The Brew Lounge

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 5/18/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ I was invited to judge the annual Philadelphia Inquirer Brew-vitational this past week. While I can't talk about the results (which I can quite proudly stand by, btw) until they are revealed on May 30, I can point you back to the first year's results in 2010, number two in 2011, and the third go-round last year in 2012.

~ Collaborations are all the buzz this coming Philly Beer Week. The Brewvolution II seems pretty darn unique.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Jeff reports about more FU Sandy on its way.

~ "Death of a Contract Brewer"

~ When is a simple six-pack not so simple?

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Stop and taste.

~ Jim Koch on success.

~ I never imagined there could be so many questions about this beer.

~ After hearing a recent interview on The Brewing Network, I came across this article.

~ Pretty cool. Wish I'd picked up on this before it funded on KickStarter.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: May 16 - May 22

We continue to plow through the month of May's beer calendar with wild abandon. You wouldn't know Philly Beer Week is upon us with the rate of beer events lining up the weekly calendar yet again this week. No rest for the thirsty.

In the 19468, Suburban Beer Week continues on through Sunday, May 19. It's at Craft Ale House, French Quarter Bistro, Lucky Lab Tavern, and Railroad Street Bar and Grill. There are scheduled tastings, pairings, and a raffle on Sunday, the last day, to give away two tickets to Opening Tap of Philly Beer Week and an overnight stay at a nearby hotel for that same evening of May 31. To qualify for the drawing, you must attend an event at each location.

Check out the entire May 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.

Events with Tap Lists via PhillyTapFinder.com
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/16 - Stone Brewing Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for a special event draft list lineup brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)

Tastings/Samplings/Freebies
@Arroga's Draft House and Sports Bar, Harrisburg, Pa.--- Fri. 5/17 - Firkin Friday with DuClaw Sweet Baby Jesus (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $PAYG to celebrate American Craft Beer Week with a firkin of DuClaw Sweet Baby Jesus. Stop by the draft house for a pint and grab some free glassware while supplies last.)

@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/16 - Philadelphia Brewing Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Philadelphia Brewing.)

@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 5/17 - Hop Attack (11 a.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Dark Ritual, Nor’easter IPA, Sweet Leaf IPA, Rye-sing Sun, Nelson Muntz IPA, and Kryptonite Imperial IPA.)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Sat. 5/18 - Preakness Stakes (4 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of Belgian Tripel.)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Wed. 5/22 - Wednesday Keg Tapping (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a specialty keg tapping of Stone Oaked Smoked Old Guardian.)

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 5/20 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Founders in Michigan.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 5/17 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for O'Reilly's Stout on the handpump in addition to Standard Porter and our always available Chester County Bitter.)

@The Beer Shoppe, Ardmore, Pa.--- Fri. 5/17 - Friday Night Tasting (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from 21st Amendment in San Francisco and Uinto in Utah.)

Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@30th Street Station, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/16 & Fri. 5/17 - The Porch Beer Garden (3 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG to experience the outdoor Beer Garden at The Porch at 30th Street Station, the second busiest train station in America. Bridgewater's Pub will offer German and craft beers while you enjoy the fresh air and live music.)

@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/16 - Stoudt's Promo (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG for a lineup of beers from one of Pennsylvania's pioneering craft brewers.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 5/1 through Fri. 5/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for daily specials on beers from breweries in the great State of Pennsylvania.)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/16 - Pennsylvania Brewery Night ($PAYG for a night of beer, schwag, and fun focused on the Pennsylvania breweries of the month.)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 5/16 - A Night with Flying Fish (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a selection of beers from the highly-regarded NJ brewery.)

@Uno Chicago Grill, Newtown Square, Pa.--- Thu. 5/16 - Yards Happy Hour (5 p.m.; $PAYG for an IPA firkin, Love Stout, Saison, and Grand Cru all at happy hour pricing.)

