Customer Request

Seasons greetings, out there, friends!

We are now at that time of the year when things are getting very tight, particularly in the pocketbook-area. In addition, I have noted that there have been several requests for more knowledge on beer crafting and how one might even -- gasp! -- brew up a batch of one's own hand crafted beverage. To satisfy both of these customer requests, I have included here some helpful information that can get you on your way to brewing your own beer, no matter what level of brewer you may be.

Where do I go??

In Lawrence, there are, regrettably, no stores that cater to the home brewer. This leaves only the online market with which one may acquire the proper equipment and ingredients. However, there are a few places nearby (in Olathe and Shawnee), where you should be able to talk to someone face-to-face and get some hands-on help with home brewing:

Homebrew Pro Shoppe

2061 E Santa Fe

Olathe, KS

Bacchus & Barleycorn

6633 Nieman Rd

Shawnee, KS

What about online??

Of course, living in Lawrence, that are no home brew shops, which leaves only the ability to use the wonders of technology to get things. Listed here are some of the best websites you can use to learn more about how to brew beer at home:

www.howtobrew.com This website teaches you how to... BREW... Convenient like that, eh?

www.northernbrewer.com may be the best website to use, according to my resources. This website has a wide variety of products, from the advanced high-end home brewers all the way down to starter kits made for people who just want to give it a try. This website also has a pretty good deal for shipping, as $7.99 ships anything you want, no matter whether you're looking for a bottle-capper or a 20-gallon kettle.

www.williamsbrewing.com and www.morebeer.com are other websites website that cater to the home brewer, offering cutting edge recipes, new product info, and methods for brewing in your bathrobe.

How is that possible?

That Lawrence doesn't have any home brew stores? I don't have an answer to that one, chief. Maybe someone right now sees this blog and realizes that we really need one. The market for home brewers is growing just like the craft beer market has for the last 20 years, and it's no surprise. America was founded on hooch, kids. In the cramped basement speakeasy whiskey stills was where the first American revolutionaries met to overthrow British Rule. After all, even Sam Adams made beer. He also lit the tower lanterns when Paul Revere rode to inform the American revolutionary army: one if by land, two if by sea. If that's not some founding father folklore, I don't know what is. Lawrence does not have a home brew store, but, as all revolutionaries may already know, there is a guild. Click on the link to pay them a visit. Home brew is a lot closer to home than you might think.

Now, whether you're a hard-core seasoned veteran or a 21-year-old rookie, home brewing is a great way to test your mettle, to celebrate your freedom, and to actively participate in American history. As always, please be safe out there this holiday season, and stay thirsty, my friends.

Ho Ho Ho, bitches.

If this is your first visit to the Harper Corner News, then WELCOME. If not, then let's just drop the formalities and get to it, shall we?

BEER

O'Fallon's Cherry Chocolate Beer

O'Fallon's Brewery

St. Louis, MO

I don't know whether this is the first you've heard about this blissfully crafted beer, but I must insist that this is worth a try. Now, I know that there are still some classicists out there. I know who you are. I recognize you, from your resolute stroll towards the section with which you're most familiar to your product and price memorization, plus tax. Mr. Half-a-pint-of-Barton-vodka, good to see you. Oh, hello, Ms. Thirty-Pack-of-Busch, how's the renovation coming? But no one... NO ONE should think that they would not completely love this beer. If you can't find it in stock at Harper Corner, then find it somewhere. Oh, and don't forget the whipped cream.

Hop Rod Rye

Bear Republic Brewery

Healdsburg, CA

Rumor has it that the guys that started this brewery went to college with the same guys that started Sierra Nevada Brewery. Whatever the reason, they have got a serious product, here. The Hop Rod Rye ale has a rich, driven flavor that screams and rattles like a race track. Deep roasty rye flavor slams headfirst at no less than 55 mph into a bright citrus that rounds into a caramel undertone, and, at 22 ounces of oak, it creates a heavy, intimidating brew worthy of only the most serious beer drinker. People talk about a meal in a bottle, and that would be this. Perfect for the holidays, this beer reminds me most of chestnuts roasted on an open fire.

