Thursday, January 18, 2007

East End Brewing at Capone's in Norristown, PA



East End beats Pliny! Is this like David vs. Goliath, Villanova vs. Georgetown or what?! Last night at Capone's in East Norriton, PA was advertised as Russian River (& much more) Night. They featured on tap: Russian River's Pliny the Elder and Damnation, Nodding Head's BPA, Brewers Art's Resurrection, East End's Big Hop IPA and Black Strap Stout, Troegs' Mad Elf, Heavyweight's Lunacy, Stone Double Bastard, High Point's Ramstein Winter Wheat, and Rogue's Younger's Special Bitter.

Anyway, back to topic. This isn't so much about Capone's as it is about East End Brewing. They debuted a couple of years ago and I haven't been able to get my hands on any of it. I was on the fence about going to Capone's last night, but the inclusion of East End sealed the deal.

I finally got to savor what I've been longing for. And, boy, did it not fail to disappoint! Maybe it was because I knew what to expect from Pliny and perhaps it was because the Elder came out somewhat under-carbonated and lacking some of the flavorful hop punch that I recall from previous tastings.

Or, maybe just maybe it had nothing to do with Pliny and everything to do with East End's near flawless attempt at a beautifully crafted bountifully hopped beer.

So it seems that the future holds for me a visit to the brewery, some growler fillups, and a full-fledged review of what's going on out there at this up-and-coming brewery in da 'burgh. Oh, and by the way, they're another one of those responsible breweries with the whole environmental-friendly approach. Kudos to Scott and all of his volunteers!

Oh, and for those of you interested in stats, here they are for the Big Hop IPA from East End. 5.8% ABV, 1.054 OG, 70 IBUs

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bryan, I would strongly suggest that you attend the State College Beer Expo next year so you can really enjoy Scott's brews and meet him as well. Both his Big Hop IPA and his Blackstrap Sout have been available both on CO2 and cask. The cask-conditioned version of both these beers is simply outrageous.

Put it on your calender right now, it's either 7/21 or 7/28. Here's the website link from last year.

http://www.scbrewexpo.com/

This year's attendance will be number 10 for me. Hope to see you there.

Cheers - Richard

Bryan Kolesar said...

Thanks! Over the years, I've gathered that this festival has a well-earned reputation as one of the best. I've looked into going in the past, and it's just never worked out.

Now, with your comments about East End, that could be all it takes to get me there finally!

Thanks Richard!

Adam said...

I think its time to expand Westward!

Anonymous said...

That settles it...NO MORE RUSSIAN RIVER FOR PA! Ever!

:-)

Scott Smith @ East End is a dude. Helluva nice guy, great brewer and a one man machine keeping his own website active and alive...daily. All the while making beer!

Send all that unwanted Pliny to me...you crazy, dead tongued losers!

;-)

Cheers!
Loren

Bryan Kolesar said...

Well, a bit off topic, but you'll have to endure our glowing (I'm sure) reviews of the upcoming Russian River dinner at Monk's on Tuesday. I get a feeling the brews on that night will be spot-on! Vinnie and Natalie will be on hand too.

If you haven't before, you should really get yourself to a Monk's beer dinner. They're quite the event and I'm sure you wouldn't leave disappointed.

cheers,
Bryan

Anonymous said...

Vinnie e-mailed me last night and it's cancelled. Sorry.

:-p

Hehe...

Enjoy!
Loren

Unknown said...

Hey, put me down for a bit of that Pliny as well! I probably haven't had any since the Chicago RAF... was it nearly 5 years ago?

Thanks for the nice comments everyone. Hope to see you soon, eith er here at the brewery or at the SCBrew Expo... one of my favorites of the year!

Cheers,
Scott