Ho White? That is funny, unless you are Disney

I don't care who you are, this is funny! Well, unless you're Disney. I don't think they are going to find is as funny as everyone else does. Whatever side you decide to take, hold on. Because this is going to be an E ticket ride!

So who would be so smart, or stupid, and use this image to promote their beer? None other that the Australian brewery, Jamieson Brewery . They decided to use this marketing idea to promote their new Raspberry Ale. They are using the picture, along with the tag line "Anything but Sweet" to convince Australian beer drinkers that their Raspberry Ale flavored beer was anything but sweet.

I think the picture of Ho White lying bare ass naked in bed with 7 little men, and smoking proves that point. It proves it very well.

This is pure genius. Anyway you look at it, it is going to sell. Even if the beer sucks, people are still going to buy it just for the label. And I hope they do, because they are really going to need the money to pay Disney when they get sued.

-Cheers!

BevMo is working on it

Well, it looks like my little blog started quite an uproar. Who would have thought that a blog post could have so much clout? But it has. So much in fact that the Alan Johnson, the CEO of BevMo actually found my blog, read my post, and commented on it. He even went so far to ask me to contact him. So I did.

When I first read the comment, I didn't believe it was him. I did a quick Google search to see what I could find. Indeed, he is listed as the CEO, so I sent him an email. Within minutes, he replied. He was really wanted to talk to me about the "incident" at my local BevMo. He asked if I would be so kind, and call him. Or, I could give him my number and he would call me. I felt a little apprehensive about giving my phone number to someone who might possibly not be who I think they are. So I told him I would call him tomorrow.

Thursday night, I called him, and he answered. We talked for 20 minutes or so. He told me that he was very upset about what had happened. He asked my if I could tell him exactly what happened. So I did. He apologized , and told me that it should never have happened. He said they have policies in place, and obviously they were not followed. In addition, he said the BevMo will not be beaten by anyone. After our conversation, I believe him.

Mr. Johnson has offered to make things right. He is working out a "resolution" right now. We are going to talk again next week. I will tell you that I am excited. After our conversation, I knew that I really liked this guy. He cared. He cared about me, his customer, and his company. He was a cool guy. Nothing like I was expected him to be.

That is where we are today. I have talked to the Manager, and the assistant Manager. They have been very apologetic. I might even stop my there tonight. Who knows. There is more to say about this. But I gotta run. Got plans at The Yard House today. I need to plan out my "tasting" list.

-Cheers

I met Sam Calagione

Today I met the man, the legend, Sam Calagione. That's right, I was able to meet my hero today. And I have yet to stop smiling.

After the devastating news on Thursday night, I though all was lost. However, the good news was that Sam was going to be in town through the weekend. And there was no way on God's green Earth that I was going to miss my chance to meet Sam. So thank you God, I did!

After my sons baseball game, I drove across town to the Bocce Tournament. I was never able to talk to anyone at the hotel who could tell me anything about it. I called 5 times on Friday, and still had no answers. So the only way I was going to find out, was to go. I am so happy I did.

As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I knew it was going to be fun. Right there, in front of me were the Bocce Ball fields and a good sized group of people holding red cups. Red cups are always great sign. So I got out, and simply watched the for a while. As I sat there, I scanned the area for any site of Sam. I kept getting distracted by all the people dressed up in costumes. There were Super Heroes, Safari guys, Human Beer Bottles, and countless groups wearing matching Jerseys or shirts. All I knew was that I was missing out on a good time. And the only way to make the trip,was to meet Sam.

So I grabbed my backpack, and walked out onto the field. I was amazed at how nice everyone was. There were people playing Bocce, people playing Cornhole, and people just chilling, or recuperating from the night before. I grabbed a chair, and enjoyed the time.

After 15 minutes or so, I spotted Sam. He was in the group wearing Sombreros. A good look for them. I watched him and his team win their match and have a celebratory beer. I wanted to walk up and introduce myself, but I didn't want to bother him.

Finally, Sam came walking by and noticed me. Actually, he noticed my shirt. He thought it was cool. He shook my hand, and asked me my name. Then he asked if I was playing. I explained to him that I was huge fan, and tried to get a team together. However, all my friends are too cheap and I wasn't able to pull it off in time. He then told me that I should have come by yesterday, because he could have got me on a team. Go figure. I told him how I called 5 times on Friday and nobody at the hotel was able to help me out.

