Ear to the ground

“Stop, drop and roll doesn’t work in hell.”

-A humorous effort by a church to recruit new believers

A pint for a pint

Local brewers are hoping for a bloody Halloween. The Bootleggers’ Society, which includes Durango Brewing, Ska Brewing, Carver Brewing Co. and Steamworks Brewing, is again holding its annual Pint for a Pint Blood Drive. Local residents who donate a pint of blood on Halloween receive a free pint of local suds in return.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the Elks Lodge, 901 E. Second Ave. In addition to enjoying a high octane beer on an empty tank, donors have a chance to vote for the favorite local brewery at the event. The bootleggers with the least amount of donors will have their hair dyed red.

The event benefits United Blood Services, the area’s nonprofit blood provider since 1951. United Blood Services serves patients in 42 hospitals in Colorado, New Mexico and the Four Corners region and is always in need of donors. Durangoans eager to exchange a pint for a pint can make an appointment by signing up at their favorite brewery, call 385-4601 or stop by the Elks Lodge on Halloween.  

High praise for Third Eye

Speaking of bootleggers, local beer has again been noticed in high places. Steamworks Third Eye PA was recently reviewed inAll About Beer, the top international beer magazine. Here’s what the critics had to say:

“Like a mixed bouquet in a hand blown vase – the floral and herbaceous hop tones are worth the price of admission.”

– Charles Finkel, founder of Merchant du Vin

“Seems to stand still, silent for a moment, like a singer composing herself before launching into a Sondheim score. The notes are soft and smooth.”

– Michael Jackson, author of Ultimate Beer.

“It tastes drier than I remember, thus better prepared to stand up to the brewpub’s flashy Cajun Boil dinner.”

– Stan Hieronymus, author of Brew Like a Monk