Here we are in the thick of this 29 day month. Make the most of it with this seven day calendar chock full of fun and beer-y things to do in and around Philadelphia.
Check out the entire February 2012 calendar over here.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/17 - Friday Night Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Lancaster Brewing with Joe Sixpack)
@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/17 - Beer Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Lancaster Brewing)
@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/16 - Keep the Pint Night (4:30pm; $PAYG for a night with McKenzie Brew House)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Fri. 2/17 - Firkin February (5:00pm; $PAYG as they'll be serving a firkin of cask-conditioned Chocolate Dubbel, an Abbey Double brewed in the original style of a Belgian monastery)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Wed. 2/22 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp ($PAYG, see website for all the details)
@Total Wine, Claymont, Del.--- Thu. 2/16 - Learn About Lagers and Ales beyond Pilsners and Pales (6:30pm-8:30pm; $15 for a journey of beer styles goes way beyond the usual grocery store choices. Taste a range of different color beers covering a wide, palate-smacking flavor spectrum. Class includes beer selections, tasting sheets, take home educational materials, and discounts on the beer presented in class.)
@Total Wine, Claymont, Del.--- Sat. 2/18 - Learn About Lagers and Ales beyond Pilsners and Pales (3:00pm-5:00pm; $15 for a journey of beer styles goes way beyond the usual grocery store choices. Taste a range of different color beers covering a wide, palate-smacking flavor spectrum. Class includes beer selections, tasting sheets, take home educational materials, and discounts on the beer presented in class.)
Beer events with that extra piece of flair
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/22 - Flying Dog Night (4:00pm; $PAYG for Black Lager with Cherries, Doggie Style, Double Dog, Garde Dog, “Barrel Aged” Gonzo Imperial Porter, “Nitro” Gonzo Imperial Porter, Horn Dog, Imperial Hefeweizen, In Heat Wheat, K-9 Cruiser, Kujo Coffee Stout (cask), Old Scratch Lager, Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout, Raging Bitch, Snake Dog, The Fear, Wildeman Farmhouse IPA)
@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 2/16 - Great Lakes Tap Takeover (6:00pm; $PAYG for a tap list still TBD)
@TJ's, Paoli, Pa.--- Tue. 2/21-Sat. 2/25 - Featured Brewery Week ($PAYG for In De Wildeman, Kujo, Barrel Aged Gonzo, Gonzo, Raging Bitch, Double Dog, Garde Dog, Snake Dog, Doggie Style, Old Scratch, and In Heat Wheat)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 2/18 - 3rd Annual PYP with Yards Brewery (2:00pm-6:00pm; $40 for all you can eat and drink of a roasted pig, great sides, Pumpkin Mac, and Yards Brawler, ESA, IPA, Philly Pale Ale, Love Stout, and of course a Firkin of TBD)
Beer and Food events
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Tue. 2/21 - Brewmaster's Fat Tuesday Beer Dinner (7:00pm; $70 for a five-course meal paired with Voodoo Lager, Roggenbier, Honey Leaf IPA, Bridge Street Bock, and Sasquatch American Barleywine)
@Leaf Cigar Bar, Easton, Pa.--- Wed. 2/22 - Sly Fox Beer Dinner (6:00pm-9:00pm; $59)
A few February fests
@Beltzner Hall/Kutztown Fairgrounds, Kutztown, Pa.--- Sat. 2/18 - Friendfest (1:00pm-3:30pm, 4:00pm-6:30pm, 7:00pm-9:30pm; $10/$35/$50 and see website for all the details)
@Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa.--- Sat. 2/18 - Winter Folk Festival (3:30pm-10:00pm; $10/$12 for a music event to benefit Hospice of Lancaster County.)
@The Chameleon Club, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sun. 2/19 - Winterfest (1:00pm-4:00pm; $10-$35 for featured breweries like Stone, Dogfish Head, St. Boniface, Victory, Lancaster, Stoudts, Tröegs, Sly Fox, Magic Hat, Sixpoint, Roy Pitz Brewery, Lavery Brewing Company, Kind Beers, Raven Beer, Hauser Estate Winery (Jack's Hard Cider). Lancaster Homebrew will be on site as well as Mr. Steve's.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Weekly Brew Bits Update: 2/13/12
Here we head in to the lovey-dovey time of the month and there's plenty of lovey-dovey news to share with you all.
PHILADELPHIA
~ Union Transfer near the Delaware River waterfront in Philly. Don't know much about it yet, but here are some notes from Michael Klein at Philly.com. Looks like they're targeting May. The location is the old Rock Lobster. And, the concept is beer garden (yawn...oops, did I say that?).
~ Providing some of the best sports coverage in Philadelphia, Crossing Broad gets a firsthand look (video included) at the coming Xfinity Live! at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which will be complete with a Victory Beer Garden in less than a couple months.
~ This is just pure fun. You sort of need some sports and advertising history under your belt to "get this" and it's pretty darn funny. Plus, being a Phillies fan and knowing Larry Anderson is part of the fun. I met him at the bar before a dinner at Primavera Pizza Kitchen in Ardmore many years ago. Fun guy and completely well-fit for this role.
~ Sure, it's another Top X list but they're always fun discussion starting points, so the shout-outs (i.e. the ones that are more personal to me and therefore carry strong recommendations to you all) go out to: #50 The Alembic Bar (sister establishment to San Francisco's fine Magnolia Brewery & Restaurant); #42 Comstock Saloon (housed in the former San Francisco Brewing Company building that dates back nearly 150 years); #29 Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company (often cited as one of Philly's better ones); and #14 Southwark (Sazerac, period). And, it obviously proves that I spend most of my bar time in the "less classical/traditional" cocktail bars. Eh, watchya gonna do?
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Just outside of Philly, in a town called Ardmore where another great beer project (called Tired Hands) is brewing, comes word of The Beer Shoppe that could open in as little as a few months and promises to be a rather unique concept, particularly for the area. Philly.com has the details and quotes.
~ When it comes to all things Belgian in the States, it's pretty certain that very little else generates as much excitement as does Max's annual Belgian Beer Fest in Baltimore. Here's the skinny for this coming weekend's soiree at Max's.
THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ I don't get this crazy idea of pilgrimages and waiting in ridiculous lines. But, then again, many don't understand why I camp on the brewery grounds of Ommegang for a weekend either. This event caught the eye of the local news team in North Carolina.
~ SF Beer Week may be underway, but Strong Beer Month will continue all month long. Get out your punch cards and your designated drivers (or BART).
~ And, speaking of San Francisco, there's a new Homebrewers Guild. Check them out on their website and their Facebook page.
~ What the heck, let's add to the Pliny The Younger craze. Russian River has a blog update with some words and stories that you may enjoy.
~ Oh, and one last thing. The Weekly Pint has launched and claims to be ready to let you know everything you need to know about beer. Give 'em a look-see and let 'em know what you think. It's being spearheaded by Christian DeBenedetti, author of The Great American Ale Trail.
PHILADELPHIA
~ Union Transfer near the Delaware River waterfront in Philly. Don't know much about it yet, but here are some notes from Michael Klein at Philly.com. Looks like they're targeting May. The location is the old Rock Lobster. And, the concept is beer garden (yawn...oops, did I say that?).
~ Providing some of the best sports coverage in Philadelphia, Crossing Broad gets a firsthand look (video included) at the coming Xfinity Live! at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which will be complete with a Victory Beer Garden in less than a couple months.
~ This is just pure fun. You sort of need some sports and advertising history under your belt to "get this" and it's pretty darn funny. Plus, being a Phillies fan and knowing Larry Anderson is part of the fun. I met him at the bar before a dinner at Primavera Pizza Kitchen in Ardmore many years ago. Fun guy and completely well-fit for this role.
~ Sure, it's another Top X list but they're always fun discussion starting points, so the shout-outs (i.e. the ones that are more personal to me and therefore carry strong recommendations to you all) go out to: #50 The Alembic Bar (sister establishment to San Francisco's fine Magnolia Brewery & Restaurant); #42 Comstock Saloon (housed in the former San Francisco Brewing Company building that dates back nearly 150 years); #29 Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company (often cited as one of Philly's better ones); and #14 Southwark (Sazerac, period). And, it obviously proves that I spend most of my bar time in the "less classical/traditional" cocktail bars. Eh, watchya gonna do?
