The beerologists have just stumbled across http://lvillebeer.webs.com/, due primarily to a tip from a friend that this fella seems to have to logo we want- we won’t begrudge him that, though, because we cover different areas (he gets the beers, we get the bars) and we think his work is kind of cool. Mister lvillebeer, if you see this, we feel that you should be our new best friend.
CONTEST!!! Tuesday, Apr 20 2010
Uncategorized 4:16 pm
The beerologists are looking for an official logo- it should involve beer and the fleur de lis- we think- the winner will get a write-up and we’ll buy you a drink. That’s right- you could win a drink with us! (Which should be extra enticing for those of you who don’t know who we are). E-mail submissions and/or further questions to beerologists@gmail.com.
The Inkwell Tuesday, Apr 20 2010
Old Louisville 4:16 pm
I believe people generally have good ideas, but we tend to talk more than act. Even the beerologists talked over brews for months about this blog idea before we ever wrote a word (then we stopped writing and talked for a few more months about how we should start again.) Now, we talk about teaching teenagers about poetry or visiting a bar in Nottingham- but it’s all talk. There is a special sort of person, though, who acts on good ideas instead of talking about them.
This brings me to our original home bar. Before the Mag, before the Hideaway, we were Rudyard Kipling girls. And so we shall always be. Any visitor to the Rud can see that the building is bigger than what’s used. There’s a back room and a second floor, and even a third floor room. For years, those of us who call the Motherlodge home have talked about how to best make use of the extra space, but no one really knew where to start.
Then came a staff shift. Fear not- Aerin is still around, but these days, she’s got a lot more on her plate than keeping us all drunk. A new hero has ridden into town in the form of Danny Moran. Danny’s the fellow behind the bar who serves you drinks and makes sure to learn your name. You may find him flipping about trays with drinks on them never spilling a drop or traipsing around the back yard on stilts. If you don’t see him, chances are he’s hidden somewhere working on a new project. He’s already completed his first.
As the Rud has always been a place where literary sorts like to be, Danny has installed for us a bookstore, and we shall call it The Inkwell. Why a bookstore? Because Danny had some books, of course. Why The Inkwell? In cleaning out the back room, he stumbled across a secret cistern. When I say the back has been cleaned out, let me clarify that having worked at the Rud a time or two myself, I always made trips into the back as quick as they could be. There was something spooky about it. It was just a storage area, but so much was stored that I never knew about the cistern or the stairs leading to an office upstairs. Now, it’s sort of magical- maybe my favorite nook in this place I love so much.
This is, of course, not a Borders or Barnes and Noble- instead, it reminds me of a place that used to exist on the square of my hometown where I would search for books someone else had written in because I am fascinated by things that have already lived a life or two. Like the books in that place, these have the smell of the hidden corners of a library where a person can hide for hours. The Inkwell has in it volumes of poetry I plan to buy even though I already own them simply because these copies have more character. I’ve even heard talk of some first editions, if you’re in to that sort of thing. The cistern is flanked by church pews and a chess board waits for someone to pay it attention.
Being a person who loves a good book as much as I love a good beer, I am ecstatic that Danny saw a sort of potential the rest of us hadn’t and went so far as to act on it. It’s just what the place needed. In honor of The Inkwell’s opening- and existence, for that matter- these beers are for Danny.
Skull Alley Tuesday, Apr 20 2010
Downtown 4:15 pm
Where Barrett meets Broadway, there’s a special little spot- it exists as a venue- the selling of beer is just happenstance- but we believe in their cause, and so we’ll share that cause with you. Skull Alley is a tribute to a good fellow who didn’t quite get to see adulthood, but who loved music, and so his older brother created a sort of refuge for kids like him. That’s their schtick. It’s all ages. And I think that’s a wonderful thing, as loving to rock is not a trait that necessarily appears upon one’s 21st birthday.
Parking can be a bit of a hassle in that area, particularly for a packed show, but there are generally spots at the church across the street. It’s as safe as anywhere downtown and as there are generally smokers outside the front door, you’re within eye and earshot of friends from your car until you get inside. It must be noted that the venue encourages carpooling and biking because that’s the responsible way to be- and we think that’s awesome. Be sure you have your ID- as an all ages venue, Skull Alley has to card rigorously. It’s not really in a bar stretch, but not far from the Irish Triangle area of Baxter Ave.
