Day 90 Drink: Ithaca CascaZilla

Ithaca is a college town in Upstate New York that has more than a touch of counter-establishment vibe. Whether voting for Ralph Nader for president or starting up a local currency called “Ithaca Hours,” the community marches to its own drummer. The mood fits perfectly with the idea of supporting locally produced products, especially beer.

The label says the 6.5 percent alcohol by volume Ithaca CascaZilla is a “Monstrously Hoppy Red Ale” and the description is spot on. CascaZilla was first brewed in 2004 as a Fall season beer and was Ithaca Beer Co.’s first hop forward beer. The brand is a contraction of the name of Cascadilla Creek and Gorge, which flows through the city of Ithaca and the campus of Cornell University, and Cascade hops, one hop variety used in during the brewing and during fermentation for dry hopping.

CascaZilla opens with an immediate intense floral hop aroma, rich thick head and a glowing tarnished penny color. Spicy, herbal hop flavors abound throughout this well-built brew. The beer finishes with a Scotch pine note and a hint of dryness.

Day 89 Drink: Lindemans Cassis Lambic

In the current issue of All About Beer Magazine my "Next Beer" column is all about the growing varieties of fruit beer available to beer drinkers. We have moved well beyond the cherry and raspberry beers that emerged from Belgium. A fruit salad of flavors has emerged, from banana to watermelon.

Lindemans is one of the better know Belgian fruit beer makers. Lindemans Cassis Lambic has a foamy, long lasting purple head and nice fruit nose. It has a cloudy reddish blue color from fresh black currants added to a Belgian lambic. The flavor is a tart with nice dry fruit skin character. Lovely and lush dessert classic.

Day 88 Drink: Haiku Premium Select Sake

Gekkeikan Sake makes sake in both Japan and California. The brand dates back to 1637 when it was created by the Okura family. Gekkeikan means "Crown of Laurel" in Japanese.

In Japan, the Gekkeikan facility is located in Fushimi. In the U.S., the company's facility gets its rice from the Sacramento Valley. Sake is brewed from rice, water, koji and yeast. The brew ferments for around a month and then aged from three to six months.

Gekkeikan's Haiku Premium Select is made will 40 percent milled rice and is classified as Tokubetsu Junmai. The 15 percent alcohol by volume sake has a slight pear aroma and has an extremely faint straw color. The flavor is apple like with a good level of acidity that helps it finish very dry.

Day 87 Drink: Vermont White Vodka

Vermont Spirits is based in the Northeast Kingdom in St. Johnsbury, Vt. The distillery has taken on two classic Vermont products -- maple syrup and milk -- to make vodka. Not exactly vodka belt ingredients, but they are doing what distillers have done for centuries in using available fermentable sugars.

Vermont White is made using 100 percent milk sugar. The aroma has a classic vodka alcohol base with just a hint of sweetness. The 80 proof vodka has a coating mouthfeel, round vodka flavor and a slight note of honey in the finish.

Day 86 Drink: Stockyard Oatmeal Stout

So you are drinking this rich dark oatmeal stout with a thick tan head and you take a look at the label and wonder just who or what is the Stockyard Brewing Co. of Chicago, Ill.?

Well the answer is that Stockyard Brewing does not exist beyond a contract between the Trader Joe's grocery chain and Goose Island Brewing Co. Trader Joe's actually has a pretty robust contract brewing program that deserves craft beer fans attention. Besides Goose Island, they partner with the likes of Gordon Biersch, Firestone Walker and Unibroue.

Stockyard Oatmeal Stout is a 5.6 percent alcohol by volume brew that has an inviting burnt chocolate aroma. The beer has good mocha notes throughout with plenty of roasted malt flavor. Good round finish that lingers.

Day 85 Drink: Grove Park Inn Great Gatsby Abbey Ale

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa is an amazing historic hotel in Asheville, N.C. It has played host to 10 U.S. presidents and countless celebrities. It offers dramatic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a world-class spa and golf course. In the spirit of full disclosure, the Grove Park Inn is also a client of Eric Mower and Associates, the marketing communications firm where I work.

Highland Brewing Co. in Asheville recently started brewing a Belgian-style brown ale for the Grove Park Inn. The Great Gatsby Abbey Ale pays homage to author F. Scott Fitzgerald, who summered at the Grove Park Inn in 1935 and 1936.

The Great Gatsby Abbey Ale is a reddish brown color with a persistent tan head. The beer has a slight clove nose and opens with a nice full flavor. There is a nice fruit essence in the background and some mellow spice throughout.

Yonke Motorsports Pints for Prostates Pro Stock Takes on zMax Dragway in NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

Race fans are getting a dramatic reminder at more than 200 miles per hour of the importance of regular prostate health screenings and PSA testing during the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway from March 25-28.

Yonke Motorsports is partnering with the Pints for Prostates campaign to promote men’s health. The Pro Stock entry driven by Bob Yonke will carry the Pints for Prostates logo throughout the weekend. Yonke is currently ninth in the NHRA Pro Stock standings after three races. After two qualifying runs on Friday, Yonke is in fourth and will make two more runs on Saturday. The eliminations will be held Sunday. You can check out the action on ESPN2 on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. (ET) and Sunday from 5-7:30 p.m.

