Beer News 8/29

So I have a confession to make.  Every time I see a Free State Brewing representative, I have pleaded for a return of Stormwatch Ale.  At long last my pleas have been heard, and the restaurant has tapped Stormwatch today (which means I know what I am doing for dinner tonight).  Not only that, but Free State has also put C4 (a double black IPA) on tap too.  It's going to be a good night.  If you decide to try some of their beers, don't go on September 10 or 11.  The restaurant will be closed down those days for some paint and other refresher projects.

I have a second confession to make.  Last night I was at Royal Liquor on 103rd and State Line in Kansas City last night looking for...  well, anything and everything delicious (I wound up with a New Belgiam Lips of Faith beer and one other) including Southern Tier Pumking.  Sadly, the guys at Royal Liquor told us they are holding back part of the Southern Tier for later in the fall season.  Fair enough, especially since they pointed us across the parking to Ugly Joe's Bar, where they have the Pumking on tap!  I can now tell you, Pumking and dollar tacos are a good combination.  I can also report that Ugly Joe's has an excellent selection of televisions and has a reasonable selection of taps for a sports bar.  Who knew that they would have Mirror Pond, Southern Tier 2X IPA, Crispin Cider, and a few other tasty treats?  It just might be a good place to catch a football game in the fall.

Oh, back to Free State for a moment.  From their most recent newsletter:

NEW BREWERY EQUIPMENT ARRIVING

At the beginning of September we’ll be receiving two new large capacity tanks at our Eastside Brewery.  We’re also preparing for the delivery of multiple components of our new bottling line that will triple our bottling capabilities. The construction project to double our production space is nearly complete, and this fall promises to be an exciting time at our Eastside location.  Ultimately, it leads to even more Free State beer for your enjoyment.

Barley's Midland is having a design the coaster contest.  You could win free beer for a year.  Barley's is also hosting a redneck picnic beer dinner on September 1.  Friday, they are having a firkin, but the image isn't working for me, so I guess it's a surprise firkin!  If I was a guessing beer geek, I would guess it's a firkin of Red Hoptober.

I mentioned above that Southern Tier Pumking is in the area.  It's true.  It's 97 degrees out but fall Oktoberfest and pumpkin beers are hitting the shelves.  Boulevard's Bob's 57 hit the shelves yesterday, and many stores currently have an ample supply of Schlafly Pumpkin (my personal favorite) and O'Fallon's pumpkin (also a darn good pumpkin beer). 

That said, it's also close to stout season, and Founder's Breakfast Stout is likely to be found on shelves in the area soon.  I do love stout season.  I have been contemplating a stout and coffee diet today.  Or, just a good old fashioned coffee stout diet (at Lukas Liquors, I picked up a Southern Tier Mokah yesterday).

If you're going to attend University of Kansas football games, park at the 23rd Street Brewery in Lawrence and take the shuttle.  Drink good beer and be safe too and from the game!

Riman Liquor is having a taster for beer floats over the next few days.  An interesting concept.

That's all for now.  Be safe and drink good beer.