So, it's about that time to get back out there and spread the Pull The Pin word and further our mission of world domination. We're hitting the road with our ABSOLUTE best friends in Patent Pending as well as our great pals in Kelsey & The Chaos. I'm looking forward to becoming acquainted with Freshman 15 as Corey and Rob are already pretty good friends with at least some of them. Also, I'm going to have to opportunity to hook up with our labelmates in Say Vandelay when we have a 3 day stay in Georgia.
It's going to be nice to get back in old Buck the van and rough it for a couple weeks and see the sights of the Great Lakes and East Coast while going and playing some awesome shows in some old favorite spots and some brand new ones! Two of my most anticipated stops include Sandusky, Ohio to see our close friends Sean, Linda, and Eric from Moron Bros Concerts and Sandusky Bay Poster Works. They're pretty much family. Also, the beer geek inside of me has been counting the days until we hit Grand Rapids, Michigan so we can go and have one or two craft beers from my favorite brewery in the country. I've been saving up my pennies for them!
Anyway, without further adieu, here are the dates that we will be playing on the 2009 Ultimate Tour-ior!
The Ultimate Tour-ior! w/ Patent Pending, Freshman 15, and Kelsey & The Chaos
Sept 10 - Exton, PA @ Hot Topic Exton Square Mall*
Sept 11 - Jermyn, PA @ Eleanor Rigby's
Sept 12 - Amityville, NY @ Broadway
Sept 13 - Sandusky, OH @ Cedar Lanes' Palm Room
Sept 15 - Grand Rapids, MI @ The Mixtape
Sept 16 - Muncie, IN @ Doc's Music Hall*
Sept 17 - Crystal Lake, IL @ Xtreme Wheels
Sept 18 - Evansville, IN @ Boney Junes
Sept 19 - Marietta, GA @ Swayze's
Sept 21 - Augusta, GA @ Soul Bar w/ Say Vandelay*
Sept 22 - Sumter, SC @ Brewers
Sept 23 - Virginia Beach, VA @ The Peppermind Beach Club
Sept 24 - Richmond, VA @ Alley Katz
Sept 25 - Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock Cafe
Sept 26 - Hamden, CT @ The Space
Sept 27 - Paramus, NJ @ Paramus VFW
*Dates that exclude the tour package; Pull The Pin only.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Crazy Ketchup
So, a shit ton has happened to me since I've last posted anything. I signed a record contract, went to the largest indoor water park in the nation and-- on a much sadder note-- had to say goodbye to my dog who has been my best friend for over 17 years.
Right now, I'm sitting on Rob's couch before we head to grab some sticks and such from the music store and head over to record the new cd that will hit Hot Topics nationwide and various digital music outlets like iTunes and so forth. It will be a six track job and if you buy it on iTunes, you will receive a super ass special bonus cover song. I'm more than stoked about it and can't wait to start hearing it come to life. We will be on a handful or more of this summer's Warped Tour, so make sure you pick it up there or elsewhere during the month of June.
Also, my dog Shaq has been my main man since I've been six years old and one of the hardest things I've done so far in my life was to see him go. He lived an incredibly long and happy life being my family's dog and everyone who ever came to my house will have amazing memories shared with him. Thanks to everyone who has since sent their condolences.
Finally, I have some insane news concerning Pull The Pin's upcoming tour that will take place this May but until details are sorted out and confirmed, it's best we wait on that one. Thanks to everyone who reads this thing and take care until next time.
I'm off to beast out some drum tracks.
Brad
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
John Stewart = GOD
Part 1 is kind of just an introduction but these last two parts are hands-down some of the best minutes of television I can remember watching. In John Steward We Trust!
