Middle Of the Map Fest at McCoy's

A quick update - the I-70 Showdown Beer Dinner has sold out!  Thanks to everyone who got a ticket, this should be a great event.  If you missed out this time, keep checking here for the next dinner.

Heading out to take part in Middle Of the Map Fest this weekend?  Stop by McCoy's, where we'll have shows on both Friday and Saturday!

Tonight, it's a night of some local folk and Americana, with Sara Swenson & the Pearl Snaps starting the show at 10 pm -

At 11, Dollar Fox will take the stage -

Then The Grisly Hand will close out the night, at midnight -

All Kansas City products!!

Saturday kicks off at 10 pm again, with Beau Jennings & The Tigers from Austin, TX, leading the way -

Followed by St. Louis's Sleepy Kitty at 11 -

Kansas City's Blackbird Revue wraps up the show at midnight -

So swing by for some great music and great beers!

Also, Beer Kitchen, McCoy's, and the Foundry will all be open on Easter Sunday.  Beer Kitchen will open at 9 am, McCoy's at 10, and the Foundry at 4 pm.  Get brunch at the Beer Kitchen Sunday morning, or get a drink that afternoon.  We hope everyone has a great weekend, and that we see you soon!  Cheers!

Now on Tap - Baltic Porter

Now on tap is the second collaboration beer between McCoy's brewmaster Keith Thompson and James Hudec, brewmaster of Kansas City's Gordon Biersch locations.  The pair previously worked together on a very popular version of a Sticke Altbier but this time they've done a Baltic porter - an English-style dark beer typically stronger in flavor and higher in alcohol than a traditional porter. We used British malt and hops and fermented with a Bavarian lager yeast strain at low temperatures to keep ester development down and smoothness up. Dark malt flavor balanced with lightly floral hops and the smooth, crisp finish of a lager.

Brewer's specs:

Malts - 2-row pale, Dextrin, chocolate, crystal & honey

Hops - Yakima Goldings & East Kent Goldings

Fermented with Gordon Biersch house lager yeast

5.6% ABV

Grain vs. Grape Dinner - 2.12.12

It's time again for one of the most exciting and interesting Brewmaster's Dinners of the year - the second annual Grain vs. Grape Dinner: an epicurean food pairing battle between beer and wine. Beer KC beer director Randyl Danner will be selecting beers for the 5 course dinner, while renowned sommelier Kathy Rohlfing chooses the wines. Last year's dinner was very informative and a whole lot of fun - check it out pictures here. Here's what's on this year's menu:

- sizzled day boat scallop, pain perdu and truffle fig butter; Grand Teton Persephone imperial pilsner vs. Chateu Lamonthe Bordeaux Blanc

- spent grain poached egg, steak frites with duck gravy; Kulmbacher Monshchof Schwarzbier vs. Arizona Stronghold Nachise

- creamed local oyster mushrooms and cheesy fennel poofs; Goose Island Fleur vs. Paitin Nebbiolo "Ca Veja" Piedmont

- java-braised beef rib, peppered, charred & smashed sweet corn; Deschutes Black Butte XXIII vs. Cedarville Zinfandel

- bounce berry pancake with vanilla cream & chutney; Boulevard Two Jokers vs. Jorge Ordonez "Selection Especial" Moscatel

The dinner will take place at Beer Kitchen on Sunday, February 12th at 6:30. Tickets are only $60 - including tax and gratuity - and are available at all 3 Beer KC restaurants or by calling Beer Kitchen at (816) 389-4180. Cheers - happy Valentine's Day!

Collaboration Baltic Porter - 2.7.12

Tuesday, February 7th marks the release of the second collaboration brew between McCoy's & Gordon Biersch. The previous version was a very well received Sticke Altbier, but this time they've brewed a traditional English-style Baltic Porter. The style is similar to a regular porter but typically has a stronger flavor profile and contains a higher alcohol content. Brewmasters Keith Thompson of McCoy's and James Hudec of Gordon Biersch will be on hand to answer any questions you might have as we pour $3 pints beginning 4:00. See you Tuesday - cheers!

Now on Tap - Paul Bunyan RIS

Now on tap for a limited time is another amped up version of our Ursa Major Russian imperial stout - this time its been aged in Jack Daniel's whiskey barrels with organic maple syrup from Vermont. The sweetness of the maple compliments the huge roast flavors of Ursa wonderfully resulting in a remarkably complex and delicious imperial stout. This is a very limited release and only available on cask at McCoy's. 

