My next event is going to be an awesome one!

Brews. Brims. Beats. on August 6th at 8 p.m.

Whaddup!!!

As many of ya know, I have a passion for creating innovative events around the world of craft beer, and this one's no different. It's going to be the first installment of Brews. Brims. Beats., something me and producer, deadprez DJ, and stylist "mikeflo" have on deck Brigantine Beer Parlor and Recreation Hall inside the Argosy (470 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316). 

Me, Argosy's Armando and mikeflo chillin'!

Armando and Donald, the head honchos at what I consider one of the top 3 beer bars in Atlanta, were totally down with me and mike's idea (yes, he spells his name with all lowercase letters), so it was a definite from the start. (You might have seen us blow up all over firstwefeast.com featuring the tasting I hosted with him here.) 

Of course, no one will be thirsty; we will be pouring a hard-to-find, hand-selected craft brew by yours truly, and signature hat-themed cocktails fusing locally produced 18.21 Bitters and Cathead Vodka.

And, thanks to me and mike's love for brims, we are taking this event to the extra mile; everyone has to wear a brim to uniquely express themselves. mikeflo and I will be flaunting Goorin Bros. lids direct from their brand new store in Ponce City Market. They just opened and will be providing some giveaways as well! The entry is a mere $10 which includes two drink tickets. A damn bargain considering one quality sipper can easily top this door charge at any respectable bar. 

Stay tuned for a more personal account leading up to this awesome event. And you will surely be the first to know what beer I will pick to bless the taps. I hope you will come through!

Oh, and after this is something of marvel proportions with AllWays Open and Monday Night Brewing September 1st. And it don't stop!

Cheers!

Ale

Cool haps for the weekend including Keith Murray and Miya Bailey!

Miya Bailey and Keith Murray lead this weekend's activities in ATL!

Whaddup!!!

This is just a quick a dirty flyer drop because I am about to be all over the place. Regardless, you are always my priority. 
One of the most celebrated artists in the ATL (and my bro) Miya Bailey is throwing down. You  never heard of him? Step your art game up! if you have, go! He will be joining forces with fellow artist Corey Davis!
And for the entire weekend, the Zulu Nation, J Dilla Foundation, and the legendary MC Keith Murray are taking over! Here's the front and back of the official flyer is below with me on it! See you soon!

Cheers!
Ale

SweetWater’s New Belgian-Style 'The Pit & The Pendulum' Launches Today!

ATL brewing giant delivers new peach-infused ale with Brett in a ‘Cage & Cork’ bottle

Whaddup!

After a classy private tasting of SweetWater’s newest addition to their family—The Pit & The Pendulum—at their high tech lab with a few of Atlanta’s top beer authorities, the unanimous consensus was a communal thumb up. 

This fresh peach purée-infused Belgian-style ale also boasts the inclusion of the increasingly popular yeast strain Brettanomyces to bring the funk with a deceptive 8.3% ABV potency. It’s no coincidence that today’s launch coincides with the ongoing celebration of Belgium’s independence which officially happened on July 21^st, 1831.

Paired with decadent chocolate from Asheville, NC’s French Broad, some delicious variations of locally produced Sweet Grass cheese, sliced peaches, and crackers, the Pit was initially more peach-forward than on the sour side which worked well with everything; as the bottle ages, flavor profiles are expected to change more on the Brett side. Hence, I say try it young and aged to get more than one tasting experience, ya dig?

Known for their rather risqué names in the past (Donkey Punch or Motor Boat, anyone?), SweetWater’s "The Pit & The Pendulum" moniker takes it back to old school literature this time around; “Pit” hints the fruit involved and in its entirety pays homage to Edgar Allan Poe’s short story published back in 1843.

And the bottle? As you can see above, the metallic blue label brings the luster; the classy cage and cork justify the series’ name; and being only the second presented like this in a 750 ml following their 18^th anniversary Belgian-style triple back in January, this is a SweetWater joint you gotta grab.

Coming straight from the brewery, “It’s the kind of beer I would drink at home,” Lead Brewer Nick Burgoyn explains. Co-Lead Brewer Chris Meadows added, “This is the type of stuff we hunt for. The new Cork & Cage line gives us a chance to dabble in different facets of craft beer. We are in the Lab, coming up with flavors that are fresh and funky, truly new and different.” Burgoyne concluded, “We’re digging throwing our hat in the ring of making American wild ales.  The new line is an offering that further establishes SweetWater as a brewery pushing the envelope for craft beer.” 

I can toast to that! Now, how about a barrel-aged imperial stout? I heard some whispers that’s in the plans too. Stay tuned!

Cheers!

Ale

Saturday is an incredible day for beer in ATL!

Decatur’s Three Taverns is throwing down for their second birthday, it’s Lincoln Station’s First Anniversary Beer Festival, and the Great Southern Craft Beer Competition Finalist Party goes down at Red Brick! What, what?!

Whaddup!!!

Just getting off the plane from my awesome trip to New York to get interviewed on Heritage Radio’s Beer Sessions here and appearing on WNYCs Craft Beer Jams Web show here, I was welcomed to some killer events going on today in ATL based on the world’s greatest libation, beer. This action-packed, craft sippin’ rain-free day has three standouts:

• the Lincoln’s First Anniversary Beer Festival here (their incredible list is below)
• the Great Southern Craft Beer Competition Finalist Party (which I judged) and People’s Choice Blind Tasting from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Red Brick Brewing here and…
• the beloved Three Taverns is celebrating their second birthday from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at their brewery here.

With all the info below including the amazing beer lists, you better make at least one of these unless you are at Wicked Weed's Funk Asheville in North Carolina or somethin'. (I have my new Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ affiliate and brewing partner Jon Shari covering that for me.) I will hold it down in the A.

