2012. This much buzzed-about year has finally arrived. And we here at the Cannon Brew Pub are buzzing, too.

Not because of the Mayan Prophecy.

Not because of a certain election we’ve been hearing about in the news.

Nor yet another Super Bowl featuring the Patriots.

No, we’re buzzing because this year the Cannon will grow in ways not seen since opening our doors back in ’99 to the best beer drinkers in the Southeast.

Well, either that or the fact that we just got to sample Heather’s newest seasonal, Kick in the Berries.

Wow. It would be easy to get carried away with this porter. Our Pink-Booted brewer found inspiration in the delicious pairing of chocolate and dark fruits, blending plenty of authentic British chocolate malt, a bit of hops for balance, and over 50 pounds of fresh blackberries, raspberries, and cherries into her new brew.

And yes – it tastes as good as it sounds. But wait until you see it! At first glance, Kick in the Berries looks like most porters with its rich, deep chocolate color.  However, holding it up to the light, you can also see a shimmering shade of deep red.

Aroma, you ask? Oh, yeah. It’s got that, too. When you bring the pint to your lips, you’ll notice the deliciously dark fruit scent right away. Get your nose deep enough into Berries’ bouquet and you’ll also sense the slight bready, roasted, and apple-ly aromas as well.

Perhaps the most special aspect of this seasonal is its exceptional ability to pair with food. Sip your Berries while starting with an Uptown Flatbread appetizer. Grab another pint and tuck in to Mrs. Jeter’s Petite Sirloin or a Chuck’s Spinach Salad. And of course, it would easily pair with any dessert, but we’d especially recommend the decadent Chocolate Runneth Over.

So, are you up for a “Kick in the Berries?” Well, join us 5:00 Friday, January 27^th for the tapping of this one-of-a-kind porter. We look forward to raising a pint with you and toasting 2012 – a year that promises to bring with it monumental changes, great growth, and a new hope for a brighter future.

Well, here at the Cannon at least.

Prost!

~Management

The base on Fort Benning has been a neighbor to Columbus for just under a century. In that time, our two communities have grown so close as to at times be indistinguishable. And when the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission decided to consolidate a number of installations into “centers of excellence” back in 2005, we knew that we were about to welcome quite a few new neighbors to our city in the valley.

With Veterans Day having just passed and with the Maneuver Center of Excellence fully operational, we here at the Cannon Brewpub (“like” us on Facebook if you haven’t already!) would like to dedicate our next seasonal brew to the Armor Soldiers out at the new Armor Division, Friday November 18^th at 5:00.

Ladies and gentlemen – we give you: the Cannon ONE-20!

So named for the main battle guns mounted on the Abrams tanks driven by our heroes around the world, this amber ale was conceptualized after a beer tasting hosted by our brewer Heather here at the Cannon, attended by members of the Maneuver Center of Excellence and the 15^th Cavalry Regiment.

The ONE-20 Ale has a nice amber-orange hue, and a malty sweetness that is perfectly balanced by a crisp, clean finish. Think of it this way: it hits the lips like a Red Jacket, but lays down on your palette like a lager. It’s something special. Like our heroes next door.

In honor of their intense training and their willingness to fight for freedom on our behalf, we humbly dedicate this batch of brew to everyone at the Maneuver Center of Excellence; and true to the long-standing relationship between town and post, we would like to invite everyone to come by and try a pint of Heather’s new brew (and check some of the press she’s getting!).

And if you see our men or women in uniform, buy them a “round” of ONE-20s and raise your pint to them. Because without their service, there wouldn’t be nearly as much to “cheers” about.

Cheers!

~Management

A sledgehammer can be one of several things.

Self-explanatory.

It can be a tool.

It can be a killer Peter Gabriel video.

And in Columbus, GA, it is one of the area’s favorite craft-brewed ales: the Sledgehammer Double IPA.

But Columbus and our Ft. Benning neighbors know that we don’t call our favorite seasonal Sledgehammer because it’s 8% alcohol and if you’re not careful how you swing it you could hurt yourself.

And we don’t call it Sledgehammer because when you drink it you sometimes look like this:

Though sometimes you do.

The REAL "Sledgehammers"

No, we call it Sledgehammer for the soldiers who serve in the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. They are an aggressive and hard-hitting bunch, and that’s the kind of beer we want them to come home to. We truly thank you for your service, and hope you enjoy our humble tribute.

So, we invite the community to join us today at five to tap the keg and the rest of the month to celebrate the service and sacrifice of these brave soldiers that take the fight to the foe so that we may drink in peace.

We raise our pints to you, Brave Sledgehammers.

Cheers,

~Management

P.S. If you haven’t “liked us” on Facebook, here’s a friendly reminder.

On 12 October 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria tied the knot with Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.

And then all in attendance “tied one on.”

The guests at their wedding reception got royally ripped and had such a good time, they vowed to get together the following year for the “anniversary.”

For their reluctance to put away their steins, we here at the Cannon Brew Pub raise our mugs high; for what began as a future king’s espousal soiree would go on to become the world’s largest fair and inspire satellite celebrations the world around.

