News From Beertopia

Alright, I know blogs are full of rehashed info but the nature of this blog is to inform as many people as possible of events and happenings in the beer world in Nebraska so I am just cutting and pasting the newsletter from Beertopia here because it has a lot of good upcoming info. Also, they have the Boulevard Saison-Brett in stock. Here is a recent review from the KC Beer Blog.

Sit back, have a beer as we have a lot to cover this week.

First, new beers! It has been far too long since we got some true blue new Belgian ales in. The drought is over. From Boulevard, a special release Smokestack: Saison w/ Brett. This special release differs from their year-round Saison because of the addition of Brettanomyces. “Brett” as it is called is a yeast strain that can consume sugars that other yeast strains cannot. Along with a higher ABV (6.2% vs 8.5%) the Brett imparts what is known as “barnyard” characteristics as well as a dry finish. This beer is only available in 750ml bottles for a limited time.

From Belgium we got in some new Gouden Carolus beers. Carolus Cuvée Van De Keizer (Rood) 2008 which is a strong blonde version of their massively popular Grand Cru of Emperor. We also got in the 2008 batch of Emperor with its proper “Cuvée Van De Keizer” label. Both “Grand Crus” are available in 750ml bottles. Arriving on Friday, sadly only in 11.2oz bottles, is Gouden Carolus Noel.

The last new beer from Belgium is Delirium Noel in both 11.2oz and 750ml bottles.

Oh, there is more… Samichlaus Helles has arrived. This is a 14% ABV blonde Doppelbock and is a sister beer to the famous Samichlaus.

Arriving on Friday, Great Divide Hibernation Ale (so damn tasty) and Fresh Hop Pale Ale (so damn tasty).

Lastly, we got three beers in from Southampton Publick House: IPA, Altbier, and Double White Ale. All three are sold in six-packs for $7.49 and we will be sampling them on Friday night from 5-7pm at Beertopia. Free of charge.


We have two BIG events to announce!

Saturday, Nov. 22: Bus Trip to Kansas City and Lawrence!
-There is no Husker Game-
For $65 you will travel Deluxe Motor Coach to KC’s Boulevard Brewery and tour their new facility and sample their full lineup of beers including some not yet available publicly. While at Boulevard you’ll enjoy a fully catered lunch from Oklahoma Joe’s (amazing KC BBQ). After Boulevard we’ll make the short trip to Lawrence to visit one of the best brewpubs in the whole Midwest, Free State Brewing Co. At Free State you’ll have two hours to sample their beers (two beers are included as part of the package) and explore lovely downtown Lawrence.

The bus will leave Crescent Moon at 9am and will depart from Lawrence at 5:30pm. Beer, pop, and snacks will be provided on the bus.

Reserve your spot by calling Beertopia @ 905-2603 or stop in. Seats are limited to 50 people and it will sell out. No refunds after 11-15-08.


Saturday, Dec. 6th from 3pm to 7pm: Holiday Beerfest!!

For 4 hours you’ll be able to sample the finest Holiday beers available in the Midwest. There will be over 60 beers to sample. Your ticket gets you a souvenir tasting glass, a program and all the 2oz samples you want.
For this event Crescent Moon/Huber-Haus/Max & Joe’s will be closed to the public, in other words, you must have a ticket to get in the door. No exceptions.

Tickets are limited to 300 people and the event is expected to sell out. Tickets cost $23 in advance and $28 the day of the fest (assuming there is some). You can purchase tickets at Beertopia, Huber Haus, and Crescent Moon or order them over the phone by calling 905-2603.


And one last reminder, there are still plenty of seats open for the Beer School Grad Class. For those who have previously Graduated Beer School you are invited to attend a blind beer tasting on Wednesday, October 22, starting at 7pm at Max and Joe’s.

The class will consist of a blind tasting of 10 beers. Each student will determine the style and for extra credit, the brand itself. The students with the best scores at the end of the night will receive prizes. Snacks will be provided. This should be a fun event and a chance to see some of your fellow graduates.

The cost is $15.

Sign up by calling Beertopia @ 905-2603 or stop in. Remember this class is only for graduates of the previous beer schools. Payment is required at time of sign up.


Once again, have a wonderful but safe weekend. GBR.