Old Lightning Rod Day is Sun., Jan. 15, at BSB.

NABC's annual semi-homage to Benjamin Franklin, Old Lightning Rod Day, takes place on the 15th at Bank Street Brewhouse. It's mostly about rolling out draft pours of our annual seasonal dark Colonial-style ale (Old Lightning Rod), but there'll be food, too, and perhaps some music. Info is here:

http://potablecurmudgeon.blogspot.com/2012/01/old-lightning-rod-day-is-sunday-january.html

I'll take the opportunity to remind readers that after a two-week holiday outage, the acclaimed (well, by me) Brewhouse Brunch resumes this Sunday, January 8, also at Bank Street Brewhouse.

Chef Matt Weirich's brunch menu items will be served from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with Sunday afternoon hours regularly lasting until 6:00 p.m. The inimitable Sarah Howell will be tending the Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar, already an institution in the two years since its inception. Growlers of proven merit will be dispensed and refilled. We await the arrival of the new patio garage doors, which will complete the retrofitting of the patio into an all-weather room; they're slated to be installed next Monday. Later this spring, we'll being work on the new outdoor beer garden, which will take the place of the current parking area. When completed, in nice weather, the doors can be rolled up, and a seamless patio/beer garden utilized.

We have no Van Halen tickets, so don't even ask. For views of brunch, go here:

http://cityofnewalbany.blogspot.com/2011/11/scenes-at-opening-of-sunday-brunch-at.html

I've learned that Steve Thomas of Thomas Family Winery in Madison IN will be making it down for Old Lightning Rod Day on the 15th, and likely bringing some musicians with him. If you've ever been to Thomas Family Winery on Saturday evenings, you know that there usually live traditional (Celtic, Bluegrass, Americana) music being played. Steve's own musical aggregation is the Celtic-inspired Ragged Arse Tinkers. And then there's cider: Gale's Hard Cider, Scrumpy and others produced by the winery. Supplies permitting, we may be able to have a shipment of cider to round out the festivities on the 15th.

And then there's cider: Gale's Hard Cider, Scrumpy and others produced by the winery. Supplies permitting, we may be able to have a shipment of cider to round out the festivities on the 15th.

I thought it was the White Horse in Arlesey. Or was it the Cricketers in Ickleford on the Arlesey road? Recalling the fine details after an evening drinking scrumpy jack; like where you were at, who you were with, how you got home, can be... challenging . I do remember Roy saying “Shane, go easy on that; it's very strong you know.” I do hope there's scrumpy.

I thought it was the White Horse in Arlesey. Or was it the Cricketers in Ickleford on the Arlesey road? Recalling the fine details after an evening drinking scrumpy jack; like where you were at, who you were with, how you got home, can be... challenging . I do remember Roy saying “Shane, go easy on that; it's very strong you know.” I do hope there's scrumpy.

Steve will be packing cider, but I'm not sure if he currently has scrumpy. He told me that owing to the vicissitudes of the apple harvest, he may be short on cider for a while.

Roger, scrumpy or no, I and several of my friends are coming for this. I think some other Hot Byters are coming as well.

The Bank St brunch is always fantastic - eggs benedict! I love watching people at the bloody mary bar. While I don't drink them myself, its fun to watch an expert mix them to order from the buffet of tasty ingredients.

I'm looking forward to trying the OLR and whatever cider might be available. If your there, perhaps you might give us some insight into what you have planned for the 29th.

You may need the extra room in the new patio for this one! Cheers!

Roger, scrumpy or no, I and several of my friends are coming for this. I think some other Hot Byters are coming as well.

The Bank St brunch is always fantastic - eggs benedict! I love watching people at the bloody mary bar. While I don't drink them myself, its fun to watch an expert mix them to order from the buffet of tasty ingredients.

I'm looking forward to trying the OLR and whatever cider might be available. If your there, perhaps you might give us some insight into what you have planned for the 29th.

You may need the extra room in the new patio for this one! Cheers!

Shane, drop me a line when you have an eta for Bank Street. I have a few gravities to check and will plan it during your visit if possible.

I'm looking forward to trying the OLR and whatever cider might be available. If your there, perhaps you might give us some insight into what you have planned for the 29th.

You may need the extra room in the new patio for this one! Cheers!

On the 29th, I'm a bit player -- Stephen is the impresario.

We'll definitely be using the newly enclosed patio. I'll see you some time tomorrow.

I have no idea what "triangular" molasses is (except it's sweet) but that and a dark ale tweaked for 6 yrs and I feel a few pints calling my name.

I have no idea what "triangular" molasses is (except it's sweet) but that and a dark ale tweaked for 6 yrs and I feel a few pints calling my name.

Triangular molasses is any free-range molasses or sourgum harvested in the famous molasses triangle. Old Lightening Rod is on and flowing. Come in Colonial garb and receive a OLR beer poster signed by the artist and the entire brew crew. Hard to resist!