For those who don’t know, a growler is a sixty-four or thirty-two ounce refillable glass container for fresh take-home draught beer — and I apparently underestimated the power it wields over the average beer drinker.

What was I drinking, you ask? Well, perhaps I wasn’t drinking enough and when it comes to the growler frenzy, I’m still not drinking much. But I seem to be in a beer bar all by myself on this one. Atlanta has seemingly morphed into Growler Town, USA, practically overnight and many feel the fad is only getting ready to explode.

Growler-only stores are springing up all over town even in the suburbs, stores such as newly-opened Moondog Growlers (688 Whitlock Ave, Suite 3B, Marietta, Tel: 678.354.6268), Marietta’s first growler-only filling station. Owner Eleanor Benson would only smile when asked if she has more stores in mind.

Hop City Craft Beer & Wine (1000 Marietta Street suite #302, Atlanta, Tel: 404.350.9998) owner Kraig Torres, the first in Atlanta to offer these counter pressurized co2 flushed bottle fills of glorious draught beer to the public, believes the market will only continue to strengthen and recently expanded his modest sixteen-tap selection to a mesmerizing wall of sixty.

“We’re seeing that the average beer drinker wants to enjoy his or her favorite draught beer at home in their living room,” says Torres.

And, according to most beer drinkers I have spoken with, he’s absolutely right.

“It enables the draught beer experience in the home environment,” explains local beer enthusiast Caren West, founder of Caren West PR, a popular Public Relations firm that represents several Atlanta area restaurants as well as local brewery Wild Heaven.

Truth be told, all these interviews and quotes are just a journalistic formality. Anyone with two good eyes can see by the lines wrapped around the building at every growler store that beer drinkers have taken a serious liking to take-out draught beer.

Who knew the average beer drinker would play such a role?

What’s technology got to do with it?
Everything, according to Harry Hager. Hager opened our city’s first homebrew store (Amber Waves) a few decades ago and if his name sounds familiar, that’s because he is also a columnist for this publication. He argues that “technology is the appeal.”

Who can refute that? With today’s technology, counter pressure bottle fillers, growler beer has staying power that lasts not just a few short hours, but many days.

Hager credits this technology for the success of new microbreweries such as Red Hare Brewing in Marietta who, thanks to the demand of growlers, isn’t forced to absorb the tremendous cost of bottling, that is passed onto the consumer who is gladly waiting in line to pick up that cost in the form of a $4.99 bottle charge — a mere pittance when you consider the price of draught beer at the neighborhood tavern.

Who is losing?
Generally, when a hot new thing comes to market somebody else suffers. The obvious losers here are the pubs and bars. Think about it, that guaranteed Friday night thirty dollar draught beer tab has been lost to a thirteen dollar growler store pick up.

Does this mean the end for bars? Definitely not.

Drinking establishments, though pricy, offer a much needed social environment. After all, the girl of your dreams isn’t likely to just stumble into your living room out of nowhere.

The other loser, liquor store owners who placed a heavy emphasis on craft beer in their stores. There are only a small handful of these, most of which are reporting a noticeable decrease in craft beer sales since the growler surge. Remember, law restricts liquor stores from selling growlers.

Open letter to all who sell growlers
Please take selection seriously. Get creative and throw us a curve every once in a while. Some of us avid beer drinkers only sparingly buy growlers because you don’t sell anything of interest. There, I said it.

I totally understand that this is a business for you and ultimately, money talks. But is it too much to ask for Belgian brews? You know, the ones that are significantly better on tap.

A nice trippel or quadrupel would do the trick.

I spent two weeks monitoring growler menus, most of which were nearly identical. No surprise there.

But I was shocked to discover that only The Beer Growler (38A N. Avondale Rd, Avondale Estates tel: 404.228.1463) had enough sense to run a Belgian offering.

Seriously?

And while I’m on my soap box, could you work a little harder to give us something unique?

I’m not asking that you load all thirty taps with bizarre off-the-wall stuff, but couldn’t you reserve one handle for the thrill drinker?

…just one measly tap?

The purpose of this article is to make you aware that when a company chooses to experiment with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the real world, as opposed to a controlled environment, that unexpected consequences can have irreversible real world repercussions. The social irresponsibility of that choice is everyone’s concern.

