Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Beer Calendar: What To Do in March 2012

After all these years of doing the Philly Beer Calendar, I've begun to run out of superlatives to describe the events calendar and all of the creative energy that our brewers and bar owners have around here. March: case in point.

Oh, and this one event. I'm going to throw it up top here, since I don't believe I've ever had a webcast on the calendar of events and it really doesn't have a geographical place. On March 15, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Dr. Charles Bamforth will be conducting an online presentation called: "More Advanced Beer and Brewing: “Tips, Tricks, and Tidbits You Wish You Knew". The registration and attendance are free and it looks like there'll be presentation materials to download after the call. If you're a 9-5 type of desk jockey, this sounds like a day worth taking a late lunch.

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
Thu. 3/1 - Keep the Pint Night (Oskar Blues) @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/1 - Happy Hour with Brooklyn @Jose Pistolas, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/1 - Thursday Night Sampling (Voodoo) @The Foodery, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00pm-8:00pm; $Free)
Fri. 3/2 - Bell's Tap Takeover @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 3/2 - Beer Sampling (Philadelphia Brewing) @Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free)
Fri. 3/2 - Friday Night Tasting (Sixpoint with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free)
Fri. 3/2 - First Friday Free Tasting (Ommegang) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30pm-7:30pm; $Free)
Sat. 3/3 - Boaks 4th Anniversary Celebration @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)
Mon. 3/5 - Mad Monday with Russian River @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30am; $PAYG)
Mon. 3/5 - Kopstootje! Stillwater Ales & Bols Genever @The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00pm; $PAYG)
Mon. 3/5 - March Madness of Beer @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (8:00pm; $PAYG)
Mon. 3/5 - Mutha Firkin Monday @TIME, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00pm; $PAYG)
Mon. 3/5 - Kona "Buy the Glass" Luau @Revolution House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm-9:00pm; $10)
Tue. 3/6 - Russian River Beers @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (12:00pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/6 - Barrel-ly Legal @Eulogy Belgian Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/6 - Movie Night, Pizza, and Beer (Run Lola Run) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (9:00pm; $PAYG)
Wed. 3/7 - Monthly Beer School (March theme: Russian River's beers) @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12:00pm; $Free)
Wed. 3/7 - Full Pint Brewing Company Night @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00pm; $PAYG)
Wed. 3/7 - Alesmith Draft Release Party @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/8 - Flying Fish Happy Hour @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 3/9 - Friday Night Tasting (Appalachian Brewing) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free)
Sat. 3/10 - Craft Beer Express @12 Participating Bars, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:00am-9:00pm; $PAYG)
Sat. 3/10 - Oskar Blue Beer Sampling @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00pm-8:00pm; $Free)
Sat. 3/10 - Stout Brunch @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:00am-3:30pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/13 - Tuesday Night Funk Series @Jose Pistolas, Philadelphia, Pa. (9:30pm-12:00am; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/13 - Movie Night, Pizza, and Beer (Spirited Away) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (9:00pm; $PAYG)
Wed. 3/14 - Three Draft Bell's @The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm; $PAYG)
Wed. 3/14 - Pi(e) Day @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)
Wed. 3/14 - Monthly Beer School (March theme: Allagash) @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (12:00pm; $Free)
Wed. 3/14 - Irish Beers Galore @Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm-9:00pm; $20)
Thu. 3/15 - Yelp Movie Club (w/ Founders) @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/15 - Keep the Pint Night (Cricket Hill) @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/15 - Ides of March with Avery and Weyerbacher @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 3/16 - Friday Night Tasting (Magic Hat) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free)
Sat. 3/17 - Firkin March Madness – First Round @Iron Hill, Chestnut Hill, Pa. (1:00pm-5:00pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/20 - Movie Night, Pizza, and Beer (Kan Dun) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (9:00pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/20 - Brooklyn Tap Attack @The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)
Wed. 3/21 - Three Draft Ports @The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (3:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/22 - Thursday Night Sampling (Widmer's new seasonals) @The Foodery, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00pm-8:00pm; $Free)
Thu. 3/22 - Flying Fish Beer Sampling @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00pm-8:00pm; $Free)
Thu. 3/22 - Skillshare Class: Become One With Your Beer @Drink Philly, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm-8:30pm; $20)
Fri. 3/23 - Sam Adams Tap Takeover @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 3/23 - Friday Night Tasting (Victory Brewing with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free)
Sat. 3/24 - Bell's Big Banging Tap Takeover @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/27 - Movie Night, Pizza, and Beer (We Jam Econo- The Story of the Minutemen) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (9:00pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/27 - Flying Fish Night @The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm; $PAYG)
Wed. 3/28 - Three Draft Dogfish @The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/29 - Keep the Pint Night (Allagash) @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/29 - De Struise: A Special Visit @The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/29 - Thursday Night Sampling (Leinenkugel's Big Eddy Series) @The Foodery, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00pm-8:00pm; $Free)
Fri. 3/30 - Abbeys, Angels, Ports, & Serpents @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 3/1 - 5th Annual Chimay Night @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 3/1 - Beer Sampling (Victory Ranch S) @Whole Foods, Devon, Pa. (5:00pm-8:00pm; $Free)
Thu. 3/1 - Beer Sampling (Great Lakes) @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (6:00pm-8:00pm; $Free)
Fri. 3/2 - Firking Friday (Belgian Tripel) @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, Pa. (5:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 3/2 - Half Acre Beer Tasting @Blue Dog, Lansdale, Pa. (6:30pm; $PAYG)
Sat. 3/3 - Russian River, IPAs, and more @Capone's, Norristown, Pa. (10:30am; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/6 - Local Tuesday Night (Sly Fox) @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 3/7 - Full Pint Brewery Tap Takeover @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (4:00pm; $PAYG)
Wed. 3/7 - Weyerbacher @Uno, Maple Shade, NJ (5:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/8 - Half Acre Beer Tasting @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (11:00am; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/8 - Beer Sampling (Stone Old Guardian) @Whole Foods, Devon, Pa. (5:00pm-8:00pm; $Free)
