Dozer Unleashed: Porters, Pizza, Philanthropy, and Puppies

If you haven't been in Martin City recently, there is a lot of construction tearing up the streets, however this was the biggest damper on a night to honor a friend lost before his time. Patrick Mullin had a dear friend Jordan Fields that he lost before the world got to know him. Patrick wanted to do something to not only remember him but to honor him and do something positive for the community. Patrick partnered with Martin City Brewery to organize an event and even brew a beer to pay homage to his friend.

The beer, a barrel aged coconut porter named Dozer after the dog that Jordan adopted brewed and tapped for the first time at Martin City Brewing Company in the brewery side of the restaurant. With the way Patrick spoke of his friend you knew Jordan was a good man who had many passions. One of these passions was helping animals. What's a good way to help a lot of animals? How about donating 100% of the proceeds from sales of Dozer to Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adoption? I would say this is an amazing way to contribute to an organization that Jordan and his family have been and continue to be involved with. It's also a great way to name your event: Dozer Unleashed.

While the beer was a big draw for a lot of the craft beer scene, there was live music from Steve Jaklevic on amazing patio between the restaurant and brew house. There were some awesome raffle bundles with all proceeds from raffle tickets also going to Unleashed. I was hoping for a golf package with a round of free golf for four at some good courses or some bar signs, but there were a lot of people that donated for the raffle and some generous people walked away with prizes including swag from donor such as 96.5 The Buzz, Alamo Drafthouse, Bier Station, Central States Beverage, Dark Horse Distillery, The Kansas City Chiefs, Martin City Brewing Company, North Kansas City Beverage, Odell Brewing Co, RAYGUN shirts, Sock 101, Tallgrass Brewing Company, and Unleashed Pet Rescue & Adoption. Here is a peak at the set up.

Setup at @martincitybrew is underway. It's going to be a great time tonight! #DozerUnleashed pic.twitter.com/Ivw9MQtCOC
— Notorious P.A.T. (@PatsHoppedUp) July 10, 2014

There were amazing people at Martin City Brewery. Generous people who dug into their pocket books. Jovial people who wanted to have fun while supporting a great cause. And like Vanessa and her date, there were a lot of people who a lot of both.

#DozerUnleashed pic.twitter.com/zMLD0AhltH
— Vanessa Smith (@Viotch) July 11, 2014

Let's say you wanted more of a reason to go to Dozer Unleashed. Dark Horse Distillery brought some of their tasty whiskeys and vodka for people to get some tastings of the liquor that was aged in the barrels prior to Dozer maturing in the same wood. Dozer was really good and really smooth. I might have to go visit Dark Horse.

Whatever you do don't say awww for this next reason. There was a puppy kissing booth. WAIT, WHAT?! Yeah a puppy kissing booth. This was a very cute touch that brought a lot of people over and allowed Unleashed to spread the word about not only adoptions but also fostering. I had a great conversation with a woman who fostered a lot dogs and she was so passionate that she kept up with most of the dogs that she fostered even after they found loving households. This is a good picture of the cutest puppy there with a friend of mine, Alana.

.@alanaaanoel at the puppy kissing booth. #DozerUnleashed pic.twitter.com/NRSp3yFZDc
— Johnny Topgun (@EvolBrew) July 11, 2014

If you didn't make it out to Dozer Unleashed, then you missed out on a very entertaining while heartwarming and touching evening. If you did make it out to Martin City to support Dozer Unleashed, then I believe Patrick has a message for you:

On cloud 9 today. Thanks to all who helped make #DozerUnleashed a success. About $4,000 raised for @UnleashedRescue. pic.twitter.com/A7KEge8peT
— Notorious P.A.T. (@PatsHoppedUp) July 11, 2014

WHO GIVES A CRAFT?!?!

Awhile back, I was perusing Twitter and saw Central States post another one of their many contests giving away seats at something called Brewers Unleashed 2014. I didn't know what it was but I like winning things just like everyone else. So I retweeted and I was lucky enough to get a spot... even though I still didn't know what I had won.

Central States put together a beer dinner with a brewery that you may know of. They brought some of their lesser known beers and paired them with a local restaurant, Happy Gillis. The food was amazing but the best part food wise was dessert, an Imperial Stout cake that made a lot of people embarrass themselves with involuntary moans. Again the food was amazing.

The first beer of the night was one made by Crispin. A nice light pear cider call Lion Belge. This light and crisp cider really made me want to get brunch soon and have a mimosa. Next we were served Big Eddy's Russian Imperial Stout that was nice, smooth and malty, then a few test beers from Tenth and Blake.

