Friday, September 30, 2011

Beers to taste at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival

This brewing industry has come a long way to participate in this information age. To cut to the chase, GABF's website now has a listing (oh, was that my heart skipping a beat?) of all beers available to sample at this year's Festival, which is now underway after tucking Day 1 for the night.

If you lost count, the number is somewhere around 2,400 samples of beer on the festival floor.

As some of you are just hitting your R.E.M. sleep in Denver after Day 1, I've put together a list of personal recommendations that you might like to seek out when wandering the festival floor at the Convention Center during the next three sessions.

Here are a dozen from the Philadelphia region that I enthusiastically endorse for your tasting pleasure. If you're not from the northeast part of the country, there's a good chance you may not have heard of some of these gems. They're all brewed within roughly an hour's drive of Philadelphia.

~ Fegley's Blueberry Belch
~ Flying Fish Exit 4
~ Iron Hill The Cannibal
~ Lancaster Milk Stout
~ McKenzie Brew House Irma Extra
~ Nodding Head Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse
~ Sly Fox Saison Vos
~ Stewart's Dunkel Rico
~ Tröegs Perpetual IPA
~ Victory Summer Love
~ Weyerbacher Double Simcoe
~ Yards General Washington's Tavern Porter

And then, as you spread out around Festival's regional layout, here are an even 61 other beers from across the country that should, from my experience (because, really, is there anything worse than someone recommending something that they have not personally tasted?), be a delight if you've never had the pleasure.

~ (512) Pecan Porter
~ 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon Wheat
~ Alaskan Smoked Porter
~ AleSmith Speedway Stout
~ Allagash Coolship Resurgam
~ Anchor Liberty Ale
~ Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA
~ Bell's Kalamazoo Stout
~ Big River Grille Sweet Magnolia Brown
~ BJ's Jeremiah Red
~ Blind Tiger County Seat Wheat
~ Blue Point Toasted Lager
~ Boulevard Saison Brett
~ Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout
~ Brewer's Art Ozzy
~ Ommegang Abbey Ale
~ Brooklyn Sorachi Ace
~ Capital Autumnal Fire
~ Captain Lawrence Rosso e Marrone
~ Deschutes Black Butte Porter
~ Dogfish Head Red & White
~ Drake's Denogginizer
~ Fat Head's Head Hunter IPA
~ Firestone Walker Pale 31
~ Gella's American Wheat
~ Glenwood Canyon Vapor Cave
~ Goose Island Matilda
~ Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
~ Ithaca Le Bleu
~ Jolly Pumpkin Oro de Calabaza
~ Kona Longboard Lager
~ Lagunitas A Little Sumpin' Wild
~ Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan
~ Live Oak Pilz
~ Lost Abbey Framboise de Amorosa
~ Magnolia Proving Ground IPA
~ Maui Father Damien Abbey Ale
~ Mountain Sun Colorado Kind
~ Moylan's Hopsickle Imperial IPA
~ New Belgium La Folie
~ New Glarus Raspberry Tart
~ New Holland Charkoota Rye
~ Odell 90 Shilling
~ Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils
~ Penn Kaiser Pils
~ Port Brewing Wipeout IPA
~ Rahr's Ugly Pug
~ Real Ale Rio Blanco Pale Ale
~ Russian River Sanctification
~ Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower Beer
~ Shmaltz He'brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA
~ Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale
~ Southampton Publick House Cuvee des Fleurs
~ Southern Star Buried Hatchet Stout
~ Spoetzel Shiner Black Lager
~ Sprecher Black Bavarian
~ Stone Levitation Ale
~ SweetWater IPA
~ Titletown Canadeo Gold
~ Triple Rock IIMAXX
~ Trumer Pils

BTW, special thanks to the increasingly valuable services of BeerNews.org for the heads-up link.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Football and beer at TJ's and The Drafting Room

Two of my most frequented locals, TJ's in Paoli and The Drafting Room in Exton, have beer and food deals occurring throughout the NFL football season.

Some like to stay home and watch games; others like the social environment of a bar in which to take in the action.

At TJ's during all Eagles games, they will be featuring $3 Dortmunders from Great Lakes. While a fine choice, it makes me wonder if we should be throwing on our orange and brown and cheering for the Browns. A local thrown in for the spirit of the home team might be nice too. Their popular wings are also available at a discount: 10 for $7, 20 for $13, and 50 for $30.

Down at The Drafting Room, on Philadelphia Eagles game days and during all Monday Night Football games, they will be offering selected pints for $4, wings for $5, and pork sliders also for $5. As well, they're spanning the country with $3 can specials from 21st Amendment (Back in Black IPA and Brew Free or Die IPA), Oskar Blues (Dale's Pale Ale and Old Chubb Scottish Ale), and Sly Fox (Phoenix Pale Ale, Pikeland Pils, and Route 113 IPA)

Two establishments doing their part to provide great environments for enjoying football this fall.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Beer Calendar: What To Do in October 2011

GABF will be behind everyone by the time this calendar kicks into high gear. There will be some winners and some not-winning-as-much-as-they-thought-they-might. No matter, back here at home these guys are all winners and these events help to prove it.

If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.


$20 and under, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG) also included here


