Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Beer Calendar: What To Do in February 2013

For a 28-day month, this is one heck of an overwhelming calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

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
Fri. 2/1-Thu. 2/28 - Brewery Of The Month (Lancaster Brewing) @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 2/1 - Dogfish Head Friday @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/1 - Kaffee IPA Beer Release @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/1 - First Friday @Drink Philly HQ, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 2/1 - B. United International Night @Eulogy, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/2 - Groundhog Day Hawaiian Shirt Beer Breakfast @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 a.m.-1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/2 - The Brew Forecast @Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 2/3 - Brethren Bowl with Stone Vertical Epic Ales @London Grill, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 2/3 - Dock Street Superbowl Party @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 2/3 - Savage Super Bowl Sixtel Sunday @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 2/3 - Super Bowl Pre-Game Brunch @Ela, Philadelphia, Pa. ($12)
Mon. 2/4 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Dogfish Head) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 2/5 - South In Your Mouth @Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 2/5 - Movie Night (Watership Down) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 2/6 - Beer School (Lambics) @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $25)
Wed. 2/6 - Susquehanna Brewing Tasting @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 2/7 - Susquehanna Brewing Night @Varga, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/7 - Special Sixtels @McGlinchey's, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/7 - Weyerbacher Insanity Vertical Tasting @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/7 - House Beer Release @Fette Sau, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 2/8 - Dogfish Head Friday @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/8 - Bear Republic Tap Takeover @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/8 - Old Forge Hammers Out the Hops @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/9 - The C.L.A.W. Off @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/9 - Second Saturday: A Liquid Love Letter @Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/9 - Dogfish Head Tap Takeover @McCrossen's, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/9 - Saturday Beer Sampling (Starr Hill Brewery) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free)
Sun. 2/10 - West Philly Homebrew Competition @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; $8)
Mon. 2/11 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (12% Imports) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 2/12 - Mardi Gras @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 2/13 - High Gravity! @The Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 2/13 - Beer School @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 2/13 - Oompa Loompa Chocolate Stout Beer Release @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/14 - Anti-Valentine's Day @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/14 - Stoudt's Fourplay IPA International Debut @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/14 - Love Stinks, Let's Drink @Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 2/15 - Dogfish Head Friday @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/15 - Friday Beer Sampling (Philadelphia Brewing) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
every Saturday and Thursday from 2/16 through 3/30 - Starkbierzeit @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 2/18 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Allagash) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 2/20 - Beer School @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 2/20 - Yards U Buy The Glass @The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 2/20 - Fourplay with Stoudt's @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/21 - Cisco Brewing Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/21 - Trubbel @Growlers Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/21 - Vertical Tasting @Growlers Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 2/22 - Boaks 5th Anniversary Party @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/23 - Founders Day & Night @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/23 - Saturday Beer Sampling (Sixpoint) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 2/27 - B. United Food and Draft Pairing @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/28 - Evolution Sampling @The Foodery (Northern Liberties), Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 2/28 - Smuttynose Sampling @The Foodery (Roxborough), Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 2/1 - Polar Bear Plunge Patio Party & Firkin Friday @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/1 - Ship Bottom Brewery Launch @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/2 - Super Bowl Saturday @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 2/6 - Weyerbacher Wednesday @UNO, Maple Shade, NJ (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 2/6 - Ballast Point Showcase @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 2/7 - Debut of 961 Beer @Garrett Hill Ale House, Bryn Mawr, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/7 - First Thursday Beer Tasting @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 2/7 - Blue Moon Experimental Batch Sampling @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/8 - Firkin Friday (Imperial Creamsicle Witbier) @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/8 - Friday Night Tasting (Smuttynose) @Ambler Beverage Exchange, Ambler, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 2/12 - Sixpoint Comes To Teresa's @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 2/13 - Lincoln Love, Mardi Gras Style @Garrett Hill Ale House, Bryn Mawr, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 2/15 - Firkin Friday (Bourbon Chocolate Porter) @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 2/20 - Dogfish Head with Dr. Pat @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/21 - pretzALE Happy Hour @PJ Whelihan's, Blue Bell, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/21 - Evolution Tap Takeover @Capone's, Norristown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/22 - Firkin Friday (Russillcious) @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/22 - First President's birthday @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 2/26 - Taste the Bees with Stonekeep Meadery @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 2/28 - Launch of Abbatia Decum 10 @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. ($PAYG)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. ($PAYG; See website for all the details.)
