Thursday, September 20, 2012

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 20 - September 26

Craft beer wheels keep on rollin' around here. More Oktoberfests, more dinners, more, more, more. Do you want more?! How about nearly 50 entries here on this weekly calendar of events? Go get 'em!

Check out the entire September 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.

Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Austin Beverage, Collegeville, Pa.--- Fri. 9/21 - Evolution Craft Brewing Sampling (4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Lot 3 IPA, Exile ESB, Primal Pale Ale, Jacques Au Latern, and Lucky 7 Porter)

@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 9/21 - Friday Night Tasting (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free Widmer Bros. tasting samples and the stylings of Mark the Man and the Beer Yard singers as they celebrate the first day of Autumn which arrives tomorrow.)

@Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 9/25 - Movie Night (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for food and beer specials and Avengers on the big screen)

@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 9/21 - Friday Night Tasting (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sierra Nevada)

@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 9/26 - Beer Tastings (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Origlio Oktoberfests with Marcus Wilkerson)

@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Thu. 9/20 & Fri. 9/21 - Smokin' Summer Sendoff (5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Rauchbier, Rauchweizenbock, and Smokin’ Brunette. Smokin’ Blonde Reserve Bottle also available.)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Mon. 9/24 - Fall Beer Tasting (8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of a variety of Octoberfest, Pumpkin, Harvest, and other fall seasonal varieties.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 9/21 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for Chester County Bitter and Route 113 IPA)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 9/21 - England vs. Germany ($PAYG for two English casks and two German gravity poured kegs and decide who does it better.)

@Time, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 9/24 - Mother Firkin Monday (Yards IPA) (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG to celebrate Jim Hensons Birthday with a firkin of dry-hopped Yards IPA)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- every Thursday from 9/20 through 11/1 - Headwaters Happiness (1:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a firkin of Headwaters. We’ll also be offering a free Headwaters Pale Ale Pint glass with every purchase of a Headwaters t-shirt any day (not just Thursdays).

@Wegmans, King of Prussia, Pa.--- Thu. 9/20 - Beer Sampling (5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sly Fox's Wegmans Pub Pale Ale)

@Whole Foods, Devon, Pa.--- Sat. 9/22 - Sour Saturday (12:00 p.m.; $PAYG for 35 bottles to choose from. Highlights from the bottle menu include: BFM Abbaye de St. Bon Chien; Bruery Tart of Darkness; Loverbeer D'uava; Russian River Supplication; Cuvee des Jacobins Rouge; Allagash Confluence; Lost Abbey/New Belgium Mo' Betta Bretta; Stillwater Premium; Jolly Pumpkin (several varieties); Geuze (several varieties including Tilquin, Oud Beersel, Hanssens, Timmermans, Boon Mariage Parfait); and more)


"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Battleship New Jersey, Camden, NJ--- Sat. 9/22 - MGK Brew Blast (1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; $45 to sample the finest craft beers in the nation, rock out to the the MGK House Band playing live on the tented deck, all while on one of our nation's most revered Battleships.)

@Four Seasons Hotel "With Love Beer Garden", Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 9/26 - A Beer For All Seasons Fall Release (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Spanish Fly, available only at The Four Seasons, brewed in collaboration between the hotel and brewery. The beer is Biere de Garde in style and brewed with yarrow, wormwood, and ginger.)

@General Sutter Inn, Lititz, Pa.--- Mon. 9/24 - Stone Brewery Night (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $PAYG as Lee Marren from Stone will have at least five of their beers on tap.)

@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 9/20 - Hair of the Dog (fish Head) (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a cask, two Randalls, and 11 other DFH beers including Positive Contact and Punkin.)

