Brew News FeBREWary 2010

1. New/Seasonal Beers - feat. Matacabras and Thermo Refur
2. Northwoods/Walter's Sampling Feb. 18th & Sand Creek Sampling Feb. 19th
3. Meet Your Brewer
4. Discount Beers & Pre-mixed IPA 6packs

1. New/Seasonal Beers - feat. Matacabras and Thermo Refur We are starting to hit BOCK and DOPPELBOCK season. Look forward to many great selections slipping into the store through the rest of winter and on into spring. Also there are a few new selections coming out of Dave's BrewFarm and Furthermore that deserve a special nod. a snippet of what is new at JLF (with descriptions from the Brewers' themselves)

New Glarus Cabin Fever Honey Bock

Cool days draw us close to the warmth of home fires. This is the season to sip away the chill and embrace quiet evenings with friends and family. You hold a Wisconsin Style Honey Bock, easy going and more approachable than its traditional dark German cousin. Bock beers have existed in Wisconsin for over 150 years. This pale bock is brewed with an exclusive blend of Wisconsin two row barley that balances seamlessly with our special European hops. Naturally sweet Clover Honey was added in the kettle accenting warm flavor notes on your tongue.

Whether you reminisce the passing summer sun or thrill to squeaky steps through drifting snow one thing is certain about winter in Wisconsin, this too shall pass.

Dave's BrewFarm Matacabras (coming soon)

In Spain, MATACABRAS is “the wind that kills goats.” In Wisconsin, it's the first in a series of wind-themed specialty beers from the BrewFarm.

In our part of the Upper Midwest there’s nothing like a brisk north wind to get your attention. So when we stumbled upon the name of this wicked Spanish breeze, we decided to brew up something that would likewise stop folks in their tracks.

We brew for flavor and for the overall “beer experience,” and our results are often curious and always distinctive. This strange new ale is no exception. Like its name, it is dark, mysterious, and difficult to translate into a familiar category. The deep hue and creamy body might suggest one style, but the floral aroma and Trappist-inspired flavors say another.

It is dark, yet not heavy; complex, yet balanced; strong, yet very smooth ... and unusually satisfying.

Furthermore Thermo Refur (coming soon)

With all its complexities, this ale is at its core a play between two basic characteristics of beer: good and evil. On one side, there are the smart,clean flavors of bright hops (40 IBU's) and stimulating black pepper, and on the other side, there are the dark, dusty flavors of our unique yeast blend. It's like this: We took an elegant, classic wheat yeast from a good neighborhood and sullied it with questionable characters from the other side of the tracks: two brettanomyces yeasts - one known for odd fruity flavors, the other for carrying subtle barnyard notes - and a lactic acid bacteria which produces sour but exciting qualities. We added this dysfunctional family to a heavy grain base (yielding 8.1% ABV), which leans on malted wheat with just enough black malt to give a color backdrop for the late addition of organic red beets. The deep red of the beet pushes the dirty-brown base color toward a funky purple hue, while the simple sugars reinvigorate fermentation.

At its freshest, the influences of the once-wild-but-produced-in-a-lab-to-avoid-a-poaching-fine organisms ride beneath the hops and pepper. As the beer ages, look for the spices to mellow and the bad influence of the microscopic thugs to continue to corrupt the flavor profile.

2. Northwoods/Walter's Sampling Feb. 18th & Sand Creek Sampling Feb. 19th
Patrick from Northwoods will be stopping by Thursday, February 18th from 4-6PM to sample out Walter's and Floppin' Crappie. Please stop on down and sample a bit of Eau Claire history in a can.

Mark from Sand Creek Brewery will be dropping in for a sampling on Friday, February 19th from 3-5PM. Stop on in for a sampling of Oscar's Chocolate Stout, Wild Ride IPA, English-Style Ale, or any of the other numerous beers being crafted at this amazing brewery.

