A Picture Says a Thousand Words...

Not much to say with this one. The picture does all the talking. If you're not here, you're missing out.

Monkey Flies Into Weston

The Weston Brewing Company is proud to welcome the fellows from Flying Monkey Beer. Flying Monkey has been in the Kansas City area for more than a decade. Brewing began before Thanksgiving and the newly-brewed beer will be served on draft around KC, MO next week.
So far Flying Monkey Amber, Mac's Beer and Four-Finger Stout have arrived. Be sure to stop by the Pub or Restaurant this weekend for the first sips of Flying Monkey Amber brewed in Weston, MO.

Celtic Blunder...

Every now and them something comes along too crap-tastic to be believed. Something so vile, so repugnant one can scarce muster words to fit the experience. I witnessed such an event last night at the Sprint Center in the form of Celtic Thunder. Thank God my ticket was free. Now before you lambaste me as a bitter ex-singer with a jealous axe to grind let me give the show the only props I can. All the musicians are extremely talented. Twenty year old Keith Harkin sang what may be the best Mountains of Mourne I have ever heard and the scant traditional music was lovely for the most part. But I digress. I'm not trying to write a review. I'm here to rant. I'm pressing the rant button right.......now. People; listen very carefully. If you listen closely enough you'll hear the faint sound of Tommy Makem turning over in his grave. I'm not dense. I understand this is a pop show. I understand that it's the McDonald's, at best, of Irish music. I understand its demogrpahic is youngish women with disposable incomes and fuzzy conceptions of what Celtic music really is. I understand that Celtic rock, which I enjoy, bridges the gap between younger cultures and exposes them to traditional Irish music they might otherwise miss. I get it. And it's valid. What I can't understand is how anyone sitting in that crowd could be thinking, "You know...if I don't hear Knights in White Satin tonight I shall be sorely dissapointed. That's right. Knights in White Satin. Along with Desperado, Puppy Love, and I Want to Know What Love Is. Foreigner, for God's sake? Really? I think Sean O'Malley, with whom I was sitting, said it best. "This is an insult". Cotten candy stagecraft for a short attention span culture without the means or desire to discover what real Irish music is. Phil Coulter, what were you thinking putting this together? Is this really what you want the American populace to walk away with as the definition of Irish Music? I won't even push my own pub. I'll push all the pubs that allow traditional music to thrive. Find one close to you. Go see Eddie Delahunt. Go see Bob Reeder. Go see Tom Dahill. Go see The Quiet Men. Just don't let this show become your picture of Celtic Music. Then again, if you like a little Foreigner with your Jigs and Reels, this might be the show for you. Who am I to say? I could just be a bitter ex-singer with a jealous axe to grind.

Weston Wellie's Race

Even though the Weston Irish Fest is over now it is still fun to look back. We had this photo sent in and couldn't help but put it out there. This is real dedication and the best costumes I have ever seen. If you thought finding a mouse in your beer was bad!!

Jiggernaut plays Friday November 14th

Following hard on the heels of what turned out to be an incredible night with Searson, Jiggernaut will take the stage at O'Malley's on Friday November 14th. If you know Jiggernaut you'll know that this is a show not to be missed. If you're new to Jiggernaut you're in for a real treat. The press has been going crazy for these fine folks.

"This CD is a blast to listen to from start to finish and scratches all the itches!"

Southwest Celtic Music Association

"...an outfit worth keeping more than one eye on."

Irish Music Magazine

"...a promising new addition to the under populated realm of American rock and reel."

Dirty Linen

"...there's nothing they can't do and little they won't...a group of master artisans who simulate a finely-tuned machine and make their work look like child's play..."

Rambles

"...we have the next great Celtic trad/folk/rock band among us..."

Ft. Worth Star Telegram

"Jiggernaut is that rare band that can have you bopping at a club or jigging on the heath. What's more...they can do it not only on the same song but somehow at the same time."

Houston Press

If for any reason you missed Searson, please...please...PLEASE don't miss this show.

Season. 8:00PM. O'Malley's

Tonight is the night, folks. Searson hits the stage at O'Malley's in Weston at 8:00pm. All it takes is a nice drive up 29 and five bucks to get in.

