Twang Beer Salt at the Free Press Summer Fest 2011!

Twang was excited to be part of our first large music fest this past weekend (June 4^th & 5^th 2011).  Free Press Summer Fest, Houston Tx., this year attendee's were able to get their Twang at our booth, directly in the middle of the festival, and at all beer booths as well.  This was great for Twang due to an anticipated 70 to 100 thousand people attending. 

Free Press Summer Fest is held at Houston’s Eleanor Tinsley Park, located within the beautiful rolling hills of the greater Buffalo Bayou Park. Situated on the very outskirts of downtown, Tinsley Park marries the very best of city and natural settings with its natural grass amphitheater set on the bayou overlooking Houston’s impressive skyline.  . 

There has been some amazing artists play the last two years, but this year's festival lineup takes the cake. Featuring a handful of notable acts such as the Grammy-nominated Weezer, Yeasayer, Cut Copy, Ween, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings, The Black Dahlia Murder and, of course, boat loads more.

Festival attendees, journalists, and the organizers all agree that last year's event was a raging success. The Houston Press thought so because they gave the little festival the Best Music Festival of 2010 award.

                                                        Twang Beer Salt Booth!

    

Free Press Summer Fest 2011!

Twang Beer Salt at all Beer Booths!

  

  

Lick the Salt, Drink the Beer!

More pictures on facebook.com/beersalt!

See you next year!

Sugar and Mint in my drink?

These kinds of ingredients in drinks are most widely known to be used in a Mojito (pronouncedmōˈhētō) .  This flavorful drink consists of white rum, lime or lemon juice, sugar, mint, ice, and carbonated or soda water.

The Mojito is the national drink of Cuba, which is a refreshing classic originating in Havana during its heyday and is enjoying increasing popularity across the globe in trendy venues. Although, some have said that African slaves who worked in the Cuban sugar cane fields during the 19th century were instrumental in Mojito origins.  Guarapo, the sugar cane juice often used in Mojitos was a popular drink amongst the slaves who helped coin the name of the sweet nectar.

There are several theories behind the origin of the name Mojito, one such theory holds that name relates to mojo, a Cuban seasoning made from lime and used to flavor dishes.  Another theory is that the name Mojito is simply a derivative of mojadito, Spanish for "a little wet", or simply the diminutive of "mojado".  Again all of which are theories! 

There are many ways to enjoy Mojito’s, here’s just one:

1.5 oz BACARDI Rum

12 fresh spearmint leaves

1/2 lime

7 oz club soda

2 tbsp. simple syrup or 4 tsp. sugar

For the smoothest summer cocktails, gently muddle mint leaves and lightly squeeze lime in a cool tall glass. Pour sweet syrup to cover and fill glass with ice. Add the Rum, club soda, and stir your emerging mojito well. Rim the glass with the Rose’s Cocktail Sugar—Mojito Lime Sugar, garnish with a lime wedge and a few sprigs of mint. The best bar recipes then add these essential steps: toast, sip, and enjoy fine mojitos with your friends.

Why is it that people need Beer Salt?

Do you need salt?  Yes……the body needs certain amounts of salt! 

Salt or sodium, is an electrolyte that your body needs. Electrolytes are minerals that dissolve in water and can carry electrical charges.  Pure water does not conduct electricity, but water containing salt does. They are electrically charged so they can carry nutrients into and out of your cells.  They also carry messages along your nerves and help control your heartbeat.

Blah Blah Blah…………….Who cares!  We need salt for taste, its obvious people tolerate different levels of salt.  I’m assuming the use of salt throughout one’s lifetime develops different level of salt tolerance. 

Whatever……………Why Beer Salt?    

Putting salt in beer stems from a few philosophies - all of which seem to have had a purpose at one time or another.

·         An old wives' tale said that putting a sprinkle of salt in your beer would stave off cramping during hard work. Dehydration can cause cramping of the muscles, because of the depletion of minerals in the body. Adding salt to the beer would make the worker thirsty, and thus he would drink more beer to relieve the dehydration.

