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

Counting Calories in Beer

An incredibly-fit friend stopped by my office a few days ago. In recent years, he has discovered the joys of craft beer and truly enjoys the adventure of tasting different styles.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art173969.asp

Essentials of Brewing Water

The grape and the grain may live side-by-side, but few think of the most common link between the two, that of water.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art173936.asp

Double Chocolate Stout Espresso Cookie Recipe

Chocolate has earned the distinction for being one of the great primary flavors, just as red, yellow and blue are primary colors. Somehow, we instinctively know this flavor.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art173836.asp

Recipes for Blithering Idiots and Old Numbskulls

Blithering Idiot used to be a derogatory term. That was before Weyerbacher Brewing Company gave their English Barleywine the moniker.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1723729.asp

Cookie Recipes Pumped Up with Seasonal Beer

To a true connoisseur of happiness, nothing resonates with as much gusto as a holiday.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art173697.asp

1st Annual Oktoberfest on the Hudson at Beczak

Cliff Schneider, Executive Director of the Beczak Environmental Education Center, donned his white apron, alongside other volunteers, flipping links for the First Annual Oktoberfest on the Hudson.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art173681.asp

Oktoberfest & Marzen Styles of Beer

Oktoberfestbier, overlapped with Marzen and Vienna styles, flows abundantly in the fall, paired with foods that speak of seasonal comfort. The sweet breadiness of the Oktoberfest style is enough to convince even the most hard-line mainstream-beer enthusiasts to stray into the world of craft beer.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art173679.asp

Oxford Companion to Beer – Personal Book Review

The Oxford Companion to Beer, edited by Garrett Oliver with associate editor Dr. Horst Dornbusch, must be hailed as the world’s most comprehensive book on beer, to date.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art173523.asp

From the Beer Fox Archives

Scandinavian Coffee Twist Beer Bread Recipe

The Beer Fox says, “The enticing aromas of homemade bread and cinnamon twist together in a combination of harmonious pleasure.”

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art52916.asp

Beer Fox Tip of the Week

With holiday dinners right around the corner, plan for a touch of elegance this year. Bieres Brut, Fruit Lambic and Saison all look appetizing in a champagne glass or grappa glass. You will be surprised how many people will be happy to accept this as an aperitif before dinner. A large tulip is a great all-purpose glass for many dinner beers. As the meal winds down, serve a bit of Russian Imperial Stout, Winter Ale, or Barley Wine in a brandy snifter. Just enough to allow the aromas to waft into the air. As the hand cradles the glass, it warms it enough to release all the complexity those beers hold. A touch of Scotch Ale or barrel aged ale is a wonderful digestif by a roaring fire. Comfort food!

Beer Fox Laugh of the Week

A guy took his blonde girlfriend to her first football game. They had great seats right behind their team's bench. After the game, he asked her how she liked it.

"Oh, I really liked it," she replied, "especially the tight pants and all the big muscles, but I just couldn't understand why they were killing each other over 25 cents."

Dumbfounded, her boyfriend asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well, they flipped a coin, one team got it and then for the rest of the game, all they kept screaming was... 'Get the quarterback! Get the quarterback!' I'm like...Helloooooo? It's only 25 cents!!!!"

Beer News:

Are you ready to be Beerdrinker of the year? This year's National Finals are set for February 25 at 2 PM at Wynkoop Brewing Company in Denver, Colorado, USA.

Each year, the Beerdrinker of the Year wins free beer for life at Wynkoop Brewing Company, a $250 tab at their local brewpub or beer bar, and has their name engraved on the Beerdrinker of the Year trophy at Wynkoop. They also design and brew a special batch of beer at Wynkoop Brewing (with head brewer Andy Brown) as part of their winnings. Plus, the honor and glory of carrying the name of Beerdrinker of the Year.

This year's three finalists will stay free-of-charge at Denver's famed Brown Palace Hotel - the historic landmark hotel that has hosted presidents, movie stars and legends in the music industry.

To enter the contest applicants must submit resumes that include their beer philosophy and details on their 2011 beer experiences. Resumes should also detail the entrant’s understanding of beer and its history and importance to civilization, along with info on their efforts to educate others to the joys of great beer.

Resumes must be sent by email to beerdrinker@wynkoop.com and be received no later than December 31, 2011. More contest details are in the release and at www.wynkoop.com.

More News:

American craft brewing rocks! Brewers Association (BA) Export Development Program (EDP) members participated in the Stockholm Beer and Whisky Festival and the European Beer Star Competition this year, winning a total of 37 awards.

Beer Fests and Events:

12th Annual Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywine Festival - Jan 5 - 7, 2012 - Vail Cascade Resort, Vail, Colorado, USA - Featured Brewmasters for 2012: J. Todd Usry of Breckenridge Brewing Co and John Mallett of Bell’s Brewing Co - http://www.bigbeersfestival.com/

17th Annual The Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival - January 20 & 21, 2012 - William A. Egan Convention Center, Anchorage, Alaska - the largest of its kind in Alaska, featuring hand-crafted beers and barleywines. The event’s beneficiary is the American Diabetes Association. The event maintains a long-standing tradition of providing vendors and patrons with an event filled with music, fun and great brews.
http://auroraproductions.net/beer-barley.html

Craft Beer of the Week Award

Vanilla Bean Dark Aged Lord - Three Floyds Brewing Company, Munster, Indiana, USA
Style: Russian Imperial Stout, 14%

Another brew, totally devoid of light. Black, with a moussy chocolate head. Aromas of molasses, vanilla, oak and bourbon tempt the weak. Give in to the pleasure!
Cheers!

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

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