Beernomics

First off, I was chatting with Mike Davis, Harmon’s master brewer, regarding the state of brew pubs in a down economy. He shook his head early in the conversation. See, not only are patrons fewer and harder to come by as they seek ways to cut their expenses during these uncertain times, but the costs of brewing the beer is continuing its climb. The raw materials are at least double what they were just a few years ago. And now that the state is facing a historic budget shortfall and will likely fill that gap with taxes, brewers are bracing for the worst. Beer is seen as a vice that falls under the state’s “sin tax” categories politicians see as a cash cow when it comes to raising money since few folks protest increases on taxes for beer, cigarettes or other such immoral products.



That could mean the cost of a pint or a six pack will likely continue to go up in the year ahead. Buy now and stock up.



These likely increases further come at a bad time for the industry. Restaurants make a good margin on booze sales and generally keep the food operations from going under. With diners cutting back and higher costs on the way, restaurant owners are trying to find ways to make ends meet.

Lakewood Pub and Grill

Menu prices or atmosphere changes are in the works at Rudy’s restaurant in Lakewood. The former Magoo’s, Tanglewood and 12 other names I swear, Rudy’s restaurant now calls itself Lakewood Pub and Grill.



The Lakewood Pub and Grill is still in the morphing stage. Drop by 7505 Steilacoom Blvd. and feel the excitement.

Iron Brewers 2009

For something more homemade during the down economy, beer lovers are turning to doing it themselves by cracking into the home brewing market. Luckily there are groups out there to help in the effort so people don’t go blind from their brews going a-rye. The Hops Club, Homebrews of Parkland/Spanaway, will be holding a fun members event called The Iron Brewer 2009, where local home brewers will be pitted against each other to come up with a brew recipe on the spot, after given a selection of secret ingredients in the spirit of the Iron Chef television show.



While the event is currently for members only, people are always welcome to become members or otherwise take an interest in the craft. The free event will be held inside The Beer Essentials, 2624 112th St. #E-1 in Lakewood, and will be a great time to learn about the art of beer making. The beer will be brewed and then judged once it is finished fermenting.

Up north

For something a little larger in scale, The Washington Beer Commission will present the 2009 Washington Cask Beer Festival at the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion on March 28.

This year the Cask Fest is celebrating the 10-year anniversary, and the group is brewing up some fun ideas to mark this milestone. One of them is the Ten Herbert’s Showcase. Yes, you guessed it right. There will be 10 different versions of the Herbert’s Legendary Cask Festival Ale brewed by 10 different Washington breweries. Admission is $40 at the door or $35 advance. Admission includes all beer tastes. Tickets are available online now at www. washingtonbeer.com.