Newly Released 22oz Bottle

HANDCRAFTED ANDERSON VALLEY BEERS ARE AGED IN SELECT WILD TURKEY BARRELS
FROM THE ICONIC KENTUCKY BOURBON DISTILLERY

Boonville, CA (April 30, 2013) – Expanding its first line of world-class bourbon barrel-aged craft beers, Anderson Valley Brewing Company and Wild Turkey® Bourbon announced today that Anderson Valley Brewery has begun bottled production of its Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout.

Anderson Valley and Wild Turkey will continue to work together in the coming months on a variety of exciting promotional opportunities to engage fans and introduce them to the quality and authenticity of Bourbon barrel-aged products. Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout draft and bottle product will be available in 22 oz. bottles in several states including: California, New York, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Massachusetts, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and New Jersey amongst others by the end of June.

This once draft-only product was released in the fall 2012 as part of an exclusive partnership between Anderson Valley Brewing Company and Wild Turkey® Bourbon. As part of the partnership, Anderson Valley Brewing Company has been using repurposed American oak barrels from the famed bourbon brand’s Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, to age the award-winning Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout.

“The bourbon stout has been popular since its debut and is the result of a great partnership,” said Jimmy Russell, Wild Turkey Master Distiller. “Anderson Valley Brewing takes pride and care in crafting their beer; it’s similar to the approach we take with our bourbon. Together we produced a great craft beer and are excited to get it in the hands of more folks!”

“The partnership with the Bourbon Hall of Fame Russell family and Wild Turkey has been tremendously exciting,” said Trey White, Anderson Valley owner and CEO. “Collaboration on this bourbon stout is just the beginning. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Russell’s and exploring new frontiers in barrel-aged craft beer.”

Anderson Valley’s Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout is aged to perfection for three months. The resulting beer is deep ebony in hue with a beautiful mahogany head, an aroma of fresh-baked bread, toffee, and espresso mingling with the woody vanilla notes of Bourbon whiskey and the rich roasted flavors wrapped with Bourbon.

More information on Anderson Valley Brewing Company can be found at www.avbc.com; www.facebook.com/AndersonValleyBrewingCompany; https://twitter.com/avbc. Information on Wild Turkey can be found at www.wildturkey.com, www.facebook.com/wildturkey or https://twitter.com/wildturkey.

About Anderson Valley Brewing Company

Anderson Valley Brewing is constantly striving to excite and reach new consumers with high quality craft beer. Located in the bucolic Anderson Valley region of Mendocino County, California and founded in 1987, the Anderson Valley Brewing Company is a pioneer of the American craft brewing industry. An environmentally friendly, solar powered brewery, it produces highly respected craft beers including Boont Amber Ale®, Hop Ottin’ IPA®, Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout, Summer and Winter Solstice® and a wide array of specialty craft offerings ranging from Sour Stout to Mowkeef Saison to Gatlin Damnosus amongst many others.

About Campari America

Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.

About Gruppo Campari

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, span spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 14 plants and 4 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 16 countries. The Group employs over 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: www.camparigroup.com

Media images are available at http://www.camparigroup.com/en/press_media/image_gallery/campari_download.jsp

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With less than 7 days and counting until the 17^th Annual Legendary Boonville Beer Festival, Anderson Valley Brewing Company and The Wee Boont Foundation are working hard to make this year’s event the best ever!  If you didn’t already know, every year we choose a “theme” and encourage attendees to dress up.  Well, this year’s theme is “The 80’s” and to top it all off we’ll be having a costume contest!  Whether you come as Crockett and Tubbs or a Valley Girl, we’ll award (1) Grand Prize for the most bitchin’ male and female costume.  Also, the official Twitter and Instagram hash tag will be #Boonville13, so be sure to include it on your tweets and IG pics all weekend because we just might be share them on our social networks and award some totally radical prizes for the most unique and original photos and comments!

