Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Beer Calendar: What To Do in November 2012

Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy may stop you from seeing this when it first goes live on Tuesday morning, but it hasn't stopped your favorite breweries and bars from planning another month of events to keep you happy and hydrated throughout.

Keep an eye open for the handful of events that are rescheduled in November from late October due to "Sandy".

As always, 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
Wed. 10/31 - Post-Hurricane Sandy with Funky Buddha @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 11/1 - Bell's Brewery Night @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/1 - Oskar Blues Tap Takeover @Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/1 - Yards Brewing Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/1 - Pumpkin Fest @Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/2 - La Dia de la Mielga (The Day of the Dogfish) @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/2 - We're Turning 4! @Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/2 - Beer Tasting (Flying Fish) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.; $Free)
Mon. 11/5 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Penn Brewery) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 11/6 - Yards Election Night - Ales of the Revolution @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 11/7 - Monthly Beer School @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 11/8 - Pretty Things Brewing Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/8 - James Bond Movie & Dinner Quizzo @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/8 - Yappy Hour @Kennett, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/8 - Happy Birthday @Percy Street Barbecue, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 11/8 - DuClaw Philadelphia Launch Party @Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/8 - Beer Laws Forum Part 2 @Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/8 - Beer Tasting @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m; $Free)
Thu. 11/8 - Southern Tier Night @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/8 - Dogfish Head Tap Attack @The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/10 - Craft Beer Express @12 Quality Beer Bars, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $10 unlimited bus ticket plus $PAYG at the bars)
Sat. 11/10 - Craft Beer Express - Gypsy Brewing Day @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/10 - Mayfair Dog Park Fundraiser @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $15 food, $PAYG bar)
Mon. 11/12 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Yards) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 11/14 - Germany Comes from Danville - Old Forge Night @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/15 - Russian River Night @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/15 - Brooklyn Brewing Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/15 - Long Trail Tap Takeover @Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
ending Fri. 11/16 - Thanksgiving Pie In The Sky from MANNA @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sun. 11/18 - Meet the Brewer and Tasting (Stillwater Artisanal Ales and Sixpoint Brewery) @Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 11/19 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Oskar Blues) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 11/20 - Holiday Bottle Release Celebration @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 11/21 - Ommegang Night @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/22 - Full of Turkey? Come Drink you Pumpkin Pie @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/23 - Oskar (Blues) The Grouch Night @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/23 - Into The Black @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/23 - Black Friday Holiday Leftovers @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (special brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. beers all day; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/23 - Everything Went Black @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (special brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. beers all day; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/23 - Slow & Steady Black Friday @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (special brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. beers all day; $PAYG)
Tue. 11/27 - RJ Rockers and Laughing Dog @London Grill, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/29 - Elysian Brewing Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/29 - Allagash Favorites and Rarities @The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/30 - Blackout Night with Great Lakes @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 11/1-Sun. 11/4 - Fresh Hopped-Wet Hopped Draft Event @Capone's, Norristown, Pa. (11:30 a.m. daily; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/1 - First Thursday Tasting @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 11/2 - Oskar Blues Party @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/3 - Hot Rods and Hops @Neshaminy Creek Brewing, Croydon, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $Free entry + $PAYG)
Tue. 11/6 - Tasty Tuesday for the Annual Sierra Nevada Celebration @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 11/6 - Yards Ales of the Revolution @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/8 - Coors Batch 19 Tasting @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/10 - Sippin' By The River @Campbell's Field, Camden, NJ (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $35-$65)
Wed. 11/14 - Flying Dog Tap Takeover @Fingers, Wings, and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/23 - Big Bottle Tasting @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 11/27 - Brewmaster Series @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 11/28 - SPCA Fundraiser @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 11/1-Fri. 11/8 - 20th Anniversary Discounts @Keystone Homebrew, Montgomeryville, Pa. (see website for details)
Thu. 11/1 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Race For Adam) @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/1 - Victory's Cooks Showdown Round 2 @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/2 - Friday Night Sampling (Yards) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 11/2 - Flying Dog Beer Tasting/Dinner @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/2 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Pottstown & Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 11/6 - Iron Brewer @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 11/7 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit TBD) @Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/9 - Habitat For Humanity Charity Event @Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/9 - Black Friday No. 2 @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/10 - Barrel-Aged At The Hill @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (1 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/16-Sun. 11/18 - Fall Real Ale Festival @General Sutter Inn, Lititz, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 11/16 - Friday Night Sampling (Sierra Nevada) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 11/16 - Friday Night Sampling (Victory) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 11/16 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (Chester County Bitter, Phoenix Pale Ale, and Brewer's Select Pale Ale) @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/17 - 20th Anniversary Blowout Party @Keystone Homebrew, Montgomeryville, Pa. (see website for details)
Sat. 11/17 - Senor Chocolatoro Bottled Release Party @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/17 - Chocolate Festival @Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10/$15/$20/$25)
Wed. 11/21 - Red Wednesday @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (8 a.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 11/21 - Holiday Beer Release @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/23 - Hopstravaganza @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/24 - Hopfest with Harvest Ales @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 11/26 - St. James Release @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/29 - Victory's Cooks Showdown Round 3 @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/30 - Mustache Happy Hour @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Wed. 11/7 - 12 Percent Beer Dinner @Vedge Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $85)
Thu. 11/8 - Allagash Pig Dinner @South Philadelphia Tap Room, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.; $70)
Fri. 11/9 - Beer and Brewing 101 @The Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $39.97)
Sat. 11/10 - PA Beer Festival @Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m., 7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $15/$40)
Sun. 11/11 - Pumpkin Beer Dinner @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $60)
Tue. 11/13 - Fall Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Tue. 11/13 - Home Brewer Turn Pro Brewer Dinner @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $55)
Thu. 11/15 - Pints For North Light @Manayunk Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $50/$60/$75/$80/$135/$150)
Thu. 11/15 - Bathtub Beer Fest @National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $45)
Tue. 11/20 - He Said Beer, She Said Wine @Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $75)
Sat. 11/24 - Winter Beer Fest @Union Transfer, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m., 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $10/$40/$50)
Tue. 11/27 - Off The Wall Iron Hill Dinner @The Industry, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.; $60)
Thu. 11/29 - Allagash's Sour Delights @Tria Fermentation School, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.; $60)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sun. 11/4 - Brewmaster's Brunch @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (11 a.m.-1 p.m.; $55)
Mon. 11/5 - Artisan Cheese, Fine Meat & Craft Beer Dinner (Rescheduled from 10/29 due to Hurricane Sandy) @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $45)
Tue. 11/6 - All Hallows Eve Beer Supper (Rescheduled from 10/30 due to Hurricane Sandy) @Tired Hands, Ardmore, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $75)
Wed. 11/7 - Meet the Brewery Dinner with Weyerbacher @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $50)
Wed. 11/14 - Fall Fest Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $60)
Wed. 11/14 - New England in the Fall Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (6 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 11/29 - Neshaminy Creek Beer Dinner @Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza, Wayne, Pa. (7 p.m.; $30)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 11/3 - Brewphoria 10 @Canal Street Pub, Reading, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $40)
Mon. 11/5 - Celebrate Italy with DiBruno Bros. @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.; $75)
Tue. 11/6 - Beer versus Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $85)
Tue. 11/6 - Movember Beer Dinner @Big Fish Grill, Glen Mills, Pa. (6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $55)
Thu. 11/8 - Fall Harvest Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (6 p.m.; $75)
Tue. 11/13 & Wed. 11/14 - Brewmaster's Medieval Dinner @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (7 p.m.; $65)
Tue. 11/13 - Fall Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (7 p.m.; $65)
Wed. 11/14 - Pig Roast Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $TBD)
Wed. 11/14 - Fall Harvest Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (7 p.m.; $65)
Mon. 11/19 & Tue. 11/20 - Halloween Brewmaster's Dinner (Rescheduled from 10/29-10/30 due to Hurricane Sandy) @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (6:00 p.m.; $65)
Wed. 11/28 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $35)


Monday, October 29, 2012

Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/29/12

Hurricane Sandy might be putting a hurtin' on the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, but if you still have power and Internet connectivity, you may enjoy a few of these stories/links that I've gathered up for you during the past week.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Finally, maybe now I'll get a chance to sample this new brew from upstate PA, about to enter the Philly market according to Jack Curtin.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Iron Hill has finally figured out how to retool its wildly popular and successful Mug Club, after it came under scrutiny by "the Man" (that'd be the ever-caring PLCB, looking out for the consumer's best interest, but of course) earlier this year. They've rebranded and you can read all about it here. Basically, it kicked off this past Saturday, is called King Of The Hill, and is self-proclaimed to be more comprehensive program than the predecessor Mug Club program.

