BROOKLYN BREWERY BREWMASTER GARRETT OLIVER WINS THE 2014 JAMES BEARD AWARD FOR "OUTSTANDING WINE, BEER, OR SPIRITS PROFESSIONAL

This is some really cool news.  Not local news but cool nonetheless.  Garrett Oliver received a James Beard award!  I feel this is MUCH deserved and about time someone from the beer world won the award!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BROOKLYN BREWERY BREWMASTER GARRETT OLIVER WINS THE 2014 JAMES BEARD AWARD FOR "OUTSTANDING WINE, BEER, OR SPIRITS PROFESSIONAL"
The "Oscar of the Culinary World" caps off Garrett Oliver's 20th Year at the Brooklyn Brewery

MAY 5th, 2014, New York, NY – Garrett Oliver, brewmaster of The Brooklyn Brewery has won the 2014 James Beard Foundation Award for Excellence in the category of "Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional". Often referred to as "the Oscars of the food world", the James Beard Foundation Awards, celebrated in a star-studded black tie ceremony at New York's Lincoln Center, are widely considered the most prestigious awards in the culinary arts in the United States. This is Oliver's first James Beard Award. Having been previously nominated in this category several times, he was also a finalist for his books "The Brewmaster's Table" and "The Oxford Companion to Beer".

The James Beard Awards are considered to be the highest honor in the culinary and beverage fields since their establishment in 1990. Previous winners of the “Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Sprits Professional” honor include Paul Grieco of Terroir (2012) and Julian Van Winkle III of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery (2011). This is the first time a beer professional has ever won this award.

"This is my 20th year at Brooklyn Brewery, and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate a banner year", said Oliver. "Chefs are the closest peers of the modern craft brewer, so the culinary side of brewing has always been very important to me. I have a lot of friends in this room. This is a great honor, and I think it signals the fact that real beer is back where it belongs - at the table."

Garrett Oliver began brewing professionally at Manhattan Brewing Company in 1989 as an apprentice. He was appointed brewmaster there in 1993. He soon became widely known both here and abroad for his flavorful interpretations of traditional brewing styles as well as being an avid and entertaining lecturer and writer on the subject of beer. Garrett has hosted more than 900 beer tastings, dinners, and cooking demonstrations in 16 countries, writes regularly for beer and food-related periodicals, and is internationally recognized as an expert on traditional beer styles and their affinity with good food.

In 2003 Oliver authored The Brewmaster’s Table: Discovering the Pleasures of Real Beer with Real Food. The Brewmaster’s Table was the winner of a 2004 International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Book Award and was a finalist for the 2004 James Beard Foundation Book Awards. The Brewmaster’s Table was released in a paperback edition in May of 2005 and remains in print.

His most recent book is The Oxford Companion to Beer (OCB), published in October 2011 by Oxford University Press. Compiling the vast knowledge of 166 experts in 24 countries, covering 1,120 subjects, The Oxford Companion to Beer is the most comprehensive book ever published on the subject. Only nine weeks after its publication date, the OCB had risen to #8 on the Amazon list of overall books, had sold out four printings and headed into a fifth.Amazon.com<http://Amazon.com> named the OCB one of the “Best Books of 2011”.

Garrett was a founding board member of Slow Food USA<http://www.slowfoodusa.org/> and then later served for five years on the Board of Counselors of Slow Food International. He is a graduate of Boston University, and holds a degree in Broadcasting and Film. He is the recipient of the 1998 Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation and Excellence in Brewing, granted by the Institute for Brewing Studies. It is the highest award given within the United States brewing profession. He is also the recipient of the 2003 Semper Ardens Award for Beer Culture (Denmark) and Cheers Beverage Media’s “Beverage Innovator of the Year” Award for 2006. In 2007, Forbes named him one of the top ten tastemakers in the country for wine, beer and spirits.

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About The Brooklyn Brewery

Founded in 1988, The Brooklyn Brewery is one of the foremost craft breweries in the world, currently ranking #9 in volume among United States craft breweries. A producer of award-winning beers that are available in 26 states and more than 20 countries, The Brooklyn Brewery is located in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Brewery recently opened Nya Carnegiebryggeriet (New Carnegie Brewery) in Stockholm, Sweden, where it produces a range of specialty beers for the Scandinavian market. www.brooklynbrewery.com<http://www.brooklynbrewery.com>

Brooklyn Brewery Mash Events Return to New Orleans

Got this email from Brooklyn Brewery today!