Special One-offs or Debuts, Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Firewaters, Atlantic City, NJ--- Fri. 5/17 - 10th Anniversary Beerfest (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $25 for over 45 beers to sample from over a dozen local brewers and a complimentary buffet.)

@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Sat. 5/18 - Brandywine Valley Craft Brewers' Festival (1 p.m.; $5-$45 for nearly 25 local breweries and all of the proceeds will again go to the Media Youth Center.)

@South Delaware Avenue, Yardley, Pa.--- Sat. 5/18 - Yardley Beer Fest (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$65 for over 50 breweries, 100+ beers, live music, lots of food, homebrewers corner…All under a huge tent; Rain or shine.)

@South Philadelphia Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/18 - Wheaties Fest (12 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as they pour 30+ wheat beers from Abita, Allagash, Bell’s, Philly Brewing, Ommegang, Tröegs, Unibroue, Weihenstephaner, and many many more. Mouth-watering street BBQ and live music from West Philadelphia Orchestra, Robotrippers, Arrah and the Ferns, and Adam and Dave’s Bloodline.)

@Union Jack's, Glenside, Pa.--- Sat. 5/18 - Suburban Wood Fest ($PAYG for twelve oak-aged beers on draft including 2011 Southern Tier Oaked Pumking, Goose Island Bourbon County, Nebraska Hop God, Anderson Valley Barney Flats, Evolution Migration, Flying Dog gonzo, Southern Tier Backburner Barleywine, and many more.)

@World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 5/22 - Philly Beer Scene Awards (7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $75 for very limited seats available to the general public.)

Food and Beer events
@Fairmount neighborhood (22nd/Fairmount), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/16 - Night Market (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG at the city's best restaurants and street food vendors including Fairmount favorites like Alla Spina, Lemon Hill, Rembrandt's, and Urban Saloon and cool new vendors like The Tot Cart, Poi Dog Snack Shop, and The Cow and The Curd. Plus, local music, local brews, and lots of fun.)

@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Tue. 5/21 - Spring Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five course meal served with Full Nelson, Maibock, Rauchbock, #100, and “The Stout Will Rise Again”- Bourbon Russian Imperial Stout.)

Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Sun. 5/19 - Run for Ryan (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $25-$35 for a 5-k race benefiting the Ryan McCall scholarship fund. Post race festivities at the Victory Brewing Companies complex.)

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 5/11/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ After last week's desperate search for brews news around Philly, here's a nice guide to get you primed for Philly Beer Week.

~ Yeah, Philly's on this list where it belongs. I'm not going to debate the placement, but no doubt it belongs on a list of the country's top eight.

~ And a few more good bits about Philly's beer scene.

~ Some are really excited about Shiner coming to town. I'm not so much, well not at least for the Bock. I've been to Texas enough to know that I'm rather indiffernt about the Bock. The Hefeweizen and Black Lager, on the other hand, hit me right where I like 'em.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ I'm a big fan of the Legend Pilsner too. I know a lot of people like Pilsners (and Pilseners too), but often times we have difficulty describing our love for them.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Wish I'd written this, as it's been on my mind quite a bit in the past couple of years (then why wouldn't I just come out and say so? I know, I know) "when US craft will stop trying to pretend all brewers are small start ups"

~ Anyone who knows me knows why I love this perspective..from a brewer no less

~ You technical brewers will probably really dig this.

~ You ever hear me tell of that bar in San Francisco that I would have like to try this approach to bill resolution?

~ Sigh, sure give me one of those boutique beers, I suppose.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Writing this ship, Part IX (Providence, RI and Manchester, NH)

While this series of Writing the Ship could go on for a baker's dozen, I'm really trying to get this done with and in our collective pasts (unless, of course, I'm the only one reading them) in ten episodes.

In keeping with habit, I'll provide you links back to The "Intro", Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, and Part VIII.

So I'm combining these two — Providence and Manchester — into one. They should fit quite nicely with each other since neither one alone will make this entry into The Brew Lounge burst at the seams.