Then he told me to just hang out then, and "go grab a beer". Was he serious? I told him that I didn't pay, and I was just here to watch and get his autograph when he had the time. He told me. "Who cares, go grab a beer, and hang out with us, and I will sign your stuff".

Wow, after a moment of shock, I went over and poured myself a beer. 60 Minute IPA was on tap, and something else. I didn't know what it was, so I poured myself a cup. I am glad I did.

I did exactly what Sam said, I poured myself a couple pints and watched everyone play Bocce Ball. I have never played, so I wanted to figure out how it works. It looks simple enough. And I am going to start practicing as soon as I buy myself a set.

After an hour or so, Sam noticed me again and said "Hey, you wanted me to sign something, bring it over". So I did. I had a copy of Draft Magazine with Sam and Jim Koch on the cover. He signed it and asked "should I sign it over Jim's face"? I told him he could sign it where ever he wanted. He chuckled, and said "No, Jim is my friend, I couldn't do that". So he signed it for me, and then he signed my his book, Brewing Up a Business. I told him that I have met hundreds of famous athletes and got their autographs. But meeting his was really a big thing for me.

I thanked him again for everything. He was so gracious to let me hang out and drink the beer, for free. But it didn't end there. He told me to go grab another beer. And to be sure to try the Pale Ale, because it isn't available anywhere other than the Atlantic region because it "doesn't travel well". So that is what that was. I liked it. I really liked it. How could I turn down Sam? I didn't. Then he started asking me questions.

Sam: "Do you home brew"?
Me: "Yes, but just a little bit. I am trying to be more prolific at it".
Sam: "You know, I only brewed 7 batches before I went into business".
Me: "That is amazing. And I can' believe you did it on that home brew system".
Sam: "I know, it was hard, but it worked".
Me: "That is amazing".
Sam: "Go grab another beer and watch us play"
Me: "OK, I will thanks so much for letting me hang out today. And thanks for the autographs".
Sam: "My pleasure".

So I poured myself another Pale Ale, and watched Sam and his team win their next match. He really seems to enjoy Bocce Ball. And I can understand why. It looks like fun, and you can play while you drink beer. It is the perfect sport, or game. On one occasion, he said to me, "We are in this"! He really seemed to take it serious, yet in a fun way. And his team did indeed pull off the win, in come from behind fashion. I told him I was pulling for him.

But my time was up. I needed to get home. So I thanked him again for everything. He said to me:
Sam: "__________, are you leaving"? (He called me by name. On all 3 occasions, he remembered my name)
Me: "Yes, I gotta get going"
Sam: "Well thanks for coming and hanging out with us today".
Me: "It was my pleasure. Thanks for letting me hang out".
Sam: "Are you going to play next year"?
Me: "Are you going to do it again next year:?
Sam: "We sure are".
Me: "Then I am going to have a team ready for sure".
Sam: "Great".

I asked him if I could get a picture with him, and without pausing, he said sure. He was more than happy to do it. He asked the woman standing next to us if she would take the picture for me. Then he told me to make sure I sent him an email. How could I forget. (I already sent him one). You see, he liked my shirt. And as luck would be, I just so happened to have an extra one, brand new. I told him I would send it to him. He told me if I did, he would send me a Dogfish Head shirt. How could I turn down a deal like that? So he gave me his email address, and told me to send him an email and he would give me the info and where to send it.

That's my story. Can you believe it? I can't. I am still in awe. I can't believe I got to meet him. And to make it even better, he was cool as hell! He was so much cooler than I thought he would be. Completely down to earth, and an all around nice guy. If I wasn't already a fan, I surely am now. In fact, I am a fan for life.

A truly amazing day. A day I will never forget. Thanks Sam.

-Cheers!

Best Mail day EVER!

Normally, getting the mail is a uneventful ordeal. Bill, bill, magazine, bill, coupons, val-pack, another bill, and a neighbors Victoria Secret catalog (I'm keeping that). But today was special. Very special indeed. You see, I received a very special Christmas present from some friends on the east coast. What could be so special? What could it be that would make me grin from ear to ear, and write about it in my blog?

