Looks like the Puget Sound is going to squeeze one last ounce out of the tube of sunshine for us. If we are blessed next week with warm weather then I will consider this summer one to remember. Now would not be the time to sit inside and ponder when to clean the gutters, rake the leaves, or sweep the pine needles. Get out there sit down in a patio, a bar stool, or a dinner table but please enjoy the last weeks of summer.

Chuckanut makes and 'old beer'

There is a small distinct group of craft beer breweries, brewers, and enthusiasts that will only consume a beer style if its from the country or region of origin. Then there are some breweries that will refuse to brew a beer unless they have traveled to the area prior to producing it. This example of ones attention to detail can be found at Chuckanut by the watchful eye of Will Kemper and head brewer Josh Pfriem. This past Tuesday the brewery (and kitchen) announced the arrival of their first Alt Bier.

"The Altbier style is straight out of Düsseldorf, Germany but the recipe designed by our Head Brewer Josh Pfriem." source, Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen's 'blog'

     The style is not to foreign to those whom have a crush on this amber colored beer, since Alaskan Brewing makes Alaskan Amber influenced by this style.

"Düsseldorf Altbier has a color ranging from deep bronze to russet brown and a firm tan head. Its aromatics are faintly fruity, with biscuit underpinnings and pleasant hop notes. On the palate, only a hint of fruit gives it away as an ale- the flavors are very clean and round, with a medium-bodied malty center supported by a refreshingly sharp whack of hop bitterness. The finish is dry and clipped short. The beers are fermented warm but are matured at relatively cold temperatures for up to several weeks; this practice takes off the rough edges and produces a beer that is smooth despite its distinctive hoppiness. Our Altbier is brisk and relatively light, reaching a strength just short of 5 percent." source, Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen’s ‘blog’

     Look for this beer at Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen as well as several locations throughout the Puget Sound.

Issaquah hosts Frogs & Dogs

     In case you didn't hear of this over labor day weekend, the staff at the Issaquah Brewhouse & Public House will be hosting their first annual Frogs & Dogs Festival. The festival features twelve themed beers as well as a chance to sample from their bar, the beers produced their brewer 'Hutch'.

"This dog-friendly festival will feature a prime selection of Microbrews, famous dog beers and Issaquah Brewhouse's series of Frog beers. The line-up includes:

*  Laughing Buddha  *  Boundary Bay  *  Georgetown  *  Mac & Jacks
*  Snoqualmie    *  Hair of the Dog  *  Flying Dog  *  Laughing Dog
*  Sea Dog  *  Dogfish Head    *  White Frog Ale  *  Ménage a Frog

There will be fun stuff for the kids, including a frog and dog coloring contest and games.  Entry to this event is $10 and includes five taster tokens (kids, dogs and frogs get in free when accompanied by an adult). 

Proceeds from the festival will benefit "Reach for the Sky July" (http://www.reachfortheskyjuly.org/), a three week all scholarship summer arts day camp for Issaquah and the Snoqualmie Valley underserved youths ages eight through twelve." source, Issaquah Brewery & Public House’s press release

September 19th, 2009 12:00 PM PST to 10:00 PM PST
Frogs and Dogs, Issaquah Brewery & Public House
35 W. Sunset Way Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 557-1911

September 20th, 2009 12:00 PM PST to 6:00 PM PST
Frogs and Dogs, Issaquah Brewery & Public House
35 W. Sunset Way Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 557-1911

AHA Rally at Elysian Capitol Hill

     In the realm of organized craft breweries there is the Brewer's Association and the American Homebrewer's Association. The latter organization is comprised of various groups throughout the country all aspiring to produce one thing, excellent craft beer. Every year though in order to maintain support for this organization the AHA organizes a rally to garner new interest in their cause and continue to keep craft breweries honest by inspiring new brewers year after year all with experience in homebrewing.

     Saturday the 12th of this month on the hill at Elysian's first recognized location will be a calling of arms where amateurs / professionals can discuss and sample beers from eachother all while supporting the American Homebrewer's Association. In exchange for your check you receive not only a membership to the AHA but also a bi-monthly magazine. Locals that will be on hand include Big Al's, Elysian (host brewery), and many others. Last year's event was spectacular and even garnered a rare preview of what would later be the Pro-Am winner at GABF, Big Time's Out Damned Spot Ale.

Cheers

September 12th, 2009

3:00 PM PST to 7:00 PM PST
Elysian Brewery & Restaurant
1221 East Pike Street Seattle, WA