every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp @Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa. ($PAYG; See website for all the details.)
Fri. 2/1-Sun. 2/3 - Belgian Weekend @Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 2/1 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, both Phoenixville & Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/1 - Friday Night Sampling (Left Hand) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 2/1 - Beer Tasting @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/2 - British Invasion @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (2 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 2/6 - Lover's Quarrel @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/7 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Miller-Keystone Blood Center) @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/8 - Friday Night Sampling (Evolution) @Aston Beverage, Aston, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 2/8 - Friday Night Sampling (Philadelphia Brewing) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 2/8 - Hoppy Frogger IPA Release Party @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/9 - HopSlam event and Giveaway @Railroad Street Bar & Grill, Linfield, Pa. (12 p.m.)
Sun. 2/10 - Chili Challenge @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (12 p.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 2/11-Sun. 2/17 - Lehigh Valley Beer Week @participating establishments across the Lehigh Valley, Pa. (see website for a full event listing and guide to establishments.)
Mon. 2/11 - Chocolate and Sweets Beer Pairing @Round Guys Brewery, Lansdale, Pa. (7 p.m.; $TBA)
Wed. 2/13 - Wednesday Special Tapping (Avery Mephistopheles Stout) @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/15 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit PBS39) @Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/15 - Free Will Tap Takeover @The Trapp Door Gastropub, Emmaus, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/16 - Tap Takeover @PJ Whelihan's, Bethlehem, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/16 - Barrel-aged Stout Take Over @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/16 - Saturday Sampling (Evolution) @Kunda Beverage, King of Prussia, Pa. (3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 2/16 - Evolution Beer Tasting @Cocco's, Aston, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 2/20 - Wednesday Special Tapping (Avery Samaels) @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/21 - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/22 - V is for Weyerbacher @Victory Bar & Grill, Berlin, NJ (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/22 - The Dark Side @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/23 - Hopapalooza @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (2 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 2/25 - Beer School 101 @Bulls Head Public House, Lititz, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $19.99)
Wed. 2/27 - Wednesday Special Tapping (New Holland Dragon's Milk) @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/28 - Ten Fidy Vertical @Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Fri. 2/1 - Yards Tailgate Beer Dinner @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. ($40)
Sun. 2/3 - Super Firkin Pig Roast @Franklin's, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $25)
Mon. 2/4 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $45)
Tue. 2/5 - Lost Abbey Beer Dinner @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $TBA)
Wed. 2/6 - Tasting Dinner with Yards @Ela, Philadelphia, Pa. ($65)
Sun. 2/10 - Band of Brewers @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.; $20)
Thu. 2/14 - Valentine's Day @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $25)
Thu. 2/14 - Moonshine and Valentines @National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $30-$35)
Thu. 2/14 - Firkin Beer Dinner @The Happy Rooster, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $35)
Thu. 2/14 - Valentines Beer Dinner @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $75)
Thu. 2/14 - Love Bites & Beer Flights @Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. ($55)
Sat. 2/23 - Beats, Brews, and BBQ @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $45-$60)
Sat. 2/23 - German Society Bierfest @German Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $20-$60)
Sun. 2/24 - Smuttynose Beer Fest @Cactus Restaurant and Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $35)
Thu. 2/28 - Winter Beer Dinner @Manayunk Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $55)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 2/5 & Wed. 2/6 - Chinese New Year Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (7 p.m.; $65)
Wed. 2/13 - Wine vs. Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Wed. 2/20 - Wednesday Special Tapping @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (7 p.m.; $TBD)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 2/1 - Craft Beer & Small Bites @Gallagher's Burger Bar, Atlantic City, NJ (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $25)
Sat. 2/2 - Hibrewnation Festival of Beer @Old Main: York Fairgrounds, York, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$35)
Tue. 2/5 - Evolution Beer Dinner @Audubon Ale House, Audubon, Pa. (7 p.m.; $24.95)
Sat. 2/9 & Sat. 2/23 - Sam Adams Beer & Decadent Chocolate Tasting @Sam Adams Grille, Breinigsville, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $49)
Tue. 2/12 - Brewmaster's Winter Dinner Pairing @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (6 p.m.; $65)
Tue. 2/12 - Brewmaster's Winter Dinner Pairing @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (7 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 2/14 - 17th Anniversary Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 2/14 - Valentine's Day Beer Dinner @The Trapp Door Gastropub, Emmaus, Pa. (7 p.m.; $75)
Sat. 2/16 - Beer Lovers Dinner @Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (7 p.m.; $63)
Fri. 2/22 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $35)
Sat. 2/23 - Beer and Yoga @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; $25)
Sat. 2/23 - Kennett Winterfest @downtown Kennett Square, Pa. (12:30 p.m.-4 p.m.; $15-$65)
Sat. 2/23 - Friend Fest @Kutztown Fairgrounds-Beltzner Hall, Kutztown, Pa. (1 p.m.-3:30 p.m., 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m., 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $10-$50)
Sat. 2/23 - Winter Brew Fest @Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $TBD)

