Beer

Dogfish Head Launches New Whiskey & Expands Full-Proof Spirits to NY

February 25, 2022 by Dustin Scoggins

Milton, Delaware – Dogfish Head Distilling Co. excitedly announces the launch of its latest, limited-edition whiskey, Alternate Takes Volume 3: Whiskey Finished in Apple Brandy & Apple Cider Barrels. Clocking in at 45% ABV, Alternate Takes Volume 3: Whiskey Finished in Apple Brandy & Apple Cider Barrels is distilled from 100% pale malt and finished for 36+ months in freshly-emptied Dogfish Head American oak apple brandy barrels and French oak apple cider barrels fromAngry Orchard. Available NOW at Dogfish Head’s coastal Delaware properties, Alternate Takes Volume 3: Whiskey Finished in Apple Brandy & Apple Cider Barrels hits shelves in DE, MD, NJ, DC and WA in late February. Folks in NY can expect to see this exclusive whiskey, as well as a plethora of otherDogfish Head Distilling Co. spirits in their favorite liquor stores later this spring.

“Alternate Takes Volume 3 has truly been a labor-of-love for our distilling team. It’s been in the works for more than three years,” said Sam Calagione,Dogfish Head Founder & Brewer. “That makes my anticipation for this product launch even greater, and I can’t wait to share this delicious dram with folks everywhere, especially with you spirits-lovers in New York. It will be awesome toFINALLY be able to send our full portfolio of house-made spirits to our neighbors up north and I’m excited to hear their thoughts on our distillery’s offerings.”

Chock full of intricate complexities,Alternate Takes Volume 3: Whiskey Finished in Apple Brandy & Apple Cider Barrels boasts delicious aromas of warming cinnamon and wildflower honey paired with notes of fresh green apples, roasted chestnut and buttery, dry oaked chardonnay. The third release out of Dogfish Head’s Alternate Takes Series, a lineup of premium, experimental whiskeys, it draws inspiration from analog-aged musicians, who were known for recording various unique takes and trialing alternate sounds until a great record emerged.

“OurAlternate Takes whiskey series is an ode of sorts to the mad chemistry of R&D distilling,” said Sam. “We approach these limited-edition spirits – and really, every creative moment – at Dogfish with a thirst to push new and out-of-the-ordinary ideas to their furthest limits and fullest potentials. Just like music, our off-centered concoctions are boundless, and each alternate take is another piece of the artistic journey.”

About Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Dogfish Head has proudly focused on brewing beers with culinary ingredients outside the Reinheitsgebot since the day it opened as the smallest American craft brewery more than 26 years ago.Dogfish Head has grown into a top-20 craft brewery and won numerous awards throughout the years, includingWine Enthusiast’s 2015 Brewery of the Year and the James Beard Foundation Award for 2017 Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional. A Delaware-based brand withDogfish Head Brewings & Eats, an off-centered brewpub and distillery,Chesapeake & Maine, Dogfish Head’s seafood and cocktail spot, Dogfish Inn, a beer-themed inn on the harbor, andDogfish Head Craft Brewery, a production brewery and distillery featuring theTasting Room & Kitchen and Dogfish Head Distilling Co., Dogfish Head is a supporter of theIndependent Craft Brewing Seal, the definitive icon for American craft breweries to identify themselves to be independently-owned and carry the torch of transparency, brewing innovation and the freedom of choice originally forged by brewing community pioneers. Dogfish Head currently sells beer in all 50 states and Washington D.C.

For More Information:
https://www.dogfish.com/front

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Niagara College Brewmaster Jon Downing Receives Minister’s Award of Excellence

January 28, 2022 by Dow Scoggins

It’s been almost 12 years since Niagara College launched its trailblazing Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program, which made history as the first in Canada. The program responded to an identified need for education and higher quality product in Ontario’s brewing industry, and the impact it has had on the growing industry for more than the past decade has been unrivalled.

College Brewmaster Jon Downing has been a part of it from the very beginning. In recognition of his key role in developing the program, and its major impact on helping to grow the industry, he was presented with a Minister’s Award in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

“Our brewing program at Niagara College has been instrumental in supporting the incredible growth of craft brewing in Ontario. Our Brewmaster Jon Downing has been at the lead of our NC Teaching Brewery since its inception over a decade ago and we are proud of his mentorship and support for the future brewers of Canada,” said Craig Youdale, Dean of NC’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute who nominated Downing for the award.

“Jon is not only supportive of our students, but also of the entire brewing community, by ensuring the growth and development of the industry that he loves. Our entire division is proud to have Jon on our team and we look forward to his direction to many more future brewers to come.”

