Looks like things are afoot at the Harpoon Brewery, as they are filming some sort of home brewer challenge there this evening for the History Channel. Details are scant, but it sounds like a pilot for a show that blends a little bit of Peter Kennedy’s Iron Brewer concept with Sam Calagione’s new show “Brewed.”
Contestants have been challenged to recreate a historic brew (like Sam will on his show) and then have it judged by a panel of experts, ala Iron Brewer. The experts include Brooklyn brewmaster and all-around dapper dude Garrett Oliver, Beer Writer Kerry Byrne, and chief Harpoonist Al Marzi. There’s also a studio audience that will get a vote as well.
If all goes well, the show will hit the air in November. No word yet on if they’re going to pick up the how, but it sounds like a done deal that they’ll get at least an 8 show commitment from History and will film future episodes at other breweries around the country.
If you’re a skilled homebrewer (unlike me), then you might want to try and get in on the action. Not sure how you go about doing so, but Google a bit and keep your ear to the ground. Sounds like they’ll be needing more brewers in the near future.
It’s exciting to see another beer show hitting the airwaves, as what’s good for craft beer is good for everyone. This looks like a cool Top Chef-like take on beer that could be a lot of fun to watch.
It also points to an emerging interest amongst cable network executives in shows about beer and spirits. Maybe one starring brothers. From opposite sides of the country. I dunno, maybe they could be wise ass bloggers. Weirder things have almost happened!
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
Sounds interesting, but I’m going to boycott all television until you guys have a show.
Thanks, Scott. I have another friend who is waiting to buy a new TV until we get a show. I bet he’ll love the 3-D holographic display and how it hovers silently around the house.
As much as I would love to jump on the boycott bandwagon, I can’t resist a show about beer. Still keeping my fingers crossed that someone picks up The Beer & Whisky Bros. show. (Also keeping my fingers crossed that the Copper Mine Pub still has Devils Dancer on tap as I’m heading there in about an hour! )
I think you’re pushing your luck on both fronts, but good luck with the Devil Dancer!
Man Garrett Oliver is really getting famous, he’s on the History Channel now. I would probably watch this show because I love beer, but I can’t imagine it having the same impact as Top Chef just because both the process and the end product of brewing aren’t nearly as visually interesting as extravagant meals are.
Don’t worry guys… eventually these hyped shows will settle down and you can assume your roles as the Anthony Bourdains of beer… or something…
The Bourdains of beer…or something…indeed.
I agree about it not being as satisfying as Top Chef. In Top Chef the contestants cook and then the judges eat. There’s a big lag here, as cooking is so immediate but brewing takes time. I have no idea what the contestants will do or make during the taping. Maybe they’ll be judged on how their wort tastes or their kettle cleaning skills. I’m sure they brewed their official entries months ago.
Also, unless folks are experience beer drinkers or brewers, the flavor descriptors and frames of reference used to describe the flavors might go right over their heads. Saying it tastes like a Dogfish Head 60 with a ginger kick and a sweeter hop profile wouldn’t mean much to the average Joe.
Still, I’m curious to see how it looks on the screen. I like beer and I like teevee, so I’ll gladly watch a beer show!
Jim, thanks for the reference to Iron Brewer. I’m with Royce. I love what I’m doing with Iron Brewer, but it is kind of a visually boring process. With that said, I’ve been lucky enough to have dinner with Garrett Oliver and the man can make almost anything interesting.
I’m curious to see how they do it for this show. Who knows, maybe the beers are already brewed and the show is all about creating the perfect “tasting moment” for them. It could be about food pairings, serving vessels, etc. the brewing could be a 30 second video montage and the rest could focus on other stuff.
Garrett Oliver’s involvement makes me think it’ll be about more than brewing – he’s the godfather of food pairings. Let’s hope so – I think my idea sounds more watchable.