Monsanto is currently petitioning the USDA to approve the use of a 2,4-D resistant corn genetically modified by Dow Chemical. 2,4-D is the primary ingredient in Agent Orange. Despite the fact that Agent Orange was the horrific chemical weapon used to destroy foliage and poison North Vietnamese soldiers, and that it caused severe and prolonged consequences for the environment, ecology, and health of the people of Vietnam, Monsanto thinks it would be just fine to spray on America’s cornfields.

The new corn would be immune to 2,4-D. It would still grow in the newly poisoned fields since the 2,4-D would be absorbed straight into the structure of the new corn ready to be chemically released upon consumption. Obviously Monsanto is in the food productivity business — to hell with food safety — apparently that is someone else’s problem.

According to Phil Angell, the director of corporate communications at Monsanto: “Monsanto should not have to vouchsafe the safety of biotech food. Our interest is in selling as much of it as possible.”

It is only a little herbicide. Ignore the cancerous veterans. Sure, the use of such chemicals on civilian targets is a violation of the 1907 Hague Convention and both the 1927 and 1949 Geneva Conventions, but Monsanto isn’t advocating spraying anyone outright – just our nation’s farmlands and a primary food source. Isn’t that the whole purpose of having their little “time bomb” corn seeds immune anyway?

Research by the EPA found that birth defects have been 60-90% higher in counties with higher rates of 2,4-D applications to farm fields. In addition to birth defects affecting the respiratory and circulatory systems, 2,4-D has also been linked to a marked increase of such musculoskeletal defects such as clubfoot, fused digits and extra digits.

2,4-D contains dioxins and is part of a group of extremely toxic chemicals known as the dirty dozen already identified as persistent organic pollutants. In humans and other mammals 2,4-D depletes the body of ATP (a primary energy molecule) and has been linked to Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. As a primary ingredient in livestock feed, the implications of using 2,4-D infected corn are disturbing. A chemical bleed into the nation’s livestock feed is unavoidable. Do you really want your steak or pork chop laced with a carcinogenic poison? Or did you really think that third drumstick on your chicken was a bonus?

2,4-D is an herbicide. It is a poison. It was a weapon of war used to purposefully destroy both the environment and the people in it. Now it is about to be in your food. How can this possibly be a good idea?

As Dave Larkworthy, the local chef/owner of Five Seasons Brewing, pointed out: “You simply can’t control the contents of other foods once GMOs are introduced into the food chain. If I am going to be providing food for people I don’t want to provide food that isn’t wholesome.” Since most GMO food isn’t labeled as such, Larkworthy points out the importance of both knowing your food sources and in dealing with local purveyors who share a common concern about producing quality foods.

The upcoming USDA decision on “Agent Orange Corn” will be final BUT you can still voice your objection. Act now! We have until February 27th to try and convince the USDA not to approve the new 2,4-D tolerant corn.

Help stop the further poisoning of our food supply!
Go to: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_24592.cfm to learn more.

January 11 – Allagash Takeover at Thinking Man Tavern
Your typical tap takeover wouldn’t generally make our list of major events, but then an Allagash takeover isn’t your typical takeover. The boys at Thinking Man Tavern have an amazing arsenal of Allagash kegs including Thing 1 and Thing 2 along with just about everything great from Allagash. Rumor has it Rob Tod (founder) will be there in person. If you can’t make Wednesday evening many of these rare beers could be available for several days. A must!

January 21 – Buckhead Beer Fest
This event will take place on a Saturday afternoon in the parking lot of the Gold Room at Lindbergh City Center from 1-6pm. Tickets are $35 a piece.
http://buckheadbeerfest.com/

January 28 – Atlanta Winter Beer Fest
This one takes place at Masquerade 3-8pm on a Saturday. Tickets are $35 per person, but if you use promo code “foodbeer” while making your purchase you will receive $5 off.
http://atlantawinterbeerfest.com/

February 11 – Winter Beer Carnival
This big Atlantic Station beer festival takes place only days before Valentine’s Day and will feature many mega and micro brews alike, over 100 different beers to sample. Tickets are 40 per person for general admission.
http://www.winterbeercarnival.com/

Bob Sandage, along with wife Kristine, just opened Wrecking Bar Brewpub (292 Moreland Ave, NE, Inman Park, 404.221.2600) this past summer.