@Joulwan Park, Pottsville, Pa.--- Sat. 9/22 - Schuylkill Brewfest (12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $10/$25 for the festival that runs from 12-7pm and the brew tasting/sampling session will be 2-5pm. Beer will be available for purchase throughout the day. We also feature home-brewing demonstrations. We have 5 bands providing a great mix of entertainment throughout the entire day and plenty of food)

@Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Thu. 9/20 - Ballast Point Brewery Night ($PAYG to try some amazing beers never in PA before like Piper Down Scottish Ale, Bourbon Barrel Piper Down, Navigator Doppelbock, Habanero Sculpin, Sexant Oatmeal Stout (Nitro), Big Eye IPA, and more to come.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 9/26 - Third Anniversary Party (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG to enjoy complementary sneak previews from our our brand new menu until 10pm and a special Allagash anniversary tap takeover list, including White, Confluence, Black, Bourbon Black, Victor, Victoria, Fluxus 2010 & 2011, Dubbel, Tripel, Curieux, Yakuza, and Hugh Malone)

@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- Sat. 9/22 - Kan Jam Festival (12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG for all a Kan Jam festival comprised of 64 teams, plenty of great food, beer, and live music)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- each Friday in September - German gravity keg night (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a fresh German gravity keg behind the bar. Featuring beers from Mahr's, Weissenohe, Bayer, and more beers from Franconia.)
@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Tue. 9/25 - Tasty Tuesday with Victory Brewing ($PAYG for a thank you event for a great set of guys and a local brewery for all their help at BCTC. We'll be pouring a few great beers both limited and festively timed for the season.)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Thu. 9/20 - Sierra Nevada Tap Takeover ($PAYG to meet brewery rep Jason Cassidy and drink Sierra Nevada's Tumbler, Torpedo, Imperial Pilsner, Floral IPA, Oliva Dubbel, Kölsch, and the collaboration beer with Russian River, Brux.)

@The Stocking Works, Newtown, Pa.--- Sat. 9/22 - Newtown Beer Fest (12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; $10/$40/$75 for an outdoor event with over 80 breweries, local food vendors, and local musicians.)

@Tria Fermentation School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 9/21 - Green Mountain Glory (6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $68 for cheeses of Jasper Hill and the beers of Hill Farmstead.)


Food and Beer events
@Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Horsham, Pa.--- Thu. 9/20 - Craft Beer Tasting Dinner (Victory) (7:00 p.m.; $30 for four courses of food paired with Headwaters Pale Ale, HopDevil, Festbier, and Prima Pils)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 9/23 - Pumpkin Festival Brunch (11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; $PAYG for pumpkin beers that should still be on tap and we will have pumpkin pancakes and more.)

@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Tue. 9/25 - Farm To Table Brewmaster's Dinner (7:00 p.m.; $75 for a five-course meal paired with Saison, Oktoberfest, Pig Iron Porter, St. Modestus, and Whitesbog Blueberry Ale)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Wed. 9/26 - Artisan Pizza & Beer Pairing (7:30 p.m.; $45 for five styles of pizza paired with Stillwater Stateside Saison, Paulaner Salvator, Tilquin Oude Gueuze, Maine MO, Kasteel Rouge, and Terrapin Moo-Moo Chocolate Milk Stout)

@Uno Chicago Grill, Exton, Pa.--- Wed. 9/26 - Southern Tier Beer Dinner (7:00 p.m.; $55 for a five-course meal paired with 422 Pale Wheat Ale, 2XIPA, Phin & Matt’s Extraordinary Ale, Oak Aged Back Burner, Pumking, and Creme Brulee Stout)

@Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 9/23 - Smoke 'Em If Yous Got 'Em (11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; $25/$50/$60 for a festival with the best smoked beers from around the world offered with some of the finest local BBQ and smoked food in the area. This year we’ve decided to open it up to other beers as well. Over 30 beers in total plus pro and amateur barbecue as well as live music throughout the day from the Keystone Mountain Boys, The Back Doors, and the Kalob Griffin Band.)


Charity and Education
@Canal Street Pub, Reading, Pa.--- Sat. 9/22 - Sips For Scholars (6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $45 for over a dozen cask conditioned ales to sample plus great raffle prizes to support Berks County Scholars.)

@Perkiomen Township, Pa.--- Sat. 9/22 - Brew Fest Fundraiser (7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $25 for food and a souvenir glass with paid admission. Home brew competition. Plus, music by "The Fermenters".)