We also wanted to take a moment and share some suggestions on how to make the entire weekend a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.  That’s what our craft beer community is all about, right?  There will be over 70 breweries each serving a variety of porters, IPAs, strong ales, sours, wheat beers, and so on.  With UNLIMITED tastings from 1pm-5pm, it’s easy to get carried away in the moment of all the beer glory that surrounds you.  So please, just take a minute or two and read the tips below and the world will be a better place.  Well, at least Boonville will be.

1. Have a Designated Driver.  If you’re not planning on camping at the fairgrounds or at one of the dozens of the nearby campgrounds, don’t risk your life and the lives of others just because you want to sleep in your own bed.  One would think this would be a no-brainer, but year after year, we see at least 3-4 DUIs just on the way back to the brewery. THERE ARE NO TAXIS IN BOONVILLE, so you’ll either need to walk, stumble, or crawl to your sluggin’ nook or get a ride from someone who’s on the dissie stool.
2. Be respectful of our town and our volunteers.  For many of you brightlighters, this will be a “road trip weekend” for you and your friends filled with camping, steinber hornin’, hobneelchin’, and maybe even burlapppin’.  We welcome all of you to our home and encourage you to enjoy yourselves, but please be respectful of the local residents and businesses before and after the festival.  This means no peeing on buildings, vomiting on lawns, and shouting nonch harpins at shop owners and Boonters. (Yes, these things happen every year.)  Also, don’t forget that this is a charitable event that raises money for local non-profits throughout Anderson Valley.  Everyone that is working at the festival is a VOLUNTEER and all proceeds from the ticket sales go to the Wee Boont Foundation.  So, take the time to thank them and maybe even give them a high five!
3. Pace Yourself, Eat, and HYDRATE!  With temperatures forecasted to be in the 90s, be sure to drink plenty of water the day before the festival, and continue to do so throughout the day of the event.  Also, be sure to eat something before you begin your bahl hornin’ session. With so many beers to choose from, you may feel like you want to try them ALL.  If that’s really what you want to do, for goodness sake don’t try to do it in the first hour or two!  There’s plenty of beer, we promise.  Besides, you won’t look cool when you’re passed out on the south lawn while your friends draw inappropriate things on your face with a Sharpie®  (Side note: to those of you who like to get “primed” before the event by shotgunning Natty Light cans outside the gates, do us all a favor and just stay home.  You pay $50 to drink unlimited craft beer samples from dozens of brewers (many of whom personally travel hundreds of miles just to get here) who DONATE their beers and time just for the sake of sharing their pride and passion with craft beer enthusiasts, and YOU choose to piss on that by slamming cans of domestic lager right in front of them? Don’t be a chucklehead.)
4. Do have fun, stay cool, and enjoy the greatest beer festival of all time!  Bahl Hornin’!

Steve Miller is the Steinber Kimmie, Brand Ambassador and resident Beer Runner for Anderson Valley Brewing Company.  You can follow him @SteinberRunner on Twitter as he tries to run “just enough” from getting too soft in the middle.

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Barkley Song

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Well, it really is that easy!  We’re looking for unique photos and captions of how you’ll “Share Your Solstice” with others this year!  Whether it’s a snapshot of you and a buddy enjoying a couple of cans after a long beer run, a group photo of the annual Thanksgiving family football game, or making S’mores around the fire, as long as it includes our Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale in some way, you can enter it!  Simply upload directly to our Share Your Solstice Facebook Page, or share it via Instagram with the hashtag #ShareYourSolstice!

What about Twitter?  Although a picture paints a 1000 words, sometimes the story behind the photo speaks volumes. Whether you fancy yourself a wordsmith or not, everyone has a story to tell.  Tweet a tale of how Winter Solstice helps you cope with family reunions or the craziness of holiday shopping, add the hashtag #ShareYourSolstice, and you’re in like Flynn!

Each week, we’ll give away one Weekly Prize package that includes a VIP Brewery Certificate along with:

(1) Can Pint Glass

(1) Koozie

Then, after the conclusion of the Winter Solstice on Friday, December 21st, we’ll choose (1) winning entry for the Grand Prize package which includes (2) VIP tickets and Brewers campground passes for the 17th Annual Legendary Boonville Beerfest on May 4th, 2013!

