It’s that time of year once again when we become more contemplative, looking back and evaluating everything from our accomplishments and failures and even our personal growth (sometimes more physically than spiritually, at least for me anyway…); but alas, this blog is about beer! So what was 2008 like for beer? Let’s pop the cork on a fine bottle of bubbly Belgian tripel, take a sip and look back in contemplation… (In no particular order, I give you “The Year in Beer”)

WV Legislature drops the ball on craft beer- The year started off with much hope that WV consumers would see a change in the current 1920’s era beer legislation. HB-2934 made it about half way through the house before being “tabled” for fear of election year backlash (From who???) Meanwhile wine flows freely through the WV hill and valleys.  

“Beers to You” goes to Belgium- Yours truly leads a group of ten thirsty beer travelers to Belgium for a week of sudsy fun, taking in three major beer events in one weekend! (See you in 2010!)

The first “Cicerones” get Certified- The new program offers many levels of “Beery” certification for professionals in the food and beverage industry. Certified Cicerones function similarly to Sommeliers, offering and serving the proper beer for the food or the occasion at hand. (more…)

It’s that time again. The time in West Virginia when nature’s bounty is harvested and appreciated; and we are once again thankful.

I am not a hunter, but fortunately I know many of them. My brother-in-law is always happy to share his catch of venison with me as I am someone who appreciates it. Venison is one of the most misunderstood and under rated game meats, mainly due to people’s experiences of eating gamey, tough steaks that some jack-leg hunter/chef prepared for them on his backyard grill. (AKA accidental deer jerky) (more…)

Shakespeare once asked “what’s in name?” A few nights ago I drank beer in Bogota. No, not the one in Columbia but Bogota, New Jersey (You gotta problem wit dat?). The place is called Andy’s Corner Bar which isn’t on a corner and is owned by a guy named George. (By the way, in Jersey-speak, the town is pronounced “Bug-oat-a.”) (more…)

If you happen to be traveling out of state before the holidays, maybe I can help you find something special for the beer-geek who thinks they’ve tasted everything.

As you should know by now, West Virginians are all but required to spend their hard earned beer money out of state, especially if they want to buy any of the countless world class beers that are considered illegal in this state. Thankfully many are available just over our border in the free states of Ohio and Kentucky.

What to buy? Personally I am a big fan of Belgian specialty ales as most are packaged in corked 750ml bottles, which makes them especially nice to give as gifts instead of clunky six-packs. This is one area where something from the wine world can be useful. Most wine shops or any store that sells gift wrapping will also sell very decorative gift bags designed for wine bottles, but  beer-filled 750’s will fill the bag just as well.  The beer inside the bottle is also usually very good (it’s a Belgian thing).

Where to Buy? The answer is simple. Just about anywhere outside of West Virginia. Yeah, I know that you have seen a beer called “Witches Brew” sitting on the shelf at some local beer stores for nearly twenty bucks a bottle. We should really boycott such beer and not cave in for convenience (Click for details). So in good old fashioned Soviet Style, erase that one from your history books as it doesn’t exist. (Readers are encouraged to post their favorite beer store in the comments section)

The closest place to buy contraband beer is just 10 minutes drive from downtown Huntington over in South Point, Ohio. The place is called Leo’s. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the beer on the inside makes up for it. (Click here for a map)

There are a few shops in the Marietta Ohio area right on First Avenue; scattered around in the antique district. While you’re there, be sure to stop in and see Kelly Sauber at Marietta Brewing Company (He is the guy in the rubber boots). Kelly’s beers are good, so you should try one and maybe even buy a growler to-go. Ashland Beverage in Ashland Kentucky usually has a few good beers mixed in with a wide range of macro products. (more…)

“There’s really no beer like it because it uses 100 percent barley. Our top seller is the Black Label brand, using additional ingredients such as rice. This one doesn’t, and is really a special beer,” Junichi Ichikawa, managing directory for strategy at Sapporo breweries, told a news conference on Tuesday.

Mr. Ichikawa was referring to a beer that was made with barley which had been cultivated on the International Space Station. He obviously knows little about any other beer than his company’s rice laden swill. There are countless brands and styles of beer that are made with 100% barley, beer that’s not made with 100% barley is the exception and not the rule! Ingredients like rice and corn are called “adjuncts” and are generally considered a cheap “filler” type ingredient. Adjuncts allow beers like Bud, Coors and obviously Sapporo deliver a full beer’s worth of alcohol with about half of the flavor. Yum?

Click on the link for the full story.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28014682/?gt1=43001