~ Jack Curtin pointed us to The Huffington Post, which provide a nice primer on the fast-growing Victory Brewing Company. They got the name of Victory's hometown correct, not a small feat for many publishing outlets ;-)

~ Tröegs' Scratch 79 will be a pumpkin beer. The apparently divided brewhouse offers up this short video in an attempt to explain how they got to that point.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ You can win a trip to Belgium. Check out the details here.

~ Thanks to BeerPulse for the link to Ohio.com who reported that Winking Lizard is dropping Miller Lite and Bud Light from its draft lineup. The Ohio-based chain loves their beer and one of its founding partners, John Lane, was a keynote guest at Ommegang's BCTC a couple of years ago.

~ I think I'd prefer classic James Bond to stick with a martini rather than a Heineken.

~ I'd have linked to Pete Brown's insightful posting, but then saw Stan's follow-up, so please stop by there first before going on to Brown's site.

~ OSHA's response to the Redhook/Craft Brew Alliance's tragic accident earlier this year.

~ And, lastly, a fun link from Jay Brooks.



Friday, October 26, 2012

Sly Fox + Kan Jam + Canned Beer + Live Music = Great festival times in Pottstown

(and, my effort to get caught up around here on events gone by continues...)

Sly Fox Can Jam Festival
(Click above for full gallery of pictures)

Sly Fox keeps growing. I wrote a short article about it over here a few weeks ago.

With growth comes new and exciting things. Independently over the past few years, Sly Fox has created an association between itself and the increasingly-popular outdoor game, Kan Jam.

When newcomers first hear that Kan Jam is a game that involves throwing a frisbee at or in to what resembles a small trash can, the snickers typically ensue. But, given the chance at a few tosses back and forth, most can't give it up including the most disaffected teenager (I've witnessed this firsthand.)

Let's see if I can help demystify a bit:


  • Teams of two take their spots by the cans (Kans) at opposite ends of a 50-foot course, very similar to horseshoes, washoes, and beanbags/cornhole


  • One teammate throws the disc to the other end and potential scoring is as follows:


  • a) Automatic win: disc goes into the can through the slot or the top without knocking over the can
    b) 3 points: disc goes in the can by way of an assist/redirect by the teammate
    c) 2 points: disc hits the can directly without any assist or redirect
    d) 1 point: disc hits the can with an assist or redirect by the teammate

  • Alternating throws by team continues until a team hits 21 points, without going over


  • Pretty simple, right? Addictive for sure. Being the canned beer proponent that Sly Fox is, they've added an additional rule: all players must be holding a can in one hand while throwing/redirecting with the other. Of course, they can't force players to drink. But what fun would it be otherwise?

    On Saturday, September 22, Sly Fox hosted the second annual (first at the new location in Pottstown) Can Jam Festival. There was very little about the second installment that resembled anything in last year's at their Phoenixville location — save for the discs, people throwing them, and the kans/cans. This year's was bigger, with more beer, food, and music to go around to the decidely larger audience and participants.

    My "usual teammate", William Reed and my reserve teammate, Nick Johnson were both predisposed with too much work to take time out for some fun 'n' games in Pottstown. Reed and I had taken a very respectable second place during the Philly Beer Week event at the Four Seasons Hotel back in June, so you can imagine the anticipation to take the competition to the next level in a field of 64 teams — yes, I said 64 teams — at Sly Fox's new home back in September.

    But, it wasn't meant to be so my first-time teammate became none other than brewery co-owner John Giannopoulos. Good thing my Washington Times review of their growing operations was well-received!

    Nonetheless, we turned in a quite a respectable performance, convincingly winning two consecutive matches but not after losing equally-convincingly in the first (turned out to be last year's runner-up team). Still, a 2-1 record in the first round was not enough to move on from the first round in the bracketology that ringleader/sales extraordinaire/bartender-to-the-??? Corey Reid masterminded.

    It was on to socializing and documenting for me. What a beautiful day it turned out to be for this event. The forecasted rain did not move until very late in the afternoon/early evening, so the outdoor games, music, food, and beer could be enjoyed without getting soaked. A little sunburn, on the other hand, was not avoided.

    The pictures should likely tell the story of the gold mine that Sly Fox is sitting on with their new property. Rough counts had the first-year crowd for this event at a modest 600, give or take. It was tough to tell as there was a constant circulation of guests in to, out of, and around the brewery property. But, still, there is plenty of room to grow with capacity for many hundreds more.

    Can Jam Festival 2013 seems like a near certainty. Could a move of the Goat Race/Bock Festival to Pottstown be far behind? There's some disagreement to that right now and no one will say for sure. But, judging the reaction of brewery personnel and guest alike, there is a lot of potential for future event planning at the new Sly Fox in Pottstown.

    Thursday, October 25, 2012

    Weekly Beer Calendar Update: October 25 - October 31

    Nearly 40 events (plus a few I'm missing that I'll count on the viligent amongst you all to let me know about) to close out the beautiful month of October here in the Philadelphia region.

    Check out the entire October 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. 10/26 - Friday Night Tasting (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Boulder beer)

    @Capone's, Norristown, Pa.--- Fri. 10/27 - Free Beer Sampling (4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $Free)

    @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 10/30 - Movie Night (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for food and beer specials and Dead Alive on the big screen)

    @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 10/29 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples from Flying Fish)

    @Union Jack's, Glenside, Pa.--- Thu. 10/25 - Goose Island Night (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Sophie, Matilda, Pere Jacques, IPA, and Bourbon County Stout. Plus, keep the glass while supplies last)

    @Whole Foods, Devon, Pa.--- Wed. 10/31 - Victory Sampling (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Victory's Moonglow, Headwaters, DarkDevil, and more. Ranch DIPA, Victory Village, and more will be on draft for the night)

    @Yards Brewing & Lucky 13, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 10/30 - Yards/Lucky 13 Zombie Run (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a special bit of exercise, as we run from the brewery to the bar. Participants will get $3 beers and a Brawler Tee for $10. We will be having face painting to make everyone look more zombie-like (please arrive early to get painted). Lucky 13 will be pouring IPA, Philly Pale, and Love Stout.)


    "Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
    @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/25 - 1st Anniversary in Philly (2:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of amazing beers to celebrate the first year in Philly)

    @BuyRite Parking Lot, Cranbury, NJ--- Sun. 10/28 - Crantoberfest (11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; $20/$25 to listen to some live music, eat some food from local vendors, and wine and beer from over 30 producers)

    @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 10/27 - Thirstoberfest (rain date: Sun. 10/28) (12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $PAYG for more than 25 flagship and limited release beers from our favorite local and stateside craft breweries along with some super rare international goodies. Plus, special dogs from the hot dog truck all day)

    @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 10/25 - Brooklyn Tap Attack (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG as Miles from Brooklyn Brewery will be here slangin' some of his best offerings from NYC's premier brewery)

    @Porters Pub, Easton, Pa.--- Thu. 10/25 - Oskar Blues Tap Takeover ($PAYG for a night of Dale's Pale Ale, Ten-Fidy, Old Chub, Deviant Dale's, and G'Knight)

    @Side Bar, West Chester, Pa.--- Tue. 10/30 - Goose Island Brewing Event (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a Goose Island special night of Vintage Ales and Bourbon County brews on tap for your pleasure, including Sofie, Matilda, Imperial IPA, and Bourbon County Stout. And stay for a night of Mystery Box Trivia starting around 9:30 p.m.)

    @Sovereign Bank Stadium, York, Pa.-- Sat. 10/27 & Sun. 10/28 - Yorktoberfest (12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; $Free admission, then $10/$15/$20/$30 to sample beers and wines)

    @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.-- Sat. 10/27 - Spooky and Suckling Pig Roast and Casey Hughes' Birthday Roast too (2:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Flying Fish's Exit 16, Exit 4, Oktoberfish, Hopfish, and many more surprises. $35 for the pig roast which includes the pig and choice of two sides. Costume party later in the evening.)