Oh, and super happy birthday to my brother Lamont. He couldn’t have picked a better day to kick it with me. Sip safely everyone and celebrate like it’s yours too!

Cheers!

Ale

Three Taverns hits numero dos!

I have been covering Three Taverns since day one, and they have been blessing Georgia with their awesome, award-winning Belgian-inspired beers in bottles, on draft, at the brewery and in growlers resulting in numerous awards and accolades for the past two years. Well below is the GANGSTER beer list they are featuring today including the debut of their first sour—the Inceptus—from their Georgia wild series, and the anniversary beer—Anniversarium II—an 8.5% rye tripel! With more than 16 year-rounds, seasonals, limited releases, two inaugurals and a cask on tap including my fave, the Departed Spirit. I hope I see you there!

 

Here’s the Three Taverns 2nd Year Anniversary Beer List:

Year Round Beers

Single Intent – Belgian-style blonde or single ale, 5%

White Hops – White IPA, 6.5%

A Night In Brussels IPA – Belgian-style American IPA, 7.5%

A Night on Ponce IPA – American IPA, 7.5%

Le Peche Mode – Saison brewed with Georgia peach juice, 6%

Prince of Pilsen – Hoppy pilsner dry hopped with Citra & FF7C’s, 5%

Seasonals

Quasimodo – Belgian-style quadruple

Theophan the Recluse 2014 – Belgian-style Russian Imperial Stout

Limited Release

Departed Spirit – Theophan the Recluse, our Belgian-style Russian Imperial aged for a year in 8-year-old Bourbon barrels

Heavy Bells 2014 – Quasimodo, our Belgian-style quadruple aged in 8 year old Bourbon barrels

Dubbel Shot 2014 – A coffee oatmeal dubbel brewed in collaboration with Thrive Coffee Farmers, 8%

Tripel Reserve 2014 – Tripel fermented on red wine oak and brewed for 2014 Food and Wine Fest, %

A Night in Brett – A Night In Brussels IPA aged on Brett in North Georgia wine barrels from Monteluce Winery, 7.5% abv

Day of the Departed – Departed Spirit infused with Serrano peppers, cinnamon, cocoa nibs and vanilla beans, 10%

Inaugurals

Anniversarium II – A rye tripel brewed in celebration of our 2^nd Anniversary, 8.5%

Inceptus – Our puckering American sour spontaneously fermented during Snowpocalypse   2013 and patiently aged in North Georgia wine barrels, 6% abv

Cask

A Night On Ponce IPA dry hopped in cask with Citra, Galaxy and Amarillo

The story of the Inceptus: Three Taverns’ first Georgia Wild Ale

It was a 2013 winter’s day that brought Atlanta to a standstill, leaving cars parked on highways for days, closing businesses and making national headlines. But with Joran Van Ginderachter, a foot-powered Belgian, as brewmaster, Three Taverns remained open for a scheduled brew day as the entire region took a weather-enforced holiday.

As it happened, Joran walked into the brewery that day with an ear-to-ear grin. The crisp, frigid air, he announced, was clean and healthy. In sum, perfect conditions for open fermentation, a process by which wild yeast is “caught” from the air instead of cultivated.

So the brewers transferred wort into a mini-fermenter and placed it outside, exposed to the air. Over the next few days they observed the signs of spontaneous fermentation and were rewarded with a wild yeast strain that literally arrived with the wind.

After primary fermentation they transferred the wort into an oak barrel for maturing. After many months of aging, in keeping with wild beer traditions of Belgium, the first Three Taverns sour beer emerged. Next, the brewers began replicating the fermentation and maturing process in more North Georgian wine barrels with their unique, wild-caught yeast strain.

The result is Inceptus, (Latin for “beginning”), a wild ale of remarkable complexity. It is both the brewery’s first sour-ale offering, and the “first born” of an emerging series of wild ales—based on the unique yeast strain the crisp winter air delivered us back in 2013.

Lincoln Station’s First Anniversary Beer Festival

2280 Henry Clower Boulevard

Snellville, GA 30078; 3 to 11 p.m.

I truly have love for owners Tiny, Brad and the rest of the Lincoln Crew, and after spending just a few seconds with them, you will too! If you can find a way to Snellville or happen to live out there, DO NOT miss this one! This list is ridiculously dope! The length of time to drink them is pretty damn gracious too! Besides the beer menu below, go here for more info on other attractions. Congrats Lincoln!

