Knoxville Brewfest

The inaugural Knoxville Brewfest has SOLD OUT. All signs lean toward a successful event and another beer drinking festival. Or is it a tasting festival? I suppose everyone will decide for themselves. I will not be in attendance so I'll have to rely on feedback from friends to let me know how it was. Please feel free to leave comments.

Apparently not everyone in town is pleased with the addition of another Brew event, according to KnoxNews.com. And I must say that I have to side with Woodruff Brewing Company on this one, they were snubbed without cause. Not having one of our local brewers as a participant just because they're part of another, similar event doesn't make sense. But I think the organizers realize this and will make the right call next year and everything will be fine. At least I hope so.

Good luck Knoxville Brewfest! Maybe I'll see you next year...

Downtown Wine + Spirits FREE Tastings

Good new from Downtown Wine + Spirits: Free wine tasting, sort of.

According to their newsletter a new law now allows sampling events on site so you can try before you buy. This is pretty cool and makes perfect sense. If you haven't signed up for thier newsletter yet, you should. The weekly specials offer a variety of spirits or wine to choose from and they're often pretty good deals. I'm guessing other package stores will be offering similar events from now on so I say it's a win-win for everybody.

From DTWS newsletter:

Try Before You Buy



Fact: everyone loves free samples. Now thanks to a change in Tennessee's laws we can have in-store tastings. Like shoes, bikes, and used cars, you can now try out some wine before you purchase it. Stop by this Friday from 5 - 7 to try out a nice viognier from the Rhone region, a dry rose from Ventoux, and a juicy California red blend. We will have cheese and assorted goodies on hand to complement the libations, so come in and do a little sipping.


Free Tasting Friday 5 - 7pm

Keg of Lies

I blame you, Atlas, for it was you who invited us over for beer at the pool last weekend. You tried to caution us that the keg would be dry at any moment. You suggested that we bring extra beer as a “backup” just to be safe. You lifted the keg numerous times to gauge its contents. We each had a bottled beer as we arrived that day, fully assuming that we’d be drinking it later. You were amazed that it didn’t blow pouring the first round of beers, then on the second round, and on to the third and fourth, and so on until we lost count. The night grew later and later yet the keg did not yield. Juan Moore won that battle. There were many lies poured that day. The only thing that came close to this farce was the never ending bottle of Powers.

VeeV Acai Spirit

About VeeV:

VeeV Açaí Spirit is the world’s first Acai spirit and the first eco-friendly spirits brand in North America. Grown and harvested in the Brazilian Rainforest, this Brazilian national fruit, is considered to be the world’s preeminent superfruit. To help ensure the sustainability of Acai and protect the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest, VeeV donates $1 per bottle sold to Sambazon’s Sustainable Acai Project.

Quentin Tarantino

Yes, that Quentin Tarantino. He was walking down Gay St. minding his own business when we noticed that a guy walking down the street looked just like him. It was. He kept walking and disappeared down the street. About 15 minutes later he was sitting at a DGB patio table with folks and carrying on a lively conversation.

Our group maintained some control and didn't run over for pictures, autographs, etc. - though it was slightly tempting. For a fortunate guy who happened to be wearing a Reservoir Dogs t-shirt, Fate demanded an audience with the writer and director, and he was rewarded with a signature across the front. Very cool.

Ms. Owl at Spicy's

Our server at Spicy's had this cool tattoo and was nice enough to share it with us. Owls everywhere!! Hadn't been there in forever and it was good as usual - lava wings and cold beer. Sign me up!

Hippies Unite

It's time for the annual Fleta Fest and the weather couldn't be better for a trip to River John's Island. Pack your camping gear, load a cooler and get out there in the heat for some good music and good times.