All posts in category Tap of the Week

Tap of the Week: Carr’s Cider House

Carr’s Cider makes a few varieties of hard ciders, depending both what varieties of apples they can get and what sort of mindset Jonathan, the owner, is in.  No matter which cider Carr’s produces, they are all barrel-aged for at least six months, which makes a drastic difference in taste.  Carr’s grows a variety of apples within their own orchard, including Golden Russet, Yarlington, and Dabinett.  When the growing season is poor, as it was this past year, the cider house buys in apples such as Fortune and Empire from another local grower. For the general public, Carr’s “Fortune” cider is currently available for sale at the following two locations in Massachusetts:

“Fortune” hard cider is a very crisp cider ripe with acidity.  Carr’s describes it as “an excellent light, sparkling cider made from the fabulous mid-modern cultivar ‘Fortune’.” Unlike “Fortune,” which runs at a moderate 6.5% alcohol by volume, Carr’s upcoming “Orchard Run” packs a punch with 12% a.b.v. which shows its wine-like strength.  Two other varieties that are pending federal label approval are “Golden Russet” and “Apple Pommeau.”  Warning: these last two are not for the faint at heart, as they weigh in at 13.5% a.b.v. and 19.5% a.b.v. respectively.

Carr’s Ciderhouse has come with eight long years of hard work.  The orchard at Carr’s began with 1,500 apple trees back in 2007 in North Hadley, Massachusetts (It’s what owner Jonathan Carr puts into the soil that produces such flavorsome apples!).  To top it all off, the orchard provides an astonishing view of the Connecticut River Valley.

“The First Press of the Season”

Here is a link to a video made by Ryan Marshall, a great friend to the Carr’s team, which shows how the apple pressing process works.  Jonathan (Carr)  is very proud of his shiny red press. Apples Waiting for the Press

Carr’s is sold in 750ml bottles.  The cider house is working on getting their cider on top in the near future.

Carr’s has chosen our hoses and regulators to help get their cider out to the public.

Visit Carr’s Cider House online at carrsciderhouse.com.

Plan on visiting Massachusetts soon? Having any relatives in the area?  Make sure to sit back and relax with a hard cider from Carr’s.

Cheers!

K

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by The Kegman on February 10, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by The Kegman on February 10, 2012

http://blog.kegman.net/2012/02/10/tap-of-the-week-carrs-cider-house/

Tap of the Week: Greenwood’s Grille & Ale House

This week we were in Connecticut visiting friends, and happened to stumble upon a gem of a restaurant hidden in the small, quaint town of Bethel.  Greenwood Grille & Ale House serves up a variety of craft beers on tap along with specialty bottled beers.

Bethel's Premium Beer BarAlong with some deliciously hand-crafted burgers and entrees, patrons can participate in events such as happy hour specials, monthly beer tastings with food pairings, and live entertainment.

Beers on Tap at GreenwoodGreenwood has become known as one of the area’s premium beer bars, which features their own Greenwood Ale, produced in Oxford, Connecticut.  The grille and ale house is the place to be in the town’s center, with lines going the door on the weekends.

Greenwood’s owner has served up the finest cuisine throughout the Connecticut and New York City.  Some of the highlights from the menu include skinny onion rings and The Spice, a burger topped with avocado, jalapenos and queso blanco.

Rogue Double Chocolate StoutHere is a picture of one of Greenwood’s featured craft beers, Rogue’s Double Chocolate Stout.  This chocolaty beer hit the spot after having one of the signature burgers.  Another craft beer that we had was the Dogfish Head 90 Minute India Pale Ale.

Greenwood’s Grille & Ale House opens at 11:30AM daily, with late night menu options on Friday and Saturday nights.

Greenwood’s is located at 186 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, Connecticut.


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by The Kegman on February 3, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by The Kegman on February 3, 2012

http://blog.kegman.net/2012/02/03/tap-of-the-week-greenwoods-grille-ale-house/

Tap of The Week: The Distillery

The Distillery Craft Beer Bar

If you’re in Savannah, The Distillery is by far the place to be.  Marked as “an oasis of craft beer in the Southeast” by Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewery, craft beer fanatics will find themselves right at home.  Given the rich history of the area, the name pays tribute to a reputable distilling company that once reigned in the building.  At first glimpse inside the bar, customers are brought back in time reminiscent of vintage saloons.  The interior is decorated with historic references such as old newspaper clippings and pictures of the pharmacy that once marked the territory.

Some of the Craft Beer ChoicesIf the history isn’t encapsulating enough, perhaps being the area’s only real craft beer bar might tickle your fancy.  Accolades include world class status as a craft beer bar from Beer Advocate, and being one of the best places to drink in the South by Imbibe Magazine.  The Distillery is known for serving over 20 craft beers on tap and approximately 100 bottled beer options.  Taunting the slogan “No crap, just craft,” The Distillery serves up only the finest beers alongside authentic pub food.

Are you or your friends considering opening a bar in your area? We can help answer all of your questions here.

So, do you think you can make it in time for Happy Hour? The Distillery should be next on your list, seeing as Happy Hour specials are extended to Saturdays as well – who’s gonna argue against that?

Are you a local native? Make sure to take full advantage of special offerings such as the Beer Club and the Distillery Dames.

No Crap, Just Craft!

Here are a few of the craft beers available on tap.  Know of anyone that does home brewing? Add some spice to your set-up with a Monty Python tap handle.

The Distillery is located in the historic district of Savannah on Liberty Street, across from the Savannah Visitor Center.

