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How Old-School Homebrew Clubs Ignited the Craft Beer Revolution
California’s Maltose Falcons and Connecticut’s Underground Brewers are significant pillars in the rise of the American craft beer movement. Established 51 years ago, the Maltose Falcons are recognized as the nation’s oldest homebrewing club, formed in a time when homebrewing was illegal but tolerated. Meanwhile, only one craft brewery, Anchor Brewing in San Francisco, stood as a beacon in the craft landscape.
This original club, along with other homebrewing groups like the Underground Brewers, played a crucial role in advocating for the legalization of homebrewing, which they pursued vigorously in the late 1970s. Drew Beechum, the Maltose Falcons’ grand hydrometer, emphasizes that without their lobbying efforts, the craft beer industry would likely not have flourished as it has.
The Underground Brewers, celebrating their 50th anniversary, have roots in a homebrew supply store founded by Pat Baker and Nancy Crosby, which evolved into a major supplier for craft brewers. Their efforts in forming the Home Beer and Wine Trade Association were critical in changing federal laws.
A legacy of both clubs is the number of members who transitioned from homebrewers to professional brewers. Notable members include Paul Camusi of Sierra Nevada Brewing and Skip Virgilio of AleSmith Brewing. Similarly, Underground Brewer members have established their own breweries across Connecticut.
Both clubs also maintain a culture of education and community at their meetings, often featuring topics like brewing techniques and styles. They foster not just brewing skills but also camaraderie among members through gatherings that sometimes involve tasting sessions and social events.
The Maltose Falcons meet monthly, combining educational discussions with tastings of homebrewed creations. Members exchange recipes, provide feedback, and organize seasonal festivals that feature food and fun.
The Underground Brewers operate similarly, holding formal judging meetings and social events throughout the year. Their gatherings also explore broader topics in brewing, such as techniques in crafting specific types of beers.
The experience of club members highlights the profound impact of homebrewing on the craft beer revolution. Tiffany Ashrafi, the current president of the Maltose Falcons, recalls her journey from helping her parents with brewing at a young age to experiencing firsthand the surge in craft beer quality compared to store-bought options. Her involvement crystallized her understanding of the community’s significant role in the craft beer industry.
Beechum reflects on the extraordinary growth of craft beer, marveling at how homebrewers, often characterized by their casual nature and passion for brewing, have sustained the momentum of this cultural phenomenon. For many, this hobby is not just about brewing; it opens doors to new friendships and experiences, marking a vibrant chapter in America’s beer history.
Beat the Heat: The Best Frozen Cocktails to Cool Down This Summer in NJ!
Summer in New Jersey brings the heat, and what better way to cool off than with a delicious frozen cocktail? Here’s a guide to some of the top spots across the state where you can indulge in refreshing frozen drinks.
Rumba Cubana – Jersey City
Located at 235 Pavonia Ave, Rumba Cubana is renowned for its Cuban-style frozen cocktails. Their signature drink, the frozen daiquiri, features a burst of fresh fruit and rum. The establishment is frequently highlighted as one of the top places for frozen drinks in Jersey City.
Pier 13 – Hoboken
At 1301 Sinatra Dr N, Pier 13 is a stunning waterfront destination offering a variety of frozen cocktails, including the Pain Killer, Strawberry Daiquiri, and Frozen Marg. This spot is perfect for enjoying a drink while taking in views of the Hudson River.
The Archer – Jersey City
The Archer at 176 Newark Ave serves up "road iceys," a selection of frozen takeaway cocktails. Standout offerings include frozen palomas and negronis, as well as other creative blends like Missionary’s Downfall and Fearless Flyer.
Martell’s Tiki Bar – Point Pleasant Beach
This beachfront tiki bar, located at 308 Boardwalk, boasts a lively atmosphere ideal for summer revelry. Their Caribbean Colada and famous Tequila Sunrise, made with fresh-squeezed orange juice, are must-try options.
Palm Grill and Tiki Bar – Beach Haven
With panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from 10 S Atlantic Ave, Palm Grill serves unique concoctions like frose and a jalapeno margarita, perfect for sipping on a sunny day.
Wet Willie’s – Atlantic City
This fun locale at 1133 Boardwalk #1a specializes in frozen drinks from their renowned machines. The menu includes goodies like White Russians and the Naked Willie, ensuring a lively experience by the beach.
Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grill – Cape May
Located at 1025 Beach Ave, Harry’s is the only oceanfront rooftop bar in Cape May. Known for its Miami Vice, which combines pina colada and strawberry daiquiri, it’s a top choice for enjoying summer drinks.
