KC BEER FEST

Our members have spoken; we are postponing the poker tournament to another date and instead will have a meet-up at KC Beer Fest in the Power & Light District (near KC Live Stage) from 3:00-6:00 PM ($35.00 admission).  Please see information below for more details on KC Beer Fest or contact Joe at 816-769-0046.

For over 5 years, KC Beer Fest has been the most recognizable craft beer festival in the Midwest - and it's BACK on Saturday, September 28th, 2013 from 3-6 p.m.!

Flying Saucer presents KC Beer Fest 2013 in KC Live! at the Kansas City Power & Light District. The festival will feature over 100 hand-picked craft beers from around the world, rare tappings, live music and great food, including Flying Saucer's incredible pretzels!

TICKET PRICES:

General Admission: $30 (Thru 11:59 p.m. Sept. 27)
General Admission: $35 (Day-of Event, Sept. 28)
VIP Ticket: $50 (SOLD OUT)

KC Beer Fest 2013 tickets go on-sale on Monday, August 19th, at 10 a.m. Proceeds from this year's festival will benefit the Kansas City CARE Clinic and the AIDS Service Foundation. For GA & VIP ticket information, visit www.missiontix.com/kcbeerfest

Click here to volunteer!
ABOUT KC BEER FEST:
KC Beer Fest was founded in 2007 by the Kansas City CARE Clinic (formerly Kansas City Free Health Clinic) and the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City. Over 12,000 beer connoisseurs and first-timers have attended KC Beer Fest over the years, sampling hundreds of craft brews from around the world. KC Beer Fest has been a huge success and is viewed by many as the premier craft beer festival in not only Kansas City, but the Midwest.

http://www.powerandlightdistrict.com/index.cfm?page=beer-festival

Click Here to Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter @KCBeerfest

BEER VENDORS:

4 Hands Anchor Boulevard Bell'sBig Sky Breckenridge Crown Valley Deschutes Evil Twin Firestone Walker

Flying Monkey Founders Free State Goose Island Gordon Biersch Green Flash Lagunitas Left Hand Leinenkugel's Mother's Nebraska Brewing New Belgium

North Coast Odell Perennial Santa Fe Schlafly Sierra Nevada Stone Stillwater Tallgrass  Widmer

T-Bones Tailgate

Tailgate Event - Saturday, July 27th!!!

GKCBC will be hosting a tailgate event at the next T-Bones game vs. the El Paso Diablos on Saturday, July 27th.  The game starts at 7:05 PM; the tailgate will likely begin at 5:30 PM.  Additional details will be provided via Evite. 

Please Note:  This will be a family friendly event so please feel free to bring your spouse, significant other and/or kiddos.  We will need to get a pretty solid headcount for tickets to get the group rate, so let us know if you're interested as soon as possible.  As always, we'll try to keep the price per couple reasonable ($30-$45) including food, drinks and tickets.

This would also be a good opportunity to RSVP via Paypal in order to secure your spot at probably the best summer tailgate of the year. 

Feel free to contact Joe or Max for details by hitting us up on twitter @Greaterkcbc or email jsoliaro2@gmail.com.  We also have a group page on Facebook. 

Happy Hour, Facebook, and What's to Come

We had another great happy hour event last night, the rain even held off enough for us to enjoy the patio. As always there was good conversation and properly poured drinks; with the highlight been the various brightly colored drinks the Big John kept ordering!

There has been a new Facebook group created, to stay up to date on what is happening. If you did not get an invite to the page or cannot find it be sure to let me know and I will be sure to invite you. This group is currently open, so pass an invite to a friend that you think would enjoy being a part of GKCBC. Here is the link to the group page. Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @GreaterKCBC.

It is looking like our July event will be hosted by Jon Appino in the Northland towards the end of July, so be sure to keep your calender clear. You may want to visit your local watering hole that is classy enough to have a shuffle board table and get some practice. With the July event being a shuffle board tournament.  Watch the blog, Facebook, and Twitter as more information on the event is scheduled.

Tuesday Happy Hour!!!

Last month's happy hour was so full of surprises that we want to do it again. It turns out that Mestizo has a great happy hour from 4-7 that includes half price appetizers, half price tequila flights (recommended), and $2 off domestic bottles. We will meet there on June 18th, the happy hour is from 4-7, most will arrive at 5 o'clock. So, stop in when you get off work.

This is a great way for you to come meet the other Club members if you have not been to an event or it has been a while. This is also a great opportunity to bring someone that you think would fit in with this crowd before they commit to a reservation event.

Each person will be responsible for their own ticket, allowing you to eat and drink as much as you want. This allows for more people to make it to the event; you can stop in for a drink on your way home or sit down for awhile and have a small plate.

The restaurant is located in the Town Center shopping area in Leewood. If you are unsure on how to get there use the map below.


 
View Larger Map

Mexican Bourbon Month

Bartender: We don't have beer. Just tequila.

Ned Nederlander: What's tequila?

Bartender: Uh, it's like beer.

