Springfield Brew Crew OKTOBERFEST Sponsored by Champion Brands and Team Hopheads

Ah, October! It brings to mind many a serene thoughts; colorful trees, hayrides, pumpkins, football, and to the beer lover, OKTOBERFEST.

This month the Springfield Brew Crew is holding its soon-to-be-annual Oktoberfest and Team Hopheads is helping us all have a good time! In addition to supplying several awesome Oktoberfest beers, the first folks who arrive will recieve free glassware to drink the beer from. Now that's something to wirte home about!

Last month, David Rigdon of Champion Brands and Team Hopheads attended our "Ah, Bock!" and "It's the Great Pumpkin Beer, Brew Crew!" event and had a great time. "I really like what you guys have going here," he said enthusiastically to me after the event.

Crew members, this is big stuff. We are becoming known throughout the Jacksonville area as the premier beer tasting club in the region. This kind of recognition can lead to big things (and I have already heard whispers of what some of those are -- but, I'm not telling yet). Let's keep the momentum going and show our sponsors that we really appreciate them!

Be sure to check out the website (MEETS and RULES pages) for details on the OKTOBERFEST event this Saturday night, October 16th from 7:30 to 11:30 at the Byres' home, 310 E 3rd Street.

http://www.sprbrewcrew.com/

See you all there!

Cheers!

 

Bold City Brewery Celebrates Second Anniversary

On a sunny, warm Saturday afternoon what could be better than coming together with several hundred beer lovers to celebrate the second anniversary of one of the best local breweries in Jacksonville? My opinion, not a darn thing! The fine folks who run Bold City Brewery did just that and threw a great party!



Bold City Breweries Second
Anniversary Party



And, everyone knows that when there is a great party there has to be good friends and good drink! Again, Bold City pulled out the stops -- literally -- on great beer. Brian, Bold City's brewmaster and owner, tapped a couple of very specail kegs. He has had Duke's Brown Ale and Mad Manatee agin in Maker's Mark bareels for several months. And, as if that was not enough, he threw in some cherry wood to boot!

The result were exceptionally smooth brews with notes of smokey Maker's Mark whiskey and tart cherry. Cold and refreshing, these beers went down easy and packed a bit of a wollop. These special anniversary brews proved extremely popular and the barrels ran dry just a few hours after they were tapped. A pity because they were so great I would drink them on a regular basis (tried to get Brian to let me have a growler full to no avail.).

Brew Crew Member
Eric Wisdom

The party drew beer lovers from far and wide. My little group carried on a conversation with a couple who had made the trek from King's Bay. There were local beer luminaries like Ed Stansel from the Times-Union and beer blog Amber Waves and Steve Rushe from beer blog beerjunto.com. My group consisted of members of the Springfield Brew Crew - Joe Cobb, Jason Piechowiak, Jim and Sharon Frye, and my brother, Eric Wisdom -- who will soon be adding to this blog, regalling us with stories of his travels all around the world and the beer he drinks.

Yes, Bold City through quite a party. They served awesome beer and a good time was had by all. With the number of people who where there, it is apparent the Jacksonville is primed and thirsty for good craft beers. Bold CIty delivers on that count.



Brew Crew Member
Joe Cobb



Brian Miller Brewmaster
Steve Rushe of beerjunto.com









Two Great Beer Event This Weekend!

Bold City Brewery Anniversary Event

I, your fearful leader, am planning on attending the anniversary party at Bold City Brewery this Saturday afternoon (details below). Would anyone of the Crew like to join me?

Bold City Brewery 2nd anniversary party, 1 p.m.-11 p.m.
... at the Rosselle Street brewery, with $2 pints of any Bold City beer.
There also will be raffles for free pints and growler refills for a
year. For a special anniversary beer, head brewer Brian Miller is aging
some Duke’s Brown Ale in a bourbon barrel with cherry wood.

Boulder Beer Co. Tailgating Dinner and Beer Pairing

Another great beer event this weekend at Whole Foods. Boulder Beer Co.'s, the oldest craft brewery in Colorado, Jeff Brown is going to be there to pour and provide tasting notes.

Any one interested in going see the details below and let me know. I might be persuaded to go......
Brewer's tailgate dinner, 3-5 p.m. Five courses paired with Boulder Beer Co. beers. Cost: $25.. Reservations: call (904) 288-1100.

Much Needed Comfort

A lot of things can go wrong in a person's life. And, over the past three weeks, a lot went wrong with mine. I am still picking up the pieces. I have no idea where things are headed for me. But, I have finally decided that it is time to pick myself up and make the best of things.

Over the past few weeks I have come to realize that good friends will stick with you no matter what horrible thing you may have done. They'll listen and not judge. They'll provide a much needed ear to listen and sometimes a shoulder to cry on. That is what good friends do.

So, I found myself just a few days after my world shattered lonely and scared. I sent a text to a couple of good friends and we met for dinner at Kickback's. We shared a few pints, chatted a while, and ate a good meal. It was comforting.

Foreign Extra Stout isn't your typical Guinness | jacksonville.com

Foreign Extra Stout isn't your typical Guinness jacksonville.com

Let's raise a glass to Oktoberfest | jacksonville.com

Let's raise a glass to Oktoberfest jacksonville.com

Brew Crew OKTOBERFEST is Back On!!!

***ATTENTION BREW CREW***

Good news! The previous note sent out regarding the Oktoberfest event
being canceled is now null and void! Some of our very own have stepped
up, taken the brew by the foam and have volunteered to host this month's
event. The Byres's have graciously made their home available.

 Friend Springfield Brew Crew on Facebook for your invite and the address of the event.

Or check the Official Springfield Brew Crew Website on the Meets page.

And while your at the website be sure to check out the Rules page so you know what to
do and what to bring!

http://www.sprbrewcrew.com/

Beer style of the month is Oktoberfest or Marzen. Bring a six-pack and a snack and ENJOY!!!

***THAT IS ALL***