Buy a Pint, Honor a Vet....

I received this press release regarding a month long fund raiser at Scottsdale's Brat Haus, and Grand Canyon Brewing Co.
I'll just paste the release below....I'll make sure all the appropriate links are attached as well...

Thanks!

Brat Haus and Grand Canyon Brewing Team Up to Fundraise for WWII Honor Flights, One Pint at a Time!

Scottsdale, AZ (February 1, 2016)—This February, Brat Haus in Scottsdale is teaming

up with Grand Canyon Brewing Company in a month long fundraiser to benefit the Honor Flight Network—a charity organization that sends war veterans to Washington D.C. to visit memorials built to honor their service to the nation.

 

“It’s important for us to show our appreciation for the sacrifices these veterans have made,” Dave Andrea, owner of Brat Haus said. “Partnering with the Grand Canyon Brewing to benefit this charity gives me the opportunity to show my support to the men and women that fought for our country.”

 

During the entire month of February, Brat Haus will donate $1 to the Honor Flight Network for every pint of Grand Canyon beer sold at the restaurant. Grand Canyon Brewing Company, which is veteran owned and operated, plans to match every dollar raised by Brat Haus to benefit the charity.

 

“As a war veteran myself, I understand the importance of the Honor Flight Network,” said John Peasley, owner of Grand Canyon Brewing Company. “I know firsthand how much our military veterans deserve to be honored. I’m glad we can work together with Brat Haus to raise money for this fantastic opportunity.”

 

Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created to honor America’s veterans. Donations to the organization help transport veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials that recognize the sacrifices and accomplishments of soldiers who fought during WWII, The Korean War and The Vietnam War. For more information, visit: www.honorflight.org

 

 

About Brat Haus

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Brat Haus features Arizona's most welcoming beer garden with 28 craft beers on tap. The menu features made from scratch cuisine inspired by European food craftsmen, offering a wide variety of brats, burgers, salads and sides. The open air patio paired with delicious grub and genuine hospitality from friendly servers, makes Brat Haus the perfect Scottsdale spot for a casual lunch or dinner. Elevate your merriment by enjoying one of the patio games including bag toss, ping pong, darts and life-sized Jenga. The patio is also a dog friendly zone – so be sure to bring Fido along for the fun. Brat Haus is located at 3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 and is open on Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Visit Brat Haus online at www.brathausaz.com to view upcoming events and for the full in house and catering menus. Also, be sure to give us a “like” on social channels at www.facebook.com/brathausaz.

 

About The Grand Canyon Brewing Company

The Grand Canyon Brewing Company is located in historic downtown Williams, AZ at 233 W. Route 66. This family owned and operated microbrewery produces a dozen different specialty craft brews each year. While in the Williams, AZ area, patrons can enjoy Grand Canyon Brewing’s hand-crafted beer at the Cruisers Route 66 Café located next door to the brewery. For more information about the Grand Canyon Brewing Company, visit online at www.grandcanyonbrewery.com and be sure to “like” us in Facebook at www.facebook.com/grandcanyonbrewery.

Released today, Grand Canyon Brewing’s Winter Bourbon Barrel Brown!!!

We don't snow often in Arizona, but when we do, its
beautiful!!!!

Well, we are well into November, and in Arizona that means the weather is cooling off, with temperatures dropping into the high 70's! So break out your long sleeve t-shirts, maybe a pair of socks, and open a bottle Grand Canyon Brewing’s Winter Bourbon Barrel Brown, set to release today!!! In Arizona, we don't get to experience winter like most of the country, but this beer  is just one small way we can at least feel like it cold and snowy outside.

 

 

The 2014 batch is packed with the full body flavor of malt, bourbon and maple syrup. Plus, there’s an oak aged flavor bomb packed inside for an added depth of flavor. Winter Bourbon pairs well with beef dishes and rich cream sauces.

 

 

 

“We’re excited to bring Winter Bourbon back a bit earlier this year after successful first year launch in late 2013. This year’s batch has a stronger flavor profile and a smooth finish,” said Alexander Phillips, director of sales and brand ambassador.

 

Here is some of the "beer geek" info for you.....

 

Winter Bourbon Barrel Bomber Quick Facts

Style:   English Ale

Malt:   Brown Bairds & Maris Otter malt with maple syrup added at fermentation

Yeast: Blended Ale

ABV:   6%

Color: 18-20 SRM

IBU:      20

Availability: Kegs and bomber bottles, November-January

 

Winter Bourbon Barrel Bomber will be available at select craft beer bars across Arizona and Nevada including Cruisers 66 in Williams, Brass Tap, Papago Brewing, World of Beer Locations, Taste of Tops, Bourbon Jacks, Boulders on Broadway, The Hungry Monk, Whole Foods Chandler, GCM, City Wine & Spirits, Tap & Bottle, 1702, and more, while supplies last.