Weston Irish Fest Dust Settles

A week has gone by since the Weston Irish Festival broke every record from the last nine years. The weather and crowd were the best we have ever experienced. More than 9,000 visitors traveled to Weston to join us for a fantastic weekend.
It took more than 100 workers and volunteers to make the weekend a success. It took nearly twenty of the best Irish acts in the country and 20 marvelous vendors. It is hard to say thanks enough to everyone involved. The town of Weston joined in more than ever, with Irish music up and down Main Street. The Celtic Ranch led the way and even went as far as organizing the vendors for this year's event. RJ's helped the atmosphere on Main with live Irish music of its own.
The top photo is the fest as it opened Saturday morning. On the right Peter and the kitchen staff frantically try to keep up with the hungry crowd. Michelle guided the outdoor kitchen crew until the bitter end, selling whatever remained. (The kitchen sink was not eaten.) Justin relaxes the Tuesday following the fest. He was forced to drink a Coors from home as nearly every beer brewed in the last three months was consumed in three days. (Justin will be a busy man in the next few weeks.)
Once again, thank you to all who helped and visited. I'm sure everyone who lived through this one will remember the fun for many years!

9th Weston Irish Fest Coming Together

With the big day upon us the late nights are starting to pay off. Earlier this week Mike, Sean & Corey put the finishing touches on the new piece of art on the covered patio. The big photo is an overhead image of the brewery as it looked in 1911.

A special thanks to all those that helped this week especially the guys from Capital Electric who got it all lit up for us again this year.

If You Can't Stand the Heat

Next time cooking dinner for the family sounds like too much work just think of Peter. As O'Malley's head Chef for more year 3 years Peter has seen this before, but cooking for nearly 10,000 people in the next two weeks is never easy. This Saturday and Sunday is the Weston Applefest which draws families from across the midwest. Applefest is celebrating its 30th year. The very next weekend, October 10-12 is our own O'Malley's Irish Fest. Don't miss the famous Irish Stew and Coddle Peter and Michelle have been cooking up.

When you come up and visit be sure to say hello to Peter. He will be the one running around with his hair or tail on fire.

Thanks to the Antique Car Show

Last Friday a large group of beautiful old vehicles puttered into Weston. They lined historic Main street and made the buildings feel young again. Many of the owners were also kind enough to make their way up the road to the brewery. We had a great time with their visit and hope they felt the same.

Raspberry Reserve

Mike is seen here caught in the act of sneaking a secret sip of our raspberry reserve. This delicious experiment is wheat-based and made with real raspberries fermented with champagne yeast. It has a pretty fair alcohol content as well. You can join us for Justin's special "Brewer's Tasting" party on the covered patio during Applefest, Saturday, October 4th.

Move over Daniel Craig...

Fifty percent brewer. Fifty percent ninja. One Hundred percent bad ass.

Kansas City Irish Fest

Everyone keeps asking what the highlight of this past week's Kansas City Irish Fest was.
The Elders?
Gaelic Storm?
Great guesses, but according to a poll taken in front of the O'Malley's food booth Quinn and Van were tops. Pictured here rocking the "Cream Ale Van" Stage the two newcomers drew record crowds. Tickets go on sale soon for their Weston Irish Fest performances October 10-12.

1842 Booby Trap

Justin and Corey embarked on a mission to find the secret tunnel linking the cellars to the brewer's mansion next door. Pictured is Justin standing next to what looks like a covered over tunnel entrance with a small hole poked in it that revealed a large amount of rubble. (The small can in Justin's left hand is the stupid juice that gave us this great idea.)

Pictured to the right is Corey stuck in a big dirt hole. Some one a hundred years ago obviously had the same idea we had. There was no tunnel. Just an arch to hold the wall up. On futher inspection there was never anything of interest. We managed to make a big mess, drink beer, and stare at dirt.

The pain train is coming...

Ah, Labor day weekend. We pack up the old festival booth, fire up the VW bus and head down to the Kansas City Irish Festival for the Weekend. Sounds like a good time, no? We'll be slinging food for the next three days and imploring you fine folks to come see us at our festival in October. And Sunday, after all is torn down, we'll be bringing it back here to sling more chow on the Monday Holiday. Feel free to come in and say hi to Corey and myself. We'll be in the kitchen.....um....slinging more food. Sigh. No rest for the weary.

