Professor Manuel Garzon, a member of Granada's medical faculty, made the finding after tests on 25 students over several months. Researchers believe that it is the sugars, salts, and bubbles in a beer that may help people absorb fluids more quickly. The subjects in the study were asked to run on a treadmill at temperatures of 104F (40C) until they were close to exhaustion. Once they had reached the point of giving up, researchers measured their hydration levels, motor skills, and concentration ability. Half of the subjects were given two half pints of Spanish lager to drink, and the other half were given just water.

Garzon said that the rehydration effection in those who were given beer was "slightly better" than those who were given only water. He also believes that the carbon dioxide in beer helps quench thirst more quickly, and that beer's carbohydrates replace calories lost during physical exertion. The average person loses around 1 liter (33oz) of water for every hour of exercise in sweat. Rehydrating after a workout is crucial, as a lack of hydration is more likely to make one feel tired, fuzzyheaded, and suffer from headaches. Based on the results of the study, researchers recommend moderate consumption of beer as a part of athletes' diets. "Moderate consumption" for men is 500ml per day, and for women is 250ml per day.
So that explains why Babe Ruth was so good. His method of training was nearly 100 years ahead of its time.
(C) 2009 Cleveland Leader


Bay View Brew Haus License Transfer ApprovedOn May 11, Milwaukee’s Licenses Committee unanimously approved the transfer of the existing Class “B” Tavern license at 2535 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. to current property owner Steve Fix, who bought the property in February with intent to open a brewpub on the first floor, keeping the second floor as a banquet hall. Fourteenth District Alderman Tony Zielinski said there was “strong support” for the license after a “pretty lengthy discussion” at the April 8 neighborhood meeting on site. No one testified in opposition.
(C) 2009 Bay View Compass
Horny Hideaway Brewpub Replaces Pump House
Another brewpub is in the hopper for the Bay View area.
Former Milwaukee Pump House business owner Mike Murray confirmed May 19 that the former pumping station at 2011 S. First St. was sold to Horny Goat Brewing Company the week of May 11. Former property owner Michael Pinterics confirmed that he sold the property.

Horny Goat (hornygoatbrewing.com), a Wisconsin craft brewer whose labels include Belgian Wheat, Exposed, and Hopped Up ‘N Horny, lists 2011 S. First St. as the location of its planned brewpub, the Horny Hideaway, at the Midwest Microbrews website (midwestmicrobrews.com).

Horny Goat currently contract brews their beer at Stevens Point Brewery. This they plan to continue, per Tom Reynolds, Horny Goat Sales Manager.

Murray said he sold the Pump House business in October 2007 to the owners of Riviera Maya, 2258 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., who he said operated the Pump House until the property was sold May 2009.

Horny Goat would be the third Bay View area brewpub to open in 2009, following the St. Francis Brewery, 3825 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., and the anticipated Bay View Brew Haus, 2535 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

Murray and partner David Skwarek opened the Pump House as a bar and grill in fall 2006. Michael Pinterics and David’s brother Daniel Skwarek were listed as owners of the property until the recent sale to “Brew Haus LLC,” according to city property data.

The building is along the southern bank of the Kinnickinnic River just west of First Street, and features 4,800 square feet of first floor space with 3,000 square feet on the second floor. Historically, the building was a pumping station for the Milwaukee Fire Department’s fire hydrants.

(C) 2009 By Michael Timm - Bay View Compass


Can You Carry Alcohol to Jazz In The Park?
Last week, a state committee put its stamp of approval on proposed legislation that would make it legal to carry in alcohol into select outdoor venues in "first class cities" in Wisconsin. The legislation, as first reported on OnMilwaukee.com, was spearheaded by representatives Leon Young, Jon Richards and Josh Zepnick. It was co-sponsored by Senator Coggs
Young's office issued a news release on May 26 calling the legislation the "Jazz in the Park law" and noting that the Assembly State Affairs and Homeland Security committee had unanimously "approved a bill ... that will allow patrons of the popular Jazz in the Park concert series as well as other popular events throughout the city to carry in their own alcoholic beverages."
Indeed, the above is true. But, it's far from a done deal and it's a bit confusing. So, with Jazz in the Park opening Thursday I'll attempt to clear the air. The East Town Association, operators of Jazz in the Park, (again as first reported by OnMilwaukee.com) announced in January that they would follow state law and end the practice of carry ins. At the time, Kate Borders, executive director, said, "We will now be obeying the law, we will make every effort to have prices on the grounds that are close to grocery store prices, people can still bring whatever food they want to bring, and most importantly, the event is still free."

In addition, the group opposes the new legislation. "East Town Association is opposed to Senate Bill 192. After releasing our beverage policy, which adheres to State Statute 125.32(6)(a), we received many positive responses from Jazz in the Park attendees and members of the East Town Association. When an event grows to the size of Jazz in the Park, it becomes imperative to control alcohol consumption for the safety of our patrons and the longevity of the event," Borders said in an e-mail. East Town has a news conference today to clarify their position and its compliance with state law. Since the news of this legislation hit many seem to think that it's going to be "OK" to carry in wine and beer to Jazz in the Park. Event organizers, though, haven't changed their stance and were not even involved in the crafting of this new legislation. And, honestly, it's their event -- they pay for it, so they can run as they will. But, it's a public park and it's going to be (in my humble opinion) tough to change years of fun that have involved carrying in alcohol to this wonderful event. Either way, though, I love the event and want it to succeed. So, I'll be there regardless.

Over at the Westown Association, operators of River Rhythms (Wednesday nights at Pere Marquette Park), the group hasn't changed its rules with carry ins and is, from the sidelines, championing this new legislation. Regardless of what group supports what, it appears, just days before the start of Jazz in the Park and one week before River Rhythms (June 10) there's plenty of confusion surrounding what's legal and what this proposed legislation means. Even retailers don't know if they should begin to promote "buy your Jazz in the Park wine here."

Here's what I've learned so far:

* It is illegal to carry in beverages to events like Jazz in the Park. Per Wisconsin State law, it is illegal for patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages into the park for consumption. (Wisconsin State Statute 125.32(6)(a) - No person may possess on the premises covered by a retail or wholesale fermented malt beverages license or permit any alcohol beverages not authorized by law for sale on the premises.)

* But, no mater what event or the venue (beach, park, etc.) this law is rarely ever strictly enforced. Fess up, you've probably snuck a flask or two into a park or stadium in your lifetime. But, remember you can't carry in beer into Miller Park. So, why should you be able to at Jazz in the Park? Same law, similar deal.

* Yet, the law is the law and events have to make money to survive. Plus, they have a responsibility to keep patrons safe.

* This new legislation is "An Act to amend 125.32 (6) (a); and to create 125.32 (6) (c) and 125.68 (13) of the statutes; relating to: the possession and consumption of alcohol beverages on retail licensed premises in a park in a 1st class city. " So, it's not just about Jazz in the Park.

* Under this new bill (SB 192), "a licensee may, if the licensed premises are in a park within a 1st class city, permit customers to bring in and consume on the licensed premises beer or intoxicating liquor that was purchased elsewhere."

* Not so fast. A Senate committee still needs to approve this new legislation and then the full Legislature and Senate need to vote on it before it goes to the Governor.