@The New Philadelphia History Museum (formerly Atwater Kent), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 9/22-Sun. 9/23 - Craft Brewing: It's A Revolution (11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; $Free for a special grand opening of our new galleries, including the Philadelphia craft brewing exhibit.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Sun. 9/23 - Bike Fresh, Bike Local (7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; $40/$45 and see the website for all the day's details.)


Oktoberfest Für Alle (and other fall seasonal celebrations)
@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 9/24-Sat. 9/29 - Oktoberfest ($PAYG or VIP $100; see the website for all the week's detail of events)

@Frankford Avenue/Frankford Hall, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 9/22 - Oktoberfest Street Festival (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG with various tents hosted by German breweries including Hofbrau and Spaten/Franziskaner, along with local brewing company Great Lakes Brewing Company. Tents will be decorated inside and out with the breweries' own unique style, equipped with tables and chairs for festival-goers. Each brewery will supply a beer truck offering 3 of their beers.)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 9/22 - Pumpkin Festival (3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a variety of pumpkin beers and a variety of pumpkin foods.)

@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Fri. 9/21 - Oktoberfest Release (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of our traditional German festival beer Oktoberfest.)
@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 9/21 - Oktoberfest Celebration (5:00pm-8:00pm; $PAYG for the Oktoberfest beer release & classic Bavarian fare.)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sat. 9/22 - Oktoberfest Celebration (12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; $PAYG for the Oktoberfest beer release & classic Bavarian fare.)


Let's give the 6-day opening celebration at Two Stones Pub it's own category
@Two Stones Pub, Wilmington, Del.--- Thu. 9/20 - Opening Week - Stone Tap Takeover (4:00 p.m.; $PAYG as they kickoff their opening week with a series of tap takeovers and Stone is getting first crack. Expect to see: Arrogant Bastard; Cali-Belgique; IPA; Levitation; Oaked Arrogant Bastard; Old Guardian; Pale Ale; Ruination; Russian Imperial; Smoked Porter; Sublimely Self-Righteous; 16th Anniversary; Saison Du BUFF; and it looks like we'll have some very special beers on cask as well.)
@Two Stones Pub, Wilmington, Del.--- Fri. 9/21 - An Evening with Evolution (4:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a grand opening tap takeover continuing with Tommy and the gang from Evolution. We'll be pouring some awsome beers from our favorite ex-Delaware brewery, including: Exile; Primal; Lucky 7; Lot #3; Lot #6; Rise Up; Summer Session; Jacques Au Lantern; Spring Migration; Menagerie 7; Morning Wood; and maybe a few surprises.)
@Two Stones Pub, Wilmington, Del.--- Sat. 9/22 - Ommegang & Duvel (11:00 a.m.; $PAYG to get a taste of Belgium with the following on tap: B.I.D.; Harvest; BPA; Witte; Hennepin; Rare Vos; 3 Philosophers; Seduction; Duvel Single; and Liefmans Cuvee Brut)
@Two Stones Pub, Wilmington, Del.--- Sun. 9/23 - Allagash (10:00 a.m.; $PAYG to stop in and try: White; Dubbel; Tripel; Four; Black; Curieux; Confluence; Fluxus - 2012; and Interlude - 2010)
@Two Stones Pub, Wilmington, Del.--- Mon. 9/24 - PA's Finest (11:00 a.m.; $PAYG as we're bringing some of our favorite Pennsylvania breweries/new neighbors down to help us celebrate our opening week. 8 Yards, 8 Troegs, and 11 Victorys that are just a stone's throw from the PA border.)
@Two Stones Pub, Wilmington, Del.--- Tue. 9/25 - Dogfish Head (11:00 a.m.; $PAYG to round out our insane week of opening celebrations, we'll be hanging out with Dogfish Head and pouring at least 23 of their tastiest treats. Plus, Gumbo will pulling out a few very special bottles.)

Monday, September 17, 2012

(Sly) Fox on the Run in Pottstown, Pa.

Sly Fox New Pottstown Brewery
Click above for a full gallery of pictures

This coming Saturday marks the first major event at the new Sly Fox brewery in Pottstown, Pa. There'll be a whole day's worth of Kan Jam tournament as well as five live bands. The day should turn out to be pretty memorable and a good test of the new location as an event venue.

