Past Newsletters

Vol. 5 No. 1

Brewery	Beers Featured
Virgin Islands Ale Company	Blackbeard Ale
Independence Brewing Company	Betsy Ross Kristall Wheat
Independence Brewing Company	Uncle E$B

Virgin Islands Ale Brewing Company

When traveling abroad, most people tend to delve into foreign soil by experiencing the local "flavor" through observing local customs and indulging the varied unique foods, drinks, and narcotics the native land has to offer. Such was the case with Matt Razook and his brother, Chris (except the narcotics, of course!). In the Spring of 1994, the brothers took a trip to the Virgin Islands for a week of scuba diving in the pristine waters of the Caribbean. While the lads were indeed fired up to be in an exotic place, the absence of a truly descent local beer left them feeling unsatisfied and disappointed, not to mention, damn thirsty. Although, the fact that they were forced to partake in a great number of colorful rum fruity drinks served with mini umbrellas by scantly clad cocktail waitresses, somewhat eased their pains. All of the bars on the islands seemed to be limited to a couple of American mainstream light beers and either Red Stripe from Jamaica or Caribe from Trinidad, neither of which offer much more than a repackaged Bud Light kind of an experience. It was then that the Razooks decided to take matters into their own hands. A couple of years and a hurricane or two later, they founded the Virgin Islands Brewing Company.

The U.S. Virgin Islands (VI), located about 1,500 miles southeast of Florida, are a U.S. Territory. The main islands in the group are comprised of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The entire population of the territory is only around 100,000 people or roughly the equivalent of a strip mall in L.A., but the VI gets about 2 million thirsty tourists a year. So, in September of 1997, the Virgin Islands Ale Company opened the only craft brewery in the Caribbean, on the island of St. Croix.

The initial search for a location centered on the islands of Tortola, St. Thomas and St. Croix. The important factors to be considered included availability of good municipal water, high visibility and sufficient space. At one point, St. Thomas had been chosen, but hurricane Marilyn created too many complications. From the time the beer was launched, it quickly became the unofficial "National Beer of the Virgin Islands," replacing other Caribbean beers in many local watering holes’ coolers. The Government House even serves the breweries beers at varied official functions, social gatherings or simply when it’s really hot outside.

The initial search for a location centered on the islands of Tortola, St. Thomas and St. Croix. The important factors to be considered included availability of good municipal water, high visibility and sufficient space. At one point, St. Thomas had been chosen, but hurricane Marilyn created too many complications. From the time the beer was launched, it quickly became the unofficial "National Beer of the Virgin Islands," replacing other Caribbean beers in many local watering holes’ coolers. The Government House even serves the breweries beers at varied official functions, social gatherings or simply when it’s really hot outside.

Blackbeard Ale

Serving Temperature: 40-45° F
Original Gravity: 12.3° Plato
Final Gravity: N/A
Int'l Bittering Units: 23.0
Alcohol by Volume: 5.2%

Virgin Islands’ flagship beer is Blackbeard Ale, a full-bodied English style Amber Ale. Weary Willie uses both 6-row pale malts and the balance a combination of varied caramel malts. The beer is hopped both with Cascade and Cluster hops. Blackbeard is somewhat of a "historically correct" style for this region as it represents the same style once consumed centuries ago by English sailors and adventurers of the area. The notorious Blackbeard himself lived on St. Thomas for years and no doubt slammed back a cask or two of a similar beer while he pillaged, plundered, swaggered and performed other pirate-like duties. We encourage you to kick back with your favorite salty dogs and fire up the Barbecue when enjoying this tasty treat from the Caribbean.

Independence Brewing Company

The Independence Brewing Company, located at 1000 East Comly Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was first incorporated in August of 1994. In November of 1994, the brewery appointed Bill Moore, former head brewer at Stoudt’s brewery, as its Brewmaster. By February of 1995 brewing was finally underway, and the first beer, Independence Ale, was made available to the public the following month. Today, Independence beers are brewed by the team of Bill Moore and Matt Revier, the latter of whom joined on in March of 1997.

The brewers at Independence are among the most respected craft brewers in the country. They designed the recipes that have earned Independence its national reputation. In 1996, the brewery took home three national medals, including one for their seasonal selection, Franklinfest, which won a gold medal in the Marzen/Oktoberfest category at the Great American Beer Festival. This month, in the spirit of our country’s 222nd birthday, we’re featuring two beers from Independence, Betsy Ross Kristall Wheat and Uncle E$B. The brewery’s ESB is its newest addition to the product line and has only been available for five months.

