Episode 34 - #OKinAR

A couple weeks ago I took a field trip with friends Scott and Kevin of LOCAL and Tom Gilbert of the Tulsa World and What the Ale blog. Our mission: infiltrate the AR craft beer scene by sampling and purchasing high strength beers on their premises. First stop was food in historic downtown Rogers where we relied on Yelp to help us find Levi’s Gastrolounge. A renovated building served up some of the “best burgers for the next 100 miles” and local beer offerings. Ozark’s Berliner Weisse was the favorite as a straw colored sour beer quenched our thirst from the onslaught of heat outside. We talked Columbus House and folks over at Puritan Brew Co. To read more of our day trip and where to go, check out The LOCAL Report in the Oklahoma Craft Beer Guide magazine on Issuu.

Episode 30 - 2015 Red White and Brew Festival

I had the honor talking to Debra of BA Buzz and Kevin of Soldiers Wish about the July 18th Red, White and Brew beer festival in Broken Arrow.

Episode 22 - It's Firkin Friday!

Once again Tulsa Craft Beer Week is upon us and my absolute favorite event is here. Firkin Friday hosted by R bar in Tulsa. This is where beer can show off all it's glamour with 5 gallons of beer and adjuncts in a cask that transforms into unique, flavorful elixir that tantalizes your taste buds.

We talked to TallGrass out of Manhattan, KS and their new rep for OK/AR and learn about their new expansion. We catch up with Wes of Prairie Artisan Ales and the delicious Prairie Weisse with Watermelon syrup. I chat briefly with the new operator of Biergarten in Jenks, Greg Davis, beer nerd afficianado. We end with Dead Armadillo and get the general crowds reaction to their Amber with ancho chilis, cinnamon sticks and orange slices in a randal.

As always, if you like the show please rate us on Stitcher.com and leave a review. That helps other beer geeks like yourself find our show.

Also, if you haven't gotten your tickets yet for the Tulsa Craft Beer Week Finale go to www.tcbwfest.bpt.me before they sell out!

Episode 17 - Tulsa Brewing: Past and Present

Its January 31 and Marshall Brewing is yet again full of tourists wanting to see those copper kettles and how they turn out such quality German style craft beer. Ever since the law allowing 12 oz tasters passed, craft breweries in Oklahoma have finally been able to market their product from the source.

Marshall Brewing has always been a family affair and with newest member Dustin and Jim, a family friend, the brewery has become a destination to come and relax, sample something you may never have tried before and brush up on your Tulsa beer history.

I sat down with Jim and received a history lesson about Tulsa craft beer and Cherry St. Brewing Co.

With new laws coming up for vote that could well put Oklahoma craft beer into a more modern era, I got Eric Marshall's take on refrigeration and selling their own beer on site.

Music provided by: NoahT , Twitter: @noahtmusic

Episode 9 - A Festivus for the Rest of Us!

Well, it's August and fall beer festivals are upon us with the cool weather and heavier offerings from your local craft favorites. We listen to Eric Marshall of Marshall Brewing and Tony Tielli of Roughtail Brewing Co. talk about their love for festivals while at Tapwerks Craft Beer fest in OKC, OK.

Next we sit down and swap beer fest stories with Tony Collins of McNellie's Tulsa and what to expect this September at McNellie's Harvest Beer Festival. Be ready to choose between day and night as this year is split into two sessions. Tickets on sale now!

Finally we get the scoop from David Kelso of KRXO in OKC, OK about Beer Fest 10 at the Grand Casino. Sounds like an exciting time and raising some money for the local food bank. As David says, "Good people drink good beer."

Sit back and listen with an Oklahoma Craft beer in hand like Dead Armadillo Amber or Prairie Cherry Funk (so fun to say) and listen to episode 9.

Fun at the Fur Shop

EPISODE 8

Welcome back to another exciting edition of Oklahoma Craft Beer. We're finally back in the saddle after vacationing to St. Louis and OKC for weddings and a week long trip to Beervana itself, Portland, OR. D'Wain brings news of his beercation in San Diego and the mouth-watering west coast IPAs he downed. This episode we recorded at The Fur Shop in downtown Tulsa, OK with owner/investor Chris Matthes and get the back story of this craft beer "dive" bar. I'd been visiting the Fur Shop a handful of times because of Chris' posts on Facebook and the delicious local craft beer that pours from their taps. For example they currently have 2 Coop, 3 Marshall, 4 Prairie, and Anthem on tap and a majority of craft bottles and cans. If you like to just have a chill evening, play giant Jenga with dirty suggestions written on them and listen to live music; this is your place.

Chris gives us a low down on how the Fur Shop came to be after finding an old Fur Shop sign in the Legends building across the street. I thought they just came up with the idea because of all the craft beer beard growing nuts out there. Boy how more wrong could I be. We also find out the ins and outs of running a bar and the lovely politics behind it in a law burdened state like Oklahoma. All of this is done while downing Roughtail's IPA and Prairie Wine Barrel Noir.