Tue. 3/13 - Local Tuesday Night (Victory) @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 3/14 - Winston's Wee Heavy Release Party @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, Pa. (5:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/15 - Oskar Blues Beer Tasting @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (11:00am; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/15 - Beer Sampling (Tröegs Nugget Nectar) @Whole Foods, Devon, Pa. (5:00pm-8:00pm; $Free)
Sun. 3/18 - Charity Beer Raffle (get your tickets before 3/18) @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa. (6:00pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/20 - Local Tuesday Night (Flying Fish) @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 3/20 - Beer and Chocolate Pairing @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, Pa. (6:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/22 - Goose Island Tap Takeover @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (6:30pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 3/23 - Beer Sampling (Oskar Blues Deviant Dale's IPA) @Whole Foods, Devon, Pa. (5:00pm-8:00pm; $Free)
Fri. 3/23 - Friday Night Sampling (Southampton) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free)
Sat. 3/24 - Hopfest: A Celebration of Hops @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (12:00pm; $PAYG)
Sat. 3/24 - First Saturday of Spring Kegstravaganza @Whole Foods, Devon, Pa. (1:00pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/27 - Local Tuesday Night (Tröegs) @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 3/28 - Tröegs Tap Takeover @Fingers Wings and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa. (6:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/29 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa. (6:00pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 3/30 - Friday Night Sampling (Elysian) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
every Wed. from 1/11 through 3/17 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 2/28-Sat. 3/3 - Featured Brewery Week (Sixpoint) @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 3/1 - Charity Cask Night (March cask: "Chocolate Lab Stout”, to benefit the Center for Animal Health & Welfare) @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/1 - Tröegs Flight Night @Liberty Taproom, Reading, Pa. (6:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 3/2 - Friday Night Tasting (Oskar Blues) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free)
Fri. 3/2 - Friday Night Tasting (Evil Genius) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free)
Sat. 3/3 - Barrel-Aged To Perfection @Iron Hill Brewery, Phoenixville, Pa. (2:00pm-7:00pm; $PAYG)
Wed. 3/7 - Tröegs Brewery featuring Nugget Nectar @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (6:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/8-Sat. 3/10 - 2nd Anniversary Party @Bulls Head Public House, Lititz, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 3/9 - Local Brewery Launch @Shaving Grace Barbers, Doylestown, Pa. (6:00pm-9:00pm; $Free)
Fri. 3/9 - Friday Night Tasting (Stoudt's) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free)
Sat. 3/10 - Phoenixville Pub Crawl @7 Participating Bars, Phoenixville, Pa. (12:00pm; $PAYG)
Tue. 3/13-Sat. 3/17 - Featured Brewery Week (Arcadia) @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 3/15 - Flying Fish Night @Rino's, Exton, Pa. (6:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 3/16 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (Chester County Bitter, Seamus' Irish Red Ale, and Brewer's Select Pale Ale) @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (12:00pm; $PAYG)
Fri. 3/16 - Friday Night Tasting (Weyerbacher) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free)
Sat. 3/17 - St.out Patrick's Day — Stout Celebration @Iron Hill Brewery, Newark, Del. (2:00pm-5:00pm; $PAYG)
Sat. 3/17 - St.out Patrick's Day — Stout Celebration @Iron Hill Brewery, Wilmington, Del. (2:00pm-5:00pm; $PAYG)
Sat. 3/17 - Firkin March Madness @all Iron Hill locations in PA, DE, & NJ (1:00pm-5:00pm; $PAYG)
Sat. 3/17 - St. Patrick's Day @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (12:00pm; $PAYG)
Thu. 3/22 - Yards Tap Takeover @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG)
Sat. 3/24 - Firkin March Madness @all Iron Hill locations in PA, DE, & NJ (1:00pm-5:00pm; $PAYG)
Sat. 3/31 - Firkin March Madness @all Iron Hill locations in PA, DE, & NJ (4:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Thu. 3/1 - Allagash Beer Dinner @Chifa, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm; $65)
Thu. 3/1 - Unibroue Beer Dinner @McCrossen's Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30pm; $40)
Sat. 3/3 - Philly Craft Beer Festival @Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa. (12:30pm-5:00pm; $10/$46/$75)
Wed. 3/7 - White Birch Beer Dinner @Route 6, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00pm-8:00pm; $50)
Thu. 3/8 - Weyerbacher Beer Dinner @Revolution House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm; $40)
Sun. 3/11 - The Brewer's Plate @National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00pm-9:00pm; $65/$75/$125)
Sat. 3/17 - St. Patrick's Day Dinner @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00pm-10:00pm; $22)
Tue. 3/19 - Lost Abbey Dinner with Tomme Arthur @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00pm; $85)
Tue. 3/20 & Wed. 3/21 - Brewmaster’s Spring Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Chestnut Hill, Pa. (7:00pm-10:00pm; $65)
Wed. 3/21 - Beer/Cheese/Food Pairings @McCrossen's Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30pm; $32)
Sun. 3/25 - Real Ale Invitational @Yards, Philadelphia, Pa. (1:00pm-5:00pm; $20/$50/$65)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
throughout Mar. '12 - Beer Making, Cheese Making, and Wine Making classes (throughout the month) @Keystone Homebrew, Bethlehem & Montgomeryville, Pa. (See website for all the class details)
Wed. 3/14 - Celtic Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (7:00pm; $60)
Tue. 3/20 - Brewmaster’s Spring Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (7:00pm-10:00pm; $75)
Sat. 3/24 - Brewmaster’s Spring Brunch @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, Pa. (12:00pm-3:00pm; $40)
Wed. 3/28 - Brew with De Struise's Urbain Coutteau @Keystone Home Brew, Montgomeryville, Pa. (7:00pm; $75)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 3/7 - Weyerbacher Beer Dinner @Uno, Exton, Pa. (7:00pm-10:00pm; $55)
Fri. 3/9 - Eclat Chocolate Lager Tasting Party @Eclat Chocolate, West Chester, Pa. (6:30pm-9:30pm; $25)
Sun. 3/11 - Brewmaster’s Breakfast of Champions @Iron Hill Brewery, Phoenixville, Pa. (1:00pm-3:00pm; $60)
Thu. 3/15 - Brewmaster’s Irish Beer Dinner @Iron Hill Brewery, West Chester, Pa. (7:00pm; $70)
Sat. 3/17 - St. Patty's Day Beer Tour pickup at either Limerick or Lansdale, Pa. and cruising to The Blue Dog Pub, Crabby Larry's and Prism (12:00pm; $80)
Sat. 3/17 - Jameson Whiskey and Beer Dinner @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (7:00pm-10:00pm; $50/$95)
Tue. 3/20 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6:00pm; $34)
Sat. 3/24 - Sly Fox Bus Trip and Beer Dinner @Bulls Head Public House, Lititz, Pa. (10:45am; $110)
Sat. 3/24 - Sly Fox Beer Dinner @General Sutter Inn, Lititz, Pa. (5:00pm; $65)
Tue. 3/27 - Louisana Style Beer Dinner @Union Barrel Works, Reamstown, Pa. (6:30pm; $40)
Wed. 3/28 - Beer vs Wine Pairing Dinner @Sette Luna, Easton, Pa. (6:30pm-9:30pm; $40)
Fri. 3/30-Sat. 3/31 - Atlantic City Beer and Music Fest: Celebration of the Suds @Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ (see website for details)
Sat. 3/31 - Cask Beer Festival @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (3:00pm-6:00pm; $15/$20/$25/$28/$30/$35)

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Beer Dates in History: February & March Anniversaries

Somehow, the February anniversaries got lost between my spreadsheet and the vast wilds of the Internet. Here's the list of February and March milestones.