Betsy Ross Kristall Wheat

Serving Temperature: 45-50° F
Original Gravity: 12.1° Plato
Final Gravity: N/A
Int'l Bittering Units: 12.0
Alcohol by Volume: 4.5%

Betsy Ross Kristall Wheat is pale in color and light to medium in body. Hints of clove and banana are evident, derived from the strain of English ale yeast used in the brew. The bulk of the grain used in the mash is wheat, with the addition of Harrington 2-row Pale and Caramel malts. Three varieties of hops add delicate balance and aroma as the blending of Hersbrucker, Hallertauer, and Tettnanger hops contribute a soft spiciness to the finished beer. The result is a uniquely refreshing beer ideal for the hot summer months.

Uncle E$B

Serving Temperature: 50-55° F
Original Gravity: 12.4° Plato
Final Gravity: N/A
Int'l Bittering Units: 37.0
Alcohol by Volume: 4.9%

Uncle E$B is a traditional Extra Special Bitter. Look for a rich, robust, medium-bodied beer, sienna-copper in color. This complex delight is brewed with a combination of two-row English Pale, Caramel, Carastan, Ashburne, and Carapil malts, as well as malted Wheat, and Roasted Barley. Uncle E$B is hopped with East Kent Goldings for aroma, and with Fuggles for aroma and bittering. It has a rich, malty flavor and a sweet finish. We know you’re gonna like this one!

Ask Murl

Dear Murl,

Upon returning home with my take-out order from one of Denver’s finer dining establishments, The Big Kahuna, I was most pleasantly surprised to find your beer shipment at my doorstep. I so wanted to wash down my burger with one of your beers, however, they weren’t yet chilled. Can you tell me the fastest way to chill a beer so that I can try your shipments as soon as I get them?

Randy Hall
Denver, CO.

Dear Randy

Unless you’ve either got access to a cryogenic research lab or a steady supply source for dry ice, I’d say you’ll be forced to the use one of the more traditional and attainable components of the Periodic Table of Elements. Lucky for you that I spent some time as a waiter at the Ritz Carlton until I was dismissed for mistaking one of my customer’s hairpiece for a small rodent. If it wasn’t already dead, you can rest assured that it is now, but that’s another story for another column. I have a solution for you. Fill a bucket with plenty of ice, water and then the secret ingredient, salt (a small pawful should do). Hold your beer by the neck between your paws and move them back and forth, spinning the beer in your ice bucket. If I can do it without opposable thumbs, I’m sure you’ll manage nicely. Anyway, that’s what we used to do when we had to chill a bottle of wine rapidly. Should take only 5 minutes or so. Your other option is to just set your beers in the ice water and either read my superb column or about the beers for 10-15 minutes before trying them. Hasta Luego Randalini!

Woof!
Murl.

Food For Thought...

Murl’s Kick Ass Braised Sausages and Polenta

As summer is now officially in full swing, the logical combination of sun, sausage and beer is inevitable so rather than fight it, we’re going with the flow and have provided you with a recipe that oughta give your Uncle Jim-Bob’s barbecue a run for its money! Although this recipe doesn’t call for the use of beer in it, we strongly recommend serving your meal with the well balanced Uncle ESB included in this shipment.

• 4 cups cold water
• 1 cup polenta (coarse-ground corn meal)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ to 2 pounds Italian or other coarse uncooked sausages
• 4 tablespoons minced celery
• 2 tablespoons minced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted and chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil from dried tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Combine the water, polenta, and salt in a large, heavy saucepan. Stir to break up any lumps. Bring to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring frequently, until the grains taste done and the polenta is thick but still pourable, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover the pot until ready to serve; if keeping longer than the time it takes to cook the sausages, keep warm in a double boiler. Puncture each sausage in a couple of places with a toothpick. Arrange the sausages in a single layer in a heavy skillet. Add water to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and steam 15 minutes. Remove the cover, turn the heat to medium-high, and cook until the water is gone and the sausages begin to sizzle and brown. Stir the remaining ingredients into the polenta and taste for seasoning. Spoon a large pool of polenta onto each plate and arrange a couple of sausages on top. Pour yourself a cold one and get busy! Serves One Australian Sheep Dog, 3-4 Adults, or Sally Struthers.

Source: Beer Cuisine: A Cookbook for Beer Lovers; Jay Harlow; Harlow & Ratner, 1991.

Norm's Corner...
As spoken by Cheers' Norm

Woody: What’s your pleasure Mr. Peterson?
Norm: Boxer shorts and loose shoes. But I’ll settle for a beer.

True Brew Facts

BUSINESS WEEK - Are you an "Average" American? Got some scary news for you if you think you are. Business Week reports that an average American will drink 20,300 bottles of beer during his or her lifetime. That’s equivalent to two bottles of beer a day for 28 years. For those who are concerned that they may be "below average", we’d be happy to send you a double shipment each month.

