Festivals

What: Andes Hotel First Annual Oktoberfest
Where: Andes Hotel Summer Shack, Andes NY
When: October 3, 2009
Time: 2 – 6pm
How Much: $20

Ed and Sally over at the Andes Hotel dropped me a line to annouce their first ever Oktoberfest. As the American Craft Beer Fest earlier in the summer was amazing, I’m expecting great things from this fest as well. This is the Andes Hotel last outdoor event of the season in the Summer Shack. They will be highlighting American craft brewed Octoberfest styles from all over. Butternuts will be bringing their amazing Harvest ale, and probably selling 750’s of said flavor. There will also be live music by George Kilby jr. & the Road Dogs (great Blues) and some very tasty german fare (ie. bratwurst, weisswurst, roasted pork & cabbage). $20 gets you a glass to taste all the beers available. Expect myself and Mrs. Ohabeer to be there early and pretty much spending the day eating and drinking in the fine Fall upstate NY weather.

What: FREAKTOBERFEST Boutique Beer & Music Festival
Where: Public Assembly (70 N 6th Street, Williamsburg, NY)
When: October 3, 2009
When: 2 pm – 9 pm
How much: General admission $20 / VIP tickets $75

Shmaltz Brewing Company, Bierkraft, Southpaw, Piquena, and BeertenderBrooklyn present the 2nd Annual FREAKTOBERFEST Boutique Beer & Music Festival happening on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Public Assembly (70 N 6th Street, Williamsburg, NY). The event will take place from 2 pm – 9 pm. General admission is $20 (5 tasting tickets, access to live performances), and VIP tickets are $75 (unlimited tastings + access to VIP loft featuring rare and vintage beers).

A special session dubbed Geektoberfest will be held from 2 pm – 4 pm, which will include brewery owners pouring specialty beers and conducting educational tastings. Shmaltz Brewing will release a one of a kind beer called Geektoberfest exclusively at this event. Additional tasting tickets can be purchased onsite. For more detailed information and to purchase event tickets, please visit: www.freaktoberfest.com.

The 2nd Annual FREAKTOBERFEST will be MC’d by Donny Vomit, the Human Blockhead and current MC of the Coney Island Sideshow. Featured live performances by Stumblebum Brass Band, Sex Slaves, Workout and others TBA. Participating breweries include Shmaltz Brewing (HE’BREW Beer and Coney Island Craft Lagers(TM)), Lagunitas, Stone, Sixpoint, Bear Republic, Dogfish Head, Flying Dog, Speakeasy, Captain Lawrence, River Horse, Victory, Ithaca, Arcadia, Sly Fox, Harpoon, Smuttynose and many others soon to be announced. Burlesque and Go Go by Legs Malone, Bloody Belle, Lil Miss Lixx, and Rosie 151…

The upcoming 2nd Annual FREAKTOBERFEST marks the national launch of Coney Island Freaktoberfest(TM). Boiled and toiled in our stainless cauldrons with 6 malts, 6 hops, and 6.66% alc, Shmaltz’s bewitching Fall attraction serves up a tasty treat for Octoberfest through Halloween. 22 oz. bottles and a very limited supply of kegs will appear at specialty shops and select bars throughout NYC and nationwide starting now.

To view a list of all Freaktoberfest events happening across the country, please visit shmaltzbrewing.com.

May 30th, 2009 was a beautiful blue sky day in the Catskill Mountains. A perfect day for outdoor craft beer drinking. Thankfully, the folks over at The Andes Hotel in Andes, NY chose to team up with Gasko & Meyer Distributors to present the 1st Andes Hotel American Craft Beer Festival. $20 admission got you a sampling mug and all you could sample from over 20 craft breweries. In addition, the Andes Hotel had a variety of beer friendly foods you could purchase to fortify you for the day.

Arriving at the fest, I found Ed O’Neill (the Andes Hotel owner) and got the hook-up for my sampling wrist band and mug plus a nice list/menu of the beers offered that day. Ed mentioned the Otter Creek offering – a Russian Imperial Stout on cask – had just been opened. Without hesitation, I decided to start the day with something VERY big. (Possibly not the wisest move…)

The Otter Creek Russian Imperial is a lovely creamy stout. Deep black color with a dark brown creamy head. Excellent coffee chocolate aroma that carries over into the tasting. Big body with a massive creaminess – not to mention a nice alcohol kick. A perfect start to the day – but I should have probably had food first…

I decided to head over to the Butternuts table next. I first ran into Butternuts Brewery with their Porkslap Pale Ale (with one of the best logo designs EVER and in cans!). Their “Nice Cans” tank top was quite the hit with the ladies (though a few of the male attendees might have qualified as well…) Keeping with kicking the day off with stouts – “It’s not just for breakfast anymore!” – I sampled the Butternuts Moo Thunder Stout. A nice milk stout somewhat sweet with a light body and very clean finish. Not a lot of creaminess, but definitely a fine American stout.

