Yara Reigns Supreme in Cocktail Throwdown

When the Auburn Alehouse accepted a challenge to participate in the “Bartender Mix-Off” fundraiser sponsored by the Leukemia Lymphoma Society earlier this month, Yara Silenciario was dispatched to represent. . .and represent she did, vanquishing four challengers at Pistol Pete’s in Auburn.

Yara’s very own creation, dubbed the “Lavender Heights Martini”, won the adulation of the crowd through a unique and complex blend of gin, St. Germaine, Curaçao, lychee and lavender simple syrup, with Champagne floated on top. The concoction is served in a martini glass rimmed with crushed lavender candy.

This was Yara’s first competition, and she put a lot of thought into creating something special. “I love lavender,’ she said, “and my idea was to come up with a summery drink that would be refreshing and something different.”

“Yara was absolutely the perfect person to represent the Alehouse,” said co–owner Lisa Ford. “She has been with us since we opened six years ago, and she is very talented and a true professional.”

Alehouse Chef Cory Lazaldi provided some important support for Yara’s win. “Chef Cory made the lavender simple syrup and lavender candy, and I thank him for that”

In the “People’s Choice” competition, the balloting was very close in a packed Pistol Pete’s: Yara won by just seven votes over the second–place Club Car. Also competing were mixologists from the Monkey Cat, Hawks and Dingus McGee’s.

All of the proceeds for the event went to help support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, but Yara was also rewarded for her victory. She received a handsome display box filled with bartending tools.

Attendees to the event received a taste of each drink in the competition, all of which were available for purchase during the evening. “I made a lot of drinks that night, and people are still asking for my Lavender Heights Martini,” Yara said.

In honor of Yara’s win and to meet the demand of her fans, the Lavender Heights Martini will be on the menu beginning this Thursday, May 23rd. Get yours for just $10.

Brewmaster Races Motocross in Hangtown

It’s no secret that when it comes to making craft beer, Alehouse co–owner Brian Ford is one of the most competitive brewmasters in northern California. What you may not know, however, is that he is equally aggressive when he races motocross on his Yamaha YZ450F.

Riding and racing dirt bikes since he was a kid, you can find Brian riding his motorcycle whenever he can get away. . .which isn’t as often as he would like. But there is nothing that will keep him from competing in the annual Hangtown Motocross Classic, and he was in Rancho Cordova for the 45th annual event, riding in the amateur 40+B class on May 17.

The Professionals rode on May 18th with thousands of spectators in the stands and $70,000 in prize money on the line. Officially called the RedBull Hangtown Motocross Classic, each race consists of two “motos”. At the end of the day points from each moto are added up and the lowest score is the overall winner. Best finish in the second moto serves as the tie breaker.

“This is a national–level race course, and it is exciting to get to ride the same track as the top national pros. The biggest difference is that the pros will do a lap in just under two minutes,” Brian explained, “Add ten to twenty seconds to ours!”

With his Yamaha decked out in a radical new paint job showcasing the Alehouse logo and bright colors, Brian looked like a winner on a starting line comprised of 40 contestants. “I’d like to thank my sponsor, the Auburn Alehouse,“ he laughed, ”. . .as if they had a choice.” With a solid 11th in the first moto, he was hoping to improve that in the second, but ended up with an uncharacteristic bad start and a front flat for his efforts. “That’s racing,” he said.

“I used to have to win,” he said, “But that’s not such a big deal anymore . . .I just want to have fun and be a part of the event”.

The Auburn Alehouse was also represented at Hangtown by another racer, young Garret Spoor. He’s races around the Alehouse as a busser; on the track he rides in the Under 25C class on his Honda CR250F.

Another Alehouse Anniversary Looms in June

The Auburn Alehouse officially opened for business in Old Town on June 21, 2007, and planning is underway now to celebrate the sixth anniversary with a weekend of special activities. Save the dates for a weekend of fun, Friday June 21 and Saturday June 22.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve been at this for almost six years,” said Brian Ford, brewmaster and co–owner. “We’ve come a long way in a very short time, and that’s because we have such a talented team of people who work here and the support of a legion of craft beer lovers.”

Brian’s team will be brewing a surprise anniversary craft beer special for $3 per pint, the barbeque pit will be smoking and we’ll rock the patio Friday night with a local favorite band. Details will be announced soon, so watch this space!

Hancock Tickets are Going, Going. . . .

In less than a month, Wayne “The Train” Hancock will rock Auburn Alehouse during an evening when great music and craft beer are both center stage . Tickets for his June 12th performance are still available, but get yours now before V.I.P. admittance sells out.

Hancock has developed a legion of fans thanks to his unique blend of hardcore honky–tonk, rockabilly, Western swing, roadhouse blues and an unwavering devotion to classic country sounds. His performance begins about 8 p.m. on a purpose–built stage on the Alehouse patio. The opening act for the evening is local favorite Cash Prophets and special guest Bob Woods, performing from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Admission is limited to 125 people. For V.I.P. ticket holders, the evening begins with exclusive, early entry at 5 p.m. when beer and hors d’oeuvres will be served as part of the $50 package price. General Admission ticket holders are invited to enter at 7 p.m.; tickets are $20 per person in advance. There will be no food available on the patio after 7 p.m. After that time, it is standing room only with craft beer and cocktail service for the remainder of the evening.

To order tickets, go to www.AUBURNALEHOUSE.EVENTBRITE.com; advance tickets will be mailed. For more information about Wayne Hancock, go to his web site, www.waynehancock.com, where you can also hear samples of his music.

Next Up on Tap: Miner’s Wheat Ale

At the end of May each year and continuing through the summer (or as long as the supply lasts) the seasonal beer featured at the Alehouse is Miner’s Wheat Ale. Six hundred gallons will be available on tap in the restaurant only. This beer will not be bottled, but you can take it home in 64–ounce growlers.

Brian’s tasting notes: “An All–American filtered wheat ale. American grown Pale and wheat malts and Willamette Valley hops combine to give Miner’s Wheat Ale a crisp malt presence that is swept away by citrusy floral hops. A real summertime crowd pleaser!”

By the numbers: Original Gravity, 12; Bittering Units, 22; Alcohol by Volume, 5%.

Ready to be release any moment now, the Miner’s Wheat Ale is $4.50 per pint.

Cheers,

Brian & Lisa Ford and the Alehouse staff