If you haven't been there yet, or are not familiar with the area, Sly Fox's main production brewing location is now located just off the tip of the runway at the Pottstown airport in the far northwest corner of the borough.

It's in an low-rise industrial commercial development that is all but desolate on the weekends. Seems ideal, let's wait for the Sunday morning recap.

In the meantime, check out the writeup I did over at in the Communities section of The Washington Times. Remember, hop on over there and register your "click-through" to help support me and show 'em that you appreciate the beer writing.

Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 9/17/12

Either I'm not paying attention or the news machine has slowed a bit around here. Probably more so the former to a certain degree than the latter. Still, here are a few bits of recent interesting brewing news that you may have missed.

PHILADELPHIA
~

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Amy Strauss did a check-in at the newly remodeled state-run wine/liquor stores and had some pretty complimentary things to say. Makes me want to check out the new one in Paoli soon to see if I get the same reaction.

~ A message from Flying Fish about supporting an improved landscape in New Jersey for making and selling beer.

~ Baltic Thunder from Victory aged in red wine barrels? It's being released on 11/21 at the brewery and their website has all the details. Sounds like another great reason to visit the brewery the day before Thanksgiving.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Yes, kids, it's happening even at Red Robin.

~ The Atlantic is a frequent stop of mine when criss-crossing the web, particularly for educational and useful information. Here's one reason why.




Thursday, September 13, 2012

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 13 - September 19

It was inevitable. The beer style has been out there for weeks. Now begin the Oktoberfest celebration events across the region.

Check out the entire September 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.


Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 9/14 - Friday Night Tasting (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free tastings of Belgian-themed beers like Grimbergen Blonde and Double and Kronenbourg)

@Bridgid's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 9/13 - Meet The Brewers (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG as the team from Twin Lakes will be on site with giveaways and tastings of their Greenville Pale Ale, Oktoberfest, and Belgian Ale)

@Capone's, Norristown, Pa.--- Thu. 9/13 - Founders Study Event (4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for the limited release of Frangelic Mountain Brown on tap. Founders has hired an agent to interview our customers for 15 minutes about what you think of their brewery. Please come out with your support and your opinions.)
@Capone's, Norristown, Pa.--- Fri. 9/14 - Free Sampling (4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Finch's Brewing's Threadless IPA, Cut Throat Pale Ale, and Golden Wing Blonde and 5 Rabbit Brewing's Golden Ale, and Vulture Stout brewed with hot chilis)

@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 9/14 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Yuengling)

@Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 9/18 - Movie Night (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for beer and food specials and Cabin In The Woods on the big screen)

@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 9/13 - Keep The Pint Night (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of Old Forge specials, plus keep the glass)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Thu. 9/13 - Brooklyn Brewing Beer Geek Trivia Night (7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a night with Brooklyn Brewing. The Pumpkin Ale, Oktoberfest, and Brewmaster Series will be featured, along with Beer Geek Trivia with Miles, including great giveaways! Enjoy our Tapas in the Tavern with small plates from $3 to 5 each.)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 9/13 - Cowabunga Porter Release (5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of Cowabunga Porter, a delicious blend of our Pig Iron Porter, aged on vanilla beans, and toasted coconut chips.)
@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Sat. 9/15 - The Grand Inquisitor Bottle Release Party (2:00pm-5:00pm; $PAYG for the limited bottle release of The Grand Inquisitor, a Russian Imperial Stout. We are raffling off a bottle signed by Scott Hartnell of the Philadelphia Flyers. All proceeds to benefit the Hartnell Down Foundation.)

@Judy's on Cherry, Reading, Pa.--- Wed. 9/19 - Complimentary beer tasting (6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sly Fox beers to help with the week long 10th anniversary celebration of the restaurant)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 9/13 - Finch's Beer Tasting (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of the new products from this Chicago brewery)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Mon. 9/17 - Fall Beer Tasting (8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of a variety of seasonal Autumn beers. Choose from Octoberfest, Pumpkin, Harvest, and other fall seasonal varieties.)