But, as I've said plenty in the past, there's nearly nowhere you can go in this fine country these days without finding some sort of a better beer scene. Whether they're importing decent beer or making it, most places you could ever imagine finding yourselves will be able to pour you something decent.

Providence. I feel I've spoken in dribs and drabs of Providence through the years. For my day job, I've been there many times in the past six years or so. Enough to determine that, when there, I rarely want to be anywhere other than Julian's.

(The always stellar draft tower at Julian's in Providence, RI)
Julian's for their breakfast, lunch, dinner, live music, indoor seating, outdoor seating, cozy/friendly seating the small bar overlooking the kitchen, or sitting in the comfortably eclectic one-room restaurant. The beer list is as interesting and diverse as the food menu.

(A creatively satisfying sandwich off the specials menu at Julian's in Providence, RI)
Every time I'm there, without fail, some sort of interesting conversation takes off at the bar and a few decent beers are consumed. I've been to a handful of other spots around town, Julian's remains my favorite.

(Out back of Julian's in Providence, RI)

(The dining room at Julian's in Providence, RI)
Those others? Well, there's been the John Harvard's at Union Station (nice location and atmosphere in a former train station with decent enough beers). There's the "local-themed" Local 121 which has a nice lineup of beers on tap to keep things interesting amongst an even more interestingly-conceived food menu of fresh, seasonal, and local.

Turns out, I later learned that there's an ownership relationship between the Trinity Brewing Company just around the corner and Local 121. Trinity has been around for a while and delivers some decent beer in what comes across as a younger, more "hip" environment. Their Irish Stout and IPA have treated me consistently well in the past.

(An excellent seasonal corn and crab soup at Local 121 in Providence, RI)
For retail beer, there are two on opposite sides of town that have served me well through the years. The first, Nikki's Liquors, is on the edge of North Providence (that's a separate city, btw, in case you need to know this sort of thing). Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall, Nikki's is stocked with a good representation of regional beers as well as an impressive inventory of beers from around the world.

Closer to the airport in the area of Cranston is Wines & More of Rhode Island. More alcohol supermarket-style in layout, they have row and cooler after row of beers from around the region and world at competitive prices. Conveniently located next to a Whole Foods Market, it makes for a great one-two shopping stop for beverage and food.

The one place to close out the discussion of Providence with is nearly just across the street from airport. If it came to it, walking from Track 84 to the front door of the T.F. Green airport is not impossible at just under a half-mile. But, did I use the word unassuming above? I'll use it again where here it is probably even more appropriate.

Track 84 sits, appropriately, along the railroad tracks leading from the south into Providence and up eventually to Boston. If I had a picture (oh, what the heck, here's a Google street view), I'd show you how nondescript of a small building it is.

But inside, you'll find friendly service with a local flair, a simple but sufficient and satisfying sandwich menu and free popcorn, a decidedly local crowd of no-nonsense but friendly folks, and a beer list that rivals some of the best around. There's a kick-ass jukebox as well to keep the energy flowing.

But, don't press your luck, as I did, and get ensconced in happy hour revelry and run the risk of missing your flight. I took my trust of the flight tracking app on my phone as far as I should and made my flight by the slimmest of margins. Still, I wouldn't trade those last memories of beers in Providence (or Warwick, if we're being more specific) for sitting at the gate any day. Don't believe me, check out the draft list via this link.

Up the road a piece in New Hampshire is Manchester, a town to which I'd never been until late last year. I can't tell you that there's much happening in Manchester but, then again, I can't tell you that there's not much happening there either. It was just one night passing through on the way to Boston, but that was enough to check out Strange Brew Tavern and Milly's Tavern.

Strange Brew is in the heart of downtown and while the city streets appear sleepy (though, I suppose I can give them a break, it was bitterly cold after all , the hustle was bustling inside. Every Sunday, they run a special that's hard to beat. $3 draft specials and 1/2 price appetizers. With a few White Birch beers on the draft menu at $3, my mind was made up right quickly. With a very solid draft list (with great regional representation from breweries like Smuttynose, White Birch, Shipyard, Magic Hat, Otter Creek, and Trout River and a food menu consisting of solid pub favorites like fried pickles, wings, nachos, and quesadillas and heartier dishes like meatballs, fish tacos, short ribs, jambalaya, and Shepard's Pie, this is a dependable recommendation for any thirsty beer traveler passing through the region.