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by The Kegman on January 27, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by The Kegman on January 27, 2012

http://blog.kegman.net/2012/01/27/tap-of-the-week-the-distillery/

Tap of the Week: Fajitaville Grille

There is a new restaurant that just recently opened in Corpus Christi.  If a place as picturesque as this doesn’t make you want to visit, then at least go to enjoy a few margaritas and some fajitas from the Fajitaville Grille.Brews and Tunes, what more could you ask for?

This promising place is all about cold brews and beach views, with tortillas that are done right under the moonlight. Founded on the principles of great food, incredible atmosphere and being the best beachside bar you’ve ever been to; because honestly, who could resist that – the description doesn’t fall short of paradise.  Not to mention that Fajitaville Grille is the only restaurant in town with on-the-beach service!

A view of Fajitaville Grille from the outsideCorpus Christi’s newest munching mecca is a 3-story entertainment and dining complex that will be sure to be serving up some of the best times in Texas.  This one-of-a-kind eatery is perfect for everyone, from the casual patio dinner to live indoor cooking shows, Fajitaville Grille is sure to please everyone in the family. The first floor is pretty much for the vacationing beach bums stopping in for a quick meal or drink. The second floor is for entertaining – with a hibachi and ceviche bar it sure is! While the third floor is where the party’s at, serving as a meeting room for private functions.

Cold Brews and Water Views

Fajitaville Grille is the place to be in Corpus Christi, with three bars included.  Two of the bars are located on separate floors, while Bamboo Beach Bar is outside in the blazing hot Texas sun, right by the beach.  Let me tell you this, it took a lot of careful planning for the systems to all work together.  With the help from our Glycol Cooled Systems, the beer flows smoothly and tastes delicious.Endless possibilities across three bars

So the end result turned out to be very promising – who would turn down an offer for an ice cold beer or cocktail after a long day at the beach?  Next time you’re in the Corpus Christi area, make sure to check out Fajitaville Grille.

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by The Kegman on January 20, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by The Kegman on January 20, 2012

http://blog.kegman.net/2012/01/20/tap-of-the-week-fajitaville-grille/

Tap Of The Week: Toby’s Estate

What's on tap at Toby's

What's on tap at Toby's

Never thought to pair Australia with coffee beans?  If so, you haven’t heard the buzz behind Toby’s Estate.  Having been in the industry for over a decade, the espresso shop and roastery has finally landed in Brooklyn, New York.  The latest offering from Toby’s located in downtown Williamsburg also includes a cupping room and training lab for wholesalers.

A homemade speciality

A homemade specialty

Are you ready to take your dedication to the espresso bean a step farther? Toby’s Estate will take part as host to schooling for topics such as latte art class.  In addition to the location’s schooling and training facilities, the roastery will provide coffee connoisseurs with products such as coffee beans from across the globe and espresso machines available for purchase.

In addition to the specialty services, Toby’s Estate also serves up a menu of various coffees, teas, snacks, and sandwiches.

Founder Toby Smith and head roaster Deaton Pigot seek to “create a comfortable atmosphere, encouraging guests to remain at the bar and chat with the skilled barista while their drink of choice is being made.”

Cupping Room and Espresso Lab

Learn from the best

Toby’s Estate is located on North 6th Street, between Berry Street and Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Toby’s Estate also has locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Singapore.

Next time your in the Big Apple, make sure to stop by to see what Toby’s brewing up!

In need of some old fashioned soda and water seltzers? Check out our featured seltzer draft arm here.

-K

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by The Kegman on January 12, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by The Kegman on January 12, 2012

http://blog.kegman.net/2012/01/12/tap-of-the-week-tobys-estate/

Kegman’s Tap of the Week: Octane Coffee Bar

Happy New Year to all! We hope the holidays treated you all well.  I’d like to introduce a new series of blog postings entitled “Kegman’s Tap of the Week.”  In this series, we will put the spotlight on a new client each week to highlight what they’re brewing.

Octane Coffee Bar

Fill up at Octane next time you’re in Atlanta. The Kegman himself can guarantee that it’ll be a caffeinating experience in quality roasted brews like no other!

Octane Coffee Bar

Octane Coffee Bar

Octane’s first and original location is in Midtown, Westside — Atlanta, at the corner of Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street NW, between Georgia Tech and the King Plow Arts Center.

Grant Park

The Jane in Grant Park

The Jane in Grant Park is home to their newest location. A bright, open loft-like space with tall ceilings and space for more than just Octane  — The Little Tart Bakeshop keeps the pastry section full of quiches, croissants, and a variety of other sweet treats. We’re very excited about their new shop, be sure to stop by and say hello from the Kegman!

The World's Best Awards

America's Coolest Coffee Houses

Travel and Leisure recently posted its list of America’s Coolest Coffee Houses and Octane is on the list!

Issue No. 30: March/April 2011

100 Best Places to Dink in the South

Issue No. 30: March/April 2011

“Liquid Culture” magazine, Imbibe recently named Octane one of the “100 best places to drink in the South” in its special Southern themed issue! And mentioned in the Best Beer and Coffee in Atlanta on Imbibe.com

Bon Appetit magazine aptly named Octane as one of the top ten boutique coffee shops.

The list just  goes on, need I continue?  Just go see for yourself, Octane’s a necessary stop to make anytime you’re in the Atlanta area.

Follow Octane Coffee Bar on Twitter at @octanecoffee

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by The Kegman on January 5, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in On the Road, Tap of the Week

Posted by The Kegman on January 5, 2012

http://blog.kegman.net/2012/01/05/kegmans-tap-of-the-week-octane-coffee-bar/

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