Speaking personally, it has been a cherished goal to live long enough that I might be able to enjoy a craft beer downtown during New Albany’s annual Harvest Homecoming celebration, and by doing so, to strike a small blow against the hegemony of the swill merchants.
In 2005, the old House of Bread put two kegs of NABC beer on tap during Harvest Homecoming, and last year, its successor, Bistro New Albany expanded the NABC selection while adding craft beers from Upland (a Bloomington, Indiana microbrewery) and others from America and around the world.
BNA will do it again this year, and there’ll be NABC and Upland beers on tap once again. Unlike last year, BNA will conduct food and drink business during booth days both outside on the patio and inside in the dining room, which means that one need not be restricted to elephant ears and rolled oysters (the latter remaining a favorite of mine) from the street side vendors.
Another marvelous option is added for 2007: Connor’s Place, run by former BNA partner Dave Himmel, and located on Main Street adjacent to the Parthenon. CP will feature NABC drafts during Harvest Homecoming: Community Dark, Elector, Flat Tyre, Hoptimus (limited quantities) and Mt. Lee (also limited quantities).
Flat Tyre will be available in cask-conditioned form from the hand pump, which has been borrowed from NABC for the occasion, giving Connor’s the distinction of being the first New Albany establishment during the modern era to offer hand-pumped “real” ale. When the cask version is depleted, there’ll be a regular keg as back-up. Connor’s Place will also have Oktoberfest beers from Upland, Browning’s (Louisville micro) and Spaten (Germany).
I believe that Elector will be on tap at Speakeasy Jazz, NABC’s remaining downtown account.
Yes, swill reigns supreme at Harvest Homecoming, and it probably always will. However, all we ever wanted was a choice. Now more than ever, we have it. If you like good beer and you’re downtown the next three days, visit one of these fine establishments and buy one. In NABC isn’t your taste, my feelings aren’t hurt; have another microbrew or an import instead, and let them know that you appreciate having options. Rest assured that if it were up to Anheuser-Busch, you wouldn’t have any.
2 comments:
Thanks for the info, NAC. A good beer sounds most excellent, and fitting for the occasion. As difficult as it may be for me to draw myself away from the sight of slovenly behemoths wandering the streets while gnawing on corn dogs and elephant ears, I shall endeavor to stop by one of the featured establishments to enjoy a cultured ale.
Every good beer deserves an equally good song. I'm a Todd Snider junkie and, after listening to police negotiations and seeing the booths go up, this seems like a good one.
Incarcerated
From East Nashville Skyline
My baby mother been incarcerated
Otherwise she would have been here today
To testify that every word I stated
While it may be complicated
It's still true in a way
You see this woman here today
I hardly even know her
Okay, maybe once or twice I mighta give her a lift
But she never lent me any money your honor
Every penny that she gave me she said was a gift
She said that it was a gift
She said it was a gift
My baby mother been incarcerated
She had some trouble with an interstate cop
Who said he saw her driving by obliterated
And was further flusterated by the way she wouldn't stop
So they called out all the other cops
And had a high speed chase
They chased my baby through the side of a tree
That's when I think they might have planted marijuana in her suitcase
A court appointed lawyer told us, cop a plea
So we copped a plea
We copped a plea
My baby mother been incarcerated
I never had a lot of luck with the ladies, your honor
I never had a lot of luck with much of anything
My baby mother want to drive a Mercedes, your honor
My baby mother want to wear a bunch a diamond rings
She knows dang well I cant afford these things
Ah!
My baby mother been incarcerated
I'm kinda glad if I could tell you truth
But that don't have a whole lot here to do with this matter you see
This woman here today, she just don't have any proof
I don't know whose voice that could be there
On her telephone recorder
Maybe her brother or some other friend
Who is in on it too
Maybe the same old friend
Who came and helped her forge my signature
Because that is not my signature
I'm telling you the truth
I am telling you the truth
I'm telling you the truth
My baby mother been incarcerated
I understand about the verdict and everything, your honor
You're just doing your job and that's alright with me
Just one more thing before I leave for all my friends and my family
Can you tell me when this particular episode
Is gonna be on TV
I'm gonna be on TV
Nobody suffers like the poor people suffer.
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