Under Downing’s leadership, NC Brewmaster students have been gaining extensive hands-on training preparing them for employment in the expanding brewery, microbrewery and brewpub industries since 2010. The College’s Teaching Brewery has won numerous provincial, national and international awards for its student-crafted brews.

In 2012, NC’s first class of Brewmaster graduates set forth as pioneers in the province’s emerging craft beer scene – which has since grown from fewer than 100 breweries when the program was established, to 288 new start-ups (more than 320 breweries) by 2019.

“As we come up to the 10-year anniversary of the graduation of the first class of students, they and those that followed are the ones who have made the impact on the industry – some starting their own companies, and others working in breweries of all sizes, as brewers, head brewers and brewmasters of some of the top breweries in Ontario, leading the incredible growth we have seen in the last decade,” said Downing. “To have been a part of this all has been my pleasure, to be recognized for the part I played is awesome.”

Before Downing arrived at the College, he spent 20 years of his career opening more than 100 breweries around the world. It was his involvement with opening Ontario’s first brewpub in Welland, which led him to move to Canada from England in 1985.

Receiving a provincial award for his efforts was “totally unexpected” for Downing.

“I am honoured and deeply humbled that people think this much about what we have done to put me forward for the award, let alone to be chosen as the recipient,” he said.

For Downing, being selected for the award validates the faith that College leaders had in him when he first met with them almost 15 years ago about launching the program.

“Their support and that of many others at the College, and in industry, is what has led to our success,” he said.

Downing’s Award of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship was among seven presented to faculty and staff from postsecondary institutions across Ontario.

Minister’s Awards of Excellence
The Minister’s Awards of Excellence were introduced in 2020 to recognize the incredible work of Ontario’s faculty and staff during the early stages of the pandemic. The ministry decided to continue the tradition annually, and new categories were added this year to highlight more positive work being done at Ontario’s postsecondary institutions.

This year’s winners received a certificate signed by Minister Dunlop and were honoured at a congratulatory virtual meeting on the morning of January 21.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

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Saying goodbye to 33 years of Marin Brewing Company

January 20, 2022 by Dow Scoggins

By Brendan Moylan
On January 31st 2022, we will pour our final pint, serve our last Mt. Tam burger, and say goodbye to 33 years of Marin Brewing Company. I am heartbroken, but I am proud and I am grateful.

Proud of our role in the legacy of craft brewing and the countless awards we’ve won at the Great American Beer Festival.

Proud of the $500,000 we’ve donated to Schools, Clubs, Teams, Churches, and Organizations throughout our community and for 20 year partnerships like the Breastfest Beer Festival, raising over $250,000 for breast cancer.

Grateful to the 1000’s of employees that gave their all in the kitchen, on the floor, in the brewhouse, and behind the bar — and some, for decades themselves. A special thank you to our world-class brewmaster of 27 years, Arne Johnson, and Jenn Procopio our incredible GM for 30 of dedication.

And I am so, so grateful to the generations of families, the ferry catching office workers, the first legal pints, barstool regulars, and all who patronized our pub and made the pipe dream, of a much younger man, a reality. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for 33 years of support and the lifetime of memories. Come join us in our final days — we’re open from 11:30 daily.

If you love Brew Co. as much as we do, we do have a little bit of good news. We will be holding a silent auction of our iconically Brew Co. art and decor — including decades of hand drawn coasters — to raise money for our employee fund, as they no doubt feel the greatest impact of our closure. Stop on by and place a bid.

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Pabst Blue Ribbon Introduces #1776Pack With 1,776 Beers

June 29, 2021 by Dustin Scoggins

MILWAUKEE – After 18 months of social distancing and self-isolation, this 4th of July, our country steps outside together once again to reclaim its independence. And the nation’s largest American owned brewery, Pabst Blue Ribbon, will be right there to take all of the credit.

Introducing the #1776Pack from Pabst Blue Ribbon. You’re welcome, America.

The #1776Pack will contain 1,776 Pabst Blue Ribbon beers and an infinite amount of Freedom.

“We figured the best way to honor the year America claimed its independence was to make a box that held that many beers – 1,776. It’s the least we could do. I mean beyond making our beer can red, and white, and blue. Actually 1,776 is the most we could do because 1,777 seemed excessive.” – Nick Reely, VP Marketing – Pabst Blue Ribbon

The limited-edition 1776 pack will launch on June 29th with four different partners. First, an iconic American brand whose products have been keeping drinks cold for over 70 years, Igloo Coolers. Additionally, skateboarding podcast crew The Nine Club, comedian Ali Macofsky, and Midwest emo darlings Hot Mulligan will all receive big ol’ boxes of beer. Each partner will provide content (and updates) through the Summer and into Labor Day.