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 1/26/13

On and on we go with more links to catch you up with the last couple of weeks of interesting tidbits from around the brewing world. For "The Rest of Planet Beer", the main theme has been jumping around from week-to-week. This week, we shift our eyes to southern California for some tasty bits of news.

PHILADELPHIA
~ I've been to at least a few from each region but, of course, could not be prouder of those from Philly that made the list. Of course, keeping in mind that a list is just a list, still nice to see the recognition.

~ Speaking of getting props, here is some more for Philadelphia. Tom Kehoe says he's not surprised. Trusting not many of you were either.

~ One of the year's best celebrations of beer and food in Philadelphia is fast approaching and you should make every effort to be there.

~ Pliny the Younger will make its return again to Philadelphia in 2013. Crossing geographic categories here, I realize, but here's a short background video about the "cult" beer from California.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Last week, I pointed you to pictures from Weyerbacher's expansion, this week it's video of their progress.

~ Speaking of progress, here's a glimpse at what's happening cross-state in Pittsburgh

~ Long-time brewer, Mike McCarthy, has left Capitol City in D.C. Tom Cizauskas has the story.

~ Then Tom follow up with some other comings and goings of Virginia-based brewers.

~ Yet some additional expansion news coming out of Pennsylvania.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ With Firestone and Walker on The Brewing Network, you know some great beers were discussed

~ Sometimes you can't talk about southern California brewing without talking about the northern side.

~ While linking to Jay Brooks, might as well take the opportunity for a two-fer as he takes on the "top brand" of 2012.

~ And how about one last link to Brooks, where he points us to the Jim Koch interview?

~ Tomme Arthur at Lost Abbey talking about Cuvee de Tomme




Friday, January 25, 2013

Time to help out your favorite (only) Brew Lounge guy

A while back, many of you answered a survey by telling me to do a better job of promoting my pieces that I have over in the Communities section of The Washington Times.

Here are links to some recent pieces.

Even if you don't read them, please hit each of the links below to register your support of my writing. The bean counters over there like to see those kind of things; I can't buy them off with beer alone :)

Further, as if I haven't already asked enough, don't be afraid to hit those little "social" buttons above the articles too. The ones like Facebook, Google+, etc. Those count in my favor as well.

If you want to weigh in with your own thoughts on the topics, of course feel very free to do that as well. It'll break up the political monotony over there!

As always, Thanks and Cheers!

Pumpkin Beers

Drinking great beer in 2013

A look back on 2012, part one

A look back on 2012, part two


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: January 24 - January 31

After an understandably slow start to the beer calendar in early January, the month goes out with a bang around Philadelphia with over 30 events planned for the final eight days. A larger-than-usual section for beer dinners should help keep us all warm and fortified through the heart of these cold winter months.

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


Events with Tap Lists via PhillyTapFinder.com
@Pub On Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/26 - Chili Cookoff with beers of Allagash, Dogfish Head, and Ommegang (12 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com.)


Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/24 - Lancaster Gold Star Pilsner Keep the Glass Night (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG to buy a liter of Lancaster Gold Star Pilsner and keep the glass.)

@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 1/25 - From Russia with Love (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of Russian Imperial Stout and Coffee-aged Russian Imperial Stout. Plus, Beer Cocktails like Russian Avalanche, Double Agent, The Goldfinger, and You Only Live Twice with a Twist.)

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/28 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sly Fox beers.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 1/1-Thu. 1/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials focused on Boulder Brewery from Colorado)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/31 - The Big, The Bold, The Barrel-aged (7 p.m.; $PAYG for food specials form our kitchen. Draft list will be big, bold flavorful, high alcohol, barrel-aged, limited offerings from Boulder including A Honey of a Saison, Mojo Risin' Imperial IPA, Bourbon Barrel-aged Cold Hop, Hazed & Infused, and Killer Penguin)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 1/31 - Evolution Night (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of beers from Evolution Brewing)

@Pub On Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/24 - Instagram Viking Party for Philly debut of Skull Splitter on Draft (7 p.m.; $PAYG as the aromatic strong Scotch ale from Scotland’s Orkney Islands will make its Philadelphia debut on draft with a raucous Viking Party. The Hammer Of Glory will be there too.)

@The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/28 - Evil Twin Night (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG as hosts Bridget Smith of 12% Imports and Jason Miller of Bella Vista Beverage bring Evil Twin beers on draft: The Cowboy, Ron and the Beast Ryan, and Mini Growler. Hipster Ale cans will also be available.)

@Tröegs Brewery, Hershey, Pa.--- Sat. 1/26 - Full Moon Firkin Throwdown (3 p.m.; $PAYG for simultaneous tappings of Perpetual and Nugget. To make things a bit more interesting, we doused the PIPA firkin with lemon peel and dry-hopped with Chinook and dry-hopped the Nugget both with Columbus and chucked dried mango into one and dried apricots into the other.)

@Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 1/25 - Beer Tasting (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Allagash beers.)


"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/31 - Winter Beer Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for a tap list shaping up to be one that must be seen, and tasted, to be properly appreciated)

@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 1/25 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Oskar Blues.)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Sat. 1/26 - Winter Beerfest (12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., 3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$35 for 40+ unique craft beers to sample from 20 breweries. Plus, a homebrew section.)