Philadelphia
Sat. 10/1 - Oktoberfest @Hop Angel, Philadelphia, PA (3:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin Beer Festival @The Institute, Philadelphia, PA (10:00am-2:00am; PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Franc-toberfest Gravity Kegs @The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-3:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Victory Brewing Pre-Party AND East Hundred show @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA (7:30pm; $10)
Sat. 10/1 - Midtown Village Fall Festival @Drury Street (McGillin's), Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG)
Sun. 10/2 - Oktoberfest Pre-Game Wheat Beer Breakfast @Hop Angel, Philadelphia, PA (11:00am-1:00pm; PAYG)
Sun. 10/2 - Oktoberfest @Hop Angel, Philadelphia, PA (1:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/5 - "WXPN Beer Week" with David Dye and PBC’s limited-edition World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Milkboy Coffee, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/5 - "WXPN Beer Week" with David Dye and PBC’s limited-edition World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/5 - Brewery Promo Night (Weyerbacher) @Falls Taproom, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/6 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @McMenamin's, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/6 - Philadelphia Brewing Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA (4:30pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/6 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Derek's, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/6 - Weyerbacher Sick Lineup @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/7 - Free Sampling (New England Beers with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 10/7 - Free Beer Tasting (Victory) @Global Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 10/7 - Funky First Friday @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/7 - Beer Tasting (Tröegs) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 10/7 - 3rd Anniversary Celebration @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA (PAYG)
Sat. 10/8 - Ales 4 Tails Outdoor Block Party @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-9:00pm; $5 admission donation, PAYG $5 beers)
Sat. 10/8 - Terry's Beer Fest & the Iron Homebrewer's Finals @The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, PA (11:00am; PAYG)
Sat. 10/8 - Nod-toberfest @Nodding Head, Philadelphia, PA (PAYG)
Sat. 10/8 - OktoPBRfest @Philadelphia Bar & Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 10/11 - Sly Fox & Allagash Night @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, PA (PAYG)
Fri. 10/14 - Free Sampling (Flying Dog) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 10/14 - Home Brew Legalization Day @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/15 - Thirstoberfest @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/15 - Blocktoberfest @South Street betw. Broad & 17th, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-8:00pm; Free admission + PAYG for drink tickets)
Tue. 10/18 - Yards Cerebus Release Party @Percy Street Barbecue, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-11:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/19 - Tröegs Tap Takeover @Khyber Pass Pub, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/20 - Lancaster Brewing Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA (4:30pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/20 - Nano Brewery Fest @Mugshots-Brewerytown, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; Free + PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - Third Friday - Jodi's Firkin @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - Omme-Dog-a-Gash Happy Hour @City Tap House, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - Free Sampling (Belgian Beers with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Sat. 10/22 - Victory Village Breakfast @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (10:00am-1:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 10/25 - Doughnuts & Local Beer (for P.A.W.S.) @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA (11:00am-2:00am; PAYG)
Fri. 10/28 - Free Sampling (Winners Great Americian Beer Fest) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Mon. 10/31 - Pumpkinpalooza @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 9/30-Thu. 10/6 - Oktoberfest @Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA (PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Bottle Funk @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA (PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Oktoberfest @downtown Ambler, PA (10:00am-5:00pm)
Mon. 10/3 - Meet Jerry Vietz and Drink Unibroue @Iron Hill Brewery, Maple Shade, NJ (6:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/7 - Pumpkin Beer Month (cask-conditioned Pumpkin Ale) @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, PA (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/14 - Pumpkin Beer Month (cask-conditioned Pumpkin/Honeycomb Ale) @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, PA (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Sun. 10/16 - Kegs and Eggs @Iron Hill Brewery, Media, PA (10:00am-1:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - Pumpkin Beer Month (Media's Belgian Rye IPA versus North Wales' Pumpkin Ale for title of Pumpkin King) @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, PA (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/22 - Octoberfest @Frontier Saloon, Folsom, PA (1:00pm-5:00pm; $15/$20)
Tue. 10/25 - Jolly Pumpkin Halloween @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA (PAYG)
Fri. 10/28 - Pumpkin Beer Month (four from Iron Hill and two from Elysian) @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, PA (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 10/1 - Oktoberfest @Triumph, New Hope, PA (1:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Oktoberfest/Fall Beer Tasting @Veritas Wine and Spirits, Wilmington, DE (2:30pm-7:30pm; Free)
Sat. 10/1 - Oktoberfest @Frank A. Smith Beverage, Pottstown, PA (1:00pm-4:00pm; Free)
Sun. 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23 - OktoberFest @Stoudt's Brewery, Adamstown, PA (12:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG)
Sun. 10/2 - Victory Beer Garden @Downingtown Fall Fest, Downingtown, PA (12:00pm-4:00pm; Free, then PAYG)
Mon. 10/3 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Havana, New Hope, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 10/4 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Half Moon, Kennett Square, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 10/4 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Station Taproom, Downingtown, PA (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/5 - A Night with De Struise @Station Taproom, Downingtown, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/6 - Charity Cask Night (featuring triple-hopped IPA to benefit Northeastern Pennsylvania American Diabetes Association) @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, PA (5:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/7 - Hop Attack! @Iron Hill Brewery, West Chester, PA (12:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/7 - Free Beer Tasting (Philadelphia Brewing) @Wegmans, Downingtown, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 10/7 - Firkin Friday (Vienna Red Lager) @Iron Hill Brewery, Phoenixville, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/8 - Oktoberfest @River Horse Brewery, Lambertville, NJ (1:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 10/11 - Victory Cooks' Showdown @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA (6:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/14 - Dark Devil Sampling (Victory) @Wegmans, Malvern, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Sat. 10/15 - DogFishFest @Union Jack's on the Manatawny, Boyertown, PA (1:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/20 - Beerrelevance: The tastiest history lesson you've ever had @Total Wine, Claymont, DE (6:30pm-8:30pm; $15)
Thu. 10/20 - Charity Cask Night (featuring triple-hopped IPA to benefit Northeastern Pennsylvania American Diabetes Association) @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, PA (5:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - 5 Year Anniversary @Iron Hill Brewery, Phoenixville, PA (5:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - Beer Tasting (Pumpkin Beers) @Washington House, Sellersville, PA (5:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/26 - Tröegs Tap Takeover @Station Taproom, Downingtown, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Mon. 10/3 - Oktoberfest Dinner @Garces Trading Co., Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm; $75)
Tue. 10/4 - De Molen Beer Dinner @The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; $TBD)
Sat. 10/8 - Brews for Boobies @Various locations, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm; $25 + PAYG)
Sat. 10/15 - Smörgåsbeer’d: A Beer Tasting @American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-7:00pm; $25)
Thu. 10/20 - Oktoberfest & Beer Pairing @Healthy Bites-to-Go, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; $55)
Sat. 10/22 - Beer Barons to Homebrewers @Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA (1:00pm; $25)
Sun. 10/23 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer @World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm; $35)
Tue. 10/25 - Women of Beer @MidAtlantic Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm-10:00pm; $150)
Thu. 10/27 - Sierra Nevada Beer Dinner @Tavern 17, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-9:00pm; $40)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 10/4 - Introduction to Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Wed. 10/5 - Victory Beer Dinner @The Melting Pot, Warrington, PA (6:00pm-9:00pm; $59)
Wed. 10/5 - Beer & Chocolate @Iron Hill Brewery, Maple Shade, NJ (7:00pm-9:00pm; $25)
Tue. 10/11 - Next Step Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Thu. 10/13 - Flying Fish Beer Tasting Class @Hobbs Coffee House, Swarthmore, PA (7:30pm-9:00pm; $30)
Mon. 10/17 - A Feurious Night, Beer Lovers Delight @Nectar, Berwyn, PA (6:00pm-9:00pm; $65)
Wed. 10/19 - Flying Dog Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; $55)
Sat. 10/29 - Halloween Autumn Beer Brunch @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (12:00pm-3:00pm; $35/$40)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 10/1 - EMSP Beer Fest @Emmaus Shopping Center, Emmaus, PA (1:00pm-5:00pm; $10/$30/$35)
Wed. 10/5 - Brewer's Dinner @Stewart's Brewing Company (6:30pm; $65)
Fri. 10/7 - Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Dinner @Washington House, Sellersville, PA (5:00pm; $59)
Fri. 10/7 - A Harvest Dinner pairing of Local Food, Beer, & Wine @Mill at The Stone Barn, Kennett Square, PA (7:00pm-11:00pm; $125)
Fri. 10/7 - Local Autumn Harvest Dinner with Weyerbacher @Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA (6:00pm; $85/$97)
Sat. 10/8 - Bethlehem Harvest Festival @downtown Bethlehem, PA (11:00am-9:00pm; Free admission, $20/$25 for beer samples 1pm-4pm)
Sat. 10/8 - Kennett Brewfest @downtown Kennett Square, PA (12:00pm-1:30pm, 2:00pm-6:00pm; $40/$65)
Sat. 10/8 - Oktoberfest @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, PA (12:00pm-3:00pm; $30)
Tue. 10/11 - Introduction to Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Bethlehem, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Wed. 10/12 - Trappist Beer Dinner featuring Chimay @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, PA (7:00pm; $65)
Thu. 10/13 - Brewmaster's Oktoberfest Beer Dinner @Iron Hill Brewery, West Chester, PA (7:00pm; $65)
Sat. 10/15 - Microfest @Stoudt's Brewery, Adamstown, PA (12:00pm-4:00pm; $TBD)
Sun. 10/16 - Wooden It Be Nice Dogfish Head Beer Dinner @Caffe Gelato, Newark, DE (6:00pm; $69)
Tue. 10/18 - Harvest Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA (6:00pm; $55)
Thu. 10/20 - Sugar Hill Cooks with Harlem Brewing Company @Blue Pear Bistro, West Chester, PA (7:00pm; $TBD)
Fri. 10/21 - Sierra Nevada Beer Dinner @Side Bar & Restaurant, West Chester, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; $TBD)
Sat. 10/22 - Newtown's Original Brewfest @Newtown Swim Club, Newtown, PA (12:00pm-5:00pm; $10/$40/$70)
Sat. 10/22 - Bourbon, Beer, and Bryson II @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, PA (5:00pm-8:00pm; $25/$45)
Sun. 10/23 - Delaware Wine & Beer Festival @Pizzadili Vineyards & Winery, Felton, DE (12:00pm-5:00pm; $25/$35)
Tue. 10/25 - Next Step Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Bethlehem, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Sat. 10/29 - Somers Point Craft Beer Fest @Somers Point Volunteer Fire Company #2 (12:00pm-4:00pm; $35/$50)

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

I love a great brown ale (yes, brown ales can be great), and now WXPN has one thanks to David Dye and Philadelphia Brewing Company


One of the most neglected beer styles these days just might be the brown ale. While they may lack some of the sex appeal of some other beer styles, at least as defined by today's geekerie and hype machines, I can't help but be excited to hear about a well-made brown ale.

