What's Tappening At Taco Mac

Here is a listing of some special kegs, where they are, and when we plan on getting into them. I intend to update this calendar weekly at least, or as availability necessitates. This is the time of year when a lot of great beers come out, and there is a lot of activity on draft walls company-wide. Always be advised that beers come and go quickly, so if you have your heart set on something, please call to check availability first! Stay tuned, and enjoy.

Terra-Rye'Zd: This black lager with copious amounts of rye is a collaboration between Left Hand and Terrapin, brewed at Left Hand's facility in Longmont, Colorado. Taco Mac has 6 kegs spread across Atlanta, and here is where they are and when we are pouring them.

• Pouring now: Windward Pkwy.
• Friday 10/31: (Halloween! Tomorrow!) at Metropolis
• Tuesday 11/11: Kennesaw and Perimeter
• TBA: Johns Creek and East-West Connector

Sweetwater Festive Ale: We have some stores with 2007 vintages, being served alongside the current batch. Some of these '07's are in small kegs, so hurry.

• Old Milton Pkwy. is pouring 2007 right now.
• Ellard Village is pouring both very soon (call 770-518-5565 for exact date).
• Crabapple is pouring both right now.
• Most stores have the current batch now, and more '07's are coming soon.

Left Hand 400 lb. Monkey IPA: This is a test batch, and Atlanta is 1 of 6 markets nationwide to get it. The beer is not overpoweringly bitter, which I found to be a refreshing surprise.

• Kennesaw and Crabapple are tapping this week.
• Lindbergh, Cumming, Duluth and Peachtree City already tapped theirs and may be out already.

Terrapin Oak-Aged Hoppy Monster: A new monster is on the loose! Don't run for your life! Run to Crabapple and Decatur; they are getting it this weekend. Other stores will follow.

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout: At just over 10% alcohol, this is the beer that cold weather was meant for. Get one at Perimeter and Kennesaw now. Those same stores also have Breckenridge Christmas on draft.

Suwanee will be getting a keg of 2006 Duck Rabbit Barley Wine. We will probably start selling that in early November.

Most stores are also serving the new 2008 Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. I had one yesterday and it was outstanding, as usual.

Eight stores will be serving Terrapin's All-American Imperial Pilsner on election night. If you want to cast your vote for great beer and watch the election returns with a Terrapin in your hand, head down to Metropolis, Old Milton, Decatur, Crabapple, Lindbergh, Dallas Hwy., Perimeter or Kennesaw. The TV coverage will be on the election, and the sound will be audible. Terrapin is only going to make this beer every 4 years now, so get one while you can.

East-West Connector has just brought in on draft: He'Brew Jewbelation 12, Rogue Festive, Sierra Nevada Double DeBockle, St. Bernardus Tripel, Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout and Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin. If you live near Austell, you need to go check in on Nathan and his crew. They have a great looking selection right now.

Decatur is also getting into a Great Divide Oak-Aged Yeti Imperial Stout this week some time. If you are looking for a beast of a stout, you found one.

Many stores are picking up Red Brick Porter now as well. This is their old "Winter" seasonal, which is a double-chocolate oatmeal porter, now being made year-round. It is delicious.

That is it for now. I hope this keeps everyone busy for a while. Have a great weekend.

Vanilla Gorilla Attacks Metropolis!

The new beer engine that we installed at our Metropolis location sprang into action tonight for the first time. The last pieces of the puzzle came together at 4:59 pm for the 5:00 pm tapping (great work Charlie!), and after a few minor adjustments, Donald was drawing hand-pulled pints like a pro. The Atlanta Brewing Co. provided their Double-Chocolate Oatmeal Porter, cask-conditioned with real vanilla beans. The crowd was just as outstanding as the beer, and we killed the firkin in just under 1 1/2 hours. I got the last one, and the temp and flavor were just right. The vanilla was a great compliment, and nowhere was there any excessive sweetness. We are anxious to make this beer engine a regular Wednesday night occurance, firkin supply willing. Stay tuned.

Above is a picture of Donald and Anthony pouring a pint, and look a little further down for a snapshot of my trip to California. More to come!

First Post

I am launching a blog to keep all of our beer-loving friends out there in Taco Mac land informed about upcoming beer-related events and happenings. Eventually, I will also include photos of my beer travels and adventures, as well as links to any interesting things I encounter along the way. I hope you have as much fun with this as I will.