Ontario Get's Stone(d): Worthy?

So the story goes: a bunch of arrogant bastards walk into a particular Bar Volo on a sunny Superbowl Sunday afternoon and they get Stoned.

The regulars, total strangers, passers by, and most being beer geeks from far and wide stopped by to pay respect to a brewery that deserves it. This brewery is Stone Brewing Co. If you have followed any brewing news you can see that they are making waves, or flying straight over them. A craft brewery doing everything in its power to be seen, heard, and tasted.

Is Ontario worthy of such products? From the turn out of happy drinkers sharing bottles, thoughts, and company, it's obvious that we are truly worthy. Simply by the empties left on the table at the end of the night should give an example of how far beer fans will go for a good bottle of beer. This isn't to say that Canada doesn't have good breweries, in fact we have many that are top notch and can compete with the best of the best. Though, when you taste any of the Stone brews you know the quality that goes into it. It isn't a gamble to try the beer and wonder if you'll like it. It simply demands your respect.

On top of that I've never noticed any other bottle with so much text resembling short essays. Maybe it was just the sun shining through the window, the many people admiring one brewery, and one brewery only, the cases of stone, the dead solider (empty bottles) making their way to a table, but something felt right. Even as the sun began to set it was still a great atmosphere.

I could go on and describe every beer, but I'd love to just note the Vertical Epic 060606. For a four year old bottle, this was lively, aggressive, contemplative, complex, bold, brash, and of all things, Epic. Epic, indeed.

Once again, a huge thanks to Volo for putting this off. If we are not worthy, who really is?

Needless to say none of the Stone appreciators are worried about our bone density or mineral content today. As all the news today has been over the silicon content beer provides for strong and healthy bones.

I say more barley and hops please! Who would have thought a nice barley wine or doubleIPA could keep the doctor away.

On topic, I see these beer events and the supporters giving hope for the growing market for a much wider palate. It's not just marketing anymore, but individuals hunting down quality and specific tastes. 2010 is looking good. Well, it may be an epic year for beer in Canada.

I do indeed feel worthy.

Cheers.

Making Waves: Cannonball!!!

It only takes a quick google search to see that craft beer (or #craftbeer for those who tweet) is making waves. Stone Brewing Co. of Escondidio, California seems to be skipping the waves all together and jumping the pond to brew with other brewers as you can see on their website along with a request of proposal to brew under the Stone name in Europe.

Though back on December 22, 2009 when Stone first put up the video blog for this Steve Wagner the President and Brewmaster mentioned they were willing to open up a brewery anywhere in "Europe, except for France." Needless to say, very shortly after this there was another Video blog that popped up as a response and an apology for the comment as it was intended for humour.

It seems hard to imagine that people make phone calls or write letters (snail mail that is) anymore with all of the technology presented to us. Just think of the population that owns a cell phone yet rarely makes or receives a call, simply text messages. Communications just seem easiest by means of e-mail. Though where is our e-mail going? After it is sent, where does it go after that? Should we be concerned?

Well, to answer that, who really knows where it goes, but there is a good chance it may end up on a message board of beer advocates if you are not careful with your choice of words. As we see a flood of opinions battle it out on the topic of Cigar City Brewing's (Tampa, FL) Joey Redner and his e-mail conversation with a customer. You can see the original post here.

If you follow this link (Ta-da!) you can scroll down a bit and read Mr. Redner's (Degarth) response to the whole stir that followed.

It makes you wonder who is watching, listening, reading, or following you around every corner and where some seemingly private conversations and interactions end up. This particular incident has caused quite a bit of publicity, and it's hard to say whether it's good or bad. Some ideas on professionalism are pretty obvious and anyone who has ever entered the realm of customer service will know that it's important to have a bond with customers. It only takes one person to spread the word and we are finding out that words can be copy and pasted pretty far across the vast information highway.

In mention to my previous post we are indeed heading into a new decade with guts, glory and technology. The little guys may have a lot of attitude in there beer and marketing tactics, but maybe a friendly smile once in a while might aid in giving craft brewers everywhere a good name. Then again, even bad apples have their sweet spots.

On a similar note, it's going to be great to see Stone Brewing Co. roll across the border into Canada. Volo will be hosting a day of Stone beer for those who are worth on February 7, 2010. Details here.