With those beautiful colors and wide ranging styles, tastes, and smells, it SHOULD be what's for breakfast. Here we look to provide our humble opinions and information on "the Lord's brew", and take you along with us on our sober journey through the wonderful world of hops and barley.
Saturday marks the 3rd annual UNICO Microbrew Festival at Zona Rosa. For $20 (in advance, $25 at the door) you can sip and enjoy over 40 brews from a number of breweries. This event has slipped under a my radar the past couple of years. It seems to creep up on me at the last moment when I already have something scheduled. Hopefully a few days notice is enough for you to clear your schedule and meet me up there. Tickets will be limited to 1400, so get yours fast.
The current brewery lineup includes:
Summit Brewing Company Ameristar Brew Pub Tommyknocker Schlafly Boulevard Flying Monkey O’Fallon Free State Tallgrass Gordon Biersch Weston Brewing McCoy’s Public House High Noon Granite City Southern Tier New Belgium Green Flash Schilling Bridge
Great news. Some of the amazing beers from Hop Fest 2011 are leftover just for you. Head into the Well tonight and you can enjoy one of the many leftover brews to cool off on this hot summer evening. Even better news, they are allowing you to purchase a beer to drink and then take one home with you. Buy one, get one FREE to take home. If you can count (or do simple division), then you know you are getting these on the cheap!! Get there before they are all gone. The sale starts at 6pm and goes until they run out. See you up there.
Tomorrow marks the inaugural year for Hop Fest. I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm thinking it will be run much better that the KC Beer Fest (Fail) of the past few years. This is mainly due to the cap on attendance as well as the possibility that The Well/Lew's may be purchasing the beer instead of relying on distributor handouts. (I have no way of validating this). I purchased a VIP ticket when the event was announced many weeks ago thinking I'd have the chance to sample some brews I may have never tried before. I hadn't heard anything referencing a bunch of VIP status brews slated for the event and was starting to get worried. Alas, I worry no more...check out the list posted on Central States Beverage's Facebook page. Many (most) of the list looks pretty standard, but there are a few special brews I can't wait to try...I guess that's the selling point for the VIP ticket. I've listed the "special' brews below.
Will I see you up there? I hope so. What are you standing around for? You have Hop Fest tickets to buy!
This seems to be the year of weddings for my wife and I. Sure, you don't have to twist my arm to go sip some free booze, dance a bit with the lady friend, and sip some free booze, but I've been missing some great events going on around KC. Will they really know if I don't show up to the wedding? Can't I just want my $50 gift so they can return it and get whatever they really wanted? Can you go without me? All questions posed and immediately kiboshed by the wife with her burning laser beam stare. Eeesh...can't blame me for trying, right?
So anyway, I'm out next weekend, but that's no excuse for you. If you aren't doing anything (or can get out of what you're currently doing) and you are looking to sample some homebrews and chow on some good BBQ, you might check out the Brookside Nanobrew Festival next Saturday (June 11th, 4pm to 7pm). There will be around 13 brewers and around 20 different brews to sample. All you can eat barbecue will be provided by Jet Bar-B-Q. In addition to the brews, they will have some wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages available as well. Your money will buy you a BBQ pass and a commemorative pint glass to sample the brews. Tickets purchased before June 4th, 4pm, go for $15 for BBQ and brew and $20 if you'd like the commemorative glass. After that, tickets are $20 and $25.
The Stone crew has been missing from KC for 12 hours, and I already feel a missing place in my heart. Typically, spending two days with someone makes me want to get away from them and breathe. Not the case today. Attending many of the Stone Week events on Tuesday and Wednesday has only solidified a place in my heart for them. I had never experienced such an event before.
Over multiple trips out west, I have tasted their offerings and enjoyed them. I wondered what would happen if I had access year round. I know people who have moved to the mountains to hike and bike and ski, but ended up doing the same things they did when they were in KC. It always angered me that they had all this access to things Kansas City didn't have to offer and somehow squandered those opportunities. I now see the predicament. Stone is here in KC, but will my mouth water as it did when traveled to get my hands on their beer? Over the past two days, I have imbibed in nearly every option they had to offer, so now do I go back to my previous exploits? No. I'm already craving another Cali-Belgique like a bad crack habit. I'm going to give into those desires and get myself a few bottles for those times I need to submit to "the shakes" and remember when the face of Stone was here.