LIQUOR

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

If you know the story of Sailor Jerry, then I won't bore you. My only statement I have to say is this. The Sailor answers to no man. He has no fleet of ships at his command, like the notorious Admiral Nelson. He has no crew to order about, like the cantankerous Captain Morgan. He is his own man. He is the Sailor! And here's how I like to enjoy him around the holidays:

Hot Buttered Rum

1 generous T brown sugar

1 cinnamon stick

Lemon Peel

6 whole cloves

boiling water

2-3 oz. Sailor Jerry

pat of Butter

Grated Nutmeg

Rinse a large glass with boiling water (dump out!), then add brown sugar, and a lemon peel studded with cloves. Pour in a little boiling water just until the sugar dissolves. Add rum, then fill to rim with boiling water. Stir, then place pat of butter on top. Sprinkle with grated nutmeg, then drink... Then drink again... Then drink a little bit more.

>>Now, I have to add, here, that the recipe for Hot Buttered Rum swears that you should never, under no circumstances, use a spiced rum for this recipe. I beg of you all to differ.<<

Old Charter Whiskey

Aged 8 years, this whiskey has the oomph to warm a body up on a cold snowy night (like tonight!), but also has the price of Jim Beam, a whiskey bottled in only half the time. This whiskey is smooth, it is genuine. It's the working man's whiskey. Old Charter is not a new player on the field, no. He is a seasoned pro, long-established in the industry for his remarkable ability to make the perfect holiday beverage:

The Hot Toddy

2-3 oz. Old Charter (Or other hard liquor, your choice)

1 oz. sugar syrup, or to taste

4 whole cloves

Generous pinch cinnamon

Lemon slice

Boiling water

Mix all ingredients in a mug. Let the cloves steep a few seconds, then top with grated nutmeg and call your neighbors. If they are fortunate enough to even witness what you are enjoying, they will then proceed to tell you how awesome you are. You can then ask them for a favor, if you want. If they agree to the favor, it is proper etiquette to then offer them a taste.

I hope that these reviews and suggestions give you all something to think about for the holidays. With snow on the ground, it's a great time to wall off the world, play hookie, and treat yourself to a hot toasty holiday beverage. We'll see you around the store, but until then...

Stay thirsty, my friends.

Bird Day

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is that time of year that reminds us to be... well, thankful, I guess... It also is a time of transition: Riesling turns into mead, Octoberfest into winter brew, and the rambunctious Sailor Jerry snuggles willingly into the arms of hot butter and brown sugar. For the holidays this year, I plan on posting some of my favorite drink recipes up for the public to try. For the time being, I feel it necessary to pass on a few product highlights. Indeed, things have been busy at the Corner.

Mike's Hard Apple Cider

Usually, I don't consider sweetened malt beverages to be worth much attention. However, Mike's Hard Lemonade, a summertime favorite, has now come out with their seasonal winter beverage: Apple Cider. This is not only a poignant answer to other exclusively cider companies like Woodchuck or Hornsby's, it uses a distinctly winter flavor palette: deeply animated with subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Now, this tasty carbonated beer alternative not only serves as a great way to quench the thirst after a hard day of hauling 30 packs, it can be heated in the microwave. That's right. Pour your Mike's Cider into a glass and pop it into the microwave for a hot and toasty holiday treat sure to ease the most abrasive holiday blues.

Chaucer's Mead

Soquel, CA

We sell this mead year-round, but it is known by and large as the standard by which all other meads are measured. I've had mead from all over, and this seems to be the best by my liking. For those who are unaware, mead is a traditional holiday beverage used primarily by Northern Europeans, common in England, Sweden, and Switzerland. It is made from carefully fermented honey that is combined with things like orange rinds, lemon peels, and cinnamon sticks, and tastes very sweet with hints of floral notes that vary, depending on the flowers that the bees used to make the honey. Hot or cold, mead is the holidays in a cup.

Samuel Adams Winter Lager

If you've been paying attention to the news, you may have noticed that Sam Adams has now made a beer that rings in at around $150 a bottle. This beer is sold in a copper and ceramic bottle that replicates a brewing pot, takes around 12 years to create, and clocks in at around 27% alcohol. Now, I like Sam Adams beer. Like. In fact, I'm happy drinking their Winter Lager a few times every year it's in season, and that keeps me happy with the product, in general. The winter ale is crisp, not too hoppy, and not over-the-top on the cinnamon and nutmeg. Orange peel and coriander work their magic in this bold broth that, for some reason, makes me think of a very comfy sweater.