At this point, I decided it might be best to switch off the stouts for a bit and tried some of the Heineweisse – Butternuts’ Hefe. An excellent slightly spicy beer with a great color and a crisp body and yeasty aroma. Mrs. Ohabeer had already had the Heineweisse and had moved on to one of the unreleased brews Butternuts had brought: Harvest Ale. She told me I had to make this my next beer!

Good god! The Butternuts Harvest Ale is AMAZING! This is a big farmhouse ale made with pumpkin, squash, sweet potato, ginger, cinnamon, clove and allspice. It’s got a nice balance of sweet to sour (most farmhouse ales are a bit too sour for me) and a beautiful gold/amber color. Big frothy white head and a spicy aroma. The brewer (I forget his name) said he left this in open fermenters for a period to pick up wild yeasts from the Butternuts farm. The result is a medium body ale with a very complex flavor. The sweetness of the pumpkin and sweet potato open followed by the spices. Then it all closes out with a perfect amount of sourness. Add to this the fact it has quite a little kick and you’ve got the winner ale for the day.

Good news is Butternuts is considering bottling the Harvest Ale in 750ml with champagne corks. It would be the first bottles Butternuts has done. I certainly hope it happens as I want a few of these for the cellar.

After the kick of the Butternuts Harvest Ale, it seemed like a good idea to perhaps get some food. Over the course of the day, Mrs. Ohabeer and I ended up having two meals – such is the case with much free beer sampling. I started with the Wild Boar Chili. I mean – really – if you see Wild Boar Chili on a menu you simply MUST order WIld Boar Chili. The boar was nice and tender, but sadly a bit bland. I prefer a much spicer (and thicker) chili. This was a bit more like a Wild Boar Soup, but it went down well with a Geary’s Hampshire Special Ale. The Geary’s is a medium bodied malty ale with a nice sweetness and a touch of hops.

Later in the day – as shown on the right above – when the sampling had gotten WAY out of control – we went back in for a Bratwurst as we were looking for some starch to soak up the alcohol. Good snappiness to the brat – though again a bit bland for my taste. Nice tasty brat bun and great kraut. The potato salad also helped in the alcohol soaking. I had the Butternut Outrage with the brat. A medium bodied IPA with a big cascade taste. Worked nicely with the sausage.

With a bit of food consumed, it was back to the sampling. We had noticed Ommegang was in the Summer Shack by the bar and wondered if perhaps they had brought any off menu beers. In particular, we were looking to sample Biere de Mars. The OAB HQ are big fans of Ommegang (it is actually required by law if living in the Catskills) but the $16 for a bottle of Biere de Mars kept us from picking it up without a tasting. Thankfully, Ommegang came with several bottles for tasting. For those who are also wondering if it is worth it, the answer is definitely yes. This is a lovely deep brown Belgain ale. Tons of sweet malty goodness with a massive backend kick. It’s a big beer and one well worth the price of admission.

While all the beers were great, there was one other major standout for the day: Southern Tier Iniquity Black IPA. It’s sort of the bastard offspring of a medium stout/dark ale crossed with a hop bomb. Jet black color with a solid malty front than ends with a massive hop punch. Such a great beer and an excellent twist on the usual hop bomb. A perfect summer drink when you want both a stoutish ale and a ton of citrusy hops.

Mrs. Ohabeer had two fascinating bathroom experiences during the fest. First, she had to endure complaints about the lack of Bud Lite at a craft beer fest. That almost caused her to storm the men’s room and use it instead. Her second encounter featured the group discussing what a great place a beer fest is to meet guys. “It’s like 5 to 1 here!” “Ummm, yes,” thought Mrs. Ohabeer ” there are a lot of guys here. though perhaps not many who realize if you’re going to drink big craft beers – you have to exercise…” By the way – who the hell wears shoes like this to an outdoor beer fest in the Catskills when you’re drinking and walking in a field?

All in all an absolutely remarkable day. Perfect weather, a great band (The Roundhouse Rockers), nice crowd, good food and excellent beer. I ended up skipping any beer I was familiar with in order to give myself the ability to drink a bit more of the unfamiliar and not end up comatose.

