Monday, July 29, 2013

Beer Calendar: What To Do in August 2013

These mid- to late-summer days may put dogs into a slumber, but it only seems to fire up the local bar owners, brewers, and event organizers. The months come and they go; here's another one for your, um, consumption.

As usual, there's no shortage of events spanning the spectrum of beer events. Get out there to support your local good peeps in the industry busting butt to bring great beer to you and enjoy!

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
Thu. 8/1 - This Little Blind Pig @Tria (Washington West), Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/1 - Movie Night (Jaws and Narragansett) @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/1 - First Responders Night @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - Friday Sampling (Victory) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 8/2 - Happy Hour with Flying Fish @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - Philly Grown and Raised @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - Shawnee Summer Sipping @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 8/4 - Shark Week Brunch @Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa. (10:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 8/4 - Neshaminy Creek Tap Takeover @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 8/4 - 2nd Street Festival @2nd Street in Northern Liberties between Spring Garden and Germantown Avenues, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 8/6 - Ballast Point and Barrels @Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 8/6 - Movie Night (Goldfinger) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 8/6 - Jimmy Meiers and the Biers @Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 8/7 - Beer School (August subject: TBA) @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 8/7 - Beer School 101 @Growlers Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 8/7 - Sly Fox @Mad Mex, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 8/8 - Movie Night (Dirty Dancing and Ommegang) @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/8 through Thu. 8/22 - Exclusive beer from featured brewery @Mad Mex, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 8/9 - Friday Sampling (Penn Brewing with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 8/10 - Kenzinger Clambake @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 8/13 - Movie Night (Batman) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 8/13 - Left Handed Genius @Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa. (9:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 8/14 - Beer School (August subject: TBA) @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 8/15 - Bitburger Keep the Glass Night @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/15 - Movie Night (Beeradelphia and Victory) @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/16 - Lawless Jerky: Get Your Jerk On @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 8/17 - Avery Ice Cream Experiment 3.0 @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 8/17 through Fri. 8/23 - Pucker Up Sour Fest @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 8/20 - Movie Night (Apollo 13) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 8/21 - Beer School (August subject: TBA) @Bottle Shop at Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 8/22 - Sixth Anniversary in the Old Firehouse @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 8/22 - Movie Night (Point Break and Lagunitas) @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/23 - Friday Sampling (Tröegs with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 8/23 - Sixpoint-y End First Night @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 8/27 - Movie Night (Avatar) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/29 - Flying Fish Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/29 - Carton(s) of Fun Night @Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/29 - Movie Night (What About Bob and Dogfish Head) @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/29 - 6th Anniversary Jawn @Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/30 - Friday Sampling (Brooklyn Brewing) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 8/30 - Finally Friday Beer Tasting (Yards) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 8/1 - Brewer's Alley Debut Night @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - 1st Anniversary Rare Beer Bonanza @The Churchville Inn, Churchville, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - Friday Night Sampling (Founders) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 8/2 - Summertime IPA Beer Release @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 8/3 - Craft Beer Festival on the Waterfront @Harrah's Philadelphia Casino, Chester, Pa. (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $20)
Wed. 8/7 - Boaks Tap Takeover @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/29 - Weyerbacher Night @House of Brews, Turnersville, NJ (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/31 through Mon. 9/2 - Tröegs Sampling & Delco SPCA Fundraiser @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (2 p.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday; $PAYG)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 8/1 - National IPA Day @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/1 - Charity Cask Night (The Cancer Action Network) @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/1 - Tröegs Tap Takeover @The Pour House, Exton, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - Intergalactic IPA Beer Release @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (12 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - Friday Night Tasting (Evolution) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 8/2 - Hops & Hot Wings @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (4 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - Hop Stinger Beer Release @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - Beer Tasting (Goose Island) @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - First Friday Firkin @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - Tröegs Tap Takeover @Blue Dog, Lansdale, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/2 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Phoenixville and Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 8/3 - Chester County SPCA BrewBQ @Paradise Farm Camps, Downingtown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 8/3 - Beer and Bocce @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 8/7 - Charity Cask Night (March of Dimes) @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 8/9 - Friday Night Tasting (Belfast Bay) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 8/10 - Craft Beer & Crab Festival @Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May, NJ (11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 8/10 - Saturday Afternoon Sampling (Moosehead) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (12 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 8/16 - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 8/18 - Beer For Babes Field Trip @Tuckahoe and Cape May Brewing Companies, Cape May, NJ (11 a.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/22 - Weyerbacher Head Happy Hour Tap Takeover @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/22 - Dog Days of Summer beer class @Total Wine, Claymont, Del. (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $15)
Fri. 8/23 - Friday Night Tasting (Long Trail) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 8/23 - Be Our Brewer For A Day Festival @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 8/29 - Weyerbacher Growler Tap Takeover @King's Liquor Outlet, Sicklerville, NJ (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Thu. 8/1 - Brew and Chew (Anchor) @Cavanaugh's Headhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $20-$25)
Tue. 8/6 - Stoudt's Beer Dinner with Carol Stoudt @White Dog Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $45)
Sat. 8/10 - Sour Saturday @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $30)
Sat. 8/17 - Crabfest @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $30)
Mon. 8/19 - Brew and Chew (Terrapin) @Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $25)
Tue. 8/20 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (7 p.m.; $45)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 8/2 - 9th Anniversary Dinner @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (7 p.m.; $75)
Wed. 8/21 - Dogfish Head Ancient Ales Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (7 p.m.; $60)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 8/10 - Smokin' Blues Brews Fest @The Lancaster Liederkranz, Manheim, Pa. (1 p.m.-4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $30-$40)
Sun. 8/11 - Beef & Beer @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $20-$40)
Fri. 8/16 - Eat & Drink Local @Fonthill Castle and Mercer Museum, Doylestown, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $28-$35)
Sat. 8/17 - State College Brew Expo @Tussey Mountain Ski Resort, Boalsburg, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $40-$60)
Sun. 8/18 - Farm To Table Dinner @Strites' Orchard Farm Market, Harrisburg, Pa. (4 p.m.; $150)
Tue. 8/20 - Summer Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (7 p.m.; $65)
Wed. 8/21 - Midsummer Night's Tasting @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $50)
Wed. 8/21 - Summer Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (7 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 8/22 - Neshaminy Creek Beer Dinner @Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, Pa. (6 p.m.; $35)
Sat. 8/24 - Microfest @Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m., 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35-$40)
Mon. 8/26 - Beer School 101 @Bulls Head Public House, Lititz, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $24.95)
Mon. 8/26 - Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $TBD)
Tue. 8/27 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $38)
Wed. 8/28 - Summer Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (7 p.m.; $75)




Saturday, July 27, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 7/27/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ The latest installment of Basic Brewing Radio is out and this episode (7/25/13) focuses on the Philadelphia Beer Tour stop at Forest & Main that I took the BBR crew to during the National Homebrewers Conference. Also, when at their site, check out the Chris LaPierre (Iron Hill-Maple Shade) episode if you've not previously done so.