Pitch Interview with Keith Thompson

Local magazine The Pitch recently caught up with our brewmaster Keith Thompson in a series of interviews for their food and drink blog, Fat City. Keith has been the man behind McCoy's brews since we opened in 1997 and we're very proud to have such a talented brewer continually cranking out award-winning beers in Westport. Learn more about the living legend here, here and here. Cheers to you, Keith!

Now on Tap - Red Eyed Monster

Hold on to your BGBMs - we have a very small amount of Ursa Major that has been resting in Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey barrels for a few months along with some fresh vanilla beans and the same 'toddy' coffee blend made for us by the Broadway Roasting Co. The addition of coffee & vanilla, plus the oak & whiskey characteristics from barrel-aging, elevate this massively complex Russian imperial stout to a whole new level. Served on cask through the beer engine only at McCoy's. 

Now on Tap - Calypso DPA

Now on tap is the latest batch of our single-hop double pale ale - this time brewed using only Calypso hops. Calypso is a brand new breed of hops known for its pleasant fruity flavors with notes of pear, tart apple and perhaps an earthy tea-like flavor. We tapped this on New Year's Day so this stuff is FRESH. Come try it but beware the 11% ABV!

Brewer's specs:

Malt: 85% 2-Row, 10% Vienna, 5% malted white wheat

Hops: Calypso, added at 10 different times from start to finish

Fermented 7 days with McCoy's house ale yeast

90+ IBU

11% ABV

Now on Tap - Broadway Toddy Stout

Now on tap for a limited time is the latest batch of our Broadway Toddy Stout. This is our Oatmeal Stout that's been infused with a special 'toddy' coffee blend made exclusively for McCoy's from our friends at the Broadway Roasting Co. The toddy method of brewing is a cold-extraction, which reduces the coffee's bitterness by up to 70%, resulting in a highly concentrated coffee with tons of flavor and packed with caffeine. 

Brewer's specs:

Malt: pale, Munich, Carapils, roasted, black, honey & oats

Hops: Bravo & Willamette

Fermented with McCoy's house ale yeast

Cold extracted Broadway Cafe toddy added after maturation

45 IBU

6.1% ABV

Now on Tap - Ursa Major Imperial Stout

Now on tap is a fresh batch of our Russian imperial stout, Ursa Major.  This massive ale is brewed only once a year and released during the Winter Solstice. It was brought out in style last night and we still have some 2010 Ursa left as well. This is one of our most popular beers and perfect for sipping as we prepare for the cold weather. We held a few kegs back so you can try this beer throughout the year as it mellows with age; watch this space for future tappings. Come try it before it's gone - for now...

Brewer's specs:

malt: pale 2-row, crystal, roasted, chocolate & black

hops: English East Kent Goldings

brown sugar & Belgian candied sugar

fermented with McCoy's house ale yeast

85 IBU

10.5% ABV

Ursa Major Release Party - 12.20.11

It's that time of the year again - the annual release of our massive imperial stout, Ursa Major.  On Tuesday, December 20th at 4:00, McCoy's and the Foundry will be offering $8 commemorative glasses full of one of our most popular beers ever.  We'll also have a few bottles of 2010 & 2011 Ursa for sale, as well as draft flights available so you can try them side-by-side.  There might even be an appearance from the Green Eyed Monster - Ursa Major that's been aged with Chartreuse-soaked oak spirals...

last year's glassware

Pics - Strong Ale Fest 11.12.11

Saturday marked the first annual Beer KC Strong Ale Fest held at the McCoy's / Foundry parking lot.  We had 28 breweries participate and over 30 different beers that all clocked in at 8% ABV or more.  The weather couldn't have cooperated any more than it did, making for an excellent day to be outside drinking some incredible beers.  Here are a few pics from a rough day of heavy drinking:

McCoy's Brewmaster Keith Thompson and Beer KC owner James Westphal

Boulevard brought a bit of their fabled Nutsack or "super dry-hopped Nutcracker"

there's a 'wiener in mouth' joke here but I'll pass because I like my job

big thanks to co-sponsor Diebel's for providing some great cigars

Boulevard's test batch Double Pale Ale

McCoy's Brewmaster Keith Thompson and fest organizers Randyl Danner & James Westphal

the first guy to break his glass got honorary mention

Chef Michael Peterson serving up sausage & peppers

Gordon Biersch KC head brewer James Hudec

Cheers!

