7 Design —Check out Tim’s work...its cool, he’s cool, and he saves lives on the side as a fireman.
Heim Brewery has a large role in the history of Kansas City, Missouri. There are archives one can read, but also remnants that can be seen around the city. Including the Heim 20 firehouse. I assume that they paid to have this built or sponsored it in some manner. Perhaps to ensure that the brewery didn’t burn down, but also to add to the community. My expert consultant for this design was Engine 7 Design —Check out Tim’s work...its cool, he’s cool, and he saves lives on the side as a fireman.
Yardbeerd Porter 8.3%
Raised in Kansas City Missouri, the great jazz saxophonist: Charlie Parker. The “Bird” has been in my head since 1997 thanks to working at Capriccio where his music was often played after the operettas that started the night off. From that start I was lead back to Parker via Gang Starr, which made the adoration for his music grow. Do yourself a favor and put on some headphones, fix a drink, and listen to the album "One Night in Birdland”. Uninterrupted, in entirety. It’s a good reset when needed. Or if you live in Northeast U.S. It's a good snow day soundtrack.
Raised in Kansas City Missouri, the great jazz saxophonist: Charlie Parker. The “Bird” has been in my head since 1997 thanks to working at Capriccio where his music was often played after the operettas that started the night off. From that start I was lead back to Parker via Gang Starr, which made the adoration for his music grow. Do yourself a favor and put on some headphones, fix a drink, and listen to the album "One Night in Birdland”. Uninterrupted, in entirety. It’s a good reset when needed. Or if you live in Northeast U.S. It's a good snow day soundtrack.
Harry S. Haberdashery: oud bruin 6%
Before entering politics and becoming President of the U.S., Harry S. Truman owned a haberdashery in Kansas City, Missouri. I couldn’t find any artifacts or photographs from his shop. If anyone has any, please let me know. I did look at more photo of Truman than ever to see if he seemed like a sharper dresser than other presidents. Not bad.
Before entering politics and becoming President of the U.S., Harry S. Truman owned a haberdashery in Kansas City, Missouri. I couldn’t find any artifacts or photographs from his shop. If anyone has any, please let me know. I did look at more photo of Truman than ever to see if he seemed like a sharper dresser than other presidents. Not bad.
Full set for Kansas City, Missouri.
Next week: Burlington Iowa and Western Steam Brewery.
Next week: Burlington Iowa and Western Steam Brewery.
Chocolate Cream Ale 6.3%
The Eskimo Pie was invented in Iowa when a boy was having trouble deciding on what to spend his money on: ice cream or a chocolate bar. Christian Nelson—the candy store owner—decided it should be paired together somehow. Once he perfected the method for coating a bar of ice cream with chocolate, it was named the “I-Scream Bar”. Local manufacturer Russell Stover struck a deal with Nelson to mass produce the bars under the name Eskimo Pie.
The Eskimo Pie was invented in Iowa when a boy was having trouble deciding on what to spend his money on: ice cream or a chocolate bar. Christian Nelson—the candy store owner—decided it should be paired together somehow. Once he perfected the method for coating a bar of ice cream with chocolate, it was named the “I-Scream Bar”. Local manufacturer Russell Stover struck a deal with Nelson to mass produce the bars under the name Eskimo Pie.
Ozzy Special Bitter (OSB) 6.3%
To celebrate Iowa history and Valentines Day, we revisit the moment when Ozzy bit the head off of a live bat. In 1982 at a concert in Dubuque, a fan threw a live bat on stage. Thinking it was not real he decided to be a showman and bite the head off. The show went on and so did he until he visited a hospital after to start a rabies treatment. If your sweetheart gets you a chocolate bat, you know what to do.
To celebrate Iowa history and Valentines Day, we revisit the moment when Ozzy bit the head off of a live bat. In 1982 at a concert in Dubuque, a fan threw a live bat on stage. Thinking it was not real he decided to be a showman and bite the head off. The show went on and so did he until he visited a hospital after to start a rabies treatment. If your sweetheart gets you a chocolate bat, you know what to do.
White Ale: fridge keg
Where did Winnebago’s begin? Winnebago county in Iowa in 1958. To tie this Iowan history into my project, I’ve done a keg. It has the look of the textured sides just like a camper and I have yet to do a keg.
Where did Winnebago’s begin? Winnebago county in Iowa in 1958. To tie this Iowan history into my project, I’ve done a keg. It has the look of the textured sides just like a camper and I have yet to do a keg.
Criterium Radler 4.2%
East coasters: no need to head all the way to San Francisco for your windy street fix. Burlington Iowa has snake hill, which Ripley call the “Crookedest Street in the World” and included it in his "Believe it or Not" column. Being a steep hill that connected two neighborhoods, the three German immigrants that conceived the idea mimicked vineyard pathss they had seen in France and Germany.
It is also home to the annual uphill bicycle race: the Snake Hill Criterium. The lap course winds up Snake hill which is 275 feet long, has five switchbacks, and a sixty foot climb.
East coasters: no need to head all the way to San Francisco for your windy street fix. Burlington Iowa has snake hill, which Ripley call the “Crookedest Street in the World” and included it in his "Believe it or Not" column. Being a steep hill that connected two neighborhoods, the three German immigrants that conceived the idea mimicked vineyard pathss they had seen in France and Germany.
It is also home to the annual uphill bicycle race: the Snake Hill Criterium. The lap course winds up Snake hill which is 275 feet long, has five switchbacks, and a sixty foot climb.
Best Thing Ale 5.1%
Otto_Frederick_Rohwedder of Davenport, Iowa invented the first prototype of a bread slicing machine. It was destroyed in a fire in 1912, then he had another working prototype in 1928. As commercially sliced bread resulted in uniform and somewhat thinner slices, people ate more slices of bread at a time, and ate bread more frequently, because of the ease of eating another piece of bread. This increased consumption of bread and, in turn, increased consumption of Spread (food), such as Jam, to put on the bread. "The best thing since sliced bread" then became a common phrase. Although a writer for The Kansas City Star wrote that "the phrase is the ultimate depiction of innovative achievement and American know-how.” For the design, I was thinking the phrase for sliced bread should’ve been, “the best thing since beer”. So I decided to do packaging on packaging…sort of a design turduken.
Otto_Frederick_Rohwedder of Davenport, Iowa invented the first prototype of a bread slicing machine. It was destroyed in a fire in 1912, then he had another working prototype in 1928. As commercially sliced bread resulted in uniform and somewhat thinner slices, people ate more slices of bread at a time, and ate bread more frequently, because of the ease of eating another piece of bread. This increased consumption of bread and, in turn, increased consumption of Spread (food), such as Jam, to put on the bread. "The best thing since sliced bread" then became a common phrase. Although a writer for The Kansas City Star wrote that "the phrase is the ultimate depiction of innovative achievement and American know-how.” For the design, I was thinking the phrase for sliced bread should’ve been, “the best thing since beer”. So I decided to do packaging on packaging…sort of a design turduken.
Free Flight Eisbock 10.2%
New Mexico is home to the largest hot air balloon festival in the world: Balloon Fiesta. "From its modest beginnings in 1972 with 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to multiple events launching year-round at the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Our signature event remains Balloon Fiesta—which, with almost 600 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States.”
New Mexico is home to the largest hot air balloon festival in the world: Balloon Fiesta. "From its modest beginnings in 1972 with 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to multiple events launching year-round at the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Our signature event remains Balloon Fiesta—which, with almost 600 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States.”
Poker Alice, American brett 6.8%. Day no.38
This week's brewery that has been resurrected was in Silver City New Mexico. One of the famous residents of Silver City was Alice Ivers. After the death of her first husband, Alice started to play poker seriously. After failing in a few different jobs including teaching, she turned to poker to support herself financially. Ivers would make money by gambling and working as a dealer. She made a name for herself by winning money from poker games. By the time Ivers was given the name “Poker Alice,” she was drawing in large crowds to watch her play and men were constantly challenging her to play. Saloon owners liked that Ivers was a respectable woman who kept to her values. These values included her refusal to play poker on Sundays.
As her reputation grew, so did the amount of money she was making. Some nights she would even make $6,000, an incredibly large sum of money at the time. Alice claimed that she won $250,000, which would now be worth more than three million dollars.
As her reputation grew, so did the amount of money she was making. Some nights she would even make $6,000, an incredibly large sum of money at the time. Alice claimed that she won $250,000, which would now be worth more than three million dollars.
Greater Strange tripel 7.1%
Day 39 in my Resurrect Series tackles little green men…or the sightings of the strange.
New Mexico has more UFO sightings per year than any other state (over 1,000). Is it because of Roswell? Area 51? Something in the water? I’ll just have to visit and see for myself.
Day 39 in my Resurrect Series tackles little green men…or the sightings of the strange.
New Mexico has more UFO sightings per year than any other state (over 1,000). Is it because of Roswell? Area 51? Something in the water? I’ll just have to visit and see for myself.
Bunny Boom extra stout 6.6%
The novel "Oil!” By Upton Sinclair was based on a prospector from Silver City, NM. The Film "There Will Be Blood" was very loosely based on the book and helped its recent resurgence. When the book was originally released it was banned in Boston for its hotel sex scene. A fig leaf version was made without the scene and the controversy helped make the book a bestseller.
The novel "Oil!” By Upton Sinclair was based on a prospector from Silver City, NM. The Film "There Will Be Blood" was very loosely based on the book and helped its recent resurgence. When the book was originally released it was banned in Boston for its hotel sex scene. A fig leaf version was made without the scene and the controversy helped make the book a bestseller.
Cold Bear smoked rye 4.9%
The living symbol of Smokey Bear is from New Mexico. He was an American black bear three-month old cub who in the spring of 1950 was caught in the Capitan Gap fire, a Wildfire that burned 17,000 acres in the Lincoln National Forest, in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico. Smokey had climbed a tree to escape the blaze, but his paws and hind legs had been burned. According to some stories, he was rescued by a Game warden after the fire, but according to the New Mexico State Forestry Division, it was actually a group of soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas, who had come to help fight the fire, that discovered the bear cub and brought him back to the camp. At first he was called Hotfoot Teddy, but he was later renamed Smokey, after the mascot.
The living symbol of Smokey Bear is from New Mexico. He was an American black bear three-month old cub who in the spring of 1950 was caught in the Capitan Gap fire, a Wildfire that burned 17,000 acres in the Lincoln National Forest, in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico. Smokey had climbed a tree to escape the blaze, but his paws and hind legs had been burned. According to some stories, he was rescued by a Game warden after the fire, but according to the New Mexico State Forestry Division, it was actually a group of soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas, who had come to help fight the fire, that discovered the bear cub and brought him back to the camp. At first he was called Hotfoot Teddy, but he was later renamed Smokey, after the mascot.
Steagles Ale 4.3%
For this week I’m trying a different style of design, inspired by a collage art post by fellow Upstater: Lunchbox Brain
Many may not know this, at one time in the NFL history, the Steelers and the Eagles once merged teams in 1943. They were referred to locally as the Steagles, officially at the Phil-Pitt Combine. As America entered World War II, all of the military aged men in the NFL joined the armed forces; 600 of them. The feeling in the U.S. was if one could play football, they could fight in war. One Steagle and future Hall of Famer, Bill Hewitt, quit in the middle of the season. He could not take the ridicule and subsequent guilt feelings anymore. But numerous NFL players in 1943 had medical problems that kept them out of the military. Tony Bova, the Steagles' leading receiver with 17 receptions, was blind in one eye and partially blind in the other. Steagles guard Ed Michaels was nearly deaf and center Ray Graves was deaf in one ear. One starting defensive end was blind in one eye and nearly legally blind in the other.
For this week I’m trying a different style of design, inspired by a collage art post by fellow Upstater: Lunchbox Brain
Many may not know this, at one time in the NFL history, the Steelers and the Eagles once merged teams in 1943. They were referred to locally as the Steagles, officially at the Phil-Pitt Combine. As America entered World War II, all of the military aged men in the NFL joined the armed forces; 600 of them. The feeling in the U.S. was if one could play football, they could fight in war. One Steagle and future Hall of Famer, Bill Hewitt, quit in the middle of the season. He could not take the ridicule and subsequent guilt feelings anymore. But numerous NFL players in 1943 had medical problems that kept them out of the military. Tony Bova, the Steagles' leading receiver with 17 receptions, was blind in one eye and partially blind in the other. Steagles guard Ed Michaels was nearly deaf and center Ray Graves was deaf in one ear. One starting defensive end was blind in one eye and nearly legally blind in the other.
Mallo Drop 6.5%
Peeps are manufactured in Bethlehem, PA at the Just Born candy factory. Every December 31st, a giant Peep is dropped over the town square to ring in the new year. So it’s official: they are a year-round candy, not just Easter.
Peeps are manufactured in Bethlehem, PA at the Just Born candy factory. Every December 31st, a giant Peep is dropped over the town square to ring in the new year. So it’s official: they are a year-round candy, not just Easter.
Spruce Up IPA 8.5%
In Sippensburgh, PA one can happen upon the world’s largest paint can…or an old water tower made to look like one. Description from @roadtrippers website:
"Driving along interstate 81 in Pennsylvania can be quite montonous and unenjoyable. Luckily there are a few bright spots along this nearly 233 mile stretch of highway. Near the Mason-Dixon line at exit 24, welcoming you to the Blue mountains sits one of the largest paint cans in the world. The 35 feet high can comes adorned with a lid and a handle. Originally the structure was a water tower from the previous owner. When the Benjamain Moore paint company purchased the property they decided to use the eyesore as a marketing tool. Now if only we could find a way to spruce up all of I-81!”
In Sippensburgh, PA one can happen upon the world’s largest paint can…or an old water tower made to look like one. Description from @roadtrippers website:
"Driving along interstate 81 in Pennsylvania can be quite montonous and unenjoyable. Luckily there are a few bright spots along this nearly 233 mile stretch of highway. Near the Mason-Dixon line at exit 24, welcoming you to the Blue mountains sits one of the largest paint cans in the world. The 35 feet high can comes adorned with a lid and a handle. Originally the structure was a water tower from the previous owner. When the Benjamain Moore paint company purchased the property they decided to use the eyesore as a marketing tool. Now if only we could find a way to spruce up all of I-81!”
Market Saison 5.5%
Thanks to some intel from Ryan Smoker from Infantree I’ve learned that the Lancaster Central Market is America's oldest farmer's market. The market has been operated continuously since the 1730's. The tradition of the market today is more like an international whirlwind of foods from all around the world and Lancaster County. Shop local and drink local has been a mantra of mine at home and when I visit anywhere. This theme stuck out when he sent it over, so it had to be made.
Thanks to some intel from Ryan Smoker from Infantree I’ve learned that the Lancaster Central Market is America's oldest farmer's market. The market has been operated continuously since the 1730's. The tradition of the market today is more like an international whirlwind of foods from all around the world and Lancaster County. Shop local and drink local has been a mantra of mine at home and when I visit anywhere. This theme stuck out when he sent it over, so it had to be made.
Snake River Bock 7.3%
This week I’m resurrecting Rost & Rood Brewing from Idaho City, Iowa. Open from 1891–97…and that’s pretty much all I found out about it. A trip to the local library might have produced more. Regardless, the name is interesting for a brewery so I chose to use it this week.
Todays design is honoring Evel Knievel and his jump with little to no injuries: Snake River Canyon. In 1973 he entered in his custom “X-1" steam powered rocket cycle to be propelled across the quarter mile wide canyon. Prior to attempting the jump, the X-1 was registered as an aircraft instead of a motorcycle to get permission form the state of Idaho. After he left the 10 story ramp the parachute malfunctioned and deployed early. With the drag of the chute the craft drifted backwards to the bottom of the canyon, nearly landing in the river. Luckily Knievel only suffered minor injuries.
This week I’m resurrecting Rost & Rood Brewing from Idaho City, Iowa. Open from 1891–97…and that’s pretty much all I found out about it. A trip to the local library might have produced more. Regardless, the name is interesting for a brewery so I chose to use it this week.
Todays design is honoring Evel Knievel and his jump with little to no injuries: Snake River Canyon. In 1973 he entered in his custom “X-1" steam powered rocket cycle to be propelled across the quarter mile wide canyon. Prior to attempting the jump, the X-1 was registered as an aircraft instead of a motorcycle to get permission form the state of Idaho. After he left the 10 story ramp the parachute malfunctioned and deployed early. With the drag of the chute the craft drifted backwards to the bottom of the canyon, nearly landing in the river. Luckily Knievel only suffered minor injuries.
Beaver Drop Lager
In 1941, Idaho beavers made national news when five specimens crucially stabilized a water supply in Salmon, Idaho, "saving the city the cost of a dam." Beaver trappers moved the beavers in a more conventional manner in that case, but it's clear that—by land or by air—the beavers could help Idaho just as much as Idaho could help the beavers.
The cost of building a dam wasn't the only money involved in the beaver-moving project. Popular Mechanics ran a 1949 feature on the parachuting Idaho beavers, which also mentions that the trappers working with the effort were able to keep some of the animals for themselves, to sell their fur coats. At a time when the beaver population was estimated at 90,000 in Idaho, beaver trappers were allowed to only skin a few for their own profit, and then took care of the rest of the beaver population in designated areas.
In 1941, Idaho beavers made national news when five specimens crucially stabilized a water supply in Salmon, Idaho, "saving the city the cost of a dam." Beaver trappers moved the beavers in a more conventional manner in that case, but it's clear that—by land or by air—the beavers could help Idaho just as much as Idaho could help the beavers.
The cost of building a dam wasn't the only money involved in the beaver-moving project. Popular Mechanics ran a 1949 feature on the parachuting Idaho beavers, which also mentions that the trappers working with the effort were able to keep some of the animals for themselves, to sell their fur coats. At a time when the beaver population was estimated at 90,000 in Idaho, beaver trappers were allowed to only skin a few for their own profit, and then took care of the rest of the beaver population in designated areas.
You Are Here, dry hopped sour 7.2%
The center of the universe is located in Wallace Idaho. True story. This concept had its impromptu origin in 2004 as a sarcastic critique by an international crowd of Silver Summit attendees of the EPA's lead-headed 2002 Record of Decision which said, in essence, that if a thing cannot be disproven, it is thereby proven. The anniversary of the Mayor's proclamation that Wallace MUST be the Center of the Universe because you can't PROVE otherwise has naturally been celebrated ever since. In 2006, the commemoration included the crowning of the Princess of the Center of the Universe and the marrying of high school sweethearts... forty years later. In 2007, a dedicated volunteer committee morphed the celebration into a wildly successful scholarship drive with Miss Center of the Universe and Mr. Hard Rock contests, where votes were dollars gathered in jars. A non-profit corporation was established to manage the expanded scholarship fund raiser in 2008.
The center of the universe is located in Wallace Idaho. True story. This concept had its impromptu origin in 2004 as a sarcastic critique by an international crowd of Silver Summit attendees of the EPA's lead-headed 2002 Record of Decision which said, in essence, that if a thing cannot be disproven, it is thereby proven. The anniversary of the Mayor's proclamation that Wallace MUST be the Center of the Universe because you can't PROVE otherwise has naturally been celebrated ever since. In 2006, the commemoration included the crowning of the Princess of the Center of the Universe and the marrying of high school sweethearts... forty years later. In 2007, a dedicated volunteer committee morphed the celebration into a wildly successful scholarship drive with Miss Center of the Universe and Mr. Hard Rock contests, where votes were dollars gathered in jars. A non-profit corporation was established to manage the expanded scholarship fund raiser in 2008.
Bear Witness sour 6.4%
The Bear Lake Monster is a being appearing in folklore near Bear Lake, on the Utah–Idaho border. The myth originally grew from articles written in the 19th century by Joseph C. Rich, a Mormon colonizer in the area, purporting to report second-hand accounts of sightings of the creature. However, he later recanted the stories. In recent years the monster is considered to be a tourist attraction. The last reported sighting of the monster was in 2002.
Not all descriptions of the Bear Lake Monster agree, but one team of folklorists stated that it “is reported to resemble a serpent, but with legs about eighteen inches long on which it marauds along the shoreline.”One article reported that the creature had “a large undulating body, with about 30 feet of exposed surface, of a light cream color, moving swiftly through the water, at a distance of three miles from the point of observation.” Others reported seeing a monster-like animal which went faster than a locomotive and had a head variously described as being similar to that of a cow, otter, crocodile or a walrus (minus the tusks). Its size was reported to be at least fifty feet long, and certainly not less than forty. Some sightings even spoke of a second member of the species and smaller monsters as well.
The Bear Lake Monster is a being appearing in folklore near Bear Lake, on the Utah–Idaho border. The myth originally grew from articles written in the 19th century by Joseph C. Rich, a Mormon colonizer in the area, purporting to report second-hand accounts of sightings of the creature. However, he later recanted the stories. In recent years the monster is considered to be a tourist attraction. The last reported sighting of the monster was in 2002.
Not all descriptions of the Bear Lake Monster agree, but one team of folklorists stated that it “is reported to resemble a serpent, but with legs about eighteen inches long on which it marauds along the shoreline.”One article reported that the creature had “a large undulating body, with about 30 feet of exposed surface, of a light cream color, moving swiftly through the water, at a distance of three miles from the point of observation.” Others reported seeing a monster-like animal which went faster than a locomotive and had a head variously described as being similar to that of a cow, otter, crocodile or a walrus (minus the tusks). Its size was reported to be at least fifty feet long, and certainly not less than forty. Some sightings even spoke of a second member of the species and smaller monsters as well.
Jaialdi lager 4.2%
The design for this can is the flag of the autonomous region called Basque Country which spreads from Spain to France. Jaialdi refers to a festival in the Basque Language (Euskara). This festival exhibits the Basque culture with dancing (dantzan) and musical (musika) performances, sporting (kirol) events, and authentic food (jateko) and drink (edateko). The Basque people are known for their merriment, and Jaialdi showcases these characteristics well.
Jaialdi was first celebrated in 1987 at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary as a one time weekend event to educate the public about the Basque culture. Jaialdi ‘87 attracted approximately 30,000 visitors who thoroughly enjoyed the event, the location, and the opportunity to be part of the Basque activities. The festival was so popular that Governor Cecil Andrus asked the local Basque community to put on another celebration to help celebrate Idaho’s Centennial in 1990.
The design for this can is the flag of the autonomous region called Basque Country which spreads from Spain to France. Jaialdi refers to a festival in the Basque Language (Euskara). This festival exhibits the Basque culture with dancing (dantzan) and musical (musika) performances, sporting (kirol) events, and authentic food (jateko) and drink (edateko). The Basque people are known for their merriment, and Jaialdi showcases these characteristics well.
Jaialdi was first celebrated in 1987 at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary as a one time weekend event to educate the public about the Basque culture. Jaialdi ‘87 attracted approximately 30,000 visitors who thoroughly enjoyed the event, the location, and the opportunity to be part of the Basque activities. The festival was so popular that Governor Cecil Andrus asked the local Basque community to put on another celebration to help celebrate Idaho’s Centennial in 1990.
This week: Otto Brewing, Kentucky
Go-Kölsch
Simple and fun one today. Kart Kountry in Shepardsville Kentucky has the longest go-cart circuit in the world at 1.5 miles. The design is the track shape from an aerial view. Should be a t-shirt…call me Kart Kountry. Although their website says that alcohol is not allowed on the premises—if they added an after-race area—some of these beers could easily be sold.
Ballpark Chugger 4.5%
Todays design is an homage to baseball and the birth of the Louisville Slugger.
J. F. Hillerich opened his woodworking shop in Louisville in 1855. During the 1880s, Hillerich hired his seventeen-year-old son, John "Bud" Hillerich. Legend has it that Bud, who played baseball himself, slipped away from work one afternoon in 1884 to watch Louisville's major league team, the Louisville Eclipse. The team's star, Pete "The Gladiator" Browning, mired in a hitting slump, broke his bat. Bud invited Browning to his father's shop to hand-craft him a new bat to his own specifications. Browning accepted the offer, and got three hits to immediately break out of his slump with his new bat the first day he used it. Browning told his teammates, which began a surge of professional ball players to the Hillerich woodworking shop.
J. F. Hillerich was uninterested in making bats; he saw the company future in stair railings, porch columns and swinging butter churns. In fact, for a brief time in the 1880s, he even turned away ball players. Bud, however, saw the potential in producing baseball bats, and the elder Hillerich eventually relented to his son. The bats were sold under the name "Falls City Slugger" until Bud Hillerich took over his father's company in 1894, and the name "Louisville Slugger" was registered with the U.S. Patent Office. In 1905, Honus Wagner signed a deal with the company, becoming the first baseball player to officially endorse a bat.
Todays design is an homage to baseball and the birth of the Louisville Slugger.