@Ram's Head Inn, West Chester, Pa.--- Thu. 9/13 - Fort Collins Brewery Night (7:00 p.m.; $PAYG for pints, flights, and giveaways. Representatives from the brewery will be here along with some drafts never poured in Pennsylvania. The Incredible Hop Imperial IPA, Pomegranate Wheat, Rocky Mountain IPA, and Wheat Wine Ale will all be on draft.)

@Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 9/19 - Dock Street Firkin Night (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG for the brewery's dry-hopped Rye IPA)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Thu. 9/13 - Fort Collins Brewery Tapping (4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $PAYG for Incredible Hop Rye, Incredible Hop Imperial IPA, Bombastic, Wheat Wine, and Major Tom's Pomegranate Wheat. Brewery rep, Fred Winthers, will be in attendance.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Mon. 9/17 - Girls Just Wanna Have Horace (6:00 p.m.; $35 for a mini beer dinner featuring the ever popular Horace Hop Wallop. Each course of the menu will be paired with draft, cask, or bottled Hop Wallop showcasing the versatility of one of our favorite beers.)


"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 9/13 - Penn Brewing Night (4:00 p.m.; $PAYG as they re-launch their beers in Philadelphia. On draft will be Allegheny Pale Ale, Dark, ‘Bourbon Oak’ Dark (cask), Kaiser Pilsner, Oktoberfest, Overlook IPA, Pilsner, and Weizen)

@Brother Paul's, Eagleville, Pa.--- Sat. 9/15 - Beerfest (1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; $35/$40 for tasting of over 30 craft breweries)

@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 9/19 - Ommegang Night (7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG for the debut of their new autumn seasonal, Scythe & Sickle harvest ale. We will also be tapping Witte, Three Philosophers (2011), Belgian Independence Day Tripel, and Seduction. Our kitchen will be pairing a DiBruno Brothers cheese plate with an Ommegang beer flight & food specials made with or made to compliment the Ommegang beers.)

@Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 9/15 - US-French Collaboration (12:00 p.m.; $PAYG for the limited release of La Biere des Amis brewed by Dock Street and Brasserie Thiriez)

@Fiume, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 9/16 - B. United Tasting (2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; $40 for tastings of some of the importers finest selections paired with gorgeous nibbles from the kitchen)

@For Pete's Sake Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 9/13 - Yards Tap Takeover (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Cape of Good Hope, Philadelphia Pale Ale, Brawler, Thomas Jefferson's Tavern Ale, and a possible firkin as well)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Sat. 9/15 - IPA Fest (1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; $15-$20 for ten east coast IPAs, ten west coast IPAs, a great food buffet, and bottled water)

@Lucky's Last Chance, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 9/18 - Weyerbacher Tap Takeover (8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Imperial Pumpkin, Autumnfest, Last Chance IPA, Old Heathen Imperial Stout, Double Simcoe IPA, and Insanity Bourbon Barrel-Aged Barleywine)

@McCoole's, Quakertown, Pa.--- Sat. 9/15 - Beer Festival (12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $10/$15/$30/$35/$40 for live music, great food, craft vendors, beer trivia, homebrew competition, and unlimited samples of over 75 unique beers and many great varieties of Barefoot Wine)

@Opa, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 9/15 - Outdoor End Of Summer BBQ (1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; $PAYG for food and beer specials, games and prizes and a DJ. Plus a hot dog cart and ice cream cart to satisfy even the pickiest palate.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 9/19 - Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Night (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Pale Ale, Torpedo, Tumbler, Hoptimum, Ovila Dubbel, Kellerweisse, Beer Camp Floral IPA, and more)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- each Friday in September - German gravity keg night (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a fresh German gravity keg behind the bar. Featuring beers from Mahr's, Weissenohe, Bayer, and more beers from Franconia.)

