Nora McGunnigle

Soul Rebels at Oskar Blues Grill & Brew in Colorado Hey y'all - sorry to drop a press release on you and run, but I'm jammed with deadlines and the Brooklyn Mash happening this week. But the awesome thing is, can pioneer and Colorado brewery Oskar Blues is hitting town in April!

1) Ron Swodoba, Director of Craft Beer Education at Crescent Crown Distributors, is now the second person in New Orleans to be designated a Certified Ciccerone! The test sounds really hard, and I'm really glad his hard work paid off. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. 2) Got a peek at August's new beer menu from my old friend Robert Wailes ; and it looks nice. our beer Saison Dupont ,   farmhouse Ale   Belgium Citrus and spice notes, full-bodied and malty; It sparkles on the palate and finishes with a zesty hop and citrus attack.  12. Duvel Belgium A strong, golden ale with aromas of citrus, apple, hops and yeast.  It has a delicate sparkle and a refined silky taste.  9. Brasserie Trois Dames, L’amoureuse No. 1 Ste-Croix, Switzerland  This ale is brewed with 15% of Chassalas grape must Medium in body.  Malt forward with light hops, bitterness and a dry finish  13. Unibroue,  La Fin Du Monde Canad...

So, today was the first day of New Belgium release in Louisiana! I saw the display in Rouses on North Carrollton at lunch: $2.99 for a bomber, FYI. I need to pick up a six pack of Shift ASAP. So, New Belgium is only in bottles and cans right now- it'll be on draft at the end of May, from what I hear. The Avenue Pub offered bottle pours for the occasion today - $14 for six 4oz pours, which included a nice glass. I also scored a lip balm, a hat, and a coozie. Single 4oz pours were also available, $1.50 for the standards and $3.50 for the three Lips of Faith. I focused mostly on the Lips of Faith stuff, since I had the basic lineup beers last week at the distributor roll out. I did start out with a Shift, though, 'cause that's my jam. And I did use a Fat Tire to cleanse my palate after drinking the Cascara Quad. First of all, the La Folie- a Flanders Oud Bruin, It was straight up excellent. I need to see if I can get my hands on a bottle. Or two. After that, I tried t...