Here are quick takes on the rest of my samplings:

Rogue American Ale: a malty caramel amber. Deep amber color with big body and heavy caramel sugar taste.

Allagash White Ale: citrusy spicy nice cloudy wit with a solid yeasty edge.

Captain Lawrence Frescheater Pale Ale: Fresh hopped pale. Nice gold color. Great citrusy hops flavor. Excellent flowery aroma.

Anchor Liberty Ale: Clear medium body pale ale. Nice hoppiness very mellow flavor. Crisp and clean.

Victory Prima Pils: Not bad on the hoppiness but really not a pilsner fan. A bit too light for me. Especially this late in the fest given I had been drinking big bold beers for about two hours.

Stoudts Scarlet lady. Hmmm not sure. English bitter with a malt nose. Again, might have been more impressive earlier in the day.

Otter Creek Oktoberfest: Not bad but again a bit too late in the day. A little sweet with a decent malt to hop balance.

Complete list of beers at the 2009 fest:

Anchor Brewing (San Francisco, CA)
- Steam
- Porter
- Liberty Ale

Allagash Brewing (Portland, ME)
- White Ale

Abita Brewing Co. (Abita Springs, LA)
- Turbo Dog
- Purple Haze

Butternuts Brewing (Garrattsville, NY)
- Snapperhead IPA
- Moo Thunder Stout
- Heinnieweisse
- Porkslap Pale Ale
- Harvest Ale
- Outrage

Captain Lawrence Brewing (Pleasantville, NY)
- Freschester Pale Ale

Flying Dog Brewing (Frederick, MD)
- Doggie Style Ale

Geary’s Brewing (Portland, ME)
- Hampshire Ale

Ommegang Brewing (Cooperstown, NY)
- Hennipin
- Rare Vos
- Witte
- Biere de Mars

Otter Creek Brewing (Middlebury, VT)
- Oktoberfest
= Russian Imperial Stout (cask)

Rogue Brewing (Newport, OR)
- American Ale

Southern Tier Brewing (Lakewood, NY)
- Iniquity Black IPA

Stoudts Brewing (Adamstown, PA)
- Scarlet Lady

Victory Brewing (Downington, PA)
- Prima Pils

For the most part, Mrs. Ohabeer and I tend to stick around OAB HQ choosing in the spring/summer/fall to drink on our deck or in the winter by the fireplace. Every so often – however – we get the itch to get out of the house, try a new place and perhaps meet some new people. The opportunity to have good craft beers at a pub in our area of New York State is fairly thin. So we were extremely happy to have ventured to The Andes Hotel last winter. After reviewing it in a Random Beers in Various Bars, I received a note from the owner – Ed O’Neill – about an event he’s got coming up on May 30th.

When: Saturday May 30th : 2pm – 6pm
What: American Craft Beer Fest
Where: Andes Hotel
(110 Main St., Andes, NY : 845 – 676-3980)
Admission: $20 for unlimited beer tastings

They are having an American Craft Beer Fest in their “Summer Shack”. (The “Summer Shack” is a great pole barn bar with plenty of picnic tables.) The $20 admission will get you unlimited tastings of the participating breweries. Plus there will be beer friendly food (not included in the admission) and music by The Roundhouse Rockers. It’s a rain or shine event and certainly where you’ll find the Ohabeer HQ on May 30th.

Ed says some of the breweries will have reps there so you can beer geek out and there might be a few rarities/surprises. Here’s the list of participating breweries: Ommegang, Allagash, Geary’s, Anchor, Stoudts, Victory, Abita, Otter Creek, Butternuts, Southern Tier, Harpoon, Captain Lawrence and Flying Dog.

It’s going to be a great time! If you happen to come by, ask around for Mr. Ohabeer and say hi.

I received this from the fine folks at Buckbean Brewing and I thought I’d pass it along. Sounds like a great event for a great cause. Now if only someone who sponsor a trip for me to attend, I would be a truly happy drinker. Loves me the Vegas – especially in the not so blazingly hot early spring months…

The Village and Buckbean Brewing Company host first-ever
Village Craft Beer Festival Saturday, March 14

Event benefits The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southern Nevada

HENDERSON, Nev. – January 21, 2009 – The Village (MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas) and Buckbean Brewing Company, the largest production microbrewery in Nev., host the first-ever Village Beer Fest on Saturday, March 14, 2009 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the festival are available at the event for $20 per person which includes an engraved commemorative glass, with proceeds benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southern Nevada (MDA).

