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May 2009
Best beer map of America
I love to see information compiled visually. It’s easier to digest and make sense of.
Veteran drinks journalist Rick Lyke and his son-in-law Mike Wirth have created a map that will be of great interest to any beer lover … The Brewers Association awards medals at its annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF) to the best beers produced by breweries in the U.S.
Lyke and Wirth took all of the information on the awards presented since 1987 and created a visual tool that any beer fan would be interested in. You certainly have to take this with a grain of salt as listed under top beers is Miller Genuine Draft, Old Milwaukee Light, Coor’s Original and Budweiser — but that could have something to do with the fact that some of the data is from the late ’80s which would have been a little early for the bulk of the microbrew revolution happening in the States. Still, the map does clearly spell out that beer lovers in California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Oregon and Pennsylvania have access to some of the best beers out there.
Another interesting note is the top beers in the history of the GABF: Alaskan Smoked Porter (15 medals total), New Belgium Abbey Belgian Style Ale and Genesee Cream Ale (10 medals each) and Samuel Adams Double Bock (9 medals).
As Lyke points out, “Medals are not the end all and be all to finding a great beer, but the GABF competition has given beer fans a way of knowing about the quality of a beer before they spend their hard earned money. It has also given the marketing departments at brewers across the country something to talk about.”
Top 10 medal-winning states are: 1. California - 474; 2. Colorado - 322; 3. Wisconsin - 232; 4. Oregon - 170; 5. Pennsylvania - 162; 6. Texas - 133; 7. Washington - 114; 8. New York - 98; 9. Missouri -90; 10. Massachusetts - 76. Ohio (with 71 total medals), Michigan and Illinois narrowly missed making the list.
One thing this data doesn’t do is take into account the population size of the states listed here. If you take the list and make it reflect the number of medals per million of inhabitants, here’s what you come up with: 1. Colorado - 64.4; 2. Oregon - 42.5; 3. Wisconsin - 38.6; 4. Washington - 16.2; 5. Missouri - 15; 6. Pennsylvania - 13.5; 7. Massachusetts - 12.6; 8. California - 12.8; 9. Texas - 5.6; 10. New York - 5.1
The worst states for beer based on this map and the states with the fewest medals would be West Virginia (0), North Dakota, Oklahoma (both just 1), Alabama, Rhode Island, DC (2 each), South Dakota, Nebraska, Louisiana (4 each) and Connecticut (5).
Click here to check out the map for yourself.
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TweetSecond annual Cask AleFest is scheduled for Saturday
This from AleFest’s Joe Waizmann: The second annual Cask AleFest is scheduled for Saturday, May 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Chappys Tap Room and Grille … Please note that the event is limited to 200 attendees. It’s recommended that you purchase tickets in advance through Chappys. We’ll also have a quantity of 50 1/2 gallon growlers on hand and will offer remaining cask beer for sale from 5 to 6 p.m. for $15 per growler, which includes growler and your choice of cask ale.
Here’s what you should know …
WHAT: Second Annual Cask AleFest featuring the largest selection of cask ales ever assembled in Ohio. What’s a cask ale? An ale that continues to ferment insides of its container (cask) and is served without carbon dioxide or chemical treatments allowing those sampling to taste the beer in it’s natural state.
WHEN: Saturday, May 30 from 1 to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Chappys Tap Room and Grille 2733 West Alex-Bell Rd., Dayton
TICKETS: Available for $40 and limited to 200 beer fans at Chappys. Appetizers are included.
13 OR MORE AUTHENTIC CASK ALES WILL BE FEATURED INCLUDING: Bell’s Amber Ale and Two Hearted Ale; Goose Island 21st Anniversary ESB Ale & English Malt Porter; Heavy Seas/Clipper City Loose Cannon, Pale Ale, and Holy Sheet Abbey Ale; Hoppin’ Frog Hoppin’ to Heaven IPA; Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca; Left Hand Sawtooth Ale & Blackjack Porter; Thirsty Dog Hoppus Maximus; Troegs Pale Ale; Two Brothers Outlaw IPA
MORE INFORMATION: (937) 299-RIBS (7427) or www.chappystaproom.com
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TweetBar best bets for sinners and beer lovers
Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer, so now it’s time to get a little sinful. Kick off a “SINsational” June at Atmosphere. Plus help pick the beers on tap at Trolley Stop this summer at the monthly beer tasting.
SINsation at Atmosphere, Friday, May 29
KATE Worldwide and Atmosphere Nightclub are kicking off summer with a sinful party this Friday. Entertainment by Tony Desaro, DJ JC, Circle Nerdz and the Seven Deadly Beauties (aka the KATE Worldwide GoGo Dancers). Make sure to get there early because ladies drink free before midnight.