25 years (mar)
Pizza Port (Solana Beach)

15 years (feb)
Dillon Dam
McMenamin's Crystal Ballroom Brewery
Sweetwater
Thirsty Dog

15 years (mar)
Atwater Block

10 years (mar)
Blue and Gray Brewing Company

Monday, February 27, 2012

Victory Chili Challenge- Feb. 26, 2012

I won't waste a lot of time trying to wrangle words, because it seems that they have been difficult to come by for me of late.

Instead here's a gallery of pictures that I took yesterday at Victory's Chili Challenge in Downingtown, Pa.

Over 800 people showed up at Victory for this tasty not-really-a-beer-event event. Mighty impressive for a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

All entrants were employees of the brewery and cooked in the kitchen under the guidance of Executive Chef Eric MacPherson. Beer, of course, was an ingredient.

Oh, and one takeaway that I can share with you? Stop in very soon to try the "collaboration" Eclat Chocolate Lager —on nitro. At roughly 5.5% ABV and with a moderate dose of wonderful West Chester-based chocolate, you might find yourself, as did I, asking for a second glass.

Weekly Brew Bits Update: 2/27/12

February may only have 29 days, but even for the dead of winter, there was no shortage of beer news to share. Here's a bit more from the last week of the month.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Lew Bryson, Senator McIlhenny, and a roomful of beer lovers discussed evolving legislation at Yards on 2/9. Philly Beer Scene's Mat Falco was there and shared audio from the event.

~ While we're on the topic of Yards, BeerNews.org has an interview with Yards' Tom Kehoe and the recently-dismissed operations manager, Steve Mashington. They discussed the phenomenal growth and plans at the brewery over the past few years.

~ Chris LaPierre, Philly Beer Week 2012's collaborative brewer from Iron Hill, has blogged some words and pictures from the big brew day over at Brasserie Dupont in Belgium.

~ About Philly Beer Week, wish I'd written this, but then again I wasn't there. Great piece by this beer guy Craig LaBan ;-)

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ "The end result is an elegant and succinct brewery/cafe space, with floor drains in every room, that can comfortably house one hundred and eleven people enjoying a glass of Saison." That's a quote in a recent blog post from Jean Broillet, owner of the soon-to-be Tired Hands Brewing Company in Ardmore, Pa., a place that from that quote makes me very anxious to be paying customer there.

~ Evil Eye PA. They're calling it a sessionable IPA and, at 6%, it'll be pushing that boundary a bit for some. None the less, these new suburban Philadelphian brewers, Luke Bowen, Trevor Hayward, and Mark Braunwarth, at Evil Genius are contracting their beers out of Four Horseman in South Bend, Indiana and if you've seen any of their beer around the area, share with the group please.

~ I've still got a few more spoonfuls of chili to work off from yesterday's Chili Challenge at Victory. They've got all sorts of fun planned to coincide this year with the brewery's 16th anniversary. A new one I learned of was the new Chocolate Lager, brewed in collaboration with nearby Eclat Chocolate in West Chester, Pa. This beer won't last long, so get yourself to the pub soon and try this delicious beer.

~ How about one more bit from Victory? Matt Krueger is still raising money to fight the good fight against cancer. Here's a way that your contributions can benefit you. Do the right thing.

~ Female fans of great beer continue to band together in appreciation and support of their favorite beverage. The West Chester Beer Ladies group continues to grow and now they'll be brewing a beer at the West Chester location of Iron Hill. On Wednesday, in two days, they'll be gathering at Iron Hill to toss back a few beers, announce the collaboration brew, and hear from guest brewer, Whitney Thompson, of Victory Brewing.

THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ One last blurb from SF Beer Week comes in the form of a 15 minute long video wrap up of Celebrator Magazine's anniversary party, which every year is a Bay Area Beer Highlight. (Philly Beer Week shout-out at 10:40)

~ And in other northern California news, for those of you that love the behind-the-scenes type of stuff and Pliny the Younger too, you'll probably like this video shot during the initial brewpub release of PtY.

~ Must not be much of a man, if twisting a cap makes him feel like one. Loser. Keep drinking the swill and puffing the chest.

~ And, while you're at it Einstein, keep rubbing your nose grease and boogers and sticking it in your beer to kill the head. Thanks, Mr. Sixpack for an informative article. Or you could treat your beer and pour it properly to begin with.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: February 23 - February 29

I'm back from an incredible vacation in Costa Rica to discover there's even more beer to drink around here than when I left. Good thing, since I have to make up for what I was missing while drinking cocktails and wine near the Equator.

Check out the entire February 2012 calendar over here.

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

Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 2/24 - Friday Night Tasting (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tastings of Tröegs Nugget Nectar and others)

@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/24 - Friday Night Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Flying Fish)

@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/24 - Beer Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting sample from Weyerbacher)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 2/24 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free samples from Magic Hat)

@Fingers Wings and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa.--- Wed. 2/29 - Dogfish Head Leap Day Event (12:00pm; $PAYG for the likes of 120 Minute IPA, Burton Baton, Olde School, Fort, Chicory Stout, Faithful Ale, 60 Minute IPA, and more)

@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 2/24 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free samples of Yuengling Bock)

@Iron Hill Brewery, Media, Pa.--- Fri. 2/24 - Firkin February (5:00pm; $PAYG for cask-conditioned Oatmeal Coffee Stout)
@Iron Hill Brewery, Wilmington, Del.--- Fri. 2/24 - Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark (6:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for the release of the Dark Side and more than a dozen other dark and tasty beers from Iron Hill and other brewers)
@Iron Hill Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/24 - Boo-Yaa Double IPA Release Party (5:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for this intensely hopped West coast-style double brewed with lots of Colombus, Centennial, Chinook, amarillo, and Bravo hops for an in-your-face hop experience.)
@Iron Hill Brewery, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 2/29 - Leap of Faith Limited Release Party (5:00pm-7:00pm; $PAYG for Leap of Faith, a strong Abbey-style ale. On tap for one night only in celebration of Leap Year 2012. 750mL Bottled Reserves available for sale.)

@Lucky's Last Chance, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/29 - Unibroue Tap Takeover (8:00pm-11:00pm; $PAYG flights, glassware, other prizes and giveaways. Meet master brewer Jerry Vietz.)

@Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/23 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover (5:00pm; $PAYG for Exit 8, Red Fish, and all styles of Flying Fish available on tap. The executive chef will be creating menu items specifically for each beer! Free Flying Fish giveaways as well.)

