American conference agenda and details available HERE

Researchers resurrect new species of life from ancient Andean tomb

Close to 1,500 years ago, indians living in what is now Quito, Ecuador buried their most revered dead in 16-meter-deep tombs. An ancient alcoholic beverage was commonly included in these burial vaults. Now, by examining the clay vessels used to ferment and store this brew, a team of South American researchers has managed to not only recover the microbes the indians used to ferment the ancient beverage, they’ve actually revived them…and they’re unlike any species they’ve ever seen.

Full article:  http://io9.com/5886505/researchers-resurrect-new-species-of-life-from-ancient-andean-tomb

The American 2011 Beer Bloggers Conference will take place August 19-21 in Portland, Oregon. Beer bloggers, beer writers, industry bloggers, and other beer and social media professionals will gather from throughout North America and beyond to meet, learn, taste, and share.

Who Should Attend?

* Citizen Bloggers and Writers who write about beer or the beer industry.
* Industry Bloggers who have a blog related to their brewery or other beer industry business.
* New Media Innovators who work in the world of blogging and social media.
* Beer Industry members who would like to learn about new media or interact with bloggers in attendance.

Registration includes multiple beer tastings, two dinners, and conference content.

Details at:  http://beerbloggersconference.org/america/

The other day, at Whole Foods in Walnut Creek, I picked up a bottle of one of two 30th Anniversary beers on hand from Sierra Nevada.  The bottle I selected was an Imperial Helles Bock brewed by Charlie Papazian, Fred Eckhard, and Ken Grossman called, appropriately, “Charlie, Fred, and Ken’s Bock”.  (The other one was “Fritz and Ken’s Ale”, from Ken Grossman and Fritz Maytag).

As it says on the label,

“Charlie Papazian and Fred Eckhard are two of the country’s most esteemed homebrewers and writers.  … Charlie and Fred agreed to work with us on this very special brew in honor of our 30th Anniversary.  This Imperial Helles Bock is a testament to the ever-evolving brewer’s art. …”

The beer itself is, not unexpectedly, very nice.  Smooth-drinking, with a nice head that isn’t too thick but does hang around a bit.  It feels rich but not chewy in the mouth, and the hops are assertive but not overpowering.  I mean they’re definitely there, right up front, but don’t leave that bitter sucker punch after swallowing that some beers can.  The label described the hop flavors as “floral”, and while I’m not sure about that precisely, I would agree that they tend more in  that direction  than toward fruitiness (e.g. I definitely didn’t detect any citrus or banana).

Overall, I like it.  A lot.

I wish I had bought two, but at nearly 10 bucks a pop, I’m probably OK with just one at a time.

Brew Name: Charlie, Fred, and Ken’s Bock
Style: Imperial Helles Bock
ABV: 8.3%
Brewery: Sierra Nevada
Serving Type: 1 pt 9.4 oz longneck

- Juan

For the history-minded among us:

In the BBC’s Christina: A Medieval Life there is a brief discussion of brewing and ale distribution in Medieval England.

\”Christina: A Medieval Life\”

Follow the link, hit Play, and head to minute 23.