“Pints for Prostates is thrilled to be partnering with Yonke Motorsports for the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals,” said Rick Lyke, founder of Pints for Prostates. “Our mission is to raise awareness among men about the need to take charge of their health. The NHRA reaches the exact demographic that must hear this message and Pints for Prostates is fortunate that Yonke Motorsports is giving us this opportunity to reach men at the dragway and watching the action on ESPN2.”

“Prostate disease is a very serious issue for all men, as one out of every six men during their lifetime will be diagnosed with some form of prostate cancer,” said Bob Yonke, team owner and driver. “Early detection is as simple as a blood test during a routine check up with your primary care physician or urologist, you just need to ask them to check your PSA.”

“I started having my prostate checked annually at the age of 45, as my father was diagnosed and successfully treated for prostate cancer at the age of 50,” Yonke said. “It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we have the opportunity to partner with Rick and Pints for Prostates to reach out to the NHRA drag racing community during the inaugural 4-Wide Nationals at ZMax dragway in Charlotte”.

Yonke is issuing a challenge to all drivers and teams to participate in raising awareness about prostate cancer throughout the NHRA community, He encourages all Four-Wide Nationals sportsman participants to donate $20 to Pints for Prostates, while he has personally committed to donate $100. He also challenges all professional teams to match his further commitment of $500 for a qualifying effort, and in making an additional $500 donation for every round win. “I can assure you that this is a very worthwhile cause and that each and every driver in our series will experience personally, with a family member, or with a friend, some form of prostate disease,” adds Yonke.

After qualifying sixth in Phoenix, Yonke achieved the rare feat of reaching the finals in the very first Pro Stock race for which he qualified. In 2002, Yonke and partner, Chris Ringel, started Advanced Medical Partners Inc., a mobile medical business based in Arlington, Texas, that treated approximately 6,000 prostate cancer patients annually with Cryotherapy. The sale of that business in 2008 helped launch Yonke’s full time entry into NHRA Pro Stock as a 49-year-old rookie campaigner.

Fans got the chance to see the Yonke Motorsports Pints for Prostates Pontiac GXP entry and meet Yonke on Wednesday at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Charlotte as part of Charlotte Craft Beer Week.

“Every week nearly 4,000 men in the U.S. hear the words ‘you have prostate cancer.’ The key for these guys is detecting the disease in its early stages when treatment is nearly 100 percent successful. This is a great opportunity to reach followers of the NHRA,” said Lyke, a 49-year-old Charlotte, N.C., marketing executive and drinks journalist who had successful prostate cancer surgery in April 2008.

Since being launched in late 2008, Pints for Prostates has reached approximately 80 million people through a combination of donated advertising, news articles, appearances at beer festivals, and coverage on websites and blogs. In 2009, the program was featured at the Livestrong Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland, and profiled on CNN’s Vital Signs program hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Day 84 Drink: Smith & Hook 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Smith & Hook is a California Central Coast label that is owned by Hahn Estates. The wine is named for the Smith Ranch, where horses once roamed, and the Hook Ranch, which used to be a cattle operation, located inland from Monterey.

Smith & Hook 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark purple wine that has an expanding fruity aroma. The wine offers up ripe dark berries to start and then ample tannins kick in to take over the rest of the wine. There is a hint of an attractive smokey note in the finish.

Day 83 Drink: Barenjager Honey Liqueur

Barenjager Honey Liqueur is said to have been originally created by hunters in medieval Europe who made a honey fortified moonshine before taking on bears. In the 15th Century Teucke & Koenig started producing a commercial "meschkinnes." The product is still made in Germany, now using honey from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Barenjager Honey Liqueur is 35 percent alcohol by volume that pours a golden honey color with an immediate sweet nose. The flavor is a direct honey blast with a warming alcohol finish. The bottle comes with several interesting sounding recipes, but sipping it straight is a very pleasant way to end an evening.

Day 82 Drink: Brugge Tripel De Ripple

Brugge Brasserie is a gastropub that is the inspiration of brewer Ted Miller. Indianapolis might not feel much like the ancient Belgian city of Brugge, but your taste buds will tell a different story.

Brugge Tripel De Ripple was the first beer brewed by the company. As they were preparing for opening day, Miller and the restaurant’s night manager had started the brewing process and had mashed in betting that the critical sugar for the recipe would arrive. They waited for the delivery, but somehow missed the driver when he attempted to deliver the package. The night manager took off in search of a UPS truck and found one just three blocks from the brewery. The problem was the sugar was not on that truck. A frantic search around Broad Ripple landed a second delivery truck, which did contain the brewer’s sugar. Just in the nick of time.

In addition to Tripel De Ripple, Brugge’s beer line up includes among other brews Keller Bier, Saison D’etre, Imperial Wit and Old Dog Belgian Strong Pale Ale.

Tripel De Ripple pours a cloudy golden color with a thin white head. The ale gives off a slightly floral and citrus nose that leads to a tart flavor base, hints of ripe fruit with some fleeting sweetness around the edges. The ale finishes with lime zest.

1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die is Now on Sale at a Bookstore Near You

Today is the official launch date for 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die. While people have been able to pre-order the book at a discount on several websites for the last few months, this is the first day you should be able to find it on a bookstore shelf.

The 960-page book was edited by Adrian Tierney-Jones, one of the top beer writers from the United Kingdom. It contains contributions from 42 writers around the globe about beers from 69 different countries. I was lucky enough to be selected to contribute a total of 24 beers to the mix and I'm happy to be joined by a who's who of U.S. beer journalists, including Jay Brooks, Lew Bryson, Chuck Cook, Stan Hieronymus, Lisa Morrison, Randy Mosher, Chris O'Brien and Don Russell.

