Sunday, March 31, 2013

Beer Calendar: What To Do in April 2013

For your Easter Sunday reading pleasure, I present to you the April calendar of events from Center City Philadelphia to a wide spread around the 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
Mon. 4/1-Tue. 4/30 - Brewery Of The Month (Tröegs) @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Mon. 4/1 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Unibroue) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 4/2 - Meet The Brewer Night (Williams Brothers Brewery) @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 4/2 - Terrapin Tap Takeover @Lucky's Last Chance, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/3 - Introducing Perennial Artisan Ales @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 4/3 - Beer School (April subject: TBD) @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 4/3 - Dinner & A Movie (Game of Thrones) @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/4 - Quad Day @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/4 - Weyerbacher Brewing Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/4 - Sampling (Flying Fish) @The Foodery (2nd Street), Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 4/4 - Fergie Fest @Ruba Club Studios, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Phightin Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Half Day Getaway @Field House, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Friday Night Sampling (Great Tailgate Cans) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/5 - First Friday @Drink Philly HQ, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 4/6 - 5th Anniversary Party @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/6 - West Coast Wipeout @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 4/7 - Shop Dock Street for Local Business @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 4/8 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Stoudt's) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 4/9 - Sampling (Flying Fish) @The Foodery (10th Street), Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 4/10 - The Hoppy Beers of Dogfish Head @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 4/10 - Beer School (April subject: TBD) @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 4/10 - U Buy The Glass Night (Full Pint) @The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10)
Thu. 4/11 - Philly Debut of Oxbow Brewery @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/11 - Tröegs Brewing Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/11 - Thursday Beer Sampling (Brooklyn) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 4/11 - State Store No More? Pennsylvania, Liquor, and The Law @National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $13 non-members; $10 members, teachers & students; free for 1787 Society)
Fri. 4/12 - Friday Night Sampling (Victory Brewing with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/12 - Friday Night Beer Tasting (Philadelphia Brewing) @The Foodery (Sansom St.), Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/12 - Oxbow Brewing Company Night @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/12 - Inherit the Beer: Evolution Brewing Night @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/13 - Fava's Glorious Return @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/13-Sun. 4/14 - Big Wood Wknd @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Mon. 4/15 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Philadelphia Brewing) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 4/17 - Beer School (April subject: TBD) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 4/17 - Beer Four All Seasons Release: O.P. Yum @The Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 4/18 - Thursday Beer Sampling (Full Sail) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 4/18 & Fri. 4/19 - The Porch Beer Garden @30th Street Station, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/18 - Tröegs Night @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 4/18 - Earth Day with Long Trail @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/19 - Friday Night Sampling (Tröegs) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/19 - Tröegs Tasting @Bell's Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/19 - Earth Day with Long Trail @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/20 - Bottles Galore @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 4/20 - Beer-B-Q @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $20)
Sat. 4/20 - Five Year Anniversary @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/20 - Down South with Southern Tier @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 4/21 - Earth Day with Long Trail @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Sun. 4/21 - Philly Tech Week: Zapping Aliens and Saving the Universe, While Drinking a Beer @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/25 - IBU Smackdown II @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/25 - Thursday Beer Sampling (Brooklyn) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 4/25 - Tapas & Beer Pairing w/ B. United @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/26 - Friday Night Sampling (Evolution Brewing with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 4/3 - Weyerbacher Wednesday @UNO, Maple Shade, NJ (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/3 - Manayunk Night @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/3 - Firestone Walker @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 4/4 - First Thursday Beer Tasting @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (6 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/5 - Phightin Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Phightin Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Phightin Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Friday Night Sampling (Full Sail) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 4/9 - Tasty Tuesday: Barrel-aged Day @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 4/11 - A Night with Stoudt's Brewing @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/12 - Oxbow Lunch @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/12 - Friday Night Sampling (Two Brothers) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 4/18 - Keep the Pint Glass @Capone's, Norristown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/19 - Friday Night Beer Tasting @The Greek's Next Door, Narberth, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/19 - Friday Night Sampling (Anchor) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 4/20 - Keep the Pint Glass @Capone's, Norristown, Pa. (12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 4/23 - Tasty Tuesday: Brouwerij Van Eecke @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 4/26 - Friday Night Beer Tasting @Kunda Beverage, King of Prussia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/26 - Friday Night Sampling (Weyerbacher) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 4/2 - Kennett Ale Release @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (5:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/3 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit The Baum School of Art) @Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, both Phoenixville & Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Experimental Hop Project @Sly Fox, both Phoenixville & Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Phightin Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Phightin Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Phightin Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Phightin Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Phightin Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/5 - Free Samples (Flying Fish) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/5 - Beer Tasting (Founders) @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/5 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Northampton Community College Alumni Association) @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/6 - Renovation Completion Celebration @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. (11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/6 - Free Samples (Full Sail) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 4/6 - Saturday Sampling (Otter Creek/Wolavers) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/12 through Sun. 4/14 - Cask Ale Festival @Bulls Head Public House, Lititz, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 4/12 through Sun. 4/14 and Fri. 4/19 through Sun. 4/21 - Susquehanna Ale Trail Passport Event @Various locations around Central Pennsylvania (Hours vary; $15 + $PAYG)
Fri. 4/12 - Friday Night Sampling (Flying Fish) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 4/13 - Evolution Craft Brewing @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/13 - Battle of the Brewers: Cask Challenge @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 4/15 - 15 Year Anniversary @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/18 - Victory Cooks Showdown @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/18 - Keep the Pint Glass @Capone's, Norristown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/19 - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/19 - Friday Night Sampling (Deschutes) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/19 - Black Hops Now @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/20 - 3rd Annivesary Party @Station Taproom, Downingtown, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/20 - Keep the Pint Glass @Capone's, Norristown, Pa. (12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/25 - Yards Tap Takeover @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/27 - Voodoo Barrel Room Collection Release @Blue Dog, Chalfont, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/27 - Crushin’ it for Camp @Paradise Farm Camps, Downingtown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $10-$20)
Sat. 4/27 - Long Trail Brewing Company @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/27 - Delaware on the Dock @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Wed. 4/3 - Beer Class: Saison Week @Alla Spina, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $25)
Thu. 4/4 - Cheers To Beer @National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $35)
Sun. 4/7 - XPN's Big Day Out @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $100-$175)
Sun. 4/7 - Cedar Park Neighbors Scholarship Fundraiser @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $40)
Tue. 4/9 - Mexican Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 4/11 - Beers of Deutschland @Drink Philly HQ, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $30)
Tue. 4/23 - Hop Chef Tour Kickoff @Union Transfer, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $53.30)
Fri. 4/26 - Beer Chemistry: Perfect Pairing @Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $55)
Sat. 4/27 - Manayunk Brew Fest @Manayunk Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $45)
Sat. 4/27 - Historic Tavern Crawl and Craft Beer Tasting @Old City, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $50)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 4/2 - Brewmaster’s Dinner Spring Pairing @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Sat. 4/13 - Fare @The Fuge, Warminster, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $60-$85)
Tue. 4/16 - Terrapin Beer Dinner @Southern Cross Kitchen, Conshohocken, Pa. (7:30 p.m.; $60)
Wed. 4/24 - Beer & Chocolate Perfect Pairing @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $35)
Wed. 4/24 - Left Hand Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (7 p.m.; $70)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Mon. 4/1 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting (Sly Fox) @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $38)
Thu. 4/4 - Atlantic City Beer Week Kick Off Dinner @Mia in Caesars Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ (7:30 p.m.; $115)
Fri. 4/5 & Sat. 4/6 - Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival (Celebration of the Suds) @Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ (see website for all the details)
Sat. 4/6 - Beer and Yoga @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; $30)
Sun. 4/7 - LLS Pig Roast and Beer Fundraiser @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $40)
Mon. 4/8 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting (Victory) @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $38)
Wed. 4/10 - 5 Degrees of Bacon Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (7 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 4/11 - Beer vs. Wine Dinner @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (6 p.m.; $75)
Mon. 4/15 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting (Evil Genius) @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $38)
Wed. 4/17 - Flying Fish Beer Dinner @St. James Gate at Sands Casino, Bethlehem, Pa. (6 p.m.; $50)
Sun. 4/21 - Electric City Brew Fest @Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $37-$67)
Mon. 4/22 - Earth Day Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $65)
Mon. 4/22 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting (Dogfish Head and Allagash) @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $38)
Wed. 4/24 - Chester County Farm & Victory Brewing Dinner @Nectar, Berwyn, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $85)
Sat. 4/27 - McCoole's Beer Festival @Arts & Events Place, Quakertown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10-$35)
Sat. 4/27 - Beer and Chocolate @Éclat Chocolate, West Chester, Pa. (5 p.m.-6:30 p.m., 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $50)
Sun. 4/28 - Craft Beer & Oyster Fest @Doc Magrogan's, West Chester, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $40)
Mon. 4/29 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting (16 Mile) @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $38)
Tue. 4/30 - "When Pigs Fly" Beer Dinner @Union Barrel Works, Reamstown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $45)