Lonestar Stout rocks the house...

Nicky Rossiter is host of STORIES on Irelands South East Radio says,

"Jed Marum has his genetic roots in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Those genes must come from a long line of bards and storytellers to judge from his recorded output. I have collected a number of albums from this troubadour and he never fails to deliver."

Listen folks, put this guy together with local favorite Mason Brown who rounds out the Lone Star Stout duo and you have one helluva show. Musicianship doesn't come at a higher level than this. You owe it to yourself to get up here and see these guys.

Show starts at 8:oo on Friday and Saturday night. Cover is $5 at the door.

They're both Wild *and* Colonial

Tonight is your last chance to catch the Wild Colonial Bhoys before the bone crushing crowds hit the Weston Irish Festival.
Think of it. You can come tonight and be all roomey and free without wearing beer or someone's second hand beer after drinking far too many. And yes, though they are five strong in this picture -and will be for the fest- Adam and Gino will be in their original duo configuration tonight.

Get here early. Show time starts at 8:00pm. If you don't you won't find a seat and people will point and laugh.

Secret Cellar Tour

Check out this photo of the "Secret" cellar. You can see the places on the wall where the lagering vats once held Weston Lager. The cellar can be viewed as part of our tour of Weston Saturdays at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. If you haven't taken a look yet, be sure to come out.

This cellar was hidden for decades until we finally found the tunnel Justin and Sean are standing in. It lead to the old cellar. 2500 5-gallon buckets of rubble later the tunnel was ready to walk through.

What would happen if....

...I posted just because "I wanna"?  No, I'm not drunk. I'm not under the influence of any illicit drugs nor have I been spoken to by a short, bald man wearing a shoddy trench coat. Sometimes, sitting in the wee morning hours one just feels like venting.  I've spent the past four hours or so plodding and planning over some inane excel spreadsheets wondering if I should poke my eyes out with a sharp stick or drink until I can't feel feelings.  I haven't done either yet.  Such is the fate of a professional procrastinator. Perhaps I'll sleep on it.  In the meantime please enjoy this picture of batboy.

Peace out.

A Waterloo Weekend

I traveled to Waterloo, IA this past weekend for the 2nd annual Iowa Irish Fest. My partner in crime was pub volunteer extraordinaire, Larry C. After a little later than planned departure we made it to Des Moines for lunch at the Raccoon Brewing Company.

After a wee bit of food and handcrafted beer it was back on the road towards Waterloo. We arrived about an hour before the start of the fest so we stopped in to check out Jameson's Pub, the host of the festival and home of one of the festival stages. We were then honored to be joined for a pint by Patrick and Twigger of Gaelic Storm, the headlining act for Friday night. We also had the pleasure of meeting three new acts, Langer's Ball, Exorna, and Wylde Nept - hope to see them in Weston sometime soon. After a great night at the main stage it was back to Jameson's for a bit before calling it a night.

Saturday started with breakfast at Morg's Diner - as stereotypically delicious as you would imagine. Then back at the hotel lobby we had a chat with the Young Dubliners and Larry Kirwan of Black 47 before heading to the festival with Michael, one of the entertainment coordinators of the Minnesota Irish Fair whom we first met at O'Malley's when he came down with The Wild Colonial Bhoys. Enjoyed sets by The Cottars, Cherish the Ladies, Young Dubliners, Black 47, The Trinity Irish Dancers, and The Kildares. Also got to see our friends Marty and Brian from Switchback and met a great new act called Rising Gael. Then it was back to Jameson's for a few pints and more music provided by The Sandcarvers and Wylde Nept. A few pints later it was time to call it a night.

Slept in nearly up to check out time on Sunday. Got that taken care of, and then headed to Morg's for brunch with Michael. Caught the tail end of Young Dubliners set, then hung out with them for a bit before they headed out of town. We are looking forward to seeing them again in Weston on October 11th. We then enjoyed a great set by The Dublin City Ramblers to finish up the fest. Hope to make it back next year -

2008 Weston Irish Festival lineup announced...

Howdy Folks.  The lineup is official for the Weston Irish Festival.  Start counting down now. We'll be begging for volunteers soon enough.  Watch the blog for sign up sheets.  I think we're primed to have an amazing fest this year.  Also, start doing your anti-rain dances right *now*.  No whammies, no whammies, no whammies.....