• Black Diamond’s “American Sour” – Aged over 4 years
• 2014 Boulevard Brewing Imperial Stout – 11.8% Double Stout (BA Rating: 94 – Outstanding)
• 2014 Clown Shoes “Peace that Money Can’t Buy” – 11.5% Belgian Quad (BA Rating: 86 – Very Good)
• 2013 Evil Twin Imperial Biscotti Break – 11.5% Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 97- World-Class)
• 2014 Great Divide Espresso Yeti –  9.5% Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 95 – World-Class)
• 2014 Allagash Interlude – 9.5% Saison/Farmhouse Ale (BA Rating: 94 – Outstanding)
• 2014 Left Hand Wake up Dead Oak Aged – 10.2% Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 88 – Very Good)
• 2014 Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Barleywine – 10% American Barleywine
• 2014 New Belgium Lips of Faith “La Terroir” – 7.5% Wild Ale (BA Rating: 96 – World-Class)
• 2014 New Belgium Lips of Faith “Salted Chocolate” – 9% Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 87 – Very Good)
• 2014 Prairie Bomb – 14% Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 100 – World-Class)
• 2014 New Holland Dragon’s Milk Reserve w/Chili Peppers – 11% American Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 85 – Good)
• 2014 New Belgium Salted Chocolate – 9% American Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 87 – Very Good)
• O’Dempsey’s Your Black Heart Cask w/Northern Brewers Hops – 8% American Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 89 – Very Good)
• 2014 Red Hare Watership Brown – 7.2% American Brown Ale
• 2011 Red Brick Lost Years Strong Ale – 9% American Strong Ale (BA Rating: 85 – Very Good)
• 2014 Sierra Nevada Bigfoot – 9.6% American Barleywine (BA Rating: 98 – World-Class)
• 2014 Stone Xocoveza Mocha Stout – 8.1% American Stout (BA Rating: 90 – Outstanding)
• 2014 Straight to Ale Unobtanium – 11.5% Old Ale (BA Rating: 92 – Outstanding)
• 2014 Straight to Ale Bourbon Barrel Laika – 11.7% Russian Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 95 – World-Class)
• 2014 Terrapin Wake N’Bake – 9.4% American Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 96 – World-Class)
• 2015 Thomas Creek Banana Split – 7.5% Milk/Sweet Stout (BA Rating: 83 – Good)
• 2014 Three Taverns/Wrecking Bar Tripel Reserve – 9% Abbey Tripel
• 2015 Sweetwater 18th Anniversary – 10% Abbey Tripel (BA Rating: 86 – Very Good)
• 2014 Three Taverns Heavy Bells – 11.5% Quadrupel (BA Rating: 93 – Outstanding)
• 2013 Uinta Crooked Line Sea Legs – 8% Baltic Porter (BA Rating: 99 – World-Class)
• 2013 Widmer Brothers 2013 Brrrbon – 9.4% American Strong Ale (BA Rating: 92 – Outstanding)
• 2014 Anderson Valley Huge Arker – 13.5% Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 99 – World-Class)
• 2014 Blue Tarp Last Place Stout – 10.6% Imperial Stout
• 2015 Founder’s Devil Dancer – 12% Imperial I.P.A. (BA Rating: 99 – World-Class)
• 2015 Boulevard Chocolate Ale – 9.1% Spiced Ale (BA Rating: 93 – Outstanding)
• 2011 Humboldt Xantus – 11% Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 99 – World-Class)
• 2015 Wrecking Bar Gravel-Pritchard’s Barrel Aged Wee-Heavy Scottish Ale – 8.5% Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
• 2015 Clown Shoes Mango – 6% Kolsch
• 2015 Jekyll Brewing Chai Tea Cooter Brown – 6% American Brown Ale
• 2015 Jekyll Brewing Rye Black Ale – 5.3% Rye Beer
• 2015 Woodchuck Lazy Hazy Lemon Crazy – 4.2% Summer Session Cider
• 2015 Alpine Brewing Captain Stout – 6% American Stout (BA Rating: 84 – Good)
• 2015 Ballast Point Habanero Sculpin – 7% American I.P.A. (BA Rating: 85 – Very Good)
• 2015 Ballast Point Thai Chili – 4.5% Witbier (BA Rating: 87 – Very Good)
• 2015 Eventide “The Grove” – 5.7% Hefeweizen 
• 2015 Founders Brewing “Blushing Monk” – 9.2% Fruit Beer (BA Rating: 94 – Outstanding)
• 2015 Jailhouse Brewing Conjugal Visit – 6% American Red Ale (BA Rating: 84 – Good)
• 2015 Mother Earth Silent Night – 9% American Imperial Stout (BA Rating: 97 – World-Class)
• 2015 Monday Night Brewing “Spirit Animal” – 5.5% American Wild Ale 
• 2015 Second Self Barrel Aged Red Hop Rye 
• 2015 Straight to Ale Gorillanaught – 9% American Imperial I.P.A. (BA Rating: 88 – Very Good)
• 2015 Terrapin Brewing Maggie’s Blackberry Cobbler – 8.5% Saison/Farmhouse Ale (BA Rating: 84 – Good)
• 2015 Red Brick Brewing “3 Bagger” – 9.5% Tripel (BA Rating: 85 – Very Good)
• 2013 Red Brick Brewing “Vanilla Gorilla” – American Porter (BA Rating: 86 – Very Good)
• 2015 Woodchuck Brewing Raspberry

Representatives from several local breweries will on hand and will be bringing specialty casks of unique and rare creations, including ones from:

O’Dempsey’s Brewing (Atlanta) – “Your Black Heart” brewed with Northern Hops – 8% Russian Imperial Stout

Eventide Brewing (Atlanta) – Plum Kolsch

Terrapin Brewing (Athens) – Hi-5 I.P.A. with Mandarin Oranges and Lacto

Heavy Seas Brewing (Halethorpe, Maryland) – Blackbeard’s Breakfast – 10% American Porter

Oscar Blues Brewing (Lyons, Colorado) – Coffee & Chocolate Ten Fidy – 10.5% Russian Imperial Stout

Great Southern Craft Beer Competition Blind Taste Test at Red Brick!

Local Homebrewers to Square Off in People’s Choice Blind Taste Test from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Red Brick Brewing

I judged this joint along with Publik Draft House Owner Eddie Johnson, Hey Brewtiful!’s Jess, veteran beer scribe Bob Townsend, and Red Brick to pick the finalists from this annual homebrew competition. Now it’s your turn to pick between the last two standing! Congrats Zachary Owen and Alan Pugh for making it through! 

They say: The Great Southern Craft Beer Competition finalist event will take place on Saturday, July 18 from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Red Brick Brewing. The party will feature brewery tours and pours, P.D.H. food pairings, a people’s choice blind taste test of the competition finalists’ beers and more.  

“We’ve made this year’s Great Southern Craft Beer Competition more unique by assigning part of the winner selection process to the Atlanta community,” says P.D.H. co-owner Eddie Johnson. “Anyone who attends the event can take the blind taste test of brews and choose their favorite.”