Now I say this only with hope, but no way (yet) of knowing whether this new brown ale from Philadelphia Brewing Company will measure up. Familiar with some of the brewhouse talent in Kensington, I don't expect to be let down.

In the words of the press release, "the World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale is brewed in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the World Café radio program. The Broadcaster Brown Ale will be available on draught at select bars throughout the greater Philadelphia region beginning at the end of September."


The pictures contained herein were forwarded along to me from the special release event held on September 21 at the brewery with David Dye and the brewers that I unfortunately was not able to attend.

But, I'll be doing my best to make it out to one of the following host bars in the coming week to hopefully get a taste for myself. As the press release goes on to describe these events: "WXPN has arranged a World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale Beer Week from Octobert 3-6 at regional watering holes where the limited-edition beer will be available. Dye will serve as DJ and guest bartender, playing a special music mix while serving up the World Café brew. All Beer Week events will feature giveaways including World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale Beer pint glasses, Live @ the World Café CDs, music downloads and more."




Monday, October 3

Havana Restaurant and Catering
105 South Main Street, New Hope
5 p.m - 7 p.m.

The Princeton Sports Bar & Grill
128 Nassau Street, Princeton
8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Tuesday, October 4

Half Moon Restaurant and Saloon
108 West State Street, Kennett Square
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Station Taproom
207 West Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown
8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Wednesday, October 5

Milkboy Coffee
1100 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Johnny Brenda's
1201 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia
8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Thursday, October 6

McMenamin's Tavern
7170 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Derek's Restaurant
4411 Main Street, Philadelphia
8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Bell's Beer special distribution this week

Here are a few late entries to The Brew Lounge's September calendar of events that many of you will find of interest.

I received a nice note from Josh at Bell's Brewery. Yes, that Bell's Brewery from Michigan. The one that did the massive tap takeover during Philly Beer Week and delivers so many beers that get the geeks foaming.

They're in town the next few days to show off their Quinannan Falls Special Lager Beer, a 6.5% ABV "dry-hopped, strong lager that is usually only available on draft in Kalamazoo, MI".

I probably won't be able to make it out to any of the special events in the next few days, but trust if any of you do, you'll report back.

Here are the details straight from the brewery:

Tuesday, Sept. 27
Meet Derek from the brewery as Bell’s will be taking over Capone’s in Norristown starting at 6 p.m. In addition to Q-Falls, Amber, Best Brown, Cherry Stout, Consecrator Doppelbock, Kalamazoo Stout, Octoberfest, Oracle Double IPA, Porter, Two Hearted Ale IPA, and Wedding Ale will also be available on draft.

Call 610-279-4748 or visit them online caponesdraftlist.blogspot.com for more information.

Wednesday, Sept. 28
Bell’s will take over Jeremy’s Khyber Pass Pub in Philadelphia with Two Hearted, Porter, Consecrator, Q-Falls, Amber Ale, Oarsman Ale, and Expedition Stout on draft starting at 8 p.m.

Call 215-238-5888 or go to www.khyberpasspub.com for more information.

Thursday, Sept. 29
This first look at Q-Falls will be held at Blue Dog Tavern in Chalfont alongside Two Hearted, Porter, Consecrator, Amber, Pale Ale, Oarsman Ale, and Expedition Stout.

Call 215-997-9988 or go online to www.bluedog.cc for more information.

About Quinannan Falls Special Lager Beer:
Born in a dream, Quinannan Falls Special Lager Beer refers to a mythical place in the boreal north. While the waterfall may exist solely in Larry Bell’s imagination, the beer he remembered drinking there is now quite real. Quinannan Falls possesses the crisp, dry bitterness you’d expect from a German pilsner, but the use of highly aromatic hops from the Pacific Northwest in both the kettle & dry-hop invokes the fragrant pine forests that inspired this beer.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 22 - September 30

Did you think last week's beer event calendar around the Philly region was crowded with over 30 events? This week's isn't much different. You wouldn't know that a bunch of the regular party people are getting ready to head out west to GABF.

My Houdini act continues this week as I'll miss much or all of this calendar.

Check out the entire September 2011 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. 9/30 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples and chance to vote for Samuel Adams Beer Lover's Choice)

@Capone's, Norristown, PA--- Thu. 9/22 - Southern Tier Draft Specials (11:30am; PAYG for 2XIPA, Crème Brûlée, Gemini Imperial Blended Ale, Harvest Ale, Oat Imperial Oatmeal Stout, Iniquity Imperial Black Ale, Mokah Stout, and Pumking)

@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/22 - Keep the Pint Night (5:00pm; PAYG for a night of Sly Fox's Pikeland Pils, Royal Weisse, Black Raspberry Reserve, Falconer's Flight Pale, and Belgian Blonde)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Fegley's beers)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Fri. 9/30 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Flying Fish's beers)

@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Free Samples (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Crispin Cider)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA--- Sat. 9/24 - Free Samples (12:00pm-2:00pm; Free tasting samples of Blue Moon Pale Moon)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA--- Sat. 9/24 - Free Samples (4:30pm-6:30pm; Free tasting samples of Weyerbacher's beers)

@Iron Hill Brewery, Newark, DE--- Fri. 9/23 - Pumpkin Ale Release Party (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG for the first pints of his most popular fall seasonal beer.)

@Roosevelt's Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/29 - Cape of Good Hope & The Fleeting Ends (8:30pm; $8 Cover & PAYG for a special music night with The Fleeting Ends. Joining them will be Ron Gallo of Toy Soldiers with special guest the Levee Drivers. And they will be pouring Cape of Good Hope)

@Superior Beverage, Phoenixville, PA--- Fri. 9/30 - Free Beer Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Philadelphia Brewing's beers)

@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/30 - Spaten Oktoberfest Night (6:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG for beer by Spaten, delicious German food by Chef Eric, and for music, Spaten rep Tom Neuhauser will be on hand with his accordion. If you come dressed in lederhosen or a dirndl, Tom might have a nice goody for you.)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/22 - Yelp Movie Club Night (7:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG for Back to School on the big screen and discounted Flying Fish ESB & HopFish on tap)

@Wegmans, Downingtown, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Free Beer Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Philadelphia Brewing's beers)


Alles ist Gut at Oktoberfest celebrations
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of American Oktoberfests with Joe Sixpack)

@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, PA--- Mon. 9/19-Sat. 9/24 - Oktoberfest (12:00pm; PAYG for a week of nightly fun culminating in a block party on the 24th with plenty of live music, pig roast, and tons of tons of tons of Bavarian Bier.)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/24-Sun. 9/25 - Oktoberfest (3:00pm-7:00pm, 1:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG for the first of 3 weekends of Oktoberfest fun. Music, beer, food and more. Out back weather permitting, inside if rainy. Free sausage sandwich to anyone wearing lederhosen or a dirndl.)
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, PA--- Sun. 9/25 - Oktoberfest Pre-Game Wheat Beer Breakfast (11:00am-1:00pm; PAYG to start off your Oktoberfesting right with a wheat beer breakfast.)

@Standard Tap, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/23-Thu. 9/29 - Sausage Fest (PAYG to enjoy Oktoberfest beers and wieners of all varieties all week long)

@Stoudt's Brewery, Adamstown, PA--- Sat. 9/24-Sun. 9/25 - OktoberFest opening weekend (12:00pm; PAYG as gates open at noon, music from 2 to 6, and food available from 1-5pm)

@United German Hungarian Club, Oakford, PA--- Fri. 9/23-Sun. 9/25 - Oktoberfest (PAYG with plenty of free parking. Featuring live German Music and traditional Bavarian Dancers. Home-cooked Bavarian food, desserts, and refreshments all weekend long! Soccer Games throughout the weekend)

@With Love Garden at The Four Seasons, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Oktoberfest (5:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG for featured seasonal beers from Victory Brewing Company, including one of the last opportunities to enjoy the Summer Love Ale collaboration beer from GPTMC and Victory. Also on tap will be Victory Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest-style Festbier, which will be paired with tasty Oktoberfest-inspired treats from Executive Chef Rafael Gonzalez and his culinary team.)