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Just outside of Philly, in a town called Ardmore where another great beer project (called Tired Hands) is brewing, comes word of The Beer Shoppe that could open in as little as a few months and promises to be a rather unique concept, particularly for the area. Philly.com has the details and quotes.
~ When it comes to all things Belgian in the States, it's pretty certain that very little else generates as much excitement as does Max's annual Belgian Beer Fest in Baltimore. Here's the skinny for this coming weekend's soiree at Max's.
THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ I don't get this crazy idea of pilgrimages and waiting in ridiculous lines. But, then again, many don't understand why I camp on the brewery grounds of Ommegang for a weekend either. This event caught the eye of the local news team in North Carolina.
~ SF Beer Week may be underway, but Strong Beer Month will continue all month long. Get out your punch cards and your designated drivers (or BART).
~ And, speaking of San Francisco, there's a new Homebrewers Guild. Check them out on their website and their Facebook page.
~ What the heck, let's add to the Pliny The Younger craze. Russian River has a blog update with some words and stories that you may enjoy.
~ Oh, and one last thing. The Weekly Pint has launched and claims to be ready to let you know everything you need to know about beer. Give 'em a look-see and let 'em know what you think. It's being spearheaded by Christian DeBenedetti, author of The Great American Ale Trail.
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: February 9 - February 15
Valentine's Day is coming up. I'm sure many of you will need any and all the excuses listed below for reasons why not to "celebrate" this most Hallmark of holidays (probably also inspired by mail carriers and the restaurant industry as well, if I really put my cynical hat on).
Check out the entire February 2012 calendar over here.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Friday Night Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Stoudt's beer)
@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Beer Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Voodoo beer)
@Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 - Make Sexy Beast Your Valentine (4:00pm; $PAYG for Sexy Beast-centered night of beer and dessert specials)
@Iron Hill, Chestnut Hill, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Oompa Loompa Release Party (5:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for this beer that was aged for two weeks on Madagascar vanilla beans and cocoa nibs and served on nitro. Limited complimentary chocolate truffles for mug club members.)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Firkin February (5:00pm; $PAYG as they'll be serving a firkin of cask-conditioned Madness. To celebrate our 1,000th batch, we brewed our award-winning Russian Imperial Stout)
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 - Rewards Program kickoff on Valentine's, with Love (7:00pm; $PAYG to sign up for their new rewards program and drink from a few special taps of Ommegang Aphrodite, Seduction, and Adoration!)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Shangy’s Tap Take-over (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for Avery's Hog Heaven and Dugana, Bell's Two Hearted, Mort Subite Kriek, Southern Tier's Oak-aged Pumking and Creme Brulee, La Chouffe, La Trappe Isidor, Bockor Bellegems Bruin, and more)
@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover (6:30pm; $PAYG for Exits #4 (bar-top pin) and #8, HopFish, RedFish, Abbey-style Dubbel, ESB, XPA, and a very special BigFish '06)
@Whole Foods, Devon, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Beer Sampling (5:30pm-7:30pm; $Free tasting samples of Flying Fish beer)
Beer and Food events
@Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa.--- Sat. 2/11 - Sly Fox Beer LOVERS Dinner (7:00pm-10:00pm; $50/$95 for a menu that will be highlighting chocolate on Chef Jill's menu, with beers perfectly paired by Jesse Albertson.)
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/12 - Valentine's Beer Dinner (6:00pm-9:00pm; $75 for a four-course menu paired with LoverBeer Madamin, Southern Tier Choklat, Anchorage Love Buzz, AleSmith Horny Devil, Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale, and a surprise beer)
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Wine vs. Beer Dinner (7:00pm; $60 for a five-course meal paired with wines and the following beers: Malheur Biere Brut, Lefebvre Blanche de Bruxelles, Timmermans' Bourgogne des Flandres, Young's Double Chocolate Stout, and Timmermans' Strawberry Lambic)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Beer & Chocolate Pairing (6:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for a five-course meal paired with Smokin Blonde, Brett Dubbel, Fe 10, Oak-Aged Belgian Quad, and Russian Imperial Stout)
MOVED TO TUESDAY, MARCH 13 @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 -The Beers of Winter (7:00pm; $95 for a dinner and "year-end inventory of this crazy aged stuff")
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 - Valentine's Day Dinner (7:00pm-10:00pm; $55 for a four-course meal paired with four craft brews)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Sweet and Savory 16 Beer Dinner (6:00pm; $55 for a five-course meal paired with Chocolate Lager, Headwaters Pale Ale, Festbier, Dark Lager, and Vintage Storm King)
Other interesting events with a theme
@Blue Dog, Chalfont, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Suburban debut of Clown Shoes (6:30pm-8:30pm; $PAYG for eight beers including Vampire Slayer Imperial Stout, Blaecorn Unidragon Russian Imperial Stout, Muffin Top Belgian IPA, Tramp Stamp Belgian IPA, Hoppy Feet Black IPA, Supa Hero Imperial IPA, Lubrication American Black Ale, and Clementine Witbier)
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Manayunk Night (6:00pm; $PAYG for six of Manayunk's best like Monk from the Yunk, Yunk Nocturnum, Dreamin IPA, Philadelphia Porter, Rye of the Tiger, and St. Alpha Belgian Amber)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Arcadia Night (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG as owner Tim Suprise shows up and the bar pours five drafts and a selection of bottles including Coco Loco, Loch Ness Scotch Ale, Hopmouth Double IPA, Sky High Rye, and Shipwreck Porter)
@Jamison Pour House, Jamison, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Dogfish Head Limited Release Party (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for 120 Minute IPA, Fort, Namaste, Olde School Barelywine, Ta Henket, and World Wide Stout)
@Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (12:00pm; $PAYG for Hoppy Feet, Tramp Stamp, Muffin Top, and Vampire Slayer)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp ($PAYG and see the website for all the details)
@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Czech Your Beer - Staropramen Night (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for this Czech Pilsner from Prague. Buy a Staropramen, get a glass. Other goodies too.)
@Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Beer Law Forum (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG during a night of debate and conversation around the changing and not-so-changing landscape of Pennsylvania beer and liquor laws. Co-hosted and facilitated by the brewery and Philly Beer Scene. Lew Bryson and State Senator Chuck McIlhinney will make up the esteemed panel.)
Check out the entire February 2012 calendar over here.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Friday Night Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Stoudt's beer)
@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Beer Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Voodoo beer)
@Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 - Make Sexy Beast Your Valentine (4:00pm; $PAYG for Sexy Beast-centered night of beer and dessert specials)
@Iron Hill, Chestnut Hill, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Oompa Loompa Release Party (5:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for this beer that was aged for two weeks on Madagascar vanilla beans and cocoa nibs and served on nitro. Limited complimentary chocolate truffles for mug club members.)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Firkin February (5:00pm; $PAYG as they'll be serving a firkin of cask-conditioned Madness. To celebrate our 1,000th batch, we brewed our award-winning Russian Imperial Stout)
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 - Rewards Program kickoff on Valentine's, with Love (7:00pm; $PAYG to sign up for their new rewards program and drink from a few special taps of Ommegang Aphrodite, Seduction, and Adoration!)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Shangy’s Tap Take-over (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for Avery's Hog Heaven and Dugana, Bell's Two Hearted, Mort Subite Kriek, Southern Tier's Oak-aged Pumking and Creme Brulee, La Chouffe, La Trappe Isidor, Bockor Bellegems Bruin, and more)
@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover (6:30pm; $PAYG for Exits #4 (bar-top pin) and #8, HopFish, RedFish, Abbey-style Dubbel, ESB, XPA, and a very special BigFish '06)
@Whole Foods, Devon, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Beer Sampling (5:30pm-7:30pm; $Free tasting samples of Flying Fish beer)
Beer and Food events
@Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa.--- Sat. 2/11 - Sly Fox Beer LOVERS Dinner (7:00pm-10:00pm; $50/$95 for a menu that will be highlighting chocolate on Chef Jill's menu, with beers perfectly paired by Jesse Albertson.)