The book lives up to its name by providing a roster of beers any true beer fan should look for as they travel. Tierney-Jones explains in the introduction that it is not meant to be a ranking of the 1001 best beers in the world, but instead serve as a guide of the brews you should try during the period of your life between the time you reach legal drinking age and when you check out. For that reason you will find the likes of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Foothills Sexual Chocolate in this dictionary-thick almanac of ale.

In an age when Rate Beer and Beer Advocate allow the average beer fan to give a score to any brew they taste, and magazines like All About Beer, DRAFT and a host of others provide tasting notes in each issue, 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die is certainly not the only source available on notable beers from around the globe. But the book does a good job in expertly explaining each beer and brewery in roughly 350 words, most with an appetizing photo showing the bottle and a perfect pour in the appropriate glass. I am certainly biased, but I would argue the book makes a perfect Father's Day, Mother's Day, Birthday, Graduation or holiday gift for anyone who is into beer.

As a side note, I went through the book to see how many of the beers I've had over the years. Even with 30 years of beverage writing, my rough count is just 402 of the 1001. Not even half way home. I'll add the others to my personal bucket list and get started on them immediately.

Day 81 Drink: Brooklyn 2007 Monster Ale

Brooklyn Brewery is one of the east coast's best examples of a craft brewery that has made the transition from local microbrewer to regional force. It's great to find it on tap during visits to New York City and the brewery will be pouring at Citi Field this season during New York Mets games.

Brooklyn 2007 Monster Ale was a surprisingly fresh and crisp 10.3 percent alcohol by volume barleywine. Nice golden color with a thin white topping. The beer has a sweet floral aroma and warming flavor. There is a good level of malt to the base of the beer, with a touch of fruitiness around the edges.

Day 80 Drink: Hermann J. Wiemer 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling

Hermman J. Wiemer Vineyard is located on the west side of Seneca Lake in New York's Finger Lakes region. Wiemer was born in Germany where his family had a 300-year tradition of wine making. His father played a key role in restoring vineyards along the Mosel after World War II.

Wiemer came to the U.S. and his first vintage in 1979 won awards. He was recognized as a pioneer among east coast vintners and helped spread the use of vinifera grapes. Wiemer is still involved with the operations of the winery, but wine maker Fred Merwath has taken over the wine making process.

Hermann J. Wiemer 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling is a lively wine with plenty of floral aroma notes and hints of citrus. The wine shows just subtle hints of minerality with opening citrus flavor notes. There is 2.4 percent residual sugar present that shows itself in a fruity finish.

Day 79 Drink: He'Brew Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah (13)

The Liberty Gastropub in Charlotte hosted the "Beasts of the East Big Beer Tasting" today as part of Charlotte Craft Beer Week. A small, happy crowd got to taste some fine high gravity brews.

He'Brew Jewbelation Bar Mitzah (13) Barrel Aged is a powerful 13 percent alcohol by volume beer that pours a brownish black color with a small tan head. You get plenty of roasted notes throughout, that are punctuated with raisins, plumbs and other dark fruits. This is a long lasting flavor that is perfect for the end of an evening.

Day 78 Drink: Abita Select Double IPA

The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium in Charlotte hosted a brewery night this evening as part of day two of Charlotte Craft Beer Week. The featured brewers included, Brooklyn, Flying Dog, Heavy Seas, Oskar Blues, Victory, Terrapin and Abita.

We had a Pints for Prostates table set up and got the chance to talk to a bunch of folks about the importance of early detection in the fight against prostate cancer. Special thanks goes out to Erik and the Saucer team, along with Sandy, Brhea and Jake for staffing the table.

Among the special beers on tap was Abita Select Double IPA. This 9.5 percent alcohol by volume beer was a reddish copper color and offered up a strong citrus nose. Plenty of grapefruit in the flavor with just a hint of pine needles in the finish. You will only want one or two of this hop monster of a brew, but don't miss it if you get the chance.

Day 77 Drink: Rock Bottom Cask Conditioned Brown Ale

Rock Bottom Brewery & Restaurant hosted the ceremonial keg tapping tonight for the inaugural Charlotte Craft Beer Week, an 11-day, 34-event celebration of all things beer in the Queen City.

Dave Gonzalez offered up an interesting Keller Maibock as the launch brew that was fresh and inviting, but I found the brewery's Sweet Magnolia Brown Ale on the hand pump to be simply delightful.

The 5 percent alcohol by volume beer has a slightly sweet floral nose and a nice amber brown color. The body takes you directly to memories of real ales in the U.K. Nice fresh hop flavor notes that are not over powering. Nice session brew.

Day 76 Drink: Porterhouse Wrasslers XXXX Full Stout

It's St. Patrick's Day, so it's time for Irish stout.

When I was in Dublin last summer, I was lucky enough to go on a pub crawl with Irish beer writer John Duffy. He introduced me to the Porterhouse in the Temple Bar area. During the remainder of my visit I hit another Porterhouse location and also found my way back to the Temple Bar location. This is a great brewpub and I was thrilled to hear that B. United International is now importing the brand.