·         Others add salt to beer for flavor purposes; post-prohibition (1933) beer had turned into somewhat of an ugly being. Breweries had to cut costs and started to use cheaper ingredients like rice and corn, which made for a nearly flavorless beer. These beers are still around, though most people have become accustomed to flavorless beer and so have no need for the salt. Many South and Central American beer drinkers will add salt and sometimes hot sauce and/or lemon, for flavor, or to mask off flavor in beer.

That’s where we come in, Twang Beer Salt has been adding flavor to beer for 25 years now.  The idea was generated with the owner of Twang Partners traveling through Mexico. He was a first-hand witness to a very generic version of how Twang is used and produced today. 

Just like adding salt on watermelon or cantaloupe brings out the sweetness in the fruit, salt cuts down on the bitterness of some beers and brings out flavors in others. 

Twang takes the concept of the “Salt” and the “Lime” and combining the two flavors together to make its own distinct citrus flavor.  Never would I tell you not to add the lime to your beer with Twang, but we if you didn’t have the lime, we’ve got you covered.

Here is what bartenders have heard their patrons say why they use/like beer salt:

1.      I like the way it tastes. (Salt is a natural flavor enhancer)

2.      It makes me thirstier so I can drink more. (Salt increases thirst)

3.      I don’t have to pee as often. (Salt retains fluid)

4.      I don’t belch as much. (Salt removes carbonation)

5.      I can drink more and don’t fill up as fast. (Less carbonation)

6.      My dad/grandpa always drank it this way. (Family tradition)

7.      The guy with the pretty blond is doing it. (My favorite)

Twang Beer Salt, Beer, and Guacamole

If you are attending a Cinco De Mayo party in the next couple of days, you more than likely will be partaking in tortilla chips and guacamole dip.  Guacamole has a rich and colorful history. The avocado-laden treat was invented by the Aztecs and was a prized delicacy of the emperor Montezuma.

Guacamole was prepared with avocados, tomato sauce, green chilies, and sea salt (preferably Twang). The name of the pasty treat became guacamole because of the Spaniards inability to pronounce the Aztec’s “ahuacamolli.”

Aside from morphing the name to Guacamole, the Spanish can also be credited with introducing onions, cilantro, and lime juice to the dipping dish.

Guacamole can be prepared in a variety of ways. The diversity of the avocado family creates a long list of possible Guacamole flavors.

Try your hand at Guacamole with this recipe:

Ingredients: 2 jalapeno chilies, dash of pepper, tortilla chips, 2 ripe large avocados, 1 clove of garlic finely chopped, ½ cup of chopped medium onion, 1 tbsp of lime juice, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, 1 and ½ cups of 2 medium tomatoes, 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro, and ½ tsp of salt.

1) Remove stems, seeds, and membranes from the chilies and then chop them. Cut the avocados lengthwise in half and remove the pit and peel. Mash the avocados in a bowl with a fork.

2) Stir in the chilies and remaining ingredients except for the chips. Mix well.

3) Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to blend the flavors and serve with the tortilla chips.

4) Enjoy all that flavorful history rushing in.

Great refreshment for your  Guacamole

1  Extremely Cold Mexican Brew

1 Lime Wedge

1 Twang Lime Beer Salt Bottle

......

Squeeze lime wedge juice inside your beer. Moisten neck of your beer with same lime wedge, then place in beer for added flavor. Add a dash of Twang Lime Beer Salt to the neck. Lick the salt, drink the beer and enjoy.

Look Back on Fiesta

Hope you had as much fun as we did at this month’s Fiesta events.  In years past, Twang has only played small parts in the shadows of different organizations that we have previously partnered up with for Fiesta in San Antonio.  Twang supports local efforts of all kinds.

This was the first year Twang Beer Salt could be found at all booths during Oyster Bake. People could grab a few samples of Twang with which to garnish their cold drink. To many, they were excited to have Twang avaliable. To others, Twang was an exciting new taste to garnish their drink with.