Hey you...guy who wants Cider...

Funny you should mention.  We are currently in talks with the Louisberg Cider folks and will soon begin test batches of a nice, dry cider.  So all you people out there looking for a good, local apple based product to get you loopy your prayers shan't go unheeded by us WBC guys. Watch the blog for details.  

It's an Apple computer....it's serving beer/Cider.

I kill me.

WBC "Big" Beers

Our new handcrafted "Big" beer series is well into experimental mode. Cream Ale Reserve, Raspberry and Red Barn Peach are among the first testers. Keep an eye on the post as there will be a review party coming up in the next month or so.

I was duped, I tell 'ya...

Am I the only one that thinks the Federal government requires *way* too much paperwork of us hard working Americans?  The reason I ask is I just finished our Federal Brewery Excise Tax forms and our quarterly brewer's report of operations.  The instructional documentation reads like a Dick and Jane book leading you to believe how wonderfully easy it all is.  Several hours and many beers later I have things neatly tied up and a stack of paper that's likely half the rain forest. Oh yeah, the Feds also sent me a postcard.  Go figure.

The Brewer Speaks (or at least types)

Good day all,

Well...it has been a sweltering few weeks in the brew house for yours truly. We have been working to the point of exhaustion in order to bring you more of our delicious summer seasonal, SunRye's Ale.  I have also been developing new and exciting brews for future seasonals and a few just for fun.  (yes I have a terrible job) I guess what I am trying to say is I hope to hear from YOU!!! Tell me what you think, ask me a question, gripe about your spouse, it doesn't really matter.  I spend my days in the brewery with only minimal outside contact, so... do me a favour and drop me a line.  I will probably respond (trying not to sound to desperate)

Cheers,

Justin

Out of the frying pan...

No sooner had Corey stepped off the plane from Texas just a few short hours ago we loaded up a Freightliner Sprinter full of delicious WBC beer and he began blazing a trail to the North. Wisconson distributors are clamoring for product and Corey has accepted the call.  But let's look closer, shall we...  

I've taken the liberty of "mildly" outlining what appears to be the remnants of a quick dip in the pool.  We are, however, soaking wet from loading said Freightliner with beer on a *very* muggy Missouri summer afternoon.  Will Corey stop by the homestead for a quick shower after a long flight and a grueling load in?  Home is only a thirty second walk away, after all.  No, my friends.  No.  That heavenly aroma wafting through the summer breeze, faithful readers, is the sticky sweet stank of dedication.  Eight hours worth will be building up in a Freightliner Sprinter.  God help the luggage boy at the hotel he spends the night in.  Needless to say Corey is making this trip solo.  Ride on lone wolf...ride on.

Signed for by Saint Peter....

Justin and Mike making a beer delivery to heaven. If everyone knew they had O'Malley's new SunRye's beer there they might behave a bit better. These are the real Mike and Justin. Not actors so be kind when responding to their appearance.

Searson hits the Pub Stage October 23rd

Searson folks.  Searson.  Just over a week past fest time.  Tickets are five bucks at the door.  Seriously, you can't even get a crap meal that's been under a heat lamp for two hours for five bucks. Watch the website for details.  It's a Thursday night so I would highly recommend that you get your weekend on early.  Besides, unless you're here all weekend your plans are probably going to fall short of your expectations anyway.  Searson folks. Searson.

Welcome to the Weston Brewing Company

Well, homies here it is.  The end-all-be-all culmination of the best of the interweb.  Now between checking which pumps Paris is wearing today and getting your daily dose of government conspiracy theories you can help make the world a better place by posting here.  

Questions?  Comments?  Concerns?  Let'em fly.  If we like them we might just holler back.  If not, we'll likely pretend our DSL was down.  Oh yeah,  you can also use this site to ask questions about the brewery, the restaurant, the pub, your favorites bands and the festival if you're into such trivial things.  Just keep in clean, kids. This is a family show.

Well, I'm spent.  Here's hoping to hear from all of you very soon.

Slainte,

Mike