* So, what should you do? Until the legislation passes (which most people predict it will), don't carry in on the first week at Jazz in the Park. Abide by the organization's rules and enjoy the event.

* As for other events, like River Rhythms, do the same - follow the event organizer's lead.

* Retailers are confused. I've heard from many retailers and wine stores. They are confused. Many relay on "Jazz in the Park specials" to drive summer business. Should they or shouldn't they promote them? For now, probably not.

* But, seriously and again, who hasn't innocently carried a flask or two into an event or a city/county park? Do it, if you just can't hold yourself back. It's a free country. But also know that, at least at Jazz, security many turn you away.

* All events need to drive revenue to survive. So, buy alcohol there (if you sneak some in) and, be kind, leave nice tips. Full disclosure, when I do Jazz I'd usually bring a bottle or two of beer and buy a few there too. It's a balance.

Finally, stay tuned to OnMilwaukee.com. We'll keep you updated on all the breaking carry in legislation news. Until then, drink responsibility and enjoy the great Milwaukee summer.

Update: Jazz in the Park officials held a news conference at 11 a.m. today and said the following. East Town Association Executive Director Kate Borders said the new policy was necessary to comply with state law and continue to provide an enjoyable experience for guests. She noted that continuing to ignore state law would threaten the festival with significant increases in insurance costs and allow for legal action if some type of incident were to occur.

"Jazz in the Park has been a Milwaukee tradition for 19 years, and we appreciate that enjoying a glass of wine or a cold beer while listening to great music on a beautiful summer evening is part of the experience," Borders said. "We also have a legal responsibility to obey the law. Our policy complies with the law and still allows guests to enjoy their favorite beverages. We encourage our patrons to cooperate, comply with state law and continue to enjoy this weekly summer event."

The East Town Association Board of Directors had unanimously voted to approve the new policy earlier this year after it learned Jazz in the Park was not in compliance with Wisconsin State Statute 125.32 6a. As part of the new policy, Jazz in the Park expanded the menu of beverages available for purchase at the event to accommodate a variety of preferences and price points. East Town Board President Kevin Behl said the board felt quick action was necessary. "Festivals too often delay making changes until trouble occurs. We think it's important to take this important step now to operate within the law, stay ahead of the game and help keep Jazz in the Park a great event for everyone," he said. "We've heard of a lot of support for the new policy and we look forward to a fun and enjoyable season."

(c) 2009 Jeff Sherman - OnMilwaukee.com

In the Hallertau growing region:
- 1.000 ha (= 2500 acres) – total destroyed - no crop in 2009
- 1.500 ha (= 3750 acres) – 50 % destroyed.
- 1.000 ha (= 2500 acres) – 25 % destroyed.
The estimated shortfall at this stage is 116,000 ztrs (5,800 tonnes) roughly equivalent to 19% of the normal Hallertau Crop.

In the Tettnang growing region:
- Approximately 40% of the crop is affected. The estimated shortfall at this stage is approximately 8,500ztrs (425 tonnes) roughly equivalent to 25% of a normal crop.

(c) 2009 Society of Independant Brewers

The state's wineries and breweries already may provide samples, and make sales, to people who visit their facilities. Distillers have been seeking a similar provision for more than three years. "We're looking to get on an equal footing with wineries and breweries," Rehorst said.

Great Lakes, which began selling vodka in 2006, is one of three Wisconsin craft distilleries. The others are Yahara Bay Distillers in Madison and 45th Parallel Spirits in New Richmond.

Also, some Wisconsin wineries have plans to distill wine into brandy. Charles McGonegal, who operates ÆppelTreow Winery in rural Kenosha County, said he plans to make brandy from apples and other fruit. He said the proposal provides a good opportunity for wineries to diversify, and to compete with wineries in nearby states. Wollersheim Winery, near Prairie du Sac, plans to create a cognac-style brandy, said Julie Coquard, whose family owns Wollersheim.

ÆppelTreow, Wollersheim, Great Lakes and other businesses first sought permission to do on-site samples and sales in 2006. However, that legislation was opposed by the Wisconsin Wine and Spirit Institute, a lobbying group for wine and liquor wholesalers. The wholesale distributors, which buy spirits from distillers and resell them to liquor stores, taverns and other retailers, said allowing direct, on-site sales would take away part of their business.

As a result, the legislation, which received a 9-0 vote of approval from the Assembly Committee on State Affairs, died after being referred to the Assembly's Rules Committee. This year, Rep. Pedro Colón (D-Milwaukee), whose district includes Great Lakes Distillery, pushed for the provision, said Doug MacKenzie, production manager at Great Lakes. The distillery also worked with lobbyist Steve Baas of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Rehorst said.

Meanwhile, the liquor wholesalers group didn't oppose the provision, said Eric Petersen, a lobbyist for the institute. He said the provision is limited, and said opposition to earlier legislation was due in part because it would have granted distillers permission to sell a wide range of products, turning the distilleries into virtual taverns. Also, the wholesalers realize that a customer who buys a bottle of vodka or gin at the distillery likely will make future purchases at a local liquor store, supplied by a wholesaler, Rehorst said.

Yahara Bay typically draws around eight to 10 visitors a week, said owner Nick Quint, who opened the business in late 2007. He said offering samples will be a big help in generating sales for the distillery.

Great Lakes Distillery has enjoyed a higher profile since it moved last September from the north side to a bigger building at 616 W. Virginia St. Since the move, it offers Friday and Saturday tours, when the distillery often sees around 30 or so visitors throughout the day, Rehorst said. But distillery workers must direct the visitors to Motor, the restaurant and tavern at the nearby Harley-Davidson Museum, to sample vodka, gin and other liquors. With the new law, the bar at Great Lakes Distillery will be put to good use. And the samples will bring on-site sales, MacKenzie said. "If we can get somebody to try something, they like it," he said.

(c) 2009 Tom Daykin - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


POINT BREWERY WHOLE HOG LIMITED EDITION BREWMASTERS SERIES
Point Goes Whole Hog with Limited Edition
Going “whole hog” in the fast-growing craft beer market, the Stevens Point Brewery is introducing two new brews under the Whole Hog Limited Release Brewmaster’s Series label.

Whole Hog Six-Hop India Pale Ale and Whole Hog Imperial Pilsner are available in four-packs of 12-ounce bottles wherever Point beers are sold. Brewed in small batches, Whole Hog Six-Hop India Pale Ale and Whole Hog Imperial Pilsner will appeal to discerning craft-beer aficionados, according to Joe Martino, Point Brewery Managing Partner.

“The Whole Hog Limited Release Brewmaster’s Series allows us to explore adventurous big beers” Martino said. “The Six-Hop IPA and Imperial Pilsner are the first two styles in the series. We plan to introduce additional Whole Hog Limited Release beers offering our drinkers a vast range of tastes and styles,” he explained. “The first two styles in the series, are very full-bodied, heavily hopped and brewed with an alcohol content of 8.5 percent by volume. Dedicated craft-beer enthusiasts who enjoy discovering unique, highly flavorful beers are sure to enjoy them,” Martino said.

2 NEW CHICAGO MICROBREWERIES
Beyond brewing good-tasting artisan beer, two new Chicago microbreweries, the first to open in more than a decade, look at handcrafted brew as a calling—one that contributes to a community and honors traditions.