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Twittering (Tweeting) Is Easier Than Blogging
Many apologizes for the lack of updates to the blog but it's so much easier to just write one- to two-lined 'tweets' about what I'm up to on Twitter. Definitely follow me on there for more up-to-date information concerning the interesting occurrences of my everyday life. You can find me at Twitter.com/Classic_Brad. To make up for any sense of abandonment that this longer-than-usual break may have caused, here's a Blogspot exclusive picture of me dropping a shit in Michael and Joe Ragosta's bathroom:
So, I've been touring the tri-state area for the last couple of days and then I come home for a week and some change. But we are four shows into the first leg and are having an incredible time. Right now we have a day off in Long Island and are chilling out with our butt-buddies in Patent Pending. They're writing some new songs and they sound amazing. Definitely keep your ear to ground for their new shit to drop this summer. Tomorrow we have a Friday the 13th show in Danbury, CT and my brother and some friends are coming to hang out. Can't wait to play that one. Until next time, follow my ass on Twitter.
So, I've been touring the tri-state area for the last couple of days and then I come home for a week and some change. But we are four shows into the first leg and are having an incredible time. Right now we have a day off in Long Island and are chilling out with our butt-buddies in Patent Pending. They're writing some new songs and they sound amazing. Definitely keep your ear to ground for their new shit to drop this summer. Tomorrow we have a Friday the 13th show in Danbury, CT and my brother and some friends are coming to hang out. Can't wait to play that one. Until next time, follow my ass on Twitter.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Van Rides: $5 and Our Slow But Steady Start
We finally got to take our new van on our first road trip to Paramus, NJ during our Nintendo SixtyTOUR! His name is 'Buck' and we also call him 'Rat Van 2500'. He seats 7 and sleeps 3 to 4 comfortably and allows us to play PS2 and watch DVDs. It's an amazing whip for a touring band of starving musicians and we finally got to break her in outside of the state today. Great times were had by all and between last night's Sherman Theater show and today's Paramus VFW mini-festival, we are finally starting the long-overdue Nintendo SixtyTOUR!
Last night was predictably amazing as we entertained upwards to 500 fans with our friends in Split Fifty, Patent Pending, Kelsey & The Chaos, and Survey Says. Thanks to everyone who came out.
Paramus' VFW show today was amazingly put together and other than a veteran picking a fight with Anthony Pending, it was a fun-filled day of rushing to the venue and then waiting for 7 hours. Unfortunately, it marked the final show that Patent Pending will be playing with us on the tour but we went out with a bang during Applebee's Half-off Appetizer's late-night special. They perfectly complimented our over-priced Margaritas and Merlot.
See everyone else soon!
Brad
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Nintendo SixtyTOUR: Red Light, Green Light, Red Light
This first entry to my daily scribe of tour dates seems like its both too early and too late due to some serious complications that have us still in PA right now. I'm currently on Rob's couch right now but let me catch you up and explain what puts me here.
We payed $700 for our van and it was an effing heap of metal, small garbage particals, and dead rats. We also acquired this beast the day that we were supposed to leave for the tours Georgia kickoff. So, its become pretty apparent that we were going to be missing the first date; if not more. But don't underestimate the effect of a little elbow grease and the amazing generosity of a friendly mechanic. We were able to work out a line of credit with Rob's neighbor and amazing mechanic, Mark. He did what we needed to the van for it to be safely driven to our shows and we gave him what we could now and then will patiently wait for us to come back with some more dough.
So, now we were on our way out of the door-- finally! We get a call from our manager that the second of the two remaining shows that are coming up the east coast was canceled by the venue due to... WEATHER?!? I don't know. So, this would mean that we would drive to North Carolina solely for that single show and we would almost definitely be losing an insane amount of money (see above for our current financial situation). So, to sum it up-- once we were able to leave for the tour that we've been hard over for over a month it was no longer in our best interest to start it immediately.
That pretty much brings us to me sitting on a couch. We are waiting back from Joey Rags as he is hard at work trying to salvage the Virginia date by changing the venue. If anyone can do it, he can so stay tuned and hopefully we see all you Virginians tomorrow! If not, we are now more than due to visit all of our friends down the east coast in the very near future.