For more details on the Grand Prize package and a complete list of rules, visit www.shareyoursolstice.com.  Good luck and have fun this holiday season!

Steve Miller is the Steinber Kimmie (Beer Guy) and resident beer runner for Anderson Valley Brewing Company.  Social Media, Sales and Marketing are a few of his favorite things.  He’s also a pretty decent home brewer, gee-tar picker and disc golfer too.  You can follow him @SteinberRunner on Twitter.

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Anderson Valley Brewing Company to Release New Double IPA

“Heelch O’ Hops” to replace Imperial IPA as year-round offering

Boonville, CA (October 24, 2012) Anderson Valley Brewing Company announced today that it will be adding a new Double India Pale Ale to its Mendonesia™ series of beers.  “Heelch O’ Hops” (meaning “a whole lot” in Boontling) will replace the brewery’s current Imperial IPA and will become available nationwide in draft, 22oz. single bottles and 12oz. four-pack bottles beginning in October.

Brewed with copious amounts of Columbus, Chinook, and Cascade hop varieties, Heelch O’ Hops has a palate pleasing bitterness that is artfully balanced with a full-bodied malt foundation.  Weighing in at 100 IBU’s and 8.7% ABV, this Double IPA features bigger hop aromas and a slightly different hop flavor with a much drier finish compared to its predecessor.  “We’ve been working on this recipe for quite some time,” says Brewmaster Fal Allen.  “By adjusting the malt bill and experimenting with different combinations of dry hopping and late kettle hop additions, we finally found a balance that we’re really happy with, and we hope our fans will enjoy it too.”

For more information on Anderson Valley Brewing Company, visit us at www.avbc.com; Like us on Facebook, +1 us on Google+; and follow us on Twitter.

About Anderson Valley Brewing Company

Anderson Valley Brewing is constantly striving to excite and reach new consumers with high quality craft beer. Located in the bucolic Anderson Valley region of Mendocino County, California and founded in 1987, the Anderson Valley Brewing Company is a pioneer of the American craft brewing industry. An environmentally friendly, solar powered brewery, it produces highly respected craft beers including Boont Amber Ale®, Hop Ottin’ IPA®, Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout, Summer and Winter Solstice® and a wide array of specialty craft offerings ranging from Sour Stout to Mowkeef Saison to Gatlin Damnosus amongst many others.

The post Heelch O’ Hops Double IPA Press Release appeared first on Anderson Valley Brewing Company.

10/8/12

Wow, what a weekend!  After 3 days of great craft beer, 60+ holes of disc golf, and hiking around the beautiful coastal redwoods, I’m beat.  If you have never made the trip to Humboldt County to enjoy their many disc golf courses, you are truly missing out.   I would highly suggest coming up during Humboldt Beer Week so that you can experience the annual Brewers Cup Tournament, which is now my 2^nd favorite tournament of all time (next to Boontfling of course).  More on that in a bit…

I kicked things off on Friday night at The Local, a great craft beer bar and bottle shop located in the heart of downtown Eureka.  Owner Darren Cartledge has done an impressive job of building a beer list of local, regional, and hard-to-find beers from Belgian-style sours to American Double IPAs.  On this evening of Humboldt Beer Week, the theme was “Hop Friday” which featured a range of 16 different hopped-up ales from our sessionable Mendo Mello Estate Wet Hop Ale to Mikeller Hop Burn High, a 10% beast of a beer that was quite enjoyable.   As the evening wore on, I was mingling with some locals and struck up a conversation with a cool fellow named Bryce (pictured here) after he ordered a Mendo Mello (without knowing I was sitting next to him) from the long list of Double IPA’s. He told me he had just finished a 3500-mile bike trip from NY to Humboldt and that the Mello just caught his eye. Now that’s mighty bahl…

Mendo Mello satisfies after 3500 miles

On Saturday morning, I got up bright and early to play College of the Redwoods to ensure I had the course to myself.  COR has such a great mix of elevation changes, tight fairways, and open holes that I ended up using most of the discs in my bag for different situations.  Big arms will do well here, but if you’re putt and approach game is lacking, this course can pose a lot of challenges.  I mostly used my Star Destroyer and Valkyrie for my drives and a Crystal Buzzz for my mid-range game.  Even though  I racked up a handful of birdies, I somehow managed to shoot +2, which is fine by me considering I don’t play as often as I’d like to these days.