In addition to the opportunity to participate in the blind taste test, ticketholders will receive a souvenir pint glass and complimentary tours of Red Brick Brewing along with tastings of the brewery’s beers, including Hoplanta American IPA and Laughing Skull American amber ale. Attendees can also sample beer-based food pairings from P.D.H. and play a raffle to win prizes such as Uber gift cards, tickets for Great Southern Beer Tours and more. This year’s finalists are Zachary Owen and Alan Pugh. Tickets are available for $10.00 and can be purchased at the door.  

The competition’s winner will receive the grand prize of $1,000 and distribution at P.D.H. To learn more, visit www.greatsouthernbeercompetition.com or connect at www.twitter.com/BeerDownSouth.  

Keep the party going in July!

Even though the 4th is over, the party doesn’t stop!

Cheers Y’all!

Fourth of July may have ended, but this hot month continues to rock with food, music, beer, and spirits still popping off!
Besides the events and specials going on around Georgia featured in the last post here, I added some other goodies to further populate your fun list throughout Atlanta. From bars and restaurants promoting summer-themed menus to combat the heat, to brewery anniversaries and cocktails recipes so that you can show off your mixology skills at home, the party doesn’t stop, ya heard?
Enjoy responsibly during July and beyond!

Cheers!

Ale

Celebrate Decatur's ‘4.5 Anniversary-Celebration-Athon’ at Ale Yeah! on July 11th with new growlers and an amazing tap list of stellar craft beer!!

Besides Ale Yeah!’s all-new website at www.aleyeahbeer.com including a sparkling new shopping cart, this awesome beer hub also features a ridiculously stacked draft menu for Decatur's ‘4.5 Anniversary-Celebration-Athon’. On Saturday, July 11th, they're unboxing special Anniversary Growlers and “…releasing them to the wild,” boasts co-owner Eddie Holley. “There are but 72 of them in existence.”
Starting at 11 a.m., they will have the following kegs on for flights and fills:

- Three Taverns "Heavy Bells"
- Three Taverns "Departed Spirit"
- Green Flash "12th Anniversary Sour Pale"
- Second Self "Barrel Aged Mole Porter"
- Wrecking Bar/Ale Yeah! "Border Patrol: Hot Pursuit" (American Strong w/ hot peppers/chocolate)
- Burnt Hickory/Ale Yeah! "Blood on the Tracks" (Sour Raspberry Juniper Saison)
- Creature Comforts "Cosmik Debris"
- Alpine Brewing "Nelson"
- Max Lager's/Cigar City "Cuvee du Gamelle" (Hoppy Session Sour)
- Back Forty "5th Anniversary Barrel Aged Pale"
- Black Diamond "Triple Plum" (Rye, Bourbon & Brandy barrel aged Triple w/ plums)
- Twain's "Cave Dweller" (DIPA)
- Coastal Empire "Dawn Patrol" (Imperial breakfast stout w/ peppers & spices)
- Jekyll Brewing "Pineapple & Habanero Hop Dang Diggity"
- Red Brick "Barrel Aged Holy Brother" (Bourbon barrel aged Belgian Stout)
- Wild Heaven "Super Secret Special" keg. We're not sure what we're going to be tapping but it's going to be super. And secret. And special.

Yard House shakes and stirs things up with a collection of new and refreshing handcrafted cocktails nationally starting July 13th!

From the source: Yard House, the award-winning restaurant known for its creative cuisine and vast selection of draft beer, is also a destination for handcrafted cocktails. On July 13, Yard House will introduce a collection of new adult concoctions using premium spirits and its own house-made citrus agave blend coupled with seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the nation.
“The art of cocktailing has returned,” said Gregory Howard, manager of beverage for Yard House. “In recent years shows like Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire have given new life to long forgotten drinks. Just like a good meal, creating a great cocktail also requires using premium ingredients as well as a seasoned bartender who knows his or her craft.”
Howard and his team collaborated with Executive Chef Carlito Jocson in creating the new cocktail collection, which includes:
• Blood & Smoke – a blood orange and ancho chili spiced margarita made with Del Maguey “Vida” Mezcal, El Jimador Silver Tequila, Ancho Reyes, Monin Blood Orange, house-made citrus agave and aromatic bitters poured into a salt-rimmed glass
• Bourbon Berry Sour – made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, house-made citrus agave, Dekuyper Razzmatazz, orange bitters with fresh raspberries for added sweetness
• Hibiscus Rose – a refreshing herbal and botanical gin martini featuring Bulldog Gin, St. Germain & Lillet Blanc with orange bitters and Monin Hibiscus
• Sidecar – this classic cocktail steps into the 21st century with D’Ussé VSOP Cognac, Cointreau and house-made citrus agave poured into a glass rimmed with sugar
• Cucumber Citrus Tonic – a spa-like drink made with Bulldog Gin, Aperol, house-made citrus agave, tonic, freshly-sliced cucumber and orange plus orange bitters
“Just like food and fashion, cocktails are constantly evolving,” added Howard. “Pop culture tends to play a role in what is currently trending. Look what Sex and The City did for the Cosmopolitan a decade ago.”
Howard added that classic cocktails are popular once again, but the demand now is that they’re made with fresh ingredients.
“We make our own citrus agave blend, which helps to enhance the flavor profile rather than overpower it like pre-made syrups tends to do.”
For more information, visit www.yardhouse.com or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/yardhouse or on Twitter @yardhouse

Hoppy Birthday to a Wrecking Bar Original

On Tuesday, July 14, we are raising a cocktail to Wilma Stone, (whose portrait hangs at our host stand) the owner of our humble space when it was the Wrecking Bar Architectural Antiques from 1970 to 2005, to celebrate her birthday!
Come toast two people without whom, the Wrecking Bar would not be what it is today. Cheers!

Beer Vibes 2015: ATL’s #1 All-Inclusive Event

Get your reggae and beer sippin’ on indoors and outdoors at ATL’s Museum Bar on July 18th!

