"Here's to Michael Jackson, Cheers"

This just showed up in my inbox and it needs to be passed along. Hope to see you all there.

Here's to Michael Jackson, Cheers
A National Toast to remember English writer,
Michael Jackson and benefit
the Northwest Parkinson Foundation Seattle, WA - September 20, 2007

He has been called "The Bard of Beer, "The Beer Hunter," and even "The True King of Beer!" Michael Jackson, the man who did more than any other to influence the direction of craft beer, here and throughout the world, is dead, though his spirit lives on in every pint we drink. Michael first visited Seattle in 1978. Each time he returned, the beer scene improved significantly thanks to his research, extraordinary writing ability and personality. His books, lectures, videos, appearances, and the beers they inspired, introduced a whole new generation of beer enthusiasts and brewers to classic brewing styles, the culture and taste of beer.

Locally, in just 28 years, we have gone from no local craft breweries to 20 and, nationally from 2 to 1400 microbreweries. The Seattle area ranks among the top nationally for the per capita consumption of craft beers. In Belgium, Michael is responsible for resurrecting a moribund brewing culture; in his own England, where, when he started writing, he witnessed a disproportionate growth in light lager at the expense of the ales that he loved, and then a renaissance of traditional styles; and throughout the world, where the old model of only light lagers being available is hopefully, gone forever.

To commemorate the life of this great man and to raise awareness and money for the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, the Pike Pub, described by Michael as "A shrine to beer", will join other craft brewers in Seattle and around the nation in a united toast; we'll lift a pint or two in tribute to Michael. "Here's to Michael Jackson, Cheers"

When: Sunday, September 30, 2007

Where: The Pike Pub 1415 1st Avenue - Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 622-6044

Time: 5 pm to 7 pm National Toast at 6 pm Pacific Time Special Beers $4.00 per pint - 100% of the proceeds will be donated to The Northwest Parkinson's Foundation. A selection of cask condition beers will be offered that would make Michael proud have been donated by:

The Big Time Brewery, Seattle - Bhagwan's Best IPA
Baron Brewing, Seattle - Baron Oktoberfest
The Pike Brewing Co., Seattle- Pike's Old Companion (Pike Place Old Companion was first brewed in 1992 to commemorate Michael's 50th birthday which he celebrated in Seattle.)

In keeping with Michael's love for jazz, music will be provided by The Dave Bush Quartet. Convenient Parking is available for $5.00 at the WaMu - Seattle Art Museum Garage (corner of 1st & Union) -

If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to The Northwest Parkinson's Foundation in tribute to Michael. A tax deductible donation can be made at their website or by mail to 400 Mercer Street #401, Seattle, WA 98109-4641
Visit the pike website, here.

Here is a site that might be of interest. Lots and Lots of information. To all things Michael.

Sarah's last day.....

Sarah's last day is tomorrow. Her presence will be missed. We are hoping that she has a change of heart and decides to stay. Everyone should keep their fingers crossed, as she is irreplaceable. That would change tomorrow's party from a send off to a celebration of all things Sarah. A thank you of sorts. Who knows maybe we can get her to sing a bit for us.

I have one request of all of you that read this, are you ready, ok. If and when you decide to come in tomorrow PLEASE WEAR PINK. AGAIN, PLEASE WEAR PINK. PINK is Sarah's favorite color, it is mandatory that you WEAR PINK I can not stress this enough. Friday is her day so YOU MUST WEAR PINK.

We have a few things planned and will be pouring something new and different, maybe a couple of different things. Expect whip cream to be involved, what is a send off without someone getting pied, at least once. Who knows remember her favorite color is pink after all.

We would also like to thank all you who went out to the Washington Beer Commission's Oktoberfest out at St Edwards, your patronage of the local festival is greatly appreciated.

Now on to a picture essay.

I had these growing in the front yard:


Some of you are aware that Bill fresh hopped a keg of Scarlet Fire for Brouwer's Hopfest, that got me thinking, " i need to do something with all the hops on the vine in the front yard." I ran the idea by Bill, and finally got to picking some of those glorious hops from the fence. I thought it would be interesting to fresh hop a keg of the Powderfinger Rye. On Tuesday night we finally got around to making it happen.

