The Champagne of Blogs

Perhaps it’s too early to be doing a “year in review” post, but if Fred Meyer can sell tinsel at Halloween, I can post whatever I like, when I like. I was going through photos tonight in hopes of entering Alan McLeod’s beery Christmas photo contest. It’s become an annual tradition at his blog, one that may sound familiar to longtime Champagne of Blogs readers: we won the contest a few years ago with a photo from taken at Thom and my “Metolius Brewing” experience. Here’s what I entered into the contest this year:

Amanda (Thom’s wife) drinking Camo-brand Malt Liquor, New Year’s Eve 2007

Sarah (Dave’s wife) Drinking Duvel on the Train to (where else?) Belgium

A Beer Blogger’s Life
(Taking Notes at a Beer Bar in Belgium)

Cars Waiting in Line for Beer at Westvleteren’s Sint-Sixtus Abbey

Obligatory Foreign-looking/Arty Beer Photos

The Greatest Bar on Earth
(t’Brugs Beertje, Bruges)

Waiting in Line for the Greatest Beer Festival on Earth
(FredFest 2008)

Backyard Hops

It Takes a Village
(Teaching Siobhan and Ben to Brew)

That’s what I sent in. Of course, the year’s not over yet …

I’ll try to keep the nerd talk to a minimum here, but suffice to say that we made some software upgrades to the blog last night, and everything appears to be functioning normally (let us know if you see anything wonky).

In fact, we added some new features to the site thanks to the upgrade, namely a glimpse into our brand spanking new Twitter feed! Check the sidebar out to see our three most recent tweets, or just follow us. You know you want to. You’re … twitter curioius.

Some other beer bloggers/organizations are also tweeting now:

1. Bailey’s Taproom
2. The Green Dragon (I guess that employee stayed for the Rogue era)
3. Lisa Morrison, aka The Beer Goddess
4. Brookston Beer Bulletin
5. Siobhan at Imbibe Magazine
6. Oregon Brewer’s Guild

Let us know if you know any other tweeters we should add … did I just say “tweeters?” Ouch.

This may be old news to some, but I haven’t seen it covered on other beer blogs … someone named Joshua Baran has developed a free application for the iPhone that contains all the BJCP style guidelines. No more debating the difference between a double IPA and an Imperial IPA (trick question … there’s no BJCP guidelines for a double IPA!) … this is just one more tool in the wonder-killer’s toolbox. Now you have to get an iPhone.

I have been swamped beyond belief at work of late, and haven’t had much time for updating the calendar of Portland Beer events that used to be over there in the sidebar and perhaps in your iCal. If anyone would like to take up the mantle, please raise your hand in the comment area below … I have some good ideas for it, but too little time to implement.

Further bulletins as events warrant.