    @West Chester Railroad, West Chester, Pa.-- Sat. 10/27 - Ride The Rails with Boxcar Brewing Company (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $25/$40 as they provide the food (a rockstar spread), beer (all of our best brews), and live music (stellar West Chester talent of course) at the Glen Mills picnic grove after a nostalgic train ride through picturesque Chester County on 1930’s style train carts.)


    Food and Beer events
    @Broad Axe Tavern, Ambler, Pa.--- Tue. 10/30 - Southern Tier Beer Dinner ($45 for a five-course meal paired with 422, Harvest, Unearthly, Pumking, and Crème Brulee)

    @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Mon. 10/29 & Tue. 10/30 - Halloween Brewmaster’s Dinner (6:00 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with English IPA, Anvil Ale, Rauchtoberfest, Old Ale [2008], and Great Pumpkin Stout)

    @Lafayette Club, York, Pa.-- Fri. 10/26 - Yorktoberfest Wine & Beer Pairing Dinner (7:00 p.m.; $45 for a four-course meal paired with choice of wine or beer)

    @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Mon. 10/29 - Artisanal Cheeses, Fine Meats, and Craft Beers (7:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $45 for a five-course meal paired with Brasserie de Blaugies Saison d'Epeautre, The Bruery Tart of Darkness, Brauerei Ayinger Ur-Weisse, Tröegs Scratch #78 OkTröegerfest, and Etienne Dupont Cidre Bouché Brut de Normandie)

    @Tired Hands, Ardmore, Pa.--- Tue. 10/30 - All Hallows Eve Beer Supper (6:30 p.m.; $75 for a five-course meal paired with Ghost Gose, Creature ESB, Vampire IPA, Werewolf Bieré de Garde, Zombie Double India Black Ale, and Black Lagoon Strong Black Saison)


    Homebrewing & Education
    @Keystone Homebrew, Montgomeryville, Pa.--- Sat. 10/27 - Barrel Brew Club Championship (see website for details)


    Fall seasonal celebrations
    @Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, Pa.--- Sat. 10/27 - Halloween Party (8:00 p.m.; $10 to dress up like your favorite superhero or villain for a chance to win some great prizes)

    @Bierstube Tsingtau, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 10/31 - FranZenstein Fright Fest (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Spaten Franziskaner's Hefeweizen, Dunkel, and Optimator. Costumes encouraged and giveaways from Bierstube and Franziskaner)

    @Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/25 - Oktoberfest Happy Hour (5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $30 for bottomless liters of beer. $10 of each ticket sold goes directly to the Center for Literacy to support life-changing education programs and services.)

    @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 10/31 - Halloween Pumpkin Firkin (7:00 p.m.; $PAYG to stop in with your best Halloween Costume as we'll be tapping a firkin of Southern Tier Pumking, Southern Tier Oak-Aged Pumking [2011], Bruery Autumn Maple [2011], and Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin [2011])

    @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 10/27 - Hardy-Har-Harvest (4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG as we tap as many wet-hopped harvest beers that we can find. Comedians Erin "E-Unit" Mulville, Nicole Yates, and more will entertain.)

    @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 10/26 & Sat. 10/27 - Welcome Great Pumpkin (5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of our Pumpkin Ale and a pumpkin-inspired menu. At 6 p.m., we'll be tapping a ginormous pumpkin filled with pumpkin ale.)
    @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sat. 10/27 - Great Pumpkin Stout Release Party (12:00pm-5:00pm; $PAYG as they release their Great Pumpkin Stout and pumpkin-inspired fare, face painting, pumpkin carving, candied apples and other treats, and a special tapping of a ginormous pumpkin filled with Pumpkin Ale.)
    @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Sat. 10/27 - The Month Of Pumpkins (4:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG for the tapping of the Great Pumpkin and games and prizes)
    @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Sat. 10/27 - The Gathering Of The Gourds (12:00 p.m.; $PAYG for pumpkin beers from Iron Hill and guest breweries including Stewart's, Otter Creek, Brooklyn, and Elysian. At 3 p.m., we’ll be tapping a ginormous pumpkin filled with pumpkin ale. Also, pumpkin- and squash-inspired menu features.)

    @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Sat. 10/27 - Oktoberfest (12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.; $35 for a glass mug, Isaac's Oktoberfest t-shirt, authentic German buffet, 2 draft beers, live accordion music, and chances to win some cool prizes)

    @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 10/31 - Victory Sampling (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $PAYG Halloween fun and tapping of four pumpkin beers including Southern Tier Pumking, Elysian Dark O' The Moon Pumpkin Stout, Timmerman's Pumpkin Lambic, and Bruery Autumn Maple. Also, appropriately-paired food specials on the menu.)

    @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- each Monday in October - Fall Beer Tasting (8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; $Free tastings of beers from the season)

    @Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 10/28-Wed. 10/31 - Harvest Hoedown (3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $PAYG for pumpkin carving contests and plenty of pumpkin and fresh hop beers to go along with a fall-themed menu)

    @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 10/26-Sun. 10/28 - Halloween Blackout Weekend ($PAYG for J.W. Lees Harvest 2011, Emelisse Jack Daniel's Barrel-aged Imperial Stout, t'Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout, Xbeeriment Black Force One, Struise Pannepøt, the Struise/Stillwater Outblack collaboration, and our favorite usual big hitters Klokke Roeland and Tripel van de Garre from Van Steenberge)

    @The Sun Inn, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Fri. 10/26 - Oktoberfest Homebrew Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $52 for a four-course meal paired with German Pilsner, Oktoberfest, Altbier, and Weizenbock)

    @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa.--- Wed. 10/31 - Pumpkin Beer Tasting (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a special pumpkin beer tasting to celebrate Halloween)

    @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Wed. 10/31 - Get Up And Ghoul (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG as contestants should dress as their favorite Victory character, but as a zombie. Every contestant has a chance to win a raffle item throughout the night, and the final 4 contestants will be handsomely rewarded)

    Wednesday, October 24, 2012

    Gift Card Giveaway to Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza

    UPDATE, 7:05 a.m. 10/24/12: Contest is over. I always get an early morning surge of readers, so while the timing may have seemed unfair to some, this time I opted to reward the early morning visitors here at The Brew Lounge.

    The correct answer to the question is "Dan Marino", who was raised in Pittsburgh and attended both high school and college there playing as a standout quarterback before his professional football career with the Miami Dolphins.

    Marino attended the Monroeville opening of the Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza on April 18, 2012.

    Jeff K. submitted the correct answer at 6:35 a.m. Congratulations and thanks to all for participating.





    Who said there's no such thing as a free meal?

    Remember how I talked about the Victory Beer Dinner at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza? They like you guys so much that they sent me home with a gift card to raffle off to one of you.

    Let's try to make this simple. The first to send an email to me at Bryan@BrewLounge.com with the correct answer to this question will win the $25 gift card. It is valid for redemption at any of the locations in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and their homestate of Florida.

    This could come in handy at one of their upcoming beer dinners with Neshaminy Creek at their Wayne, Pa. location (Nov. 8) or Due South Brewing at their Pompano Beach, Fl. location (Nov. 14). Recently, they hosted Cigar City at both their Orlando and Clearwater locations.

    Question: Who is one of the owners (by way of an equity stake in a restaurant management group) of Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza AND what is his/her connection to the new Monroeville/Pittsburgh location, where he/she showed up for the recent grand opening?

    Send your answer to Bryan@BrewLounge.com

    Tuesday, October 23, 2012

    Gift Card Giveaway to Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza

    Check The Brew Lounge tomorrow morning after 6 a.m. for a chance to win a gift card from Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza — redeemable at any of its 35 locations in CT, NY, NJ, DE, PA, and FL.

    Monday, October 22, 2012

    Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/22/12

    I've got a couple of travel-free weeks coming up, plus the New York City Marathon. I should be able to get fairly caught up around here. As I do so, here's another week of news bits and bites that should help to get you caught up as well.

    PHILADELPHIA
    ~ Growlers opened earlier this month in South Philly at 8th and Fitzwater streets. It has a Time/Vintage/Bar/El Vez/Dandelion history in its owners.

    ~ Continuing with the Foobooz link love, they've got a short video of a walkthrough of the new Philadelphia incarnation of Fette Sau, whose opening this past weekend seems to have missed no one.


    EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
    ~ How do you like your IPA? Evil Genius now has a mix pack including Black, Belgian, and American.