First step was to purge the keg with CO2. I hope I remember all the right things to say, forgive me if I use the wrong terminology.


Next I filled a hop sack with fresh hops from the yard. There was a picture, but somehow it got deleted so you will have to imagine what that looks like. Maybe later I can add one.

After that I had to remove the rubber bung and stuff the hop sack through the bung hole, making sure not to lose hold of it. I was a bit apprehensive, but all went smoothly, we could have added more.


After that I had to hammer the wood bunk in. It is quite loud and takes a few strikes with a mallet to make sure it will hold.

more hammering, lets call it insurance.


The finished product. After this we went downstairs and filled the keg with beer. We will be serving this some time soon. Stay tuned.


Thanks to all and remember YOU MUST WEAR PINK TOMORROW.

Calling all craft beer lovers

There is a good chance if you have arrived at this site you are in fact a lover of hand crafted ales and lagers. You, yes you, are invited to the Washington Beer Commissions first Oktoberfest, out at St Edwards Park, this Friday from 3-9 and Saturday 1-9. There is a happy hour on Friday from 3-6 where upon entry in to the festival you receive two extra tokens. What Oktoberfest festival would be complete without a commemorative beer glass, that is why WABL members will get a glass mug, not a plastic mug and access to a special Baron Brewing beer. If you are not already a member this would be a great time to join. Looks to be a great time, I expect to see you all there. We will be pouring our Kolsch 45. Click the above link for all the detailed information.

Bill is in the process of putting together another Brown Bombshell so that will be on draft for a short time, this beer is gaining a following. Come on in and try a pint when you come to get your tickets to the Oktoberfest.

Goings on....

We are currently in the process of hiring a new day time bartender. Sarah our long time employee has decided that it was time to move on. She will be missed. Who will sing Madonna now?? Maybe we can get her back for special occasions. Come by in the next two weeks to say goodbye.

The Huskies look to be off to a great season. We are excited about this. This Saturday for the Ohio State game we open early at 10am so that everyone can get 2hours of drinking in before they run off to see us win yet again. Another win would be amazing, if we can continue to hold our own we may get a national ranking.

The Perspective IPA is going fast, your time is limited, and you have been warned.

The Kolsch 45 is on draft. Click here to find out what Wikipedia has to say about this beer style. This beer is going to Denver, come on in and give it a try.

Here's to seeing you at the pub.

Gearing up for Denver....

Some of the Denver Beers have been brewed.
Firecracker Pale Ale

You may remember this beer, it was named after a former employee. Well Bill said it best,
A hoppy, Northwestern interpretation of the style brewed to honor Aurora, one of our long time kitchen employees. Three hop varieties (Cascade, Mt. Hood, and Willamette) and a hefty dose of malts come together into a beer that, like its namesake, is feisty, full-bodied, and not to be messed with. O.G. 14.8, 5.5% ABV.

Perspective IPA

Amarillo and Simcoe hops combined for a very aromatic and intensely hoppy beer. One of the favorites among the local hop heads. Be warned this one does not last long, it is not to be missed. What a great beer name. Its a mood enhancer for sure.

Brown Bombshell

Bill experimented with a coffee brown, each keg is different as he hones in on the exact amount of coffee need. Each one has been very well received, and has a distinct coffee flavor that is not overbearing. Great Balance.

Kolsh 45

A German syle pale ale using special grain, special hops and a special yeast. Kolsch 45 is a crisp and refreshing alternative ale. Light and golden with a rich pilsner malt presence and the delicate flavor of Hallertau hops. OG 1,045 4.2% by vol.

Thanks to all the WABL's that showed up last Monday. The trivia was well received, although most of the answers where well off the mark. You all need to bone up on your Big Time knowledge. Thanks to the one who thought we did 100,000 barrels a year. We would be quite a different place if that were the case.

In other news: In the knock down drag out Rock em Sock em Robots Bill was the victor, beating Mr. Cantwell at his own game in his own house. Way to go. Bill will be getting his satin robe soon. He already has the boots, rubber boots that is.