Farmer’s Market & Farmhouse Beer

I’ll get to that pretty thing there on the left in a moment, but before I do... If the Downtown Oshkosh Farmer’s Market is going to be part of your Saturday, stop by and say hello. Ron Akin and I will have a table where we’ll be hawking our book, The Breweries of Oshkosh,  and talking to anyone willing to listen to us babble about beer, brewing and their history in our fine city.

Speaking of the weekend, you may want to include THIS in your plans. There's three of them at Festival.

Now about that beer. It’s New Holland’s Farmhouse Hatter, a Belgian IPA and it’s on tap right now at Dublin’s. I had one yesterday and loved it. And, as a rule, I find Belgian IPAs disgusting. This one isn’t. It’s beautifully integrated with plenty of everything and not too much of anything. It brings a wealth of flavor, for such a mild beer (5% ABV). HERE’s what the geeks at Rate Beer are saying. Disregard the haters; they’re wrong.

One last thing: Over on the lower left, you’ll see the What's Brewing header. I’ll try to keep this updated on a timely basis. If you have anything you’d like to share or have added, drop it in the comments section of this post or send an email. This fall’s drinking is looking good!

It's Beer vs. Wine Tonight at Fratellos in Oshkosh

Tonight, Tuesday, September 25th at 6:30 pm, Fratellos in Oshkosh is hosting a battle between the grape the hop. They’re having a four-course meal where guests will be asked to judge whether a selected beer or wine pairs best with what’s on their plate. Here’s the fight card:

Round 1

Quartz White Blend vs The Chief Beer

Panzanella Salad 

Round 2

Votre Santé Pinot Noir vs Fox for the Hounds Pale Ale

Salmon Rillettes 

Round 3

Chateau St. Jean Red Blend vs Caber Tossing Scottish Ale

Seared tenderloin with Chèvre gnocchi

Round 4

Coppola Pink Moscato vs Trolleycar Stout

Espresso Crème Brûlée 

Check out Round 1, there, with “The Chief” standing proud! I think you know which one I’m pulling for.The whole deal is just $25 per person.  For reservations call 920.232.2337. 

Still Going Strong

In 1956, the Oshkosh Brewing Company threw a big party at the brewery to celebrate its 90th anniversary. On Saturday – 56 years later – we in Oshkosh had another big party that was all about Oshkosh beer. This time, the party was at Fratellos where we gathered to celebrate our city’s beer brewing heritage. And we were drinking the same brew that was served at the OBC party back in 1956. It was an incredible day and I’d like to thank everybody who came out to make it such a complete success.

One last thing about the 1956 party: The Monday following the party, OBC placed an ad in the Northwestern thanking all of their visitors and well-wishers. The message was simple and heartfelt and captures the close relationship that existed between this brewery and the people of Oshkosh. It shows the open doors of the garage where the party was held with the caption, "through these doors have passed the nicest people in the world." I know just how they felt.

An Event More Than 160 Years In The Making!

Well, here we go... The Breweries of Oshkosh lands on Saturday, September 22 at 1 p.m. at Fratellos, here in Oshkosh. And thanks to the fine folks at Fratellos and Fox River Brewing, we’re going to have the perfect beer and book pairing. Here’s a rare opportunity to get a taste of a classic Oshkosh beer. Hope to see you then!