Food and Beer events
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, PA--- Sun. 9/25 - Friends of Hawthornes Beer Dinner (6:30pm-8:30pm; $50 for a 3-course dinner paired with New Belgium's Somersault, Fat Tire, Ranger, and Mother Ship Wit)

@High Street Caffe/Vudu, West Chester, PA--- Mon. 9/26 - ALS Beer Dinner with Yards ($55/$75 for a five-course meal paired with Philly Pale Ale, Brawler, Thomas Jefferson Ale, Cape of Good Hope IPA, and Bourbon Barrel-Aged Love Stout)

@Midatlantic Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/29 - Birdies, Beer, & Booze (6:00pm; $40/$60 for a five-course meal paired with a handful of spirits and Dock Street's OMG Pale Ale, Kölsch, OMG Pale Ale/Dry Hopped Firkin, Rye IPA, and Man Full of Trouble Porter)

@Morris Arboretum, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/22 - Beer Tasting and Dinner (7:00pm-9:00pm; $50/$55 for an Ales of the Revolution Dinner, modeled on the annual City Tavern dinner during Philly Beer Week)

@Triumph Brewing, Princeton, NJ--- Sat. 9/24 - Texas Bar-B-Que & Craft Beer Fest (1:00pm-5:00pm; $50 for a festival of beer, live music, and food by Hambone Opera Catering)

@Victory Brewing, Downingtown, PA--- Sun. 9/25 - Bike Fresh Bike Local (7:00am; $40/$45 for your choice of a 25, 50 or 75 mile bike route on some of the area's most beautiful roads, delicious local foods lunch, and an award-winning Victory draft beer)


Special Events with a little something extra
@Cooperage Wine & Whiskey Bar, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 9/28 - Victory Village Celebration of Beer and Coffee (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG for this celebrated brown ale with coffee served along with plenty of other Victory brews, unique coffee-inspired dishes, and some excellent One Village coffee)

@Harry's Savoy Grill, Wilmington, DE--- Fri. 9/23 - Grapes vs. Grains (7:00pm-10:00pm; $75/$140 for a selection of great wine against Dogfish Head craft beers -- My Antonia, Red & White, and Black & Blue -- with each course and you will deside which paired better combo)

@Iron Hill Brewery, Newark, DE--- Thu. 9/22 - Pick Me A Winner (6:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG to pick which beer will win a medal at the Great American Beer Festival and win 1000 Mug Club points.)

@Khyber Pass Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/24 - Ryes Above (12:00pm; PAYG for tasty rye brews from Founders, Sixpoint, Bear Republic, and more)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 9/28 - Back to School Staff Beer Training (12:00pm; Free/PAYG to learn about some of the beer on our menu in depth along with our staff. Four ounce pours of each beer we will discuss are being offered as our treat to you during the class.)

@Total Wine, Claymont, DE--- Thu. 9/29 - Beerrelevance: The tastiest history lesson you've ever had (6:30pm-8:30pm; $15 for a class that includes beer selections, tasting sheets, take-home educational materials, and discounts on the beer presented in class.)

@Tria, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/22 - Beer 101 (6:30pm-8:00pm; $50 as Tria founder and beer aficionado Jon Myerow brings beer down to earth with a tasting and discussion that will enhance your enjoyment and confidence in any beer situation.)


Fall Beer Festivals continue
@The Stocking Works, Newtown, PA--- Sat. 9/24 - Newtown Beerfest 2011 (12:30pm-5:30pm; $10/$40/$75 to sample from over 80 breweries)

@The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA--- Sun. 9/25 - Taste of Fall (1:00pm-5:00pm; $10-$60 for a festive afternoon in the outdoors filled with food, wine, and beer tastings, activities, and live music. Enjoy items for sale from local farms, specialty food vendors, and select artists. Bring your children to enjoy a variety of activities in the children’s area.)

@Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Smoke 'em if Yous Got 'em (2:00pm-6:30pm; $25/$50/$60 for an annual tribute to smoked beer, smoked food, smoked cheese, smoked everything)


And a Homebrewing Event
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Bethlehem, PA--- Wed. 9/28 - Next Step Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 to brew up a Keystone beer kit, which is extract based with specialty grains, fresh hops, and liquid yeast. We will taste and discuss your homebrews and ours, so be sure to bring some.)

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 15 - September 21

If this type of foolishness keeps up, I'm gonna need an intern. I'm getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome working on this calendar. I mean, c'mon, is there an area of the country with a more aggressive (and interesting) set of brewers, distributors, and publicans that take the (beer) ball and run with it? Even without the Oktoberfest celebrations that really kick off the season this coming weekend, there are still over 30 beer events scheduled running the gamut from free tastings to the more expensive sit down beer dinner type of events.

My non-beer life is winning currently, so I trust you'll get out there and take in some of the scene for me as I continue my Houdini act.

Check out the entire September 2011 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 World, Roslyn, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Free Beer Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Philadelphia Brewing's beers)

@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tastings samples of German Fest beers)

@Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - Movie Night (9:00pm; PAYG for a night of discounted beer and food and Urban Roots on the big screen)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free tasting samples of Victory)

@Global Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Free Beer Tasting (4:30pm-6:30pm; Free tastings samples of Philadelphia Brewing)

@Local 44, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - Life & Limb Collaboration Night (5:00pm; PAYG for this collaboration brewed with pure maple syrup from the Calagione family farm in Massachusetts and estate barley grown on the Grossman "farm" at the brewery in Chico, CA)

@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Third Friday Jodi's Firkin (5:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG for a special firkin from Jodi Stoudt)


Ein, Zwei, Viel Oktoberfest celebrations
@Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Capital City Invitational Beer Fest (2:00pm-9:00pm; $15/$35/$40 for 25+ breweries from Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region as well as some awesome brew friendly vendors.)

@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, PA--- Mon. 9/19-Sat. 9/24 - Oktoberfest (12:00pm; PAYG for a week of nightly fun culminating in a block party on the 24th with plenty of live music, pig roast, and tons of tons of tons of Bavarian Bier.)

@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Oktoberfest (PAYG)

@Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Oktoberfest (5:30pm-9:00pm; $25/$45/$50 for a festive night of authentic German dancing and delicious food from Outback Steakhouse of Conshohocken, Dave & Busters of Plymouth Meeting, Zone's Catering, and ShopRite of East Norrition, complemented by sampling a wide variety of seasonal and craft beers.)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17-Sun. 9/18 - Oktoberfest (3:00pm-7:00pm, 1:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG for the first of 3 weekends of Oktoberfest fun. Music, beer, food and more. Out back weather permitting, inside if rainy. Free sausage sandwich to anyone wearing lederhosen or a dirndl.)
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, PA--- Sun. 9/18 - Oktoberfest Pre-Game Wheat Beer Breakfast (11:00am-1:00pm; PAYG to start off your Oktoberfesting right with a wheat beer breakfast.)


Food and Beer events
@Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, PA--- Thu. 9/15 - Samuel Smith Beer Dinner (7:00pm-9:30pm; $50 for a four course meal paired with Samuel Smith beers like Organic Ale, Organic Cherry Ale, Nut Brown Ale, and Oatmeal Stout and Brew Works' beers like The Second Coming ESB, Amber Lager, Steelgaarden Wit, Kilo Imperial Honey Brown Ale, and Devious Imperial Pumpkin Ale)

@DiBruno Bros., Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - An Evening with The Brewer, The Farmer, The Chef, and The Goat (6:00pm-8:00pm; $45 for a night focused on all things goat. There will be interactive tasting stations that include plentiful and various preparations of goat and goat cheese.)

