Missoula Craft Beer Week begins today
The Missoula Downtown Association and the guys over at Growler Fills have come together to create the inaugural Missoula Craft Beer Week. There are events all week, including a screening of “The Love of Beer” a documentary that details women in the craft beer industry, which takes place Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Wilma.
If you didn’t have a reason to drink beer this week, better clear your calendar and help celebrate the brews of the Garden City.
- Matt Pritchard
Does beer make you smarter? Possibly
Researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago claim in a recent study that men who imbibed in a couple of beers were better at deducting a brain teaser than those who drank nothing.
To reach that surprising conclusion, the researchers devised a bar game in which 40 men were given three words and told to come up with a fourth that fits the pattern.
For example, the word “cheese” could fit with words like “blue” or “cottage” or “Swiss.”
Half the players were given two pints. The other half got nothing.
The result? Those who imbibed solved 40% more of the problems that their sober counterparts.
Also, the drinkers finished their problems in 12 seconds while it took the non-drinkers 15.5 seconds.
While I sometimes believe I’m a bit smarter after a couple of pints, it’s hard for me to believe that’s true. If I was, I think my brain would probably tell me to avoid that third one … cheers.
Check out the full story here.
- Matt Pritchard
Montana Beer Fest hits Bozeman on Friday the 13th
If you believe Friday the 13th is unlucky, there’s an easy way to turn your fortunes around. The 2012 Montana Beer Festival takes place in Bozeman on April 13 at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds from 6:30-10 p.m. More than 30 breweries will be pouring beer, including 406, Carters, Rogue, Stone, Grand Teton and a host of others. Tickets range from $25 to $50 and can be purchased in advance here.
What they say:
What is good in life? The snow falling in desirous drifts across a steep alpine meadow? Could it be the mighty guffaws of hearty friends gathered ‘round a tasty feast in the waning winter? Or is the goodness of life possibly contained in a frosty mug, dusted with the tasty froth of a heartfelt brew? Well my friends, I am here to tell you that in our hearts and minds, nothing compares to the sultry curves of a healthy tankard brimming with ale when loving this life. These thirsty thoughts have compelled us to bring together our love of beer and wonderful music to create the ultimate malty love child: 2012 MONTANA BEER FESTIVAL.
Hit the jump for a full listing of breweries. (more…)
Wilco, Blitzen Trapper to play Big Sky Brewing on June 28
Big Sky Brewing Co. has started to announce the lineup for the 2012 Big Sky Brewing Summer Concert Series, and while I wasn’t as excited about the first act (Primus on June 17), I’m ecstatic about whose coming Thursday, June 28 – Wilco!
The show was announced Monday and tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. It’ll set you back $44, and if you’re a fan I’m sure you’ll have no problem parting with the cash. You can get tickets on Friday by clicking here, calling 1-877-435-9849 or going to Rockin Rudy’s or Big Sky Brewing.
In case you forgot some of the rules from last year, here’s the concert series FAQ.
- Matt Pritchard
Brewers Association: Craft beer volume grows 13 percent
The Brewers Association has released its latest stats on the current state of the craft brewing industry and there’s some good news. In 2011, volume grew by 13 percent and retail sales jumped 15 percent.
Among the other findings:
- 250 breweries opened in the U.S.
- Sales topped $8.7 billion.
- Craft brewers made up more than 5 percent of the U.S. beer market.
Hit the jump for a graphic with a boatload of information.