Gifts for Mom ~Any Occasion!

Top 10 Real Gifts for Real Moms
Skip the candy and flowers, please, and take time to do something for mom that shows that you put some time and love into the gift. Gifts are not pacifiers; they should reflect some thought and energy, and yes, a little sacrifice. What gifts will your mom really enjoy?
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Trade Winds Tripel

I just realized I haven't been plugging the Trade Winds Tripel as much as I should be, given that it's my new favorite beer and we released it about two weeks ago!

A very late summer seasonal, perhaps even an Indian summer seasonal (crap, why didn't I put that on the label!), Trade Winds Tripel is a Belgian-style Golden Ale brewed with the Asian-inspired ingredients Thai basil and rice.  For those of you who swore off drinking beer with rice, it's about time to consider your choices again.  Don't blame it on the rice, it's the boring beer the rice is in!

The Thai basil comes through in the aroma as a flowery, almost hop-derived, and the rice imparts a coconut-like quality.  In the flavor, the malt contributes a hint of sweetness, with the Thai basil delivering unmistakeable herbal and floral qualities, and the rice giving a hint of coconut-like creaminess in the finish.  The relatively high carbonation and the dryness of this beer keep it immensely drinkable.

I've heard several people call it a dangerous beer on various occasions for its high drinkability while maintaining a respectable 8.1% ABV.  Dangerously delicious, perhaps.  Dangerous after guzzling two bottles and deciding to drive around on Labor Day weekend?  Definitely.

If you get the chance, I'd recommend enjoying one over this Labor Day weekend.  Be safe so you can go back to work on Tuesday!

LA County Fair Beer Competition

Last weekend Tyler and I judged some fantastic beers at the LA County Fair Commercial Beer Competition.  I entered several of our beers with the hope that we might be able to gain some recognition for The Bruery, and I'm very happy to report we did earn a few medals!

- Experimental Beers: Gold, Humulus Bruin

- American-Style or German-Style Sour Ales: Gold, Hottenroth Berliner Weisse

- French-Belgian Style Saison: Gold, Saison Rue

- Belgian and French-Style Ale: Gold, Black Orchard

- Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Beers: Bronze, Levud's on Oak (more commonly known as Bourbon Barrel Aged Batch No. 1 - Levud's)

Full results are available at http://www.calferm.org/news/2008results.htm

Delicious Candy Bouquet Centrepieces

At Finest Expressions we are always looking for unique and creative gifts to present to new parents and babies. Candy & Chocolate bouquets are a delicious twist on the usual flower bouquets and arrangements. They are made of delectable chocolates and candies, cute baby sock petals and beautiful silk flowers. Arranged in a flurry of cellophane tissue and tied with pretty ribbons, it will make a very special gift for the new parents. Have them as baby shower centerpieces or add a special toy to make it a fun sibling gift.

Stone 12th Anniversary

A recap on a festival that happened a few weeks ago, but is certainly not old news--

The Stone Anniversary Festival was pretty fantastic for us.  We brought every beer we've released so far (Orchard White, Black Orchard, Saison Rue, Trade Winds Tripel, Batch No. 1 - Levud's, Bourbon Barrel Aged Batch No. 1 - Levud's, Hottenroth Berliner Weisse, and Humulus Bruin).  We went through 84 gallons of beer; not a minor feat.

The reason this festival was so great was that many of the people coming up to our booth did not know about The Bruery.  We were able to meet them personally, explain who we are and what we do, and have them try our beers.  I think we might have a few new customers now.

It was also great to talk to people who have been supportive of us since we started-- old homebrewing friends, fellow BeerAdvocates / RateBeerians, and Southern California brewers.

The folks at Stone did an amazing job organizing the festival.  I was overwhelmed by the coordination and helpfulness of everyone working.  When we arrived, everything for the festival was unloaded from my truck onto a golf cart, and was driven off to my booth.  Not having to drag around a few jockey boxes, Co2 containers, and our fairly heavy new portable bar made the day all that much better.

We're looking forward to the 13th Anniversary!

The line for Barrel Aged Batch No. 1-- sorry to those who patiently waited and didn't get any!

Choosing Gifts for Toys for Tots, Overseas Missions and Children's Charities

Top 10 Gift Ideas for Children's' Charities
Issues to consider in charitable gift-giving. Climate, lifestyle, health, environment, language, usefulness, and many other considerations. Gift suggestions that work well for Toys for Tots, overseas missions, foreign aid, anonymous giving. Age appropriate gift list, too.
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Jelly Bean Cups – Baby Shower Favours

These mini-delights make cute favours for baby showers or kids birthday parties. The Mini-cups come filled with colour coordinated jelly beans or any other candy of your choice. It’s accented with ribbons and topped with a Hershey Kiss treat that is designed like a rose petal. Add your personalized tag to give it that special touch.

Contact us for more information on colour and style availability.