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 3/30/13

Rockin' your beer news this holiday weekend. If you're somewhere with spring-like weather, enjoy. If not, well at least you have your beer.

PHILADELPHIA
~ New life in Lafayette Hill.

~ He's been here enough to know well enough, but these are still swell words coming from a non-native.

~ It's back and I'm betting more awesome than before.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Something new for cans.

~ Something new sprouting in the far reaches of suburban Philadelphia.

~ More recognition and high praise.

~ Sounds like upstate New York; interesting.

~ Nice job Flying Fish.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ They finally did it.

~ Growth continues.

~ Congratulations to Mississippi. And then there was one.




Saturday, March 23, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 3/23/13

A bit late this weekend, but fine reading all the same.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Not exactly all "Philly" bars, but close enough I suppose.

~ Been a little while since we've had a good donnybrook.

~ So a brewery/beer garden coming to Citizens Bank Park?

~ Nice focus on Bottle Bar East.

~ A peek at a new beer from Firestone Walker coming to Philly.

~ Some of the best of the best are here in Philadelphia.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Some interesting news from Jack Curtin.

~ The Susquehanna Ale Trail grows.

~ Great week of beer coming up in DC this week for CBC. Here's one great event.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ A sour brewery in Berkeley. Reminds me of Sour Sundays at Triple Rock.

~ Anonymous blogger. Oh boy.



Thursday, March 21, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: March 21 - March 31

And then there was the rest of March. Going out like anything but a lion? Ha!

Check out the entire March 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
@Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/21 - Allagash Reserve Beer Dinner (5 p.m.; $45 featuring a four-course meal and an Allagash beer list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)

@Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/22 - Finch Comes To Philadelphia (6 p.m.; $PAYG as founder Benjamin Finch comes and presents a special event beer list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)


Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Beer Heaven, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/22 - Free Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Evolution.)

@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 3/22 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of a quartet of special treats from Goose Island.)
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 3/29 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Victory's new Swing Session Saison.)

@Capone's, Norristown, Pa.--- Fri. 3/22 - Beer Sampling Event (Susquehanna Brewing Co.) (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of some very nice session beers from Susquehanna Brewing Company)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 3/22 - Free Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Prism.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 3/29 - Free Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Evolution.)

@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 3/22 - Free Samples (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Otter Creek and Wolavers.)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Sat. 3/23 - Free Samples (12 p.m.-2 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Sierra Nevada.)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 3/29 - Free Samples (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Victory.)

@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Thu. 3/21 - Kong is Back…King Kong Double IPA that is (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as Head Brewer, Justin Sproul, releases a true Double IPA.)

@Jamison Pour House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/27 - Yards Night ($PAYG for a draft list of Yards beers still TBA.)

@Local 44 & The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 3/25 - Great Divide Night (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for Great Divide's Titan, Hercules, Orabelle, Heyday, Nomad, Colette, Chocolate Yeti, 19th Anniversary, and Vintage Yeti. Make sure to pop into the Bottle Shop for complementary samples of other Great Divide beers and to meet Head Brewer, Taylor Rees.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/1-Sun. 3/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials from the New Hampshire brewery Smuttynose)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/21 - Smuttynose Night (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG as Smuttynose beers are paired with cheeses from DiBruno Brothers. Draft List includes Star Island Single, Gravitation, Big A IPA, and Robust Porter. $1 off Smuttynose Drafts & Flights. DiBruno Bros. cheese plate $15 and beer flight $20.)