    ~ Filed also under "things that happened while I've been traveling so damned much of late". The eagerly anticipated Vault Brewing Company opened earlier this month in the lovely riverside town of Yardley, Pa.

    ~ Brew Lounge friend, Ronna Dewey, captured beer appreciation and hunting from a different perspective that we don't often hear much about: that of a parent of young children. She wrote recently on the topic for Exton Dish.

    ~ Where does privatization stand in Pennsylvania? KYW/CBS doesn't give it much chance after the last few years of "getting close".

    THE REST OF PLANET BEER
    ~ Beer writer from Colorado, ("Chipper") Dave Butler, was on the floor again this year at GABF and shares his insights and pictures.

    ~ Here's a well-considered, if not controversial, list of thoughts on GABF from writer Andy Crouch. Looks like he'll keep us hanging for a little while longer as he compiles Point 10.

    ~ Buried within the comments of Crouch's diatribe is a link to Garrett Oliver's thoughts on brewery staff attending and "working" the GABF festival sessions

    ~ And, one more GABF thought from Stan Hieronymous. When I was in Florida last week, I wasn't aware that Cigar City's Cucumber Saison had won at GABF; made me glad for the impulse $10.99 buy that I made at Knightly Spirits before hitting the airport.

    ~ James Spencer at Basic Brewing Radio has a brew session with craft beer "legend" Jack McAuliffe. Link to the MP3 file can be found here. Just another example of James continuing to do what he's always done well.

    ~ Coast to Coast Toast 2 is fast approaching. Learn here how you can participate.




    Friday, October 19, 2012

    R5 Saison Pub Crawl on Sat. 10/20 and events missed

    It's a busy beer calendar out there and no where moreso than in the Philadelphia region. My weekly and monthly calendars that I attempt to keep as accurate and up-to-date as possible around here are testament to that.

    So, it's bound to happen that I miss even some of the more significant ones once in a while. (And, a REMINDER to event planners that it's always best to drop personal notes to me to remind me to include.)

    With that said, 4 high-quality stops for beer at or near the R5 SEPTA regional train line (or the Thorndale line, if you prefer) will be collaborating on a day-long event tomorrow, Saturday October 20.

    Here's a quick blurb, then head over to any of the following participating businesses' websites for all the details you need to know to join in the fun.

    "The fun will begin at Station Taproom at 12:00pm. Then it's off to Teresa’s Cafe & Next Door Bar, Tired Hands, and then Monk’s! Each stop will feature a variation of our collaborative R5 Saison plus other goodies. You will be responsible for all train fare."

    Downingtown stop: Station Taproom
    Wayne stop: Teresa's Next Door
    Ardmore stop: Tired Hands
    Suburban Station stop: Monk's Café

    Thursday, October 18, 2012

    Weekly Beer Calendar Update: October 18 - October 24

    Oktoberfest may have come to a close, but the month of October still has plenty to offer on the beer events calendar in and around Philadelphia.

    Check out the entire October 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
    @Brew, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 10/19 - Harpoon Tasting (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free for free tastings of Harpoon's Cider, IPA, Octoberfest, and Raspberry Hefeweizen UFO)

    @Capone's, Norristown, Pa.--- Thu. 10/18 - Double IPA Draft Event ($PAYG for Bell's Oracle, Bullfrog Fresh Hopped Lager, Hill Farmstead Ephraim, Southern Tier Unearthly, and more)

    @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 10/23 - Boulder Beer Growlers (7:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Boulder Pinot Noir Barrel Aged Saison and Cold Hop among others. Free Boulder growlers go to the first fifty guests who purchase a Boulder growler fill, while Boulder drafts and flights are $1 off starting at 7 p.m.)

    @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 10/23 - Movie Night (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for beer and food specials and Drag Me To Hell on the big screen)

    @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/18 - Wolavers/Otter Creek Promo (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of specials around Wolavers and Otter Creek)

    @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 10/19 - Friday Night Tasting (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Stoudt's beer)

    @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 10/22 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples from Stockertown's portfolio of beers)

    @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 10/24 - Ommegang & Duvel Moortgat Night (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Brasserie d'Achouffe Biere de Soleil, Ommegang's Scythe and Sickle, Seduction, Aphrodite, Art of Darkness, and Liefmans Goudenband)

    @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 10/22 - Debut of Stift Engleszell Gregorius Trappisenbier (5:30 p.m.; $PAYG to be among the first in the US to taste this excellent beer. Gregorious is a dark ale made with local, organic honey. It weighs in at 9.7%.)

    @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 10/19 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for Chester County Bitter and Brewer's Select Pale Ale on the handpumps)

    @Time, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 10/22 - Mutha Firkin Monday (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Flying Fish Red Fish from the cask and Extra Pale Ale, Exit 4, and Abbey Dubbel on tap. Brewmaster Casey Hughes will be in attendance.)


    "Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
    @Annie Bailey's Irish Pub, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sat. 10/20 - Firkin Fest (1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $30 for nine cask-conditioned ales from regional craft breweries, pub-inspired grilled fare from Chef Tyler, and musical stylings of Dennis McCaughy)

    @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- MOVED TO THU. 11/8 Thu. 10/18 - Pretty Things Brewing Night (4:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Pretty Things' Babayaga, Field Mouse’s Farewell, Fluffy White Rabbit, Jack D’Or, Lovely St. Winefride, Meadowlark, and Saint Botolph’s Town)

    @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Fri. 10/19 - Starr Hill Tap Takeover ($PAYG for Starr Pils, Jomo Lager, Boxcar Pumpkin Porter, Northern Lights IPA, and Double Platinum IIPA)

    @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 10/19 - The Brewer's Dozen with Sixpoint (4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Crisp Pils, Righteous Rye Ale, Brownstone Brown Ale, Autumnation-Pumpkin Ale with Wet Hops, Mad Scientist- Mexican Adjunct (w/corn), Mad Scientist- mystery TBA, Spice of Life with Rwaka hops, Spice of Life with Amarillo hops, Redd- Red Ale, and Special X-TBA. Otis on Nitro and a Mystery firkin as well.)

    @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 10/22 - Mad Monday with Evil Twin (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for Uber Tart, Lil’ B Imperial Stout, Wag N' Wisdom Wit, Femme Fatale, and The Talented Mr. Orangutan)

    @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 10/18 - Evolution Tap Takeover (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a night with beers from Evolution)

    @PJ Whelihan's Pub, Downingtown, Pa.--- Thu. 10/18 - Goose Island Mini Tap Takeover (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)

    @Rino's, Exton, Pa.--- Wed. 10/24 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG for free wings with the purchase of Flying Fish beer. Mary Grace will be there to hand out swag and talk about the new brewery)


    Food and Beer events
    @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Sat. 10/20 - Lambic Luncheon ($PAYG as they will be pouring St. Louis Gueuze Fond Tradition, Vicaris Tripel-Gueuze, Oude Gueuze Tilquin à L'Ancienne, and Cantillon Classic Gueuze all on tap. Also expect to see flights of assorted Cantillon, Drie Fonteinen and others poured from stashed bottles too. A Lambic based menu is in the works too.)

    @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 10/20 - Jolly Pumpkin Cheese & Chocolate Pairing (2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG as they have 5 exceptional Jolly Pumpkin beers paired with various cheeses and in house made chocolates.)

    @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del.--- Tue. 10/23 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting (6:00 p.m.; $35 for Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer paired together in unexpected and delicious ways. Bring your vegetarian friends, too – we can accommodate them on all pairings)


    Homebrewing & Education
    @DiBruno Bros., Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 10/20 - Beer Making Class (12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.; $Free as Brooklyn Brew Shop co-founders Erica Shea and Stephen Valand will be teaching a free beer making class to show you all the steps from grain to glass to start turning out your own high-quality stove-top craft brews. The two will be on hand to answer your brewing questions and will be pouring samples of seasonally-inspired Fall beers including Bourbon Dubbel, a smooth dark Belgian ale brewed with oak chips soaked in bourbon. Beers will be paired with cheeses from the Di Bruno Bros. team.)

    @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- MOVED TO FEB. 2013Sun. 10/21 - West Philly Homebrew Competition (1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.; $Free to enter, $PAYG to attend)


    Fall seasonal celebrations
    @Bridgid's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/18 - Pumpkin Fest (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG for tastings of all of the best pumpkin beers from the U.S. and beyond, with specials running through the weekend.)