@Éclat, West Chester, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Eclat Chocolate and Beer (6:30pm-8:00pm, 8:30pm-10:00pm; $45)

@Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Brews, Blues, & BBQ (1:00pm-5:00pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm; $45 for a sampling of 100 or more craft beers from around the world. There will be free food for your enjoyment and judging. 15 or more Barbecue masters from around the Philadelphia area will be competing for the Best of Philly in 3 different categories: Brisket, chicken and of course, ribs.)

@General Sutter Inn, Lititz, PA--- Sun. 9/18 - Beer and Cheese Tasting (4:30pm; $30)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA--- Wed. 9/21 - Russian River Beer Dinner (7:00pm-9:00pm; $60 for a five-course meal featuring Redemption, Sanctification, Pliny the Elder, Temptation, and Salvation)

@Maloney's Pub & Grill, Matawan, NJ--- Sat. 9/17 - Yards Ales of the Revolution Dinner (7:15pm; $55 for a four-course meal paired with Yards' Philadelphia Pale Ale, George Washington’s Tavern Porter, Poor Richard’s Tavern Ale, and Thomas Jefferson’s Tavern Ale. Four other beers from Yards will be on tap during the evening as well.)

@Side Bar, West Chester, PA--- Wed. 9/21 - Sierra Nevada Beer Dinner (7:00pm; $55 for a creative 5 to 7 course dinner)


Special Events with a little something extra
@Allentown, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Craft Beer Bus Tour (11:00am; $65 for a tour that includes samples of beer at each location (Fegley's, Triumph, Weyerbacher) along with a behind the scene, V.I.P. tour of their brewing and packaging facility. We give you snacks and water on the bus and the Quizzo lady has promised to show up and challenge your mind.)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Festivus Humulus Hopfest (PAYG for 17 "normal" drafts and 1 firkin (2pm tapping) of IPAs and giveaways from Fanatic 97.5 FM giveaways)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 9/21 - Back to School Staff Beer Training (12:00pm; PAYG for a chance to learn about some of the beer on our menu in depth along with our staff. Four ounce pours of each beer we will discuss are being offered as our treat to you during the class.)

@Mile Post Pub inside Whole Foods, Devon, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - Beer School (7:30pm-8:30pm; $35 for six or seven miscellaneous beer, a bottle of each to take home, a bottle of water and snack, food/cheese/dessert pairing suggestions plus a recipe, a take-home empty pub glass, an empty growler, and some other pub swag.)

@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - International Zwanze Day (3:00pm; PAYG for this unique and exclusive event)

@Pinocchio's, Media, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - Stone Tap Takeover (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG for beer tastings, food, and special edition Pinocchio's/Stone growlers)

@Schuylkill River Banks under the Walnut Street Bridge, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Blues & Brews on the Banks (5:00pm-8:00pm; $35 for a fun evening of food from The Dapper Dog, drinks, and live music performed by the Brian LaPann Trio to benefit maintenance and operations of the Schuylkill Banks and greenway. All monies raised will go towards the purchase of a new maintenance vehicle for the Grays Ferry portion of the trail.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - Allagash Alley (PAYG for no less than five taps from this rock star brewery. Expect to see some rare vintage bottles poured as well.)

@The Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/15 - Sibling Rivalry (PAYG for Mikkeller's Black Hole/Bourbon, Draft Bear, US Alive/Brett, and Drinkin' In The Sun and Evil Twin's Soft Dookie, Biscotti Break, Ryan And The Easter Bunny, and B/D/A Christmas)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA--- Mon. 9/19 - Girls Just Wanna Have Suds 2 (6:00pm; $30 gets you locally sourced produce and cheeses from girls who aren’t afraid to get down in the dirt. Beers include: Sunrise; Summer Love; Kölsch; and Helios)


Anniversary Celebrations
@London Grill, Philadelphia, PA--- Mon. 9/19 - 20th Anniversary Party (5:00pm-9:00pm; $40 for Beer & Cheese Pairings from Nodding Head, DiBruno Bros. and Stoudt’s)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 9/21 - Two Year Anniversary Party (5:00pm; PAYG for a Twice-Fried Chicken Goodness (starting at noon) and special draft list after 5pm including De Dolle Dulle Teve, St. Bernardus 12, Schneider Aventinus Eisbock--poured from a wooden barrel off the bar, Leipziger Gose, Green Flash West Coast IPA, Sly Fox Pikeland Pils, Victory Headwaters Pale Ale on Cask, and Dogfish Head Chateau Jiahu--Randalized with Sake-Soaked Hop Leaves)


Fall Beer Festivals get underway
@Battleship New Jersey, Camden, NJ--- Sat. 9/17 - Brew Blast on the Battleship (1:00pm-5:00pm; $45 for over 50 craft and specialty beers)

@Jenkintown Town Square, Jenkingtown, PA--- Sun. 9/18 - Beer Fest at Jenkintown Festival of the Arts (1:00pm-6:00pm; $25 gets you admittance to the brewfest, a sporty wristband, a commemorative sampling cup, and all the samples you care to enjoy during the time taps are open.)


And a Homebrewing Event
@Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - West Philly Homebrew Competition (1:00pm-3:00pm; $7 for the experience of all of the participating wonderful homebrews in addition to voting privileges for the "People’s Choice Award".)

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 8 - September 14

I'm gonna be (mostly) off the Philly Beer Grid for the next few weeks and that's a shame seeing the wealth of events from which to choose. Take the next seven days as an example.

I know you'll play your part in helping pick up the slack for me.

Better yet, if you attend an event and have any words or pictures to share from the event, feel free to drop them my way and I'll feature you as a guest in The Brew Lounge.

Check out the entire September 2011 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. 9/2 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of pumpkin beers with Joe Sixpack)

@Brewhouse Grille, Camp Hill, PA--- Thu. 9/8 - Stone/Tröegs Collaboration Keg Tapping (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG for a rare keg appearance of the chocolate, and sort of cherry, stout)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Thu. 9/8 - Thursday Night Sampling (3:00pm-4:30pm; Free tasting samples of Yuengling Light Lager plus a Darren Daulton appearance)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Fri. 9/9 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Leinenkugel)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Saturday Sampling (1:00pm-4:00pm; Free tasting samples of canned craft beer)

@Farmhouse Tavern, Doylestown, PA--- Thu. 9/8 - Victory Promo Night (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG as they feature Victory promotions with giveaways.)

@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/8 - Straub Night (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG for Straub Special Dark on tap and Straub Regular in cans. The first 48 people who order Straub Special Dark keep the glass.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA--- Thu. 9/8 - River Horse Night (PAYG for food, fun, and firkins from NJ's River Horse brewery)


Iron Hill has enough events this week, they get their own category
@Iron Hill Brewery, Newark, DE--- Fri. 9/9 - Oktoberfest Release Party (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG for the first pints of this year's only batch of Oktoberfest.)
@Iron Hill Brewery, Phoenixville, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Heavy Medals (12:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG to taste GABF '11 contenders: Roggenbier, Schwarzbier, Abbey Dubbel, Belgian Tripel, Saison, Maibock, Pig Iron Porter, Vienna Lager, and Ironbound Ale)
@Iron Hill Brewery, Wilmington, DE--- Sat. 9/10 - Big Beers Small State (3:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG to enjoy beers from Iron Hill and 6 other Delaware-based breweries.)
@Iron Hill Brewery, Media, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Farm to Table Supper (7:00pm-10:00pm; $75 for a five-course meal paired with Bob Barrar's Belgian Tripel, Ironbound Ale, Vienna Red Lager, Maniac Alt, and Abbey Dubbel)


Classes and Education
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA--- Fri. 9/9 - Next Step Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 for this class that is geared toward the new brewer who has brewed some beer kits and is ready to learn the next step in homebrewing. In this class we will concentrate on beer ingredients and how they influence the final flavors.)
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Introduction to Brewing Class (1:00pm; $40 for this class for the first-time brewer that will explain the basic equipment needed to homebrew and how it works. Participants will get hands-on experience brewing, bottling, and tasting homebrew.)
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Bethlehem, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Introduction to Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 for this class for the first-time brewer that will explain the basic equipment needed to homebrew and how it works. Participants will get hands-on experience brewing, bottling, and tasting homebrew.)