@The Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/22 - Beer Samples (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of canned beers from Sixpoint.)
@The Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/29 - Beer Samples (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Guinness Black Lager and Foreign Extra Stout.)

@Wegmans, Malvern, Pa.--- Thu. 3/21 - Free Sampling (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Evolution.)
@Wegmans, King of Prussia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/28 - Free Sampling (5 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Swing Saison, Headwaters Pale Ale, Golden Monkey, Prima Pils, and so much more.)

@Whole Foods, Devon, Pa.--- Thu. 3/21 - Sampling and Tap Night (5 p.m.; $PAYG for Victory's Swing Saison, Ranch DIPA, Headwaters Pale Ale, Golden Monkey, Prima Pils, and so much more.)


"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@9 Taverns around Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, Pa.--- throughout March 2013 - Northern Exposure ($PAYG as The Abbaye, Bar Ferdinand, Cantina Dos Segundos, El Camino Real, Gunner's Run, North Bowl, North 3rd, Ortlieb's, and Standard Tap pour over 100 unique drafts, never duplicating one amongst them.)

@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 3/25 - Clown Shoes Brewing Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for at least 18 drafts from this Ipswich, MA brewery.)

@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/29 - Dogfish Head Good Fish Friday (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for a fish-focused small bites menu served with Dogfish Head's Hellhound on My Ale, Bitches Brew, Burton Baton, Birra Etrusca, Immort Ale, Rhizing Bines, Aprihop, Palo Santo Marron, 60 Minute, and 75 MInute IPA.)
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/30 - East Coast versus West Coast Punk Rock Brew Tour (6 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of punk, hardcore, and an unending barrage of havoc and mayhem. Not to mention the beers from the East Coast (Smuttynose, Victory, Bronx, and Sixpoint) and the West Coast (Lagunitas, Ballast Point, Oskar Blues, and Sierra Nevada).)

@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/22 - Weyerbacher Woody Weekend (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a bunch of Weyerbacher wood-aged beers on tap on a Friday so that makes for a Weyerbacher Woody Weekend. We'll have a Woody Woodpecker sound-a-like contest, just because we can. Weyerbacher Insanity and Heresy on tap. Weyerbacher Riserva and maybe some Weyerbacher Sour Black in bottles.)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- every Saturday and Thursday in March - Starkbierzeit (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG as each keep-the-glass-night will feature a different doppelbock. We will have traditional Bavarian doppelbocks, American versions that are traditional to the style, and one or two that are non-traditional.)

@Tattooed Mom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/30 - Split Thy Skull (1 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for the city's longest-running barleywine extravaganza.)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Sat. 3/23 - East vs. West Showdown (12 p.m.; $PAYG for a battle of palate supremacy with nine beers from each half of the country.)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/23 - Voodoo Brewing & Pin-Ups (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a tap take-over with Voodoo Brewing & pin-ups from various local tattoo artists. Afterwards take a walk around the corner to see blood & guts by watching the Love City Roller Derby League that we sponsor.)

@The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 3/25 - Round Guys Night (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG to join host Scott Rudich from Round Guys Brewery for a night of their finest hand-crafted beers on tap. Afterwards, sit back and relax while Jason Miller, also known as "j the audiophile" from Bella Vista Beer, takes his turn on the table spinning funk, soul, disco and electro.)

@Tröegs Brewery, Hershey, Pa.--- Wed. 3/27 - Full Moon Firkin (5 p.m.; $PAYG)

@Union Jack's On The Manatawny, Boyertown, Pa.--- Sat. 3/30 - Easter HopFest (12:05 p.m.; $PAYG for a draft list still TBA.)

@Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 3/24 - Philadelphia Real Ale Invitational (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$65 for approximately 27 different cask-conditioned beers. More may be added. Food will be provided, live music supplied, and all receive a commemorative mug. Additionally, the entire brewery space will be open to guests, allowing them to explore Philadelphia’s most sustainable brewery from the Tasting Room to the bottling line.)


Food and Beer events
@Alla Spina, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 3/26 - A Hop Eclipse Now! Beer Dinner (all night; $60 for a four-course meal served with Burton Baton, Aprihop, 75 Minute IPA, and Rhizing Bines.)

@Bottle Bar East, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 3/26 - Cheese and Beer Pairing (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $25 Smuttynose's Finestkind IPA, Shoals Pale Ale, Gravitation Quad, Homunculus, and Vintage Really Old Brown Dog each paired with two cheeses, one that’s fit for pairing and another that doesn’t work. You be the judge.)

@Fair Food Farmstead at the Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/21 - Beer and Cheese Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free pairings of beer and cheese that were featured in the Philly Beer Scene magazine.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Sat. 3/30 - Stone Brunch (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG to join Lee Marren from Stone Brewing as they pour Saison du Buff, Old Guardian, Oak Smoked Old Guardian, Stone IPA, Stone Ruination, and Arrogant Bastard.)

@The Yardley Inn, Yardley, Pa.--- Thu. 3/21 - River Horse Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $55 for a five-course meal served with Hop Hazard, Double Wit, Brewer’s Reserve Smoked Scotch Ale, Coffee Oatmeal Milk Stout, and Rye barrel-aged Tripel Horse)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Thu. 3/21 - Victory Cooks Showdown (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as one back-of-house Chef and one Sous Chef will battle it out to become the Victorious Chef Team and have their names immortalized on the Golden Meat Grinder. This is a three part series and the finale will feature the winning teams from each of the previous three battles to decide once and for all who is the champion.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Drink Philly HQ, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/21 - Beer 101: Become One With Your Beer (7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $20 to teach your taste buds how to be great by sampling a few different beer types, and we'll teach you how your beer likes to be treated.)



Saturday, March 16, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 3/16/13

Just a short list of easy reading here for you this weekend. I began to think that recent week's versions have gotten a bit long, so I'll work on editing down a more "exclusive" list of must-reads.