During the whole presentation, it started to dawn on me that these beers were made by the MillerCoors brewery for craft and import beers. I had been enjoying beers that were considered CRAFTY!! I was getting a pit in my stomach... I didn't know how to feel. This was the enemy! This is what I had learned to sneer and turn my nose up towards. MillerCoors was yellow fuzzy beer! The source of derision towards my friends that were so ingrained in their beer of choice that it scared them try anything else.

I WAS ENJOYING THIS BEER!! I WAS IN A FULL EXISTENTIAL CRISIS!!! WHO AM I?! 

I finished my food and my drink with a facade of a jovial spirit, all the while struggling with this idea of a good beer made by Big Beer. 

Central States had a tour organized and I got to see a good portion of their operation in the warehouse. Everything from the printers that make the sign, walking through a women's restroom, and pallet upon pallet of beer. This was an awesome tour for two reasons. One it awe inspiring to see mountains of Boulevard, Stone, and Lagunitas. Each of these alters of ale taller than the previous and some even reaching to the ceiling of a three story tall warehouse.

The second reason the tour was awesome was because of Potweet and Aaron. These two gentlemen are the ones who run Central States' twitter feed, some would say that's all they do... I didn't say it! I am just saying
"some people." Potweet to me is a mesh of an awesome down to earth man that just happens to be one of top dogs at Central States and a guy who is going to say "Here, hold my beer and watch this!".  Aaron, despite being a St Louis Cardinal fan, is a fun loving funny guy who has the patience of a saint. Ask him about my trying out yeast at a beer fest and how well that went for me. However, I digress...

While Potweet was giving this tour of the warehouse, the question of craft vs crafty was tangible around the group. Between the physical beer staring us in the face, the presence of the brewers who came to Kansas City with their claim of good craft beer. Potweet quickly addressed this issue by saying, "Why fight between beer drinkers?! Why bash someone because they don't drink the same beer as you?" He is just astounded that people take the time to get so angry over beer.

Bear with me as I get on my soap box...

Potweet is correct, but I don't know if he went far enough. A really cool guy that knows a thing or two about beer and goats, Jeremy Danner is of the opinion that if you are going to turn your nose up to beer because who it is made by then good. Have fun with that. That just means more Bourbon County Stout for us, because its from Goose Island and they are owned by AB/InBev. Go ahead and pass on both Ommegang and Boulevard because they are owned by Duvel Moortgat. If you pass on that beer, that means there is more for me and I am happy.

What is the flip side of this? I have been listening to a few Under My Host podcasts. Very cool, funny, and entertaining people especially Cori. Between laughs jokes and beer talk, Cori will tell you that she thinks that every beer should have transparency about their origins if you will. If you have nothing to hide about who makes and owns you then why not say that you are an AB or MillerCoors product? This line of reasoning lends itself to the philosophy of supporting local and small brewers. It is also about drinking something that doesn't take a person only pressing a button to make.

However one of the MillerCoors guys really made me think. He said that it takes a lot of talent and beer knowledge to keep a very consistent beer on the scale that the big brewers do. He honestly felt that one of his biggest sellers was a quality beer as he put his heart and passion in to the brewing process. He also said that people who drink beer are easier to show other beers and expand their palate.

What do I think post existential crisis? What conclusions did my internal dialouge lead me to?

After reading a lot of opinions and seeing numerous people get beyond upset attempting to vanguard the definition of the word "craft" and villanizing the word "crafty", I feel that this mundane and pointless debate has run its course. I say that we get rid of these galvanizing words of craft and crafty. I say instead of categorizing breweries based on size and ownership, we force them to prove their passion with a good beer. A small brewer who makes ale that makes your cringe should not be given a honorific title, while a larger brewer that is consistent and talented at make beer that makes you swoon shouldn't be demonized. Make individual brewers do it better than the next guy! Make beer snobs and excuse my language but beer assholes get off their high horse. Get rid of the word craft! Drink good beer and chill. Good beer is all around and there is nothing to get mad about.

Happy 4th of July! Be safe! Have fun! Drink one for me! But what will it be?

Happy 4th of of July!! 

It is only your patriotic duty to have one or more beers on Independence Day!

Why you ask? Many of the Founding Fathers were brewers themselves! Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and of course Samuel Adams were all brewers that also were brave and courageous enough to stand up for their beliefs and convictions. Now was it liquid courage? We will never know but toast your forebears and tip one (or a few) back in their honor! Take another moment the reason we are free on Independence day. The leaders had a dream but American soldiers, sailors, and marines have shed sweat, tears, and too much blood to ensure we have days like today to celebrate!

Uncle Sam wants you to drink a beer! How about an America IPA from Schlafly?!