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/12 - Valentine's Beer Dinner (6:00pm-9:00pm; $75 for a four-course menu paired with LoverBeer Madamin, Southern Tier Choklat, Anchorage Love Buzz, AleSmith Horny Devil, Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale, and a surprise beer)
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Wine vs. Beer Dinner (7:00pm; $60 for a five-course meal paired with wines and the following beers: Malheur Biere Brut, Lefebvre Blanche de Bruxelles, Timmermans' Bourgogne des Flandres, Young's Double Chocolate Stout, and Timmermans' Strawberry Lambic)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Beer & Chocolate Pairing (6:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for a five-course meal paired with Smokin Blonde, Brett Dubbel, Fe 10, Oak-Aged Belgian Quad, and Russian Imperial Stout)
MOVED TO TUESDAY, MARCH 13 @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 -
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 - Valentine's Day Dinner (7:00pm-10:00pm; $55 for a four-course meal paired with four craft brews)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Sweet and Savory 16 Beer Dinner (6:00pm; $55 for a five-course meal paired with Chocolate Lager, Headwaters Pale Ale, Festbier, Dark Lager, and Vintage Storm King)
Other interesting events with a theme
@Blue Dog, Chalfont, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Suburban debut of Clown Shoes (6:30pm-8:30pm; $PAYG for eight beers including Vampire Slayer Imperial Stout, Blaecorn Unidragon Russian Imperial Stout, Muffin Top Belgian IPA, Tramp Stamp Belgian IPA, Hoppy Feet Black IPA, Supa Hero Imperial IPA, Lubrication American Black Ale, and Clementine Witbier)
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Manayunk Night (6:00pm; $PAYG for six of Manayunk's best like Monk from the Yunk, Yunk Nocturnum, Dreamin IPA, Philadelphia Porter, Rye of the Tiger, and St. Alpha Belgian Amber)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Arcadia Night (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG as owner Tim Suprise shows up and the bar pours five drafts and a selection of bottles including Coco Loco, Loch Ness Scotch Ale, Hopmouth Double IPA, Sky High Rye, and Shipwreck Porter)
@Jamison Pour House, Jamison, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Dogfish Head Limited Release Party (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for 120 Minute IPA, Fort, Namaste, Olde School Barelywine, Ta Henket, and World Wide Stout)
@Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (12:00pm; $PAYG for Hoppy Feet, Tramp Stamp, Muffin Top, and Vampire Slayer)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp ($PAYG and see the website for all the details)
@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Czech Your Beer - Staropramen Night (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for this Czech Pilsner from Prague. Buy a Staropramen, get a glass. Other goodies too.)
@Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Beer Law Forum (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG during a night of debate and conversation around the changing and not-so-changing landscape of Pennsylvania beer and liquor laws. Co-hosted and facilitated by the brewery and Philly Beer Scene. Lew Bryson and State Senator Chuck McIlhinney will make up the esteemed panel.)
Monday, February 06, 2012
Weekly Brew Bits Update: 2/6/12
So 1/12 of the year is behind us. Around the northeast, most of us have been spared thus far typical brutal winter weather. That's been good for getting out and doing things.
Still lots to be said around here and I'm still finding my way around as briefly as possible bringing you all up-to-speed with things you may have missed in previous week.
What do you think? Has this been working for you? Or...meh?
PHILADELPHIA
~ The Eulogy/Beneluxx folks have opened with a concept that was originally supposed to be some sort of German/Chinese mashup (go figure that one out), but now look to be strictly focused on German. Not much to speak of from a German beer angle in this historially German-influenced culture in Pennsylvania. Should Brauhaus Schmitz worry. Probably too early for that.
~ Here, once again, is a story not really about beer. More, though, surprised that Federal Donuts (fried chicken and donuts, which apparently many of you have been flipping for) gets mention in the New York Times. Wow. Really?
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Bavarian Barbarian is shutting down operations after four years in the business in upstate Pennsylvania. Conversations I've had recently make me wonder if this is not the beginning of similar news in the coming years for small guys like this.
~ Anytime you can get a nice referral from Lew Bryson, that's gonna count for something good. Here's Old Forge Brewing Company from Danville, Pa. coming to the Philadelphia area market (via Bella Vista). Check out Bryson's notes on last week's release tour; then go find some for yourself.
~ Nice shout-out to Iron Hill and the burgeoning South Jersey craft beer scene.
~ From a craft beer perspective, not quite sure yet which of these to care a whole lot about. Will take some on-site investigation, I'm sure. How about any of you? Visit there yet?
~ Victory's own Matt Krueger needs our help raising money and awareness. Go here and chip in.
THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ MyBeerBuzz.com out of northeastern Pennsylvania has uncovered a Sierra Nevada-Russian River collaboration (with "bugs"!). Check it out.
~ This was pretty awesome to see up in Rochester, New York. They sure do love them some Sly Fox from NYC to Buffalo.
~ The unfortunate demise of the 49ers at the hands of the New Jersey Giants resulted in Anchor making good on its wager with Brooklyn Brewery. Here are some notes from Anchor.
~ Speaking of the Bay Area, still holding as one of my favorite "big" IPAs is Racer X from Bear Republic. Now comes word that they're releasing it in 22 ounce bombers during San Francisco Beer Week to be followed by a nationwide release in the fall of 2012.
~ And, one big last-but-not-least Bay Area blurb. Three words: Pliny The Younger. Straight from the source. Commence frothing you fine beer geeks.
Still lots to be said around here and I'm still finding my way around as briefly as possible bringing you all up-to-speed with things you may have missed in previous week.
What do you think? Has this been working for you? Or...meh?
PHILADELPHIA
~ The Eulogy/Beneluxx folks have opened with a concept that was originally supposed to be some sort of German/Chinese mashup (go figure that one out), but now look to be strictly focused on German. Not much to speak of from a German beer angle in this historially German-influenced culture in Pennsylvania. Should Brauhaus Schmitz worry. Probably too early for that.
~ Here, once again, is a story not really about beer. More, though, surprised that Federal Donuts (fried chicken and donuts, which apparently many of you have been flipping for) gets mention in the New York Times. Wow. Really?
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Bavarian Barbarian is shutting down operations after four years in the business in upstate Pennsylvania. Conversations I've had recently make me wonder if this is not the beginning of similar news in the coming years for small guys like this.
~ Anytime you can get a nice referral from Lew Bryson, that's gonna count for something good. Here's Old Forge Brewing Company from Danville, Pa. coming to the Philadelphia area market (via Bella Vista). Check out Bryson's notes on last week's release tour; then go find some for yourself.
~ Nice shout-out to Iron Hill and the burgeoning South Jersey craft beer scene.
~ From a craft beer perspective, not quite sure yet which of these to care a whole lot about. Will take some on-site investigation, I'm sure. How about any of you? Visit there yet?
~ Victory's own Matt Krueger needs our help raising money and awareness. Go here and chip in.
THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ MyBeerBuzz.com out of northeastern Pennsylvania has uncovered a Sierra Nevada-Russian River collaboration (with "bugs"!). Check it out.
~ This was pretty awesome to see up in Rochester, New York. They sure do love them some Sly Fox from NYC to Buffalo.
~ The unfortunate demise of the 49ers at the hands of the New Jersey Giants resulted in Anchor making good on its wager with Brooklyn Brewery. Here are some notes from Anchor.
~ Speaking of the Bay Area, still holding as one of my favorite "big" IPAs is Racer X from Bear Republic. Now comes word that they're releasing it in 22 ounce bombers during San Francisco Beer Week to be followed by a nationwide release in the fall of 2012.
~ And, one big last-but-not-least Bay Area blurb. Three words: Pliny The Younger. Straight from the source. Commence frothing you fine beer geeks.
Friday, February 03, 2012
Run for a Great Cause during San Francisco Beer Week 2012
I will unfortunately not be able to attend what is shaping up to surely be the greatest Beer Run in San Francisco Beer Week history, now in its 4th year.