 

 

 

 

BROOKLYN BREWERY MASH EVENTS RETURN TO NEW ORLEANS

 

Award-winning craft brewery visits New Orleans to celebrate neighborhood culture, emerging artists and local food scene in weeklong series of food, beer and

community events

 

New Orleans, LA – March 29 – April 5, 2014

 What: The second annual Brooklyn Brewery Mash tour hits New Orleans, March 29 - April 5 to celebrate what’s next in food, film, comedy, music, books and beer. The Mash tour is the largest traveling food, beer and arts festival, stopping in ten US cities as well as London and Stockholm in 2014. Brooklyn Brewery has collaborated with New Orleans chefs, artists and craft brewers to create one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences for the whole community to enjoy. 

In partnership with Slow Food USA and select event partners and performers from both Brooklyn and New Orleans, the weeklong series features exclusive dinners, concerts and lots of craft beers.  New Orleans Mash partners include: Chef Eman Loubier (Dante's), Marnie Stern, Pauline and Stephen Patterson (Trèo), David Blossman (Abita Brewing Company), Chef Kirk Coco (New Orleans Lager and Ale Brewing Co.), Pizza Delicious, Grow Dat Youth Farm, NOLA Brewing, The Avenue Pub, The Howling Wolfe, D.B.A., Dirty Coast, St. James Cheese and One Eyed Jacks. 

 
Who: Various spokespeople and Mash tour partners, including:

·         Steve Hindy, President and Co-Founder of Brooklyn Brewery, who will discuss his new book, The Craft Beer Revolution offering insight and perspective as a pioneer of America’s craft beer movement.

·         Brooklyn Brewery Chef Andrew Gerson has joined forces with New Orleans’ own Chef Eman Loubier and Chef Brent Tranchina to offer unique community dining experiences that celebrate local flavors and explore alternative eating spaces in New Orleans.

 

Where/When:  Check out the list of events for #NOLAMash March 29 - April 5, 2014 below.

 

Watch:  Check out the Mash video trailer, link here.

 

Mash tickets are available at BrooklynBreweryMash.com

 

For information, press passes or interviews with Brooklyn Brewery or any of the Mash partners, please contact Robert Woods at (212) 601-8189 or Robert.Woods@PorterNovelli.com.

 

New Orleans Mash Tour Schedule

 

Saturday, March 29, 2014: 

Brooklyn Beer Here: New Orleans — Eat, Drink and Learn with Chef Andrew Gerson

What and Who:  Chef Andrew Gerson will bring his beer experience and pairing knowledge to the good people of NOLA. Armed with some of his favorite pairings from his journeys on the Mash tour Andrew speaks to the delicate balance of malt and hops and how they interplay with the meals you are planning to make.

·         Where:  Rouses, 400 North Carrollton Avenue New Orleans, LA
·         When:  Starts at 4:00 PM
 

Brooklyn Beer Here: New Orleans — Eat, Drink and Learn with Chef Andrew Gerson

·         What and Who:  Armed with some of his favorite pairings from his journeys on the Mash tour, Brooklyn Brewery Chef Andrew Gerson speaks to the delicate balance of malt and hops and how they interplay with the meals you are planning to make.
·         Where:  Winn-Dixie, 401 North Carrollton Avenue New Orleans, LA
·         When:  Starts at 6:00 PM

 

Sunday, March 30, 2014: 

Dinner on the Farm with Chef Andrew Gerson & Chef Eman Loubier

• What and Who:  Through roaming culinary events, Dinner on the Farm works to connect people back to the land and to the farmers and artisans who are making our communities a better place to live. Enjoy some delta blues and Appalachian stomps at this laidback late-afternoon picnic among hundred year old cypress, oak and palm trees. There will be lots of deliciousness, a farm tour and enough beer for all.
• Where:  Grow Dat Youth Farm, 150 Zachary Taylor Drive New Orleans, LA
• When:  Starts at 5:00 PM (Tickets: $65)

Tuesday, April 1, 2014:                                              

            Craft Beer Revolution with Brooklyn Brewery, Abita, NOLA

• What and Who:  Brooklyn Brewery co-founder Steve Hindy looks back with his fellow craft beer brothers including Kirk Coco (NOLA Brewing) and David Blossman (Abita Brewing Company) to discuss the circumstances and ambitions that allowed a handful of individuals across the country to challenge one of the largest corporate dynasties in American history. Then they’ll look ahead to the future of good beer and talk about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for American craft beer.