I am at Boulevardia! Where are you?

I am at Boulevardia in the West Bottoms in Kansas City! 

If you haven't heard of this festival and you live in this area, you might live under a rock!

For my birthday C got us tickets to Taps and Taste. A beer fest within the Boulevardia festival. They brought in brewers from all around the country that you can't get around here. And if you can get them, they brought beers you probably haven't had. Special beers made just for this fest. I am excited!! Below is a list of beers that I am going to try to get to... We will see how well I do and how much I remember. This list is not even close to all of the beers that will be there, just the ones I am targeting. Oh and thankfully there will be food at Taps and Taste both because it will be awesome food but I will be able to eat and drink, which is great for everyone involved. If you are out there come and find me!

• Boulevard Celebration Sour
• Anchor OBA
• Mother's Port Barrel Aged MILF
• Mother's Love Factory
• Santa Fe Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Java Stout
• Stone's Tiger Cub Aged in White Wine Barrels
• 4 Hands City of Dreams - Imperial IPA
• Allagash Midnight Brett - Sour/Wild
• Allagash Curieux - Belgian Strong Ale
• Boulevard Love Child No. 4 - Sour
• Cambridge Brewing SGT. Pepper - Saison
• Cambridge Brewing Brett Grisette - Saison
• Cinder Block Sour Summer - Berliner Weisse
• Crooked Stave St Bretta - Sour/Wild
• Crooked Stave Vieilla - Sour/Wild
• Crooked Stave Surette - Sour/Wild
• Deschutes The Abyss 2012 - Imperial Stout
• Firestone Walker Lil Opal - Saison
• Funkwerks Saison
• Jolly Pumpkin La Roja - Sour/Wild
• Jolly Pumpkin Saison Y - Sour/Wild
• Jolly Pumpkin Bam Biere - Sour/Wild
• Off-Color Brewing Troublesome - Sour/Wild
• Off-Color Brewing Screw You, Jeremy Danner - Fruit/Cider
• Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale
• Perennial Funky Wit - Sour/Wild
• Pretty Things Jack D'or - Saison
• Pretty Things Fluffy White Rabbits - Belgian Strong Ale
• Rahr & Sons Bourbon Barrel Aged Winter Warmer
• Russian River Pliny the Elder - Imperial IPA
• Russian River Row 2/Hill 56 - Imperial IPA
• Russian River Suplication - Sour/Wild
• Side Project Saison De Rouge - Sour/Wild
• Side Project Le Saisonnier - Sour/Wild
• Side Project Pulling Nails - Sour/Wild
• Upstream Brewing Ransom Gin Barrel Aged Saison

I always enjoy paying my debts craft beer style!

I, like the Lannisters of Casterly Rock in Game of Thrones, always pay my debts. When I say that I will do something for you, I will come through.

About 3 months ago I posted a contest to increase awareness for Scouting the Taps, but more importantly I wanted to buy some beer for some friends. So after making more friends like I love to do, I picked two winners to buy beer for.

My start to a Mother's Pyramid at Rock & Run

David Schumacher is a great and funny guy. He won the Twitter portion of the contest. David lives in the north land and works for Cerner. I had the pleasure of hanging out with him during a Mothers tap take over at Rock and Run Brewery put on by Central States Beverage. David and I talked and got to know each other. We laughed and joked. We drank really good beer. We talked about home brewing, beer blogs, #PriusToMothers14 . While we were talking, David counted how many batches of beer he has currently in one state or another of the brewing/drinking process. He has 16 BATCHES!! Some in fermenters. Some in untapped kegs. Some tapped and ready to be drank. David has some great friends that are also really into beer. Some of them even work at Cinder Block Brewery! I look forward to sharing more beers with David in the near future, especially at KC Nanobrew Fest.

Seth Bishop is an amazing friend who has been supportive of me from the start. He won the Facebook portion of the contest. Seth and I met while I worked at H&R Block in Downtown KC. Seth lives in the Eastern Jackson County area, so we went to Saint's and Twin Peaks. His call, not mine. I am not complaining because they have at least a couple great beer options. Anywhere that has Boulevard's Tank 7 on tap is a good place. We caught up on old times, listened to some terrible live music. Terrible because it was too loud and because they didn't do a good job covering the songs they were singing. I look forward to getting Seth out and about soon!

What I have learned from this whole thing is twofold. I have learned that giving is so much fun and opens people up for a good time. I am going to do another contest soon and we will see how much fun we can have! Maybe you have an idea for a good contest! Message me or tweet me to let me know!