    @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 10/19 - Oktoberfest + Meet the Candidates Night (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG for the annual Oktoberfest with lots of festbier, sausage, spatzel, promos from a couple of breweries, and more. This will also be our Meet the Candidates night for the November election. We will invite all the local candidates to meet with us in an informal manner.)

    @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Fri. 10/19 - The Month Of Pumpkins (5:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for a Pumpkin Cask Challenge: Chestnut Hill versus North Wales)

    @Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville, Pa.--- Sat. 10/20 - Ottertoberfest (10:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; $included with Zoo admission for local wine and seasonal craft beers to benefit the conservation efforts of Lehigh Valley Zoo featuring activities and entertainment for folks of all ages.)

    @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- each Monday in October - Fall Beer Tasting (8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; $Free tastings of beers from the season)

    @Speckled Hen Pub, Reading, Pa.--- Wed. 10/24 - Harvest Beer Dinner (7:00 p.m.; $45 for a four-course meal paired with Duvel, Rodenbach Grand Cru, Sly Fox Pikeland Pils, and Old Speckled Hen)

    @The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 10/24 - Oktoberfest (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG for an Oktoberfest "U Buy The Glass" party and Oktoberfest menu specials)

    Wednesday, October 17, 2012

    Victory Beer Dinner at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Horsham, Pa.

    Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza's Victory Beer Dinner
    (click picture to see full gallery)

    It's about time to get caught up around here, would you agree?

    Let's start with Victory Brewing Company and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza. A few weeks back, they invited me out to their Horsham, Pa. location, one of 34 across the northeast and southeast parts of the country. This was (selfishly-speaking) fortuitous for my wife and I as we've been looking for an opportunity to check out the appealing menu of foods, mostly all prepared by way of the coal-fired oven in the kitchen.

    On September 20, the restaurant hosted Victory and its sales representative Adam Gladish as a way to highlight their support of craft beer. In fact, their tap list prior to the dinner boasted a well-varied spectrum of offerings from River Horse to Victory to Stoudt's and others.

    The dinner was kicked off by store manager, Preston Russell, and Gladish who walked the roughly 25 attendees through the four courses of well-conceived plates of food and Victory beers. Anthony's took the approach — which I think is a great approach; similar to a brewery that takes an off-the-shelf beer as a submission to GABF — of basing the four courses around existing regular menu items. All menu items for this special dinner are available as regular menu items on any other day. As first-timers, this made a great introduction for us.

    Roasted pork ribs and Meatballs with fresh ricotta....crispy oven-baked wings...salads....and, of course, pizza were paired respectively with Victory's HopDevil, Festbier (seasonal), Headwaters Pale Ale, and Prima Pils. To pick a favorite course would be tough, even in hindsight. The huge and perfectly prepared meatballs were made even more perfect with a dollop of fresh ricotta. The charred chicken wings were some of the best I've ever had, as were the charred and tender pork ribs. Salads were more than just your run-of-the-mill salads; one a tomato and fresh mozzarella and the other a traditional Italian.

    But, the pizzas; oh my, the pizzas. Have you ever had cauliflower on your pizza? Coal-oven fired cauliflower? Before you turn it away, try it. Tell me it doesn't throw you for a loop...in a good way, of course. And the fresh mozzarella and tomato pie was equally pleasing.

    All of this for a very reasonable $30. The menu concept at Anthony's is relatively simple and straightforward. Yet, filled with so much to please and fill you.

    If you missed this dinner and would like to experience it for yourself, the Wayne, Pa. (Delaware County) location will be hosting the new Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company in November for a similarly-styled beer dinner. More details will be forthcoming.

    BONUS: As a parting gift, stay tuned next week for an Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza gift card giveaway right here at The Brew Lounge.

    Monday, October 15, 2012

    Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/15/12

    The news engine continued to hum this past week, fed in good doses by GABF. I'm not likely to get around to doing it justice for our local guys and gals, so I'll point you instead to the fine job that Jack Curtin did in telling the story of this year's Philly area winners. Though, he missed pointing out the no-show by McKenzie Brew House and their multiple award-winning Saison Vautour. They missed the announcement for entry submissions and the entry cap was hit faster than in any other year, so Ryan Michaels and the brew crew sat 2012 out.

    PHILADELPHIA
    ~ Spanish Fly brewed with wormwood, yarrow and ginger as the next installment in the ongoing collaboration between Dock Sreet and Four Seasons Hotel in Philly has been officially cleared by the government for release in two days (10/17) at the hotel's Swann Lounge. Both on draft and in 12 ounce bottles.

    ~ Got the word from Kite & Key's Jim Kirk that some K&K alumni, Evan Clancy and Scott Pawlicki, (Kirk's involved as well) are ready to open Fountain Porter at 10th and Tasker. Tomorrow (10/16) is the first day open to the public, at 3 p.m.

    ~ Speaking of Dock Street, its homepage says they're in need of a brewery intern. After the two medals they brought home from GABF in Denver, some enterprising young man or woman should want to think seriously about stepping up for this position.

    EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
    ~ I have a soft spot for the old Bardo's in Northern Virginia (Arlington) back twenty years ago. Alexander Mitchell has some quite interesting information and links that I look forward to following quite closely. Curious location, yet not too far from Granville Moore's.

    ~ Very happy for Church Brew Works, a regular stop for me when in Pittsburgh, for winning GABF 2012 Large Brewpub of the Year.

    ~ Lew Bryson bring us up-to-speed on the next Pennsylvania beer law forum to be held at Yards.


    THE REST OF PLANET BEER
    ~ Stan Hieronymous has a short and sweet, but very cool, look at one moment at GABF.

    ~ Tomme Arthur weighs in with some of his own GABF perspective from Lost Abbey prior to the awards show this past Saturday.

    ~ Been waiting for a link to this for a while. I like what writer Andy Crouch has to say here.



    Thursday, October 11, 2012

    Weekly Beer Calendar Update: October 11 - October 17

    If you're not in Denver for GABF, there will be more than enough things to keep you occupied around the home base over the next seven days. Go get 'em.

    Check out the entire October 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
    @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 10/16 - Movie Night (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for beer and food specials and Basket Case on the big screen)

    @French Quarter Bistro, Royersford, Pa.--- Sat. 10/13 - Grand Re-Opening Party (12:00 p.m.; $PAYG)

    @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 10/15 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Great Lakes)

    @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- each Monday in October - Fall Beer Tasting (8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; $Free tastings of beers from the season)

    @South Philadelphia Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 10/15 - La Trappe - A Visit from the Netherlands (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG as Belgium comes to SPTR and Chef Scott Schroeder serves up his version of Chimay Brand Ambassador Luc "Bobo" Van Mechelen's favorite Flemish soup. Enjoy draughts of Chimay White alongside bottles of Red and Blue.)


    "Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
    @Alla Spina, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 10/16 - La Trappe/Koningshoeven Night (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $PAYG for a tap takeover of four drafts with the option to build your own flight. The first lucky few to order full glasses will get a LaTrappe goblet to drink from and take home.)

    @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/11 - Dark Horse Brewing Night (4:00 p.m.; $PAYG Amber Ale, Belgianator, Black Bier, Blueberry Honey Biscuit Monkey, Boffo Brown, Crooked Tree IPA, Edacsac Dekoorc Eert, F.F. Dekoorc Eert, Fore Smoked Stout, Homo Sapien Raspberry Trip Ale, Kmita Kolsch, Oktoberfest, One Oatmeal Stout [2011], Plead the 5th Imperial Stout, Raspberry Ale, Rod, Sapient Trip Ale, Scotty Karate, Thirsty Trout Baltic Porter, Too Cream Stout, and Tres Blueberry Stout)

    @Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/11 - Pumpkin Tap Takeover (4:00 p.m.; $PAYG to enjoy live music while sipping on Southern Tier Pumking, Manayunk Brewery’s Nitro Yunkin Punkin, Devious Imperial Pumpkin, and many more)

    @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/11 - After Hour Arias with Center City Opera Theater & Unibroue (7:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m.; $PAYG for Unibroue Beer & food pairings and Specials starting at 7pm & a performance by the Center City Opera Theater at 9pm. Draft list TBD but look for favorites like Ephemere, Maudite, and more.)