Founded in 1996, the Porterhouse brews a solid line up of beers, including an Oyster Stout, Chocolate Truffle Stout and Porterhouse Plain Porter. My favorite was the Wrasslers XXXX Full Stout at the Temple Bar location. This is a rich classic dry stout. Plenty of roasted grain with a good hop kick in the finish. Wrasslers is 5 percent alcohol by volume and is brewed from a recipe that was once made near Cork during the early 1900s. It was said to be the Irish independence leader Michael Collins' regular drink.

Day 75 Drink: Thanksgiving Dinner

OK, it's a long way to November, but this cocktail is worth getting in a turkey mood early.

Thanksgiving Dinner is two parts Travis Hasse's Original Apple Pie Liqueur, two parts cranberry juice and one part Wild Turkey Bourbon. The aroma will remind you of holiday kitchen and the flavor has the right sweet and spicy notes to pull off the theme. The distiller suggests doing this as a shot.

Inaugural Charlotte Craft Beer Week Kicks Off Thursday with Ceremonial Keg Tapping

The inaugural Charlotte Craft Beer Week kicks off on Thursday at 7 p.m. with a ceremonial keg tapping at Rock Bottom Brewery & Restaurant, 401 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, N.C.

The complete 11-day, 34-event Charlotte Craft Beer Week celebration of all things beer includes:

March 18, 7-9 p.m.: Charlotte Craft Beer Week Tap the Keg Reception at Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery at 401 N. Tryon St., Charlotte.
March 19, 5-7 p.m.: Brew Dog & Stone Brewery Tasting at Total Wine & More, 440 E. McCollough Dr., Charlotte.
March 19, 6-9 p.m.: Flying Dog 20th Anniversary Beer Dinner at Café Central, 1401 Central Ave., Charlotte.
March 19, 7-10 p.m.: Brewery Night featuring Victory, Brooklyn, Oskar Blues, Terrapin and Heavy Seas at The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium at 9605 North Tryon St., Charlotte.
March 20, 2 p.m., 3 p.m. & 4 p.m.: Brewery tours at the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 215 Southside Dr., Charlotte.
March 20, 3-6 p.m.: Beasts of the East Big Beer Tasting at The Liberty Gastro Pub at 1812 South Blvd., Charlotte, featuring Terrapin, Victory, Heavy Seas, Flying Dog, Schmaltz, Brooklyn and Sweetwater. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Pints for Prostates.
March 20, 7-10 p.m.: Highland Brewery Night at Eastfield Bar & Grill, 8709 Arbor Creek Dr., Charlotte.
March 21, Noon-3 p.m.: Abita Cajun Brunch at Tavern on the Tracks, 1411 S. Tryon St., Charlotte.
March 21, 3-7 p.m.: North Carolina Brewers Guild Tasting at The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the North Carolina Brewers Guild.
March 22, 6-9 p.m.: Hugh Sisson Beer School at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 E. Morehead St., Charlotte. Featuring Brewer Hugh Sisson of Clipper City Brewing and Heavy Seas Ales of Baltimore, Md.
March 22, 5-8 p.m.: Redhook Keep the Pint Night at Brick House Tavern, 209 Delburg St., Davidson.
March 22, 7-10 p.m.: Magic Hat Brewery Night at The Pizza Peel & Tap Room, 4422 Colwick Rd., Charlotte.
March 23, 5-8 p.m.: New Belgium and Bison Brewing Sustainability Beer Dinner at Vintners Wine Market in the Arboretum, 8128 Providence Rd., Charlotte.
March 23, 6-9 p.m.: Catawba Valley Brewing Meet the Brewer Tasting at Ed’s Tavern, 2200 Park Rd., Charlotte.
March 23, 6-9 p.m.: Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Celebration featuring Bigfoot Barleywine at Pizza Peel & Tap Room.
March 23, 6-9 p.m., Stone Brewery Dinner at The Common House, 1101 Central Ave., Charlotte.
March 23, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Abita Beer Dinner at Zink American Kitchen, 201 N. Tryon St., Charlotte.
March 24, 5-9 p.m.: German Bier Fest at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
March 24, 5-9 p.m.: Hop-A-Palooza at The Common Market, 1515 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, featuring Double and Imperial IPAs loaded with hops.
March 24, 7-9 p.m.: Stone Brewery Keep the Growler Night at The Flying Saucer.
March 25, 5-8 p.m.: Beers & Basketball at Stool Pigeons, 214 N. Church St., Charlotte, featuring Kona, Widmer Brothers and Redhook.
March 25, 5-9 p.m.: Blue Point Brewery Night at Dandelion Market, 118 W. Fifth St., Charlotte.
March 25, 7-10 p.m.: Freak Fest at The Common Market featuring freaky beers, live circus freaks and live rock and roll music.
March 26, 4-7 p.m.: Bison Burgers & Bison Beers at Ed’s Tavern. Four course beer dinner using locally sourced ingredients and matched with Bison’s organic ales.
March 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Michigan Breweries Double Header Part I with Bell’s, Founders and New Holland at Total Wine & More, Park Towne Village, 1600 E. Woodlawn Ave., Charlotte.
March 26, 8-11 p.m.: Michigan Breweries Double Header Part II with Bell’s, Founders and New Holland at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille.
March 26, 8-11 p.m.: Dogfish Head Beer Tasting at Pizza Peel & Tap Room.
March 27, Noon- 4 p.m.: Carolina Beer Co. Tour & Tasting, 110 Barley Park Lane, Mooresville.
March 27, 1-5 p.m.: 5+1 Cask Beer Festival, Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse, Park Towne Village, 1600 E. Woodlawn Rd., Charlotte. Cask conditioned beers from Foothills, Founders, Highland, Duck-Rabbit, New Holland and Rock Bottom.
March 27, 2 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.: Brewery tours at the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
March 27, 6-10 p.m.: Stone Brewing Most Arrogant Bar in America Celebration, Tilted Kilt, 13230 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte.
March 27, 7-10 p.m.: Black & Blue at Visualite with Brawley’s. Visualite Theater, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. Black beers with bluegrass music.
March 28, 2-5 p.m.: Charlotte Craft Beer Week Last Call, Common House.