Cibo E Beve and One Flew South are set to compete ‘Beak to Tail’ for a good cause July 21

Two of Atlanta’s favorite chefs are facing off for a good cause. On Tuesday, July 21 Chef Linda Harrell of the Italian eatery Cibo e Beve and Chef Duane Nutter of travel-inspired One Flew South will go head to head in a Beak to Tail Dinner sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms. In an “Iron Chef” like competition, each chef will prepare a four course dinner using chicken from Springer Mountain Farms. Both chefs will prepare a dish for each of the four courses and guests will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite. The overall winning chef will receive prize money to donate to the charity of their choice.

Chef Linda Harrell reveals…
First Course: Crispy Chicken Skin and Foie Gras "PB&J"
Second Course: Calabrese Chicken Wings
Third Course: Chicken Scarpariello
Fourth Course: “Egg Custard" Snow Cone

Chef Duane Nutter reveals…
First Course: Crispy Okra and Chicken Skin
Second Course: Asian Fried Chicken
Third Course: Chicken and Lobster Pasta
Fourth Course: One Flew South Banana Pudding

Each course will also have a drink pairing selected by mixologists Tiffanie Barriere of One Flew South and Josh Davies of Cibo e Beve. There will be a complimentary cocktail and hors d'oeuvres served before dinner. Springer Mountain Farms will donate the prize money to the winning chef’s charity of choice. Chef Harrell has partnered with Angels Among Us Pet Rescue and Chef Duane Nutter has partnered with The Giving Kitchen. Tickets are $60 and available by calling 404-250-8988. Cibo e Beve is located at 4969 Roswell Rd. Atlanta, Ga. 30342. This event begins at 6:30 p.m.

The Luminary to Host Michter’s Distillery Bourbon Dinner, Tuesday, July 28

Four-course prix-fixe menu with bourbon pairing is $65 per person

On Tuesday, July 28, Chef Eli Kirshtein andMitcher’s Distillery will team up for a one-night-only bourbon dinner atThe Luminary in Krog Street Market. The four-course dinner will pair Chef Kirshtein’s French dishes, such as mushroom gnocchi and duck breast with farro, with the Louisville distillery’s US*1 American Whiskey, US*1 Kentucky Straight Rye, US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon and US*1 Sour Mash.
The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with passed hors d'oeuvres and a specialty Mitcher’s cocktail from The Luminary’s bartender Jeff Banks. Following the cocktail kick-off, diners will be seated to enjoy the full menu with Mitcher’s top-selling small batch whiskeys.
Diners can enjoy the four-course meal for $65 per person; reservations are recommended as space is limited.

When?
Tuesday, July 28, 6:30 p.m.

Where?
The Luminary, 99 Krog Street, Suite Y
Atlanta, GA 30307

Reservation?
By phone: 404-600-6199 or email: info@theluminaryatl.com
Reservations strongly recommended

For more information, visit www.theluminaryatl.com and follow along at Instagram.com/TheLuminaryATL and twitter.com/TheLuminaryATL.

Cocktail Recipes

A cocktail using Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire

“Fire In The Sky” is the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends this summer. This whiskey cocktail brings together the perfect amount of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Apple Juice and Ginger Beer for a great drink that will keep you refreshed from the BBQs during the day to the fireworks lighting up the sky at night. 

Fire In The Sky

1 1/2 oz Jack Daniel’s Fire

1 oz Apple Juice

Ginger Beer

Apple slices for garnish

Shake Jack Fire with apple juice and ice. Strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass. Top with a mild ginger beer. Garnish with apple slices and fun 4th of July decor.

 '

Cocktails using DeLeón Tequila

There is a lot to celebrate this 4th of July weekend -- with marriage equality, freedom, and the World Cup truly at the forefront this Independence Day!  So, what better way to celebrate than with a Miss Independence or a Firecracker Red Manhattan featuring DeLeón Tequila?!  These festive drinks will be sure to get all of your friends and family in the spirit of celebration.  Un-aged and unrivaled in finish, the DeLeón Tequila line-up starts at $60 per 750ml and is made from 100% Highland agave and rich, complex agave honey that is slow-fermented and twice-distilled.  

Firecracker Red Manhattan

This tequila-based variation on a Manhattan celebrates the flavors of Mexico through DeLeón’s oak-aged Reposado and a play on traditional mole flavor. Instead of whisky, Reposado tequila is used to impart an aged, oaky flavor, while Cardinal Mendoza Spanish Brandy takes the place of vermouth. Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao and Bittermans Hellfire Shrub marry to create an original and compelling flavor profile boasting warm spiced notes and clove, with just a hint of chocolate.

2 oz. DeLeón Reposado

½ oz. Cardinal Mendoza Spanish Brandy               

¼ oz. Tempus Fugit Creme de Cacao

½ dropper Bittermans Hellfire Shrub

Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass over cracked and cubed ice until thoroughly cold. Strain into a chilled coupe and serve up.

Miss Independence

A modern play on the traditional margarita, Miss Independence uses clarified lime juice (from which all of the juice solids have been strained) to give this drink an incredibly silky mouthfeel, highlighting the smoothness of the Platinum tequila. The herbaceous qualities of the DeLeón Platinum are enhanced by the addition of sage, adding a uniquely herbaceous twist to the margarita’s classic flavor profile.

Recipe:

2 oz. DeLeón Platinum infused with fresh sage  

¾  oz. clarified lime juice

¾  oz. fresh cane syrup

Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass over cracked and cubed ice until thoroughly cold. Strain into a chilled coupe and serve up garnished with a sage leaf.