Also, rats at home worry not, there’s already talks of (somehow) an even bigger box being released to the general public soon, as well as the return of the beloved 99-can pack, which is available now. Again, You’re Welcome, America.

About Pabst Blue Ribbon
Pabst Brewing Company, founded in 1844 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by Jacob Best, stands as one of America’s oldest and most iconic brewing institutions, with a rich heritage spanning over 180 years. Best known for its flagship Pabst Blue Ribbon—a premium American lager first brewed as Best Select and awarded “America’s Best” at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition—the company has grown into a portfolio of more than 30 cherished brands, including Old Milwaukee, Schlitz, Lone Star, Stroh’s, and National Bohemian. Committed to preserving authentic American brewing traditions, Pabst respects its past while embracing the future, fostering community connections through enduring beers that appeal to generations of enthusiasts.

Today, as a leading American-owned brewing company, Pabst continues to deliver high-quality, accessible beers crafted with premium ingredients and time-honored techniques. With a focus on cultural contributions, local partnerships, and innovative experiences like music festivals and merchandise, Pabst Brewing Company invites beer lovers everywhere to celebrate its legacy of quality and camaraderie. For more information on the full portfolio and latest updates, visit pabst.com or pabstblueribbon.com.

For More Information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUsHl5RAnLg

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The story of Deschutes Brewery’s Black Butte Porter

March 2, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

In 1987, we originally hired Frank Appleton, a brewing consultant from Canada to help us establish the brewing component of our planned brewpub in Bend, Oregon. In addition to designing the equipment, and having it installed, he would formulate the first three beers in our line-up. Not knowing much about it in 1988, we wanted something light, medium, and dark. Frank came up with Cascade Golden Ale, Bachelor Bitter, and Black Butte Porter. Our first brewer, John Harris, then put his hand (and considerable skill) on the formulation and Black Butte Porter was born. However, it was not until sometime later that Black Butte Porter became our “flagship” beer. After a year or so, and out of necessity to keep the brewery going, we began to explore wholesale distribution. Thinking conventionally, we began with Cascade Golden Ale and Bachelor Bitter as being most adaptable to the limited palates of 1980’s drinkers. It just seemed like lighter colored beer would make sense.

Once while meeting with our distributor in Portland, Oregon, Jim Kennedy, he posed a question. He said, “You need to decide what you want to be as a brewery. Now, you can sell these lighter colored beers and carve out your small but reasonable slice of the very large, light colored beer-pie, competing with everyone for that slice. Or, you can sell Black Butte Porter and, although the dark-colored beer-pie is much smaller, you can own the whole thing”. I guess being a contrarian at heart, that proposition appealed to me. Although we had to sacrifice quite a bit to make that happen. You see, the path of least resistance for beer salespeople was certainly not in dark beer. Particularly when we had developed some really popular lighter beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale. But we were committed. For the next few years, we kept the brakes on Mirror Pond and limited its market exposure to ensure Black Butte could gain a foothold in the market. It didn’t hurt that it was winning awards at a pretty good clip in those days. As a result, you could say we developed our second brand first, and we actually had two flagship brands with Black Butte and Mirror Pond sharing that distinction.
Black Butte Porter has continued to evolve, although our target flavors never really changed. But with growth naturally comes change. When we built our larger production facility in 1993, we installed a 50-barrel brewery. Later, we added a German-manufactured 150 barrel brewery that was much more efficient. Getting those two breweries to brew Black Butte Porter that tasted the same was quite the chore. But, we’re pretty stubborn, so four years later, we declared success and the legacy (and flavor) of Black Butte Porter could continue.

Black Butte continues to be our flagship. Even though beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale and Fresh Squeezed outsell it. Black Butte is the best-selling porter in America and a significant point of pride for our team. It has successfully dispelled the misconceptions of dark beer. It is particularly successful at that task with novice craft drinkers. But, if we can get them to taste it, they are usually hooked! It has also spurred spin-offs like Black Butte Anniversary that is an imperial version of Black Butte Porter brewed for our company’s anniversary, but being barrel-aged and topping out around 11% alcohol with various added adjuncts like chocolate, chilis or coffee. We have also made a Black Butte Whiskey, with local distillery, Bendistillery. We make the wash for the whiskey using a variation of the Black Butte formula for that wash. Finally, we also do Black Butte3 where we use an imperial version of Black Butte Porter and age it in barrels that were used for Black Butte Whiskey.

Business consultants like to ask a question evaluating your business. That is, “what can you do your competitors can’t?” For me, the answer is clearly Black Butte Porter. The legend will continue. What we do with it next, well, stay tuned.