More details on the Charlotte Craft Beer Week are available at www.charlottecraftbeerweek.org.

Day 74 Drink: Hangar One Kaffir Lime

Craft Distillers of Ukiah, Calif., got started in 1982 Hubert Germain-Robin and Ansley Coale brought a small antique still to Mendocino County. The company makes high quality Germain-Robin brandies, St George's Aqua Perfecta, whiskey and absinthe. But many people first encounter the distillery through Hangar 1 Vodka.

The company has a "Straight" vodka, Mandarin Blossom, Buddha's Hand Citron and Kaffir Lime.

Hangar One Kaffir Lime has a fresh lime nose. The first sip has an almost lemon-lime soda quality, but the flavor quickly evolves into a very adult profile. There is clearly what the distillery calls a "herbaceous flavor component" that goes from being slightly sweet to a lime zest quality.

Day 73 Drink: Olde Mecklenburg Fruh Bock

The tiny Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Charlotte, N.C., has two year round beers, Kolsner (a pilsner-kolsch hybrid) and Copper (an altbier). They also make seasonal brews that adhere to the Reinheitsgebot.

Olde Mecklenburg offers tours on Saturdays at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The brewery is also taking part in the inaugural Charlotte Craft Beer Week, hosting a German Bier Fest on March 24th starting at 5 p.m.

For the Spring, Olde Mecklenburg has released Fruh Bock, which means early bock. The beer is 6 percent alcohol by volume. Fruh Bock is a nice golden color with a very full creamy white head. The beer has a good amount of malt that has a hint of fruit sweetness in the finish. The hops come in late to crisply balance off the brew.

Day 72 Drink: Avery Mephistopheles' Stout

Adam Avery founded Avery Brewing in 1993 after several years as a home brewer. The brewery has four different ranges of products with the Demons of Ale being some of the most rare and sought after. Samael's Oak Aged Strong Ale, The Beast Grand Cru and Mephistopheles are an impressive line up. Each is something to be savored.

Avery Mephistopheles' Stout is a huge brew. At 16.83 percent alcohol by volume and 107 International Bittering Units, this imperial stout truly defines what it means to be a big beer. Dark as night with an espresso creme colored head, the ale has ripe cherry and rum raisin qualities in your first sip. The drink has chocolate tones emerge in mid-palate and finishes with a big coffee note.

Day 71 Drink: Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter

Great Lakes Brewing was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway. It was the first microbrewery in Ohio and has won more awards over the years than most Midwestern brewers.

Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald is a 5.8 percent alcohol by volume brew named for the Great Lakes freighter that sank in 1975, costing a crew of 29 their lives. The brew is a reddish brown color with a thin tan head. There is a rich roasted coffee nose. The flavor is smooth, with a good roasted malt base. The flavor lingers nicely.

Day 70 Drink: Cherry Pie Martini

Travis Hasse's Original Pie Liqueurs hail from the Missouri Tavern in Madison, Wisc. The location is famous in Wisconsin for its original owner, Mae Mefford, who was the owner and bartender until she reached 101 years old. The Hasse family now runs the place.

Travis Hasse began making Apple Pie Liqueur at home from a recipe he received from his father. The drink was so popular that in 2008 he launched Travis Hasse's Original Apple Pie Liqueur. It is now distributed in 25 states and Canada. In 2009, Cherry Pie Liqueur was launched. The Cherry Pie Liqueur combines maraschino cherries, vanilla and neutral grain spirits in a 15 percent alcohol by volume liqueur.

The Cherry Pie Martini is three parts Travis Hasse's Original Cherry Pie Liqueur and one part vodka. The color is a translucent candy apple red. The flavor of the cocktail has a upfront tartness with the sweetness of maraschino cherries spilling through. If you would like a liquid dessert, this martini is a good place to start.

Day 69 Drink: Rocca Bad Boy Red 2007

Rocca Vineyards is based in Yountville, Calif. Winemaker Celia Welch Masyczek aged the juice of four grapes in separate French oak barrels in preparing this wine.

Bad Boy Red 2007 is a Napa Valley Bordeaux-blend that contains 40 percent cabernet sauvignon, 33 percent cabernet franc, 17 percent merlot and 10 percent petit verdot. The 14.5 percent alcohol by volume wine pours a bright ruby red. The aroma has a ripe fruit tone and then opens with a smooth, silky mouthfeel. The wine overall has black raspberries up front and then quickly goes deep and dry with a healthy amount of tannins.

Day 68 Drink: Bear Republic Rebellion

Bear Republic Brewing in California has been making Rebellion ale using a different single hop with each batch. So far at least 8 hop varieties have been used.

“Some we come back to that we like, while others we don’t want to revisit,” says Paul Kruger, head brewer at Bear Republic Brewing. “It gives us a chance to take a peek at what the flavor of hops is all about. It’s sort of a controlled experiment. The beers have been remarkably different.”

