Philly Beer Week 2012: This will be home base for collecting up the assorted words and pictures, links to them and what not, that I'll be putting out there for you over the coming week and a half. I'll include links that I deem interesting enough to share with you as well.
I'll keep this as the top of the homepage here, so check back often as this will be a "living post".
Buckle up, here we go with Philly Beer Week 2012.
Day-by-Day:
(These daily links will become "live" as I post the material behind them.)
Day 1 (Friday, 6/1) — Link to Preview — Link to Wrap-Up — Link to Pictures
Day 2 (Saturday, 6/2) — Link to Preview — Link to Wrap-Up — Link to Pictures
Day 3 (Sunday, 6/3) — Link to Preview — Link to Wrap-Up — Link to Pictures
Day 4 (Monday, 6/4) — Link to Preview — Link to Wrap-Up — Link to Pictures
Day 5 (Tuesday, 6/5) — Link to Preview — Link to Wrap-Up — Link to Pictures
Day 6 (Wednesday, 6/6) — Link to Preview — Link to Wrap-Up — Link to Pictures
Day 7 (Thursday, 6/7) — Link to Preview — Link to Wrap-Up — Link to Pictures
Day 8 (Friday, 6/8) — Link to Preview — Link to Wrap-Up — Link to Pictures
Day 9 (Saturday, 6/9) — Link to Preview — Link to Wrap-Up — Link to Pictures
Day 10 (Sunday, 6/10) — Link to Preview — Link to Wrap-Up — Link to Pictures
--> Link to master calendar list of events at Philly Beer Week's website.
--> Link to past coverage of Philly Beer Week at The Brew Lounge.
Assorted links to PBW '12 in the news:
~ Philadelphia Weekly's coverage, to me, of PBW gets better each year. Here's one link to give you a clue.
~ Philly.com triple-teams the beer coverage between Joe Sixpack (natch), Craig Laban, and Michael Klein. Here's a take on PBW '12 provided by Klein.
~ Some words from Peter Van Allen at Philadelphia Business Journal and a small slideshow from the With Love Beer Garden media preview party at Four Seasons Hotel.
Other local writers/bloggers covering PBW '12:
~ Suzy Woods, the Beer Lass, the Allagash ambassador, the plate-is-always-full (and so is the glass!) shares some of her plans for a very busy Philly Beer Week
~ Joe Sixpack with a bunch of great recommendations (5/31)
~ Jack Curtin shares some fun video that pulls back the curtain (like how I did that?) on the Great Lew versus Jack showdown.
~ I'm sure that no one will ever forget the PLCB/BLCE debacle. Lew Bryson uses the Resurrection Ale at Resurrection Ale House event to remind us of those dark days.
~ Carolyn Smagalski provides the background behind Philly Beer Geek 2011 champion, Natalie DeChico (Weyerbacher regional rep), and her Basil IPA designed and brewed with Manayunk Brewing Company.
~ The Town Dish has branched out in to various communities over the past few years. They've begun their coverage of PBW this year thus far with: Downingtown Dish; Chestnut Hill Dish; West Chester Dish. They'd also partnered with Southwest Airlines and Philly Beer Week on a cool little contest with a big payoff.
~ Ryan Hudak, at In Search of Beer, is reminding me that I'm not the only that attempts to exhaustively cover Philly Beer Week. He's got a slew of great recommendations for experiencing PBW '12 (and organized quite nicely) and I'm assuming we'll see lots of highlights in the post mortems. If I don't run in to him too often, you can probably bet that he and I will cover at least half of PBW '12 :)
~ This should be a handy link from Collin Flatt at Eater.com and everything he writes about PBW '12.
~ And a similar handy link for Grub Street Philadelphia and their content that they post over the next couple of weeks.
~ Uwishunu does a nice job of covering the city and region from the Tourism Bureau's perspective. Here's a bit of a preview from them as well as a link to all related content, where they also point out Valanni hosting a Philly Gay Beer Week?!
~ Arthur Etchells, the Foobooz crew, and I love numbers. So it's no wonder I love what he did with Philly Beer Week By The Numbers. There's a catchall link here too to keep track of everything Foobooz puts out there during PBW '12.
~ Being a former tap list junkie (remember those days?), I also love what Jared and Kristy Littman are doing over at Philly Tap Finder to help out the geeks in need of their daily, and up-to-date, fix.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Friday, June 01, 2012
Philly Beer Week 2012: Day 3 Preview
At least a day prior to each day of Philly Beer Week 2012, I'll be posting up a small look into what to expect both in terms of the day's calendar of events as well as key/significant/interesting events as well as where you might likely spot me during the day and/or night.
Here's a look into the third day, June 3.
For the ravenous beer geeks
~ Where the geeks are today? Well, Capone's near Norristown, for starters, I'm sure. 50/50's Todd Ashman will be there as well as several of his highly sought after beers. If you miss him in the 'burbs, be sure to catch him later in the afternoon at the new Trestle Inn.
~ Bell's 9000 at The Boilermaker (Farmers' Cabinet's latest venture) is sure to draw a crowd as well.
~ I'd be surprised if De Molen, from the Netherlands, doesn't draw a packed house as well at The Belgian Café. It should.
For the hungry
~ Iron Hill is getting together with Good Dog Bar again this year (last year's version was awesome) for a Sunday night dinner.
~ Here comes another recommendation for a.kitchen, just off Rittenhouse Square. This time it's a Sunday brunch with Weyerbacher.
~ I like For Pete's Sake Pub, south of South Street and in the shadows of I-95. They're doing a fine-looking brunch with some interesting beers from Sam Adams that look worth checking out.
~ Speaking of "south of south street", Kennett Restaurant is hosting an Allagash brunch.
~ Score another one for the 'burbs, where The Drafting Room is doing a Russian River brunch.
For the wild and wacky and downright different
~ Varga's After Dark party (with Left Hand Brewing) and P.O.P.E.'s Breaking Bad-themed quizzo with Johnny Goodtimes is about as wacky as I can seem to dig up for this Sunday's to-do list.
Possibly under the radar
~ Session beers. Do you love 'em? Do you think it's a fad? Do you care? Most people are hip to the notion that it takes a high level of talent to make a high-quality, flavorful, low-alcohol beer. Perch Pub is having a Session Beer Tap Takeover and featuring a collaborative beer done with Old Forge Brewing.
~ Talking session beers probably have you thinking about the big guy, Lew Bryson. Well he and fellow writer Jack Curtin went off (individually) to Tröegs in Hershey, Pa. to brew their own Scratch beers. Standard Tap is hosting the "showdown" where the best will be determined.
~ I might not typically recommend Fox & Hound, but with the lineup of cask-conditioned beer that they're advertising, it might be the right day to check it out.
Learn something
~ Learning how to make your own sour beer is on the agenda at Keystone Homebrew in Montgomeryville.
~ A beer chemist is coming to The Grey Lodge. Looks like an event that aspiring brewers should attend without question.
And for The Brew Lounge
~ Starting off on E. Passyunk Ave. seems like as good of a place as any to begin. Lots of local brews, particularly newer ones like Round Guys, Evil Genius, Prism, Brewvolution, etc. will be found amongst the fine bar scene that this side of Broad Street has seen develop over the past several years.
~ Walking north should probably take me to Tapestry, where they'll be serving up 20 or more saisons.
~ And then Woody's. Why not? Not that there's anything wrong with that. Heather and Charlie, from The Institute, have been involved here with the beer program for over a year and, in addition to a "cuban-inspired" brunch, there'll be beers from St. Somewhere, Cigar City, and the new Funky Buddha.