3. Meet Your Brewer
We are starting a new segment in our monthly newsletter called Meet Your Brewer. This section will allow us to interview the folks that bring us that refreshing beverage called beer. We will be chatting with Brewers, Owners, Sales Reps, Distributors, you name it, in order to better connect you the customer to the people that make the product happen. Below is a small piece of a future video post featuring David, owner/brewer/sales rep, of Dave's BrewFarm. Look forward to a full interview in our March edition of Brew News.



4. Discount Beers & Pre-mixed IPA 6packs
Just a reminder to y'all, we have a discounted single beer section in the bottom right-hand corner of the beer case. Here you will find various overstocks, seasonals done and past, and beers that got the ax in favor of something new and fresh. Either way, you, the customer, gets a great price on great beer. Thanks for helping us keep our case as fresh as possible!

Also, we have hand picked some pre-mixed IPA 6packs for your pleasure. These bad boys pack a serious punch of hops. Starting next month we will be featuring bocks and doppelbocks in the pre-mix 6 section.

As always, CHEERS!
Jordan

'Beer. Now there's a temporary solution.' ~Dan Castellaneta

Bigger selection of Crescent Meats!

We now have an entire freezer door dedicated to Crescent Meats, along with a nice selection of jerky and snack sticks.

Crescent Meats is a family owned and operated full-service meat processing plant in Cadott, WI, 33 miles from our store. Their meat is "100% free of any hormones, growth promoting implants, additives, or chemicals", and the meat for our store is guaranteed 100% local!

We are delighted to work with Wayne and Stacey Lautsbaugh to bring you an expanded variety of delicious local meats. Anyone who’s tasted their brats and sausages in our store know how delicious their products are. Come in and give it a try!

In the freezer right now:

Pork chops / Spare ribs / Pork butt (shoulder) / Ground pork

Smoked pork hocks

Smoked kielbasa / Andoullie sausage (a Just Local favorite!)

Italian sausage with black olives and mozzarella / Smoked brats with Swiss cheese & mushrooms

Wieners / Ring bologna

Lamb loin chops

Elk roast / Elk French rack – these look amazing!

According to their website, “Elk is one of the leaner Wisconsin meats available and has more nutrients than most other meats. Our elk cuts are so tender and good tasting you won't want to eat any other meat again.”

We hope you like the new products -- please let us know if you have any requests!

happy valentines day from just local food!

Looking for Valentine’s Day ideas for that special someone? Stop in and make a great find at JLF!

We’re happy to offer locally made or fair trade chocolates, regionally sourced flowers, bath salts and massage oils, fair trade teas, bees wax candles, handcrafted soaps, candy and so much more. Come in and do some brainstorming with any of our worker-owners to find a perfect gift or meal to share. (or be part of the Secret Post: a Community Art Project)

Divine Chocolate is here! (happy valentine's day!)

Chocolate Addicts! Three (3) new varieties of African Chocolate are now at your local Co-op, each carefully selected for pure valentine's (or everyday) pleasure (and vitamins?!)... click here for the divine chocolate 'story'

Divine White Chocolate With Strawberries- $3.99
Divine Dark Chocolate with 70% Cocoa- $1.99
Divine Milk Chocolate- $1.99

reflections on 2010's Farmer to Farmer coffee trip

It has been an honor to share some images and a short video of our trip to Honduras and Guatemala in an effort to better understand the lives of organic growers that grow us such high quality, environmentally conscious, small scale crops in two countries that few of us in the Chippewa Valley have been able to immerse ourselves in. 

In an effort to keep my first blogs to the point, I'd like to offer a few areas where I can focus future writing based on what questions you may have about the agricultural and environmental, political, social or artistic happenings of the regions that we visited. please comment to this blog with any further questions you would like me to elaborate on...

To summarize some of these things Honduras and Guatemala share a history of pre-columbian ancestry but now differ in their intact cultures as Spanish and Mayan influence has taken different paths in both countries, leaving a different reality for indigenous rights, farming practices, environmental impact and areas of focus for farmer to farmer type projects.