@TJ's, Paoli, Pa.--- Tue. 2/21-Sat. 2/25 - Featured Brewery Week ($PAYG for Flying Dog's In De Wildeman, Imperial Hefeweizen, Kujo, Barrel Aged Gonzo, Gonzo, Raging Bitch, Double Dog, Garde Dog, Doggie Style, Old Scratch, and In Heat Wheat)
@TJ's, Paoli, Pa.--- Tue. 2/28-Sat. 3/3 - Featured Brewery Week ($PAYG for Sixpoint's Anniversary Ale, Gemini, Mad Scientist #7, Spice of Life Simcoe, Spice of Life Nelson Sauvin, Sweet Action, and Sehr Crisp Pilsner)

@The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/23 - New German Microbrew Showcase (8:00pm-11:30pm; $PAYG for draft and bottle versions of Schonramer's Pils, Festbier, and Gold, Hopf's Helle Weisse, Dunkle Weisse, and Kloster Reutberg's Export Helle, Export Dunkel, and Helles Bock)


Beer events with an imperial kick
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 2/25-Sun. 2/26 - Dogfish Head Weekend ($PAYG all weekend for 120 Minute, '09 World Wide Stout, '10 World Wide Stout, Olde School Barleywine, Bitches Brew, Hellhound On My Ale, Immort Ale, and many more)

@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 2/23 - Flying Dog Tap Takeover (6:00pm; $PAYG for giveaways from the reps and draft specials like Road Dog (Porter with chili peppers), Raging Bitch Belgian IPA, Doggy Style APA, Snake Dog IPA, Garde Dog Biere de Garde, Barrel Aged Gonzo Imperial Porter, Kujo Coffee Imperial Stout, Double Dog Imperial IPA, Horn Dog Barleywine, Old Scratch Steam Beer, Imperial Hefe, and Black lager with Cherries)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Thu. 2/23 - Southern Tier Tap Takeover (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for Unearthly Imperial IPA, Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Oak-aged Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Choklat Imperial Chocolate Stout, 2XStout, and 2XIPA. Chances to win full growlers as well.)

@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/23 - Nugget Nectar Release Party (6:00pm; $PAYG for the annual release of Nugget Nectar and a lineup from Tröegs including Scratch #56)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Wed. 2/29 - Leap Day Party ($PAYG for a crazy draft list, most stolen from Tim's stash)

@Rino's Italian Restaurant, Exton, Pa.--- Wed. 2/29 - Magic Hat Brewery Tasting (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for more than just #9. Free wings with purchase of beer. Raffle for Magic Hat #9 bike, Phillies tickets, Sixers tickets, and Flyers tickets)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Wed. 2/29 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp ($PAYG and see website for all the details)

@South Philadelphia Tap Room, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/23 - Bell's Tap Takeover (4:00pm; $PAYG for specials on Bell's finest including HopSlam, Winter White, Double Cream, Cherry Stout, Two-Hearted, Rye Stout, and more)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Sat. 2/25 - Founders ($PAYG for Double Trouble, Backwoods Bastard, Curmudgeon, Nemesis, Imperial Stout, Breakfast Stout, Kentucky Breakfast Stout ['11], and hopefully Better Half too)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 2/25 - Sick-Sixtel-Saturday & Sign Party (2:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for Weyerbacher Quad, Founders Backwoods Bastard, Ommegang Seduction, He'Brew Jubilation 15, Boaks Wooden Beanie, Full Pint Rye Rebellion, and one more surprise gem.)

@Union Jack's on the Manatawny, Boyertown, Pa.--- Sat. 2/25 - Wood 3.0 (1:00pm; $PAYG for a tentative list including Southern Tier Oak-aged Pumking, Dogfish Head Immort Ale, Central Waters Bourbon Stout, a couple from Russian River, Anderson Valley Boont Bruijn, Left Hand Oak Aged Widdershins, Abbey de St. Bon Chien Grand Cru (Merlot barrel), Abbey de St. Bon Chien/Terrapin Spike and Jeromes Cuvee -Delirante, Lost Abbey Angels Share, a couple from Allagash, and many more)


Beer and Food events
@German Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 2/25 - German Society Bierfest (12:00pm-5:00pm; $18/$25/$38/$53 for a celebration of Pennsylvania's German brewing heritage. Light German fare catered by Brauhaus Schmitz is included as is a unique ‘Brewer’s Discussion Panel’ on the future of craft lager and Pennsylvania’s leadership in German-style brewing.)

@The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/29 - De Molen Dinner and Festival (7:00pm; $75 for at least 10 kegs of De Molen beers like Hel and Verdeomenis, Cease & Desist, Op and Top, Engels, Molenbier, Bed & Breakfast, Geboren & Getogen, and more. Also, a five-course meal paired with five beers total, four being barrel-aged, and three of these beers were shipped over specially for this dinner.)

@Uno's, Metuchen, NJ--- Mon. 2/27 - Flying Fish Beer Dinner (6:30pm-10:00pm; $50)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Sun. 2/26 - Chili Challenge (12:00pm-3:00pm; $PAYG to taste a variety of chilis and vote for your favorite. Your vote will help select the winner of The People's Pepper.)


Homebrewing. A festival. Ladies Night. Education. Is "miscellaneous" a good place to put these last four?
@Iron Hill Brewery, West Chester, Pa.--- Wed. 2/29 - Ladies Night Out (6:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for a night beer sampling, for ladies only-sorry guys, and a Iron Hill/Beer Ladies collaboration announcement)

@Keystone Homebrew, Bethlehem & Montgomeryville, Pa.--- throughout Feb. '11 - Beer Making, Cheese Making, and Wine Making classes (See website for all the class details)

@Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa.--- Sat. 2/25 - Brewer's Winterfest (6:00pm-10:00pm; $35 for unlimited sampling of winter warmers from various breweries, great food by Chef Jim Carr, and live music by "The Octavia Blues Band". Breweries attending are: Rumspringa, Union Barrel Works, Victory, Sly Fox, Boxcar, Mountain Spring, and Stoudts. Buffet from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

@Tria Fermentation School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/23 - The Zymatore Project (6:30pm-8:00pm; $65 for this unique Zymatore Project, where B. United is sourcing wine barrels from five countries, then aging beers in these barrels in its state-of-the art Connecticut facility.)

@World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 2/25 - Beats, Brews, and BBQ (12:00pm-5:00pm; $45/$60 to sample from at least 30 local and regional breweries, live music by Bob Lowery to add to the festive atmosphere, and a souvenir complimentary 6 oz. World Cafe Live logo pilsner glass.)

Monday, February 20, 2012

Weekly Brew Bits Update: 2/20/12

The Brew Lounge is back stateside and a little late with this weekly update, but a weekly update it is nonetheless. A fine one, too, at that if I may say so. There's no stopping this beer train these days -- no, don't be ridiculous; I'm not referring to "that" beer train.

In the coming days, I'll share some discovered craft beer bits from Costa Rica, where the craft beer scene is quite small, but burgeoning in its own way.

PHILADELPHIA
~ First up in Philly Beer News, we have some nice recognition of George Hummel and Nancy Rigberg from Philly's homebrew capital, Home Sweet Home Brew. [link to Philly.com]

~ Reading Terminal Market, the landmark farmers market/eatery/social gathering place/tourist destination hits the big Hundred-Twenty and Philadelphia Business Journal noticed. Brauhaus Schmitz is getting food (only) stand there as well -- though, I can't place a link at this time….Doug Hager, owner, mentioned it to me a few months ago and I probably neglected to mention it here since then.