@Mile Post Pub inside Whole Foods, Devon, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Beer School (7:30pm-8:30pm; $35 for six or seven Belgian styles of beer, a bottle of each to take home, a bottle of water and snack, food/cheese/dessert pairing suggestions plus a recipe, a take-home empty pub glass, an empty growler, and some other pub swag.)

@Total Wine, Claymont, DE--- Thu. 9/8 - Beer 101: Get your suds on (6:30pm-8:30pm; $15 for a class that includes beer selections, tasting sheets, take home educational materials, and discounts on the beer presented in class.)


Large gatherings of beer and beer lovers
@Bube's Brewery, Mount Joy, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Beerfest (2:00pm; $TBD for tastings of several local brewery's best current offerings, including ours. Also taste the beer of the winners of Bube's 4th Annual Homebrew Contest.)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Sat. 9/10 - American IPA Festival (7:00pm; $40/$45 for for All-American IPAs, All you can eat blue claw crabs, Bratwurst and Kraut, and $5 of every ticket goes to fund the 2012 St. Patrick's Day Parade)

@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Pils Picnic (12:00pm; PAYG Brooklyn Pils, Dock Street Bohemian Pils, Sixpoint Sehr Crisp Pils, Sly Fox Pikeland Pils, Southampton Keller Pils, Standard Pils, Troeg’s Sunshine Pils, Twin Lakes Route 52 Pilsner, Victory Braumeister Pils with Saaz hops, Victory Braumeister Pils with Sladek hops, and Victory Braumeister Pils with Tettnang hops. And, a firkin of Stoudt’s Pils. Plus the Victory Beer Barrel. Picnic fare on the menu. Expect housemade hot dogs, cold fried chicken, deviled eggs, and potato salad.)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Rogue Brewery (12:00pm; PAYG for John John Dead Guy Ale, John John Hazelnut, XS Imperial IPA, Maierfest Lager, Double Chocolate Stout, Double Dead Guy Ale, Chatoe Rogue OREgasmic Ale, Morimotot Soba Ale, Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout (Nitro), Chipotle Ale, Somer Orange Honey Ale, Smoke Ale, Dad's Little Helper Black IPA, and cask-conditioned Dead Guy. Plus, Specialty West Coast Oysters & Artisanal Cheeses from Rogue's Award Winning Creamery)

@The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/9-Sat. 9/10 - Session Beer Fest (3:00pm-11:30pm; PAYG)

@Union Jack's on the Manatawny, Boyertown, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Saisons in the Sun (1:00pm; PAYG for Allagash/ De Proef Les Duex Brasseurs, Avery Eighteen, Coronado Saison by the Sea, Lost Abbey Carnavale, New Holland Farmhouse Hatter, Port Mongo, Pretty Things Jack D'or, Russian River Blind Pig, Russian River Pliny the Elder, Sly Fox/De Proef Broederlijke Liefde, Stillwater Cellar Door, Stillwater Existent, Stillwater Stateside, Stillwater/Brewers Art Debutante, and Voodoo Bitchin Camaro. Frecon Farms Hogshead Cider will also be featured. Live music TBA)


Miscellaneous Fun Times
@Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Beer Fest at the Ballpark (2:00pm-7:00pm; $15-$50 for Different Beers from 25+ Craft Breweries all while listening to Live Band & DJ Music and indulging on Great Ballpark Food. Also, a 50/50 Raffle for Great Prizes)

@Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Movie Night (9:00pm; PAYG for beer and food specials and 'Conan O'Brien: Can't Stop' on the projector)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 9/14 - Back to School Staff Beer Training (12:00pm; PAYG for a chance to learn about some of the beer on our menu in depth along with our staff. Four ounce pours of each beer we will discuss are being offered as our treat to you during the class.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Zwet.be vs. Exportation (PAYG for a crazy night of soured beers, hoppy beers, and some Sierra products like Tumbler, Life and Limb, 1 or 2 Torpedos, Pale, and a Bigfoot sixtel. What does it all mean?)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Victory Cooks' Showdown (6:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG as one back of house Chef and one front of house Sous Chef will battle it out)


Only two beer events this week with a food focus?
@Ron's Original, Exton, PA--- Wed. 9/14 - Carol Stoudt and the West Chester Beer Ladies (7:00pm-10:00pm; $20 to hear from Carol Stoudt about Women in the Beer Industry and four courses of food paired with Stoudt's Oktoberfest, Gold, Scarlet Lady, and Porter)

@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Founders Breakfast Stout Breakfast (10:00am-1:00pm; PAYG as they'll have a bunch of Founders on tap, including their famous Breakfast Stout, and some pint glass to give away too. And we of course will have our tasty breakfast menu, including our great Strawberry Challah French Toast. September 10th will also mark the introduction of Whiskey Donuts to our breakfast menu. And if that ain't enough for you, we will break out the case of Founders KBS we have been cellaring.)

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

NYC trippin' and name droppin', part 2

>> Pictures from New York City (they're mostly beer-related, but not all. That's either a good thing or a sad thing, you decide.)

If you missed Part 1 yesterday, here's a handy link back to it to fill in the blanks, or not.

Financial District - the beginning of my second weekend visit to Patty in NYC began with a walking "tour" of lower Manhattan, taking a bunch of stock photos and walking the streets that I used to walk when I used to do more work in the Financial District. It's a bit of an odd place and not one that I particularly miss too terribly. But, yet fun for walking and sightseeing around.

Grand Central - I hopped the 4/5 subway line northbound and jumped off at Grand Central, taking more pictures along the way, and walking another 15 or so blocks before getting back on the subway to 86th Street. Why 86th Street? Next...

Papaya King - Everyone has their "thing". Since being introduced to Papaya King over 15 years ago by a friend, I like to stop in and grab the two hot dogs, fries, and smoothie drink special. There used to be more locations (including one in Philly's University City), but it appears that they're are now just down this original location as their sole Manhattan site. This one at 86th and 3rd is the nearly 80-year-old institution's original location and the perfect place to begin a zig-zagging walk south through Manhattan. Did I mention that it was another beautiful day?

Upper East Side - ah yes, the Upper East Side. Full of history, architecture, shopping, recreation, and a little bit of everything else. I don't know much of the Upper East Side's history -- other than that's where the Jefferson's moved to — but a leisurely and meandering walk through it is definitely recommended.

Eataly/Flatiron - I made my way to the Flatiron District whereupon I decided to check out what all the buzz is about surrounding the Eataly establishment. Holy cow....and fish, bread, coffee, gelato, wine, produce, pasta, restaurants, bars, and on and on and on. What doesn't this market have? While the wait for Birreria (the upstairs Sam Calagione/Leonardo DiVincenzo/Teo Musso joint brewpub effort) was too long for my liking and timetable, I soaked up the atmosphere downstairs in the sprawling market. Judging from others' comments, the brewpub may or may not impress, but my own impression was strongly formed in the ground floor market.

Gramercy - Just north of Union Square is Gramercy Park, one of the smaller and more attractive residential neighborhoods in NYC. The gated private park in the middle provides residents with their own secluded escape.

Union Square/Greenmarket - Into the autumn months, Greenmarket is a routine sight all around Union Square. Throughout the year, one of NYC's busiest and most eclectic and diverse public squares. For beer, a Heartland Brewery is just off the northwest corner.

Whole Foods/Union Square - The Whole Foods just off Union Square has a nice selection of beer, but no where near the volume and quality of Chelsea or Bowery locations. Still, the lower level where the beer is located gave me a chance to cool off from the increasing heat and a chance to watch the fileting of a grouper and opah and then sample the finished cooked product. So, there you go, a little tip of the day. When bouncing around a city and working up a sweat, duck into a market with a great beer selection to peruse and some free samples of food to enjoy.

