Today, March 27, 2011, we celebrate the 69th birthday of Beer Hunter Michael Jackson, (1942-2007) the world's leading authority on beer and whisky. Raise a pint or a dram and toast to the bard who enlightened millions about the wonders of craft beer and single malt scotch. More in "Beer News" below!

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

Frank Boon - Preservationist of Lambic Tradition
My eyes glanced across the room, seeking out the master, aware that my own Grand Finale to this Lambic dinner would be a personal interview with the virtuoso of Lambic beers.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art171154.asp

National Liberty Museum Beer Tasting and Glass Art
Beer is not what many would expect at the opening event of a showing of exquisite glass sculptures. Would these artists really want people exposed to eighteen beers while walking around their masterpieces, some valued at $18,000 and others, priceless pieces?

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art171140.asp

Discovering Beer Power
It was a life-changing moment for her, a discovery of her own inherent power.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art171108.asp

Mensa Menu - Upscale Beer & Food Pairings
They may not be saying it, but customers relax more when Executive Chefs and Cicerones present a Mensa Menu – an upscale list of beer and food pairings that marry together in one stroke. It’s time to get your Aass bock in business.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art171083.asp

The Brewer's Plate 2011 - Cuisine a la Biére
As March rolls around and the last of the snow melts into the earth, words like Certified Organic, Pasture-Raised, and Locally Grown begin to occupy my thoughts. Has writing about beer converted me into an advocate of good food, finely-crafted beer, artisanal restaurants, and local producers?

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art171045.asp

Women's Craft Beer Tasting Groups in America
Craft Beer Tasting has become chic among American women. We have found a sense of sisterhood in trying new flavors and matching them with food.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art171011.asp

From the Beer Fox Archives

Ancient Ales for Modern Man
Upon leafing through Patrick McGovern's newest book, Uncorking the Past: The Quest for Wine, Beer, and Other Alcoholic Beverages, the drama of man’s immersion into alcohol turned my thoughts to our own modern treasure trove of ancient ales.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art65218.asp

Beer Fox Tip of the Week

Now that spring is here, you might try brewing Dandelion Beer, using the dried leaves or the whole plant, including roots. At one time, dandelion beer and tonics were common in the more rural parts of the USA and Canada, praised for its medicinal properties and herbal flavor. Herbalists note that the roots have a positive effect on liver function, upper respiratory infections and gout, while the leaves have the bittering properties of hops and stimulate digestion.

Dandelion is full of vitamins A and C, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, and a list of minerals that aid the body. They also contain boron, which prevents the depletion of calcium and estrogen levels in the blood.

Beer Fox Laugh of the Week

A priest, Jesus, and an old man tee off. The priest drives the green within 5 yards of the hole.

Jesus slices the ball and it goes into the water hazard. He quickly runs across the water and hits his second onto the green 2 inches from the hole.

The old man tees off with a short worm burner that trickles into the hazard. Soon after a fish eats the ball and swims across the pond with it in its mouth. Just then an eagle swoops down and snatches the fish with the golf ball and flies off. The eagle loses its grip and drops the fish on the green. The fish then spits out the ball and it rolls into the hole for a hole in one.

Jesus turns to the old man and replies, "Play fair dad!"
_______

One Day the Devil challenged the Lord to a baseball game.
Smiling the Lord proclaimed, "You don't have a chance, I've got Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and all the greatest players up here."

"Yes", laughed the devil, "but I have all the umpires!"
________

Q: What do you get when you cross a tree with a baseball player?
A: A Babe Root.
________

A golfer called one of the caddies and asked, "I need a caddy who can count and keep the score.What's 3 and 4 and 5 come to?"

"10" said the caddy.

"Great, you'll do perfectly!"

Beer News:

"Beer Hunter: The Story of Michael Jackson" is an intimate portrait of Michael Jackson, taken from over 60 hours of rare footage shot from 2004-2006, and combined with interviews with the world’s leading brewers, beer writers, and whiskey enthusiasts. In addition to the movie, a library of director’s footage will also be released as an online series called “The Last Beer Hunt.” Go to http://www.beerhuntermovie.com for more info and updates on the film.

Pints for Parkinson’s

A portion of donations and proceeds from the movie will be used to establish the “Pints for Parkinson’s” non-profit foundation, aimed at preserving Michael’s legacy through annual fundraisers, films, and festivals in Michael’s memory. Proceeds from all events in Michael’s memory will benefit the National Parkinson’s Foundation and various local charities.

How you can Donate

Go to http://www.beerhuntermovie.com/donate and make a ten-dollar donation – the same as a six-pack of good beer - through the secure Paypal “Donate” button. As a sponsor, your name will appear in the credits of the film and DVD, and you will receive a free download of the film once complete. Michael’s gave a great deal to the craft beer community; now we can help give something back by preserving his legacy and telling his story for future beer enthusiasts. Your donation will help with production, marketing, distribution, and licensing costs needed to make the film a successful community resource and event

Beer Fests and Events:

Great Lakes Water Conservation Workshop - April 25, 2011 - Urban Chestnut, 3229 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103 - Keynote Speaker is Karl Ockert, Technical Director, Master Brewers Association of the Americas - http://www.conserve-greatlakes.com/

American Craft Beer Week - May 16-22, 2011 - Local events held across the nation - http://www.craftbeer.com/pages/news-and-events/american-craft-beer-week

Savor: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience - June 3-4, 2011 - National Building Museum, Washington, DC, USA - http://www.savorcraftbeer.com/

18th Mondial de la Biere - June 8-12, 2011 - Place Bonaventure and the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure, Montreal, Quebec, Canada - http://festivalmondialbiere.qc.ca/en/festivals/mondial_de_la_biere_montreal_2011/

Mondial de la Biere 2011 Strasbourg Europe - October 21-24, 2011 - Strasbourg Exhibition Park (Wacken), Strasbourg, France - http://festivalmondialbiere.qc.ca/en/festivals/mondial_de_la_biere_strasbourg_2011/

Craft Beer of the Week Award

Cantillon Brucosella (1900) Grand Cru - Brasserie Cantillon, Brussels (Anderlecht), Belgium
Style: Lambic (Unblended), 5.0% ABV

Golden, hazy peach body with lean head and tart aromas of lemon, orange, cantaloupe, spices, vanilla, and must. On the tongue, the bouquet lets loose, like a single violin that is joined by an orchestra, then explodes into a classic rock ballad with a thousand voices. Definitely not for the novice beer drinker, but for one who appreciates the traditions of Payottenland. Superb.

Cheers!

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

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