~ Bruce Springsteen's music is a big part of my life going way back. I could come up with a beer tie-in, but why bother. The music speaks for itself and this exhibition will be something I'll be sure to be checking out very soon. Here's just a bit more coverage.

~ Yes, this is more Philly.com beer linking than I should be doing in one week's update, but still…..the coverage of "gastropubs" recently included a handful of noteworthy beer haunts like Khyber Pass Pub, Kraftwork, Resurrection Ale House, and South Philadelphia Tap Room, all of whom received "two bells". Then, there was the inimitable Standard Tap, deemed worthy of "three bells".

~ Why are tickets to this year's Brewer's Plate still available? From its first years, I've continued to point out that this one of the region's premier beer and food events. Buy your tickets before they're sold out. Thank me later.

~ There's continued chatter regarding New Belgium's impending decision to open an East Coast operation, apparently either in Philadelphia or North Carolina. Again, Philadelphia Business Journal has a column on it.

~ To round out the beer news coming from Philly.com, food guy Craig Laban has joined a handful of Philly Beer Luminaries on the trip to Belgium to brew up Philly Beer Week 2012's collaboration beer. He's blogging his way through the trip with stories and pictures worth checking out.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ You know how The Brew Lounge loves its growlers. Well, to be fair, so do most of you. And, that's why Foobooz has created a useful tool to help in tracking down 64 oz. of your favorite draft beer. A mobile version as well.

~ I'll be honest; I think I'll still need to read this article one more time to catch the full drift of it. Maybe I'm weary of legislation and litigation. Maybe you can help me with it.

~ Okay, fine, let's talk more about litigation, if we must. Jack Curtin has a link to a PDF of an article concerning the legal case involving Origlio, All-Star Beverage, Yuengling, and now, apparently, also Gretz Beverage. There could be precedence created from this potential case. An interesting primer.

~ And, how about one more from Jack Curtin? This one pointing out Sly Fox's last brew in their Royersford location, opened in 2006 and now closed as they prepare to open their new location in Pottstown, Pa.


THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ Anheuser-Busch In Bev's Super Bowl ads. You may not have thought you'd ever see this discussed here. Well, it's interesting article about the business of big beer.

~ The Cicerone program now has over 10,000 certified members. Quite an accomplishment and certainly worth the notice.

~ I'll be going to Belgium in May, which would be a bit too early to see this project at its completion, if indeed it goes ahead. Cool concept, in any case.

~ San Francisco Beer Week 2012 has wrapped. The beer run that I co-organized attracted a reported 125 runners. Social Kitchen & Brewery served as the starting and ending point, Magnolia Brewery was the halfway refueling mark, and Golden Gate Park was the route in between. I'm rather proud of this event and am looking forward to rejoining it in person next year.

Jay Hinman has some additional insights to SFBW '12 as does The Brewing Network.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: February 16 - February 22

Here we are in the thick of this 29 day month. Make the most of it with this seven day calendar chock full of fun and beer-y things to do in and around Philadelphia.

Check out the entire February 2012 calendar over here.

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

Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/17 - Friday Night Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Lancaster Brewing with Joe Sixpack)

@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/17 - Beer Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Lancaster Brewing)

@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/16 - Keep the Pint Night (4:30pm; $PAYG for a night with McKenzie Brew House)

@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Fri. 2/17 - Firkin February (5:00pm; $PAYG as they'll be serving a firkin of cask-conditioned Chocolate Dubbel, an Abbey Double brewed in the original style of a Belgian monastery)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Wed. 2/22 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp ($PAYG, see website for all the details)

@Total Wine, Claymont, Del.--- Thu. 2/16 - Learn About Lagers and Ales beyond Pilsners and Pales (6:30pm-8:30pm; $15 for a journey of beer styles goes way beyond the usual grocery store choices. Taste a range of different color beers covering a wide, palate-smacking flavor spectrum. Class includes beer selections, tasting sheets, take home educational materials, and discounts on the beer presented in class.)
@Total Wine, Claymont, Del.--- Sat. 2/18 - Learn About Lagers and Ales beyond Pilsners and Pales (3:00pm-5:00pm; $15 for a journey of beer styles goes way beyond the usual grocery store choices. Taste a range of different color beers covering a wide, palate-smacking flavor spectrum. Class includes beer selections, tasting sheets, take home educational materials, and discounts on the beer presented in class.)


Beer events with that extra piece of flair
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/22 - Flying Dog Night (4:00pm; $PAYG for Black Lager with Cherries, Doggie Style, Double Dog, Garde Dog, “Barrel Aged” Gonzo Imperial Porter, “Nitro” Gonzo Imperial Porter, Horn Dog, Imperial Hefeweizen, In Heat Wheat, K-9 Cruiser, Kujo Coffee Stout (cask), Old Scratch Lager, Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout, Raging Bitch, Snake Dog, The Fear, Wildeman Farmhouse IPA)

@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 2/16 - Great Lakes Tap Takeover (6:00pm; $PAYG for a tap list still TBD)

@TJ's, Paoli, Pa.--- Tue. 2/21-Sat. 2/25 - Featured Brewery Week ($PAYG for In De Wildeman, Kujo, Barrel Aged Gonzo, Gonzo, Raging Bitch, Double Dog, Garde Dog, Snake Dog, Doggie Style, Old Scratch, and In Heat Wheat)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 2/18 - 3rd Annual PYP with Yards Brewery (2:00pm-6:00pm; $40 for all you can eat and drink of a roasted pig, great sides, Pumpkin Mac, and Yards Brawler, ESA, IPA, Philly Pale Ale, Love Stout, and of course a Firkin of TBD)


Beer and Food events
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Tue. 2/21 - Brewmaster's Fat Tuesday Beer Dinner (7:00pm; $70 for a five-course meal paired with Voodoo Lager, Roggenbier, Honey Leaf IPA, Bridge Street Bock, and Sasquatch American Barleywine)

@Leaf Cigar Bar, Easton, Pa.--- Wed. 2/22 - Sly Fox Beer Dinner (6:00pm-9:00pm; $59)


A few February fests
@Beltzner Hall/Kutztown Fairgrounds, Kutztown, Pa.--- Sat. 2/18 - Friendfest (1:00pm-3:30pm, 4:00pm-6:30pm, 7:00pm-9:30pm; $10/$35/$50 and see website for all the details)

@Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa.--- Sat. 2/18 - Winter Folk Festival (3:30pm-10:00pm; $10/$12 for a music event to benefit Hospice of Lancaster County.)

