Best of Baltimore Beer Week: Brent's Picks

Here we are at that magical time of year once again.  Homeowners scramble to stock up on candy to distribute to the masses of goblins and princesses soon to be knocking on their front door.  Legendary baseball games are being played nightly and having a major impact on workplace productivity the next day.  And the humidity that blankets the Mid-Atlantic region is quickly getting pushed away as our old friend, cold air, slowly creeps further south on a weekly basis.  These are signs that the fall season is here and what better way to bring in fall than by "celebrating all things beer in the Land of Pleasant Living."  Bring on Baltimore Beer Week!!!

I'll be honest, even as a local homebrewer and member of the beer community here in Baltimore, on the surface Baltimore Beer Week can be quite intimidating.  By quickly browsing the Baltimore Beer Week, you will soon find that there are an astounding 396 (as of this blog being written) events to choose from over a 10-day period.  Even for the seasoned beer geek, the number of events can be somewhat overwhelming.  I can't even imagine what it would be like for someone who is new to craft beer or homebrewing trying to choose which events to attend.  That is where I come in.  Having participated in many of the events at past Baltimore Beer Weeks, I figured I'd try my best at breaking down the best of the best in an effort to try and assist you through this marathon week of beer drinking.  Before I get down to my picks, I want to make sure you understand a few things.  

1)  This list is strictly based on events I have attended in the past and had an exceptional time at.  That does not mean events not listed here aren't worth attending.  In fact, you are very likely to have just a good a time at any of the other events that aren't listed here but that are part of Baltimore Beer Week. 

2)  I encourage even those who are not beer geeks or homebrewers to attend these events, ask questions of the people running the events or those sitting next to you.  Baltimore's beer scene is chock full of some of the nicest people I have ever met.  They love their beer, but also love to talk about beer.  So strike up a conversation with people attending these events.  You might just learn something, or better yet, find people who have a lot of the same interests that you do.  

3)  Most importantly, there are a lot of great beers, some of which contain a high amount of alcohol.  Please, please, PLEASE make sure you have a safe, sober ride home from any of these events.  This is a celebration of beer, the breweries, drinking establishments and other business that support our wonderful beer scene here in Baltimore.  One alcohol related accident, injury, or fatality could ruin something great for a lot of people.  Please be mindful in making sure you have a safe way home when attending these events.  

Okay and here you go....my list of the top events to go to (in chronological order):

The Chesapeake Real Ale Festival - Saturday, October 20th

Why you should go:  This event is always nothing short of epic and I'm glad to see they are having the best beer fest event of Baltimore Beer Week right up front.  Long story short, the number of cask conditioned beers available at this event is unseen here in the United States.  We are fortunate to have it right here in Baltimore at the Pratt Street Alehouse.  Couple the amazing, super rare beers with excellent music and people, and you have a recipe for a great afternoon.  

Price:  $40 in Advance/$50 at the Door/$60 VIP

For more information:  http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com/events/show/the_chesapeake_real_ale_festival1

Stillwater Day - Sunday, October 21st

Why you should go:  Stillwater Artisanal Ales brewmaster, Brian Strumke is one of the best new brewers on the international craft beer scene.  Max's will have pretty much every beer that Brian has crafted available to consume, plus a special bottle release of the "Now and Then Project - Cellar Door" will be available to purchase at 10am.  This dry hopped ale aged in french oak barrels and conditioned with brett is a very rare beer limited to 100 sets (so if you want one, get in line early).  One bottle is meant to be consumed now and the other is meant to be consumed in 6 months to 1 year later to observe the transformation from up-front hop aroma to the added complexity developed by the wild yeast.

Price:  Free to enter, pay as you go.

For more information:  http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com/events/show/stillwater_day

Women of Homebrew Unite! - Sunday, October 21st

Why you should go:  This was a surprise hit last year.  It was foolish of me, but I didn't realize how many women brewers we had here in the Baltimore area.  Not only were there 20 or so women brewers serving up their beer, but there were some damn fine beers here.  At the cost of a $5 donation to the Maryland Women's Law Center, you get entry to the event and a cup to sample all the great homebrewed beers on hand.  I'll definitely be on hand for this event.  Judging starts at noon and to ensure you get some of the yumminess, I'd highly recommend getting there early because at $5, this event is a steal!!!

Price:  $5 donation

For more information:  http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com/events/show/women_of_homebrew_unite

Pumpkinfest - Monday, October 22nd

Why you should go:  24 pumpkin beers on draft from breweries like Heavy Seas, Flying Dog, Dogfish, Weyerbacher, Southern Tier, Uinta, RJ Rockers, and my personal favorite from this list Elysian?  Um please save me a seat!!!