Friday, February 27, 2009
BEER 101 :: Beerfest Etiquette
By: Brad Beneski, Penn State University
Updated: February 19, 2009
Just as comic nerds have their celebrated conventions, beer geeks have their festivals. However, an unfortunate misconception has been lent to such get-togethers that depict them as events concerned with mass rather than quality. The fact is that most beer festivals are actually for craft beer-lovers and are put together in order to help breweries create some buzz for their products. If you hear the term beer festival and in your head appears a rowdy crowd of frat brothers chugging large amounts of light beer then it may be worth your time to learn exactly what a beer festival is and the expected behavior for its attendees.
So, replace the mugs for 2 to 4 ounce tasting glasses, swap the light beer out for hundreds of different styles, and leave the frat party expectations at the door, because these festivals are all about discovering different styles of beer from different breweries from around the world.
If you’re looking for a cheap buzz, take the ticket cost and gather some of your buddies to the old watering hole and spend your wad on some Jager-bombs and Coors Light pitchers. However, if you’re looking to expand your horizon into the world of craft beer through the commemoration of a craft beer festival— Just remember these tips:
Quality Over Quantity
A beer festival is not the proper venue to become a belligerent drunk. No one will be impressed and it will only result in problems and embarrassment when you are more than likely asked to leave. Just take it easy and embrace your limits. Take it one beer at a time and don’t rush to finish it and try the next beer. This will help you make better choices and truly understand what it is that you like. At the end of the day, you’ll remember the festival as a helpful event that let you hone your appreciation for beer, not just an expensive bender.
Keep Your Palate Fresh
Such diversity in styles and flavors in craft beer can make for confused palates. The best way to gain accurate tastes from the beers at your disposal is to come prepared with reserves of water and pretzels. A popular trend among fest-goers is the advent of pretzels necklaces that give beer geeks a palate cleansing within arm’s reach. The salt and dough of the pretzel are perfect agents to strip old flavors from the tongue and leave it waiting for another round. Water also helps in avoiding the influence of former beers while also providing hydration, which is a very important aspect of surviving a festival without a hangover.
Talk To The Reps
A beer festival is just educational as it is fun. You get to try different styles that you might not have sampled before and acquire a first-hand judgment of the attempts made. There are no better sources from the beer industry than the representatives that will be present at the brewery’s table. They are there to point you in the right direction and find something from their arsenal that you will enjoy and become a patron toward the brewery. They are also chockfull of great beer knowledge and welcome questions. Just beware to not become a camper!
Camper, No Camping!
Camper (kam-pur) n.
1. One that acquires his or her sample of beer and then continues to stand at the front of the line and drink it while discussing it with friends.
2. The most loathed person at any beer festival.
3. Not even campers like campers. Often time, they don’t even know that they’re doing it, but believe me—other do.
a. If any respectable beer geek has a question that they would like to pose to a brewery representative, it is proper to move to the side and then engage in conversation.
Be Respectful
A common theme among all of these tips would be to respect beer and others during these festivals. And that is simply part of being a decent person. There are more than enough great reasons to respect the promoters who are putting together the event, the other attendees, the hand-crafted beverages that are being celebrated, and most importantly yourself. No one likes a beer geek who can’t hold his or her own at a festival.
Finally, if the temptation to abuse alcohol supercedes your ability to embrace the delicious drinks and great company in a responsible manner, then maybe it’s time to return to those comic book conventions. May the force be with you.
Updated: February 19, 2009
Just as comic nerds have their celebrated conventions, beer geeks have their festivals. However, an unfortunate misconception has been lent to such get-togethers that depict them as events concerned with mass rather than quality. The fact is that most beer festivals are actually for craft beer-lovers and are put together in order to help breweries create some buzz for their products. If you hear the term beer festival and in your head appears a rowdy crowd of frat brothers chugging large amounts of light beer then it may be worth your time to learn exactly what a beer festival is and the expected behavior for its attendees.
So, replace the mugs for 2 to 4 ounce tasting glasses, swap the light beer out for hundreds of different styles, and leave the frat party expectations at the door, because these festivals are all about discovering different styles of beer from different breweries from around the world.