I'd like to announce as well we are looking for a local band that may be interested in creating some intro/exit music for us. Something around a minute that we can use for the podcast and would be a free promotion for your band. Please send music to brian@beerisok.com.

Thanks as always for listening and "Cultivate the Craft" for Oklahoma craft beer!

Episode 7 - Tulsa Craft Beer Week in Review

Episode 7

D'Wain and Brian reminisce about Tulsa Craft Beer Week and all it's glory. We spoke to a bunch of brewers at the final event held at Biergarten in Jenks. Hunker down on your trip to OKC for their craft beer week and listen in on all the upcoming events and news from TCBW.

As always check out Etsy to pick up our new bottle openers or Okie Crowe in downtown Tulsa.

12 Days of Beer-mas

I never really understood where the song "12 Days of Christmas" came from and why they got such lame gifts...except of course the five gold rings. So I came up with my own list as a beer enthusiast and what others like me may want this Christmas if you're having trouble finding that suds-loving partner of yours a gift. 

I'll stay away from shameful plugs for my own merchandise (which can be found at Okie Crowe in the Deco District of Tulsa [OK. One shameful plug]) and focus on some easily attainable and affordable items that won't bust your wallet like the price of a Utopian.

1. "Mastering Home Brew: The Complete Guide to Brewing Delicious Beer" 

by Randy Mosher (Author of Radical Brewing and Tasting Beer)

 One of my favorite authors has done it again by giving us blue-collar beer brewers the tips and knowledge to brew world class beers in the comfort of our home. This won't be available until April of next year but you bet I got my preorder in already. In tandem with his Radical Brewing book this rendition gives home brewers tips, recipes and technical knowledge for beginners to novices. I'm most excited to learn how to develop a recipe and create unique craft beer that I would enjoy. Release date April 22, 2014

2. Hydro Flask www.hydroflask.com

Designed to keep beer cold, this is the first vacuum sealed, double-walled, stainless steel, blah blah blah. Frankly what they are saying is it doesn't get any better than this to store your beer for hikes, camping and picnics and shut up and give them your money. It also keeps coffee piping hot for when you have drank your session IPA or Breakfast Stout too fast and need to cure that hangover. But then why would you want to go and do a thing like that...

3. Okie Crowe Beer Basket

Another way to support local is shop Okie Crowe this holiday season. They have home made soaps made from spent grain, beer making kits, pet treats and custom holiday baskets. Pictured here are Beer Flat crackers, Sfoglini spent grain pasta, Slant Shack Bronk Brewery jerky, Beer Nuts hot bar mix, Beer Is OK koozie, Anarchy in a Jar beer mustard, and A. Whip Designs metal bottle opener.

4. Brew Master: The Craft Beer Game White Labs

This game is perfect for beer fans and home brewers where you collect cards to brew a beer and compete against each other through actual beer events to win the accolades of your adoring fans. While I have not played myself, Brew Master looks challenging as you learn how to brew certains types of ales and learn about all the trials and tribulations that can take place at a microbrewery. Good for beginners who know how to play Rummy and can drink craft beer at the same time.

5. Yeti Cooler yeticoolers.com

OK. I know I said affordable gifts but maybe some of you can afford the best cooler in the world. Yeti coolers are heavily respected in the beer industry and keeps anything cold for a long period of time. How long you may ask? Well, if you were to be stranded in the woods for a few days you'd at least have cold beer for that long, so there. These coolers are tough as nails and also make nice jockey boxes for those raging keggers your partner always throws. (They don't? Well now they have a reason.) If you can only afford their moderately priced merchandise at least you can look like you have expensive taste.

 6. Beer Tone Reader http://beertone.me/the-reader/

This product hits home for me as a graphic designer and would make a wonderful study tool. These Swiss geniuses took a spectrophotometer that is used to measure SRM (Standard Reference Method), to chart the spectrum of beer colors onto these handy swatches. Now they reference a lot of Swiss beers but the styles are well known and are a great tool to expand your beer brain if you haven't already killed it with that Barleywine from Schlafly. (Too late).

7. Great American Ale Trail by Christian DeBenedetti

I know, another book. But damn if it isn't filled with the most places you can find along America's highways for delicious craft beer. What's great is you don't have to read this from cover to cover. Just flip through, pick a state, read about all the great craft beer bars and brew pubs and breweries then hop in your car and visit them. Sounds like the gift that keeps on giving to me...

8. Cicerone Gift Card www.cicerone.org

You think you know everything about beer...Prove IT! This is the definitive organization that tests and certifies beer aficionados around the globe. Start with the Certified Beer Server test and move up the ladder with their multitude links for training your brain about beer, serving beer, styles, draught systems, etc. Did you know beer pairs better than wine? Now you can actually look smart after you've drank 5 strong ales because you know what malt's and hops are in them that got you so drunk in the first place. They offer off-taste kits and style flash cards as well.

