August 8, 2007
Fort Wayne, IN

This is big!  JK O'Donnell's Irish Ale House, Fort Wayne's authentic Irish Pub is opening Monday, August 13th.  This is a great new location, and is helping to build the great energy surrounding downtown development in Fort Wayne.  O'Donnell's has completely authentic decor, right down to the poster of Irish cottages.  This is the real deal.  Very cool.

Scott Glaze, the owner and proprietor of O'Donnell's asked Warbird to make a beer for their pub and we responded with the "Shanty Irish" Irish Ale.  "The Shanty" as it is known, is the house ale at O'Donnell's and is already described as "the favorite beer in the bar."  The Shanty has just enough roasted and crystal malt to give a lingering sweetness...just enough to keep you coming back for more.  Yes, this is a drinkable Irish Ale and we are very proud to serve it at JK O'Donnell's.

A word about the name, "Shanty Irish":   Lt. Gilbert O’Brien was a fighter pilot with the 8^th Air Force in Europe, flying his P-51B Mustang with the 357^th Fighter Group.  As was the custom of the day, Lt. O’Brien had the privilege of naming his personal airplane.  Flying among other planes named such as, “Gentleman Jim,” “Hurry Home Honey,” and “Old Crow,” Lt. O’Brien named his aircraft “Shanty Irish” and adorned it with a green 3 leaf clover.  He knew full well that the name could be used in a negative way, as the term “shanty Irish” can refer to the poorest of the poor Irish immigrants who lived in shanty towns after immigrating to America.  Lt O’Brien obviously was making a point.  He was proud of his heritage, proud of his culture, and proud to take the image of the poor Irish immigrant into battle against Nazi tyranny.  He certainly must have enjoyed the idea of the poor “shanty Irishman” soaring high above the skies of Europe in the finest aircraft of its time.  Lt. O’Brien went on to become an “ace” with 7 aerial victories to his credit.  Warbird “Shanty Irish” Irish Ale is brewed in honor of Lt. O’Brien and all of the men and women of Irish heritage who have proudly served our country.

July 12, 2007
Fort Wayne, Indiana
WARBIRD BREWING MEETS CORPORATE CHALLENGE TO BECOME SMALLEST COMPANY TO CONTRIBUTE $2500 TO THE JIMMY V FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH

First of all, both of my wife's parents are cancer survivors.  Without disclosing any personal details, their diagnoses were correct, the treatment was effective, and a decade later they are still leading active and healthy lives.  Cancer research works.  It costs money.  We need to support it.
Second, Jim Valvano has always been a hero to me.  I lived in Albuquerque and was there when he led NC State to the NCAA Basketball Championship at The Pit in 1983.  I remember the underdog story.  I remember his winning attitude.  I remember the David beating Goliath.
Even in death, Coach V is an inspiration to all of us to pursue our dreams and to never give up.  Our little company stepped up with some of the biggest names in corporate America to pitch in to the cause.  I would pay $2500 to hear Coach V speak today.  To hear his speech on the radio, I just felt inspired to be part of it.  Thanks to ESPN and the Jimmy V Foundation for the opportunity.
Now, for the fun part...Golic denied remembering drinking Warbird T-6 Red Ale at a charity outing, because he drinks so much beer he can't remember all of them.  But now we have him on tape saying, "Dave, I'll drink more of it.  I will!"  So, Mike Golic is now a completely unofficial amnestic spokesperson for our company.  I think Coach V is smiling right now.
Cheers, Coach.

Fort Wayne, IN
January 5, 2007

WARBIRD BEER IS NOW AVAILABLE IN BOTTLES!
Yes, after months of anticipation, Warbird beer will be available in bottles starting the week of January 8, 2007.  We will start by fulfilling orders for Five Star Distributing, who will distribute the beer throughout Northeast Indiana in the month of January.  If things go according to plan, we will start to fill orders for North Coast Distributing in February, 2007, who will make Warbird available in Northwest Indiana.

The best news is that bottling gives us the flexibility to package more than one type of beer.  So, you will see our familiar T-6 Red Ale now in bottles, as well as the Thunderbolt Wheat, which has been a "draft only" beer for the last year.  At the same time, we will be presenting 2 new beers, one light bodied and the other more assertive.  Named after the beautiful and historic warbirds, the P-51 Mustang and the P-40 Warhawk, these 2 new beers are sure to please: Mustang Gold Ale and Warhawk Pale Ale.

We put a lot of time and effort into making the entire package be coordinated and attractive.  We hope you agree that these are beautfiul beers in a beautiful package.  We are very proud of them, and we thank all of you who helped us accomplish "the bottling project."

This is not a retreat from cans, but an extension into bottles.  We knew that, eventually, enough customers would want our beer in bottles that we would end up bottling, too.  This is the time.  Right here.  Right now.