@The Chameleon Club, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sun. 2/19 - Winterfest (1:00pm-4:00pm; $10-$35 for featured breweries like Stone, Dogfish Head, St. Boniface, Victory, Lancaster, Stoudts, Tröegs, Sly Fox, Magic Hat, Sixpoint, Roy Pitz Brewery, Lavery Brewing Company, Kind Beers, Raven Beer, Hauser Estate Winery (Jack's Hard Cider). Lancaster Homebrew will be on site as well as Mr. Steve's.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Weekly Brew Bits Update: 2/13/12

Here we head in to the lovey-dovey time of the month and there's plenty of lovey-dovey news to share with you all.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Union Transfer near the Delaware River waterfront in Philly. Don't know much about it yet, but here are some notes from Michael Klein at Philly.com. Looks like they're targeting May. The location is the old Rock Lobster. And, the concept is beer garden (yawn...oops, did I say that?).

~ Providing some of the best sports coverage in Philadelphia, Crossing Broad gets a firsthand look (video included) at the coming Xfinity Live! at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which will be complete with a Victory Beer Garden in less than a couple months.

~ This is just pure fun. You sort of need some sports and advertising history under your belt to "get this" and it's pretty darn funny. Plus, being a Phillies fan and knowing Larry Anderson is part of the fun. I met him at the bar before a dinner at Primavera Pizza Kitchen in Ardmore many years ago. Fun guy and completely well-fit for this role.

~ Sure, it's another Top X list but they're always fun discussion starting points, so the shout-outs (i.e. the ones that are more personal to me and therefore carry strong recommendations to you all) go out to: #50 The Alembic Bar (sister establishment to San Francisco's fine Magnolia Brewery & Restaurant); #42 Comstock Saloon (housed in the former San Francisco Brewing Company building that dates back nearly 150 years); #29 Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company (often cited as one of Philly's better ones); and #14 Southwark (Sazerac, period). And, it obviously proves that I spend most of my bar time in the "less classical/traditional" cocktail bars. Eh, watchya gonna do?


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Just outside of Philly, in a town called Ardmore where another great beer project (called Tired Hands) is brewing, comes word of The Beer Shoppe that could open in as little as a few months and promises to be a rather unique concept, particularly for the area. Philly.com has the details and quotes.

~ When it comes to all things Belgian in the States, it's pretty certain that very little else generates as much excitement as does Max's annual Belgian Beer Fest in Baltimore. Here's the skinny for this coming weekend's soiree at Max's.


THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ I don't get this crazy idea of pilgrimages and waiting in ridiculous lines. But, then again, many don't understand why I camp on the brewery grounds of Ommegang for a weekend either. This event caught the eye of the local news team in North Carolina.

~ SF Beer Week may be underway, but Strong Beer Month will continue all month long. Get out your punch cards and your designated drivers (or BART).

~ And, speaking of San Francisco, there's a new Homebrewers Guild. Check them out on their website and their Facebook page.

~ What the heck, let's add to the Pliny The Younger craze. Russian River has a blog update with some words and stories that you may enjoy.

~ Oh, and one last thing. The Weekly Pint has launched and claims to be ready to let you know everything you need to know about beer. Give 'em a look-see and let 'em know what you think. It's being spearheaded by Christian DeBenedetti, author of The Great American Ale Trail.

Thursday, February 09, 2012

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: February 9 - February 15

Valentine's Day is coming up. I'm sure many of you will need any and all the excuses listed below for reasons why not to "celebrate" this most Hallmark of holidays (probably also inspired by mail carriers and the restaurant industry as well, if I really put my cynical hat on).

Check out the entire February 2012 calendar over here.

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

Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Friday Night Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Stoudt's beer)

@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Beer Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Voodoo beer)

@Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 - Make Sexy Beast Your Valentine (4:00pm; $PAYG for Sexy Beast-centered night of beer and dessert specials)

@Iron Hill, Chestnut Hill, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Oompa Loompa Release Party (5:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for this beer that was aged for two weeks on Madagascar vanilla beans and cocoa nibs and served on nitro. Limited complimentary chocolate truffles for mug club members.)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Firkin February (5:00pm; $PAYG as they'll be serving a firkin of cask-conditioned Madness. To celebrate our 1,000th batch, we brewed our award-winning Russian Imperial Stout)

@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 - Rewards Program kickoff on Valentine's, with Love (7:00pm; $PAYG to sign up for their new rewards program and drink from a few special taps of Ommegang Aphrodite, Seduction, and Adoration!)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Shangy’s Tap Take-over (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for Avery's Hog Heaven and Dugana, Bell's Two Hearted, Mort Subite Kriek, Southern Tier's Oak-aged Pumking and Creme Brulee, La Chouffe, La Trappe Isidor, Bockor Bellegems Bruin, and more)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover (6:30pm; $PAYG for Exits #4 (bar-top pin) and #8, HopFish, RedFish, Abbey-style Dubbel, ESB, XPA, and a very special BigFish '06)

@Whole Foods, Devon, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Beer Sampling (5:30pm-7:30pm; $Free tasting samples of Flying Fish beer)


Beer and Food events
@Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa.--- Sat. 2/11 - Sly Fox Beer LOVERS Dinner (7:00pm-10:00pm; $50/$95 for a menu that will be highlighting chocolate on Chef Jill's menu, with beers perfectly paired by Jesse Albertson.)

@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/12 - Valentine's Beer Dinner (6:00pm-9:00pm; $75 for a four-course menu paired with LoverBeer Madamin, Southern Tier Choklat, Anchorage Love Buzz, AleSmith Horny Devil, Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale, and a surprise beer)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Wine vs. Beer Dinner (7:00pm; $60 for a five-course meal paired with wines and the following beers: Malheur Biere Brut, Lefebvre Blanche de Bruxelles, Timmermans' Bourgogne des Flandres, Young's Double Chocolate Stout, and Timmermans' Strawberry Lambic)

@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Beer & Chocolate Pairing (6:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for a five-course meal paired with Smokin Blonde, Brett Dubbel, Fe 10, Oak-Aged Belgian Quad, and Russian Imperial Stout)

MOVED TO TUESDAY, MARCH 13 @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 - The Beers of Winter (7:00pm; $95 for a dinner and "year-end inventory of this crazy aged stuff")

@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/14 - Valentine's Day Dinner (7:00pm-10:00pm; $55 for a four-course meal paired with four craft brews)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Sweet and Savory 16 Beer Dinner (6:00pm; $55 for a five-course meal paired with Chocolate Lager, Headwaters Pale Ale, Festbier, Dark Lager, and Vintage Storm King)


Other interesting events with a theme
@Blue Dog, Chalfont, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Suburban debut of Clown Shoes (6:30pm-8:30pm; $PAYG for eight beers including Vampire Slayer Imperial Stout, Blaecorn Unidragon Russian Imperial Stout, Muffin Top Belgian IPA, Tramp Stamp Belgian IPA, Hoppy Feet Black IPA, Supa Hero Imperial IPA, Lubrication American Black Ale, and Clementine Witbier)

@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Manayunk Night (6:00pm; $PAYG for six of Manayunk's best like Monk from the Yunk, Yunk Nocturnum, Dreamin IPA, Philadelphia Porter, Rye of the Tiger, and St. Alpha Belgian Amber)

@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Arcadia Night (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG as owner Tim Suprise shows up and the bar pours five drafts and a selection of bottles including Coco Loco, Loch Ness Scotch Ale, Hopmouth Double IPA, Sky High Rye, and Shipwreck Porter)

@Jamison Pour House, Jamison, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - Dogfish Head Limited Release Party (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for 120 Minute IPA, Fort, Namaste, Olde School Barelywine, Ta Henket, and World Wide Stout)

@Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (12:00pm; $PAYG for Hoppy Feet, Tramp Stamp, Muffin Top, and Vampire Slayer)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Wed. 2/15 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp ($PAYG and see the website for all the details)

@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/10 - Czech Your Beer - Staropramen Night (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for this Czech Pilsner from Prague. Buy a Staropramen, get a glass. Other goodies too.)

@Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/9 - Beer Law Forum (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG during a night of debate and conversation around the changing and not-so-changing landscape of Pennsylvania beer and liquor laws. Co-hosted and facilitated by the brewery and Philly Beer Scene. Lew Bryson and State Senator Chuck McIlhinney will make up the esteemed panel.)

Monday, February 06, 2012

Weekly Brew Bits Update: 2/6/12

So 1/12 of the year is behind us. Around the northeast, most of us have been spared thus far typical brutal winter weather. That's been good for getting out and doing things.

Still lots to be said around here and I'm still finding my way around as briefly as possible bringing you all up-to-speed with things you may have missed in previous week.

What do you think? Has this been working for you? Or...meh?

PHILADELPHIA
~ The Eulogy/Beneluxx folks have opened with a concept that was originally supposed to be some sort of German/Chinese mashup (go figure that one out), but now look to be strictly focused on German. Not much to speak of from a German beer angle in this historially German-influenced culture in Pennsylvania. Should Brauhaus Schmitz worry. Probably too early for that.

~ Here, once again, is a story not really about beer. More, though, surprised that Federal Donuts (fried chicken and donuts, which apparently many of you have been flipping for) gets mention in the New York Times. Wow. Really?

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Bavarian Barbarian is shutting down operations after four years in the business in upstate Pennsylvania. Conversations I've had recently make me wonder if this is not the beginning of similar news in the coming years for small guys like this.

~ Anytime you can get a nice referral from Lew Bryson, that's gonna count for something good. Here's Old Forge Brewing Company from Danville, Pa. coming to the Philadelphia area market (via Bella Vista). Check out Bryson's notes on last week's release tour; then go find some for yourself.

~ Nice shout-out to Iron Hill and the burgeoning South Jersey craft beer scene.

~ From a craft beer perspective, not quite sure yet which of these to care a whole lot about. Will take some on-site investigation, I'm sure. How about any of you? Visit there yet?

~ Victory's own Matt Krueger needs our help raising money and awareness. Go here and chip in.

THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ MyBeerBuzz.com out of northeastern Pennsylvania has uncovered a Sierra Nevada-Russian River collaboration (with "bugs"!). Check it out.

~ This was pretty awesome to see up in Rochester, New York. They sure do love them some Sly Fox from NYC to Buffalo.

~ The unfortunate demise of the 49ers at the hands of the New Jersey Giants resulted in Anchor making good on its wager with Brooklyn Brewery. Here are some notes from Anchor.

~ Speaking of the Bay Area, still holding as one of my favorite "big" IPAs is Racer X from Bear Republic. Now comes word that they're releasing it in 22 ounce bombers during San Francisco Beer Week to be followed by a nationwide release in the fall of 2012.

~ And, one big last-but-not-least Bay Area blurb. Three words: Pliny The Younger. Straight from the source. Commence frothing you fine beer geeks.

Friday, February 03, 2012

Run for a Great Cause during San Francisco Beer Week 2012

I will unfortunately not be able to attend what is shaping up to surely be the greatest Beer Run in San Francisco Beer Week history, now in its 4th year.

But that didn't stop me from helping to organize it and putting together East Coast Prize Packages from eight breweries repped in the Philadelphia area. However, it's Derrick Peterman doing most of the heavy lifting as I'm 3000 miles away and the third co-organizer, Brian Yaeger, has moved to Portland, Ore. with this family.

The post-run party is being hosted once again by Social Kitchen & Brewery, located just off the south side of Golden Gate Park.

Special shout-out and thank-yous to Dock Street, Harpoon, Iron Hill, Ommegang/Duvel, Philadelphia Brewing, Sly Fox, Tröegs, and Victory for providing the prizes that will included in raffles to benefit the Contra Costa Food Bank (in memory of Bill Brand) and Autism Speaks.

If you or anyone you know are in the San Francisco Bay Area from 2/10-2/19, I strongly encourage you to check out one of the country's leading beer scenes and to also lace up your running shoes for a fun run in Golden Gate Park and an awesome post-run party.

More details on Ramblings of a Beer Runner.

Thursday, February 02, 2012

Teresa's Next Door, the Super List for Saturday

Remember that event at Teresa's you may have learned about earlier today in the weekly TBL calendar of beer events? This one deserves a bit more telling.

Rather than try to compete on Sunday, plus they don't have a television, thank goodness, anyway -- Andy and the Teresa's Next Door staff will be treating us all on Saturday (tomorrow) to a Super draft lineup of the following:

Russian River
- Blind Pig
- Consecration
- Pliny the Elder
- Salvation
- Supplication
- Temptation

Tröegs
- Scratch 55, a double IPA

Founders
- Canadian Breakfast Stout '10
- Canadian Breakfast Stout '11

Cantillon
- Fou Foune (hand pump)
- Iris (hand pump)

How does that work for you? Impressed?

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: February 2 - February 8

It's Groundhog Day, but don't let that deter you from wandering outside. In fact, by the time many of you read this, the first beer event of the day will already be in the books. Read on to learn more about what to do today and the remainder of the next seven days.


Check out the entire February 2012 calendar over here.

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

Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Kona Brewing)

@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Friday Night Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Breckenridge Brewery with Joe Sixpack)

@Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Charity Cask Night (5:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for Blood Orange Ale, a golden ale infused with refreshing blood oranges. 100% of cask sales will be given to Miller-Keystone Blood Center.)