BEER!

Yes, Beer. A friend of mine is a home brewer, and a very good one at that. I was lucky enough to receive 2 bottles from him today. For free! Isn't that awesome. I think it is. And it showed up in my mailbox. I love this country.

I am planning to open a bottle this weekend. I will be doing a full evaluation and posting my results soon after. I will tell you now, I know it is going to be good.

I still can't believe it. Beer. For free. In the mail. Awesome.

So if there is anyone else out there who feels the need to send me beer for free, please do so. Or if you would like a non-biased evaluation of your home brew, I am your man.

-Cheers!

2009, off to a great start

The best part of going on vacation is trying new things. For me, that is a very meaningful action. While on such vacations, I tend to do things that I wouldn’t normally do, ever. Most of these things will remain a secret. And it isn't illegal if it happened in international waters. Anyway, one of the things I love to do is look for different beer. There is a wide world of beer out there, and I am constantly searching for it.

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This year, my vacation was a simple one to California. This wasn't my first time there, so I have tried most of the microbrews available in the “Golden State”. I like some more than others and go out of my way to drink a beer or three while I am there. But this year, was a little different. While I did get the chance to drive around and drink a few local brews, I didn't get to try anything new. I was a little disappointed that I wasn't going to be able to add to my list.

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Then I had a brittiant idea. BevMo.

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Yes, there are BevMos in California. And I have a GPS. As luck would have it, there was a BevMo a mere 4.1 miles down the road. Why haven’t I ever thought of this before? Who cares, I thought of it now.

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I love the BevMo. It is so cool. I am in there at least once or twice a week. I am on a first name basis with the people who work at the one by my home. But I have been a little bored with the lack of variety available lately. I have tried most of the breweries. I look forward to the changing seasonal beers to add some spice into my beer life. But even that gets old after the 6th different Pumpkin Ale, or Spiced Christmas Ale.

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After the 6.4 mile drive to the BevMo (freaking GPS directions) I walked in to the BevMo. I knew this was going to be good. I noticed right away that the beer selection was much larger than I was used to. Then I noticed that the beer selection was much different. I started with a hand held carrier. But I could only carry four 6-packs with it. This was going to call for a cart. Before I knew it, I had 8 (eight) different six-packs in my cart and I was only in the second row of five. I was in big trouble.

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It was so hard to make up my mind. I must have pacing up and down each row five or six times. I came looking for Russian River (not available in my home state), but left empty handed. Instead, I was lucky enough to find some of the beers atop my wanted list.
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Fuller’s 2007 Vintage Ale.

The 10th Anniversary Limited Edition bottle conditioned ale. If you follow my blog, you know that Fullers’s is one of my favorites. I bought all 3 bottles they had. I’m not sure when I will drink any of them. But I do plan on keeping them around for a while.

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Hofbrau original
Everyone has a “Happy Place”. My Happy Place is a booth at the Hofbrauhaus beir hall, in Munich Germany. It wasn’t the best beer I had in Munich, but it sure was one of the most memorable. To this day, I find myself longing for the Hofbrauhaus nearly every time I have a beer. I dream of the Oom-pah band, the pretzen girl, and the litre of golden Pils. This was a huge score for me. You see, Hofbrauh beer is not available in my home state. So to find this beer was close to a religious experience for me. I would have bought more if my wife wasn’t there.

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Hofbrau Dunkel
How could I pass this up? My love runs deep.

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Hofbrau Hefe Weisse
I think you understand why after reading the previous selections.

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Fuller’s Porter
Are you noticing the trend yet? Fuller’s offers three different ales at home, but the Porter isn’t one of them. There is no way I could have left with out it. Now if I can only find a bottle of the Brewer’s Reserve. That would be sweet.

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There were so many more. I was like a kid in a candy store. It wasn’t possible for me to buy everything I wanted. But I am happy with my choices. I will go back, soon. And this time, I will bring more money.

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-Prost!

Beerfest part 3. The people

Part of the fun at beerfest is the people watching. It brings out all kinds of different people. Some good, some bad, and some I can't explain. So I think you might enjoy seeing some of the Fascinating people I met this weekend at "The Big Pour" beer festival.