If you’re looking for a cheap buzz, take the ticket cost and gather some of your buddies to the old watering hole and spend your wad on some Jager-bombs and Coors Light pitchers. However, if you’re looking to expand your horizon into the world of craft beer through the commemoration of a craft beer festival— Just remember these tips:
Quality Over Quantity
A beer festival is not the proper venue to become a belligerent drunk. No one will be impressed and it will only result in problems and embarrassment when you are more than likely asked to leave. Just take it easy and embrace your limits. Take it one beer at a time and don’t rush to finish it and try the next beer. This will help you make better choices and truly understand what it is that you like. At the end of the day, you’ll remember the festival as a helpful event that let you hone your appreciation for beer, not just an expensive bender.
Keep Your Palate Fresh
Such diversity in styles and flavors in craft beer can make for confused palates. The best way to gain accurate tastes from the beers at your disposal is to come prepared with reserves of water and pretzels. A popular trend among fest-goers is the advent of pretzels necklaces that give beer geeks a palate cleansing within arm’s reach. The salt and dough of the pretzel are perfect agents to strip old flavors from the tongue and leave it waiting for another round. Water also helps in avoiding the influence of former beers while also providing hydration, which is a very important aspect of surviving a festival without a hangover.
Talk To The Reps
A beer festival is just educational as it is fun. You get to try different styles that you might not have sampled before and acquire a first-hand judgment of the attempts made. There are no better sources from the beer industry than the representatives that will be present at the brewery’s table. They are there to point you in the right direction and find something from their arsenal that you will enjoy and become a patron toward the brewery. They are also chockfull of great beer knowledge and welcome questions. Just beware to not become a camper!
Camper, No Camping!
Camper (kam-pur) n.
1. One that acquires his or her sample of beer and then continues to stand at the front of the line and drink it while discussing it with friends.
2. The most loathed person at any beer festival.
3. Not even campers like campers. Often time, they don’t even know that they’re doing it, but believe me—other do.
a. If any respectable beer geek has a question that they would like to pose to a brewery representative, it is proper to move to the side and then engage in conversation.
Be Respectful
A common theme among all of these tips would be to respect beer and others during these festivals. And that is simply part of being a decent person. There are more than enough great reasons to respect the promoters who are putting together the event, the other attendees, the hand-crafted beverages that are being celebrated, and most importantly yourself. No one likes a beer geek who can’t hold his or her own at a festival.
Finally, if the temptation to abuse alcohol supercedes your ability to embrace the delicious drinks and great company in a responsible manner, then maybe it’s time to return to those comic book conventions. May the force be with you.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Day Off? & Sozo - State College, PA + Recap!
Well, well, well... The egg is on our face for almost taking off to be in State College a day early for our day off. We ended up being put up in a free hotel, given all access to an indoor water park, fed amazing food, provided booze, and, oh yeah, we played the shit out of a bowling alley show with our bestest friends in the entire world; Patent Pending. It was hands down a very serious contender for the best show and best time had by both bands on the entire tour. It was full of free bowling and something that had become an on-stage ritual during the end of Patent Pending's set:
pull the pin and patent pending
After being given incredible treatment by the owners of Sweet Kneads of Sandusky, OH, we hit the road for State College on a full stomach. If you live in Ohio, it is imperative that you go there and buy everything in the store. It is delicious!! We showed up to Rob and my Alma mater a little late but ended up rocking the hell out of the Sozo. They were great to us and it was the perfect finale to this sick tour! We got our picture and some Canyon Pizza. Then my 611 boys, Ghig and Serniak, grabbed some pints at the best bar in the world-- Zeno's! Myself and Patent Pending stayed on Ghig's floor after some ridiculous storytelling and giggling. Oh yeah, there was also some insanely disturbing viral videos. There was so much blood, glass, and poop!!
All in all, my first tour will be a hard one to top and I can't think about doing it without Patent Pending. They truly do double as one of my favorite bands and best friends ever. It will be a long February-- good thing its the shortest month of them all-- but I can't wait to get the crew back together for some more face melting!
