5. PROFILES IN BREWING by Bobby Bush, author of "Beer & Loafing" Chuck Skypeck - Boscos Pizza Kitchen and Brewery of Memphis, Germantown and Nashville, Tennessee Just how did Chuck Skypeck ever get his "audacious idea" that he could open the first brewpub in Tennessee? Never a wine enthusiast, his early 1980s interest in beer was mild, only because "there was no good beer" at the time. But by 1984 the Memphis-native had become an active homebrewer, so active that he opened a homebrewers supply store two years later. Piqued by the concept of craft brewed beer, he began visiting microbreweries and brewpubs, analyzing their successes, learning from their experiences. He eventually toured close to 200 breweries. So when the Tennessee legislature passed a law permitting brewpubs, Chuck was ready to the roll. The regulation took effect in July 1992. By December of that year, Boscos Pizza Kitchen and Brewery was up and brewing in Germantown, a Memphis suburb. By January 1996, the Germantown brewpub was well established. Always looking forward, Chuck wanted to take his beer to new markets, to establish another pulpit from which to preach the almighty word of craft brewed beer. Leaving Germantown in capable hands, Chuck commissioned his second brewpub in Nashville. Boscos Nashville Brewhouse was Skypeck's humble abode for over four years, until seasoned veteran brewer Fred Scheer took over in April 2000. That left Chuck just enough time to move back to Memphis, where plans and equipment were being assembled for Boscos number three. Located in the Midtown section of Memphis, just across from the original T.G.I. Fridays, Boscos Squared opened its doors for business in August 2000. Jeff Opiel, a former brewer for Pyramid and Portland breweries, mans the brew kettle at Germantown. Chuck is, for now anyway, head brewer at the newest location. Skypeck is amused that some industry insiders look at the three Boscos operations as a chain. He correctly notes that each has its own identity, its own loyal patrons. Boscos eschews cookie cutter sameness. Chuck's preference is "to be a neighborhood place rather than the next Applebees." With three of eight taps available for seasonal brews, each brewer has ample artistic license. Combined, the three brewers have over 50 years of experience (more than half of it Fred's). Together- though B2 was only open for five months that year, the brewpubs produced 1500 barrels in 2000. Year 2001 looks like a 2000 barrel year. Famous Flaming Stone Bier, brewed using an ancient brewing technique, has become the most successful, award-winning beer in the Boscos lineup. But there are many others just as interesting. Bitterly hoppy, Boscos IPA is an Americanized English ale that Skypeck calls "simple and elegant." Ruby-hued Isle of Skye Scottish Ale is sultry, slinky in smooth exuberance, while Boscos Brown, done close to English style, is mildly malty, barely sweet within its medium body. Presenting faint bitterness and darkness in taste, Ed's Porter is the year-round dark brew. Boscos Wheat is also smooth and fruity with rounded sweet finish, while copper-colored Dunkel is strongly sweet, emphasized with a quick tart-sweet bite for the finale. Nearly ten years later, Chuck's idea - now reality in triplicate - is still rewarding. He "likes having a job" and enjoys what he's doing everyday. Besides the obvious, his personal goal at Boscos is "working to introduce craft brew to younger drinkers" who are hounded by the media blitz of budmillercoors. Chuck strives to make interesting, drinkable beer, that appeals to all types of beer drinkers. Though Boscos has not adopted a catchy motto or slogan, when queried thusly, brewer Chuck summed it all up. "Boscos offers freshness and variety and we take care of our customers." ------------------------------------------------------------------ Boscos Squared - Overton Square, 2120 Madison Avenue, Memphis TN 38104-6502 - (901) 432-2222 Boscos Pizza Kitchen & Brewery - 7615 W. Farmington, #30, Germantown TN 38138-2820 - (901) 756-7310 Boscos Nashville Brewing Company - 1805 21st Avenue South, Nashville TN 37212-3705 - (615) 385-0050 Read more by nationally recognized beer writer Bobby Bush at: http://www.realbeer.com/library/authors/bush-b/ ================================================================================ Until next issue, cheers! The Beer South Beer Bwana |
