A Trisket, A..wait I mean Happy Anniversary to Grey Lodge

(mash sparging)

(hops adding)

(Scoats wandering)
Here I thought I had some exclusive material sent along to me from Mr. Scoats of Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia. Then, the ever-intrepid Mr. Curtin hit 'post' and I realized I was just another name in the 'to' field.

Ah, but wait. Then the originally-inconspicuous benefits of having an intern become clear to me when Scoats' sidekick/intern, Phil, dropped a couple of extra pictures in my inbox to share with you all.

I'm not sure that I can really put adequate words around what Scoats and his crew are doing on Frankford Avenue. It's quite the (typical) show of good times, good music, and good food and beverage that they've got planned for August 15th....raised to the power of 13.

Thirteen years deserves a little something special, so instead of me spilling it on my pages here, go over to Grey Lodge's website and check it out for yourself. 13 events in 13 hours is what they're saying...pie oh my. 11pm sounds like the capper to a crazy day. yes, pie oh my.

Wednesday the 15th of July was a very busy and beery night around Philadelphia

Wednesday the 15th was a very busy night for local brewers and their fans this week. In the 'burbs, Sly Fox was hosted over at The Drafting Room in Exton, where Tim Ohst, Brian O'Reilly, and Suzy Woods (were there others too?) showed up along with a half dozen or so of their Single Hop Project goodies from Phoenixville, including the last month's release, Willamette Pale Ale. The cask of Rt. 113 IPA on the bar made it difficult to resist staying close to home on this evening.

However, the city was calling. And some nights are just made for walking and carousing the city. This was one of them. Casey, Gene, Chuck and the Flying Fish crew were unleashed on multiple Philly locations (Swift Half and Varga) to debut the latest release from the Exit Series...Exit 11, which has its tie-in to....oops, said I wasn't going to discuss for fear of implication in......

While Wednesday night treated me very well, it wasn't quite the night I'd originally envisioned. Though, I'm not complaining. It was another great night to be gallivanting through the city.

(wow! Standard Tap even painted the Flying Fish logo on its wall for the event! ;-)
When I caught a later train than expected, it meant that the meet 'n' greet with the folks of Ommegang at Tria Cafe was out the window. So, too, was 3/4 of the special/preview/tasting event for the Flying Fish Exit 11 at Standard Tap. Patty and I walked in for the last 20 minutes or so at Standard Tap to find some of the glitterati still milling around the upstairs bar.

Carolyn Smagalski (Bella Online), Lew Bryson (various this's and that's), Arthur Etchells (FooBooz), Casey Hughes (Flying Fish), Steve Mashington (Yards), and Jennie Hatton (superstar PR to the superstars) were just a handful of those that came out to see what the Most Controversial Beer Series in the country had most recently cooked up.

(Lew and Casey looking, um, rather dignified?)
After a quick one at Standard, we meandered the few blocks up the street to the new Piazza at Schmidts project that has cropped up at the former residence of baseball player, Mike Schmidt...or was that the brewery named Schmidts? I'll need to check ;-)

Without discussing the other recent headline-grabbing event that occurred there recently, the Piazza appears to be a well-done and ambitious project that seems to think-outside-the-box by Philadelphia standards. With free movies, music, and sporting events on an outdoor large-screen TV in a public commons area, the Swift Half Pub is one of several retail/restaurants laced amongst residential units.

Swift Half can be entered both from 2nd street as well as from the interior courtyard area. In one of the pictures below, the courtyard through the large windows is slightly visible in the background. I don't have too many notes or observations about the place since this was my first visit and was definitely taking part more in the social aspect of the evening rather than the detailed note-taking. Basically, though, this looks to be a very inviting pub, simplistic in the decor, smart in the food and drink offerings, and comfortable in both the indoor but particularly the outdoor seating. The service was attentive but not overly nosy. More details to come after my next visit.

(the crowd tunes in to Fox News spotlight on Flying Fish)
So, the beer...what about the beer, right? While I don't believe that Exit 11 is supplanting my favor for the flavor and depth of the Exit 4, getting off Exit 11 to head down the Shore is a perfect way to go this summer. This is a lighter bodied beer, weighing in just a tick over 6% ABV, with a nice dose of hop aroma (thanks double dry hopping!) with some fruit in the middle leading to a fairly clean and dry finish....which all leads to the next sip and the next....perfect for summer, right?