Where: Atmosphere Nightclub, 507 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville
When: 10 p.m. Friday, May 29
The bite: $5, 21 and up only
Beer tasting at Trolley Stop, first Wednesday of every month
If you want to break out of the typical draft brew funk and sample some soon-to-be-favorites, then head to Trolley Stop on the first Wednesday of every month. The Oregon District bar, with one of the coziest patios around, has recently instituted a “No Crap on Tap” policy. They completely remove domestic drafts from the tap every day except for Mondays and Thursdays, when those old standbys are just $1. The rest of the week all taps are reserved for unique craft beers. You can try nine samples at the monthly tasting hosted by Mike Schwartz from Belmont Party Supply. Tasters get to vote on their favorite, which will be offered on tap all month long. There are also tasty snacks.
Where: Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., Dayton
When: 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month
The bite: $20 per person in advance, call (937) 461-1101 for more information and to reserve a spot.
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TweetKnock back a cold one with this visual history of beer cans
A new post on weburbanist.com entitled, “More Than Packaging: The History of Beer Cans” brings you through the early 1900s when breweries were still working to develop a can that would withstand the pasteurization process through 1935 when the first commercially produced beer in a can hit store shelves through modern beer can designs. It’s an interesting post you can read here.
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TweetSharkey’s opening a highlight of Memorial Day weekend
Wondering how you’re going to fill up your long weekend?
Looking for something to do after that annual cookout?
These Memorial Day weekend bar best bets will ensure a great start to summer.
Opening weekend at Sharkey’s, Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23
Memorial Day weekend marks opening weekend for many pools, water parks and, most importantly, Sharkey’s Poolside Lounge at the Dayton Marriott.
Sharkey’s, an open air bar, is starting the season off with music from Stranger on Friday night and Velvet Crush on Saturday night.
Sharkey’s is open Wednesday evenings and Friday and Saturday nights through Labor Day.
The Dayton Marriott also offers Gambits, a full indoor bar that remains open after Sharkey’s closes at 11 p.m.
Where: Sharkey’s Poolside Lounge at the Dayton Marriott, 1414 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton
When: Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Bands begin at 7 p.m.
The bite: The cover varies depending on the night’s band. For more information, call (937) 223-1000, ext. 7712.
Bomb Night at Stubbies Sports Bar, every Sunday
Guess what? You don’t have to work on Monday. So why not get “bombed” at Stubbies? All bombs are just $4 all night long. Just remember the DD.
Where: Stubbies Sports Bar, 722 W. National Road, Vandalia
When: 1 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., every Sunday
The bite: No cover
Rock, Paper, Scissors Tourney at Bar Louie, Wednesday, May 27
Yes, that’s right, the quintessential decision-making game is coming to a bar near you, thanks to the Bud Light Girls. Use your fist-making skills to crush opponents in a single-elimination bracket tournament. The winner will advance to the local finals. The winner wins a trip for two on the 2009 Bud Light Party Cruise. Win or lose, enjoy some Bud Light with the five-for-$5 special that night.
Where: Bar Louie, 4492 Glengarry Drive, The Greene, Beavercreek
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 27
The bite: No cover, no charge to enter.
What else is up this weekend?
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Tweet“5 for 6 ‘til 7” bar menu launches at the Greene
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar has introduced a new promotion: “5 for 6 ‘til 7”
In a nut shell it’s 5 cocktails, 5 wines by the glass and 5 appetizers. Each selection, is $6. It is served nightly at the bar until 7 p.m.
Featured cocktails: White Cosmo made with Ketel One Vodka; Appletini made with Grey Goose Vodka; Basil Lemon Drop made with Ciroc Vodka; Fleming’s Mojito made with Bacardi Limon Rum and a Diamond Rita made with Herrudura Silver Tequila.
Featured wines by the glass: CHARDONNAY, Solaire by Robert Mondavi; PINOT GRIGIO, Luna Freakout Blend, Napa Valley; PINOT NOIR, Cartlidge Browne, California; MERLOT, Red Diamond, Washington; CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Five Rivers, Paso Robles
Featured appetizers: Tenderloin Carpaccio; Sweet Chili Calamari; Wicked Cajun Barbecue Shrimp; Seared Ahi Tuna; Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Other Fleming’s features to keep in mind: Sundays features a Prime Rib dinner for $35.95 from 4-9 p.m., Wine-Tasting Wednesdays run from 5-8 p.m. for $15 and a new Spring Prix Fixe Menu is up now that features flavors from the tropics for $35.95.
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TweetSome events to help you warm up this week
It’s warming up outside, and local bars are warming up for a summer full of parties. Get started with a beach bash, poker run and chili cook-off this weekend. Plus heat up your Thursday with a night of house music.