For Gabriel Magliaro, founder of the Half Acre Beer Co., which last month began brewing in its new Chicago location, 4257 N. Lincoln Ave., handcrafting beer also means forging emotional connections. "All this stems from a love of good beer and an appreciation of the community," said Magliaro about his quest to produce a neighborhood beer. "People who enjoy handcrafted beers respect things that are made thoughtfully."

Doug and Tracy Hurst, owners of Metropolitan Brewing, 5121 N. Ravenswood Ave., wanted to restore the city's heritage of German lagers. "The Midwest was home to German-style lagers because that's what the many German immigrants made here," said Tracy Hurst. "We wanted to honor that by making lagers, something that many microbreweries don't do because they take such a long time."

Both Magliaro and the Hursts saw a dearth of Chicago-made artisan beers available outside of brewpubs, such as Piece Brewery & Pizzeria in Wicker Park. Until now Goose Island Brewery was the only Chicago microbrewer (the two others in the area are in the suburbs: Two Brothers Brewing, Warrenville, and Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery).

When Magliaro moved here in 2000 from Colorado, a center of the craft-brewing movement, "there were a lot of craft-beer consumers but not many craft-brew producers," he said, this despite Chicago's rich history of brewing. Before Prohibition, there were 50 breweries here, he said. "Then there was an intimacy between the small breweries and the people who drank their beer," he said. "That was before the macrobrewers took over."

So what are handcrafted beer aficionados to do when there's little locally made beer? In both cases, it was to start their own microbreweries, establish Web sites and keep people connected with progress on blogs.

Magliaro launched his brand in 2006, but for the first 18 months Half Acre was brewed at Sand Creek Brewing Co. in Wisconsin. Although it was successful—finding outlets at one time or other in 200 bars, restaurants and retail stores—Magliaro wanted a city-brewed beer. The space also had to meet another requirement for Magliaro. It needed to be in a neighborhood with foot traffic so people could easily stop by at the retail store he plans to open in early summer. Even now, Magliaro offers tastings to those who drop in. Magliaro found his space fortuitously. One of his clients, James Murphy, an owner of Murphy's Bleachers and Mrs. Murphy's and Sons Irish Bistro, had a 10,000-square-foot brick building in North Center that he thought would be a good location for the brewery. "We wanted it because it was in the middle of a great neighborhood," said Magliaro about the 1907 building that had at one time been a grain and feed store with stables in the back. Murphy was a big fan of the idea of a neighborhood brewery and gave Half Acre agreeable terms. "He was very nice to us," Magliaro said. Half Acre currently brews two beers, a lager and an ale. "Our Half Acre Lager is a medium-bodied, slightly citrusy American take on a Munich lager using Czech hops," said head brewer Thomas Nicely. "Our Over Ale is a full-bodied, malty American-style beer." A six-pack of Half Acre costs about $9, depending upon the retailer, and is available at several locations including Whole Foods, Binny's, Sam's Wines & Spirits, and Armanetti Wine Shoppe and Beverage Mart. Pints run about $4.50 at bars. Half Acre eventually hopes to brew about seven or eight beers.

At Metropolitan, brew master Doug Hurst, a former audio-visual engineer, is brewing two lagers. He describes the Dynamo Copper Lager, made with Vienna malt, as having a hops crispness, while the Flywheel Bright Lager is a Chicago-style pilsner loosely based on a Czech beer. Their beers are on tap at Hopleaf Bar, Handlebar and Risqué Café, and bottled beers are available at Sam's and several Binny's locations. They plan to have four beers eventually, plus the occasional seasonal brew.

For both microbrewers, their efforts are also about freshness and following green principles.

"Beer made locally doesn't have to travel, so consumers experience a fresh product that didn't have to consume as much energy and resources just to get to them," said Magliaro. "Local brewers will consume other local products and services, and employ people in the community—everyone gets lifted up in the process."

Hurst agrees. "Importing lagers creates a large carbon footprint," Hurst said. "I think beer tastes freshest when it's bought right outside the door where it's made." As for competition, Hurst says she's glad that Half Acre—as well as Goose Island, which started with a brewpub then launched a brewery in 1995—is also producing artisan beers. "A high tide floats all boats," she said. "The more craft beers we have here, the more merry we'll all be."
(c) 2009 Jane Ammeson - Chicago Tribune

POINT WING BATTER
New chicken wings feature Point beer batter

Two Wisconsin companies are teaming up to launch a new brand of chicken wings. Stevens Point Brewery and Brakebush Brothers Inc. are now marketing Tappers Beer Battered Wings featuring Point Amber Classic.

Brakebush Brothers, a Westfield-based supplier of chicken products for foodservice and consumers, uses Point Amber Classic in the batter for Tappers, resulting in a distinctive amber color.

Tappers Beer Battered Wings are sold to restaurants, pubs and taverns nationwide.

"This new partnership opens an exciting new chapter for our brewery and gives Point Amber Classic valuable nationwide exposure," said Joe Martino, managing partner for Stevens Point Brewery. "Stevens Point Brewery has been brewing quality handcrafted beers since 1857, and the Brakebush brothers, Bill and Otto, founded their business with a single delivery truck in 1925."

"Point Amber Classic really delivers the flavor in our new Tappers Beer Battered wing," said Steve Ross, marketing manager for Brakebush Brothers. "We're very excited about this new product and our relationship with Point Brewery."

(c) 2009 Business Times

Beer and the President: A New Political Reality?
It seems a waste, but people keep spilling beer on America's political stage.

Just as the nation had begun to black out memories of the overused campaign term "Joe Six-Pack," an Indiana woman this week suggested to President Obama that he sit down for a beer with conservative talk show host Sean Hannity. The president, knowing the importance of presidential beer liking, wisely replied that he's "always up for a beer."

Somehow the humble beer, and the ability to sit down and drink one, has been elevated from a totem of the tailgater to a prerequisite for the presidency.

"Beer has become kind of the cultural leveler in our society," noted Ken Janda, professor emeritus of political science at Northwestern University. "It can go across all classes of society – it's a symbol of equality. You'd never say, 'He's a nice guy to have a glass of wine with.'"

This past campaign involved ample references to average, beer-drinking Americans and concerns about which candidate would best get along with them, as if the Oval Office might be turned into an after-hours bar for longshoremen. Hillary Clinton at one point drank a shot of whiskey and a beer with a group of Hoosiers, just to flaunt her love of malt beverages and people who aren't as rich as she is.

And let's not forget the previous presidential campaign in which about 60 percent of undecided voters conceded they'd rather have a beer with George W. Bush than with John Kerry. (The irony there, of course, was that Bush doesn't drink and Kerry, if he had a couple beers, might have actually become interesting.)

It's hard to pinpoint exactly when Americans hoisted their presidents off a pedestal and plunked them down on a bar stool, but presidential scholar Bert Rockman posits it may have begun with President Eisenhower. He was certainly one of the first presidents widely referred to by a nickname – in his case, Ike – marking a decided shift away from public reverence toward the office.

With the increase in television coverage, John F. Kennedy became a media darling, and most presidents that followed – think Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton – trended toward some form of folksy charm.

George W. Bush seemed to mark the culmination of our perception of the president as a regular guy, and by 2005 he was duly satirized in The Onion under the headline: "Long-Awaited Beer With Bush Really Awkward, Voter Reports."