Once inside, you’ll find that Skull Alley is pretty bare bones. The building is a the double barrel of shotgun architecture- the space you enter has the bar and the bathrooms, as well as the space where bands are generally peddling their merch. In the second room, to your right when you enter, is the stage and not much else. It’s just a hardwood floor and bare brick walls, but there’s a sort of beauty about the way you can see where there were once windows and fireplaces. The only seating comes in the form of a couple of barstools as the acts who play Skull Alley are generally the types you stand to hear. There’s no jukebox, no bar games, but the acoustics are good.
The bathroom is a fun thing. Like the Dark Star bathroom, it’s painted with that chalk board paint and decorating is encouraged. As there tend to be teenagers around, the doodles there look like a high school notebook- maybe I live in Peter Pan land, but it makes me smile to see loopy proclamations of love.
There’s a smoking area out back- door across from the bathrooms and down the stairs, though the front sidewalk area tends to serve the same purpose. Its a little tough on rainy nights as there’s basically no shelter.
More often than not, Jamie Prott, the owner, is tending bar. There’s no liquor, only beer, and the selection is mostly basic with a few surprise craft brews, but even for a beer snob, sometimes a PBR does the job- and they’re cheap here like they should be.
On a final note, Skull Alley has a whole other side in the form of a screen printing shop, so if your band needs shirts, this is a one stop shop to get those and book a show.
Skull Alley isn’t just a stop on the bar tour of Louisville- we go there a lot. It’s one of the few places people go these days because they sincerely give a shit about supporting music. That’s what’s cool about a place that lets the kids in- before you became accustomed to going out and getting hammered, you knew how to love a band and sing along with every word- I appreciate a place that reminds me of that sort of unabashed joy. These beers are for the kids and their un-jaded wanderlust.
Sergio’s in Louisville! Tuesday, Apr 20 2010
Butchertown 4:14 pm
We know, we know…it’s old news now, but we just wouldn’t feel right if we didn’t do a little update on Sergio’s World Beers.
For all of you who don’t get out as much as you’d like, or perhaps live under a rock (we’re looking at you, Daniel Stearman) Sergio’s has moved to a fabulous Louisville location!! Now located strategically at 1605 Story Avenue, which is basically on the corner of Frankfort Avenue and Story Avenue, SWB is poised for the Clifton/Butchertown takeover of 2010.
The new location has a certain members-only vibe. There’s no sign on the front door, and the windows and front door are literally covered with flags from the world. But the Shaman of Suds is there, we assure you. With an ever-expanding beer list, and food that can make very private things happen to your body, SWB is as much of an experience as it ever was. You get an amazing, eclectic crowd of very respectful and adventurous folk. We can say, with total honesty, that we have never had a bad experience on a Sergio’s night.
When you walk in the front door, you will immediately be greeted by the beautiful bar, which is literally covered with taps, from the very popular Two Hearted, to some of the most rare and unique beers available in the world. The menu is roughly the size of your torso, so if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, we recommend asking Sergio what his current favorite brew is. It’s always something off the beaten path, but life changingly delicious.
In addition to the forest of taps, you will also encounter not one, not two, but three refrigerators of chilling brews. The kitchen is also visible from the bar room, a fact which we can all appreciate on multiple levels. If you follow the hall past the kitchen and the restrooms, you will find a large back room of booths and tables for larger parties.
We have to say, we love this Story Ave location. Its pretty accessible from all over town, and there is parking behind the building, and on the street. Mostly we love being able to see Sergio on a regular basis, which means more beer discoveries and more knee-weakening brownies!
Make sure you check Sergio’s out at the website: www.sergiosworldbeers.com and on Facebook! Or hell, why not just take a drive down to Story Ave and see the man?
These beers, all 1,000 of them, are for growth, personal accomplishment, and for never saying “die.”
Zanzabar Tuesday, Apr 20 2010
Germantown 4:14 pm
It seems only fitting that the triumphant return of the Beerologists should be marked by the triumphant return of a local watering hole. You know that building on Preston with the “Z” on it? Of course you do. Everyone does. We drive by it all the time. Most recently, it was the Brown Bag Bakery, but that “Z” recalled the former life of Zanzibar. The “I” has changed to an “A,” so these days it goes by Zanzabar, but essentially, the name is the same as it ever was. It warms my heart to see an old bar become new!