@The Khyber Pass Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 9/19 - Ales From Afar (11:00 a.m.; $PAYG for Sünner Kölsch, St. Feuillien Saison, Bocker Cuvée des Jacobins Rouge, Meantime Naval College Old Porter, La Trappe Isid'or, Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet, Bosteels Pauwel Kwak, and Urthel Hop-It)


Food and Beer events
@Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa.--- Fri. 9/14 - Belgian Beer Dinner (7:00pm; $50/$95 for a five-course meal paired with Brew Works Steelgaarden Wit, Brew Works Space Monkey, Smisje Vuuve, Brew Works Funky Monkey, Glazen Toren Saison D’Erpe Mere, Brew Works Vintage 2010 Rude Elf’s Reserve, Alvinne Melchior, Brew Works Peach Wheat, and La Rulles Grande 10)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Sun. 9/16 - Octoberfest Sunday Brunch (10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; $30)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 9/19 - Firestone Walker Beer Dinner (7:00 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Union Jack, Pale 31, Double DBA, Wookey Jack Black Rye IPA, and Parabola)

@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Tue. 9/18 - Late Summer Brewmaster's Dinner (7:00 p.m.; $75 for a five-course meal paired with Watermelon Berliner Weiss, Maniac Alt, Kilt Scottish Ale, Gary Nelson IPA, and Ironbound Ale)
@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Tue. 9/18 - Beer & Sausage Pairing (6:00pm-9:00pm; $35 for five courses of game sausage paired with Oktoberfest, Belgian Wit, Abbey Dubbel, Rojo Grande, and Smokin’ Blonde)

@Paramour, Wayne, Pa.--- Sun. 9/16 - Pig Roast with Yards Brewing Company (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $39 for a whole, locally raised pig, slow roasted in a traditional Cuban-style roasting box and rubbed with adobo and fresh citrus juices. Paramour Chefs will carve up the perfectly roasted pork as part of a family-style buffet that will include BBQ classics such as corn bread and baked beans. Yards Brewing Company of Philadelphia will also be on hand for this event to proudly supply guests with a selection of their handcrafted ales as a complement to this tasty cuisine.)


Charity and Education
@Coatesville Public Library, Coatesville, Pa.--- Sat. 9/15 - Pints Between The Pages (6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $40 for a five course/five beer pairing to benefit the Coatesville Public Library. Stoney Creek Home Brewers Association will be on site to discuss the pairings.)

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 9/19 - Monthly Beer School (5:00 p.m.; $Free to learn along side the restaurant/bar staff)

@Revolution House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 9/13 - Allagash "Drink For Research" (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $15 cover + $PAYG for unlimited drafts of White, Black, and Triple. $3 glasses of Confluence. $1 raffle tickets for great prizes. And a portion of the night's proceeds going to support cancer research and prevention.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 9/14 - Operation Homefront Check Presentation (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG to see a formal check presentation to representatives of Operation Homefront and the tapping of our last keg of Homefront IPA. A custom Operation Homefront/Sly Fox Brewing Louisville Slugger bat will be raffled off as well)

@The Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 9/16 - Brewers Lounge featuring Chris Wilson (1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.; $49.99 to come and hangout with Chris as he shares his insights, stories, and (of course) some of his favorite beers. Chris will be bringing a bunch from the brewery, including the rare Sour Black; he will also be bringing a few of his favorite from other breweries, too.)


Oktoberfest Für Alle
@Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, Pa.--- Sat. 9/15 - Capital City Invitational Beer Fest (2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $15/$35/$40 to sample from 25+ Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic region breweries, as well as some awesome brew friendly vendors. There will be a German buffet honoring the Oktoberfest tradition and live music in The Abbey Bar and the Brewpub.)

@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 9/15-Sun. 9/16 - Oktoberfest ($PAYG for a selection of German and German-inspired beers and German food specials)

@Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, Pa.--- Sat. 9/15 - Oktoberfest (6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $25/$50/$65 for a festive night of live music and dancing, animal encounters, and ice cold brews and tasty food.)




Monday, September 10, 2012

Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 9/10/12

It's been somewhat of a quiet week. There's always some news out there, but the amount of interesting news that I thought worthy of sharing just didn't seem to be there. Maybe a post-holiday lull? Everyone's busy finalizing submissions and travel plans to GABF?

PHILADELPHIA
~ Andy Farrell, of City Tap House, is at work across town too working on the Field House image...at least from the beer perspective

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Did you catch my new part-time gig over at Mid-Atlantic Brewing News?