McCloone’s Pier House – Long Branch
Next to the beach at 1 Ocean Ave N, McCloone’s offers a rotating “Frozen Cocktail of the Day,” alongside a reliable favorite, Frosé, perfect for hot summer days.
Star Beach Bar – Wildwood Crest
At 402 E Rochester Ave, Star Beach Bar is a lively spot for frozen cocktails like Lava Flow and Watermelon Crush, catering to locals and tourists alike.
Asbury Ale House – Asbury Park
Known for its fun vibe at 531 Cookman Ave, Asbury Ale House serves creative frozen cocktails such as Frozen Aperol Spritz and Coco Colada, making it a vibrant stop during summer outings.
Judy and Harry’s – Asbury Park
This unique location features a giant vodka martini known as The Judy, perfect for sharing. It can also be ordered as a “BFM” (big f—ing martini), making it a fun and memorable choice.
Urie’s Waterfront – Wildwood
Situated at 588 W. Rio Grande Ave, Urie’s offers fun frozen drinks like the strawberry shortcake cocktail and Dirty Banana, perfect for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Explore these fantastic locations to enjoy the coolest frozen cocktails this summer in New Jersey!
Discover the Refreshing Low-Alcohol Cocktail Options at Arbor: Your Guide to a Sober Summer Escape
As summer unfolds, the excitement of social events and lively gatherings can take a toll on even the most enthusiastic party-goers. After a string of events filled with strong cocktails, I’ve found myself turning towards the refreshing idea of low-alcohol drinks.
Cocktails with a reduced alcohol by volume (ABV) are gaining traction worldwide, particularly among younger generations seeking flavorful yet less potent options. A 2023 survey highlighted that fewer adults aged 18-34 are consuming alcohol compared to previous generations, indicating a shift towards moderation in drinking habits.
Curious to explore this trend, I visited Arbor in Hayes Valley, which recently launched a low-ABV cocktail menu perfect for summer sipping. Arbor is a personal favorite, known for its delicious food and enchanting patio. The venue boasts a serene atmosphere with twinkling lights and lush greenery, offering a lovely escape from the urban hustle.
Under the guidance of Daniel Torres, the general manager, I discovered the three new low-ABV cocktails. He noted the shift in drinking culture, stating that younger people are consuming alcohol differently than before.
The first cocktail I learned to make was the Bicicletta, inspired by an Italian classic. This drink is intended for casual sipping, featuring French Sauvignon Blanc and Aperol. Torres shared that the original Bicicletta was created for those who wished to enjoy a drink without the struggle of cycling home after too many.
Next was the Strawberry Cobbler, a cocktail designed to revive sherry’s popularity. Torres mixed Amontillado sherry with a homemade strawberry and balsamic syrup, serving it over crushed ice and garnishing it with fresh basil. This cocktail quickly became my favorite, with the sherry adding depth and spice, harmonizing beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries.
The final cocktail was an Adonis, combining Bodegas Hidalgo Amontillado and Cinzano Rosso vermouth, along with orange bitters. While not my personal favorite, I appreciated its familiar flavor profile in a lighter form, allowing for enjoyable sipping without the heft of a typical old-fashioned.
Torres is also experimenting with other low-ABV variations, hinting at future cocktails like cucumber gimlets. As I savored my Strawberry Cobbler on the sunlit patio, it was clear that Arbor’s new offerings cater perfectly to those of us looking for delightful yet easygoing drink options this summer.
Unicorn Auctions Expands Collector Offerings with Acquisition of ‘The New Wine Review’ and Launch of ‘The Unicorn Review’
Unicorn Auctions Expands Platform with Acquisition of The New Wine Review
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its presence in the wine and spirits sector, Unicorn Auctions has acquired The New Wine Review, a respected independent digital publication. Known for its insightful editorial focus on wine and whiskey collectors, the brand will now be rebranded as The Unicorn Review, signaling a broader scope of content and richer offerings for enthusiasts.
“The New Wine Review has fostered a dedicated audience of discerning collectors who prioritize quality, history, and taste,” said Phil Mikhaylov, CEO of Unicorn Auctions. “We are not just continuing its legacy, but rather expanding upon it. With the launch of The Unicorn Review, we are committed to making education, storytelling, and in-depth collecting knowledge freely accessible.”
The Unicorn Review will serve both novice and seasoned collectors, featuring diverse content such as bottle highlights, market insights, trend analysis, and interviews with industry experts. This initiative will help demystify the evolving wine and spirits landscape, covering topics from newly emerging brands to collection management techniques.