The Greater KC Bourbon Club will be hosting a "Happy Hour" event on May 9th @ Mestizo in Town Center. We will meet in the bar at 5 o'clock until around 7, unless there are still good times to be had! Mestizo offers an old world Mexican menu, but more importantly they offer tequila flights.

Your reservation will get you an Ultra Premium Tequila Flight and a small plate. This isn't going to be your father's tequila either, check out the menus through the link above to get an idea of what they will pour. Don't know a lot about tequila? That's fine, Mestizo has highly qualified bartenders to help us find the more refined side of magical elixir.

Remember that it is a firm belief of GKCBC that your friends are our friends. So, if you know someone that you think would fit the profile of The Club then bring them along. There is no reason for them to reserve their spot. They can come hangout and see what we are all about.

Gentleman this will prove to be a great night, so make sure your calendar is clear for a couple hours and come expand your knowledge on tequila.

Thanks Everyone - Great Tournament Event (We went bags deep...)

Thanks to all those who attended the Bag Toss Tournament last Saturday. The weather was perfect, the whiskey was smooth and we had some fierce competition. I'm happy to announce that "Men On Wood" came from behind to beat "Sacks In The Air" and take the championship whiskey barrel. A real "Cinderella Story" since MOW was seeded last going into the first round of the tournament. I've included some pictures of the event below.

This event was brought to you by the following:

Rogue-Dead Guy Whiskey (Newport, OR-40% ALC/VOL)
Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey (Louisville, KY - 50% ALC/VOL)
Batch 19 - Premium American Style Lager (Golden, CO-Coors Brewing Company)

GKCBC already has events lined up for May, June and July!!! Stay tuned... more to come gentlemen.

Announcing April Event: Bag Toss Tournament - April 13th...Go Bags Deep!!!



Inspiration

Yogi Berra once said, "Ninety percent of this game is half mental."

"Booze, bags and bullshit.  If you got all that, what else do you need?" - Harry Caray

Do you have poor aim??? Bob Uecker might say you're "juuuuust a bit outside."  

The Plan

GKCBC will host its first ever bag toss tournament on Saturday, April 13th, 2013.  Tournament will be held at Joe O's house (email jsoliaro2@gmail.com for directions) and games will begin around 3:30 PM.  You may want to arrive 15-30 minutes early so we can draw teams and "warm-up."  

All the food, drink, bourbon and bags you can handle will be provided.

Please RSVP by using the PayPal button on the right side of the page or email Joe (see email address above) to let him know you plan to bring cash. 

If you have a bag set, you are welcome and encouraged to bring it.  

One point if you get wood; three if you make it in the hole.  

Please let us know if you need help with transportation to and from the event.  

Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day - March 15th

Sorry for the confusion.  St. Paddy's Bourbon Club event will be held on March 15th in Lee's Summit, MO (Lamb Residence).  Again, rides can be arranged for gents traveling from Johnson County or elsewhere.

Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day!!

Alright, last month was a bust, but get ready for an old school Bourbon Club meeting. Bring your quarters and your best poker face. We will meet in Lee's Summit between 6:30 and 7:00 at Max's house for cards, bourbon, beer, and snacks. Make sure that you let us know that you are coming and that you "reserve" your spot, so that we know how many to expect and what to purchase. You can do this by using the paypal button on the right hand side.

Please try and communicate to us if you can make it to the event or not. I hope to see everyone at this event, it will be a good time and a good representation of what these monthly meetings will look like.

If you are coming from Kansas, Joe said that he can arrange for a sober free ride for you. Actually, that goes for anyone that needs a ride. We are firm believers in keeping everyone safe during the events or anytime.

The other thing to be thinking about is that we will be having a NCAA Tournament Bracket, but more will come on that later.

If you have suggestions for a flavor or brand of bourbon let us know. I am thinking Irish Whiskey with St. Patrick's Day this month.

Someone Poisoned The Well

Photo Courtesy of The Well Bar and Grill

Alright gentleman here is the plan for our February event. We will meet at the The Well Bar and Grill in Historic Waldo for a happy hour on February 21, 2013 at 5 o'clock. Each person will be responsible for their own tab, so there is no reason to pay through the website.

Greater Kansas City Bourbon Club will have various types of events. Our last event at Sole Patch Barber Shop was a success and we want to meet at different times and different places to encourage all interested men in participating.

If you think about it let us know if you think you will make or just show up and have a good time. As always if you have questions or comments add them below in the comments section. It is also a good idea to follow @GreaterKCBC if you are on Twitter, it is a good place to get updates on what is happening with GKCBC!

Can't wait to see everyone out on Thursday!

Cheers!

January Tasting Notes

Again gentleman, great event last month. Remember to use the poll on the right hand side to let us know what date works best for you. Only two hours left, so if you don't make it in time leave it as a comment. If you are getting this in an auto-email then you need to click on the blue title to take you to the web version were you can vote. The poll will close at the end of the month, so make sure you let us know what works best for you.

Use the link to see the tasting notes from the last event. We hosted six different bourbons that included Jack Daniels, Jim Beam Black, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Templeton Rye, Whipper Snapper, and Booker's. Click here for the tasting notes.

More photos from Sole Patch Tasting.

