The Associated Press reports that the divers searching a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea who discovered what is likely the world’s oldest drinkable Champagne say they also found bottles of two-centuries-old beer. The wreck is believed to be from the early 19th century. [via AP/CBS]

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This week, Monarch Beverage Co. released SUDSoku, a free iPhone app that merges the brainy Japanese puzzle game of Sudoku with our favorite beverage. Instead of filling in a nine-by-nine grid with digits, players drag beer bottle caps into squares. Sharpening your noggin with the help of beer: we always knew it was possible. Dowload the app from iTunes or learn more here.

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Forty years ago, Miles Davis released the now iconic album “Bitches Brew,” an electric, rock-influenced jazz epic that gave him his first gold record. A few decades later— probably hovering over a homebrew kit in his cramped New York City apartment—future brewing star Sam Calagione spun the record while concocting his business plan for Dogfish Head.

It’s fitting then, that on the album’s 40th anniversary, Calagione unveils the brewery’s newest release, an ink-black, soulful Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew. Brewed with honey and gesho, an African plant popular in Ethiopia for its hoplike qualities, Bitches Brew is simply a marvel. Part imperial stout, part Dogfish-brand improv this brew sinks into the taste buds with roasty thickness and an orange blossom honey sweetness that stretches far back into the swallow. And like the album’s ebb and flow, the beer’s mocha roast segues to honey dryness, leaving ghost-notes hovering in the mouth until the next sip brings it back to life.

“Bitches Brew”—the album—was a game-changer for jazz, and given the level of inspiration it still offers when played to the right ears, I wonder what other iconic albums could rouse new brewing ideas?

Unpack the homebrew kit:

The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”—English pale ale spiked with strawberry, jasmine and lemon zest.

Velvet Underground “The Velvet Underground & Nico”—Schwarzbier with weizen yeast.

Otis Redding “Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul”—Rauchbier aged in cedar casks.

Neil Young “Harvest”—Wheat wine brewed with ripened apples and cinnamon.

What about you? What albums inspire beer recipes in your head, and what albums do you pair with your favorite beer?

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We’re still a long shot from the holidays, but we’re never lacking of things to celebrate: Football season’s back, the kids are at school during the day, GABF is just around the corner, Conan’s return to television is nigh. Beautiful, beautiful September. Tonight in celebration of August’s demise I’m uncorking a bottle of Infinium, the newest collaboration between Boston Beer Co. and Germany’s Weihenstephan Brewery.

Sure, it’s technically not on shelves until November, so consider this a head’s up to all of you when it’s time to score a bottle of bubbly. The two breweries teamed up over the past two years to develop this champagnelike brew—within the confines of the Reinheitsgebot, of course—so we’d have something other than grapes to toast with during the holidays. The result? This gorgeously bright, pale golden brew sports tiny white bubbles with an intriguing aroma not quite beer, and not quite champagne: Grainy sweetness and a dash of white sugar blend with soft fruity scents and just a faint spice kick. This effervescent brew lands on the tongue with a dose of sugary sweet malts, balanced by a flash of sharp, citrusy hops in the back. While not overtly winelike, a white grape character hides out deep beneath the crisp malts, lending the impression of champagne. With a dry finish, courtesy of its 10.3% ABV, Infinium’s a palate pleaser worth popping. Keep an eye out for this one come November. The holidays are always big for booze, and Infinium’s only available in limited quantities throughout the country.

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Crossfit is known for its brutal, usual workouts that leave your muscles screaming at the end.

Now here’s another novel exercise to add to the Crossfit database, courtesy of the Milwaukee chapter: The one-armed beer push-up.

“It’s debatable if drinking a beer while in a one-handed handstand is as difficult as drinking while doing a pull-up,” said Crossfit trainer Ryan Atkins.

This is not the first time Crossfit has ventured into beer exercise territory. On Crossfit message boards You can find talk of the Pull-up Century Club Drinking Game, beer and burpees, and beer as recovery drink.

And of course, others find creative uses for kegs.

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We all know that beer is scientifically better than water for running.

So why not replace your water hydration belts with one for beer?

Now you have the 6-Pack Drink Holster.

“You’ll never be out of reach of your next cold one!” the product promises. It retails $4.95 and comes in black, pink and camo colors.

Take one on your next long run, and you’ll be ready for beer the minute you’re finished - if not before.

You can also find a fancier “hops holster” from a really scary looking website.

Thanks to Frank and Mitch for the heads up.

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How many of you think you’ve got the skills to perfectly pour a beer on tap? Various breweries claim their beer requires certain steps in order achieve maximum potential, Guinness probably being the most famous example, but a little research shows stouts don’t hold the monopoly on pouring science. Take for instance, Stella Artois. Tonight in Phoenix, Stella Artois will host one of several Draught Master competitions unfolding throughout the country to deem the most serious, skilled beer server. What does the lucky winner win? A trip to Boston to compete for a spot in the World Draught Masters competition held in London on October 28. There are nine steps to master, and if you’re good at computer simulations, you might just nail the online challenge. One person from the top 25 online scores will be randomly selected to compete in Boston for that coveted trip to London. Warm up your mouse, and let me know your score!

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Inc. Magazine just released its annual Inc. 500 and 5000 lists of the nation’s fastest growing companies, ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2006 to 2009. Nine breweries made the list, with Michigan’s Short’s Brewing ranking highest at No. 720 with a three-year revenue growth of 422 percent, up to $2.4 million in 2009. No. 3482, Colorado’s New Belgium Brewing, reported the highest revenue in 2009 of the listed breweries with $127.6 million. Oskar Blues, Stone Brewing, New Holland Brewing, Narragansett Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery, New Glarus Brewing and Harpoon Brewery were also ranked.

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For those with a keen eye, this may be old news, but earlier this year Miller High Life revamped its packaging to reflect our modern age. I admit, it catches my eye every time I walk past a case. While I have no actual skills in design I’m ever fascinated with those who know the difference between typeface and font. I also like beer, so this post from the design blog Brand New is a perfect fit. Grab a beer, put the kettle on or unpack your afternoon lunch. Here’s how Miller High Life sexed-up Lucy, our beloved “Girl in the Moon.”

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…to pedal while you paaaaaar-ty.

Europe seems to have something against beers on bikes.

We reported a year ago that the Pedal Pub — the multi-rider, pedal-powered bar on wheels — had originally come under fire and then faced an ongoing battle in Amsterdam.

Now Germans — of all people — are rising up against the tourist-filled Pedal Pubs, complaining about “indiscriminate peeing,” noise and nuisance for pedestrians and motorists alike. Municipalities throughout the country are trying to ban the bikes.

Meanwhile, the self-propelled mobile tavern continues to gain popularity stateside. The Pedal Pub in the Twin Cities, for instance, just opened a new route.

You hear that? We embrace beers and bikes. Suck it, Europe.

Thanks to Joel for the heads up.

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