Sam Smith's Winter Welcome

Wow. This is good. Probably my favorite Winter Brew I've tried, so far. This beer is bold, unapologetically nutty, and full of English grit. Think Newcastle, times ten. You might find Sam Smith's to be an intimidating purchase, and there's a good reason for that. This stuff is packed with character; an old leather football helmet or baseball glove grooved with familiar fingerprints, the beer washes the palette in deep nutty caramel flavors saturated with malty hops. If you haven't tried this, do yourself a favor and pick one up. After all, at a mere $3.99 for a wine bottle full of world class beer, it sure beats $150.00.

I hope that this message finds everyone doing well, and feel free to swing by to give any of these suggestions a try. As always, stay thirsty, my friends.

Been far too long

The store will be seeing a few changes coming up in the next few weeks, mostly due to events that have taken place within the last week. So without further ado, I shall now attempt to catch all up to speed with the details of our attendance of the Glazer's annual beverage tasting last Monday.

BEER!!

We've got some new Octoberfests, of course, for the approaching fall months. So far, I've had the opportunity to taste three Octoberfest beers for the first time, one of which stood out far and above as the superior product.

Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest, Chippewa Falls, WI

Very clean and light tasting for an Octoberfest, this beer has sharp citrus notes that accent the floral notes of Cascade hops. I found this to be very drinkable, but not much "oomf" to it.

Samuel Adams' Ocktoberfest, Boston, MA

A bit darker and hoppier than its Wisconsin sister, this Octoberfest seems to be the brother. More of a bite to the hops flavor leaves less need to rely on a citrus backbone, as many Belgian ales do. This beer stood well on its own, though the depth of flavor wasn't as well- developed as I'd prefer.

New Belgium Hoptober, Ft. Collins, CO

When I glimpsed the ingredient list to this carefully crafted Colorado beer, I admit I balked. Five different hop varietals mashed together with wheat and rye sounds like it's going to be more like an IPA or Imperial style beverage, but this couldn't be farther from the truth. The complex hops flavors blend together nicely, creating a deep, rich caramel flavor that saturates the palette. This is what October should taste like, friends. Get some before it's gone.

WINE!!

Luna Freakout! White wine blend

Luna vineyards had a pinot grigio that we tasted just before the vendor broke out this amazing little number, Freakout!, worth every penny of the $12 bottle cost. Lots of character, the wine has subtle oak notes that give way to a well-rounded buttery kind of flavor reminiscent of a riesling or gewurstraminer. A very well-built wine, I could see this wine satisfying a variety of wine drinkers.

Argento Malbec, Argentina

This distinct Malbec had the tender gamy notes that define the Malbec flavor. Very big flavors pop out of the first sip of this classy red, notes of blueberries peeking through the many layers of rich dark chocolate. This red is would serve as a perfect aperatif; something to get the juices going for a great steak dinner or beef stew after a long day's harvest.

Adelsheim Vineyards, Oregon, Pinot Noir

Oregon has been known to be a hot commodity in the West for a good pinot noir. The only trouble is that very few Oregon wines make it this far east. Adelsheim Vineyards had a stand at the tasting, the first time the state's wines made it to the Great Plains, and you should definitely expect to see some serious pinot action in the near future at Harper Corner. This pinot is unbelievably high quality, notes of melon and berries married harmoniously in a wine that barely leans toward the sweet side of the scales. Good for dessert, good with dinner... Heck, it's good with breakfast.

LIQUOR

360 Cola Vodka, 360 Dutch Chocolate Vodka

When I first saw that 360 had a display of Dutch Chocolate vodka, I had to try it out. At 70 proof, this vodka has deep rich chocolate flavor that stops barely short of Holy Crap. But then I saw the true crown jewel: Cola flavored vodka. It seems that the only thing this little cocktail is missing is the bubbles. Not boozy, not subtle, this pure cola flavor outperforms any mass marketed cola in creation. I would compare it only to independent craft companies like Jones soda or Big Sky, some organic soda that focuses on extracting the pure citrus-like cola root flavor. This stuff is dangerous. Expect to see it on shelves soon.