That’s right, volks! It’s once again time for Ludwig and Saxe-Hildburghausen anniversary party. Better known as Oktoberfest.

Festivities kick off in Munich on 17 September and will run through 3 October.

But since most of us won’t be hitting the tents this year, Heather has decided to bring some “Old World” spirits to the edge of Georgia by brewing a variation of the Oktoberfest beer served at the inaugural bash. Authentic German grains and fresh German hops give this malty, full-bodied lager a bready aroma and a crisp dryness that is perfect for the coming autumnal turn.

You’re going to want to make it a point to come out to the Cannon Monday 19 September we when pour the first round. Like the festival itself, this batch of brew takes a lot of skill and patience to pull off. Heather’s been tending to “The Oktoberfest” for two months now! She has put a lot of love and labor into this lager, so make it a point to come sup a cup of her latest suds and help us kick off our modest take on the world’s largest party.

Das Boot!

~Management

The Blues is America’s Music.

It, along with its hip cousin Jazz, is one of our greatest gifts to the World.

From W.C. Handy to Eric Clapton to apparently Scott Weiland (though I don’t suspect you’ll find much I-IV-V on this collection), the twelve-bar blues chord progression has hitched its way into nearly every musical genre and is more than likely the foundation of hundreds of your favorite songs.

And probably some you’d wish the radio station permanently put to pasture, but that’s a matter of taste.

Also a matter taste? Our new seasonal, 12-BAR BROWN ALE, set to be tapped today at 5:00!

Heather took a break from brewing last week and dropped by our table while we ate dinner last week (had to raise one last pint of her Ginger Beer – plus, the kitchen has been setting the joint *on fire* lately! Metaphorically, of course; which is to say the food has been amazing) and gave us the low down on the 12-Bar.

It’s going to be malty, featuring a hefty helping of American and German grains and what Heather described as “way more hops than are ever needed in one beer.”

But be forewarned, lest you get lost in your cups and wind up making a regrettable deal with a dubious character at a some dusty crossroads or another: this is an aggressive beer. I’m talking Stevie Ray Vaughn-gauge aggressive. At 8% ABV, it’ll have you “Sitting On Top Of The World.” Just make sure you’re able to get “Further On Up The Road” when the time comes to pay your dues.

So, come on in and wash your blues away with the new full-flavored, big-legged Cannon seasonal, 12-BAR BROWN ALE.

It’s sure to leave you pickin’ your grin up off the floor!

Cheers!

~Management

It’s been a good week for lovers of beer.

Yesterday was International IPA Day. And oh how we did lift our mugs and cheer.

But today – today is a *very* special day indeed, my fellow Hops-Heads.

August 5^th is International Beer Day! This one covers them all: the bitters, the lagers, the porters and stouts; the barley wines, the pilsners, the weissbiers and bocks; even the mush you brew at home.

Today is the day to celebrate each and every one of these unique little gifts to humanity.

And you can thank Jesse Avshalomov for this wonderful holiday. Here, he explains the origins of IBD:

“A few years back a group of friends and I decided that there needed to be a day in celebration of all things beer, a day in thanks to the people who produce and provide our favorite beverage. So we invented International Beer Day, convinced our local bar to celebrate on August 5th, made a little website for it, gave thanks to the beer industry, and had a good-ol’ time.”

If you so choose to participate in this fledgling holiday, you will certainly not be alone. You will be raising your pint with people as far a field as Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, The Philippines, Romania, Scotland, Slovenia, South Africa, Turkey, and Venezuela.

So, what is the purpose of International Beer Day? According to the official website (which you can access here):

• To gather with friends and enjoy the deliciousness that is beer.
• To honor the dedicated men and women who brew and serve our beer.
• To bring the world together under the united banner of beer, by celebrating the beers of all nations and cultures together on this one remarkable day.

And how do you celebrate International Beer Day? Well, you come in to the Cannon Brewpub, of course! Where else can you get one-of-kind craft beer from a Pink-Booted Brewer on a day dedicated to honoring exactly those two things? It’s literally a match made in hops heaven!

So, come on in to the Cannon Brewpub today to celebrate International Beer Day.

Try a beer you normally wouldn’t opt for (I recommend the Midsummer Night’s Brew, Heather’s “Ginger” beer – it’s dangerously refreshing on these sweltering Southern summer days).

Give the gift of beer – buy a round for your friends.

But perhaps most importantly of all – show a little love to the people who brew the beverage that has brought the whole world together today.

Heather – keep doing what you’re doing. We sure do appreciate you.

Now, grab your mug and get to work…

It’s time to celebrate International Beer Day!

Cheers,

~Management

And there was the story of Ninkasi.

Her name meant “the lady who fills the mouth” and she brewed a mean beer.

She’d sift the sprouted barley and bake the doughy gruel, stirring with a broad shovel. She’d fold bappir in the mash, maybe some honey, soaking the malt in the jar. And when the time was right, she would pour sweet aromatic beer into collector vats with the force of Tigris and Euphrates.