Price:  Pay as you go

For more information:  http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com/events/show/pumpkinfest1

Maryland Homebrew Beer Dinner - Tuesday, October 23rd

Why you should go:  T-Bonz Grille and Pub, Maryland Homebrew, and the Cross Street Irregulars Homebrew Club have gotten together for their 2nd annual homebrew dinner.  Several courses of food will be paired with 5 beers brewed by the top homebrewers in the CSI Homebrew Club.  I went last year and loved it (not just because I am the president of CSI, but because the beers and food were amazing!!).  I think you would love it too.  Compared to the price of some of the other beer dinners associated with Baltimore Beer Week, this one is more reasonably priced.  

Price:  $50 for general public or $45 for members of T-Bonz beer club.  Note:  If you want to go, purchase tickets now as seating is limited.

For more information:  http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com/events/show/maryland_homebrew_beer_dinner

Homebrew Extravaganza Benefiting BARCS - Wednesday, October 24th

Why you should go:  This event is in its third year and it remains one of the most epic events of Baltimore Beer Week.  There is going to be tons of amazing homebrew here.  The entry fees paid go to a great organization, BARCS.  And the event is just a lot of fun.  Since it has been so popular, it has grown from taking over one corner in Little Havana to pretty much taking up the whole restaurant.  This year will be the greatest year yet and I can't wait to try all the awesome homebrews being served at this event.  At $10 to enter, this event is a steal!!!

Price:  $10 donation to BARCS

For more information:  http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com/events/show/3rd_annual_homebrew_extravaganza

Baltimore Beer: A Satisfying History of Charm City Brewing - Thursday, October 25th

Why you should go:  Baltimore has a real legend in Rob Kasper.  A long time writer for the Baltimore Sun, Rob has recently authored a book called Baltimore Beer: A Satisfying History of Charm City Brewing refreshing account of the history of brewing in Baltimore, from ancient craft brewers in the 18th century,through the beer wars of the Victorian era, to mass production in the 20th century, then back to craft brewers in the 21st.  He attended a CSI meeting and gave a great talk on his book and shared some really interesting stories about brewing in Baltimore.  I highly recommend going to this event and hearing him speak.  Even pick up a book and have him sign it.  I have a copy and it is great reading!!!

Price:  Free

For more information:  http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com/events/show/baltimore_beer_a_satisfying_history_of_charm_city_brewing


Charitably Charmin’ ChiliBrew VI - Friday, October 26th

Why you should go:  My friends in BaltiBrew put on an excellent chili and homebrew competition every spring and fall.  The homebrewed beer is amazing and the chili serves as a perfect pairing item.  $15 gets in you as a tasting judge.  That will get you a ballot to vote on any or all of the competitions (chili con carne, veggie chili, and homebrew, though you must be 21 or older for homebrew of course).  It's a fun time with some great people.  Previous installments have each drawn about 30+ entries and 200+ enthusiastic judges, so it's a great time!  The $15 donation goes to benefit the Baltimore Rock Opera Society, the Indypendent Reader, and Whitelock Community Farm.  It always feels good to drink beer and eat chili for a great cause!

Price:  $15 donation

For more information:  http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com/events/show/chilibrew_vi


Beer Taps and Homebrew:  Made in Baltimore - Saturday, October 27th

Why you should go: Come meet me!!!  I'll be conducting a homebrew demonstration at this event on behalf of the Cross Street Irregulars Homebrew Club and serving up some awesome homebrew in the process.  All while the master beer tap handle makers at Mark Supik and Company do their thing, hand crafting some amazing beer tap handles.  While you are there, be sure to stop by the Beer Tap Handle Museum and check out all the awesome beer tap handles that were created by Mark and his staff over the years.

Price:  Free

For more information:  http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com/events/show/beer_taps_and_homebrew_made_in_baltimore


A Bar on Every Corner II - Historical Walking Pub Tour

Me chillin with a beer on top of the Natty Boh building

Why you should go:  How else could you ever enjoy a frosty cold one while standing on the roof of the Natty Boh building?  Yup that is what we got to do last year on this tour.  It was awesome!!  We stumbled around Brewers Hill and Canton for several hours, going bar to bar, drinking beer and having a blast.  This year's format is a little different in that it will be more laid back and hitting less bars, but it should be just as much fun.  The highlight is definitely the view of Baltimore from the top of the Natty Boh building.  We have a beautiful city here and I've never seen it more beautiful than last year as I stood on top of the Natty Boh building with a beer in hand.  How else would you ever get this opportunity?  This is a must attend event!!!

Price:  $40 and is limited to the first 50 people.