Now on Tap - XOXO Chocolate Stout

Now on tap is our first ever XOXO Chocolate Stout.  The idea behind this stout was to actually make chocolate within the beer.  Baker's chocolate, or unsweetened chocolate, which is the base for all chocolate with the addition of lactose (milk sugar), vanilla and other spices, were used in the brewing process with the end result being a deep, dark stout with a creamy vanilla smoothness and light milk chocolate flavors.

Malts: 2-Row pale, caramel, chocolate & Munich

Also brewed with: flaked oats, Belgian baker's chocolate, lactose sugar, vanilla beans, star anise & sweet orange peel

5.3% ABV

Strong Ale Fest - The Beers

Here's a sneak preview of the beers we'll be pouring at tomorrow's Strong Ale Fest in the McCoy's / Foundry parking lot.  Tickets are still available at all 3 Beer KC locations for $30 today or $35 at the gate, which includes unlimited samples and a commemorative tasting glass. Let's have a look...

- Boulevard Double Pale Ale; 8.2% ABV, 67 IBUs
- Nebraska Brewing Hop God Belgo-American IPA; 9.8% ABV, 108 IBUs
- Green Flash Double Stout; 8.8% ABV, 45 IBUs
- Southern Tier UnEarthly Imperial IPA; 9.5% ABV
- Grand Teton Pursuit of Hoppiness Imperial Red Ale; 8.5% ABV, 100 IBUs
- Sierra Nevada Life & Limb American Strong Ale; 10.2% ABV
- Kulmbacher Reichelbrau Eisbock Lager; 9.2% ABV
- Brasserie de Blaugies Speciale Noel Belgian Strong Pale Ale; 8.0% ABV
- Brasserie des Geants Noel des Geants Belgian Strong Ale; 8.5% ABV
- Schlafly 2010 Oak-Aged Barleywine; 10.2% ABV, 42 IBUs
- Unibroue Maudite Belgian-style Strong Dark Ale; 8% ABV, 22 IBUs
- New Belgium Clutch American Dark Sour Ale; 9.5% ABV, 19 IBUs
- Tallgrass Velvet Rooster Belgian-style Tripel; 8.5% ABV
- Arcadia Loch Down Scotch Ale; 8% ABV
- 75th Street Waldo Wallace dry-hopped Scotch Ale; 9% ABV
- 75th Street Up All Nitro coffee Porter; 7.5% ABV
- 75th Street Betty's Barrel sour Belgian-style Dubbel; 10% ABV
- McCoy's Double Pale Ale #8 Imperial IPA; 11% ABV, 100+ IBUs
- McCoy's Imperial Red Ale; 9.2% ABV, 90 IBUs
- McCoy's Ursa Major 2011; 10.5% ABV, 85 IBUs
- Mikkeller Santa's Little Helper Belgian Strong Dark Ale; 11% ABV
- Great Divide Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout; 9.5% ABV
- Goose Island Pere Jacques Belgian-style Dubbel ; 8% ABV, 26 IBUs
- North Coast Brother Thelonius Belgian-style Strong Dark Ale; 9.4% ABV, 32 IBUs
- Nogne-0 Winter Ale English Porter; 8.5% ABV
- Lagunitas Undercover Investigation American Strong Ale; 9.75% ABV
- Bell's Sparkling Ale Belgian-style Tripel; 9% ABV, 32 IBUs
- Odell Myrcenary Double IPA; 9.3% ABV
- Avery Old Jubilation American Strong Ale; 8.3% ABV, 30 IBUs
- Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA; 8.7% ABV, 90 IBUs
- Gordon Biersch Winter Bock Doppelbock; 8% ABV
- Firestone Walker Double Jack Imperial IPA; 9.5% ABV

See you tomorrow at 1:00!

Now on Tap - DPA #8 Sorachi Ace

Now on tap is the latest in our series of single-hop Double Pale Ales.  This batch was hopped exclusively using Sorachi Ace hops, a relatively new Japanese variety, initially bred by Sapporo.  The Sorachi Ace is known for contributing an intense, but pleasant, lemon flavor and aroma. We also added 50lbs. of locally-sourced honey to the boil to provide some residual sweetness.  This is an excellent example of the recent trend in Double IPAs showcasing the fruity & juicy flavors modern hop varietals.

