This Week's Brews News - November 14, 2007 -- Beer Info

Utopias beer creates rival for ports(Nov. 14) - New York Times - Jim Koch's Samuel Adams Utopias raises the bar on beer brewing. The limited edition beer, first introduced in 2002, is billed as an after-dinner drink meant to rival "the finest cognacs and ports." Complete Story

Love of Chocolate May Have Begun With Cacao Beer(Nov. 14) - New York Times - The ancient peoples of Mexico and Central America loved to drink chocolate. But their beverage was nothing like the modern one — it was a frothy, bitter brew of fermented, roasted and ground cacao seeds, often spiced with chile peppers, more like mole poblano than Swiss Miss. Complete Story

Top Ten Christmas Beers

" Santa's Private Reserve"

Kiwi champ chills beer in seconds for summer(Nov. 13) - New York Times - A GADGET that can chill a warm can of beer in seconds has been invented just in time for summer. New Zealand student Kent Hodgson came up with the device after being confronted with the problem of tepid beer at a barbecue this year. Complete Story

Drink Up: Rogue Chocolate Stout(Nov. 12) - Seattle - Mmmm ... chocolate. If you can appreciate both a good stout and a good piece of chocolate, you should love the beer from Rogue Brewing in Oregon. Originally released in the U.S. market on Valentine's Day in 2001, this beer has found a home in the mouths of chocolate lovers everywhere. Complete Story

Abita Brewery Co. has expansion on tap(Nov. 12) - Lousianna - Eight tanks were delivered to Abita Brewery Co. Tuesday as part of an expansion project that will include new offices, additional warehouse and brewhouse capacity and a beer garden and tasting facility. Complete Story

New Belgium Brewing's Cycling Circus 'Tour de Fat' Breaks Records(Nov. 12) - Lousianna - New Belgium Brewing's cycling circus "Tour de Fat" pedaled its way to a record-breaking tour in 2007, hitting 12 cities in the west and southwest. More than 12,000 riders dressed themselves and their bikes in outlandish costumes to raise awareness for the two-wheeled lifestyle and to raise funds for non-profit organizations. Complete Story

Spring House Brewing Openning in Conestoga(Nov. 11) - Pennsylvannia - After five years of planning, the Conestoga resident will open a micro-brewery in about two weeks. Spring House Brewing Co., in a renovated tobacco barn on his 2519 Main St. property, will begin by making his proprietary Seven Gates Pale Ale. Complete Story

Beer cheaper than water (Nov. 10) - Australia - BRITISH supermarkets are selling beer at prices cheaper than water and soft drinks, with cans sold for as little as $50 cents. Complete Story

Get ready to cry in your craft beer(Nov. 10) - Georgia - Ed Annette of Habersham Beverage Warehouse has been selling craft beer by the single bottle, by the six-pack, by the case and by the keg, but he's concerned that segment of his business may soon experience a slowdown. Complete Story

Top Ten Christmas Beers

1. Rogue's Santa's Private Reserve
2. Samichlaus
3. Anderson Valley Winter Solstice
4. Pyramid Snow Cap
5. Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome
6. Sierra Nevada Celebration
7. Great Divide Hibernation Ale
8. Sweetwater Festive Ale
9. Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
10. Hair of the Dog Doggie Claws

For more details and a complete list of Christmas Beers - Click Here

Beer Festivals

Vancouver's Hopscotch - Vancouver, BC - November 12-17
Beverage tasting at the Grand Tasting Hall; brewmaster dinners, brewery tours, and barbecues at other event venues. Last year's event sold out.

Beach Barley Bash - Virginia Beach, VA - November 16
Tasting event featuring a variety of microbrewed beers and food from the area's top restaurants.

Great Brews of America Classic Beer Festival - Lake Harmony, PA - November 17-18
Fifty classic and microbrewed American beers, musical entertainment on three different stages; crafts and artwork on exhibition and for sale; food purveyors; seminars on beer-related topics; Beer and Food Matching Dinner Saturday evening.

Holiday Ale Festival - Portland, OR - November 29-December 2
More than three dozen winter craft beers, some created especially for the festival, others not available on the general market; venue is clear, heated tent; food, beer merchandise, mead sampling, and seasonal music; Brewers Brunch on Sunday.

Strong Ale Festival - Carlsbad, CA - November 30-December 1

More than 60 beers, all with 8% ABV and higher; new this year: afternoon VIP Friday afternoon. Tickets go on sale October 1.