~ Maybe, then, my first visit to The Boilermaker for a bit of Bell's. After that, probably gonna call it a weekend and work on a plan for attacking five weekdays worth of PBW events.
If you survive the weekend, congratulations. You'll need to be even stronger for the next five days of Philly Beer Week!
Here's a look into the third day, June 3.
For the ravenous beer geeks
~ Where the geeks are today? Well, Capone's near Norristown, for starters, I'm sure. 50/50's Todd Ashman will be there as well as several of his highly sought after beers. If you miss him in the 'burbs, be sure to catch him later in the afternoon at the new Trestle Inn.
~ Bell's 9000 at The Boilermaker (Farmers' Cabinet's latest venture) is sure to draw a crowd as well.
~ I'd be surprised if De Molen, from the Netherlands, doesn't draw a packed house as well at The Belgian Café. It should.
For the hungry
~ Iron Hill is getting together with Good Dog Bar again this year (last year's version was awesome) for a Sunday night dinner.
~ Here comes another recommendation for a.kitchen, just off Rittenhouse Square. This time it's a Sunday brunch with Weyerbacher.
~ I like For Pete's Sake Pub, south of South Street and in the shadows of I-95. They're doing a fine-looking brunch with some interesting beers from Sam Adams that look worth checking out.
~ Speaking of "south of south street", Kennett Restaurant is hosting an Allagash brunch.
~ Score another one for the 'burbs, where The Drafting Room is doing a Russian River brunch.
For the wild and wacky and downright different
~ Varga's After Dark party (with Left Hand Brewing) and P.O.P.E.'s Breaking Bad-themed quizzo with Johnny Goodtimes is about as wacky as I can seem to dig up for this Sunday's to-do list.
Possibly under the radar
~ Session beers. Do you love 'em? Do you think it's a fad? Do you care? Most people are hip to the notion that it takes a high level of talent to make a high-quality, flavorful, low-alcohol beer. Perch Pub is having a Session Beer Tap Takeover and featuring a collaborative beer done with Old Forge Brewing.
~ Talking session beers probably have you thinking about the big guy, Lew Bryson. Well he and fellow writer Jack Curtin went off (individually) to Tröegs in Hershey, Pa. to brew their own Scratch beers. Standard Tap is hosting the "showdown" where the best will be determined.
~ I might not typically recommend Fox & Hound, but with the lineup of cask-conditioned beer that they're advertising, it might be the right day to check it out.
Learn something
~ Learning how to make your own sour beer is on the agenda at Keystone Homebrew in Montgomeryville.
~ A beer chemist is coming to The Grey Lodge. Looks like an event that aspiring brewers should attend without question.
And for The Brew Lounge
~ Starting off on E. Passyunk Ave. seems like as good of a place as any to begin. Lots of local brews, particularly newer ones like Round Guys, Evil Genius, Prism, Brewvolution, etc. will be found amongst the fine bar scene that this side of Broad Street has seen develop over the past several years.
~ Walking north should probably take me to Tapestry, where they'll be serving up 20 or more saisons.
~ And then Woody's. Why not? Not that there's anything wrong with that. Heather and Charlie, from The Institute, have been involved here with the beer program for over a year and, in addition to a "cuban-inspired" brunch, there'll be beers from St. Somewhere, Cigar City, and the new Funky Buddha.
~ Maybe, then, my first visit to The Boilermaker for a bit of Bell's. After that, probably gonna call it a weekend and work on a plan for attacking five weekdays worth of PBW events.
If you survive the weekend, congratulations. You'll need to be even stronger for the next five days of Philly Beer Week!
2 writers, 1 brewhouse, 2 taps at Standard Tap
Hey, not my words. That's how Tröegs describes it on their webpage.
Proving once again that the Philly beer landscape is rich enough to include writers amongst the brewers, importers, and pubs, distinguished beer writers Lew Bryson and Jack Curtin each brewed a beer at Tröegs under the long-running Scratch Series umbrella.
Their beers, along with a bevy of other beers from Tröegs will be on tap this Sunday, June 3 at Standard Tap for your decision of whose Scratch beer is better: Lew's Zwickel Licker or Jack's Biere de Grouch. Both are clever names, and based on branding alone, I'd probably give a point to Curtin's.
But, we should taste them on Sunday for the ultimate decision.
Head on over to Curtin's site to check out the fun videos that were made.
~ Link to Part 1
~ Link to Part 2
Proving once again that the Philly beer landscape is rich enough to include writers amongst the brewers, importers, and pubs, distinguished beer writers Lew Bryson and Jack Curtin each brewed a beer at Tröegs under the long-running Scratch Series umbrella.
Their beers, along with a bevy of other beers from Tröegs will be on tap this Sunday, June 3 at Standard Tap for your decision of whose Scratch beer is better: Lew's Zwickel Licker or Jack's Biere de Grouch. Both are clever names, and based on branding alone, I'd probably give a point to Curtin's.
But, we should taste them on Sunday for the ultimate decision.
Head on over to Curtin's site to check out the fun videos that were made.
~ Link to Part 1
~ Link to Part 2
Categories:
Jack Curtin,
Lew Bryson,
PBW,
Philly Beer Week 2012,
Standard Tap,
Tröegs
Links to this post
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Philly Beer Week 2012: Day 2 Preview
At least a day prior to each day of Philly Beer Week 2012, I'll be posting up a small look into what to expect both in terms of the day's calendar of events as well as key/significant/interesting events as well as where you might likely spot me during the day and/or night.
Here's a look into the second day, June 2.
For the ravenous beer geeks
~ The daylight hours of Saturday have so much going on to pull out the hardcore beer geeks, that you'll be challenged to make it late into the evening. You can choose from Varga's Block Party, the Firkin Riot at Johnny Brenda's, more Mikkeller at Farmers' Cabinet, saisons at Tapestry, togas and lunacy at Kite & Key, and Kingpin at Standard Tap.
~ If you get past the afternoon's debachery, plenty more awaits at night like David Walker and his Firestone Walker beers at American Sardine, Vanberg & Dewulf at Tria Fermentation School, and west coast beers at Hulmeville Inn.
For the hungry
~ Prism makes some beers that call out for attention. Brunch may be the perfect venue for some of them, like the Chocolate Bacon Stout and Blood Orange Blond. Continental is hosting Prism for Saturday morning brunch. There are several other brunches, like a North Coast-themed one at Capone's, also taking place on this first Saturday of PBW '12.
~ a.kitchen has hosted a few beer events/dinners in the past. They're typically a la carte with suggested pairings, which works quite nicely. Here they're getting together with Brian Strumke and his Stillwater beers which should make for a fine dinner.
For the wild and wacky and downright different
~ Each year, Kite and Key files its share of wacky events on the calendar. This year is no different. Check out the Gladiator events beginning at 2 p.m.
~ A goat. Yup. A goat will be the center of attention at Bar. It's Peggy, the winner of this year's Sly Fox Goat Races. How much more wacky does it get than that?
Possibly under the radar
~ Just because the event is listed as a Main Line Jazz Fest, don't be fooled. The portion of the closed-street event that Teresa's Next Door is responsible for has traditionally been an over-the-top solid event put on in conjunction with Tröegs. Both Lew's Scratch and Jack's Scratch will be there. As will a firkin of Perpetual IPA. Oh yeah.
~ You've likely heard of Boxcar Brewing Company out of West Chester, Pa. They make a fair amount of beer, though I don't see it around the city or 'burbs as much as I'd expect. Here's a good chance to drink of their beer while riding the rails.