In the fake story, the voter recounts: "Then George mentioned that he used to be a cheerleader at Yale. I didn't know what to say to that one, so I just drank the rest of my beer real fast."

Real-life beer aficionados are pleased to see their beverage of choice fermenting its way into the world of politics, even if they can't fully explain the phenomenon.

"I don't know exactly what that special quality is," said Patrick Gallagher, a Chicago-based Internet marketer and founder of the Web site chicagobeerbars.com. "Obviously its got alcohol, so there's a draw there."

Gallagher also noted that craft beers and microbreweries have introduced beer to an even broader demographic, cementing its status as a drink embraced by an overwhelming majority of Americans. So perhaps in seeking a woman or man of the people these days, it's not so far-fetched that they be judged in part on their ability to imbibe communally.

"It would be interesting to see if the president has a particular taste, like a style of beer or a particular brand," Gallagher daydreamed. "I know his preferences toward food run pretty fancy. I have to believe he's probably had some pretty good beers."
(c) Rex W. Huppk - Chicago Tribune 2009

Lower sales for Leinie's, other craft brewers in 2008
The old saw about beer sales being recession-proof?
Try telling that to Jake Leinenkugel. "We've noticed the slowdown," said Leinenkugel, president of Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co., the nation's fifth-largest craft brewer. "It's concerning."

Sales of "craft beer," loosely defined as brews that have higher quality and a more distinctive taste than their mass-produced counterparts, totaled 9.45 million barrels in 2008, a 5% increase over the previous year. That's according to newly released numbers from trade publication Beer Marketer's Insights.

The craft segment last year continued its trend of performing much better than the overall U.S. beer industry, which posted a 2008 sales increase of just 0.5%.

But craft sales are slowing down. The craft segment posted 12% sales increases in 2007 and 2006, and a 50% boost from 2003 through 2008, the publication said.

Among the craft brewers with slowing sales growth was Chippewa Falls-based Leinenkugel, an independent operating subsidiary of MillerCoors LLC. It sold 470,000 barrels of beer last year, compared with 460,000 barrels in 2007, the publication said. That 2.2% increase follows a 24% increase in 2007, fueled mainly by the national rollout of the Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat brand.

Craft brewers are mainly being hurt by people drinking less at restaurants and taverns, Leinenkugel said.

For the overall beer industry, those areas account for around 35% of sales, with carry-outs from supermarkets, drug stores, liquor stores and other retailers accounting for the rest. But for craft brewers, the sales mix between those two categories is around 50-50, Leinenkugel said.

The recession and rising unemployment are leaving people with less disposable income and more worries about money, he said. So dining out is down, and that cuts into beer sales.

Other bigger craft brewers posting slowing sales include Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., with a 1.1% increase.

Closer to home, Glendale-based Sprecher Brewing Co.'s sales were flat in 2008, said General Manager Jeff Hamilton, who declined to disclose numbers. Sprecher was hurt by the recession's effects on restaurants and taverns, Hamilton said, and by a change in wholesale distributors in Chicago. So far in 2009, however, Sprecher's beer sales are up, he said.

It's not all doom and gloom.
The nation's largest craft brewer is Boston Beer Co., brewer of Samuel Adams Boston Lager, which sold just more than 2 million barrels. That was an 8.5% increase.

Milwaukee's Lakefront Brewery Inc. posted an 18.2% increase in 2008. Lakefront sold 10,970 barrels last year, with the increase coming mainly from draft sales, said President Russ Klisch. Lakefront's strong-selling brands include its India Pale Ale, launched in 2007.

New brands help boost sales, Leinenkugel said. He spoke Wednesday from Champaign, Ill., where he was meeting with bar owners to promote the brewery's new Leinenkugel's Classic Amber.

Craft brewers can do a better job of promoting the pairing of certain beers with certain foods, Leinenkugel said. He attended a "beer dinner" event Monday evening at a Chicago-area restaurant that drew 200 people.

Leinenkugel also said craft brewers could work with tavern operators to establish more designated driver programs to deal with customer concerns about drinking and driving. A well-crafted beer is still "one of life's simple pleasures," he said.

It just might get a bit harder to afford.
(c) Tom Daykin - Milwaukee Journal 2009

"New" Old Style coming to you, with more flavor
It's no longer brewed in God's Country using water that some folks say flows underground all the way from Canada, but Heileman's Old Style beer is again being "kraeusened."

Pabst Brewing Co., which owns the Old Style brand, said Wednesday it will soon be marketing Old Style as "authentically kraeusened." That process more thoroughly ferments beer to give it additional flavor, along with a smoother finish, said Keith Hill, a Pabst brand manager. "You're not left with as much of that full feeling after drinking two or three Old Styles," Hill said.

For nearly a century, Old Style was the No. 1 brand for La Crosse-based G. Heileman Brewing Co., which advertised the beer as "fully kraeusened" and made with pure artesian well water from "God's country," meaning western Wisconsin.

Heileman was purchased in 1996 by Detroit-based Stroh Brewery Co., which went out of business in 1999 and sold most of its brands to Pabst.

Based in suburban Chicago, Pabst today is a marketing company that owns dozens of old-line beer brands but hires other companies to brew them. Now, the formula for Old Style will include kraeusening, a process that Stroh dropped.

A Pabst statement said Old Style's return to its roots will appeal to 20-somethings who would rather drink "a high-quality, local beer" than a beer "from one of the big brewers."

Apparently, those drinkers don't know that Old Style, which still has cachet in Wisconsin and the Chicago area, is brewed by MillerCoors LLC, the nation's second-largest brewer, in Milwaukee; Trenton, Ohio; and Fort Worth, Texas.

MillerCoors' role as the contract brewer of Old Style doesn't undercut the brand's marketing message, Hill said.

"The consumer is savvy enough to know there's a multitude of ways to produce a beer," he said.

Old Style, like most Pabst brands, has been sold as a bargain beer for years.

The "new" Old Style will be in stores and taverns by February. It will be more expensive to brew and will be sold at higher prices, similar to prices for Budweiser and Miller Lite, Hill said.

The advertising campaign includes new package graphics that showcase the tavern shield seen on Old Style's label since the brand debuted in 1902.

The new push for Old Style comes a year after Pabst successfully relaunched Schlitz by going back to that beer's 1960s formula.

Pabst's volume sales in 2008 dropped 3.3%, but its sales improved in the last six months of the year. That marked the company's best trend since it purchased the Stroh brands, according to trade publication Beer Marketer's Insights. The company's Pabst Blue Ribbon brand also continues to enjoy revived sales, Hill said.

Meanwhile, there are other kraeusened beers, including one made in La Crosse.

City Brewing Co., which now owns the former G. Heileman brewery, includes among its brands La Crosse Lager, which uses the kraeusening process.

(c) 2009 Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel

Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. Completes Acquisition ofMiller Brands-Milwaukee LLC

Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. completed its acquisition of beer wholesaler Miller Brands-Milwaukee LLC

The strategic acquisition creates one distributor for all Miller, Coors and Pabst products in Milwaukee County and makes Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. the largest beer wholesale distributor in the state servicing over 2,000 area accounts and employing about 250 team members. Aldo Madrigrano will serve as chairman.

