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Monday beer links

nick trougakos — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:04:24 +0000

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’

nick trougakos — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:00:52 +0000

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

nick trougakos — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:01:14 +0000

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

nick trougakos — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:00:50 +0000

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

nick trougakos — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:43:04 +0000

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”

nick trougakos — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:33:37 +0000

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

nick trougakos — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:23:45 +0000

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

nick trougakos — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:15:35 +0000

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

nick trougakos — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:22:10 +0000

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

nick trougakos — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:05:39 +0000

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.

Latest from the Food Dude

nick trougakos — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:28:38 +0000

The Oklahoman’s food editor, Dave Cathey, writes today about the upcoming National Beer Day and about this fair state’s “non-intoxicating” beer here.

Consumers show good taste

nick trougakos — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:54:02 +0000

The Thirsty Beagle has reported several times over the past few months — based on reports culled from around the Web – that smaller craft brewers have been feeling the pinch in the nation’s difficult economic times. Turns out, that’s not true at all. According to several reports, craft brewers came out of 2008 not only unscathed, but with substantial gains. The country’s independent craft breweries reported a jump in dollar sales in 2008 of 10.5 percent, or up to $6.34 billion. They also reported in increase in volume of beer sold of 5.8 percent. The reason? Consumers want stronger-tasting beer. The Thirsty Beagle likes to say people just want beer that tastes good.

Foster’s mea culpa

nick trougakos — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:43:10 +0000

So apparently reducing the size of your beer bottle by 45 milliliters and then trying to charge the same price for the beer is not such a good idea. Who knew? The folks at Australian brewer Foster’s sure didn’t. Or at least they were hoping beer drinkers wouldn’t notice. Well, they noticed. Now Foster’s is announcing they are reversing course on a plan to shrink some beer bottles. What prompted the change of heart? How about a 33 percent dip in sales. That’ll do it.

Beer drinking champs: Czechs

nick trougakos — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:01:53 +0000

According to a report published today, if you’re looking for the world’s most prolific beer drinkers, look no further than the Czech Republic. Beer enthusiasts there reportedly each put back 159 liters of beer every year. Not down with the new-age metric math? That’s the equivalent to a little more than 454 bottles of beer a year. Pretty stout number there. Second place in beer drinking? It’s Austria, where people drink about 109 liters — about 311 bottles — of beer each year. Third place is Germany with 108 liters a year per person, or 308 bottles.

Bisons and wookies and wolves, oh my!

nick trougakos — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:05:07 +0000

So the Oklahoma City Thunder unveiled its new mascot — Rumble the Bison — at the game Tuesday night. It’s a wooly Bison, who, as the story goes, was struck by lightning in the Wichita Mountains. Instead of getting killed by the lightning strike, Rumble was transformed into a half-man, half-beast creature who can soar through the air to dunk a basketball and play the drums. Now, I have two thoughts on this. One, we are talking about some serious marketability here. The first thing Rumble needed to do was find a good agent. While the ideal job for a man-bison might seem like NBA mascot, I think Rumble may be leaving some lucrative film, television and speaking opportunities on the table. Although he likely doesn’t talk, so maybe we’ll have to scratch the speaking opportunities. He could always try to catch on with a band in need of a drummer. Either way, a leaping man-bison surely could rocket to the level of Hollywood elite in no time. I hate to say it, but I think Rumble may be selling himself a little short. My second thought, and it pains me to say this as well, is that there’s just a certain weird/creepy look to that mascot. When I first saw him, I immediately thought, “Chewbacca!” Upon further examination, he’s definitely got some Chewy in him, but there are other candidates as well if you’re trying to put your finger on just who Rumble resembles:

1. Rumble vs. Chewbacca

-Why they’re a match: The flowing locks are the main factor here, although Chewbacca has a pronounced upturn with his bangs/forehead hair, while Rumble combs down to cover his forehead. Rumble can dunk off a trampoline, Chewbacca can probably dunk flat-footed, or at least with just a little hop like Yao Ming.

2. Rumble vs. Teen Wolf

-Why they’re a match: The hairstyles line up almost perfectly here, right down to the flowing cheek hair. Plus, Teen Wolf also can soar through the air for dunks. Only drawback to this pairing, while Rumble, as far as we know, will always be a man-beast, Teen Wolf is prone to lose his powers and become a second-stringer during the biggest rivalry game of the year.