@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Sat. 1/26 - Belgium Comes to West Chester (1 p.m.; $PAYG as regional breweries showcase the best locally craft-brewed Belgian-style beers.)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Wed. 1/30 - River Horse Tap Takeover (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a bunch of River Horse beers on draft including the Tripel Horse, Hop-A-Lot-Amus Double IPA, Special Ale, Oatmeal Milk Stout, Brewer’s Reserve Scotch Ale, Hop Hazard Pale Ale, and a firkin of Oatmeal Milk Stout aged with vanilla and mint.)

@Percy Street, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/24 - National Beer Can Day (5 p.m.; $PAYG for over 100 cans of great beer at half-price, including the featured Sixpoint 3 Beans.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 1/25 - Robbie Burns Birthday Celebration (6 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for Gang Aft Agley Scotch Ale and Burns Scottish Ale on tap, bagpipes piping, and the arrival of the Haggis (6:30 p.m.) will be marked by Ian Turnbull's reading of Burns' Ode to a Haggis. Celtic Spirit will play music throughout the evening.)

@Starlight Ballroom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/26 - Big Ass Beer Fest (1 p.m.-4 p.m. & 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $45 for 60 or more brews ranging from imperial porters and stouts, double IPAs, barleywines, and many more)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Thu. 1/31 - Ballast Point Tap Take Over (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Big Eye IPA, Brother Levonian Saison, Victory at Sea Porter, Habanero Sculpin IPA, Sculpin IPA, Barmy Apricot Honey Ale, Calico Amber, and a firkin of Victory at Sea Maple Porter)

@The Bards, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/30 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover ($PAYG for Flying Fish brews, free swag, and MG talking up the new beers and new brewery)

@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/31 - White Party aka Craft Stout Invitational (7 p.m.; $PAYG to come dressed in white and drink some great imperial stouts.)


Food and Beer events
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/24 - Peanut Butter Party with Terrapin Brewing (7 p.m.; $PAYG for peanut butter food specials from the kitchen & Terrapin’s Liquid Bliss and other Terrapin drafts, like Terrapin Liquid Bliss, Oak Aged Big Hoppy Monster, Moo Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout, Hop Karma, and Hopsecutioner.)

@Fred & Ethel's Lantern Light Tavern, Absecon, NJ--- Thu. 1/24 - Yards Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $55 for a Winter Beer Dinner featuring six of Yards’ most popular beers paired with five delicious courses hand selected by our chef.)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/26 - Winter Brewmaster's Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Belgian Pale Ale, Constanza, Smoked Weizenbock, Berliner Weiss Sorbet, Russian Imperial Stout, and Funkadelic Cherry Brown Ale.)

@JG Domestic, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/24 - Great Lake Brewing Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a four-course meal paired with Dortmunder Gold, Elliot Ness Amber Lager, Commodore Perry IPA, and Edmund Fitzgerald Porter)

@Power Plant Productions, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 1/25 - Stout and Chowder Festival (6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $60-$65 to sample over twenty regional craft beers and a handful of delectable soups and stews by some of Philly's favorite restaurants.)

@Roosevelt's 21st, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Wed. 1/30 - Dogfish Head Beer Dinner (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $TBA for a four-course meal paired with Bitches Brew, Raison d'Etre, Ta Henket, and Hellhound On My Ale.)

@Side Bar and Restaurant, West Chester, Pa.--- Wed. 1/30 - Victory Beer Dinner (7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $60 for a five-course meal paired with Oak-aged Old Horizontal, Red Thunder, a new Victory Saison, HopDevil (nitro), and Mad King Weiss. Special guest, Victory owner and founder, Bill Covaleski.)

@South Philadelphia Tap Room, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 1/27 - Beef and Beer (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $35 for all-you-can-eat whole roasted NY strip, beef brisket tacos, steak tartar with pickled oysters, and more. Beer is $PAYG for firkins and specialty draughts from your favorite breweries, including: Dogfish Head; Founders; Flying Fish; Great Lakes; PBC; Sixpoint; Tröegs; and more.)

@The Horse Tavern & Grille, Sellersville, Pa.--- Tue. 1/29 - Evolution Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $30 for a four-course meal paired with Lot 3, Lucky 7, Secret Spot, and Rise Up.)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/26 - Crazy, Catfish, Creations featuring Terrapin Brewing (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as Terrapin Brewing takes over the taps while Chef Travis Messman creates several catfish entrees to pair with various Terrapin brews for the day.)

@Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del.--- Mon. 1/28 - Ommegang Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $TBA)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Sun. 1/27 - Super T Pig Roast and Beer Benefit (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $40 for a full pig roast dinner where proceeds will help support Thomas and his family during this difficult time.)


Yards' Trubbel Tour coming to a close
@Con Murphy's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/30 - Love Stout Happy Hour (5 p.m.; $PAYG to meet the Yards crew and relax with a tasty pint of Love Stout)

@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 1/31 - Yards Firkin Challenge (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a firkin of Trubbel de Yards and a tap list still TBD)

@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/24 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG as they will be having a lil soiree to celebrate our Trubbel de Yards.)

