What a success.....

Street Fair was a success, thanks to all who joined us for the first truly sunny weather in years. Usually it rains at some point during the weekend, making the beer garden a nice thought. This year it was the exact opposite, it was "too hot" for people, instead of too windy and rainy. I stayed clear on Saturday, with one day off I had no desire to show up, I figured I would get my share of the crowds and the madness on Sunday. We had some unfortunate breaks, of all things to break this weekend the ice machine went out, which meant many trips to Safeway to get bags and bags of ice, talk about irony. I won't bore you with more details, some of my favorite moments and sightings were.

An old man wearing a shirt that put it all in perspective..."got dates?"

Little dogs in the purses of woman in high heels and jeans, should we thank Paris Hilton?

More tie die than I have seen in years.

The familiar smell of caramel corn.

Kids with face paint, adults for that matter, maybe I should have gotten my bald head painted in spirit.

I was also confused at certain points in the day when I saw more than a few people wearing jackets, or long sleeves. I ask you Seattle are we that afraid to shed our winter armor? What is that bright ball in the sky anyways?

I brought my camera which died as soon as I turned it on, or I would have a photo gallery for you all. Lets face it a picture is worth a thousand words. Thanks to all who came and joined us on this fine weekend.

Ave Rat Malt Liquor

Ave Rat arrives on Wednesday when we open, just in time for the U-Districts street fair, this weekend May 17th and 18th. We will have a giant beer garden in front of the building, and with the temps predicted to be in the 80's summer looks to be here. The Big Time Brewery's beer garden looks to be the spot to be. I expect to see you all there with sunglasses, and of course a pint of tasty Ave Rat in hand. Just what the doctor ordered after a long winter of hibernation. We will have t-shirts and pint glasses available in limited supply. It is after all the year of the rat, so we have a very special logo, different than last years. We plan to keep changing the logo every year, in fact we already have next years logo, we think. Last year we sold all the shirts before the street fair, and missed a golden opportunity, lets just say we prepared a bit better this year. Zack, the ave rat artist, is a great guy to see more of his stuff go here or here. Bill and I give him a vague idea of what we are thinking and her translates, or channels it through him and out comes a magic.

According to Wikipedia:
Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit others, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.

this is another way to look at it taken from this website.

In Chinese, the Rat is respected and considered a courageous, enterprising person. People born in the Year of Rat are clever and bright, sociable and family-minded. They have broad interests and strong ability in adapting to the environment and able to react adequately to any changes.

I have noticed a lot of changes going on around me, maybe it is attributed to the year of the rat, many relationships are in flux, people are committing to do different things. Does this all have something to do with the animal that guides us all. Rats seem to be very tenacious and adaptable, willing to sacrifice a bit now for more down the road. Thrifty, demanding and focused. There is more information if you follow the links above. I will leave your with this years ave rat logo....

In the interest of promotion.....

In the interest of shameless self promotion I am urging each and everyone of you to vote for us as your favorite Brewpub in the NWsource's People's Picks. Here is the link. Let the city know how much you love us.

In other news there is more and more beer blogging going on out there. If you don't already know about these blogs and would like to hear someone's opinion on all things beer related here in Seattle and the greater Northwest I suggest that you take a look.

Chris Devlin's beer examiner site. This is where the beer retard as he has affectionately dubbed himself steps in to the spotlight. His first blog in his own words is taking a back seat at the moment. Two beer blogs, might not be as easy to maintain. That's a lot of saying the same thing differently. Way to go Chris.

I met Geoff a few months back, well now it is almost a year ago across the bar, we started in to a conversation about the Old Sol Wheatwine. Then again at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, it was a bit fuzzy, and from time to time he stops by. Turns out he's got a blog for the Seattle PI. Check out what he has to say on his Blog What's on tap.

Are there other beer bloggers that I should know about. If you are out there, let me know. Thanks so much for all your promotion of all things craft beer here in the great Northwest.

For a limited time only.....

Can you say a day late and a dollar short....wish I had this up yesterday, but better late than never. Our Chili Beer, Serrano Puzzono is on draft for a limited time only. Bill dry hopped our Prime Time Pale Ale with some serrano chili peppers, adding a bit of spicy and earth tones to an already great beer. Come on in and try a pint. Hint, it will pour from the large pink handle.

We've turned back the clock....

Fridays have turned in to a celebration of the 80's. Sarah and Diana have taken it upon themselves to turn back the clock so to speak, complete with hair scrunchies, bright makeup, leg warmers, bad sugar candy, and most importantly all 80's music. Flock of Seagulls, The Thompson Twins, Seena Easton, and the list goes on. They are also taking requests all day long. I have said it before the 80's are coming back in everyday fashion and I am scared, florescent colors are on the rise.... So you are sincerely invited to make a pilgrimage to the Big Time on Friday, heck wear your favorite t shirt from days gone by. I know a lot of you were too young to remember much of the 80's, so you don't remember just how wacky it was...come on down and find out. Sarah and Diana will take you down memory lane, call it a history lesson if you will.

This guy agrees the idea rocks.

Diana pours a beer.

The masterminds.....

In other news we have a new beer call Ryenoceros. Bill describes this beer as "Strong, full bodied with a big nose." There you have it. Using Simcoe, Ahtanum, and Mt Hood hops and coming in at 7.5 % abv. It is delicious. Stop on in for a Pint.

20 years of award winning beers and tasty food.

December 7th marks the 20 year anniversary of the Big Time. 20 years of award-winning beer and tasty food. We are in the process of planning the activities, we plan to celebrate a few days in the months prior and then for the whole week leading up to the actual anniversary day. Monday the 1st Old Wooly Barleywine will be released to start off a week that will sure go down as one to be remembered. Our plan is to have the days sured up and the plan set so that no one will have an excuse not to be there.

Other ideas that have bee thrown around:

a bring back old employee party.

a where are they now night..past employees/brewers celebration.

new and exciting beers, old recipes.

Those are just a few, I don't want to give too many details, lets just say 20 years is a long time and Seattle's Original Brewpub plans to remember and celebrate its long tradition in the U-district.

In the near future look for a series of where are they now posts, as well as some short history posts.

Open a beer and prepare to be amazed

Our friend and regular Wolfgang brought this to our attention, enjoy.