Tired Hands, Construction Update #5

(FarmHands and HopHands, two Tired Hands beers that you should be seeing plenty of and enjoying plenty)

Tired Hands is so close to opening that you can smell it. Literally.

Owner Jean Broillet is readying eight beers for tap lines that will flow his tasty brew house creations on opening day. The opening will be rather "soft" with a grander opening coming in June.

My last stop prior to heading off to Belgium came two weeks ago when he and his crew were sanding wood floors, brewing beer, and awaiting the last inspection which should be coming any day now and for which all signs point to an opening day before the end of the month.

Here are a few pictures from my last visit at the beginning of May. I'll look forward to seeing you there in June.

(Signs of progress and creativity are all around Tired Hands Brewing Company)

(In the cold box with HopHands on makeshift tap)

(The first floor bar and tap tower)

(The first floor bar)

(Second floor being turned into a very comfortable space)

(From the second floor staircase looking down on the first floor bar)

(At work on Foliage)

(Broillet channeling his creativity circa 2006 in the foothills of the Adirondacks)

(I couldn't help but dig this one out from when I first met Jean and filed under "the path to success")

Sun King- a fast story to success

But, you'd be forgiven if you haven't heard of Sun King. They're barely a few years old. And, from Indianapolis.

First, I'd learned of them from an email introducing them to me somewhere about last summer or so.

Then, in the fall, they cleaned up at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver and put themselves on the map by claiming Small Brewer and Brewing Company of the Year.

Now, while getting caught up on podcasted back versions of The Brewing Network's Sunday Sessions, I come across a fine interview with Sun King's owner/brewer Clay Robinson, who was full of interesting information and great quotes about the how-to's and ins-and-outs of getting started and growing (not to mention, surviving) in the brewing industry.

Weekly Brew Bits Update: 5/14/12

Spanning the world of beer news, from Philadelphia to India

PHILADELPHIA
~ Really, it took us a whole month to become surprised by this turn of events?

~ On a brighter note, it may be Delaware Avenue, but I have higher hopes for this newly announced venue. Partially because Fergie Carey is involved in it. Here's one link to the venue's website and one to Collin Flatt, over at Eater.com

~ The "session debate" rages on, encouraged by our own local Lew Bryson. A recent posting of his is as good of a place as any to begin.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Some more Goat Race goodness courtesy of Jack Curtin -- here and here and here and here -- who seemed to apologize for an over-coverage of the event. Probably just compensating for those of us who were not there to do so. But, really, tell me there's anything out there quite like it.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Am I the only one that missed this news from Belgium?

~ Is drinking on the job getting a Mad Men boost?

~ India meets craft beer, southern California-style. Courtesy of The Beer Wench, I'll be looking forward to hearing more from the hinted future interview.

~ And, this just in....Independence Brewing from India (see last bullet) has a kickstarter campaign, if you are so inclined to pitch in.

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American Craft Beer Week

For the 100+ "beer weeks" across the country, beginning tomorrow is the annual American Craft Beer Week brought to you/us by the Brewers Association. This would be the national effort to bring an ever-increasing attention to the fine beverage we all know and love.

Check out the website and find what's happening near you.

My so-called life of beer, running, and working

This has been posted around a bit by friends and family. I've been encouraged to share it myself with a wider audience, so I finally acquiesce here today.

I'm not usually one to draw a ton of attention to myself. But, here today, you'll discover a bit more about me, for anyone who might care to know that little bit more about me. And, no, I did not receive a Subaru as compensation.

I was generally pleased by the article and the theme of creating balance in life. However, for those of you that know me best, you'll quickly point out that there's a quote that could never be attributed to me: "I keep on top of what's going on in the beer world, but I don't partake during training." Say what? Exactly. Not from this guy's mouth. Plus, you also know that I don't encourage ".....quit drinking long before any race."

Still, like I said, it's a decent piece aimed to talk about a well-balanced life. Thanks to anyone who has already commented on or shared the piece and the well wishes.

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: May 10 - May 16

Guess what? You can register for one of Philly Beer Week's most diverse events tonight at Philadelphia Runner and get free Dock Street Beer! As you know, this is the event I'm co-organizing with Dock Street and I'd be might pleased, and honored, if you'd join us that afternoon & whether or not you run.

Plenty more great-looking beer events from free to not-so-free to keep you hydrated as the weather heats up this spring. Get out there and enjoy!

Check out the entire May 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.

Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 5/11 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Ommegang)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 5/15 - Fegley's Brew Works Night (7:00pm; $PAYG as they tap four Brew Works specialty drafts along with food specials from the kitchen. Enjoy $1 off Brew Works drafts & flights.)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/10 - Dinner, Beer, & A Movie (9:00pm; $PAYG for a night of food, beer, and Monty Python's Holy Grail on the big screen.)

@Pearly Baker's, Easton, Pa.--- Fri. 5/11 - Meet The Brewer (5:00pm-7:00pm; $PAYG as Beau Baden from Fegley's Brew Works shows up to enjoy some beers and talk shop)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Mon. 5/14 - Storm King Monday (11:30am; $PAYG to celebrate the first day of American Craft Beer Week with a 2003 vintage keg of Storm King Stout. Explore the flavor transformation that Storm King has when paired with three distinct tapas.)