@Side Bar, West Chester, Pa.--- Thu. 1/24 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Trubbel de Yards, Love Stout, and other beer goodness.)


Boot Camp to keep you in shape
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)



Saturday, January 19, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 1/19/13

Trusting those of you into Saturday morning news reading will appreciate the move of this segment to Saturday mornings. For those of you content with Monday morning reading, this piece will stay at the top throughout the weekend until Monday morning in its easy place here at the top for you to find it, unless something else urgent/important trumps it prior to Monday morning.

Anyway, on with the news to catch you up with the last couple of weeks of interesting tidbits from around the brewing world. For "The Rest of Planet Beer", two weeks ago, the theme was "Craft versus Crafty", last week it was "Westvleteren Madness". This week, let's make it (northern) California-themed.

PHILADELPHIA
~ The Memphis44AleHouse crew is adding to its family. Very cool. I predict that they'll give Doc Watson's a run for longest occupancy in that space (hard to recall the others that have resided there since). News from Foobooz, as well.

~ Stone ("Best By") is coming to town; for some, this is even better than Santa.

~ Philly Post provided a countdown of great beers encountered around Philly in 2012.

~ Two tidbits buried in here by the inimitable Joe Sixpack, one about The Foodery and one about Race Street Café, Mount Airy, and the former chef from Monk's Café.

~ Grub Street also weighed in with a bit or two about The Foodery.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Working toward a more sustainable model continues at Flying Fish

~ Weyerbacher expansion continues.

~ And, while expanding, Weyerbacher also decided it was best to take the high road with regard to potential litigation.

~ Yuengling has its own growth trajectory and Bloomberg finds it interesting.

~ And, here's an interesting story out of Milton, Del. and plans they have for 2013 (apart from its expansion plan)

~ Well, perhaps though, it's our own transplanted Dr. Joel who stirred things up over the holidays with not the text, but the picture at the company's website.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Jay Brooks hooked us up with pointers to three videos: Sierra Nevada's illustration of their "story"; the source of Anchor's annual Christmas beer labels; and So, I enjoy reading this news.

~ The coming hoopla in early February at Russian River has reports coming in left and right. One from The Press Democrat. Another from a New England-based NBC affiliate. And virtually the same piece from out of California. If all that's a bit too much for you, take a minute to breathe and smile with the brewery's "season's greetings".

~ Back in San Francisco, they're readying themselves for another installment of San Francisco Beer Week. Even though I'm not involved this year (though perhaps as a runner, not organizer), I'm pleased to see that Derrick Peterman is carrying on with the 4th SF Beer Week Run. This time it will be held in partnership with the South Bay's Strike Brewing Company and C.B. Hannegan's.

~ Also readying themselves is the soon-to-be-bigger Magnolia Brewery. If you've hung around these parts long enough, you know of my fondness for Magnolia Gastropub and Brewery in the city's Haight/Ashbury neighborhood. Check out its expansion plans for the Dogpatch across town.

~ And, lastly for northern California (at least for this week), after talking above about Weyerbacher's peaceful and gentlemanly resolutions to litigation (or threats of litigation), here's some background on recent turmoil that Sierra Nevada has been caught up in. Haven't seen any recent updates of where this stands.




Thursday, January 17, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: January 17 - January 23

This may be a bit out of our region, but just a quick heads-up for San Francisco Beer Week (my second favorite, of course) coming up in February. Working on my own arrangements to hopefully be there for a portion of it. If you're traveling in northern California between Feb. 8 - Feb. 17, you'll want to take my word for it that hitting up a few events during SFBW would quite the wise thing to do.

Back here around Philly, the party bus rolls on. Here comes the next seven days.

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

First up once again are the continually more popular events with live tap lists that I'll draw your attention to over at tap lists posted at PhillyTapFinder.com.

As I've asked, show the Philly love and go check out the events on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. Tell 'em PTF and TBL sent you.

Events with Tap Lists via PhillyTapFinder.com
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - Brooklyn Brewery Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder)

@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - Elysian Tap Takeover (5 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder)

@Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - Sour Face Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder)

@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/19 - The Trouble With Trippels IV (11 a.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder)


Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 1/18 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Oskar Blues beers)

@High Street Caffe, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 1/18 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6:30 p.m.; $PAYG as Trubbel and others will be on tap and we will be serving some bottles as well.)

@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Thu. 1/17 - Russian Imperial Stout Release Party (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for this year’s release of our top award-winning seasonal beer.)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Sat. 1/19 - Russian Imperial Stout Release Party (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG for this year’s release of our top award-winning seasonal beer and raffles for a bottle of 2009, 2010, and 2012.)

