NO SPOILERS: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens premiered today to a rabid fanfare, and the Internet is now little more than a spoiler minefield. If you’ve seen it already, we’re jealous; if you haven’t, stock up on the numerous Star Wars themes beers that have cropped up over the years, and go buy those tickets. And if you’re one of those rare people who have never seen the Star Wars movies…well, good luck.
Tying Another One On: Brooklyn gained another craft brewery this week with the opening of Strong Rope Brewery in Gowanus. The brewery will maintain a focus on New York State ingredients, launching initially with five “Main Line” beers, two “Drunken Sahler” releases, and plenty more on the way. Visit them this weekend at 574A President Street from noon to 10 PM.
Big Screen Boozing: Paste Magazine put together a solid list of some of the greatest moments in Christmas movie drinking history, ranging from old classics to new favorites. The only missing entry in our book is Christmas Vacation, for introducing the now-famous Moose Mugs and for Clark’s “Jelly of the Month Club” freakout. Better get to watching– there’s only a week left before watching Christmas movies look weird.
Praise Be to Beer: For those who believe beer is sacred, the combination of breweries and old churches is an obvious one. For anyone who hasn’t thought of that combination, consider the grand architecture of a church; now, imagine beer being made there. Genius, right? The good folks at Paste Magazine have put together a list of nine of their favorites for you to enjoy. If you’re friendly with your local parish, now might be a good time to get them in to homebrewing.
Drunken Monkeys: Boozed-up animals have been a popular fixture of lore and classical cartoons for years. Now you can finally get a look at some of the most intriguing real-world drinkers in the animal kingdom. From crafty birds who learned to save crabapples until they turned to tree-borne liquor to elephants stealing barrels of beer in India, save this one under “Do Not Try At Home.”
Get Mixed Up: Mixing beers and beer styles goes back thousands of years, for taste purposes (like lambics) and fiscal reasons (like pub mixtures) alike. Serious Eats takes you far beyond the shandy with four new recipes for blending beers that are sure to impress company, wow your tastebuds, and finally get rid of the last few bottles in that odd mixed case that’s been taking up prime refrigerator space. Throw in some of your own experiments as well; the worst thing that can happen is an abomination you’ll quietly pour down the drain.