Fort Wayne, IN
October 23, 2006

Thanks to all of you who attended the 1st Annual Warbird Oktoberfest supporting the  Emmanuel St. Michael Lutheran School system.  With the generous donations of many and the hard work of some great volunteers, we had a very successful event.  The tent was big and well lit, the German music gave us a great atmosphere, and the German food was awesome.  We had beer brats prepared in T-6 Red Ale, sauerkraut, sliced pork tenderloin with potatoes and onions, and German style potato salad.  Man, it was awesome.  And the beer wasn't bad either.  We had plenty of T-6 Red Ale, Thunderbolt Wheat, and Lightning Ale, our new draft only German-style kolsch ale.  Basically, that gave a beer for every type of beer drinker.  Over 275 people attended and I know what I need to do for next year...get a bigger tent!

Earlier in my life, I have had the opportunity to attend festivals in Germany and Austria.  Our Okotberfest had the same, wonderful appeal of those events.  Once inside the tent, you actually could imagine that you were in Germany.  Great food, great beer, great friends.  It was just a superb time and I am so glad people came out to enjoy the event and tour the brewery.  Thanks to all of you, and you know who you are, for supporting, contributing to, and attending this event.  The money will go to a great cause and we had a great time supporting it.

 

Fort Wayne, IN
October 1, 2006

What is October without an Oktoberfest?  Well, it could be anything, but we couldn't pass up the opportunity.  Here is what happened:
A friend of mine, Ted Raney, said he wanted to do a fund raiser for Emmanual St. Michael schools to help them raise money to buy two "smart boards" for their classrooms.  I've never seen one, but they sound pretty cool.  Anyway, I said I wanted to have an event at the brewery, so we got going.  Here is what we've come up with:
The 1st Annual Warbird Oktoberfest to benefit Emmanuel St. Michael Schools.  All profits will go the school to help them buy those computerized teaching boards.  $20 per person is tax deductible (keep your receipt!) and includes beer tickets for Warbird beer, soft drinks, all-you-can-eat German buffet, German music, dancing, and brewery tours.  I'm excited and I think it should be a great time.

Click HERE to download the invitation for yourself.  If you're coming, please call the school and let them know.  We're trying to get a head count for the food.

See you there!

Indianapolis, IN
August 15, 2006

T-6 Red Ale won the Gold Medal at the 2006 Indiana Beer Cup in the category of "Scottish, Irish, and Mild Ales."  This is great recognition for Matt Hill, who makes spectacular beer.  We know people love the T-6 once they try it, so its not a surprise to us that it would do well.  Still, it is great to be recognized for quality and we are justly proud.

We will keep making the T-6 Red Ale with the finest ingredients in small batches so that you can continue to enjoy this winner.  Thanks for asking for us wherever you go.  Cheers!

Oshkosh, WI
July 20, 2006

Great news!  Warbird T-6 Red Ale will be available for purchase this year at Festival Foods in Oshkosh, Wisconsin!  That's right, folks.  The greatest aviation event in the world is now supported by the greatest aviation beer in the world: Warbird! 
As you know, most of us who camp at OSH have to find a way to get our supplies and that usually involves a driving vehicle of some kind.  You used to be able to walk west of the North 40 and carry your stuff back by hand.  Not anymore.  You really need a car to get your stuff (maybe I'm just getting older!).
Anyhow, to buy groceries and Warbird beer, you need to get to Festival Foods.  It is a five minute drive.  To do this:
Get a car and travel north on Highway 41.  If you get on at 9th Avenue, you go to the second next exit, which is Omro Road.  Get off to the right and make an immediate left westbound back under 41.  Go about 1/2 mile west on Omro Road and the Festival Foods is in a plaza on your left.  Festival Foods is a great place for all of your grocery needs during the show and we picked them for their enthusiasm about Warbird beer and their great service.
If you want to Google map or Mapquest for a hard print out, their address is :
Festival Foods, 2415 Westowne Ave, Oshkosh, WI, 54904.
Pilots have been flying to Fort Wayne to buy Warbird.  This time, Warbird brought the beer to you by truck.  There are only 300 cases available, so shop early.  Remember...you can keep a case on ice all week without worrying about labels soaking off.  This is the perfect beer for OSH.  It has an airplane on the can and goes great just hanging out in the evening or with any kind of food.
Also, be sure and drop by to say hello to me personally at the World War II Training Command Display area at Oshkosh.  I'll be there all week with the Fly Girl.  You can have your picture taken holding a Warbird in front of the Warbird that is on the can.  Pretty cool.

