Petrol Station Competes for Most Bitter Bar in America

The Petrol Station is currently competing with other beer bars across the country to be named Stone Brewing's Most Bitter Bar in America:

One national winner will be named, along with a winner for each state, and one per region. Winners will receive the undying glory of being named "Most Bitter Bar" for the period of one year.

In Texas, the Petrol Station is competing against the Flying Saucer locations in Houston and Garland as well as the Meddlesome Moth in Dallas. How can you help them win this prestigious honour? Simple, go hang out at the Petrol Station (something you should do anyway) and order a beer brewed by Stone Brewing between 12:00am on June 4th and 11:59pm on June 11th. They're also opening for a special lunch on Thursday, June 9th (yeah, thats right, open for lunch on a weekday) and serving Double Dry-hopped Ruination, SSR, Cali Belgique, IPA and Belgo-Guardian with pulled pork sandwiches, chorizo mac-n-cheese and more.

Brooklyn Brewery Beer Dinner at Kenny and Ziggy's

Kenny & Ziggy's is the latest eatery in Houston to offer a beer and food dinner. The NY Deli Restaurant will be offering five courses paired with beers from the most famous brewery in New York, the Brooklyn Brewery. The cost is $65 per person and it takes place on Thursday, June 9th at 7:00pm.



First Course
Hot New York Pretzel Stuffed w/ House Cured Corned Beef and Swiss emanthal cheese - Brooklyn Lager

Second Course
Wild Mushroom and Barley Soup - Pennant Ale

Third Course
Homemade Celery Tonic Sorbet - Local 1

Fourth Course
Braised Hungarian Short Ribs w/ Yukon Potato Shiskas and Garlic String Beans - Brown Ale

Fifth Course
Chocolate Bobka Pudding with a Rum Caramel Sauce and Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream - Black Chocolate Stout

Secrets of the Brewluminati

Over the past few months, Independence Brewing has been quietly releasing monthly one-off brews under the series named Brewluminati. The secretive and often elusive beers have mainly been available at locations in Austin, but they've also been spotted around Houston more recently. So far in the series there's been a Scotch Ale called “Kill Shot”, an Imperial Porter named “Stoned Crow” and a ESB/Dark ale with the name “Thinker’s Ale”. The fourth release, brewed using Maris Otter malt and Sorachi Ace hops, has been named “Gold Deluxe” and should start appearing on tap shortly. The first samples of it were handed out during the monthly Tour and Tasting at the Brewery this past weekend and it was met with rave reviews from those lucky enough to get a chance to try it.  Each beer is only brewed once and when its gone, its gone, so definitely don't hesitate to order it if you see it on tap. Further information (well, sort of, but not really) can be found on the Brewluminati website.

June Glass Nights at Ginger Man

The Ginger Man has released their list of Glass Nights for the month of May:

1st - Sam Adams
8th - Newcastle
15th - Ommegang (Witte)
22nd - Ommegang (Rare Vos)
29th - Duvel (Special edition Duvel Parra glass)

The glasses are available starting at 5:30pm and only one glass per person with purchase of the beer of the day. As always, the glasses are subject to change and only available while supplies last.

Drink Local for the Month of June

The Beer Mapping Project (a GREAT website for finding beer when travelling) has issued the following challenge for the month of June: only drink beer produced in the state where you are currently drinking. In other words, if you’re planning to stay in Texas for the entire month of June, then you can only drink beers brewed in Texas. If you travel to Colorado for the weekend, then you can only drink beer brewed in Colorado while you’re there. Its all just for fun but the idea is to show your support for the local craft breweries. Considering HB602 was just killed in the TX Senate by objections raised by ABInBev, its never been a better time to show your support for all the Texas breweries. And with all the new breweries that have been opening, you certainly have a pretty wide selection of beers to choose from. If your favourite bar, restaurant or package store doesn’t carry Texas beer, then politely ask if they will start. If you decide to take on the challenge and use Twitter, include the tag #statebeer when tweeting about it to show your support. Are you up for the challenge?