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Vintage Beer and Retrodudz
Vintage. Retro Kitsch. Past days of vamps and vixens!  The days when attitudes about beer were set in stone, brash declarations were made and competition reigned supreme.  Retrodudz revives a bit of vintage nostalgia.
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Beer Fox Tip of the Week:

Aromas of crackling wood in the fireplace and drying leaves underfoot set the tone for a myriad of Seasonal Variety Packs for beer lovers.

Magic Hat Brewing Company of South Burlington, Vermont, USA, greets the season with their newest "Feast of Fools Variety 12-Pak."  Four different beers (times 3) greet your palate:  Year round favorites #9 and Fat Angel; winter seasonal ale Saint Goötz with its warm, hazy, complex spiciness; and Batch 372, the mysteriously secretive amber salute to the strong Scotch ales that claimed their place in history.

The Michelob Specialty Sampler Collection from Anheuser-Busch serves up an award-winning Michelob Marzen and Pale Ale; spicy Michelob Pumpkin Spice Ale; Michelob; Michelob Honey Lager; and Michelob AmberBock.

F.X. Matt Brewing Company of Utica, New York presents the best of the season with the "Saranac 12 Beers of Winter" 2005 variety pack.  Possibly the best selling specialty pack on the market, Saranac Oatmeal Stout and Saranac Belgian Ale are introduced as the new kids of the collection. Year round styles included are: Saranac Pale Ale; Saranac Black & Tan; Saranac Black Forest; Saranac Traditional Lager; and Saranac Adirondack Lager.  On-demand seasonal returnees are Saranac India Pale Ale; Saranac Chocolate Amber; Saranac Caramel Porter; Saranac Nut Brown Ale; and Saranac Wassail.

Three great little seasonal packs to light up any holiday party, or the eyes of your favorite squeeze!

Beer Fox Laugh of the Week:

Joan, a rather well-proportioned blond secretary, spent almost all of her vacation sunbathing on the roof of her hotel. She wore a bathing suit the first day, but on the second she decided that no one could see her way up there, and she slipped out of it for an overall tan.

She'd hardly begun when she heard someone running up the stairs; she was lying on her stomach, so she just pulled a towel over her rear.

"Excuse me, miss," said the flustered little assistant manager of the hotel, out of breath from running up the stairs.

"The Hilton doesn't mind your sunbathing on the roof, but we would very much appreciate your wearing a bathing suit as you did yesterday."

"What difference does it make," Joan asked rather calmly. "No one can see me up here, and besides, I'm covered with a towel."

"Not exactly," said the embarrassed little man.

"You're lying on the dining room skylight."

Beer News:

Ontario based Sleeman Breweries is stepping up its promotion of lower-priced beers.  In a statement to CBC News, CEO John Sleeman reported trends in changing beer attitudes among Canadians and Sleeman's commitment to value pricing.

Sleeman's profits for the third quarter revealed a 2.8 per cent downturn, a trend that is being addressed by the implementation of an aggressive marketing campaign and pricing that keeps beer within reach for a greater number of consumers.

Craft Brew of the Week Award:

Old Scratch Amber Lager - Flying Dog Brewery, Denver, Colorado, USA

Style - American-Style Amber Lager

Sparkling, clear jewel-tone of coppery topaz glistens within the glass, while a head of ivory cream rises in a frothy mound with holding power. Aromas are lightly sweet - toasted caramel and yeast, splashed lightly with fruit and hops.

Flavors are richer blends of Munich and crystal malts, dashed in harmony with citrus fruits, pear and sweetened apple, while warm alcohol and leafy hops ride it out through an enduring finish.

Cheers!

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