~ I really love this beer and think if you don't know anything about it, you should check it out at some point this weekend at Devil's Den.

~ Jack Curtin points us to two articles this past week in the local Inky about our favorite beverage. One about bottle shops from Mr. Sixpack and one about beer gardens from Mr. Laban. Oh and this one, also in the Inquirer, was forwarded along by reader and friend, Richard.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Wegmans is now carrying on their Pub draft lines, the exclusively-brewed Tale Chaser IPA from Sly Fox.

~ Get ready for some more, much more, Dogfish Head beer.

~ Jeff over at Beer-Stained Letter has some details about what's happening with Flying Fish's former location.

~ A decent read about the current state of Lancaster County's brewing scene.

~ And, finally, while we're cruising the scene, Jack Curtin checks in with some news from Delaware.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ I don't agree that we need to be all that "hard line" about it, but there is a good bit of buzz around session beers of late, something that our friend Lew Bryson has been taking up for quite some time. One of his latest pieces brings attention to Founders, before moving on to talking about Notch, Boulevard, and Tired Hands.

~ Bryson also pointed us to this article, a solid one that reminds me of where I was this past week.

~ More beer for NYC mentioned in the NY Times and caught by reader and friend John.

~ You may have heard that tickets go on sale next week.



Thursday, July 25, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: July 25 - July 31

We're closing out the seventh month here with an even seven days (or is it odd?) and you can't go wrong from free tastings to charity events to Christmas in July antics to high-end beer dinners and festivals to keep you hydrated and amused through the dog days of summer. Get out there and enjoy!

Check out the entire July 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.

Tastings/Samplings/Freebies
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 7/26 - Friday Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of summer-themed beers and an appearance by Joe Sixpack.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 7/26 - Friday Night Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Shandy beers from Sam Adams.)

@Total Wine, Claymont, Del.--- Thu. 7/25 - Lagers and Ales beyond Pilsners and Pales: Big, Bold, Bodacious Beers beer class (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $15 to taste a range of different color beers covering a wide, palate-smacking flavor spectrum.)

@Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 7/26 - Finally Friday Beer Tasting (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Lancaster Brewing.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/25 - Movie Night (8 p.m.; $PAYG for featured beers from Sierra Nevada and National Lampoon's Vacation on the big screen on the outside patio.)

@Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa.--- Thu. 7/25 - Xmas in July ($PAYG as the jolly elf from Hershey will be here with a few goodies for everybody to enjoy, including Mad Elf, the very elusive Naked Elf, Scratch #97 (black rye IPA), Scratch #98 (triple mango IPA), and a few others.)

@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/25 through Sun. 7/28 - Hot Sünner Nights ($PAYG for this excellent Kölsch from Germany.)

@Growlers Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/25 - Christmas in July (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a mid-summer celebration of Christmas. We may even get lucky with a Santa sighting. Chef Donohue will be pairing some delicious bites and on the taps will be Tröegs Mad Elf, Brasserie Dubuisson Frères Scaldis Noel, Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi, and Stone Vertical Epic 12.)

@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Thu. 7/25 - Christmas in July (6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to cool off with some of our favorite Chris Mas beers from Chris LaPierre and guest brewer Jerry Vietz. On tap: Jerry Chris Mas; Bourbon Jerry Chris Mas; Wild Jerry Chris Mas; and Christmas in July.)
@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Sat. 7/27 - Welcome to New Jersey (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG as Head brewers Kevin Walter of Voorhees and Chris LaPierre of Maple Shade will be talking about their beer and the new location. On tap: Rye-Sing Sun; 295; F.Red; Quadfather; Titus 2XIPA; and Rocksteady Pils.)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Thu. 7/25 - Round Guys Tap Take-over (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG as brewer Scott Rudich represents Round Guys from Lansdale and brings an array of beers including Berliner-Weisster Weisster-Berliner, Dog Days Summer Ale Kolsch, Moisson Saison, K-I-N Tucky Saison, Crooked Billet IPA, and a firkin of ‘Bout Damn Time Double IPA fermented with Brettanomyces.)

@World Café Live, Wilmington, Del.--- Thu. 7/25 - Dogfish Head Happy Hour Tap Takeover (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for taps dominated by beers from Dogfish Head and live performance by Lauren Kuhne.)


Special One-offs or Debuts, Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 7/26 - Hops and Helicopters (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $10-$30 for museum admission, unlimited tastings, souvenir beer glass, Philly Pretzels, live music, and gourmet food truck (cash sales). Please bring non-perishable food item to donate to Fiorenza’s Food for Friends.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Tue. 7/30 - Sours Are Back ($PAYG as they'll have Tilquin Geueze, Cantillon Kriek, 2 different Jolly Pumpkin Beers, Allagash Interlude, and Russian River Supplication and of course Petrus Aged Pale Ale.)

@The Pour House, Westmont, NJ--- Sat. 7/27 - Pour-A-Palooza (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $35-$40 for outdoor tents, limited t-shirt, 30+ breweries, and live music.)


Food and Beer events
@American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 7/27 - SmörgåsBeer'd (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $25-$30 for a sampling local Philly and Swedish lagers, ales, stouts, and more paired alongside a spread of savories like Swedish meatballs, cheeses, and sausages.)

@downtown Newark, Del.--- Sat. 7/27 - Downtown Newark Food & Brew Festival (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for an event that showcases more than 40 craft and imported beers paired with creative food offerings from 19 of Newark's restaurants.)

@The Yardley Inn, Yardley, Pa.--- Thu. 7/25 - Harpoon Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $55 for a five-course meal paired with Harpoon's UFO White, Harpoon IPA, Hoppy Belgian Blonde, Imperial IPA, and Raspberry UFO.)

@Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del.--- Mon. 7/29 - Willy Wonka Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $TBD for a six-course dinner that will have you leaving in a culinary and craft brew haze.)

@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 7/29 - Bottled Beer Dinner Series (7 p.m.; $75 for a five-course dinner served with Russian River Sanctification, Dogfish Head My Antonia, Cisco Pedaler Bike Path Bluebeerry Bleer, Deschutes/Hair of the Dog Conflux #1, and Port Bourbon-aged Santa's Little Helper.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Tue. 7/30 - Girls Just Wanna Have Suds (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $35 for six different homemade ice creams with six of our finest beers. Plus, you'll be treated to an ice cream creation demonstration by one of our talented chefs so you can recreate and discover your own favorite pairings.)

@World Café Live, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 7/31 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting (6 p.m.; $38 for a night of grilled cheese paired with craft beer. Bring your vegetarian friends, too - we can accommodate them on all pairings.)
@World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 7/31 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting (7 p.m.; $45 for a night of grilled cheese paired with craft beer from Flying Fish, including Red Fish, Exit 16, XPA, and more. Bring your vegetarian friends, too - we can accommodate them on all pairings.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 7/27 - Day of Games (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG for games that include Kan Jam, Speed Baggo, Epic Pong, Cart Races, Logo Match, and more. Hosted by the one and only Johnny Goodtimes. Featured breweries include Harpoon, Great Lakes, Sierra Nevada, Weyerbacher, and Oskar Blues.)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/25 - First Responders Night (9 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG to honor Philadelphia Area's First Responders of police, fire, and EMT. $3 house beers to say thank you to the individuals that are commited to keeping us safe.)

@Keystone Homebrew, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Sat. 7/27 - Grand Opening (10 a.m.-8 p.m.; $Free + $PAYG for a celebration of the new store with free food, wine, beer, and mead samplings, fun and games, raffles, and special one-day sale items.)

@Reading Liederkranz, Reading, Pa.--- Sat. 7/27 - Pints for Pups (3 p.m.-7 p.m.; $20-$75 for a great afternoon of craft, micro, and major market brews from local brewers and distributors. Authentic German and Pennsylvania German food and German-American music by the Adlers. All proceeds from Pints for Pups go directly to veterinary and pet care programs for people and animals in some of our most underserved and impoverished areas.)



Saturday, July 20, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 7/20/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Foobooz brings us news of great beer coming to yet another nook of the city.

~ While Foobooz is at it, they also talk about a new beer concept coming to the neighborhood of Pat's and Geno's.

~ Joe Sixpack writes a column that hits close to home for me and lists some beers that have become traveling partners with me.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ How to be a professional brewer for a day.

~ Cool story about the brewer behind the D.C. mansion that I stayed across from earlier this year.

~ Big news out of southeastern Pennsylvania into parts previously untapped, information courtesy of Mr. Curtin.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Tracking down this guy's beers when in San Francisco is something that I urge every Bay Area beer traveler to put near the top of their list.



Thursday, July 18, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: July 18 - July 24

A bunch of beer events to choose from this week including a handful of beer dinners that cover all the bases. Enjoy!

Check out the entire July 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.

Tastings/Samplings/Freebies
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 7/19 - Friday Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Spoetzel, home of Shiner Bock.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 7/19 - Friday Night Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Straub.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/18 - PA Breweries Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG to taste beers of breweries from all over Pennsylvania.)

@Blue Dog, Chalfont, Pa.--- Thu. 7/18 - Bella Vista Tap Takeover, Day 1 (5 p.m.; $PAYG for a stellar lineup of beers from one of Philly's finest importers/distributors.)
@Blue Dog, Lansdale, Pa.--- Fri. 7/19 - Bella Vista Tap Takeover, Day 2 (6:30 p.m.; $PAYG for a stellar lineup of beers from one of Philly's finest importers/distributors.)

@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/18 - Movie Night (8 p.m.; $PAYG for featured beers from Ommegang and The Sandlot on the big screen on the outside patio.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 7/19 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m. ; $PAYG for at least two Sly Fox beers on the hand pump.)


Special One-offs or Debuts, Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@downtown Selinsgrove, Pa.--- Sat. 7/20 - Hops, Vines, and Wines Festival (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $50 for superb micro & craft brews, fine regional wineries, a true tasting event, entertainment, and great food vendors.)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 7/17 through Sun. 7/21 - Belgian Independence Week ($PAYG for food and beer, inspired by a Belgian culture that molded today's beer culture. See website for full schedule of events.)

@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 7/19 - Hefeweizen Release Party (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Hefeweizen, Blueberry Hefeweizen, and Cherry Wit.)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Sat. 7/20 - Le Brett Blue Beer Release (1 p.m.- 5 p.m.; $PAYG for our award-winning Russian Imperial Stout, a collaboration with Iron Hill Chef Michael Petrilla, barrel-aged for 1 year with 100 lbs of blueberries.)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/18 - Happy Birthday Orval (All Day; $PAYG for a very large quantity of Orval that's been hanging out contentedly in the bunker and is just about to turn one year old so naturally, a party must be held on its bottling date Thursday, July 18 when one-year-old Orval is just $6 all day.)

@The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/18 - Belgian Independence Day (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG to celebrate Belgian Independence Day with Duvel, Maredsous Triple, De Koninck Winter, and Ommegang Belgian Independence Day.)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Thu. 7/18 - Anniversary Night with Tröegs (6 p.m.; $PAYG for some interesting beers from one of the region's finest breweries. Included are Tröegs' Mad Elf, Perpetual IPA, Scratch #97, Scratch #98, Nugget Nectar, and The Drafting Room's 18th Anniversary.)

@The Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 7/20 - Summer Ale Festival (6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35-$95 for an evening of regional craft beers and savor delicious local cuisine while surrounded by brilliantly colored birds, majestic great apes, and exceptional big cats that call the Zoo's lush gardens home.)