Over by the campus of University of New Hampshire-Manchester along the Merrimac River, Milly's Tavern is an interesting spot. It is Manchester's only brewery so that is certainly part of the initial draw. Finding it is not an obvious slam dunk, though I'm sure the second visit would be easier than the first.

Once you find your way to a parking spot and down the few steps into Milly's, you'll find yourself in room with a stage in the front and a bar in the back. There they combine live music, some decent beer made on-premise, and a satisfying food menu of standard pub grub, salads, wraps, and sandwiches.

While the Oatmeal Stout and Red Tail were solid and enjoyable beers, after putting away the BLT sandwich, it was time to head out as Sunday night head-banging (and mediocre, to boot) music was not high on my list of wants. Still, if in Manchester, not a bad place to stop, but certainly don't bump Strange Brew for it.

That's about all I can share from Manchester, unless you count the attempted visit to The Tap in Haverhill along the Monday evening drive to Boston. CLOSED MONDAYS?! Yes, that was my exclamation (question mark and incredulity included) when arriving at a darkened downtown storefront whose beers I've had numerous times at Ommegang's summertime BCTC festival. Here I was a bit excited to consume some on site and CLOSED MONDAYS. Sheesh.

Well, that door closed, so the one that opened was up the street at Krueger Flatbread, which must be said was an excellent stop for pizza (er, pardon me, flatbreads) and a Sierra Nevada before heading off to Boston.

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: May 9 - May 15

Festival season is in full swing as the lovely spring weather grips the region. On no other day should this be more evident than on Saturday, May 11 with at least five festivals plus a few other events thrown in for good measure all listed below. Be calm, grab a beer, and carry on.

Check out the entire May 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.

Events with Tap Lists via PhillyTapFinder.com
@Flanigan's Boathouse, Conshohocken, Pa.--- Thu. 5/9 - Dogfish Head Tap Takeover (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for a special event tap list served up to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)

@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/10 through Sun. 5/12 - Bocks and Brats ($PAYG for a special event tap list served up to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)

@Morgan's Pier, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/9 - Second Season Re-Opening Party ($PAYG for a special event tap list served up to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/11 - S.O.S. (Sixteen Outstanding Smuttynose) Tap Takeover (12 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a special event tap list served up to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)

Special Tastings/Samplings/Freebies
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/9 - Belgian Beer Night with St. Killian Importers (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for a selection Belgian beers like Corsendonk Apple White, Triple, and Dubbel along with Grimbergen Dubbel & Moa St. Joseph's on draft with Grimbergen Blonde in bottles.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 5/10 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Oskar Blues in Colorado.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Sat. 5/11 - Saturday Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Stoudt's in Adamstown.)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Wed. 5/15 - Wednesday Keg Tapping (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a specialty keg tapping of Dock Street Fresh Saison.))

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 5/13 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Oskar Blues in Colorado.)

@Side Bar, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 5/10 - 10% on the 10th ($PAYG to join Sierra Nevada for a true 10% ABV on the 10th Happy Hour with Narwhal (10.2%), Ovila Quad w/ Plums (10.2%), 2010 Bigfoot (aged at Side Bar, 10%), and a special release 10.4% brew not named yet on tap.)

@The Beer Shoppe, Ardmore, Pa.--- Fri. 5/10 - Friday Night Tasting (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Weyerbacher in Easton.)

Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/10 - Anchor - the San Francisco Treat (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Anchor's Steam, Liberty American Pale Ale, Porter, Humming, Bock, Zymaster Stout, Summer, and 2012 Our Special Ale. We will think up a contest or two. There will be glassware and prizes.)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Mon. 5/13 - Harpoon Tap Takeover (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG as Sean from the brewery offers up several Harpoon beers on draft and giveaways.)