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/21 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Sierra Nevada.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 1/1-Thu. 1/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials focused on Boulder Brewery from Colorado)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - An Evening with Lancaster Brewing (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of beers from Lancaster Brewing)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - River Horse Neighbors Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of beers from Lambertville)

@Uno Chicago Grill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Thu. 1/17 - Music Series Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG for the three Music Series beers on-tap from 2012: Positive Contact, Bitches Brew, and Hellhound on My Ale. Also, Birra Etrusca, Burton Baton, Palo Santo Marron, Raison D'Etre, and a few others will also be on tap along with an appearance by Randall the Enamel Animal.)


"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Bistro On Bridge, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - DuClaw Tap Takeover ($PAYG for Bare Ass Blonde, Venom Pale Ale, Hellraizer IPA, Serum IPA, Devil’s Milk, Euphoria Toffee Brown, Mysterium, and Old Flame. Craft Beer Specialist, Adam Crockett, on board to answer all questions.)

@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 1/20 - 120 on 1/20 (10 a.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a tapping of a sixtel of Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA. Weighing in around 20% ABV, we expect this sixtel to last all day.)

@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Wed. 1/23 - Jersey's Finest Beer Release Party (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for the latest collaboration with Flying Fish. Meet Flying Fish head brewer Casey Hughes and enjoy a couple rare treats from Iron Hill and Flying Fish. Special guest New Jersey State Senator Don Norcross will be on hand for the first tap, as will Iron Hill owners Kevin Finn, Mark Edelson, and Kevin Davies.)

@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/21 - Sierra Nevada Takeover (All Day and Night; $PAYG as they pour a huge selection of drafts in the bar all day long and host a Bottle Shop Happy Hour next door starting at 6 p.m. featuring swag-laden folks from the Brewery)

@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/21 - Mad Monday with Dogfish Head (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for Dogfish Head's Birra Etrusca Bronze Ale, Bitches Brew, Immort Ale, Namaste, Old School Barleywine, and Lost Abbey's Cuvee de Tomme. Since this is a Charity Event, all these beer will be cash only. We will have a couple of rare beer raffles, too.)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Mon. 1/21 - Day Off Day Drinking (11 a.m.; $PAYG for Russan River Pliny the Elder, Hill Farmstead Arthur, Russian River Supplication, Hill Farmstead Anna, Allagash Bourbon Black, Southern Tier Pumking, Evil Twin Mini Growler, Yards Bourbon-aged Love Stout, Uinta Crooked Line Labyrinth, 21st Amendment Back in Black, and Local Option American Muscle DIPA.)


Food and Beer events
@DoubleTree Hotel, King of Prussia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/23 - Beef & Beer (5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $25-$35 for provided food and beer where 100% of all proceeds from the event will be donated to Sandy Hook School Support Fund.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Mon. 1/21 - Girls Just Wanna Have Suds-Beer & Cupcakes (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a selection of locally-made original and classic cupcakes created by Dia Doce paired with some of our favorite Victory beers.)


Boot Camp where only the strong survive
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)




Monday, January 14, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 1/14/13

Well, I sure got back into the swing of things with weekly notes/links wrap-up for you here in the first week of the new year.

My previously-announced move of this weekly segment to Saturday mornings will need to wait for one more week, for those of you that like to get your reading caught up early on weekend mornings.

Back to the usual format of Philly - Regional - Rest of the World. This week, "Rest of Planet Beer" will get you caught up with the Westvleteren madness that invaded the States at the end of 2012. Was it worth it? Well, only those of you that shelled out money for the beer can say for sure.


PHILADELPHIA
~ For Philly Beer Week, this happened two days ago. And, this was the result.
~ Love the Dayman tie-in to Philadelphia.
~ My old friends at Fishtown Beer Runners are still running…and getting great press.
~ Cool news from Brauhaus Schmitz.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ This has been announced up in the Lehigh Valley.
~ These guys at Neshaminy Creek in Croydon exceeded my expectations as well as their own in 2012. Here are some year-end notes from them.
~ This is interesting more so because of who is moving in rather than who is moving out (at least from a good beer perspective).
~ Interesting times in the world of marketing and craft beer. I don't know anything about this television show, so I don't see the parallels as I'm sure many of you do.
~ The Wench is keeping tabs on what's going on back in her native northeast part of the country. Here she finds what's up with the collaboration beer brewed at Blue Point to benefit Long Island's Barrier Brewing Company.
~ And a bit on how Ommegang Brewery farther upstate also pitched in with relief of its own.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Westvleteren news from BeerPulse.com
~ Westvleteren thoughts from Stan Hieronymous at AppellationBeer.com
~ Andy Crouch weighs in at BeerScribe.com
~ And a bit more insight into the Trappist brewing world via BeerPulse.com



Thursday, January 10, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: January 10 - January 16

Lots to consider out there over the next seven days and nights of beer in and around Philadelphia. You could win a trip to Belgium (see: Field House, below). You can drink the new Trubbel de Yards at several bars around town. You can drink beer for no charge. You can have a five-course meal paired with beers (in fact, you could have one on Tues. 1/15 and on the following night on the 16th; one in PA and one in NJ). You can earn points toward a chance to win a trip to Ireland (see: Sly Fox, below). You can even drink beer and practice Yoga, though, to my knowledge, not in that order. The opportunities for drinking great beer with fun people and making new friends abound. Whatever you do, enjoy!