 

Fort Wayne, IN
June 26, 2006

The folks at Five Star Distributing will be celebrating their 1st Anniversary in business this week.  As our partners in beer, we are very happy for them and happy that they are such an important new force in the beer business in Northern Indiana.  Five Star is an excellent example of a great Multi-Specialty Brand beer wholesaler.  Here are some important observations as I see them:
1)  Since their arrival on the scene one year ago, the quality of beer service in Northeast Indiana has dramatically improved.
2)  Because they have "raised the bar" of service, competition among other area wholesalers, such as AALCO, World Class Beverage, and Cavalier has increased.  Such healthy competition benefits everyone...most importantly you, the customer.
3)  Five Star represents and distributes established brands such as Miller and Coors, but also carries growing brands such as Warbird.  Specialty craft beer (the Warbird category) is the fastest growing category in the beer industry (up 9% in 2005).  Five Star has embraced Warbird as a growing craft beer brand and we feel as important to them as anyone.  We appreciate them and thank them for that.

Congratulations, Five Star.  You are doing a great job and you carry the mark of success.  We look forward to celebrating many anniversaries with you in the future.  Cheers!

Fort Wayne, IN
June 6, 2006
Warbird Brewing Company is proud to officially announce that exclusive distribution rights have been obtained by North Coast Distributing of Valparaiso, Indiana to carry Warbird beer in Northwest Indiana.  Simultaneously, exclusive distribution rights for Warbird beer were obtained from AALCO Distributing of Fort Wayne and Nelson Beverage of Warsaw by Five Star Distributing of Huntington, Indiana.

As the founder and owner of Warbird, I would like to personally thank Jerry Nelson and Hunter Carlile of Nelson Beverage for believing in us from the start and giving us the opportunity to learn the beer business with them.  I would also like to thank Greg Dahm of AALCO in Fort Wayne for that very same thing.  As dedicated Budweiser houses, we understand their business decision.  At the same time, every time we see a Budweiser truck, we will think of them.  We thank them, and we wish them well.

Like a player who gets traded from one team to another, we now find ourselves in a new house.  My belief is that this is a very positive event for Warbird as a company and for North Coast and Five Star customers.  North Coast and Five Star are very mission oriented "multi-brand specialty" distributors with a long term vision to grow the craft beer segment.  They believe that Warbird will be one of the next major regional breweries.  We agree with them, and we are pleased that they have so much confidence in us.

We thank Bruce Leetz of North Coast Distributing and Stan Ziherl of Five Star Distributing for working to obtain the exclusive distribution rights for Warbird beer.  We think it was a great decision, and we are very excited about the future.

Fort Wayne, IN
Saturday March 11, 2006:  Join us at 11:00 AM at the St. Mary's Footbridge on Wells Street in downtown Fort Wayne for the 6th Annual Greening of the River.  This event is held by the enthusiastic members of the Fort Wayne Fire Department.  We love these guys and are proud to be a sponsor for the first time this year.  Afterwards, you can join us for corned beef and cabbage at the Fort Wayne Firefighter Museum on Washington Boulevard, across from the Grand Wayne Center.  Check out their web site here: GET GREEN

Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Saturday, March 4, 2006:  As advertised, the EAA Hops & Props Beer Event was a huge success.  Congratulations to Elissa Lines and Matt Miller for hosting such a great event.  This event was perfect for Warbird beer.

    
Having successfully navigated from Fort Wayne to Oshkosh, the Warbird van was proudly displayed outside the EAA Museum.  Inside, under the wing of a P-51 Mustang, Ryan has the pleasure of sampling to the crowd of 800 attendees.   Look forward to seeing you guys at Oshkosh this summer!
Keep an eye on their web site for next year: : HOPS & PROPS

 

Fort Wayne, IN
Wednesday, February 1, 2006: The FOX AND HOUND PUB & GRILLE in Jefferson Pointe Mall had their Grand Opening and the 1st Brew Force was there to be their first retail customers.  I had the privilege of buying the VERY FIRST BEER to be sold at the Fox and Hound: a pint of P-47 Warbird Wheat.

To the left is Molly, demonstrating the use of the "tap control stick" (we don't call them tap handles any more) as she pours the first retail beer at the F&H.  To the right, Molly now holds my money as General Manager Dave Austermann supervises the first business transaction.  Receiving the beautiful glass of perfectly poured P-47 is yours truly, Dave Holmes, Operations Group Commander, 194th Brewing Squadron, 1st Brew Force.  Not shown are: me drinking the beer (man, that was good!), Matthew Hill (brewing genius who makes the beer),  Ryan Sands (who sells the beer), and all the rest of the great managers and servers at the Fox and Hound.  It was a great opening night with lots of excited customers and we had a fantastic time. Warbird Brewing Company wishes the Fox and Hound Pub and Grille fair skies and tailwinds!  Cheers!

Saturday, December 17th, 2005: NEW BEER !
Join us at the Flat Top Grill in Jefferson Pointe at 6:00 PM to tap the first keg of Warbird Brewing Company's newest beer, the P-47 Warbird Wheat.  P-47 Warbird Wheat is a traditional German-style unfiltered wheat beer known as "hefeweizen" that is traditionally served with a lemon wedge.  I love this beer and I can't wait for you all to try it!