Here are the latest articles from the Beer and Brewing site at BellaOnline.com.

Craft Brewers Conference Supports U.S. Craft Beer
San Diego, with its mild climate and relaxed attitude was new to me. The delicate fragrance of roses, growing in abundance around the Town & Country Resort, took a back seat to the mild aroma of fresh beer.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art176688.asp

Philly Beer Geek Basil IPA
Natalie DeChico could pass as the poster girl for all that is right about beer. As her reign as Philly Beer Geek 2011 rolls into its final weeks, she has added a surge of creativity to a year filled with accomplishments.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art176671.asp

Beer at West Laurel Hill Cemetery
A cemetery may seem like an odd place to have a beer event, but in Philadelphia beer has earned a position of respect.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art176491.asp

Beer Can Turkey Smoker-Style - Recipe
Every welcome sign of spring tells me it’s time to get out the gas-fired smoker. Smoking food takes a little longer than using a grill, but the results can be juicy and satisfying.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art176308.asp

Seven Deadly Sins of Beer
Here's a little primer that lays the seven deadly sins of beer on the line.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art176261.asp

From the Beer Fox Archives

Philly Beer Trivia
Test your skill and knowledge with this little list of beer facts about Philadelphia Beer.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art55440.asp

Beer Fox Tip of the Week

Having fresh beer on draught in your home is a definite plus, whether for watching the game, or just chilling with friends. You can either buy one from one of the many suppliers (MicroMatic, KegWorks, the Beverage Factory, etc.) or make your own. Craftbeer.com has lots of great tips on how to build your own system. Remember to take care of your beer and do proper maintenance on your kegerator. No one wants to drink beer that has the flavor of old socks and cheese. Thoroughly clean those lines every two weeks, without fail.

Beer Fox Laugh of the Week

A guy is driving around Oklahoma and he sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog For Sale." He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard.

The guy goes into the backyard and sees a Labrador Retriever sitting there.

"You talk?" he asks.

"Yep," the Lab replies.

"So, what's your story?"

The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running.

"But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security wandering near suspicious characters and listening in.

"I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.

"Ten dollars," the guy says.

"Ten dollars? This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?"

"Because he's a damn liar. He never did any of that stuff."

Beer News:

For those of you who haven't heard, North Carolina is set to be the home of three household names in Craft Beer: New Belgium Brewing, Sierra Nevada, and Oskar Blues. The Tarheel State is primed to become huge players in the craft beer community.

Beer Fests and Events:

Philly Beer Week - June 1-10, 2012 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA - Over 700 events are scheduled so far in the "City of Brotherly Suds." Follow the HOG (Hammer of Glory) on a memorable HOG Relay through the city from the early hours of June 1 to its final destination at Opening Tap at the Independence Visitors Center in Olde City. Mayor Michael Nutter will tap the first official keg of the week: Brotherly Suds 3.

Then, plan your week's trek from the International Great Beer Expo to the Forum of the Gods, Meet the Brewer Events to the Keystone Kommunist Party, Ladies Beer Tea to the infamous Philly Beer Geek Competition. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Check it our ... plan your week. go to:

http://www.phillybeerweek.org and http://www.phillybeergeek.com

Savor: An American Craft Beer and Food Experience - June 8-9, 2012 - at the National Building Museum of the Smithsonian, Washington, DC - this event is Sold Out, but some of the Educational and Tasting Salons are still available. The salons offer Rare Beers, Vertical Tastings, food and beer pairing tips, and introduce you to the most exciting breweries emerging from the craft beer community.

http://www.savorcraftbeer.com/videos/savor-experience/

19th Mondial de la Biere, Montreal, QE – June 6-10, 2012 - featuring beer competition, world-class beers, seminars, and special guests - Bonaventure and the HILTON MONTREAL BONAVENTURE, 800, De La Gauchetière St. West, Downtown Montréal (Metro Bonaventure)
http://festivalmondialbiere.qc.ca/

Great American Beer Festival - October 11-13, 2012 - Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colorado, USA - the largest ticketed beer festival in the country featuring craft beers from every corner of the USA, Farm to Table Pavilion, Brewer's Studio, Beer and Food Pavilion, You Be the Judge, Silent Disco, the American Homebrewers Association, Bookstore and Book Signings, Support your Local Brewery Pavilion, Craft Beer Guilds, Pro-Am Competition, and the GABF Commercial Competition. Whew! Public Tickets go on sale August 2, 2012 For info:

http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/

Craft Beer of the Week Award

Abrasive Ale - Surly Brewing Company, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, USA
Style: American Double IPA - 9.0% ABV

Beer in a can, perfect for summer. It's protected from light, easy to transport, and you can take it to the dock or carry it in your backpack. That's just an extra plus to the luscious assertiveness of this magnificent brew. A powerpunch of citrusy grapefruit and pine needles merges with bready caramel sweetness. Feels a little boozy in the throat, too. It's what's for lunch!

Cheers!

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Carolyn Smagalski, Beer and Brewing Editor
http://Beer.bellaonline.com

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