January 2, 2009

The year in beer

http://www.idahostatesman.com/entertainment/story/619486.html

Very short article, but one thing in this article chaps my hide... Boise, Idaho has 4 brew pubs and a homebrew competition. We got squat. I thought I couldn't be more ashames to be from Illinois! (/jk...kind of)

13 comments:

KB said...

Springfield NEEDS a brewpub!

doggettmeister said...

Springfield needs a beer-oriented cultural movement. Brewhaus (and to a lesser degree others) cannot carry the city alone.

Look to all the specialy wine shops we have (ala It's All About Wine). We have no dedicated exotic beer store. Even the Tuck which has our best supply carries less than it does at its Normal, IL store. Their weekly tastings are centered on wine with maybe a beer or two.

That is why the Charles and Limeys beer event is important. If we beer enthusiasts cannot support a minor effort then we'll never be deemed supportive of major endeavors like a brew pub.

I am sad.

KB said...

You are right. It irks me to see the way liquor stores (even Tuck) display their beer right against flourescent light tubes or even in the full summer sun. They wouldn't treat wine that way.

I hope we can get a decent turnout at Charles & Limey's.

BlogFreeSpringfield said...

A friend of mine wants to start a brew pub in town. His idea is to revive the Reisch brand, although using different recipes. I'm not sure if there are any legal restrictions to using the name, but it's an interesting idea.

doggettmeister said...

I think in their hearts most home brewers hope to open a brew pub and Springfield could certainly use one. I imagine getting financial backing could be one of the main issues. Maybe if your firend has a solid plan, he could seek investors amongst the beer lovers of Springfield.

My own thoughts were a new brew pub would/could definitely find a good pairing with one of the chefs around town. Someone who could pair up some food designs with flagship beers the brewery would produce. That might be the key to winning over the Springfield market.

BlogFreeSpringfield said...

Actually, my friend who wants to open the brew pub isn't a home brewer, but is willing to put some money into a venture.

doggettmeister said...

If only, I had the security of being independently wealthy.

I'd argue that the restaurant pairing needs a motivated and innovative chef to make the brew pub an overall success.

I, however, have already decided that I'd pair up with Emilio's since I love the owners and their food. If only to be the man that brought the delights Emilio cooks up back to dinnertime.

KB said...

You are right - most homebrewers want to open a brewery/brewpub, and I'm one of them!

I'd like to talk to the friend who is interested in opening one. I wonder how to find out if the Reisch label is available?

Teaming with an established restauranteur like Emilios is a great idea, since I have little experience or interest in food service.

Nancy said...

Springfield sooo needs a brewpub!! I just got back from vacation in San Fran and I tried to hit up as many as I could while there. Upon coming home, I decided it was my mission (fantasy) to open one - w/ cask beers, too, and good food - not crap bar food like ponyshoes and tater tots. Food that has heart and imagination put into it. There is no reason we can't have this.

KB said...

Hi Nancy - Did you hit Magnolia while in S.F? It sounds like a great place - I'd really like to go there.

The beer dinner is coming along. There are 26 reservations right now, and the I.T. will have an article tomorrow.

The beers will be Three Floyds Pride & Joy, Erdinger Hefe, Two Brothers Heavy Handed IPA, Fort Collins Chocolate Stout, Kasteel Rouge and Peyton's Roundhouse Bourbon Barrel Stout.

doggettmeister said...

Three more of us are coming: me, my wife and Diatribe. We just haven't called yet. We are trying to generate more interest from our friends.

KB said...

Looking forward to meeting you on Sunday. Thanks for the support!

Nancy said...

KB - yes we hit Magnolia. It was probably our favorite, but also really liked Jupiter in Berkeley. Also the Beach House Chalet - right on the water, but a little pricier. Magnolia/Jupiter is the type of place I would love to have here.