J. F. Hillerich opened his woodworking shop in Louisville in 1855. During the 1880s, Hillerich hired his seventeen-year-old son, John "Bud" Hillerich. Legend has it that Bud, who played baseball himself, slipped away from work one afternoon in 1884 to watch Louisville's major league team, the Louisville Eclipse. The team's star, Pete "The Gladiator" Browning, mired in a hitting slump, broke his bat. Bud invited Browning to his father's shop to hand-craft him a new bat to his own specifications. Browning accepted the offer, and got three hits to immediately break out of his slump with his new bat the first day he used it. Browning told his teammates, which began a surge of professional ball players to the Hillerich woodworking shop.
J. F. Hillerich was uninterested in making bats; he saw the company future in stair railings, porch columns and swinging butter churns. In fact, for a brief time in the 1880s, he even turned away ball players. Bud, however, saw the potential in producing baseball bats, and the elder Hillerich eventually relented to his son. The bats were sold under the name "Falls City Slugger" until Bud Hillerich took over his father's company in 1894, and the name "Louisville Slugger" was registered with the U.S. Patent Office. In 1905, Honus Wagner signed a deal with the company, becoming the first baseball player to officially endorse a bat.
Old Fashioned dubbel 8.9%
The Pendennis Club, a private club in Louisville, is the birthplace of the Old Fashioned drink, possibly the first mixed drink to be called a cocktail. Also my personal cocktail of choice with a small batch bourbon, cheers.
The Pendennis Club, a private club in Louisville, is the birthplace of the Old Fashioned drink, possibly the first mixed drink to be called a cocktail. Also my personal cocktail of choice with a small batch bourbon, cheers.
Undisputed Wee Heavy 7.4%
Todays design: pugilistic ephemera
Cassius Clay was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and began training as an amateur boxer when he was 12 years old. At age 18, he won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and turned professional later that year. At age 22 in 1964, he won the WBA, WBC, and lineal heavyweight titles from Sonny Liston in a big upset. Clay then converted to Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay, which he called his "slave name", to @muhammedali He set an example of racial pride for African Americans and resistance to white domination during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.
Float like a half & half, sting like a wee heavy™
Todays design: pugilistic ephemera
Cassius Clay was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and began training as an amateur boxer when he was 12 years old. At age 18, he won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and turned professional later that year. At age 22 in 1964, he won the WBA, WBC, and lineal heavyweight titles from Sonny Liston in a big upset. Clay then converted to Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay, which he called his "slave name", to @muhammedali He set an example of racial pride for African Americans and resistance to white domination during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.
Float like a half & half, sting like a wee heavy™
Not a Light Beer! 9.23%
Since we are examining the local history of Kentucky, the inventor Garrett Morgan should be near the top. Not mentioned often for his ingenuity, he best known invention is the "three position" traffic light. His was not the first traffic light, but having a third yellow position significantly reduced the amount of accidents when compared to the common stop or go lights. He came up with the idea after witnessing a serious accident at an intersection, filed for patent in 1922, and granted patent in 1923.
Besides the modern traffic light, he also has fame for his invention of the Smoke Hood in 1912. He had come up with the idea after watching firefighters encountering smoke in the line of duty. After he was granted patent, he founded the National Safety Device Company to market the invention around the country. Being a black entrepreneur, he often had to hire a white male actor to take credit for the invention during demonstrations. When an actor was not available, he would also dress up as an Indian chief and entered a smoke filled tent, then emerging 20 minutes later unharmed.
His hood was altered to become a gas mask that was used by the U.S. military during World War I and later became standard equipment. Morgan later added a model with an air bag that supplied 15 minutes of fresh air. Two years after receiving patent for the Smoke Hood, it was awarded a gold medal by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. His invention gain national attention after he rescued several men’s lives after a tunnel explosion near Lake Erie. He and his brother use the hoods to rescue all of the trapped men as well as bringing out the bodies of earlier victims. Morgan personally made four trips into the tunnel during the rescue, and his health was affected for years afterward from the fumes he encountered there. Cleveland's newspapers and city officials initially ignored Morgan's act of heroism as the first to rush into the tunnel for the rescue and his key role as the provider of the equipment that made the rescue possible, and it took years for the city to recognize his contributions.
Since we are examining the local history of Kentucky, the inventor Garrett Morgan should be near the top. Not mentioned often for his ingenuity, he best known invention is the "three position" traffic light. His was not the first traffic light, but having a third yellow position significantly reduced the amount of accidents when compared to the common stop or go lights. He came up with the idea after witnessing a serious accident at an intersection, filed for patent in 1922, and granted patent in 1923.
Besides the modern traffic light, he also has fame for his invention of the Smoke Hood in 1912. He had come up with the idea after watching firefighters encountering smoke in the line of duty. After he was granted patent, he founded the National Safety Device Company to market the invention around the country. Being a black entrepreneur, he often had to hire a white male actor to take credit for the invention during demonstrations. When an actor was not available, he would also dress up as an Indian chief and entered a smoke filled tent, then emerging 20 minutes later unharmed.
His hood was altered to become a gas mask that was used by the U.S. military during World War I and later became standard equipment. Morgan later added a model with an air bag that supplied 15 minutes of fresh air. Two years after receiving patent for the Smoke Hood, it was awarded a gold medal by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. His invention gain national attention after he rescued several men’s lives after a tunnel explosion near Lake Erie. He and his brother use the hoods to rescue all of the trapped men as well as bringing out the bodies of earlier victims. Morgan personally made four trips into the tunnel during the rescue, and his health was affected for years afterward from the fumes he encountered there. Cleveland's newspapers and city officials initially ignored Morgan's act of heroism as the first to rush into the tunnel for the rescue and his key role as the provider of the equipment that made the rescue possible, and it took years for the city to recognize his contributions.
Barbaric YAWP! 6.5%
One of my favorite movies of all time is Dead Poets Society. I was happy to learn that the movie was filmed in this weeks state for the #ResurrectSeries Being the smallest state, left myself with a shorter list of fodder for this week, but I’ve found some gems, including this one. 'Welton Academy’ was actually St. Andrew’s School on 2,000 acres of farmland between Dover and Wilmington. The stage production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Neil playing Puck, was filmed @theeveretttheatre in Middletown. The old colonial town of New Castle was where 'Mr. Perry’s home’ was. Most significant, the cave where the Dead Poets had their meetings was filmed in the Beaver Valley Cave; Deleware’s only cave. Unfortunately it is privately owned and also requires advanced caving skills.
One of my favorite movies of all time is Dead Poets Society. I was happy to learn that the movie was filmed in this weeks state for the #ResurrectSeries Being the smallest state, left myself with a shorter list of fodder for this week, but I’ve found some gems, including this one. 'Welton Academy’ was actually St. Andrew’s School on 2,000 acres of farmland between Dover and Wilmington. The stage production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Neil playing Puck, was filmed @theeveretttheatre in Middletown. The old colonial town of New Castle was where 'Mr. Perry’s home’ was. Most significant, the cave where the Dead Poets had their meetings was filmed in the Beaver Valley Cave; Deleware’s only cave. Unfortunately it is privately owned and also requires advanced caving skills.
Beer-O lambic 4.2%
This design may bring up memories of family picnics, school lunches, or hospital food. It is an homage to the 70’s–80’s packaging of an American classic. Jell-O was a staple in my youth and has strangely disappeared in my early teens. Ambrosia salads were a guarantee at family parties, and I used to love working my way past the Jell-O to the marshmallows which were frozen in suspension like Han Solo. The connection with Delaware is that Jell-O has been manufactured in Dover since the mid 60’s. Since childhood I have revisited this colorful form through the modern classic: Jell-O shots. I’m still waiting for someone to estimate how much Jell-O is sold for this use. I would guess around 25%, what say you @jello
This design may bring up memories of family picnics, school lunches, or hospital food. It is an homage to the 70’s–80’s packaging of an American classic. Jell-O was a staple in my youth and has strangely disappeared in my early teens. Ambrosia salads were a guarantee at family parties, and I used to love working my way past the Jell-O to the marshmallows which were frozen in suspension like Han Solo. The connection with Delaware is that Jell-O has been manufactured in Dover since the mid 60’s. Since childhood I have revisited this colorful form through the modern classic: Jell-O shots. I’m still waiting for someone to estimate how much Jell-O is sold for this use. I would guess around 25%, what say you @jello
Cosmic IPA 6.8%
Random fact of the day: Spacesuits are manufactured in Delaware. The company called ILC Dover has been making suits for United States astronauts since the Apollo program. They also have created airbag landing devices for the Mars pathfinder and Mars exploration rover. In addition they also manufacture airships, zepplins, and masks for: chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear situations.
Random fact of the day: Spacesuits are manufactured in Delaware. The company called ILC Dover has been making suits for United States astronauts since the Apollo program. They also have created airbag landing devices for the Mars pathfinder and Mars exploration rover. In addition they also manufacture airships, zepplins, and masks for: chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear situations.
New You Pale Ale 5%
Trying something different today: guess the movie. Besides Delaware, the other clue is: Paper street.
Trying something different today: guess the movie. Besides Delaware, the other clue is: Paper street.
Nice Track Ale 4.6%
The great state of Delaware has a strong bond with the game of disc golf. They are the only U.S. state to have a course in every state park. I play and enjoy having a nice beer after one or two rounds. Where I live in Schenectady, there is an excellent course in Central Park, that isn’t very far from a few pubs. Which is nice. I had this theme for today set aside all week while trying to think of a way to represent disc golf in beer packaging. A can and the modern staple of a snifter wouldn’t do the basket justice. Pint glass would’ve been too big. Plus, most breweries don’t use a simple large rocks glass and a simple after round ale doesn’t need a fancy-pants glass. All of this came to me as a lay awake at 4am today.
The great state of Delaware has a strong bond with the game of disc golf. They are the only U.S. state to have a course in every state park. I play and enjoy having a nice beer after one or two rounds. Where I live in Schenectady, there is an excellent course in Central Park, that isn’t very far from a few pubs. Which is nice. I had this theme for today set aside all week while trying to think of a way to represent disc golf in beer packaging. A can and the modern staple of a snifter wouldn’t do the basket justice. Pint glass would’ve been too big. Plus, most breweries don’t use a simple large rocks glass and a simple after round ale doesn’t need a fancy-pants glass. All of this came to me as a lay awake at 4am today.
Picket Fence 8.6%
Loosely based on Milan High School who won the 1954 Indiana State basketball championship, Hoosiers has been the quintessential film for hoop fans. So much so that in 2001 it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry for its cultural, historic, and aesthetic significance. “Don’t get caught watching the paint dry” was arguably the most well known scene, but I always enjoyed when Ollie landed both underhand free throws to beat the Wildcats.
For this week I chose Zix brewery from New Alsace, Indiana. A family business that traded hands amongst sons and brothers from 1865–95. I have yet to create a micro brewery that is also a coffee roaster, so this week we have one
Loosely based on Milan High School who won the 1954 Indiana State basketball championship, Hoosiers has been the quintessential film for hoop fans. So much so that in 2001 it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry for its cultural, historic, and aesthetic significance. “Don’t get caught watching the paint dry” was arguably the most well known scene, but I always enjoyed when Ollie landed both underhand free throws to beat the Wildcats.
For this week I chose Zix brewery from New Alsace, Indiana. A family business that traded hands amongst sons and brothers from 1865–95. I have yet to create a micro brewery that is also a coffee roaster, so this week we have one
One Eyed Pookie Ale
Once holding the Guinness world record for the most widely syndicated comic strip, Garfield was first published in 1978. The connection to Indiana is Jim Davis hometown of Marion, the strips first home was in Indiana, and Paws Inc.—a licensing group for the comic—was headquartered in Muncie. I remember watching the Garfield cartoon as a kid. It was one of my top choices besides wrestling, G.I. Joe, He-Man, and Thundercats: HOOO! Todays beer is an IPA named after Garfield’s favorite toy teddy bear Pookie, who once lost his button eye.
Once holding the Guinness world record for the most widely syndicated comic strip, Garfield was first published in 1978. The connection to Indiana is Jim Davis hometown of Marion, the strips first home was in Indiana, and Paws Inc.—a licensing group for the comic—was headquartered in Muncie. I remember watching the Garfield cartoon as a kid. It was one of my top choices besides wrestling, G.I. Joe, He-Man, and Thundercats: HOOO! Todays beer is an IPA named after Garfield’s favorite toy teddy bear Pookie, who once lost his button eye.
Fresh Popper saison 6.2%
Indiana is where 90% of the worlds popcorn is grown. Not the same as typical corn that we eat off of the cob, Zea is the only form of maize that can be popped. Archeologists have found remnants of popcorn that date back to 3600 BC in Mexico. In U.S. history, popcorn was a common treat during the depression because it was so inexpensive. Not so cheap in movie theaters nowadays. Full disclosure: I’m not a big fan of popcorn. At the movies, if anything, I do nachos. One acre of land uses 30,000 seeds to plant; I’m still trying to find the conversion to jumbo buckets.
Indiana is where 90% of the worlds popcorn is grown. Not the same as typical corn that we eat off of the cob, Zea is the only form of maize that can be popped. Archeologists have found remnants of popcorn that date back to 3600 BC in Mexico. In U.S. history, popcorn was a common treat during the depression because it was so inexpensive. Not so cheap in movie theaters nowadays. Full disclosure: I’m not a big fan of popcorn. At the movies, if anything, I do nachos. One acre of land uses 30,000 seeds to plant; I’m still trying to find the conversion to jumbo buckets.
Classy Loser Ale 4.6%
Most of the local references I use are great things, but for today I decided to examine a failure. Arguably the most recognizable vehicle in automotive history has a poor history with the Indianapolis 500. The Mercedes-Benz W154 was a Grand Prix racing car with a history of winning European championships—in 23 races it had won 12. But when the storied chassis number nine was discovered in Czechoslovakia after the war, Don Lee purchased it to use a new rules change allowing European vehicles into the Indy 500. Expecting to find success with the pedigree, Lee was sorely mistaken. From 1947–49 and then again in 1957 the car attempted to compete…and failed. In the four attempts the car retired from the race twice and did not qualify for the other two.
Most of the local references I use are great things, but for today I decided to examine a failure. Arguably the most recognizable vehicle in automotive history has a poor history with the Indianapolis 500. The Mercedes-Benz W154 was a Grand Prix racing car with a history of winning European championships—in 23 races it had won 12. But when the storied chassis number nine was discovered in Czechoslovakia after the war, Don Lee purchased it to use a new rules change allowing European vehicles into the Indy 500. Expecting to find success with the pedigree, Lee was sorely mistaken. From 1947–49 and then again in 1957 the car attempted to compete…and failed. In the four attempts the car retired from the race twice and did not qualify for the other two.
Red Ale 5.6%
Since it's snowing in Upstate New York, this design is fitting. For some this is the Christmas Movie to watch every year. A Christmas Story was set in Hohman, Indiana and meant to depict the late 30’s–early 40’s. I could’ve referenced the bunny suit or the leg lamp, but Red Ryder the cowboy was begging for his own beer. Ralphie would’ve had much more fun shooting his dads empty red ale cans off of the fence. The real life Red Ryder model did not have a sun dial or compass in the stock. For the film they were added on the opposite side of the stock due to Peter Billingsley being left-handed.
Since it's snowing in Upstate New York, this design is fitting. For some this is the Christmas Movie to watch every year. A Christmas Story was set in Hohman, Indiana and meant to depict the late 30’s–early 40’s. I could’ve referenced the bunny suit or the leg lamp, but Red Ryder the cowboy was begging for his own beer. Ralphie would’ve had much more fun shooting his dads empty red ale cans off of the fence. The real life Red Ryder model did not have a sun dial or compass in the stock. For the film they were added on the opposite side of the stock due to Peter Billingsley being left-handed.
I Nahesa tropical IPA 6.7%
Winter is almost over so lets get tropical 🌴 in Hawaii. Hilo Brewery was open in city of Hilo on the big island from 1937–1942. For day one, we examine a curious law in Hawaii that snakes are outlawed. There have been a few spotted, but it is illegal to bring snakes to Hawaii. Why? Because without any predators to keep the population low, they would eventually overrun the islands. Another why question…why didn’t Indiana Jones never venture there. Kind of plays to his strengths.
Winter is almost over so lets get tropical 🌴 in Hawaii. Hilo Brewery was open in city of Hilo on the big island from 1937–1942. For day one, we examine a curious law in Hawaii that snakes are outlawed. There have been a few spotted, but it is illegal to bring snakes to Hawaii. Why? Because without any predators to keep the population low, they would eventually overrun the islands. Another why question…why didn’t Indiana Jones never venture there. Kind of plays to his strengths.
Pineapple Saison 5.2%
The Guinness World record for the largest maze is the Dole pineapple maze on their plantation in Wahiwa, HI. It covers three acres with two and a half miles of paths and 14,000 pineapple plants. Sounds like a full day of wandering in it, but less scary than the Overlook Hotel maze.
The Guinness World record for the largest maze is the Dole pineapple maze on their plantation in Wahiwa, HI. It covers three acres with two and a half miles of paths and 14,000 pineapple plants. Sounds like a full day of wandering in it, but less scary than the Overlook Hotel maze.
Kamehameha Inu 7.2%
Hawaii is the only U.S. state to honor a monarch. King Kamehameha Day is celebrated on June 11th as a public holiday with parades and celebrations on the islands. There is a statue of Kamehameha in Honolulu that is decorated with leis annually and a replica in Emancipation Hall in Washington D.C.
His full Hawaiian name was: Kalani Paiʻea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiʻikui Kamehameha o ʻIolani i Kaiwikapu kauʻi Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea. To use that, I’d have to wrap that around the can like a barber pole. His legacy was from conquering the islands and establishing the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1810. His rise to power is somewhat explained through folklore of when he was the only human to move the Naha stone. Prophecy explains that whomever moves the Naha Stone will unite the islands. In stories, Kamehameha did this as a child then went on to fulfill the prophecy.
During his rule the Law of the Splintered Paddle which protected the human rights of non-combatants during war was put in place. The origins of this law stem from when Kamehameha’s leg was stuck in rocks near the shore and two fishermen broke a wooden paddle over his head instead of helping him. Years later they faced the king because of their violent past, Kamehameha did not punish them but gave them a gift of land and established the protection of anyone not fighting in wars. To extend his legacy as unifying the islands beyond is death, he established a legal system, created trade with taxation, promoted the trade with Europe and the U.S. and prohibited non-Hawaiians from owning land. The latter was eventually lifted in 1848, but to this day anyone who is not of Hawaiian decent is not considered to be Hawaiian.
To any Hawaiians: I felt the need to change the statue to hold a beer. No disrespect meant by that or the naming of the beer; Google translate lead to Inu for ‘drink’, is that correct? Maybe a visit is in order to straighten this out.
Hawaii is the only U.S. state to honor a monarch. King Kamehameha Day is celebrated on June 11th as a public holiday with parades and celebrations on the islands. There is a statue of Kamehameha in Honolulu that is decorated with leis annually and a replica in Emancipation Hall in Washington D.C.
His full Hawaiian name was: Kalani Paiʻea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiʻikui Kamehameha o ʻIolani i Kaiwikapu kauʻi Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea. To use that, I’d have to wrap that around the can like a barber pole. His legacy was from conquering the islands and establishing the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1810. His rise to power is somewhat explained through folklore of when he was the only human to move the Naha stone. Prophecy explains that whomever moves the Naha Stone will unite the islands. In stories, Kamehameha did this as a child then went on to fulfill the prophecy.
During his rule the Law of the Splintered Paddle which protected the human rights of non-combatants during war was put in place. The origins of this law stem from when Kamehameha’s leg was stuck in rocks near the shore and two fishermen broke a wooden paddle over his head instead of helping him. Years later they faced the king because of their violent past, Kamehameha did not punish them but gave them a gift of land and established the protection of anyone not fighting in wars. To extend his legacy as unifying the islands beyond is death, he established a legal system, created trade with taxation, promoted the trade with Europe and the U.S. and prohibited non-Hawaiians from owning land. The latter was eventually lifted in 1848, but to this day anyone who is not of Hawaiian decent is not considered to be Hawaiian.
To any Hawaiians: I felt the need to change the statue to hold a beer. No disrespect meant by that or the naming of the beer; Google translate lead to Inu for ‘drink’, is that correct? Maybe a visit is in order to straighten this out.
Goddess, gin barrel aged biere de garde 8.3%
Pele the volcano goddess has been a part of Hawaiian legends for centuries. It is said that if you meet a beautiful young woman in red, or an older woman with white hair, you must greet her with Aloha and offer your help. To be truly in Pepe’s good graces you must visit Halema’uma’u crater and give an offering of food, flowers, and gin. If you do not follow the first set of rules to help, you or your family will experience death or heartbreak.
Pele the volcano goddess has been a part of Hawaiian legends for centuries. It is said that if you meet a beautiful young woman in red, or an older woman with white hair, you must greet her with Aloha and offer your help. To be truly in Pepe’s good graces you must visit Halema’uma’u crater and give an offering of food, flowers, and gin. If you do not follow the first set of rules to help, you or your family will experience death or heartbreak.
Macadamia Brown 4.9%
Two of the major crops that Hawaii is known for are not native to the islands. Today’s design focuses on the Macadamia nut. The crop was suggested after early plants thrived in the soil and climate. In the early 1920’s, the first plantation was established on government land by a Massachusetts man—Ernest van Tassel. After nine years of research, scientists and their students grafted a handful of strains that would yield high quality crops. If any Hawaiian breweries are reading this and haven’t brewed a macadamia nut beer…do it and send some to me.
Two of the major crops that Hawaii is known for are not native to the islands. Today’s design focuses on the Macadamia nut. The crop was suggested after early plants thrived in the soil and climate. In the early 1920’s, the first plantation was established on government land by a Massachusetts man—Ernest van Tassel. After nine years of research, scientists and their students grafted a handful of strains that would yield high quality crops. If any Hawaiian breweries are reading this and haven’t brewed a macadamia nut beer…do it and send some to me.
Bike Week BC black IPA 5.8%
Clarence “Pappy” Hoel founded the Sturgis Bike Week in 1938. It began as a way for Indian motorcycle riders to fight with Harley riders. The first rally was called the “Black Hills Classic” that included one race with nine participants; created by Clarence “Pappy” Hoel. The rally began with a focus on racing and stunts and later added hill climbing and motocross. It has been held every year—except during WWII when gasoline was rationed in 1942. In 2015 the rally recorded an attendance of roughly 739,000. Pappy Hoel began the Jackpine Gypsies club prior to the first rally and the club still hosts 12 events every year at Sturgis. I thought that since everyone seems to enjoy beer while at the rally, they could have the largest beer club in the world. So I guess this design establishes the Bike Week Beer Club.
Clarence “Pappy” Hoel founded the Sturgis Bike Week in 1938. It began as a way for Indian motorcycle riders to fight with Harley riders. The first rally was called the “Black Hills Classic” that included one race with nine participants; created by Clarence “Pappy” Hoel. The rally began with a focus on racing and stunts and later added hill climbing and motocross. It has been held every year—except during WWII when gasoline was rationed in 1942. In 2015 the rally recorded an attendance of roughly 739,000. Pappy Hoel began the Jackpine Gypsies club prior to the first rally and the club still hosts 12 events every year at Sturgis. I thought that since everyone seems to enjoy beer while at the rally, they could have the largest beer club in the world. So I guess this design establishes the Bike Week Beer Club.
Ton of Mash ESB 6.2%
Clark South Dakota is home to the world famous Mashed Potato Wrestling Contest. The tasty tuber has its own festival with the wrestling contest as the featured event. Don’t worry, they use the discarded potatoes for mashing up and adding to the pit and the leftovers are then used to feed local cattle. The first potato festival in Clark was held in 1972 and is still going strong. This unique style of wrestling caused some research for potato beer…and it exists. It is used in brewing to achieve the same effect as rice or corn—boost the strength of a beer without increasing the body. Potatoes add no flavor and can be used as dried potato flakes added to the mash, or mashed potatoes. Just leave out the butter, cream, salt, and pepper.
Clark South Dakota is home to the world famous Mashed Potato Wrestling Contest. The tasty tuber has its own festival with the wrestling contest as the featured event. Don’t worry, they use the discarded potatoes for mashing up and adding to the pit and the leftovers are then used to feed local cattle. The first potato festival in Clark was held in 1972 and is still going strong. This unique style of wrestling caused some research for potato beer…and it exists. It is used in brewing to achieve the same effect as rice or corn—boost the strength of a beer without increasing the body. Potatoes add no flavor and can be used as dried potato flakes added to the mash, or mashed potatoes. Just leave out the butter, cream, salt, and pepper.
No Horse Pants light beer 4.2%
When researching every week, I have found that many states and cities have odd laws. Some outdated and left for nostalgia I assume. In South Dakota there are a few of these strange rules to follow…or laugh at:
It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep in a cheese factory. So there’s that.
Movies that show police officers being struck, beaten, or treated in an offensive manner are forbidden. There must be a back alley theater somewhere showing these type of movies.
If there are more than 5 Native Americans on your property you may shoot them. I’ll leave this one alone.
For today’s design we have a law pertaining to a specific business: No horses are allowed into Fountain Inn unless they are wearing pants. I tried to find where one could buy horse pants. No luck. Even the humane society had no mention of any horse clothing of any kind on their website; gotta be a custom job then.