 

Until next time

Bottoms up my friends

 

The Beer Czar

The last Summer Beer Dinner at El Palacio!!

El Palacio, Chandler, AZ

Anyone that reads this blog frequently has no doubt heard me talk at length about the beer dinners at El Palacio. If you have attended any of them, you will probably understand why.
These dinners are fun, affordable, educational, and best of all, delicious! If you have never been to a beer dinner before, these are GREAT dinners to start out with. They offer up very good, but very approachable beers, paired with exceptionally prepared Mexican fare prepared by Chef Anthony, who, I must say, is great at getting flavors to work together with the beer!

Chef Anthony!

Well, the last of the Summer Beer Dinners is coming up in a few weeks, Aug 13th, at 7pm. The dinner will feature the beers of Grand Canyon Brewing Co, paired with "off menu" items prepared specifically for this event as well.

Here is a look at what you can expect at this dinner.....

1.  Melon and Arugula Salad with Agave Vinaigrette paired with American Pilsner

 

2.  Carnitas Pastor Mac & Cheese paired with Sunset Amber Ale

 

3.  Italian Albondiga with Picante Alfredo Sauce & Cauliflower puree paired with Black Iron IPA

 

4.  Churro Zeppole with Pumpkin Porter Sauce paired with Pumpkin Springs Porter (read more about Pumpkin Springs Porter here...)

 

There will be a rep there from Grand Canyon Brewing to discuss the beer you will be drinking, and Chef Anthony will be on hand to speak about the food. I have been to a number of these dinners, and always walk away extremely pleased, and I have no doubt you will as well!

 

Reservations are required to attend,  and can be made by calling 480-802-5770 or online by clicking here..

 

Again, the cost of the dinner is JUST $25 per person, and remember you get 4 courses, with 4

different beers, not a bad deal at all!

 

I will say, this dinner has a HUGE added bonus of having Mac & Cheese on the menu!!

 

El Palacio is located on at the Crossroads Town Center off the Gilbert and 202.

 

2950 E. Germann Road,

Chandler, AZ

480-802-5770

 

So please, make your reservations now, and I will see you there!!!!

 

Until next time

Bottoms up my friends!

 

The Beer Czar

Lastest Edition of Drinkinaz!

Hanger 24 launch party at The Commemorative Air Force Museum in Mesa, AZ

 

Just a quick note, and link, the latest episode of Drinkinaz is up, and it is staring yours truly, The Beer Czar. Listen in as I join your host George, Duncan and crew as we chat with Brett Haertl of      Hanger 24 as we discuss some of Hanger 24's line up, and roll out into Arizona.



I want to thank George and everyone at Drinkinaz for the opportunity to allow me to sit in, and act like I know what I am going! I look forward to doing it again real soon!

Stay tuned, as we also chatted with Alex and Bryan from Grand Canyon Brewing, as we sample their Shaggy Bock, talk about expansion and more future plans for one of Arizona's finest breweries! I will post that link as soon as it is up.

Here is a link the this episode on Drinkinaz
Find Drinkinaz on You Tube here.....
Podcast recorded at Taste of Tops, Tempe Az


Until next time
Bottoms up my friends!

The Beer Czar

SLIF Vol. XV

Can you believe it, its Friday already! And you know what that means, its time for another installment of SLIF. Exciting stuff here, so lets just get to it, shall we.......so here we go!

Arizona Wilderness boys, in Esquire Magazine?
Well, the props and coverage just keep coming for our friends over at Arizona Wilderness Brewery. Check it out, as they sit down with Jon and talk about where they've been, and how they got there. Also, some great pic's of the guys, and their beer, check it out here.....

The Beer Czar at.......Comicon?
Yeah, you read that correctly! I will be appearing at Comicon, along with my good friends at Maskerpiece Theatre! I will be taking part in a panel discussion on the first night of Comicon. Come check it out, it should be a ton of fun, and a great place to do some people watching! Check out the info here...



Drinkinaz Beer Podcast

There is a new podcast in Arizona for beer lovers. Its called Drinkinaz. George Lindbloom hosts the podcast, so listen in as he takes you through interviews, news, fun specials features and more. I was lucky enough to be invited to sit in and join George and his crew as we chatted about the craft beer buddle, and talked with the guys from Grand Canyon Brewing. We also got to chat with Brett Haertl, the rep. for one of the newest brewerys available here in Arizona, Hanger 24! Check out Drinkinaz's site here, to check out previous episodes, as well as other helpful information. I will be posting links to the episode I appeared on as soon as they are up!! Check them out!

