Birds Fly South 4th Anniversary

 As many of you know, yesterday was the 4th Anniversary celebration at Birds Fly South Ale Project and even with the Covid restrictions in place, it was a much appreciated and fun event. 

I'll post some of the photos I took yesterday, but first, maybe you'd like to see what the 1st Anniversary party looked like before BFS looked like it does today. Take a look!

 

 And now, for the 4th Anniversary Party:

https://goodwordbrewing.com/     https://www.orpheusbrewing.com/

#Resilience Brewing in Greenville

#Resillience IPA brewing at Quest Brewing Company with many of Greenville’s best brewers. All to aid the #Campfire Relief Fund and the support organizations that are helping people in need.
Swamp Rabbit Brewery and Taproom Liability Brewing Co. Brewery 85, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant The Eighth State Brewing Company Tetrad Brewing Co. Birds Fly South Ale Project Sierra Nevada Mills River Fireforge Crafted Beer Ponderosa Farm Brewing

Cheers to all and thanks for helping the #Campfire victims.
 

Greenville's Newest Brewery: Iron Hill Opens

Well, yes, I did attend the soft opening yesterday at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (official opening Tuesday). I enjoyed the good food, meeting Head Brewer Eric Boice and I certainly enjoyed the beers! I'll have more details later today, but for now a snap or two of the fun day:

New Brewery: New Groove, Boiling Springs, SC

Details, you want details? Ok, got some for you, about our (Brew Crew) first-ever visit to New Groove Artisan Brewery Saturday. Just recently opened (July 15 officially), brewers Josh Dodson and Jonathan Duke see this as the culmination of a journey that began back at the Spartanburg Brew Club where as home brewers, they met and became friends. Being only the third brewery in Spartanburg County, this location has lots going for it, not the least of which is the structure itself: a former Tornados convenience store. Roomy, industrial-comfy and plenty of space at the bar.

Four of their own beers were on tap (with more to come) for our tasting flights; a stout, a porter, a brown ale and a Berliner Weisse (which we all declared a winner and a highlight). Jonathan told us about a couple IPAs fermenting that we will certainly be back to try.
He also told us about their unique brewing system, a single vessel system in which the mash tun and kettle are the same. The grain container fits inside the kettle, the wort is circulated and filtered through until time for the mash out and boil, then an electric pulley lifts the grain out, the boil then starts in the remaining vessel. Very innovative and saves space and brewing time. Ask Jonathan or Josh about that system when you visit, they'll be more than happy to elaborate.

Everyone in our group agreed to come back when more NG beers are available. Thanks to Josh and Jonathan for taking time to talk with us and to April Dodson for handling the beer wrangling behind the bar while the boys were playing tour guides.
As you might expect, several photos were taken and I present most of them here (certainly the ones in focus anyway). Cheers.

 Cheers!!

Upstate Craft Brewing Co Announces New Co-Brewers

Here it comes again, a Thursday with so many beer enjoyment opportunities. One that is definitely on my calendar is the Upstate Craft Beer Co.'s newest release party, part of their "new brew Thursday" when each week new brewed-on-premises beers will be released, all done by Upstate's new brewing crew.


From their press release:
"Upstate Craft Beer Co is proud to announce a change to its brew team by introducing Travis Logan and Cameron Owen as UCBC’s Co-Brewers. Both brewers have been with UCBC since day one and are excited to be promoted to a head brewing role. Their focus will be on brewing beers with large flavor profiles with a haze forward appearance by using big, juicy hops and untraditional adjuncts." 

This week, two IPAs and a Brown Stout will be offered up on tap:
Citra Reload - Grapefruit Session IPA
No Advance - New England IPA
Worked So Hard, Forgot How To Vacation - Brown Ale w/ Vanilla & Cinnamon


I had a chance to taste the No Advance NE Style IPA as it made it's way to the keg from the fermenter and I was instantly a fan. This will be a big hit and certainly showcase Travis and Cameron's brewing skills. Look for me Thursday, I'll have a pint of this beer in my hand most of the evening.