P.S.: Dear citizens of St. Louis, enjoy the next two days and all the festivities Stone Week-Missouri has to offer. I miss the Greg Face already.
Stone week, Missouri has begun. The quest of introducing Stone's fine ales to Missouri will continue in Kansas City through Wednesday, followed by 2 days in St. Louis. Amazing. Blanc, Saucer, Riot Room. Amazing. The Stone crew, especially co-founder, Greg Koch, seemed to be on a mission to save the world from "fizzy yellow beer" and we should all thank him for it. I've not seen anything like it and I hope to see more.
If you didn't get a chance to hang out with the Stone crew today and enjoy some great brews, there's still time. Be sure to check the schedule below and come out Wednesday. I'm thinking Swagger for lunch, Flying Saucer for a little happy hour, insert WAKA kickball games at 730* and finally The Foundry for total tap tower takeover. See you there, Kansas City? I hope so.
*Kickball is an unofficial stop for Stone Week. Attendance is optional for you and required for me. Stone brews will be in my cooler, none the less.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 - Kansas City
11am - 12pm: Lukas Liquor Superstore
Stone DVD and bottle signing with Greg and Nate!
12pm - 1pm: Royal Liquors
Stone DVD and bottle signing with Greg and Nate!
1:30pm-3pm: Swagger
Stone Smoked Porter
Stone IPA
Double Dry Hopped Stone IPA
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA
Arrogant Bastard Ale
Arrogant Bastard Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels
3:30 - 5pm: Gomer's South
Stone DVD and bottle signing with Team Stone!
6:30 - 7:45pm: Flying Saucer
Stone Pale Ale
Stone Smoked Porter
Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Beans
Stone Smoked Porter with Chipotle Peppers
Stone Smoked Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels
Stone IPA
Double Dry Hopped Stone IPA
Arrogant Bastard Ale
Arrogant Bastard Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels
OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale
Stone Levitation Ale
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA
Stone Ruination IPA
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Double Dry Hopped Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA
2010 Double Bastard Ale
2011 Stone Old Guardian BELGO Barley Wine
2010 Stone Imperial Russian Stout
2008 Stone Imperial Russian Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels
8pm: The Foundry
Stone Pale Ale
Stone Smoked Porter
Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Beans
Stone Smoked Porter with Chipotle Peppers
Stone Smoked Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels
Stone IPA
Double Dry Hopped Stone IPA
Arrogant Bastard Ale
Arrogant Bastard Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels
OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale
Stone Levitation Ale
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA
Stone Ruination IPA
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Double Dry Hopped Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA
2010 Double Bastard Ale
2011 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine
2010 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine
2009 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine
2007 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine
2010 Stone Imperial Russian Stout
2008 Stone Imperial Russian Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels
I'm sure you've all heard the amazing news by now. Stone Brewing is entering the Missouri market. Tuesday is the big day, kicking off "Stone Week" for the thirsty crowd of KC. Multiple locations around KC will be hosting parties featuring some special Stone brews that are rare even to the experienced Stone drinker. You're guaranteed to have a good time and enjoy some great beer. I'll be heading to Flying Saucer from 5 to 7pm, Tuesday evening, where Stone's co-founder and CEO, Greg Koch, is said to be pouring beers and taking names. Greg will be travelling to many of the party locations. Maybe he'll follow me to The Riot Room at 7:30? Who knows? What I do know is that I'd like to see a bunch of you up there, so make it happen Kansas City!! If you're not able to join me on Tuesday, check out the schedule below and try something new at your favorite spot. I'll be hitting something on Wednesday...most likely The Foundry, where Stone is taking over the taps, serving an epic 23 different beers!! See you there.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 - Kansas City
12pm - 1pm: Gomer's Midtown
Stone DVD and bottle signing with Greg and Nate!