Written by Gary Fish, Founder of Deschutes Brewery

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Niagara College Teaching Brewery finishes year with gold-medal performance at the U.S. Open Beer Championship

December 13, 2020 by Dow Scoggins

Niagara on the Lake, Ontario – Staff and students at the Niagara College Teaching Brewery are clinking beer steins this week after three student-made beers medaled at the U.S. Open Beer Championships, including winning gold.

The trio of beers that were awarded honours at the competition, which drew 6,000 entries from throughout North America, are:
Gold for Beer 101 Bock in the Bock category;
Silver for Beer 101 Strong in the Old Ale category;
Silver for Beer 101 Bitter in the Bitter category.

Both the Beer 101 Bitter and Strong have consistently medalled at the U.S. Open Beer Championships over the past eight years. This is also the third medal this year for the Beer 101 Bock, which also scored a gold at the Ontario Brewing Awards and silver at the Canadian Brewing Awards earlier this fall.

“This is a significant accomplishment for students and staff at the Niagara College Teaching Brewery,” said Steve Gill, general manager of NC’s Learning Enterprises. “Our beers have performed well at competitions this year attesting to the quality of the applied education we offer at the college and to our students’ abilities to make some of the best beers in North America year after year.”

College Brewmaster Jon Downing noted that students in the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations program mastered the key characteristics judges seek when choosing winning beers in a competition.

“Students are learning how to make consistent, high-quality beer and they’re knocking it out of the park,” Downing said. “Quality and consistency are what the judges look for, and these beers have it. And with the Bock, we just nailed the recipe this year.”

The U.S. Open Beer Championships is the second-largest competition in North America and the only one to include suds from both professional and home brewers. Judges from the U.S. and Canada select winners in blind tastings, knowing only the categories, not the names or locations of beers competing.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, judging was held in both the U.S. and Canada.

Competition Director Dow Scoggins said Niagara students don’t just perform well at the competition while enrolled in school. They continue to do so after graduation.

He noted NC alumnus Jared Lewinski, who’s now the head brewer at Listermann Brewing Company in Cincinnati, produced four beers that medalled this year, including a gold in the nut beer category.

Another alumnus, Henriques Soares, who came from Brazil to study in the program, saw two of his beers for Tire Shack Brewing Co. in Moncton, N.B., medal, including a gold in the Gose category.

“One of the important things about Niagara College is the students do well there, but they also medal outside the College,” Scoggins said. “The No. 1 thing is we’re very big on clean beers with no alcohol taste. That speaks to the quality of brewing and the brewery at Niagara College.”

The award-winning beers are sold in 473-millilitre cans, which are available for purchase at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre, located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Sales of the brews support student education.

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2020 New York International Beer Competition Gold Medal Winners

June 30, 2020 by Dow Scoggins

At the 2020 New York International Beer Competition, the judges were delighted with the quality of beer submissions that they received in their 9th year. The competition had over 600+ beer submissions from 14 different countries.

Double Gold Medal
Belgian-Style Flanders Oud Bruin or Oud Red Ale
Rust Buffalo – Bhramari Brewing – Asheville, NC

Wood And Barrel-Aged Strong Beer
Utopias 2019 – Boston Beer Company – Boston, MA

Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Stout
Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout – Double Wing Brewing – Cleveland, OH

Gold Medal
American-Style Brown Ale
Beckley Furnace Brown Ale – Norbrook Farm Brewery – Colebrook, CT

American-Style Cream Ale or Lager $10 – Less
Outboard Cream Ale – MKE Brewing Co – Milwaukee, WI

American-Style Cream Ale or Lager, $11 – $15
Fulling Mill IPA – Mill River Brewing – Mills River, NC

American-Style India Pale Ale, $10 – Less
BAA Brewhouse Snog – BAA
The Zephyros Hazy IPA – HomeGrown Brewing – Oxford, MI
Breaking Bud – Knee Deep Brewing – Auburn, CA
Stevens Point Brewery

American-Style India Pale Ale, $11 – $15
Neon Ghosts – Bhramari Brewing – Asheville, NC

American-Style Imperial Stout, $11 – $15
Mallow Joe – Eight & Sand Beer Co. – Woodbury, NJ

American-Style Lager or Light Lager, $10 – Less
Utica Club Pilsener – Saranac Brewery/FX Matt Brewing – Utica, NY
Samuel Adams Sam ’76 – Boston Beer Company – Boston, MA

American-Style Pale Ale, $10 – Less
Zed’s in the Universe–Pale42 – Zed’s Beer – Marlton, NJ