In previous years, Twang would partner up with KRTU 91.7 that broadcasts mainstream Jazz in San Antonio and would have a sampling booth next to the KRTU Jazz stage.    KRTU 91.7 is a listener supported radio station out of Trinity University.  Twang supports KRTU’s efforts by sponsoring programs and students for music education, tickets for jazz concerts, mentoring and classes for youngsters and upcoming jazz talent. 

Twang also co-promoted with Modelo’s Brand Manager out of Silver Eagle Distributing. We were able to pass out samples with every import beer that went out at the Tejano Explosion, Poteet Strawberry Festival, selected booths at the San Fernando Fiesta, a Lawyer NIOSA Party right outside the gates of NIOSA, and selected booth inside NIOSA itself.   

Some of the smaller arena’s Twang where represented:

·         Siesta Fest

·         Market Square

·         Night in Leon Springs

  

We hope you had the opportunity to encounter Twang at one of the Fiesta events this year. We had a blast meeting past and new friends.  What events would you like to see Twang at throughout the year?? Post your comments!!

Happy Fiesta, till next year!

Twang At Oyster Bake

The primary mission of Fiesta Oyster Bake is to provide a quality food and entertainment event while being successful in raising funds for St. Mary's University and the St. Mary's University Alumni Association and working in conjunction with the Fiesta San Antonio Commission.

Fiesta Oyster Bake in San Antonio featured the Gin Blossoms, Aaron Watson, Hinder, Reckless Kelly, Ram Herrera, Two Tons of Steel, Los DesperadoZ, Mario Flores and the Soda Creek Band, Ron Wilkins, The Elijah Zane Experience, plus 30 more Texas premier live entertainment artists on five stages!

There are over 50 food and beverage items. More than 7,000 volunteers

·         100,000 Oysters (baked, fried and raw)

·         25,000 Fried Chicken Breasts (Chicken on a Stick w/jalapeno)

·         3,000 lbs. Beef and Chicken Fajitas

·         6,000 Turkey Legs

·         10,000 Hamburgers

·         15,000 Chocolate Covered Strawberries

·         7,500 Ears of Corn

·         2,500 lbs. Sausage

·         21,000 gal. Beverages (beer, soda, lemonade, tea, etc.)

·         32,000 Packets of Twang Beer Salt

·         96 Bottles of Twang Beer Salt

The overall the event was a success, Oyster Bake was a great opportunity to hit our target demographic.  We were able to be place at 20 beer booths for Oyster Bake Patrons to grab as they please.  At times some of the volunteers working the beer booth encouraged the use of Twang Beer Salt. 

Although there were almost 80,000 attendees at Oyster Bake, there were other specialty beers companying Miller Lite like Blue Moon and Shiner Bock that did not pair with Twang Beer Salt.  That being said Twang boxes were beginning to empty fast the second day.

Fiesta Oyster Bake 2011

Twang Partner’s LTD is a family owned San Antonio based company for the past 25 years. This year it is an honor to be part of our 1^st Fiesta Oyster Bake Event.  Twang Beer Salt can be found both nights at most beer booths to add our distinct flavor to your beverage.

The St. Mary’s University Fiesta Oyster Bake began in 1916 as a small gathering of alumni. Since that time the event has grown into one of the most popular Fiesta celebrations. This year the Fiesta Oyster Bake celebrates its 92nd anniversary!

The Oyster Bake features more than 100,000 oysters, served raw, baked or fried. Another 50 food booths dish up savory favorites such as fajitas, sausage on a stick, egg rolls, hamburgers and chicken on a stick. A variety of beverages is available to quench every thirst, while continuous rock ’n’ roll, Latin and country music compliment the feast.

Friday night is family night and officially starts the traditional Fiesta Oyster Bake, when half the grounds are opened. Patrons can enjoy four entertainment stages (six on Saturday). Friday night Twang will be sampling Beer Salt at the KRTU Jazz stage. There are 30 food and beverage booths, a children’s area with games and other interactive activities geared for the young and young at heart, and a spectacular fireworks finale.

Fiesta Oyster Bake is sponsored by the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association. All proceeds fund student scholarships and university and alumni programs.

Please remember to drink responsibly, use Twang Beer Salt, and enjoy not only Oyster Bake, but the rest of the festivities during the month of April.