Honduras, the first half of our trip, simmered with political tension (but a general feeling of rest... or perhaps a population holding it's breath) and boiled as coffee was a-buzz as market prices ran high (but supply continued to run low) and farmer to farmer (organic and oober fair trade) prices substantially higher.  Politically, our new hosts deliberated the effects of president Zelaya's overthrow (via coup d'etat in June 2009), leaving the country divided and lead by two leaders or presidents which neither could claim an overwhelming degree of support. Guatemala, the second half of our three weeks in Central America, continues to be a concentrated area for work in indigenous rights and greater human rights as severe poverty and short of infrastructure leaves many in the indigenous dominated country unrecognized by the government, creating calamity with the repeating reality of devastating natural disasters and basic medical coverage lacking accessibility (the sister of our Tzotzil (Mayan) interpreter passed away two days ago due to lack of funds for insulin).

www.farmertofarmer.orgFarmer to Farmer's trip focused our energies on connecting with different cooperatives that continued to develop ties to western Wisconsin through the sale of organic coffee, heirloom textiles (natural dies, traditional weaving methods, multiple types of cotton), scholarships for area children, and much much more.  Each visit to a cooperative meeting or family visit included sharing the story of Just Local Food and the people of my community, games and culture (from gifting and practicing Frisbee to explaining winter and the related culture of ways to embrace the Wisconsin cold).  We were introduced to the ups and downs of cooperative business and sustainable development in small communities, explained and deliberated a transparent market to farmers that never could learn of the complicated systems that moved their cafe from farm to cup, toured farms that have naturally practiced organic farming for as far back as memory can wander (the alternative of synthetic fertilizers, chemical herbicides and pesticides is/was either too expensive, inaccessible, unnecessary, and now more and more harmful to the hopes and dreams of a safe place for eco-tourism and fair trade), took time to record their stories, dreams, messages for their customers, etc.

To wrap up today's blog, it's been an incredible education to see how solidarity groups like farmer to farmer make a growing impact on communities like those we visited in Honduras and Guatemala.   please keep an eye on just local food's blog for upcoming coffee 101 talks and feel free to email me (zac@justlocalfood.com) if you'd be interested in having a talk at your local school, congregation, community group, etc.

paz

Coffee Farming in Guate!

enjoy this fantastic youtube video (and more photos!) about our Guatemalan coffee farmers. Alexander Nixon is a PeaceCorps volunteer working with these farmers, let us know if you have any questions about the process or for these amazing folks!

Baguettes are Back!!!

Baguettes are back! SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!

Start the week on Sunday with fresh baguettes handmade by Marie Young working at the Downsville Creamery. We are very excited that Marie is again providing us with baguettes and that they now include organic flour in her ingredients. Baguettes will be available Thursday, Friday, Saturday , and Sunday at 3PM.

For our customers who are in need of our baguette fix early in the work week we are pleased to tell you that Foster Cheese Haus is bringing 100% organic, fresh white and whole wheat baguettes Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons at 3PM!

That's not all that is new under the sun for bread at the coop though! We will also be selling Marie's savory pastries fresh from Downsville and a new yummy granola foccacia bread from Foster Cheese Haus as well!

New Products and Lower Prices

As mentioned before, we are working with a new distributor for several of our refrigerated and frozen products. This relationship has allowed us to drop prices on several items and pick-up great new product lines. Please check them out next time you're in!

NEW EVERYDAY LOW PRICING
Frozen
Amy's Palak Paneer Meal $5.99->$5.59
Amy's Cheese Enchilada Meal $5.99->$5.59
Cheese
Mt. Sterling Raw Mild Goat Cheddar $6.69->$6.29
Mt. Sterling Goat Feta $5.69->$5.39
Crave Brothers Petit Frere $9.99->$8.59
Crave Brothers Mascarpone 8oz $7.89->$3.39
Crave Brothers Mozzarella 8oz $3.79->$3.49
Crave Brothers Farmer's Rope $7.89->$4.99
Refrigerated
Tofurky Sausages $5.99->$5.19
Tofurky Slices $3.99->$3.49
GT's Kombucha ALL VARIETIES $4.59->$3.99