Cocktails using Courvoisier Cognac …

With July 4^th just around the corner, a refreshing cocktail is the perfect way to combat the heat, celebrate our nation’s independence and toast to the summer. Shake things up with a cocktail made with Courvoisier® cognac, and put an innovative twist on classic summer staples including delicious sangria, fruity punch and sparkling champagne. Whether your plans include a backyard barbeque, a rooftop party or even just a relaxing night, these summer libations will be a hit.

Cocktails using Courvoisier VS Cognac

Courvoisier Sparkling Sangria
Ingredients:

4 parts Courvoisier® VS Cognac

4 parts DeKuyper® Peach liqueur

2 bottles Prosecco

½ cup white grape juice

2 peaches

Green grapes

Directions:

Thinly slice peaches. Cut the grapes in half. Put sliced fruit in a pitcher with Courvoisier, peach liqueur and grape juice. Let sit in the fridge for 1-3 hours. Immediately before serving, pour 2 bottles of Prosecco and stir. Serve over ice.

Courvoisier Summer Punch

Ingredients:

250ml Courvoisier® VS Cognac

750ml Lemonade

20 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters

3 orange wheels

6 lemon wheels

Directions:

Add the freshly cut fruit into a bowl or pitcher, pour in remaining ingredients. Infuse for a few minutes. Serve on ice.

Courvoisier Sparkler

Ingredients:

1 part Courvoisier® VSOP cognac

2 dashes of Angostura bitters

1 sugar cube

Top up with Champagne

Directions:

Soak a sugar cube in bitters and drop into a Champagne flute. Cover with Courvoisier® VSOP Cognac and slowly top with Champagne.

Like I said, July is one helluva month!

Cheers!

Ale

Check out how much is going on in July!

From restaurant celebrations to major events perfect for the 4^th and throughout July, this month is on and poppin’!

Whaddup!

It’s now July and I consider this to be one of the most festive, event-packed months of the year. To confirm, day one has already made history with Georgia finally allowing breweries to sell growlers directly from the source, so folks are running to get their canisters filled at dope spots like Burnt Hickory, Three Taverns, Monday Night, SweetWater, Wild Heaven, Terrapin, Orpheus…Crazy! And that’s just the beginning.

Peep all of these great 4^th of July restaurant celebrations, beer-themed throwdowns, and straight up fun-filled events going on especially in Atlanta. Along with my commentary below, I provided descriptions of each event compiled straight from the source.

All in all, it’s going to be one helluva month in the A!

Here we go…

Watershed On Peachtree celebrates the 4th of July with their famous Fried Chicken

I say: World famous for the way they fry the bird, they make it a special occasion on the 4^th. Give my boy and Executive Chef Zeb Stevenson a shout out for me.

They say: Looking for the ultimate Fourth of July feast? Watershed on Peachtree and Executive Chef Zeb Stevenson will be serving the restaurant’s famous fried chicken and biscuits for $16 per person. Side orders including mashed potatoes, collard greens, and slaw can also be purchased for $5 per person. Place a pre-order and take on the go or join us at Watershed for both the fried chicken special and full menu for your 4th of July celebration. All pre-orders must be placed by noon on Friday, June 26, and will be available for pick up beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. Please call 404.809.3561 to place all fried chicken pre-orders and note that all orders are final. Reservations are recommended for in-house dining. (1820 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30309; watershedrestaurant.com; 404.809.3561)

Georgia Aquarium’s Red, White & Brew 

July 4, 2015, 7-10 p.m.

I say: Now here’s a baller way to enjoy the 4^th with exotic fish, more than 50 different local brews, dinner, plus a killer view of the fireworks show Centennial Olympic Park takes very seriously!

They say: Come celebrate Fourth of July with dinner, drinks and the best view of Centennial Olympic Park’s firework show at Georgia Aquarium’s Red, White & Brew (225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)! The event will begin at 7 p.m. and features an all-American BBQ dinner by Wolfgang Puck Catering and live performance by Atlanta-favorite, The Regulars Band. Guest can enjoy complimentary caricature drawing by local artists, Team Artboy, and OMG! photo booths while sampling beer from over 50 national and local brews, including Georgia’s own Sweetwater Brewery, Terrapin Brewery, Orpheus Brewery and Eventide Brewery. A full list of brews that will be available can be found here.

Red, White, & Brew will be held in Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom where guests can enjoy views of beluga whales, manta rays and whale sharks. After dinner and drinks, guests will head up to the Aquarium’s parking deck rooftop to view Atlanta’s No. 1 fireworks show in Centennial Olympic Park, beginning approx. at 9:40 p.m.

General admission tickets are $55 and include a Red, White & Brew souvenir tasting glass. Aquarium members may purchase tickets for $45. For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, please visit https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/support/how-to-donate/fundraising-events/red-white-brew

Cook Hall hosts Peachtree Road Race Viewing Party and second annual All-American Cook Out July 4^th.

I say: Cook Hall is one of my favorite eateries who truly takes pride in their craft beer and cocktails paired with top notch cuisine. Well they are giving us a full day of kickin’ it with the Peachtree Road Race Viewing Party followed by a cookout! I can dig it!

They say: Cook Hall will open at 7 a.m. for breakfast, including the patio which offers guests a prime view of the Peachtree Road Race. For the duration of the race, guests will enjoy $5 Bloody Marys and mimosas and a music set from Atlanta’s own DJ Hakim. Additionally, there will be a grab and go breakfast for racers with bottled water, fresh fruit, and other healthy race day fuel. Beginning at 4 p.m., Cook Hall will be kicking off their second annual All-American Cook Out on the patio. Expect boozy slushies from Tito’s Vodka and all-American fare like hamburgers and hotdogs. Live music from Jacob Deaton & Friends will get going at 7 p.m. and continue into the night. Admission is free and complimentary 3-hour valet parking will be provided.  Cook Hall is located at 3377 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta Ga. 30325. For more information, call 404.523.3600.