@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Beer Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples of Flying Fish beer)

@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Keep the Pint Night (4:30pm; $PAYG for a night with the Pittsburgh-area's Full Pint Brewing Company)

@Goshen Beverage Center, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Friday Night Tasting (5:00pm-7:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Yards Brewing Company)

@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Yards Brawler in the House (5:00pm-7:00pm; $PAYG as brewer, Tim Roberts, of Yards Brewing Company is bringing the Brawler and will be hanging out. Iron Hill's The Pugilist, modeled after the Brawler, will also be on tap.)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Firkin February (5:00pm; $PAYG as they'll be serving a firkin of cask-conditioned Winter Warmer)

@Kildare's Irish Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Mojo Risin' Night (7:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for Boulder Brewing's Mojo Risin' served three different ways: cask-conditioned on the handpump, on nitrogren, and on traditional CO2 draft)

@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Old Forge Debut (12:00pm-2:00pm; $PAYG as owner/brewer Damien Malfara comes to Philly with Bella Vista and his Endless Summer Pale Wheat, T-Rail Pale Ale, and Ol' Smithy Imperial Winter Warmer)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp ($PAYG with all the details at the website)

@The Bards, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover (6:00pm; $PAYG)

@Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Beer Sampling (6:00pm-8:00pm; $Free tasting samples from Flying Fish)


Not your ordinary tasting or sampling
@Blue Dog Pub, Lansdale, Pa.--- Fri. 2/3 - Hop Fest (6:30pm-8:30pm; $PAYG for Russian River Pliny the Elder, Ballast Point Sculpin, Ithaca Flower Power, Mikkeller Beer Hop Breakfast American Black Ale, Founders Double Trouble, Avery Dugana, Southern Tier 2XIPA, Founders Centennial IPA, Lost Coast Double Trouble IPA, Port Brewing Mongo Double IPA, Bear Republic Mach 10 Double IPA, and many others.)

@Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Stone Hog Day (6:00pm; $PAYG for the most recent Vertical Epic 11-11-11, as well as the most recent collaboration beer by The Alchemist/Ninkasi/Stone called "More Brown Than Black IPA". We will also be pouring vertcal flights of: Stone Russian Imperial Stout '06, '07, '08 and '09, Stone Old Guardian Barleywine '06, '07, '08 and '09, and Stone Double Bastard '06, '07, '08 and '11)

@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Allagash & Whole Foods Market Beer and Cheese Happy Hour (6:00pm; $PAYG for some incredible cheese pairings to go with an icredible lineup from Allagash. All cheese is compliments of Whole Foods Market, so if you find something you like stop over and pick some up on the way home.)

@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Charles Dickens' Birthday ($PAYG for great English ales all day long and Dickens-themed Quizzo at 9 p.m. We will offer extra credit if you come dressed in tweed.)

@Side Bar, West Chester, Pa.--- Tue. 2/7 - Bell's Dominates the Taps ($PAYG for HopSlam, Third Coast Old Ale, Two Hearted Ale, Cherry Stout, and a couple more that may sneak in at the last minute)

@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Groundhog Day Hawaiian Shirt Beer Breakfast (7:00am-1:00pm; $PAYG for special events and special beers all the way up until noon. Draft Line-Up that will include at least the following: Flying Fish Exit 8, Founders Breakfast Stout, Ommegang Aphrodite, Philadelphia Joe Porter, Russian River Supplication, Russian River Temptation, Sierra Nevada Exportation, Sierra Nevada Life and Limb, Sly Fox Coffee Porter, and Yards Old Bart. We will have special events with a different brewery every hour, including an Hawaiian Shirt contest, a hula hoop contest, and more.)

@The Railroad Street Bar & Grill, Linfield, Pa.--- Sat. 2/4 - Winter Hop Fest (2:30pm; $PAYG for Great Divide's Titan, Sonte's Sublimely Self-Righteous and Ruination, Green Flash's West Coast IPA and Imperial IPA, Firestone Walker's Double Jack, Port Brewing's Shark Attack, Mongo, and Wipeout, Russian River's Pliny The Elder, Ballast Point's Sculpin IPA, Nebraska's Hop God...and more to come.)


Beer and Food events
@Holiday Inn, Breinigsville, Pa.--- Thu. 2/2 - Fegley's Brew Works Beer Dinner (6:00pm-9:00pm; $49 for a five-course meal paired with Always Sunny Pale Ale, Hop Explosion, Steelgarden Wit, Dopplebock, Rauchbock, and Insidious Imperial Stout)

@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sat. 2/4 - British Invasion (2:00pm-7:00pm; $PAYG for Russian Imperial Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Pig Iron Porter, Nitro Porter, Nitro Bourbon Porter, Winter Warmer, Old Ale, and Anvil Ale. Cask-conditioned Anvil Ale, Oatmeal Stout, and Vanilla Porter. Also, traditional English fare will be available.)
@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Beer and Eclat Chocolate Pairings (6:00pm-9:00pm; $25/$40 for five rounds of Eclat's chocolate paired with Russian Imperial Stout, Oompa Loompa Chocolate Stout, Cherry Chocolate Stout, and F.red)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 2/8 - Beer & Chocolate Pairing (6:00pm-9:00pm; $25 for six rounds of chocolate presented by Cantwell Tavern's Ryan Flynn and paired with Belgian Witbier, Abbey Dubbel, Pig Iron Porter, Oompa Loompa Chocolate Stout, Bourbon Russian Imperial Stout, and Black IPA)

@Uno's, Maple Shade, NJ--- Tue. 2/7 - Weyerbacher Beer Dinner (6:30pm-9:00pm; $55 for a five-course meal paired with Blithering Idiot, Quad, Big Ern’s IPA, Fireside Ale, and Old Heathen)


Some Super Bowl fun. Yeah, I said Super Bowl
@Franklin's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Super Bowl Pig Roast and Firkin (5:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for a pig roast buffet featuring Esposito's porchetta, salad, veggies, and sides. A firkin of Victory ESB, door prizes, raffles, giveaways all game long. 16 HDTVs on the wall to enjoy the big game)

@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Savage Super Bowl Sixtel Sunday (7:00pm; $PAYG for a "super lineup" (as always on Savage Sundays) whose list will not be divulged until tap time.)

@Misconduct Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 2/5 - Superbowl Firkin of Victory (5:30pm; $PAYG for a firkin of Victory's HopDevil during the game)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Sat. 2/4 - Superbowl Saturday ($PAYG for a couple of barrelaaged stouts from Michigan that you may have heard of, along with several 'tions, a couple of kegs from 56 Gheudestraat on the handpumps, and more of our favorites to come as we finish compiling our Superbowl list.)


And then there was this brewery called Clown Shoes, yup, Clown Shoes
@Kraftwork, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 2/8 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (5:30pm; $PAYG as Gregg Berman, brewer and brains behind Clown Shoes, will be in the house for dinner/Meet 'n Greet. Stop by, say hi, and welcome him with our usualy Philly luv - all ten drafts go on at noon, festivities start around 5:30 p.m. with Vampire Slayer, Tramp Stamp, Muffin Top, Hoppy Feet, Supahero, Clementine, Lubrication, Eagle Claw Fist, and Blaecorn Unidragon)

@Tapestry, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 2/6 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (7:00pm; $PAYG for nine drafts including Lubrication, Clementine, Tramp Stamp, Hoppy Feet, Eagle Claw Fist, Supa Hero, Blaecorn Unidragon, Vampire Slayer, and Muffin Top)

@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 2/7 - Philadelphia Debut of Clown Shoes (7:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for Vampire Slayer, Muffin Top, Tramp Stamp, Hoppy Feet, Supahero, and Clementine)