Posts tagged bethlehem brew works
Meet Alexander Clare
If you’re in tune with either the Lehigh Valley craft beer scene or art scene (or both), chances are you know the name Alexander Clare. If you don’t, you should.
Alex is, quite simply, a very cool and talented guy who who is making his mark in both the art world and the world of craft beer. Most of you have undoubtedly been to the Brew Works or sipped a Brew Works beer at some point in your life, which means Alex has made his mark on you too. He is responsible for most of the Brew Works beer label illustrations, including Space Monkey, Insidious, Monkey Wrench, and Blueberry Belch. You’ll also see his work on the majority of the brewery chalkboards. His work on the Brew Works’ labels has helped them gain nominations for Best Label Art in Best of Philly Beer Scene 2010, as well as honors at the Design, Drink, and Be Merry exhibit at the Reading Goggle Works.
Alex has also recently been competing in the Lehigh Valley Art Wars, a live art event in which artists are given a two hour timeframe to complete a work of art on the spot based on a broad theme. The art is voted on by both audience and jury, and two artists from each event move on to the next round. Sixteen artists have been narrowed down to four for the final event. Alex is one of the finalists who will be competing tonight at Mayfair for the grand prize.
Alex has only lived in the Lehigh Valley for a few years, but he recognizes the same thing here that we do - the potential for remarkable growth on many levels. “I love living in the Lehigh Valley,” explains Alex. “I feel like I’m a part of an exploding scene for both art and craft beer here - like I got in at the ground level and it will just keep growing. It’s exciting to be involved in that.”
We met Alex about a year ago on one of our Molly’s Micro Monday excursions, where you’ll often find him, craft beer in hand, chatting with various folks about beer and art. He’s been a supporter of our website and what we are doing since the beginning. And now, he’ll be playing an active role in it. We’re happy to announce that, in addition to his many other endeavors, Alex has recently joined the LVcraftbeer team!
Check out Alex’s work on his website at www.alexandertheart.com, or better yet, come out to the Art Wars Finale tonight from 8-10 pm at Mayfair and see Alex in action. We’ll be there cheering him on, and we hope you’ll join us!
Art Wars photos courtesy of Elaine Zelker Photography.
OctoberPreneurFest - Meet and Mingle with Beer Entrepreneurs!
This Monday, October 18th, the Lehigh Entrepreneurs Network brings you OctoberPreneurFest, giving you the opportunity to meet and mingle with entrepreneurs in the beer industry. If you like to homebrew, are thinking about starting a brewery, or just enjoy talking about beer, come out and meet others who share your passion. The event will take place in the Steelgarden Lounge in the Bethlehem Brew Works from 6-8pm, and will include tastings, light refreshments, and prizes.Click here to register for the event (the password is beer). The first 50 registrants receive free tastings. We hope to see you there!
There’s Nothing Like an Arctic Brew
A few years ago, we sat on the roofdeck of a of a second story apartment on Main Street in Bethlehem, drinking cold brews on a hot summer day. Out of nowhere, a man dressed in knickers and a puffy shirt mysteriously wandered into the backyard and asked us for a hose. We’re used to seeing some strange things in downtown Bethlehem, but this was a first. Our interest was peaked. That man, as it turned out, was Chris Bowen, local brewer and beer historian (he was demonstrating brewing techniques in full period apparel outside the Goundie House). Little did we know back then that he was then in the midst of feeding an obsession that will culminate at the end of this month with an incredible adventure.
Bowen discovered Allsopp’s Arctic Ale in 2007 and dove into its’ rich history. The beer was first commissioned in 1852 by Queen Victoria to travel with Sir Edward Belcher and a group of Arctic Explorers on 5 British vessels, helping to maintain the health of the crew and prevent scurvy. Belcher’s mission failed and 4 ships were abandoned. One of those ships drifted back after being stuck frozen in the sea for a year, was discovered by Americans and returned to England. The ship’s wood was crafted into two desks - one for Queen Victoria, and one for the President of the United States. These desks remain today in Buckingham Palace and the Oval office.
Bowen, intrigued with the deep history of this 158 year-old brew, has recreated it in collaboration with Fegley’s Brew Works. Tonight it will be available to the public at a special Cask Night and Auction at Bethlehem Brew Works.
But this isn’t the end of his journey - it’s only the beginning. On July 25, he and the Arctic Alchemy riders will set out with their motorcycles and a film crew on a 2,000 mile adventure to the Canadian Arctic. They will visit historical locations, document their journey, and end at the shores of the Hudson/James Bay. Once they reach their destination, they will set up a portable brewery and brew 100 gallons of the original Allsopp’s Ale recipe using water from the Rupert River.
Tonight’s cask sales at the Brew Works will be donated to the Arctic Alchemy project. Come out to show your support, check out the breweriana at the auction, and maybe even snag a cameo in the documentary.
Bowen will depart on his adventure from the Bethlehem Brew Works on July 25 at 12 noon, directly following a send-off event to support the project.