9. High Gravity Home Brew Kit www.highgravitybrew.com

Tulsan's are blessed to have a high quality home brew shop like High Gravity. I love receiving gift cards and purchasing kits from these guys. I can't speak enough about the highly knowledgeable staff and selection of malts, hops, yeast and brewing equipment. Saves me a ton on trying to ship something here in one piece. Purchase your loved one a home brew starter kit and one of High Gravity's beer kits they assemble themselves so you can finally get that alone time you deserve. They even have workshops to learn how to use the kit as well as online ordering you can pick up right there in the store! (I swear I'm not getting any kickbacks from this plug...but I don't discourage it either). 

10. Marshall Brewing Co. Merch www.marshallbrewing.com

Let's keep things local by stopping over to Marshall Brewing near downtown Tulsa. Pick up some bitchin' red bike socks featuring Revival Red Ale and a comfy tri-blend shirt to match. They have glassware, brew shirts and more for that craft beer fan in your life. Don't forget to take your friends on a tour this December on Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm - 4pm. Purchase a glass for $5 (stocking stuffer) and help out a great charity as well. (This month features the Make-A-Wish Foundation of OK.) Prost!

11. BreweryMap.com App brewerymap.com

For the techie in your life that loves to travel. Are you curious if you missed a great brew pub or brewery on a recent road trip? Now you have the app that can show you any brew pub or brewery up to a 100 mile radius on your route to that wedding or yearly family vacation you dread so much. So long giant balls of yarn, we're visiting Piney River Brewing before heading home for Christmas this year!

12. Beer Tasting Paddle & Glasses BearMtnCarpentryCo

Craft beer begets crafty, well crafts. This beer paddle and glassware set found on Etsy is the perfect way to hold a tasting with friends. Paddle can be personalized and easily write on with chalk what you are sampling. Now you have no excuse to invite the neighbors over and educate the beer virgins the amazing qualities of local craft beer.

Tulsa Craft Beer Week review by D'Wain Carthen

Cheers, gang! My name is D’Wain Carthen and I enjoy drinking good beer. Simply put, I am a 29-year-old dude, from Oklahoma, that likes to meet people and partake in excellent brews and great conversations. The Tulsa beer scene is at its boiling point and I want to help bring attention to the beer available in our great city and in Oklahoma. I am not a beer snob. Snobs don’t share. I want to include you in my experiences with beer, so that we can all learn a bit more about what we drink and who we are.

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the BierGarten Finale tasting event hosted by the one and only Freddy Lamport. He has been a major advocate for craft beer in Tulsa for a number of years now through his amazing store BierGarten, located in Jenks. April 15th – 20th marked the inaugural Tulsa Craft Beer Week. As an organizer of the festivities that took place, it was only fitting that the event be held at Freddy’s establishment.

We had several events throughout the week including several at the awesome R-Bar on Brookside. Of the eleven beer gatherings, R-Bar hosted five of them. Not to be outdone, the Tulsa craft beer veteran, McNellie’s, had just as many events. Each establishment had an event just about every night. We had beer dinners, tap takeovers, firkin nights, pint nights, OH MY! More beer, please! Any fan of craft beer that was within 100 miles of Tulsa had no excuse to be anywhere else in the state.

I almost missed out on the beer-tasting finale, myself. I waited too long and the event actually sold out before I was able to get tickets. I was bummed! So, on Friday I headed to BierGarten to grab some beer and heal my bruised soul. Freddy asked if I was coming to Saturday’s event, to which I had to regretfully respond that I was not due to my procrastination. This is when Freddy came through in the clutch and asked if I would be willing to work at the festival. Uhhh…yeah, dude! Who would turn down this opportunity?

BierGarten’s finale was scheduled from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday. It featured some of our awesome local breweries such as Coop Ale Works (Oklahoma City), Marshall Brewing (Tulsa), Choc Beer Co. (Krebs), and the exciting newcomer Prairie Artisan Ales (Krebs). I had the chance to try some great beers and discuss the event with fellow beer nerds. One of my favorite offerings was the Habanero Wheat (#15) from the Fellowship of Oklahoma Ale Makers (FOAM) tent. It started with a smoky nose, quickly transformed into an apple cider middle, and finished with a hint of habanero. If this beer were landscape, it would be a cabin in the woods. Many of my buddies and other attendees had high-praise for #15, but there was one naysayer, THE BREWER! I had the pleasure of discussing this great creation with home brew wizard, Shelly. She wanted there to be more smoke and more spice from the habanero. Unfortunately, Shelly did not get what she wanted, but we all enjoyed the insane journey her beer took us on. I also had the opportunity to try Prairie’s “Bomb!” This M80 is a Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Tulsa’s own Nordaggio’s coffee. If you’re like me and love craft beer and a great cup of coffee, this brew will wake you up! With beers like Shelly’s Habanero concoction and Prairie’s Bomb!, this is an event that Tulsa must keep alive!

Cheers to BierGarten, Shelly, and all the good folks who attended!