The Village Craft Festival showcases craft beers from around the U.S. served along The Village’s cobblestone streets with waterfront views. Live music by Las Vegas’ The Wedge Brothers will cap off a great day where guests can enjoy these hand-crafted brews in support of a great cause.

“Buckbean’s excited to partner with The Village on this event and hope it will become an annual event,” said Buckbean Brewing Company Owner Douglas Booth. “The location is perfect for this type of event with restaurants and shops to enhance the experience and a resort in case guests have had too much fun and need a place to sleep.”

Guests wishing to take advantage of MonteLago Village Resort’s luxury lakeside lodging can do so by calling 888-600-2688. Complete with scenic balconies, full kitchens and living areas, lodging at the resort starts at only $99 per night, plus resort fees and taxes. Mention “Beer Fest” when calling to receive the special rate. A special Beer Festival package is also available and includes an overnight stay and two passes to the event for $125, a 35 percent savings (plus resort fees and taxes).

For more information on this event, please visit the MonteLago Village Resort’s website. For sponsorship information during any MonteLago Village event, please call 702-564-4785.

It is usually not a major surprise to find those passionate about beer are also passionate about BBQ. My obsession with BBQ is actually much greater than my interest in beer. I have yet to get into home brewing (a resolution for 2009) but I do have a full BBQ setup with three grills (wood-fired, charcoal and offset smoker – no propane in sight!) and a rough outdoor kitchen.

In my quest for great BBQ in New York, I headed off to Holy Smoke for my birthday a few years ago. This is the real deal folks. They put together an AMAZING array of excellent ‘que with all the usual sides. Great brisket. Amazing pulled pork. Smokey sausages. I’m not a rib fan, but Holy Smoke’s won me over. Add to this top quality array of slow cooked meaty goodness an absolutely incredible beer selection (including some very rare brews) and – well – I basically wanted to move in. Mrs. Ohabeer and I ate and drank ourselves into a stupor.

All this is to explain my excitement about the Holy Smoke 2009 Summer Kick-Off Party. Not only do you get great food and beer, but this year there is going to be a home brew competition. Given NY state liquor rules, I’m guessing there will be no sampling for the public, but smoart folks will know how to sort that out. If you’re in New York or planning to be here on June 6th, this is going to be a “must go” event. Drop me a line and maybe we can put together an Oh…a beer table.

HOLY SMOKE 2009 ANNUAL SUMMER KICK-OFF PARTY!
Saturday, June 6th, 2009
Noon – 5pm

BBQ – BEER – LIVE MUSIC
Plus… HOLY SMOKE HOME BREWERS CHALLENGE!
holysmokebbq.net : Route 6N 241 Mahopac, NY : 845-628-9795

Each year Holy Smoke throws a HUGE PARTY that has tons of Great BBQ Food, the Best Tap Beers on the planet and Great Live Music (this year provided by Jake and the Mountain Men) all held on our Great Lawn. We expect tickets for this event to be very well received, and sales are first come, first served.

Tickets/Details: $65 per person in advance only. Includes all tap beers, all-u-can-eat BBQ food &
live music. To purchase tickets, call 845-628-9795, email holysmokebiz@aol.com or stop by Holy Smoke to purchase directly — and enjoy some of New York’s Best BBQ while you’re here! All sales final. Must be over 21 to attend. Please bring ID to the event — security bracelets will b e issued.

Rain Date: Saturday June 13th (same times). If rain date is in effect it will be posted on our website at HOLYSMOKEBBQ.NET. See you at the party!!

HOLY SMOKE HOME BREWERS CHALLENGE
Three styles open for the judging: American or English Pale Ale, American or German Pilsner and American or German Weissbier.

Judged by a panel of guest professional brewmasters:
Scott Vaccaro — Captain Lawrence Brewing Co
Alan Brady — Blue Point Brewing Co
John Mish — Three Floyds Brewing Co.

Each style will have an overall winner and one will be judged to be the winner of the Holy Smoke Chalice Trophy (best in show). The winner will have their name, date and winning style engraved on the Chalice along with a Holy Smoke Gift Certificate.

RULES OF ENTRY
Must be 21 or older.
Each entry must have at least 22 oz. of sample beer available for each category.
Each brewer must be a ticket holder to the Summer Kick-Off and be in attendance to win.
There is NO additional entry fee.
Each brewer must notify Holy Smoke of their wish to compete by April 1, 2009.