When researching every week, I have found that many states and cities have odd laws. Some outdated and left for nostalgia I assume. In South Dakota there are a few of these strange rules to follow…or laugh at:
It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep in a cheese factory. So there’s that.
Movies that show police officers being struck, beaten, or treated in an offensive manner are forbidden. There must be a back alley theater somewhere showing these type of movies.
If there are more than 5 Native Americans on your property you may shoot them. I’ll leave this one alone.
For today’s design we have a law pertaining to a specific business: No horses are allowed into Fountain Inn unless they are wearing pants. I tried to find where one could buy horse pants. No luck. Even the humane society had no mention of any horse clothing of any kind on their website; gotta be a custom job then.
Fire Water whiskey barrel stout 11.5%
In Pierre South Dakota on the Capitol grounds you can find some fire water…or water that is on fire. The Flaming Fountain as it is better known, has been an attraction for many years due to its flaming water. The reason for the flame is the high content of natural gas in the well that feeds the fountain. In recent years the flame has gone away, but the fountain still remains as a memorial to war veterans of South Dakota. All we have now is Youtube to see what once was. Bonus odd fact: Pierre, South Dakota is the only capital and state name in the U.S. that doesn’t share any letters.
In Pierre South Dakota on the Capitol grounds you can find some fire water…or water that is on fire. The Flaming Fountain as it is better known, has been an attraction for many years due to its flaming water. The reason for the flame is the high content of natural gas in the well that feeds the fountain. In recent years the flame has gone away, but the fountain still remains as a memorial to war veterans of South Dakota. All we have now is Youtube to see what once was. Bonus odd fact: Pierre, South Dakota is the only capital and state name in the U.S. that doesn’t share any letters.
Cosmos black lager 5%
Mount Rushmore was a low hanging fruit to reference in this week of designs. Too obvious. Crazy Horse sculpture would have been great, but I gave up on the design because of my time restraint (one hour max). In searching for obscure landmarks I found the @cosmosmysteryarea —a very strange place in the black hills. As the pictures and website explain, gravity is on a tilt there. Or the land is? Buildings too? Levels laid on a hill show as flat, people can change heights in photos, water runs uphill; all of these challenge what we know as normal and make for interesting photos. For beer drinkers, do they fill the glass 3/4 of the way to account for this oddity? If you pop a can, will the first few ounces spill out? This is a stop I need to have just to test on a pint…or about 13 ounces.
Mount Rushmore was a low hanging fruit to reference in this week of designs. Too obvious. Crazy Horse sculpture would have been great, but I gave up on the design because of my time restraint (one hour max). In searching for obscure landmarks I found the @cosmosmysteryarea —a very strange place in the black hills. As the pictures and website explain, gravity is on a tilt there. Or the land is? Buildings too? Levels laid on a hill show as flat, people can change heights in photos, water runs uphill; all of these challenge what we know as normal and make for interesting photos. For beer drinkers, do they fill the glass 3/4 of the way to account for this oddity? If you pop a can, will the first few ounces spill out? This is a stop I need to have just to test on a pint…or about 13 ounces.
Absaroka Ale 4.9%
During the New Deal era to spur economic growth, a group of residents got fed up with FDR. They banded together with a goal to secede and form a new state called Absaroka. The area was part of southeastern Montana, southwestern South Dakota, and northern Wyoming. Named after a local mountain range, this new group went so far as making an official flag (rendered on the can) and license plates. The movement lost steam and was never actualized as the 49th state in the U.S. I will give them some props on the flag, you don’t see many with big and bold numbers, which I kind of like the looks of.
During the New Deal era to spur economic growth, a group of residents got fed up with FDR. They banded together with a goal to secede and form a new state called Absaroka. The area was part of southeastern Montana, southwestern South Dakota, and northern Wyoming. Named after a local mountain range, this new group went so far as making an official flag (rendered on the can) and license plates. The movement lost steam and was never actualized as the 49th state in the U.S. I will give them some props on the flag, you don’t see many with big and bold numbers, which I kind of like the looks of.
Shadow Casting steam beer 5.3%
“Keeping his line above water long enough and low enough to make a rainbow rise”. Today’s design is a reference to the movie A River Runs Through It. Set in Montana with a foundation in the fly fishing scenes the men in the McClean family share. The Blackfoot River in Missoula is where they visit to enjoy what is called the contemplative man’s recreation. I have yet to fly fish, but have it on my list of things to attempt mastering in my lifetime. As I’ve learned in researching for this theme, the Bitterroot river is a hot spot for fly fishing in the U.S. The steam beer style seemed to make sense with this recreation. Traditionally made prior with a high temperature fermentation due to no refrigeration methods, steam beers traveled west with the gold rush and surely made its way into the hands of settlers in Montana. Nowadays, the cans would stay nice and cold in the river while you cast away for dinner.
“Keeping his line above water long enough and low enough to make a rainbow rise”. Today’s design is a reference to the movie A River Runs Through It. Set in Montana with a foundation in the fly fishing scenes the men in the McClean family share. The Blackfoot River in Missoula is where they visit to enjoy what is called the contemplative man’s recreation. I have yet to fly fish, but have it on my list of things to attempt mastering in my lifetime. As I’ve learned in researching for this theme, the Bitterroot river is a hot spot for fly fishing in the U.S. The steam beer style seemed to make sense with this recreation. Traditionally made prior with a high temperature fermentation due to no refrigeration methods, steam beers traveled west with the gold rush and surely made its way into the hands of settlers in Montana. Nowadays, the cans would stay nice and cold in the river while you cast away for dinner.
Double...Ditch session IIPA 5.3%
If you bend your elbow for an adult beverage or two while in Montana, you may hear someone order a drink with the surname “ditch”. Whiskey ditch is a common way to order a whiskey and water. I’ve heard of using the term branch—meaning water— when ordering a drink, but ditch is new to me. This reminded me of watering down a drink, then weakening a beer, then the fact that beer is 90% water, which lead to the idea of a session IIPA. I’ve never heard of session double IPA’s, so here you have it, a heavily hopped lawnmower beer.
If you bend your elbow for an adult beverage or two while in Montana, you may hear someone order a drink with the surname “ditch”. Whiskey ditch is a common way to order a whiskey and water. I’ve heard of using the term branch—meaning water— when ordering a drink, but ditch is new to me. This reminded me of watering down a drink, then weakening a beer, then the fact that beer is 90% water, which lead to the idea of a session IIPA. I’ve never heard of session double IPA’s, so here you have it, a heavily hopped lawnmower beer.
Scofflaw Witte 5.1%
Queue up Judas Priest for today’s topic. Just like every state, Montana has some weird laws. It is illegal for married women to fish alone on Sundays…unmarried women—illegal to fish alone at all. Threatening arrest is a great way to get a fellas attention, especially when there are more cattle than people in the entire state (may the laws be ever in your favor). In Helena, it is illegal to throw something across the street. But you may be curious as to why the sheep in a flatbed? It is illegal to leave a sheep in the cab of your truck without a chaperone. Besides predators eating your livestock, I’m not sure what the penalties are for such an offense. I’d like to imagine a public shaming ceremony where you relinquish your herding staff.
Queue up Judas Priest for today’s topic. Just like every state, Montana has some weird laws. It is illegal for married women to fish alone on Sundays…unmarried women—illegal to fish alone at all. Threatening arrest is a great way to get a fellas attention, especially when there are more cattle than people in the entire state (may the laws be ever in your favor). In Helena, it is illegal to throw something across the street. But you may be curious as to why the sheep in a flatbed? It is illegal to leave a sheep in the cab of your truck without a chaperone. Besides predators eating your livestock, I’m not sure what the penalties are for such an offense. I’d like to imagine a public shaming ceremony where you relinquish your herding staff.
St. Urho Brew 5.8%
The story of the patron saint of Finland—St. Urho—is not well known throughout the world. He is known for driving the grasshoppers out of Finland to save the grape crops for winemaking. He is celebrated on the 16th of March with a festival in Butte, Montana. Grasshopper foods are prepared and non-grasshopper foods are made to fit the theme of green and purple to represent the grapes and the insects. If this story sounds very similar to St. Patrick and the snakes, well it is. It was created by Richard Mattison a Finnish-American, who grew tired of hearing the Irish-Americans sing the praises of their saint every year. Originally in Mattison’s tale, Urho drove frogs out of Finland. As the story caught on and the midwest experienced grasshopper plagues in the 19th century, the frogs were changed to grasshoppers. The celebration is popular throughout the midwest from Minnesota to Montana. The date may stand out as well because it was also chosen to beat out the Irish celebration by one day.
The story of the patron saint of Finland—St. Urho—is not well known throughout the world. He is known for driving the grasshoppers out of Finland to save the grape crops for winemaking. He is celebrated on the 16th of March with a festival in Butte, Montana. Grasshopper foods are prepared and non-grasshopper foods are made to fit the theme of green and purple to represent the grapes and the insects. If this story sounds very similar to St. Patrick and the snakes, well it is. It was created by Richard Mattison a Finnish-American, who grew tired of hearing the Irish-Americans sing the praises of their saint every year. Originally in Mattison’s tale, Urho drove frogs out of Finland. As the story caught on and the midwest experienced grasshopper plagues in the 19th century, the frogs were changed to grasshoppers. The celebration is popular throughout the midwest from Minnesota to Montana. The date may stand out as well because it was also chosen to beat out the Irish celebration by one day.
Perimeter Saison 6.2%
Transportation routes that define neighborhoods or even serve as a economic divide have existed since building walls and hanging flags to claim lands. "Wrong side of the tracks” was one of these dividing lines. In modern day Atlanta the perimeter is that line. The highway I285 creates a border around the downtown area of Atlanta and is a point of contention for residents on either side. Outside the perimeter (OTP) is frowned upon by snarky people Inside the Perimeter (ITP). This distain is a two way street and is typically a playful back and forth.
For this week we examine Atlanta and the long closed Atlanta Ice & Brewing Company. Prior to some weeks I reach out to locals for some inside info; this week I was given some gems from Joseph Szala. He is the voice behind @gritsgrids site and podcast and the founder of @vigorbranding Cheers Joe 🍻
Transportation routes that define neighborhoods or even serve as a economic divide have existed since building walls and hanging flags to claim lands. "Wrong side of the tracks” was one of these dividing lines. In modern day Atlanta the perimeter is that line. The highway I285 creates a border around the downtown area of Atlanta and is a point of contention for residents on either side. Outside the perimeter (OTP) is frowned upon by snarky people Inside the Perimeter (ITP). This distain is a two way street and is typically a playful back and forth.
For this week we examine Atlanta and the long closed Atlanta Ice & Brewing Company. Prior to some weeks I reach out to locals for some inside info; this week I was given some gems from Joseph Szala. He is the voice behind @gritsgrids site and podcast and the founder of @vigorbranding Cheers Joe 🍻
Shooting the Hooch Pilsner 4.6%
Shooting the hooch is a slang term for tubing down the Chattahoochie River in the summer months. That deserves a can of beer…or a cooler full of cans that is tied to a group of tubes. I want to go right now, but it’s rainy and about 50 degrees outside. I’ll just have to plan a summer trip with a group. Who wants to go?
Shooting the hooch is a slang term for tubing down the Chattahoochie River in the summer months. That deserves a can of beer…or a cooler full of cans that is tied to a group of tubes. I want to go right now, but it’s rainy and about 50 degrees outside. I’ll just have to plan a summer trip with a group. Who wants to go?
Y’allywood Stout 5.5%
One of the many aliases for Atlanta is Y’allywood. This is due to the booming film industry that is currently rivaling Hollywood. This has spun off into the @yallywoodfilmfest and in 2015 the state has seen it generate $6 billion for the economy. The Old Fourth ward and Buckhead neighborhoods have experienced the benefits of this boom the most. Start with these two if you want to spot a star while you’re enjoying a pint.
One of the many aliases for Atlanta is Y’allywood. This is due to the booming film industry that is currently rivaling Hollywood. This has spun off into the @yallywoodfilmfest and in 2015 the state has seen it generate $6 billion for the economy. The Old Fourth ward and Buckhead neighborhoods have experienced the benefits of this boom the most. Start with these two if you want to spot a star while you’re enjoying a pint.
Pitchtree Stout 9.5%
The Creek Indians who were native to the Atlanta area, used to harvest sap—or “pitch”—from pine trees. As you would expect, they called them "pitch trees”. The evolution of the name pitch tree was changed to eventually be peach tree through generations of Europeans settling in the Creek territory. The area has a low amount of peach trees, but Atlanta has 71 streets with variations of the name “Peachtree”. As a visitor, be glad to have GPS and Uber to avoid verbal directions to turn left on Peachtree.
The Creek Indians who were native to the Atlanta area, used to harvest sap—or “pitch”—from pine trees. As you would expect, they called them "pitch trees”. The evolution of the name pitch tree was changed to eventually be peach tree through generations of Europeans settling in the Creek territory. The area has a low amount of peach trees, but Atlanta has 71 streets with variations of the name “Peachtree”. As a visitor, be glad to have GPS and Uber to avoid verbal directions to turn left on Peachtree.
Identity Series four pack
On Wednesday I explored the current nickname for Atlanta: Y’allywood. During the research I came across three other unique names that Atlanta once held. When building the Western & Atlantic railroad, a terminus was chosen within the footprint of modern Atlanta. Due to its early settlements around the end of the rail lines, they adopted the name Terminus. As the area grew its name changed to Thrasherville, which was a namesake of an early builder and general store owner. I can’t stop envisioning shirts with Thrasherville Georgia in the @thrashermaglogo style. By the mid 1800’s the town grew and was renamed Marthasville after the Governor’s daughter. Not as fun as a pony on your birthday, but I’m sure she grew to appreciate it. After Martha’s namesake it was suggested to call it Atlantic-Pacifica but was shortened to Atlanta. I would like to know what the residents called the area after each name change; I still call our local arena by its original name “the Knick” from time to time. It must have been a lively subject of conversation in saloons or ordinaries back then. For this four pack the Y’allywood Stout is in the back, Terminus Pale Ale to the left, Marthasville Raspberry Wheat in front, and Thrasherville Peach Radler on the right. Cheers 🍺
On Wednesday I explored the current nickname for Atlanta: Y’allywood. During the research I came across three other unique names that Atlanta once held. When building the Western & Atlantic railroad, a terminus was chosen within the footprint of modern Atlanta. Due to its early settlements around the end of the rail lines, they adopted the name Terminus. As the area grew its name changed to Thrasherville, which was a namesake of an early builder and general store owner. I can’t stop envisioning shirts with Thrasherville Georgia in the @thrashermaglogo style. By the mid 1800’s the town grew and was renamed Marthasville after the Governor’s daughter. Not as fun as a pony on your birthday, but I’m sure she grew to appreciate it. After Martha’s namesake it was suggested to call it Atlantic-Pacifica but was shortened to Atlanta. I would like to know what the residents called the area after each name change; I still call our local arena by its original name “the Knick” from time to time. It must have been a lively subject of conversation in saloons or ordinaries back then. For this four pack the Y’allywood Stout is in the back, Terminus Pale Ale to the left, Marthasville Raspberry Wheat in front, and Thrasherville Peach Radler on the right. Cheers 🍺
Mush Ball Zwickelbier 6.1%
One sport that most Americans have tried at some point is softball. Chicago was the birthplace of softball beginning in 1887. It was a smaller field and a larger ball meant to be played indoors. Earlier names for the game were: indoor baseball, playground, kitten ball, ladies baseball, the name for today's beer—mush ball. Since most recreational players enjoy being in a "beer league”, I thought the sport deserved its own beer.
One sport that most Americans have tried at some point is softball. Chicago was the birthplace of softball beginning in 1887. It was a smaller field and a larger ball meant to be played indoors. Earlier names for the game were: indoor baseball, playground, kitten ball, ladies baseball, the name for today's beer—mush ball. Since most recreational players enjoy being in a "beer league”, I thought the sport deserved its own beer.
High Gloss double IPA 8.3%
Today’s subject is a favorite of mine: spray paint. Graffiti has held a special place for me since I began listening to hip hop in middle school. Being one of the original pillars alongside breaking, MC’ing, and DJ’ing; it was a package deal, exposing myself to a culture far from my upbringing. For today the design is a reference to spray paint being invented in Chicago in 1949 by Edward Seymour. A great short read on #graffiti is “Bomb the Suburbs” by William Upski Wimsatt.
Today’s subject is a favorite of mine: spray paint. Graffiti has held a special place for me since I began listening to hip hop in middle school. Being one of the original pillars alongside breaking, MC’ing, and DJ’ing; it was a package deal, exposing myself to a culture far from my upbringing. For today the design is a reference to spray paint being invented in Chicago in 1949 by Edward Seymour. A great short read on #graffiti is “Bomb the Suburbs” by William Upski Wimsatt.
Rotary Dry Hopped Wheat 5.8%.
The first meeting of the now @rotaryinternational club occurred in Chicago. Paul P. Harris called together fellow businessmen in February of 1905 to create a group that would give back to the community. They chose the name Rotary because they initially rotated the meetings to occur at each others offices. Before researching this theme, I was aware of the club by seeing their logo on road signs in every city. I now know that they tackle worldwide problems in six main areas: promoting peace, fighting disease, clean water, saving mother & children, supporting education, and growing local economies. Anyone who volunteers for these causes deserves a beer at the end of the day. Cheers @rotaryinternational
Golden Cream Ale 4.8%
The iconic American snack, the Twinkie, was created in 1930 in Chicago. The baker was creating a solution for idle machines while strawberries were off-season for shortcake filling. Originally the filling was banana cream but rationing caused a switch to vanilla cream. The name Twinkie was an early moniker which was created after seeing a billboard for Twinkle Toe Shoes. When a product is famous like the Twinkie it makes its way into our lives regardless of actual consumption. In the cult classic UHF, Weird Al crafts a Twinkie Weiner Sandwich. Ghostbusters used the scale of a Twinkie as an impromptu scale for the volume of paranormal activity, with the line, “that’s a big Twinkie”. Then we have the Twinkie defense. Used in the San Francisco murder trial of Harvey Milk and George Moscone, the defense attempted to claim that a diet of sugary foods caused the depression to spur the murders. The last time I consumed a Twinkie was at a summer fair. It was deep-fried. There was remorse afterwards, but I tried it. A beer to wash it down would’ve helped, so I created this can.
The iconic American snack, the Twinkie, was created in 1930 in Chicago. The baker was creating a solution for idle machines while strawberries were off-season for shortcake filling. Originally the filling was banana cream but rationing caused a switch to vanilla cream. The name Twinkie was an early moniker which was created after seeing a billboard for Twinkle Toe Shoes. When a product is famous like the Twinkie it makes its way into our lives regardless of actual consumption. In the cult classic UHF, Weird Al crafts a Twinkie Weiner Sandwich. Ghostbusters used the scale of a Twinkie as an impromptu scale for the volume of paranormal activity, with the line, “that’s a big Twinkie”. Then we have the Twinkie defense. Used in the San Francisco murder trial of Harvey Milk and George Moscone, the defense attempted to claim that a diet of sugary foods caused the depression to spur the murders. The last time I consumed a Twinkie was at a summer fair. It was deep-fried. There was remorse afterwards, but I tried it. A beer to wash it down would’ve helped, so I created this can.
Hookless Farm Ale 6.2%
In 1851 the zipper was invented in Chicago by Whitcomb L. Judson (how about than name?). Zip, fly, zip fastener, clasp locker, and workable zipper are a few monikers for this closure. Originally called the hookless fastener, the interlocking teeth design hasn’t changed much since inception. This may remind you of curiosity about the “YKK” on zippers. They are a Japanese company that holds 45% of the zipper market. Yeah, there is a zipper market. Now there is a zipper beer.
In 1851 the zipper was invented in Chicago by Whitcomb L. Judson (how about than name?). Zip, fly, zip fastener, clasp locker, and workable zipper are a few monikers for this closure. Originally called the hookless fastener, the interlocking teeth design hasn’t changed much since inception. This may remind you of curiosity about the “YKK” on zippers. They are a Japanese company that holds 45% of the zipper market. Yeah, there is a zipper market. Now there is a zipper beer.
Man in Black Lager 5.3%
After being questioned many times about his stage clothing of all black garments, Arkansas native Johnny Cash, wrote the song Man in Black. For all the forgotten and less fortunate, he is the man in black upfront for them. “I’d love to wear a rainbow everyday, to let the world know everything is okay”, is a fitting lyric for Cash. His poor and rough past in Kingsland Arkansas shaped much of his lyrics and outlook as he became a household name. Recording a hit live record in prison helped the mystique a bit too.
After being questioned many times about his stage clothing of all black garments, Arkansas native Johnny Cash, wrote the song Man in Black. For all the forgotten and less fortunate, he is the man in black upfront for them. “I’d love to wear a rainbow everyday, to let the world know everything is okay”, is a fitting lyric for Cash. His poor and rough past in Kingsland Arkansas shaped much of his lyrics and outlook as he became a household name. Recording a hit live record in prison helped the mystique a bit too.
Hope for Summer watermelon sour 4.9%
The self proclaimed watermelon capital of the United States is Hope, Arkansas. To add to the claim, they are the home of the world’s largest watermelons and have three Guinness world records for that category. If you choose to visit for the festival you should probably practice before entering in the seed spitting contest. Last year they Oak Ridge Boys were the headliner with Miss America as a special guest. I can picture it now; a small town festival in the heat of summer with watermelon. And now, a few watermelon beers to go with it. Cheers 🍻 *Hope is also the home of President Bill Clinton…sorry pres, you were trumped by a fruit.
The self proclaimed watermelon capital of the United States is Hope, Arkansas. To add to the claim, they are the home of the world’s largest watermelons and have three Guinness world records for that category. If you choose to visit for the festival you should probably practice before entering in the seed spitting contest. Last year they Oak Ridge Boys were the headliner with Miss America as a special guest. I can picture it now; a small town festival in the heat of summer with watermelon. And now, a few watermelon beers to go with it. Cheers 🍻 *Hope is also the home of President Bill Clinton…sorry pres, you were trumped by a fruit.
Cash Crop lager 4.6%
Arkansas farms provide 46% of the rice consumed in the U.S. every year. When I eat sushi I have never thought of Arkansas. It’s probably safe to say that unless you live in Arkansas, you are of the same mindset. Now that I'm still thinking of sushi, thoughts lean towards sake, sake bombs, ginger, and Japanese beer that I don’t enjoy very much. So I wanted to create an American beer to pair with sushi using home grown rice. Kanpai 🍺
Arkansas farms provide 46% of the rice consumed in the U.S. every year. When I eat sushi I have never thought of Arkansas. It’s probably safe to say that unless you live in Arkansas, you are of the same mindset. Now that I'm still thinking of sushi, thoughts lean towards sake, sake bombs, ginger, and Japanese beer that I don’t enjoy very much. So I wanted to create an American beer to pair with sushi using home grown rice. Kanpai 🍺
Dover Lights old ale 6.2%
There is a strange and unexplainable phenomenon in Arkansas called the Dover Lights. First observed in the late 1800’s, a series of lights that can be seen from an overlook outside of the city of Dover, has many different folklore roots tied to it. One legend is of a mine collapse that killed a handful of miners and their ghosts wander the hillside at night. Spanish conquistadors searching for gold is another far fetched reason for the nightly illumination; gold has never been found in Arkansas. I lean towards the legend of a Native American burial ground nearby and the lights are spirits of tribal leaders trying to lead their people on to the next life. To represent this nighttime occurrence, an old ale style of beer from England seemed fitting.
There is a strange and unexplainable phenomenon in Arkansas called the Dover Lights. First observed in the late 1800’s, a series of lights that can be seen from an overlook outside of the city of Dover, has many different folklore roots tied to it. One legend is of a mine collapse that killed a handful of miners and their ghosts wander the hillside at night. Spanish conquistadors searching for gold is another far fetched reason for the nightly illumination; gold has never been found in Arkansas. I lean towards the legend of a Native American burial ground nearby and the lights are spirits of tribal leaders trying to lead their people on to the next life. To represent this nighttime occurrence, an old ale style of beer from England seemed fitting.
Toad Suck abbey ale 8.2%
Why Toad Suck? Because there is a town with that name in Arkansas. More of a community with the name…maybe a hamlet. So it’s a small community with an odd name. Having many theories for the origin of the name, there is one that involves adult beverages that I was drawn to. In the steamboat era, the river bordering this area was often quite shallow for the large paddle wheeled boats. Prior to a lock system, the crews would tie up and head into town to drink and wait for the water to rise. The townsfolk recorded their visits as, “sucking on the bottle until they swelled up like toads”. And that is how the name Toad Suck began.
Why Toad Suck? Because there is a town with that name in Arkansas. More of a community with the name…maybe a hamlet. So it’s a small community with an odd name. Having many theories for the origin of the name, there is one that involves adult beverages that I was drawn to. In the steamboat era, the river bordering this area was often quite shallow for the large paddle wheeled boats. Prior to a lock system, the crews would tie up and head into town to drink and wait for the water to rise. The townsfolk recorded their visits as, “sucking on the bottle until they swelled up like toads”. And that is how the name Toad Suck began.