(Bright Lights all around Gene Muller these last couple of weeks)
Better get some soon. With all of the (now) nationwide hoopla surrounding the Exit Series, this installment is almost guaranteed to be gone before you know it. In fact, while we were there we all got to watch the Flying Fish/Turnpike story told on Fox News on the TV above the bar. They turned off the music and piped in the TV audio so we could all listen along. Then the local CBS affiliate popped in to do a short interview with owner Gene Muller and the circus was well underway.

We laughed, we drank, we joked that Brian O'Reilly's Route 113 IPA never caused this much commotion.

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: July 16-July 22

A little late for events occurring tonight, but here's what you can find for the 6 days following night around the town and suburbs of Philadelphia.

Check out the entire July 2009 calendar over here.

Try something new at a free or PAYG tasting
@Beer Yard, Wayne, PA--- Fri. 7/17 - Friday Night Tasting (Bear Republic) (5:00pm-7:00pm; free sample tastings of Racer 5, Hop Rod Rye, and Red Rocket)

@Blind Tiger Ale House, New York, NY--- Wed. 7/22 - Wednesday Night Promotion (Christmas in July) (4pm; PAYG for 25 of Santa's goodies, you don't even have to be nice in July to get them)

@Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 7/16 - The Return of Arcadia (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG; **This has been rescheduled, date TBD**)
@Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 7/21 - Doc's Cider Flight Night (5:00pm; some free, some PAYG)

@Ortino's Northside, Zieglerville, PA--- Thu. 7/16 - Christmas in July with Tröegs Brewing (PAYG for '06,'07,'08 Mad Elf)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, PA--- Fri. 7/17 - Third Friday Firkin (July firkin: ESB) (11:30am 'til it kicks; PAYG)

@TJs, Paoli, PA--- Sat. 7/18 - Beers of Michigan Faceoff (6:00pm; PAYG for beers from New Holland (Mad Hatter, Imperial Hatter, Brother Jacob, Existential, Night Tripper), Founders (Double Trouble, Imperial Stout, Curmudgeon, Centennial IPA), and Bells (Two Hearted, Oberon, Double Cream Stout, Best Brown Ale)

@Tria, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 7/22 - Hot Blondes (6:30pm-8:00pm; $30, currently sold out but call just to be sure)

@Union Jack's, Boyertown, PA--- Thu. 7/16 - Left Hand Brewing Tasting (5:00pm; PAYG for 7 Left Hand drafts)


Good Beer, with a little something extra on the side
@Capone's, Norristown, PA--- Thu. 7/16 - Flying Fish Exit 11 Promotion (all day, all night; PAYG for food, beer, and raffles)

@Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 7/21 - Belgium Independence Day (all day, all night; PAYG for Rodenbach and others)

@Victory Brewing, Downingtown, PA--- Thu. 7/16 - Follow the Liter (6:00pm; PAYG for fun and games and a German-themed menu)


A couple of bigger events
@downtown Selinsgrove, PA--- Sat. 7/18 - Hops, Vines, and Wines Festival (2:00pm-6:00pm; $40)

@Spring House Brewing Company, Conestoga, PA--- Sat. 7/18 - The Bell Ringer: An Old-Time Ale Festival and a Colonial Brewing Demonstration with Rich Wagner (12:00-6:00pm; $15)


And, of course, beer and food...perfect together like High Street and New Jersey
@High Street Caffe, West Chester, PA--- Wed. 7/22 - Victory Beer Dinner (7:00pm; $45 for a 5 course/6 beer dinner)

@High Street Grill, Mt. Holly, NJ--- Tue. 7/21 - Tap Beer Promo+All-You-Can-Eat Mussels (Clipper City Heavy Seas Hang Ten) ($10)

@Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 7/17 - Barbecue and Bell's (sometime in the afternoon 'til sometime later after dark; PAYG)

@Mémé Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 7/21 - Spotlight on Homebrewers (6:30pm-8:30pm; $25 for homebrew and hors d'oeuvres sampling)

Check out the entire July 2009 calendar over here.

Iron Hill ready to cross the river to the Jersey Side

Does news of Iron Hill's opening this coming Monday, July 20th mean that they are pretty much on schedule? Way to go guys, can't wait to see Chris LaPierre and the team working the Iron Hill magic in Maple Shade, NJ. #8 and counting......

