The Sweetwater Brewing Company has invited Open Hand as one of the nonprofit guest brewers in this year’s Brew Your Cask Off event. Sweetwater has invited about 80 other guest amateur brewers. The list includes many well-known restaurants around town, some celebrities, some media, and also some nonprofits. Basically these guest brewers will come up with their own flavor and ingredients and, with Sweetwater’s help; they will create their own special brew. Each beer will be judged and awards will be given out. There is a “charity award” category, which will go to the best nonprofit beer. Cross your fingers for an Open Hand win! 5 lucky winners will have their casks recreated to be sampled in a cask ale taste at the Sweetwater 420 Festival. Volunteers from the Home Depot have created Open Hand’s special brew – Peach Fuzz Ginger “Ale”. Sounds tasty!
Brew Your Cask Off takes place this Saturday (March 5th) from 6-10pm. Pre-sale tickets are $35 and then $40 the day of the event. You can buy your tickets and find out more information by clicking here.
I know that beer can be a frightening choice for someone that is on a diet. It is true, the calories and carbohydrates in beer can quickly add up. The good news is that there have been increased research studies over the last several years that have looked at the properties within beer and their health benefits. Yes, beer just like wine (in moderation) has been shown to be beneficial to your health.
An article recently published in the American Dietetic Association’s Times Magazine breaks down the potential health benefits and nutritional breakdown for us….
- Increases HDL cholesterol – that is the “good” cholesterol
- Lowers LDL cholesterol – that is the “bad” cholesterol
- Reduces the risk of blood clotting by lowering fibrinogen and blood platelet aggregation
- Lowers incidence of gallstones and lowers risk for kidney stones
- Decreases risk of type 2 diabetes
- Improves cognitive function in older adults
- Greater bone mineral density; due to the high content of silicon in beer
- It is fat free
- May also contain some fiber
- Contributes folate, selenium, silicon, vitamin B6, niacin, pantothenic acid and riboflavin.
- It is also a plant source of vitamin B12
- More research is needed to determine the polyphenol and antioxidant levels and absorption rate.
Drinking in moderation is the key!!! This translates to up to one drink/day for women and up to two drinks daily for men. 12 fluid ounces of regular beer is the equivalent to one drink and equals approximately 150 calories and 13 grams of carbohydrates. On special occasions, this can fit into a healthy lifestyle and still allow you to meet your weight loss and health goals.
For more information from the Mayo Clinic on Tips for Healthy Drinking and the Health Benefits of Alcohol, click here.
Will you be attending this event? Let us know! Cheers!
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