"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@12 Steps Down, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/10 - Founder's Tap Takeover (9:00pm; $PAYG for a lineup and charity raffle of Founder's beers)

@Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/10 - Allagash Tap Takeover (4:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for White, Black, Victor, Victoria, Curieux, and Fluxus)

@Fingers Wings and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa.--- Wed. 5/16 - Founders Tap Takeover (6:00pm; $PAYG for featured beers from Founders including: Breakfast Stout; Double Trouble; Porter; Dirty Bastard; Red’s Rye; Centennial IPA; and Pale Ale)

@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 5/10 - Weyerbacher Tap Takeover & Firkin (6:00pm; $PAYG for a night of fun and beer from Weyerbacher)

@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/12 - Don't Block the Bocks (All day; $PAYG for a handful of Bocks from local breweries like Sly Fox, Stoudt's, Victory, Lancaster, Ramstein, and Tröegs. The kitchen will be serving up brats, bockwurst, and the delectable raw milk cheeses of Birchrun Hills Farm. The winner of last year's Sly Fox Goat Race, the 3-legged upstart, Peggy, will be visiting from Noon until 3 p.m.)

@Kelly Drive/Schuylkill River, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/11 & Sat. 5/12 - Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta – “Love Local” Beer & Wine Garden (11 a.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG to kick it riverside and watch all the rowing action from our “Love Local” Beer Garden featuring delicious draft brews from Yards, Victory, Philadelphia Brewing, and Manayunk. Beer not your thing? That’s no problem. We’ll be pouring Chaddsford Winery wines and featuring their new Sangria popsicles)

@Mount Hope Estate, Manheim, Pa.--- Sat. 5/12 - Brewfest at Mount Hope (11:00am-3:00pm, 4:30pm-8:30pm; $15/$20/$40/$45 for unlimited sampling, free food, live musical entertainment and access to an array of vendors selling beer-related merchandise.)

@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/12 - Monkey Madness (3:00pm-6:00pm; $PAYG as Gordon will be recreating our famous Monkey Knife Fight-lemon grass and ginger beer. He has already created 3 versions and is brainstorming with Fava on a few more.)

@Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa.--- Fri. 5/11 - Stoudt's Epic Anniversary Party (6:00pm-11:00pm; $35/$145/$290 for new beer releases, cheeses, bread, music, dancing, and optional hotel packages)

@Tapestry, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/10 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover (7:00pm; $PAYG for Exit 8, Exit 13, Exit 4, Abbey Dubbel, HopFish, and Farmhouse Summer Ale.)

@Washington Crossing Historic Park, Washington Crossing, Pa.--- Sat. 5/12 - Washington Crossing Brewfest (12:30pm-4:30pm; $10/$40 for over 50 breweries and live music from Shabby Road and Up2Snuff)


Food and Beer events
@a.kitchen, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 5/16 - Allagash Beer Pairing Menu ($65 or a la carte to drink Allagash's Tripel, Quad, Curieux, Victor, and Victoria paired with food from the acclaimed a.kitchen near Rittenhouse Square)

@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa.--- throughout May 2012 - Spargelfest ($PAYG as every Thursday through Sunday in May, Chef Jeremy Nolen will be preparing some special dishes highlighting asparagus. An amazing draft/bottle list packed with tons of delicious beers to pair with the courses.)

@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 5/10 - Artisan Cheese and Beer Pairing (6:00pm & 8:00pm seatings; $35 for four courses of cheese paired with Lodestone Lager, English India Pale Ale, Chocolate-Coconut Belgian Single, and American Brown Ale)

@Sands Casino Resort, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Wed. 5/16 - Lancaster (England) Beer Dinner (6:00pm; $50 for a four-course meal paired wtih Lancaster Amber, Lancaster Blonde, Lancaster Black, and Lancaster Red)

Homebrewing, Charity, and Education
@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa.--- throughout May 2012 - Liters for Litters ($PAYG as every Saturday in May from opening until 5 p.m., 50% of all draft beer sales will go to PAWS. Order a liter and get a raffle ticket for a great prize.)

@Keystone Homebrew, Bethlehem & Montgomeryville, Pa.--- throughout May 2012 - Beer Making, Cheese Making, and Wine Making classes (See website for all the class details)

Philly Beer Week 2012: How's your planning coming along?

Come this Friday, we'll be three weeks away from the kickoff of the fifth annual Philly Beer Week celebration.

Come this Sunday, the annual Philly Beer Run will take place at Dock Street will be four weeks away.

I'm proud to organizing this run once again with Dock Street Brewery and urge you to head over to the race registration website.

If you don't run, you can volunteer. If you'd rather do neither, come on out after 2 p.m. anyway to cheer on the runners and to see a music festival that has gathered quite a bit of praise over the past few years as one of Day 10's most celebrated event.

Now, if you're ready for a fun chuckle, you can check out this little bit of promotion courtesy of Philly Beer Week and Jose Pistola's Casey Parker.