 

·         Where:  NOLA Brewing, 3001 Tchoupitoulas Street New Orleans, LA
·         When:  Starts at 7:00 PM (Tickets: $6) 

 

Wednesday, April 2, 2014:

            Mash EDU: Beer School with Mary Wiles

·         What and Who:  With a resume longer than a Garrett Oliver recipe, Brooklyn Brewery Technical Director Mary Wiles, a certified brewmaster in her own right, can answer all of your zymurgy questions. Sample some of our rarest brews, including Mary's Maple Porter, a Brewmaster's Reserve we created using Mary's own maple syrup.
·         Where:  The Avenue Pub, 1732 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA
·         When:  Starts at 7:00 PM (Tickets: Free)
 

Brooklyn Ha Ha: NYC Stand-up with Josh Gondelman, Doug Smith

·         What and Who:  In true Brooklyn style, Brooklyn Ha Ha introduces some of the NYC standup scene’s best under-the-radar talent and brings their act to the looser, more freewheeling environment of a rock club. Also performing will be up-and-comers of the NOLA comedy world.
·         Where:  The Howlin Wolf, 615 Toulouse Street New Orleans, LA
·         When:  Doors at 9:00 PM (Tickets: $10)
 

Thursday, April 3, 2014:

            Found Footage Festival

• What and Who:  The Found Footage Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary with a brand-new show and DVD (Volume 7). Hosts Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett, whose credits include The Onion and the Late Show with David Letterman, are excited to show off their new lineup of found video clips and live comedy.
• Where:  One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse Street New Orleans, LA
• When:  Starts at 7:00 PM (Tickets: $12)

 

Friday, April 4, 2014: 

Slow Supper with Dinner Lab

• What and Who: This pop-up dinner party, hosted in a unique, non-traditional location, embodies The Mash. In each city we visit, we bring together some of our favorite people to create a memorable meal and moment. Our partner for the tour is the incomparable, members-only, Dinner Lab, whom we first met the last time we were in New Orleans.
• Where:  Surprise location, announced day-of
• When:  Starts at 7:00 PM (Tickets: $65)

 

Saturday, April 5, 2014: 

Mash Bash with Marnie Stern

·         What and Who: Send off a whirlwind week of Mash fun with our closing party at Howlin’ Wolf. Opening act Native America, Brooklyn rocker Marnie Stern, food trucks, a Dirty Coast apparel collaboration for sale and a video art installation by Nuit Blanche New York, make this show more than just a concert.

·         Where: One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse Street New Orleans, LA

·         When: Starts at 8:00 PM (Free admission)

 

Brooklyn Cask-Off

·         What and Who: Join us at THE New Orleans craft beer mecca, Avenue Pub, for cask conditioned firkins of Brooklyn Summer Ale, Brooklyn EIPA and the ever elusive Blast! These three naturally fermented brews will be alongside select pairings from St. James Cheese. As Polly says, “drink what you love.”

·         Where: Avenue Pub, 1732 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA

·         When: Starts at 2:00 PM

Beer Review: Bayou Teche Cocodrie

Alright, so I've been drinking while writing this so I'm going to say something here that may be blasphemous to some. Not to the local Louisiana folks but maybe some New Yorkers.  I think Bayou Teche is the Brooklyn Brewery of Louisiana.  But Bayou Teche's beers may be better.

I compare the two because Brooklyn Brewery does a great job with the beer and food pairing thing.  A GREAT job.  Down here in Louisiana, Bayou Teche is doing the same thing but with mostly Cajun cuisine.  And man are they killing it.  In May, when they first released Cocodrie they threw a crawfish boil at Avenue Pub.  Really wish I could have made that one!

In terms of me saying that their beer is better well, that's just strictly my opinion.  You can judge for yourself though.  I do however find it ironic that Bayou Teche is distributed in New York.  Yeah, New York.  New Yorkers want this beer pretty damn bad.  Why is that ironic? Because Bayou Teche is limited pretty much to the Gulf South.  And New York.  WTF?  Ironic. Seriously. Take note Alanis Morissette.

I recently received a sample from the brewery of their Cocodrie Tripel IPA.  No, it's not a TRIPLE IPA.  It's a TRIPEL.  Think Belgian Tripel mixed with IPA.  Kinda like Jean Claude Van Damme with hops.