Backed by Unicorn’s comprehensive database of secondary market transactions—which houses millions of bids and insights into collector behavior—the new platform will leverage this data to deliver valuable trends, guides, and narratives about both established and emerging producers.
By launching The Unicorn Review, Unicorn Auctions is taking a significant step toward creating a transparent and engaging environment for wine and spirits enthusiasts, with new articles expected weekly alongside a newsletter for collectors.
For more details, visit The Unicorn Review.
Elijah Craig: The Iconic Father of Bourbon and His Whiskey Legacy
In this article focusing on Elijah Craig, we delve into the life of a man widely regarded as the “father of bourbon.” Born around 1743 in Virginia, Craig emerged during a period of great religious revival known as the First Great Awakening. He became a Baptist preacher, driven by a fervent faith, but his journey was marked by conflict, including imprisonment for preaching without a license, reflective of the struggles faced by dissenting Baptists in colonial times.
Craig’s pioneering spirit led him to the western frontier in 1775 as part of the Great Migration. He settled near Elkhorn Creek in Kentucky, where he laid the foundations of what would become Georgetown. His contributions included establishing Rittenhouse Academy, one of the first classical schools west of the Alleghenies, and developing various industries, vastly enhancing the local economy.
Among his many roles, Craig took up whiskey distillation, an inevitable venture for settlers in a region abundant with corn. In 1798, records indicate he produced about 2,000 gallons of whiskey, which led him to pay significant federal excise taxes. Importantly, he is credited with the practice of aging whiskey in charred oak barrels, a method that transformed raw whiskey into the smoother, more palatable bourbon that is recognized today. This innovation not only defined bourbon but also set it apart in the world of distillation.
Craig’s distillery became one of the premier producers in Kentucky during his lifetime. His death in 1808 did not diminish his legacy; instead, it grew, with his name becoming synonymous with quality bourbon. The story of Elijah Craig invites us to appreciate bourbon not just for its taste but for the history intertwined with its creation.
Today, Heaven Hill Distillery honors Craig’s contributions through its Elijah Craig Bourbon brand, which has played a significant role in reviving and promoting premium bourbon. Craig’s life embodies the values of dedication, innovative spirit, and community responsibility, ensuring that he remains a celebrated figure in American whiskey history.
As we explore the Icons of Whiskey, Elijah Craig represents the melding of faith, resilience, and craft, illuminating the rich narrative behind America’s beloved spirit. When raising a glass of Elijah Craig Small Batch, we not only savor its flavor but also pay homage to a man whose influence continues to shape the world of bourbon.
Sip and Savor: Red, Wine & Brew in Mentor Hosts Exclusive Wine Tastings
Red, Wine & Brew in Mentor is gearing up for two exciting wine tastings that promise to elevate your palate. On July 16, attendees will have the chance to sample a selection of wines from Oregon’s A to Z Wineworks, known for its commitment to sustainability and quality. The tasting will feature their Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Rosé, and Pinot Noir from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $20 and can be purchased at the store located at 9620 Old Johnnycake Ridge Road or online at bit.ly/rwb-oregontasting-25. This ticket also grants a 15% discount on food purchases that evening.
Following this, on July 30, there will be a tasting event showcasing wines from the St. Helena, California-based Duckhorn Vineyard. This session, running from 6 to 8 p.m., will highlight limited offerings such as Migration Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, Migration Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, Paraduxx Red Blend, Canvasback Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, and Postmark Cabernet Sauvignon. Once these wines run out, they will no longer be available for purchase.
For those who make dinner reservations alongside ticket purchases, a food discount will be available. Additionally, visitors can experience new beers from Allagash Brewing, featuring their Allagash White, Allagash Tripel, and Allagash Surf House on tap.
For more information, you can visit Red, Wine & Brew or call 440-210-0024.
How Long Can an Open Bottle of Wine Last? Expert Insights Revealed!
An open bottle of wine doesn’t last forever, but with proper storage, you can extend its lifespan significantly. Whether you’re pouring a glass of red, white, or sparkling wine, the way you store it is crucial for retaining its quality.
Wine educator Rachel Thralls emphasizes that proper storage techniques can help preserve an opened bottle for a few days to even a week, depending on the type of wine.
How Long Does Open Wine Last?
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Red Wine:
- Lifespan: 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Storage Tip: Keep it in a cool, dark place with a cork or in the refrigerator. Red wines with higher tannins and acidity, like Cabernet Sauvignon, tend to last longer than light reds, like Pinot Noir. Take the bottle out about 10 minutes before serving to bring it back to room temperature.
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Full-Bodied White Wine:
- Lifespan: 2-3 days in the fridge.