Zum Schneider - Finally! After years of being told that this German bar in the East Village/Alphabet City would be well worth the mission to find it, I myself found it and an enjoyable hour or so atop a barstool with a couple of very nice beers. If I wasn't headed off to meet Patty for dinner, it certainly would have been the Schweinhaxen platter and more of the same in the glass. The thing about Zum Schneider is that it's not very close to a subway stop, at least not compared to many of the other beer destinations around the city. But, I'm guessing that, in fact, is what keeps it from becoming anything it doesn't want to be. Your best bet for getting there on foot (cheaters only need take a cab if it's raining!) is taking one of a few trains that stop at Astor Place (and walk east), the 1st Avenue stop along the L-train (and walk south), or the F-train to the 1st Avenue stop (and walk north). Any of these walks, though, will require roughly a 3/4 mile walk. A pleasant walk, but a walk nonetheless, and as I mentioned, I imagine that this is what keeps it from becoming overrun with tourists and über beer geeks. And, that it was makes it so darn nice to visit. Oh, and their exclusive Traunstein beers. And the German staff. And the indoor tree that the building is constructed around. The outdoor umbrella'ed tables and the large windows that open out to them. But let's just keep this all amongst the few of reading this, okay? Sehr gut.

Whole Foods/Bowery - The last of Whole Foods stops in NYC this time around was at the site of the original best of the chain market's beer stores. On Houston Street (we all know it's pronounced How-sten, yes?), there's a full-sized marketplace, a coffee bar, cafe, cheese cave, and one of the city's best retail beer selections. For this Pennsylvania guy on Houston Street, it's never too difficult to find Captain Lawrence and Goose Island (not in PA at all) and limited distribution beers of NY and New England-based breweries that make it only sporadically in southeastern Pennsylavnia. Did I mention that it includes a six-tap growler filling station? Plus, the B- ,the F-, and the D-trains are all just steps away. And if Whole Foods doesn't have what you're looking for, just a few blocks away is New Beer Distributors, also one of Manhattan's better beer retailers.

After closing out the night with some waterfront dining, but nothing too interesting on the beer front (come to think of it, I switched over to wine), we rested up for what we knew would be an energetic day of city walking the following day.

The Spotted Pig - We began this particular Sunday with a solid and delicious brunch, albeit slightly a more expensive than you might imagine or hope for, at the country's oft-cited "first gastropub". I honestly still don't have a firm grasp on the exact criteria for gastropub, but nonetheless The Spotted Pig delivers quality food and beverage in a comfortable atmosphere. Perhaps the ambiance paired with the service made the final bill a bit more palatable...as did the cask-conditioned Sixpoint Autobahn IPA. But, a deviled egg (one deviled egg, sliced into two halves) for $4 and a 14-ounce (maybe 12-ounce, tough to tell) glass of local cask-conditioned beer both seemed high even by NYC standards, particularly gastropub standards.

The remainder of the day was spent walking. Walking the West Village. Walking The High Line. Walking Midtown. Oops, back up. The High Line -- what a great addition to the West Village, Meatpacking District, and Midtown. Stretching from roughly 14th Street to 30th Street and nearly hugging 10th Avenue the distance, the views and the serenity offer locals and tourists alike a respite from the busy streets and more photographic perspectives than you can imagine. Put it on your short list.

B&H electronics - This entry on my trip report has absolutely nothing to do with beer. We stopped in for a new telephoto lens for our camera. I'm not quite sure that in my wild imagination that I could stretch even something remote to tie to B&E Electronics. It just needs to be said that if you're on Manhattan in need of, oh say, anything with a chip in it or related to something with a chip in it, B&H is your place. Prices are fair, selection is astounding, and service is beyond top-notch in a retail culture that we live in today that accepts below-subpar service. It's at 34th and 9th. Wanna know more? Drop a note to me and I'd be glad to fill you in.

Stout - Before heading out on my train ride into an approaching tropical storm (or hurricane, or whatever it was called), Patty saw me off with a quick meal at Stout, just a block from Penn Station. If you're looking for the best beer option, with decent food, within spitting distance of the train station, Stout is it. Sure, you could walk another 5-15 minutes and be at Rattle 'n' Hum, Heartland, Ginger Man, or Pony Bar, but when time is of the essence (as it was for us at that time), Stout fills the need quite well. In our numerous times at Stout, there's never been a particular "wow factor", but that's not really a criticism. The food, the beers, and the service are all at least average, if not above average on some days, and that, on most days, will suit just fine.

That's all for now...

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

NYC trippin' and name droppin', part 1

>> Pictures from New York City (they're mostly beer-related, but not all. That's either a good thing or a sad thing, you decide.)

I've traversed the northeast from a few different directions over the past few weeks and I've done very little to share much of any of it with you.

By far, the majority of the time was spent across two separate weekends in New York City. Weather for both Saturdays was nearly as perfect as one could ask for in order to traverse the city while the Sundays consisted of one complete and utter washout and the other was a marginal and muggy one.

I'll present this to you in an abbreviated note format and mostly chronological. There's probably too much here for one posting, so I'll break this up in to two parts to make it a bit more, dare we say, digestible.

Brooklyn Brewery - happy hour on Friday nights at Brooklyn Brewery runs from 6pm-11pm. From the brewery setting to the relaxed atmosphere of groups of friends to the $4 beers (or $20 for 6...sold by the token), there's no reason not to hang out at Brooklyn Brewery all night. No food is served, but local restaurants deliver and there's a food truck parked out front. Very cool and very happy to have finally made it to the brewery after all these years. Oh, and key takeaway: Beer always tastes best fresh from the source. We all knew that already, right? Pennant Ale reminded me of this golden rule of beer.

Chelsea Market - not so much a stop for beer, but, rather, a great place to stop to "set the base" for beer drinking. Had a great BELT (this sandwich brought to you by the letter 'E' for egg) on toasted sourdough with an herbed aioli spread at Friedman's as a late breakfast sandwich before beginning my Saturday trekking around the city. This is a landmark building and a highly-recommended stop on any NYC visitor's tour around Manhattan. Plus, The High Line (more later) runs directly behind the Market. The hours are great too (7am-9pm, except Sunday, 8am-7pm)

Blind Tiger - There's probably not much to say about the Blind Tiger that hasn't been said before. Still widely considered one of NYC's finest and so much so, in my book, that I was there 3 times in less than 24 hours. I could explain why and how that happened, but it won't really add anything to the story. Okay, it will, and you know I'll get around to talking about it more later.

Governor's Island/Ommegang - I struggled with this one because I knew that it would involve some unknown level of commitment to get to Governor's Island. Yet, everything I've heard about Governor's Island quickly ratcheted this idea up my to-do list. Add to the scenario a Brews, Blues, & BBQ taking place (featuring Ommegang beers) and I had the recipe for a fun excursion off the southern tip of Lower Manhattan. Trouble is, a few thousand other people also seemed to have the same idea on this perfect Saturday. The line and wait at the South Ferry terminal were interminable (well, at 75 minutes, not completely interminable), but the payoff on the other side was worth it. Governor's Island is a walking, biking, beaching, relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle just a 1/4 mile away. The Ommegang "basics" were on tap (albeit with a confusing price schedule that certainly seemed to benefit the customer), barbecued food items were available for separate sale, and live music played at the end of the beach venue. Another bennie? The ferry ride and admission to the festival were both free of charge. The ferry is always free on weekends and holidays (hence the crowd, I suppose) and the beer festival is a weekly gig going into summer, each Saturday featuring a different brewery...this coming Saturday, Breckenridge, and the final one on 9/17, Oskar Blues.

