Brewers Having Fun

There are times in life when you do crazy things that are definitely not regrettable.  For example, last week we headed to St. Louis in the middle of the work week, five-year old in tow, for a concert by The Decemberists at The Pageant.

A lot of beer has been brewed and fermented and kegged  in recent months while The Decemberists sang their stories in the BARn.  When we saw they were going to be in St. Louis for a concert, we knew we wanted to attend.  To add a little icing to the cake Sara Watkins (formerly of Nickel Creek) was playing with the band, and Justin Townes Earle was the opening act.

To add decorations to the icing on the cake there’s a great St. Louis restaurant, Pi, across the street from The Pageant.  You know it’s a good restaurant when Schlafly brews a beer specifically for the restaurant—Schlafly Pi Common (and it was smooth).  They have a very nice craft beer list at Pi.  We got to try some of the new Stone beer that’s found its way to Missouri as well as some offerings from other local craft breweries like Urban Chestnut and Charleville.  (My review of the Stone Sublimely Self Righteous Ale is..the beer abides.)

The Pageant is a very nice and intimate venue (and they serve craft beer, too).  Justin Townes Earle had one of the most unique and memorable guitar sounds I’ve heard.  He was fun.  Sara Watkins was channeling her inner rock star in The Decemberists.  And The Decemberists as a whole were unforgettable.  As the band began singing “Calamity Song” Brian leaned over and said to me, “I feel like I should be brewing.”

Speaking of brewing, The Decemberists were definitely on the iPod while our latest brew was being concocted—Missouri Mule IPA.  If you like hops, you’re gonna like the 70 IBU hop kick in this one.  And with a 7.2% ABV, it’s got another bit of kick in it, too.

Several people have requested a Piney River Brewing Company IPA, so we’re going to be serving our first 10 gallons of Missouri Mule this Saturday, May 7^th from 1 to 4 p.m.  while it lasts.

We got one of these cool posters to hang in the brewery, too.