~ Port City Brewing at the DNC talking small business. Check out the short video. Pretty cool. And, here's the full text, if you prefer.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ And, here's hoping that this is the last link I provide on this story that never seems to end. Garrett Oliver weighs in on the White House "home brew".

~ Perhaps, though, the last word should go to James Spencer, of the always excellent Basic Brewing Radio. He's been doing his gig for quite a while now and has an interesting angle on the whole White House Home Brew topic in his 9/6/12 episode.

~ This is how not to binge? Don't know quite what to make of this study.



Thursday, September 06, 2012

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 6 - September 12

School may be back in session and vacations are over, but don't think about taking a vacation from beer when there's an event calendar that looks like this around Philadelphia over the next seven days.

Check out the entire September 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.


Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 9/7 - Friday Night Tasting (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Summit beer)

@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 9/7 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sly Fox beer)

@Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 9/11 - Movie Night (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for discounted beer and food and "Joe Strummer, The Future Is Unwritten" on the big screen)

@Drink Philly HQ, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 9/7 - First Friday (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $Free tastes of Victory's Headwaters Pale Ale and Braumeister Pils and our downstairs neighbor, Barra, will be serving bites of spreads and breads (think bruschetta, meat and cheese), as well as mini meatballs.)

@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 9/7 - Friday Night Tasting (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Tröegs beer)

@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 9/12 - Beer Tastings (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of River Horse beers served up and discussed with Kevin Romer)

@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Sat. 9/8 - Hop Slam Multi-tap Event (1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; $PAYG for 8 hoppy beers from Iron Hill (Stormin’ Red IPA, Kryptonite, Hopkowski, Dark Ritual Black IPA, Rising Sun, Chuck Norris’ Beard, Lex Luther, and Alpha Tripel) and 3 hoppy beers from our guest breweries (Hopfish from Flying Fish, Lot #6 from Evolution, and 113 IPA from Sly Fox))

@Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 9/7 - Beer Tasting (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Weyerbacher beer)

@Washington House, Sellersville, Pa.--- Fri. 9/7 - Beer Tasting (7:00 p.m.; $Free+$PAYG for Free Will beer)

@Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.--- Thu. 9/6 - Thursday Night Sampling (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Chicago's new 5 Rabbit Cerveceria and Finch's Beer)


"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Brother Paul's, Eagleville, Pa.--- Thu. 9/6 - Victory Night (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Headwaters Pale Ale, Mad King Weis, Ranch DIPA, Helios, HopDevil, Golden Monkey, Festbier, and many more.)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Thu. 9/6 - Unibroue Tap Takeover (7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG for beer geek trivia, great giveaways, and several great Unibroue Beers TBA)

@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 9/6 - Neshaminy Creek Floods the Hulmeville ($PAYG for Traugner Pils, Mudbank Stout, County Line IPA, and more TBD)

@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Sat. 9/8 - Big Beer, Small State (1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; $PAYG to help celebrate beers from Delaware Breweries. Beers on tap include: Twin Lakes Greenville Pale Ale; Fordham Dominion Double D; 16 Mile Inlet India Pale Ale; Agrilla Chief Toscaloosa; Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre, Urkontinent, & 120 Minute IPA; Stewart's Lockjaw IPA; Iron Hill (Newark) White Clay IPA; Iron Hill (Wilmington) Shokolad Stout, Sasquatch 2011, & Oak-Aged Belgian Quad)

@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 9/8 - Pils Picnic (12:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Sly Fox Standard Pils, Prism Summer of 69 Pils, Sly Fox Charles Bridge Pils, Victory Braumeister Pils-Spalt Select, Tröegs Sunshine Pils, Manayunk Bill's Pils, a firkin of Stoudt's Keller Pils, and more to be added. The kitchen will be serving up some classic picnic foods with a Bavarian flare.)