But that didn't stop me from helping to organize it and putting together East Coast Prize Packages from eight breweries repped in the Philadelphia area. However, it's Derrick Peterman doing most of the heavy lifting as I'm 3000 miles away and the third co-organizer, Brian Yaeger, has moved to Portland, Ore. with this family.
The post-run party is being hosted once again by Social Kitchen & Brewery, located just off the south side of Golden Gate Park.
Special shout-out and thank-yous to Dock Street, Harpoon, Iron Hill, Ommegang/Duvel, Philadelphia Brewing, Sly Fox, Tröegs, and Victory for providing the prizes that will included in raffles to benefit the Contra Costa Food Bank (in memory of Bill Brand) and Autism Speaks.
If you or anyone you know are in the San Francisco Bay Area from 2/10-2/19, I strongly encourage you to check out one of the country's leading beer scenes and to also lace up your running shoes for a fun run in Golden Gate Park and an awesome post-run party.
More details on Ramblings of a Beer Runner.
But that didn't stop me from helping to organize it and putting together East Coast Prize Packages from eight breweries repped in the Philadelphia area. However, it's Derrick Peterman doing most of the heavy lifting as I'm 3000 miles away and the third co-organizer, Brian Yaeger, has moved to Portland, Ore. with this family.
The post-run party is being hosted once again by Social Kitchen & Brewery, located just off the south side of Golden Gate Park.
Special shout-out and thank-yous to Dock Street, Harpoon, Iron Hill, Ommegang/Duvel, Philadelphia Brewing, Sly Fox, Tröegs, and Victory for providing the prizes that will included in raffles to benefit the Contra Costa Food Bank (in memory of Bill Brand) and Autism Speaks.
If you or anyone you know are in the San Francisco Bay Area from 2/10-2/19, I strongly encourage you to check out one of the country's leading beer scenes and to also lace up your running shoes for a fun run in Golden Gate Park and an awesome post-run party.
More details on Ramblings of a Beer Runner.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Teresa's Next Door, the Super List for Saturday
Remember that event at Teresa's you may have learned about earlier today in the weekly TBL calendar of beer events? This one deserves a bit more telling.
Rather than try to compete on Sunday, plus they don't have a television, thank goodness, anyway -- Andy and the Teresa's Next Door staff will be treating us all on Saturday (tomorrow) to a Super draft lineup of the following:
Russian River
- Blind Pig
- Consecration
- Pliny the Elder
- Salvation
- Supplication
- Temptation
Tröegs
- Scratch 55, a double IPA
Founders
- Canadian Breakfast Stout '10
- Canadian Breakfast Stout '11
Cantillon
- Fou Foune (hand pump)
- Iris (hand pump)
How does that work for you? Impressed?
Rather than try to compete on Sunday, plus they don't have a television, thank goodness, anyway -- Andy and the Teresa's Next Door staff will be treating us all on Saturday (tomorrow) to a Super draft lineup of the following:
Russian River
- Blind Pig
- Consecration
- Pliny the Elder
- Salvation
- Supplication
- Temptation
Tröegs
- Scratch 55, a double IPA
Founders
- Canadian Breakfast Stout '10
- Canadian Breakfast Stout '11
Cantillon
- Fou Foune (hand pump)
- Iris (hand pump)
How does that work for you? Impressed?
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: February 2 - February 8
It's Groundhog Day, but don't let that deter you from wandering outside. In fact, by the time many of you read this, the first beer event of the day will already be in the books. Read on to learn more about what to do today and the remainder of the next seven days.
Check out the entire February 2012 calendar over here.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Kona Brewing)
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Friday Night Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Breckenridge Brewery with Joe Sixpack)
@Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Charity Cask Night (5:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for Blood Orange Ale, a golden ale infused with refreshing blood oranges. 100% of cask sales will be given to Miller-Keystone Blood Center.)
@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Beer Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Flying Fish beer)
@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Keep the Pint Night (4:30pm; $PAYG for a night with the Pittsburgh-area's Full Pint Brewing Company)
@Goshen Beverage Center, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Friday Night Tasting (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Yards Brewing Company)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Yards Brawler in the House (5:00pm-7:00pm; $PAYG as brewer, Tim Roberts, of Yards Brewing Company is bringing the Brawler and will be hanging out. Iron Hill's The Pugilist, modeled after the Brawler, will also be on tap.)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Firkin February (5:00pm; $PAYG as they'll be serving a firkin of cask-conditioned Winter Warmer)
@Kildare's Irish Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Mojo Risin' Night (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for Boulder Brewing's Mojo Risin' served three different ways: cask-conditioned on the handpump, on nitrogren, and on traditional CO2 draft)
@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Old Forge Debut (12:00pm-2:00pm; $PAYG as owner/brewer Damien Malfara comes to Philly with Bella Vista and his Endless Summer Pale Wheat, T-Rail Pale Ale, and Ol' Smithy Imperial Winter Warmer)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp ($PAYG with all the details at the website)
@The Bards, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover (6:00pm; $PAYG)
@Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Beer Sampling (6:00pm-8:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Flying Fish)
Not your ordinary tasting or sampling
@Blue Dog Pub, Lansdale, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Hop Fest (6:30pm-8:30pm; $PAYG for Russian River Pliny the Elder, Ballast Point Sculpin, Ithaca Flower Power, Mikkeller Beer Hop Breakfast American Black Ale, Founders Double Trouble, Avery Dugana, Southern Tier 2XIPA, Founders Centennial IPA, Lost Coast Double Trouble IPA, Port Brewing Mongo Double IPA, Bear Republic Mach 10 Double IPA, and many others.)
@Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Stone Hog Day (6:00pm; $PAYG for the most recent Vertical Epic 11-11-11, as well as the most recent collaboration beer by The Alchemist/Ninkasi/Stone called "More Brown Than Black IPA". We will also be pouring vertcal flights of: Stone Russian Imperial Stout '06, '07, '08 and '09, Stone Old Guardian Barleywine '06, '07, '08 and '09, and Stone Double Bastard '06, '07, '08 and '11)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Allagash & Whole Foods Market Beer and Cheese Happy Hour (6:00pm; $PAYG for some incredible cheese pairings to go with an icredible lineup from Allagash. All cheese is compliments of Whole Foods Market, so if you find something you like stop over and pick some up on the way home.)
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Charles Dickens' Birthday ($PAYG for great English ales all day long and Dickens-themed Quizzo at 9 p.m. We will offer extra credit if you come dressed in tweed.)
@Side Bar, West Chester, Pa.--- Tue. 2/7 - Bell's Dominates the Taps ($PAYG for HopSlam, Third Coast Old Ale, Two Hearted Ale, Cherry Stout, and a couple more that may sneak in at the last minute)
@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Groundhog Day Hawaiian Shirt Beer Breakfast (7:00am-1:00pm; $PAYG for special events and special beers all the way up until noon. Draft Line-Up that will include at least the following: Flying Fish Exit 8, Founders Breakfast Stout, Ommegang Aphrodite, Philadelphia Joe Porter, Russian River Supplication, Russian River Temptation, Sierra Nevada Exportation, Sierra Nevada Life and Limb, Sly Fox Coffee Porter, and Yards Old Bart. We will have special events with a different brewery every hour, including an Hawaiian Shirt contest, a hula hoop contest, and more.)
@The Railroad Street Bar & Grill, Linfield, Pa.--- Sat. 2/4 - Winter Hop Fest (2:30pm; $PAYG for Great Divide's Titan, Sonte's Sublimely Self-Righteous and Ruination, Green Flash's West Coast IPA and Imperial IPA, Firestone Walker's Double Jack, Port Brewing's Shark Attack, Mongo, and Wipeout, Russian River's Pliny The Elder, Ballast Point's Sculpin IPA, Nebraska's Hop God...and more to come.)