NEW PRODUCTS
Cheese
Widmer's Mild Brick
Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Cooperative Dante Sheep Cheese
WSDC Mona Cow/Sheep Cheese
WSDC Dante Lamb Sheep Cheese
Castle Rock Lemon Thyme Ginger Raw Cheddar
Marieke Raw Cumin Gouda
Refrigerated
Oikos OG Plain Greek Yogurt 16oz
Oikos OG Vanilla Greek Yogurt 16oz
Oikos OG Honey Greek Yogurt 5.3oz
Salsa Lisa Hot Salsa
Salsa Lisa Mild/Medium Salsa
Harvest Bay Coconut Water
HolyLand Tandoori Bread
HolyLand Guacamole Hummus
Bullfrog Fish Farm 4oz Smoked Salmon
Bullfrog Fish Farm 8oz Smoked Salmon
Bullfrog Fish Farm Pickled Pink Rainbow Trout
Earth Balance Natural Shortening
Frozen
Alexia Mushroom Bites
Alexia Mozzarella Stix
Alchemy 16oz Frozen Soups
Alchemy 32oz Frozen Soups

We're in Guatemala!

our first photos from HONDURAS!

Minneola Tangelo

We have the privilege of having access to a number of small citrus farms in Florida, California and Texas that have been sending us some amazing fruits. I just finished up a nice display of these goodies that will greet you as you walk in the store. Here's more info on one of our favorites:

Minneola Tangelo

The fruits are the size of an adult fist and have a tangerine taste, but are very juicy, to the point of not providing much flesh but producing excellent and plentiful juice. Tangelos generally have loose, thin skin and are easier to peel than oranges. They are easily distinguished from oranges by a characteristic knob at the top of the fruit. Like most tangelos and mandarin oranges, the Minneola tangelo is pretty easy to peel. Many people like the fact that the fruit doesn’t have very many seeds, usually about ten on average, so they’re easy to avoid. Since Minneola tangelos have such a burst of both sweet and sour flavors, they’re excellent for use in a variety of dishes, though you can make a good argument for simply peeling and eating them. You can add them to either fruit or green salads. They’ll be delicious when dressed with most vinaigrette dressings. They can also top focaccia, be used in marinades, or grilled. They provide a delicious way to add that sunny summer feel back into your diet, even when the weather outside is gloomy or cold.

Brew News January 2010

BREW NEWS - JANUARY 2010

Information to maximize your delight of beer in the new year!

1. Beer Blowout Sale: Single Bottles
2. Pre-Mixed 6pk: IPA's/Pale Ales
3. Beer Enjoyment Tips: Pouring
4. Seasonals/New Beers

1. Beer Blowout Sale: Single Bottles
We strive to ensure that all of our beers are as fresh as they can be (while acknowledging that some become better with age). We also like to have a wide variety of single bottles available to you, the customer, so you can mix & match as you please. This means we need your help! Look for a special discounted section of single bottles in the beer cooler. Let's all "take one for the team" and drink through some of our backstock...








2. Pre-Mixed 6pk: IPA's/Pale Ales
This month's Pre-Mixed 6pk will include India Pale Ales (IPAs) and select Pale Ales. Look for these specially-marked 6pks below the single bottles racks. Raise your hand (er, glass) if you love hops!

3. Beer Enjoyment Tips: Pouring
There are many ways to enjoy beer, and it all starts with how its poured (which you should always, ALWAYS do!). First, choose the right glass for the style of beer you have. This varies with each beer - certain shapes can help hold and/or increase the aromas of the yummy ingredients within. Second, pour the beer so you get a nice foamy head at the top of your glass. About 1-1.5" is about right. This is important and sometimes necessary for the overall aroma of your beer. Lastly, SMELL your beer before drinking. Appreciate it. LOVE IT. Remember, the more you smell, the more you taste.
Don't belive it? Take a pull from the bottle, then pour in a glass & sip. Notice the difference?