Signing off, Brad!
pull the pin and patent pending
After being given incredible treatment by the owners of Sweet Kneads of Sandusky, OH, we hit the road for State College on a full stomach. If you live in Ohio, it is imperative that you go there and buy everything in the store. It is delicious!! We showed up to Rob and my Alma mater a little late but ended up rocking the hell out of the Sozo. They were great to us and it was the perfect finale to this sick tour! We got our picture and some Canyon Pizza. Then my 611 boys, Ghig and Serniak, grabbed some pints at the best bar in the world-- Zeno's! Myself and Patent Pending stayed on Ghig's floor after some ridiculous storytelling and giggling. Oh yeah, there was also some insanely disturbing viral videos. There was so much blood, glass, and poop!!
All in all, my first tour will be a hard one to top and I can't think about doing it without Patent Pending. They truly do double as one of my favorite bands and best friends ever. It will be a long February-- good thing its the shortest month of them all-- but I can't wait to get the crew back together for some more face melting!
Signing off, Brad!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Crosfoot Cafe - Pontiac, MI
Holy hell! Great crowd, awesome sound, and very cool town. We had a ton of fun and played our faces off. Unfortunately, I was way too tired to really put much time into an entry last night. I was also a little sick. Moreover, I was distracted by the goons in Patent Pending who I think are really starting to understand how to put on a show. At the beginning of the tour, I was kind of worried about how the crowd would treat them when they failed night after night. Thankfully, the crowd was nice enough to fake some applause and even buy some of their shirts until they worked out all of their kinks.
As I write this, the tour has a day off and we are hanging out at Patent Pending's good friend Sean's house. He fed us amazing blueberry pancakes and sausage. His dog is a wookie and he and his wife, Linda, are stand-up people.
Anyways, Patent Pending is playing a show at an indoor water park in Sandusky, OH and we are tagging along for fun.
Tomorrow is, my Alma mater, Penn State!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Reggie's - Chicago, IL
I'm honestly starting to have trouble remembering everything that happens during a single day on this ridiculous tour. We are having the most fun that a human is scientifically able to have. We drove from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL and then played to a crowd of 6.... then, once we were done, the crowd arrived. We, then, found out that this was due to the venue attempting to put on a second show during the night... that way, they started the show at ridiculously early time and played during a time more appropriate for an old folks's home super than a rock show.
The time spent with some of the people who dug our set and our friends in the other band was more than worth the truck to the windy city.
Also, Miranda Nicholas (Rob's friend) put us up in her sick apartment with an awesome view of Chicago. So, right now, we're listening to some Alkaline Trio and drinking ludicrous amounts of alcohol with some good people.
See you tomorrow, Pontiac, MI!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Mixtape Cafe - Grand Rapids, MI
The crew missing Patent Pending so much that we look ecstatic!
Just when I thought this tour couldn't get any cooler... it goes and does something like this.
AND TOTALLY REDEEMS ITSELF! We played the most welcoming venue to some of the coolest fuckers in the world in Grand Rapids, MI. But first, we got a couple rounds at Founder's Brewing Company. Breakfast Stout and some Double Trouble aged in Bourbon Barrels.
The show itself was great and everybody there showed us such a great time. The other bands were amazing as always; except Patent Pending. They really phoned it in. (sarcasm)
After we played, we made our way back to Founders for a couple more BEEEEEEEEERS! There was more than enough random percussion and awesome samples. Then we headed toward out destination for the night: which was mere seconds away. After going to acquire an adequate amount of booze we were lucky enough to be eye witnesses to a brutal gang beating in which a ton of manly brahs beat up on some ghetto ass hoe flunky. After realizing that our party-- which included the awesome duo of Tanya and Taylor [its almost like they planned that alliteration]-- had the accommodations of pepper spray we gathered enough courage to compose a brief jog across the parking lot and into the apartment. Now we are enjoying some "hmmmmmm" delicious Founder's Breakfast Stout, Sparks, Bud Light, and Vokdy watching some really fucking trippy bullpoo without the necessary hallucinatory medicines but I can in no way complain. God bless Michigan! Grand Rapids rocks cock!
Next Stop..???