You’ve probably been to Uncle Pleasant’s. Everyone has. Z bar (that’s what we call it) is just about 2 blocks from there. Or maybe you know Tink’s? Just across the street. Parking is generally no problem unless there’s a big deal show, and as is the case with most Germantown dives, it’s safe as anywhere.
Once inside, chances are you’ll find the place nicer than you expected. The decor is simple and modern and it tends to be one of the cleanest bars I’ve found- even the bathroom. There’s a jukebox, but more often than not, it’s not necessary as Z bar is the new place to go for live music. Most every night there’s a band or a DJ (or both), and it’s a good place to catch a sporting event if you don’t want to deal with a real sports bar. Be forewarned, though, this is Card territory- there’s even a classic Dr Dunk poster over the service area. There’s a great patio for smoking- or just being outside if smoking isn’t your thing- and during colder months, it’s heated- well heated.
The beer list is a force to be reckoned with- definitely better than the average dive- and the food is restaurant quality. Though there hasn’t been an official Beerologists night out at Z Bar, we find ourselves there nearly as often as we find ourselves at the Nach- and that’s saying a lot.
As far as the patrons, they vary slightly depending on the entertainment, but this joint does fall under the umbrella of “Hipster Bar.” There are lots of skinny jeans and ironic t-shirt wearing 20-30 somethings smoking pall malls, but what sets it apart from Look at That Fuckin’ Hipster annoyance is that the Z Bar hipsters seem to have gotten over the need to be the coolest person in the room. Everyone just manages to coexist- conversations develop out of thin air that make you laugh until your face hurts- it’s community functioning well.
I highly recommend that you look Z bar up on the facebook (us, too, while you’re at it)- they do a stellar job of keeping that circle up to date on what’s happening. A band you like is playing there soon- that I can nearly promise. All in all, these beers are for drinking with your neighbors, regardless of who qualifies as a hipster.
Longshot Tuesday, Apr 20 2010
Clifton/ Crescent Hill 4:13 pm
I sometimes find myself reminded of the coolness of Crescent Hill- it’s not that I ever think it’s uncool, but as an Old Louisville resident who hangs mainly around Germantown and the Highlands, I tend to forget that Crescent Hill is over there. Between this excursion and apartment hunting with a friend, though, this week has reminded me. Crescent Hill is great!
One of the great things about the neighborhood, certainly, is Longshot Tavern. To start with, there’s generally plenty of parking on the streets nearby and Longshot is totally safe. It’s right across the street from Bourbon’s Bistro and though there’s nothing right next door, none of the Frankfort Ave. bars are beyond walking distance. Once a florist, Longshot has been serving drinks since ’93.
The entertainment offered at Longshot is a key draw, for sure. This joint boasts ping pong, foosball, pool, and darts- all the best drunk games in the same place! They also have one of those old cigarette displays, which you don’t see much these days. Music-wise, there are bands most weekend nights, Thursday is Open Mic night, and The Merry Pranksters play Wednesday and Sunday- we love those guys.
The look is pretty basic with a definite horse theme- it’d be a good place to bring a friend who’s visiting for Derby, as this is surely what outsiders expect a Louisville bar to look like. There’s an outdoor smoking area and also a small greenhouse-sort-of-nook that counts as outside. It was a little too hot when we were there, but that place would be a perfect refuge from rain.
It is certainly worth noting that Longshot’s happy hour extends into useful hours- domestics are but a dollar on Wednesdays from 1 to 10:30PM. And on that not, Brian the Bartender is one of the nicest fellows we’ve come across! The selection is basic, but they’re sure to have your stand-by and there’s a $10 tab minimum.
Longshot supports UK and U of L, so it’d be a great place to catch a game. It’s also dog friendly- so much so that they have a water-bowl by the door- that’s even better than the Nachbar.
Rich, a regular, was quick to strike up a conversation and we found ourselves staying much longer than we usually do on a review. Longshot is a good place to feel at home, even if you’ve never been before. Best of all, we went in on a Friday and it wasn’t crowded enough to annoy us (we review on off nights for a reason, folks)- so, that being said, these drinks are for weeknight people who are out on a weekend.
BBC St Matthews Tuesday, Apr 20 2010
Uncategorized 4:13 pm
Local microbreweries are a point of fairly intense debate between the beerologists- you see, I’m a BBC girl, whereas my partner swears by Cumberland. To clarify, I don’t dislike Cumberland and she doesn’t dislike BBC, but when it comes down to allegiance, we’re divided. After much discussion, we’ve determined that it’s purely an issue of what you drink. I like my beer dark and she likes it light. Though I occasionally befriend an IPA, more often than not if I can see my hand on the other side of the glass, I want to ask the beer, “Will thou leave me so unsatisfied?”
