BEER TRAVELERS

Did you give up on the notion that the Goose Island brewpub on Chicago’s north side would survive despite seven months of stories it would have to move (or just place close)?

You should have shown more faith.

Me too. When I saw John Hall in San Diego in April he said it wasn’t over. But after reading stories that Siebel was moving its archives, that the Chicago Beer Society was looking for a new meeting place, etc., I was beginning to wonder.

Then came the news in the Chicago Tribune. A new five-year lease. That will take Goose to its 25th anniversary.

May that one be celebrated in peace.

NY Craft Beer Week Sept. 12-21.

Beer Exposed Sept. 25-27 in London.

A few more thoughts at Appellation Beer.

Leinenkugel’s Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls, Wis., is simply the best brewery gift shop we’ve ever been in. That would be true even if they don’t offer you two free small (looked to be about six ounces) glasses of beer at the tasting bars.

The gift shop is a staging area for the popular tours across the bridge from the “lodge” and it’s easy to understand why you don’t see many people walking about empty handed.

The experience combined a lodge, brewery museum and store. Although it was July when we visited there was a fire going in the fireplace and magazines on the coffee table if you wanted to plunk down in one of the easy chairs. What’s brilliant is how breweriana like taps that controlled an old grant (used in the brewhouse) are mixed in with items you might buy.

Plenty of unique choices, from a branded cribbage board to sausage packaged to look like bottle of Leinenkugel’s beer.

I won’t double post, so instead here’s a link to the “review” of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide West Coast USA I wrote at Appellation Beer.

The capsule review: Buy it.

Wireless Internet connections on the road willing, and time, semi-regular posting should resume here May 21 or so.

As I’ve explained at Appellation Beer that’s when we begin a 14-month road trip. It’s not a beer-focused journey, but beer will be seen, consumed and discussed along the way.

However, when Mark Silva tagged me in the 4×4 meme he pointed here. On the off-chance you came looking for my four (including “four writers who changed journalism for me”) I decided to make that the first post at The Slow Travelers.

Just kidding. Once you get past the sticker shock Manhattan has plenty to offer a beer drinker.

It all becomes easier to with the rollout of the website Beer Menus - Find Great Beer in New York City. That’s where, as I type, are beer listings for 177 bars and 1210 beers.

So you are wondering where you can find Smuttynose IPA and how much it costs? Pretty easy.

What’s on tap a Zum Schneider? Schneider Weisse for a $6 draft - is that a good price. Click on the beer and see where else it is available.

Of course the list isn’t perfect. No Blind Tiger, for instance, and it is only Manhattan. And what about the keg that blew at noon? Cool nonetheless.

The Wellington Arms in Watford has banned Chancellor Alistair Darling for his “tyrannical, anti-pub” budget.

Licensee Warren Baker has written to Darling to tell him he is no longer welcome and has put up a poster, which states “We hereby give notice that Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, is barred from this pub until further notice..

The Wellington Arms is one of hundreds of pubs taking direct action against the Chancellor as part of a national campaign supported by pub industry bible the Morning Advertiser.

Additionally, Rob Hayward, British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive, said: “Alistair Darling has just launched the £6.50 pint in time for the London Olympics. This will escalate pub closures, which are already at record levels “Government is punishing all beer drinkers rather than tackling the minority of drunken hooligans.”