“We’re not striving for the same exact flavor year to year, we just want to make the best possible beer,” Kruger says. “We will adjust the amount of hops in each batch of Rebellion to achieve our target of 55 IBUs.”

Bear Republic Rebellion is a 6.4 percent alcohol by volume ale. The beer we tasted was hopped with Warrior. The brew is a golden orange color and had a nice spicy nose. The flavor was well rounded, with nice citrus notes.

Day 67 Drink: Weyerbacher Fireside Ale

Weyerbacher Brewing was founded in 1995 by Dan and Sue Weirback. They got the idea for the project after visiting Vermont's Long Trail Brewing in 1993.

If you are looking for a simple basic beer, you should skip Weyerbacher. These guys brew big beers. High gravity beers are part of their standard offerings. Full flavor is a good description of just about everything that passes through the Weyerbacher brewhouse.

Weyerbacher Fireside Ale is a dark mahogany ale that was originally part of Weyerbacher’s Brewers Select Series. The brew was called "Charlie" back then. The Pennsylvania brewer uses 10 percent smoked malt as part of the grain bill, giving this ale a subtle smoky base. The 7.5 percent alcohol by volume brew has a nice solid malty sweetness.

Day 66 Drink: Bayrischer Bahnhof Leipziger Gose

Leipzig was once the second largest city in communist East Germany. For the beer lover, Leipzig has earned its place on the beer map for a style that nearly disappeared called Gose. Gose originated in the town of Goslar, but Leipzig was the city that became synonymous with the style.

Gose is a top-fermented wheat beer, that sometimes has oats, coriander and salt added. These beers are closer to Belgian wit than a typical German wheat brew, with a bit of a sour side. Bayrischer Bahnoff Brau is located in the old central train station in the city and is one of the breweries bringing the style back.

Bayrischer Bahnhof Leipziger Gose pours a lovely unfiltered bright gold with a long lasting creamy white head. This 4.5 percent alcohol by volume German beer has a slight fruit aroma that opens to a wonderful sharp flavor combination. Hints of dark skin fruit and some spices. Finishes with a solid dry note.

Day 65 Drink: Bell's Porter

Bell's Brewery started its life as Kalamazoo Brewing Company. Larry Bell released his first brew in 1985 working in a rented space in a former plumbing supply store. The brewery is now a giant among craft brewers in the Midwest.

Bell's Porter has a nice roasted nose and pours a brown black liquid with a firm tan head. The beer is not heavy, but has plenty of flavor. The roasted flavor turns sweet with a nice caramelized malty note. A hint of coffee. The hops just come up at the end to dry things out just a touch. A porter worth asking for at your favorite beer bar.

Day 64 Drink: Trappistes Rochefort 8

The Abbaye de Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy has been making beer since 1595. The monks at this a monastery make a small range of great brews. Money from the brewing operation supports the monastery and the works of the monks.

Trappistes Rochefort 8 is a 9.2 percent alcohol by volume ale that has a nice candy sugar nose with hints of spices. The ruby color is slightly cloudy, while the off-white head is medium density and long lasting. The body of the beer is lighter than it appears, but there is plenty of flavor. Dark fruits, brown sugar and slightly yeasty finish. A real classic.

Day 63 Drink: Thomas Creek Deep Water Dopplebock Lager

Thomas Creek Brewery is located in Greenville, S.C. Brewmaster Tom Davis turns out a group of six year-round brews, including amber ale, IPA, pilsner, porter, red ale and the dopplebock, and a n umber of seasonals.

Davis, who spent 20 years as a bartender, created Deep Water Dopplebock in 1984 as a homebrewer and worked on perfecting the recipe before finally brewing the dark lager commercially in 1999. However, it was not until the summer of 2007 when South Carolina legalized higher gravity beers – popping the cap on the 6.25% abv limits that had been in place – that Thomas Creek Brewery in Greenville could adjust the recipe and brew a true Dopplebock. It is one of the brews I contributed to 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die, a new book being released this month.

Thomas Creek Deep Water Dopplebock Lager pours with a creamy tan head that laces the glass. Traditional dopplebock mahogany color that glows around the edges. A sweet malt aroma leads to a rich roasty flavor in this 7 percent alcohol by volume brew, with hints of cocoa and a substantial malty background.

Day 62 Drink: Duchesse De Bourgogne

Sour ales get flavor from Lactobacillus, Brettanomyces or Pediococcus yeast. Normally, these are bad things in a brewhouse, but not when a skilled brewer wants to make a sour ale.

Brouwerij Verhaeghe in Vichte, Belgium, was established in West Flanders in 1875. The family run brewery makes several great beers, including a Felmish red ale, Duchesse De Bourgogne.

Duchesse De Bourgogne is 6 percent alcohol by volume reddish-brown ale is a blend of 8- and 18-month-old ales. You can taste the wood character in this brew that has a touch of bakers chocolate, but the overall impression is a vinegar leaning tartness that grows on you after the first few sips.

Pints for Prostates Campaign Expands Efforts in 2010

Pints for Prostates, a campaign that uses the universal language of beer to reach men with a critical health message, is expanding its efforts in 2010. The grassroots effort is scheduling events across the country and is working on programs that will communicate the importance of regular prostate health screenings and early detection in successfully treating prostate cancer.

