Flagship February, traditionally known as a time to refocus on the offerings that  probably made you a craft beer fan to begin with. Where would John Cena be if there was no Stone Cold? As many devout Dry January patrons exit their imbibing hibernation February emerges, quite literally when you consider Groundhog Day, into a newly energized enthusiast. Do they go straight for the barrel aged stouts and barleywine or ease into a few crisp pilsners? Is the most comfortable, most approachable, beer the one you’ve been drinking all along? The familiarity that comes with the tried and true core offerings from a brewery acts as an anchor to a deep sea ship that’s filled with recreational seafarers. 

A flagship will always be your starting point, home base, for a brewery. If we do one thing exceptionally well it’s this beer and we’re going to produce it in mass so you can enjoy it as much as we do. Ideally the flagship(s) help a consumer new or old evaluate the identity of a brand along with some of their values and distinct theming. Any brand in any industry models their core products in this way. It may not be the Maybach of beers but if it’s a Buick and it gets you from A to B every damn day then it’s a damn fine car, and you’ll Be damn proud of that Buick.

The shift beer at the end of a hard days work the flagship provides a respite. Yet is it a best seller? As diversity continues to dominate the market, a craft brewery, with a few exceptions (cough cough Cohesion), is expected to produce a wide variety of styles and flavors pushing well beyond the boundaries of traditional style guidelines. What then do you perma-label your flagship? Does it standout more because it’s in line and consistent or does it become muddled amongst your other 16 gourmet cheesecake offerings?

To those who have a deep love and appreciation for the craft I believe a flagship does standout and always will. Yet we are seeing brands such as New Belgium Fat Tire and Sam Adams Boston Lager deviate from age old recipes produced alongside the inception of their respective brands morph into more “consumer friendly” beers. While personally I can empathize with a brand needing to adapt and survive, demonstrated no more clearly than the last 3 years, it’s a tough egg to swallow when you see a flagship beer from your core memories being re-envisioned. The old heads shake their fists in the air shouting it’s not what it used to be and the average consumer notices a flashy label of a beer they saw at a Jewel Osco once and skipped over. It’s all a part of the progress of man. 

For my own sake, here are five Flagship beers from Kentucky I personally hope never change. 

• Monnik Beer Co -Haucks American Pilsner
• Atrium Brewing - Neuer Kohln 
• West Sixth Brewing - Pennyrile Pale Ale
• Holsopple Brewing - Aloupa Pale Ale
• Falls City - Pilsner

- David Satterly

Bock beer has a rich history that spans centuries and continents, and it all started in the city of Einbeck, Germany in the 13th century. This delicious brew has been quenching the thirsts of beer lovers for generations, and it has an interesting connection to the monastic communities of Europe. The word "bock" means "goat" in German, and it's said that the beer was named after the goat symbol on the brewery's sign.

As bock beer gained popularity, it made its way to Munich, where the brewers added their own twist to the recipe, making it smoother and more flavorful. This new version of bock beer became so popular that it quickly spread throughout Germany and beyond. But, why is bock beer so special? It's brewed with extra malt, which gives it a rich, toasty flavor. And, with a higher alcohol content than most beers, it's sure to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. It's a beer that's perfect for those chilly winter nights when all you want is to curl up by the fireplace with a good book (or a good friend).

Interestingly, bock beer was also popular among monastic communities in Europe. Monks would brew and drink bock beer as a source of sustenance during times of fasting. They believed that the beer provided the necessary nutrients to keep them going during these periods. This connection to the monastic communities only adds to the rich history and tradition of bock beer.

The popularity of bock beer reached new heights in the 20th century, with bock festivals becoming a staple in many German cities and even in Louisville, Kentucky. In Louisville, the Bock Fest has become a beloved annual tradition, bringing together beer lovers from all over to sample the city's finest bock beers, enjoy live music, and take part in various bock-themed activities. The festival is a celebration of Louisville's rich brewing history and the city's passion for good beer.