A Fish by any other Name

Tonight seems like just the right kind of night to knock a few things off a list. A list that includes:

- see a new place---check! Swift Half in Northern Liberties
- drink a new beer---check! Exit 11 from Flying Fish
- meet up with friends---check! a gaggle of beer glitterati are due to be at Standard Tap, Varga, Tria, Swift Half and countless other beer joint for this that and the other on this fine hump day

- promise not to discuss the lunacy of the Turnpike Commission's brew-ha-ha over the Flying Fish Exit Series---don't know if I'll be able to check this one or not. But, to be safe, I'm still taking the train in case there are picketers watching the front door.

See you there too?

Out of the Mouths of Others, part 5: How long does that Growler Last?

Maybe I shouldn't complain; afterall, it drives a bit of search traffic to my site. But, really? Why is it so important to know how long a growler stays fresh?

Okay, fine, I suppose if you're wondering how long can you leave it unopened before it goes "bad," then that might be a fair question. Y'know, maybe you're transporting it on vacation or to a friend as a gift...fine.

And in fairness, the topic was covered in these parts back in the wee early days around The Brew Lounge, when Adam used to be part of the show. But, really...seriously? We're not talking about a full 15.5 gallon keg here. We're talking 62-68 ounces here people.

But yet, I sometimes get dozens of visits a day to The Brew Lounge from people asking questions of Mr. Google or Mrs. Bing about the growler...its history, the size, and the longevity of an open growler. Maybe it's the sight of me and countless others toting glass jugs around more than ever that have people curious.

Here's a tip for you: Drink it...now. And if you can't drink it in the first night after it's filled for you at the bar, it better be gone within 48 hours. It's that simple. And, if you can't drink a whole 4 pints by yourself over the course of two nights and if you have no one to share it with, either cook with the remainder or don't buy the growler in the first place.

Next thing I know, you'll be asking how many people a 750ml bottle of beer is meant to be shared with! (Unless it's over 8% ABV, I think you know the answer!)

What about you? Do you often waste a growler because you can't finish it before it "turns?" Do you only buy growlers when you know it will be drunk that night or the next or have a few people to share it with?

Airplane On-Board Beer, yes please?

Just got an e-mail from US Airways. They are running a survey to find out what kind of beverages their customers prefer while flying. Even when I chose water, the survey then went on for a couple of more questions regarding beer and my preferences.

Needless to say, I filled in the "other" blank. Hopefully it will also be needless to say that there may soon be better options on board US Airways flights.

Not sure if the link will work from here, but if so...knock yourself out and make your voice heard too. Vote for Change!

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Let US know what quenches your thirst onboard

We'd like to find out what you like to drink on US Airways flights. We'll use your feedback to help improve our drinks onboard.

This survey will only take a couple minutes. Thanks for your help. Take our survey

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A Brew Lounge Request for a Friend in Need

I don't ask for much from you around here. I've never asked for donations and never will. That said, it's time that I ask you to spend your money in one particular place.

If you are a lover of good, well-crafted beer then I believe that you will agree that the future should have the General Lafayette Inn & Brewery in it. If you appreciate history and landmarks, then I believe that you will want to support The General. If you believe that good people who do good things should not be cast aside by unfortunate incidents and accidents, then you should want to help support the Leonard Family of the General Lafayette.

I've pasted the contents of an e-mail that has made its way into numerous other websites/blogs that you may have already caught wind from. You can read the details below. Chris has always been straight forward, almost to a fault, in person or in his blog, that I wish he keeps posting to.

Whether you decide an investment of $1,000, $5,000, or $10,000 is appropriate for your situation, I have a simpler request of you. Consider it a back-to-school project. In other words, beginning today and before the end of summer, you must make it a high priority to:

- go to The General more often---if you currently go once a month, go twice. If you've never been, go once in July and once again in August. Go for dinner, take the family or go with a group of friends. Have a full dinner and a couple of brews.

- when you go for a meal, make sure you take home a growler of fresh beer with you. We all know that there's nothing better than beer fresh from the brewery.

- buy packaged General Lafayette beer for take home or to give to friends. Their beers can be found at distributors and at the pub. Buy the Abbey Brune or the Abbey Blonde. Or better yet, buy the recently bottled Chocolate Thunder, one of the first beers to make me appreciate The General for what it is.

So, let's sum up the homework. Once in July and once in August (or more, if you can)---Keep The General in business by going for a meal. Buy a growler to take home. Buy packaged product to drink at home and share with friends. Convince others that they should go and support The General as well.