The other thing I learned from this contest is that I am very blessed with an amazing support structure of family and friends. C, my sister, my parents, and all of my friends have been supportive and encouraging of my passion to show others the joys of the craft beer world. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have the courage to get past the nay-sayers. Thank you so much!

To bring this all back to Game of Thrones, I am of the House Tagaryen. But how did it know I am blond and good looking?

More about dont be that guy! Craft beer doesn't need elitism! Go drink wine!

For your entertainment as you head into the weekend, this video has been around for while but I like it. I laughed pretty hard about this. This is how hipsters drink beer. Notice that Bud Light is still not acceptable even after all the douche baggery. Please tell me I am not like this!

Morals of #beerchat: Dont be "that guy" and IPAs are not avocado Kitchen Aids

With #beerchat coming up tomorrow, and the fact that I missed last week and will miss tomorrow I feel like I should do my part and contribute to the discussion. @SommBeer hosted this week and led a discussion about trends in craft beer and perceptions of craft beer drinkers.

@SommBeer A1: snobs are snobs, but hopefully we continue to support growth, community, pushing boundaries, and sharing a pint. #beerchat
— Brian Malone (@zima182) May 23, 2014

I have always been partial to this issue and I really want to be vanguard against "that guy". So if you see "that guy" tell them to get off their high horse, grab a beer, drink it without production, and chill out. While drinking beer can be about the beer, 99% of the purpose of beer is to be drank with friends and relax. So do that!

#beerchat Q2 who makes the highest quality Beer #eastcoat #westcoat #midwest ?? vote for #michigan and earn extra points
— SommBeer (@SommBeer) May 23, 2014

A2: I'm a NYer but lean West Coast for hoppy beers. Cali has a hefty lineup in that regard. But NY has great variety.. #beerchat
— Charles Dunkley (@cedunkley) May 23, 2014

I think this question is kind of like asking which NFL team has the highest quality fans. As long as you aren't talking about the Oakland Raiders and their ugly Black Hole, fandom is just a city/regional preference and what you know. While some of us might be lucky to experience things from elsewhere we will largely know what is in our own back yard. I just have the pleasure to know the smells of amazing BBQ and the sound of a loud stadium in Kansas City.

On a side note, I would really like to find out from personal experience about beers from all over the country... Nay the world! Its a goal and on the bucket list. (Yes, I used nay. Don't judge! I used it correctly. So what if I like A Knight's Tale?)

Q3 Are IPAs like Avocado colored appliances ...just a fad? Anybody sick of IPAs yet #beerchat #ipa #beer
— SommBeer (@SommBeer) May 23, 2014

A3) Definitely don't think that IPAs are like 70s appliances. They're here to stay and I'm not sick of them at all! #beerchat #ipa
— Epic Beer Girl (@epicbeergirl) May 23, 2014

While I might have missed the small kitchen appliance fads of the 70's, I do appreciate why fads happen. Fads happen because peoples taste evolve through stages of demand. With increased options the demand changes. I am sure you can find a few people who still have an Avocado colored Kitchen Aid. I, however, don't feel that IPAs are a fad and don't feel they are going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, I feel that craft beer drinkers are seeing their demand being answered by an ever increasing and varietal selection of kinds of IPAs. My next home brew will be a lighter IPA that focuses less on the punch in the mouth sourness and more on the crisp flavor and aroma of the hops. I will probably brew something like a Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA.

Don't get me wrong. There are A LOT of IPAs out there that are not good, could be better, or purely trying to make the drinker not be able to taste anything else for the rest of the night and pucker their face up like they ate 20 LemonHeads.

Q4 Should the Big (M)ass breweries disclose their ownership when selling their #craftbeer attempts? #beerchat #beer
— SommBeer (@SommBeer) May 23, 2014

@SommBeer A4: I'd like a little more transparency, but at the end of the day, drink what you like. #beerchat
— Brian Malone (@zima182) May 23, 2014

This comes down to the craft vs crafty debate. I tried to talk about this when I started this blog in Crafty vs Craft.

I feel like I have learned and grown from talking to people about this. I see this discussion a lot. I am going to write new post about this soon. I am going to try for next week.

@SommBeer A5: which method gives me more volume? That's my choice. #beerchat
— The Beer Sommelier® (@BeerSommelier) May 23, 2014

This is a perfect answer to this question! I would always go with draft over bottle given the choice. And to this guys point that also means you probably have the keg there so there is more beer, or at least more potential for a greater quantity of beer.

Be sure to catch #beerchat tomorrow at 8pm CST. @TwoGirlsOneBeer will be hosting a discussion on the advent of canned beer and what I am assuming is how we ditch the stigma and accept that quality beer can come from a can.