“Pints for Prostates is being adopted by the beer community. It’s great to see brewers, retailers, publications and festivals joining the campaign,” said Rick Lyke, a 49-year-old Charlotte, N.C., marketing executive and drinks journalist who had successful prostate cancer surgery in April 2008. “Every week nearly 4,000 men in the U.S. hear the words ‘you have prostate cancer.’ The key for these guys is detecting the disease in its early stages when treatment is nearly 100 percent successful. Pints for Prostates mission is to encourage guys to get an annual physical and have a PSA blood test.”

Since being launched in late 2008, Pints for Prostates has reached approximately 80 million people through a combination of donated advertising, news articles, appearances at beer festivals, and coverage on websites and blogs. In 2009, program was featured at the Livestrong Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland, and profiled on CNN’s Vital Signs program hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Pints for Prostates has registered as a 501(c)3 charity and the funds it raises support programs that assist men with prostate cancer and to fund research aimed at improving care and finding a cure for the disease. Since its inception, Pints for Prostates has raised more than $50,000 to assist the Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network, a 501(c)3 charity founded in 1990 that works to support, educate and advocate for men with prostate cancer and their families.

So far in 2010, Pints for Prostates has confirmed participation in the following events:

March 1-30: The Ale House, 3744 Vestal Parkway East in Vestal, N.Y., is hosting a month long awareness campaign.
March 13, 2-6 p.m.: The grapevine Beertopia Festival, 1012 Market St. in Fort Mill, S.C., will donate $1 from every ticket sold and Pints for Prostates will have a booth at the event.
March 20, 3-6 p.m.: The Liberty, 1812 South Blvd., Charlotte, N.C., will host the Beasts of the East Big Beer Tasting as part of Charlotte Craft Beer Week. The Liberty will donate $5 from every ticket sold and Pints for Prostates will have a booth at the event.
April 10, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p..m.: Mr. Dunderbak’s Biergarten, 14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, Fla., will donate a portion of the day’s sales and Pints for Prostates will have a booth at the event.
April 17, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.: Fish Tale Brew Pub, 515 Jefferson St. SE, Olympia, Wash., will donate a portion of the day’s sales and Pints for Prostates will have a booth at the event.
April 24, Noon-4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.: World Beer Festival, Moore Square, Raleigh, N.C. Pints for Prostates will have a booth at the event.
June 12, Noon-4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.: World Beer Festival, Brown’s Island, Richmond, Va. Pints for Prostates will have a booth at the event.
June 16, 6-9 p.m.: Pike Brewing, 1415 1st Ave., Seattle, Wash., will donate a portion of the day’s sales and Pints for Prostates will have a booth at the event.
Sept. 17, 1-4 p.m.: Denver Rare Beer Tasting II, Denver, Colo.
Oct 2nd: World Beer Festival, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham, N.C. Pints for Prostates will have a booth at the event.

Additional events are being booked and information will be listed shortly at www.pintsforprostates.org.

About Pints for Prostates
Pints for Prostates, a campaign that uses the universal language of beer to encourage men to take charge of their health, was founded by prostate cancer survivor Rick Lyke in 2008. The grassroots effort raises awareness among men of the importance of regular health screenings and PSA testing by making appearances at beer festivals, social networking and pro bono advertising. Pints for Prostates supports the Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network, a 501(c)3 charity that works to support, educate and advocate for men with prostate cancer and their families. More information is available at www.pintsforprostates.org. Pints for Prostates also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter (@pints4prostates).

Day 61 Drink: Dr. Konstantin Frank Fleur de Pinot Noir

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is one of the most respected labels in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Konstantin Frank came to the U.S. in 1951 from the Ukraine. After spending time at Cornell University's Geneva Experiment Station, Frank established Vinifera Wine Cellars in 1962.

The winery has gained considerable attention for its world-class Rieslings. They also make a very good sparkling wine and a host of other wines worth tasting.

Dr. Frank Fleur de Pinot Noir is a non-vintage wine that pours a nice purple hue. The aroma is fairly young and lively. There is a nice level fruit upfront with fresh cherries dominating the flavor. There is a nice tartness to the finish of the wine.

Day 60 Drink: Pikeland Pils

Sly Fox Brewing is located near Philadelphia. The brewery makes its award winning northern German style pilsner with imported German malt and German and Czech hops.

Pikeland Pils is a 4.9 percent alcohol by volume beer from Pennsylvania that pours a bright golden color with a lacing white head. Spot on for the style, the malt is clear in the aroma and initial flavor, with hops taking over in mid-palate. The finish is dry and slightly grassy.

Charlotte Craft Beer Week Announces Event Schedule

The inaugural Charlotte Craft Beer Week, scheduled for March 18-28, will highlight craft domestic and imported gourmet beers at nearly 30 events spread across the region.

Charlotte Craft Beer Week will feature tastings of rare and exotic brews, showcases for North Carolina and East Coast breweries, food and beer pairing events, educational experiences and the chance to meet a number of brewers and industry luminaries.

“The line up for Charlotte Craft Beer Week is really coming together thanks to the hard work of the organizing committee and a number of brewers, distributors and retailers that want to expose people to all of the great craft beer flavors,” said Darrin Pikarsky, founder of the Charlotte Beer Club. “We have more than two dozen events on the schedule and will likely add a few more prior to the start of the event. If you enjoy beer, you are going to find at least a few events you will want to attend.”