@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 9/10 - Monk's Mad Monday (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for Dogfish Head World Wide Stout, 120 Minute IPA, Immort Ale, Noble Rot, Red & White, and Black & Blue)

@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 9/8 - Berliner Invitational (3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $PAYG four different versions of Berliner Weisse from Iron Hill's Media, Chestnut Hill, and Lancaster locations as well as Nodding Head's own five-time medal-winning version, Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- each Friday in September - German gravity keg night (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a fresh German gravity keg behind the bar. Featuring beers from Mahr's, Weissenohe, Bayer, and more beers from Franconia.)
@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Tue. 9/11 - Tasty Tuesday with Dogfish Head ($PAYG for a few vintage Dogfish kegs including Fort, Old School Barleywine, Pearl Jam, and a few other delicious beers as well.)

@The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 9/10 - Anniversary Party ($PAYG to help celebrate their fifth anniversary.)


Food and Beer events
@Normandy Farm Hotel & Conference Center, Blue Bell, Pa.--- Thu. 9/6 - Crab-N-Craft Beer Fest (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $41.95-$43.95 for an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, unlimited beer and wine, a raffle, and live music by Back2Life)

@Penn's Landing Caterers at the Sheet Metal Worker's Hall, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 9/8 - Phestiv-ale (12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.; 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $45/$55 for over 50 beers and proceeds go to Cystic Fibrosis foundation)

@Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, Pa.--- Wed. 9/12 - Meet the Brewery Dinner with Oskar Blues (7:00 p.m.; $45 for Oskar Blues Old Chub, G'Knight, Dale's Pale Ale, Mama's Little Yella Pils, and Deviant Dale's India Pale Ale. Menu created by Chef Ricky Heinrichs)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 9/8 - Beers & Steers Featuring Neshaminy Creek Brewing (2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a beef & beer that will feature a special menu Texas-style prepared by Chef Travis Messman and Neshaminy Creek Brewing dominating the tap system for the day. We will also have Jeremy, owner of Neshaminy Creek, on hand for the day to field and questions on their brew.)


Charity and Education
@Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 9/6 - Charity Cask Night (5:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for a firkin of "Belgian Cocoa Wit" to benefit the Pennsylvania Perimeter Ride Against Cancer)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 9/12 - Monthly Beer School (4:00 p.m.; $Free to get trained along side their staff)



Monday, September 03, 2012

Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 9/3/12

Not sure how many of you are sitting behind a computer screen today, but if you don't see this today, it'll still be waiting for you tomorrow morning as you head back to your desk.

PHILADELPHIA
~ On one hand, I can't believe I missed this video as part of Philly Beer Scene Awards wrap-up. Then again, it only was only uploaded last week and had only 165 views as of this morning. And I thought I was slow in publicizing my material in a timely fashion. Watching the full video reminds me that I missed out on a pretty good night in Philly beer.

~ I found that nifty link at PhillyPhilms website where they announced the North American premiere of Beeradelphia, to be held Thursday, September 27 at World Café Live.

~ What a really nice tribute by Sly Fox to two phenomenal Philadelphia publicans, Mike "Scoats" Scotese and William Reed.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ I'd been keeping tabs on the developing Susquehanna Brewing Company but lost track a little while back like, apparently, Lew Bryson did too. He's caught up sooner than I did and here's his report. Though, it's why he gets paid the bigger bucks, so I'd expect this type of diligence from him.

~ In keeping with its consistent past, Iron Hill represented the local craft brewing industry well, this time in front of PLCB regarding their recent proclamation on the topic of "mug clubs", which Iron Hill runs one of the industry's most popular and successful. My favorite quotes? "...aimed at solving a problem where none existed." and "Hardly seems like we are all playing by the same rules." and "...outdated strict interpretations of the law, that interfere with the growth of small businesses."

~ Tom Cizauskas had a nice tribute to Michael Jackson last week on the 5-year anniversary of Jackson's passing.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Neither website has the updated news, but Alan Shapiro has sold his SBS-Imports to Artisanal Imports. Shapiro has been responsible for importing beers like DeProef and Bellegems and being a part of the well-regarded "REUNION - A Beer for Hope" project.

~ Congratulations, homebrewers. You got your precious honey beer recipe from the White House. Now, what are you going to do with it except pick it apart to criticize? Will honey beer submissions explode in homebrewing competitions? I will add, however and without any additional snark, that the video is a pretty cool shootout to homebrew. Hits the basics that should make it seem pretty approachable to the uninitiated.