Learn something
~ Early in the day, local beer historian Rich Wagner will be talking about the old days of brewing in Philadelphia at Philadelphia Brewing Company.
~ Don Feinberg and Wendy Littlefield, owners of Vanberg & Dewulf, are teaching at Tria's Fermentation School. You'll like the subject matter.
~ And, Thomas Schon from Mikkeller is "teaching" his own class earlier in the day at Farmers' Cabinet.
And for The Brew Lounge
~ I believe that I'll follow last year's equation and hit up the city first and finish up in the 'burbs. Therefore, I'll begin with a bite to eat (they're advertising fish & chips and meat pies) and a few glasses of cask-conditioned beer at Johnny Brenda's.
~ Stopping by Philadelphia Bar & Restaurant for a couple of "locals" and some fun 'n' games sounds like, well, fun. Before heading off to....
~ Big time fun 'n' games at Kite & Key. You've heard the history and the reputation of this event, I trust. If not, just show up. Trust me. You won't regret it. If not for the craziness, then for the always-solid lineup of beers.
~ Then, I finish up at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, for reasons stated above.
That takes care of day number two. Philly Beer Week & it's on!
Here's a look into the second day, June 2.
For the ravenous beer geeks
~ The daylight hours of Saturday have so much going on to pull out the hardcore beer geeks, that you'll be challenged to make it late into the evening. You can choose from Varga's Block Party, the Firkin Riot at Johnny Brenda's, more Mikkeller at Farmers' Cabinet, saisons at Tapestry, togas and lunacy at Kite & Key, and Kingpin at Standard Tap.
~ If you get past the afternoon's debachery, plenty more awaits at night like David Walker and his Firestone Walker beers at American Sardine, Vanberg & Dewulf at Tria Fermentation School, and west coast beers at Hulmeville Inn.
For the hungry
~ Prism makes some beers that call out for attention. Brunch may be the perfect venue for some of them, like the Chocolate Bacon Stout and Blood Orange Blond. Continental is hosting Prism for Saturday morning brunch. There are several other brunches, like a North Coast-themed one at Capone's, also taking place on this first Saturday of PBW '12.
~ a.kitchen has hosted a few beer events/dinners in the past. They're typically a la carte with suggested pairings, which works quite nicely. Here they're getting together with Brian Strumke and his Stillwater beers which should make for a fine dinner.
For the wild and wacky and downright different
~ Each year, Kite and Key files its share of wacky events on the calendar. This year is no different. Check out the Gladiator events beginning at 2 p.m.
~ A goat. Yup. A goat will be the center of attention at Bar. It's Peggy, the winner of this year's Sly Fox Goat Races. How much more wacky does it get than that?
Possibly under the radar
~ Just because the event is listed as a Main Line Jazz Fest, don't be fooled. The portion of the closed-street event that Teresa's Next Door is responsible for has traditionally been an over-the-top solid event put on in conjunction with Tröegs. Both Lew's Scratch and Jack's Scratch will be there. As will a firkin of Perpetual IPA. Oh yeah.
~ You've likely heard of Boxcar Brewing Company out of West Chester, Pa. They make a fair amount of beer, though I don't see it around the city or 'burbs as much as I'd expect. Here's a good chance to drink of their beer while riding the rails.
Learn something
~ Early in the day, local beer historian Rich Wagner will be talking about the old days of brewing in Philadelphia at Philadelphia Brewing Company.
~ Don Feinberg and Wendy Littlefield, owners of Vanberg & Dewulf, are teaching at Tria's Fermentation School. You'll like the subject matter.
~ And, Thomas Schon from Mikkeller is "teaching" his own class earlier in the day at Farmers' Cabinet.
And for The Brew Lounge
~ I believe that I'll follow last year's equation and hit up the city first and finish up in the 'burbs. Therefore, I'll begin with a bite to eat (they're advertising fish & chips and meat pies) and a few glasses of cask-conditioned beer at Johnny Brenda's.
~ Stopping by Philadelphia Bar & Restaurant for a couple of "locals" and some fun 'n' games sounds like, well, fun. Before heading off to....
~ Big time fun 'n' games at Kite & Key. You've heard the history and the reputation of this event, I trust. If not, just show up. Trust me. You won't regret it. If not for the craziness, then for the always-solid lineup of beers.
~ Then, I finish up at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, for reasons stated above.
That takes care of day number two. Philly Beer Week & it's on!
Beer Calendar: What To Do in June 2012
Around Philadelphia, June only means one thing in the world of beer: Philly Beer Week. Beginning June 1, the fifth annual installment of the world's best 10 days of beer kicks off. Roughly 800 events (give or take, who's counting?) are scheduled.
Instead of listing them all out here, simply head over to PBW's official website. Also, keep tabs on the week at my own Philly Beer Week 2012 Index, where I'll be centralizing everything worth sharing with you during what always proves to be an epic ten-day show of the best the beer world has to offer.
Let's look now here instead at the rest of the month. If there's any beer left after PBW '12, here's what you can expect from establishments in and around Philadelphia.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
$20 and under, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG) also included here
Philadelphia
All summer long - Twin Peaks on the Big Screen @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (9:00pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 6/12 - Social Pass Beer Tasting @Triumph Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm; $20)
Wed. 6/13 - Beer School at the Bottle Shop (June theme: "Best of Philly Beer Week") @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00pm; $Free)
Thu. 6/28 - Night Market @9th/Washington in South Philly, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 6/1 - Stoudt's Tasting @Blue Dog, Lansdale, Pa. (6:30pm; $Free & $PAYG)
Wed. 6/6 - Hop Fest @Jamison Pour House, Jamison, Pa. (12:00pm; $PAYG)
Mon. 6/11 - Sat. 6/16 - Philly Beer Week surprise leftovers @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 6/23 - Beer 101 @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (1:00pm-3:00pm; $20)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 6/1 - Sat. 6/9 - Spinny Beer Days @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 6/1 - Friday Night Tasting (Sierra Nevada) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free)
Fri. 6/1 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30am; $PAYG)
Thu. 6/7 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley) @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 6/15 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (Chester County Bitter, Route 113 IPA, Ichor) @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30am; $PAYG)
Sat. 6/16 - American Beer & Regional BBQ @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (2:00pm-7:00pm; $PAYG)
Sat. 6/16 - Beer, Baseball & Backyard BBQ @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (1:00pm-5:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 6/21 - Allagash Tap Takeover @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (4:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 6/28 - Victory Tap Takeover @Goodnight Irene's, Wildwood, NJ. (7:00pm; $PAYG)
Events Over $20
Philadelphia
Sun. 6/3 - Willow Grove Craft Beer Festival @The Plaza at Willow Grove Park, Willow Grove, Pa. (12:00pm-5:00pm; $35/$45)
Tue. 6/19 - Brasserie Cantillon with Jean Van Roy @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. ($TBD)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 6/15 - Goose Island Beer Dinner @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (7:00pm; $45)
Tue. 6/19 - Brewmaster’s Summer Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (7:00pm; $75)
Sat. 6/23 - Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Beer Festival @Battleship New Jersey, Camden, NJ (12:30pm-4:30pm; $45/$55)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 6/14 - All-American Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6:00pm; $55)
Sat. 6/16 - Yardley Beer Fest @South Delaware Avenue (under a big tent), Yardley, Pa. (1:00pm-5:00pm; $10/$35/$40)
Thu. 6/21 - Brewmaster's Summer Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (7:00pm; $70)
Sat. 6/23 - PBS39 Microbrew Festival @Coca-Cola Park, Allentown, Pa. (1:00pm-5:00pm; $5/$25/$35/$40/$50)
Sat. 6/23 - Lansdale Beer Tasting Festival @downtown Lansdale, Pa. (12:00pm-4:00pm; $10/$20/$35/$65)
Sat. 6/30 - Brews By The Bay @Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Lewes, Del. (4:00pm-8:00pm; $5/$30)
Sat. 6/30 - Brew HA HA! Craft Beer Festival @Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ (3:00pm-6:30pm; $19.99/$44.99/$49.99/$74.99)
Instead of listing them all out here, simply head over to PBW's official website. Also, keep tabs on the week at my own Philly Beer Week 2012 Index, where I'll be centralizing everything worth sharing with you during what always proves to be an epic ten-day show of the best the beer world has to offer.