Food and Beer events
@Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa.--- Fri. 7/19 - A Summer Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $50 for a five-course meal served with nine beers from Prism and Fegley's Brew Works.)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Thu. 7/18 - Belgian Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $60 for a five-course meal served with Taras Boulba, Bière Darbyste, Cantillon Gueuze, Bink Tripel, and Kleveretien.)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/18 - Summer Farmhouse Ales (5 p.m.- 8 p.m.; $PAYG for six farmhouse ales and lagers and Belgian-inspired dinner features. Beers include Biere de Garde, Biere de Mars, Zomer, Saison, and Rice Saison. Plus, a surprise ale from Earth & Bread Brewery.)

@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 7/20 - Saison Brunch (11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; $PAYG for a variety of refreshing beers in the Saison and Farmhouse Ale styles. We will be serving up traditional brunch fare, as well as some French country specialties.)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 7/20 - Brew Works Fried Chicken Picnic (12p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for sixteen taps from Fegley's and killer fried chicken and greens.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Thu. 7/18 - All-American Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $60 for a six-course meal served with Summer Love, Hop Wallop, Braumeister Pils, St. Boisterous, Swing Session Saison, Blanc Session Ale, and Mad King's Weiss.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, Pa.--- Sat. 7/20 - Brews for Books (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10-$60 to sample the best local beers as well as craft beers from across the country for this wonderful fundraiser for the Library.)

@World Café Live, Wilmington, Del.--- Thu. 7/18 - Homebrew Happy Hour (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG to mingle with fellow homebrewers and enjoy craft beer drink specials with live performance by Boy Wonder. Stay tuned for more details on how you could also potentially win a trip to 16 Mile Brewery in Georgetown, DE for the day.)



Monday, July 15, 2013

The Brew Lounge has been as busy as ever as the Spring turned to Summer

The last two months or so have been more busy than usual around these Brew Lounge parts. Someone remarked to me the other day that I've really "been on a roll lately". Or something to that effect. And others that have commented that I should do more to toot my own horn.

While I don't typically feel comfortable doing such a thing, I will present to you here a quick rundown of some of the more noteworthy things happening all up in this Brew Lounge.

~ I began writing for Origlio's Draught Lines magazine, found all around the greater Philadelphia region at many of their retail accounts. My first article submission was on the topic of taking a "beer-cation" and can be found on pages 9-10 through this magical little web link. The next issue is due out shortly. It's a quality magazine of beer information and suggest you keep your eyes open for it next time you're out buying beer.

~ Around the same time, I was nominated (for the fourth year, but who's counting?) for a Philly Beer Scene award for Beer Writer of the Year. Actually, I take the nomination even more seriously than winning (or not) since the process of getting nominated is through an anonymous polling of industry folk not in your category (i.e. writers can't nominate writers, brewers can't nominate brewers, etc.) Ultimately, through public voting, Suzanne Woods won, but as the old saying goes, I'm honored to be nominated and amongst such good company. Here's a link to Philly Beer Scene where the all the winners were announced.

~ Also just around the same time, I was asked to join the Philadelphia Inquirer's annual Brew-vitational judging of beers from around the region. In the spirit of full disclosure, I should mention that I was the second choice when Jack Curtin could not make himself available for the arduous task of working our way through 49 submitted beers in two categories, one very specific (Pilsners) and one much more broad ("new" beers). I was rather pleased that I had ranked both the Tröegs Sunshine Pils and Weyerbacher Riserva in the first place on my ballot in their respective categories and they both went home with the top honors. A full rundown, plus links to insightful videos about the esteemed judges can be found via this link.

~ Then there was Philly Beer Week. While it was the first PBW where I did not undertake my own event (the annual running event with Dock Street, that didn't stop me from partaking as much as my schedule would allow this year. As with every other year, I kept a running tally of everything I saw and heard and wrapped it up over where you'd expect it.

~ The Brew Lounge went a bit of course with a Simi Winery dinner in Valley Forge at Viviano in the VF Casino Resort. But knowing that quite a few of you like the grape-y stuff too, I took the winery and casino up on their offer to come out for the dinner. Now, if you know me as well as you should by now, you know that this in no way guarantees a favorable review of the evening. Since I don't have time to dabble in the negative, I simply would not write about a dinner that didn't have enough positives to mention. But, this one had plenty from the wines, to the cooking of Tony Clark, to the pairings. Here's a link to the dinner review and a link to some recipes and pairings that the winery sent along as well.

~ On the heels of the Craft Brewers Conference in Washington, DC back in March that I attended, I took in the National Homebrewers Conference (NHC) in Philly (of course, why would I not?) in late June. The month of June was quite busy for Philly what with Philly Beer Week in the early June and the NHC capping off June at the end. While I didn't do a full-blown write-up on either, it reminds me that you should really be following The Brew Lounge on both Facebook and Twitter where occasionally coverage of events (and accompanying pictures) may be limited solely to these social media behemoths. With that suggestion, here's a link to my Facebook page and a link to my Twitter feed.

~ Lastly, with that note about the NHC in Philly, there's a ton of developing content over at Basic Brewing (both radio and video) of the tour that I put together for James, Steve, and Andy who came up from their Arkansas headquarters to cover the NHC as they do every year. On the day prior to the conference, I escorted them around the region on a 130-mile, 12-hour tour of some of the best of the non-City based breweries. We hit up Iron Hill-Maple Shade, Victory, Forest & Main, Earth Bread + Brewery (ok, that's a city one), and Tired Hands. So far, Basic Brewing Radio has the interview with Chris LaPierre (Iron Hill-Maple Shade) up on its website and over the coming weeks more audio and video content will be forthcoming.

Was there more that happened over the past couple of months? Sure, probably, of course. These are the main highlights and as always, I appreciate and respect your support and reading through these voluminous pages of The Brew Lounge.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 7/13/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ I escorted the Basic Brewing Radio/Video crew around the Philly area during the National Homebrewers Conference. The first stop on our tour was with Chris LaPierre at Iron Hill in Maple Shade. Here's the audio version of the stop; video to follow later.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ A nice profile of someone we know pretty well.

~ Both Beer-Stained Letter (also drops a bit of Casey Hughes reference and news) and Foobooz noticed that the Flying Fish Tasting Room is now open.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Always something interesting coming out of Petaluma, Calif. This time, Jack Curtin took notice and passed it along to us.



Thursday, July 11, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: July 11 - July 17

There's a little bit of everything to satisfy your inner beer geek over the next seven days. Some free tastings, Belgian Independence Day celebrations of beer and food, and running and biking and cancer fundraiser and.....oh my. Go get 'em kids!