“Our combined operations draw upon the strengths of both organizations to provide our customers with an outstanding sales and service organization representing among the broadest array of top-flight import, craft, domestic and premium brands currently available,” said Beer Capitol Chairman Aldo Madrigrano. “I’m excited to announce the closing of this acquisition and looking forward to servicing the many fine customers and consumers who have remained so loyal to Miller brands.”

Beer Capitol represents a diverse brand portfolio of fine import brands such as Corona Extra, Modelo Especial and St. Pauli Girl Lager, as well as domestic brands including Coors Banquet, Coors Light and Pabst Blue Ribbon. In addition, Beer Capitol sells many of the exceptional premium brands such as Samuel Adams and craft brands such as those made by Capital Brewery, Lakefront Brewery, LaCrosse City Brewery and Tyranena Brewing Company.

Beer Capitol Distributing is owned by Chairman Aldo Madrigrano, President Mike Merriman and board member Ron Fowler. Aldo Madrigrano is also president of W.O.W. Distributing Co. Inc., which services Washington, Ozaukee, Dodge and Waukesha counties. The new entity will service Milwaukee County.

Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. was founded in 1981 and operates offices and an 85,000-square-foot warehouse at W238 N1777 Rockwood Dr. in Waukesha. The new entity will also be operating from the Miller Brands warehouse in Wauwatosa. Breweries associated with Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. include Crown Imports, Gambrinus Co. LLC, Mark Anthony Brands (Mike’s), and Star Brand Imports.

GOOSE WON'T CLOSE
Goose Island toasts 11th-hour deal to keep brew pub open
They raised a glass in celebration at Goose Island Beer Co.'s pioneering North Side brew pub Tuesday night: The well-known spot isn't going to close at year's end. John Hall, Goose Island's founder and chief executive, said he reached a last-minute deal with the pub's landlord to stay at 1800 N. Clybourn Ave. for three to five years, averting the closing of the home for Honker's Ale and other brews. "I'm thrilled," said Hall, who bought everyone in the place a beer. "They called me last week and said we want to try to do a deal. We compromised in a week on something we couldn't do for a long time." Hall said he couldn't talk for the other side, but he indicated the weak real estate market may have helped get the agreement done. In April, Hall had said that the landlord, CRM Properties Group, had asked for a significant rent increase, reflecting the popularity of the trendy neighborhood. Goose Island was part of a pioneering redevelopment in the North and Clybourn Avenues area. Today, Clybourn Square is surrounded by one of Chicago's hottest retail regions, but the entire economy is now in duress. Chris Siavelis, an executive at Deerfield-based CRM, couldn't be reached Tuesday night. Goose Island, which also makes 312 and other brews, was founded as a brew pub in 1988 at the site. The venture was a success, and Goose Island built a stand-alone brewery at 1800 W. Fulton St. in 1995. Since then, the company has focused on retail beer sales, though it has continued to operate two brew pubs. "We've been in the business for 20 years, and a lot of things have changed," Hall said. "We couldn't be more pleased about reaching an agreement."

(c) 2008 Michael Lev - Chicago Tribune

Patrón Spirits Company Joins Distilled Spirits Council
Washington, DC – The Distilled Spirits Council, the national trade association representing producers and marketers of America’s favorite distilled spirits brands, today announced that the Patrón Spirits Company is joining the industry group effective January 1, 2009.

“We welcome the Patrón Spirits Company, one of the fastest growing and most respected liquor producers, into the Distilled Spirits Council,” said Council CEO Peter H. Cressy. “This is a critical moment for the industry and we look forward to pursuing the many challenges we face with the strong support of Patrón and its management team. They have proven their mettle in the marketplace and now they will bring that expertise onto our board.”

“Patrón is very pleased to join the Distilled Spirits Council,” Patrón COO John McDonnell said. “We are joining forces with America’s most important distillers and suppliers in the effort to achieve responsible market access and especially to fight the threat of increased state and federal taxes on our hospitality industry. No other organization offers the scope of expertise and presence on the ground in Washington and in state capitals across the nation. In these tough economic times, we need everyone working together.”

Founded in 1989, the Las Vegas-based Patrón Spirits Company is the worldwide exclusive importer and marketer of the fast-growing Patrón tequila brand, as well as Pyrat rum and Ultimat vodka.
The Distilled Spirits Council is the national trade association representing America’s leading distillers and over 85% of all premium distilled spirits brands sold in the U.S. Over the years, the Council has served as the industry’s voice on policy and legislative issues in the nation’s capital, state capitals and foreign capitals worldwide.
The group’s commitment to responsible consumption and marketing of alcohol is the foundation of everything it does as an organization and as an industry. Throughout the decades, the Distilled Spirits Council’s Code of Responsible Practices has embodied the high standards and commitment to responsibility that have been the touchstone of DISCUS member company advertising practices.

STEVENS POINT ST. BENEDICT’S WINTER ALE BREWS SUCCESS
Stevens Point St. Benedict’s Winter Ale, an abbey-style “winter warmer” perfect for cold winter nights, proved so popular last winter that for the coming winter the Stevens Point Brewery doubled production, added a new 12-pack package and expanded the ale’s distribution into five new states.

Brewed with dark-roasted malts and noble hops for a rich, warm, malty flavor, St. Benedict’s Winter Ale is available at retail from November 1st through the end of January – or until supplies run out. “We brewed St. Benedict’s Winter Ale for the first time last fall and our customers responded so enthusiastically that we doubled production this year,” said Joe Martino, Stevens Point Brewery Managing Partner. “So far in October our brewery has shipped more St. Benedict’s Winter Ale than we did for the brand’s entire three-month season last winter.”

Last year St. Benedict’s Winter Ale was sold in Wisconsin , Illinois and Iowa . This year the winter seasonal will also be available in select markets in Minnesota , Indiana , Michigan , Nebraska and Oklahoma , Martino said.

MillerCoors selects headquarters site in Chicago's West Loop
MillerCoors LLC announced today it has signed a 15-year lease agreement for nearly 130,000 square feet of office space for its new headquarters location at 250 S. Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago.
On July 15, following the closing of the transaction to combine the U.S. and Puerto Rico operations of Miller Brewing Company and Coors Brewing Company, the newly formed MillerCoors selected Chicago as a neutral location based on a desire to reflect balance between its legacy companies.
MillerCoors selected the West Loop hi-rise because of its dynamic environment for employees and visitors, green space, surrounding amenities and access to public transportation, including the convenient Amtrak access to Milwaukee via Union Station - a major positive in selecting the location.
MillerCoors chief executive officer Leo Kiely said the new location provides a unique opportunity to establish MillerCoors identity as a beer company in downtown Chicago.
"We are a beer company and you’ll know that as soon as you walk through the doors of our Chicago headquarters," Kiely said. "The offices will showcase our brands and create a work environment that inspires our employees’ passion for beer."
MillerCoors will be the largest tenant in the building, housing nearly 400 employees on eight floors. The headquarters will house a majority of MillerCoors senior executives, as well as marketing, human resources, legal, finance, IT and communications divisions.
The new headquarters will be ready for occupancy in June 2009 and will join Milwaukee and Golden, Colo., as one of MillerCoors' three major business locations.
MillerCoors said it will continue to maintain significant operations in Milwaukee and Golden and plans to make major investments in both breweries, as well as in civic, cultural and sports sponsorships throughout Wisconsin and Colorado.
"Milwaukee will always be the home of Miller beer, and Golden will always be the home of Coors beer," Kiely said.