New Amsterdam Gin

New Amsterdam has been around for some time, but this was the first time I had ever gotten the chance to try it out. Wow. They mixed a cocktail with gin, triplesec, and pineapple juice, something that I don't even think has a legitimate bartending name. New Amsterdam strips away the boozy qualities typical of gin leaving clean caper flavor perfect for mixing cocktails. I may have even found a new idea for making the perfect bloody mary (that's right, we use gin around here).

And that's about it for me today. I hope that these tidbits can help you find whatever it is that you'll most enjoy with your harvest dinners. Keep an eye out for the new products on our shelves, and until next time, Drink up!!

Happy Labor Day!!

Happy Labor Day to all you working stiffs, out there. I hope that the weekend has treated you all well, and pray that this message finds you all smoking various meats over large open barbecue pits. Enjoy this day that the government has kindly set aside for the working men and women who keep this country going, whatever it is that you do.

If you are looking for a good deal this fine Labor Day, swing by Harper Corner Liquor and pick up one of our last two cases of Michelob Wheat Sampler packs. They are 12 packs of bottles in 4 different wheaty flavors: Hop Hound Amber, Michelob Hefe Weizen, Shock Top Belgian White, and Michelob's Honey Wheat that rivals JW Dundee's Honey brown. At only $10.99 for the whole 12 pack, you have to admit that it is a deal priced just right for the holiday.

Keep safe out there, and remember: DON'T PUT LIGHTER FLUID IN THE SMOKER!!

College Colors Controversy

If anyone's been paying attention to the press lately, you've probably noticed that the Lawrence Journal-World has published an article sending up the new Anheuser-Busch marketing ploy to sell college-themed cases of beer. The new 24-packs of Bud Light include the local college colors decorating each can with limited-edition racing stripes allowing fans to celebrate their favorite college teams while enjoying their favorite brew.

The University of Kansas has been cited as having the opinion that the new college-themed can design supports underage drinking and advertises, in particular, to those under the age of 21.

Now, I understand why the university thinks that team colors on beer cans encourage team fans to drink more. However, keep in mind that we are in a world that has soda-pop style malt beverages like Mike's Hard Lemonade, Sparks, Joose, and wine coolers. The universities that threaten to sue Anheuser-Busch over the use of team colors run the risk of biting off more than they can chew. I figure that if soda companies don't have a case to sue malt beverage companies for creating similar sweet beverages containing alcohol, then universities should not be allowed to do so, either. Budweiser could make their beer in hot pink cans, and universities wouldn't care. It's only when the crimson and blue is donned on the cans that KU becomes concerned with underage drinking.

Honestly, doesn't it seem that KU is trying to claim ownership of the color combination of Red and Blue? What about the other colleges that have red and blue as their school colors? What about my high school that I graduated from? Seaman High School, in Topeka, KS, has red and blue as the school colors, yet no one from USD 345 is concerned with Budweiser's marketing strategy. Further, what about schools that already have the color scheme of blue and white (the standard colors on a Bud Light can)? Do they have the same right to sue?

As you can see, this issue is still a pretty hot topic in the town of Lawrence. I will keep the public informed as far as what is going on as I hear details. Until then, feel free to swing by and pick up your own limited edition 24 pack of Bud Light clad in your favorite school colors: crimson and blue.

Our Lager, which art in taverns...

If you're keeping score at home, we've covered a trio of wines from Spain (tempranillo) and Australia (shiraz-grenache and shiraz-cab. sauv.). On Sunday, we also had a tasting of beers.

Now, I don't know if everyone out there is as much of a beer fan as I am. I am a fan of beer: lagers, pilsners, hefe-weizens, dunkels, porters, stouts, and ales of all pales. Now, I must admit that when it comes to beer, I have no shortage on words, so I will attempt to keep my notorious long-winded-ness to a minimum. First, let me go over the beers we tried on Sunday's tasting.

Boulevard Pilsner
100% malt

NOTE: So from what I understand, Anheuser-Busch, Miller, and Michelob have all been making specialty beers lately in an effort to get a little bit of the craft beer business. With the cropping up of local breweries, the big beer companies realized that there is a growing market of discerning beer drinkers. Wanting a slice of the pie, they started crafting specialty beers like Landshark, American Ale, Shock Top, and Michelob's wheat series.

