Beer-Findy Apps

As you all know, I made my recent smartphone upgrade for the sole purpose of finding beer. So on Day #1 of owning my new iPhone, I decided to check out all these apps that people rave about. I searched for beer apps and was presented with quite a few to choose from (12 to be exact). I read each description and tried one of the free ones. Once I was able to get in there (i.e. it was installed and able to be utilized), I found it did not meet my needs. Basically I wanted to be able to ask my iPhone where I could score a good beer no matter where my travels may take me. I didn’t want to enter, sort, rank and categorize all my favorite beers in all the establishments that I find them. I wanted a Beer Concierge. 

And then I found the Find Craft Beer app by Micro Integration Services, Inc (cue angelic-operatic music). It was pricey: coming in at a whole 99 cents (joking) but in light of how much I already threw down for the new phone, data plan, re-upping my contract for 2 years, what did it really matter? I was getting good beer, whenever and wherever I would be. That, my friends, is priceless. 

The app is simple and awesome in its functionality. You type in your location, planned location or allow it to map where you are and it provides a comprehensive list and map of Brew Pubs, Breweries, Beer Bars, Beer Stores or Homebrew Stores with ratings.  I wish I thought of it. 

As Husband will be traveling soon, I am sending him on a beer quest. The Jackalope Brewing Company and Yazoo Brewing Company sound promising. Plus they may have some cute tank tops. 

So if you need a Beer Concierge, check out the Find Craft Beer app and you can buy me a nice cold one to thank me!

¡Salud!

-The Beer Dietitian

To hear my latest beer musings and what I am drinking, follow me on Twitter!

iPhone=Beer?

Earlier in the week I found myself strolling through the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, flanked by two beautiful blond girls from Boston. As we were getting more acquainted we realized that not only do we have living in Boston in common (for me that was 10 years ago) but that we all loved beer. In fact, one gal was put on a mission by her boss to seek out, locate and taste two specific beers that he was wanting to try when he next flew out to SD. I knew I was in for a fun night!

I happened to remember that Husband and I drove by some brewery-type place when we were making our way to our hotel (from the wrong freeway exit, of course). Quickly I texted Husband to see if he remembered the name. (Yes, I left Husband at home so I could have a night out with the Boston gals.) The name Knotty Keg or similar was recalled. So I provided this valuable clue to the crew as we passed lots of other potentially fun restaurants.

We still didn't know the exact name nor location and probably if we wandered enough we may stumble on it but we were hungry and needed some good brew. Unable to browse the InterWeb and lacking any type of GPS/mapping function, I put away my feeble Blackberry and instead relied on my sense of direction. (And if you know me, you know that we may as well just sit down at whatever restaurant we happened to be passing because we won't be getting there in this lifetime.) So the iPhone was summoned from the bag of mon amie and within 30 seconds we were on our way to The Knotty Barrel (http://knottybarrel.com/)- which just happens to have the most prolific, extensive and awe-inspiring collection of craft brews that I HAVE EVER SEEN@ (Future article to follow! They featured at least 70 types of brews, with emphasis on the craft brews made this side of Colorado. You can’t appreciate the breadth of choices from the website but if you go, tell 'em the Beer Dietitian sent ya.) 

Long story short (too late!), I need an iPhone to keep me in beer.

Slainte!

-The Beer Dietitian

To hear my latest beer musings and what I am drinking, follow me on Twitter!