@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/11 - May (Be Some) Flowers (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for a floral-inspired beer event highlighting the LAVA (lavender and vanilla ale), the hibiscus infused Saison, and the return of the mighty Warthog, plus other Nodding Head favorites.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 5/1 through Fri. 5/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for daily specials on beers from breweries in the great State of Pennsylvania.)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 5/1 through Fri. 5/10 - 10 day 10th Anniversary Celebration ($PAYG as we kick off our 10th Anniversary celebration. The traditional 10th Anniversary gift is tin or aluminum so we will be offering $1 off all canned beers for 10 days.)

@The Bards, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 5/15 - Yards Tap Takeover (6 p.m.; $PAYG for eight Yards ales. Drink up with Rick and Doug.)

@The Cambridge, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/10 - Hill Farmstead Brewing ($PAYG to welcome Shaun Hill from Hill Farmstead Brewing to the only Hill Farmstead event happening in Philly, including Beer Week. We will be tapping "Ephraim Imperial Pale Ale" along with several other offerings from this great brewery. Stay tuned for more details.)

Special One-offs or Debuts, Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Campbell's Field, Camden, NJ--- Fri. 5/10 - Brews At The Ballpark (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $35 for a sampling of Philadelphia craft beers (Victory, Yards, Stoudt's, Philadelphia Brewing, and Tröegs) plus a two hour all-you-can-eat buffet.)

@Cannstatter Volkfest Verein, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/11 - Greater Northeast Beer Festival (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$35 for 60+ beers in attendance this year. Great local bands will be performing throughout the event featuring "The Bare Knuckle Boxers". Great food for sale provided by Cannstatter's.)

@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/11 - IPA Block Party (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG to choose from more than 24 IPAs, live music, and "street grub" consisting of various grilled meats and veggies.)

@Mount Hope Estate, Manheim, Pa.--- Sat. 5/11 - Mount Hope BrewFest (11 a.m.-3 p.m.; 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $20-$45 for a variety of beers from different breweries from across the country and enjoy live music and complimentary food.)

@Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa.--- Sat. 5/11 - Microfest (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35-$40 to enjoy over forty beers from America's finest breweries, great food, and music.)

@The Piazza at Schmidt's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/10 - Living Social's Craft Beer Festival (6 p.m.; $39 for unlimited 2-ounce pours of more than fifty craft beers. Live local music. Access to top-notch Philadelphia food trucks and restaurants on site (at additional cost). Backyard lawn games and activities. Complimentary pair of LivingSocial sunglasses. A BeerFest mini stein to take home.)

@Washington Crossing Historic Park, Washington Crossing, Pa.--- Sat. 5/11 - Washington Crossing Brewfest (12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; $10-$40 for beer tasting, live music, food, and fun.)

Food and Beer events
@High Street Grill, Mt. Holly, NJ--- Wed. 5/15 - Beer Wars Dinner (7 p.m.; $50 for four courses of food each paired with a beer from both Carton and Heavy Seas breweries. This will be a blind tasting where you must judge which beer pairs better with each course.)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 5/15 - Tröegs Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $60 for a five-course meal served with Sunshine Pils, HopBack Amber Ale, Perpetual IPA, either a Scratch beer or a firkin of something, and Mad Elf '12.)

@Revolution House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 5/15 - Neshaminy Creek Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $50-$55 for a four-course meal served with Tripel, Leon, County Line IPA, and Croyden Cream Ale, plus one more.)

Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 5/15 - Beer School (5 p.m.; $Free to get some in depth beer training right along side our staff.)

Saturday, May 04, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 5/4/13

Friday, May 03, 2013

Writing this ship, Part VIII (Pittsburgh, Pa.)

(University of Pittsburgh from the air. No kidding, right?)

