New Belgiums' 25th Birthday Bicycle

Upstate Craft Beer Co., in Greenville, was the sight for a New Belgium tap takeover and the raffling of a custom-made NB bicycle in honor of the occasion. 6 collaboration beers to try and each purchase got you a raffle ticket. And finally, at 7:30, the winning ticket was drawn and the winner, who just moved to Gville six days prior, claimed the bike for his own, adding a victory lap in the parking lot. Great time was had by all, aided of course by good beer, good music from The Passing Scene group and the fun ambiance that inhabits the Clausen Bakery Buildings latest incarnation, Upstate Craft Beer.

Some photos below attempting to capture all the festivities.

The beer menu for the tap takeover.

Tasting flight of 4 of 6. All collaborations.

Wes Gibson, New Belgium Beer Ranger, with the prize!!

Two of the six beers were outside only, the Sour and Belgian Pale.

The crowd starts to build outside; inside was packed.

Good music, many of it original but included Grateful Dead pleasing tunes.

The party carries on, despite heat and some threat of rain.

Calling the winning numbers.

Correct numbers??

The Winner!! "RW"  on his first visit to Upstate.

RW with his new bike. He just moved from Austin, quite a welcome present.

Jack, Wes and Chris ready the bike for the party.

 Happy 25th to New Belgium and cheers to all!!

Quest Brewing's 3rd Anniversary Bash Goes On, Despite Heat!

So, to summarize, despite the near-record setting temps yesterday, fun and frolic was not be be deterred at Quest Brewing Company's 3rd Anniv. bash and so the party went on. Music, dogs, food, kids and dads with hula hoops (Mike Okupinski comes to mind), Painter-Tots and of course, new beers to try. Lucky you if you chose to try the Nitro Pepper Pale cause it was a delight to drink. Hope that stays around. Conveniently posted near the inside bar, a schedule of releases throughout the day meant one had to work hard, doing research of course, to keep up. Alas, schedule obligations kept from staying to the end, but I'm hoping that tomorrow's Yoga class will be rewarded with some of the same beers on tap. Congrats again to Don, Andrew and the entire Quest crew for such a successful (and award winning) three years.
Some pix to document the occasion:

Cheers to all and best wishes for another successful three years!!

Quest Brewing Celebrates 3 Exciting Years Today

Hard to believe that 3 years have gone by so quickly, but it's true! Look for me at Quest this afternoon. Ponce, anyone?


https://www.facebook.com/events/494256337427737/?notif_t=plan_reminder&notif_id=1468076359142760

Opening day, July, 2013.

 Congrats and Cheers to Quest Brewing.

October Comes Early to Thomas Creek

Another busy afternoon, another beer to research. Thomas Creek Brewery was the scene today of the bottling of their 2016 Octoberfest, which will be released next week. Tim Smith, TC spox, graciously let me try a bottle (required only a moderate amount of begging) so I could speak with some authority about it. Despite the reaction from some that it's too early (and warm) for Fall ales, I found it very drinkable, with a strong malt backbone, a much bigger body than some I've had in the past, and surprisingly dry in the finish, considering the style.

You can find out yourself next week when they have the official release. As I left, the kegs were being filled, so try it fresh from the tap as well.


Some photos appear below, just to prove that I was indeed working:

Cheers!

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!!