Check out the entire July 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.

Tastings/Samplings/Freebies
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 7/12 - Friday Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Michigan and an appearance by Joe Sixpack.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 7/12 - Friday Night Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Great Lakes Brewing in Cleveland.)

@McGlinchey's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/11 - Philadelphia Brewing Night (6 p.m.- 8 p.m.; $PAYG for some of the most local beer you can get.)

@The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 7/13 - Saturday Sampling (4 p.m.; $Free samples of beers from Sly Fox.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/11 - Movie Night (8 p.m.; $PAYG for featured beers from Brooklyn Brewery and Field of Dreams on the big screen on the outside patio.)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Thu. 7/11 - Terrapin Beer Promo (7 p.m.; $PAYG as the kegs get tapped at 7 p.m. and beer geek trivia starts around 8 p.m. There will be representatives to talk to about the beer to get a little education. Plenty of beer swag and giveaways.)

@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 7/11 - Yards Tap Takeover (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for $3.50 drafts from Yards including Imperial Stout, Hefeweizen, Grand Cru, Thomas Jefferson, Philly Pale, and cask-conditioned IPA.)

@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 7/12 - Mahalo, Apollo! Release Party (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG to celebrate summer, island-style, with the release of Mahalo, Apollo! and our Hawaiian-themed menu and a pizza/growler special.)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Sat. 7/13 - Bastille Day! Beer Release (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this unfiltered, bright, and light-bodied classic Franco-Belge-style farmhouse ale.)

@Ron's Original, Exton, Pa.--- Mon. 7/15 - Yards Happy Hour (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for pairings of foods with Yards' IPA, Philly Pale Ale, Love Stout, and Bourbon Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale.)

@Winberie's, Princeton, NJ--- Tue. 7/16 - Weyerbacher Night (5 p.m.; $PAYG for drafts of Weyerbacher's 18th Anniversary, Double Simcoe, and White Sun Wit.)

@World Café Live, Wilmington, Del.--- Thu. 7/11 - Evil Genius Happy Hour Tap Takover (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for taps dominated by beers from Evil Genius and performance by Matt Roach.)


Special One-offs or Debuts, Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Eulogy, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 7/17 - Belgian Independence Day ($PAYG to celebrate Belgian Independence Day with Duvel, Duvel Triple Hop, Maredsous, and De Koninck.)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 7/17 through Sun. 7/21 - Belgian Independence Week ($PAYG for food and beer, inspired by a Belgian culture that molded today's beer culture. See website for full schedule of events.)

@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sat. 7/13 - Blob Fest 2013 (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG to honor this classic movie with a special beer release, featured dishes, and a tin foil hat contest. Special beers include Cherry Blob, Dirty Weisse, Monster Barleywine, Bridge St. Bock, Strawberry-Ginger Blob Beer, and Attack of the Hefe Ooze!.)

@London Grill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/11 through Sat. 7/13 - Bastille Day ($PAYG for this uniquely Philadelphia celebration of the French holiday. See website for all the scheduled details.)

@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 7/13 - Royal Stumble 14 ($50 for lots of beer, killer band, lots of food, silly costumes, and good times.)

@P.O.P.E. (Pub on Passyunk East), Philadelphia, Pa.-- Thu. 7/11 - 7th Anniversary Party (7 p.m.; $PAYG Celebrate POPE's 7-year anniversary with some sweet specials, giveaways, and a killer taplist featuring a lot of anniversary beers.)

@St. Boniface Brewing Company, Ephrata, Pa.--- Sat. 7/13 - Official Grand Opening Celebration (11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for beer, food, and live music.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Wed. 7/17 - Belgian Independence Day ($PAYG as they'll have Duvel Single, Maredsous Tripel, DeKonick Amber, and Ommegang Double White on draft.)


Food and Beer events
@Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, Pa.--- Sat. 7/13 - Wing Fest (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG to sample the region's best wings from local restaurants, sauce purveyors, and ABC celebrities. No fee to enter. Wing tickets only 50 cents.)

@Cavanaugh's Headhouse, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/11 - Brew and Chew (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $20-$25 for a four-course pairing of appetizers and Tröegs beers.)
@Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 7/15 - Brew and Chew (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $25 for a four-course pairing of appetizers and Brooklyn Brewery beers.)

@John J. Jeffries, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sun. 7/14 - Victory Barrel-aged Dinner (6 p.m.; $125 for a four-course meal served with Red Thunder, November 2012, Baltic Thunder porter aged for 3 months in Cabernet barrels, White Monkey, March 2013, Golden Monkey (Belgian-style tripel) aged for 3 months in Chardonnay barrels, Otto in Oak, April 2012, Otto (smoked Belgian-style dubbel) aged for 6 months in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels, Oak Horizontal, December 2012, Old Horizontal barleywine aged for 3 months in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels, Dark Intrigue, November 2011, Storm King Stout aged for 3 months in Jim Beam & Heaven Hill bourbon barrels.)

@Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 7/14 - Allagash Brunch (10:30 a.m.; $35 for an appetizer, entree and a side, and a flight of Allagash's White, Blonde, Yakuza, Victor, and FV-13.)

@Uno Chicago Grill, Newtown Square, Pa.--- Thu. 7/11 - Sly Fox Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $45 for five-course meal served with Helles Golden Lager, Grisette, Simon Maibock, Odyssey, and Black Raspberry Reserve.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Bottle Shop at Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 7/17 - Beer School (5 p.m.; $Free to get some in-depth beer schooling along with our staff.)

@Keenan Mercedes, Doylestown, Pa.--- Sat. 7/13 - Kegs and Corks for Cancer (6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $25-$75 for a craft beer, wine, and food festival served by over 20 breweries, wineries, and food caterers with proceeds benefiting cancer research at Fox Chase Cancer.)

@Neshaminy Creek Brewing, Croydon, Pa.--- Sat. 7/13 - Running to the Dog & Bull (1:30 p.m.; $30 for a one-mile run/jog/walk beginning at the brewery and ending at the Dog & Bull Brew and Music House. Each participant will receive a free event t-shirt and red sash/bandana to tie around their neck like our Spanish compatriots, as well as drink and meal tickets to be used at the completion of the run.)

@Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa.--- Fri. 7/12 & Sat. 7/13 - Short Track Bike Race & Beer Garden Opening Party ($PAYG classic cook-out fare, beer, live music, and plenty of bike racing. See website for all the details.)




Monday, July 08, 2013

Catching up with a few of my recommended reads (aka a little click-love for The Brew Lounge)

I've heard you guys tell me that you'd check out more often the stuff I put up over at The Washington Times if I'd only just help point you in that direction.

Let's see if this works. Here are links to the last three things I've done over there and, as always, your "click-throughs" are much appreciated, particular since the bean-counters like to count that sort of thing to determine how "valuable" a writer's contributions are.

York County beer-trippin' (not sure if you all know some of the good stuff that is somewhat quietly popping up around the State's bible belt)

Conclusion of Philly Beer Week (because no one gets tired of reading about Philly Beer Week, right?!)

Father's Day recommendations (sure, it's a bit dated now a month later, but check it out anyway as I pander for your clicks ;-)

Simi Wine Dinner at Viviano in King of Prussia (because I know a whole bunch of you, including some that won't admit it, like the grape-y stuff as much as the barley beverage. Plus, there's good food happening there too and I know you all like that.)

Recipes from Simi Winery (because I know many of you like to cook as well as brew. Here are a couple of challenges as well as a relatively easier one. Mushrooms, pizza, risotto, and peaches. Check it out.)

Thanks for your continued support!



Saturday, July 06, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 7/6/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ I was behind in the Weekly Wildys. I'm caught up now. #6 is pretty funny.

~ You might have caught wind that homebrewers were in town.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ On the rise in Parkesburg.

~ Quite the neighborly gesture.

~ Good news for Kennett Square passed along by Jack Curtin.

~ Must say that I'm rather shocked that this story has had such low volume thus far. This seemed to have really bad news written all over from the first explosion.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Policy update at Russian River.

~ Interesting perspective that's becoming a louder part of the overall discourse on beer in America.

~ One of the best descriptions of the brewing process that I've heard in quite some time came from Dave Adams at Ballast Point.



Friday, July 05, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: July 4 - July 10

Every once in a while, The Brew Lounge gets hit with an outage. This week, it was something like either a severe cold or a sinus infection that put me on the rack for a few days.

Enough of the wimpering, here is your weekly beer calendar for the greater Philadelphia region.

Check out the entire July 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.

Tastings/Samplings/Freebies
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 7/5 - Friday Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Flying Fish.)

@Bottle Shop at Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 7/8 - Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Fordham and Dominion.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 7/5 - Friday Night Tasting (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples as Dashington will be on hand to sample the Yards Brewing Company's full line up of beers.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 7/5 - Brandywine Roller Girls (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Yards as you also get to meet members of the Brandywine Roller Girls team. This is the hottest sport around.)

@Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 7/5 - Xmas in July (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for the likes of cellared barrels of Tröegs Mad Elf, Great Lakes Christmas Ale, Anchor Our Special Ale, Dupont Avec Les Bons Voeux, Manayunk Festivus, and Corsendonk Christmas Ale. As usual, we will offer free Xmas treats for dessert, with the purchase of dinner.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville & Pottstown, Pa.--- Fri. 7/5 - Incubus Friday (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for the incredible Belgian-style Tripel pours until the keg kicks.)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Wed. 7/10 - An Evening of Unique Beers with Artisanal Imports (6 p.m.; $PAYG to meet the owner of Artisanal Imports and try some of his spectacular beer. Plus, free samples of Deus Brut des Flandres Ale during the tasting.)

@Two Stones Pub, Wilmington, Del.--- Thu. 7/4 - Betsy Ross kicks the Redcoats Ales (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG as they serve up British beers that Americans make better.)

@The Washington House, Sellersville, Pa.--- Fri. 7/5 - Beer Tasting: American Beer Styles (5 p.m.; $PAYG for an all-American lineup befitting the holiday.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. ---Thu. 7/4 - Movie Night (8 p.m.; $PAYG for featured beers from Yards and Independence Day on the big screen on the outside patio.)

@Fingers Wings and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa.--- Wed. 7/10 - Starr Hill Night (5 p.m.; $PAYG for several Starr Hill beers on tap, including Grateful Pale Ale, Northern Lights IPA, Dark Starr Stout, and Whiter Shade of Pale, and some great prizes including a pair of tickets to Furthur's show at the Mann Center.)

@Interstate Draft House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/4 - Fourth of July PA (7 p.m.; $PAYG for an IPA tap takeover featuring 21st Amendment Bitter American, Firestone Walker Double Jack, Stone Arrogant Bastard, Spring House Mango IPA, Great Lakes Erie Monster, Oskar Blues Gubna, Ruckus Hoptimus Prime, and Firestone Walker Wookey Jack.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Tue. 7/9 - Oxbow Day, Yay! ($PAYG they'll be pouring Farmhouse Pale Ale, Freestyle 14, and Freestyle 15 on draft and Sasuga from the bottle.)

@The Pour House, Exton, Pa.--- Mon. 7/8 - Allagash Night (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a nice blend of rarities and year-rounds.)

@TJ's, Paoli, Pa.--- Thu. 7/4 - Hill Farmstead/Bella Vista Independence Day Annual (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a bunch of great beers from Bella Vista, including five from Hill Farmstead, and smoked brats, grilled elk burgers, and homemade apple pie.)


Special One-offs or Debuts, Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 7/5 - First Friday After Party w/ Victory Brewing (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of art, beer, and video games.)

@Devil's Den and Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- through Sun. 7/21 - Tour de France with Ommegang & Duvel ($PAYG to enjoy bike race specials and giveaways throughout the Tour De France. Grand prize drawing for two BCTC tickets on Belgian Independence Day at Devil's Den.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Thu. 7/4 through Sun. 7/7 - Founders Weekend ($PAYG as they'll be pouring Bolt Cutter, Doom, Imperial Stout, Curmudgeon, and Backwoods Bastard. For those who like to make it through the whole weekend, we will also have All Day IPA, Founders Pale Ale, and Centennial IPA.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Fri. 7/5 - Brew Dogs On-Camera Tasting Party (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $PAYG for a very special on-camera tasting event to be featured on an episode of Esquire Network's Brew Dogs, a new TV show about Craft Beer that follows Scottish beer evangelists (and star brewers at the UK s Brewdog PLC.) James Watt and Martin Dickie as they travel the US, report on the local beer scenes and brew with the country s top craft brewers.)


