Beer Beer Wonderful Beer!

Hey Brand - love your avatar! I'm partial to the Ruination as opposed to the Arrogant Bastard. Does anyone know where or if you can get any Stone's on tap around here?

Often at Maido, to name just one. We rotate Stone drafts on a semi-regular basis and are about due for a Ruination residency.

Thanks Roger - I've caught the Bell's Hop Slam at Maido but I've never seen any Stone's there. I'll have to jaunt across the river to visit your place soon - it's been awhile but it is always worth it!

Cheers,

Doug

Hello everybody I'm Garrett one of the new managers at Carly Rays, dave has done such a good job of spreading the word I felt I needed to chime in. Roger I would love to get some advice from you at your convienence. thank you all for the uplifting comments, our goal is to have a diverse taste selection while supporting local brewers. To the earlier comment about Stella.. not A fan, but I have a lot of requests for it. Magic Hat #9 though is A fine gate way beer for people trying to test the waters of the micro world, I would prefer Circus Boy but #9 is the only product from them available at this time. It is so new that we are only the 7th tap in the city, and I'm just happy to see the Hat in town. I look forward to further posts with you all and any suggestions that you all may have. And when your ready to come over the river Roger with your product, let me Know I'll save you A tap. thanks fellas.

Lots of ground to cover here ... I'm not commenting on Matt's situation, primarily because I've not yet heard the "other" side of the story, and fairness ordains considering it. But Matt surely knows that NABC has his back.

The selection at Carly Rae's looks promising. I've not had the Magic Hat and can't comment, but Fat Tire is as overrated as they come (the Colorado brewery does numerous quality Belgians and permits Fat Tire to pay the bills), and Stella is a plain European lager that does not represent what makes Belgium special.

As a brief update, NABC has embarked on the path toward an additional brewhouse in downtown New Albany. Perhaps a year from now, we'll have sufficient quantity of our beer to get it to interested parties in Louisville. We're working on a distribution plan, but don't look for anything for a while yet. The taproom will be running first, then the brewing system installed.

Dave: If your beer man wants advice, set it up and I'm there.

Rog- Do stop in and say hey!! I mentioned Fat Tire mainly because I had it last time I was in Flagstaff and I'm old and partial to "low gravity" light stuff (Upland Wheat was my sandwich in a glass as you may recall....by no means am I dissing Upland....it is just a great break time beer that doesn't slow me down or get me pie-eyed like Dogfish 20...). I was not aware that Fat Tire has been relegated to "Stella" status and for that I appologize. You're input will be greatly appreciated as I am a food dude as you know but building a great beer list is paramount to re-inventing a flourishing business and we all win in that event. Garrett knows his stuff and I am sure he will welcome your input as well. (we need to talk anyway yah?) See ya soon!-Dave

Thanks to both of you, and clarification: Fat Tire's not so much relegated as overrated. It's fine for what it is, and I'm sure I'll drink it again some time in my life. I just feel down deep in my own rapidly aging bones that when it comes to "cult" beers, there should be something there to merit the status.

I'll arrange a time to come over as soon as I can.

Outside of dogfish, bell's, and a few other high-end seasonal/limited release beers...The problem with "cult" beers is that they are a cult beer for a reason, usually based on someone's vacation beer or college beer, etc. then passed along to their immediate circle as a can't miss "thing" about their trip or their past history.

Stella, Kalik, Fat Tire, and especially Yuengling, talk about over-rated. I remember years ago when Shiner was a cult beer...no too much to write home about.

The Magic Hat #9 is OK, but not spectacular...for the real enthusiasts out there...believe it or not, AB is carrying Magic Hat in Central/Southern/Eastern KY...as well as...shocker...St. Bernardus, Val-dieu, Abbey des Rocs, etc...hard to think of an AB sales guy trying to sell their 12 or even the wit.

Crazy to think how fast and furious the craft beer network in the U.S. is changing. Five years ago, AB's focus was about removing these beers from the markets.

As for Carly's selection...nice job...worth a visit for a beer or two. I would follow Roger's and Shawn's advice and expand the German/Belgian selection with a little more "smaller" US crafts. Red Seal is tasty on draft and I agree on the Anderson Valley line. You might have trouble getting the Raison de'extra, I'm under the impression it is done and suppliers have what they have....the recently released Palo Santo is worth a shot, not as deep or complex as some of the others but worth a try and Festina Peche is coming soon, good one for the warmer weather. The Gouden Carolus Triple is nice, maybe the Kasteel line as well or the Ommegang for some US flavor.

Excellent suggestions.

Outside of dogfish, bell's, and a few other high-end seasonal/limited release beers...The problem with "cult" beers is that they are a cult beer for a reason, usually based on someone's vacation beer or college beer, etc. then passed along to their immediate circle as a can't miss "thing" about their trip or their past history.

Stella, Kalik, Fat Tire, and especially Yuengling, talk about over-rated. I remember years ago when Shiner was a cult beer...no too much to write home about.

The Magic Hat #9 is OK, but not spectacular...for the real enthusiasts out there...believe it or not, AB is carrying Magic Hat in Central/Southern/Eastern KY...as well as...shocker...St. Bernardus, Val-dieu, Abbey des Rocs, etc...hard to think of an AB sales guy trying to sell their 12 or even the wit.

Crazy to think how fast and furious the craft beer network in the U.S. is changing. Five years ago, AB's focus was about removing these beers from the markets.

As for Carly's selection...nice job...worth a visit for a beer or two. I would follow Roger's and Shawn's advice and expand the German/Belgian selection with a little more "smaller" US crafts. Red Seal is tasty on draft and I agree on the Anderson Valley line. You might have trouble getting the Raison de'extra, I'm under the impression it is done and suppliers have what they have....the recently released Palo Santo is worth a shot, not as deep or complex as some of the others but worth a try and Festina Peche is coming soon, good one for the warmer weather. The Gouden Carolus Triple is nice, maybe the Kasteel line as well or the Ommegang for some US flavor.