Possibly La Crosse, WI....?? :-/
Monday, January 19, 2009
Peabody's - Cleveland, OH
Sick, sick, sick, sick time at Peabody's in Cleveland, OH. The venue and show were amazing. Best venue and staff of the tour, so far. We were given a great meal of pizza, wings, and beer and I officially began my daily workout with the Patent Pending fucks. Eight minute arms and eight minute abs everyday.
The gang stopped at Great Lakes Brewing Company and had a sampler of the amazing brews. Unfortunately, load time cut that short but it was amazing.
We are in a hotel room right now cheering ourselves with some G.I. Joe parodies and booze. Thanks to everybody for coming out tonight and thanks especially to the staff and management at Peabody's for making today's show so great.
Tomorrow's Grand Rapids, MI! FOUNDERS BREWING COMPANY!!!!
(Rob's especially "stoked" for Breakfast Stout!)
Games N'At - Pittsburgh, PA
The infamous Arctic Thunder gaming systems that were host to us goons for the better part of the day
Not the best attendance of the tour, but it will surely be hard to forget the venue and the ridiculous time all of the grown men (and woman) had with free range over an arcade. The place was half venue and half awesome arcade. When you wanted to play a game, you simply hit start and there you go. Highlight of the entire time might have been the intense tournaments of Arctic Thunder; a ridiculously mindblowing snowmobile racing game where you were able to destroy your opponent by blasting him with atomic snowballs or punching him off of his vehicle. Under obligation of my ultimate loss, I am forced to give Ponzo (Rob's character, who clearly was superior to Dirty McCurdy: my character), some dap for taking the series.
The show was certainly secondary to the games but still amazing. Also, Primanti Brothers was the best meal I've had all tour- and that includes Allentown Brew Works.
Next stop: Cleveland, OH
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Crocodile Rock - Allentown, PA
Me and Jay (Patent Pending) enjoying the shit out of some 'Caine.
So far, the best show was tonight at the Crocodile Rock. We have been reunited with the fucks in Patent Pending and we're having a slumber complete with Hurricane 40's and ridiculous porno videos. We had a great night at the Allentown Brew Works with some beer samplers and sick food.
Tomorrow's Pittsburg!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Harmony Grange - Wilmington, DE
Me and Justin from Kelsey & The Chaos on a virtual rollercoaster
Second show on the tour and its still pretty close to home. So close, in fact, that I'm writing this from Rob's house in Stroudsburg. It was close enough for us to not bother trying to crash somewhere or pay for a hotel, so here we are: pounding some brew and talking Star Wars.
As much fun as the show was-- we were tight as shit and look forward to becoming even tighter into the tour-- the real fun's going to begin when we have some crew fun with the boys (and girl!) in Patent Pending and Kelsey & The Chaos.
Tomorrow marks our final near home show in Allentown at the Crocodile Rock! Should be sick, as always.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Club Energy - Plains, PA
First day of the tour and it's pretty cool but not quite far enough for the guys in our band. It's an awesome opportunity to feel things out and have some preliminary fun with with all the guys (and girl) in the bands.
The show kicked ass-- everybody's sets!
This is my last night sleeping in my bed, or possibly a bed in a general for the next 10 days. Sorry there's not too much to report for this first show but, pretty much the tour starts tomorrow for me and the guys.
Not everybody on the tour is on Project Playlist but I did my best to put some of the tour on my playlist for a little while. Note the Just Surrender and Patent Pending songs over there. By the way, Patent Pending are a bunch of fucking dickholes. No, I'm just being so serious... fuck them. :-/ Don't go and check their myspace out and add them as friends and become loyal fans of their amazing songs @ www.myspace.com/patentpending
By the way, those abs in their picture are real. I've seen them do the shit out of 8 minute abs.
Next stop: Wilmington, DE
The show kicked ass-- everybody's sets!
This is my last night sleeping in my bed, or possibly a bed in a general for the next 10 days. Sorry there's not too much to report for this first show but, pretty much the tour starts tomorrow for me and the guys.