Beer and Food events
@Holiday Inn, Breinigsville, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Fegley's Brew Works Beer Dinner (6:00pm-9:00pm; $49 for a five-course meal paired with Always Sunny Pale Ale, Hop Explosion, Steelgarden Wit, Dopplebock, Rauchbock, and Insidious Imperial Stout)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sat. 2/4 - British Invasion (2:00pm-7:00pm; $PAYG for Russian Imperial Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Pig Iron Porter, Nitro Porter, Nitro Bourbon Porter, Winter Warmer, Old Ale, and Anvil Ale. Cask-conditioned Anvil Ale, Oatmeal Stout, and Vanilla Porter. Also, traditional English fare will be available.)
@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Beer and Eclat Chocolate Pairings (6:00pm-9:00pm; $25/$40 for five rounds of Eclat's chocolate paired with Russian Imperial Stout, Oompa Loompa Chocolate Stout, Cherry Chocolate Stout, and F.red)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 2/8 - Beer & Chocolate Pairing (6:00pm-9:00pm; $25 for six rounds of chocolate presented by Cantwell Tavern's Ryan Flynn and paired with Belgian Witbier, Abbey Dubbel, Pig Iron Porter, Oompa Loompa Chocolate Stout, Bourbon Russian Imperial Stout, and Black IPA)
@Uno's, Maple Shade, NJ--- Tue. 2/7 - Weyerbacher Beer Dinner (6:30pm-9:00pm; $55 for a five-course meal paired with Blithering Idiot, Quad, Big Ern’s IPA, Fireside Ale, and Old Heathen)
Some Super Bowl fun. Yeah, I said Super Bowl
@Franklin's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Super Bowl Pig Roast and Firkin (5:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for a pig roast buffet featuring Esposito's porchetta, salad, veggies, and sides. A firkin of Victory ESB, door prizes, raffles, giveaways all game long. 16 HDTVs on the wall to enjoy the big game)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Savage Super Bowl Sixtel Sunday (7:00pm; $PAYG for a "super lineup" (as always on Savage Sundays) whose list will not be divulged until tap time.)
@Misconduct Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Superbowl Firkin of Victory (5:30pm; $PAYG for a firkin of Victory's HopDevil during the game)
@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Sat. 2/4 - Superbowl Saturday ($PAYG for a couple of barrelaaged stouts from Michigan that you may have heard of, along with several 'tions, a couple of kegs from 56 Gheudestraat on the handpumps, and more of our favorites to come as we finish compiling our Superbowl list.)
And then there was this brewery called Clown Shoes, yup, Clown Shoes
@Kraftwork, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (5:30pm; $PAYG as Gregg Berman, brewer and brains behind Clown Shoes, will be in the house for dinner/Meet 'n Greet. Stop by, say hi, and welcome him with our usualy Philly luv - all ten drafts go on at noon, festivities start around 5:30 p.m. with Vampire Slayer, Tramp Stamp, Muffin Top, Hoppy Feet, Supahero, Clementine, Lubrication, Eagle Claw Fist, and Blaecorn Unidragon)
@Tapestry, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 2/6 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (7:00pm; $PAYG for nine drafts including Lubrication, Clementine, Tramp Stamp, Hoppy Feet, Eagle Claw Fist, Supa Hero, Blaecorn Unidragon, Vampire Slayer, and Muffin Top)
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/7 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for Vampire Slayer, Muffin Top, Tramp Stamp, Hoppy Feet, Supahero, and Clementine)
Check out the entire February 2012 calendar over here.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Kona Brewing)
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Friday Night Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Breckenridge Brewery with Joe Sixpack)
@Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Charity Cask Night (5:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for Blood Orange Ale, a golden ale infused with refreshing blood oranges. 100% of cask sales will be given to Miller-Keystone Blood Center.)
@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Beer Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Flying Fish beer)
@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Keep the Pint Night (4:30pm; $PAYG for a night with the Pittsburgh-area's Full Pint Brewing Company)
@Goshen Beverage Center, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Friday Night Tasting (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Yards Brewing Company)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Yards Brawler in the House (5:00pm-7:00pm; $PAYG as brewer, Tim Roberts, of Yards Brewing Company is bringing the Brawler and will be hanging out. Iron Hill's The Pugilist, modeled after the Brawler, will also be on tap.)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Firkin February (5:00pm; $PAYG as they'll be serving a firkin of cask-conditioned Winter Warmer)
@Kildare's Irish Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Mojo Risin' Night (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for Boulder Brewing's Mojo Risin' served three different ways: cask-conditioned on the handpump, on nitrogren, and on traditional CO2 draft)
@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Old Forge Debut (12:00pm-2:00pm; $PAYG as owner/brewer Damien Malfara comes to Philly with Bella Vista and his Endless Summer Pale Wheat, T-Rail Pale Ale, and Ol' Smithy Imperial Winter Warmer)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp ($PAYG with all the details at the website)
@The Bards, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover (6:00pm; $PAYG)
@Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Beer Sampling (6:00pm-8:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Flying Fish)
Not your ordinary tasting or sampling
@Blue Dog Pub, Lansdale, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Hop Fest (6:30pm-8:30pm; $PAYG for Russian River Pliny the Elder, Ballast Point Sculpin, Ithaca Flower Power, Mikkeller Beer Hop Breakfast American Black Ale, Founders Double Trouble, Avery Dugana, Southern Tier 2XIPA, Founders Centennial IPA, Lost Coast Double Trouble IPA, Port Brewing Mongo Double IPA, Bear Republic Mach 10 Double IPA, and many others.)
@Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Stone Hog Day (6:00pm; $PAYG for the most recent Vertical Epic 11-11-11, as well as the most recent collaboration beer by The Alchemist/Ninkasi/Stone called "More Brown Than Black IPA". We will also be pouring vertcal flights of: Stone Russian Imperial Stout '06, '07, '08 and '09, Stone Old Guardian Barleywine '06, '07, '08 and '09, and Stone Double Bastard '06, '07, '08 and '11)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Allagash & Whole Foods Market Beer and Cheese Happy Hour (6:00pm; $PAYG for some incredible cheese pairings to go with an icredible lineup from Allagash. All cheese is compliments of Whole Foods Market, so if you find something you like stop over and pick some up on the way home.)
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Charles Dickens' Birthday ($PAYG for great English ales all day long and Dickens-themed Quizzo at 9 p.m. We will offer extra credit if you come dressed in tweed.)
@Side Bar, West Chester, Pa.--- Tue. 2/7 - Bell's Dominates the Taps ($PAYG for HopSlam, Third Coast Old Ale, Two Hearted Ale, Cherry Stout, and a couple more that may sneak in at the last minute)
@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Groundhog Day Hawaiian Shirt Beer Breakfast (7:00am-1:00pm; $PAYG for special events and special beers all the way up until noon. Draft Line-Up that will include at least the following: Flying Fish Exit 8, Founders Breakfast Stout, Ommegang Aphrodite, Philadelphia Joe Porter, Russian River Supplication, Russian River Temptation, Sierra Nevada Exportation, Sierra Nevada Life and Limb, Sly Fox Coffee Porter, and Yards Old Bart. We will have special events with a different brewery every hour, including an Hawaiian Shirt contest, a hula hoop contest, and more.)
@The Railroad Street Bar & Grill, Linfield, Pa.--- Sat. 2/4 - Winter Hop Fest (2:30pm; $PAYG for Great Divide's Titan, Sonte's Sublimely Self-Righteous and Ruination, Green Flash's West Coast IPA and Imperial IPA, Firestone Walker's Double Jack, Port Brewing's Shark Attack, Mongo, and Wipeout, Russian River's Pliny The Elder, Ballast Point's Sculpin IPA, Nebraska's Hop God...and more to come.)
Beer and Food events
@Holiday Inn, Breinigsville, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Fegley's Brew Works Beer Dinner (6:00pm-9:00pm; $49 for a five-course meal paired with Always Sunny Pale Ale, Hop Explosion, Steelgarden Wit, Dopplebock, Rauchbock, and Insidious Imperial Stout)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sat. 2/4 - British Invasion (2:00pm-7:00pm; $PAYG for Russian Imperial Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Pig Iron Porter, Nitro Porter, Nitro Bourbon Porter, Winter Warmer, Old Ale, and Anvil Ale. Cask-conditioned Anvil Ale, Oatmeal Stout, and Vanilla Porter. Also, traditional English fare will be available.)