Brewer Chris Terenzi was the brewpub’s brewmaster until he ran into legal trouble last month and was taken into police custody. Terenzi was set free on bail pending his day in court.

Sandage immediately announced that he would take over as brewmaster, admitting he is taking the big step from homebrewer to professional brewer. His first beer, Colin’s Wee Heavy, a malty scotch ale named after his oldest child, is now pouring at the popular Inman Park brewpub.

Terenzi’s beer list sported a heavy slant towards IPAs. Sandage claims he plans to be balanced by brewing more in the way of malty beers to better please a variety of beer drinkers.

“I also hope do more barrel aging, perhaps with rum barrels,” says Sandage.

He also drives home the notion that this isn’t a temporary decision — Sandage plans to hold the brewmaster position at the brewpub for a very long time.

Many, myself included, didn’t care much for Terenzi’s style of brewing, so the idea of a new brewmaster, even this early in the game, is seen as a refreshing change.

Hopefully, Sandage can settle in quickly and get the beer program on the right track.

This news came just weeks before Twain’s in Decatur announced that David Stein had replaced Jordan Fleetwood as brewmaster. See full story here.

The bottom line is this; two of our city’s four major brewpub brewers were replaced in a span of three weeks.

Think of it as you would the weather here in Georgia. If you don’t like the beer being poured right now, wait a few minutes.

The young brewer doesn’t come with a long impressive resume. “Up to this point, I’ve never brewed the same beer recipe twice.” Claims Stein.

He is, however, a forward thinker and every bit as creative as any American craft brewer seems to be these days.

“In general, I brew to achieve a bright, exciting beer that is balanced and drinkable, says Stein, “emphasis on exciting — I don’t agree with making boring beer.”

To give you an idea of his approach, Stein once brewed a Saison with Sweet Tarts candy.

Owners Uri and Ethan Wurtzel have been busy with changes at the brewpub over the past year, bringing in a new chef and brewer.

“David [Stein] comes in with fresh perspective,” says Ethan, “his motivation to produce robust flavors in sessionable beers, specifically his IPAs, is going to be appreciated.”

The brewpub is growing, too. Ethan is happy to announce that the brewpub will be expanding capacity by year’s end by bringing in two 15-barrel fermentation vessels.

And since Twain’s has a distribution contract with Savannah Distributing Co., Stein hopes to brew in collaboration with chefs around town.

Stein’s beers should be pouring by mid January. He plans to kick things off with an IPA and Imperial Stout.

Starting with bankers, Becky and Barney Wentzel of popular Hot Dog Heaven in Woodstock received notice from their bank informing them that the bank had decided to call-in on the couple’s $250,000 loan, despite perfect payment history.

After being inundated with letters and phone calls from the hot dog hot spot’s loyal customers, the bank decided to back off. Video of Channel 11 coverage can be seen here.

Did I say let’s start with bankers? Oops, I meant to say rats.

Speaking of rats, the owners of Melton’s App & Tap were forced to temporarily close its doors for business due to rat infestation caused by a nearby pet store, which is currently closed under court order until the problem is fixed. Melton’s has not set a re-open date as yet.

As far as announcements go, Emily Saliers and Ross Jones of The Watershed Restaurant have officially unveiled the new location for the restaurant, which will open Spring 2012 in The Brookwood building in Brookhaven.

As we already mentioned, Ford Fry has finally put a name to his new seafood house, which is also slated to open this coming Spring. The westside eatery will bear the name The Optimist.

And finally, The Fifth Group has announced Alma Cocina, the restaurant group’s latest concept, will open December 6 at 191 Peachtree Street NE in the One Ninety One Peachtree Tower downtown.

According to a press release the chef will be Chad Clevenger whose resume bears the names of several well-known chefs like Rene Ortiz, Jesse Perez and Rick Bayless. The menu is described as contemporary Mexican infused with latino flavors.

