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Showing posts with label Boulevard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boulevard. Show all posts

9/1/11

Drinking for Joplin

When you already love drinking great beer, it makes the experience even more enjoyable when you can benefit a charitable cause while doing so. Kansas City's hometown brewery, Boulevard Brewing Company, recently announced that for every barrel of Boulevard beer sold in Missouri during the month of September, they will donate $1 toward the Joplin, Missouri relief efforts. As a reminder to those that may be out of the loop, Joplin was hit by a deadly EF5 tornado in late May that destroyed most of the city.

Full press release from Boulevard:

Boulevard Brewing Company is proud to announce a new effort to assist victims of the devastating tornado that hit Joplin on May 22. For every barrel of Boulevard beer sold in Missouri during the month of September, the company will contribute $1.00 to the American Red Cross to aid in its ongoing Joplin relief efforts. Irrespective of the Boulevard brand or package—a six-pack, a Smokestack bottle, or a pint at any Missouri bar or restaurant—money will be contributed to the humanitarian organization.

“We haven’t forgotten,” said John McDonald, Boulevard founder and president. “And with 40% of our sales taking place in the state, we hope to be able to make a meaningful contribution to the long road of restoration that lies ahead, helping our fellow Missourians rebuild their homes, their neighborhoods, and their lives.”

The EF5 multiple-vortex tornado that destroyed one-third of Joplin was one of the worst natural disasters in Missouri history. Meteorologists indicate that the 190-mph twister was the single deadliest tornado to strike the country in more than 60 years, claiming 134 lives and damaging or destroying more than 2,000 buildings, including Joplin High School and St. John’s Regional Medical Center. Analysts estimate the total cost of the disaster could top $3 billion.

“It’s no secret that Boulevard beer is one of Kansas City’s treasures,” said Matt Meyer, chief executive officer for the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross, “and the Red Cross is incredibly grateful that such an esteemed company has decided to demonstrate its commitment to its local communities throughout Missouri by assisting us in the Joplin relief effort.”

It's great to hear about this effort from Boulevard, and it makes me even more inclined to drink their beer during the month of September. So if you live in Missouri, or will even be stopping through at any point during the month of September, pick up some Boulevard beer and help Joplin get restored. Maybe now is the perfect time to try their new release, Nommo Dubbel. And especially now that FEMA funds are being redirected from Joplin to Hurricane Irene victims, it's as important as ever to contribute in any way we can to get this city back on its feet.

Learn more about Boulevard Brewing Company on their website, Facebook or Twitter pages.



6/17/11

Beats and Beer Friday

The weekend is upon us, which means it's that time again: BEATS AND BEER FRIDAY!

Forget the introduction, let's get right to the chase:

Beats: Kato - T.I.M.E. Vol. 3 Mixtape

Since I first heard Jarren Benton's "Justin Bieber", Kato (aka Christopher Ju) is quickly becoming one of my favorite hip-hop producers. He's got a sound that I can best describe as Southern Space Age. His collaboration with Benton led me to seek out more of his music, and the other day I came across his newest release, T.I.M.E. Volume 3.

The mixture features Kato's production accompanied by a number of fantastic artists (mostly Southern) both known and unknown. Jarren Benton, Elz Jenkins, Aleon Craft and Rittz are all included, and in my opinion, these are four of the top up and coming rappers in 2011. Also featured are West Coast artist Mistah FAB (Ghost Ride the whip, anyone?) and Kalenna from Diddy Dirty Money.



Because of my affinity towards Benton and Rittz, the first song I checked out from this mixtape was 'Billon Bucks', and it did not disappoint. If this song doesn't make you want to party, I don't know what will.

In my opinion, the absolute must listen to track on this mixture is Aleon Craft's "I Still Love Her" (listen below). The soul-sample fueled beat is laced perfectly with Aleon's skillful rhymes. This one has been on repeat a LOT.

If you're interested in checking out some songs from T.I.M.E. Volume 3 or download the mixtape, head over to Kato's bandcamp page. You can also find Kato on Twitter.



Beer: Boulevard Saison-Brett

Last week's "Beats" section featured a Kansas City hip-hop artist, so it's only fitting that this week I feature a Kansas City beer. Boulevard Saison-Brett, which is a member of the Limited Release Smokestack series produced by Boulevard, is regarded by many as Boulevard's best beer.

While I haven't had the fortune of trying it yet, I was sure to pick up a bottle when it was released on Kansas City shelves this week. Saisons/farmhouse ales have moved up my list of favorite beer styles over the past few months, and they are especially good beers for warm weather.

But of course, Saison-Brett has a distinguishing characteristic from most Saisons in that it is brewed with Brettanomyces, a wild yeast that can add new levels of complexity to beer. In general, it's not commonly used, but seems to be becoming more popular as breweries continue to experiment with their beer.



Saison-Brett has been given excellent ratings on BeerAdvocate (A) and RateBeer (99).

Boulevard and drinkers of this beer note that this can be cellared for a number of years and maintain it's complexity, but let's face it, I don't have that kind of patience. I'll be cracking open my Saison-Brett tonight, and probably enjoying it out on my patio.

If you spot Boulevard Saison-Brett in your local liquor store, make sure to grab a bottle, because it's a Limited Release and will likely go fast!

Learn more about Boulevard Brewing Company on their website. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

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