Great pin placement

Birdie putt on Hole 12!

Crushed this hole with my Sidewinder

Staring down the fairway of Hole 16

However, the true draw of Humboldt Beer Week for me was the 14^th Annual Brewers Cup.  Held every year at the Mad River Pump Station course, this random-draw doubles tournament exemplifies what Humboldt disc golf is about: great people and good times!  We played 2 rounds of 18 holes (9 permanent/9 temp) along with 3-mini holes (which are scored individually.)  Mini-golf is tough!  My overall game was pretty decent, I had some well-placed drives (thanks to my Destroyer) and made several key putts, but alas both my partners and I were unable to truly make a run for the money.  The temp course played along the riverbed consisting of mostly long holes with precariously placed pins along the water’s edge as well as several island greens (and yes I lost two of my favorite discs in the river.)  One note: a cool rule in this is that if you go in the water, you can choose to play from your lie without penalty!  There were plenty of wet feet and saved strokes thanks to this neat twist, which is another reason I love non-sanctioned tourneys.

Dutch Sullivan laying down the law

Get your feet wet to save par

Way to go partner!

Not a lot of skipping on river rocks

Mini golf was fun

Tournament Director Dutch Sullivan did a great job in coordinating the raffle prizes, baskets, food, and securing beer sponsors (including Anderson Valley!)  Breakfast and lunch were served along with rotating kegs of Anderson Valley Winter Solstice, Redwood Curtain Pils, and Sierra Nevada Torpedo.  The awards ceremony (presented by Anderson Valley) was held at Humbrews in their large music venue  and featured our Mendo Mello and El Steinber Dark Lager to quench the thirst of many a golfer.  The tournament paid out 25 places with the winning score being -17!  I’d like to personally thank Par Infinity, Dutch Sullivan, Humbrews and Andy Ardell for making this a great weekend.  I’d also like to thank Pat Bellefeuille and the other kind soul who fished my two lost discs out of the river and returned them to me at the awards ceremony.  The Humboldt disc golf community is truly just that:  a community.  Everyone was very cool and laid-back, and no one took themselves (or their score) too seriously, which makes any tournament more fun.  Until next time…

Getting ready for awards at Humbrews

Dutch takes down the Medicinal Cup!

Steve Miller is the Steinber Kimmie (Beer Guy) for Anderson Valley Brewing Company. Beer Running, Social Media, Sales and Marketing are a few of his favorite things.  He’s also a pretty decent home brewer, gee-tar picker and disc golfer too.  You can follow him @SteinberRunner on Twitter.

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The best part is the beer:  we’ll be  featuring our Mowkeef Saison and Mendo Mello on draft as well as a limited release (for the first time ever) of Mendo Mello 16oz swing-top bottles for sale exclusively in the tasting room!  If you didn’t already know, Mendo Mello is our Fresh Wet Hop Ale featuring 100% Estate hops grown here at the brewery in Boonville, and it’s awesome.  Don’t miss out on your chance to try it on draft or get a bottle to take home (limit 2 per person)!

More details below:

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We all know there have been countless books, magazine articles, blogs, and social media posts written about pairing craft beer with cheese, desserts, appetizers and other various epicurean delights.  Hell, some have gone so far as to pair craft beer with music and books!  But as far as I can tell, I am the first to pair craft beer with disc golf courses, and I kind of wonder why I never thought of this sooner.  Just like craft beer, each disc golf course has its own depth, character, layers of complexity, and even proper “serving” temperature.  (Try playing any Lake Tahoe course when it’s 14 degrees outside; you might find that you’ll enjoy your round much more at a warmer temperature.)  One can find elements in many craft beers that compliment, contrast, or cut through the varying aspects of any disc golf course.

So, here is my list (in no particular order) of my Top 8 favorite disc golf courses in the Northern California region and their appropriate Anderson Valley Brewing Company beer pairings.