So, next time you raise a glass of bock beer, take a moment to reflect on its rich history and the generations of beer lovers who have enjoyed this delicious brew. From its origins in Einbeck, to its popularity among monastic communities, to its place in today's world of beer, bock beer has a story to tell. And, with festivals like the Bock Fest in Louisville, that story continues to be written and celebrated. Prost!

Rob Arnold (Owner, Pregame Coffee) joins the show this week to talk coffee, coffee beers, coffee cocktails and wrestling. We also talk about:

• Holy Grale’s 12th Anniversary
• Uncle Disheveled Day at Mile Wide Beer Co.
• Inside Job Brewing coming soon to Louisville.
• Coffee Snob or Beer Snob

Featured Beverages:

• Uncle Disheveled Coffee Stout (Mile Wide Beer Co.)
• Kentucky Coffee Cocktail
• Pregame Old Fashioned
• Chai Ball​

Support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If you like what you hear, you can tip us a few bucks over on our Patreon: www.patreon.com/kycommons

With a bit of the history out of the way, here is our recipe. Take this as a place to start and then get as creative as you would like experimenting with new flavors! If you find any new favorite concoctions, drop us a line and let us know. Or bring some by in a steaming kettle during your next caroling jaunt!

Happy holidays from your friends at Louisville Ale Trail!
​
-David, Michael, John

WASSAIL:
(makes approx. 2.5 gallons)
In a large crockpot of kettle, combine:

• Two gallons organic apple juice or cider.
• One to two, 750ml bottles of wine of choice (we used a Cabernet Sauvignon)
• One 750ml bottle of spirit of choice (we used bourbon this year, but have also used brandy, port, cognac)
• One quart of 100% pomegranate juice
• One large navel orange - sliced
• One apple - cored and sliced
• 1 Cup fresh cranberries - halved
• Six sticks of cinnamon,
• One clove of nutmeg - cracked open

Slowly bring to a just below a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it rest for 10-20 min, then cool to serving temperature and enjoy! 
Tip: to really let the flavors mingle you can also let the simmered Wassail sit covered overnight, then warm again when ready to serve.

NEED THAT LAST HOLIDAY GIFT FOR YOUR BEER LOVER? 
We got you covered.

​Going to Railbird Music Festival in Lexington, KY? We’ve paired six beers from West 6th and six performances you won’t want to miss.

As the fall colors and chilly evenings arrive, it’s time once again to gather with family and friends (even if it’s virtually this year) to celebrate all that we have to be thankful for, and relive all the ways that you’ve disappointed them, yet again, this year.

Without a doubt their biggest disappointment will be your continued obsession with this thing you call “Craft” beer.

YOUR MOM: “You spent HOW much on that 4 pack of fruit juice, Jimothy? But you sleep on a futon!”

With this list of 7 great, Louisville-made gateway beers (almost all of which can be found at your local grocery store -- we recommend ValuMarket, Mid City Mall) you’ll remind them of the crisp lagers they're used to, but also show them that there’s so much more great beer out there... and that maybe... just maybe... you’re not a complete degenerate.

With each beer, we’ll also provided recommendations for other Louisville made gateway beers we think they’ll love!

"And then I said, 'We'll, there's no price tag on it - so it must be free, right?'"

Aunt Karen cackles at her own joke and nearly spills her third cosmopolitan before knocking back the rest of the glass.

"Fix your aunty another, junior. And make it snappy." (more cackling.)

Your mother mouths "no" from across the kitchen and tilts her thumb and pinkie finger to her mouth. Instead of reaching for the Citron, you pull out a Tangerine Barstow from Mile Wide.

She turns up her nose, "Eww. You know I hate those bitter lagers."

"I know, Aunt Karen. But all they had were lagers, so I demanded to speak to the manager."

Is that a small tear of pride, or her Botox leaking?
​
"I told him my Aunt Karen doesn't like 'normal ' beers. So he pointed this out to me special. It's an American Wheat Ale with delicious Tangerine and I got it especially for you!"

"Mmmmm." she says, taking a big glug. "You know who would love this? Your Cousin Dannny. He's got such great taste, wish they could be here, they're so busy with the baaaby, and did I tell you he just got ANOTHER promotion? What do you do again?"