1pm - 2pm: Blanc Burgers & Bottles
Stone Pale Ale in bottles
Stone Smoked Porter
Stone IPA in bottles
Arrogant Bastard Ale
OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale
Stone Levitation Ale
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA
Stone Ruination IPA in bottles
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
3:30 - 4pm: Waldo Pizza
Stone Pale Ale
Stone IPA
Arrogant Bastard Ale
Stone Levitation Ale
Stone Ruination IPA
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
2008 Stone Imperial Russian Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels
5pm - 7pm: Flying Saucer
Stone Pale Ale
Stone Smoked Porter
Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Beans
Stone Smoked Porter with Chipotle Peppers
Stone Smoked Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels
Stone IPA
Double Dry Hopped Stone IPA
Arrogant Bastard Ale
Arrogant Bastard Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels
OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale
Stone Levitation Ale
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA
Stone Ruination IPA
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Double Dry Hopped Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA
2010 Double Bastard Ale
2011 Stone Old Guardian BELGO Barley Wine
2010 Stone Imperial Russian Stout
2008 Stone Imperial Russian Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels
7:30pm : The Riot Room
Stone Pale Ale
Stone Smoked Porter
Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Beans
Stone IPA
Double Dry Hopped Stone IPA
Arrogant Bastard Ale
Arrogant Bastard Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels
OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale
Stone Levitation Ale
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA
Stone Ruination IPA
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Double Dry Hopped Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
2010 Stone Imperial Russian Stout
2010 Double Bastard Ale
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 - Kansas City
11am - 12pm: Lukas Liquor Superstore
Stone DVD and bottle signing with Greg and Nate!
12pm - 1pm: Royal Liquors
Stone DVD and bottle signing with Greg and Nate!
1:30pm-3pm: Swagger
Stone Smoked Porter
Stone IPA
Double Dry Hopped Stone IPA
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA
Arrogant Bastard Ale
Arrogant Bastard Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels
3:30 - 5pm: Gomer's South
Stone DVD and bottle signing with Team Stone!
6:30 - 7:45pm: Flying Saucer
Stone Pale Ale
Stone Smoked Porter
Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Beans
Stone Smoked Porter with Chipotle Peppers
Stone Smoked Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels
Stone IPA
Double Dry Hopped Stone IPA
Arrogant Bastard Ale
Arrogant Bastard Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels
OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale
Stone Levitation Ale
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA
Stone Ruination IPA
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Double Dry Hopped Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA
2010 Double Bastard Ale
2011 Stone Old Guardian BELGO Barley Wine
2010 Stone Imperial Russian Stout
2008 Stone Imperial Russian Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels
8pm: The Foundry
Stone Pale Ale
Stone Smoked Porter
Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Beans
Stone Smoked Porter with Chipotle Peppers
Stone Smoked Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels
Stone IPA
Double Dry Hopped Stone IPA
Arrogant Bastard Ale
Arrogant Bastard Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels
OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale
Stone Levitation Ale
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA
Stone Ruination IPA
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Double Dry Hopped Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA
2010 Double Bastard Ale
2011 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine
2010 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine
2009 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine
2007 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine
2010 Stone Imperial Russian Stout
2008 Stone Imperial Russian Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels
The current brewery lineup includes:
Tomorrow marks the inaugural year for Hop Fest. I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm thinking it will be run much better that the KC Beer Fest (Fail) of the past few years. This is mainly due to the cap on attendance as well as the possibility that The Well/Lew's may be purchasing the beer instead of relying on distributor handouts. (I have no way of validating this). I purchased a VIP ticket when the event was announced many weeks ago thinking I'd have the chance to sample some brews I may have never tried before. I hadn't heard anything referencing a bunch of VIP status brews slated for the event and was starting to get worried. Alas, I worry no more...check out the list posted on Central States Beverage's Facebook page. Many (most) of the list looks pretty standard, but there are a few special brews I can't wait to try...I guess that's the selling point for the VIP ticket. I've listed the "special' brews below. 
So anyway, I'm out next weekend, but that's no excuse for you. If you aren't doing anything (or can get out of what you're currently doing) and you are looking to sample some homebrews and chow on some good BBQ, you might check out the Brookside Nanobrew Festival next Saturday (June 11th, 4pm to 7pm). There will be around 13 brewers and around 20 different brews to sample. All you can eat barbecue will be provided by Jet Bar-B-Q. In addition to the brews, they will have some wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages available as well. Your money will buy you a BBQ pass and a commemorative pint glass to sample the brews. Tickets purchased before June 4th, 4pm, go for $15 for BBQ and brew and $20 if you'd like the commemorative glass. After that, tickets are $20 and $25.
The Stone crew has been missing from KC for 12 hours, and I already feel a missing place in my heart. Typically, spending two days with someone makes me want to get away from them and breathe. Not the case today. Attending many of the Stone Week events on Tuesday and Wednesday has only solidified a place in my heart for them. I had never experienced such an event before.
