Angie Rayfield's Blog
Posted by Angie Rayfield
Brought to us by Fathom Events, the event will include the world premier of the movie, Beer Wars, a groundbreaking documentary look at the American beer industry. Most craft beer fans already know that despite the continued growth of craft beers, in the United States the mega-brewers still rule the roost. Beer Wars takes a look at some of the independent brewers that are challenging the status quo in order to bring us great beers.
But there's more to this event than just the premier of the movie. Afterwards, there will be a live panel discussion, featuring some of the best-known names in the industry. The panelists include Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Rhonda Kallman, founder of New Century Brewing Company and co-found of Boston Beer Company, and Greg Koch, founder of Stone Brewing Company. We'll also hear from Brewers Association president Charlie Papazian, historian Maureen Ogle (author of Ambitious Brew), and Todd Alstrom, founder of Beer Advocate.
The event will be held in 440 theaters across the country. You can find a complete theater list and buy tickets through Fathom Events. There are also video clips, beer links, posters, the Director's blog and more available at the BeerWarMovies.com site.
Posted by Angie Rayfield
This week, the European Court of First Instance handed down their ruling in the trademark battle in the EU, and they ruled in favor of Budejovicky Budvar. Budvar successfully proved that they had been using the brand name Budweiser for at least 5 years before A/B applied for the EU trademark.
This trademark battle has been literally going on for years, and Anheuser-Busch has fought Budvar in almost every jurisdiction imaginable. A/B succeeded in blocking Budvar in Finland, Spain, Denmark, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, but has lost their battles in the UK, and now the EU.
Both companies can claim a long history with the name - both "Budweiser" brands were released in 1876.
Posted by Angie Rayfield
Me, a beer snob? I'll admit that many of the beers I prefer are craft beers, but I'm certainly not going to go thirsty rather than drink something else. There's even Budweiser in my refrigerator. I'm more than willing to admit that there are good beers from big brewers, and horrible beers from small ones. No, I don't think I'm a snob. (A beer geek, well, maybe.)
But it does seem sometimes that there is a growing segment of beer culture leaning towards a certain degree of elitism. I've seen some beer geeks go from enthusiastic debates of the merits of their favorite brews, to enthusiastically hounding other drinkers for the short-comings in their standards. We aren't just savoring the delicious aromas, we're sniffling the foam like hounds on a scent. It wouldn't surprise me to see some beer geeks start rinsing-and-spitting as though they're at a wine tasting.
Doesn't that take a lot of the fun out of enjoying a beer? I mean, really. How elite can you be with something you can call a brewski with a straight face? We've got a drink that's at home sitting on the tailgate of a pickup while munching on bratwurst. What's going on?
What do you think? Does improving the quality of our beer mean that we have to change the "beer culture" that we enjoy? Or can you have something that tastes wonderful, and is still just a plain old good time?
Posted by Angie Rayfield
It's a deal that some Americans thought wouldn't, couldn't, or just plain shouldn't happen. Anheuser-Busch is definitely an iconic American company, and the thought of it being bought out was almost incomprehensible - A-B is the kind of company that takes over everyone in its path, not the other way around.
But with InBev SA's offer of $70 a share, things have changed. The merger would create the world's largest brewer, and presumably the clout to match.
Why would InBev SA want A-B? It's probably not just for the beer, although having brands like Budweiser in emerging markets such as China is a plus. InBev SA already has an impressive line-up of brands, including Stella Artois and Beck's. But InBev also benefits from Anheuser-Busch's well known marketing savvy, as well as their massive distribution network, which can benefit all their brands.
Posted by Angie Rayfield
Award-winning mixologist Tad Carducci teamed up with Sobieski Vodka to create this quick and easy summer punch. The recipe is ridiculously simple and serves up to 20.
The Livin's Easy Summer Punch
- 1 750ml bottle Sobieski Vodka
- 12.75 oz. Marie Brizard Creme de Cassis
- 16 oz. cold water
- 17 oz. orange juice
- 8.5 oz. fresh lime juice
- 3/4 of a 1-liter bottle of ginger ale
Funnel all ingredients except ginger ale into a large sealable plastic container. (Tad recommends a clean, empty gallon milk jug.) Shake to combine all ingredients. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or mix up to a day in advance.
Pour mixture into large decorative punch bowl over Garden Ice (instructions below). Top with chilled ginger ale and stir gently. Garnish with sliced lemons, limes, oranges, and thinly-sliced ripe strawberries, and drop in a few ripe blueberries.
Garden Ice
Fill a clean, one-quart plastic container halfway with water. Drop in a handful of fresh mint leaves. Cover and freeze overnight. When ready to use, run the outside of the container under warm water. Place ice block flat side down in punchbowl.
I'm not usually much of a punch fan - too many bad punches at wedding and baby showers over the years, I suppose. This one, though, that's another matter entirely. It's delicious!