American-Style Premium Lager or Specialty Lager, $10 – Less
Session Premium Lager – Full Sail Brewing Co. – Hood River, OR

Barley Wine-Style Ale, $10 – Less
Faux Year Anniversary Barleywine – Municipal Brew Works – Hamilton, OH

Belgian-Style Flanders Oud Bruin or Oud Red Ale, $10 – Less
La Roja – Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales – Michigan

Belgian-Style Pale Strong Ale, $10 – Less
Brouwerij Van Steenberge Piraat

Belgian-Style Tripel, $10 – Less
Three Sisters – Port O’Pints Brewing Co. – Crescent City, CA

Belgian-Style Witbier, $10 – Less
Birrai Umbri SS Cotta 21 Italian Blonde Ale – Italy

Brewed Hard Seltzer
Superbrew Ginger & Lemon- Farmer Willie’s Inc – Charlestown, MA

Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout, $10 – Less
Zed’s in Ireland–Dry Stout – Zed’s Beer – Marlton, NJ

English-Style India Pale Ale, $11 – $15
Ichthyosaur Icky” IPA” – Great Basin Brewing – Reno, NV

French- & French- and Belgian-Style Saison, $10 – Less
Million Reasons – IBEER – Italy

Fruit Beer, $10 – Less
Mangolandia – Veza Sur Brewing Co. – Miami, FL

German-Style Marzen, $10 – Less
Oktoberfest – River Rat Brewery – Columbia, SC
Proast German Style Marzen – Twin Oast Brewing – Port Clinton, OH

German-Style Schwarzbier, $11 – $15
Black Betty – Olde Salem Brewing – Salem, VA

Irish-Style Red Ale, $10 – Less
Irish Setter Red – Thirsty Dog Brewing Co – Akron, OH

Imperial India Pale Ale, $11 – $15
Coastal Evacuation – Cape May Brewing – Rio Grande, NJ

South German-Style Weizenbock/Weissbock
Aventinus Schneider Weisse – Germany

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Most Haunted Bars in America

June 16, 2020 by Andrew Innes

America’s Oldest and Most Haunted Bars: Where History Meets the Supernatural

The White Horse Tavern (1673)
Established in 1673 in Newport, Rhode Island, the White Horse Tavern is widely regarded as the oldest operating bar in the United States. This colonial-era gem once served as a gathering spot for merchants, sailors, and even pirates, and its rich history has led to numerous ghost stories. The most persistent legend involves a spectral elderly gentleman believed to be a former boarder who died unexpectedly in an upstairs room during the late 17th or early 18th century. Patrons and staff report sightings of a shadowy figure in colonial attire near the fireplace or on the upper floors, along with sudden chills, unexplained footsteps, and a melancholic presence that lingers in the historic building’s dimly lit corners. Location: 26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI Website: www.whitehorsetavern.us

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar (circa 1772)
Nestled on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is one of the oldest structures used as a bar in America, dating back to the 1770s. Originally a front for pirate Jean Lafitte’s smuggling operations, this candlelit piano bar preserves its eerie, old-world charm. Many believe Lafitte’s spirit remains, with sightings of a tall, commanding figure in period attire near the fireplace—often vanishing when approached. Visitors report glowing red eyes in the grate, whispers, flickering candles, and a heavy presence, attributed to the pirate guarding his former domain. Additional spirits, possibly from the building’s secretive past, add to the paranormal allure. Location: 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA Website: www.lafittesblacksmithshop.com

Shaker’s Cigar Bar (1894 building, speakeasy era 1920s)
Shaker’s Cigar Bar in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, embraces its reputation as one of America’s most haunted bars, with a dark history as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, brothel, and cooperage tied to Schlitz Brewing. Prominent spirits include Elizabeth, a young girl whose tragic death haunts the bathroom with faucets turning on independently and mirror apparitions, and Molly, a brothel worker brutally murdered in the penthouse—her presence marked by footsteps, cries, and shadowy figures. The building, reportedly over an old cemetery, buzzes with activity like moving objects and cold spots. Owner-led ghost tours delve into these tales, inviting visitors to experience the lingering energy. Location: 422 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI Website: www.shakerscigarbar.com

Captain Tony’s Saloon (1851 building, saloon since 1930s)
Built on the site of Key West’s former morgue, Captain Tony’s Saloon in Florida features a notorious “hanging tree” growing through the bar—once used for executions—and graves beneath the floor, including that of “Lady in Blue” Elvira, hanged for murder. Patrons report eerie sensations, locked bathroom doors, and sightings of her ghostly figure. The bar’s macabre decor, including human remains discovered during renovations, amplifies its haunted vibe in this pirate-filled paradise. Location: 428 Greene St, Key West, FL Website: www.capttonyssaloon.com