Richard J. Leinenkugel Appointed Secretary of the Department of Commerce
"Dick Leinenkugel comes from a family that has for generations run the kind of business we must have here in Wisconsin to grow our economy -- producing a top quality product made by the best workers in the world," Gov. Doyle said in a statement.

"Dick is a leader of one of the state's marquee companies. He knows what it takes for a company to succeed in this state and I am confident his talent and experience are what we need to help create the jobs of tomorrow and move our economy forward."

Leinenkugel, 50, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Marquette University with a B.S. in Business Administration. After a stint as an officer in the Marine Corps, Leinenkugel joined the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in 1987 as a district sales manager / chain sales manager. Leinenjugel was appointed to the Waukesha County Board of Supervisors where he represented Menomonee Falls from 1997 to 2000.

"I appreciate Governor Doyle's confidence in me and am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Department of Commerce," Leinenkugel said in the statement. "I look forward to working with my colleagues at Commerce to serve our great state of Wisconsin and help create jobs and grow our economy. I am energized to have this opportunity to give back to the state that has been so good to our family for over 141 years and to me personally."

BEER CAPITOL ACQUIRES MILLER BRANDS
As a fallout from the MillerCoors LLC merger, the beer distribution industry in southeastern Wisconsin is consolidating, with Pewaukee-based Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. acquiring Miller Brands-Milwaukee LLC of Wauwatosa.
Beer Capitol, which sells Pabst and other brands in Milwaukee County, has agreed to buy Miller Brands, which has sold Miller Brewing Co. products throughout Milwaukee County for many years, for an undisclosed amount.
The sale is set close by October 31.
The consolidation will create one distributor for all Miller, Coors, Pabst and the newly relaunched Schlitz products throughout southeastern Wisconsin, with 250 employees and 2,000 sales accounts.
Beer Capitol is owned by Aldo Madrigrano and his family, which also operates W.O.W. Distributing Co. of Sussex and CJW Inc. of Racine.
W.O.W. Distributing sells MillerCoors products in Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties. CJW Inc. sells MillerCoors products in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties.
The acquisition of Miller Brands will bring MillerCoors' Milwaukee County accounts, including Summerfest, downtown Milwaukee and Miller Park, under the Madrigrano corporate umbrella.
"The joining of these two great companies represents a strategic move that better aligns both organizations with the newly formed Miller-Coors joint venture, building upon each companies' recognized strengths in delivering exemplary customer service and developing long-standing relationships within local operating communities," said Aldo Madrigrano, who will serve as chairman of the Beer Capitol after the sale.
Mike Merriman, president of Beer Capitol, will continue in that role, and Dave Neville, currently the vice president of sales for Miller Brands, will lead sales efforts.
"This is a joining of two great organizations and we fully intend to build on the strong consumer loyalty to the Miller brands in Milwaukee County," Madrigrano said. "This deal gives us long-term continuity and combines the forces of a bigger, better and stronger service organization to serve our customers and offer consumers an expanded array of top-flight brands."
Miller Brands president Steve Johnson and vice president Mike Gallagher will not be part of the leadership team of the merged company, a Beer Capitol spokeswoman said.
Miller Brands has about 150 employees in Wauwatosa. When asked about the status of those jobs, Beer Capitol spokeswoman Mary Brophy said, "There are no other changes planned at this time."
Madrigrano, who is the chairman of the board of the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), was the winner of the Small Business Times Bravo! Entrepreneur Regional Spirit Award in 2006.
In its most recent issue, Small Business Times published a report that predicted the pending consolidation of the beer distribution industry in southeastern Wisconsin.
(c) 2008 Small Business Times

BELLS BRANDS RETURN TO CHICAGO
Popular Bell's beer brands return to ChicagoAfter a two year absence from Chicagoland, the brands of Bell's Brewery — including favorites such as Oberon Ale, Bell's Amber Ale, Kalamazoo Stout and Bell's Porter — are back.

The recent announcement of distribution agreements with Central Beverage Company, Schamberger Brothers, and Skokie Valley Beverage Company means that Chicagoans can enjoy these renowned craft beers once again, starting on August 1st.

"For many craft beer enthusiasts in this city, these brands were their first introduction to full-flavor, thoughtful brewing,” remarked Donna Spagnola, president and owner of Central Beverage Company. “We're extremely excited to be a part of bringing them back to Illinois."

“I love Chicago and there's no big city I spend more time in,” added Larry Bell, owner and founder of Bell’s Brewery. “I'm thrilled that our beer will be available again in this market and I'm very pleased to be working with such first-rate distributors. It's a true partnership — they know their markets and they know our beers."

The company hopes to widen its distribution throughout Illinois in the near future.

While they may not have been a presence in Chicago over the past two years, the Bell's Brewery brands have been earning accolades around the country. Most recently, at the 2008 Brewers Association World Beer
Cup in San Diego, where 2,864 beers from 644 breweries and 58 countries were judged by an esteemed panel, Bell's Porter captured a gold medal in the Brown Porter category. At the 2008 Brewers Cup in
Indiana, Bell's Double Brown, Bell's Consecrator Doppelbock and Bell's Porter all won gold in their respective categories.

"We've always believed that if we stay focused on brewing good beer, good things will happen," noted Bell. "The return of these brands to Chicago — where I was born and raised — proves that."

Bell’s Brewery distributes beer in fifteen states. The company produces a variety of unfiltered, bottle-conditioned beers, ales, porters and stouts. In 2007, sales volume exceeded 90,000 barrels, an increase of more than 22% from the previous year. Similar growth is expected this year.
For more information about Bell’s Brewery, Inc., visit www.bellsbeer.com.

ORIGINAL SCHLITZ RETURNS TO MILWAUKEE
The original formula for Schlitz beer, which was last widely used over 30 years ago, will soon be available in Milwaukee as part of the effort to revive that once-popular brand. The beer, which is being
marketed as the Schlitz "Classic 1960's Formula," launched June 24 in Milwaukee, it was announced today. Pabst Brewing Co., which owns the Schlitz brand, will stage an event at noon at the former
Brown Bottle restaurant, now Libiamo Restaurant, 221 W. Galena St. The restaurant is in the heart of Schlitz Park, the office park created out of the former Schlitz brewery.

The Classic Schlitz is sold in six-pack and 12-pack bottles, and carries a more "full-bodied taste," with a bit more flavoring from hops than Schlitz in cans, which remains unchanged, according to Pabst executives. Schlitz had been available only in cans for several years until Pabst began selling it in bottles last year in Minneapolis and Tampa, Florida

In April, Pabst began selling bottled Schlitz in Chicago.

"We are proud to bring the beer that made Milwaukee famous back home to the generations of Schlitz lovers who have enjoyed it for years," said Brad Hittle, chief marketing officer at Schlitz, in a statement. Following the launch event, the ceremonial first delivery will be made to Libiamo Restaurant. The beer will also be distributed to over 50 other locations in the Milwaukee area. Stops on the delivery tour include: Libiamo, Sobelman's, Comet Cafe, Wolski's, Nomad, Y Not II and Ragano's.
(c) Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel 2008

DUH BOMB SHELTER ...

