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Category Archives: Beer

24 things you may or may not have known about beer

The fun folks at wearyourbeer.com came up with this great infographic all about our favorite beverage — beer!

 
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Posted by on May 1, 2013 in Beer

 

Goose Island 312 to refresh golf fans at The Players this year

goose-islandThe big news in Jacksonville this week is the run up to the Player’s Championships next week. The eyes of the golfing world will be on the First Coast next week to see who will win what the players consider to be their Super Bowl. But, the big news for beer and golf lovers at the Player’s is the announcement that Goose Island’s 312 Urban Wheat Ale will be available to enjoy along the fairways and greens.

Since Anheuser-Busch purchased the popular Chicago brewery, the Goose has been loose at more and more high-visibility events like the Players. And, with bottles of the beer appearing in all 50 states, you are likely to see much more from the brand.

312 in particular is an exceedingly well-made brew that garnered a rating of 92 by Draft Magazine. “Lemony and acidic with playful sweetness, the aroma is not just pleasant, but perfect for the style.” The magazine said. “The first sip brings a rush of tart, wheat grain sweetness bolstered by a sturdy barley foundation. Beneath the sweet grains, a slow current of hops begins to surge, nudging pepper spice and bitterness through the swallow. 312 has all of the trappings of a well-made wheat beer, from its medium-light body and palate cleansing carbonation to its clean, dry finish.”

So, if you are heading to TPC next week to cheer on your favorite duffer, be sure to take a moment to pause for some refreshment Chicago style.

 
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Posted by on April 29, 2013 in Beer

 

7 Questions about beer answered

RedBrick1_rsBeer is a social beverage. In its earliest incarnations, man drank beer for sustenance and ritual; in more modern times it is the beverage of choice at neighborhood pubs and tap rooms filled with friendly patrons willing to share a story as well as a pint.  Beer is also a beverage that is steeped in the richness of its own history. It has been used as an offering to the Gods as well as nourishment during the most of holy times.

But, what do you really know about beer? Here are seven of the most common questions about our favorite adult beverage with answers that may surprise as much as they enlighten.

1.       What is in beer?

Simply speaking, beer consists of only four ingredients; barley malt, hops, yeast, and water. Over the centuries, these ingredients have been adjusted due to shortages or taste, but from these simple beginnings beer has sprung.

2.       How old is beer?

Beer, in one form or another, has been with us for a very long time. Archeological discoveries have found evidence that beer has been enjoyed for over 9,000 years and most likely started in what is now Iran.

3.       Did beer really play a role in the establishment of the United States?

There is a lot of disagreement and speculation on this topic. But, most historians agree that beer was definitely a staple on the Mayflower and that supplies were a serious source of concern to the sailors and passengers.

4.       Which beer has the highest amount of alcohol?

This distinction falls on Brewmeister’s Armegeddon, a brew that weighs in at 65% alcohol. The Scottish brewer of the beer describes it as, “malty, hoppy, slightly sweet and lots of yeast still in the beer.”

5.       How many beers are in a keg?

For most Americans, a keg refers to what is technically a half barrel. That being the case, a half keg is equal to 15.5 US gallons or 1,984 ounces. This works out to a little over 165, 12 ounce beers.

6.       Was beer invented by the Germans?

Hardly. Beer predates the Germanic people by more than 6,000 years. But, it could be argued that, while the Germans did not invent beer, they certainly made an indelible mark on its history and development.

7.       Which country drinks the most beer?

Most would likely answer Germany to this question. But, they would be wrong. On second guess the answer might be Ireland. But, again that would be wrong. This distinction falls to the Czech Republic where 132 liters (nearly 35 gallons) of beer are consumed annually per capita.

Questions still abound about beer but, at least now you know the answers to a few. The next time you are quaffing your favorite brew among friends at your neighborhood tap room you will have a few handy facts to add to the conversation.

 
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Posted by on April 25, 2013 in Beer, Beer Education

 

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Anthony Bourdain to bring Guts & Glory tour to Jacksonville tomorrow night

Guts&Glory_350x225_image_2In the world of culinary super heroes there is one man who, through his snarky remarks and laid back attitude, has risen to the pinnacle of his craft. That stellar, unabashedly frank titan is none other than Anthony Bourdain who will be appearing at the Jacksonville Times-Union Center April 25 as part of the Artist Series. Bourdain will storm into town with his Guts & Glory tour to regale attendees with stories of his adventures on the road that are sure to be heavily dosed with his trademark caustic humor.

Bourdain made a name for himself with his best-selling books such as Kitchen Confidential and Medium Raw. In them he reveals the shocking details of what really goes on behind the kitchen doors in hilarious and often sneeringly blunt style. His success has lead him to star in the Emmy Award-winning Travel Channel programs No Reservations and The Layover as well as host of The Taste, a cooking competion series on CBS. His writing has appeared in such luminous publications as The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Times of London, as well as the Harvard Business Review.

But, lest you think food is Bourdain’s only love, you need only watch several episodes of his television programs. Beer is a staple on the tables Bourdain sits at and with the company he keeps. Episodes that highlight his love for all things malt and hops include No Reservations’ Prague episode and The Layover’s Dublin installment. Bourdain has even famously got into a little hot water when he commented on the pulling of Dogfish Head founder Sam Calgione’s Discovery Channel television show Brewmasters.

The popular and superb San Marco Dining District is proud to be the Official Restaurant Sponsor of Bourdain’s show and is providing a dazzling selection of appetizers for the sold-out VIP reception. In addition to the show, attendees can expect a slew of merchandise including copies of Bourdain’s books provided by The Bookmark, the show’s Official Bookstore Sponsor. The Omni Jacksonville serves as the show’s Official Hotel Sponsor.

Great seats are still available for the Guts& Glory tour ranging from $40.00-$75.00, at the Artist Series Box Office between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., at (904) 442-BWAY (2929) and online at http://www.artistseriesjax.org.

 
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Posted by on April 24, 2013 in Beer, Food, Travel

 

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Nominate Jacksonville for Beer City USA 2013

beercityLast year Jacksonville made it on the ballot for Beer City USA, but the perennial favorite Asheville, NC pulled out its fourth win in a row. Since last year, though, Jacksonville has matured even more as a beer destination. Tin the past year we have seen the opening of a new brewery, hosted the RateBeer.com Winter Gathering, and have opened numerous beer-centric bars, restaurants, and bottle shops.

Now it is our time to show the rest of the world that Jacksonville is a beer-loving city that is proud of its local brews and beer culture. And you can do this by nominating Jacksonville for Beer City USA.

In order to get on the ballot, a city must receive 400 nominations. You can make your nomination at: https://polldaddy.com/poll/7015761/. Scroll to the bottom of the form and write Jacksonville in. You can only make one nomination per IP address, so the more places that vote, the better.

Nominations are open until 11:59 p.m. Mountain time Friday, April 26.

 
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Posted by on April 23, 2013 in Beer

 
 
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