11 Jan Burn ‘Em pushes through adversity to pull off successful (but wet) Long Johns On Winter Warmer Bash
Adversity – the Burn’Em Brewing crew know it well. Back in October, at Burn’Em at the Farm, it was cold and rainy, but good beer, planning, and food made the day a fun event. For January 9th’s Long John On Winter Warmer, the rain and cold made a reappearance, and, like before, Burn’Em Brewing made the event welcoming and fun with plenty of amazing beers, great food, exceptional entertainment, and a lively crowd. Despite the news reporting Snowpocalypse arriving that evening, this afternoon event was busy – and full of attendees wearing, you guessed it, long johns.
Only Burn’Em could hold an event where guest feel comfortable wearing all manner of long johns in public. The tents were warm, with heaters available for those standing outside the multi-tented area. I attended the event with a dear friend of mine, and her cousins joined us there, which made my usual 3-5 beers tasted blossom to an incredible 11 beers of the 22 listed on the beer list. Especial thanks to Jen, Heather, & Lenny for being my partners in tasting – without you, this write up would not be nearly as comprehensive!
Top beer of the table was the 2014 Rye Barrel Aged Long John On with Tart Cherries, at 9.7% ABV, IBU 35. While I’ve waxed poetic about LJO in the past, let me assure you that this beer, the barrel aged version with cherries, is unbelievably complex with rich notes of vanilla, rye, and cherry blending smoothly with the dates and nutmeg. This is exactly a winter warmer – one that I would love to sip slowly by the fire on a snowy day. If it still exists in nature, I recommend you give it a try. Transcendent – and all that I could hope a winter warmer to be.
The nicest part of having four potential tasters at the table was the discussion of the beers, and the ability to try more while not necessarily imbibing more. The saddest part of the day was realizing that with 22 potential beers to try, tough choices must be made. As such, these beers were chosen and we enjoyed each one.
- Rum Barrel Aged Coconoats (ABV 6.4%, IBU 41): warm, rich notes of rum, equally perfect for summer (the coconuts) as well as winter (warming notes of rum).
- S’More Than a Feeling (6.5 ABV%, IBU 37): smooth with a graham cracker finish, carmel flavors with some marshmallow. Delicious
- Cosmik Debris (ABV 4.8%, IBU 34), a Galaxy-hopped session IPA, refreshing.
- Toffe.E.Harmony (ABV 7.0%, IBU 22), A collaboration with Right Brain Brewery. Good coffee hit with a smoky-toffee flavor.
- Pilz Poppin Animal (ABV 4.2%, IBU 31), hoppy with Simcoe and Warrior hops.
- 2015 Long Johns On Nitro (ABV 9.7%, IBU 35), smooth, rich flavors.
- The Quickening [Black Acre Brewing] (ABV 9.7%), rich, dark beer with a smooth finish.
- Good Bear On – a collaboration brew with Greenbush Brewing of Sawyer, MI, smooth with a clean finish. Eminently quaffable.
- Don’t Be a Jerk (ABV 9.3%, IBU 19). A collaboration with Wildrose Brewing Company. A tasty brown ale with Jamaican jerk flavors.
A few notes about the food – Arturo’s Baked Goods and More had “chicken noodle soup” egg rolls, served with chicken broth for dipping. This was a perfectly hot and filling food item for a cool day. We also tried Grindhouse Café’s Brisket and Waffles – a messy but delicious accompaniment to the day’s beers. If you see their food truck, do yourself a favor and stop. Outstanding.
Special thanks to the crew at Burn’Em Brewing for a fantastic day – your beer aside, your party preparation and planning skills are second to none. What an exceptional event.
Aleea is a native Hoosier, beer-lover and an ABD PhD in public administration. When she’s not championing her home state, actively seeking out Indiana breweries and trying new beers, she writes on topics related to public management, public policy, politics, financial management, and organizational development. She can be contacted at hoosier.breweries@gmail.com.
Jose Rios
Posted at 14:30h, 11 JanuaryGreat article.Burn’em Brewing has always been able to bring the best breweries together for incredible events.They are well respected in the community. See you at the next event.
Aleea
Posted at 15:32h, 11 JanuaryJose, great to see you there as well – glad you enjoyed the event as much as I did!
Robert Rolfe Feddersen
Posted at 15:04h, 12 JanuaryWonderful article Aleea! An incredible event put on by incredible. Your account of this winter craft beer extravaganza is spot on my friend. Thank you for mentioning me. You’re a true literary gem!
Sincerely,
RRF
chris laird
Posted at 15:14h, 12 JanuaryWay to go Burn’em! I would have loved to have been there! Keep up your brew-magic!