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

First up once again are the continually more popular events with live tap lists that I'll draw your attention to over at tap lists posted at PhillyTapFinder.com.

As I asked last week, show the Philly love and go check out the events on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. If you like this idea, let me know.

Events with Tap Lists via PhillyTapFinder.com
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/10 - Goose Island Tap Takeover (5 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list served up to you by PhillyTapFinder.com.)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Annual Battle Royale (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list served up to you by PhillyTapFinder.com.)


Start your Philly Beer Week engines
@Field House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - 3rd Annual Philly Beer Week Benefit Raffle (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Belgium with your favorite Philly-area brewer.)


Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 1/11 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Yards beers)

@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 1/11 - Rogue Farm Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Rogue's line of Chatoe Farm beers including Wet Hop, Dirtoir Black Lager, Single Malt Ale, Orgesmic Ale, Roggenbier Rye, Mead, and bottles of Pumpkin. Special Rogue mason jar glassware while supplies last and some yet to be figured out farm-inspired fun.)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 1/11 - Fire and Ice Beer Release Party (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to chill out with Head Brewer, Paul Rutherford, and get fired up for the release of his four beers, including Smoked Weizenbock, Rauchbier, Hopsicle, and Rasputin’s Revenge.)

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/14 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Shangy's portfolio.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 1/1-Thu. 1/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials focused on Boulder Brewery from Colorado)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Tue. 1/15 - Belgian Night with Alex (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG as Alex from Artisanal Imports will be here pouring Bockor Cuvee des Jacobins, Kwak, and La Trappe Quad. Come out and try some of our Beer Garden staff's favorite Belgian beers on draft.)

@The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - Left Hand U Buy The Glass (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from Left Hand in Colorado)


"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 1/10 - The Bruery Night ($PAYG for Cuir, White Oak, Rugbrod, 4 Calling Birds, 5 Golden Rings, and Oude Tart.)

@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Ice Capades (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for Blue Balls, 3 iCe, Triple Axel, and Gillooly)

@Sam Adams Grille, Breinigsville, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 & Sat. 1/26 - Sam Adams Beer & Decadent Chocolate Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $49 for a tasting of eight craft beers and a assortment of five chocolates)

@Sly Fox, both Phoenixville & Pottstown, Pa.--- Sun. 1/13 - 113 Day (1:13 p.m. 'til closing; $PAYG for a day-long of fun related to Route 113 IPA. See website for all the details.)

@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - Evolution Tap Takeover (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Lot 3, Lot 6, Prelude Black, Exile ESB, Secret Spot, and Lucky 7)


Food and Beer events
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - AleSmith Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $60 for a five-course meal paired with X Pale Ale, IPA, Horny Devil, Wee Heavy, and Speedway Stout)

@Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ--- Tue. 1/15 - Yards Beer Dinner (5 p.m.; $TBD for a beer dinner with plenty of Yards beer on hand and some dynamite grub for the occassion, featuring our Trubbel de Yards.)


Yards is getting its own category this week with its-Trubbel making ways
@Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 1/13 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a bit of a Yards night to help kick off our Trubbel launch.)

@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Trubbel at the Kite (4 p.m.; $PAYG for favorites from Yards along with Bourbon George Washington Tavern Porter and of course, Trubbel de Yards. Perhaps there will be a showdown between Cousin Jimmy and Tom “Moondog” Kehoe.)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/14 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG as they pour all the usual Yards suspects, but will also be having our Trubbel de Yards on hand for the occasion.)

@Side Car Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG as they tap a firkin for the monthly High Gravity event.)


Time to get in shape with Boot Camp
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)


What category fits a beer event with Yoga?
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Beer and Yoga (9:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a class that will start promptly at 10 a.m. Please be on time! After class we will have a selection of light appetizers paired with Victory beers.)




Monday, January 07, 2013

Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 1/7/13

Time to resume your Monday morning reading. Actually, during the holiday hiatus around here in Monday Morning Brews News, I've considered that it might be better positioned to put these updates out on Saturday morning, since there's decent demand for reading on weekend mornings as well.

So this should be the last Monday morning news posting as I move them to Saturday morning. I'll leave the posting fresh at the top of The Brew Lounge through Monday morning for those of you that still like your Monday morning reading on the company's web server, and time. Everyone wins (well, except for the bandwidth at your workplace).

If you haven't been keeping up over the past several weeks, I'm going to jump back in the beer news world with a doozie that hit just before the holidays courtesy of the Brewers Association. It was their attempt to tell the world what is considered craft and what is not.