4. CALENDAR Additional details for most events may be found on the Beer South calendar. We are building the 2002 festivals calendar now. If you run an event and have the date selected, please send it to us for inclusion in the calendar. December 7-9 First annual Walk The Line On Barley Wine Festival - Dunedin FL Saturday 4 - 8 p.m., or Sunday 1 - 5 p.m Cost: $35. DD $5. Admission limited to 30 persons per session. Events held at Dunedin Brewing Company. Promising an impressive lineup of over 55 strong beers and barleywines, the south's first such festival also is staking claim as the world's largest. Included with entry are a host of goodies including gourmet cheeses, meats and seafood, homebrewed root beer, infused cigars and a commemorative glass goblet. There will also be an AHA Sanctioned/BJCP Recognized competition for brewers in the categories of English/Scottish Strong Ale and English/American Barley Wine, Russian Imperial Stout. Winning entries will be announced prior to the public sessions. For more information: Call Ken Koenig at (813) 243-7176 or see http://hbd.org/dunedin |
3. RESOURCES Right about now we are all thinking about what to get that special someone for Christmas. Well, nothing says "I Love You," or "I Respect and Admire You" (in the case of a best friend or associate) like the gift of beer. If you think that buying a round at the local brewpub elevates you in the eyes of your circle of friends, imagine the delight on their faces when they receive unique craft beers delivered to them each month! In that spirit, we have compiled a list beer-of-the-month clubs for you to check out. All of them offer several levels of participation to choose from, so pick the one that suits you best. The list is presented in no particular order. When known, we have included a notation of the southern states that the company will ship to. This list is presented for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or recommendation from Beer South of any companies mentioned. The American Brewpub Club http://www.realbeer.com/rbstore/abc/ 1-888-380-BEER (Ships to FL, NC, VA) Beers By Mail & The Micro Beer Club http://www.beerbymail.com or http://www.microclub.com/ 1-800-256-9853 (Ships to all but KY) The California Beer Store & Gift Shop http://www.beeronthewall.com/ 1-888-840-BEER (Ships to AL, AR, LA, MS, SC, VA) Michael Jackson Real Beer Tour http://www.realbeer.com/rbstore/rbt/ 1-888-380-BEER (Ships to FL, NC, VA) Michael Jackson's Great Beers of Belgium http://www.realbeer.com/rbstore/gbb/ 1-888-380-BEER (Ships to FL, VA) Hog's Head Microbrew Beer of the Month Club http://www.hogshead.com 1-800-795-BEER (Ships to all but GA & KY) 1-800-MICROBREW Beer of the Month Club http://www.800-microbrew.com/ 1-800-MICROBREW (Ships to all but GA & KY) The Wine Company's Beer Of The Month Club http://www.winecompany.com/beerclub.htm (877) WINECO6 (Ships to AL, LA, SC) Beer Across America http://www.beeramerica.com/ 1-800-854-BEER (Ships to FL, NC, VA) American Microbrew Beer Club http://www.aleinthemail.com 1-800-SEND-ALE World Beer Direct http://www.worldbeerdirect.com/beerclubmenu.htm 1-800-609-ALES The Great American Beer Club http://www.greatclubs.com/ 1-800-CLUB-USA Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club http://www.beermonthclub.com/ 1-800-625-8238 Hops InternationAle's Imported Beer of the Month Club http://www.tdmdesign.com/hops/ 1-800-TRY-HOPS |
The material presented on this site is based on information believed to be correct, but is subject to change at anytime. If you have an update, correction, suggestion or any other contribution, please send it to us at: beersouth@mindspring.com. We welcome your input. (c) 1999 - 2002 by Beer South. All Rights Reserved. |
The material presented on this site is based on information believed to be correct, but is subject to change at anytime. If you have an update, correction, suggestion or any other contribution, please send it to us at: beersouth@mindspring.com. We welcome your input. (c) 1999 - 2002 by Beer South. All Rights Reserved. |
November 2001 Newsletter |
Greetings to all, The holiday season is upon us and the new year lurks just around the corner. For many, this is the best time of the year. For others, it's a season of dread. Either way, good beer makes it better so enjoy as best you can! And be sure to check out our list of beer clubs below in the Resources section. - The Beer Bwana. |
1. NEWS On the heels of last issue's item on plastic bottles comes another innovation being implemented by a southern brewer. Greenville SC-based Thomas Creek Brewing microbrewery is rolling out a 6-liter mini-keg and tap system for home use that will be sold by the brewery's existing retail beer store outlets. The system (right) features a branded, disposable plastic bottle and a re-usable tap apparatus, each of which is purchased separately. To keep the beer pressurized for smooth flow and ensure it doesn't go flat, each container is sold with two small C02 (carbon-dioxide) canisters which are inserted into the tap mechanism. When a customer needs more beer, he or she simply purchases additional mini-kegs from the