MONDAYS
Bomb Shelter’s Retro Night, featuring the classic beers of Dad & Grandpa, all freshly brewed. Look for videos of old beer commercials, periodic Breweriana shows and the occasional visits by the legends of Milwaukee & Wisconsin’s beer, like Tim John & Tice Nichols from Miller, Fred & Nancy Gettelman, …. If you’re in the mood, make that a “shot & a beer,” or as the Happy Schnapps Combo says, “a beer & a bump,” as we’ll offer rotating shot specials, too.

WEDNESDAYS
Whispering Jeff’s Suds Club from 7 PM - ???
Shades of old Gasthaus Zur Krone’s Bier Schmecker Verein, with Craft & Import Beer Specials & Beer Samplings. We’ll be doing beers by style, by brewery, by wholesaler & by importer. Before the Summer’s over, we’ll all be doing a Bombshelter homebrew, too.

The Bomb Shelter is launching with 8 Milwaukee taps, split between “Retro” and Micro.
The goal is to rapidly grow to 20+, featuring some classic, and rare Wisconsin brews.

"Our beer draft & bottles selections will be rotated often, so please wander back often and boldly ask your barkeep, 'What’s New !!'”
Greg Landig, Proprietor

BUFFALO BREWS
Buffalo Water's Bison Blond got itself bottled Tuesday, May 20. It was the 2nd day the Milwaukee Ale House's production brewery, Milwaukee Brewing Company, ran their bottling line. Almost this first run of bottled Bison Blond will be delivered to Woodman's.
Per Buffalo Waters' Sales Manager Mike Chaltry, the next bottled batched will be available in about 3 weeks.


WORLD BEER CUP WINNERS
Brewers from five continents earned awards from an elite international panel of judges this week in the 2008 Brewers Association World Beer Cup. The seventh bi-annual competition awarded medals to brewers from 21 countries ranging from Australia and Italy to Bolivia and Japan.

This year, 644 breweries from 58 countries and 45 U.S. states vied for awards with 2,864 beers entered in 91 beer style categories. The top three entries in each category won gold, silver and bronze medals.

In addition, the competition gives “Champion Brewery” and “Champion Brewer” awards in each of five brewery categories based on the medals won by each brewery.

Brewers from the United States won 185 of the 268 style category awards and four of the five Champion Brewery/Brewer awards.

Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2008 Champion Brewery, Small Brewpub Category: Bend Brewing Company, Tonya Cornett

Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2008 Champion Brewery, Large Brewpub Category: Pelican Pub & Brewery, Darron R. S. Welch

Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2008 Champion Brewery, Small Brewing Company Category: Port Brewing Company and The Lost Abbey, Tomme Arthur

Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2008 Champion Brewery, Mid-Size Brewing Company Category: Privatbrauerei Hoepfner GmbH, Peter Bucher

Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2008 Champion Brewery, Large Brewing Company Category: Blue Moon Brewing Company, Warren Quilliam

Zappa's widow sues festival over use of his image
The future of a festival in honour of Frank Zappa is under threat following demands by his widow for money for the right to use his name or his trademark moustache. Gail Zappa is suing the organisers of the open-air Zappanale in the east German village of Bad Doberan, claiming they must pay £200,000 to use her husband's name or change the title of the annual festival.

Gail Zappa, who founded the Zappa Family Trust in 2002, wants a say as to which cover-bands should play at the event. She has also demanded that the logo - his trademark moustache and goatee - be scrapped, claiming she owns the sole rights to use it, and that a statue of Zappa in the village be removed.

The Zappanale started in 1990 after Bad Doberan emerged from the cold war and seized the opportunity to celebrate a musician whose avant-garde records had been banned under the communist regime. The festival attracts fans from around the world and has grown to become the biggest celebration of Zappa's music. The organisers took out a patent on the name almost 20 years ago. "It's our opinion that we own the rights to the name," said Thomas Dippel, the president of the society that runs the festival. He said the festival, which should celebrate its 19th year in August, did not aim to make a profit and was £120,000 in debt.

Fans of Zappa, who died in 1993, have posted an internet petition, in which 2,500 signatories are calling on the Zappa Family Trust to withdraw its case.

A Düsseldorf court is expected to decide on the case within the next few months.

(c) 2008 Kate Connolly - UK Guardian

HAPPY SCHNAPPS COMBO RETURNS
Heard a funny, yet delightful rumor....The Happy Schnapps Combo is back in town, doing a series of reunion tours.

Per their website...
"Happy Schnapps Combo Starts Suckin - The Happy Schnapps Combo is back in business”, exclaimed manager Ron Kalista.
The five-piece recording band has entertained thousands in the Midwest since 1990 with their original polka music at venues such as Milwaukee’s Summerfest and the Wisconsin State Fair.

The Combo has regrouped after spending several years relaxing in local taverns after the retirement of Bill “Horst” Soucy, the band’s former harmonica player. Horst reports a happy retirement, consisting mainly of shuffleboard and sheepshead tournaments.
The group features original member Rich “Wenzel” Krueger on drums and gong. Other returning members are Steve “Field Marshal Guenter” Klein, and Eric “Klaus” Werner, both on electrically amplified guitar.
New bassist Rob “Fynkylmyr” Maertz (Fink) and Dave “Stosh” Dvorak on harmonica and diatonic accordion complete the combo’s line up.

The Happy Schnapps Combo achieved success with such songs as “The Bears Still Suck Polka” and “No, I Don’t Wanna Do Dat.”
New songs under development include, “The Porta Potty Polka” and “I Was Born Under a Beer Sign.”

The band intends to perform 20 to 30 times a year at festivals and events across the Midwest.
Booking information can be obtained by calling Ron Kalista at 920-775-4943."

Eating Champ Downs 35 Dozen Oysters
NEW ORLEANS - Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti looked down at the litter of empty oyster shells in front of him and savored the sweet taste of victory. For Crazy Legs Conti, the bitter taste of defeat could be washed away only by beer.
The Acme World Oyster Eating championship belt — leather, with a silver dish featuring an oyster on the half-shell — hung on Bertoletti's skinny hips. The 22-year-old Chicago resident took the title Saturday by slurping 35 dozen of the big bivalves in eight minutes.

"I could probably do a couple dozen more, especially if they were charbroiled," said Bertoletti, who holds the endurance oyster-eating record, having downed 53 1/2 dozen in 2007 before calling it quits. "Although they're great raw." Conti, the defending champion, tied for third, sucking down 24 dozen. "They're supposed to be an aphrodisiac," said Conti, whose real name is Crazy Legs. "But I think that's only true for about the first three dozen. When you get up higher than that, you don't want much activity for a while." Juliet Lee, 43, of Germantown, Md., formerly a Ninjing University chemistry professor, methodically polished off 31 1/2 dozen for second place.

A dozen professional eaters who compete in Major League Eaters events year-round squared off at the French Quarter Festival on Saturday. Major League Eating describes itself as a sports franchise that oversees all professional competitive eating events and competitive eating television specials. It puts on the annual Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest, as well as other events, such as the World Deep-Fried Asparagus Eating Championship and the National Sweet Corn Eating Championship.

