Can American craft beer fans find satisfaction in Seoul and Tokyo? Yes. And here’s where they need to go.
beer
Mountain Bike Monday – 11 Things I learned about 24-Hour Races
A few weeks ago, I raced in the Kona 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo as part of the duo team Lost Nuts. We finished in the middle of the pack, with having few mechanical problems being our only distinguishing feature. It was my first 24 hour event, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. My partner, Harry, had a great question for me after the event. “So, what did you learn?” I rattled off a few things. But for this episode of Mountain Bike Monday, here’s my more considered list, in no particular order:
1. Pack meticulously, and don’t overlook food. I failed to bring some essentials that I used throughout my training: V-8 and coconut water, both of which are great for re-hydrating. I also, if you can believe this, forgot my freakin’ helmet. Fortunately, several local bike shops had set up camp there and I was able to score one on the cheap. A second helmet is going to be useful for riding at night more often. Which leads us to #2.
2. Ride at night lots before the race. That way, you won’t be a chicken like me. Night riding freaks me out, and I need to get used to it if I’m going to do this more often. Which I intend to.
Arizona State University Threatens Microbrewery Over Beer Name
That’s it. It’s time for me to head back to school and get a master’s degree from Northern Arizona University or the University or Arizona. Heck, I’d even take an advanced degree from Dr. Nick Riviera’s alma mater, Hollywood Upstairs Medical College. That way, when people ask where I went to college, I could say something besides Arizona State University.
ASU’s latest bold move, to harass a local craft brew over its Sun Devil Ale, makes me embarrassed to admit I walked its increasingly dark and evil halls. It certainly will prevent me from ever donating as long as Darth Greedious (aka Michael Crow, the university’s president) and his minions are in charge.
According to a story by Edythe Jensen, a reporter from The Arizona Republic, attorney Glenn Bacal says San Tan Brewing Company “unlawfully misappropriated” the Sun Devil trademark and is selling “a counterfeit product.”
Nudist Colonies to Liquor Stores – All Bearing the Sun Devil Name
Do a keyword search on “Sun Devil.” I used the Bing search engine, and the first page included a women’s nudist club, a liquor store and an auto repair chain. Rumor has it there’s even a bail bonds company. The article acknowledges this, and says that many are alumni who sought permission – and I’d bet they also ponied up a donation. That behavior certainly weakens Bacal’s unlawful appropriation point. As to the counterfeit product – ASU should find itself an attorney that actually understands intellectual property. Nothing San Tan Brewing Company is doing in any [...]
Tempe’s Sleepy Dog Saloon & Brewery Primed for Success
I am really thrilled to report that there’s a new brewery in metro Phoenix, and that it’s poised to become a regular stop for people who love craft beer. I’m talking about Sleepy Dog Saloon & Brewery (1920 E. University, Tempe). I just made my first stop there tonight; it was a spontaneous trip to finish an evening of devouring Asian food at Tottie’s Asian Fusion in Scottsdale (which is also excellent). All we had to do is keep driving past the plastic generic Everytown USA hell of the Tempe Marketplace, and we were soon there with fine beverages perched on the cold-rolled steel bar in front of us.
With our bellies full of Asian eats, the wife and I couldn’t have more than one each. I opted for a Rottie Milk Stout, with the wife choosing a Scottie (that’s a strong Scottish ale, big surprise!). Both were excellent, with a strong malty kick and silky textures. The carbonation was spot-on, and they tasted like terrific examples of their breeds. I really, really wanted a Ridgeback IPA, but my stomach was just too full to allow it. Curses! Well, at least it was fish panang and dragonfly noodles occupying the valuable space.
HMFIC Rob has salted snacks available, but he doesn’t serve food. Guests can bring their own food – in fact, some folks celebrated their New Year’s Eve at Sleepy Dog by bringing in a crock pot full of weinerschnitzel. So bring your favorite take-out. Make something at home. Doesn’t matter, [...]
A Customer Service Idea for the Yelp Age
It’s a tough time to be a business owner, especially one that’s opinionated and fiercely independent. Take Cartel Coffee Lab. A barista raised the hackles of a guy on Yelp.com. He wanted coffee with caramel in it – they don’t have caramel. So he ordered a cappuccino, and the barista allegedly said “Just so you know it’s a REAL Cappuccino [sic].”
That would irritate me, too. The negative Yelp drew the attention of Jason, the owner. This guy truly cares about coffee. He loves doing it right, and he absolutely hates adjuncts. He’s a purist. I respect that. He meticulously ensures that his crew meets his standards.
And most of his staff is as personable as they are skilled. There are a few bitter beans in there, and I’d bet this came from one of them.
It’s good that Jason has his employees’ backs. But I don’t think he should tell a customer in a public online forum:
“If only you actually understood coffee, you might have been able to actually promote better coffee in AZ! You shouldn’t be commenting about coffee since you drink it with caramel anyway. You should probably rethink that life decision!”
For the record, I’ve had many conversations with Jason, and he’s a very likeable guy. And I truly understand how he feels. I love good beverages of all stripe. And when someone who drinks Corona turns a nose up at a SunUp Brewing cask-conditioned IPA, I truly believe Buddha drowns a kitten. But I also realize that people have their [...]