Pie Tin Fly IIPA 8.3%
Disc or Frisbee as it’s better known, originated in Connecticut. Students at the University of Bridgeport began fashioning used pie tins into flying forms of fun. What’s in a name: at the end of the 19th century there was a bakery in Connecticut under the family name Frisbie. Their pies became the most popular product and spun off into a focused business. The pie tins were stamped with the company name and the tin-tossing students took to yelling “Frisbie” to get the catchers attention. As the activity grew, other companies tins were used but the name stuck. Fast forward to the west coast, first versions of plastic models were being sold on the beach, and Wham-O jumped on board. This one goes out to my world famous disc hurling brother-in-law @david_ferraro and my partner in design and also world famous ultimate player @chelsea.leederCheers🍺 fam
Disc or Frisbee as it’s better known, originated in Connecticut. Students at the University of Bridgeport began fashioning used pie tins into flying forms of fun. What’s in a name: at the end of the 19th century there was a bakery in Connecticut under the family name Frisbie. Their pies became the most popular product and spun off into a focused business. The pie tins were stamped with the company name and the tin-tossing students took to yelling “Frisbie” to get the catchers attention. As the activity grew, other companies tins were used but the name stuck. Fast forward to the west coast, first versions of plastic models were being sold on the beach, and Wham-O jumped on board. This one goes out to my world famous disc hurling brother-in-law @david_ferraro and my partner in design and also world famous ultimate player @chelsea.leederCheers🍺 fam
Fast Food brown ale 5%.
The hamburger was created at Louis' Lunch in New Haven Connecticut...Or so they say. Claims for the origin are found from Germany to the United States. Regardless, we thank you for the ingenuity. And the perfect pair to a classic American burger: beer. Some fries too. The origin story from Louis' dates back to 1900 when a hurried patron needed a quick meal. Louis grabbed steak trimmings and formed them into a patty and after it was grilled and in-between bread slices, the hamburger was born. Now I know what I want for lunch today 🍔🍺
Pumpkinhead Porter 7%
Now is a good time to start planning an epic Halloween costume. This is your reminder. It is also a reference the the haircut that plagues my generations photo albums and yearbooks: the bowl cut. The nickname “pumpkinhead” comes from New Haven hairstylists who used pumpkin shells to perfect the bowl cut. I added a bit of the process to my Instagram stories: vintage haircut chart, pumpkin photo, photoshoppery, painted over with Wacom and @kyle.t.webster thick-n-thin inker brush, then some eraser lettering in Illustrator.
Now is a good time to start planning an epic Halloween costume. This is your reminder. It is also a reference the the haircut that plagues my generations photo albums and yearbooks: the bowl cut. The nickname “pumpkinhead” comes from New Haven hairstylists who used pumpkin shells to perfect the bowl cut. I added a bit of the process to my Instagram stories: vintage haircut chart, pumpkin photo, photoshoppery, painted over with Wacom and @kyle.t.webster thick-n-thin inker brush, then some eraser lettering in Illustrator.
Nutmegger Cream Ale 4.3%
Although its origin has nothing to do with soccer, the term “nutmeg” does. The origin of “nutmegger” comes from traders of whole nutmegs who were scamming customers with wooden replicas in their bag to bump the weight with a cheaper alternative. As for the sport, it is when an offensive player passes a defender by moving the ball in-between their feet or legs. The same action is equally celebrated in basketball and hockey but with varying nomenclature.
Although its origin has nothing to do with soccer, the term “nutmeg” does. The origin of “nutmegger” comes from traders of whole nutmegs who were scamming customers with wooden replicas in their bag to bump the weight with a cheaper alternative. As for the sport, it is when an offensive player passes a defender by moving the ball in-between their feet or legs. The same action is equally celebrated in basketball and hockey but with varying nomenclature.
Regulars Vienna Lager 4.9%
This highly collectable and iconic American product has roots in Vienna and Germany. Pez is short for PfeffErminZ (German for peppermint). The original form was a compressed peppermint treat in Austria. They were first served in a tin similar to Altoids, but soon were replaced with the dispensers as we know them now. Oscar Uxa invented the dispenser (pre-WWI) which looked like a lighter and the mints were marketed as an alternate to smoking. This dispenser style was referred to as “regulars”. As the business was introduced to the U.S. in 1952, heads were added to the dispensers to market them to children. Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse were the first two. Orange, Connecticut is the home of the Pez factory in the states.
This highly collectable and iconic American product has roots in Vienna and Germany. Pez is short for PfeffErminZ (German for peppermint). The original form was a compressed peppermint treat in Austria. They were first served in a tin similar to Altoids, but soon were replaced with the dispensers as we know them now. Oscar Uxa invented the dispenser (pre-WWI) which looked like a lighter and the mints were marketed as an alternate to smoking. This dispenser style was referred to as “regulars”. As the business was introduced to the U.S. in 1952, heads were added to the dispensers to market them to children. Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse were the first two. Orange, Connecticut is the home of the Pez factory in the states.
The Ladies’ Garland dry hopped pilsner 4.6%
The women of West Virginia left their mark on feminism and history by publishing the first newspaper devoted to the interests of women. The Ladies’ Garland was first published in 1824 based out of Harper’s Ferry. It ran until 1828 for a total of 52 issues and copies can be found in the Library of Congress. The tagline was, “Literature, Instruction, Amusement, Female Biography, &c.” And it cost one dollar a year if paid in advance, which could be sent free of postage if you handed the dollar to the local postmaster. Ten cents per issue if you wanted to kick the tires. Here’s to the ladies 🍺
The women of West Virginia left their mark on feminism and history by publishing the first newspaper devoted to the interests of women. The Ladies’ Garland was first published in 1824 based out of Harper’s Ferry. It ran until 1828 for a total of 52 issues and copies can be found in the Library of Congress. The tagline was, “Literature, Instruction, Amusement, Female Biography, &c.” And it cost one dollar a year if paid in advance, which could be sent free of postage if you handed the dollar to the local postmaster. Ten cents per issue if you wanted to kick the tires. Here’s to the ladies 🍺
Dunk Wells bock 8.4%
History was made on December 21st, 1984. The first woman to dunk in a college basketball game was Georgeann Wells from West Virginia University. Playing against the University of Charleston, Wells received a full court pass and dunked with authority—video of it is easily found on Youtube. The next time a dunk was recorded in a womens' college game was not until 1994 when Charlotte Smith of North Carolina threw down.
History was made on December 21st, 1984. The first woman to dunk in a college basketball game was Georgeann Wells from West Virginia University. Playing against the University of Charleston, Wells received a full court pass and dunked with authority—video of it is easily found on Youtube. The next time a dunk was recorded in a womens' college game was not until 1994 when Charlotte Smith of North Carolina threw down.
4Hop IPA 6.2%
There are many beers with the name 4hop IPA, but this one is different. The youth organization @national4h had its first camp in Jackson’s Mill, West Virginia. With the rise of “farm to glass” marketing and locally grown purists, a beer that benefitted the ag community and its youth made sense. Plus I’m married to a former 4H’er. So this faux beer is a play on the four H’s; four styles of hops—added four times during the boil—dry hopped with the same four hops—and a percentage of profits are given to 4H.
There are many beers with the name 4hop IPA, but this one is different. The youth organization @national4h had its first camp in Jackson’s Mill, West Virginia. With the rise of “farm to glass” marketing and locally grown purists, a beer that benefitted the ag community and its youth made sense. Plus I’m married to a former 4H’er. So this faux beer is a play on the four H’s; four styles of hops—added four times during the boil—dry hopped with the same four hops—and a percentage of profits are given to 4H.
Ghost Sign smoked porter 8.2%
Billboards are an eyesore. Vermont and Hawaii have banned them. For the rest of us, we have West Virginia and the Bloch Brothers to thank for these ad-monsters peppering our roadways. In 1908 the tobacco maker Bloch Brothers started to have their brand and tagline painted on barns, buildings, and anywhere else that would take money for the real estate. Regardless of distain for the product, these ghost signs that are still found across the U.S. have a special place in my heart. The vocation of being a sign painter has had a small resurrection itself recently. If you own a business and get the same plastic, backlit sign that everyone else has, you are a part of the herd and will not stand out. Find a sign painter like @conlinstudios and work together on creating a memorable sign for your business.
Billboards are an eyesore. Vermont and Hawaii have banned them. For the rest of us, we have West Virginia and the Bloch Brothers to thank for these ad-monsters peppering our roadways. In 1908 the tobacco maker Bloch Brothers started to have their brand and tagline painted on barns, buildings, and anywhere else that would take money for the real estate. Regardless of distain for the product, these ghost signs that are still found across the U.S. have a special place in my heart. The vocation of being a sign painter has had a small resurrection itself recently. If you own a business and get the same plastic, backlit sign that everyone else has, you are a part of the herd and will not stand out. Find a sign painter like @conlinstudios and work together on creating a memorable sign for your business.
Mystery Hole pale lager 5%
Much like the Cosmos Mystery Area in South Dakota, the Mystery Hole in West Virginia has an altered state of gravity for visitors to marvel at. After thinking of ghost signs for yesterdays design, I honed in on the sign for the Mystery Hole. It is a vintage embossed plastic sign that is backlit. Not a unique as a hand painted sign but still peaks the interest of the advertising ephemera crowd. Plus the name leads to questions and childish jokes. Clever naming for this roadside oddity.
Much like the Cosmos Mystery Area in South Dakota, the Mystery Hole in West Virginia has an altered state of gravity for visitors to marvel at. After thinking of ghost signs for yesterdays design, I honed in on the sign for the Mystery Hole. It is a vintage embossed plastic sign that is backlit. Not a unique as a hand painted sign but still peaks the interest of the advertising ephemera crowd. Plus the name leads to questions and childish jokes. Clever naming for this roadside oddity.
Voodoo brown ale 4.8%
Even though it was not voodoo, I’ve been fascinated by spiritual folkways ever since watching Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Louisiana voodoo is the focus of todays design, namely the voodoo doll. The practice of placing pins into a humanoid figure has been traced back to England to cause physical harm to a witch or to actually bewitch her. The Haitians and Louisiana practitioners have continued a similar practice with figurines that are now referred to as voodoo dolls. Nowadays they are much more of a novelty sold to visitors.
Even though it was not voodoo, I’ve been fascinated by spiritual folkways ever since watching Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Louisiana voodoo is the focus of todays design, namely the voodoo doll. The practice of placing pins into a humanoid figure has been traced back to England to cause physical harm to a witch or to actually bewitch her. The Haitians and Louisiana practitioners have continued a similar practice with figurines that are now referred to as voodoo dolls. Nowadays they are much more of a novelty sold to visitors.
Chompers cherry lambic 5.1%
We have found another strange law in the bayou state. If you were to pull a Mike Tyson and bite another person with your natural teeth, you can be charged with simple assault. If you however decide to bits someone with false teeth or dentures, you can be charged with aggravated assault. I couldn’t find any bylaws related to dentures that are left embedded in the victim, but that’s where my brain went next. If you are wearing false fangs on Halloween, I assume you’d fall under aggravated assault. Tell your kids before you send them out this October! #creativesnack
We have found another strange law in the bayou state. If you were to pull a Mike Tyson and bite another person with your natural teeth, you can be charged with simple assault. If you however decide to bits someone with false teeth or dentures, you can be charged with aggravated assault. I couldn’t find any bylaws related to dentures that are left embedded in the victim, but that’s where my brain went next. If you are wearing false fangs on Halloween, I assume you’d fall under aggravated assault. Tell your kids before you send them out this October! #creativesnack
Angola Spurs farmhouse ale 6.4%
Immersing oneself in a new or different lifestyle can be jarring or refreshing; the latter has been my experience when visiting a rodeo. Not the exhibition at the fair, but an actual rodeo. Admittedly, I enjoy people watching as much as the events. The Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola hosts a rodeo where the inmates are the cowboys and the general public can attend. Its beginnings in 1965 was a small arena built by inmates. When they opened to the general public in 1967, patrons had to sit on apple crates or the hood of their cars to watch. As popularity grew a 4,500 seat arena was built and professional operators were hired for safety and true rodeo events. They even hire professional rodeo clowns for the safety of the inmates. This is a far cry from recreation for the inmates and entertainment for the employees.
Immersing oneself in a new or different lifestyle can be jarring or refreshing; the latter has been my experience when visiting a rodeo. Not the exhibition at the fair, but an actual rodeo. Admittedly, I enjoy people watching as much as the events. The Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola hosts a rodeo where the inmates are the cowboys and the general public can attend. Its beginnings in 1965 was a small arena built by inmates. When they opened to the general public in 1967, patrons had to sit on apple crates or the hood of their cars to watch. As popularity grew a 4,500 seat arena was built and professional operators were hired for safety and true rodeo events. They even hire professional rodeo clowns for the safety of the inmates. This is a far cry from recreation for the inmates and entertainment for the employees.
M.O.D. black gose 6.66%
Not to be confused with mod’s vs rockers, todays design is a collaboration beer with the Museum of Death which has a location in New Orleans. I will be visiting this when I head to New Orleans; a night visit would be fitting. Among the offering currently on display: body bags, coffins, skull collection, theater of death, antique mortician apparatuses, Manson family photos, crime & morgue photos, artwork and letters from famous murderers, car accident photos, cannibalism, and more morbid oddities. The museum give fair warning of what you will se and not to bring children or weak stomachs. As for the style of beer, I thought a black sour was fitting, and I’ve never seen one yet.
Not to be confused with mod’s vs rockers, todays design is a collaboration beer with the Museum of Death which has a location in New Orleans. I will be visiting this when I head to New Orleans; a night visit would be fitting. Among the offering currently on display: body bags, coffins, skull collection, theater of death, antique mortician apparatuses, Manson family photos, crime & morgue photos, artwork and letters from famous murderers, car accident photos, cannibalism, and more morbid oddities. The museum give fair warning of what you will se and not to bring children or weak stomachs. As for the style of beer, I thought a black sour was fitting, and I’ve never seen one yet.
Just Fine pale ale 5.7%
This week we explore Florida and the long closed Spearman Brewery from Pensacola. Random Florida fact of the day: if you leave an elephant tied to a parking meter, the same fine applies as a vehicle. Not sure why this is a law. Maybe due to the large number of retired circus entertainers living in the sunshine state. Can’t take the caravan to get milk and eggs—too much work and hard to park. “Tiny” on the other hand, fits well in a parking space and you can leave a bag of peanuts while you run into the Kwik-E-Mart. The tricky part this week will be doing continuous line art for each can.
This week we explore Florida and the long closed Spearman Brewery from Pensacola. Random Florida fact of the day: if you leave an elephant tied to a parking meter, the same fine applies as a vehicle. Not sure why this is a law. Maybe due to the large number of retired circus entertainers living in the sunshine state. Can’t take the caravan to get milk and eggs—too much work and hard to park. “Tiny” on the other hand, fits well in a parking space and you can leave a bag of peanuts while you run into the Kwik-E-Mart. The tricky part this week will be doing continuous line art for each can.
Mullet Toss pale lager 4.7%
There is no business in any front with the Interstate Mullet Toss in the gulf coast of Florida and Alabama near the @_florabama. Originally a reason to party, the act of throwing dead mullet fish over the state line into Alabama has been an annual event to raise money for youth organizations on both sides of the border. The bar @_florabama has been known as a spot where a millionaire can be sitting next to a biker. Sounds like a visit would be damn fun. The bar has a motto inspired by their guests: 1. Always be responsive and sensitive to the human dignity of others; 2. Grant equal respect to all who enter the Flora-Bama, expecting the same in return; 3. To ensure our guests enjoy the magic of the Flora-Bama, leave safe and happy and come to visit us again with new friends. Cheers to that 🍺
There is no business in any front with the Interstate Mullet Toss in the gulf coast of Florida and Alabama near the @_florabama. Originally a reason to party, the act of throwing dead mullet fish over the state line into Alabama has been an annual event to raise money for youth organizations on both sides of the border. The bar @_florabama has been known as a spot where a millionaire can be sitting next to a biker. Sounds like a visit would be damn fun. The bar has a motto inspired by their guests: 1. Always be responsive and sensitive to the human dignity of others; 2. Grant equal respect to all who enter the Flora-Bama, expecting the same in return; 3. To ensure our guests enjoy the magic of the Flora-Bama, leave safe and happy and come to visit us again with new friends. Cheers to that 🍺
*Animated label done by the talented folks at the Outshinery
Three, Two, One tripel 8.7%
The area code 321 was assigned purposely to Brevard County in Florida. Instead of Chicago getting the number as it would commonly happen, a petition was won by the residents of the county to land the number commemorating the impact of the space program. I still have moments thinking of space and astronauts, where I stop and wonder about what we have accomplished as the human race. Where we are going is pretty amazing too; Elon Musk talking about inhabiting Mars is what I love to hear. This cosmic moment is brought to you by a tripel ale; I blame the high % 🍺🍺🍺
The area code 321 was assigned purposely to Brevard County in Florida. Instead of Chicago getting the number as it would commonly happen, a petition was won by the residents of the county to land the number commemorating the impact of the space program. I still have moments thinking of space and astronauts, where I stop and wonder about what we have accomplished as the human race. Where we are going is pretty amazing too; Elon Musk talking about inhabiting Mars is what I love to hear. This cosmic moment is brought to you by a tripel ale; I blame the high % 🍺🍺🍺
To the Baars extra pale 6.2%
New York has the Lincoln Tunnel, London has the Chunnel, Ukraine has the Tunnel of Love, but Pensacola has the Tunnel to the Baars. Actually its called the Tree Tunnel, but the creator of the living archway was Mary Ellison Baars for her family’s estate in Pensacola. The original plan was for it to be an entrance to vacation homes for wealthy northerners, but the economy thwarted those plans in the early 20th century.
New York has the Lincoln Tunnel, London has the Chunnel, Ukraine has the Tunnel of Love, but Pensacola has the Tunnel to the Baars. Actually its called the Tree Tunnel, but the creator of the living archway was Mary Ellison Baars for her family’s estate in Pensacola. The original plan was for it to be an entrance to vacation homes for wealthy northerners, but the economy thwarted those plans in the early 20th century.
Shark Politics blood orange shandy 4.3%
This beer has little to do with politics, more to do with sharks. Which reminds me to set a reminder for when shark week comes around again. Anyway, the premise of this design is probability. Someone decided to compare the chance of shark attacks versus voter fraud in the state of Florida. From 2008–11 there were 72 shark attacks compared to the 49 voter fraud cases in the sunshine state. Although in 2011 alone, voter fraud ended out sharks by a whopping three.
This beer has little to do with politics, more to do with sharks. Which reminds me to set a reminder for when shark week comes around again. Anyway, the premise of this design is probability. Someone decided to compare the chance of shark attacks versus voter fraud in the state of Florida. From 2008–11 there were 72 shark attacks compared to the 49 voter fraud cases in the sunshine state. Although in 2011 alone, voter fraud ended out sharks by a whopping three.
Quick review for this week...left to right:
Rocky 4 was filmed in Wyoming, WYO is the proper AP abbreviation for Wyoming, the oldest county library system in the U.S. is Laramie county, Buck Horn Bar & Parlor is an infamous stop while traveling through, and a pilot who was stuck on the runway for hours, became a hero by ordering pizza for the whole plane while they waited.
Funny Face, witte 5.6%
Why the long face? Because church is not for laughter. Phony and funny facial hair is outlawed in Alabama…but only in church. I guess they don’t want any reason for snickering during the sermon. I would like to know the story behind this law. Maybe it was someone who wasn’t allowed to stay home and check fantasy stats for their last minute roster changes before kickoff.
Why the long face? Because church is not for laughter. Phony and funny facial hair is outlawed in Alabama…but only in church. I guess they don’t want any reason for snickering during the sermon. I would like to know the story behind this law. Maybe it was someone who wasn’t allowed to stay home and check fantasy stats for their last minute roster changes before kickoff.
I didn’t see the sign officer, dark ale 7.3%
Another strange law from Alabama for todays design. It is illegal for a driver to be wearing a blindfold while operating a motorized vehicle. Now there has to be a loophole for the demolition derby right? I’ve been to a few where there is a two person team with the driver blindfolded while the passenger tells them when to turn and smash into the other cars. I’m sure dirt roads don’t apply for this rule, how else will they practice. If they do get pulled over while practicing, we should all be able to watch the dash cam footage of that one. Especially if they make the driver to a field sobriety test with the blindfold on. Off to Youtube to see if a video exists already...
Another strange law from Alabama for todays design. It is illegal for a driver to be wearing a blindfold while operating a motorized vehicle. Now there has to be a loophole for the demolition derby right? I’ve been to a few where there is a two person team with the driver blindfolded while the passenger tells them when to turn and smash into the other cars. I’m sure dirt roads don’t apply for this rule, how else will they practice. If they do get pulled over while practicing, we should all be able to watch the dash cam footage of that one. Especially if they make the driver to a field sobriety test with the blindfold on. Off to Youtube to see if a video exists already...
No Bones About It, abbey ale 6.4%
Alabama strikes down with vengeance and furious anger against game playing. Dominoes cannot be played on Sunday...is a law. I don’t know if it refers to the intended game or using them to arrange a domino show; I had to search for what it was called, so now we both know. Without looking up the wording of the law, I like to assume that it was to make people show up to church instead of playing. This makes me wonder what the community was like. Is there a large domino playing population in Alabama? Were they dispersed years ago when the law was passed? Did they go underground with their games? Perhaps they opened a members-only church and played within to hide from the authorities.
Alabama strikes down with vengeance and furious anger against game playing. Dominoes cannot be played on Sunday...is a law. I don’t know if it refers to the intended game or using them to arrange a domino show; I had to search for what it was called, so now we both know. Without looking up the wording of the law, I like to assume that it was to make people show up to church instead of playing. This makes me wonder what the community was like. Is there a large domino playing population in Alabama? Were they dispersed years ago when the law was passed? Did they go underground with their games? Perhaps they opened a members-only church and played within to hide from the authorities.
Will Wrestle for Cold Bears, wee heavy 8.5%
Weird laws just keep getting weirder in Bama —it's a felony to engage in bear wrestling. Well that saves a few arguments. If you wish to engage in your run of the mill bear wrestling, you’ll get arrested. If you are in some black market, back alley, Deer Hunter Russian roulette type of match with bears…go ahead and roll the dice. Brick Tamland would do it.
Weird laws just keep getting weirder in Bama —it's a felony to engage in bear wrestling. Well that saves a few arguments. If you wish to engage in your run of the mill bear wrestling, you’ll get arrested. If you are in some black market, back alley, Deer Hunter Russian roulette type of match with bears…go ahead and roll the dice. Brick Tamland would do it.
Saver, saison 5.3%
The fuzz is coming after your frozen treats in Bama. It is illegal to put an ice cream cone in your back pocket in the state of Alabama. I have seen this odd law in other states and have a few theories for why it came to be. Bees! A melted sticker mess in your pocket could attract bees and back in the day epipens were not invented yet. Horses perhaps? You may make a new friend or be accosted in the rear by a nearby equine. Also, why just the back pocket? Front pocket is fair game? If anyone knows the origin of this please comment, we all want to know.
The fuzz is coming after your frozen treats in Bama. It is illegal to put an ice cream cone in your back pocket in the state of Alabama. I have seen this odd law in other states and have a few theories for why it came to be. Bees! A melted sticker mess in your pocket could attract bees and back in the day epipens were not invented yet. Horses perhaps? You may make a new friend or be accosted in the rear by a nearby equine. Also, why just the back pocket? Front pocket is fair game? If anyone knows the origin of this please comment, we all want to know.
Lets be Frank, altbier 4.9%
Wunderbier is a rebrand of Wunder Brewery from Baltimore, Maryland. Wunder was the surname that connected a few owners from 1869–1885. It began as Anna & Frederick Wunder Brewery, then in 1872 it became Frederick Wunder Brewery, then its final brand was Miss Anna Wunder Brewery in 1881. Divorce perhaps? We’ll assume that they split, Freddy thought he could do it himself, then had to sell to his ex after a few years. Seeing the Wunder name made me think of wunderbar, and decided to rename it Wunderbier or "miracle beer”. Makes so much sense and I was surprised that the name wasn’t used. If anyone takes it after reading this, I will be collecting my beer tax in perpetuity.
Frank Zappa was one of the many artists I was exposed to as a kid, thanks to my parents taste in music. It began in the womb when my mother—eight months along—went to the Palace in Albany New York to see Frank and the Mothers of Invention perform. From what I’m told, someone threw a ring on stage and struck Frank which ended the show early. My mother informed me that I didn’t enjoy my first concert very much or was dancing a lot in her belly. I’d like to think I enjoyed it. They had just released Studio Tan which could be the soundtrack for a Red and Stimpy episode.