You sigh, crack a crisp, clean, sessionable Barstow for yourself and smile through the pain.

MAY WE ALSO RECOMMEND:
TANGERINE G (Tangerine Gose) - Atrium Brewing

"Heyya, kiddo!" calls Dad, "Come watch the game with me?" 

Honestly, you know as much about sports as he knows about historical Belgian lambic production, but you love spending time with the old man.

"Sure, Dad. Need a beer?"

"Is the Pope Catholic?"

You crack a couple cold Louisville Lagers from Goodwood.

"You know Dad," you say as he takes a sip, "this Louisville lager beer is made from 100% Kentucky grown grain and is aged on White Ash, that's the same wood used to make Louisville Sluggers."

"Wow, you don't say? They use this to make baseball bats?"

You see three or four other empty beer bottles on the coffee table so you just roll with it. 

"Umm, kinda?" 

He grips the can like a baseball bat and cocks back for a swing.

"Hey kiddo, do I look like Barry Bonds."

"You sure do, Dad. You sure do."

MAY WE ALSO RECOMMEND:
MAPLE OATMEAL STOUT (Oatmeal Stout) - Gordon Biersch

A 90's Del Sol blasts vintage Beastie Boys and barrels down the street squealing to a stop outside.

"Hi Kyle." you wave.

Kyle pulls his body halfway out the open driver's window pumping his fists in the air.

"COU-SIN. COU-SIN!!!" 

The rest of him pops out and he gives you a big hug. 

"By the way, I'm going by K-Dawg now. You think your mom can do this laundry? Hey, you guys got any brewsky around here?"

You toss K-Dawg's enormous linen bag into the laundry room and toss him a Hauck's American Pilsner from Monnik.

He eyes the can suspiciously, "Thanks, but I'm a pretty dedicated Natty guy."

"Give it a try Ky... K-Dawg. You know, this beer was named after Geroge Hauck, World War II vet and Schnitzelburg's O.G. number one citizen."

"That'll play." he says and downs it immediately. 

Behind him the laundry door creaks open and a figure appears, silhouetted against the bright light.

"Hello, son." 

K-Dawg freezes mid chug. His eyed go wide.

MAY WE ALSO RECOMMEND:
STRAIGHT OUTTA CLIFTON (West Coast IPA) - Gallant Fox
CLEARLY KENTUCKIAN (Flavored Hard Seltzer) - Ten20

"GET BACK HERE AND SAY HELLO TO YOUR FATHER!" Aunt Karen screams and storms off after K-Dawg.

"HE'S NOT MY FATHER!" K-Dawg yells back and runs from the kitchen.

Uncle Dougie moves to go after her, but you put your hand on his shoulder.

"Give them a minute." You say. "Let's have a beer."

You open the garage cooler and pop a couple A-Beers from Against the Grain.

"He just can't accept that his mother and I are back together again." says your Uncle Dougie taking a long pull from his can.

"Well," you say, trying to be kind, "you've been out there 'finding yourself' for a long time. Now you show back up, ready for him to treat you like a father, but have you asked if you're ready to treat yourself the same way."

He sits down on the cooler and buries his head in his hands.

You pat him on the back. "Take this beer for example. When you're ready for a beer, you deserve the best. You deserve A-Beer. When Kyle is ready for a father, doesn't he deserve the best too?"

Dougie looks up at you and sniffs, "He does. I'm gonna be the A-Beer of Dads to that kid. So help me God."

MAY WE ALSO RECOMMEND:
WADE'S  RyePA (Rye Pale Ale) - ​Old Louisville Brewery
SHAKEN NATURE (Mango Milkshake IPA) - Holsopple

Late that evening you wander to the backyard for a bit of peace-and-quiet. A cool breeze wafts the smell of wood smoke and you see your old neighbor Buck sitting out by a campfire.

"Why don't you tell the old Buckster all about it, ya little buckaroo?"

You tell old Buck all about your day and your wacky family. He listens quietly, like an old friend.

