Paired with a screening a of Beer Wars, this is the perfect mid-week pick-me-up for any beer lover in the Nashville area.
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Buckbean Brewing Company, a native Nevadan brewery based in Reno, NV, news & noteworthy items. For more basic info on us, check out our website: www.buckbeanbeer.com
We at Buckbean believe that the online beer community is the most underrated and, at times, unappreciated group of beer enthusiasts and experts out there. Since canning our first beer a little over two years ago, we have one group of people to thank for helping us accomplish a great reputation all over the US- and that’s the group of the dedicated and highly opinionated bloggers and online journalists who gladly accepted our free samples and press release sendouts.
Because of the mutual loyalties we’ve established with the community of thirsty critics, and the endless amounts of coverage and support they’ve given our brewery, we’d like to offer a little something back to them.
But, it doesn’t come without a little work. We like to see you sweat.
Here’s the deal:
In 2009, the owners of Buckbean came to the realization that the perks of canning beer are beyond what the public understands, and that the most effective way to spread the gospel of canned beer would be to conduct a competition and tasting festival. This year, we expect to draw 50+ craft breweries from around the world to compete and participate in the celebration of canned beer. We're working on building it into an event similar to the sold-out festivals and beer gatherings, as well as being looked at as a sort of landmark in the culture of beer.
The event is CANFEST, one that many of you are already familiar with (thanks for all the love last year, by the way!). This year it’s back, and we’ve got plans to make it bigger and better than ever. Additions are being made left and right to help build the event into a must attend for beer fanatics. And that’s where you come in!
Want to attend as well? Cool, I bet you do.
Starting now and lasting until the 1st week of September, we’re offering those with an established beer blog (meaning you didn’t build a blog simply to participate in this contest) an opportunity to write one blog post, centered on why they deserve to come to CANFEST. We are very partial to creativity and humor. Once your blog post is live, send the link back to my constance@abbipr.com email with an appropriate subject line.
Once we’ve got the compiled list of blog posts, we will post every link to our blog and filter via social networks, and pick a winner based on votes. The winner will be flown to Reno for the weekend and have the opportunity to attend all of CANFEST’s festivities and even be a guest judge during the competition portion. Yes, we will feed you too.
So now you’ve got the details- on your mark, get set, GO!
Cheers and happy writing!
Constance Aguilar
PAIRING FOOD WITH BEER:
In this country, we are just starting to realize something that most European cultures have known for centuries: great beer pairs as well with great food, and often better than, wine. Partly, this is because the most key ingredient in beer is malted barley. Barley is a dietary staple – beer truly is food, and the way that barley is prepared during malting produces a huge range of flavors, aromas and colors, many from the very same compounds that comprise the rest of our food. Additionally, there are many important flavor components from the hops and yeast that create dramatic variation in beer flavor.
I have 10 years of experience as a chef, including a stint with Mario Batali, which has not only been useful when combining and balancing flavors to create new beers, but has left me constantly aware of how my beers interact with other foods as well. Consequently, I work very hard to make sure our beers have balance and depth of flavor, but also finish cleanly without lingering aftertastes, or any harsh elements. Each of our beers is distinct, and offers a variety of elements to pair with foods.
OOBA: The signature characteristic of this unique beer is the elegant, aromatic orange blossoms, though it has enough malt body to accent starchy foods, and enough hops to be dry and balanced. This beer is full of bright flavors, and pairs especially well with other bright tasting foods: citrus fruits, fresh herbs (dill, basil, mint, cilantro), tangy cheeses like feta or goat cheese, and hot chilies. It also goes especially well with light pasta dishes, pastries, or fish, and makes a superb marinade for chicken.
Tule Duck Red Ale: This rich and malty ale has a deep red color, a silky, smooth body, lots of caramel malt flavor and a soft, evergreen hop aroma. Its richness stands up well with hearty game meats and savory herbs like sage and rosemary; tomato, barbecue or fruit sauces; and aged cheddars, goudas, and other complex, medium-sharp cheeses.
Black Noddy Lager: This is a black lager with a surprisingly light body and moderate roasted character. The roasted flavors really highlight any grilled, roasted, or seared foods, and smoked meats, fish or cheeses. It also goes well with dark, earthy flavors like mushrooms, oysters, or soy sauce. It makes a good dessert beer as well, complementing both chocolate and vanilla flavors.
So you skipped the crowded parking lots and ugly lines at the mall, scored some Christmas boxes at Buckbean, and got some presents that someone really appreciated. Good for you, and well deserved pat on the back!
But now another shopping conundrum looms ominously: Valentines Day!
No worries. Once again, Buckbean has you covered, with style and convenience. Working with our fine local chocolatier at Sweets candy company, we have created a fun and delicious gift idea for you.
Our Valentine gift bags contain 1 can each of our year round canned beers (OOBA, Tule Duck Red Ale, and Black Noddy Lager), each paired with 2 different gourmet truffles from Sweets, and a Buckbean pint glass to share the beer. This isn't just candy for Valentine's, this is an amazing, decadent, intimate tasting experience that will truly enhance your Valentine pleasures.
Enjoy a floral lavender truffle, and a sweet and spicy chocolate-chili truffle with the bright and aromatic
And the best part is, you get to do your shopping at your favorite brewery!
The bags are available for purchase at the brewery. And while you're at it, you can sample some of our tasty brews on tap, including the return of Adaven IPA!