(Bridges over the Allegheny River. A keen eye for breweries may be able to pick out Penn Brewery on the North Shore.)
All you need to do is Google "brewlounge.com pittsburgh" to find that I've written quite a bit over the years about our sister city on the other side of the state from Philadelphia. I could link you over to any number of articles I wrote about my beer-y travels around the City.

I've been there for work a number of times. Flyers/Penguins, Eagles/Steelers, Phillies/Pirates weekend trips. And as you read this, I'm prepping for my third running of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Suffice to say, I've had a chance to take the pulse of the city, its beer, and the bar scene.

And, although, I'm not a typical proponent of rooting for one's enemy (e.g. would never, ever root for the Giants in the Super Bowl, the Mets in the World Series, etc.), I actually did find myself not hating the Penguins for winning the Stanley Cup the other year. But maybe I won't let our Pittsburgh friend, Brian, hear that. Though, my opinion of Sidney Crosby remains still just as negative.

But, about the beer scene, I've had plenty to say. If you do that Google search I mentioned above, you'll find a bunch of references. My records show, though it seems light, that I've tagged 19 articles with the word Pittsburgh. Here's one that, back in 2009, did a pretty good job of summarizing the beer scene around the 'burgh at the time.

And now? I was last there back in November on a simple one-nighter along the way to Chicago. So it meant time for just a well-executed plan of hitting up Fat Head's, Piper's Pub, and Smokin' Joe's.

They were all predictably excellent stops based upon my past experience and short amount of available time on this one particular evening. A few things I was struck by that are worth sharing with you.

(On the South Side, Fat Head's beer menu never fails to impress.)

(Never any shortage of food at Fat Head's. Here's the 3 Little Pigs plate which, even listed as a "munchie" on the menu, is more than any one average person really needs. But, oh my...)
It seems that the number of Fat Head's-brewed beers on the tap list (from its production facility outside Cleveland, OH if you didn't know) increases every time I visit the pub on Carson Street. This time, it as first time run-ins with both the Sunshine Daydream and Bumble Berry that kept me impressed as always with the brewery's solid brewing record.

(Scotch Egg at Piper's Pub with a locally-brewed East End Snow Melt.)
Across the street at Piper's, they still make a strong case in my book as one of the friendliest pubs in town. Comfortable bar atmosphere, European soccer/football on the television, and interesting and easy conversation with both the staff and fellow customers. A must stop for pub and beer lovers...and Scotch Egg lovers. Also, a dependable source of decent cask-conditioned beer.

Then, a few more doors down Carson Street, Smokin' Joe's still a great place for beer, darts, and pool.

But, the real surprise during this trip came to me after I figured my run-ins with food and/or beer to report back to you were complete. The Pittsburgh airport, what would you expect? Bar Symon? As in the award-winning chef and culinary personality Michael Symon.

How's that for starters? So you know you can expect decent food. But, how about a lineup of beer that included Rogue Dead Guy, Tröegs Dreamweaver Wheat, Founders Breakfast Stout, East End Fat Gary, Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold, Stone Arrogant Bastard, and Bell's Two Hearted Ale?

(The Lola Burger at Bar Symon at Pittsburgh International Airport)
Since I'd just days earlier conquered the Harrisburg Marathon, I felt justly deserving of the Lola Burger (with fried egg, pickled red onions, thick bacon, cheddar cheese, on a challah bun), Rosemary & Parmesan Lola Fries, a superb Fat Gary Brown Ale, and a Breakfast Stout to go. Yes, to go. Because that's the way many airports roll; you just have to ask.

(That reminds me. Have I ever shared with you what is likely the greatest compilation of airport beer information on the Web? I contribute to it as often as I can in order to help the cause.)

Decadent, it surely was. And the service was top notch, speeding the beers and the food even on our barely 30 minute window. If you're traveling through the Pittsburgh airport, you probably can't do much better for both food and beer.

(Looking back at the Armstrong tunnel under Duquesne University from one of many, the 10th Street, steel bridges.)

(Franco Harris at Pittsburgh International Airport)

(Even George Washington at Pittsburgh International Airport)