Wunderbier is a rebrand of Wunder Brewery from Baltimore, Maryland. Wunder was the surname that connected a few owners from 1869–1885. It began as Anna & Frederick Wunder Brewery, then in 1872 it became Frederick Wunder Brewery, then its final brand was Miss Anna Wunder Brewery in 1881. Divorce perhaps? We’ll assume that they split, Freddy thought he could do it himself, then had to sell to his ex after a few years. Seeing the Wunder name made me think of wunderbar, and decided to rename it Wunderbier or "miracle beer”. Makes so much sense and I was surprised that the name wasn’t used. If anyone takes it after reading this, I will be collecting my beer tax in perpetuity.
Frank Zappa was one of the many artists I was exposed to as a kid, thanks to my parents taste in music. It began in the womb when my mother—eight months along—went to the Palace in Albany New York to see Frank and the Mothers of Invention perform. From what I’m told, someone threw a ring on stage and struck Frank which ended the show early. My mother informed me that I didn’t enjoy my first concert very much or was dancing a lot in her belly. I’d like to think I enjoyed it. They had just released Studio Tan which could be the soundtrack for a Red and Stimpy episode.
Rain Stop, porter 7.8%
Random fact from Maryland that became a can design today: the first umbrella factory in America was established in Baltimore in 1828. In the spirit of cross promotion it would be odd for an umbrella company to pair with a brewery. But that’s the rub, it would stand out and grab attention. The commercial for the umbrellas would be nice to show someone enjoying their beer under an umbrella while someone else is getting rain in theirs.
Random fact from Maryland that became a can design today: the first umbrella factory in America was established in Baltimore in 1828. In the spirit of cross promotion it would be odd for an umbrella company to pair with a brewery. But that’s the rub, it would stand out and grab attention. The commercial for the umbrellas would be nice to show someone enjoying their beer under an umbrella while someone else is getting rain in theirs.
Eye Got It, IPA 6.3%
If you haven’t been to Baltimore and looked at the common beer options, National Bohemian is the official beer of Baltimore and the Oriole’s. Their one eyed cartoon mascot Mr. Boh has been an icon for the brand and has extended as an icon for the city. The mystery of the missing eye was addressed with their largest competitor: Gunther Beer. When children would ask where is Mr. Boh’s eye, the slogan, “Gunther's got it” was given. Sadly, Gunther Beer was purchased by Schaefer and dissolved. So to pick up the torch, we have today’s design and the found eye. *Disclosure: I've never had a Natty Boh...yet 🍻
If you haven’t been to Baltimore and looked at the common beer options, National Bohemian is the official beer of Baltimore and the Oriole’s. Their one eyed cartoon mascot Mr. Boh has been an icon for the brand and has extended as an icon for the city. The mystery of the missing eye was addressed with their largest competitor: Gunther Beer. When children would ask where is Mr. Boh’s eye, the slogan, “Gunther's got it” was given. Sadly, Gunther Beer was purchased by Schaefer and dissolved. So to pick up the torch, we have today’s design and the found eye. *Disclosure: I've never had a Natty Boh...yet 🍻
Overshoot, bock 8.3%
I am a huge fan of military tactics that think outside of the box to outsmart the enemy. One example is when the U.S. hired movie and television professionals during WWII to trick the Germans. The best tricks were inflatable tanks and recorded sounds played to simulate large groups moving through the woods. For todays design we look back to the Revolutionary war era and the seaside town of Saint Michaels in Maryland. They were warned of a British attack to happen in the early morning, so they raised the ship lanterns to the top of the masts and the town lanterns to the tops of the trees. This caused the British cannons to overshoot the town and was the first known blackout; which begs for a dark beer.
I am a huge fan of military tactics that think outside of the box to outsmart the enemy. One example is when the U.S. hired movie and television professionals during WWII to trick the Germans. The best tricks were inflatable tanks and recorded sounds played to simulate large groups moving through the woods. For todays design we look back to the Revolutionary war era and the seaside town of Saint Michaels in Maryland. They were warned of a British attack to happen in the early morning, so they raised the ship lanterns to the top of the masts and the town lanterns to the tops of the trees. This caused the British cannons to overshoot the town and was the first known blackout; which begs for a dark beer.
Lightning Rod, dry hopped pilsner 5.6%
Back from hiatus and back at it with Mountain Spring brewing from New Hampshire. Open from 1893–1904 under variations of the same name adapted for this week, will be fleshed out in an art nouveau style. The first offering is refers to a law in the granite state; it is illegal to sell lightning rods without a license. I just assumed that lightning rods were an item you would find at the fair or create with some spare rebar. After I post this, I’ll be searching craigslist for lightning rods. Should I feel safer with a rod from a licensed dealer instead of a black market rod? I’ll keep you posted.
Back from hiatus and back at it with Mountain Spring brewing from New Hampshire. Open from 1893–1904 under variations of the same name adapted for this week, will be fleshed out in an art nouveau style. The first offering is refers to a law in the granite state; it is illegal to sell lightning rods without a license. I just assumed that lightning rods were an item you would find at the fair or create with some spare rebar. After I post this, I’ll be searching craigslist for lightning rods. Should I feel safer with a rod from a licensed dealer instead of a black market rod? I’ll keep you posted.
No Chaser, barrel aged stout 10.6%
Barrel aged stout in a can? I don’t remember seeing one, so why not. Today we examine another law that relates to hunting, dogs, and chasing. In New Hampshire it is illegal to shoot an animal chased up a tree by a dog NOT in your hunting party. How? How is this policed? Who hangs around strays to snag an animal? Maybe it was put in place to instill some hunting etiquette. Don’t shoot an animal that is being chased by another hunting party canine?
Barrel aged stout in a can? I don’t remember seeing one, so why not. Today we examine another law that relates to hunting, dogs, and chasing. In New Hampshire it is illegal to shoot an animal chased up a tree by a dog NOT in your hunting party. How? How is this policed? Who hangs around strays to snag an animal? Maybe it was put in place to instill some hunting etiquette. Don’t shoot an animal that is being chased by another hunting party canine?
Abduction, pale wheat 5.2%
Aliens were first brought up in the New Mexico designs for Hauswald Brewery and now with Mountain Spring. The first widely publicized case of alien abduction was in Portsmouth New Hampshire. In 1961, Betty and Barney Hill were taken by beings from outer space and replaced on earth 35 miles away. Betty’s notes, tapes, and other items from the encounter are in the permanent collection of the University of New Hampshire. The detail of their encounter sparked movies and television shows referring to the case of the Hill couple. #aliens #extraterrestrial
Aliens were first brought up in the New Mexico designs for Hauswald Brewery and now with Mountain Spring. The first widely publicized case of alien abduction was in Portsmouth New Hampshire. In 1961, Betty and Barney Hill were taken by beings from outer space and replaced on earth 35 miles away. Betty’s notes, tapes, and other items from the encounter are in the permanent collection of the University of New Hampshire. The detail of their encounter sparked movies and television shows referring to the case of the Hill couple. #aliens #extraterrestrial
Festive Ale, wheat 5.3%
Many people associate jazz with New Orleans, but the first jazz festival began in Newport Rhode Island in 1954 and still continues annually. Anyone lucky enough to attend the first year was luck enough to enjoy a two day lineup of a lifetime. Performers included: Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Errol Gardner, Gene Krupa, Oscar Peterson, Stan Kenton, and so many more of what could be the best era of jazz. This weeks brewery is Pawtucket’s Hand and I’m assuming that they would be asked to create a commemorative beer and can to sell exclusively at the festival.
Many people associate jazz with New Orleans, but the first jazz festival began in Newport Rhode Island in 1954 and still continues annually. Anyone lucky enough to attend the first year was luck enough to enjoy a two day lineup of a lifetime. Performers included: Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Errol Gardner, Gene Krupa, Oscar Peterson, Stan Kenton, and so many more of what could be the best era of jazz. This weeks brewery is Pawtucket’s Hand and I’m assuming that they would be asked to create a commemorative beer and can to sell exclusively at the festival.
Lawn Tennis, pilsner 4.3%
Lawn tennis has a history in Rhode Island. The first championship was held at the Newport Casino in late June of 1899. This was the beginning of the current U.S. Open of tennis. Wimbledon—which is currently underway—had their championship on grass prior to the states, which likely inspired the event across the pond. I’ve seen with golf that they sometimes have modern players use vintage equipment and clothing to see how the game once was. Does this happen with tennis too? Could @serenawilliams cross the court in a long dress? @rafaelnadal in slacks, shirt, and tie? Maybe a bowtie for performance sake.
Lawn tennis has a history in Rhode Island. The first championship was held at the Newport Casino in late June of 1899. This was the beginning of the current U.S. Open of tennis. Wimbledon—which is currently underway—had their championship on grass prior to the states, which likely inspired the event across the pond. I’ve seen with golf that they sometimes have modern players use vintage equipment and clothing to see how the game once was. Does this happen with tennis too? Could @serenawilliams cross the court in a long dress? @rafaelnadal in slacks, shirt, and tie? Maybe a bowtie for performance sake.
Shotgun, blood orange pale ale 5.6%
Do vampires shotgun blood? Probably not, but they might shotgun a beer and a blood orange pale ale will have to do. If you ever visit Exeter, there is a grave to visit if you’re a fan of vampires or all things horror fantasy. Mercy Brown and much of her family died from disease. The townsfolk suspected her of being a vampire, so they convinced everyone to dig up her grave and check the corpse. She showed almost no signs of decay, which further explained their theory. The fact that her body was kept in a cold storage area for two months prior to a winter burial was not considered as an explanation. Her brother was sick with the same disease at the time of exhuming her grave, so the townsfolk decided the best medicine was to burn his sister’s heart and feed him the ashes. He died.
Do vampires shotgun blood? Probably not, but they might shotgun a beer and a blood orange pale ale will have to do. If you ever visit Exeter, there is a grave to visit if you’re a fan of vampires or all things horror fantasy. Mercy Brown and much of her family died from disease. The townsfolk suspected her of being a vampire, so they convinced everyone to dig up her grave and check the corpse. She showed almost no signs of decay, which further explained their theory. The fact that her body was kept in a cold storage area for two months prior to a winter burial was not considered as an explanation. Her brother was sick with the same disease at the time of exhuming her grave, so the townsfolk decided the best medicine was to burn his sister’s heart and feed him the ashes. He died.
Holy Smoke, smoked porter 7.6%
Any pipe smokers out there? I had to think of the last time I saw someone enjoying a pipe in public…I can’t remember. Although there are obvious health problems, I give credit to pipe collectors. There are some really beautiful ones out there, especially when carved from rare materials. Why pipes and Rhode Island? In Newport it is illegal to smoke a pipe after sunset. Another law that is not enforced and just as forgotten as pipe smokers themselves. There must have been a reason for the law and secret smoking dens to still enjoy after sunset. This one took a few minutes to massage in the logo and beer name. Vintage ad was scooped from the @nyplpicturecollection
Any pipe smokers out there? I had to think of the last time I saw someone enjoying a pipe in public…I can’t remember. Although there are obvious health problems, I give credit to pipe collectors. There are some really beautiful ones out there, especially when carved from rare materials. Why pipes and Rhode Island? In Newport it is illegal to smoke a pipe after sunset. Another law that is not enforced and just as forgotten as pipe smokers themselves. There must have been a reason for the law and secret smoking dens to still enjoy after sunset. This one took a few minutes to massage in the logo and beer name. Vintage ad was scooped from the @nyplpicturecollection
Bubblah wheat ale 5%
For today I am leaving the description up to my partner in design @chelsea.leeder due to her expertise in all things Rhode Island and for giving me the info for today’s design. "In search of some cool refreshment? If you lived in Rhode Island, you'd probably seek out a bubbler, what they call their drinking fountains. Instead, you can quench your thirst with this fine ale.” Thanks for the intel partner. *posted on remote at the @engine7design offices today
For today I am leaving the description up to my partner in design @chelsea.leeder due to her expertise in all things Rhode Island and for giving me the info for today’s design. "In search of some cool refreshment? If you lived in Rhode Island, you'd probably seek out a bubbler, what they call their drinking fountains. Instead, you can quench your thirst with this fine ale.” Thanks for the intel partner. *posted on remote at the @engine7design offices today
Dirty Doppel 8.7%
For this week I have resurrected Carl Clauder brewery from Winston-Salem, that was in operation from 1805–1910. Todays design echoes one of the two standard movies for teenage girls of the past few generations. When a song from their soundtrack plays at a wedding—guaranteed—you will see ladies hands rise above their heads as they converge on the parquet. I think it will be studied by cultural anthropologists some day; or possibly one of those Ozzy Man videos. My favorite thing about Dirty Dancing is the videos of couples failing at the lift. The film was shot on location in Lake Lure in North Carolina, which is now a private residential community called Firefly Cove.
For this week I have resurrected Carl Clauder brewery from Winston-Salem, that was in operation from 1805–1910. Todays design echoes one of the two standard movies for teenage girls of the past few generations. When a song from their soundtrack plays at a wedding—guaranteed—you will see ladies hands rise above their heads as they converge on the parquet. I think it will be studied by cultural anthropologists some day; or possibly one of those Ozzy Man videos. My favorite thing about Dirty Dancing is the videos of couples failing at the lift. The film was shot on location in Lake Lure in North Carolina, which is now a private residential community called Firefly Cove.
Babe pale ale 5.6%
George Herman Ruth began his career with the Baltimore Orioles farm team in 1914. Their spring training was held in Fayetteville and hosted his first ever professional home run. The blast to right field was reported locally to be longer than the previous long shot of Jim Thorpe. It was also during this rookie season that his teammates nicknamed him “babe”. Although it is unique to us, calling younger players babe was common during that era. Anyone out there have a signature with his full name? I did see one in a search but it was on paper; not a ball.
George Herman Ruth began his career with the Baltimore Orioles farm team in 1914. Their spring training was held in Fayetteville and hosted his first ever professional home run. The blast to right field was reported locally to be longer than the previous long shot of Jim Thorpe. It was also during this rookie season that his teammates nicknamed him “babe”. Although it is unique to us, calling younger players babe was common during that era. Anyone out there have a signature with his full name? I did see one in a search but it was on paper; not a ball.
Atlantic Graveyard, rum barrel aged porter 8.7%
Yo ho ho and there are a lot of shipwrecks near the NorthCarolina coast. The outer banks region is a tourist haven nowadays, but once was deadly for approaching ships. Blackbeard was known to frequent the area while over 1,000 vessels have sunk there since 1526. I guess he had a better depth chart. This record number of shipwrecks has lead to it being called the "graveyard of the Atlantic”
Yo ho ho and there are a lot of shipwrecks near the NorthCarolina coast. The outer banks region is a tourist haven nowadays, but once was deadly for approaching ships. Blackbeard was known to frequent the area while over 1,000 vessels have sunk there since 1526. I guess he had a better depth chart. This record number of shipwrecks has lead to it being called the "graveyard of the Atlantic”
Acid Park, bourbon barrel aged stout 10.8%
If you drink enough it will start spinning™
The subject for todays designs an odd one. There is a legend for a former artist installation in Wilson, North Carolina. Vollis Simpson created numerous whirligigs alongside the road to commemorate his daughters death which was due to an acid trip. At least that is what legend explains as the origin for what was called "Acid Park." Simpson kept creating his whirligigs until his death in 2013 at age 94. To preserve his creations @vsimpsonwhirligigpark has been moving his spinning art to another location and carefully restoring them. The new display is an off-beat attraction for the small town and a perfect place to show up, drop in, and tune out. Or just take a photo for the scrapbook.
If you drink enough it will start spinning™
The subject for todays designs an odd one. There is a legend for a former artist installation in Wilson, North Carolina. Vollis Simpson created numerous whirligigs alongside the road to commemorate his daughters death which was due to an acid trip. At least that is what legend explains as the origin for what was called "Acid Park." Simpson kept creating his whirligigs until his death in 2013 at age 94. To preserve his creations @vsimpsonwhirligigpark has been moving his spinning art to another location and carefully restoring them. The new display is an off-beat attraction for the small town and a perfect place to show up, drop in, and tune out. Or just take a photo for the scrapbook.
Funkadelic, double IPA 8.3%
One of the great artists born in North Carolina is the doctor of funk himself, George Clinton. His early career was as a staff songwriter for Motown. The Parliaments was created while he was still in high school as a dog-wop group, and yes it was named after the cigarette brand. They later evolved into the funk group we know today, bringing the mothership down to earth. Funkadelic was a name change after their original record company went bankrupt and the rights to the name was in limbo. In the 70’s he revived Parliament as a name for the group, still with the original five members from high school. Not many groups last that long without splitting up.
One of the great artists born in North Carolina is the doctor of funk himself, George Clinton. His early career was as a staff songwriter for Motown. The Parliaments was created while he was still in high school as a dog-wop group, and yes it was named after the cigarette brand. They later evolved into the funk group we know today, bringing the mothership down to earth. Funkadelic was a name change after their original record company went bankrupt and the rights to the name was in limbo. In the 70’s he revived Parliament as a name for the group, still with the original five members from high school. Not many groups last that long without splitting up.
Champ, champagne ale 5.2%
Everywhere in the world has some sort of local folklore that either is odd or scary to new listeners. Vermont and New York share the same creature of tall tales: Champ the Lake Champlain monster. Much like the Loch Ness monster, Champ is rarely seen except for tchotchkes in nearby tourist shops. So I resurrected C.M. Blake Brewing from Rockingham Vermont and added a new champagne beer to give a nod to the state monster.
Everywhere in the world has some sort of local folklore that either is odd or scary to new listeners. Vermont and New York share the same creature of tall tales: Champ the Lake Champlain monster. Much like the Loch Ness monster, Champ is rarely seen except for tchotchkes in nearby tourist shops. So I resurrected C.M. Blake Brewing from Rockingham Vermont and added a new champagne beer to give a nod to the state monster.
Betel Gueuze 4.8%
One of my favorite movies is Beetlejuice; Michael Keaton played the part superbly. The connection to C.M. Blake Beer? It was filmed in Vermont. The rural scene and iconic house were staged in the northeastern small town of East Corinth. Say it three times and the beer will appear? That would be nice. I thought a two sided design would work well for stacking, but didn’t have enough time to mock up the stack so you’ll just have to imagine it. Maybe I’ll add it at the end of the year.
One of my favorite movies is Beetlejuice; Michael Keaton played the part superbly. The connection to C.M. Blake Beer? It was filmed in Vermont. The rural scene and iconic house were staged in the northeastern small town of East Corinth. Say it three times and the beer will appear? That would be nice. I thought a two sided design would work well for stacking, but didn’t have enough time to mock up the stack so you’ll just have to imagine it. Maybe I’ll add it at the end of the year.
Vermontis, copper ale 6.2%
Before Vermont became the 14th state in 1791, it was a country that abolished slavery, operated a post office, and for today's design: had currency called "coppers." Which shares a moniker with the common containers used to make beer. Coppers were used because of their ability to transfer heat and the surface is best for the boiling process. The Republic of Vermont's coins were inscribed with "stella, quatra, decima", meaning "the fourteenth star", which represented itself amongst the first 13 colonies of the United States.
Before Vermont became the 14th state in 1791, it was a country that abolished slavery, operated a post office, and for today's design: had currency called "coppers." Which shares a moniker with the common containers used to make beer. Coppers were used because of their ability to transfer heat and the surface is best for the boiling process. The Republic of Vermont's coins were inscribed with "stella, quatra, decima", meaning "the fourteenth star", which represented itself amongst the first 13 colonies of the United States.
Backwoods Bomber, pale ale 7.7%
This one reminds me of my beginnings with the sport...cheap plastic boards that mimicked the first designs by Jake Burton Carpenter in Vermont circa 1977. Snowboarding started with the Snurfer but was grown by @burtonsnowboards well beyond the original BB1 board. You can still find boards with slip in boot straps and a string to hold, just like the first boards designed. Since then we have come a long way to having the sport in the Olympics and influencing mountains to add parks and pipes for boarders. I still remember the fun I had hiking to the top of my towns largest hill in the woods. then I strapped up and navigated between trees on my Kmart plastic board. True Story: I was quite good with it so I brought it to a legit mountain and was turned down because it wasn't a real board with metal edges. A few years after that I finally got my first board and was able to hit the mountains here in the east. I am now thinking of my current setup and desperately need a new board. I'm working with elevators so my feet don't drag on turns #wideboardgoals#piggybank Does anyone out there have a vintage Burton board that looks like this?
This one reminds me of my beginnings with the sport...cheap plastic boards that mimicked the first designs by Jake Burton Carpenter in Vermont circa 1977. Snowboarding started with the Snurfer but was grown by @burtonsnowboards well beyond the original BB1 board. You can still find boards with slip in boot straps and a string to hold, just like the first boards designed. Since then we have come a long way to having the sport in the Olympics and influencing mountains to add parks and pipes for boarders. I still remember the fun I had hiking to the top of my towns largest hill in the woods. then I strapped up and navigated between trees on my Kmart plastic board. True Story: I was quite good with it so I brought it to a legit mountain and was turned down because it wasn't a real board with metal edges. A few years after that I finally got my first board and was able to hit the mountains here in the east. I am now thinking of my current setup and desperately need a new board. I'm working with elevators so my feet don't drag on turns #wideboardgoals#piggybank Does anyone out there have a vintage Burton board that looks like this?
Reel Good lager 4.5%
In 1874 Charles F. Orvis started distributing his open fly reel design that was referred to as "the benchmark of American reel design" by fly fishing historians. The design hasn't changed much besides modern materials being applied to the form. The outdoor equipment store @orvis began almost 20 years earlier in Manchester, Vermont. I still have fly fishing on my list of things to learn. In the meantime, this design is for fly fisherman so they can have some faux cork in their hand after a session in the river.
In 1874 Charles F. Orvis started distributing his open fly reel design that was referred to as "the benchmark of American reel design" by fly fishing historians. The design hasn't changed much besides modern materials being applied to the form. The outdoor equipment store @orvis began almost 20 years earlier in Manchester, Vermont. I still have fly fishing on my list of things to learn. In the meantime, this design is for fly fisherman so they can have some faux cork in their hand after a session in the river.
Lopers and Yopers, pale ales 5%
This week we resurrect Food City Brewing Company, which operated from 1933–1942 in Battle Creek, Michigan. Not sure why it was called Food City, cereal city is its better known moniker. If anyone knows the history of this name, reach out, I'd love to know. As for the story of these cans...it's a proverbial line in the sand for Michigan residents. Anyone living on the upper peninsula are referred to as "yoopers" and the lower peninsula residents are called many names including "lopers." Even worse is being called "trolls" by the yoopers, because they live below the Mackinac bridge. And you thought the buckeye/wolverine rivalry was heated.
This week we resurrect Food City Brewing Company, which operated from 1933–1942 in Battle Creek, Michigan. Not sure why it was called Food City, cereal city is its better known moniker. If anyone knows the history of this name, reach out, I'd love to know. As for the story of these cans...it's a proverbial line in the sand for Michigan residents. Anyone living on the upper peninsula are referred to as "yoopers" and the lower peninsula residents are called many names including "lopers." Even worse is being called "trolls" by the yoopers, because they live below the Mackinac bridge. And you thought the buckeye/wolverine rivalry was heated.
Cherry Pie, lambic 4.6%
Traverse City is the tart cherry capital of the world and hosts an annual National cherry festival every July. Going to themed festivals is a quintessential summer activity for most Americans. Of course there are craft beer festivals, but a carrot or garlic festival serve some unique food and drinks with the star ingredient. Cherry festival sounds like a great summer event and always makes me think of the pie eating contest story from the movie Stand By Me. As for the design, I liked the simple lattice for the front of the can so much that it needed an oven to house a four pack
Traverse City is the tart cherry capital of the world and hosts an annual National cherry festival every July. Going to themed festivals is a quintessential summer activity for most Americans. Of course there are craft beer festivals, but a carrot or garlic festival serve some unique food and drinks with the star ingredient. Cherry festival sounds like a great summer event and always makes me think of the pie eating contest story from the movie Stand By Me. As for the design, I liked the simple lattice for the front of the can so much that it needed an oven to house a four pack
Roasted Yam, stout 7.6%
Making a cereal design for Battle Creek would be fun but is too obvious of a reference for outsiders like myself. Baby food on the other hand is not associated with Michigan for most people. Daniel Frank Gerber Jr. was the pioneer in @gerber baby food products by adding the line of products to his fathers canning company portfolio. And as they say, the rest is history. This design is for the parents who miss having their old lives now and again.
Making a cereal design for Battle Creek would be fun but is too obvious of a reference for outsiders like myself. Baby food on the other hand is not associated with Michigan for most people. Daniel Frank Gerber Jr. was the pioneer in @gerber baby food products by adding the line of products to his fathers canning company portfolio. And as they say, the rest is history. This design is for the parents who miss having their old lives now and again.
Magical, poster
Instead of beer can design, today we have a vintage inspired poster. Colon, Michigan is known as the magic capital of the world. Yes, you read correctly, it is called Colon. As for magic, Colon is home to several magic supply manufacturers as well as the final resting place of Harry Blackstone Sr. For the poster, I applied some digital painting magic to chop up older posters into what you see here.