Pioneer Saloon (1913)
In the near-ghost town of Goodsprings, Nevada, the Pioneer Saloon is a Wild West classic with bullet holes in the walls from a 1915 cheating-at-cards shooting that killed miner Paul Coski—his spirit is said to linger near the poker tables. Additional hauntings include an old miner in crumpled attire and cries in the restroom, drawing paranormal enthusiasts to this historic spot featured in films and games. Location: 310 W Spring St, Goodsprings, NV Website: www.pioneersaloon.info

Ear Inn(early 1800’s) – The Ear Inn has been serving drinks since the early nineteenth century and is considered on of New York City’s oldest bars. Because of its location next to the Hudson River, the inn was frequented by sailors, merchants, pirates, and many of the city’s undesirables. The building was also reportedly used as a brothel during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when it was also a speakeasy. 326 Spring St. New York, NY Website: www.earinn.com

The Menger Bar(1859) – This bar is located in the Menger Hotel. This hotel is often called the “most haunted hotel in Texas.” There are said to be thirty-two different entities roaming the bar, hotel, and restaurant. Some of them, like the ghost of Teddy Roosevelt, are said to be good-natured and friendly. 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas Website: www.mengerhotel.com

Whitehorse Tavern(1673) – The oldest bar in the United States, of course, has some ghost stories to tell. The Whitehorse Tavern was opened in the Rhode Island Colony in 1673, making it the oldest bar in the country. Walking alone in the building feels a bit creepy, especially when one knows at any time they might see one of the spirits wandering around. One of the ghosts is an elderly gentleman who died while renting a room upstairs in the early years of the Whitehorse. 26 Marlborough St., Newport, RI. This tavern is the oldest on our most haunted bars list. Website: www.whitehorsetavern.us

Simon’s Tavern(Legally opened in 1934) – Located in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood this cafe, turned speakeasy, turned legitimate bar, has quite a few ghost stories to share. This bar has it all, including a love triangle complete with shunned lovers, a horrible car accident, and an expensive and extensive family cover-up. Stop by the bar, ask for Scott and request the nickel tour, then watch and listen as he tells you about the bar’s haunted happenings—guaranteed to be a chilling experience. Finish it off with a few drinks at the bar and if you’re lucky, a ghost or two may join you. 520 N. Clark Street, Chicago IL

Bridge Café(1794) – This cafe originally opened as a grocery and porterhouse, the Bridge Café is one of New York City’s oldest bars. Throughout its colorful past it has been a pirate haven, brothel, and speakeasy, and today’s paranormal activity reflects its notorious history. From random footsteps on the second floor, unexplained scents of lavender (the perfume of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century prostitutes), malfunctioning electronics, and unexplained late-night parties, the Bridge Café is sure to please those in search of paranormal activity. Hopefully will reopen soon after Hurricane Sandy put the bar underwater. 279 Water St. New York, NY. Website: www.bridgecafenyc.com

The Tavern(1916) – During Prohibition, this Austin favorite was a grocery store by day and upscale bar, casino, and brothel by night—and some of the patrons refuse to leave. Numerous staff members and visitors at The Tavern report having seen a young lady dressed in early-twentieth-century garb, accompanied by her daughter while wandering the halls or looking out windows. The ghosts are thought to be Emily, a former prostitute, and her young daughter, who were supposedly killed accidentally during a fight between patrons. 922 West 12th Street, Austin, TX Website: http://www.tavernaustin.com

Tiger’s Tap Room(1919) – The Hotel Congress and Tiger’s Tap Room have played host to some of history’s most nefarious characters: John Dillinger’s gang stayed here, and Wyatt Earp shot and killed Frank Stilwell right across the street. But to really experience the hotel’s late-night spiritual activities, spend the night in room 242, where a hotel guest took her own life; if you examine the closet you can still see the bullet hole. 311 E. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona Website: hotelcongress.com

Arnaud’s(1918) – This New Orleans bar and restaurant is located right next to the world-famous Bourbon Street, right in the middle of some of America’s most active spirit haunts. New Orleans has the most haunted bars in Lousianna. Today, Arnaud’s is haunted by a wide variety of ghosts, including those believed to be spirits of opium fiends, apparitions of gentlemen enjoying a late night at the bar, and even Arnaud himself appearing at random to look in on his legacy. 813 Bienville Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Website: www.arnaudsrestaurant.com

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Other Notable Haunted Bars:

Simon’s Tavern (1934), Chicago, IL – A former speakeasy with tales of love triangles and cover-ups; ask for the “nickel tour.” Website: www.simonstavern.com
Bridge Café (1794), New York, NY – A pirate haven turned brothel/speakeasy; reports of footsteps and scents (note: closed since Hurricane Sandy, with potential reopening). Website: www.bridgecafenyc.com
The Tavern (1916), Austin, TX – Haunted by Emily and her daughter from a deadly brawl. Website: www.thetavernaustin.com
Tiger’s Tap Room at Hotel Congress (1919), Tucson, AZ – Tied to outlaw John Dillinger; a tragic ghost in Room 242. Website: www.hotelcongress.com
Arnaud’s (1918), New Orleans, LA – Spirits of past patrons and the founder himself. Website: www.arnaudsrestaurant.com
Ear Inn (early 1800s), New York, NY – Sailor and pirate haunt with footsteps and shadows. Website: www.earinn.com
The Menger Bar (1859), San Antonio, TX – In Texas’ most haunted hotel, with 32 spirits including Teddy Roosevelt. Website: www.mengerhotel.com

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Commerce Street Brewery & Hotel – Mineral Point, Wisconsin

February 3, 2020 by Dustin Scoggins

Here is the three story lime stone building on Commerce Street. Commerce Street Brewery and Hotel has five rooms located above the Brewpub Restaurant. Two on the second floor and three on the third. While the amenities are similar, each has its own personality and appeal. Which room is best? That is for you to discover.

In the morning they serve a “Continental plus” breakfast in our second-floor guest lounge. This is a simple casual breakfast offering coffee, tea, fruit, juice, yogurt, cereal, toasting bread, hard boiled eggs and really good sweets! Coffee is available as early as you need and we bring the breakfast out at 8:30 AM. It will be out until 9:30 or 10:00. Your holiday. Your pace.

Brewery
Their brewery is a modern, 15-barrel brew house capable of making up to 3,000 barrels of beer per year. They can make ales or lagers, but mostly it has been ales, which tend to have a more complex flavor profile. They can use a simple one-step infusion mash, or more elaborate multi-temperature steps.

Brewpub Restaurant
The Brewery Creek Brewpub is an intimate space with exposed stone walls, hand hewn timbers and beams, supporting posts and a beautiful bar. You will not find another like it. We seat about 50 including our bar seats. Our kitchen closes by 8:00 or 8:30, depending on the day of the week, to ensure quiet by 10:00 for our lodging guests.

Beers
Golden Ale
A golden ale, light in color, patterned after the “Kolsch” beer of Cologne. Moderately hopped and refreshing and about 5% abv. Our lightest beer.

India Pale Ale
Huge amounts of hops both bittering ion the kettle and flavor in the fermenter. The problem with most modern “IPAs” is that they have lots of hops, but no age. Traditionally IPAs were at least a year old before consumption. Ours is about 6 months. During that time the hops undergoa change, mellowing.

Lemon Shandy
A classic drink of the British Islanders, beer and lemonade. Alth0ugh the modern Brits and Ausies use Seven up (gasp!) we are more traditional with the ‘ol lemonade and some lime. Sweetish, and sourish, and beery and refreshing. When the last keg of Summer is gone, no more till Spring.

Pale Ale
It is a Pale Ale, everybody knows what that means, yeah? Good amount of hop bitterness, no dry hopping. American hops.

Scottish Porter
This porter is based on a recipe from the Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Information
The Brewery Creek Inn
23 Commerce Street
Mineral Point, WI 53565
Email: info@brewerycreek.com
Phone: 608-987-3298
Website: brewerycreek.com/

FOBAB – The 2019 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer Medal Winners

November 11, 2019 by Dow Scoggins

The Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer(FOBAB), the world’s largest and most prestigious barrel-aged beer festival and competition, returned to Chicago this past weekend at UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt Rd.). More than 200 craft breweries from across the United States will showcase their rarest, most innovative wood and barrel-aged brews, competing for top honors in The National Barrel Aged Beer Competition. Here are the winners!