Portable Kegs?
I normally like to feature a cool new product on SLIF. This week, I was made aware of this little gem. A friend informed me he has just ordered one, and should be arriving today! So, I haven't been able to review it yet, but the idea looks intriguing to say the least. Anyone tried one of these "tap it caps"? It basically turns your growler into a little mini keg of sorts. The idea seems like a no brainer. Check the site out here (they have other products as well). If you have use one of these in the past, please, let me know what you thought/think of it. I might just be ordering one soon.....product runs $45.



Speaking of Podcasts.....

Masked Blogster with The Beer Czar

I appeared on the latest installment of Maskerpiece Theatre this week. The episode just posted this morning, check it out here. Masked Blogster and I talk about the beer of the week, La Fin de Monde, other great summer beers; weird things we've seen in public bathrooms; Captain America, Winter Soldier, and Agents of Shield; and we discuss ideas just as brewing a beer live on air, and making a beer trip to New Mexico (and was able to slip in a shout out to my friends at Craft Brewed Clothing!)











So, there you have it folks, this weeks SLIF! So, grab your favorite beers, settle in, and get your weekend going right!

As always, have fun, but remember to be smart, and safe, be responsible.

Until next time
Bottoms up my friends!

The Beer Czar

S.L.I.F. Vol VII

Its back! 2014's first edition of SLIF!!! Its a short one, but still a good one I assure you. 2014 will see a lot of changes for us here at the Beer Czar, so stay tuned. Lots of fun things planned in the upcoming year, and I can't wait!!
So, without further ado my friends, lets jump into the weekend, beer in hand!



Bigfoot Fermenting in time lapse!

I make no secret, Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot Barleywine is one of my favorite beers, year after year. In fact, once I pic up a six pack of 2014's version, I will have a six pack from each of the last 6 years of this fine beer! That aside, check out this cool video of the 4 open air fermenters filled with this glorious beer!

Exit 6's epic response to a Cease and Desist letter.

It seems not a week goes by where we don't read about some big bully multimillion dollar corporation sending a Cease and Desist letter to some tiny, mom and pop brewery fear "damage" to their brand. Well, its Starbucks turn. They sent a Cease and Desist letter to tiny little Exit 6 Brewing in Saint Charles, MO (I had to look that up!). Well, the response from owner Jeff Britton is just classic. Its clever, funny, and hits on a few really good points, mainly how friggin stupid it was for Starbucks to worked up about it. All it did was help Exit 6 sales and exposure. Check out the back and forth here, its awesome......



Arizona Beer continues to grow, Grand Canyon Brewing is expanding....

In the last few years, we have seen massive growth in the Arizona beer community. Our big boys, both Four Peaks and San Tan both expanded their operations, now its little Grand Canyon Brewing's turn! They are moving into a 27,000 sq ft facility in Williams. At a cost of $2.7 million, they will increase their capacity to 40,000 bl system (the state limit) although, I would expect production to be below that for a while. You can read all about it here, in the HDE press release....





So there you have it! Lets head into the weekend, grab a beer, and enjoy your time, not that the holidays are behind us, and life is returning to some sort of normal.

Until next time
Bottoms up my friends!

The Beer Czar

Win an 8 day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon! Also, is it too early for pumpkin beer?? NO!

Grand Canyon brewing is doing it again, giving away a rafting trip down the might Colorado River, through the majestic Grand Canyon. Along with Grand Canyon Expeditions, Grand Canyon Brewing is going to offer 28 VERY lucky winners a trip of a lift time. 8 days, through 277 miles of some of the most amazing scenery mother earth has to offer! Its free to enter, and its so easy to do so, what do you need to do?

Fill out entry form at www.freerivertrip.com

Text “Rivertrip” to 82257

Fill out tear pad entry form at participating retail locations

Scan QR code on coasters at participating locations

Contest open September 1, 2013-July 1, 2014.

So, get your beer drinking/thrill seekin self to enter this contest. Seriously, this is a once in a life time trip, and costs nothing to enter. You have till July 1, 2014 to complete your entries. 

You can read all the details in the press release here....

Pumpkin Springs, Grand Canyon

One more tid bit from Grand Canyon Brewing, now available at fine beer retailers here in Arizona, and I am assuming Vegas  is their Pumpkin Springs Porter. Named after am amazing geologic feature located within the Grand Canyon, "Pumpkin Springs is a huge pumpkin shaped pond along the Colorado River, overflowing with merky hot springs water stained orange from trace minerals and arsenic".