"Well," he says, staring into the fire, "that's quite a story. You say that all you did was share a bunch of beer you love. But to these old ears, sounds like what you actually shared was love itself. And sharing love," Buck winks and smiles, "well, that's what Christmas is all about."

"It's Thanksgiving, Buck."

Buck taps the tip of his nose and takes a long drink of beer.

​"Exactly."

​MAY WE ALSO RECOMMEND:
PAY IT FORWARD COCOA PORTER (American Porter) -  West Sixth NuLu

​In Louisville we're used to seeing barrel-aged beers, but Against the Grain Brewery and Buzzard's Roost Sippin' Whiskey took things a step further with their recently-released Roosted Chiquen collaboration - an Amber Lager and Straight Rye Whiskey that share the same custom oak profile (that should be, according to both companies, sipped together). Both products showcase the same notes of vanilla and smoke from the oak aging process.

"We've experimented with smoke and oak flavors since we first started brewing," said Jerry Gnagy, co-founder and Head Brewer at Against the Grain, in a prepared statement. "We saw what Buzzard's was doing with their specialized, custom barrels and thought it'd be un to see what happens when we introduced our amber lager to the same wood."

Buzzard's Roost, a new whiskey brand based out of Louisville, uses a unique barreling method - all their barrels are charred or toasted to a specified temperature that results in known flavor profiles that they can impact the rye whiskey inside. 

"Think of the staves we use in our barrels as a spice rack," said Jason Brauner, Buzzard's Roost Master Blender. "Picking and choosing flavor profiles, specific to the wood on a molecular level, we can make a pretty good guess at what flavors will be imparted on our whiskey. Turns out - it also works well with beer.

Both products are available now at Against the Grain Public House (1576 Bardstown Road) with plans to sell at retailers throughout Kentucky later in November.

For more information, visit www.atgbrewery.com or www.buzzardsroostwhiskey.com

And while you're visiting Public House for a sippin' beer and sippin' whiskey, you can get your Louisville Ale Trail Passport stamped.

There are those classic Halloween movies and those staple fall beers we all know and love, but here are eight Halloween movie recommendations and eight special release Louisville Beer seasonal brews that we suspect you've never seen or tried before.

​This season, here's to finding a few new Halloween favorites & a few new places to enjoy a beer along the Louisville Ale Trail!
​
​NO SPOILERS (except for our opinions on the beer.)
New to the Louisville Ale Trail? Grab your passport below.

​

      If "The Da Vinci Code" and "The Blair Witch Project" crawled deep down into the mass-grave of catacombs beneath Paris and in that darkness gave birth to their love child, it might come out something like 2014’s “As Above So Below”.
​      This found-footage piece delves deep into the real-life, bone-laden labyrinths beneath Paris and the Beyond.
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This limited release of the already decadent Snake Eyes imperial stout has more layers than Dante's vision of hell. Drinks like a liquid peanut butter cup and is the adult candy you want in your trick-or-treat haul. (11% ABV)

      Okay, only one vampire movie, we promise. But this is not exactly a vampire movie. This Swedish film tells the story of a lonely boy named Oscar as he makes a new friend in his dingy borough outside of Stockholm that's facing a string of morbid deaths.
      I know, I know, you hate subtitles, but trust me on this one and stay away from the American version. (Yes, I'm that kind of hipster.)
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Release date: November 12th. This unique American Sour Ale is packed with literally double the amount of fruit usually used in Mile Wide's Quiet Science beers. So juicy and good to the last drop. (5% ABV.) 