    @Fingers, Wings, and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa.--- Wed. 10/17 - Southern Tier Tap Takeover (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG for tasty seasonal foods including German Wurst Platter, our Southern Tier Pumking Adobe Wing Sauce and other Southern Tier inspired treats from the FWOT kitchen along with outstanding beers of Southern Tier including Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Choklat Imperial Stout, Harvest Ale, Gemini Imperial Blended Unfiltered Ale, 2xIPA Double India Pale Ale, and Porter)

    @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Thu. 10/11 - Abbatia Octo 8 Dubbel Release Party (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for this beer brewed exclusively for Iron Abbey by Manayunk Brewing Company who will send brewers Doug and Evan for this special night unveiling the Belgian-style Dubbel with Cherries)

    @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 10/11 - Starr Hill Tap Takeover (8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG as the Charlottesville, Va. brewery comes to town)
    @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Tue. 10/16 - Goose Island Tap Takeover (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG for lots of Goose Island goodies, including Bourbon County Stout)

    @South Philadelphia Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/11 - Eat and Drink Like a Belgian, With a Belgian (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG to drink draughts of Isid'or, White, Dubbel, and Quad while meeting the men responsible for bringing La Trappe to the US- Erwin Klijn, export manager of La Trappe, and Lanny Hoff, founder of Artisanal Imports. Plus when you order a La Trappe, you'll get a free glass.)

    @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 10/16 - Two Beers. One Cup. The Series. (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG as they mix up Weyerbacher beers in the same glass.)

    @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/11 & Fri. 10/12 - Guinness Believer (6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., & 9:00 p.m.; $Free)


    Food and Beer events
    @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 10/17 - Lagunitas Beer Dinner (7:00 p.m.; $60 for a five-course meal paired with Lagunitas' Pils, Daytime, Dogtown Pale Ale, IPA, and A Little Sumpin' Wild)

    @Square 1682, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 10/14 - Cheesesteak Challenge (2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; $25 for an afternoon of entertainment, competition, fun, and Victory beer pairing samples)

    @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del.--- Wed. 10/17 - Fall Harvest Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $TBD to start eating heartier and dressing warmer and what better way to kick it off than with our Fall Festival week beers paired with awesome big harvest food.)

    @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Thu. 10/11 - Harvest Beer Dinner (6:00 p.m.; $55 for a five-course fall food and beer dinner)


    Charity and Education
    @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 10/17 - Monthly Beer School (5:00 p.m.; $Free to learna and drink along side the bar staff)

    @The Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 10/12 - Beer and Brewing 101 (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $39.97)

    @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.--- Fri. 10/12 - Beef and Beer to benefit The Officer Brad Fox Fund (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)


    Oktoberfest Für Alle (and other fall seasonal celebrations)
    @Capone's, Norristown, Pa.--- Mon. 10/8-Wed. 10/17 - 10 Days of Pumpkins, Octoberfests, and IPAs ($PAYG for everything that the title suggests)

    @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Fri. 10/12 - The Month Of Pumpkins (5:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for Cask-conditioned Flavored Pumpkin Ale)

    @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del.--- Fri. 10/12 & Sat. 10/13 - Fall Festival (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG as Gumbo is taking over 16 of our taps & pouring the tastiest autumn beers that he can get his hands on. Expect to taste Dogfish Head Punkin', Evolution Jacques au Lantern, Schlafly Oktoberfest, Brooklyn oktoberfest, Troegs Troegenator, Victory Festbier, Ayinger Oktoberfest, Southern Tier Pumking, Schlafly Pumpkin, Yuengling Oktoberfest, Brooklyn The Concoction, Elysian Night Owl, Coney Island Barrel-Aged Blockhead and more. German- and Belgian-inspired dishes, certainly Stigz' Sauerbraten)

    @Wegmans, Malvern, Pa.--- Thu. 10/11 - Pub Oktoberfest Beer & Food Celebration (5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG to join us out on the Patio for some amazing food and, of course, great beer to celebrate the return of Oktoberfest.)
    @Wegmans, King of Prussia, Pa.--- Fri. 10/12 - Pub Oktoberfest Beer & Food Celebration (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG to join us out on the Patio for some amazing food and, of course, great beer to celebrate the return of Oktoberfest.)
    @Wegmans, Collegeville, Pa.--- Sat. 10/13 - Pub Oktoberfest Beer & Food Celebration (4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $PAYG to join us out on the Patio for some amazing food and, of course, great beer to celebrate the return of Oktoberfest.)

    Monday, October 08, 2012

    Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/8/12

    I missed last the last couple Monday Morning updates, of which I've actually had quite a few of you tell me you appreciate. Well, not really missed. Had some stuff ready to read for you, then went on a last-minute business trip to Atlanta and forgot about hitting the little orange publish button. The week before it was something else, and so on and so forth.

    So, I figured to give you a triple-dose this morning. As you were.

    PHILADELPHIA
    ~ Reading this made me wonder how our old friend, Patrick Jones, is doing. And, just what the hell happened to Old City. Well, I sort of know, but still...

    ~ This stuff can't be made up, can it?

    ~ Fergie Carey is a great publican and fun guy to hang out with. Now everyone knows.

    ~ Fun stuff from DrinkPhilly (.com). This is the ONLY good thing possibly to come from these absolutely pointless Under/Over 21 challenges. Sun King might get my vote for best.


    EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
    ~ I was pleased to (finally) be a part of the annual Dogfish Dash at the home of the craft brewing powerhouse in Milton, Del. last weekend. Here's a great recap at Draft Magazine of the men's 10-k winner.

    ~ Craig Laban recently gave some high praise to newcomer Tired Hands

    ~ A fine article written by our local Philly beer lover, Lisa Grimm


    THE REST OF PLANET BEER
    ~ With the fall season officially here, and the angst of when seasonal beers are released at least temporarily behind us, I took a stab at recommending a few pumpkin, wet hop, and Oktoberfest beers in my column over in the Communities section of The Washington Times.

    ~ GABF is a-coming and Chipper Dave has some great recommendations of how (not) to act. Great tips indeed.

    ~ Quite happy for the folks at Ale Asylum in Madison, Wis. Visited there a few years back and very impressed with what they had going on. Looks like they'll have a whole lot more going on pretty soon.

    ~ Stan came across a nice article in New Zealand where the author attempts to define "craft beer" in the country's burgeoning scene where craft, as they define it, occupies barely 2% of the beer market.

    ~ Bob Sylvester of Saint Somewhere Brewing Co. in Florida is a fun guy to chat with when he comes to Philly. Here's a short interview on Shelton Brothers' facebook page.

    ~ Stan H. led us to this link, wondering if beer is jumping the shark. I probably should have read the content before referring you to it; that might tell you how much I might agree with him.

    ~ Also from "out West", Jay B. dug up some fun stuff for us on vaginas and Vergina.

    ~ Cicerone.org has launched a new website ...and a new service called Savvy.

    ~ The title is great, the content is pretty accurate as well.

    ~ How about one last list? This one a "favorite beer bar" list from CraftBeer.com? Sure, why not?

    ~ And how 'bout we end on a controversial note? One where homebrewers are made a little fun of (and apparently, many are not taking too kindly too) and one where the campaign to "dislike" the video on Youtube has taken off in the "community".



    Thursday, October 04, 2012

    Weekly Beer Calendar Update: October 4 - October 10

    October 4-10. Beer Calendar. Philly edition. Go. Less words, more doing. Phew.

    Check out the entire October 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
    @Brew, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 10/5 - Chimay Tasting (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples as they'll be pouring Chimay Red, White, and Blue)

    @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 10/9 - Movie Night (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for discounted food and beer and Eyes Without A Face on the big screen)

    @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 10/5 - Friday Night Tasting (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sierra Nevada beer)

    @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 10/8 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Victory beer)

    @Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- Fri. 10/5 - Incubus Friday (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for the incredible Belgian-style Tripel until the keg kicks)

    @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 10/5 - Beer Tasting (5:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Origilio brands)

    @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.--- Thu. 10/4 - Thursday Night Sampling (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free tasting samples)


    "Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
    @Drink Philly HQ, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 10/5 - First Friday (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $Free beer from Sly Fox and food from The Continental)

    @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/4 - 10-Four Good Buddy (4:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $PAYG for several special beer/food pairings because, like good buddies, they go well together and compliment each other.)