I've taken the time to compile a list of links here for those of you that would care to get into some of the details and opinions that have fueled this conversation into something louder and more opinionated than I really think it needs to be.

If you just want to drink good beer made by hard-working folks and don't care so much about labels, carry on, nothing to see here.

Charlie Papazian added his weight with this diatribe at Examiner.com

And, the Brewers Association took it from there with an article entitled "Craft versus Crafty".

It included a graphic no longer on its site, but one that BeerPulse.com took upon itself to archive.

BeerPulse.com, which has chronicled much of this, has August Schell's response.

And one from Tenth & Blake.

John Cochran from Terrapin had his say.

Stan Hieronymous jumped in as well with a fun poke at the marketing spin that goes into the "crafting" of the macro beer message.

Jack Curtin had a few bits from SABMiller's chairman.

Then, also some words from Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione about distribution and the role the big guys play (both manufacturers and distributors).

Finally, from Curtin again, comes some insights in the comments section from the BA's Gary Gillman.

Gillman also weighed in at Alan McLeod's site appearing to be defending a position that ultimately seems to demonstrate little sustainability.

CNNMoney has a spot with more details from the SABMiller chairman interview.

The Wench had some thoughtful words to add to the conversation/debate/argument.

Carolyn Smagalski had a 15-point approach for looking at craft beer.

Maureen Ogle has a little something to say about the "local" aspect of craft brewing.

Tony Magee (Lagunitas) always has plenty to say about the industry and about his brewery's role in it. The BA probably never appreciated what he said more than he said recently to a room full of industry big wigs. If you're into this whole topic and still cruising these links, this is one that you'll probably enjoy taking the 15 minutes or so to read all of.

Just a few days ago, the BA's Julia Herz took to Fox Business in an attempt to clarify things. Not sure that really happened.

I think that's probably enough for one Monday morning. Phew, now that is out of my system. For those of you tired of the conversation that seems to have no end in sight (and for some reason are still reading at this point), my apologies.

This is by no means the complete list of everything that everyone has had to say on the topic to date. But, it's what has caught my attention along the way over the past month or so.

What about you? What does "craft" mean to you? Do you care? To what degree?

Thursday, January 03, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: January 3 - January 9

We're off and running into yet another year of greater access to great beer. Here's what local bars and breweries have in store for us in the next week of beer calendar events in and around Philadelphia.

Happy New Year of new beers for one and all!

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

There are no new special event tap lists over at PhillyTapFinder.com, so instead I'll draw your attention to some interesting stats that I pulled from their data.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, seven establishments showed updated tap lists as of 1/2/13. Below are links to my findings.

As I asked last week, show the Philly love and go check out the tap lists on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. If you like this idea, let me know.

Tap Lists via PhillyTapFinder.com
~ The most local: London Grill with 35.7% of its draft beer list coming from breweries within 100 miles of Philly (per Google Directions).
~ The most international: Devil's Den where 33.3% of its draft beer list comes from outside of the U.S.
~ The most rare: Also, Devil's Den draft beer list, where its list is, on average, on tap at 3.7 other PTF participant bars (pretty cool feature on PTF).
~ The most diverse style representations: Bottle Bar East draft beer list is comprised of 1.14 beers per style.


Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/3 - Arcobrau Keep the Glass Night (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to buy a liter of Arcobrau Zwicklbier and keep the glass.)

@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Thu. 1/3 - Russian Imperial Stout Beer Release (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of Russian Imperial Stout and a vintage one as well.)

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/7 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Belukus beers.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 1/1-Thu. 1/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials focused on Boulder Brewery from Colorado)

@Washington House, Sellersville, Pa.--- Fri. 1/4 - Flying Dog Beer Tasting (5 p.m.; $PAYG to taste four specially picked Flying Dog beers)


"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 1/4 - Feast of the Epiphany (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Bruery Five Golden Rings, Port Gift of the Magi, Starr Hill The Gift, Victory Mad King's Weisse, and Victory Storm King. Plus, we will cook up a bunch of Puerto Rican food.)

@Mad Mex, Willow Grove, Pa.--- Wed. 1/9 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG for some of our delicious brews, including, but not limited to, our Trubbel de Yards.)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Tue. 1/8 - Smutty Knows (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a night with Smuttynose beers)


Food and Beer events
@World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/7 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting (7 p.m.; $45 for grilled cheese paired with Smuttynose's IPA, Star Island Single, Big A Double IPA, Zinnike Belgian Stout, Baltic Porter, and Old Brown Dog.)


Homebrewing, Charity, and Education
@Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 1/3 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Lehigh Valley Business Group) (5 p.m.; $PAYG for hand-drawn beer from the cask and 100% of cask sales will be donated)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/9 - Beer School (4 p.m.; $Free to get some in depth beer schooling along with our staff.)


Boot Camp is back; time to get in shape
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)