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

Farmhouse Ales - Book Review
An introduction to farmhouse ales is a liberating experience for those who live by the rules of endless possibilities.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art59265.asp

Toast to the Ghosts of Burn Brae Mansion
The porch boards are slightly worn, with knotholes big enough to suck a teacup Yorkie into the bowels of hell. As the warm weather begins to wane, impatient winds moan through the grand oaks like a somber hymn, mourning those buried at nearby Glen Spey Cemetery.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art59249.asp

Beer Cocktails for Halloween
In the spirit of ancient tradition, let us celebrate Halloween to honor the past – those lost cultures who respected the chasm between life and death, the thin line that holds us by a moment’s breath.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art59221.asp

Halloween Spirits and Dracula's Midnight Feast
With Halloween just around the corner, you must be seeking some gory brews for the witching hour. You may wish to use them as ingredients in your culinary concoctions or sip them until your hair turns green, but the easiest and most direct route is to pair them with delightful cuisine.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art59177.asp

Black Albert vs. Dark Lord
In dreamscapes, you might see the shadow of Black Albert on one hill, marching forth to face Dark Lord…his cap, dripping with the blood red wax that sealed his fate.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art59165.asp

From the Beer Fox Archives

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Polish Beer & Eastern European Cuisine
Upon entering this lovely Polish restaurant, the subtle flavor of Eastern European hospitality brought back fond memories of traditions that were a part of my own childhood. Was it the nondescript aromas of delicately merged cuisine in the background...?

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art45168.asp

Beer Fox Tip of the Week:

First impressions matter. According to studies by social psychologists, writers and seminar leaders, first impressions are formed within 7- 30 seconds and often make the crucial difference in social situations including job interviews, dates, and lasting friendships. What does this mean to a beer drinker? According to a national "beer language" survey from Toronto, the beer you drink does matter.

According to the survey, drinking a light beer or a "common" macro lager can seriously damage that crucial first impression. Even taking a small step up to Stella Artois can gain points on the acceptance scale.

So what choice does a seasoned beer aficionado recommend? The greatest gains are among those who choose local microbrews, Belgian, Japanese, or European specialty beers, and Trappist ales.

...and stay away from Corona.

Beer Fox Laugh of the Week:

The wisdom of Larry the cable guy......

1. A day without sunshine is like night.

2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.

3. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.

4. OK, so what's the speed of dark?

5. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?

6. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

7. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.

8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap

9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.

10. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.

Beer News:

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is scheduled to open their eighth location at 124 East Kings Highway in Maple Shade, New Jersey in May, 2009. Co-owners Kevin Finn, Kevin Davies and Mark Edelson are pumped at their first venture into New Jersey, particularly since all three owners hail from the Garden State. The Iron Hill portfolio of Restaurant/Breweries have earned 39 medals from the three most prestigious beer events in the USA: the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup and Real Ale Festival, and have gleaned more than 100 "best of" awards from regional magazines and newspapers.
 
Beer Fests and Events:

Syracuse Beer Week - November 2-6, 2008 - Syracuse New York, USA - Dinners, tastings, classes, more. Syracuse is one of only 3 cities to get Duvel Green - Duvel Green will be on tap at Blue Tusk, 165 Walton Street Syracuse, NY 13202 on Friday, November 7, 2008. For information:
http://www.syracusebeerweek.com/

Flaveurs Bieres et Caprices - November 14-15, 2008 - Le Windsor Ballroom, 1170 Peel Street, Montreal, Canada. Maximum of 800-1,000 visitors per session, with 3 sessions available: Friday and Saturday evenings 5:30-11:00 p.m. and Saturday afternoon 11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

This is the second edition of this culinary event which features beer pairings with fine food. This edition pays homage to Sweden and Denmark, and will feature the artisanal creativity of 24 Swedish and Danish beers paired with delicacies from these Nordic countries. In addition, over 100 international beers will be showcased including those from the USA, Sweden, Denmark, France, Italy, and Canadian areas of Quebec, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. Food pairings will include appetizers, cheeses, seafood and fish, sweetsand, and Nordic inspired dishes.

For information:
http://festivalmondialbiere.qc.ca/en/festivals/flaveurs_bieres_et_caprices_montreal_2008/

13th Annual Holiday Ale Festival - December 3-7, 2008 - Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland, Oregon, USA Hours are: 3:00-9:00 p.m. Wednesday, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Sunday. Rare vintage beers like Samichlaus 2005 and Fred Eckhardt Vintage No. 11 will be served along with three dozen specialty winter beers, most of which are not available outside the event. Admission is free, but purchase of an initial $20 tasting package is required to taste the beer. This fee includes a souvenir mug and 10 beer tickets. A full mug of beer is 4 tickets, and a taste is one. Additional tickets can be purchased for $1 per ticket. The event is held outdoors under a clear-topped marquee, amidst holiday music, food, and the areas largest decorated Christmas tree.

For information:
http://www.holidayale.com


Craft Beer of the Week Award

Ne Goeien 2008 Saison - Port Brewing Company, San Marcos, California, USA
Style: Collaboration Saison, 5.5% ABV

This wonderful collaboration between Tomme Arthur and Hildegaard Van Ostaden grabs immediate eye appeal from the moment the 750 ml bottle, corked and caged, comes to the table. The body pours like hazy golden sunlight, topped with a massive head and abundant tatting of lace. The nose serves a bouquet of florals and cotton candy, with spiced pears and bread in the background. On the palate, it dances with effervescence - light, clean, fruity, funky brett and loaded with hop bitterness. Refreshing and highly drinkable, this distinctive saison is what endless possibilities are all about.

Cheers!

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

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