Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Episode 33 - OK+ Series: Austin Clar of Sublime Imports



The beer scene in Oklahoma continuously grows every month it seems. We have several brokers and wholesalers bringing in new clients constantly. Over the past couple years we've seen Founders, Green Flash, Lagunitas, Evil Twin and now Lazy Magnolia out of Mississippi joins the portfolio of American craft products.

I've taken a look at the local culture of craft beer and with this new OK plus series I want to focus on brands that want to grow and flourish in Oklahoma.

I first learned of Sublime Imports from Michael Kiser's Good Beer Hunting podcast where his guest Austin Clar spoke of their imports available from Spain and Israel. As I listened further trying to soak up Michael's interview techniques and fulfill my beer geek needs I learned Sublime has a tie to Oklahoma. They joked briefly about how one does not simply come to Oklahoma and bypass major metropolitan cities that could support your brands. But Sublime has a natural tie to Oklahoma as Austins partner Michael has roots here. They are bringing in unique offerings that you'd most likely never look for on the shelf. One is brewed with rosemary honey, another with Mediterranean sea water. Yet as wild as some American craft beers have become lately what makes these beers from Spain so different and less appealing. We'll find out soon how Austin and Michael came to the OK market and what challenges they face with our archaic laws.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Episode 32 - BeerSnobRob


Rob Neville. Comedian. Somewhat home brewer. Beer Snob. Well, not really. Rob and I met up at the Patriarch in Edmond, OK to check out the latest craft beer bar in the state. Thankfully places like this continue to pop up as an old house has been converted into, well a house with 48 taps, wine and bottled beer with a backyard full of tables, a patio, stage, yard games and another bar when it really gets busy. So make sure to check them out.

So being in an old house there was a bit of noise and naturally we had a small audience to make Rob feel more comfortable as we talk home brewing disasters, the hilarity of Untappd and pretty much put big beer in its place.

So check him out at RobNeville.com and @beersnobrob on all the social media platforms.

WARNING: There is some explicit language in this episode. Not every other word but mostly used within context. So for all you Keystone Light drinkers, be prepared.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Bullets 2 Bandages

So I've been following the +BeerDisciples Ross for some time watching their beer reviews and endless tweets about the craft beer industry. I noticed a posting for bloggers who wanted free swag. I'm hardly one to turn anything down so of course I jumped at the opportunity. Ross is a marketing/social media guru and partners with B2B on advertising their products that range from these openers to necklaces and apparel. Once we connected, a .50 caliber, matte black shell with my Beer Is OK logo showed up.

This thing is simply incredible. Completely upcycled from a once fired bullet it is hefty and well crafted. The logo embossed in gold is a nice touch with sharp quality.

Bullets 2 Bandages started as a way to give thanks to the U.S. veterans and eventually give back to programs that support them.

Head on over to www.bullets2bandages.org and check out their vast array of openers in many sizes and finishes. Check out their local partners like Beer Disciples and pick up their bourbon barrel bullet opener. The best part about these items is they are all handcrafted here in America, just like your favorite craft beer.