Instead of beer can design, today we have a vintage inspired poster. Colon, Michigan is known as the magic capital of the world. Yes, you read correctly, it is called Colon. As for magic, Colon is home to several magic supply manufacturers as well as the final resting place of Harry Blackstone Sr. For the poster, I applied some digital painting magic to chop up older posters into what you see here.
Fairy Juice, weiss 5.6%
Ann Arbor has an off-beat attraction or attractions scattered throughout the city: fairy doors. It began with Johnathan B. Wright was renovating his house and found some small doors throughout the house. they all were detailed and had scenes inside that sometimes lit up when opened. Because of his daughters elation for the newly found doors, he became obsessed with the phenomenon and documented the tiny doors that popped up throughout town. #fairydoorsofannarbor gives you an idea of what they look like...I had to showcase this with a can design. Its so odd not to tell the story and applying it to a weiss beer seemed apropos to Germanic folklore.
Ann Arbor has an off-beat attraction or attractions scattered throughout the city: fairy doors. It began with Johnathan B. Wright was renovating his house and found some small doors throughout the house. they all were detailed and had scenes inside that sometimes lit up when opened. Because of his daughters elation for the newly found doors, he became obsessed with the phenomenon and documented the tiny doors that popped up throughout town. #fairydoorsofannarbor gives you an idea of what they look like...I had to showcase this with a can design. Its so odd not to tell the story and applying it to a weiss beer seemed apropos to Germanic folklore.
Thanks But No Thanks, lager 4.6%
This week I am resurrecting Good & Mack brewery, also sometimes just Good or just Mack. From Aspen Colorado, the brewery began as Good & Mack Brewery from 1885 until 1887. From 1887 until 1891 it was changed to just Jacob Mack Brewery and finally John Good brewery from 1891 until 1898. In my minutes of research, I couldn't find any info on why the names split and swapped owners. So I've created a new rivalry where all beers are brewed under the same name: Mack ≠ Good. Some will be made by Mack and others by Good, with consumers being pulled into either camp as a fan.
Today's design refers to when Colorado was the only U.S. state turn down the Olympics. Teh 1976 Winter Olympics was planned to be held in Denver, but in a vote, 62% of the residents turned it down due to cost, pollution, and a population boom.
This week I am resurrecting Good & Mack brewery, also sometimes just Good or just Mack. From Aspen Colorado, the brewery began as Good & Mack Brewery from 1885 until 1887. From 1887 until 1891 it was changed to just Jacob Mack Brewery and finally John Good brewery from 1891 until 1898. In my minutes of research, I couldn't find any info on why the names split and swapped owners. So I've created a new rivalry where all beers are brewed under the same name: Mack ≠ Good. Some will be made by Mack and others by Good, with consumers being pulled into either camp as a fan.
Today's design refers to when Colorado was the only U.S. state turn down the Olympics. Teh 1976 Winter Olympics was planned to be held in Denver, but in a vote, 62% of the residents turned it down due to cost, pollution, and a population boom.
Give 'em Helles Mike, 5.8%
Fruita, Colorado has an interesting annual festival that celebrates a famous bird named Mike. The story started with a farmer, L.A. Olsen, who cut the head off of a chicken to have it for dinner. As the story goes, Mike the chicken survived for another four years without a head. The folklore was so essential to the identity of the town that it begged for a reason to celebrate. Although the marketing phrase, "I wanna be like Mike" was for people who admired the basketball icon, we should want to be like Mike the chicken and fight death when it comes. Cheers to you Mike 🍺
Fruita, Colorado has an interesting annual festival that celebrates a famous bird named Mike. The story started with a farmer, L.A. Olsen, who cut the head off of a chicken to have it for dinner. As the story goes, Mike the chicken survived for another four years without a head. The folklore was so essential to the identity of the town that it begged for a reason to celebrate. Although the marketing phrase, "I wanna be like Mike" was for people who admired the basketball icon, we should want to be like Mike the chicken and fight death when it comes. Cheers to you Mike 🍺
Shall We Play a Game? tripel 7.6%
The Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado Springs has been used for many films, including one of my favorites from childhood: War Games. Huge floppy disks, computer games, global thermonuclear war; they all had my attention. Today's design is an homage to the computers of the 80's and the character Professor Falken. "The only winning move is not to play."
The Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado Springs has been used for many films, including one of my favorites from childhood: War Games. Huge floppy disks, computer games, global thermonuclear war; they all had my attention. Today's design is an homage to the computers of the 80's and the character Professor Falken. "The only winning move is not to play."
Newseum, old bruin 6%
When you think of Aspen, you think of skiing. So I was trying to find other interesting things to call out about the town. I happily discovered the @aspenartmuseum and its unique facade. It must grab the eye amongst the surrounding buildings. The woven square is a beautiful solution for a simple shape. It is described as a collection-less contemporary art museum, which means fresh works cycling through for frequent visits. It's now on my list of places to visit.
When you think of Aspen, you think of skiing. So I was trying to find other interesting things to call out about the town. I happily discovered the @aspenartmuseum and its unique facade. It must grab the eye amongst the surrounding buildings. The woven square is a beautiful solution for a simple shape. It is described as a collection-less contemporary art museum, which means fresh works cycling through for frequent visits. It's now on my list of places to visit.
Come and Play With Us Danny, lager 4.7%
Some interesting factoids with this one. The Shining is the reference, if you hadn't figured that out yet. The hotel itself was based on @thestanleyhotel in Estes Park Colorado. After a visit there, Stephen King was inspired to write the now famous novel. As for the twins in the story, Stanley Kubrick was inspired by a famous photo of identical twins by Diane Arbus. One of our clients is a brother of the twins in the Arbus photo. The family once had an original print from Arbus herself, but has misplaced it throughout the years. A quick look at Sotherby's shows its estimated price at $215,000–$322,000. We might need to check the attic.
Some interesting factoids with this one. The Shining is the reference, if you hadn't figured that out yet. The hotel itself was based on @thestanleyhotel in Estes Park Colorado. After a visit there, Stephen King was inspired to write the now famous novel. As for the twins in the story, Stanley Kubrick was inspired by a famous photo of identical twins by Diane Arbus. One of our clients is a brother of the twins in the Arbus photo. The family once had an original print from Arbus herself, but has misplaced it throughout the years. A quick look at Sotherby's shows its estimated price at $215,000–$322,000. We might need to check the attic.
Wizard of Odd, weiss 6%
This week in #ResurrectSeries —Palace Brewing was in operation from 1882–1910 in Alameda, California. The first beer created this week shines a light on Hollywood for a strange action. There is a star on the walk of fame that is shared by 132 people. The Munchkins from the Wizard of Oz are the shared group on the star in question; 122 adults and 12 children.
This week in #ResurrectSeries —Palace Brewing was in operation from 1882–1910 in Alameda, California. The first beer created this week shines a light on Hollywood for a strange action. There is a star on the walk of fame that is shared by 132 people. The Munchkins from the Wizard of Oz are the shared group on the star in question; 122 adults and 12 children.
TILT! towards mouth, pale wheat 5.4%
Alameda is mostly a small island adjacent to Oakland and across the bay from San Francisco with the Bay Farm peninsula. Although it is a small island, there are a few unique places to visit. The @pacificpinballmuseum seems like a gem. They are a functional museum where you can play your way through pinball history. Check out their IG account for great videos on vintage machines.
Alameda is mostly a small island adjacent to Oakland and across the bay from San Francisco with the Bay Farm peninsula. Although it is a small island, there are a few unique places to visit. The @pacificpinballmuseum seems like a gem. They are a functional museum where you can play your way through pinball history. Check out their IG account for great videos on vintage machines.
A Little Hoppy, dry hopped lager 5%
Alameda's neighbor, Oakland, has a "small" folk art scene spread all over the city. In total there are over 2,300 small blocks of wood that are nailed onto the bottom of telephone poles. As a miniature canvas, the blocks are anonymously painted with gnomes on them.
Alameda's neighbor, Oakland, has a "small" folk art scene spread all over the city. In total there are over 2,300 small blocks of wood that are nailed onto the bottom of telephone poles. As a miniature canvas, the blocks are anonymously painted with gnomes on them.
Just Plucky, wee heavy 9%
Not far from Alameda is the tourist attraction Alcatraz. Avoiding well known references has been one of the unwritten rules for the #ResurrectSeries and will continue. The instrument with a ball and chain is a sub story from the island of criminals. Sunday activities at Alcatraz included a concert from the prisoner band, the Rock Islanders. One of their famous band-mates on the banjo was public enemy no. 1, Al Capone. Slightly harder to master than a Tommy Gun, but then again, he had time.
Not far from Alameda is the tourist attraction Alcatraz. Avoiding well known references has been one of the unwritten rules for the #ResurrectSeries and will continue. The instrument with a ball and chain is a sub story from the island of criminals. Sunday activities at Alcatraz included a concert from the prisoner band, the Rock Islanders. One of their famous band-mates on the banjo was public enemy no. 1, Al Capone. Slightly harder to master than a Tommy Gun, but then again, he had time.
Nanananabooboo, banana stout 7%
Some travel to Mecca for religious reasons, others for the love of fruit. In the California city of Mecca, you can find the International Banana Museum. Located on a barren stretch of road that is between San Diego and Joshua Tree, the museum has all of the banana items you never knew you needed. It makes sense that they serve banana beer; not many choices nearby unless you lean more towards a banana daiquiri.
Some travel to Mecca for religious reasons, others for the love of fruit. In the California city of Mecca, you can find the International Banana Museum. Located on a barren stretch of road that is between San Diego and Joshua Tree, the museum has all of the banana items you never knew you needed. It makes sense that they serve banana beer; not many choices nearby unless you lean more towards a banana daiquiri.
Sea Salt, gueuze 5%
What makes sea salt, sea salt? First we need to realize that all salt is sea salt...or from "a sea" that might not be there anymore. Most salt mines were at some time a body of sea water that has dried up. The difference with table salt? Iodine is added to most store bought table salt, but the difference in flavor can also be due to the minerals where it was mined. In Glendale, Arizona, Morton's has been mining a salt deposit there since the 1980's. So if you like the flavor of their table salt, you like the minerals that have mixed with the salt a long time ago. As breweries often do, adding sea salt to a sour beer, balances the flavors and delivers a tasty beverage.
What makes sea salt, sea salt? First we need to realize that all salt is sea salt...or from "a sea" that might not be there anymore. Most salt mines were at some time a body of sea water that has dried up. The difference with table salt? Iodine is added to most store bought table salt, but the difference in flavor can also be due to the minerals where it was mined. In Glendale, Arizona, Morton's has been mining a salt deposit there since the 1980's. So if you like the flavor of their table salt, you like the minerals that have mixed with the salt a long time ago. As breweries often do, adding sea salt to a sour beer, balances the flavors and delivers a tasty beverage.
Brewmation, porter 7.2%
Apologies to those with ophidiophobia for today's design. With Arizona having 13 species of rattlesnake, more than any other state, it needed to be addressed with a beer. I don't have a fear like Indiana Jones, but I've never traveled to an area with a snake population like Arizona. I've heard the knee-high design of cowboy boots are partly for the protection from rattlesnake bites. The safest time to be in pit viper territory is during the winter months when they are dormant. Referred to as brumation, it is similar to hibernation, where they share an underground pit with hundreds of other snakes. If I ever visit, I'll gladly embrace the suggested footwear...during the winter.
Apologies to those with ophidiophobia for today's design. With Arizona having 13 species of rattlesnake, more than any other state, it needed to be addressed with a beer. I don't have a fear like Indiana Jones, but I've never traveled to an area with a snake population like Arizona. I've heard the knee-high design of cowboy boots are partly for the protection from rattlesnake bites. The safest time to be in pit viper territory is during the winter months when they are dormant. Referred to as brumation, it is similar to hibernation, where they share an underground pit with hundreds of other snakes. If I ever visit, I'll gladly embrace the suggested footwear...during the winter.
Octobass, stout 8%
There are many over-sized attractions across the U.S. to stop for a photo opportunity. I've explored the largest coffee pot earlier this year for Willow Springs Brewery in Omaha. Most are for looks and don't function as their smaller versions would. But there is a large and functioning instrument that can be found—and played—at the @mimphx in Phoenix. At twice the height of a double bass, the octobass stands between 11 and 12 feet tall. Being too large to play, it has pedals and levers to fret the three strings, with a stand to reach them while using a bow. Its low C is lower than what most people can hear. There are many videos online of people playing the instrument; my favorite is visitors attempting the Jaws theme.
There are many over-sized attractions across the U.S. to stop for a photo opportunity. I've explored the largest coffee pot earlier this year for Willow Springs Brewery in Omaha. Most are for looks and don't function as their smaller versions would. But there is a large and functioning instrument that can be found—and played—at the @mimphx in Phoenix. At twice the height of a double bass, the octobass stands between 11 and 12 feet tall. Being too large to play, it has pedals and levers to fret the three strings, with a stand to reach them while using a bow. Its low C is lower than what most people can hear. There are many videos online of people playing the instrument; my favorite is visitors attempting the Jaws theme.
Summer Teeth, ale 4.3%
Most larger breweries offer a summer ale or a session ale for the warmer months. With Arizona having nice to sweltering weather year round, there needs to be a brew that quenches thirst all year long. In my youth we made fun of the neighboring towns and their residents by categorizing them as hillbillies with "summer teeth." Some are here, some are there...it was stupid, but we were kids and enjoyed it. As I always do with this project of resurrecting breweries, I find odd laws across the U.S. Tombstone is no stranger to the strangest law I've found so far. It is against the law for men and women over 18 to have less than one tooth missing when smiling. I envision a coming of age practice, where young residents take a punch to the mouth so they will adhere to the law. Maybe a drunken night and bar fight for your 18th birthday.
Most larger breweries offer a summer ale or a session ale for the warmer months. With Arizona having nice to sweltering weather year round, there needs to be a brew that quenches thirst all year long. In my youth we made fun of the neighboring towns and their residents by categorizing them as hillbillies with "summer teeth." Some are here, some are there...it was stupid, but we were kids and enjoyed it. As I always do with this project of resurrecting breweries, I find odd laws across the U.S. Tombstone is no stranger to the strangest law I've found so far. It is against the law for men and women over 18 to have less than one tooth missing when smiling. I envision a coming of age practice, where young residents take a punch to the mouth so they will adhere to the law. Maybe a drunken night and bar fight for your 18th birthday.
The Bock? 6.7%
Roadside attractions are usually a bit of a let down after seeing the billboards leading up to them. I haven't been to Arizona yet, but after reading about the 247 billboards surrounding The Thing in the small town of Dragoon, I'm curious. The sign itself inspired the design today and seems like a hand painted relic that has been maintained in its original form. As for the attraction itself, there are photos to see online. But, stopping on a long road with very little to do otherwise, seems like it would elevate the experience. I did see that they have branded water bottles for sale in the gift shop, so a beer seemed like the next step. Cheers to you Dragoon 🍺
Roadside attractions are usually a bit of a let down after seeing the billboards leading up to them. I haven't been to Arizona yet, but after reading about the 247 billboards surrounding The Thing in the small town of Dragoon, I'm curious. The sign itself inspired the design today and seems like a hand painted relic that has been maintained in its original form. As for the attraction itself, there are photos to see online. But, stopping on a long road with very little to do otherwise, seems like it would elevate the experience. I did see that they have branded water bottles for sale in the gift shop, so a beer seemed like the next step. Cheers to you Dragoon 🍺
Four Lawn Decorations, lambic 4.5%
When you think of pink flamingos, you think of Florida lawns, right? Perhaps the actual bird, but they are likely outnumbered by their plastic statues that adorn the lawns of people inclined to use them. They were invented by Don Featherstone while working at Union Products in Leominster, Massachusetts. In 1966 Featherstone was given a Nobel Peace Prize for Art for the plastic flamingo creation, but its kitsch rose to fame from the John Waters movie in 1972. The brewery I'm resurrecting this week is Bowler Brewery from Worchester, which was open from 1883–1935. While searching I discovered the second image of a promotional matchbook. It looks oddly familiar to the Bass logo...I guess being across the ocean helped them get away with altering the logo as a hop flower.
When you think of pink flamingos, you think of Florida lawns, right? Perhaps the actual bird, but they are likely outnumbered by their plastic statues that adorn the lawns of people inclined to use them. They were invented by Don Featherstone while working at Union Products in Leominster, Massachusetts. In 1966 Featherstone was given a Nobel Peace Prize for Art for the plastic flamingo creation, but its kitsch rose to fame from the John Waters movie in 1972. The brewery I'm resurrecting this week is Bowler Brewery from Worchester, which was open from 1883–1935. While searching I discovered the second image of a promotional matchbook. It looks oddly familiar to the Bass logo...I guess being across the ocean helped them get away with altering the logo as a hop flower.
Sweet Wave, Atlantic porter 7.9%
In the history of Boston the is a strange disaster that occurred just after World War I. On January 15th, 1919 a tanker burst and released 2 million gallons of molasses onto the north end streets in the form of a 15 ft-high and 160ft-wide wave. The newspapers reported of trains removed from tracks, rivets from the tanker popping into the streets like machine gun bullets, and in the end 21 people killed. The damage total is equal to $100 million in today's money.
In the history of Boston the is a strange disaster that occurred just after World War I. On January 15th, 1919 a tanker burst and released 2 million gallons of molasses onto the north end streets in the form of a 15 ft-high and 160ft-wide wave. The newspapers reported of trains removed from tracks, rivets from the tanker popping into the streets like machine gun bullets, and in the end 21 people killed. The damage total is equal to $100 million in today's money.
Cervisiarius, IPA 6.8%
Denying someone of proper health care is a problem in the commonwealth state of Massachusetts. I'm not talking about the health care debate, that is a different conversation that shouldn't involve beer. I'm talking about the law where you are not allowed to bring beer to anyone in the hospital. Your friends or family will have to suffer with cafeteria beer when they are in for routine procedures. With @pangpangbrewery selling a shower beer, I thought it was prudent to create a hospital beer that is camouflaged to avert the staff.
Denying someone of proper health care is a problem in the commonwealth state of Massachusetts. I'm not talking about the health care debate, that is a different conversation that shouldn't involve beer. I'm talking about the law where you are not allowed to bring beer to anyone in the hospital. Your friends or family will have to suffer with cafeteria beer when they are in for routine procedures. With @pangpangbrewery selling a shower beer, I thought it was prudent to create a hospital beer that is camouflaged to avert the staff.
Bridgewater, tripel 8%
Bigfoot, Thunderbird, mutilated animals, disappearances, Native American curses, UFO's...this describes a strange area in southeastern Massachusetts. The Bridgewater Triangle as it was coined by cryptozooligist Loren Coleman in the 70's, has claims of all the phenomenon listed above. There have been studies, examinations by television shows, and a documentary of the area. Drink a few tripel's and you may see the same phenomenon in your area. Is it a bad idea to visit on Halloween? *Asking for a friend
Bigfoot, Thunderbird, mutilated animals, disappearances, Native American curses, UFO's...this describes a strange area in southeastern Massachusetts. The Bridgewater Triangle as it was coined by cryptozooligist Loren Coleman in the 70's, has claims of all the phenomenon listed above. There have been studies, examinations by television shows, and a documentary of the area. Drink a few tripel's and you may see the same phenomenon in your area. Is it a bad idea to visit on Halloween? *Asking for a friend
Bad Art Series, east coast IPA 5%
When you think of museums, you think of the greatest creatives from around the world. But there is a museum in Somerville, Massachusetts, that showcases the worst art that can be found. Sort of a—so bad it's good experience—may be what they are going for. @museumofbarart or MOBA as it's known has some real gems to look at. So for this series, I couldn't do the subject justice by trying to create something on par with their collection, so I decided that there needed to be limited edition cans featuring the artwork. Swipe to see my four choices, but also head over to their Facebook page to see a wide variety. Really, go check it out, probably the only good reason to visit Facebook right now.
When you think of museums, you think of the greatest creatives from around the world. But there is a museum in Somerville, Massachusetts, that showcases the worst art that can be found. Sort of a—so bad it's good experience—may be what they are going for. @museumofbarart or MOBA as it's known has some real gems to look at. So for this series, I couldn't do the subject justice by trying to create something on par with their collection, so I decided that there needed to be limited edition cans featuring the artwork. Swipe to see my four choices, but also head over to their Facebook page to see a wide variety. Really, go check it out, probably the only good reason to visit Facebook right now.
Dull & Boring, scotch ale 8%
Oregon is anything but dull or boring. It is an outdoor lovers paradise with an extensive parks system, chock full of great craft breweries, the Goonies was filmed there, and there is no sales, liquor, or restaurant tax there.
Today's can does call out dull & boring for one specific reason. The town of Dull in Scotland and the town of Boring in Oregon are sister cities. The two decided to form the international alliance in 2012 after a Scottish woman passed through on holiday. As I researched this mundane pairing, Bland, Australia is also trying to join the first two and create a triad of unappealing town names. There are also reports of the U.S. towns, Ordinary and Dreary joining the collective of unexciting town names.
Oregon is anything but dull or boring. It is an outdoor lovers paradise with an extensive parks system, chock full of great craft breweries, the Goonies was filmed there, and there is no sales, liquor, or restaurant tax there.
Today's can does call out dull & boring for one specific reason. The town of Dull in Scotland and the town of Boring in Oregon are sister cities. The two decided to form the international alliance in 2012 after a Scottish woman passed through on holiday. As I researched this mundane pairing, Bland, Australia is also trying to join the first two and create a triad of unappealing town names. There are also reports of the U.S. towns, Ordinary and Dreary joining the collective of unexciting town names.
, dry hopped cream ale 6%
Has anyone had their picture taken next to all of the oversized roadside attractions in the U.S.? If anyone knows of someone who has attained this goal or is working towards it, mention it below. In the realm of large attractions, Oregon has one of their own in what is called Ballad Town, USA. Forest Grove was dedicated as Ballad Town for their preservation of barbershop quartet singing. So to make it more obvious that they are the epicenter of this genre, they have the worlds tallest barber pole. At 72 feet (21.95 meters) the beacon of all things barbershop is found next to a ball field with a plaque commemorating the icon of hot towels and straight razors.
Has anyone had their picture taken next to all of the oversized roadside attractions in the U.S.? If anyone knows of someone who has attained this goal or is working towards it, mention it below. In the realm of large attractions, Oregon has one of their own in what is called Ballad Town, USA. Forest Grove was dedicated as Ballad Town for their preservation of barbershop quartet singing. So to make it more obvious that they are the epicenter of this genre, they have the worlds tallest barber pole. At 72 feet (21.95 meters) the beacon of all things barbershop is found next to a ball field with a plaque commemorating the icon of hot towels and straight razors.
Food Truck, pale ale 5%
Street food is the best food. At least I think so. When I was reading about Oregon and trying to find unique things about it, food trucks rose to the top. In Portland there are over 70 food trucks/cart vendors to visit each day. Here in the capital region of New York state, the closest to this is near the capitol during the summer. We have a row of about 10–15 vendors that line up daily for the lunch rush. But Portland is top of the charts with their fleet of mobile restaurants. I may try and find a food truck today and watch Chef tonight to round out today's theme. Cheers 🍺
Street food is the best food. At least I think so. When I was reading about Oregon and trying to find unique things about it, food trucks rose to the top. In Portland there are over 70 food trucks/cart vendors to visit each day. Here in the capital region of New York state, the closest to this is near the capitol during the summer. We have a row of about 10–15 vendors that line up daily for the lunch rush. But Portland is top of the charts with their fleet of mobile restaurants. I may try and find a food truck today and watch Chef tonight to round out today's theme. Cheers 🍺
Heyyy Youuu Guyyys, rum barrel stout 9.3%
One of the quintessential movies of my childhood was The Goonies. I've probably viewed all or part of it over 100 times. Sloth, Chunk, Data, Mouth, Mikey and the whole crew validated my curiosity with exploring the world I could reach on my bicycle...just don't tell my mom where I went. Astoria, Oregon was used in filming much of the movie and is a stop for many in the Never Say Die crowd.
One of the quintessential movies of my childhood was The Goonies. I've probably viewed all or part of it over 100 times. Sloth, Chunk, Data, Mouth, Mikey and the whole crew validated my curiosity with exploring the world I could reach on my bicycle...just don't tell my mom where I went. Astoria, Oregon was used in filming much of the movie and is a stop for many in the Never Say Die crowd.