PHILADELPHIA
~ I don't have my own "epiphany beer", as some claim to. But, this was certainly one of my earliest run-ins with a "not-your-normal" beer circa 1991.

~ Joe Sixpack has some fun with styles.

~ And, Foobooz found some fun picking at NYC.

~ This is only beer-related in the sense that we often like to talk about how responsible we are taking the train around to beer destinations in the city and suburbs.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Reminds me I haven't been to this festival in three years. Hoping to change that this year.

~ Is a brewery still "craft" if they have a robot? ;-)

~ Another west coast brewery coming east.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ He believes as his mother taught him: you can't knock it until you try it.



Thursday, March 14, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: March 14 - March 20

Don't let the green shirt stumblers get in the way of having a great time out there with some great beer. Here are a few dozen ways to do just that.

Check out the entire March 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
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/15 - Fegley's Brew Works Hundred Mile Happy Hour (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a special event draft list brought to by PhillyTapFinder.com)


Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 3/15 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Murphy's Irish Stout and Brooklyn Dry Irish Stout.)

@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/15 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Great Lakes beer)

@Blue Dog, Chalfont, Pa.--- Fri. 3/15 - Welcome Avery Brewing (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for fresh Maharaja Imperial IPA and rare 19th Anniversary and Out of Sight (Out of Bounds Stout with Coffee). Plus, The Reverend, India Pale Ale, and Salvation.)
@Blue Dog, Chalfont, Pa.--- Sat. 3/16 - Free Will Mini-Tap Takeover (9 p.m.; $PAYG for Coffee Oatmeal Brown, Hop Geek #1 Double IPA, and Pale Stout Ale on nitrogen. Enjoy the music of Maddam Ink.)

@Bottle Bar East, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/14 - Evolution Sampling (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Evolution.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 3/15 - Free Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Sierra Nevada.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Sat. 3/16 - Free Tasting (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Victory.)

@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/14 - Pi(e) Day with Yards Brewing (6 p.m.; $PAYG to celebrate Pi(e) Day with pot pies. And, we will also have brownie pie for dessert. Pi Contest at 7 p.m. Pi(e) Trivia at 8 p.m. Yards' Trubbel de Yards, Black Rye IPA, and more. More details to come.)

@Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/20 - Crabbie's Ginger Beer Tasting (5 p.m.; $PAYG)

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 3/18 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Left Hand.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/1-Sun. 3/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials from the New Hampshire brewery Smuttynose)

@Stone's Beverage Center, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/16 - Sampling (2 p.m.-4 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Evolution.)

@The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/14 - MOA Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples from one of the largest New Zealand beer exporters to the United States. The US brand ambassador will be here to talk beer.)
@The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/15 - Beer Sampling (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Americas Oldest Brewery's year-rounds, plus their seasonals.)

@The Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/15 - Beer Samples (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of all of Stoudt's lineup, including Karnival Kölsch.)

@The Foodery (10th/Pine), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 3/19 - Free Tasting (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Philadelphia Brewing beers and Commonwealth ciders.)

@Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.--- Thu. 3/14 - Sampling and Tap Night (5 p.m.; $PAYG for Victory's Swing Saison, Ranch DIPA, Mad King Weiss, Rye Expression, Nato IPA, Golden Monkey, and more. We will be sampling many Victory beers as well.)


"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@9 Taverns around Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, Pa.--- throughout March 2013 - Northern Exposure ($PAYG as The Abbaye, Bar Ferdinand, Cantina Dos Segundos, El Camino Real, Gunner's Run, North Bowl, North 3rd, Ortlieb's, and Standard Tap pour over 100 unique drafts, never duplicating one amongst them.)

@Eulogy, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/20 - Evolution Tap Takeover (6 p.m.; $PAYG Menagerie 8, Wandering Monk, Prelude Black, Prelude Gold, Winter Migration, Lot 3, and Lot 6. Owner Tom Knorr and Brewmaster Geoff Debisschop will be in attendance.)

@Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa.--- Sat. 3/16 - The Great Allentown Brew Works Cask Beer Festival (3 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $40-$45 for a minimum of 28 cask-conditioned beer selections, vendor tables, and an Irish themed buffet.)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- every Saturday and Thursday in March - Starkbierzeit (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/15 - Philly Painting Lager Beer Release (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a collaboration beer brewed with Philly Painting and Head Brewer Paul Rutherford, who is beautifying the 2500–2800 block of Germantown Avenue.)
@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Sat. 3/16 - Green Beer Boycott (1 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for Irish-inspired fare and Irish Red Ale, Dry Stout, North Coast Old Rasputin, and Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout on tap.)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Sat. 3/16 - St. Patrick’s Day Celebration of Stouts (1 p.m.; $PAYG for McDade-Cara School of Irish Dance, Irish-inspired fare. Beers include Irish Dry Stout, Russian Imperial Stout, Shokolad Stout, Señor Chocolatoro, Vanilla Russian Imperial Stout, and Cask-conditioned Bourbon-aged Señor Chocolatoro. A prize for most decked-out Irish duds.)

@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/14 - Victory Pint Night (5 p.m.; $PAYG for a great line up of Victory beers featuring their new Spring seasonal, Swing Session.)

@Rino's Restaurant, Exton, Pa.--- Mon. 3/18 - March Madness (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for several rounds of great beer facing off against each other.)
@Rino's Restaurant, Exton, Pa.--- Wed. 3/20 - Long Trail Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Long Trail's Hibernator, Double IPA, Double White, and Coffee Stout.)

@Side Bar, West Chester, Pa.--- Mon. 3/18 - Special Beer Event (11 a.m.; $PAYG for great beers from Dogfish Head, Goose Island, Firestone Walker, Avery, Lost Abbey, The Bruery, and a couple of extra special ones from Russian River, you may have heard of one of them.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 3/15 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG when in honor of St. Patrick's Day, O'Reilly's Stout will be flowing from the handpump in addition to Standard Porter, a lighter-bodied London style porter, and our incredibly smooth Oatmeal Stout.)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sun. 3/17 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp Finale (6 p.m.; $PAYG as someone will win a trip to Ireland. See website for all the details.)

@Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/20 - RedFish Firkin (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)


Food and Beer events
@Bistro On Bridge, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Thu. 3/14 - Dogfish Head Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $50 for a five-course meal served with Dogfish Head's Aprihop, Burton Baton, 75 Minute IPA, Rhizing Bines, and Indian Brown Ale.)

@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/16 - Moa Brunch (10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG for Moa's Breakfast Beer— a blend of premium wheat malt, floral Nelson hops and cherries, specifically designed as a European-style breakfast beer. Bottles of Moa Imperial Stout (aged in Pinot Noir barrels) will be available. Also, Chris Knight, a Moa representative, will be on hand and the kitchen will serve special brunch items to complement the beer.)

@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 3/17 - St. Patrick's Day Brunch (10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG for several St. Patrick's Day specials, including Green Eggs & Ham, full Irish Breakfast, Irish Soda Bread French Toast, and Steel-cut Oatmeal with berries. We will have a bunch of Irish style beer on tap including: Sly Fox Seamus Ale; Great Lakes Conway's Irish Ale; and more. We will also have a large selection of Irish whiskeys.)

@Han Dynasty, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 3/19 - Allagash Beer Dinner (Details and Price TBD)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 3/20 - Vertical Beer Dinner with Evil Twin and Mikkeller (7 p.m.; $70 for five courses of food served with Evil Twin's Low Life Pilsner, Femme Fatale Brett, All Occasions IPA, The Beer Formerly Known As Blackout, and Phat Porter and Mikkeller's 10, Sort Gul, 19, Monk's Elixir, and Black Hole Stout.)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 3/17 - St. Patrick's Day Irish Brunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.; $PAYG for Irish dry stout and Irish red ale with special Irish brunch features.)

@JG Domestic, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/14 - Avery Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a four-course meal paired with Odio Equum, Hog Heaven, The Maharaja, and The Reverend.)

@Uno Chicago Grill, Deptford, NJ--- Wed. 3/20 - Spring Fling Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $55 for a five-course meal paired with Big Ern's, Verboten, Blithering Idiot, Mango Double Simcoe (cask), and Merry Monks.)


Exercise the brain
@Alla Spina, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/20 - Cellaring Beer (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $25 to learn everything you need to know to start your own beer cellar.)

@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/16 - Malt House Homebrew Contest (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG for a collaboration with the Malt House. Prizes given for top two winners. E-mail the brewery for more information.)

@High Street Grill, Mt. Holly, NJ--- Thu. 3/14 - Flying Fish Trivia and F.U. Sandy Tapping @High Street Grill, Mt. Holly, NJ (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for some fun trivia, FU Sandy & Exit 4 on tap, plus RedFish on the hand pump.)

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/20 - Beer School (5 p.m.; $Free to get some in-depth beer training right along side our staff. Samples of each beer we will discuss are being offered as our treat to you during the class.)



Wednesday, March 13, 2013

The Brewer's Plate at the National Constitution Center: March 10, 2013

After failing to show pictures to you from The Brewer's Plate in 2012 until just a few days ago, I figured I should better keep close tabs on myself to ensure that I get something out to you in a bit timelier fashion this time around. (See this year's pictures farther below.)

As for the 2013 Brewer's Plate, it was another spectacular display at the intersection of great beer and food in Philadelphia this past Sunday evening. For the second consecutive year, the National Constitution Center played host to nearly seventy local bakers, brewers, cheesemakers, chefs, chocolatiers, distillers, and ice cream makers. With the country's Founding Fathers in attendance and the Liberty Bell serving as a backdrop, the event solidified its position as one of the country's leading presentations of beer, food, and the combination of the two.

What, in hindsight, now seems like quaint beginnings at the (quite suitable) Reading Terminal Market back in 2005 has turned into a majestic sampling of beer and food (along with a few other select alcoholic beverages that have snuck in during recent years) for which all proceeds benefit Fair Food Philly. Here's a simple man's view of the event in 2006.

In 2013, the breweries are more numerous, the food more creative, and number of attendees greater than ever. One thing, though, has not changed — that is, the careful planning and attention to detail that goes into each deliberate pairing of restaurant and brewery. Without this, I believe discriminating palates would see right through a weaker effort and abandon this event. However, the enthusiasm and resulting opinions of The Brewer's Plate are higher than ever before.

Take, for example, in the VIP area where rising stars on local the brewing scene, Forest & Main and Tired Hands, put on a great show pairing, respectively, their Le Jeune with cheeses from Yellow Springs Farm and FarmHands with cheeses from long-time friend-of-Tired-Hands, Birchrun Hills Farm.

But, it was Tired Hands' Mrs. Pigman that became one of the most talked about beers at this event. While numerous food and beer items were overheard being discussed amongst attendees across the festival venue, likely no beer got more air time amongst the beer geeks than this Triple IPA from Ardmore in suburban Ardmore. If I recall correctly, owner/brewer Jean Broillet referred to this 11.5% ABV as his "reactionary beer" nod to the perenially-hyped Pliny The Younger from Russian River Brewing Company in California. Mrs. Pigman exhibits a slightly less weighty mouthfeel while still delivering a whole lot of hop, fruit, and floral flavors and well-disguised alcohol. Dare I say it was just as tasty yet even more drinkable than that beer from Santa Rosa? Will lines begin forming around the block in downtown Ardmore for future releases of this beer? Many questions to explore with future research :)

Beer and cheese. That was easy, right? Every month that goes by, more folks are catching on to this inevitably and undeniably ideal pairing of food and beverage with beer and cheese events dotting the calendar at brewpubs, tasting rooms, and restaurants around the country.

Also in the VIP area, Fork Restaurant from Old City was serving up a nice plate of barley sausage (braised in barleywine) that was fine-and-dandy on its own, but was more than happy to be joined for the party by a Braumeister Pilsner from Victory — though, that was my pairing not the "intended" one.