YORK UNIVERSITY - The world’s strongest beer, Uncle Igor’s Famous Falling Over Water, brewed by the Ross Brewery in Bristol, U.K., is 17.3% alcohol by volume. Holy Bat-Buzzes Batman! The most expensive beer ever sold on first offer from the brewery (as opposed to aged, rare, collector, and vintage specimens) is Samuel Adam’s Triple Bock which at one time went for $100 for a case of 24, six ounce bottles.

SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER - Egyptian hieroglyphics indicate that Rames II annually offered 30,000 gallons of beer as sacrifice to the gods. A true sacrifice or perhaps the inevitable contaminated batch?

365 BEERTIME STORIES - The Kalevala, the national epic of Finland, describes the creation of the world in 200 verses but it uses 400 verses to describe the origins of beer.

ULTIMATE BOOK OF BEER TRIVIA - W.C. Fields was once overheard to say, "Once, during Prohibition, I was force to live for days on nothing but food and water."

USA TODAY - Beer cost $14 a pint at the 1994 Winter Olympics, so the German team brought 30,000 liters of their own under the banner of "diplomatic baggage" to protect it from customs scrutiny.

Beer Legend

How Hathor became the Chief Goddess of Beer

A time came when the Sun God Re lost his divine patience with mankind. Re saw his temples neglected, his subjects fornicating, fighting, lying, stealing, and worse. Deciding to punish his children, Re assigned the task to a Goddess, women being so much better at enforcement than men. Hathor was assigned 3 days in which to complete her chastisement, while Re turned his divine attention to other things. Hathor took the form of a leopardess and descended to Earth.

The First Day

At the end of the first day of punishment, Re looked to see how Hathor was doing. To his horror, Re saw the streets of Egypt running red with blood. A handful of humans survived, huddled in corners of flattened houses. Re thought to himself, This is awful. There will be no one left to worship me." Having given Hathor 3 days of divine duty, Re could not now stop her. After pondering the situation that night, taking the form of a baboon, Re went to Earth with the job of throwing sweet dates and barley into the human blood that covered the land.

The Second Day

The second day dawned. The sun arose and the divine mixture of blood, barley, and dates fermented. Beer was born. In her leopard form, Hathor awoke planning to hunt the few remaining Egyptians, but instead she smelled the odor of beer. Halted at the river of beer, she tentatively lapped at the brew. She found the beer so pleasing that she drank, and drank herself into a stupor, staggering off under a date palm, where she drunkenly snored for two days and nights. Upon awakening, the goddess found her time was up. Beer was created, the human species was saved, and Hathor became Chief Goddess of Beer.

For Members Only

Give Your Friends FREE Beer, Wine, Cheese, Chocolate, Cigars & Flowers!
Through our Customer Appreciation Program

Your name has real value to your friends, co-workers, and family members! Every time a friend, family member, or anyone else you know joins any one of our clubs, [or gives a gift] for 3 months or longer, we'll give them 50% off of their first month, but only when they mention your name. And we'll also give you 50% off your next month too which can either be applied towards your current membership or you can try one of our other Clubs out! (We can add one more month to your order at 50% off for prepaid memberships!)

The Fine Print: Members giving gift memberships do not qualify for referral credits and you can't give yourself a gift to qualify! This Program is mutually exclusive of any other promotions.

Membership Q & A

Q: What can I do if I'm having difficulty receiving my shipment at home?
A: You should consider having our discrete box delivered to your work location or to a neighbor 21 yrs. of age that can receive it for you. As your shipment requires and adult signature to receive, it's always best to ship it to a location where someone will be there to receive it for you. The box is brown corrugated cardboard and doesn't say "Beer" on it anywhere.

Q: What should I do if I'm moving or want to extend my membership?
A: Please call us prior to the 5th of the month to make all account related information changes such as address changes, membership extensions & terminations, or gift accounts desiring to continue their memberships. Address changes made after that time may require a repackaging and re-shipping charge of $12.00. Additionally, if your box is re-routed by UPS from an address different than what was originally specified, you may incur a $5.00 re-routing charge.

Q: What happens if my shipment is damaged?
A: If your shipment arrives damaged, please call us immediately toll free at 1-800-625-8238 and report the incident for a prompt resolution.

Q: What happens if my credit card is declined?
A: We will send you a courtesy notice asking you for an alternative payment method and your order will be temporarily suspended until we hear from you.

Q: What happens if I join under a special incentive program and don't stay a member for the entire term committed?
A: Not a problem. Although we want to do everything we can to keep you as a member, we will allow you to cancel your subscription early; however, you will be responsible to pay for the item that was given to you as part of the promotion. If you received a discount based on a specific term, the amount discounted will be charged to your card.