Daily Loaf

What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this past week:

The Derby Darlins have a successful first green event with T.R.E.E. at Little Bayou Park- Michelle Schenck reports on the roller girls from the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins‘ tree planting event last Saturday in St. Petersburg, an effort to offset all of the carbon emissions from their travels.

Let’s transform this ‘domination culture’ into a ‘partnership culture’ (Videos) – Eric Stewart asks: Is this the America we are handing over to our children? One thats main concern is violence and domination of the world? This government was put in place for the people: do the people want 60% of our taxes going to support defense? Why can’t 60% of our taxes go towards supporting education, renewable energy, as well as redoing the social net so that every human being in our country has their needs taken care of?
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Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar.

“Break Out of Your Mold” Cheese Tasting at Greenwise Market- Fri., June 26. Different molds can create distinct flavors in cheeses. Don’t be afraid to try one- it may surprise you! Free. June 26, 4-7 pm; 2403 W. Azeele St., Tampa.

The World Cafe: Connecting People Through Conversations That Matter- Every Fri. 7:30 pm promptly; Starbucks at 4th St. N. & 89th Ave N., St. Pete (just south of Gandy Blvd.); RSVP to Pat at 727.421.2746 or goodpat@tampabay.rr.com
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You’ve heard about organic and eco-friendly wines from us recently, but did you ever wonder about the ”green” beers out there? (And I don’t mean the kind some people drink on St. Patty’s Day.) Many breweries around the country are actually becoming quite eco-friendly. Some breweries are taking environmentally friendly initiatives, like using only organic ingredients, having solar- and wind-powered breweries, recycling and composting grains, and some are even using bio-diesel fueled delivery trucks.

Video and more info after the break.
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Behold! Greg Koch’s 45 minute “Be Remarkable: Ethics, Camaraderie, Passion” keynote speech from the 2009 Craft Brewer’s Convention. With inspiring ideas in regard to industry practices, plenty of beer geek humor, and “I Am Craft Brewer” intro montage goodness. Read the rest of this entry »

Bit from the Stone Brewing website via Vimeo:

“I Am A Craft Brewer” is a collaborative video representing the camaraderie, character, and integrity of the American Craft Brewing movement. Created by Greg Koch, CEO of the Stone Brewing Co. and Chris & Jared of Redtail Media…and more than 35 amazing craft brewers from all over the country. The video was shown to a packed audience of 1700 craft brewers and industry members at the 2009 Craft Brewers Conference as an introduction to Greg’s Keynote Speech entitled “Be Remarkable: Collaboration Ethics Camaraderie Passion.” As is tradition for the CBC Keynote, a toast to the audience was offered. This time, the beers offered for the toast were all collaboratively brewed craft beers including Isabella Proximus, Collaboration Not Litigation, AleSmith/Mikkeller/Stone Belgian Style Triple, Jolly Pumpkin/Nøgne-Ø/Stone Special Holiday Ale, and 2009 Symposium Ale “Audacity of Hops.”

Happy, powerful, beery video after the break:

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Break out your calendars, beer fans. Here’s the scoop on this week’s brew agenda –

Thursday, April 30th : Oldsmar Tap House welcomes Dan Gordon, co-founder and original brewmaster of Gordon Biersch Brewery. Come out for an evening of mingling – and drinking, of course. A variety of Gordon Biersch brews will be available on draught. 300 State Street East, Oldsmar

More after the break:

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Tomorrow (Saturday the 11th) at Datz Deli — All Hail the Ale — a celebration of the world’s best beers matched with fine cheeses. $25 per person includes 5 ounce pours and commemorative glassware. 4 pm- 7pm. 2616 MacDill Ave. Call (813) 831-7000 or email dixon@datzdeli to reserve your spot. Here’s the pairing lineup :

Westmalle Trappist Tripel : Belgium : 9.5%
This Belgian offering hails from one of the world’s seven Trappist monasteries, where brewing is conducted or overseen by monks. The cloudy, golden brew sports fruity, floral aromas. A strong malt component results in toasty flavors; the slight honey citrus sweetness is balanced by a mild alcohol warmth and a dry finish. The sharp, smoky flavors of Grafton Village Smoked Cheddar compliment the maltiness of Westmalle Tripel.

Many more beers after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Quality of life for insatiable hopheads living in Florida has improved substantially within the last few months. A colossal beer from San Diego’s Stone Brewing has entered the local market, leaving a mass of traumatized taste buds in its wake. Stone’s website describes Ruination IPA as “a liquid poem to the glory of the hop, so called because of the ruinous effect on your palate.” And let me assure you, this is not a clever marketing statement; it’s the honest truth.

Hops are female flowers from the plant Humulus lupulus, which are used in brewing to add aroma and bitterness. Alpha acids in resin secreted by the hops are mostly responsible for the bitter taste and subsequent IBU (International Bitterness Units) rating. On average, most brews rate between 15 and 45 IBUs. Stone Ruination has over 100 IBUs. To achieve this catastrophic bitterness, Ruination IPA is brewed with high alpha acid Columbus and Centennial hops and then finished with a hearty Centennial dry hopping to enhance the brew’s Humulus lupulus smells and add another layer of aggression to the brew’s overall flavor.

Now, let’s talk IPA (India Pale Ale): Read the rest of this entry »