Food and Beer events
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 7/10 - Beer and Cheese Pairing (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for three cheese plates paired with American Barley Wine, Ironbound Ale, and Pig Iron Porter.)

@Monk's Café , Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 7/9 - Local Food/Local Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a six-course meal served with seven beers from the Philly region.)

@Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 7/4 through Sun. 7/7 - Pork of July ($PAYG for a weekend of American Pale Ales and pork dishes.)

@Steam, Southampton, Pa.--- Tue. 7/9 - Yards Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $50 for a four-course meal served with Pale Ale, Saison, IPA, and trio of Yards Beer Floats.)

@Yards, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 7/5 - Country & 'Cue (4 p.m.-10 p.m.; $40 for three Yards ales, three food truck vouchers, a free brewery tour, and all the live music you can handle. Plus, you can pregame from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at Morgan's Pier with discounts on fine Yards ales.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 7/10 - Beer School (4 p.m.; $Free to get some in-depth beer schooling along with our staff.)


Philly closes out a strong June hosting the National Homebrewers Conference

(If you'd like to skip the words and head directly to the photos, click here)

If it seems like the brewniverse (sorry, not a big fan of that kind of hoppy wordplay but, yet, I find myself doing it anyway) has revolved around Philadelphia for the past month or so, you wouldn't be mistaken.

After another strong showing with ten days of Philly Beer Week in early June, the month closed out with roughly 3,000 homebrewers, vendors, and others associated with the "hobby" at the annual National Homebrewers Conference (NHC). Of course, for some it's a hobby and others it's such a serious passion that it's more of a mere stepping stone to "going pro".

While the conference is not open to the general public, card-carrying members of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) snapped up all available tickets in less than 24 hours earlier in the Spring. Whichever city/region is fortunate enough to have the NHC descend upon it —next year it's in Grand Rapids, Mich.— local homebrewers should count themselves lucky since traveling for the conference can typically amount to a small investment for which the family might rather prefer be allocated to a family vacation. To that end, there were quite a few families that I spotted that accompanied their homebrewing loved one in order to take the opportunity to visit Philadelphia.

Local homebrewers from the Philadelphia region certainly did did not miss the chance to make a strong showing during the three-day conference. From Club Night, where dozens of homebrew clubs from around the country showed off their best creativity and teamwork, to Awards Night, the Philadelphia region showed why it earned the right to host this year's conference.

Local brewers and publicans got in on the act as well, hosting numerous events taking advantage of out-of-town homebrewers and professional brewers alike being in town. Sam Calagione and Sean Paxton at Nodding Head. Mitch Steele at Alla Spina. A completely local tap takeover at Field House. Special brews at Monk's Café, City Tap House, and Strangelove's. John Maier at Barcade. The Brewing Network put on its eighth anniversary party with a blowout of great beer and live music at World Cafe Live. And, Devil's Backbone at Devil's Den.

While I didn't attend every hour of the conference, here are a few things I learned along the way:
  ~ While not technically a conference event, the Paxton/Calagione/Nodding Head event occurred for the third year and again proved to be one of the highlights of the year on the Philly beer event calendar.
  ~ Homebrewers, with no real surprise, proved their incredible passion for their hobby. From the conversations to the tastings to the seminars and the awards, the geekerie and the excitement could be felt all around the conference.
  ~ Tom Peters of Monk's Café fame (really of all things Belgian beer fame) proved his position in the beer hierarchy with an informative and entertaining keynote address. I wonder if it's been recorded anywhere for future viewing?
  ~ The Brewers Association, for all the fun that beer is, runs a tight ship and well-organized conferences. Kudos to a lineup of educational and fun seminars, social hours, and platform for showcasing great commercial and homebrewed beer.
  ~ There are way more homebrew clubs in the Philadelphia region than I was aware of. Case in point, the Berks County Homebrew Club, in the neck of the woods of my youth.
  ~ Mike, "Tasty", McDole, has long been an accomplished homebrewer who was brought to national attention when he won the Longshot Competition with Sam Adams back in 2007. There was little reason for me to doubt his popularity before Philadelphia, but during the conference seeing the number of women, and men to be fair, that flocked to him for a picture, a quick word, etc. was astounding. Doesn't hurt that he's an extremely nice and approachable man.
  ~ I was astounded by the presence of mead, cider, and perry at the conference. From the seminars to the number of associated awards, I learned that the NHC is not exclusively about beer. Michael Fairbrother (Moonlight Meadery) gave an excellent and enthusiastically passionate presentation about his meadery and views on the industry.
  ~ Speaking of enthusiasm, professional brewers are quite supportive of the homebrewing industry and the people that make it up. I was taken by how many professional brewers from outside the Philly region showed up to speak, pour at Pro Night, and/or show up at off-site venue for events or meet 'n' greets. It probably doesn't hurt that many of them come from homebrewing roots and this is just one form of giving back. That, plus maybe looking at the talent pool for future brewing employees.

Here again, a link to my Facebook gallery of pictures from NHC 2013. Enjoy and Cheers!



Monday, July 01, 2013

Beer Calendar: What To Do in July 2013

You should probably excuse Philadelphia and its countryside if it needs a breather after one of the busiest June's on record. After ten days of Philly Beer Week and all that it entails (alright now, don't get picky on me; I realize PBW '13 only had nine days in the month of June!) and the month closing out with nearly 4,000 people related to the National Homebrewers Conference roaming around town in search of a great beer experience in our fair town, we could use some relatively quiet time to sit around the bar and chat about how good things really are in our neck of the woods.

Soldier on we must and we do and it is in that spirit I provide to you the July calendar of beer events in and around Philly. Let's meet up soon for that quiet beer and conversation at our favorite watering hole.