Anderson Valley Brewing Company (Boonville, CA)

Boont Amber Ale (5.8% ABV, 15 IBU)

Another reason to visit the Valley

The rustic, 18-hole course at Anderson Valley Brewing Company features a great mix of long open fairways, dog-legs, and tight, tree-lined paths.  Though there is not much change in elevation, there are multiple OB lines and plenty of trees that will provide challenges; well-placed upshots are pivotal to a good score. Much like Boont Amber Ale, this course is well-balanced with fresh herbal aromas (depending on who’s in your foursome ) that will leave you satisfied regardless of your score (though you can always have another round).

The Redwood Curtain (Arcata, CA)

Poleeko Pale Ale (5% ABV, 30 IBU)

Hole 15 Fairway

Located behind Humboldt State University, The Redwood Curtain easily makes my Top 3 courses of all time.  Majestic redwoods and elevation changes come into play often, making for some very difficult (yet entertaining) shots.  It’s a very technical course and playing a “managed” game is the key to success here.  The pale malts and bright, citrusy hop flavors in Poleeko Pale Ale give a nice contrast to the sweet, earthy aromas from the dense Redwood canopy and the deep red color of the forest floor.

UOB-College of the Siskiyous, Weed, CA

Belk’s ESB (6.8% ABV, 60 IBU)

UOB has beautiful views of Mount Shasta

Way up north near the Oregon border, there’s a hidden gem at the base of Mount Shasta. Known as “UOB” (University of Out-of-Bounds), this course is located adjacent to the College of the Siskiyous campus in Weed, CA. Ten of the 18 holes have roped-off OB’s along the fairways and several even feature island greens (“Mound Shasta” on Hole 10 is my favorite) that make for one challenging round of frolf!  I’ve rarely encountered other golfers during my visits, making for a smooth pace that can quickly give way to the sharp bitterness of an inevitable OB drive or upshot. All in all, UOB is much like Belk’s ESB… you might have to make a long drive to find it, but when you do, it will be worth it in the end.

Zephyr Cove Park (Zephyr Cove, NV)

Summer Solstice Seasonal Ale (5% ABV, 5 IBU)

Hole 1 is just the beginning…

View from the top of Hole 9

Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Cove Park should be on every disc golfers Bucket List.  Located at an elevation of 6,300’, the scent of vanilla from the Jeffrey pines and crisp, clean mountain air mimic the aromas and finish in Summer Solstice. Numerous elevation changes (including several uphill drives), tall manzanita, and multiple slopes provide plenty of “risk vs. reward” situations to challenge your game.  After trekking to the tees of both “top-of-the-world” shots on Hole 9 and Hole 15, it will be the perfect time to take a moment and enjoy a light and refreshing beer as you gaze upon the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe.

Condon Park (Grass Valley, CA)

Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout (5.8% ABV, 16 IBU)

When good drives go bad

This is another of all time favorite courses.  Surrounded by redwood trees, manzanita, and a mini-river that runs through the back nine, Condon Park is a world-class course located an hour north of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada foothills.  I’ve had many a bittersweet round of frolf here, so Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout was the ideal choice (especially in the can!)  The local disc golf club keeps this course well maintained and changes the pin placements often.  It’s a fairly technical course with some decent elevation changes and “thread the needle” fairways, but depending on the pin settings, there are multiple birdie opportunities for those who have a great feel for their putt-and-approach game.

DeLaveaga Park (Santa Cruz, CA)

Brother David’s Triple Belgian-style Abbey Ale (10% ABV, 15 IBU)

View from Top of the World

Many consider DeLaveaga “Disc Golf Mecca,” with thousands of golfers making the pilgrimage to the coastal town of Santa Cruz every year to experience this 27-hole masterpiece of frolf.  To say this course is varied is an understatement.  Its stunning complexity and uncompromising challenge make it the perfect choice to stand up to the bold layers of flavor in Brother David’s Triple.  Yes, this Belgian-style Abbey Ale does clock in at 10%, but given that a typical round at DeLaveaga will take more than 3 hours to complete, you’ll have plenty of time to sip and enjoy both the beer and the beautiful scenery without worry.