The goal behind Charlotte Craft Beer Week is to celebrate a new golden age of beer in the Queen City and introduce more people to the dozens of amazing beer styles and venues now available locally. Tickets for the events will be sold at each of the host locations. The event is modeled after successful beer weeks in Philadelphia and San Francisco designed to reflect the growing beer culture in the U.S.

“Beer is more flexible than wine when it comes to the occasions when you can enjoy it, flavors that it offers and options for matching it with food,” said Rick Lyke, a Charlotte-based beer writer and contributor to the soon to be released book, ‘1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die.‘ “Charlotte Craft Beer Week is a celebration of a great beverage that has been at the center of civilization for thousands of years. We’re lucky to live in a place and time where we can enjoy some of the world’s great beers and ales right in our hometown.”

The event schedule is still being finalized, but the 11-day celebration of all things beer includes:

March 18, 7-9 p.m.: Charlotte Craft Beer Week Tap the Keg Reception at Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery at 401 N. Tryon St., Charlotte.
March 19, 7-10 p.m.: Brewery Night featuring Victory, Brooklyn, Oskar Blues, Terrapin and Heavy Seas at The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium at 9605 North Tryon St., Charlotte.
March 20, 3-6 p.m.: Beasts of the East Big Beer Tasting at The Liberty Gastro Pub at 1812 South Blvd., Charlotte, featuring Terrapin, Victory, Heavy Seas, Flying Dog, Schmaltz, Brooklyn and Sweetwater. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Pints for Prostates.
March 21, Noon-3 p.m.: Abita Cajun Brunch at Tavern on the Tracks, 1411 S. Tryon St., Charlotte.
March 21, 3-7 p.m.: North Carolina Brewers Guild Tasting at The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the North Carolina Brewers Guild.
March 22, 6-9 p.m.: Hugh Sisson Beer School at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 E. Morehead St., Charlotte. Featuring Brewer Hugh Sisson of Clipper City Brewing and Heavy Seas Ales of Baltimore, Md.
March 22, 5-8 p.m.: Redhook Keep the Pint Night at Brick House Tavern, 209 Delburg St., Davidson.
March 22, 6-9 p.m.: Olde Mecklenburg Fruh Bock Dinner at The Liberty Gastro Pub.
March 22, 7-10 p.m.: Magic Hat Brewery Night at The Pizza Peel & Tap Room, 4422 Colwick Rd., Charlotte.
March 23, 5-8 p.m.: New Belgium and Bison Brewing Sustainability Beer Dinner at Vintners Wine Market in the Arboretum, 8128 Providence Rd., Charlotte.
March 23, 6-9 p.m.: Catawba Valley Brewing Meet the Brewer Tasting at Ed’s Tavern, 2200 Park Rd., Charlotte.
March 23, 6-9 p.m.: Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Celebration featuring Bigfoot Barleywine at Pizza Peel & Tap Room.
March 23, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Stone Brewery Dinner at The Common House, 1101 Central Ave., Charlotte.
March 23, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Abita Beer Dinner at Zink American Kitchen, 201 N. Tryon St., Charlotte.
March 24, 5-9 p.m.: German Bier Fest at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 215 Southside Dr., Charlotte.
March 24, 5-9 p.m.: Hop-A-Palooza at The Common Market, 1515 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, featuring Double and Imperial IPAs loaded with hops.
March 24, 7-9 p.m.: Stone Brewery Keep the Growler Night at The Flying Saucer.
March 25, 6:30-9:30 p.m.: Carolina Beer Co. Dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, 222 S. Tryon St., Charlotte.
March 25, 7-10 p.m.: Freak Fest at The Common Market featuring freaky beers, live circus freaks and live rock and roll music.
March 26, 4-7 p.m.: Bison Burgers & Bison Beers at Ed’s Tavern. Four course beer dinner using locally sourced ingredients and matched with Bison’s organic ales.
March 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Michigan Breweries Double Header Part I with Bell’s, Founders and New Holland at Total Wine & More, Park Towne Village, 1600 E. Woodlawn Ave., Charlotte
March 26, 8-11 p.m.: Michigan Breweries Double Header Part II with Bell’s, Founders and New Holland at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille.
March 26, 8-11 p.m.: Dogfish Head Beer Tasting at Pizza Peel & Tap Room.
March 27, Noon- 4 p.m.: Carolina Beer Co. Tour & Tasting, 110 Barley Park Lane, Mooresville.
March 27, 1-5 p.m.: 5+1 Cask Beer Festival, Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse, Park Towne Village, 1600 E. Woodlawn Rd., Charlotte. Cask conditioned beers from Foothills, Founders, Highland, Duck-Rabbit, New Holland and Rock Bottom.
March 27, 6-10 p.m.: Stone Brewing Most Arrogant Bar in America Celebration, Tilted Kilt, 13230 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte.
March 27, 7-10 p.m.: Black & Blue at Visualite with Brawley’s. Visualite Theater, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. Black beers with bluegrass music.
March 28, 2-5 p.m.: Charlotte Craft Beer Week Last Call, Common House.

More details on the Charlotte Craft Beer Week are available at www.charlottecraftbeerweek.org. Tickets and reservations for individual events should be made directly with the venues. Craft beer focused restaurants, bars and retailers interested in hosting an event should contact Darrin Pikarsky at darrinpikarsky@gmail.com.

Charlotte Craft Beer Week urges you to drink responsibly. Please designate a driver or use public transportation when you attend one of these great events.