Cheers!

National Parks and Beer!

Being a lifelong fan of our National Parks and a somewhat shorter time of beer, here comes a good way to enjoy them both. Not necessarily at the same time. I should also mention that Uinta makes some of my favorite beers. Dubhe, anyone?

http://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/articles/uinta-brewing-announces-beer-brewed-to-support-our-national-parks-w467233

Friday Reading List, Beer Style

Well, being Friday and all, it's a good day for another list (you know you lov'em), this one compiling the 25 Most Important Craft Beers Ever Brewed. Hmm, that's a mouthful... so get an eyeful while reading this. (Pleased to say that I've had more than half of the beers listed).

www.foodandwine.com/beer/craft-beer/25-most-important-american-craft-beers-ever-brewed

Cheers!!

Busy Beer Blogger's Life

Another mind-bogglingly busy day; first, need to chill, sample and write about the Highland Brewing Company Sixer that showed up yesterday; then relate the details about my visit to RJ Rockers Brewery for their Peachy King release, including a firkin full of PK with habaneros (alas, there is/was only one). Work, work, work. (Thanks to Taylor, Will and Kate for their hospitality.... and Jessica for pouring the beer!)

If You Like IPAs, You'll Like This History

Here's a darn good read about IPA from an unusual source. Good for history buffs, tellers of tales and, of course, beer bloggers. Lengthy but you'll have earned a beer by the end. No quiz involved.

http://www.economist.com/news/christmas-specials/21712029-lagers-may-be-ubiquitous-india-pale-ales-are-beers-backstory-history?cid1=cust/ddnew/n/n/n/20161223n/owned/n/n/nwl/n/n/NA/8424131/email&etear=dailydispatch

Newest Addition to GVegas' Beer Scene

Considering myself something of a roving ambassador for all things beer related, I hastened down to the newest (and nearest) addition to our beer-enjoying scene, Grateful Brew at 501 South Pleasantburg, couple doors down from the Pita House. I met George Linn, general manager (left in the photo) and Tony Cordova, beerista, for a chat and a sample of some new brews. Their tap lineup today was very impressive, as you can see from the photos. Certainly not the usual suspects, tho I did see some of my top tier faves there.

Still working out some details, but the coffee hours will be appreciated, 6 am, especially when the Technical College is back in session! 

My first-time-ever brewery today was Sugar Creek from the Charlotte area. Had their Raspberry Wit, very refreshing, dry on the palate, noticeable fruit, but restrained. Also had their Pale which is listed as a Belgian style but this one is nearly a hop bomb. Naturally, I loved it. Solid hop presence, medium bodied and easy to drink. I'll be having more of that one for sure. Anyway, I encourage a visit, help them get off to a successful start and I'm confident you'll be grateful to find a new brew you like.
https://www.facebook.com/Grateful-Brew-GVL-868928146537351/

Cheers!!

Upstate Craft Beer Co Comes Through For #GCBW

I know it's only Tuesday, but the ‪#‎Greenvillecraftbeerweek‬ event at ‪#‎Upstatecraftbeer‬ has to rank as one of the top events that local beer brewers/lovers have enjoyed so far. This was the big collaboration night that was so highly anticipated.

13 breweries, active or about to be, were represented by their efforts in making this collaboration history. Looking around I saw practically all of the Greenville brewing heavy weights gathered on one spot for some true appreciation of what each was capable of, with the assistance of Chris Hardin, Upstate brewmaster, and Jack McDonald, co-owner. 

I'll get into the brews that caught my attention later (there were several) but for now, a few fotos that hopefully capture the spirit of the event. Btw, the muffin tins you see in abundance are a link to the history of the building that houses Upstate, the Clausen Bakery. Drop by the brewery and Chris or Jack will be happy to give you the details that fueled this inspired tribute.

Cheers and on to the next event!!!