Let's look now here instead at the rest of the month. If there's any beer left after PBW '12, here's what you can expect from establishments in and around Philadelphia.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
$20 and under, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG) also included here
Philadelphia
All summer long - Twin Peaks on the Big Screen @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (9:00pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 6/12 - Social Pass Beer Tasting @Triumph Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm; $20)
Wed. 6/13 - Beer School at the Bottle Shop (June theme: "Best of Philly Beer Week") @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00pm; $Free)
Thu. 6/28 - Night Market @9th/Washington in South Philly, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 6/1 - Stoudt's Tasting @Blue Dog, Lansdale, Pa. (6:30pm; $Free & $PAYG)
Wed. 6/6 - Hop Fest @Jamison Pour House, Jamison, Pa. (12:00pm; $PAYG)
Mon. 6/11 - Sat. 6/16 - Philly Beer Week surprise leftovers @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 6/23 - Beer 101 @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (1:00pm-3:00pm; $20)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 6/1 - Sat. 6/9 - Spinny Beer Days @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 6/1 - Friday Night Tasting (Sierra Nevada) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free)
Fri. 6/1 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30am; $PAYG)
Thu. 6/7 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley) @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 6/15 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (Chester County Bitter, Route 113 IPA, Ichor) @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30am; $PAYG)
Sat. 6/16 - American Beer & Regional BBQ @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (2:00pm-7:00pm; $PAYG)
Sat. 6/16 - Beer, Baseball & Backyard BBQ @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (1:00pm-5:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 6/21 - Allagash Tap Takeover @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (4:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 6/28 - Victory Tap Takeover @Goodnight Irene's, Wildwood, NJ. (7:00pm; $PAYG)
Events Over $20
Philadelphia
Sun. 6/3 - Willow Grove Craft Beer Festival @The Plaza at Willow Grove Park, Willow Grove, Pa. (12:00pm-5:00pm; $35/$45)
Tue. 6/19 - Brasserie Cantillon with Jean Van Roy @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. ($TBD)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 6/15 - Goose Island Beer Dinner @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (7:00pm; $45)
Tue. 6/19 - Brewmaster’s Summer Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (7:00pm; $75)
Sat. 6/23 - Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Beer Festival @Battleship New Jersey, Camden, NJ (12:30pm-4:30pm; $45/$55)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 6/14 - All-American Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6:00pm; $55)
Sat. 6/16 - Yardley Beer Fest @South Delaware Avenue (under a big tent), Yardley, Pa. (1:00pm-5:00pm; $10/$35/$40)
Thu. 6/21 - Brewmaster's Summer Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (7:00pm; $70)
Sat. 6/23 - PBS39 Microbrew Festival @Coca-Cola Park, Allentown, Pa. (1:00pm-5:00pm; $5/$25/$35/$40/$50)
Sat. 6/23 - Lansdale Beer Tasting Festival @downtown Lansdale, Pa. (12:00pm-4:00pm; $10/$20/$35/$65)
Sat. 6/30 - Brews By The Bay @Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Lewes, Del. (4:00pm-8:00pm; $5/$30)
Sat. 6/30 - Brew HA HA! Craft Beer Festival @Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ (3:00pm-6:30pm; $19.99/$44.99/$49.99/$74.99)
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Pre-gaming Philly Beer Week with Russian River, Sierra Nevada, Brian Morin, and Monk's Café
Pre-gaming Philly Beer Week with Russian River, Sierra Nevada, Brian Morin, and Monk's Café
With so much eating, drinking, and writing on the horizon for the next two weeks, it's hard to imagine wanting to bite off (sorry) another assignment just days after returning from Belgium and days before embarking on the wild journey that will be Philly Beer Week #5.
But when a Cilurzo (Russian River), a Grossman (Sierra Nevada), and a Morin (beerbistro) conspire with a one Mr. Tom Peters at Monk's Café for a memorable beer dinner, well, it's just tough to say no.
There are not enough superlatives to describe last night's dinner at Monk's Café in Philadelphia. Russian River and Sierra Nevada Brewing Companies from northern California sent their top honchos in advance of Philly Beer Week to put on a dinner show of epic proportions. They each brought their wives as well.
To match the beer in the kitchen, Monk's brought in Brian Morin, a veteran of many Monk's Café dinners, from Toronto's famed beerbistro.
Let's get the menu out of the way up front this time.
Sierra Nevada Pilsner
~ served with an Amuse Bouche of toast point with local goat cheese and breakfast radish
Sierra Nevada/Russian River Brux
~ served with Smoked Black Cod with Brux crème fraîche and green papaya slaw
Russian River Row 2/Hill 56-The Story of Simcoe
~ served with Deckle Steak with local mushroom ragout and garlic scapes
Russian River/Sierra Nevada CBC Symposium Sour Brown
~ served with Foraged Salad with symposium vinaigrette
Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest
~ served with Pork Belly with grilled radicchio and asparagus
Russian River Defenestration
~ served with Lobster & Leek Ravioli
Russian River Supplication
~ served with Duck Breast with local, wild sour cherries
Sierra Nevada/Russian River ExPortation
~ served with a cheese plate of Monte Enebro (a Spanish goat's milk cheese) and Wilde Weide (an organic Dutch raw cow's milk cheese) and served with ExPortation honey
Sierra Nevada Knock on Wood
~ served with Bittersweet Chocolate Tart with espresso crème brûlée
Grossman and Cilurzo both led off the evening with comments regarding their deep love and appreciation for Philadelphia and its beer scene. They aren't sticking around for Philly Beer Week this time around, but when their friend, Peters, wants to include their beer in a dinner a few days prior to PBW, they made sure to clear their calendars.
The evening turned out to be quite the who's-who of beer in Philadelphia. It seemed as if half the crowd (both the front and back rooms, including barstools, were seated for this dinner) was a recognizable face from brewers to distributors to reps. It was a great chance to catch up with everyone, particularly just prior to the impending PBW madness.
Philly's own Beer Lass, and Allagash representative, Suzanne Woods tweeted something to the effect of "am I the only person not at tonight's dinner at Monk's?"
Some combination of Cilurzo, Grossman, and Peters introduced almost every pairing of the extravagant 9-course meal. The most interesting stories on the beer side of the table involved the Russian River Row 2/Hill 56 Simcoe as Cilurzo described the brewery's deepening ties to the hop farmers (in this case those that source his Simcoe hops from one of the three Yakima Valley farms that source all of the world's Simcoe), the Symposium Brown, and of course the collaborative Brux.