Highland Springs Reservoir (Lakeport, CA)

Hop Ottin’ IPA (7% ABV, 80 IBU)

Watch out for snakes!

Among the rolling hills of Lake County, Highland Springs Reservoir is set off the beaten path, making it mostly a “locals” course.  However, with 22 holes and multiple tee/pin placements, it’s definitely a disc golf experience that’s worth the trip.  I chose Hop Ottin’ because its hoppiness and moderately high ABV “bites like a can-kicky blue tail” (that’s Boontling for “bites like a rattlesnake”). Enjoy two or three of these well-balanced IPAs they’ll help cut through any fears you may have of finding a rattler deep in the brush.  There are a few elevation changes, but most of the challenges come from trees, OB’s, dog legs, low ceilings, blind shots and long fairways.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort (Kirkwood, CA)

Heelch O’ Hops Double IPA (8.7% ABV, 100 IBU)

EPIC!!

Kirkwood’s Disc Golf Course is… how do the kids say these days… EPIC!?  Affectionately known as Discwood, it sits at an elevation of 7800’ with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range all around you.  With elevation changes on virtually every hole, nearly half of them are over 300’ in length.  Hole 16 even plays down a ski run at a whopping 1200’ followed by Hole 17 at 625’!  Heelch O’ Hops Double IPA pairs perfectly with every aspect of this course: the big piney hop flavors sing in harmony with the surrounding pine forests, while the rich, caramel malt backbone and 8.7% ABV lay a solid foundation for the big drives you’ll need to give yourself any chance of an upshot for par.

So, what beer would you pair with your favorite course?

Steve Miller is the Steinber Kimmie (Beer Guy) for Anderson Valley Brewing Company. Beer Running, Social Media, Sales and Marketing are a few of his favorite things.  He’s also a pretty decent home brewer, gee-tar picker and disc golfer too.  You can follow him @SteinberRunner on Twitter.

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On average, I log at least 15 miles per week, with Saturday being a “big run” with my daughter.  I always look forward to these weekend beer runs, though needless to say pushing around a 30 lb. toddler in a B.O.B. stroller for 8 miles is a lot more difficult than running solo.  So when I awoke in the morning with a fairly decent hangover, I pretty much decided I wasn’t going to run.  Although I kept hydrated and ate healthy as the morning dragged on, I was kicking myself for being a slacker.  By noon, I decided that I needed to punish myself for all those calories from the night before.  That’s when I decided to run a half-marathon.

There was a point last year where I was actually training for the California International Marathon, during which I ran a few “halfs.”  After each time I finished these, without fail, I questioned why anyone would purposefully run a full marathon.  Now I was about to run another half with virtually no preparation, other than a good stretch routine, a packet of carbo-gel, and a bottle of water.  I tend to do better on one-way long distance runs anyways—there’s something about the final destination outcome that makes it easier on me mentally.  So my wife and our Friday night beer crew took the kids on a 14-mile drive to the suburbs for some lunch; once we finished, they left in their cars and I was alone in the parking lot.  At this point, I guess I’m committed.

Running the American River bike trail is awesome

After the first 3 miles, I felt like I was on top of the world.  It was a great run along the American River, with sunny skies and a constant breeze. I kept a decent pace all the way up until Mile 12, then I started to slow down a bit.  All in all, I finished 14 miles in a little over 2 hours, not too shabby for a 35-year old with a penchant for pale ales and pizza.  It has encouraged me to at least consider running a full marathon someday.  And yes, I did get that run in with my daughter—took her out for a 5 mile run and nature walk the following day, though at a much slower pace.  Don’t forget what you’re running for—by end of the day, it will all be worth it.

Steve Miller is the Steinber Kimmie (Beer Guy) and resident beer runner for Anderson Valley Brewing Company.  Social Media, Sales and Marketing are a few of his favorite things.  He’s also a pretty decent home brewer, gee-tar picker and disc golfer too.  You can follow him @SteinberRunner on Twitter.

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