Coors Van Damme?  WTF?

Here is a description from their website:

Cocodrie is Cajun French for alligator, and this Belgian style ale is stuffed with enough hops to stand up to a sauce-piquant prepared with one. We recklessly crammed IPA-worthy additions of hops (six separate hop additions, plus dry hopping) into an elegant and tastefully brewed Tripel – the spice and fruit flavors from the yeasts mix with the sumptuous hop flavors to create a rich, yet dangerously drinkable IPA. 

Our interpretation of the celebrated Tripel IPA style of beer is crafted with a generous amount of Pilsner malt which insures this ale clocks in at just over 8 percent ABV. Our brewmaster, Gar Hatcher selected strains of French and Belgian yeasts for their complementary fruit and spice flavors which meld with the multiple additions of elegant European hops. Cocodrie is then dry-hopped with French and Styrian hops which provides this beer its fruity, citrus, herbal and spicy hop aroma.

Not sure why (maybe because I am feeling a little tipsy) but this beer screams drink me while enjoying some amazing cheese and french bread.  So I did.  And it was great.  If it wasn't so damn hot outside I would have enjoyed this outside on the patio.  But this is Louisiana.  Way too hot for all that.  At least right now.  And, well, I don't have a patio anyway.

I enjoyed this beer a lot.  Bayou Teche is really just doing it right.  The Louisiana craft beer scene is blowing up and they are proving to be one of the leaders.  They are doing more than just brewing a great beer they are creating a great Louisiana beer culture.

Here is my review:

Brewery:  Bayou Teche Brewing

Beer:  Cocodrie

Style:  Belgian IPA

ABV:  8%

Louisiana Availability:  Summer seasonal.  May-September

Price:  Not sure.  Mine was a sample.

Appearance:  Pours a hazy, golden orange.  Huge off white head.  Great lacing.

Smell:  Right off I get a wonderful hint of ripe fruit, pepper and fresh baked french bread.

Taste:  Hints of stone fruit(apricot?), bready maltiness, piney hops.  Hint of pepper as well.  The 8% really doesn't show which can be bad news for some.

Mouthfeel:  Medium body and medium carbonation.

Overall:  Wow.  Amazing beer.  I could drink this one all day!  But then again I shouldn't at 8%.  Go grab some while you still can.

Score:  4.5 out of 5 Buddhas  

Cheers!

The Beer Buddha

The Food Experiment coming to New Orleans with The Brunch Experiment

WHAT:  The New Orleans Brunch Experiment
WHEN: April 3, 2011 from 12PM- 4:30PM
WHERE:  Howling Wolf Music Club
TICKETS:  $20 in advance; $25 at door  Get them HERE

DETAILS:

Cookoff pros Nick Suarez and Theo Peck are excited to present the New Orleans Brunch Experiment, an amateur cookoff involving New Orleans’ finest home chefs. Dishes will range from savory to sweet and will feature our favorite meal of the week – Brunch! You may never look at brunch the same after attending the Food Experiments. Anyone can compete! Anyone can attend! And anyone can win! Sharpen your knives America, this is a call to all home chefs looking to be named the next cookoff king or queen of New Orleans.

The winner will not only receive cash and achieve culinary glory, but will be flown to Brooklyn, NY to compete in the National cookoff title, the super-bowl of cookoffs held at Brooklyn Brewery. You, along with our professional judging panel choose the winners!

Do you have what it takes to win? Are you experimented…



Cheers!

The Beer Buddha

The Beer Buddha 2nd Anniversary Party

So this July 1st will be the 2nd anniversary of my beer blog. I felt that I needed to celebrate somehow and what better way than with a shindig at my favorite New Orleans beer bar The Avenue Pub. So get your livers ready New Orleans beer lovers and come on down to the Avenue Pub on July 9th at 6:30pm.  I would love to see as many of you down there as possible!! We will be doing a raffle giving some prizes away and The Avenue Pub will be putting one special Brooklyn beer on tap for that event.  YOU get to vote on that beer.  You have two choices: Brooklyn Blast Pale Ale or Brooklyn Buzz Bomb Ale.  The poll is in the top right hand corner of the blog!!

Cheers!

The Beer Buddha

PS No, the beers aren't free! Who do you think I am Ricky Stratton?