Cilurzo talked a bit about how the Symposium Brown came together for the 2011 Craft Brewers Conference with Ken Grossman (yeast), Brian (recipe), Fritz Maytag (barrels), and himself ("shepherd") each playing their respective role in crafting this fine sour beer with no fruit involved.
The new Brux is one of the more talked-about beers of 2012 if, as Grossman explained, for no other reason than getting the "old man (his father, Ken) to relent after 32 years of trying to keep Brettanomyces out of the brewery".
This was the first commercial pouring of the beer outside the northern California brewery walls.
Originally code-named Global Warming, this beer was born in Brian (and Gina) Grossman's kitchen, for father's fear at the time of introducing a wild yeast into the brewery operations. For my palate, the beer is a refreshing sour, not overly bracing, and displays lemon citrus flavors. The funk registers fairly low and it should be a beer that is interesting to follow as it ages in the bottle. It will be distributed through the Sierra Nevada network, though availability is promised to be extremely thin even in the Philadelphia market.
As for the food, the success of the kitchen on this particular night seemed to grow upon itself course after course. Morin began with a pleasing amuse bouche of radishes and goat cheese and moved into a delectable hunk of smoked, black cod. As well done as these first two bites were, the execution of some of the following courses — namely the steak, ravioli, duck, and chocolate tart — were delivered as perfectly as the words on the menu suggested they would be. There's nothing more disappointing than having high hopes after initially reading a menu be crushed when the fork hits the mouth. Not on this night.
How about those pairings, right? Morin had the chance to sit down with the beers ahead of time in Toronto to give himself the best chance for success in building the menu. In this guy's book, he scored the most points with the Brux and papaya slaw under the black cod, the Simcoe beer with the mushroom ragout on the steak plate, the Supplication and duck breasts with sour cherries, and (you could've guessed) the Knock on Wood and chocolate tart.
Special thanks to dining companion, Keith, for reminding me of Supplication and duck playing nicely together over five years ago at Monk's. Strong memory, this one has!
The Knock on Wood, since I haven't described it until this point (and hadn't even heard of such a beer until the dinner), is basically SN's Hellraiser beer, a chipotle/chocolate stout aged for 16 months in Heaven Hill barrels. Any hint of pepper had basically yielded to the barrel-aging effects and scored one last winning note on a menu full of tasty treats.
Yet, after all the superlatives, no amount of insults is greater than the ones that I'm boomeranging at myself this morning for one of the worst displays of inferior, offensive, and amateur pictures from the dinner. I suppose it proves that you can give a big boy a big camera, but that it guarantees nothing. To be fair, I was up for Beer Writer of the Year, not photographer. Still, I've included a few of the pictures that I snapped from the dinner, even (regrettfully) the well-composed one of Grossman, Peters, Cilurzo, and Morin. The only way I could make it halfway presentable for you was to turn it to black-and-white.
It's a crowded world of beer events around Philadelphia. Always has been and has only continued get more so over the years. Still, if you've not treated yourself to a special beer dinner at Monk's Café, then you've not yet experienced some of the best that the Philadelphia beer scene has to offer.
Philly Beer Week. It's on.
(from left: Brian Grossman-Sierra Nevada; Tom Peter's-Monk's Café; Vinnie Cilurzo-Russian River; Brian Morin-beerbistro)
(Chef Brian Morin, post-dinner, looking like he barely broke a sweat)
(the Monk's-ville Nine - what a lineup)
(Sierra Nevada Pilsner and Amuse Bouche)
(Sierra Nevada/Russian River Brux and Smoked Black Cod)
(Russian River Row 2/Hill 56 Simcoe and Deckle Steak)
(Russian River Defenestration and Lobster & Leek Ravioli)
(Russian River Supplication and Duck Breast)
(Sierra Nevada/Russian River ExPortation and the cheese plate)
(Sierra Nevada Knock on Wood and Chocolate Tart)
With so much eating, drinking, and writing on the horizon for the next two weeks, it's hard to imagine wanting to bite off (sorry) another assignment just days after returning from Belgium and days before embarking on the wild journey that will be Philly Beer Week #5.
But when a Cilurzo (Russian River), a Grossman (Sierra Nevada), and a Morin (beerbistro) conspire with a one Mr. Tom Peters at Monk's Café for a memorable beer dinner, well, it's just tough to say no.
There are not enough superlatives to describe last night's dinner at Monk's Café in Philadelphia. Russian River and Sierra Nevada Brewing Companies from northern California sent their top honchos in advance of Philly Beer Week to put on a dinner show of epic proportions. They each brought their wives as well.
To match the beer in the kitchen, Monk's brought in Brian Morin, a veteran of many Monk's Café dinners, from Toronto's famed beerbistro.
Let's get the menu out of the way up front this time.
Sierra Nevada Pilsner
~ served with an Amuse Bouche of toast point with local goat cheese and breakfast radish
Sierra Nevada/Russian River Brux
~ served with Smoked Black Cod with Brux crème fraîche and green papaya slaw
Russian River Row 2/Hill 56-The Story of Simcoe
~ served with Deckle Steak with local mushroom ragout and garlic scapes
Russian River/Sierra Nevada CBC Symposium Sour Brown
~ served with Foraged Salad with symposium vinaigrette
Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest
~ served with Pork Belly with grilled radicchio and asparagus
Russian River Defenestration
~ served with Lobster & Leek Ravioli
Russian River Supplication
~ served with Duck Breast with local, wild sour cherries
Sierra Nevada/Russian River ExPortation
~ served with a cheese plate of Monte Enebro (a Spanish goat's milk cheese) and Wilde Weide (an organic Dutch raw cow's milk cheese) and served with ExPortation honey
Sierra Nevada Knock on Wood
~ served with Bittersweet Chocolate Tart with espresso crème brûlée
Grossman and Cilurzo both led off the evening with comments regarding their deep love and appreciation for Philadelphia and its beer scene. They aren't sticking around for Philly Beer Week this time around, but when their friend, Peters, wants to include their beer in a dinner a few days prior to PBW, they made sure to clear their calendars.
The evening turned out to be quite the who's-who of beer in Philadelphia. It seemed as if half the crowd (both the front and back rooms, including barstools, were seated for this dinner) was a recognizable face from brewers to distributors to reps. It was a great chance to catch up with everyone, particularly just prior to the impending PBW madness.
Philly's own Beer Lass, and Allagash representative, Suzanne Woods tweeted something to the effect of "am I the only person not at tonight's dinner at Monk's?"
Some combination of Cilurzo, Grossman, and Peters introduced almost every pairing of the extravagant 9-course meal. The most interesting stories on the beer side of the table involved the Russian River Row 2/Hill 56 Simcoe as Cilurzo described the brewery's deepening ties to the hop farmers (in this case those that source his Simcoe hops from one of the three Yakima Valley farms that source all of the world's Simcoe), the Symposium Brown, and of course the collaborative Brux.
Cilurzo talked a bit about how the Symposium Brown came together for the 2011 Craft Brewers Conference with Ken Grossman (yeast), Brian (recipe), Fritz Maytag (barrels), and himself ("shepherd") each playing their respective role in crafting this fine sour beer with no fruit involved.
The new Brux is one of the more talked-about beers of 2012 if, as Grossman explained, for no other reason than getting the "old man (his father, Ken) to relent after 32 years of trying to keep Brettanomyces out of the brewery".
This was the first commercial pouring of the beer outside the northern California brewery walls.