brewery's in-store display rack. Thomas Creek initially will make its Brown Ale, IPA and Dopplebock available as standard choices. Its other brands may be special ordered. While many iterations of this concept, such mini-metal kegs and glass to-go containers, have been around for years, this product enables micros that do not bottle or don't have the option of retail sales from their facility a way to get in on the action by offering a method to get beer into customer's homes for micros. It also gives brewpubs in states that allow the off-premise sale of kegs, growlers, et. al. an additional method of sales. For more information on the product or how to contact the manufacturer, call Tom Davis at Thomas Creek Brewery, 2054 Piedmont Hwy. Greenville SC 29605 - (864) 605-1166 |
2. BREWING CHANGES Openings FL / Palm Beach - Palm Beach Brewery (CB - Shipyard / Orlando FL) Announced Openings: FL / Tarpon Spring's Trinity area - Hoppers #3 (BP) FL / Clearwater - The Lagerhaus (BP) previously announced for Dunedin FL Ownership Change FL / Miami - La Tropical (CB) - bought by Ybor Brewery of Tampa FL Name Change GA / Atlanta - Bayou La Roux nee Atlanta Beer Garten is now The Blockhouse Block (BP) Closings FL / Destin - Nigel Manlies aka Destin Brewing Company (BP). The brewery operation was separate from the restaurant and hopes to reopen in another nearby facility. FL / Pensacola - Emerald Coast Brewing (MB) GA / Athens - Burntstone Brewhouse (BP) An investor group is currently negotiating to purchase the facility and reopen it under another name by Feb. 2002. Brewer Matt Buley is expected to be retained. Personnel Changes LA / Marrero - Douglas Lindley, brewer, to Day Brewing Company from Acadian Brewery (New Orleans) |
3. RESOURCES Right about now we are all thinking about what to get that special someone for Christmas. Well, nothing says "I Love You," or "I Respect and Admire You" (in the case of a best friend or associate) like the gift of beer. If you think that buying a round at the local brewpub elevates you in the eyes of your circle of friends, imagine the delight on their faces when they receive unique craft beers delivered to them each month! In that spirit, we have compiled a list beer-of-the-month clubs for you to check out. All of them offer several levels of participation to choose from, so pick the one that suits you best. The list is presented in no particular order. When known, we have included a notation of the southern states that the company will ship to. This list is presented for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or recommendation from Beer South of any companies mentioned. The American Brewpub Club http://www.realbeer.com/rbstore/abc/ 1-888-380-BEER (Ships to FL, NC, VA) Beers By Mail & The Micro Beer Club http://www.beerbymail.com or http://www.microclub.com/ 1-800-256-9853 (Ships to all but KY) The California Beer Store & Gift Shop http://www.beeronthewall.com/ 1-888-840-BEER (Ships to AL, AR, LA, MS, SC, VA) Michael Jackson Real Beer Tour http://www.realbeer.com/rbstore/rbt/ 1-888-380-BEER (Ships to FL, NC, VA) Michael Jackson's Great Beers of Belgium http://www.realbeer.com/rbstore/gbb/ 1-888-380-BEER (Ships to FL, VA) Hog's Head Microbrew Beer of the Month Club http://www.hogshead.com 1-800-795-BEER (Ships to all but GA & KY) 1-800-MICROBREW Beer of the Month Club http://www.800-microbrew.com/ 1-800-MICROBREW (Ships to all but GA & KY) The Wine Company's Beer Of The Month Club http://www.winecompany.com/beerclub.htm (877) WINECO6 (Ships to AL, LA, SC) Beer Across America http://www.beeramerica.com/ 1-800-854-BEER (Ships to FL, NC, VA) American Microbrew Beer Club http://www.aleinthemail.com 1-800-SEND-ALE World Beer Direct http://www.worldbeerdirect.com/beerclubmenu.htm 1-800-609-ALES The Great American Beer Club http://www.greatclubs.com/ 1-800-CLUB-USA Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club http://www.beermonthclub.com/ 1-800-625-8238 Hops InternationAle's Imported Beer of the Month Club http://www.tdmdesign.com/hops/ 1-800-TRY-HOPS |
4. CALENDAR Additional details for most events may be found on the Beer South calendar. We are building the 2002 festivals calendar now. If you run an event and have the date selected, please send it to us for inclusion in the calendar. December 7-9 First annual Walk The Line On Barley Wine Festival - Dunedin FL Saturday 4 - 8 p.m., or Sunday 1 - 5 p.m Cost: $35. DD $5. Admission limited to 30 persons per session. Events held at Dunedin Brewing Company. Promising an impressive lineup of over 55 strong beers and barleywines, the south's first such festival also is staking claim as the world's largest. Included with entry are a host of goodies including gourmet cheeses, meats and seafood, homebrewed root beer, infused cigars and a commemorative glass goblet. There will also be an AHA Sanctioned/BJCP Recognized competition for brewers in the categories of English/Scottish Strong Ale and English/American Barley Wine, Russian Imperial Stout. Winning entries will be announced prior to the public sessions. For more information: Call Ken Koenig at (813) 243-7176 or see http://hbd.org/dunedin |