@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Beer and Eclat Chocolate Pairings (6:00pm-9:00pm; $25/$40 for five rounds of Eclat's chocolate paired with Russian Imperial Stout, Oompa Loompa Chocolate Stout, Cherry Chocolate Stout, and F.red)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 2/8 - Beer & Chocolate Pairing (6:00pm-9:00pm; $25 for six rounds of chocolate presented by Cantwell Tavern's Ryan Flynn and paired with Belgian Witbier, Abbey Dubbel, Pig Iron Porter, Oompa Loompa Chocolate Stout, Bourbon Russian Imperial Stout, and Black IPA)
@Uno's, Maple Shade, NJ--- Tue. 2/7 - Weyerbacher Beer Dinner (6:30pm-9:00pm; $55 for a five-course meal paired with Blithering Idiot, Quad, Big Ern’s IPA, Fireside Ale, and Old Heathen)
Some Super Bowl fun. Yeah, I said Super Bowl
@Franklin's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Super Bowl Pig Roast and Firkin (5:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for a pig roast buffet featuring Esposito's porchetta, salad, veggies, and sides. A firkin of Victory ESB, door prizes, raffles, giveaways all game long. 16 HDTVs on the wall to enjoy the big game)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Savage Super Bowl Sixtel Sunday (7:00pm; $PAYG for a "super lineup" (as always on Savage Sundays) whose list will not be divulged until tap time.)
@Misconduct Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Superbowl Firkin of Victory (5:30pm; $PAYG for a firkin of Victory's HopDevil during the game)
@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Sat. 2/4 - Superbowl Saturday ($PAYG for a couple of barrelaaged stouts from Michigan that you may have heard of, along with several 'tions, a couple of kegs from 56 Gheudestraat on the handpumps, and more of our favorites to come as we finish compiling our Superbowl list.)
And then there was this brewery called Clown Shoes, yup, Clown Shoes
@Kraftwork, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (5:30pm; $PAYG as Gregg Berman, brewer and brains behind Clown Shoes, will be in the house for dinner/Meet 'n Greet. Stop by, say hi, and welcome him with our usualy Philly luv - all ten drafts go on at noon, festivities start around 5:30 p.m. with Vampire Slayer, Tramp Stamp, Muffin Top, Hoppy Feet, Supahero, Clementine, Lubrication, Eagle Claw Fist, and Blaecorn Unidragon)
@Tapestry, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 2/6 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (7:00pm; $PAYG for nine drafts including Lubrication, Clementine, Tramp Stamp, Hoppy Feet, Eagle Claw Fist, Supa Hero, Blaecorn Unidragon, Vampire Slayer, and Muffin Top)
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/7 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for Vampire Slayer, Muffin Top, Tramp Stamp, Hoppy Feet, Supahero, and Clementine)
Monday, January 30, 2012
A weekend that epitomizes Philadelphia beer and its landscape
If you weren't looking carefully enough, you may have thought that the big event on the Philly Beer Calendar in the month of January was already behind us at The Grey Lodge's Friday the Firkinteenth extravaganza a couple of weeks ago.
Or you might have been lulled into looking forward to February after the weekend of Tripels (Johnny Brenda's), Ommegang Brunch (Grey Lodge), Buggy Beers (Iron Hill, NJ), and even an event called Big Ass Beer Fest.
For the past several years or so, as many of you know, the last weekend of January is reserved for Iron Hill's Belgium Comes to West Chester madness. The last Saturday has also seen an annual meetup called Stone Soup of BeerAdvocate.com members. A few hearty souls from this meetup typically find their way in to West Chester late in the afternoon in search of leftovers from the Iron Hill event that draws nearly two dozen guest brewers and close to 30 incredibly funky, sour, tart, or some combination thereof, Belgian-influenced beers.
Complicating matters this year -- or adding to your gustatory delight, depending upon your appetite and tolerance -- was an event at TJ's in Paoli with an all-star line up of beers from Shelton Brothers Importers. Think Mikkeller, Cantillon, Struise, Jandrain, Dieu du Ciel, and To Øl to name just a few of the breweries represented amongst the standout, highly-sought-after beers.
And, then...you may have caught wind of the annual mayhem that is the HopSlam release from Michigan's Bell Brewery. After just hitting the street over the past couple of weeks in Pennsylvania, bars have been putting their allotment on tap, some on short-notice (Twitter- and word of mouth-driven basis). This past Saturday, Teresa's Next Door had scheduled it to be poured along side Founder's Double Trouble and Russian River's Blind Pig and Pliny The Elder.
Virtually impossible to hit them all, particularly with any acceptable degree of personal social interaction while at these stops, my trip took me from Iron Hill for a full-on palate assault to TJ's for dinner. Along the way, I learned that The Drafting Room was doing a surprise tapping (well, a few hours notice, at least) of their own HopSlam. It was more or less along my straight line home to check in on the dogs first before TJ's -- or, at least, moreso than heading to Teresa's Next Door. So a HopSlam was in order as was -- wait for it -- a platter of Portuguese Sliders, my go-to "snack" at The Drafting Room, if you haven't caught on to that yet.
Back to West Chester. BCtWC was everything that it's always been. I've talked about it back in 2007, in 2008, in 2009, in 2010 (the epic year, for at least one reason), and again last year. Those are links to my reviews behind each of those years that I just listed, in case you're new around these parts :)
It's a bunch of interestingly creative beers, some with flavors that you may have rarely, if ever, encountered in beer before.
It's a process of serving over two dozen beers that the Iron Hill staff continues to get more efficient with every year.
It's a gathering of brewers from Virginia to New England and all of the Iron Hill locations that have contributed beers for the event.
It's a celebration of local brewers, regional brewers, and a nod to Belgian brewing roots that inspires creativity in the brewhouse.
It's a bit too social of event (at least for me) to really focus on critiquing the beers much past a basic "I like it" or "Not so much" or "Wow, that's an incredible flavor or aroma of XX or YY". Some folks hunker down at a table to do their ticking and note-taking. I may have eventually tasted around half, or so, of the 29 that were available on draft.
The most memorable to me were: Harpoon Rodney Solera; IH/West Chester Bourbon Vanilla Tripel; Peekskill Saison de Chief; IH/Lancaster Brett Dubbel; IH/Wilmington Blackberry Saison; IH/Media Brett Brown; and New Holland Blue Sunday (best in show? quite possibly). Would love to hear your favorites as well.
All pictures follow at the end.
Then a brief pitstop at The Drafting Room, where every bar and table seat appeared to have at least one glass of the hop juice from Michigan in front of them. Solid crowd, but not an overwhelming crush, which made it real nice. No doubt, due in part to the wide stretch that beer geeks were spread across on this fine weather Saturday.
As I said, I stopped in at home to get permission from the dogs (aka, let them outside to take care of nature's business) for few more hours and then took up refuge at TJ's for dinner and a few more tasties from the Shelton Brothers stable. I can never get enough of one of the finest coffee beers there is, Peche Mortel, from Dieu du Ciel in Montreal. Turns out HopSlam made a return appearance at TJ's as well, but I'd never say a trip to The Drafting Room was wasted.
More beers, more good times just as TJ's does without compare. And then something happened. Speaking of Michigan, that guy Dr. Joel (from New Holland) -- you know, the guy that had what seemed like countless "farewell" parties -- walked through the door. Then a guy named Hughes (Flying Fish), Woods (Allagash-Suzy and her Iron Hill beau, Lappy), Ohst (Sly Fox), and Hamel (Harpoon). Let's see, did I miss anyone? Kevin Brooks. He was repping Shelton Brothers.
Casey attempted to take the party to the next level, but the gents behind the bar were having none of that. They stopped doing shots a long time ago.
So, the next time someone asks: "What to do when I'm in Philly?" or "Where to drink when I'm in Philly?" Tell them, anything...anywhere...anytime. You've got to be trying real hard to go wrong around these here parts.