Originally code-named Global Warming, this beer was born in Brian (and Gina) Grossman's kitchen, for father's fear at the time of introducing a wild yeast into the brewery operations. For my palate, the beer is a refreshing sour, not overly bracing, and displays lemon citrus flavors. The funk registers fairly low and it should be a beer that is interesting to follow as it ages in the bottle. It will be distributed through the Sierra Nevada network, though availability is promised to be extremely thin even in the Philadelphia market.
As for the food, the success of the kitchen on this particular night seemed to grow upon itself course after course. Morin began with a pleasing amuse bouche of radishes and goat cheese and moved into a delectable hunk of smoked, black cod. As well done as these first two bites were, the execution of some of the following courses — namely the steak, ravioli, duck, and chocolate tart — were delivered as perfectly as the words on the menu suggested they would be. There's nothing more disappointing than having high hopes after initially reading a menu be crushed when the fork hits the mouth. Not on this night.
How about those pairings, right? Morin had the chance to sit down with the beers ahead of time in Toronto to give himself the best chance for success in building the menu. In this guy's book, he scored the most points with the Brux and papaya slaw under the black cod, the Simcoe beer with the mushroom ragout on the steak plate, the Supplication and duck breasts with sour cherries, and (you could've guessed) the Knock on Wood and chocolate tart.
Special thanks to dining companion, Keith, for reminding me of Supplication and duck playing nicely together over five years ago at Monk's. Strong memory, this one has!
The Knock on Wood, since I haven't described it until this point (and hadn't even heard of such a beer until the dinner), is basically SN's Hellraiser beer, a chipotle/chocolate stout aged for 16 months in Heaven Hill barrels. Any hint of pepper had basically yielded to the barrel-aging effects and scored one last winning note on a menu full of tasty treats.
Yet, after all the superlatives, no amount of insults is greater than the ones that I'm boomeranging at myself this morning for one of the worst displays of inferior, offensive, and amateur pictures from the dinner. I suppose it proves that you can give a big boy a big camera, but that it guarantees nothing. To be fair, I was up for Beer Writer of the Year, not photographer. Still, I've included a few of the pictures that I snapped from the dinner, even (regrettfully) the well-composed one of Grossman, Peters, Cilurzo, and Morin. The only way I could make it halfway presentable for you was to turn it to black-and-white.
It's a crowded world of beer events around Philadelphia. Always has been and has only continued get more so over the years. Still, if you've not treated yourself to a special beer dinner at Monk's Café, then you've not yet experienced some of the best that the Philadelphia beer scene has to offer.
Philly Beer Week. It's on.
Philly Beer Week 2012: Day 1 Preview
At least a day prior to each day of Philly Beer Week 2012, I'll be posting up a small look into what to expect both in terms of the day's calendar of events as well as key/significant/interesting events as well as where you might likely spot me during the day and/or night.
Here's a look into the first day, June 1.
For the ravenous beer geeks
~ The hardcore beer geeks, I predict will show up at least one of the following events: Barrel-aged Terrapin beer at Varga; the Bella Vista Bash at Devil's Den; Gypsy brewers at Tria Fermentation School; and Mikkeller at Farmers' Cabinet.
For the hungry
~ If you've not eaten at Brauhaus Schmitz, you likely don't know what you're missing. You're in luck here where head chef, Jeremy Nolen, will be hosting a dinner at Cook.
~ Food, beer, and Bill Covaleski (Victory Brewing Company) sounds like a great way to get to know the new Alla Spina on North Broad Street.
For the wild and wacky and downright different
~ There likely is not a sight to behold more wild and wacky than the Hammer of Glory tour route that it will embark on beginning at 7 a.m. at Devil's Den and wrapping up an exhausting 12 hours later at the Opening Tap event in historic Old City Philadelphia at the Independence Visitors Center. It's not very practical to think that many would follow the Hammer for the full 12 hours, but if you haven't seen it en route in the past, be sure to check this out during at least one of its stops along the way. So far, the weather looks to be cooperating for this unique "parade", so use this opportunity to start your Philly Beer Week on a fun note — like there's any other way.
~ Do you want to see folks dressed in tank tops, trucker hats, and daisy dukes? I probably don't; hold on while I re-consider the daisy dukes. Varga Bar is having Southern food event that sounds like a blast if you do.
Possibly under the radar
~ Since I'll almost likely be taking the train in from the 'burbs, it goes without saying that I'll be at Bridgewater's Pub inside 30th Street train station multiple times during the week. On this first day, they'll be showcasing Czech Pilsners from Staropramen. Count me there too to help lift this on to the radar.
~ Doobies always seems off the radar. But, on June 1, they've got Matt Allyn and a bunch of his beers in tow that should make for a swell evening.
~ Resurrection Ale from Brewer's Art (Baltimore) is back courtesy of Sly Fox Brewing Company. It'll be around town, but why not take it in at Resurrection Ale House?
Learn something
~ There's a connection to Philadelphia'a brewing past buried at Christ Church in Old City. Learn more any night of the week at 5:30 p.m. for a short tour.
And for The Brew Lounge
~ As much as I talk up the Hammer of Glory, I just took off over two weeks from work to hang out in Belgium. Taking another day off work at this point simply is not in the cards.
~ Opening Tap is fun, but there is so much else going on during it. Used to be that very little happened until Opening Tap officially kicked things off, but times have changed. Seeing the Mayor do his ceremonial tapping is always cool and a lot of who's-who is typically inside, but I may pass on it this year to search out what else is going on during it. Like...
~ I still have not been to American Sardine, so swinging by for some cheese and Ommegang beer sounds like a fine way to get the night underway.
~ Then over to P.O.P.E. to find out how they handle this "World's Smallest Toast" from La Chouffe that I've been hearing more about in the last couple of weeks.
~ Up to Devil's Den for the Bella Vista Bash could get me in trouble, time-wise, but looking at some of the rare draft lines that they'll have flowing might make it quite worth the risk.
~ Monk's will be one of the first places to showcase the PBW collaboration beer between Iron Hill and Brasserie Dupont in Belgium. Stopping in for a quick one would be appropriate.
~ While in Belgium, Sly Fox's head of sales, Patrick Mullin, convinced me that Fergie's should be the proper place to descend upon after Opening Tap — or wherever the night has taken you up until that point. Live bluegrass music and Sly Fox beer sounds like the right ticket.
That's a bit much to digest for the first day. I'll see what I can do to condense the recommendations in coming days, but I make no promises; you might have heard, Philly Beer Week is huge!
Here's a look into the first day, June 1.
For the ravenous beer geeks
~ The hardcore beer geeks, I predict will show up at least one of the following events: Barrel-aged Terrapin beer at Varga; the Bella Vista Bash at Devil's Den; Gypsy brewers at Tria Fermentation School; and Mikkeller at Farmers' Cabinet.
For the hungry
~ If you've not eaten at Brauhaus Schmitz, you likely don't know what you're missing. You're in luck here where head chef, Jeremy Nolen, will be hosting a dinner at Cook.
~ Food, beer, and Bill Covaleski (Victory Brewing Company) sounds like a great way to get to know the new Alla Spina on North Broad Street.
For the wild and wacky and downright different
~ There likely is not a sight to behold more wild and wacky than the Hammer of Glory tour route that it will embark on beginning at 7 a.m. at Devil's Den and wrapping up an exhausting 12 hours later at the Opening Tap event in historic Old City Philadelphia at the Independence Visitors Center. It's not very practical to think that many would follow the Hammer for the full 12 hours, but if you haven't seen it en route in the past, be sure to check this out during at least one of its stops along the way. So far, the weather looks to be cooperating for this unique "parade", so use this opportunity to start your Philly Beer Week on a fun note — like there's any other way.
