Monday beer links
Here’s some news making the rounds in the beer world:
-Empty beer kegs are being put to good use at the nation’s zoos.
-Miller is increasing its presence in the Vietnam beer market.
-A woman in need of cash for medical problems found a way to raise funds: Collecting empty beer cans on South Padre Island during spring break.
-A Pennsylvania man has amassed a collection of more than 1,200 beer-related items.
-And finally, there’s always a new medical study out there, but here’s one that says drinking the occasional beer could actually improve bone density.
Today: Green beer a-flowin’
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all! Is there another holiday that is more closely associated with beer? I mean, maybe any recent Saturday at my house where I declared a holiday and had some beers, but otherwise, St. Pat’s is a good time.
If you’re in the Oklahoma City area today and for some reason don’t have a job to go to, why not head down to Bricktown for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with breakfast of green eggs and ham and bands take the stage later in the day and play straight through ’til midnight. And I’m sure you’ll be able to score some green beer.
More environmentally sound beer news
The Thirsty Beagle’s most recent post detailed work by the Sierra Nevada brewery to reuse yeast waste to fuel its fleet of vehicles. Here’s an article about a brewery in Portland that dropped $70,000 to outfit its roof with solar panels that are used to heat the water used in the brewing process. No worries about the cost, though. That was upfront cash; after incentives and tax credits the project came down to a bill of about $6,000.
Another reason why beer is great
The Sierra Nevada brewery recently announced a fantastic plan to make use of the yeast waste left over from the brewing process. They’re going to convert the yeast into fuel to run their fleet of vehicles.
“Yeast actually produces the alcohol, and the alcohol is ethanol, essentially,” said Cheri Chastain, Sustainability Coordinator for Sierra Nevada.
So not only is beer great to drink, but it is environmentally sound as well? I knew there was a reason I liked the suds.
Six Flags beer measure hits snag
Looks like plans to serve beer at Six Flags Over Texas – which The Thirsty Beagle recently reported appeared on track — have hit a bump after a Fort Worth, Texas, man named Carl Fors asked for an additional hearing on the matter with a Texas regulatory board. Fors said he’s pretty sure his appeal will be denied, but he felt like it was a matter of principle in filing for it. Listen here, Carl Fors: The Thirsty Beagle has followed this issue, and, beer-favoritism aside, Six Flags has followed all the rules and jumped through all the appropriate hoops. So, Carl Fors, back off man!
Look out for these “beers”
The Thirsty Beagle has just been made aware of a line of ”beers” from the folks at Michelob Ultra. These “beers” are purported to be pilsner style. The titles of the “beers”? Michelob Ultra Pomegranate Raspberry Beer, Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus Beer and Michelob Ultra Tuscan Orange Grapefruit Beer. The Thirsty Beagle will argue that they need to drop the word “beer” from the end of the name, and go with something more appropriate, like “spritzer” or “sparkling fruit beverage.” I feel like the beer world has been set back. That’s all I have to say on this matter.
Beer meets popcorn
Ever wish you could enjoy a beer at the movie theater? You may not be able to crack open a cold one at your local AMC 24, but one inventor thinks he has the next best thing: Beer-flavored popcorn. It’s available for purchase online. The Thirsty Beagle wonders what kind of beer it tastes like? Because if it tastes like Miller Lite, that begs this question: If I don’t want watered-down-tasting beer, why would I wanted watered-down-beer-tasting popcorn?
Obama and beer
Yet another reason to like this Obama guy:
This is Obama sipping on a glass of beer at a recent Washington Wizards game. Nice.
High-stakes beer run
Two men were arrested this week aboard a boat in waters off Brunei, in southeast Asia. Their apparent transgression: Trying to smuggle 1,382 cans of beer into the Muslim-majority country. According to the news report:
“Brunei’s laws ban the public sale and consumption of alcohol, though non-Muslim visitors are allowed to bring in limited amounts for private consumption.”
The men were caught after a high-speed sea chase and they’ll likely face a fine, according to reports. Talk about a high-stakes beer run. Not exactly like running over to the gas station to pick up a six pack.
Six Flags beer issue nears resolution
Planning on heading down to the DFW area this summer to hit up Six Flags? It’s looking more and more likely that you’ll be able to enjoy the rides and, for the first time, grab a beer while you’re at it. The administrator of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission announced this week he has signed an order clearing the way for alcohol sales at Six Flags Over Texas and at the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor parks. The city of Arlington had been fighting the move — which was also cleared by a local judge — but now officials there say they won’t appeal. Six Flags opens for its 2009 season tomorrow; a TAB Commission spokeswoman said the park’s license could be issued by March 20.