I’m sure you know there isn’t one Bluegrass Brewing Company in this town, but rather three. There’s one in St. Matthews just before Shelbyville Rd splits into Lexington Rd and Frankfort Ave, one at 4th and Broadway, and one on Main St that only serves beer. You may not realize there’s also one in the Cincinnati Airport (which is really in KY) and one in the Indianapolis Airport (which is really in IN). Why Standiford Field doesn’t have one is a mystery. Today, we’ll be discussing the big mamma jamma- St. Matthews.
As a general rule, I’m not a fan of St. Matthews. I know that’s bold to just say it and I’m sorry, but it’s not my scene. BBC, however, has a different feel that puts me a little more at ease- not to say it’s totally devoid of east-enders, but they tend to have enough of a hippie flair that they’d fit in at the hideaway. Granted, there are more Dave Matthews hippies than Grateful Dead hippies this far east, but I can handle that.
Though the parking lot is certifiably ridiculous in that you can’t really circle if there’s not a spot and you can get in if you’re heading toward Frankfort Ave, but not if you’re heading away from it, there is parking a-plenty and it’s safe. There are also quite a few bars close if you feel like a crawl- Dutch’s, Brendan’s, Diamonds, Saints, and Gerstle’s are all just a stumble away.
Once you get inside, take note of the flippin’ gorgeous tin ceilings. BBC boasts not only two bars, but also a fantastic smoking patio and a stage for live music, which happens often. The place is totally clean and the staff is friendly, albeit super-busy most of the time. There’s also a dart board and an ATM in house (fear not- they take cards anyway).
The food is fantastic as this place is as much a restaurant as it’s a bar- try the fish and chips- but don’t let that take the spotlight away from the beer. If you haven’t put it together yet, BBC beer is brewed in house, though it must be noted that the ones you pick up in 6-packs at ValuMart are brewed at the Main Street location, not St. Matthews. Of course, a true Louisvillian will sing the praises of anything made in Louisville, be it Derby Pie or Disco Balls, but this praise is certifiable. BBC has won 5 Bronze medals and 3 Gold at the Great American Beer Festival with the Baltic Porter being the most recent Gold winner (also note that the Oktoberfest has won the most across the board). They also have award-winning root-beer.
In the realm of specials, I must first tell you about the Wort Hog Club. Those mugs hanging on the wall- they belong to Wort Hogs. You pay a $40 membership fee ($15 per year after the first) and get a special mug that holds 5 oz. more than non-Wort Hogs get for the same price. Then, on the 3rd Sunday of the month, you get to go to a special tasting.
If you’re not a Wort Hog, there are still tons of deals at BBC. There’s a Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3-7 and also during all U of L, UK, and NFL Games (there are 16 TVs here with every sports channel you can dream of). During Happy Hour wings are 35 cents and beer is $2.75 (Which is also the deal all day Tuesday). Thursdays mean a hand-pump cask (which usually features something hoppy) and samplers are $7.50.
If you want to take some home (and you do), you can get a growler for $11.50 ($8 to refill). Half kegs are $99, 1/2 kegs are $55, and 1/4 kegs are $35 (with a $100 deposit).
A Louisville classic, BBC has provided Louisville with delicious beer for 15 years (I’m partial to Dark Star). If you’re like me and you like your beer dark like coffee, get the to the microbrewery- these drinks are for you!
ZaZoo’s Tuesday, Apr 20 2010
Uncategorized 4:13 pm
Located in an unassuming building near the corner of Frankfort and Bauer Avenues is ZaZoo’s, a funky little spot that claims to be a sports bar with a classy vibe. You can find ZaZoo’s online here, and in person at 102 Bauer Ave, across from the Frankfort Avenue Wal-Green’s.
ZaZoo’s has been on Bauer Ave for 5 years, and was a traditional Irish pub previously. Named after the bird in the Lion King, this joint stays true to its Irish roots by running TWO happy hours. Sunday through Friday, happy hour runs from 4 to 7:30, with $2 domestics and $2 wells, then Sunday through Thursday happy hour starts AGAIN at 11, and run through 4 am. There are also shot specials which run all week. The beer list is standard, but solid with PBR, Smithwicks, Harp and Newcastle all on tap, and a decent spread of run of the mill bottled beers, including Red Stripe.