~ Do you want to see folks dressed in tank tops, trucker hats, and daisy dukes? I probably don't; hold on while I re-consider the daisy dukes. Varga Bar is having Southern food event that sounds like a blast if you do.
Possibly under the radar
~ Since I'll almost likely be taking the train in from the 'burbs, it goes without saying that I'll be at Bridgewater's Pub inside 30th Street train station multiple times during the week. On this first day, they'll be showcasing Czech Pilsners from Staropramen. Count me there too to help lift this on to the radar.
~ Doobies always seems off the radar. But, on June 1, they've got Matt Allyn and a bunch of his beers in tow that should make for a swell evening.
~ Resurrection Ale from Brewer's Art (Baltimore) is back courtesy of Sly Fox Brewing Company. It'll be around town, but why not take it in at Resurrection Ale House?
Learn something
~ There's a connection to Philadelphia'a brewing past buried at Christ Church in Old City. Learn more any night of the week at 5:30 p.m. for a short tour.
And for The Brew Lounge
~ As much as I talk up the Hammer of Glory, I just took off over two weeks from work to hang out in Belgium. Taking another day off work at this point simply is not in the cards.
~ Opening Tap is fun, but there is so much else going on during it. Used to be that very little happened until Opening Tap officially kicked things off, but times have changed. Seeing the Mayor do his ceremonial tapping is always cool and a lot of who's-who is typically inside, but I may pass on it this year to search out what else is going on during it. Like...
~ I still have not been to American Sardine, so swinging by for some cheese and Ommegang beer sounds like a fine way to get the night underway.
~ Then over to P.O.P.E. to find out how they handle this "World's Smallest Toast" from La Chouffe that I've been hearing more about in the last couple of weeks.
~ Up to Devil's Den for the Bella Vista Bash could get me in trouble, time-wise, but looking at some of the rare draft lines that they'll have flowing might make it quite worth the risk.
~ Monk's will be one of the first places to showcase the PBW collaboration beer between Iron Hill and Brasserie Dupont in Belgium. Stopping in for a quick one would be appropriate.
~ While in Belgium, Sly Fox's head of sales, Patrick Mullin, convinced me that Fergie's should be the proper place to descend upon after Opening Tap — or wherever the night has taken you up until that point. Live bluegrass music and Sly Fox beer sounds like the right ticket.
That's a bit much to digest for the first day. I'll see what I can do to condense the recommendations in coming days, but I make no promises; you might have heard, Philly Beer Week is huge!
Philly Beer Scene awards
The 2012 Philly Beer Scene awards took place while was on the big Belgian trip.
Lew Bryson was there and covered it with his perspectives.
Jack Curtin posted the full list of winners.
And, Philly Beer Photo Guy about town, Steve Lyford, documented it in a pile of pictures that you can find via this link.
Also sticking with theme of posting all the pictures you take (sorry, guys, it's too easy to jab at), Philly Beer Scene posted pictures at its Facebook account.
As I mentioned in the comments at Curtin's site, in brief: "...look at the winners and give them the credit they deserve, almost all of which are difficult to argue. And, celebrate all of the nominees (whom, if I’m not mistaken, are chosen by their peers, not the public) that go a long way in making up our rich fabric..."
Just in time for Philly Beer Week to begin.
Lew Bryson was there and covered it with his perspectives.
Jack Curtin posted the full list of winners.
And, Philly Beer Photo Guy about town, Steve Lyford, documented it in a pile of pictures that you can find via this link.
Also sticking with theme of posting all the pictures you take (sorry, guys, it's too easy to jab at), Philly Beer Scene posted pictures at its Facebook account.
As I mentioned in the comments at Curtin's site, in brief: "...look at the winners and give them the credit they deserve, almost all of which are difficult to argue. And, celebrate all of the nominees (whom, if I’m not mistaken, are chosen by their peers, not the public) that go a long way in making up our rich fabric..."
Just in time for Philly Beer Week to begin.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Philly Beer Week 2012: Here's some of what I've found
Okay, then. After asking last week for your recommendations, I've received some pointers from many of you in the form of comments, e-mails, and Facebook recommendations.
I've taken these and cruised the PBW '12 calendar to put together a half-baked plan of attack for June 1-10. Along the way, I've made some observations and a list of things you might find interesting as well.
Allow me to selfishly get my endeavor out of the way here first.
There are currently 280 runners (and counting) signed up to do the first official Philly Beer Run 5-k at Dock Street on June 10, the last day of Philly Beer Week. The run coincides with the annual music fest which always draws many hundreds more.
We're capping it at 400 runners, and I fully expect to hit the cap as the week of PBW goes along. Don't be left out; sign up now. Great prizes, schwag, and post-party included! Plus, you can volunteer if you don't feel like running. (We'll love you just as much for doing that, too.)
All the details here: http://dockstreetbeer.com/PBR.html
I've covered all the years of Philly Beer Week. I feel pretty confident to say that no one has covered it more comprehensively. If you'd like some background and context (and pictures for added illustration), perhaps you can begin with this link to last year's wrap-up.
In my last few days of intense research to catch up post-Belgium, here's just a smattering of other goodies that I've uncovered that seem worth sharing with you. Random, incomplete, and in no particular order.
~ Hammer of Glory route stopping along the way at some of the best of the best
~ Opening Tap for a mayoral kickoff
~ All week long at the Four Seasons Hotel with the With Love Beer Garden, including Sly Fox's Kan Jam again on this year on Thursday. I'll be participating again with William Reed as my teammate. Wonder if there's a way the high-end hotel might include some mention on its own website?!
~ VIP pass for the hardcore
~ More kink this year than ever. Between Woodies, Delilah's, The Institute, and The Trestle Inn (others likely, too), you'll find event names and descriptions that could make you, or at least maybe your grandmother (unless she's the really cool type of grandmother) blush. Will be interesting to hear how those nights will go.
~ Ben Franklin/Casey Parker
video #1
video #2
~ I'd have to compare to last year's calendar, but a cursory review (and some talking around as well) gives me the sense that the suburbs are scaling back this year. I won't get in to it, but if you read closely enough, you know my feeling on this topic.
~ There are close to twenty events in the "Home Brewing" category. Pretty cool that this segment of brewing gets the proper nod as well. Historically, these events are usually home runs.
~ There are over 50 events categorized as "Free Beer for Sparks". What exactly is that?
~ Have many venues not yet posted events or did they pay only to advertise themselves on the PBW website? Curious, since I'm trying to envision which events might pop up at the Xfinity Live bars that are listed on the calendar. They're not the only ones.
~ Smartphone app is as good as ever. Still beats the website, imo, which in fairness, though, as come a long way in five years. Nice to see events can still be tagged as "favorites" in the phone app, however the ability to save private lists of events via the website seems to have disappeared this year.
~ Even in my absence this year, an enterprising soul has taken my spreadsheets of the past and done something similar, posting up a version and sharing it at Google Docs. Flattered, I am :)
Check it out, but don't forget for the most accurate Philly Beer Week schedule, consult the official PBW website...even better yet, contact establishments directly.
Twitter: @PhillyBeerWeek
Hashtag: I've seen #PBW2012, but #PBW is more common and less than forty of those all-important characters in the Twitterverse
Facebook page: Philly-Beer-Week
I've taken these and cruised the PBW '12 calendar to put together a half-baked plan of attack for June 1-10. Along the way, I've made some observations and a list of things you might find interesting as well.
Allow me to selfishly get my endeavor out of the way here first.
