Beer Gear

What's better than being able to enjoy the perfect beer on your day off? Well, not much, in all honesty. But what happens when you want to support your favorite breweries or artists out in the real world? One of my favorite parts of the craft beer community is something I like to call "beer gear." It's all the great stuff that breweries have available for you to show off your love of their products. The most obvious beer gear are logo glasses and growlers from your local breweries, and I have no shortage of those.

A sample of my glassware collection

But what else is there? The answer: almost anything you can imagine! My favorites are shirts and jewelry (or brewlery, as some like to call it) because I can wear them just about anywhere and get away with it. These are my two favorite pieces from an artist in Oregon. 

Hop jewelry from Hopped Up Jewelry!

And I can't forget my go-to $5 sunglasses from Lagunitas.

I also have magnets, coasters, stickers, and even a Goose Island chair in my living room. IPA flavored lip balm was another unique item I’ve acquired. My Etsy wish list shows just a glimpse of what is available! From beer inspired artwork, to hand-blown glasses, to kitchen towels, and even beer soap…I want it all. If you can imagine it, it’s probably out there. Lucky for me, someone who isn’t very crafty, I have the entire internet to scour for unique ways to show my love for craft beer!

Cheers & Sunshine!

Jasmine

Beer & Fitness?

Beer AND fitness? Those don't seem like things that should go together, but now they do! All over the country breweries are embracing the idea that people who like to drink craft beer also like to stay in shape. I don't even like to think about the amount of calories I consume in one brewery trip...The good news is that now I can still visit the brewery, but have a workout first. 

Many breweries across the nation have introduced yoga and beer. They open their breweries up to the yogis for a unique class environment that you can’t experience anywhere else. I can’t imagine being more centered than when I’m doing yoga just feet from where beer is being brewed. I just recently took my first yoga class and hope that breweries in the area begin offering these events soon.

Another popular offering from breweries are events like Beer and Bike which is hosted by Ironwood Brewing in Valparaiso on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 6 pm during the summer. Crown Brewing in Crown Point takes it a step further with their Pint Night Ride and Run which is every Monday also at 6 pm. After your 10-15 mile bike ride, or 3 mile fun run, you can stick around and enjoy a pint with a little less worry about your waistline!

Whether it’s yoga, biking, or running…Get your fit AND drink on!

Cheer & Sunshine!
Jasmine

My Top 5 Summer Beers of 2016

With the official start of summer just around the corner, and temperatures like this in the forecast, it's no surprise that we begin looking for lighter beverages to quench our thirst.

My beverage of choice just so happens to be craft beer. After coming out of the winter months, I have a hard time not diving head first into every IPA I can get my hands on. My number 1 recommendation for summer beers are first and foremost the ones you enjoy the most. That may seem like common sense, but many in the beer community feel pressure to drink what other people tell them to drink. If you want to crack open a Russian Imperial Stout on a 90-degree summer day, go right ahead! For those of you who prefer something lighter, I want to share with you my list of my Top 5 Summer Beers of 2016.

In no particular order...

Sun King Brewing Company (Indianapolis, IN)

Sunlight Cream Ale ABV: 5.3% IBU: 20

I know what you may be thinking…You don’t want to be drinking anything with the word “cream” when you’re out in the sun, but believe me, you won’t regret it! This cream ale is smooth and finishes crisp and clean. Not into hops? This beer will be refreshing without smacking you in the face like beers with a stronger hop profile.

Bell's Brewery (Galesburg, MI)

Oberon Ale ABV: 5.8% IBU: 50

Oberon has quickly become my summer go-to (and it’s not even technically summer yet). This pale wheat ale sits at a respectable 5.8%, which means you can enjoy a few more! My favorite part of summer beers so far was picking up this awesome mini-keg of Oberon a few weeks ago. Having beer on draft for me is usually a much more pleasant experience, so being able to have that in my own home was a treat.

Green Flash Brewing Company (San Diego, CA)

Passion Fruit Kicker ABV: 5.5% IBU: 5

If you are not a traditional beer drinker, this is the summer beer for you! This fruit beer has very low IBUs which makes for easy drinking. It’s refreshing and tart, and reminds me of drinking iced tea. A nice mix of wheat and passion fruit round out its rather complex flavor profile. Bring a six pack of this to your next backyard BBQ and everyone will be thanking you!

Look at that unfiltered goodness!

SweetWater Brewing Company (Atlanta, GA)

IPA ABV: 6.3% IBU: 61 

My list wouldn’t be complete without my absolute favorite style of beer—a traditional American IPA. This beer has the highest ABV and IBUs on my list. If you are not a fan of intense hops, steer clear! IPAs traditionally are what non-beer drinkers don’t like about craft beer. Hops—you either love them or you hate them. (I love them!) Another one of my favorite characteristics of this IPA is that it is unfiltered. This means that it goes through one less step in the brewing process, ensuring that it has all its natural flavors. Unfortunately, we can't get this in Indiana, but I'm lucky enough to have a family member that lives in the Atlanta area!

Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits (San Diego, CA)

Mango Even Keel ABV: 3.8% IBU: 40

If you like the idea of IPAs, but want something a little lighter, try looking for Session IPAs, like this one. This beer tastes like summer in a glass…or a can, which is a great option if you’re taking it outdoors. At only 3.8%, this would be my ideal beer to bring out in the pool and drink all day without the worry of feeling it the next day. The mango is in perfect balance with the hops, which makes it as refreshing as it is delicious. If you have tried others by Ballast Point but have been put off by the more intense hop flavors—Sculpin or Grapefruit Sculpin—then this is a great option.

There you have it! While this list isn’t comprehensive, it’s a great start for when you’re in the liquor store staring at the daunting amount of choices on the shelves. Remember, always drink what makes you happy and drink responsibly!

Cheers & Sunshine!

Jasmine