You don't want to sitting here in October saying "ah, it's a shame..." now do you? We can all do our part...and should.

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The General Lafayette Inn and its Guest House are in jeopardy of closing. Stiff competition, limited resources, and the failing economy have contributed to a steady decline in revenues over the past 16 months. While beer sales have remained relatively stable, our food, wine and liquor sales have decreased to the point that we are finding it almost impossible to maintain operations. Past due mortgages, property taxes, payroll taxes, and accounts payable to vendors have pushed the General to the precipice. Unless we raise significant funds in the next two months - to get current with our debtors, improve facilities, increase wholesale beer production, and increase our marketing efforts – closure is imminent.

While we have solicited sale of the General, no offers have come – understandable in this economic climate. Any offer we do receive will likely come from a party uninterested in the history of the General. It could become the next Wawa or CVS. Even more likely is that we will face foreclosure, allowing a developer to more easily acquire the properties and demolish the 5th oldest tavern in the country.

The General Lafayette Inn consists of two properties and three buildings. It’s most recent appraisal (2007) valued it at just under $2.2 million. We are a family owned operation. I, Brewmaster Christopher Leonard, am the majority owner. We desperately seek to avoid losing the General Lafayette Inn and the fate that would befall it if we do. So, we are soliciting equity investors to become silent (or not-so-silent) partners in this unique local treasure. Generally speaking, we are offering stock in the General Lafayette Inn for approximately 1% per $10,000. We will consider partners for as little as $5000. You would gain a small piece of history, pride in preserving the past, and a heck of a lot of delicious beer in return.

We are also starting a special “Friends of the General Lafayette Inn Society”. We are looking for up to 150 passionate local beer and/or history lovers with $1000 to invest in our past and good beer future. In return you will receive an annual $275 house account each of the next 5 years. This can be used for any goods or services. We will host an annual members-only event and dedicate the oldest portion of the building to the Society, displaying each member’s name.

In the meantime, know that operations at the General Lafayette Inn will continue as normal. We continue to produce new, innovative beers (look for a kriek soon). We have a new chef, Oliver Munguia. He has made some interesting changes including hand cut fries, house made pickles and has shown an attention to freshness, quality, and consistency that the General has lacked for some time.

Please contact me at chris.leonard@generallafayetteinn.com, or stop in to speak with me, for more details/information. We understand how untraditional and risky this approach is. However, we are steadfast in our belief that the General Lafayette Inn is worth it and willing to do just about anything to protect its future.


Very Truly Yours,
Christopher W. Leonard, Brewmaster/Proprietor
General Lafayette Inn & Brewery

Countdown to Ommegang's BCTC 2009: some new goods from the host

If all goes according to last year's plan, I'll again be sharing the BCTC menu with you before the event. If not, I do have some insight to new beers that Ommegang themselves will be sharing with us at this year's festival.

Like last year's debut of Rouge, a Triple IPA and Holiday Strong Ale ("Adoration") will be debuted, most likely at Friday Night's VIP session...then again at the main festival on Saturday. Also word of a Belgian Scotch Ale...or is that Belgo-Scotch?

This news comes from brewer Brian Enrici, who made an appearance with Megan Maguire (Duvel/Ommegang sales) at Jose Pistola's this past Thursday night in Philadelphia. Quite commendable that Brian made the trip down from his hometown of Cooperstown, NY just for this event.

The notes above were the Brew Lounge-permitted comments. Ones I'm obliged not to discuss, for now, promise continued excitement coming out of Cooperstown's flagship brewery. And...one possible disappointing piece of news.

Brian was quite adept at making the social table rounds for those that were there for the special Ommegang event (Rare Vos, Witte, Abbey, Hennepin, and Rouge were all on tap...very nice, Casey). This looked good as I can just never understand the brewer/sales rep who participates in events like this, while hanging at the bar waiting for customers to approach them. Well done, Brian.

While we're talking Ommegang in Philly, they've got an interesting looking event coming up this Wednesday at Tria, home to all events including beer, wine, and cheese. This one pits the Duvel family of beers against wine in a cheese-pairing showdown. These events are popping up everywhere, it seems, since Sam and Marnie took their Mars and Venus show on the road a couple of years ago. Looks like it's sold out, but if you're interested, it never hurts to give a call and find out for sure.

Also discussed was how if O'Reilly's Stout can bump aside Guinness from tap towers, then why can't Witte do the same to Hoegaarden? Afterall, which would you rather partake in?