Christian Soter Poker Run at Mustang Sally’s, Saturday, May 16
Mustang Sally’s is joining forces with Bikers for Forgotten Smiles to raise money for 4-year-old Christian Soter. Christian suffers from a terminal neurological disorder. All proceeds from the poker run will go to his family to help with medical bills and care. Participating bikers will start at Mustang Sally’s and collect their poker hand along the poker run route. Run ends back at the bar for an after-rally bash including raffles, door prizes and a hog roast.
WHERE: Mustang Sally’s Sports Bar, 3522 Kettering Blvd., Moraine
WHEN: Registration starts at 11 a.m., bike show from noon to 1 p.m., first bike out at 1:15 p.m., after-rally bash at 6 p.m.
THE BITE: $15 per person or $20 per couple; call (937) 299-9949 for more information.
Third annual Beach Party at Adobe Gilas, Saturday, May 16
Adobe Gilas is ready for bikini weather! It’s time for the annual beach party complete with bathing suits, beverages and of course sand. Drink specials include $10 Bud product buckets, $14 Fishbowls and $4 Kamikaze shots. Entertainment from Chris Logsdon at 6 p.m. and All The Right Tunes DJs at 10 p.m.
WHERE: Adobe Gilas, 78 Plum St., Beavercreek
WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16
THE BITE: No cover
This Old House at Vex, Thursday, May 14
It’s a night of house music at Club Vex featuring DJs Lettow & Ice, Mike Donovan, Nostaligic, and Fatty Lumpkin & Don Mega.
WHERE: Club Vex, 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton
WHEN: 10 p.m. Thursday, May 14
THE BITE: $5 cover
Chili cook off at Coyotes Pub, Sunday, May 17
Think your chili is the best around? Bring a pot down to Coyotes Pub on Sunday and let some experts decide. Like chili? Then show up and eat some.
WHERE: Coyotes Pub, 5853 Springboro Pike, West Carrollton
WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 17
THE BITE: Free, Call (937) 435-7620 for more info.
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TweetA dance floor like you’ve never seen before
A typical bar or night club is filled with interesting creatures — cougars, lounge lizards and even some bar flies, but sharks? An Austin, Texas nightclub has decided to add sharks and stingrays to the mix under the dance floor. The 20,000 gallon tank boasts two species of sharks (black tip reef sharks and leopard sharks) and four species of stingrays.
The QUA Bottle Lounge has certainly given new meaning to the term “pool shark.” The owners assure the writer of this article that they have made the animals comfortable and put in enough reinforced acrylic panels so that the water they are in remains undisturbed and they can swim in peace.
I’ve always thought a bar has the ability to turn into a zoo depending on who’s present, but this wasn’t the kind of zoo I had ever imagined. What do you think about having wild animals at a bar or club?
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TweetFour bar events not to miss this week
Sprung at South Beach Nite Club, Thursday May 7
Celebrate Spring at Sprung! South Beach is hosting a night of fashionable fun including a bikini body showdown and giveaways from Rarely Common Clothing. LA Tan girls will be on hand to help with the contest, and there are prizes for the top three bikini bodies.
Where: South Beach Nite Club, 729 Lyons Road, Centerville
When: Thursday, May 7. Club opens at 7 p.m.
The bite: 18 and up event, $5 cover for those under 21, $3 for 21 and over.
Kings Landing and EZ Rider at McGuffy’s, Friday, May 8
Enjoy some country rock and support your troops when Kings Landing and EZ Rider hold a ceremony to welcome home Staff Sgt. Gary King Jr. from Iraq and honor our local military. You actually can’t go wrong with McGuffy’s this weekend because Saturday night it has L.A. Guns with Achillies Crutch and Perileyes.
Where: McGuffy’s House of Rock, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton
When: 10 p.m. Friday, May 8
The bite: $5 cover, no cover for members of the military.
ActiveDayton.com’s Birthday Blowout, Saturday, May 9
We’re one year old (but we don’t look a day over 8 months). To celebrate, we’re throwing a blowout bash at Hammerjax complete with DJs, dancing, Bud Girls, Party Crashers, outrageous contests, and prizes of course.
Where: Hammerjax Night Club, 111 E. 4th St., Dayton
When: 10 p.m. Saturday, May 9
The bite: No cover charge for ladies 21 and up all night. Cover charge applies for all the guys.
Tantric at Atmosphere, Sunday, May 10
There’s nothing better to spice up a dull Sunday night than four bands for the price of one. National alternative recording artist Tantric will be joined by local bands Small Town Sleeper, Orange Willard and Somewhere Between for a rock show that’s sure to wake up a sleepy Sunday. Plus your wallet can take a break after a long weekend because Miller Light drafts are just $1.
Where: Atmosphere, 507 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville
When: Doors open at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 10
The bite: $10 for 21 and over, $12 for 18-20.
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