Guys, don't forget to vote for the next bourbon club event in February. If your interested in hosting or have a cool venue in mind just send us an email or call us on our cellular telephones.

Great First Event, Gentlemen.

It was great to see everyone on Saturday night and enjoy some great bourbon. The evening really got me excited for the next event. If you couldn't make it, you missed a good time!

We have come up with two possible dates for our next gentlemen-only event: February 16 (this is a Saturday and it would be a later event) and  February 21 (this is a Thursday and would be more like happy hour times). Each month we are going to try and offer a weekend date, as well as, a weeknight date to allow for some variety for all of the different schedules.

If you look to the right, you will see a poll where you can vote on which date would work best for you. The poll will close on January 31 in the evening, so make sure that you vote by then. Once we have decided on a date, you will have until the week before to RSVP (pay your dues for the month). That way, we will have an idea on how many guys will be there and how much food and drink to get.

As always if you have any questions, comments, or concerns please leave a comment below, and Joe or I will get back to you. If you are on Twitter you can follow @GreaterKCBC to receive information.

Bourbon Education Series: Volume 1

Be an expert: The 7 secrets of bourbon tasting

 

Here are some finer points of bourbon tasting, as explained by Jerry Dalton, a former Marine reservist and current master distiller for Jim Beam.

 

1. LOOK IT OVER — Pour yourself a drink and take some time to study the color. A darker color tends to mean longer storage time, higher proof or some combination of the two, Dalton said.

2. GIVE IT A TWIRL — Get a firm grip on the glass and swish the bourbon around, a move called aerating. “Bourbon whiskey is robust stuff,” Dalton said. “You’re not going to hurt it.” What you will do is allow the drink to breathe a bit, which makes for a better tasting experience.

3. TAKE A DEEP BREATH — Part your lips, place your nose deep into the glass, and give the brew a sniff. By opening your mouth slightly while inhaling, you can avoid being overpowered by the alcohol, Dalton said. The smell gives a preview to the taste.

4. TAKE A DRINK — To get a complete flavor profile, take a large sip from the glass and work it around to coat the inside of your mouth, a “Kentucky chew,” Dalton said. This allows the mix to hit different parts of the tongue, from the sweet-sensing tip to the sour-sensing sides.

5. OK, NOW SWALLOW — Pay careful attention to the flavors as the brew slides down your throat. Be on the lookout for an exceptional “finish,” a test of how long those flavors linger. For quality bourbon, the taste should hang around for 15 or 20 seconds.

6. WATER IT DOWN — Imagine the flavor of undiluted bourbon as a closed fist. Adding in a dose of water to your mix will help you customize the flavor, Dalton said, like opening the fingers of the hand. That means more intense flavors than drinking the mix uncut.

7. ON THE ROCKS — Try pouring the bourbon over ice. “The first drink is almost neat,” or undiluted, Dalton said. As you slowly sip the beverage, the ice begins to melt, a move akin to slowly adding water. This gentle movement allows the drinker to slowly experience a full range of the bourbon’s flavor.

The folks at Jim Beam also recommend opening and serving bourbon at room temperature, unchilled, in tulip-shaped wine glasses or snifters, the traditional method for tasting bourbon.

Open House - January 19th: Info & Directions - Sole Patch Barbershop

Gentlemen,

If you were fortunate enough to receive an invitation to our open house on the 19th you may need some directions to Sole Patch Barbershop.  Many thanks to Ron Mayer, owner of Sole Patch Barbershop, for allowing our first event to be held in his rockin barbershop/guitar lounge.

Sole Patch is located in the Corinth Square Mall near the intersection of 83rd Street and Mission Road in Prairie Village, Kansas; directly across the parking lot from Hen House Market with a lighted sign so you can't miss it.

Below we have included the link to Sole Patch's website and google map directions if you're viewing from your PC.    

Really looking forward to seeing everyone and don't hesitate to call Max or myself if you have trouble finding it.  If you are planning to go solo or do not have a sober driver we will be happy to help with arrangements to get you home safely after the event.

www.solepatchbarbers.com
8235 Corinth Mall
Prairie Village, Kansas 66208

Google Map of Sole Patch Barbershop

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Coming from the North:

Take I-35 or I-635 south to 69 Hwy/Metcalf Avenue and go south to 83rd Street

Turn left onto 83rd Street and then take your first left after Somerset Drive

between Arby's and Bank of America into Corinth Square Mall

(park in the Hen House parking lot)

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Coming from the South:

Take I-435 to Metcalf Avenue and go north to 83rd Street

Turn right onto 83rd Street and then take your first left after Somerset Drive

between Arby's and Bank of America into Corinth Square Mall.

(park in the Hen House parking lot)

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Coming from the East:
Take I-435 to State Line Road and go north to 83rd Street
Turn left onto 83rd Street and then take your first right between
Arby's and Bank of America into Corinth Square Mall
(park in the Hen House parking lot)

______________________________
Coming from the West:

Take I-435 to Metcalf Avenue and go north to 83rd Street
Turn right onto 83rd Street and then take your first left after Somerset Drive
between Arby's and Bank of America into Corinth Square Mall

(park in the Hen House parking lot)