FOBAB – BEST OF SHOW
Bottle Logic Brewing, Anaheim, CA – Arcane Rituals (Barleywine/Wheatwine)

FOBAB – BEST OF SHOW – Runner Up
The Lost Abbey, San Marcos, CA – Peach Afternoon

FOBAB Medal Winners

Strong Porter Stout
Gold – Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, Columbus, OH – 3-2-1 Double Barrel Dire Wolf
Silver – Crystal Lake Brewing, Crystal Lake, IL – Boathouse Reserve Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
Bronze – More Brewing Co., Villa Park, IL – Mehndi 2019

Specialty Strong/Porter Stout
Gold – Cerebral Brewing, Denver, CO – Vanilla Rye Here Be Monsters
Silver – Hidden Springs Ale Works, Tampa, FL – After Dinner Decadence
Bronze – Half Acre Beer Company, Chicago (Balmoral) – Vanilla Benthic

Barleywine/Wheatwine
Gold – Bottle Logic Brewing, Anaheim, CA – Arcane Rituals
Silver – Haymarket Pub & Brewery, Chicago & Bridgman, MI – Barrel Aged Bollocks
Bronze – Kros Strain Brewing Company, LaVista, NE – Barrel Aged Barrellywine Vol. 2

Classic Beer Style
Gold – Kros Strain Brewing Company, LaVista, NE – 53 Magnum
Silver – Derive Brewing Company, Columbus, OH – It’s only dirty paper!
Bronze – Church Street Brewing Company, Itasca, IL – Holy Moly

Strong Pale Beer
Gold – Pollyanna Brewing Company, Lemont, IL – Apple Brandy Barrel Aged Orenda Volume 03
Bronze – Great Lakes Brewing Company, Cleveland, OH – Barrel Aged Tripel Dog Dare

Strong Dark Beer
Gold – Revolution Brewing, Chicago – V.S.O.R. (Very Special Old Ryeway)
Silver – Pollyanna Brewing Company, Lemont, IL – Orenda Volume 02
Bronze – Taxman Brewing Company, Bargersville, IN – Bourbon Barrel Qualified

Fruit Beer
Gold – Werk Force Brewing, Plainfield, IL – Farmhouse Vultures with Blackberries and Raspberries
Silver – Revolution Brewing, Chicago – Strawberry Jacket
Bronze – MyGrain Brewing Co., Joliet, IL – I Have Time

Specialty/Experimental
Gold – 5 Rabbit Cervecería, Bedford Park, IL – El Pirata
Silver – MadTree Brewing Cincinnati, OH – Joon – Chamomile & Elderflower
Bronze – Monday Night Brewing Atlanta, GA – Tie 8 On

Wild Beer/Brett (non-acidic)
Gold – Afterthought Brewing Company, Lombard, IL – Afterthought Ale: Wine Barrel Fermented (Yuzu & Key Lime Juice)
Silver – Hacienda Beer Co., – Baileys Harbor, WI L’hiver
Bronze – Branch & Bone Artisan Ales, Dayton, OH – Silence Mill

Wild Beer (Acidic) Sours
Gold – MobCraft Beer, Milwaukee, WI – Sour Golden Ale
Silver – Off Color Brewing – Mousetrap, Chicago – Procatsination
Bronze – Upstream Brewing Company, Omaha, NE – Things!

Wild Beer (Acidic) w/ Fruit
Gold – The Lost Abbey, San Marcos, CA – Peach Afternoon
Silver – Forager Brewery, Rochester, MN – Dollar Menu Pie
Bronze – Coppertail Brewing Co., Tampa, FL – Creature de mer Rouge

Cider/Perry/Mead
Gold – Misbeehavin’ Meads, Valparaiso, IN – BBA Caramel Apple Cider
Silver – Garagiste Meadery, Tampa, FL – Cognac Barrel Aged Black Widow
Bronze – Superstition Meadery, Prescott, AZ – Grand Cru Berry

History of FoBAB
Picture this: Back in the early 2000s, Chicago’s craft beer scene was fizzing with wild ideas, thanks to trailblazers like Goose Island’s Greg Hall who kicked off the barrel-aging revolution in the mid-’90s by stuffing stouts into bourbon barrels for that oaky, boozy magic. Fast-forward to a casual night at Rock Bottom Brewery in 2003, where three beer-loving masterminds—Pete Crowley (the venue wizard), Todd Ashman (beer hunter extraordinaire), and Jeff Sparrow (competition czar)—sipped a rare barrel-aged stout and thought, “Why not throw a party just for these wooden wonders?” Whipping it up in a whirlwind month, they launched the inaugural Festival of Barrel-Aged Beer (FOBAB) that November on Rock Bottom’s cozy second floor, featuring a modest 36 pours from 22 breweries. What started as a quirky nod to experimental brews exploded into North America’s barrel-aging bonanza, now packing the UIC Credit Union 1 Arena with over 300 mind-bending beers from 150+ spots worldwide—think bourbon-kissed porters, wine-barrel wild sours, and mead that’s aged to perfection. It’s not just a festival; it’s a boozy time machine celebrating 20+ years of brewers pushing flavor boundaries, all while raising dough for the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. Grab your ticket for November 2025—your taste buds will thank you with a tipsy high-five!

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