I really like this pumpkin beer. I am not a fan of

the overly sweet pumpkin beers. Pumpkin beers can be broken up into two categories for me. Beers that taste like they have a ton of pumpkin pie filling in them, and those that taste like actual pumpkin. I am a fan of the latter. I don't really like the overly sweet pumpkin beers, I like them more understated and subtle  This was is somewhat sweet, but not overly so. Its smooth, and easy drinking. Aside from the pumpkin flavors, there is a caramel sweetness, and some fall spiciness that I just love in pumpkin beers. Although it was 110 the day I drank this beer, it made me anxious for cooler weather and family gathered around a table full of far more food then we could ever eat! Do yourself a favor, go grad a bottle or two of this fine, fall brew. Its never too early to enjoy a bit of autumn!

Until next time

Bottoms up my friends

The Beer Czar

Arizona Beer is expanding, outside of Arizona!!!!

Arizona has a rapidly expanding, and improving beer scene. Seems like hardly a week goes buy when I am not reading about a brewery in our state expanding, opening a new facility or pub, or both, or a brand new brewery opening its doors. Recently Chandler's own San Tan Brewing company expanded its production, and will almost triple its output! Their intent, to expand not only their reach within the state, but outside our boarders as well.

Surprising as it may seem, no brewery in Arizona offers its beers outside our state, and San Tan made mention of being the first in Arizona to do so.
Well, some good news bad news, San Tan will not be the first beer available in another state. The good news, Grand Canyon Brewing will be!

I will be honest, this does come as a bit of a shock to me. I would have thought the first to do this would have been San Tan, or Four Peaks. Grand Canyon Brewing is not the largest, or most well known Arizona Brewery, and one I am not all too familiar with. However, thanks to a quick visit to their pub on historic Rt 66 in Williams ( located about 40 miles west of Flagstaff), and tasting a few of their beers at various festivals, I have had a few of their brews, and think this brewery will be a fine representative of Arizona beer outside of our state.

Currently the brewery has established about 30 accounts in Clark County Nevada (home of Las Vegas) at such Vegas staples as Lee's Discount Liquors, Speedy Mart, and Whole Foods. There you will find their flagships, Sunset Amber, and American Pilsner, as well as Coffee Bean Stout, Hop Bomber IPA, and Shaggy Bock. They also plan on distributing some more of their seasonal offerings later this year.
The company plans future expansion to S California, New Mexico and Colorado as well, although no date for this is set yet.

Trust me, as someone that goes to Las Vegas quite a bit (we have family there) finding good beer isn't always easy (although getting easier), especially on the strip. It is there, but you really have to work to seek it out. This will give us one more option while there, and maybe give me a little taste of home as well!

If you ever get a chance to go to Williams ( where the Grand Canyon Rail Road leave from) by all means, check out their pub there, called Cruisers Cafe 66. Its friendly  and comfortable, and they offer up some pretty good food, and even finer Arizona craft brew!!




Grand Canyon Brewing is located at
233 W Route 66
Williams, AZ

check out their website here....
or check them out on Facebook

Until next time
Bottoms up my friends!
The Beer Czar

Win a Rafting Trip on in the Grand Canyon!

That could be you!

Grand Canyon Brewing is giving away a WEEK LONG rafting trip down the Grand Canyon! To enter, all you need to do is "like" their facebook page, and your in! Deadline is Feb 22nd. The winner of the rafting trip will have the opportunity to pick their trip (based on availability): either the 7-day or 8-day full canyon motorized tour during the 2013 season!! This is prize worth around $5,000! If you have ever had the opportunity to raft down the might Colorado, through one of this planets greatest wonders, you are among the luckiest people that inhabit it. I've never had the chance to raft it, but I have hiked down into it, and let me tell you, words can't do it justice. In fact, pictures can't really either. Its impossible to describe, or imagine the scale of the Canyon!

So, do yourself a favor, and enter this contest! Just go to their facebook page here... , and hit "like", BEFORE Feb 22nd. No purchase necessary, open to legal residents of the United States and DC who are 21 years of age and over.

Again, check out their facebook page here....
Also, check out their website here...
Read the entire press release here...

Seriously, thats not a painting folks!

Also, meet up with Grand Canyon Brewing at various Arizona Beer Week events such as the Arizona Strong Beer Festival and tastings at Boulders on Broadway, BevMo Tempe & Scottsdale and Total Wines at Scottsdale/Shea. (I will be posting more on Arizona Beer Week in the next few days)

So, good luck to you all! If you win, remember who told you about it, so why not take the Beer Czar along with you???

Until next time
Bottoms Up my friends!
The Beer Czar