Brewery Ommegang Fights Fracking in Upstate NY

January 8, 2012

Brewery Ommegang,  in Cooperstown, New York, is warning that it would relocate if fracking is allowed in the nearby town of Middlefield. According to an article in thedailystar.com, court papers filed by Ommegang state that: “Its Master Brewer and Quality Control chemist agree that even if Brewery Ommegang wished to do so, it could not remove many of the toxic chemicals commonly used in hydrofracking, should they be released into the Brewery’s water supply.”

By chance, I am drinking an Ommegang Abbey Ale as I read this article. About ten years ago, I spent a weekend camping near the brewery and passed an incredibly fun and friendly afternoon tasting homebrews and Ommegang brews with their then brewmaster, Randy Thiel, who was so hospitable that he even treated us to dinner.

Good for Ommegang to stand up against fracking. I hope their participation in the lawsuit helps end this dangerous and backwards practice. Read the full article here.

3 Comments | Energy, Global warming | Permalink
Posted by beeractivist

Madison House of Brews Launches “Community Supported Brewery”

December 13, 2011

This has been my dream for years so I’m totally envious. The Madison House of Brews is using Kickstarter to help them launch a “community supported brewery,” building on the “community supported agriculture” model small farms have been using for years to connect directly with their customers and share the financial costs and benefits of local, community-focused enterprises.

Invest in the House of Brews by February 5th, 2012 to make sure they get the funds needed to make it work. Go over here to their Kickstarter page. And keep up with them on their Facebook page here.

3 Comments | Beer and Economics, beer ownership | Permalink
Posted by beeractivist

Microbreweries, Maximum Sustainability – Short Film

December 12, 2011

Two students at George Washington University recently interviewed me for a short film on sustainability and brewing. I think the result is quite nice. Have a quick look.

1 Comment | beer video, Beer Videos | Permalink
Posted by beeractivist

Fall Beer Tasting at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue

October 25, 2011

The Sixth and I beer tastings have become a tradition since they were launched just a year ago. Join us November 8th, 7pm at this wonderful venue in the heart of Washington D.C.’s Chinatown neighborhood, just a block from the Chinatown/Gallery Place metro station at 6th and I streets NW.

Brewers from two of Washington’s newest breweries, Chocolate City Brewing and Baying Hound, will present their fall lineup, MC’d by yours truly.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Full details are online here: Sixth and I Calendar.

1 Comment | Beer events, beer tasting | Permalink
Posted by beeractivist

Religion & Beer: A Tasting at the Sixth and I Historic Synagogue

December 13, 2010

I am fascinated by the long interwoven histories of beer and religion. It is no surprise that so many great cultures have taken to worshiping fermented grain — if there is a god, beer certainly brings us closer to her.

And that’s why we will be praising the beer goddesses and gods during a night of drinking at the Sixth and I Historic Synagogue.

DETAILS
WHAT: Fermenting Revolution: A Tutored Tasting with the Beer Activist
WHERE: The Sixth and I Historic Synagogue located at … well, Sixth and I Streets, NW, Washington, D.C.
WHEN: 7pm, Thursday, January 13th, 2010
HOW MUCH: A measly 12 bucks!
THE BEER: The tentative line up includes beers from: Baying Hound Ale Works; Brewers Art; Peak Organic; Victory; and Dogfish Head. Paul Rinehart, owner and brewer at Baying Hound, will also join us for a special appearance.
MORE INFO: Visit the Sixth and I website right here.

11 Comments | ancient beer, beer tasting, Religion / Spirituality | Permalink
Posted by beeractivist

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