Hello again, my fellow beer geeks, beer lovers, and other assorted beer afficionados! It is time again for me to pass on my travels, in the search of good beer. Let's see...where should I begin? How many of you saw my article on homebrewing?

Ok, it was at least interesting.....right?

The only big event that happened recently was the Microbrew fest at Opti park. See Matt's article Here.

The wife and myself, along with Matt Dunn, manned the Indianabeer.com table, passing out bottle opener keychains. We were there basically to make people aware of our site. Besides everyone needs a bottle opener keychain...right?
I helped out in the Beer Geek judging that Ron Smith won, with his Red Ale. As a side note Ron's beer was runner up for best of show at the Indiana State Fair Homebrew Competition. I also did a little pouring at the World Class tent, as well as wonder through the tents, and sample a number of great beers....quite a number! Especially the 3L bottle of Oaked Arrogant Bastard that Brennan brought out of his stash to share with a small few! Thanks again Brennan!

On Aug 4th I was lucky enough to be able to take my brother to a beer tasting. He was in town for some small time race that was being held in the area on Sunday. Now Neil is just starting to get into the craft/micro beer scene. I took him out to a few places in the Harrisburg, PA area last year when I was there, and introduced him to the world of craft/micro beer. He is getting better in his beer selections, but he still has a way to go.

On this day, I took him to the Dick's in Avon where Brian Graham has his monthly beer tasting. He liked most of the beers poured, but didn't realise that 8-10 small 3-4 oz pours will sometimes knock you on your arse! It didn't get that bad, but we were not feeling any pain either. Plus we had to get up early to play golf the next day! Have I ever told you that I really love beer and beer tastings!

I keep getting asked by people, when are you going to come visit my store, or bar, or brewery, etc....Well I try and visit everyone who asks me too. Of course you people in Evansville, Terre Haute, South Bend. etc.. you are on my list. I'll get to you sometime, I promise! Any how I made a few rounds of some local establishments that are on my list of places to visit.

Ever since Mike Sprinkle left Kahn's to become the Manager of the Crown Liquor on Brooks School rd and 116th st, I been telling him I'd stop by. Well I finially made it last week. Watch for the soon to be added listing in the Stores section. Like all the good places in town he sells singles as well as 4/6 packs. People are much more likely to buy a single beer to sample instead of a 4 or 6 pack. Mike has a tasting table for beer, wine, etc... While I was there he opened a bottle of New Hollands High Gravity series, PHI. A very tasty beer, that hides it's 9%abv well. So if you are up in that neck of the woods, stop on in and see Mike. This place will only continue to get better.

I also stopped in at the Payless on 96th St and visited with Tom, and picked up a 750ml bottle of Oaken Barrel Brewing Co, Belgian Style Saison Farmhouse Ale. Something new from our friends in Greenwood! I haven't opened it yet. I'm saving it for some special occasion.

The Hop Shop was my next stop while I was in the area, Courtney wasn't around, but I checked out the place and noticed he has added a cheese case, and has really gotten a good selection of beer. He also has singles available. I picked up a bomber of Barley Islands, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Porter. Now I can tell you that is one smooth beer! mmm mmm tasty. Jon Lange really has something going with his Bourbon barrel-aged beers!

Also while I was in the area I decided to stop in at the Claddagh. Very nice looking bar, great atmosphere, I was thinking that yea this should be listed on Indianabeer. That is until I started checking out their beer. They had three or four decent draft beers, but the rest are your typical fare. I mean multiple taps of Guiness! I'm sorry, I love a good stout, but Guiness isn't a good stout. There is nothing really wrong with this place, and someone else may think it is Indianabeer material, but not me.
You may think that pretty harsh of me, maybe so, but I have strict criteria that I follow. Some don't agree with me, but that's the way it is. Email me if you want more info.

Ok, jump forward to this week. I stopped in at my favorite homebrew store....well it's really the only homebrew store... to see Anita. She is planning on having classes on becoming a beer judge, that I am interested in. Unfortunatly she wasn't around, but while I was there I picked up what I needed for my next beer. A Russian Imperial Stout.

I then headed up to the College Park Rock Bottom. The last time I was there, they were waiting for their new brewmaster from England. Well the first thing I noticed, was that his name has been removed from the door. I asked my server about it, but she didn't know anything, and there wasn't any managers around to ask. I'll have to stop in again soon. If one of you knows something on this, let me know.

Tonight there is a group of Indianapolis BeerAdvocates getting together to celebrate 9 years of BeerAdvocate.com. These BA Gatherings are set up all over the country and around the world for a global raising of the pint! Our gathering is being held at Barley Island. I'll report more, and post pic in my next posting.

Thats all I have for now. Till then keep drinking good beer, and support your local brewery.

Mark@Indianabeer.com