Episode 42 - Andrew Jolly of DoubleShot

 

Andrew and I met a while back on the bottling line of Prairie Artisan Ales. We certainly share a love for locally made craft beer and coffee. Naturally, as a barista, Andrew has much more of an affinity for the caffeinated nectar of the gods. For a while now I have wanted to have this discussion about the parallels of craft beer and the coffee industries. Both are brewed and steeped, created by individuals with a passion and created in small batches. I'm sure there is more and we touch on those here for sure. This will be a journey into how beer and coffee work so well together as an adjunct and how both share similar flavor characteristics and literally poured over in as to what is the best and worst in the industry. We'll revisit this topic again and learn the process of brewing a beer with coffee and how one goes about picking the right combinations.

Episode 37 - Chris Dill of Snipe Brewing

There's that chill in the air again, well, there was until today when we hit 64 degrees in the first week of December. It's been a while since our last show but it's been a busy time as well. Doing this on my own is no small feat and paying bills never ends. But with that my creative mind has developed some rather inspiring artwork that'll you will see on my Etsy store and local vendors. If you haven't already please visit it at etsy.com/shop/beerisok. Lots of good stocking-stuffers are there for home brewers, hop heads and all types of beer drinkers. I also want to take this time to thank the local retailers who sell my items: Okie Crowe and Ida Red in Tulsa; Blue 7, Tree+Leaf and Graphite Element in OKC. This state is nothing short of creative people that inspire and want to see artists grow and flourish. I surely wouldn't be successful without them and am truly grateful to them.

There's been a great deal of development in the past couple months with stout season upon us and local breweries and distributors keeping shelves stocked with strong ales, imperial stouts and a full spice cabinet packed into ales. I cherish this time of reflection whilst sipping on something strong and enduring, especially those beers that are made here. I recently did that at LOCAL's Tulsa Winter Warmer. A small, intimate affair to really interact with some of Oklahoma's finest breweries, try something new and original and relax with good friends. Our beer community is strong and growing which brings us to our guest this episode.

Chris Dill leads a simple life in Pryor, OK. About as simple as you can in the country with three kids under 7 mind you. For the past year he and his brother-in-law David have been brewing and like any hobby he takes up, he submerges into it completely. So much so that he's been volunteering at Prairie Artisan Ales for bottling days and picking the brains of local brewers as well. He envisions a small farmhouse brewery in Pryor making sour table beer and anything else that make strike his fancy. This is Chris Dill of Snipe Brewing.

Episode 31 - Nothing's Left Brewing

Say you've been homebrewing for a while with your good friend and you finally want to give it a try on a professional level. My guests this episode are Aaron and Travis of Nothing's Left Brewing. The name may be a bit odd but appropriate in the right vernacular which could probably spawn some rather clever beer names down the road. They are just coming online with their first festival appearance in Broken Arrow's Red, White and Brew that I later learned they had a great reception and gave out every drop of their beer. We go through the ins and outs of why they think this venture in a state with heavy restrictions can prosper as we share their low point strawberry blonde beer.

Episode 21: 2015 FOAM Iron Brewer

I can't wait to take part in sampling those at the FOAM meeting. If you're interested in joining FOAM they are always taking new members. Don't be like me and wait until this past year to join. Just visit https://www.alemakers.org/news.php Don't live in Tulsa? Red Earth Brewers are out of OKC, visit their website http://www.redearthbrewers.com/, also catch on facebook the Stillwater Brewers' League or High Plains Draughters. There's no excuse not to be a part of the local craft beer culture.

Coming up in our next episode we are going to hopefully wrangle together the organizers of this years Tulsa Craft Beer Week. Check out their website at tulsacraftbeerweek.com. All events are listed so make sure to add them to your calendar and purchase tickets soon for the Firkin Friday and Finale. They will sell out and you will be sorry. May is shaping up to be a good month with several festivals from the Red Earth Brewers May 10, Oklahoma Craft Beer Festival at Tapwerks in OKC on May 16 and Hop Jam in Tulsa on May 17th.

That's going to do it for us this week. Please rate us on Stitcher and leave a review, those help other beer geeks like yourself find us. We have some new items for sale, the hop earrings are a big hit and keeping the ladies in mind we have new tank tops for the summer to be available at the Okie Crowe booth at the Tulsa Craft Beer Week Finale. New podcast shirts and stickers will be there as well as our famous Oklahoma shaped bottle openers. As always you an find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Untappd as BeerisOK. We'll catch you next time and remember to continue cultivating the craft!

Episode 20 - Building a Brewery w/ Kolibri Ale Works

As I walked up to Andrew's house the aromas of home brewing wafted into the front yard. I was greeted by a clean shaven Andrew who decided that the "Brewer Beard" was not in the books, especially with the warm months ahead of us.

His garage was a true home brewer's paradise set to do up to 20 gallons. His brewing partner Andrew was helping out for the brew day and co-founder Rick Osborn on Skype from sunny San Diego. We pulled up a couple of 5 gallon buckets and enjoyed a tropical Marooned IPA and Cherry Oatmeal Stout.