How about some more bratwurst and beer? When it comes from Brauhaus Schmitz (and acclaimed chef, Jeremy Nolen), topped with beer-braised sauerkraut and Pilsner horseradish mustard, it becomes a slam-dunk winner paired with Neshaminy Creek's phenomenal Trauger Pilsner.

Another sandwich and beer winning combination was Sly Fox's rich and sturdy Ichor (quadrupel) which stood up to and paired nicely with the Cochon De Lait Po-Boy from Royal Tavern in South Philly. I made the mistake (well, not really a mistake) of thinking the Pikeland Pils went nicely with the sandwich — and it did, for sure — but, oh boy, when the brewery's sales manager, Patrick Mullin, served up the maltiness of the Ichor against the burnt edges of the pig meat? Perfection.

I wasn't doing the cider that it was being paired with, but I did have to restrain myself from asking for seconds of the Duck Confit-Foie Gras Bahn Mi from London Grill. Tremendous. Will need to keep this in mind to look for next time I'm in Fairmount.

Also earning accolades in my book without a specific pairing partner (though, they were paired with the equally delicious beers from Bullfrog, the pairing wasn't working for me; could just be me, of course) was the incredible Venetian Meatball plated up by the fine folks over at C19 Chichetteria on Rittenhouse Square. Again, self-control kept me from grabbing for a second one.

McKenzie Brew House was back again on my "winners list" with two beers they brought from their new Devon location (overlooking US202 across from the Gateway Shopping Center), Valleymaker Imperial Stout and McKenzie de Luxe Strong Saison. As in the past (and I had to do it twice on this particular evening), I strongly encourage anyone who downplays the brewpub as a result of only ever having tried the "house beers" to give them a shot at any one of their locations (Devon, Frazer/Malvern, Glen Mills) and get into a few of beers like these two. There's constantly a rotation of beers that are bound to satisfy beer geeks of every stripe.

Dock Street makes some great beer in West Philly. They have a new neighbor, less than a year old, just a few blocks away making great ice cream. Beer and ice cream. Surely you've heard they go well together. It didn't take long for these two local entities to do something with their culinary creativity. In the VIP "Speakeasy", amongst a room full of spirits and sweets, Weckerly's (43rd and Baltimore) incorporated the brewery's Man Full Of Trouble Porter into their ice cream recipe of molasses and chocolate-covered brown butter shortbread cookies. Now you've got at least three reasons to head west of Penn's campus (the third being Local 44, if you didn't guess). I'd give you more reasons, but start with those three.

Beer with Cheese. or Pork. or Chocolate. or Ice Cream. Some of the most heavenly combinations in the world of food and beverage. The Brewer's Plate once again delivered more than any one attendee could ask for or reasonably consume. Yet, no one appeared to be complaining.

Throughout the evening, the Hoppin' John Orchestra, again in 2013, entertained the crowd with music that kept the joint hopping (with a name like that, they'd better right?) hitting a crescendo with a "walk-around" just before closing down the event for another successful year showcasing the best of beer and food in Philadelphia.



The majestic National Constitution Center once again played host to The Brewer's Plate.


Ben Franklin holding court in the Signers Hall. He looks like he could use a beer.


Jean Broillet and Jon Defibaugh serving up their much-lauded beers from Tired Hands Brewing Company.


Gerard Olson and Daniel Endicott showcasing their Forest & Main beers.


Some tough guys have Dogfish Head's back.


An excellent bite of sausage from Fork.


Weckerly paired with Dock Street. Makes sense given that they are neighbors just a few blocks apart in West Philly.


That sneaky Budweiser always trying to muscle in where it doesn't belong/is not wanted.


Hoppin' John Orchestra kept things swinging right up until last call.


Saturday, March 09, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 3/9/13

A healthy variety of news from the Philadelphia region and beyond. Some fun, some controversial. Enjoy your weekend reading. Later, go grab a beer with friends; it shouldn't be too hard this weekend to find a beer event to your liking, right?

PHILADELPHIA
~ It will always be Dickens Inn to me.

~ Cool news I picked up by way of Grub Street.

~ And some more great news for an old spot.

~ And with this news, Philly Beer Week 2013 is on!

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ The Monkeys are out of the barrel.

~ The privatization of Pennsylvania's LCB. Here we go again. Next verse, same as the last how many? Or is there a new day coming?

~ A mid-Atlantic guy winds up in Sarasota.

~ The 1107th richest man in the world. Or the 359th in the U.S. At $1.3B, not too shabby.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Firestone and barrels. We've been saying that for a while. Now, look what they've been up to.

~ Excellent quote: "As soon as you say you want to be more like wine, the battle is lost"

~ Please let's hope this goes away, because it doesn't deserve to be a real case.

~ A fine debate to discuss the "I still don't get it"-crowd.

~ If you're citing Bitter American, that's a pretty good start in my mind.

~ If I ever run the Boston Marathon (not very likely, given the challenging qualification times), I'd be very happy to see this beer at the finish line.

~ This heart-warming quote amongst other exclusive material at BeerPulse.com (“Our belief is to focus on our own history of innovation rather than running around trying to copy other people.”)



Friday, March 08, 2013

The Brewer's Plate 2012 (yes, 2012)

In light of my embarrassing discovery that I never pushed these pictures out to you last year for your consumption (and, maybe, enjoyment), I come to you humbled with pictures and a few words from last year's Brewer's Plate in Philadelphia. I figured it might play nicely here two days prior to the 2013 installment of what is often referred to as one of the country's finest displays at the intersection of food and beer.

Once you've checked out and reminisced on the past, hit up this link and help these guys sell out before Sunday, which they will. So, don't procrastinate too much longer.

(View of the National Constitution Center from Arch Street.)

(The Signers with beer)

(The Signers with beer)

(Cheese, with beer? Of course.)

(A whole roasted suckling pig. Is there anything better at a beer festival?

(Distrito's lucha libre wrestling mask)

(South Philadelphia Tap Room table always a popular one)

(Majestic ciew from upstairs at the two-level Brewer's Plate festival. A far cry from the early days at the homey Reading Terminal Market)

(Keswick Creamery bringing the dairy goodness)

(El Camino Real entrancing display makes you want to look, look away, and look back again.)

