Charleston-based Central Distributing (Yes, Mr. Dick Barber and his “Budweiser Machine”) has pulled a rabbit out of a hat by landing the franchise for Magic Hat Brewing Company’s craft beers! The beers will be available in the Charleston and Parkersburg markets. Landing the franchise is one thing; promoting the beer is another. I have been assured by Mr. Barber, that the boys at Central are serious about promoting this product line.

Magic Hat’s flagship product, #9, is very drinkable ale that has been brewed with some apricot. It pours and claims to be English style ale, but of course the fruit aromas come right through. The brewery has done a brilliant job of marketing the product, using the elements of mystery, secrecy and a little magic to promote the beer. “#9” will be appearing on tap this week in a few select local bars. Just look for the unmistakable #9 tap handle!

The complete roll-out of the Magic Hat line in both kegs and bottles will be complete in approximately 90 days. Other “Magic” beers to keep an eye out for are Circus Boy hefeweizen and Fat Angel, English style ale, both great examples of American craft brew.

I am really happy to hear the Central Distributing is taking the craft beer market seriously. I am told to stay tuned for a few more surprises from them in the near future. I can only hope Mr. Barber will now join the movement to help re-write the legislation that hurts availability of craft beers in West Virginia.

Magic Hat #9 in Charleston:

Bar 101 – Capitol StreetBlue BBQ Etc. – Leon Sullivan WayThe Empty Glass – Elizabeth St.The Vandalia Lounge – Hale St.Soho’s and Bridge Road Bistro will follow shortly…

Parkersburg: Ruby Tuesday’sBW3’s (Buffalo Wild Wings)

For me, Friday evenings are usually great. But sometimes they can be mixed bag, like when I am stuck in an airport somewhere knowing that I am missing out on good times with friends. This past week, I was in town so I loafed around the “Office” and even took a vacation day on Thursday to visit Ohio Brew Week (report coming soon). When Friday evening rolled around I just wanted to sit out on the patio and relax. My wife was out with her friends and the teens were doing their own thing, leaving me to my Liverwurst and Onion Sandwich with brown mustard on pumpernickel, paired-up with my very own Kolsch.

I have always had a weakness for Liverwurst (Braunschweiger) and onion sandwiches. I endured much scrutiny from my so-called friends and even today from my own wife and kids! I swear, I must be German and not Irish (I maintain the claim that I was accidentally switched at the hospital). I just love German food and beer! I had to take a picture because the moment was just so-oooo Right!

How am I going to explain the onion breath when she gets home? I’ll just tell her that I had to do it for the blog…

Rich’s Quick Picks for Pizza/Beer Pairings at Lola’s:

Prosciutto and Pineapple Pizza:
Ayinger Brau-Weiss hefeweizen
Spicy shrimp and sausage Pizza:
Samuel Smith’s India Pale Ale
Pizza Margherita:
Spaten Oktoberfest
Mushroom pizza with smoked gouda:
Rogue Dead Guy
Sausage and caramelized onion:
Ayinger Altbairisch dunkle

One trip to Lola’s restaurant on Bridge Road and you quickly learn that this not your average pizza joint. The place is very small and stays extremely busy, so you can forget a Domino’s type guarantee of pizza in 30 minutes or less. Owner/chef Cary Huffman and her crew deliver a wide variety of delicious pizza, all made with hand-tossed dough and fresh toppings. You can go for the more standard Margherita-style tomato, cheese and basil pizza, all the way to a pie topped with pineapple and prosciutto. (more…)

If you have saved any vacation time for the spur of the moment event, this week might be a great time to take a few days of R&R. ‘Ohio Brew Week’ begins on Monday July 16th and runs through Saturday, July 21. The event takes place in and around Athens Ohio, home of Ohio University, a neat little college town with plenty of cool little shops and cafes. Route 33 is now all 4-lane from Ravenswood to Athens, and that makes it a 90-minute drive from Charleston. There are many beery events taking place at various times, and plenty of craft beer is available for all…

If you go, please respect beer, yourselves and your fellow man; drive safe and sober! For details, take a look at www.ohiobrewweek.com

It was an unplanned marriage. In fact, in some ways it could have been considered an epicurean “shotgun wedding.” I had a cookout at my house to celebrate Independence Day with the family and a few friends. We made barbecued ribs and all the fixins. My fellow brewing buddy, Jeff, brought over a growler of Kolsch beer and a selection of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (Ellen’s Gourmet Ice Cream was closed). We drank an experimental IPA (The product of “Big Brew” day) with the ribs and it was a pretty good match.

After dinner we opened a fantastic bottle of Saison from a small garage brewery in Belgium. The Saison was made from Spelt, a variety of European wheat. The beer was bottle conditioned and had a champagne-like carbonation. It was a great palate cleanser for what was about to happen next. (more…)

I am sure most who attended Blues, Brews and BBQ during Festivall Charleston had a great time as I did. Good weather, great music and spending time with friends on the beautiful University of Charleston lawn — what more could you ask for?

How about a wider selection of good beer! (more…)