Boulevard Brewery out of Kansas City, founded in 1989, has been making moves to capitalize on their growth from the popularity of their dynamite Pale Ale, an exceptional Double Wide IPA (served in a champagne bottle), and their claim to fame, Boulevard Wheat. In response to encroaching businesses, Boulevard took a tip from the big boys by releasing a 100% malt beverage that sells right along side Budweiser and Coors... at the exact same price. If this story is not enough to pique your curiosity about this tasty toasty pils, let me assure you that this beer has subtle malt notes that smooth out to caramel, with character that keeps the flavors clean and very drinkable. All in all, I was impressed with the flavor of this beer, especially given the price.

Schlafly's Summer Beer
Lager

This crisp refreshing Summer beer comes from a brewery more noted for their stouts than their lagers, but the flavors are dead on, here. This beer is very clean, not too lemony, and surprisingly drinkable. Very few bottled beers remind me of the summer I spent drinking strip-n-go-naked's in Madison, WI, with my sister, and this beer did just that. Only this time, I didn't get hammered and pass out in Rodney's back yard. This beer doesn't have the kick that a lot of summer drinks have, which makes it ideal for cooling off after weeding, watering, and repotting the herbs on my balcony -- again.

And that's it! We now have 3 red wines and 2 beers sampled, so far. Make sure to check back in once every now and then to see what to try next. And, of course, if you have anything you want to share, feel free to stop by at Harper Corner Liquor Store.

And away we go...

I'm offering this blog as I experience the world of wines and liquors in the liquor store of my employment: Harper Corner Liquor store, in Lawrence, KS, located at the corner of 23rd Street and Harper. I don't know if anyone will find this resource helpful, but I will attempt to offer tidbits of information to the public at large on food and beverage pairings, local events that are scheduled, and other local news that affects the daily goings-on at Harper Corner, everyone's favorite neighborhood booze source.

TASTINGS
I would recommend having tastings of different wines and beverages with the ones who eat meals with you. These will be the people for whom you cook; your family, friends, or a special somebody. These are the people who will be eating and enjoying beverages with you, so knowing what rings their bells is good to keep in mind when pairing. We regularly have tastings at Harper Corner (sadly, only employees are allowed to attend), and learn the newest cutting edge wines and spirits emerging into the market. With that being said, don't hesitate to ask your friendly booze hound for an outsider's perspective, as well. We do, after all, have our fingers on the pulse of the booze nation. For an example, I will present the 3 wines and 2 beers we sampled at last night's meeting:

PENFOLD'S KOONUNGA HILLS: Australia
shiraz cabernet sauvignon
This wine is very well balanced, a deep rich red wine with moderately pointed dryness. I could see this going well with any beef dish or (perfect for the glorious weather we've been having) barbecue. Sweet berries start this wine off, developing smoothly with the tannins into a well rounded flavor that hits the whole tongue all at once. Overall, this was my favorite.

EGUREN: Spain
tempranillo
Spanish wines are pretty hot right now, and the price is right for this clean and dry red wine from Spain. Traditionally very well balanced, tempranillo can be heavy and full, or, as in this case, clean and precise. The clean grape flavor hits right on the tip with a distinct tartness while the tannins do their work on the sides and back of the tongue. Not as spicy as other tempranillos, but at around $8 a bottle, a very good deal.

ASS KISSER: Australia
fine red wine
I know, I know... It's a funny name. It is. Clever, even. It's wines like this that sell well without having the need for substance. After sampling this shiraz-grenache blend, I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised. I expected something like Mad Housewife or Bitch: a wine full of character, but not much real distinction. I was surprised. This sweet red wine had very fruity undertones, heavy berry flavors, black and red currant, and a faint dryness that didn't overdevelop so far as to ruin the sweetness. The combination is impressive, and would pair with any table setting, particularly as a dessert wine.

It appears I am needed at the shop. So I will have to continue about the beers some other time. I hope these reviews find you doing well, and I hope that they aid you in making the best pairings of foods with beverages. Until then, drink up.