Tavernpointe  Peachtree Road Race Party on July 4th

I say: Sip and eat in style while watching Peachtree Road Race runners…well…run! I have been waiting for this spot to launch and this is one of their first events open to the public. Go!

They say: Come visit Tavernpointe at the Peachtree Road Race on the Fourth of July! In partnership with Springer Mountain Farms, the restaurant, which will open in late July, will be providing a sneak peak of their menu with samples of their Smoked Peruvian Chicken for everyone watching the race. Nestled in front of Peachtree and Spring streets, Tavernpointe provides a perfect view of the world’s largest 10K. The event is complimentary, so bring the entire family for a little fun on the Fourth!

1545 Peachtree Street, Suite 101, Atlanta, Ga. 30309

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Meehan’s Public House-Buckhead hosts Pints For Patriots on July 4th

I say: Here’s a belly-filling way to be patriotic!

They say: Celebrate the Fourth of July with BBQ, beer and raffles at Meehan’s Pints for Patriots! Pints for Patriots kicks off at 11:30 a.m. and there will be a live DJ beginning at 4 p.m. Chef Brian O'Rourke has crafted a special BBQ menu and the chicken, pork, toast and collard greens will all be locally sourced. All food, beer and raffle proceeds benefit our local heroes through the Catalyst Sports Veterans Initiative.  The Catalyst Veterans Initiative serves veterans who have incurred a physical or mental injury or illness while serving our country. Don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate and support our veterans this Fourth of July at Meehan’s. (322 East Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30305; meehansbuckhead.com ½; 470.355.5116)

Table & Main serves up fried chicken served family style on July 4th

I say: Family-style meals are almost necessary with all this tech and cell phone distractions breaking up conversations. Here is a delicious way to get to talking and enjoying real life again!

They say: hat better way to celebrate Independence Day this year than with a family picnic with delicious fried chicken! This Fourth of July, Table & Main will be closed for normal service, but will be offering a family style meal for four featuring their famous fried chicken, cole slaw, mac n’ cheese, baked beans, cornbread, and potato chip cookies for $79. Orders can be placed beginning on Tuesday, June 23, by calling 678.869.5178. The last day to order will be Wednesday, July 1, and upon ordering, guests will be provided a time between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for pick up on July 4. Don’t miss out on this tasty addition to your Fourth of July celebration! (1028 Canton St, Roswell, Ga. 30075; 678.869.5178)

  

Pre-Order Your July 4th Feast Fox Bros. BBQ 

I say: Their BBQ is official. Get on it! Just get those orders in by Friday, 5:30!

They say: Make it a picnic to remember with a little help from Fox Bros. BBQ. Pre-order your favorite Fox Bros. smoked meats and sides and take them to-go on July 4th. Fox Bros. BBQ will be accepting pre-orders on all order sizes up until Friday, July 3rd at 5 p.m. The restaurant will open early at 10 a.m. for guests to come pick up their orders. Call the catering line at 404.414.0826 to place your order. Fox Bros. BBQ is located at 1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.

Watch live at Rí Rá as Irishman Conor ‘The Notorious’ McGregor takes on Jose ‘Scarface’ Aldo in the Ultimate UFC Fight Card July 11^th.

I say: I’ve heard of fights at the bar, but this takes the cake, UFC style. Rí Rá is going for Conor McGregor out of Ireland. Surprise, surprise. Ha! Should be a good one!

They say: Watch Irish sensation Conor McGregor take on Jose Aldo live at the pub on July 11th in the most anticipated fight in the history of the UFC. Rí Rá is hosting the UFC 189 pay-per-view fight night featuring a blockbuster double header fight card that will see the Brazilian defending his Featherweight title against the Irish superstar (Ri Ra Atlanta, 1080 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309).

Champion Robbie Lawlor will battle it out with top contender Rory McDonald for the Welterweight Strap and Irishman Cathal Pendred takes on John Howard in the Preliminary Card along with a host of other fights kicking off at 8pm. The main card takes place at10pm followed by the headline event between Aldo and McGregor. This will definitely be a fight night not to be missed with all of the action live from the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas! 

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from FreshTix https://www.freshtix.com/events/ufc-189-atlanta. Enjoy drink specials throughout the night including $5 Fireball, $4 Abita Draft and $3 Bud/Bud Lite. DJ Dirti hits the decks after the fight and continues the party late into the night.

101 Concepts presents Salad Wars between July 13 and August 16

I say: A little friendly competition among top chefs in Atlanta is a super dope way to feed your body greens!

They say: Watch our chefs go head to head by creating unique salads to celebrate the warm summer weather and fresh local ingredients. Chef Linda Harrell (Cibo e Beve), Justin Keith (Food 101), Jordan Wakefield (Smoke Ring), Erick Torres (Meehan’s Atlantic Station), Brian O’Rourke (Meehan’s Buckhead), Oscar Aguero (Meehan’s Downtown), Stephen Welch (Meehan’s Sandy Springs) and Heather Murray (Meehan’s Vinings) will be busy all month developing the mouthwatering salads, in an effort to claim the title of Salad King (or Queen)! Official voting will take place in-house. Salad Wars is running at ALL 101 Concepts locations July 13 through August 16! Come support your favorite neighborhood chefs in 101 Concepts – Salad Wars!