For more information:  http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com/events/show/a_bar_on_every_corner_ii


The bottom line, a lot of hard work goes into making Baltimore Beer Week 10 of the greatest days of the year here in Baltimore.  Get out there.  Support this event and the businesses and people that make Baltimore one of the greatest beer drinking cities in the world.  Cheers!!!

hocofood@@@

Baseball with the Babe (the Avery variety, not Ruth)

Although I'm old, this is not
a picture of my Dad teaching
me about baseball.

In the United States, one of the greatest traditions handed down from fathers to their children is the love and understanding of baseball.  You can see it first hand on Little League fields and in parks around the country.  The crack of the bat.  The ball smacking a leather glove.  A father down on one knee giving his child a pep talk.  It's a portrait of life in America that has withstood the test of time.  It's almost like a modern day Norman Rockwell painting.  

Now you can call me a sap, but to me there is something absolutely special about a father taking his son or daughter to the backyard to teach the how to catch a baseball or on their first trip to see a Major or Minor League team plan.  Although teaching about baseball takes some patience from both participants, the memories will last both father and child a lifetime.  I can tell you first hand that playing catch with my Dad and brother are memories that have and will last me a lifetime.  I'd be willing to bet that most of you reading this post have those same memories.  

So when the wife told me that I was going to be a Dad, one of the first things that went through my mind was Orioles Opening Day.  Those who know me well know I love baseball more than just about everything.  Believe it or not, if given a choice between free tickets to a baseball game or a free case of beer, I'd go with the baseball tickets every single time.  I LOVE BASEBALL!!!  Anyways, back to the day I learned I was going to be a Dad....I absolutely couldn't wait to to introduce my little boy or little girl (we didn't know the gender of the baby until Avery was born) to the game of baseball, and why not do it in grand fashion, by taking him/her to Opening Day.  

Opening Day in baseball is a magical day.  All teams, no matter what their payroll or how many superstars are in the lineup, have an even record.  Fans are jazzed and they come out in swarms for the all day event that is more like a party than a baseball game.  Anyone who has attended Opening Day will understand what I mean when I say there is a certain buzz in and around the stadium that you are unlikely to hear at any other point in the season.  It is just a big celebration of America's favorite pastime.  It's an unofficial holiday that leaves a lot of workplaces virtual ghost towns.  I needed my child to be part of this and understand what Opening Day is all about from Day 1.  That is why I needed to make Avery's first baseball game Orioles Opening Day.  

Very few sights are more grand than Camden Yards on Opening Day.

Well this past week was the opening of the 2012 baseball season.  Unlike every opening week I've ever experienced, this year was different for me.  I had an extra spring in my step.  This year I am a new Dad and I now had the opportunity to introduce my little girl to the game that my Dad introduced to me and has stuck with me for the last 30+ years.  And I got to do this not just once, but twice in one week as we made it to the Bowie Baysox (AA team for the Orioles) and Baltimore Orioles games.

Me and Avery with the new Baysox mascot

The Bowie Baysox Opening Night was kinda a warm up for the big day at Camden Yards.  I figured out how I'd maneuver through the stadium with Avery in her carrier.  I figured how to purchase a beer without spilling it on her head.  I figured out how to change a diaper in the bathroom (or at least my wife did).  I figured out how to go through a game, distracted by the needs of my child, when I'm typically glued to the action on the field in front of me and usually growl at those who do try to distract me.  It all went smooth and we were ready for the big time....Orioles Opening Day.  

I don't think anyone noticed but a tear trickled down my cheek as I entered Camden Yards with Avery on my chest in her Baby Bjorn.  It was a combination of that special moment of walking into that baseball shrine, my daughter with me, the smell of Esskay hot dogs in the air, and the buzz of the crowd as the 2012 roster was being announced.  It all ended up being a little overwhelming for me.  I was in all my glory.  

We made it to Camden Yards!!!

The game went really well and I had a blast with my little girl.  One thing that amazed me was how half of Baltimore tried to stop me so they could to touch Avery's little hands while telling me how beautiful and well behaved she is.  Good thing Avery loves the bath because she needed a good scrub down right after the game.

We had great seats in the upper deck between homeplate and 3rd base overlooking the action.  Avery really was a gem to have with me at the park  She had her times of fussiness when her diaper was full or she needed to be fed, but for the most part, she was alert, looking around the stadium, and enjoying the sights and sounds that her Daddy has been telling her about since the day she was born.  Although she's too young to understand anything that was going on, we could tell she was enjoying it.