Not everybody on the tour is on Project Playlist but I did my best to put some of the tour on my playlist for a little while. Note the Just Surrender and Patent Pending songs over there. By the way, Patent Pending are a bunch of fucking dickholes. No, I'm just being so serious... fuck them. :-/ Don't go and check their myspace out and add them as friends and become loyal fans of their amazing songs @ www.myspace.com/patentpending
By the way, those abs in their picture are real. I've seen them do the shit out of 8 minute abs.
Next stop: Wilmington, DE
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Who Left The Fridge Open Tour
I'm going on tour on Thursday, January 15 until Sunday, January 25th.
The tour will span six states and include shows in cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago. Until now, the farthest West that I have been is Ohio and I'm glad to say that I'll finally be able to surpass that landmark by the middle of the tour.
As everybody knows, I like me my craft beer and one of the highlights of breweries that I will be able to visit includes Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The venue we are playing is only 0.3 miles from the brewery and I can't wait to pay a visit.
Also, I'm looking at the experience as a crazy vacation with my boys Rob and Corey as well as the awesome bastards in Patent Pending and Kelsey and The Chaos. It's undoubtedly going to be a very unique trip across the Great Lakes and Midwest region of the country with some fun shows and crazy drives.
I plan on posting a blog entry for all eleven days that I'll be gone. Make sure to stop by and see pictures, video, and my thoughts about the trip.
Tour: 2,558 miles
2.5 hrs. -- 160 miles
Wilmington, DE
1.5 hrs. -- 80 miles
Allentown, PA
4.5 hrs. -- 285 miles
Pittsburgh, PA - East End!
2.5 hrs. -- 133 miles
Cleveland, OH - Great Lakes!
4.5 hrs. -- 300 miles
Grand Rapids, MI - Founders!
7.5 hrs. -- 460 miles
La Crosse, WI
5 hrs. -- 280 miles
Chicago, IL
5 hrs. -- 285 miles
Pontiac, MI
7 hrs. -- 415 miles
State College, PA
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
BEER 101 :: PSA Concerning Lagers and Ales
By: Brad Beneski, Penn State University
[Open on the guy who plays Chandler on Friends sitting informally upon a low-sitting stool:]
With as much misconception surrounding the two most elementary forms of beer, it would be more than worth the time for those interested and concerned to snuggle up to the warmth of their computer screen and hear about what makes an Ale and Ale and a Lager a Lager.
Many a time have I bellied up to a bar or patronized a party in the woods (or does that only happen in Pennsylvania?) and hear somebody who warranted a quick and painless correction of their understanding of beer. “Nah, that beer is too dark,” a thoroughly confused young adult proclaims. “I don’t like Lager, I usually stick to Pale Ales like this,” as the clearly inebriated individual points to their Solo O’ Swill.
There is a global misrepresentation of beer via its consumers and if it’s not Boosh’s duty to amend it— who’s is it?
Beer, the world’s oldest and most celebrated beverage has two main categories of Ale and Lager (well, three if you include Lambic, but we’ll talk about that later). But let’s back up to simply review one of the four elements of beer — yeast. You would pretty much think that all of beer’s flavors are derived from the malted barley and hops. That’s right, the water and yeast are just there to turn those components into something delicious and bongable. Wrong.
Yeast is also broken up into two different categories, top-fermenting and bottom-fermenting. The more obvious difference between the two is that one of them forms its foam at the top and one does so at the bottom of the beer during fermentation; and I’ll let you guess which one. This is simply one distinction between top- and bottom-fermenting yeasts. Another being that top-fermenting yeast strands, which have been designated to create what we call Ale, have the ability to produce a higher alcohol content and robust complexity while bottom-fermenting yeast stands, which we associate with Lager beers, are used to brew crisper and generally lighter flavored beers.
Ale: When top-fermenting yeast stands eat the sugar that has been extracted from the malted barley it generates more complex flavors that can be suggestions of sweeter, fruitier flavors. This is all combined in the perfect arrangement of the malt and hop flavors added to the beer to make up the taste of a balance, finished product. Just a few of the popular styles that are a part of the Ale family include Pale Ales, Porters, Stouts, Hefeweizens, and IPAs. For more on IPAs, read up here.
