Matt Van Wyk at Oakshire Brewing in Eugene, Oregon, has a new standard answer when he’s asked how many IBU (International Bitterness Units) are in one of his beers. “About one hundred.”
How many in the Perfect Storm Imperial IPA? “About one hundred.”
How many in the Oakshire Wheat? “About one hundred.”
He’s not trying to be [...]

It was a winter afternoon in Juneau, Alaska, more temperate than most in the Lower 48 U.S. states would imagine but cold enough for frozen lakes and plenty of snow. A day of work done, Alaskan Brewing Company co-founder Marcy Larson headed out on cross-country skis with her dog, Jasmine, at her side.
They were headed [...]

One year to the day after we left home on this rather pleasant family journey I found myself wandering about Firestone Walker Brewing in Paso Robles, Calif. And checking out the brewery’s patented union system up close and personal.
That probably makes it hard for you to believe it when I keep saying “This really isn’t [...]

After touring the Pilsner Urquell brewery last November I promised that when I got a chance I’d take a look at Michael Jackson’s video report from 1989 (the Beer Hunter series) to compare what he saw then with what Pilsner Urquell says is how long they’ve “always” lagered beer.

I tell you, that’s one great half [...]

This is my contribution to The Session: Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em, hosted by Lew Bryson. Check out his blog for links to other posts and the recap.
Last night we sampled a variety of smoked meat at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Barbecue in Llano, Texas. What makes barbecue different in Llano is that pitmasters [...]

Widmer Brothers Rob and Kurt celebrate their 25th anniversary in business on Thursday. If you are going to be in Portland (Oregon, but you knew that, right?) that means you can stop by their Gasthaus and drink $1.50 pints. If you’re not there are still plenty of reasons to raise your glass in their direction.
Don’t [...]

Got to keep this short. I can tell you the Harry S Truman presidential library is outstanding, that I’m looking forward to learning all about Boulevard Brewing’s many wheat beers tomorrow morning, and that after that we’ll head off for Norman, Oklahoma, in a dead sprint. Because Wednesday we’re touring the National Weather Center. Cool, [...]

If you were writing a book about wheat beers you’d probably think it was good that Anheuser-Busch has rolled out a variety pack of beers brewed with wheat. I do, although I’m not sure this presages a sudden upswing in interest in wheat beers.
I would post this at“Brewing With Wheat” site, but right now that [...]

I’ve mentioned more than once that I’m working on another book for Brewers Publications. We’re calling it “Brewing with Wheat.” The sub title hasn’t been finalized, the challenge being to convey that I’ll be writing about Belgian White/Wit beers, German Weiss/Weizen biers, American Wheat beers and a host of other beers that simply won’t die [...]

I’ve been amazed reading reports from SF Beer Week, and am even more astonished when I look over the ridiculously long list of events planned for Philly Beer Week. These are the big dogs, but Jay Brooks has pointed out “beer weeks” are popping up all over.
Has to be good for local beers, I think. [...]