As we walked out of the stadium, I reached down, hugged my little Boo-Boo, and whispered into her ear telling her how much I loved her and how much I appreciated her being a good sport by enjoying the day with her Daddy at his favorite sporting event.  This was the day that solidified the meaning of life for me.  This whole fatherhood thing is the greatest feeling that a guy can ever have.  I'm just so thankful that I have a little girl to introduce me to that feeling.  Thank you so much Avery!!!!

Disc Golf...One of My New Favorite Activies

My Dad always tells me, "You know, you are always busy doing something."  He knows this because he follows me on Facebook and also has access to my Google Calendar.  Between my work, brewing, tailgating, preparing to be a new dad, working around the house, going to concerts or sporting events, and all the other activities I like doing, I've recently taken on another hobby....disc golf.

What I looked like when I
lived in Vermont

I've been aware of disc golf for years, maybe as far back as my years of living in Vermont (94-99).  I mean seriously, there's so many hippies with hacky sacks and frisbees up there, it's not event funny!  The issue here is that I've always been a contact sport guy and disc golf looked slow and never really interested me, especially when compared to my love of street hockey.  Well shot up knees and a few concussions later, I needed to stop playing hockey and find a new sport as a hobby.  I tried kickball and it lead to me drinking too much.  I tried softball, but couldn't find a reliable league for softball players who just weren't that good at it.  I even tried curling, but my free time usually comes in the summer and curling is only a winter sport around Maryland.

Then last year, a good friend from my homebrew club named Chris mentioned he was going to play disc golf and I should come along.  He and his friends were going on the morning of my birthday and I figured that would be a great way to kick off the day with some fun in the sun.  I met him and his crew over at Rockburn Branch Park in Elkridge and I completely sucked.  In fact, my first throw (along with many other throws that day) went whizzing into the woods.  Chris and his friends were patient with me and helped spot me all morning long.  They offered nothing but encouragement and it meant a lot to me.  Now here's the thing.  I've never really been good at accepting I'm not very good at something.  This is especially the case when dealing with sports.  So as the winter went on, I kept thinking to myself that I really needed to give the whole disc golf thing another try.

Well my opportunity to take on disc golf again came this past April when my wife and I ventured out to San Francisco for her Spring Break.  We drove north of San Fran so that we could go to the Anderson Valley Brewing Company (AVBC).  As one would expect, AVBC is a brewery located in the heart of the Anderson Valley region of California.  They make absolutely excellent beers and it has always been a dream of mine to visit the brewery.  As luck would have it, AVBC has an 18-hole disc golf course on site.  So my wife and I took to the course after taking the brewery tour and sampling all the beers on draft.

The yummiest beer made in the USA!

Somewhere around the 5th hole, I realized that I was having a great time.  The weather was absolutely beautiful (sunny, no humidity, around 70 degrees), the beer that I was drinking while playing tasted so amazing (mmmmm...Summer Solstice cream ale), and the land surrounding the valley was beautiful and scenic.  It was quiet and I ended up having some sort of happy zen moment out there as I enjoyed some of the best of what Mother Nature had to offer.  This was what it took to get me hooked!  I had found my new hobby.

Throwing the disc from the tee at Anderson Valley Brewing Company

So luckily I live here in central Maryland and there are some great free courses in the area where I can play.  I also have some friends in the area who enjoy playing so that makes it fun.  Here's my take on the 2 course in Maryland I've played so far.

Rockburn Branch Park (Elkridge, MD)

This is a great park that I tend to go to a lot because it is 5-minutes from my house.  I feel this park is somewhat challenging because of all the trees in the area (for some reason my discs are attracted to tree trunks).  There are also a few water hazards out there.  There's a full 18-holes at this course spread out over some fairly hilly territory.  I love it because I get a good workout walking around the course.  I think the only downside is that there are some shaded areas and it gets dark pretty early there.  Still I love this course.

Druid Hill Park (Baltimore, MD)

I recently played this park at the recommendation of my friend Fred.  Don't get put off by the neighborhood that you have to drive to in order to get here.  Druid Hill Park is beautiful and I think a great place for beginners to start out at.  There are far less trees and hills than what you'd encounter at Rockburn.  It's a neat park though and in addition to the regular 18-holes, it has 9 extra holes out in the woods.  I had a lot of fun playing this course as well.

Can you tell I'm a happy guy
when I'm out disc golfing?

Well like I said I'm pretty new to this so I haven't been to a lot of courses yet.  If you have any courses you'd recommend me play in Maryland, please let me know in the comments area of this blog.  I'd love to try some new courses before winter hits.

That's all I got!  It's 11:30pm now and I need to get up at 6:30am to hit the course at Rockburn with my friends.  Maybe I'll see some of you out there someday.  Say hi if you run across me.

Cheers!
-Brent