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
through Sun. 7/21 - Tour de France with Ommegang & Duvel @Devil's Den and Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Mon. 7/1 - Canada Day @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 7/1 - A Month of Freedom @The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Mon. 7/1 - Happy Hour @Bottle Shop at Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 7/3 - 5th Anniversary Party @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 7/3 - Beer School (July subject: TBA) @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 7/4 - Movie Night @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/4 - Fourth of July PA @Interstate Draft House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/4 through Sun. 7/7 - Pork of July @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 7/5 - First Friday After Party w/ Victory Brewing @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 7/5 - Friday Sampling (Flying Fish) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 7/5 - Xmas in July @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 7/8 - Happy Hour @Bottle Shop at Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 7/10 - Beer School (July subject: TBA) @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 7/11 - Philadelphia Brewing Night @McGlinchey's, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/11 - Movie Night @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/11 through Sat. 7/13 - Bastille Day @London Grill, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 7/12 - Friday Sampling (Beers of Michigan with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 7/13 - Saturday Sampling @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 7/17 - Beer School (July subject: TBA) @Bottle Shop at Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 7/18 - Happy Birthday Orval @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (All Day; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/18 - PA Breweries Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/18 - Summer Farmhouse Ales @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/18 - Movie Night @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 7/19 - Friday Sampling (Spoetzel/Shiner) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 7/20 - Saison Brunch @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 7/20 - Brew Works Fried Chicken Picnic @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/25 - Christmas in July @Growlers Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/25 - First Responders Night @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/25 - Movie Night @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 7/26 - Friday Sampling (Beers of Summer with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 7/26 - Finally Friday Beer Tasting @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 7/4 through Sun. 7/7 - Founders Weekend @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 7/9 - Oxbow Day, Yay! @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 7/10 - Starr Hill Night @Fingers Wings and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 7/13 - Bastille Day! Beer Release @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 7/17 - Belgian Independence Day @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 7/17 through Sun. 7/21 - Belgian Independence Week @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 7/20 - Le Brett Blue Beer Release @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/25 - Christmas in July @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 7/27 - Welcome to New Jersey @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 7/30 - Sours Are Back @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 7/3 - Specialty Keg Tapping (Stone RuinTen) @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 7/3 - Lance's Brewery Tour @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 7/3 - Tröegs Sampling @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 7/3 - Charity Cask Night (GRAND: Grassroots Alliance for Neighborhood Development) @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/4 - Hill Farmstead/Bella Vista Independence Day Annual @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/4 - Betsy Ross kicks the Redcoats Ales @Two Stones Pub, Wilmington, Del. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 7/5 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Phoenixville & Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 7/5 - Friday Night Tasting (Yards) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 7/5 - Brandywine Roller Girls @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 7/5 - Beer Tasting: American Beer Styles @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 7/5 - Brew Dogs On-Camera Tasting Party @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 7/6 - Iron Hill Twilight Criterium @downtown West Chester, Pa. (See website for all the details.)
Wed. 7/10 - An Evening of Unique Beers with Artisanal Imports @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 7/10 - Beer and Cheese Pairing @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/11 - Evil Genius Happy Hour Tap Takeover @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 7/12 - Friday Night Tasting (Great Lakes) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 7/12 - Mahalo, Apollo! Release Party @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 7/12 & Sat. 7/13 - Short Track Bike Race & Beer Garden Opening Party @Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 7/13 - Official Grand Opening Celebration @St. Boniface Brewing Company, Ephrata, Pa. (11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 7/13 - Blob Fest 2013 @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 7/13 - Wing Fest @Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, Pa. (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 7/16 - Weyerbacher Night @Winberie's, Princeton, NJ (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/18 - Homebrew Happy Hour @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/18 - Bella Vista Tap Takeover, Day 1 @Blue Dog, Chalfont, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/18 - Anniversary Night with Tröegs @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 7/19 - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 7/19 - Friday Night Tasting (Straub) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 7/19 - Hefeweizen Release Party @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 7/19 - Bella Vista Tap Takeover, Day 2 @Blue Dog, Lansdale, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/25 - Lagers and Ales beyond Pilsners and Pales: Big, Bold, Bodacious Beers beer class @Total Wine, Claymont, Del. (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $15)
Thu. 7/25 - Dogfish Head Happy Hour Tap Takeover @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 7/25 - Xmas in July @Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 7/26 - Friday Night Tasting (Sam Adams Shandy) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 7/27 - Downtown Newark Food & Brew Festival @downtown Newark, Del. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Fri. 7/5 - Country & 'Cue @Yards, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-10 p.m.; $40)
Tue. 7/9 - Local Food/Local Beer Dinner @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 7/11 - Brew and Chew (Tröegs) @Cavanaugh's Headhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $20-$25)
Sat. 7/13 - Royal Stumble 14 @Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa. ($50)
Sun. 7/14 - Allagash Brunch @Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa. (10:30 a.m.; $35)
Mon. 7/15 - Brew and Chew (Brooklyn) @Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $25)
Sat. 7/20 - Summer Ale Festival @The Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35-$95)
Sat. 7/27 - SmörgåsBeer’d @American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $25-$30)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 7/9 - Yards Beer Dinner @Steam, Southampton, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $50)
Sat. 7/13 - Running to the Dog & Bull @Neshaminy Creek Brewing, Croydon, Pa. (1:30 p.m.; $30)
Thu. 7/18 - Belgian Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (7 p.m.; $60)
Sat. 7/27 - Pour-A-Palooza @The Pour House, Westmont, NJ (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $35-$40)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 7/11 - Sly Fox Beer Dinner @Uno Chicago Grill, Newtown Square, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $45
Sat. 7/13 - Kegs and Corks for Cancer @Keenan Mercedes, Doylestown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $25-$75)
Sun. 7/14 - Victory Barrel-aged Dinner @John J. Jeffries, Lancaster, Pa. (6 p.m.; $125)
Thu. 7/18 - All-American Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $60)
Fri. 7/19 - A Summer Beer Dinner @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (7 p.m.; $50)
Sat. 7/20 - Brews for Books @Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10-$60)
Sat. 7/20 - Hops, Vines, and Wines Festival @downtown Selinsgrove, Pa. (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $50)
Thu. 7/25 - Harpoon Beer Dinner @The Yardley Inn, Yardley, Pa. (7 p.m.; $55)
Fri. 7/26 - Hops and Helicopters @American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, West Chester, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $10-$30)
Sat. 7/27 - Pints for Pups @Reading Liederkranz, Reading, Pa. (3 p.m.-7 p.m.; $20-$75)
Mon. 7/29 - Willy Wonka Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $TBD)
Tue. 7/30 - Girls Just Wanna Have Suds @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $35)
Wed. 7/31 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $38)