The passing of a legend: Jonny’s Ale.

New Belgium, the leading CO. micro-brewer (if we can still call them that) started a line of beers based on their employees’ recipes.

The latest beer is a dark ale (Sara’s Ale, I think), but the one that was just replaced, Johnny’s Ale, was probably the best thing I have tasted out of NB in a long time.

I am not 100% sure of what the beer was but it tasted like a Grand-Cru’ed version of Trippel. This beer was so well crafted so district that I hated it at first. But after a couple goes I was in love.

I sobbed when It was gone. Rejoiced when I found Steakout (a local bar) still had it on tap. And will weep again when I know I have tasted it for the last time.

Everything is right on queue from the aroma to the taste to the after taste. I felt I was drinking flowers and I loved it.

It is as if I knew someone for a long time but only really got to know them right before they left my life forever. I may spend the rest of my life trying to find what I once had, wandering in the eternity of limbo like a lost soul. Maybe I’ll find it, most likely I won’t.

This seems like a perfect interaction to also say goodbye…at least for now.

My journey reminds me of a story I once heard. Socrates was talking with a friend who had just come back from a long journey. As they strolled along the cobble stone path under the Mediterranean sun his friend said something along the lines of ‘I am the same man you knew before I left’. To this Socrates replied ‘then you have learned nothing and it would have been better for to have never gone.’

As I sit punching in these last lines I think Socrates would be proud of my journey into the wilderness of brew. I don’t know everything, in fact now I realize how little truly I know. But I do know more than when I left and I will continue to learn and teach others.

Thanks for reading (Sara and Jeff Browne).

Best places to drink in the summer time (that I have attended)

1. Do at the Zoo- what’s better than being drunk off good beer? Being drunk at the Denver Zoo off good beer, at a huge party. I have privileged to attend the Do two summers ago and its was awesome. If you don’t know anyone who works at the Zoo the event is quite pricy. A typical, “let the elites come in and do what ever they want” type of event. But if you can crash this party of parties then your in for most likely the best night of your summer

2. Telluride Blues and Brews- this late season event brings together lesser know acts and lesser tried beers for a weekend of new experiences. Camping out of town is the best way to go if you don’t have any in-town connections. Volunteering a couple hours gets you a free pass, and if you do the right job hand handout left and right. There is no better place to watch the Aspens turn, drink good beer and here music. One word of preparedness, when I was there Flying Dog, which is a so-so brewery was the only beer vendor for the event, but coolers are aloud so bring some cans (Old Chub), enjoy the tunes.

3. Tour De Fat- another late season event. Tour De Fat brings together boozing, bike riding and music. The parade and drinking start early and go late into the afternoon. There is always a good concert to catch for the troopers who can make it through the marathon day.

4. BrewFest (Fort Collins)- this mid-summer event is a fun time to go day drinking with your friends who are here for the summer, as well a chance to see everyone who fled town; as the Fest draws people from all around. It’s a bit pricy, but see it as a cover for a fun club and the beer is included. The lines get a bit long and the Fest is usually in the dead of summer so bring a hat and a couple of pocket beers.

5. Old Town in the summertime- want to get to know your bartenders so you’re not another face in the crowd when droves of students pack the bars, and you need a beer pronto? The summer time is the best time down mid-day lounge catch a ball game and play dominos with the bar tender (they get board too). This is how I learned to play dominos, Also day drinking at a bar is a good way to pass the day for a couple bucks father than investing it into you electric bill or gas tank to reach cooler elevations. Bartenders are good people they have some funny stories and getting to know them a bit makes drinking at a certain bar all the more enjoyable. Another fun thing is the locals who come out of the woodwork when all the students are gone.

Weak beer…strong on taste

So as you have all seen I have been drinking some weaker beers. Now the frat-boy in you want to call me a sissy or a bitch-drink-drinker. But let it be known that most of these weaker beers still can hold there own with the likes of Key-light and Rocky Mountain Cool-Aid (Coors). But the flavor and complexity of these beers is something to be admired. These aren’t the assembly-line American beers, though there is a time and place for Budweiser (and nothing else). Each batch of Lambic beer is a work of art, a true craft. So call me a sissy or a Nancy, but I bet I can enjoy my delicacies and drink you under the table any day.

P.S. anyone who wants to go blow for blow- I say Guinness, Cut throat or Johnny’s Ale

The top 5 stouts and porters you’ve never tried.

5. Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout (North Coast)

4. Smokebrush Porter (Bristol)

3. Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout (Great Divide)

2. Kelly’s Oatmeal Stout (Kelly’s Brew Pub)

1. Mephistopheles' Stout (Avery)

Only Kelly’s might be hard to find it’s a small brew pub out in Albuquerque, NM. They come to the blues and brews every year so you can catch them there. The rest can be found some are seasonal but if you’re in CO. you won’t have a problem getting your hands on these amazing dark beers.

Fifthteen

A brew so unique was released this week that it could have no name other than the year it is celebrating.

Avery released Fifthteen to the public to celebrate its fifteenth anniversary. The beer brings together the qualities of a Belgian style farmhouse beer with unique flavors of yellow peppers and other spices.

you might be thinking whatever well this beer is a once in a lifetime brew. If brought only to try once it should be done. Maybe you don't like this style of beer, maybe it scares you. But if you never confront it now and see what is out there you should just go take that long worm nap now.

This beer is truly unique and won’t be around for long so go out and get it.

Strong-work Avery, once again pushing the envelope to make a truly awesome beer!

To The Vet School

The world renowned Colorado State University Veterinary School hosted its annual open house last weekend. Eldad Sharon reports.
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quitting for a while

I have to say that it has been a good ride I tried the best beers and the swilliest of brews, but now I have to stop.

I recently got a job on a Hotshot Crew in Eastern Oregon. Now I must do all that I can to help me get into shape for the rigorous months of work ahead. Beer is one thing that I have to cut.

This is a sad day. So I wrote a poem.

My heart weeps low
For though I know
That in months the beer will flow
But till then my creeks run dry
And all I could do I weep and sigh

I will keep writing about beers that I have tried in the past couple weeks and I will be keeping tabs on beer news. But know when I write my mouth will be dry and my heart heavy.

In the words of Harry Dean Stanton from Red Dawn-----

“I was hard on you when you was growin' up. I did things that made you hate me. Now, you can see why I did. I don't want no more tears shed for me, ya hear? I'm not gonna be there for you now, you gotta look out for each other... Avenge me!…..Avenge me!!!!!!!”