Would you expect less from the ancient Sumerian Goddess of Brewing and Beer?

Thus began, in the very beginning of beer itself, women’s contribution to the brewing arts. Indeed, 3,800 years ago, brewing was almost solely undertaken by the ladies.

And now, taking her place among the all-time greats, the latest in a line that stretches all the way back to The Hymn of Ninkasi, is the Cannon’s own HEATHER MCREYNOLDS!

Last week, Heather was awarded a pair of PINK BOOTS, signifying her inclusion in the Pink Boots Society, the crème de la crème of women working in the beer industry today.

Heather has literally jumped right in since taking over brewing responsibilities at the Cannon Brew Pub, and she deserves this honor, and will no doubt earn many more as she continues to craft the best craft brews around.

So, come down and check out her Pink Boots (although they’ll probably be covered in various hues of mash!) and buy her a beer when she gets off work.

Congratulations, Heather, from everyone at the Cannon.

And from everyone who has ever raised one of your pints.

You are keeping a long-standing tradition alive.

And keeping anything standing long with beer around is something to be proud of.

Cheers,

~Management

At the Cannon Brew Pub, we love beer.

And food.

And then beer again.

But, perhaps the only thing we like more than beer and food is getting behind a good cause.

That’s why we are so pleased to be teaming up with the American Cancer Society this Thursday (March 24th) to help fight cancer by donating 10% of our sales for the whole day to Relay for Life.

Relay For Life is not only a good cause. It’s a lot of fun!

Teams of participants camp out overnight at area high schools, parks, and fairgrounds and take turns lapping the track, raising money and awareness while remembering those who have lost the battle with cancer, celebrating those who are fighting the good fight, and imagining a day when this disease is stamped out completely.

We are honored to be involved with such a noble endeavor.

So, please come out, clean your plates, raise your pints, and be a part of something special this Thursday, March 24th.

And check out http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/ to learn more on how you can help humankind leave cancer in the dust.

Cheers,
~management

It’s been called Carnival.

Shrovetide.

Even Pancake Day.

But here in the States, we know it (and love it) as Mardi Gras.

Fat Tuesday, baby!

And it’s that time of year again.

Americans have distilled the dusty traditions began that first Fat Tuesday by the “crewe” of Gallic outlanders over three centuries ago: imbibing bourbon and beer, consuming mass quantities of King Cake, and apparently some sort of action involving beads. One wonders what occurred at the camp of the Brothers Le Moyne that night at Point du Mardi Gras, just outside of present day Mobile, to birth such peculiar customs.

We may never know who threw the first bead, Pierre or Jean-Baptiste, but with Ash Wednesday looming like no other “Hump Day” can, we are simply happy to celebrate wildly with friends and family before returning to a more sustainable state of moderation.

But before slowing down, make the trek to the Cannon Brewpub and get in the Mardi Gras spirit with some of our Cajun-inspired dishes, such as (my personal favorite) Chicken Bayou or maybe our Jambalaya Pasta, and perhaps finish the evening off with a slice of Bourbon Pecan Pie.

Oh, and RED JACKET is back on tap!! Fat, happy days are here again.

So, pump up the Meters, don a masquerade mask and get your Gras on at the Cannon Brewpub.

Cheers,

~Management

Beer has been around a long time.

It was payment to the artisans who built the pyramids of Giza.

It had a cameo in the epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known works in literature.

There is even a 5000-year-old Persian poem that is both a prayer and a recipe for beer.

So after five millennia, it is a testament to humanity’s devotion to the draught that there can be anything considered “new” in the brewing arts.

That being said, Brewmaster Hank is working on his inaugural batch of BLACK ALE.

Hitting the craft brew scene in the early 1990s, the Brewer’s Association has only this year settled on how exactly we should order this particular pint.

Hop Heads out in the Pacific Northwest pushed hard for “Cascadian Black Ale,” but the geographical claims of origin didn’t pass scrutiny. While they do in fact produce a wealth of Black Ales in Oregan and Washington State, Greg Noonan from Vermont is credited with concocting this variant.

“Black India Pale Ale” was shot down, as well. After all, how can something be pale and black at the same time? (This conundrum should illuminate the whimsical nature of this dark style of light ale.)

“American-Style India Black Ale” was the next moniker to fall by the wayside. This should come as no surprise, seeing as we Americans didn’t have a whole lot to do with the beer drank during the British Raj. Plus, that’s a mouthful to say after a couple pints.

As of ’11, it’s simply “American-Style Black Ale.”

And it’s coming to the Cannon!

Watch the beer board for the arrival of this trendsetting new brew, and prepare to be perplexed by this yin-yangy light/dark ale. With its deep brown to black hue and moderate malty, hoppy, roasty notes, Brewmaster Hank will have your head spinning with this innovative ale.

So, come in to the Cannon Brewpub soon and taste the newest chapter in beer’s long and lustrous history.

Cheers!

~Management