After the interview I was treated to some incredulous home made stout bread that Andrew's wife then whipped into some mouth-watering french toast. Andrew also introduced me to his son Zion who was full of life and has been around to help for most brew days. A very down to earth family creating some well crafted brews that I can't wait to sample with some pork shoulder...a guy can dream.

Music provided by: NoahT , Twitter: @noahtmusic

Check out Noah's new podcast: Drinking on Tulsa Time

Episode 19 - Building a Brewery with Dead Armadillo

I had the pleasure to sit and hang with Mason and Tony of Dead Armadillo in their newest location in Tulsa, OK. Since they've started with their cans of Amber Ale brewed over at Roughtail their success was overwhelming. But two hot breweries coming up need space and the Armadillo boys finally found their own digs. We crack some Black Hop and continue our journey with them as they "Build a Brewery."

Music provided by: NoahT , Twitter: @noahtmusic

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!

Little Brewery on the Prairie

Episode 3

Brian and Ethan  Buckman tuck into Choc's Spring release, India Pale Ale, in hopes of a quick Spring. Meanwhile we discuss Ethan's endeavors in his personal gypsy project while brewing for Mustang full time. Also we get interviews from Wes and Chase of Prairie Artisan Ales at their latest brewery tour in February. Crack a beer and take a listen while we Cultivate the Craft!

Twitter handles to watch for:

@DocBuckmans

@WhiteFlag

@CavemanCBrew

@ReddRhenBrewin

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.

Holy Hops Oklahoma!

I had a religious experience!  This past week, I had the opportunity to sit down and have a beer with the Reverend. No, I did not confess all my sins (I’m a saint), but I did sit down with Rev. Mason Beecroft who is the brewmaster for Dead Armadillo Craft Brewing.  Yes, I said Reverend.  Mason was a Lutheran pastor for 11 years and has been brewing for over 17 years.  He learned how to brew in seminary, started a “How to Brew” class, and began teaching his parishioners the lovely art of brewing.

Despite what you may think, this is not an act of rebellion against one’s beliefs.  In fact, beer and religion actually have a storied history.  Many may know the story of Saint Arnulf of Metz, the Patron Saint of Brewing.  Legend has it that on a hot day in July 642 his parishioners traveled to Remiremont to recover his remains and had little to drink.  Unfortunately, there was but a small remnant of beer remaining at the bottom of a pot, which is always a bad feeling.  So, what else do you do in your time of need?  Pray for help!   One of Saint Arnulf’s parishioners, Duc Notto, prayed “By his powerful intercession the Blessed Arnold will bring us what we lack.”  The minimal amount of beer in the pot multiplied into enough beer for the pilgrims to quench their dying thirsts and they were able to travel safely back to Metz (in high spirits I presume).

Thankfully, we don’t have to pray to any Gods to get our beer from Dead Armadillo, but the Gods have been good to us!  Their flagship beer is their Amber, which can be found on tap in many fine local establishments such as Main Street Tavern, both Tulsa McNellie’s locations, R Bar, College Bar (Stillwater), Wedge Pizza (OKC), etc.  I am sure there are plenty of other locations that pour this fine brew.  Also, be on the lookout for their IPA, wheat and mouth-watering Black IPA they have teased the masses with at local events.

We can also thank the heavens for Tony Peck.  It was just within the past 2 years that Tony, one of Mason’s parishioners and fellow home brewer, had the great idea that they should take their brewing to the next level and begin brewing commercially.  Mason acknowledges the struggle, “It is definitely a big step going from home brewing to commercial.”  This is especially true when you have become as popular as Dead Armadillo has in such a short amount of time.  “We began getting invites to do private events and our first public event was Wild Brew and then Harvest Festival [2012].”  Seeing as how they started Dead Armadillo in April of 2012, Wild Brew was that following July, and Harvest Fest in September…Tony and Mason were definitely busting their humps to provide us with their amazing creations.

As for future endeavors, be on the lookout for Dead Armadillo at Harvest Fest September 21^st, Wedge Pizza October 1^st, and First Draft in early November.  They will be bringing some different beers to Harvest Fest including some experiments such as a watermelon infused version of their Black IPA.  They also have a can design coming.  Mason gave me a sneak peak at the designs and they look really awesome.  The black and yellow color, which relates to the Yield sign, is a real eye-catcher.  He told me they will also be producing more swag like their t-shirts, work shirts, trucker hats, and a can glass. They are currently sharing space with RoughTail Brewing Company, but recently put an offer on a location here in T-town.

We here at Beer Is OK wish Dead Armadillo nothing but success in the future. They have had an awesome start to their commercial career and I do not see things slowing up for them any time soon.  Be sure to stop by and see them at Harvest Festival this Saturday (9/21) or at any of the other events we have talked about already.  Stop by, imbibe, and enjoy the sweet fruits of their labor. 

See you guys at Harvest Fest!

Cheers! – D’Wain