3. Rumble vs. Planet of the Apes

-Why they’re a match: This is a match-up with definite sleeper potential. While our Planet of the Apes character displays a more groomed, clean-cut look and smaller nose profile, we know for sure he’s not turning into a human any time soon. In fact, we can’t say with certainty that this guy can’t handle the rock.

4. Rumble vs. Steven Hill

-Why they’re a match: The former Arkansas Razorback didn’t stick around for long with the Thunder. Does anyone know where his is now? Doesn’t it seem a little too coincidental that Hill is released and all of the sudden a shaggy-haired mascot with basketball skills is introduced? I’m just sayin’.

So what are your thoughts? Who best resembles Rumble? Chewbacca, Teen Wolf or Planet of the Apes guy? Steven Hill? Or maybe someone else. Sound off in the comments section.

Man up, buddy

nick trougakos — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:46:45 +0000

Here’s a report from my homeland — the true north strong and free – about a rather shameful beat-down a young girl put on a man, all in the name of trying to steal his beer. Now, I could comment on the troublesome social ramifications of an adolescent girl who beats a grown man and tries to steal his beer, or I could skip that part and simply rail on this guy, who was sent to the hospital by an adolescent girl. I choose the latter. Come on man! Stand up for your beer! Stand up for yourself. You were pushed to the ground by a girl. For your sake, buddy, I hope this was one mean 13-year-old.

Heineken in the tank

nick trougakos — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:11:10 +0000

A report issued today says Dutch beer-maker Heineken has announced plunging profits and will institute cost-cutting measures after poor financial performance this year. The company reported that net income for 2008 fell 74 percent. One thing is clear: the beer industry is far from being in the clear in these economic times.

At least you don’t live in… Oregon!

nick trougakos — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:46:02 +0000

Politics is all the rage now. Not only are we fresh off the presidential election and inauguration, but state legislatures are in session all across the land. And now, in the early stages of the sessions, come all manner of bills and debates. Here in Oklahoma, there’s discussion down at the Capitol about abortion, nuclear power and the state budget. And how can we mention state budgets without thinking of California, where a stalemate over the budget could lead to the elimination of 20,000 state jobs. In Alabama, an early-stage bill deals with increasing the level of alcohol allowed in beer in the state. But Alabama is not the only state mulling a beer-based piece of legislation. In Oregon, beer brewers, distributors — and likely consumers — are about to be hit with a whopper: A bill proposing a 1,900 percent increase in beer taxes. That’s right. 1,900 percent. Taxes. Increase. Let those words sink in. Proponents of the bill say Oregon is near the bottom of the country when it comes to malt beverage taxation, and funds from the increase could support numerous programs. Opponents say the measure would force small brewers to close and cost jobs. The Thirsty Beagle – while not necessarily opposed to a tax increase that would bring Oregon in line with some of its regional counterparts — thinks 1,900 percent is 100 percent a little too dramatic.

A sad day in Utah

nick trougakos — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:36:25 +0000

It was bad enough to hear that a truck driver in Salt Lake City fell asleep behind the wheel and lost a shipment of hamburger patties. But when you add to that the news that another truck driver lost a load of beer, you’ve got a double-whammy of man sadness. Burgers and beer are great together, but not strewn about on a Utah highway.

A beer tribute to Kid Rock

nick trougakos — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:09:24 +0000

The Thirsty Beagle is not necessarily against Kid Rock, but the idea of somebody investing $7 million to make a line of beer in honor of the musician… well, let’s just say, I can think of several better things to do with $7 million. Those include giving $7 million to me, giving me $7 million worth of beer, and/or, not spending $7 million on a line of beer in honor of Kid Rock. By the way, I’m always around to hand out advice.

Giving beer a bad name: Vol. 11

nick trougakos — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:47:29 +0000

A Florida man was arrested after trying to take a can of Natural Ice from a truck stop by stuffing the can down his pants. The man was tackled by truck stop staff, who “recovered the beer from the inside of (the man’s) pants,” according to the news report. The cost of the Natural Ice can? $2.01. The cost of being arrested after stuffing a can of Natural Ice down your pants: Priceless.