Also, according to the PR firm, the restaurant’s focus will be sustainable seafood cooked in a wood-burning oven. Fry also plans to open an Oyster Bar adjacent to the new restaurant, which he describes will be a more casual “fish camp” venue.

The restaurant is slated to open Spring 2012 and will be located on the Westside at 914 Howell Mill Road.

Terenzi is currently being held without bail.

We have attempted to reach owner Bob Sandage but have received no response.

Sandage did make a post on an Inman Park message board letting people know that Terenzi had been taken into custody and that he [Sandage] would be taking over as head brewer of the popular Inman Park brewpub.

“The hardest thing was interpreting dated laws,” says Richard Patrick, co-founder of Cathead Distillery. “It took us four years to get to distillation.”

While wrangling with the legalities of this project, Patrick and his crew stumbled upon their first real break when they found a still sitting idle in a building on the Mississippi State campus. They purchased the still for far cheaper than the cost of a brand new one.

“It [the still] had been sitting in cobwebs for over a decade,” claims Patrick. “It actually belonged to the gentlemen that originally tried to start the first distillery in Mississippi.”

The result of all this hard work and a little luck, Cathead Distillery now resides in Jackson, Mississippi as the first-ever legal distillery in Mississippi, and their popular Cathead Vodka, distilled six times and charcoal filtered, is available in most southeastern states including right here in Georgia.

A portion of all sales is donated to Music Maker Relief Foundation, a nonprofit group dedicated to assisting retired blues musicians with food, shelter and medical care. Visit the website for more http://www.musicmaker.org.

This premium Mississippi-stilled vodka retails at about $19.99 (750 ml) a bottle and is currently offered at many bars and liquor stores around town. It’s distributed through Savannah Distributing Co. who can be reached at 678.380.1212.

Visit http://www.catheadvodka.com.

Photograph by PWP Studio

Oktoberfest Happenings

Munich on Marietta at Der Biergarten Every Saturday And Sunday in October:
When discussing Oktoberfest in Atlanta one must include Der Biergarten on Marietta St. downtown. Every Saturday and Sunday through October Der Biergarten will celebrate in true German fashion complete with one and two liter beer boots.

“Der Biergarten really fills that void of a true German beer garden experience in Atlanta,” says Brian Bullock, managing partner for Legacy Restaurant Partners. “Munich on Marietta Street allows locals to celebrate Oktoberfest and all its classic traditions without having to leave the city.”

Also, a special Oktoberfest menu has been added (Saturday and Sunday only), which includes RIESENBRETZEL, a giant warm pretzel, OBATZDA, Bavarian cheese spread with onions, and KÄSESPÄTZLE. They’ve even added a brand new rotisserie for those who want SCHWEINSHAXE (pork shank) and Gegrilltes Hahnchenvisible (chicken) piping hot from the spit.

Seven new beers have been added on tap, including the national debut of Krombacher.

Visit website for more!
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5 Seasons Brewing Westside and North:
Saturday, October 1 · 12:00pm – 11:30pm
Always big day featuring a German spread, German music, the release of our Oktoberfest Lager, Lerderhosen and Dirndles galore – and of course – chicken dancing!

The price is only $45 for all the food and beer you can put away. Of course you can order a la carte as well. (Kids are welcome.) The spread includes: Schweinhaxen, Wiener Schnitzel, Bratwursts, Roasted Chicken, Smoked Trout, Smoked Potato Salad, Sauerkraut and Strudel.

Reservations are always welcome, but feel free just to stop by and join in the fun. Call us at 404-875-3232 if you have any questions.
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Wrecking Bar Brewpub
Saturday October 1, 2011 starting at 1pm
Toasting the Best of the Fests We are in the midst of Oktoberfest, and in true German fashion, the Wrecking Bar is serving up a festive menu with Delia’s Springer Mountain chicken sausages, grilled Patak bratwurst, house-made apple cider sauerkraut, buttered pretzels from Bernhard’s Bread Bakery and much more!

Also make plans to join us on Saturday, Oct. 1, as the celebration culminates with a full day of swigging a selection of German beers on tap. That afternoon at 1 pm, Bob Sandage and Chris Terenzi will offer up a toast to the 30th anniversary of the Great American Beer Festival, which has made noteworthy strides for the craft brewing industry. In 2012 though, the Wrecking Bar will be toasting from Denver alongside some of the best breweries across the country!