That's all.
(Whitney Thompson from Victory, left, and the ever-patient Mrs. Nick Johnson...Meg)
(He who puts the Wanderin' in Joe to whom Jack Curtin often refers)
(The tap list has grown over the years at BCtWC and looms large over attendees)
(Just a few of the Shelton Brothers goodies on tap during TJ's/Shelton tap takeover event on 1/28/12)
(Every once in a while, you'll catch a picture of me in these pages. Here's one with Flying Fish's Casey Hughes, left)
(An early late-night shot of a group of good Philly beeps, from left: Kevin Brooks, Shelton Brothers; Casey Hughes, Flying Fish; Tim Ohst, Sly Fox; Sean Hamel, Harpoon; Suzanne Woods, Allagash; Joel Armato, New Holland; and Chris LaPierre, Iron Hill-Maple Shade )
(Tim Ohst, Sly Fox and Casey Hughes, Flying Fish)
(Joel Armato, New Holland and Samantha Massey)
Has it really been this long since I've last featured Sam here in these pages? Can't be, but this is the first image that came to mind.
Or you might have been lulled into looking forward to February after the weekend of Tripels (Johnny Brenda's), Ommegang Brunch (Grey Lodge), Buggy Beers (Iron Hill, NJ), and even an event called Big Ass Beer Fest.
For the past several years or so, as many of you know, the last weekend of January is reserved for Iron Hill's Belgium Comes to West Chester madness. The last Saturday has also seen an annual meetup called Stone Soup of BeerAdvocate.com members. A few hearty souls from this meetup typically find their way in to West Chester late in the afternoon in search of leftovers from the Iron Hill event that draws nearly two dozen guest brewers and close to 30 incredibly funky, sour, tart, or some combination thereof, Belgian-influenced beers.
Complicating matters this year -- or adding to your gustatory delight, depending upon your appetite and tolerance -- was an event at TJ's in Paoli with an all-star line up of beers from Shelton Brothers Importers. Think Mikkeller, Cantillon, Struise, Jandrain, Dieu du Ciel, and To Øl to name just a few of the breweries represented amongst the standout, highly-sought-after beers.
And, then...you may have caught wind of the annual mayhem that is the HopSlam release from Michigan's Bell Brewery. After just hitting the street over the past couple of weeks in Pennsylvania, bars have been putting their allotment on tap, some on short-notice (Twitter- and word of mouth-driven basis). This past Saturday, Teresa's Next Door had scheduled it to be poured along side Founder's Double Trouble and Russian River's Blind Pig and Pliny The Elder.
Virtually impossible to hit them all, particularly with any acceptable degree of personal social interaction while at these stops, my trip took me from Iron Hill for a full-on palate assault to TJ's for dinner. Along the way, I learned that The Drafting Room was doing a surprise tapping (well, a few hours notice, at least) of their own HopSlam. It was more or less along my straight line home to check in on the dogs first before TJ's -- or, at least, moreso than heading to Teresa's Next Door. So a HopSlam was in order as was -- wait for it -- a platter of Portuguese Sliders, my go-to "snack" at The Drafting Room, if you haven't caught on to that yet.
Back to West Chester. BCtWC was everything that it's always been. I've talked about it back in 2007, in 2008, in 2009, in 2010 (the epic year, for at least one reason), and again last year. Those are links to my reviews behind each of those years that I just listed, in case you're new around these parts :)
It's a bunch of interestingly creative beers, some with flavors that you may have rarely, if ever, encountered in beer before.
It's a process of serving over two dozen beers that the Iron Hill staff continues to get more efficient with every year.
It's a gathering of brewers from Virginia to New England and all of the Iron Hill locations that have contributed beers for the event.
It's a celebration of local brewers, regional brewers, and a nod to Belgian brewing roots that inspires creativity in the brewhouse.
It's a bit too social of event (at least for me) to really focus on critiquing the beers much past a basic "I like it" or "Not so much" or "Wow, that's an incredible flavor or aroma of XX or YY". Some folks hunker down at a table to do their ticking and note-taking. I may have eventually tasted around half, or so, of the 29 that were available on draft.
The most memorable to me were: Harpoon Rodney Solera; IH/West Chester Bourbon Vanilla Tripel; Peekskill Saison de Chief; IH/Lancaster Brett Dubbel; IH/Wilmington Blackberry Saison; IH/Media Brett Brown; and New Holland Blue Sunday (best in show? quite possibly). Would love to hear your favorites as well.
All pictures follow at the end.
Then a brief pitstop at The Drafting Room, where every bar and table seat appeared to have at least one glass of the hop juice from Michigan in front of them. Solid crowd, but not an overwhelming crush, which made it real nice. No doubt, due in part to the wide stretch that beer geeks were spread across on this fine weather Saturday.
As I said, I stopped in at home to get permission from the dogs (aka, let them outside to take care of nature's business) for few more hours and then took up refuge at TJ's for dinner and a few more tasties from the Shelton Brothers stable. I can never get enough of one of the finest coffee beers there is, Peche Mortel, from Dieu du Ciel in Montreal. Turns out HopSlam made a return appearance at TJ's as well, but I'd never say a trip to The Drafting Room was wasted.
More beers, more good times just as TJ's does without compare. And then something happened. Speaking of Michigan, that guy Dr. Joel (from New Holland) -- you know, the guy that had what seemed like countless "farewell" parties -- walked through the door. Then a guy named Hughes (Flying Fish), Woods (Allagash-Suzy and her Iron Hill beau, Lappy), Ohst (Sly Fox), and Hamel (Harpoon). Let's see, did I miss anyone? Kevin Brooks. He was repping Shelton Brothers.
Casey attempted to take the party to the next level, but the gents behind the bar were having none of that. They stopped doing shots a long time ago.
So, the next time someone asks: "What to do when I'm in Philly?" or "Where to drink when I'm in Philly?" Tell them, anything...anywhere...anytime. You've got to be trying real hard to go wrong around these here parts.
That's all.
Has it really been this long since I've last featured Sam here in these pages? Can't be, but this is the first image that came to mind.
Weekly Brew Bits Update: 1/30/12
Again, quite a bit to share with you, so let's get right to it.
PHILADELPHIA
~ I took the easy way out with my most recent article at The Washington Times. Eight brewery and importer reps that you're used to hearing from at the bars weighed in with their thoughts of the 2012 beer season. Definitely worth the read, once again, if no other reason than to let 'em know at TWT that you like reading about good beer. Thanks, as usual, for the support.
~ Dock Street has a seasonal collaboration with and on display at The Four Seasons hotel off Logan Circle. Many of you may not recall that 18th Street was the original home of the brewpub way back in the late 80s and have come together with their old neighbors to showcase a very delicious (read my thoughts via this link) Truffled Old Ale.
~ Special of the Week, just gonna quote verbatim: "Come to Manayunk First Friday (6-9pm) and enjoy deals all down Main Street, anywhere you see the red flag! Here at Manayunk Brewery enjoy a free pizza buffet, and 1/2 off two of our favorite Sushi Rolls: Manayunk Roll and Main Street Roll.
~ Here's an interesting idea about bar closing times and city revenue in Philly. I wouldn't exactly say the streets are "clean" at 2 a.m. Plus, I'd love to see someone try to measure the marginal drunkenness. I need to hear more, but can't believe the going from a 2 a.m. close time to 3 a.m. will wreak that much more havoc in the bars and on the streets. And, don't tell me the after hours clubs are open. They're all private (right?) plus not usually the "scene" that most are comfortable in.
~ File along with a grain of salt, for sure. Thanks to Jack Curtin for slogging through the lists at RateBeer.com to discover which the raters deem worthwhile around our great beer-drinking region. Check it out, discuss, try not to argue about it.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ If you follow @TroegsBeer on Twitter, you'll see that Nugget Nectar is wrapping up production in Hershey and getting ready to hit the streets. Nicely spaced from the Bell's HopSlam release this year, beer geeks should have just recovered from their excessive slobbering in time for the February release of this hoppy treat.