Hi Brad I agree with the expanding of the German/ Belgium selction, my issue is finding a price point where I'm able to supply a great beer but not shooting myself in the foot with price point. I want to be able to supply to the common man but not scare them with $$$ signs. As to the remark About AB selling Magic Hat etc. .... it needs to be pointed out that that distributer is not AB owned and is in fact independent... one of the few left. It is sad though to see AB distribute or should I say try to distribute craft beer it's an oxy moron. I should clarify that Before I took this job I worked for a distributer (river city) please keep sending advice thanks.

Hi Brad I agree with the expanding of the German/ Belgium selction, my issue is finding a price point where I'm able to supply a great beer but not shooting myself in the foot with price point. I want to be able to supply to the common man but not scare them with $$$ signs. As to the remark About AB selling Magic Hat etc. .... it needs to be pointed out that that distributer is not AB owned and is in fact independent... one of the few left. It is sad though to see AB distribute or should I say try to distribute craft beer it's an oxy moron. I should clarify that Before I took this job I worked for a distributer (river city) please keep sending advice thanks.

If you are looking for economical German beers, that still offer a great flavor, look no further than Franziskaner Hefe and Dunkel. Spaten Lager is also a nice one to bring in that won't crush the budget and should sell well too.

Hi Brad I agree with the expanding of the German/ Belgium selction, my issue is finding a price point where I'm able to supply a great beer but not shooting myself in the foot with price point. I want to be able to supply to the common man but not scare them with $$$ signs. As to the remark About AB selling Magic Hat etc. .... it needs to be pointed out that that distributer is not AB owned and is in fact independent... one of the few left. It is sad though to see AB distribute or should I say try to distribute craft beer it's an oxy moron. I should clarify that Before I took this job I worked for a distributer (river city) please keep sending advice thanks.

If you are looking for economical German beers, that still offer a great flavor, look no further than Franziskaner Hefe and Dunkel. Spaten Lager is also a nice one to bring in that won't crush the budget and should sell well too.

Thank you Todd I appreciate the suggestion.

The Spaten (franziskaner) line is a great way to expand into the germans
and here are my german offerings out here in Charlestown

Weihenstephaner Kristall Weiss
Tucher Kristall Weizen
Spaten lager
Spaten Optimator
Franziskaner hefe
Franziskaner dunkel

all of these sell really well for me in Charlestown for between $3.50 and $4.50

Matt at DCE has a decent amount of Germans in his selection also

i'm very happy to see more people interested in a high quality beer list at their local establishments

KOSTRITZER is an amazing german beer that seems pretty available.


also
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier is delicious as well


i've found spaten to be pretty bland whenever i've been tricked into drinking it.

I will echo the Weihenstephaner. I love that I can get what I consider one of the best beers of the style for such an affordable price. I am also partial to Ayingers Celebrator - a little higher price but still what I would consider affordable.

Since we are talking about beer, what is everyones opinion on Dogfish Heads Burton Baton. I snagged a pack the other day and really liked it. I am not a big fan of their 90 minute but felt like this one had a little more balance. I went back out and got some more for the cellar...right next to my case of Bells Hopslam...

I will echo the Weihenstephaner. I love that I can get what I consider one of the best beers of the style for such an affordable price. I am also partial to Ayingers Celebrator - a little higher price but still what I would consider affordable.

Since we are talking about beer, what is everyones opinion on Dogfish Heads Burton Baton. I snagged a pack the other day and really liked it. I am not a big fan of their 90 minute but felt like this one had a little more balance. I went back out and got some more for the cellar...right next to my case of Bells Hopslam...

the ayinger doppelbock is awesome, but its pretty expensive. i think nachbar was charging $5.50 for a glass when they had it a few months ago. their tap list can go pretty high, with several beers being $7. i don't know how expensive yours are, but that's a little high for a lot of places.

their beer list is so good. outside of nabc, i can't think of a better beer list close to louisville.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x156 ... list-2.jpg


ALSO! nach has a keg of hopslam that they're saving for summer and will probably be out soon.

ON TAP-Browning's ESB
-Browning's Bourbon Barrel Stout
-Cumberland Brewery Red Ale
-Browning's She Devil
-Magic Hat #9
-Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat
BOTTLES-Boont ESB/Chambly Noire/La Fin Du Monde/Boont Amber/Rouge Dead Guy/Skullsplitter/Bell's Oberon/Anchor Amber/Newcastle/Sierra Nevada Pale/Bass Pale Ale/Hardcore Cider/Red Stripe/Old Rasputin Imperial Stout/BBC Amber/BBC APA/BBC Dark Star Porter/ Stella Artois/ Red Seal Ale/ Abita Purple Haze/ Abita Turbo Dog/ Blue Moon/ Killians/Beck's/ Guinness/ Sam Adams/ Heinekin/ Corona.

DOMESTICS- (The usual suspects)

Just a pet peeve/nit. All on the ON TAP and a majority of the BOTTLES listed above are domestic beers. To me, the usual suspects of domestic beers are Goose Island/Bells/Sierra Nevada. If you are going to call those other beers something, you need a new name, instead of domestics.

Anyway, stop into Carly Rae's for a frosty mug (and some groovy food too) Thank's again to Robin for allowing this shameless promotion!

Make sure you keep some unfrosted mugs for those of us who dont like beersicles.

Okay, now that Ive picked two nits, I should say something nice. I like the list, it could be better, but its better than a large majority of the beer lists around town. Good job, keep up the good work.