Visit website for more!
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Max Lager’s 14th Annual Oktoberfest Bier Dinner
Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

3 Courses Beer Pairings $40
Maultaschen mit Wurst-Füllung Pasta stuffed w/ sausage red cabbage Featured with Max Gold

Wiener Schnitzel w/ lemon Grüner Spargelsalat mit Kräutersauce (Green asparagus with herb sauce), Eierspätzle (egg spatzle made with beer) Complimented with MaxFest Oktoberfest

Bratäpfel im Nussmantel Baked apples with nut crust served with vanilla ice cream Served w/ Gimme Chocolate Bock

Book Now
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5 Seasons Brewing Prado (Sandy Springs):
Saturday, October 8 · 12:00pm – 3:00pm
There’s no Oktoberfest throwdown quite like this one. Fest Bier, chicken dance …nuff said!

$45 per person All You Can Eat & Drink(Beer Only)
$25 – All You Can Eat
$25 – All You Can Drink Beer
A la Carte items available as well.

Menu includes: Schnitzel, Bratwursts, Schweinhaxen, Sauerkraut, Pretzels, and More!

Live Music & Fun and Games! Ladies & Gentlemen- Feel free to come dressed in your Dierndls & Lederhosen!!

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Atlanta Beer Week October 8 – 16

Wrecking Bar Brewpub
Atlanta Beer Week 　　
From October 8 – 16, the city celebrates the thriving local craft beer culture with Atlanta Beer Week! In addition to debuting several unique beers this week including Jemmy Stout aged in coconuts, our much-anticipated Black IPA “Acca Dacca Blaccka” and an Aztec Stout with organic Peruvian coca nibs, buckwheat honey & roasted de-seeded chipotle peppers, here is a bevy of other cheers-worthy happenings:

Beer Dinner: Save a seat now to drink your beer and eat it too with a $30, three-course feast with beer pairings on Thursday, Oct. 13. Click here for the menu and
either call 404.221.2600 or email rsvp@wreckingbarbrewpub.com to make your reservations.

Cuvee De Atlanta Brewpub Crawl: Atlanta craft brewpubs unite! The Wrecking Bar Brewpub, Twain’s, 5 Seasons Brewing Westside and Max Lager’s each will pour a portion of their beer into four casks, and the quad-brew blend will then be served at the brewpubs on the following dates: Max Lager’s on Oct. 11; Twain’s on Oct 12; 5 Seasons Westside on Oct. 13; and Wrecking Bar Brewpub on Oct. 14.
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The Porter Beer Bar (Little 5 Points) October 8th-16th

Reunion from Terrapin & Shmaltz, Saturday October 8th 12pm
We will tap a cask of Reunion made at Terrapin and a keg of Reunion from Shmaltz brewery. Come drink them side by side, for this incredibly rare treat!

Dessert Flight with Beer Pairings, Sunday October 9th 4pm
Try Southern Tier’s Mokah, Java, & Creme Brulee, each paired with a miniature dessert! Starts at 4pm, come by anytime and indulge!

Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada Tasting, Monday October 10th 6pm
Delicious Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada on draft, including a keg of Life and Limb! Super rare, only a few kegs in Georgia, so come and get it!

Duvel Glass Night, Tuesday Octover 11th 6pm
Get a super spooky and cool Duvel glass, with the purchase of an Ommegang beer on draft!

Italian Beer Class, Wednesday October 12th 7:30pm
Taste 6 Italian Beers and learn all about them! $30. Email molly@theporterbeerbar.com to save your spot. If you don’t want the education, you can still come by and try the beers and they will be priced individually!

Beer and Cheese Extravaganza, Thursday October 13th, 6pm
Terrapin, Bells, Heavy Seas. Left Hand and Shmaltz Breweries will all be bringing us two special beers for us to tap and pair with cheese. 10 beers, 10 cheeses! It will be epic! No reservations required, while supplies last!

Mikkeller vs. Evil Twin Tap Takeover Friday October 14th, 6pm
Talk about sibling rivalry! Mikkeller’s beer’s will go head to head with his Evil Twin’s beers, all on draft, all delicious! The battle begins at 6pm!