101 Concepts- All Locations

Cibo e Beve: 4969 Roswell Road, Atlanta Ga. 30342

Food 101: 4969 Roswell Road, Atlanta Ga. 30342

Smoke Ring: 309 Nelson Street SW, Atlanta Ga. 30313

Meehan’s Buckhead: 322 East Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta Ga. 30305

Meehan’s Downtown: 200 Peachtree Street, Atlanta Ga. 30303

Meehan’s Sandy Springs: 227 Sandy Springs Place, Atlanta Ga. 30328

Meehan’s Vinings: 2810 Paces Ferry Road NW, Vinings Ga. 30339

Meehan’s Atlantic Station: Atlantic Station, Atlanta Ga. 30318

Cibo E Beve makes Tuscan Summer Favorites on July 14

Looking for the perfect way to spend your summer evening? Join us at Cook’s Warehouse on July 14^th at 7 p.m. for a Tuscan Summer cooking class led by Cibo e Beve’s own Chef Linda Harrell. Chef Harrell will teach guests how to create some of her Tuscan Summer favorites, including her Burrata with organic heirloom tomato salad, Tuscan Brined Chicken with cavolo nero and potatoes and Tiramisu ai Frutti di Bosco. Tickets are $50 and there are 30 spots in the class. For tickets or more information, please visit www.classes.cookswarehouse.com. (4969 Roswell Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30342; ciboatlanta.com  404.250.8988)

Watershed On Peachtree’s 20 For $20 Wine Tasting July 14

They say: Join us for our 20 for $20 Tuesday Wine Tastings held monthly from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Wine tastings feature 20 tastes for $20 along with chef’s choice light bites. The theme changes each month, so be ready to add diversity to your wine cellar with whites, reds and rosés from various regions around the world. Please note tax and gratuity is not included. To RSVP, please email rsvp@watershedrestaurant.com. (1820 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30309; watershedrestaurant.com; 404.809.3561)

Red Pepper Taqueria Celebrates Two Years in Buckhead on July 14^th

Celebratory Fiesta Featuring Food and Drink Specials, Live Music, and More!

I say: Red Pepper’s food is banging. I am definitely stopping by their Buckhead spot!

They say: Red Pepper Taqueria is celebrating the two-year anniversary of its Buckhead location with a giant fiesta on Tuesday, July 14, 2015. As a special thank you, Executive Chef and Owner Chef Mimmo Alboumeh is hosting a Customer Appreciation Pre-Party from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring two hours of complimentary signature margaritas, beer, and specialty tacos for guests who RSVP and check-in on Facebook. Beginning at 6 p.m., live music will set the soundtrack for the rest of the fiesta as partygoers are invited to enjoy a special two-dollar menu honoring two years of success that includes $2 Braveheart smoked beef brisket tacos, $2 margaritas, $2 Tecate cervezas and $2 “Mexican Break” shots. Of course, Red Pepper's full dinner menu and oyster bar will be available along with its extensive tequila, local craft beer and signature cocktails selections. For more information, please visit Red Pepper Taqueria at www.eatredpepper.com or call 404-869-2773.

Celebrate the Wing Café’s 20^th Anniversary on July 17^th!

I say: I dig this spot because they are one of the most dedicated eateries to the craft beer movement. A great selection and good people. It’s always a fun time at Wing Café. Congrats!

They say: The Wing Cafe is here and proud to present to you our 20th Birthday Celebration and Orpheus Toga Dinner on Friday, July 17th at 8 p.m. (2145 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062; 770-509-WING)

1st Course: Orpheus Chickataur! The Wing Cafe's 20th Anniversary Brew; Paired with a Smoked Cheddar Bruschetta
2nd Course: Orpheus Lyric Ale paired with Tuna Salad
3rd Course: Orpheus Atalanta paired with a Bacon Wrapped Scallop with Corn Chowder
4th Course: Orpheus Peace.War.Truth.Lie paired with a Korean Noodle Salad with Kimchi and Chicken

5th Course: Orpheus Transmigration of Souls finished off with a Peach Cobbler and Peach Ice Cream

Cost is $40 and Limited to 65 People. Sign up today!  Pass it on to friends and family for them to sign up on eventbrite.com or call at 770-509-9464. See you all there. (And we might even have a screening of Animal House! Toga, Toga, Toga, Toga!)  

July 19 - August 2 Greyfield Inn Island Camp

I say: Get your island on with the fam!

They say: Spend your summer soaking up the sun at Greyfield Inn’s Annual Island Camp. Located on beautiful Cumberland Island, there are plenty of educational and recreational activities for every age and interest level; it’s fun for the entire family. Days at Island Camp will be filled with activities such as guided kayak tours, sea turtle watching, cooking workshops and much more! Space is limited, visit greyfieldinn.com or call 1-888-357-7617 for reservations and pricing. (4 North Second Street #300, Fernandina Beach, Fl. 32034; greyfieldinn.com; 1.888.357.7617)

Davio’s Atlanta Introduces Italian Microbrews

Take a seat at the bar and enjoy a taste of Italy.

I say: This is one of the most classy and delectable restaurants in town. To balance out their extensive wine selection, Davio’s blesses their drink menu with some excellent ales direct from Italy including the exotic Birreria Le Baladin Nora. They will also have the Birreria Le Baladin Super Baladin, BeerBera, and Oyster Stout starting in July. Stop by and see how well they pair with their amazing steaks, fresh pastas and other dishes. Oh, and the halibut is niiiiiice!

They Say: Libation lovers rejoice, Davio’s Atlanta is now pouring one-of-a-kind beers from microbreweries across Italy. Much smaller than the typical large-scale corporation brewery, microbreweries are independently owned operations that are characterized by their emphasis on quality, flavor and personal brewing techniques. The exclusive craft beers now available at Davio’s include LoverBeer BeerBera, which hails from Marentino outside Turin, in Northern Italy and is spontaneously fermented and brewed with Barbera wine grapes, and Oyster Stout, inspired by the Nordic tradition, it is a dark colored stout. During the brew, fresh oysters are added with their shells to produce a pleasant, not too strong salty ending. Visit Davio’s Atlanta to taste our new brews this summer! Reservations are recommended. 

For more information please visit www.davios.com/atl or call 404.844.4810.

Look for more July listings soon! Be safe while you kick it hard this month!

Cheers!

Ale