- Storage Tip: Oaked varieties like Chardonnay are more prone to oxidization, so keep them corked in the refrigerator.
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Sparkling Wine:
- Lifespan: 1-3 days in the fridge.
- Storage Tip: They lose carbonation quickly after opening. Using a sparkling wine stopper can help retain bubbles for longer.
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Light White, Sweet White, and Rosé Wines:
- Lifespan: 4-5 days in the fridge.
- Storage Tip: These wines can stay drinkable for several days if stored with a cork in the refrigerator.
General Storage Tips
- Invest in a Wine Preserver: Tools like vacuum pumps can help remove air from the bottle, preserving the wine for an extended period.
- Keep It Cold: Refrigeration slows down the wine’s development and keeps it fresh. An ideal temperature is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Avoid Sunlight and Heat: Direct sunlight can ruin the flavors and aromas of wine, so store it in a dark place.
Ideal Serving Temperatures
- Champagne and Sparkling Wines: 40-45°F
- Light Whites and Rosés: 45-50°F
- Full-Bodied Whites: 48-56°F
- Medium-Bodied Reds: About 55°F
- Full-Bodied Reds: 59-68°F
Storing wine properly ensures you enjoy every drop without worrying about it spoiling too quickly. Whether it’s a weeknight glass or a special occasion bottle, these tips will help respect the wine’s character and enhance your drinking experience.
‘King of the Hill’ Beer: A Beloved Brewery Brings Iconic Brew to Life!
Ahead of the much-anticipated season 14 revival of King of the Hill on Hulu, a brewery in San Antonio, Texas, is making the show’s fictional "Alamo" beer a reality. Alamo Beer Co. has partnered with Hulu to create this brew, intended for release before the premiere on August 4.
Previously, only the show’s iconic characters—Hank, Dale, Bill, and Boomhauer—could enjoy the fictional beer on-screen. Now, fans will have the opportunity to taste it for themselves, especially those living in Texas where it will debut first.
Eugene Simor, the founder of Alamo Beer Co., confirmed the beer’s development, stating, "It’s real…We’re just trying to finalize when the actual date will be for release." Those who attended a sneak peek of the revival at the ATX TV Festival in May were fortunate enough to sample the "easily chuggable" beer.
The new Alamo beer is set to hit store shelves in July or August, allowing fans a chance to enjoy it just before the revival of the show. The upcoming season promises to follow the Hill family years after we last saw them, with Hank and Peggy now retired and navigating a transformed Arlen, while their son Bobby, now 21, experiences life as a chef in Dallas.
For more details, check out the original article from the Express-News. King of the Hill‘s season 14 revival will stream on Hulu starting August 4.
Sip and Savor: Your Guide to Wine and Whiskey Tasting in Williamsburg This Weekend
Williamsburg is set to host its annual Whiskey & Wine Weekend from Friday through Sunday, featuring various events that celebrate local distilleries and wineries. Attendees can look forward to tastings, live music, and much more across different venues throughout the city.
This vibrant weekend is an opportunity for food and drink enthusiasts to come together and indulge in the rich offerings of Williamsburg’s beverage scene. Copper Fox Distillery is one of the highlighted businesses, showcasing artisanal whiskey and inviting visitors to explore their facilities and taste their products.
The event promises to be a perfect blend of flavors and experiences for residents and visitors alike, positioning Williamsburg as a noteworthy destination for whiskey and wine lovers.
Colin Jost Surprises Staten Island Locals with Free Beer for Blue Moon Campaign
“Saturday Night Live” star Colin Jost is embracing a new partnership with Blue Moon, the beer brand that has made him its first celebrity ambassador. To kick off the campaign titled "Nothing Outshines a Blue Moon," Jost is giving back to his Staten Island community by offering free beers at his favorite local bars.
On June 24, adults 21 and over can get one complimentary Blue Moon beer at Jody’s Club Forest and O’Neill’s Restaurant & Bar from 6 p.m., and at The Kettle Black starting at 7 p.m. The events are subject to availability, and attendees may even have the chance to see Jost make a surprise appearance.
In addition to the giveaways, Jost has co-written and stars in two new commercials for the brand. One spot, “Orange & Son,” features him having a conversation with animated oranges regarding the beer’s signature orange slice, while the other, “Zoom In,” uses humor to focus on the beer as the camera nearly crops out Jost himself.
This partnership highlights Blue Moon’s “Made Brighter” initiative, which aims to differentiate the beer in a competitive summer beverage market. Jost, a Staten Island native who has been part of "SNL" since 2005 and co-host of the "Weekend Update" since 2014, is excited about this new role representing a brand he enjoys.