Rules for the oyster tournament forced contestants to use forks, not lift the shells to their mouth, and to finish all the oysters from a tray before starting a new one. Officials in striped shirts stood beside each contestant and flipped a counter as each dozen was consumed. Many of the competitors wore gloves to handle the shells; all carried several bottles of water, cold drinks or beer to help them keep their mouths and throats lubricated. Lee carried a thermos of hot water but said she didn't feel the need for it.

"Oysters are pretty liquid," said Lee, who weighs 105 pounds despite being on the pro-eating tour for the past year. "I didn't need it." Tim "Gravy" Brown — ranked 13th in the world — was disqualified when he had what professional eaters call a "reversal of fortune." He vomited after 14 dozen. Scott "Scozzy Bone" Zukowski, 20, a Tulane University student from New York's Long Island was in his first professional event. He ate 20 dozen. "I feel good about that; my goal was 15 dozen," Zukowski said. "I had only eaten one raw oyster in my life before this and I thought I'd vomit after it. I hate them."
(c) 2008 Mary Foster, Associated Press

BOMB SHELTER
Milwaukeean Greg Landig officially gained possession of the tavern formerly known as The Monkey Bar, 1517 S. 2nd St. But long before he was a bar owner, Landig was a bar critic. "My motivation came from going to bars and immediately seeing what's wrong with them," he says. "Then I'd figure out what I would do instead."
Though previously pro bono, his amateur tavern reviews are now starting to pay off. He's transforming years' worth of mental notes -- and the old Monkey Bar space -- into The Bomb Shelter, a beer-centric bar that pays tribute to the classic corner varieties that flourished during a time when locally-brewed beer seeped from the city's pores. "There are so many bars that are disappearing," he says, "I feel like we're losing all the fun things."

And by "fun things," he means charming chotchkey-filled hangouts that highlight Milwaukee's distinctiveness -- polka, bowling, brats, beer. Landig, 42, says The Bomb Shelter is perfect for people his age, but fun for those in their late 20s and 30s, too. (Retro is still in, isn't it?)

But what guests will find here is more than strategic, stylized nostalgia. Landig is something of a beer historian and savvy shows. "Did you know that when you drink Old Style today it's not Old Style anymore?" he asks. "It's a new formula that Pabst came out with after they brought the brand in the '90s, but not the recipe. The original recipe is still made by City Brewery in La Crosse and is called City Lager."
He's full of this kind of information.

Putting his knowledge to good use, Landig is more than doubling Monkey Bar's tappers to 16, plus a single tap tower for Schlitz, complete with era-appropriate glowing globe. "I want to have Pabst, Blatz, Schlitz and High Life on tap," he says. "Where else are you going to find that?" Fittingly, he's scavenged a collection of Schlitz and Pabst schooner mugs; their wide mouths, he claims, allows aroma to escape properly.
Other tap selections include brews from Lakefront, Sprecher and other Wisconsin-made beers, including Buffalo Water Brewing's Bison Blonde, which is brewed at the Ale House's facility in Walker's Point. Be sure to ask about his beer flights, which come with a big soft pretzel.

The décor also demonstrates a return to Brew City's foundations. With the exception of the existing cream city brick, the bar's interior is undergoing a massive makeover with new paint, new carpet, new bathrooms, re-felted pool table and enough vintage neons, lamps and signs to light up the 2nd Street corridor of the Walker's Point neighborhood. There might be an accordion or two. There will definitely be a shot ski.

(c) 2008 OnMilwaukee.com

SUGAR MAPLE OPENS
Bruno Johnson didn't compromise anything when he opened the Palm Tavern five years ago. He built the kind of bar that he would want to sit in and drink every day. Now, as he officially opens his next venture, Sugar Maple, don't expect the new craft-beer bar to serve even a single Miller product. When it swings open its door on Wednesday, the bar will look like no other tavern in Milwaukee.

"You can do almost anything, and you're going to find someone who will tell you that it's ridiculous to do it that way," says Johnson, who didn't even have a sign outside the Palm Tavern for the first few years.

The Sugar Maple, 441 E. Lincoln Ave., has a sign, and a big one at that. The smoke-free bar also has plenty of room, as well as 60 American microbrew tap beers -- but still no Miller.

"Because it's owned by the same people, my wife and I think it was built with the aesthetics that we like. Obviously, this new place is a little different, it's a little more user-friendly."

Johnson says he has nothing against Milwaukee beers, but that he's trying to offer customers something different. Lakefront and Sprecher will represent Brew City, and "more than half of the beers will come from the Midwest," he says.

Johnson says he wasn't looking to open a second bar, but the space -- formerly the Sikh Temple -- presented itself, and he couldn't turn down the opportunity. Situated on Bay View's most lively corner, which already hosts Lulu, Highbury Pub, Riviera Maya and eventually Café Centraal, Sugar Maple is poised to become a new neighborhood anchor.

"My wife calls it 'Downtown Bay View,'" says Johnson.

Johnson will bring over some of his well-known bartenders from the Palm, a group that's respected by patrons for displaying more knowledge than your typical drink-slinger.

The look of the new place is far more spacious than the Palm. With a back room, Johnson will bring in live jazz a couple times a month. That room can be closed off and used as a lounge when a band isn't playing.

Johnson again used desinger Mike Sherwood, who also created the Palm Tavern, and the bar will be a beer-drinker's oasis. Vast selection aside, Johnson has installed two beer engines -- gravity-fed beer lines that involve a pump hooked to the bar. He's even looking to do a "firkn" night, which involves tapping a keg directly on the bar.

If this all sounds a little grandiose, it is, and Johnson has had to push the opening back a few times. He hoped to be open by St. Patrick's Day, but it wasn't in the cards.

And that's mostly because the space required a ton of work. The building once held a bank, and the safe was immovable. Instead, Johnson literally cut through the concrete to carve out the bathrooms. "When the hurricane hits, you'll be safe," he jokes.

BELT BUCKLES
Since 1971, my alternate career has been in metal castings, mostly Belt Buckles. The 70s were a really hot time for buckles. I was in design & sales. The companies I worked for created & sold over 100 new designs every year.

I've got some I'd like to market.
Some are one-of-a-kind, and with other styles, I have a some depth in inventory.

Visit Belt Buckles on the left for a partial list.

I also do Custom Belt Buckle Design & Production, with runs as short as 100.
Interested ? Contact me.


MILWAUKEE BEER HISTORY

Visit our Milwaukee Beer History tour page.
We've got lots of photos, including the 2005 & 2006 Museum of Beer & Brewing Miller Caves Dinner and the original Miller Caves dinner photo from 1954, which was our inspiration; the Obermann Brewery today; Pabst Sternewirt; Schlitz photo from 1972; Blatz Brewkettles & Tasting Room bar; Pabst Mansion; Gettelman Brewery; Forest Home & Calvary Cemetery Beer Barons Monuments; "Ghost Signs;"Wisconsin DOT sign, commemorating Wisconsin's brewing heritage, ...


Visit our Suds City (Beer), Spirited Event, Food, Music & Wine Calendars, as we've got a lot of events listed

Tune in at least once-a-week (or even daily) for our “Whispering Jeff” updates !!

Visit "Whispering Jeff's" New, Rumors & Gossip for archived babbles !!