Brewer's specs:

Malt: 85% Pale 2-row, 10% Vienna, 5% maled white wheat

Hops: Sorachi Ace, added at 10 different times from start to finish

50lbs of honey added to 105 minute boil

Fermented 7 days with McCoy's house ale yeast

SG 23.6 Plato

90+ IBUs

11% ABV

Now on Tap - Sinister Rye

Now on tap is the first ever batch of our freaky Halloween brew, the Sinister Rye.  Brewed especially for the Fall, Sinister Rye is based on a pale ale recipe, showcasing the balance between hops and malt, but with the addition of chocolate malted rye to add a roasty, toasty and subtle spicy dryness.  The resulting beer is a slightly spicy dark pale ale with citrus hop flavors and a dark malt profile.  

Brewer's specs:

Malt: pale, biscuit, crystal and chocolate rye

Hops: Columbus and Cascade

Fermented with our house Ale yeast

OG 15.2

6.66% ABV

Now on Tap - Goode Farmhouse Ale

It's back! On tap at McCoy's & the Foundry is our very popular Goode Farmhouse Ale. Named after Gib Goode, the farmer who generously picks up our spent grain every week, Goode Farmhouse is the seventh batch of our unfiltered & characteristically cloudy Belgian-style ale.  This complex ale tends to be semi-dry  with lots of fruity flavors and aromas.  Bold earthy yeast flavors, a mild hop profile, lots of spice and just a touch of sweetness round out this complex and refreshing brew.

Brewer's specs:

Pale 2-row & unmalted wheat

Styrian Goldings hops

Fermented with Belgian Ale yeast

6.1% ABV

Cheers!

Strong Ale Fest - 11.12.11

Join us between 1:00 - 5:00 on Saturday, November 12 for Beer KC's first annual Strong Ale Festival at the McCoy's / Foundry parking lot.  Featuring 30 brews clocking in at no less than 8% ABV, this is a great opportunity to try some rare & higher-alcohol beers without committing to a whole bomber or 750ml bottle - all while contributing to a great cause: the AIDS Walk Kansas City.

Featuring these local, regional & national breweries:

- McCoy's Public House
- 75th Street Brewery
- Southern Tier Brewing Company
- Green Flash Brewing Company
- Gordon-Biersch Brewery
- Grand Teton Brewing Company
- Stone Brewing Company
- Firestone Walker Brewing Company
- Avery Brewing Company
- Unibroue
- Tallgrass Brewing Company
- Boulevard Brewing Company
- Schlafly / St. Louis Brewing Company
- Bell's Brewery
- New Belgium Brewing Company
- O'Dell Brewing Company
- Free State Brewing Company

Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door and can be purchased at all 3 Beer KC restaurants or by clicking this link.

Pilsner Takes Bronze at 2011 GABF

Brewmaster Keith Thompson's take on the Bohemian-style Pilsner won the Bronze medal at this year's Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO.  Thirty years and counting, the GABF is the largest annual beer festival in America and our Pilsner took 3rd place out of 42 entries in the style.  With over 450 breweries and 50,000 people in attendance, we're honored to take home another medal.  Congratulations to our brewers Keith & Tobias - we raise a glass in your honor.  Cheers!!!

Now on Tap - Wee Willy Scotch Ale

Scotch ales are strong ales also known as "wee heavy." In the 19th century Scotland, they'd also be known as 160/-, a nomenclature based on the now obsolete shilling currency. Scotch ales traditionally go through a long boil in the kettle for a caramelization of the wort. This produces a deep copper to brown colored brew. Compared to Scottish ales, they'll be sweeter and fuller-bodied, and higher in alcohol, with a much more pronounced malty caramel and roasted malt flavor. Our Wee Willy Scotch Ale uses peated malt in the mash. A smoky & peaty malt flavor is the result – kind of briney or sea-salty. Hopping is low but malt flavor and body is pronounced. Beer lovers - or Scotch whisky lovers - will really enjoy this 2010 GABF silver medal winning robust & smoky strong ale!

Brewers’ specs:

Malt: 55% Pale, 15% Carapils, 10%Vienna, 5% Munich, 5% biscuit, 5% wheat, 3.5% peated & 1.5% roasted
Hops are a blend of English Goldings and Fuggle, American Willamette and German Spalt

Fermented with McCoy's house ale yeast; cellared 2 months

OG: 20.2 Plato 8.3% ABV