It Ain't Easy, kölsch 4.5%
In my youth I carried a Kermit the Frog toy with me everywhere. There are photos of him next to me while I ate my morning cereal, in the yard playing with Matchbox cars, and as most kids favorite toy; snuggled in bed. Two things I don't know: when I stopped carrying Kermit around and the story of Jim Henson. This week examines Mississippi and uncovered the hometown of Henson's youth in Leland. In college he was introduced to textiles through home economics classes. Henson left the commercial artist track and graduated with a BS in home economics from the University of Maryland. While in college he created a 5 minute show called Sam & Friends, which later evolved into the Muppets
In my youth I carried a Kermit the Frog toy with me everywhere. There are photos of him next to me while I ate my morning cereal, in the yard playing with Matchbox cars, and as most kids favorite toy; snuggled in bed. Two things I don't know: when I stopped carrying Kermit around and the story of Jim Henson. This week examines Mississippi and uncovered the hometown of Henson's youth in Leland. In college he was introduced to textiles through home economics classes. Henson left the commercial artist track and graduated with a BS in home economics from the University of Maryland. While in college he created a 5 minute show called Sam & Friends, which later evolved into the Muppets
Endurance Brew, session IPA 4.5%
Finally a world record that isn't the largest random object! This endurance record called for an endurance beer...a.k.a a session IPA. Cheers to the daredevils in the sky 🍺
Fred and Al Key or the "Flying Keys" as they were known were famous residents of the magnolia state for their feat in the sky and an invention needed for said feat. Barnstorming (stunt shows) was what they were known for prior to breaking the world record for the longest flight endurance. Their hometown airport was going to be closed during the depression, so they decided to garner some press to keep it open by breaking the current record of just over 23 days. To accomplish the task they needed a safer way to refuel; common nozzles often spilled fuel which easily cause fires or explosions. Their invention was a nozzle valve that released fuel when inserted into the tank and stopped when removed. An altered version is still in use today by the military. Their record was finished on July 1st 1935 after flying over Meridian, Mississippi for 27 days, five hours, and 34 minutes. Their plane is on display at the @airandspacemuseum
Finally a world record that isn't the largest random object! This endurance record called for an endurance beer...a.k.a a session IPA. Cheers to the daredevils in the sky 🍺
Fred and Al Key or the "Flying Keys" as they were known were famous residents of the magnolia state for their feat in the sky and an invention needed for said feat. Barnstorming (stunt shows) was what they were known for prior to breaking the world record for the longest flight endurance. Their hometown airport was going to be closed during the depression, so they decided to garner some press to keep it open by breaking the current record of just over 23 days. To accomplish the task they needed a safer way to refuel; common nozzles often spilled fuel which easily cause fires or explosions. Their invention was a nozzle valve that released fuel when inserted into the tank and stopped when removed. An altered version is still in use today by the military. Their record was finished on July 1st 1935 after flying over Meridian, Mississippi for 27 days, five hours, and 34 minutes. Their plane is on display at the @airandspacemuseum
Teddy Bear, saison 6%
This design is part Mississippi and mostly heavy emotions for myself right now. The namesake is shared by my step-grandmother as well as our 26th president. Teddy Roosevelt acquired the moniker after a hunting trip in Sharkey County in 1902 where he refused to shoot a captured bear. This spurred the stuffed toy craze. Years later, Theresa Grant had acquired the nickname in her youth and brought it to my family when she married my grandfather (PJ no.2; I'm no.4). My grandfather passed away and the swirl of emotions has her heart in my mind. So I made this to feel a bit better...and
I love you Teddy.
This design is part Mississippi and mostly heavy emotions for myself right now. The namesake is shared by my step-grandmother as well as our 26th president. Teddy Roosevelt acquired the moniker after a hunting trip in Sharkey County in 1902 where he refused to shoot a captured bear. This spurred the stuffed toy craze. Years later, Theresa Grant had acquired the nickname in her youth and brought it to my family when she married my grandfather (PJ no.2; I'm no.4). My grandfather passed away and the swirl of emotions has her heart in my mind. So I made this to feel a bit better...and
I love you Teddy.
Ain't Nobody Got Time For That, smoked brown ale 5.2%
Sweet Brown was the internet sensation that put Oklahoma back on the map in 2012. Her account of the building complex fire. All she wanted was a cold pop, then was confronted with the smoke from the fire (not a barbecue) and then ran for her life without shoes. As for this beer, it is a smoked brown ale because ain't nobody for time for a plain brown ale or illustrations. Strictly typographic cans this week.
Sweet Brown was the internet sensation that put Oklahoma back on the map in 2012. Her account of the building complex fire. All she wanted was a cold pop, then was confronted with the smoke from the fire (not a barbecue) and then ran for her life without shoes. As for this beer, it is a smoked brown ale because ain't nobody for time for a plain brown ale or illustrations. Strictly typographic cans this week.
Whale of a Good Time, steam beer 4.3%
Oklahoma is not commonly known for its bodies of water, but there is more shoreline in the sooner state than the Atlantic and Gulf coasts combined. Most of the lakes are man-made and have over 55,000 miles of shore to enjoy. Although this is all freshwater, there is an odd law that exists to save the big fish out there—whaling is illegal in Oklahoma. It would be ironic if Melville was born here. Cheers 🍺
Oklahoma is not commonly known for its bodies of water, but there is more shoreline in the sooner state than the Atlantic and Gulf coasts combined. Most of the lakes are man-made and have over 55,000 miles of shore to enjoy. Although this is all freshwater, there is an odd law that exists to save the big fish out there—whaling is illegal in Oklahoma. It would be ironic if Melville was born here. Cheers 🍺
Mistletoe, Christmas ale 6.8%
Now is the time to begin the hype for a limited release holiday beer. Moody videos with glimpses of the packaging, sounds of the season, and just the date left as the clip fades to black. Are you excited for the Christmas Ale from Moss Brewing? I sure am. Too bad its fake beer. Sad! Now, the reason for this fake brew is the state flower of Oklahoma—mistletoe. In 1893 it was named the state flower, but is currently the state floral emblem. The time to kiss this can is just around the corner 🍺 🍺
Now is the time to begin the hype for a limited release holiday beer. Moody videos with glimpses of the packaging, sounds of the season, and just the date left as the clip fades to black. Are you excited for the Christmas Ale from Moss Brewing? I sure am. Too bad its fake beer. Sad! Now, the reason for this fake brew is the state flower of Oklahoma—mistletoe. In 1893 it was named the state flower, but is currently the state floral emblem. The time to kiss this can is just around the corner 🍺 🍺
Sifter, trappist ale 6.8%
Go west young man—there's beer in them hills. Not quite the gold rush we know of in U.S. history, but there is a new gold rush happening in Oklahoma. You don't have to scuba dive in Alaskan waters or purchase earth moving equipment to find gold. Home Improvement stores in Oklahoma have customers in search of gold. They purchase sand and sift through it for gold. The experts say you should look for sand that comes from California. Good luck with panning 🍺
Go west young man—there's beer in them hills. Not quite the gold rush we know of in U.S. history, but there is a new gold rush happening in Oklahoma. You don't have to scuba dive in Alaskan waters or purchase earth moving equipment to find gold. Home Improvement stores in Oklahoma have customers in search of gold. They purchase sand and sift through it for gold. The experts say you should look for sand that comes from California. Good luck with panning 🍺
I missed Monday so we have two today.
Toss a Chip, bock 6%
Bet you can't toss just one chip. I assume they sell a t-shirt with that phrase on it for the annual World Championship Cow Chip Toss in Beaver Oklahoma. Being the cow chip capital of the world, Beaver has hosted the championship since its inception in 1937. It has happened during the annual Cimarron Territory Celebration since 1970. There are a few tips I have come across for tossing a chip, jot them down in case you find yourself in Beaver some day. First, there is no wrong way to toss a chip. Second, there is a wrong way; overhand is the toss vets use—leave the frisbee style at home. Third, a flick of the wrist at release will also combat the winds that typically send your turd out of bounds. Fourth, if its your first time the locals will tell you that licking your fingers between tosses will give you a better grip and good luck. A beer should wash that taste out of your mouth and this bock is strong enough to overpower the flavor of competition. 🐄 🍺 🍺
Toss a Chip, bock 6%
Bet you can't toss just one chip. I assume they sell a t-shirt with that phrase on it for the annual World Championship Cow Chip Toss in Beaver Oklahoma. Being the cow chip capital of the world, Beaver has hosted the championship since its inception in 1937. It has happened during the annual Cimarron Territory Celebration since 1970. There are a few tips I have come across for tossing a chip, jot them down in case you find yourself in Beaver some day. First, there is no wrong way to toss a chip. Second, there is a wrong way; overhand is the toss vets use—leave the frisbee style at home. Third, a flick of the wrist at release will also combat the winds that typically send your turd out of bounds. Fourth, if its your first time the locals will tell you that licking your fingers between tosses will give you a better grip and good luck. A beer should wash that taste out of your mouth and this bock is strong enough to overpower the flavor of competition. 🐄 🍺 🍺
Real Streets, pale lager 5%
This week in fake beer we are examining the state of New Jersey. First in the series as a set of beers that remind us of the board game that sometimes lasted for hours or overnight to complete. I've heard stories of flipped boards, sibling fights, and people vowing to never play again. Monopoly's roots lie in the streets of New Jersey. They literally are the streets. The properties on the board were named after streets in the garden state. 🍺
This week in fake beer we are examining the state of New Jersey. First in the series as a set of beers that remind us of the board game that sometimes lasted for hours or overnight to complete. I've heard stories of flipped boards, sibling fights, and people vowing to never play again. Monopoly's roots lie in the streets of New Jersey. They literally are the streets. The properties on the board were named after streets in the garden state. 🍺
Smooth as Silks, stout 6.3%
What state is the epicenter of horses and horse racing? New Jersey. They have more horses per square mile than any other state, the @usequestrian team is headquartered there, and they host more horse races than Kentucky does. Stir that in your julep. Kentucky still has a stronger hat game at the races though, with Saratoga as a close second. 🍺
What state is the epicenter of horses and horse racing? New Jersey. They have more horses per square mile than any other state, the @usequestrian team is headquartered there, and they host more horse races than Kentucky does. Stir that in your julep. Kentucky still has a stronger hat game at the races though, with Saratoga as a close second. 🍺
Safe and Koozie, ESB 6%
Bitter when a shipment arrives broken or damaged? Blame the handler? Blame the packer? Well you can't blame New Jersey, because they are home to the invention that is the most fun part of unwrapping a shipment: bubble wrap. Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes were experimenting in their garage to create a paper-backed plastic wallpaper and stumbled upon the tiny pockets we now love to pop.
Bitter when a shipment arrives broken or damaged? Blame the handler? Blame the packer? Well you can't blame New Jersey, because they are home to the invention that is the most fun part of unwrapping a shipment: bubble wrap. Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes were experimenting in their garage to create a paper-backed plastic wallpaper and stumbled upon the tiny pockets we now love to pop.
Quick Pull, session ale 3.7%
This may not be the best label for shelf appeal but it would make me stop while walking through the beer aisles. So it has that going for it, which is nice. you may be thinking, "what do bloody band-aids have to do with New Jersey?" Or you may think, "bloody band-aids and New Jersey, that makes sense." The real story is the origin of the band-aid. Earle Dickson worked for Johnson & Johnson and had used his supply of cotton gauze and surgical tape to bandage his wife after kitchen knife mishaps. Due to the frequency of kitchen bandaging, he adapted the gauze in a small folded square that allowed for the tape to surround the pad and affected area. He convinced his bosses to produce this as a product, but it didn't take off until they distributed them to Boy Scouts for free.
This may not be the best label for shelf appeal but it would make me stop while walking through the beer aisles. So it has that going for it, which is nice. you may be thinking, "what do bloody band-aids have to do with New Jersey?" Or you may think, "bloody band-aids and New Jersey, that makes sense." The real story is the origin of the band-aid. Earle Dickson worked for Johnson & Johnson and had used his supply of cotton gauze and surgical tape to bandage his wife after kitchen knife mishaps. Due to the frequency of kitchen bandaging, he adapted the gauze in a small folded square that allowed for the tape to surround the pad and affected area. He convinced his bosses to produce this as a product, but it didn't take off until they distributed them to Boy Scouts for free.
No Slurp, malt miquor 12.3%
Like many people out there, my youth included poor choices in beer. At one point—or a few—I was seen holding a bodega beer with its brown bag sheath. Today's malt liquor was inspired by @foundersbrewing DKML I enjoyed last night. As for the relation to New Jersey: it's against the law to slurp you soup in the Garden State. I'm not sure how it's enforced, they have the most diners of any state in the U.S.
Like many people out there, my youth included poor choices in beer. At one point—or a few—I was seen holding a bodega beer with its brown bag sheath. Today's malt liquor was inspired by @foundersbrewing DKML I enjoyed last night. As for the relation to New Jersey: it's against the law to slurp you soup in the Garden State. I'm not sure how it's enforced, they have the most diners of any state in the U.S.
Honey Do ~ Honey Don’t, honey lager 5.1%
This brew is for the fellas out there who have a long honey do list. You now have a reason to take a break or put off the list for next weekend, because it will always get done next weekend. Aslesen brewing from North Dakota is the focus for this week, with a clever refresh. It was in operation from 1881 until 1889 under two owners from the same namesake. So this series will likely be the only ephemera existing for the brewery. Back then they just drink beer, not many T short or two lip glasses sold. Fun fact for this design: North Dakota leads the country in honey production 🐝
This brew is for the fellas out there who have a long honey do list. You now have a reason to take a break or put off the list for next weekend, because it will always get done next weekend. Aslesen brewing from North Dakota is the focus for this week, with a clever refresh. It was in operation from 1881 until 1889 under two owners from the same namesake. So this series will likely be the only ephemera existing for the brewery. Back then they just drink beer, not many T short or two lip glasses sold. Fun fact for this design: North Dakota leads the country in honey production 🐝
Nodak, ESB 6%
Today's design and story is a doozy. Has anyone had a sibling steal something special from them? Well it better be epic to top this one. In 1881 David Henderson of North Dakota filed a patent for a roll film camera...which his brother invented. He then sold the patent to George Eastman with an idea for the name. Nodak was a mashup of his home state No(rth) Dak(ota) and the only possible connection to the origin of the invention. Eastman swapped out the N for a K and we all know how well he did with the new product.
Today's design and story is a doozy. Has anyone had a sibling steal something special from them? Well it better be epic to top this one. In 1881 David Henderson of North Dakota filed a patent for a roll film camera...which his brother invented. He then sold the patent to George Eastman with an idea for the name. Nodak was a mashup of his home state No(rth) Dak(ota) and the only possible connection to the origin of the invention. Eastman swapped out the N for a K and we all know how well he did with the new product.
Small towns are the real America that we don’t celebrate enough. They have their fairs or festivals that draw in visitors, but I have found one that likely does not. Ruso, North Dakota is the incorporated town with the lowest population in the U.S. As of a 2010 census they topped off at four residents in the 0.25 square miles that make up the town. With the popularity of four packs, it seemed apropos for the brewery to create a town party pack with personalized beers for each resident. I do not know their names, so play along with the mock set here. Susan is a fan of lagers, while Fred is mainly a bock drinker. Delores is the wild card and usually drinks sweet wines, so she gets the closest thing: a cherry lambic. Hidden in the back is Delores’ husband Jim. He enjoys bourbon, which lead to a stout aged in bourbon barrels. This lead to less snoring than actual bourbon and praise from Delores.
Larry Weiss 5%
This one is for the few who remember the Lawrence Welk Show. I was exposed to reruns by my grandparents. All I remember is that everything was perfect. The clothes, the set, the music, the signing—everything was spot on. As an adult I wonder about how they pulled that off. Was Lawrence a tough boss? Did he fire anyone who was slipping? What was it like to suit up in 100% polyester every week? Regardless, the famous bandleader hails from the flickertail state. His family home was a sod house on a farm near Strasburg, where he grew up amongst his seven siblings. Drop the needle on the hi-fi, sit back, and pop a Larry Weiss™ while you enjoy the dulcet tones of Mr. W.
This one is for the few who remember the Lawrence Welk Show. I was exposed to reruns by my grandparents. All I remember is that everything was perfect. The clothes, the set, the music, the signing—everything was spot on. As an adult I wonder about how they pulled that off. Was Lawrence a tough boss? Did he fire anyone who was slipping? What was it like to suit up in 100% polyester every week? Regardless, the famous bandleader hails from the flickertail state. His family home was a sod house on a farm near Strasburg, where he grew up amongst his seven siblings. Drop the needle on the hi-fi, sit back, and pop a Larry Weiss™ while you enjoy the dulcet tones of Mr. W.
Number Nine, IIIPA 9%
The famous boy from Fargo...actually he was raised in Fargo. Roger Maris was one of the greatest baseball players of all time, cementing his legacy with the home run record of 61 in a regular season. It was later broken by HGH (Sosa & McGuire). He was a top player for the Fargo-Moorhead Twins and still holds the school record for most touchdowns in a high school football game (four). Last tidbit: his surname was changed from Maras to Maris. 🍺⚾️
The famous boy from Fargo...actually he was raised in Fargo. Roger Maris was one of the greatest baseball players of all time, cementing his legacy with the home run record of 61 in a regular season. It was later broken by HGH (Sosa & McGuire). He was a top player for the Fargo-Moorhead Twins and still holds the school record for most touchdowns in a high school football game (four). Last tidbit: his surname was changed from Maras to Maris. 🍺⚾️
No Home, light beer 4%
Germania Brewing was in operation from 1896–1918 in Charleston South Carolina. As for visual references, I was only able to find a simple bottle (swipe through). Today's design is a home team jersey, for a state with no home team. No professional team that is, in any sport; NBA, NFL, MLB, or the NHL. There's always golf I guess.
Germania Brewing was in operation from 1896–1918 in Charleston South Carolina. As for visual references, I was only able to find a simple bottle (swipe through). Today's design is a home team jersey, for a state with no home team. No professional team that is, in any sport; NBA, NFL, MLB, or the NHL. There's always golf I guess.
The Fuzz, peach ipa 5.6%
After yesterdays design I have decided to go with textures for this weeks theme. Today's sensory reference is the peach because South Carolina produces more peaches than Georgia. This fuzzy domination of states was immortalized in a water tower that was painted as giant peach. House of Cards may remember it as a focal point for an episode in Frank Underwood's home state.
After yesterdays design I have decided to go with textures for this weeks theme. Today's sensory reference is the peach because South Carolina produces more peaches than Georgia. This fuzzy domination of states was immortalized in a water tower that was painted as giant peach. House of Cards may remember it as a focal point for an episode in Frank Underwood's home state.
Day three in Germania textures: Plus Four, scotch ale 6%
Although the game of golf as origins in Scotland, it has a history in the United States as well. In 1786 the first golf club was created in the US by Scottish Settlers in Charleston, South Carolina. What better way to showcase a game that embraces bold clothing, than with some argyle. Cheers 🍻
Although the game of golf as origins in Scotland, it has a history in the United States as well. In 1786 the first golf club was created in the US by Scottish Settlers in Charleston, South Carolina. What better way to showcase a game that embraces bold clothing, than with some argyle. Cheers 🍻
Green, double IPA 7%
The north vs. south divide is still prevalent in the U.S. Today's design examines an alteration made to an offering from the north. After the Civil War, the north donated black paint to spruce up Charleston after being war torn. Since they didn't want to use the yankee paint as intended, Charlestonians added blue and yellow and "Charleston green" was born. If you want to DIY the same recipe, I found a suggestion to mix 10 parts black, 4 parts blue, one part yellow to achieve the historical color. Or you can just ask for Charleston green—most brands have that as a color name.
The north vs. south divide is still prevalent in the U.S. Today's design examines an alteration made to an offering from the north. After the Civil War, the north donated black paint to spruce up Charleston after being war torn. Since they didn't want to use the yankee paint as intended, Charlestonians added blue and yellow and "Charleston green" was born. If you want to DIY the same recipe, I found a suggestion to mix 10 parts black, 4 parts blue, one part yellow to achieve the historical color. Or you can just ask for Charleston green—most brands have that as a color name.
For the first can this week we examine a common practice when purchasing alcohol in Utah. When you order a drink at a bar, they scan your license and it is sent and kept on file with the police for review for three days. So if you owe for a parking ticket, don’t stay at the bar for 72 hours; they’ll come looking for you.
Near Cafe, coffee stout 7.2%
Some people may be familiar with near-beer in Utah. Also known as small beer, is regulated beer that is under 4% and is what you are required to sell in grocery and convenience stores. Mormons aversion to its members consuming alcohol is the main key to this law in Utah. As I researched beer laws in Utah, I discovered that many counties under the Mormon thumb have also outlawed caffeine. So a near-cafe had to be created; it's the Sanka of coffee beer, for those who don't want to be up all night.
Some people may be familiar with near-beer in Utah. Also known as small beer, is regulated beer that is under 4% and is what you are required to sell in grocery and convenience stores. Mormons aversion to its members consuming alcohol is the main key to this law in Utah. As I researched beer laws in Utah, I discovered that many counties under the Mormon thumb have also outlawed caffeine. So a near-cafe had to be created; it's the Sanka of coffee beer, for those who don't want to be up all night.
Trippy Tree, gose 4.5%
Located in the great salt lake area is what some refer to as the "tree of life" or as it is officially called—Metaphor: The Tree of Utah. Created by the Swedish artist Karl Momen, the 87 foot tall structure was inspired during a trip across the salt flats area. Maybe he was seeing things, or at least I thought of a mirage that inspired this lollipop-esque monument. So in the mirage vain, I declared it the Trippy Tree. Because you might see things in a hot, flat environment that was never there.
Located in the great salt lake area is what some refer to as the "tree of life" or as it is officially called—Metaphor: The Tree of Utah. Created by the Swedish artist Karl Momen, the 87 foot tall structure was inspired during a trip across the salt flats area. Maybe he was seeing things, or at least I thought of a mirage that inspired this lollipop-esque monument. So in the mirage vain, I declared it the Trippy Tree. Because you might see things in a hot, flat environment that was never there.
Pando, white ale 5.3%
Real tree stuff today. Pando is a reference to the heaviest known organism on earth at over 13 million pounds. It is a forest of quaking aspen trees that share a root system and identical genetic markers. The Trembling Giant—its nickname—refers to the leaves which are easily moved with the slightest wind. You can find this beautiful sight in the Fishlake National Forest.
Real tree stuff today. Pando is a reference to the heaviest known organism on earth at over 13 million pounds. It is a forest of quaking aspen trees that share a root system and identical genetic markers. The Trembling Giant—its nickname—refers to the leaves which are easily moved with the slightest wind. You can find this beautiful sight in the Fishlake National Forest.
In 'Stead, lager 4.6%
Not to be confused with Stephen King's IT, today is a Utah attraction. The Homestead Crater is a geothermal spring at the bottom of a 55 foot tall beehive shaped crater. The opening lets sunlight in while the heated spring water keeps the crater at a steady 90–96 degrees. Add it to the list of must see places.
Not to be confused with Stephen King's IT, today is a Utah attraction. The Homestead Crater is a geothermal spring at the bottom of a 55 foot tall beehive shaped crater. The opening lets sunlight in while the heated spring water keeps the crater at a steady 90–96 degrees. Add it to the list of must see places.
Aleccordion, dry hopped grisette 5.2%
This week we head over to Wisconsin to resurrect George Walter Brewing Company. To modernize things a bit, I was going to go with a monogram, but decided the slang for G.W. would be different and should happen. For the first new offering from "G-Dub" a dry hopped grisette is released today. The accordion is the state instrument of Wisconsin and the official state dance is the polka. Sounds like a German-Polish melting pot...and now I want brats with latkes for lunch.
This week we head over to Wisconsin to resurrect George Walter Brewing Company. To modernize things a bit, I was going to go with a monogram, but decided the slang for G.W. would be different and should happen. For the first new offering from "G-Dub" a dry hopped grisette is released today. The accordion is the state instrument of Wisconsin and the official state dance is the polka. Sounds like a German-Polish melting pot...and now I want brats with latkes for lunch.
Squeeze, saison brewed with mustard seeds 5.6%
Most of us are nearing the end of grilling season, so this is your reminder to hit the grates a few more times. I cook on my barbecue all winter; shoveling around the grill happens before the driveway in every session. If you are in Wisconsin and want to visit an epic museum, head to Middleton and the National Mustard Museum. They have it all to taste, learn, and have fun in the "play with your food" section.
Most of us are nearing the end of grilling season, so this is your reminder to hit the grates a few more times. I cook on my barbecue all winter; shoveling around the grill happens before the driveway in every session. If you are in Wisconsin and want to visit an epic museum, head to Middleton and the National Mustard Museum. They have it all to taste, learn, and have fun in the "play with your food" section.
Stick it to 'em, cream ale 4.7%
Wisconsin has had legal battles over margarine. I can't believe it's not a supreme court case. A few laws surrounding any butter substitutes: no restaurant can substitute for butter unless the customer specifies it; butter substitutes are not allowed to be served in prison (margarine is like prison by itself); and at one time margarine was illegal with smugglers crossing states lines with it like bootleggers. I'm for the real thing, one trip on this rock, go for it.
Wisconsin has had legal battles over margarine. I can't believe it's not a supreme court case. A few laws surrounding any butter substitutes: no restaurant can substitute for butter unless the customer specifies it; butter substitutes are not allowed to be served in prison (margarine is like prison by itself); and at one time margarine was illegal with smugglers crossing states lines with it like bootleggers. I'm for the real thing, one trip on this rock, go for it.