The environment at ZaZoo’s is sort of low-key sophistication. The basic tile floor is off-set by the intricately carved bar, topped with tiles from Ireland. The giant dry-erase board announcing the weekly specials doesn’t look quite so typical when you consider the smoking courtyard out front. Drinker beware however, the layout of ZaZoo’s lends itself to traffic jams by the bar and front door, and seating away from the bar is somewhat limited. The tables and chairs in front of the building, in the paved court consistutes the only space available to smokers, and it is entirely open to the elements. Regardless, the staff at ZaZoo’s is incredibly friendly and loyal to their bar, making you feel welcome right away.
For entertainment, ZaZoo’s offers a variety of live music acts, with DJs on Thursdays, and High Five Fridays every fourth Friday. For those of you who haven’t heard yet, High Five Friday is an opportunity for local rap artists to get together and freestyle, which sounds like something this Beerologist just has to experience. They also host quite a few live acoustic acts, often outside, a great summer-time diversion. If it happens to be an evening without live music entertainment, ZaZoo’s boasts one of those nifty internet jukeboxes, and of course plenty of room to dance your socks off. However, it is important to mention that there aren’t any open mic or karaoke nights available at ZaZoo’s.
One of the best things about ZaZoo’s has to be their expanded menu. Used to be, ZaZoo’s just served your basic pub grub, but in recent times they’ve managed to add a lot of tasty things for those with a finer palate, including pesto flatbread, salads, bison burgers, and pizzas. Entree costs run from $6-$8, and pizzas are all $15 or less. Sounds good, right? We thought so, too.
In the near future, ZaZoo’s will be opening a lounge next door to the bar proper, called Top Shelf. Top Shelf will have its own bar, and is rigged so that anyone can plug in an iPod or iPhone for musical harmony. The lounge will be available for private parties and business meetings just as soon as their permits get finalized.
ZaZoo’s is incredibly friendly to local music, and is participating in the Peak Summit music festival, so swing by and give them some Louisville lovin.
All things taken into account, these beers are for making a joyful noise. Rock, rap, croon, and holler on Louisville!
Gerstle’s Tuesday, Apr 20 2010
Uncategorized 4:12 pm
Gerstle’s is conveniently located in what has recently been called the “coolness corridor”- that spot where Crescent Hill and St. Matthews meet. In fact, it’s precisely at the juncture of Frankfort Ave. and Shelbyville Rd. The place does offer parking and is totally safe.
Once you’ve parked, some folks get a little confused about where to enter. On the Frankfort Ave. end of the bar, there’s a fantastic smoking area- heated with its own bar and bathrooms- but it’s essentially indoors, and the giant windows that make it a ban loophole look a lot like doors. Keep walking- you’re almost there.
Inside, the place is clean and decoration is fairly minimal. It is worth noting, though, that though it was built as a bar by the Gerstle family in 1924, Gerstle’s was remodeled last February, so it sort of feels new. We were particularly impressed to see that the booths can be shifted around to seat more than four people, always a plus if you travel with a pack.
This bar features entertainment-a-plenty with something going on all the time. Mondays Steve Cooley picks bluegrass and there’s a trivia game, $2 Old Forrester, and$3 pints. Also, there’s a 4-7 happy hour Monday-Friday offering $1.50 domestics and $3 wells, so stop in after work. Thursday, there’s full-contact karaoke (sing with a band), which Sean, the bartender, tells us is sometimes brutal. Bands play on Fridays and Saturdays.
The selection is fairly standard, but being beside BBC, they offer the Hefe and the Amber. For eats, they serve pub grub, which, according to Sean, is only the good stuff. There’s a $10 tab minimum, but Gerstle’s has an ATM in house.
Crowd-wise, Gerstle’s is a weekend melting pot with an age range that spans from early twenties to late forties. Though we went in on a pretty empty night, it’s worth it for the bar staff- Eric and Sean are both in their early thirties run this show, and as young folks, we think that’s pretty damn cool. Sean says he’s “Just a young man trying to make his way in the world today.” I have to add, he’s pretty easy on the eyes. All in all, I’ll drink to him and his business. These beers are for making your way in the world today (takes every thing you’ve got).
Louisville on Tap 