There are currently 280 runners (and counting) signed up to do the first official Philly Beer Run 5-k at Dock Street on June 10, the last day of Philly Beer Week. The run coincides with the annual music fest which always draws many hundreds more.
We're capping it at 400 runners, and I fully expect to hit the cap as the week of PBW goes along. Don't be left out; sign up now. Great prizes, schwag, and post-party included! Plus, you can volunteer if you don't feel like running. (We'll love you just as much for doing that, too.)
All the details here: http://dockstreetbeer.com/PBR.html
I've covered all the years of Philly Beer Week. I feel pretty confident to say that no one has covered it more comprehensively. If you'd like some background and context (and pictures for added illustration), perhaps you can begin with this link to last year's wrap-up.
In my last few days of intense research to catch up post-Belgium, here's just a smattering of other goodies that I've uncovered that seem worth sharing with you. Random, incomplete, and in no particular order.
~ Hammer of Glory route stopping along the way at some of the best of the best
~ Opening Tap for a mayoral kickoff
~ All week long at the Four Seasons Hotel with the With Love Beer Garden, including Sly Fox's Kan Jam again on this year on Thursday. I'll be participating again with William Reed as my teammate. Wonder if there's a way the high-end hotel might include some mention on its own website?!
~ VIP pass for the hardcore
~ More kink this year than ever. Between Woodies, Delilah's, The Institute, and The Trestle Inn (others likely, too), you'll find event names and descriptions that could make you, or at least maybe your grandmother (unless she's the really cool type of grandmother) blush. Will be interesting to hear how those nights will go.
~ Ben Franklin/Casey Parker
video #1
video #2
~ I'd have to compare to last year's calendar, but a cursory review (and some talking around as well) gives me the sense that the suburbs are scaling back this year. I won't get in to it, but if you read closely enough, you know my feeling on this topic.
~ There are close to twenty events in the "Home Brewing" category. Pretty cool that this segment of brewing gets the proper nod as well. Historically, these events are usually home runs.
~ There are over 50 events categorized as "Free Beer for Sparks". What exactly is that?
~ Have many venues not yet posted events or did they pay only to advertise themselves on the PBW website? Curious, since I'm trying to envision which events might pop up at the Xfinity Live bars that are listed on the calendar. They're not the only ones.
~ Smartphone app is as good as ever. Still beats the website, imo, which in fairness, though, as come a long way in five years. Nice to see events can still be tagged as "favorites" in the phone app, however the ability to save private lists of events via the website seems to have disappeared this year.
~ Even in my absence this year, an enterprising soul has taken my spreadsheets of the past and done something similar, posting up a version and sharing it at Google Docs. Flattered, I am :)
Check it out, but don't forget for the most accurate Philly Beer Week schedule, consult the official PBW website...even better yet, contact establishments directly.
Twitter: @PhillyBeerWeek
Hashtag: I've seen #PBW2012, but #PBW is more common and less than forty of those all-important characters in the Twitterverse
Facebook page: Philly-Beer-Week
Monday, May 28, 2012
Weekly Brew Bits Update: 5/28/12
I'm finally getting my feet back under me after two wonderful weeks in Belgium. Here is a handful of things to discuss from the past few weeks. Got any news that I'm might have missed while out of the "office"? Drop a line and let me know.
PHILADELPHIA
~ Morgan's Pier, described as a "new concept beer garden", opened on Friday, May 25.
~ Grub Street Philadelphia helps us with what to expect at the evolving Bierstube Underbar.
~ Joe Sixpack shared with us some insights behind this year's Brotherly Suds collaborative creation for Philly Beer Week 2012.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant announced plans for its tenth location & in Voorhees, NJ. When I first read it, I saw "V" and first thought, "wow, interesting that they're going into Vineland, NJ!" But, then I re-read and thought, "hey, that's one location I'd guessed a while back".
~ Path being cleared for bigger things ahead at Dogfish Head
~ Another score from the recent expansion of Tröegs in to their new Hershey, Pa. location. H/T to Beerpulse.com
~ A lot of new beer brewing in upstate Pennsylvania at the new Susquehanna Brewing Company. Catch up with all the details on their company blog.
~ Some interesting news from Victory to show that with Headwaters Pale Ale, sometimes it's about the beer and other times, it's not as much about the beer.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Remember Chris Leonard from days of General Lafayette Inn & Brewery? He's resurfaced in Texas (Missouri City, just to make it a bit confusing) outside of Houston. His plan is to open Fort Bend Brewing Company later this year. From a recent Facebook posting, he says "...Fort Bend beer should be everywhere in the Houston area by mid-fall. We're expecting our 30-bbl brew house to be delivered in late July, installed by September, and cranking out beer before October."
PHILADELPHIA
~ Morgan's Pier, described as a "new concept beer garden", opened on Friday, May 25.
~ Grub Street Philadelphia helps us with what to expect at the evolving Bierstube Underbar.
~ Joe Sixpack shared with us some insights behind this year's Brotherly Suds collaborative creation for Philly Beer Week 2012.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant announced plans for its tenth location & in Voorhees, NJ. When I first read it, I saw "V" and first thought, "wow, interesting that they're going into Vineland, NJ!" But, then I re-read and thought, "hey, that's one location I'd guessed a while back".
~ Path being cleared for bigger things ahead at Dogfish Head
~ Another score from the recent expansion of Tröegs in to their new Hershey, Pa. location. H/T to Beerpulse.com
~ A lot of new beer brewing in upstate Pennsylvania at the new Susquehanna Brewing Company. Catch up with all the details on their company blog.
~ Some interesting news from Victory to show that with Headwaters Pale Ale, sometimes it's about the beer and other times, it's not as much about the beer.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Remember Chris Leonard from days of General Lafayette Inn & Brewery? He's resurfaced in Texas (Missouri City, just to make it a bit confusing) outside of Houston. His plan is to open Fort Bend Brewing Company later this year. From a recent Facebook posting, he says "...Fort Bend beer should be everywhere in the Houston area by mid-fall. We're expecting our 30-bbl brew house to be delivered in late July, installed by September, and cranking out beer before October."
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Great new beer at The Brew Lounge
Strange thing happened two days ago when we arrived home from Belgium. It wasn't necessarily the 22 bottles and 4 pieces of glassware that we unpacked from our luggage (some might call this a "beer haul", I believe) that made their home with us & though, many might say that in and of itself is strange enough.
No, it was the box that was mailed to me while we were gone. So I thought you'd enjoy seeing a picture of the fine beer that flew 4,000 miles to take up residence at The Brew Lounge alongside the promotional pack of Miller Lite and Genuine Draft new punch top cans that showed up on my doorstep. Nice juxtaposition. Review of the new punch top, perhaps, forthcoming.
Philly Beer Week: Casey Parker (Ben Franklin) is at it again
If there's been a noticeable change in this year's Philly Beer Week & even before it's begun & is not just the amount, but the quality of the p.r./marketing to draw attention to the massive undertaking that Philly Beer Week is.
A little while back, I shared the first video starring Jose Pistola's Casey Parker as Ben Franklin.
Here's number two. Personally, I like this one even better and gets me a bit more excited to get to planning on how I'll cover this behemoth 10 days of great beers and bars in and around Philadelphia.
A little while back, I shared the first video starring Jose Pistola's Casey Parker as Ben Franklin.
Here's number two. Personally, I like this one even better and gets me a bit more excited to get to planning on how I'll cover this behemoth 10 days of great beers and bars in and around Philadelphia.
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