(The guys from West Chester's Boxcar Brewing Company)

(Bent Spoon making Russian River Consecration "floats")

(Hoppin' John Orchestra swinging it)

(Mrs. Brew Lounge, Nick Johnson (back), and the Patrick-and-Tracy-Sly Fox-reppin' tag-team)

Thursday, March 07, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: March 7 - March 13

In Philadelphia, nothing can touch the semi-annual Craft Beer Express this coming Saturday, March 9. All events are listed below and they promise a day full of fun times in the city. Other than that? Meh. Just another full seven days of over three dozen events to keep thing hopping through March.

Check out the entire March 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
@Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/7 - Night Of The Great Hop (4 p.m.; $PAYG for a special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/7 - Victory Swing Session Saison Launch (4 p.m.; $PAYG for a special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/8 - HopSlam (6 p.m.; $PAYG for a special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
@9 Taverns around Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, Pa.--- throughout March 2013 - Northern Exposure ($PAYG as The Abbaye, Bar Ferdinand, Cantina Dos Segundos, El Camino Real, Gunner's Run, North Bowl, North 3rd, Ortlieb's, and Standard Tap pour over 100 unique drafts, never duplicating one amongst them. And, PhillyTapFinder.com is keeping tabs on their taps.)


Craft Beer Express rolls through Philly
The ever-popular Craft Beer Express continues on with its spring 2013 edition. PhillyTapFinder.com is, you guessed it, keep tabs on their special event taps as well.
@Bishop's Collar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - The Great Gazoo (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for some of the rarer & harder to get beers from Shangy's. $10 bus ticket if you wish to ride the bus between participating establishments.)
@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Starkbierfest (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for 12 bocks that will rock your f#&king world. $10 bus ticket if you wish to ride the bus between participating establishments.)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Mid-Atlantic Brewery Tour (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for some of the best breweries in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, & New York. We will have limited, seasonal, & one off beers from Yards, Stoudt's, Ommegang, Brooklyn, Flying Fish, & more. $10 bus ticket if you wish to ride the bus between participating establishments.)
@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Fifth Annual Stout Brunch (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for a wide array of local stouts on draft from dry Irish stouts to oyster stouts to Russian imperial stouts. We will also be specially pouring Dock Street "O'Really?" - a dry stout collaboration brewed at Dock Street with Johnny Brenda's co-owner, William Reed. We will have an awesome full Irish Breakfast on the menu in addition to our regular brunch menu, plus a Smorgasbord, and an array of delicious oysters. $10 bus ticket if you wish to ride the bus between participating establishments.)
@Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - The Dual Birthday Party for Chuck Norris & Webster (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for half pints of kick-ass beers featuring Orkney's Skull Splitter. Photo ops with both Webster & Chick Norris. Other kick-ass beers will be announced as added on our website and Facebook page. $10 bus ticket if you wish to ride the bus between participating establishments.)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Featuring Firestone Walker (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for an amazing array of beers that we have already secured and we are expecting a few surprises. $10 bus ticket if you wish to ride the bus between participating establishments.)
@Kraftwork, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - The Return of Two Brothers Brewing (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for Two Brothers Brewery's 10 flavors including a Gluten-Free Golden Ale on draft. $10 bus ticket if you wish to ride the bus between participating establishments.)
@Pub On Passyunk East (the P.O.P.E.), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Lock, Stock, and 12 Oaken Barrels (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for 12 amazing oak-aged beers from barrels of gin, Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill, and other bourbons, as well as Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and more. $10 bus ticket if you wish to ride the bus between participating establishments.)
@Race Street Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Lights Out At Race Street (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for our annual goodbye to the dark beers of winter featuring Scotch, Brown, and Black ales. $10 bus ticket if you wish to ride the bus between participating establishments.)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Big Banging Barleywine Bonanza (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for 16 rare barleywines on tap for the day so come with your A-game. $10 bus ticket if you wish to ride the bus between participating establishments.)
@The Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - IPA's Greatest Hits (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for the best IPA and DIPA offerings from around the globe. We’re lining the Lucky 13 with an individual line up each day, 36-40 total, maybe even a firkin or two. $10 bus ticket if you wish to ride the bus between participating establishments.)


Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 3/8 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Atwater Block Vanilla Java Porter and Decadent.)

@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/8 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Bock Beers and an appearance by Joe Sixpack behind the bar.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Thu. 3/7 - Free Tasting (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Budweiser Black Crown.)

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 3/11 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/1-Sun. 3/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials from Smuttynose)

@Pearly Baker's, Easton, Pa.--- Thu. 3/7 - Killer Craft Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Victory's Swing Saison, Storm King, Ranch DIPA, HopDevil, and more in house.)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Sun. 3/10 - Two Brothers Returns (10 a.m.; $PAYG as Two Brothers from Chicago makes their triumphant return to our market with a sweet release party. Details TBA.)

@The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/13 - Stoudt's U Buy The Glass (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10 for a Stoudt's glass kept filled for two hours.)

@The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Saturday Beer Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free for a sampling of a few from the Three Heads big bottle series.)
@The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/7 - Beer Sampling (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Flying Fish Brewery's awesome brews.)
@The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 3/10 - Beer Sampling (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of too many beers to name from Otter Creek and Wolavers, just get your butts in here. Sample some beers which watching Walking Dead.)

@The Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/8 - Beer Samples (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of some of Neshaminy Creek's best including Trauger Pils.)
@The Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Beer Samples (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples as Evolution brewery stops in for the first time.)

@Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.--- Thu. 3/7 - First Thursday Beer Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples)


"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Blue Dog, Chalfont, Pa.--- Sun. 3/10 - Pliny The Younger (11 a.m.; $PAYG for Russian River's Pliny The Younger and Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout, Hill Farmstead Harlan IPA, Bear Republic Tartare Berliner Weissbier, Haandbryggeriet Odin's Tipple Dark Norse Ale, Bear Republic Racer X Double IPA, Green Flash Palate Wrecker Imperial IPA, and lots more.)

@Capone's, Norristown, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Meet the Owner/Brewer (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG to meet the owner and brewer from Bullfrog Brewery in Williamsport, Pa.)

@Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/13 - Illuminator is Bock (4 p.m.; $PAYG for this Doppelbock from the "old days". Bavarian-influenced pizza and Illuminator ice cream will be available all night.)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- every Saturday and Thursday in March - Starkbierzeit (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 3/13 - Craft After Dark (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a selection of Two Brothers beers)

@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Release the Hounds (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of Winston’s Wee Heavy, named in honor of Head Brewer Vince Desrosier’s rescued dog, Winston. Bring in a picture of your dog in costume for a housemade dog biscuit. The winning picture will receive a doggy gift pack.)

@Lake House, Newfield, NJ--- Thu. 3/7 - Regal Wines versus Weyerbacher Breweries (7 p.m.; $75 for a friendly competition between wine and beer during a five-course meal specially-selected to compliment each course, along with live music and great ambiance. At the end of the evening, our guests will select the winner.)

@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 3/11 - Mad Monday: Pliny the Younger (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for this cash-only event and 100% of that cash will go to Alex's Lemonade Stand. Last year we raised $20,000 in one day. Let's see if we can top last year's haul. We'll have a few raffles of beer rarities. 100 tickets for each raffle.)

@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Of Belgian Inspiration (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for our event highlighting all things Belgian. Some of our crowd favorites (including the very limited floral-infused Tripel) will make an appearance.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 3/12 - Hitchcockian Dinner Beer & a Movie (7 p.m.; $PAYG for an Alfred Hitchcock Day celebration with two movie screenings, first Birds at 7 p.m. followed by Psycho. Specials on Finch's Cut Throat Pale Ale and Weyerbacher Insanity during the movies. Kitchen specials too: Psycho Bird Bites (breaded chicken minis with Psycho Hot Sauce) and Insanity Wings (Grilled wings with Insanity glaze).)

@Downtown Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Phoenixville Pub Crawl (12 p.m.; $PAYG to stop at eight establishments featuring events and beers from Arcadia Ales, Allagash, Firestone Walker, Rogue Ales, Dogfish Head, Tröegs, Sly Fox, Starr Hill, Weyerbacher, Green Flash, Founders, Bear Republic, DuClaw, The Bruery, Kronenbourg 1664, & Ommegang.)

@Railroad Street Bar & Grill, Linfield, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Dogfish Head Tap Takeover (12 p.m.; $PAYG for 16 different DFH drafts including Namaste, Hellhound, World Wide Stout, Theobroma, Immort Ale, Burton Baton, Palo Santo, Ta Henket, Midas Touch, Birra Etrusca, Chickory Stout, My Antonia, Noble Rot, Miles Davis Bitches Brew, 60 Minute, 75 Minute, 90 Minute, and 120 Minute. Don't forget the giveaways and the 75 Minute bottle raffle.)

@River Horse Brewing Company, Lambertville, NJ--- Sat. 3/9 - River Horse Cask Festival (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $12 for your first beer and your choice of River Horse glassware - all beers afterwards will cost $5. In addition to pouring our 4 year round offerings and our Spring seasonal, Double Wit, we will also be pouring casks of Tripel Horse aged on Bourbon Oak Chips, Hop-A-Lot-Amus DIPA with grapefruit peel, Hop Hazard Dry Hopped with Citra hops, and Special Ale aged on Vanilla Bean. As far as food and non-alcoholic drinks, we'll be supplying soft pretzels and water for no extra charge.)

@Round Guys Brewery, Lansdale, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Official Grand Opening Celebration (12 p.m.; $PAYG for beer and food specials, prizes, and giveaways. Live music from The Fermentors at 9 p.m.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Tue. 3/12 - Tasty Tuesday: Two Brothers Brewing is Back with Vengeance ($PAYG to meet Brahm from Two Brothers Brewing and Cain and Ebel, Domaine DuPage, Northwind Imperial Stout, The Bitter End Pale Ale, Outlaw IPA, Long Haul, Prairie Path, and Ebel’s Weiss on tap.)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Weihenstephan Tap Takeover (12 p.m.; $PAYG for a unique lineup of Vitus Weizenbock, Korbinian Dopplebock, Pilsner, Krystall Weissbier, Hefeweissbier Dunkel, and White Hoplosion from the world's oldest brewery. Plus, German-themed food dishes.)


Food and Beer events
@Cantina Feliz, Fort Washington, Pa.--- Mon. 3/4-Sun. 3/10 - Weeklong Round Guys Beer Dinner ($40 for a four-course meal paired with Sunrise Mill Saison, Blackback Black IPA, Fat Bob Tripel, and Stout Ice Cream.)

@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 3/10 - Bullfrog Brunch (10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG to meet the brewery's owner and brewer and pourings of Edgar IPA, Aggro Funky Witbier, Sacre Bleu Blueberry Farmhouse, and Pomme Par Jour Apple Farmhouse. $1 off all Bullfrog drafts and flights.)

@For Pete's Sake, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/13 - Stoudt's Suds & Sliders Tap Takeover (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of specials on sliders and beers from Lancaster County's Stoudt's Brewery.)

@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 3/8 - Beer & Chocolate Pairing (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for four chocolates paired with Saison, Grandma Drum’s Wee Heavy, Pig Iron Porter, and Overload Stout.)

@National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 3/10 - The Brewer's Plate (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $70-$140 for 20 local restaurants, 20 local craft breweries, spirits, sweets, and more.)

@Sam Adams Grille, Breinigsville, Pa.--- Sat. 3/9 - Sam Adams Beer & Decadent Chocolate Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $49 for a 2-hour tasting adventure of eight craft beers and a delicious assortment of five chocolates.)


Boot Camp to keep you in shape
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG; See website for all the details.)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG; See website for all the details.)


Other mental exercise and dose of charity
@Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 3/7 - Charity Cask Night (5 p.m.; $PAYG for cask-conditioned beer where 100% of proceeds go to The Center for Animal Health and Welfare.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/13 - Beer School (4 p.m.; $Free to get some in-depth beer schooling along with our staff. Samples of the day's curriculum is our gift to you for good attendance.)