~ Our own world-renowned, Lew Bryson, has reinvigorated his blogging ways. He obviously has sensed a void since I slowed things down around here. Either that, or he figured if he's making a show chronicling the American Beer Blogger, that he should do as he says. :-D That, for us all, will be a very good thing. He's out in Pittsburgh for a couple of days, but this posting here about Victory's Dark Lager is a good reason you should be reading along over at his blog. Here's another link for his notes on the new Delaware spot, Ernest and Scott, and a bit from London Grill.
~ Speaking of Delaware, our old friend, Ben Potts played the role of Silent Bob in this video (I kid, you know) where Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione discusses the highly-anticipated Noble Rot. Look for it on shelves soon. Thanks, as usual, to BeerNews.org for the link and the perpetual flow of, uh, beer news.
~ There have been some new happenings at General Sutter Inn. Did you know that the Sutter has a bit of a very cool new look in Lititz, Pa.? Now, when you've partied like a rock star at a cask festival or at the Bulls Head Public House next door, you can sleep it off like a rock star.
~ The inimitable, inevitable, and unavoidable Richard Ruch has struck again. This time with a fun and informative video (approx. 10 minutes) that he passed along. It shows the trip he took with Victory (Bill, Ron, and others) back in '07 to Germany and the Czech Republic. Has me looking even more forward to this week's Tettnang dinner at the pub.
~ Thanks to Ken who dropped a note to remind of the under-the-radar development up in Doylestown. The other end of the R-5 train line gets so much attention. Here in Doylestown, they're readying operations at Doylestown Brewing Company and even have an appropriately-named R-5 Lager. An IPA and a Light are also in the works for a February opening. Check 'em out and congratulations to the northern 'burbs on an ever-improving beer scene.
THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ After meeting "Chipper Dave" a few years back at GABF (and touring around Colorado), I've had his well-maintained Fermentedly Challenged on my blog reading list to stay abreast of beer news around his home state. Here, in this Bull & Bush article, I found the tableside dry-hopping unique enough to share with you.
~ I don't know why I seemingly continue to find this stuff interesting. Sure, binge drinking can be a problem. But, the wild definitions and the excessive hand-wringing, I'm not so sure. Anyway, here's a rebuttal to some material that I've linked to the in the past. If you're not up-to-date, don't worry. Main message: binge drinking is very, very bad and based on the definition, most of us do it…and, more frequently than you might imagine.
~ And, then. Oh yes, and then. Perhaps the biggest beer news story of the week centered around the craft segment pioneer, Sierra Nevada. The Chico, Calif.-based giant (and I mean that in the most craft-loving way) announced that they settled on North Carolina for its future eastern operations. So much has been written about this that I'll merely link to Sierra Nevada's press release posted on its website. And here is one video from Fox Carolina that nicely wraps up the announcement.
The next question on many's minds is: What of New Belgium's and Stone's plans to do something similar? Lew Bryson has also written of potential plans for New Belgium in Philly. In my own pea brain, the jury is still out on the hows and whys of this being a smart move.
In the meantime, have I mentioned that I've already got Sierra Nevada's Ruthless Rye IPA in my Top 10 beers of 2012?
PHILADELPHIA
~ I took the easy way out with my most recent article at The Washington Times. Eight brewery and importer reps that you're used to hearing from at the bars weighed in with their thoughts of the 2012 beer season. Definitely worth the read, once again, if no other reason than to let 'em know at TWT that you like reading about good beer. Thanks, as usual, for the support.
~ Dock Street has a seasonal collaboration with and on display at The Four Seasons hotel off Logan Circle. Many of you may not recall that 18th Street was the original home of the brewpub way back in the late 80s and have come together with their old neighbors to showcase a very delicious (read my thoughts via this link) Truffled Old Ale.
~ Special of the Week, just gonna quote verbatim: "Come to Manayunk First Friday (6-9pm) and enjoy deals all down Main Street, anywhere you see the red flag! Here at Manayunk Brewery enjoy a free pizza buffet, and 1/2 off two of our favorite Sushi Rolls: Manayunk Roll and Main Street Roll.
~ Here's an interesting idea about bar closing times and city revenue in Philly. I wouldn't exactly say the streets are "clean" at 2 a.m. Plus, I'd love to see someone try to measure the marginal drunkenness. I need to hear more, but can't believe the going from a 2 a.m. close time to 3 a.m. will wreak that much more havoc in the bars and on the streets. And, don't tell me the after hours clubs are open. They're all private (right?) plus not usually the "scene" that most are comfortable in.
~ File along with a grain of salt, for sure. Thanks to Jack Curtin for slogging through the lists at RateBeer.com to discover which the raters deem worthwhile around our great beer-drinking region. Check it out, discuss, try not to argue about it.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ If you follow @TroegsBeer on Twitter, you'll see that Nugget Nectar is wrapping up production in Hershey and getting ready to hit the streets. Nicely spaced from the Bell's HopSlam release this year, beer geeks should have just recovered from their excessive slobbering in time for the February release of this hoppy treat.
~ Our own world-renowned, Lew Bryson, has reinvigorated his blogging ways. He obviously has sensed a void since I slowed things down around here. Either that, or he figured if he's making a show chronicling the American Beer Blogger, that he should do as he says. :-D That, for us all, will be a very good thing. He's out in Pittsburgh for a couple of days, but this posting here about Victory's Dark Lager is a good reason you should be reading along over at his blog. Here's another link for his notes on the new Delaware spot, Ernest and Scott, and a bit from London Grill.
~ Speaking of Delaware, our old friend, Ben Potts played the role of Silent Bob in this video (I kid, you know) where Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione discusses the highly-anticipated Noble Rot. Look for it on shelves soon. Thanks, as usual, to BeerNews.org for the link and the perpetual flow of, uh, beer news.
~ There have been some new happenings at General Sutter Inn. Did you know that the Sutter has a bit of a very cool new look in Lititz, Pa.? Now, when you've partied like a rock star at a cask festival or at the Bulls Head Public House next door, you can sleep it off like a rock star.
~ The inimitable, inevitable, and unavoidable Richard Ruch has struck again. This time with a fun and informative video (approx. 10 minutes) that he passed along. It shows the trip he took with Victory (Bill, Ron, and others) back in '07 to Germany and the Czech Republic. Has me looking even more forward to this week's Tettnang dinner at the pub.
~ Thanks to Ken who dropped a note to remind of the under-the-radar development up in Doylestown. The other end of the R-5 train line gets so much attention. Here in Doylestown, they're readying operations at Doylestown Brewing Company and even have an appropriately-named R-5 Lager. An IPA and a Light are also in the works for a February opening. Check 'em out and congratulations to the northern 'burbs on an ever-improving beer scene.
THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ After meeting "Chipper Dave" a few years back at GABF (and touring around Colorado), I've had his well-maintained Fermentedly Challenged on my blog reading list to stay abreast of beer news around his home state. Here, in this Bull & Bush article, I found the tableside dry-hopping unique enough to share with you.
~ I don't know why I seemingly continue to find this stuff interesting. Sure, binge drinking can be a problem. But, the wild definitions and the excessive hand-wringing, I'm not so sure. Anyway, here's a rebuttal to some material that I've linked to the in the past. If you're not up-to-date, don't worry. Main message: binge drinking is very, very bad and based on the definition, most of us do it…and, more frequently than you might imagine.
~ And, then. Oh yes, and then. Perhaps the biggest beer news story of the week centered around the craft segment pioneer, Sierra Nevada. The Chico, Calif.-based giant (and I mean that in the most craft-loving way) announced that they settled on North Carolina for its future eastern operations. So much has been written about this that I'll merely link to Sierra Nevada's press release posted on its website. And here is one video from Fox Carolina that nicely wraps up the announcement.
The next question on many's minds is: What of New Belgium's and Stone's plans to do something similar? Lew Bryson has also written of potential plans for New Belgium in Philly. In my own pea brain, the jury is still out on the hows and whys of this being a smart move.
In the meantime, have I mentioned that I've already got Sierra Nevada's Ruthless Rye IPA in my Top 10 beers of 2012?
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