       With the sub-title, “A New England Folktale”, this debut film from Robert Eggers (who’s most recent offering, “The Lighthouse” is also bizarrely great) is set on the far-flung outskirts of Puritan New England and tells the story of a family making a home in the wild, dealing with loss, and a big black goat named "Phillip".
      I remember going to see this one in the theater (remember those?) and I remember the deep, lingering, unsettled angst that it left in my stomach for days. Enjoy.
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Long before hops came to dominate the beer world, the ales-of-old relied on all sorts of herbs and aromatics to impart flavor to the beer and vigor to the drinker. This old, old school Gruit Ale is brewed with elderflower, yarrow and sweet gale.  (6.5% ABV)

     Once, in a beautiful Victorian manor, in the rural English countryside, a young woman in need of work was hired by a charming and sweet, elderly English couple to care for their precious and beloved son Brahms. Turns out Brahms was really a life-sized porcelain doll but hey, a gig's a gig.
​      This movie starts there then gets weirder and weirder. You've been warned.
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For long, cold nights alone (?) in a drafty manor, the strong, dark, amber lager known as Doppelbock is a time honored tradition. It's hard to find a better take on those traditional lagers than you'll get at Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant. (8% ABV)

      This absolutely manic, documentary style film follows a crew of filmmakers into the remote northern reaches of Norway where they encounter a man who claims to be … wait for it… a Troll hunter.
      It's been a few years since I’ve seen this one but it still manages to sticks out in my memory as a completely and brazenly fun film and an homage to the monster movies of old. And the Norwegian backdrop is just beautiful!
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This special release, Fall Spiced Ale is brewed with cinnamon, nutmeg, butternut squash, and ginger. Pairs great with the long search for that illusive forest creature. Tastes just as good on a cozy movie night! (6.2% ABV)

      If you are a fan of intricately woven narrative, story-arc and structure, carefully crafted performances, then this movie is NOT for you. If you are a fan of a good, “WHAT THE ACTUAL F%CK??? WHY IS THIS CLOWN??? HELL NO!”, journey into nightmare fuel, then you absolutely need to see this one.
      Let me be clear: the ONLY reason to watch this movie is for the performance of David Howard as “Art” the clown. And that is absolutely reason enough. Sorry in advance.
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Named for the tyrannical principal from the movie "Matilda". This Baltic Porter is packed with tons of caramel malts and sea salt. The result is a super crushable salted caramel porter. Perfect to warm you up on a chilly fall day or to lift your spirits after watching the stabby, evil clown. (6% ABV)

We promised there would only be one vampire movie on the list, but this isn’t really a vampire movie either. Its more of a zombie movie and its an absolute masterpiece of mood, music, cinematography, story, and performance. Plus Tilda Swinton is just freaking cool.
This film will will make you feel absolutely peachy about the fate of the world here at the end of 2020. Promise...

“The sands of the hourglass have almost gone.”
“Time to turn it over then.”
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Release date: November 3rd. Crisp, cool and citrusy with a bright pop of refreshing tartness and a juicy punch of fresh tangerine, this Gose beer is guaranteed to liven up your taste buds and leave you wanting more... more... more... (5% ABV)

      This anthology of genre-centered shorts interweave to create an absolutely, fantastically fun romp through an archetypal Halloween town. Come for the ghouls, the stabs, and the laughs, and I bet this will become a Halloween movie that you’ll want to come back to year after year.
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A quintessential Halloween movie deserves a quintessential Halloween beer. Smashing pumpkin is a strong American pale ale with ample cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and a touch of vanilla that is not too sweet with a dry back end. (6.7% ABV)

      Okay, we had to have one kid friendly entry here, right? But this R.L. Stein, (YEAH, the Goosebumps guy!) made for tv movie is actually and absolutely a PURE delight. This is primarily thanks to the great performance of the main villain “Phears”.
      Instead of a trailer for this one, I’ll leave you all with a clip of one of my favorite scenes.
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If you're here we already know you love craft beer, so why not try your hand at making your own? Krampusnacht Winter Warmer is a homebrew recipe available exclusively at our Passport pickup location, Brewgrass Homebrew Supply. Strong, malty, sustaining & deliciously spiced with all the all the best mulling spices, this ale will keep you warm on those long winter nights.

From the guys at Louisville Ale Trail, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Tag us on social media (@LouisvilleAleTrail. #LouisvilleAleTrail) while you’re out there enjoying those Halloween beers or with your favorite Halloween movies and lets see if we can all find a few new favorites this season.
Cheers, and we’ll see you on the trail.