5. PROFILES IN BREWING by Bobby Bush, author of "Beer & Loafing" Chuck Skypeck - Boscos Pizza Kitchen and Brewery of Memphis, Germantown and Nashville, Tennessee Just how did Chuck Skypeck ever get his "audacious idea" that he could open the first brewpub in Tennessee? Never a wine enthusiast, his early 1980s interest in beer was mild, only because "there was no good beer" at the time. But by 1984 the Memphis-native had become an active homebrewer, so active that he opened a homebrewers supply store two years later. Piqued by the concept of craft brewed beer, he began visiting microbreweries and brewpubs, analyzing their successes, learning from their experiences. He eventually toured close to 200 breweries. So when the Tennessee legislature passed a law permitting brewpubs, Chuck was ready to the roll. The regulation took effect in July 1992. By December of that year, Boscos Pizza Kitchen and Brewery was up and brewing in Germantown, a Memphis suburb. By January 1996, the Germantown brewpub was well established. Always looking forward, Chuck wanted to take his beer to new markets, to establish another pulpit from which to preach the almighty word of craft brewed beer. Leaving Germantown in capable hands, Chuck commissioned his second brewpub in Nashville. Boscos Nashville Brewhouse was Skypeck's humble abode for over four years, until seasoned veteran brewer Fred Scheer took over in April 2000. That left Chuck just enough time to move back to Memphis, where plans and equipment were being assembled for Boscos number three. Located in the Midtown section of Memphis, just across from the original T.G.I. Fridays, Boscos Squared opened its doors for business in August 2000. Jeff Opiel, a former brewer for Pyramid and Portland breweries, mans the brew kettle at Germantown. Chuck is, for now anyway, head brewer at the newest location. Skypeck is amused that some industry insiders look at the three Boscos operations as a chain. He correctly notes that each has its own identity, its own loyal patrons. Boscos eschews cookie cutter sameness. Chuck's preference is "to be a neighborhood place rather than the next Applebees." With three of eight taps available for seasonal brews, each brewer has ample artistic license. Combined, the three brewers have over 50 years of experience (more than half of it Fred's). Together- though B2 was only open for five months that year, the brewpubs produced 1500 barrels in 2000. Year 2001 looks like a 2000 barrel year. Famous Flaming Stone Bier, brewed using an ancient brewing technique, has become the most successful, award-winning beer in the Boscos lineup. But there are many others just as interesting. Bitterly hoppy, Boscos IPA is an Americanized English ale that Skypeck calls "simple and elegant." Ruby-hued Isle of Skye Scottish Ale is sultry, slinky in smooth exuberance, while Boscos Brown, done close to English style, is mildly malty, barely sweet within its medium body. Presenting faint bitterness and darkness in taste, Ed's Porter is the year-round dark brew. Boscos Wheat is also smooth and fruity with rounded sweet finish, while copper-colored Dunkel is strongly sweet, emphasized with a quick tart-sweet bite for the finale. Nearly ten years later, Chuck's idea - now reality in triplicate - is still rewarding. He "likes having a job" and enjoys what he's doing everyday. Besides the obvious, his personal goal at Boscos is "working to introduce craft brew to younger drinkers" who are hounded by the media blitz of budmillercoors. Chuck strives to make interesting, drinkable beer, that appeals to all types of beer drinkers. Though Boscos has not adopted a catchy motto or slogan, when queried thusly, brewer Chuck summed it all up. "Boscos offers freshness and variety and we take care of our customers." ------------------------------------------------------------------ Boscos Squared - Overton Square, 2120 Madison Avenue, Memphis TN 38104-6502 - (901) 432-2222 Boscos Pizza Kitchen & Brewery - 7615 W. Farmington, #30, Germantown TN 38138-2820 - (901) 756-7310 Boscos Nashville Brewing Company - 1805 21st Avenue South, Nashville TN 37212-3705 - (615) 385-0050 Read more by nationally recognized beer writer Bobby Bush at: http://www.realbeer.com/library/authors/bush-b/ ================================================================================ Until next issue, cheers! The Beer South Beer Bwana |