Lager: Bottom-fermenting yeast strands are added to Lager beers for their ability to suck up more of the natural sugars that are added to the production of beer to leave it smooth and crisp. Another requirement for Lager beers would be that, unlike Ales that are fermented at room temperature, they necessitate temperatures just above freezing to perform a secondary fermentation. In fact, the word Lager comes from the German “lagern”, which means, “to store”. Pale Lager beer is the most consumed type of beer in the world and a few examples for beers of this style are Budweiser, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Pabst Blue Ribbon, etc.
Additionally, there are styles of both Ale and Lager beers that transcend any attempt to pigeonhole one or the other as dark or light. German Lagers like Doppelbock, Altbier, and Märzen (A.K.A. Oktoberfest) are shining examples of such diversity just as there are opposite examples as crisp and clean as Golden Ales and Cream Ales.
[“The More You Know” races across the screen and as the music fades, you can feel your heart and brain both grow a little bit.]
[Open on the guy who plays Chandler on Friends sitting informally upon a low-sitting stool:]
With as much misconception surrounding the two most elementary forms of beer, it would be more than worth the time for those interested and concerned to snuggle up to the warmth of their computer screen and hear about what makes an Ale and Ale and a Lager a Lager.
Many a time have I bellied up to a bar or patronized a party in the woods (or does that only happen in Pennsylvania?) and hear somebody who warranted a quick and painless correction of their understanding of beer. “Nah, that beer is too dark,” a thoroughly confused young adult proclaims. “I don’t like Lager, I usually stick to Pale Ales like this,” as the clearly inebriated individual points to their Solo O’ Swill.
There is a global misrepresentation of beer via its consumers and if it’s not Boosh’s duty to amend it— who’s is it?
Beer, the world’s oldest and most celebrated beverage has two main categories of Ale and Lager (well, three if you include Lambic, but we’ll talk about that later). But let’s back up to simply review one of the four elements of beer — yeast. You would pretty much think that all of beer’s flavors are derived from the malted barley and hops. That’s right, the water and yeast are just there to turn those components into something delicious and bongable. Wrong.
Yeast is also broken up into two different categories, top-fermenting and bottom-fermenting. The more obvious difference between the two is that one of them forms its foam at the top and one does so at the bottom of the beer during fermentation; and I’ll let you guess which one. This is simply one distinction between top- and bottom-fermenting yeasts. Another being that top-fermenting yeast strands, which have been designated to create what we call Ale, have the ability to produce a higher alcohol content and robust complexity while bottom-fermenting yeast stands, which we associate with Lager beers, are used to brew crisper and generally lighter flavored beers.
Ale: When top-fermenting yeast stands eat the sugar that has been extracted from the malted barley it generates more complex flavors that can be suggestions of sweeter, fruitier flavors. This is all combined in the perfect arrangement of the malt and hop flavors added to the beer to make up the taste of a balance, finished product. Just a few of the popular styles that are a part of the Ale family include Pale Ales, Porters, Stouts, Hefeweizens, and IPAs. For more on IPAs, read up here.
Lager: Bottom-fermenting yeast strands are added to Lager beers for their ability to suck up more of the natural sugars that are added to the production of beer to leave it smooth and crisp. Another requirement for Lager beers would be that, unlike Ales that are fermented at room temperature, they necessitate temperatures just above freezing to perform a secondary fermentation. In fact, the word Lager comes from the German “lagern”, which means, “to store”. Pale Lager beer is the most consumed type of beer in the world and a few examples for beers of this style are Budweiser, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Pabst Blue Ribbon, etc.
Additionally, there are styles of both Ale and Lager beers that transcend any attempt to pigeonhole one or the other as dark or light. German Lagers like Doppelbock, Altbier, and Märzen (A.K.A. Oktoberfest) are shining examples of such diversity just as there are opposite examples as crisp and clean as Golden Ales and Cream Ales.
[“The More You Know” races across the screen and as the music fades, you can feel your heart and brain both grow a little bit.]
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