Randalized Pumpkin Beer, Saturday October 15th 12pm
Did you think that there is no way to improve on the pumpkin, spiced goodness of Weyerbacher? Well, we found a way: put it through a randall with fresh nutmeg and cinnamon sticks!!

Bootleg Beer Dinner, Sunday October 16th 6pm-9pm
All the goodness that’s hard to get! Email molly@theporterbeerbar.com to save your spot! Three courses and many beers!
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BRICK STORE HOP HARVEST FEST
Saturday, October 8th 2011
Our 3rd Annual Hop Harvest Festival. We will kick off Atlanta Beer week with the ultimate tribute to our friend the hop! All 25 lines will be devoted to the Humulus Lupulus plant. That’s right, all 25 draughts will be pulled and replaced with I.P.A’s. All kinds of IPA’s. Fresh Hop, Double, Imperial, Seasonal, One-Offs, Belgians, you name it. 17 American IPA’s downstairs including 2 cask ales. 1 gravity and 1 beer engine. 8 Belgian IPA’s upstairs. The kitchen will also be whipping up some super-fine grub to pair with all these beers. This event should be legendary! All day on Saturday Oct.8th THE LINEUP to be determined!

Saturday, October 8th 2011
Saturday October 8th Kicks off Atlanta Beer Week! A week long celebration of all things beer leading up to The Decatur Beer Festival. The Brick Store Pub will be pouring rare beers, cask conditioned ales, and cellared goodies all week. Check Our twitter feed for up to date information on what will be tapped and when. @brickstorepub.

*Saturday the 8th is our 3rd annual hop harvest festival with all 25 lines + 2 firkins dedicated to the mighty Humulus Lupulus plant.The legendary Hoporizer will be in the house with several Spicy food pairings.

* Tuesday the 11th we will tap several rare kegs from B. United import co. including….. (1) Unfiltered Aecht Schlenkerla Helles matured in Channing Daughters Ramato Barrel……. (2) Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted matured in Ransom Winery Pinot Noir/Old Tom Gin Barrel……… (3) Birrificio di Como Malthus Baluba matured in Ransom Winery Pinot Noir/Whiskey Barrel……… These are the first releases from their “Zymatore” project – an effort to make something akin to the cheese world’s “affineur.” Not just an importer or a reseller, but to add value to and mature beer before release, an extention of their extensive vintage-aging and bulk container programs.

*Wednesday the 12th will Be Decatur day of ABW We plan to create a bar crawl with rare one off kegs at locations all around the city of Decatur. Customers will register and receive a passport booklet which they will have signed at each participating business. Prizes for the people with the most stamps in their passport…….

*Friday the 14th will be a celebration of American craft beer and welcome party. Featuring a ton of rare beers brought in by brewery reps participating in Decatur Beer Fest. Hosted by Bell’s and Victory breweries (Check the twitter feed for draft updates @brickstorepub) * Saturday October 15th The Great Decatur Craft Beer Festival
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Twain’s Billiards and Tap Atlanta Beer Week Schedule

Twain’s is pumped up for a great week…please join us for one or all of the following events.

Saturday October 8 Picktoberfest & Low Country Boil (see info below)

Wednesday October 12 Join the Decatur Beer Passport Program, visit local joints, try a special beer, win prizes. Twain’s will be featuring a cask of Remington IPA aged in a Jack Daniels Barrel with food pairing (TBD).

Thursday October 13 Dave Daniels & the PTA will rip it up & Jordan will bust out the Randal.

Saturday October 15 Twain’s is proud to be a host/participant of the Decatur Craft Beer Festival 2011. We’ll be bringing a couple of rare items for festival goers, make sure you stop by our tent!

Additional specials during the week include, The Brewer’s Tap, a rotating taste of Barrel Aged Twain’s and guest draughts. The Atlanta Brewpub Cask Collaboration Casks (stay tuned for details), All week (while supplies last) we will have Twain’s glassware available for purchase.

We look forward to seeing you during this ultimate beer week in Atlanta! You’re not going to be able throw a stick in Atlanta without hitting a chance to drink a great beer! Enjoy!