These guys were here to party. It takes a big man (or Scotsman) to wear a kilt. I would totally wear one. In fact, I will buy one the minute I arrive in Scotland in the year 2012. I'm just saying.

I promised you some pictures of chicks with big racks didn't I. These were big, and fake. But she was old and worn out. I'm sure the guy she was with was 15 years younger than she was. But I told you I would. I am a man of my word. It is all about you, my blogging friends.

OK, one more. I thought this one was funny. Quite the opposite don't you think. But either way, it was a picture I had to get. Like I said, it is all about you guys. I will do whatever I can to make you guys happy.

This guy knows how to drink....or does he? Who would be sitting on the ground at a beer festival? And after one hour of beer? I know one guy. But more on this guy later.

I'm not sure what was up with these two. I think they were "working" the festival. To what degree, I can't say. But they were around all day, and were quite popular with the fellas.

I mentioned I visited the Modelo booth 2 or 4 times didn't I? I needed the free shirt. And I heard they were giving out free glass mugs to people. I tried and tried, but all I got was 2 shirts and a bunch of crappy beer. But I got this photo for you guys. Again, it is all about you.

As the day ran out, I snapped this one. This was my favorite. I don't know if he is a Bleacher Bum from Chicago, a transplant Chicago fan, or an alcoholic Cubs fan. Either way, it was a cool jersey. I should get myself one. But I hate the Cubs. Possibly a Whitesox jersey then.

This girl must have had a bad day. Actually, the story goes something like this. As people were leaving the field, I was taking pictures of the drunk idiots trying to make it up the stairs, or people wearing cool beer shirts or something. This chick flipped me off as she walked up the stairs. I didn't know why. I was trying to take a picture of the guy behind her with a cool shirt (below). Would you really think I would take a picture of such a hottie like this on purpose?

I ran into her in the parking lot as she was leaving. I asked her to flip me off again. She said that felt bad and apologized. I said it was ok and asked if I could get a picture of her doing it again, because I missed it the first time. She said ok.

This is the best shirt of the day. This is the guy that was walking up the stairs with the nice bitch above. I liked his shirt. I wanted to share it with all my fans. What I have to put up with to please you guys. But this shirt sums up what we all felt at the end of beerfest.

These guys did it right. Pedal power is the new taxi. I was really worried about the amount of cars in the parking lot as I arrived. These guys did it right. Biking it to and from the beerfest.

So that is it. There are some more pictures, but I think you get this idea. I wish I could have taken a picture of the drunk hippie in front of me at the Sam Adams baseball throw. Or the completely obliterated frat guys who would have surely thrown a punch if I took their picture. There were plenty of "enhanced" women around. But I realized, they didn't like it when strange men tried to take their picture.

I hope you enjoyed my reviews. I know I sure did. It really was a great time. I hope all of you can attend the next one.

-Cheers!

Beerfest was Awesome!

I did it. I made it through another Beerfest. I tried as many beers as I could. Some new, some old. Either way, I enjoyed every sample. I think I represented the beer blogging world well.

I need a little time to decipher the list of beers I tried. Not sure how many I tried, but I know I had plenty. Come back tomorrow. I will share my opinions of the beer, and the festival.

Right now, I feel like this dude. He passed out right there in the grass after the festivities were over. I think it is time for me to pass out as well.

-Cheers!

(Thanks for the help Brian. I took your advise and ran with it.)

My Best Friend Sam

Look what I got in the mail today. It is an autographed copy of the new book "Extreme Brewing" by Sam Calagione. And look at that, it is even personalized to me. Sam and I are like this (my fingers are crossed). How cool am I. I know everyone is going to be so jealous when they see it. I can't help it. I rock!

Aside from the amazing inscription, the best writing in the book is about brewing beer. It is great how Sam goes through the steps of brewing some extreme brews that have made him famous.

For a home brewer, novice or seasoned, it is a great read. Either one will learn something new about brewing beer at home. I loved it. Then again, most anything that educates me about brewing or beer makes a good read.

If you want one, I'm sure he will autograph one for you. Just be sure to tell him that I sent you.

-Cheers!