Can I Be Frank? stout 7%
In my eyes, the proudest son of Wisconsin should be/is Frank Lloyd Wright. Born is a small farm town of Richland Center, Wright spent much of his life in the badger state. He built a home in Spring Green that burned in a fire, was rebuilt, survived foreclosure and another fire. It now serves as a museum honoring his life and work. This design was a quick attempt at his stained glass style, which I will revisit, maybe for another side project. It also reminds me of the damn good design by @justinpervorse for @omfbrewing
In my eyes, the proudest son of Wisconsin should be/is Frank Lloyd Wright. Born is a small farm town of Richland Center, Wright spent much of his life in the badger state. He built a home in Spring Green that burned in a fire, was rebuilt, survived foreclosure and another fire. It now serves as a museum honoring his life and work. This design was a quick attempt at his stained glass style, which I will revisit, maybe for another side project. It also reminds me of the damn good design by @justinpervorse for @omfbrewing
Bust a Cap, strong ale 7.4%
Stulz Brothers brewing was from Missouri and in operation from 1906–1916. For the first in their new series we examine an anomaly in their laws. In Kansas City, minors are not allowed to purchase cap guns but are allowed to freely purchase shotguns. Without getting passionate about the gun debate, I am thinking of my youth and constantly acquiring those rings for my cap guns. It was a need for outdoor play, whether it was for cops and robbers, Star Wars, or G.I. Joe—my six-shooter style cap gun was transformed into the appropriate gun for the imagined scene. There was also a few surprise stickups for my grandmother when I was called in for meals.
This week's designs will follow a theme of wallpaper patterns. Why? Because I haven't done that yet and it's a current curiosity of mine. It also plays nicely with the framing of the Stulz logo, which is nice.
Stulz Brothers brewing was from Missouri and in operation from 1906–1916. For the first in their new series we examine an anomaly in their laws. In Kansas City, minors are not allowed to purchase cap guns but are allowed to freely purchase shotguns. Without getting passionate about the gun debate, I am thinking of my youth and constantly acquiring those rings for my cap guns. It was a need for outdoor play, whether it was for cops and robbers, Star Wars, or G.I. Joe—my six-shooter style cap gun was transformed into the appropriate gun for the imagined scene. There was also a few surprise stickups for my grandmother when I was called in for meals.
This week's designs will follow a theme of wallpaper patterns. Why? Because I haven't done that yet and it's a current curiosity of mine. It also plays nicely with the framing of the Stulz logo, which is nice.
Chute, rauchbier 6.1%
There is always the first person to try something. There was a first person to scale Mt. Everest, first to swim the English Channel, first to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, and first to jump out of a plane. Well, first successful should be the asterisk with all of these. The first successful parachute jump from a moving plane was by U.S. Army Captain Albert Berry on March 1st, 1912. Upon landing Berry responded with, "Never again! I believe I turned five somersaults on my way down … My course downward … was like a crazy arrow." He then completed a second attempt on March 10th; must have been impressive with the ladies to spur on more attempts. Cheers to you Al 🍻
There is always the first person to try something. There was a first person to scale Mt. Everest, first to swim the English Channel, first to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, and first to jump out of a plane. Well, first successful should be the asterisk with all of these. The first successful parachute jump from a moving plane was by U.S. Army Captain Albert Berry on March 1st, 1912. Upon landing Berry responded with, "Never again! I believe I turned five somersaults on my way down … My course downward … was like a crazy arrow." He then completed a second attempt on March 10th; must have been impressive with the ladies to spur on more attempts. Cheers to you Al 🍻
Coolseum, altbier 6%
I love oddball museums. Atop my list is the @museodeljuete in Mexico City; check out their feed then book a trip. But there is a #coolseum right in St. Louis that might be a shorter trip for us living in the US of A. The @citymuseum is a visit for all the senses. Climb, look, feel, hear...I don't know about smell; someone else can attest to that below. This place looks amazing and would deserve a nice beer after climbing through all of their features.
I love oddball museums. Atop my list is the @museodeljuete in Mexico City; check out their feed then book a trip. But there is a #coolseum right in St. Louis that might be a shorter trip for us living in the US of A. The @citymuseum is a visit for all the senses. Climb, look, feel, hear...I don't know about smell; someone else can attest to that below. This place looks amazing and would deserve a nice beer after climbing through all of their features.
Cordage, farmhouse ale 5.7%
Large sphere number two for Missouri. One of the largest balls of twine in found in Branson at the Ripleys Believe It Or Not museum. The record for largest ball of twine currently belongs to the wound orb in Cawker, Kansas. Is there a name for taking your picture in front of "the largest (fill in the blank)?" Griswolding? There should be a name. If you have one, post it below. Or post the Tumblr feed that is only these type of photos.
Large sphere number two for Missouri. One of the largest balls of twine in found in Branson at the Ripleys Believe It Or Not museum. The record for largest ball of twine currently belongs to the wound orb in Cawker, Kansas. Is there a name for taking your picture in front of "the largest (fill in the blank)?" Griswolding? There should be a name. If you have one, post it below. Or post the Tumblr feed that is only these type of photos.
Full Moonrise, witte 5%
America is at it again, or did this a while back, it doesn't matter when. The worlds largest fake moon is in Missouri, perched atop the Moonrise Hotel, in The Loop of St. Louis. With a cool rooftop restaurant the @eclipsestl, you can party right below the faux moon with a stunning view of St. Louis at night. This is added to my list of places to enjoy a beer someday. Or two 🍻
America is at it again, or did this a while back, it doesn't matter when. The worlds largest fake moon is in Missouri, perched atop the Moonrise Hotel, in The Loop of St. Louis. With a cool rooftop restaurant the @eclipsestl, you can party right below the faux moon with a stunning view of St. Louis at night. This is added to my list of places to enjoy a beer someday. Or two 🍻
Dog Days of Summer, lager 4.3%
It is easy to miss those summer days when it's 41° outside here in Upstate NY. Today we pay homage to Harry M. Stevens for his invention in the year 1900; the hot dog. Some love 'em, some loathe them. Most haters refer to what is used for ingredients and I say, don't buy shitty hot dogs. Get some quality franks or make your own. Then there's the debate if it's a sandwich...ahh, no. I have a question: if a brewery had a can design like this, would the patrons refer to it as the weiner beer?
It is easy to miss those summer days when it's 41° outside here in Upstate NY. Today we pay homage to Harry M. Stevens for his invention in the year 1900; the hot dog. Some love 'em, some loathe them. Most haters refer to what is used for ingredients and I say, don't buy shitty hot dogs. Get some quality franks or make your own. Then there's the debate if it's a sandwich...ahh, no. I have a question: if a brewery had a can design like this, would the patrons refer to it as the weiner beer?
Super Flavor, citrus IPA 5.6%
This week is Ohio and the Mrs. Louisa Brewery that was in operation from 1876–1890. The full name was Mrs. Louisa Balser Brewery, but I shortened it a bit as I suspect patrons would refer to it a "Mrs. Louisa's" back in the day. As for the design, we are showcasing one of the great inventions from Ohio: Life Savers. Clarence Crane of Garrettsville, Ohio created the round candy in 1912, they were dubbed summer candy because they didn't melt like chocolates. Did anyone's kids come back with Life Savers in their Halloween bag?
This week is Ohio and the Mrs. Louisa Brewery that was in operation from 1876–1890. The full name was Mrs. Louisa Balser Brewery, but I shortened it a bit as I suspect patrons would refer to it a "Mrs. Louisa's" back in the day. As for the design, we are showcasing one of the great inventions from Ohio: Life Savers. Clarence Crane of Garrettsville, Ohio created the round candy in 1912, they were dubbed summer candy because they didn't melt like chocolates. Did anyone's kids come back with Life Savers in their Halloween bag?
Things Swallowed, extra pale 6.3%
Okay, lets get weird. Today is an homage to a singular display at the Allen County Museum in Lima, Ohio. It's namesake was copied for the name of today's beer and the display includes things that have been swallowed and retrieved by doctors. It is probably pretty amazing to see what people have downed; I hope there are stories with each. Have any of the #ohiodesigners visited this gem?
Okay, lets get weird. Today is an homage to a singular display at the Allen County Museum in Lima, Ohio. It's namesake was copied for the name of today's beer and the display includes things that have been swallowed and retrieved by doctors. It is probably pretty amazing to see what people have downed; I hope there are stories with each. Have any of the #ohiodesigners visited this gem?
Beer Right Meow, rice lager 4.8%
Maneki-neko is a Japanese symbol that dates back over 100 years, which we know and love as the mainstay in almost every Japanese-American restaurant. Lucky Cat is so popular there is a museum to honor this icon in Ohio. The @manekinekomuseum in Cincinnati houses thousands of waving cats and is open for the Essex ArtWalks.
Maneki-neko is a Japanese symbol that dates back over 100 years, which we know and love as the mainstay in almost every Japanese-American restaurant. Lucky Cat is so popular there is a museum to honor this icon in Ohio. The @manekinekomuseum in Cincinnati houses thousands of waving cats and is open for the Essex ArtWalks.
Bishop-that-burneth, flanders red ale 5%
More echoes of summer today as the frost is thick outside. Ladybugs must be the least swatted insect. They are quite beautiful, revered by children, and some say they impart good luck on the person who they land upon. The name for todays brew was found during some research on coccinellids. The british have regional names for the ladybug that are different and interesting to this American. Some include: Bishop-Barnaby, Barnabee, Burnabee, and bishy bishy barnabee. The Turkish name is uğur böceği which literally translates to "good luck bug." In Dutch it is called lieveheersbeestje, meaning "little animal of our Good Lord". As a symbol, the ladybug is (best) used in the Netherlands, to combat senseless violence and mark the location of said acts for all to see. Why a ladybug for Ohio? It is the state insect; which nicely matches the buckeyes jersey colors.
More echoes of summer today as the frost is thick outside. Ladybugs must be the least swatted insect. They are quite beautiful, revered by children, and some say they impart good luck on the person who they land upon. The name for todays brew was found during some research on coccinellids. The british have regional names for the ladybug that are different and interesting to this American. Some include: Bishop-Barnaby, Barnabee, Burnabee, and bishy bishy barnabee. The Turkish name is uğur böceği which literally translates to "good luck bug." In Dutch it is called lieveheersbeestje, meaning "little animal of our Good Lord". As a symbol, the ladybug is (best) used in the Netherlands, to combat senseless violence and mark the location of said acts for all to see. Why a ladybug for Ohio? It is the state insect; which nicely matches the buckeyes jersey colors.
Toy Bot, iipa 7%
Toy collectors can visit the robot haven that is the Robot Hut in Elk Washington. One problem: the owner may not let you in. John Rigg started opening his large collection to the public but then quickly realized he only wanted the real passionate fans of robots, not just casual visitors taking photos. Within this treasure trove of metal movers, he has quite a few hand built replicas, including Dr. Satan's robot from the 1940's film. Good luck getting in 🤖🍺
Toy collectors can visit the robot haven that is the Robot Hut in Elk Washington. One problem: the owner may not let you in. John Rigg started opening his large collection to the public but then quickly realized he only wanted the real passionate fans of robots, not just casual visitors taking photos. Within this treasure trove of metal movers, he has quite a few hand built replicas, including Dr. Satan's robot from the 1940's film. Good luck getting in 🤖🍺
Thanks Waldo, kellerbier 6.4%
Vinyl lovers rejoice in the love for a guy named Waldo. As a vinyl collector myself, I never thought about anyone beyond the names on the sleeve or anyone mentioned in the songs. But there is a hero who we must pay homage to: Waldo Semon. While earning his doctorate in chemical engineering from Washington State, he began mixing polymers together, which would eventually become the platters that we enjoy to this day. Last record I purchased: For One to Love by @cecilemclorinsalvant who impressed with a lovely set at the SPAC Jazzfest.
Vinyl lovers rejoice in the love for a guy named Waldo. As a vinyl collector myself, I never thought about anyone beyond the names on the sleeve or anyone mentioned in the songs. But there is a hero who we must pay homage to: Waldo Semon. While earning his doctorate in chemical engineering from Washington State, he began mixing polymers together, which would eventually become the platters that we enjoy to this day. Last record I purchased: For One to Love by @cecilemclorinsalvant who impressed with a lovely set at the SPAC Jazzfest.
Can of Death, barrel aged porter 10.2%
Outdoor art installations are atop my list of sights in every city except the area where I live. Schenectady has none, no murals, no sculptures, nothing celebrating the arts...outdoors. We (Bear Design Co.) are included in a group Schenectady designers who will have public art on display very soon; I'll post pics once things are up. So, public art is the topic for todays can and the Wall of Death in Seattle is the focus. It was designed to represent the identically named motorcycle stunt. Its location under a bridge made for easy association with the other famous under bridge art, the Fremont Troll. The Seattle Weekly named both of them the worst site for public art in Seattle. Being the worst means you get photographed the most.
Outdoor art installations are atop my list of sights in every city except the area where I live. Schenectady has none, no murals, no sculptures, nothing celebrating the arts...outdoors. We (Bear Design Co.) are included in a group Schenectady designers who will have public art on display very soon; I'll post pics once things are up. So, public art is the topic for todays can and the Wall of Death in Seattle is the focus. It was designed to represent the identically named motorcycle stunt. Its location under a bridge made for easy association with the other famous under bridge art, the Fremont Troll. The Seattle Weekly named both of them the worst site for public art in Seattle. Being the worst means you get photographed the most.
Post no.2 today: missed yesterday. Get Gassed, dubbel 6.2%
Actually be safe and drink responsibly. The name refers to the oldest operating gas station in the U.S., found in Zillah. I assume they don't have vintage pumps anymore, but this factoid reminds me of what they hunt down on @americanpickers damn I love that show. For the advertising alone it is valuable as an influence in design. This can is a nod to the Gulf gasoline pumps of the 1930's. Cheers to you Frank and Mike 🍻
Actually be safe and drink responsibly. The name refers to the oldest operating gas station in the U.S., found in Zillah. I assume they don't have vintage pumps anymore, but this factoid reminds me of what they hunt down on @americanpickers damn I love that show. For the advertising alone it is valuable as an influence in design. This can is a nod to the Gulf gasoline pumps of the 1930's. Cheers to you Frank and Mike 🍻
The Freshness, dry hopped pale ale 8%
Where are the Spaceballs fans out there? This idea is from Washington off to Druidia and back to this fake beer. Salt-free naturally carbonated beer for everyone, even half-man, half-dogs like Barf. The connection to reality is with the city of Bellingham in Washington state. According to the EPA and American Lung Association, it has the cleanest air in the nation. Sounds like a great place to go off the grid and connect with nature.
Where are the Spaceballs fans out there? This idea is from Washington off to Druidia and back to this fake beer. Salt-free naturally carbonated beer for everyone, even half-man, half-dogs like Barf. The connection to reality is with the city of Bellingham in Washington state. According to the EPA and American Lung Association, it has the cleanest air in the nation. Sounds like a great place to go off the grid and connect with nature.
Eye-PA 6%
In honor of black friday, today we are examining an odd law related to sales in Texas. You will be subject to prosecution for selling your eye in the longhorn state. The same law also applies to other organs, but an eye is the odd one out here. Who sells and eye? Is there a black market for these things or does that only exists in the movies? Regardless, you could land a class A misdemeanor per eye. This must have really disrupted the pawn shops when it passed.
In honor of black friday, today we are examining an odd law related to sales in Texas. You will be subject to prosecution for selling your eye in the longhorn state. The same law also applies to other organs, but an eye is the odd one out here. Who sells and eye? Is there a black market for these things or does that only exists in the movies? Regardless, you could land a class A misdemeanor per eye. This must have really disrupted the pawn shops when it passed.
Picker, farmhouse ale 7.2%
👏 👏 👏 Deep in the heart of Texas is the strong smell of the roses. Every October the city of Tyler hosts the Rose Festival to showcase their rose garden, which is the largest in the country. At 14 acres you could easily spend a day there; maybe a picnic lunch and some photographs. I bet @jennifer_auroradesign would get some damn good macro shots with some morning dew on the flowers.
Tourniquet, tequila barrel aged saison 6.8%
Amazing acts of survival have made their way into television. The story of Aron Ralston is an epic tale of survival by any means. But back in 1996 there was another tale of survival that showcases resourceful, creative thinking. In Edinburg, Texas a man was bitten in the hand by a coral snake. The venom is deadly and the man needed to stop it from spreading throughout his body. He grabbed the snake, bit the head off, skinned it, and use the skin as a tourniquet. He was later treated at the hospital with anti-venom, but the clever use of the offending snake lead to his survival. He kept the head as a souvenir. But, what we really want to know...does it really taste like chicken?
Amazing acts of survival have made their way into television. The story of Aron Ralston is an epic tale of survival by any means. But back in 1996 there was another tale of survival that showcases resourceful, creative thinking. In Edinburg, Texas a man was bitten in the hand by a coral snake. The venom is deadly and the man needed to stop it from spreading throughout his body. He grabbed the snake, bit the head off, skinned it, and use the skin as a tourniquet. He was later treated at the hospital with anti-venom, but the clever use of the offending snake lead to his survival. He kept the head as a souvenir. But, what we really want to know...does it really taste like chicken?
DTT, mexican lager 4.7%
You down with DTT, yeah you know me. In the early days of Texas it was flooded with new settlers from other parts of the U.S. who were looking for greener pastures. In letters left for their families, the shorthand "DTT" meant: gone to Texas. After many years it also was adopted for criminals trying to escape the law elsewhere. Hopefully they didn't hide in the Alamo.
You down with DTT, yeah you know me. In the early days of Texas it was flooded with new settlers from other parts of the U.S. who were looking for greener pastures. In letters left for their families, the shorthand "DTT" meant: gone to Texas. After many years it also was adopted for criminals trying to escape the law elsewhere. Hopefully they didn't hide in the Alamo.
A Little Grand, farmhouse ale 5.7%
A simple "barn dance" radio show that started in 1925 has expanded over the years to become what we know today as the show that made country music famous; The Grand Ole Opry. I have memories of watching the show with my grandparents on weekends and waiting patiently for the next comedy skit.
A simple "barn dance" radio show that started in 1925 has expanded over the years to become what we know today as the show that made country music famous; The Grand Ole Opry. I have memories of watching the show with my grandparents on weekends and waiting patiently for the next comedy skit.
Brass Hoops, cedar IPA 5.7%
Back from the holiday weekend with another "big" package design. Gerst Brewing is the focus this week, hailing from Tennessee and in business from 1890–1954 under various family members. Today we reference the world's largest cedar bucket that pre-dates the brewery. It was built in 1887 by the Tennessee Red Cedar Woodenworks Company and has been featured at the 1893 and again at the 1904 World's Fair. While in the rabbit hole, I also found that @cigarcitybrewing has produced an IPA in their humidor series that involved cedar in the process. Add that to the list of brews I must try.
Back from the holiday weekend with another "big" package design. Gerst Brewing is the focus this week, hailing from Tennessee and in business from 1890–1954 under various family members. Today we reference the world's largest cedar bucket that pre-dates the brewery. It was built in 1887 by the Tennessee Red Cedar Woodenworks Company and has been featured at the 1893 and again at the 1904 World's Fair. While in the rabbit hole, I also found that @cigarcitybrewing has produced an IPA in their humidor series that involved cedar in the process. Add that to the list of brews I must try.
Drrrrop, coffee porter 7%
Product placement number two for this week and a make up for missing yesterday. Maxwell House coffee has one of the more memorable slogans for an American product and its origin is rarely mentioned. The Maxwell House Hotel in downtown Nashville was famous for hosting seven U.S. presidents, including Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy coined the phrase "good to the last drop" after consuming a cup of coffee from the hotel. Not only a man of the great outdoors but a clever copywriter. He could've made a lot of money in advertising.
Product placement number two for this week and a make up for missing yesterday. Maxwell House coffee has one of the more memorable slogans for an American product and its origin is rarely mentioned. The Maxwell House Hotel in downtown Nashville was famous for hosting seven U.S. presidents, including Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy coined the phrase "good to the last drop" after consuming a cup of coffee from the hotel. Not only a man of the great outdoors but a clever copywriter. He could've made a lot of money in advertising.
Fair Fare, cotton candy shandy 4.5%
Where does everyone eat cotton candy? At the fair...or a parade too I guess. Your sweet tooth can thank the inventive minds of William Morrison and John C. Wharton for the invention of the spun sugar treat. Originally called "fairy floss", this staple of fairgrounds has been in use since 1897. Too bad those old photos don't tell us if they were always pink and blue. For this fake shandy in a can; you don't know until it's poured whether it is pink or blue.
Where does everyone eat cotton candy? At the fair...or a parade too I guess. Your sweet tooth can thank the inventive minds of William Morrison and John C. Wharton for the invention of the spun sugar treat. Originally called "fairy floss", this staple of fairgrounds has been in use since 1897. Too bad those old photos don't tell us if they were always pink and blue. For this fake shandy in a can; you don't know until it's poured whether it is pink or blue.
Nougat, chocolate stout 8.7%
Who can we thank for the @snickers bar? That Standard Candy Company of Nashville decided in 1912 that it would be good to combine a candy bar with their Goo Goo clusters. This design stuff makes you look up random things all the time and now I'm ready for those nougat questions on Jeopardy.
Who can we thank for the @snickers bar? That Standard Candy Company of Nashville decided in 1912 that it would be good to combine a candy bar with their Goo Goo clusters. This design stuff makes you look up random things all the time and now I'm ready for those nougat questions on Jeopardy.
Commodery, brown ale 5%
I thought to call this "poop-ski" for a few seconds then came to my senses. Today's shitty design is in reference to the Fur Rondy in Anchorage. Every year in February, Alaskans have their own form of a soapbox derby...with outhouses. Teams of four decorate an outhouse on skis and compete in races much like a bobsled team with three pushers and one squatter. *The squatter is fully clothed, I assume from photos found during research. I'd like to imagine a year long design evolution for each team's outhouse, but it seems more like they figure it out over a case of beers the weekend before. The latter does sound better now that I think about it more. I hope someone has dressed and Uncle Eddie.
I thought to call this "poop-ski" for a few seconds then came to my senses. Today's shitty design is in reference to the Fur Rondy in Anchorage. Every year in February, Alaskans have their own form of a soapbox derby...with outhouses. Teams of four decorate an outhouse on skis and compete in races much like a bobsled team with three pushers and one squatter. *The squatter is fully clothed, I assume from photos found during research. I'd like to imagine a year long design evolution for each team's outhouse, but it seems more like they figure it out over a case of beers the weekend before. The latter does sound better now that I think about it more. I hope someone has dressed and Uncle Eddie.
Never Tire of Tricks, smoked porter 7%
We all know someone who takes things to the next level, no matter the risk. I've been guilty of doing it in serious situations down to the benign. Alaska has a story that tops it all for pranks. Local prankster, Oliver "Porky" Bickar flew in hundreds of tires for an April Fool's joke in 1974. Porky added them into the crater of Mount Edgecumbe and ignited them, creating a plume of smoke that tricked many into thinking the volcano was active again. Local residents were put at ease when they neared the volcano and Porky's message came into view; "April Fool" was spray painted around the rim in 50 foot letters. This prank was in the works for four years and has been deemed one of the ten best pranks of all time. Cheers to you Porky 🍻
We all know someone who takes things to the next level, no matter the risk. I've been guilty of doing it in serious situations down to the benign. Alaska has a story that tops it all for pranks. Local prankster, Oliver "Porky" Bickar flew in hundreds of tires for an April Fool's joke in 1974. Porky added them into the crater of Mount Edgecumbe and ignited them, creating a plume of smoke that tricked many into thinking the volcano was active again. Local residents were put at ease when they neared the volcano and Porky's message came into view; "April Fool" was spray painted around the rim in 50 foot letters. This prank was in the works for four years and has been deemed one of the ten best pranks of all time. Cheers to you Porky 🍻
Run Ashore, spruce tip porter 6.8%
Continuing the water theme today with a little boating. Actually it's a lot of boating to reach most of Alaskan coastal cities. Especially their capitol of Juneau, which has no road leading into it. It can only be reached by water or air. I have visited friends there and I suggest everyone take a trip. It is beautiful and there is a damn fine brewery in nearby Haines...which you have to take a ferry to.
Continuing the water theme today with a little boating. Actually it's a lot of boating to reach most of Alaskan coastal cities. Especially their capitol of Juneau, which has no road leading into it. It can only be reached by water or air. I have visited friends there and I suggest everyone take a trip. It is beautiful and there is a damn fine brewery in nearby Haines...which you have to take a ferry to.
Tossers Paradise, sea salt geueze 4.5%
Alaska has more coastline than all other states combined. With that in mind, every resident and visitor should have plenty of chances to send out a message in a bottle. If you choose to toss one too, add a post script encouraging the finder to recycle the bottle.
Alaska has more coastline than all other states combined. With that in mind, every resident and visitor should have plenty of chances to send out a message in a bottle. If you choose to toss one too, add a post script encouraging the finder to recycle the bottle.