Jimmy's No. 43 - Upon return from Governor's Island, I was faced with napping or continuing my afternoon-long whirlwind tour of Manhattan. Nap, surely I jest! And, as I surely as I jested, I surely continued up to 7th Street, which puts the BBC in Beer Bar Central — McSorley's, Burp Castle, Standings, and Jimmy's No. 43 all on the same block. I'd met Jimmy Carbone, proprietor, for the first time just weeks earlier at Ommegang's BCTC in Cooperstown and promised a visit in the near future. Neither of us knew how soon this time would come. I was proud of myself for blowing off the whole old man napping thing, because after descending the ten or so steps into the subterranean beer bar, I knew that this would be the special kind of place at which I could spend all night. Did, in fact, run into Jimmy, whom I gave my regrets to for not being able to share dinner with. But, after an hour of hanging at the bar with a couple of other interesting characters and running down the local beer scene with the bartender and a couple of customers, I needed to get back for my meetup with Mrs. Brew Lounge. There has got to be a return to Jimmy's in the very near future and food, for certain, must be part of that visit.

O'Hara's - Prior to heading out in search of dinner, we gathered with some of Patty's co-workers at Ground Zero's unofficial headquarters, O'Hara's, for commisserating over the last ten years since 9/11/01. After ten years, I can't imagine working there day in and day out with the haunting memories of pre-9/11 and the events of 9/11 and beyond. It's affected me personally enough as the casual business and leisure traveler to NYC a handful of times a year. At O'Hara's, the memories are played out each day and night over (primarily) beer and whisky. The atmosphere is real, the conversations are vivid, and the scrapbook of pictures, letters, and mementos makes for one of the most emotional bar visits you could imagine.

Palma - Patty and I moved along to Parma, which had been recommended to me by a top chef from Las Vegas whom I sat next to at Blind Tiger earlier in the day. (See how this all ties together? No? Well, trust me, it does.) She raved about the quality of food being put out from a small space just around the corner from Blind Tiger as well as the quality in the front of the house experience. We followed her advice and after a nice gin and tonic at the cozy bar, we found ourselves into a couple of very decent pasta dishes and a bottle of Italian wine. Now, we too, can highly recommend Parma.

Blind Tiger - Late night stop at Blind Tiger simply due to having dinner just around the corner at Parma. The day had gone on long enough and I was battle-weary; I couldn't tell you what my last T.U.D. of the day was.

Wafel & Dinges Truck - I've been following these guys on Twitter for a couple of years and now I've finally caught up with them. They were parked on 7th avenue across from the 1-train's Christopher Street subway stop and I knew this because of their Tweet earlier in the day (love how that works out so nicely). This is a great way of how using Twitter for business purposes can work so well with a customer base. One with Nutella and Spekuloos and one with ice cream and whipped cream made for the perfect midnight snack before heading back to our hotel. Not that we were really all too hungry at this point, but Belgian Wafels?! And Dinges!! C'mon!

Blind Tiger - Okay, so much for not adding anything to the Blind Tiger story (see above). My third stop in 24 hours at the Blind Tiger coincided with Sunday morning brunch. It also marked the third time in 24 hours seeing bartender Luke Bryan (nah, just kidding, inside joke) and the second time seeing Jen Schwertman. This brunch encapsulated everything that is wonderful about the Blind Tiger: Knowledgeable and friendly service; talented and accomplished kitchen serving up creative and tasty food; and a stellar beer list. There was a special Sunday promotion taking place with Harpoon, so it made perfect sense to pair the Uncle Fester (which, by the way, just exactly what the hell is a Bourbon Barrel-Aged Octoberfest aged on Brettanomyces wild yeast and other funky cultures?! I'll leave it to you style people to figure that one out! But, who cares, because it was pretty friggin' tasty is what it was. Still, does it get judged in barrel-aged category or the experimental category? Ale or Lager? That deserves an LOL for sure) with the beer-battered pancakes served along with bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup. Add in the very, very good Saison Various (a blend of 5 different Saisons made by 5 different sets of Harpoon brewers with 5 different recipes. One had lemongrass, one was a rye beer, some were spiced, and some were hoppy. The blend was put into a Cabernet barrel and aged for 1 month) and the rainy Sunday was off to a perfect start. Plus a couple of people at our table were introduced to Allagash White for the first time and they fell in love (with the beer, not each other!). It's always fun to see people's reaction to a new beer.

Slaughtered Lamb - The only unfortunate thing about taking a walk break here to get out of the thunderstorm downpour was the $12.50 for a 330ml Duvel bottle. Yes, you read that correctly. Even by NYC standards, I can't see this as anything other than an egregious attempt to capitalize on the popularity of better beer. Unfortunately, we didn't ask before we ordered four of them and received a check for $50. Though, with it being a nice round number; kind of makes you wonder. Otherwise, it was a fun flashback to when I stumbled upon this bar (way before StumbleUpon existed) roughly 20 years ago.

Rattle 'n' Hum - It was only a matter of time before I got back to this highly-regarded beer destination just east of Penn Station. Losing track of time, we must have put in at least a couple of hours here tearing through one good beer after another. It's hard to ignore the well-conceived plates of cheese here as well. Good service, beer, and snacks. A+ all around, more satisfied customers. Plus, what else are we gonna do in the middle of a day-long torrential downpour?

Whole Foods Chelsea - How many Whole Foods beer sections can I visit in NYC within a week? Three, if I didn't lose count along the way. This location is not the best of the NYC-based Whole Foods, but it is the closest to Penn Station which makes for a convenient stop before taking the train out of the city. There's not a ton of beer to be found in NYC that can't be found in the beer-rich Philadelphia region. Captain Lawrence and Goose Island are just a couple that I'm always on the lookout for when hopping around NYC's better retail beer stores. Philly's a tough market guys, I understand; just stay in NY and I'll come and get you :-p

Il Bastardo - To close out this particular rainy Sunday, it was yet another stop at Il Bastardo. It began with a stop here in '06 the night prior to my running of the NYC Marathon. Since then, I've been back to this self-described Tuscan Grill, raw bar, and wine bar in the Chelsea neighborhood a handful of times, making it perhaps the restaurant I've been to the second most in Manhattan only behind Blind Tiger.

Coming tomorrow, Part 2 and much more from the city that keeps getting better beer and better with beer.

Monday, September 05, 2011

Beer for charity and for fun at The Beer Yard and Sly Fox

I'm so behind in so many things that it's beginning to get a bit sad. And here in these parts is where this guy Uncle Jack comes into play. For the first time in who can tell how long, our paths crossed twice in two days. He's on the ball and has got the stories and pictures up at his site to prove it. So before I go on any longer here, please check out the following first and then come back for the rest of my story which will be told in pictures. It's easier, I can move on, many of you prefer the pictures to my incessant wont to write wordy words, and it may or may not help to retrieve my Wikio ranking which took a tumble in the dog days of August to #21.

SPCA charity fundraiser at The Beer Yard in Wayne [courtesy JackCurtin.com]
Kan Jam at Sly Fox in Phoenixville [courtesy JackCurtin.com]
Kan Jam at Sly Fox [courtesy Sly Fox facebook page]

(Nick Johnson of Tröegs with Matt Guyer, Beer Yard's Beer Guy in charge)


(The charitable crowd of beer and dog lovers at The Beer Yard in Wayne, Pa. on 9/3/11)


(Jack & Buddy Curtin)
 


(Buddy Curtin on the hunt for some hot dogs)


(Tigger and Callie Kolesar, co-conspirators)


(Andy Dickerson, sole conspirator, proprietor of Teresa's Next Door)


(Apparently Fido likes a different kind of Scratch)


(Instead of the National Anthem, a "cheers" to kick off the Inaugural Kan Jam at Sly Fox in Phoenixville, Pa. on 9/4/11)


(Nick Johnson tries to remind Corey Reid of his past success at Kan Jam....Corey seems to be having none of it)


(Team Kolesar & Johnson may have fared better on court 3 or 4)


(4 divisions, 16 teams)


(Corey Reid of Sly Fox demonstrates Kan Jam scoring)


(Corey Reid of Sly Fox demonstrates Kan Jam scoring)


(Raina seems to be saying that I don't look like the official Sly Fox photographer)


(Kan Jam competition continued for hours through the muggy afternoon)


(Kan Jam competition continued for hours through the muggy afternoon)