4. Seasonals/New Beers

• Furthermore's Makeweight is back in for the season. Check out this wonderfully unusual blend of three styles of pale ales. Our limited supply is what we have for the rest of the year!
  
• Central Waters Hop Harvest comes in a handy 22oz. bomber bottle. Feel good about drinking this wet-hopped ale that uses Wisconsin-grown hops and barley
• JLF is now the first place in town to have Walter's Premium Pilsener available in 12pk cans. Take pleasure in more of this Eau Claire original, brewed at Northwoods Brew Pub
• Look forward to another fine beer from Dave's Brewfarm available at the end of January. Here's what David has to say about Matacabras: "Named after Spain’s famed 'goat killing' northerly wind, this tempestuous brew has a maelstrom of flavors swirling within it. Robust American hops and rye make this deep, dark ale an experience to savor."

"Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel ashamed - Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.'"
-Deep Thought, Jack Handy

Prost!
-The Beer Dudes (Drew and Jordan)

communicación desde Comayagua, Honduras

We're back in WI! click here for some last photos and some journals to come...

We've crossed into Guatemala! Click here for photos!

here are our first photos from HONDURAS!


View farmer to farmer trip in a larger map

I´m over joyed to be writing a first post from Comayagua, Honduras... we have an amazing opportunity to get to know so much about the people that are growing such amazing organic and much more than fair trade coffee. Tomorrow we will be up and out on the mountain well before the sun, checking in with many of our honduran family run coops or small coffee growers, making sure that their needs are being fairly met and that they are receiving the hard earned premium for organic growing practices.  These beans are the seeeds and monetary foundation for community projects and infrastructure for continued growth and cooperation. for more info on farmer to farmer please visit their website, become a member and receive quarterly updates on different projects. Look for notices through just local food for future trips where you can also get involved and enjoy the beauty and compassion for our shared future. 

keep an eye out for updates on honduras and then also learn about growers in Guatemala, ask us to show you what coffee we´re sampling and have a cup to warm up or take home a bag of honduran or guatemalan (farmer to farmer or just coffee!) café to share with family and friends.

here are our first photos from HONDURAS!

We've crossed into Guatemala! Click here for photos!

We're back in WI! click here for some last photos and some journals to come...

crackers

Have you tried Potter's Crackers?

They are the perfect local cracker for everyday and for that special party!

I called down to the Potter's cracker shed in Madison just before Christmas to place an order for us, and the freshly baked crackers are already here. Now that's fresh: baked, packed and shipped to order. And until someone more local than Madison (they gets their flour from a mill just south of here, and other ingredients from nearby places!) gets crackin', these are our local cracker. And you've been to Madison, it's not too far, and it's a pretty awesome town.

We've increased our selection along with the bakery - here's what we have: Garlic and baby onion, six seed, toasted sesame, caraway rye, washington island flax, hazelnut graham, cranberry graham, cranberry wild rice, sweet potato onion and classic white. Hand-bagged 4oz size.

Wondering what to do with a cracker like this? Check out their pairings page. We have most of the cheeses they recommend, right across the aisle from the crackers!

worker-owned co-ops... sustainability as a gift to our communities this holiday season

friends have me reading about worker-owned co-ops again... discuss amungst yourselves... then with others, this is barely scratching the surface in our communities. http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1947313,00.html and http://www.justpeace.org/mondragon.htm thanks tom and eric!

Last Minute Christmas Ideas.

Do you need a last minute Christmas idea? Under $15? Here are just a few you will find in the store;

Malted Milk Powder that comes already wrapped with recipes enclosed, made in Colfax, WI.

Obsession Chocolates syrup, chocolates, truffles, toffee and cocoa.

Many Health and Beauty items including, soaps, lotions, reed diffusers, chico bags.

How about a Just Local Food T-shirt?

Local Jams, Honeys, Maple Syrups.

Coffee and Teas.

Beer.

And there are always Gift Certificates in any denomination.

If you need assistance all the workers have great ideas for gifts, just ask!

Happy Holidays.