Model demands ‘beer after beer’

nick trougakos — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:42:54 +0000

According to a report in the New York Post, fashion model Kate Moss apparently acted like a diva during a recent fashion shoot, demanding to have several beers while her makeup was being applied. The Thirsty Beagle says this: If demanding beer makes you a diva, then I might be one of the most masculine divas of all time.

Feds block Obama beer

nick trougakos — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:29:04 +0000

A Brooklyn, N.Y., brewery has been told by a federal agency that it must stop sales of its Hop Obama ale. Said the owner of Sixpoint Craft Ales brewery:

“The crazy thing is, the federal government, it approved this brand when many people didn’t know who Barack Obama was. Once he got elected, they tried to put a stop to it.”

The federal Tax and Trade Bureau said it is enforcing a rule about selling beer named after someone who hasn’t endorsed the product.

We all know Obama is a beer supporter; The Thirsty Beagle says the feds should let this one ride.

Best beer bars in America

nick trougakos — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:11:09 +0000

DRAFT Magazine recently published its list of best beer bars in America, and two Oklahoma venues made the cut: McNellie’s in Tulsa and Tapwerks in Oklahoma City.

Here’s what they said about McNellie’s:

“Hundreds of beers, a good scotch collection and a $3-burger Wednesday call this place (and its new Oklahoma City location) home. The beer list is divvied up by country but also features a selection of regional flights, including an Oklahoma collection.”

And for Tapwerks:

“Oklahoma’s oldest alehouse features a freakishly large tap list — 212 in all — with names like Boulevard, Choc, Kroenenburg and Ayinger. (If you can’t find what you like on that list, check out the hundred-strong bottle list.) Rock out to local bands upstairs, catch an acoustic set on the lower level or just chill in the library lounge.”

Giving beer a bad name: Vol. 10

nick trougakos — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:55:19 +0000

If you have a brother, or two, like The Thirsty Beagle, you’ve probably had your share of spats and disagreements over the years. Brothers can really go at it, especially when they’re younger. But with age comes wisdom — hopefully — and those wedgies and noogies and headlocks fade into the past. Or do they? If you are 45-year-old Kenneth Mullins of Lutz, Fla., who says you can’t punch your brother and smash a glass over his head? That was the scene that carried out Wednesday in the bathroom – yes, the bathroom – of Mullins’ home as him and his brother got in a fight over — wait for it — the last beer. Even worse, it is reported Mullins repeatedly slammed his mother’s arm in the bathroom door as she tried to intervene in the fight. Now don’t get me wrong, having only one beer left is a serious issue. But allegedly assaulting your brother and mother over it? Going to jail over it? That better have been some kind of gold-plated, weather-controlling, keep-you-warm-in-the-winter magical bottle of beer.

Welcome to 2009, Alabama. Maybe.

nick trougakos — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:04:16 +0000

Folks in Alabama are one step closer to getting a bill passed that would lift the state’s long-standing limit on alcohol content in beer. Note to Alabama legislators: Prohibition was repealed. Also, man has walked on the moon, blood-letting doesn’t really work and the Earth rotates around the sun.

Celebrate Darwin’s birthday with beer

nick trougakos — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:57:24 +0000

Brewers in England have produced a beer to celebrate the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin. The name of the brew: Darwin’s Natural Selection. Nice.

I think the beer is safe here

nick trougakos — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:53:38 +0000

Next time you’re in Guatamala, take pause before you think about ripping off a beer truck.

Beer meets DNA science

nick trougakos — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:51:08 +0000

Researchers in London recently completed a project to map the DNA sequences of dozens of types of yeast. So what does that mean for the beer world? It means, theoretically, brewers will eventually be able to select ideal strains of yeast to create more flavorful and better-tasting beer. There’s also some deal about being able to compare the relative similarities between yeast DNA and human DNA so that researches can eventually isolate strains of diseases and create drugs that could benefit humanity, but, man, how about better-tasting beer?!

Beer pongers unite

nick trougakos — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:33:44 +0000

Beer pong players in the Baltimore area used an aggressive e-mail campaign to derail a plan by a Maryland state senator to ban the game in area bars and clubs. The Thirsty Beagle is not against beer pong, generally speaking, but is a little perplexed by the fact that there are organized leagues for it. I’m contemplating starting leagues for marbles and pick-up sticks.