    @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 10/4 - Weyerbacher Tap Takeover ($PAYG for Autumn Fest, Imperial Pumpkin, Whiskey, Last Chance IPA, Merry Monks, Double Simcoe, Insanity, Quad, and Heresy)

    @KOP Mall Parking Lot, King of Prussia, Pa.--- Fri. 10/5-Sat. 10/6 - King of Prussia Beerfest Royale ($15-$85 for a celebration of local craft beer and German beer over two days in two tents with more than 3,000 beer aficionados)

    @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 10/8 - Mad Monday with Russian River Brewing Company (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for an incredible show of fundraising. Only bring cash.)

    @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 10/4 - Yards Tap Takeover (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Love Stout, Thomas Jefferson Golden Ale, IPA, Philadelphia Pale Ale, Cape of Good Hope DIPA, Brawler, George Washington Tavern Ale, ESA, Ben Franklin Spruce Ale, plus some special releases)

    @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 10/9 - Two Beers. One Cup. The Series. (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG for an inappropriate night of blending beers from Left Hand and Fegley's)


    Food and Beer events
    @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 10/7 - Harvest Brunch (11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; $PAYG for the harvest beers still on tap and Chef Kevin will have a variety of fresh harvest breakfast specials)

    @Shula's Steak House, Center Valley, Pa.--- Thu. 10/4 - Victory Beer Dinner (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $65 for a four-course meal paired with Headwaters Pale Ale, Golden Monkey, HopDevil, Festbier, and Storm King Stout)

    @The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/4 - The World Atlas of Beer Dinner (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $60 for a dinner to follow the earier meet 'n' greet at Monk's)


    Charity and Education
    @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 10/4 - Charity Cask Night (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG with cask sales to benefit Itty Bitty Kitty)

    @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/4 - The World Atlas of Beer Book Signing (5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $PAYG to meet Stephen Beaumont and Tim Webb, authors of a new book)

    @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 10/10 - Beer School (4:00 p.m.; $Free to learn alongside bar staff about Paco Laborde's favorite Halloween-themed beers)

    @South Philadelphia Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 10/4 - Founders Breakfast Stout Season Kickoff (4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a happy hour discount on Breakfast Stout and to drink other Founders draughts, including the super rare Backstage Series release, Frangelic Mountain Brown Ale)


    Oktoberfest Für Alle (and other fall seasonal celebrations)
    @Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, Pa.--- ongoing through 10/7 - Oktoberfest ($PAYG for German beers and traditional German fare from the kitchen)

    @Capone's, Norristown, Pa.--- Mon. 10/8-Wed. 10/17 - 10 Days of Pumpkins, Octoberfests, and IPAs ($PAYG for just exactly what the title describes)

    @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 10/7 - Pumpkin Smash (1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $PAYG to meet Elysian Head Brewer & Founder Dick Cantwell. Live music by Predator Dub Assissins on our patio. Over 25 Pumpkin Brews on tap. Purchase our $10 keep-sake tasting glass and receive your first Pumpkin Brew complimentary.)

    @French Quarter Bistro, Royersford, Pa.--- Sat. 10/6 - The Great Pumpkin Event (3:00 p.m.; $PAYG for big pumpkin beer tap takeover)

    @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 10/6 - Harvest Festival (3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; $PAYG for a variety of harvest beers, harvest foods, and outdoor fun)

    @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Fri. 10/5 - The Month Of Pumpkins (5:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG for Cask-conditioned Pumpkin Ale)

    @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 10/9 - Oktoberfest Beer Dinner (7:00 p.m.; $65 for Tom's 18th annual Oktoberfest dinner.)

    @Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sat. 10/6 - Oktoberfest ($PAYG for a new fall menu, 13 craft beers on tap, Outdoor patio bar, and Great music)

    @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- each Monday in October - Fall Beer Tasting (8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; $Free tastings of seasonally-appropriate beers)

    @Ram's Head Inn, West Chester, Pa.--- Thu. 10/4 - Oktoberfest (7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG to sign in at the door and get one free Oktoberfest. Also enjoy $3 Oktoberfest pints during the event. There will be complimentary appetizers, gift card giveaways, and Beer Fest games on the lower level.)

    @River Horse, Lambertville, NJ--- Sat. 10/6 - Oktoberfest (1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $PAYG for six beers on tap including: Special Ale, Tripel Horse, Hop Hazard, Hop-A-Lot-Amus, Hipp-O-Lantern Imperial Pumpkin, and the newest Brewer's Reserve, Rye IPA. Additionally, there will various casks available. Event is rain or shine. There will be live music and food available for purchase.)

    @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 10/6 - Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin Festival (9:00 a.m.; $PAYG for a $15 ticket that includes brunch at 9 a.m. 'til 11 a.m. Then, at 11 a.m., it all opens up to everyone else but the menu will be a limited pumpkin menu and rotating through 50 different pumpkin beers & ciders. The sidewalk will be turned into a full blown concession stand with outdoor pour stations and food carts festival style.)

    @Triumph Brewing Company, New Hope, NJ--- Sat. 10/6 - Oktoberfest (12:00 p.m.; $PAYG for German food, beer, and music. Face painters, a balloon drop, and more activities for the kids.)

    @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa.--- Fri. 10/5 - Oktoberfest Beer Tasting/Dinner (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG for Oktoberfest beer tasting of 9 different German beer styles, tasted in individual flights of three beers each, with anything from our fall menu, or try all three flights with a special 5 course menu pairing.)

    @Whites Road Park, Lansdale, Pa.--- Sat. 10/6 - Oktoberfest Celebration (11:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; $Free admission, then $PAYG for an Oompah band, German, Irish, and Chinese dancing troops, kids activities, and great food and beer.)

    Wednesday, October 03, 2012

    Beer Calendar: What To Do in October 2012

    A bit late here with your October monthly beer calendar. Don't take it personally; I've been running behind in just about everything of late, including my running (marathon) training plan.

    As always, 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
    Mon. 10/1 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (The Trappist Beers of Merchant Du Vin) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Tue. 10/2 - Two Beers. One Cup. The Series. (Victory and Yards) @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Tue. 10/2 - Movie Night (Bubba Ho-Tep) @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/3 - Monthly Beer School @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Wed. 10/3 - Ommegang & Duvel Moortgat Night @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/3 - Rare Beer Night @Jon's Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/3 - Philadelphia Brewing U Buy The Glass Night @The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/4 - The World Atlas of Beer Book Signing @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/4 - Founders Breakfast Stout Season Kickoff @South Philadelphia Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/4 - 10-Four Good Buddy @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/5 - First Friday @Drink Philly HQ, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Fri. 10/5 - Chimay Tasting @Brew, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Fri. 10/5 - Beer Tasting (Origlio brands) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.; $Free)
    Sat. 10/6 - Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin Festival @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (9:00 a.m.; $PAYG)
    Sat. 10/6 - Harvest Festival @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sun. 10/7 - Harvest Brunch @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sun. 10/7 - Pumpkin Smash @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Mon. 10/8 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Victory Brewing Company) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Mon. 10/8 - Mad Monday with Russian River Brewing Company @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
    Tue. 10/9 - Movie Night (Eyes Without A Face) @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Tue. 10/9 - Two Beers. One Cup. The Series. (Left Hand and Fegley's) @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/10 - Beer School (October's subject: Paco Laborde's favorite Halloween-themed beers) @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Thu. 10/11 & Fri. 10/12 - Guinness Believer @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., & 9:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Thu. 10/11 - Eat and Drink Like a Belgian, With a Belgian @South Philadelphia Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/11 - Dark Horse Brewing Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/11 - After Hour Arias with Center City Opera Theater & Unibroue @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/11 - Pumpkin Tap Takeover @Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Mon. 10/15 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Great Lakes) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Mon. 10/15 - La Trappe - A Visit from the Netherlands @South Philadelphia Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Tue. 10/16 - Two Beers. One Cup. The Series. (Weyerbacher) @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Tue. 10/16 - Movie Night (Basket Case) @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Tue. 10/16 - La Trappe/Koningshoeven Night @Alla Spina, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/17 - Monthly Beer School @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Thu. 10/18 - Pretty Things Brewing Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/18 - Wolavers/Otter Creek Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/18 - Pumpkin Fest @Bridgid's, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/19 - Oktoberfest + Meet the Candidates Night @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/19 - Harpoon Tasting @Brew, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Sat. 10/20 - Jolly Pumpkin Cheese & Chocolate Pairing @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sun. 10/21 - West Philly Homebrew Competition @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.; $Free to enter, $PAYG to attend)
    Mon. 10/22 - Mad Monday with Evil Twin @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
    Mon. 10/22 - Debut of Stift Engleszell Gregorius Trappisenbier @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Mon. 10/22 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Specialties from Stockerton Beverage) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Mon. 10/22 - Mutha Firkin Monday (Flying Fish Red Fish) @Time, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Tue. 10/23 - Sly Fox Season @Khyber Pass Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
    Tue. 10/23 - Movie Night (Drag Me To Hell) @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Tue. 10/23 - Boulder Beer Growlers @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/24 - Ommegang & Duvel Moortgat Night @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/24 - Oktoberfest @The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
    Thu. 10/25 - 1st Anniversary in Philly @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (2:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sat. 10/27 - Thirstoberfest (rain date: Sun. 10/28) @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sat. 10/27 - Hardy-Har-Harvest @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sun. 10/28-Wed. 10/31 - Harvest Hoedown @Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa. (3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Mon. 10/29 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Flying Fish) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Tue. 10/30 - Movie Night (Dead Alive) @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Tue. 10/30 - Yards/Lucky 13 Zombie Run @Yards Brewing & Lucky 13, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/31 - Halloween Pumpkin Firkin @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $PAYG)


    Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
    each Monday in October - Fall Beer Tasting @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Tue. 10/2 - Tasty Tuesday with Russian River @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. (4:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/3 - Sly Fox Draft Showcase @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/3 - Meet The Brewer & Owner (Starr Hill) @Capone's, Norristown, Pa. (8:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/4 - Weyerbacher Tap Takeover @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa. ($PAYG)
    Thu. 10/4 - Yards Tap Takeover @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/4 - Thursday Night Sampling @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Fri. 10/5-Sat. 10/6 - King of Prussia Beerfest Royale @KOP Mall Parking Lot, King of Prussia, Pa. ($15-$85)
    Fri. 10/5 - The Month Of Pumpkins (Cask-conditioned Pumpkin Ale) @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (5:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)
    Mon. 10/8-Wed. 10/17 - 10 Days of Pumpkins, Octoberfests, and IPAs @Capone's, Norristown, Pa. ($PAYG)
    Thu. 10/11 - Starr Hill Tap Takeover @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/11 - Abbatia Octo 8 Dubbel Release Party @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/12 - Beef and Beer to benefit The Officer Brad Fox Fund @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/12 - The Month Of Pumpkins (Cask-conditioned Flavored Pumpkin Ale) @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (5:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/12 - Pub Oktoberfest Beer & Food Celebration @Wegmans, King of Prussia, Pa. (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Tue. 10/16 - Goose Island Tap Takeover @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/17 - Southern Tier Tap Takeover @Fingers, Wings, and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa. (6:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/18 - Evolution Tap Takeover @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/19 - The Month Of Pumpkins (Pumpkin Cask Challenge: Chestnut Hill versus North Wales) @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (5:00pm-10:00pm; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/19 - Starr Hill Tap Takeover @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa. ($PAYG)
    Sat. 10/20 - Lambic Luncheon @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
    Wed. 10/24 - Wet Hop Wednesday @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
    Thu. 10/25 - Brooklyn Tap Attack @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/26 - Friday Night Tasting (Boulder) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $Free)
    Fri. 10/26-Sun. 10/28 - Halloween Blackout Weekend @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
    Sat. 10/27 - The Month Of Pumpkins (Tapping of the Great Pumpkin) @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (4:00pm-9:00pm; $PAYG)


    Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
    ongoing through 10/7 - Oktoberfest @Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, Pa. ($PAYG)
    every Thursday through 11/1 - Headwaters Happiness @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (1:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/3 - Speciality Keg Tapping (Tilquin Gueuze) @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. ($PAYG)
    Wed. 10/3 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Allentown’s Symphony Hall) @Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/4 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Itty Bitty Kitty) @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/4 - Oktoberfest @Ram's Head Inn, West Chester, Pa. (7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/5 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/5 - Oktoberfest Beer Tasting/Dinner @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/5 - Friday Night Tasting (Sierra Nevada) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
    Sat. 10/6 - Oktoberfest @River Horse, Lambertville, NJ (1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sat. 10/6 - Oktoberfest @Triumph Brewing Company, New Hope, NJ (12:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sat. 10/6 - The Great Pumpkin Event @French Quarter Bistro, Royersford, Pa. (3:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sat. 10/6 - Oktoberfest @Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, Pa. ($PAYG)
    Sat. 10/6 - Oktoberfest Celebration @Whites Road Park, Lansdale, Pa. (11:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; $Free admission, then $PAYG)
    Thu. 10/11 - Pub Oktoberfest Beer & Food Celebration @Wegmans, Malvern, Pa. (5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/12 & Sat. 10/13 - Fall Festival @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
    Sat. 10/13 - Grand Re-Opening Party @French Quarter Bistro, Royersford, Pa. (12:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sat. 10/13 - Pub Oktoberfest Beer & Food Celebration @Wegmans, Collegeville, Pa. (4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/17 - Fall Harvest Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $TBD)
    Thu. 10/18 - Goose Island Mini Tap Takeover @PJ Whelihan's Pub, Downingtown, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/19 - Friday Night Tasting (Stoudt's) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
    Fri. 10/19 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (Chester County Bitter and Brewer's Select Pale Ale) @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/24 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover @Rino's, Exton, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Fri. 10/26 & Sat. 10/27 - Welcome Great Pumpkin @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sat. 10/27 - Halloween Party @Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, Pa. (8:00 p.m.; $10)
    Sat. 10/27 - The Gathering Of The Gourds @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (12:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Sat. 10/27 - Barrel Brew Club Championship @Keystone Homebrew, Montgomeryville, Pa. (see website for details)
    Tue. 10/30 - Goose Island Brewing Event @Side Bar, West Chester, Pa. (8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/31 - Get Up And Ghoul @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $PAYG)
    Wed. 10/31 - Pumpkin Beer Tasting @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5:00 p.m.; $PAYG)


    Events Over $20

    Philadelphia
    Wed. 10/3 - Fall Harvest Beer Dinner @Manayunk Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $50)
    Thu. 10/4 - The World Atlas of Beer Dinner @The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $60)
    Tue. 10/9 - Oktoberfest Beer Dinner @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $65)
    Fri. 10/12 - Beer and Brewing 101 The Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $39.97)
    Sun. 10/14 - Cheesesteak Challenge (with Victory beer pairing samples) @Square 1682, Philadelphia, Pa. (2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; $25)
    Thu. 10/18 - Quizzo Style Beer Class @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $24)
    Thu. 10/25 - Oktoberfest Happy Hour @Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; $30)


    Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
    Wed. 10/17 - Lagunitas Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $60)
    Tue. 10/30 - All Hallows Eve Beer Supper @Tired Hands, Ardmore, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $75)


    Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
    Tue. 10/2 - The Beer & Cheese Experience @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $35)
    Wed. 10/3 - Meet the Brewery Dinner with Sierra Nevada @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $45)
    Thu. 10/4 - Victory Beer Dinner @Shula's Steak House, Center Valley, Pa. (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $65)
    Thu. 10/11 - Harvest Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6:00 p.m.; $55)
    Sat. 10/20 - Ottertoberfest @Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville, Pa. (10:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; $included with Zoo admission)
    Sat. 10/20 - Firkin Fest @Annie Bailey's Irish Pub, Lancaster, Pa. (1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; $30)
    Tue. 10/23 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6:00 p.m.; $35)
    Wed. 10/24 - Harvest Beer Dinner @Speckled Hen Pub, Reading, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $45)
    Fri. 10/26 - Oktoberfest Homebrew Dinner @The Sun Inn, Bethlehem, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $52)
    Sat. 10/27 - Ride The Rails with Boxcar Brewing Company @West Chester Railroad, West Chester, Pa. (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; $25/$40)
    Sat. 10/27 - Oktoberfest @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.; $35)
    Sun. 10/28 - Crantoberfest @BuyRite Parking Lot, Cranbury, NJ (11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; $20/$25)
    Mon. 10/29 & Tue. 10/30 - Halloween Brewmaster’s Dinner @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (6:00 p.m.; $65)