Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Beer Calendar: What To Do in December 2013

Another year-end and its holidays are upon us and it gives us a chance to look back and appreciate (give thanks, if you will) for the bounty of beer that we have access to here in and around Philadelphia. These days, there truly is a beer for every taste and a beer event to suit every pleasure and pocketbook. Here's a list of a mere hundred or more events occuring throughout December to keep the holiday cheer flowing. May we all have a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season. See you in 2014.

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
throughout December 2013 - Brewery of the Month (He'brew) @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 12/2 - Happy Hour (Oskar Blues) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Mon. 12/2 - Firestone Walker Release Party with David Walker @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 12/2 - Firestone Walker In The House @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 12/3 - Aged Consecration & Worldwide Stout @Bierstube, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 12/3 - 12 0-3 Dogfish Head Beer event @Eulogy, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 12/3 - Beer School (December subject: TBA) @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 12/3 - A Christmas Story with Great Lakes Brewing @Lucky's Last Chance, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/4 - Beer School (December subject: TBA) @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/5 - Repeal Day @The Cambridge, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/5 - Sam Adams Night @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/6 - Christmas Ale Spectacular @The Victoria Freehouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/6 - Anchor OSA Flashback @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/7 - Iceberg Beer Release @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/7 - Coffee, Chocolate & Barrel Aged Event @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/8 - Santa Visits the Bottle Shop @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/8 - 10th Anniversary Party @Good Dog Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $20)
Mon. 12/9 - Happy Hour (Yards) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 12/10 - Win A Trip To Belgium @Field House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/11 - Beer School (December subject: TBA) @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/11 - Allagash Tap Takeover - Ugly Sweater Edition @The Cambridge, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/13 - Friday The Firkinteenth @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/13 and Sat. 12/14 - Christmas Extravaganza @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sun. 12/15 - Brunch with Santa @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 12/16 - Happy Hour (Dominion) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 12/18 - Beer School (December subject: TBA) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/18 - Goose Island Tap Invasion & Migration @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/18 - Yards Brewery Tap Takeover @Lemon Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/19 - Mad Elf Night @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/22 - Festivus @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/25 - Christmas Morning Brunch @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/26 - Boxing Day @The Victoria Freehouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/26 - Boxing Day @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/27 - Finally Friday Beer Tasting (The Shed) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 12/3 - Tröegs and Mad Elf @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 12/4 - Allagash Tap Takeover @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/4 - Great Lakes Christmas Ale Tapping @Fingers Wings and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 12/5 - Firestone Walker Tap Takeover @The Pour House, Westmont, NJ (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/5 - Evolution Tap Takeover @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/6 - Friday Night Sampling (Flying Fish) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/6 - Weyerbacher Tasting @Wegmans, Cherry Hill, NJ (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/6 - Friday Night Sampling (Tröegs) @Ambler Beverage Exchange, Ambler, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/6 - Rudolph’s Revenge Release Party @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/12 - Goose Island 12 Beers of Geesemas @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/12 through Tue. 12/24 - The Twelve Beers Of Christmas @The Pour House, Westmont, NJ ($PAYG)
Fri. 12/13 - Friday Night Sampling (Philadelphia Brewing) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Sun. 12/15 - The Great Stout Bout @The Pour House, Westmont, NJ ($PAYG)
Tue. 12/17 - Shelton Christmas IV: A New Poem @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 12/19 - Sam Adams Rebel IPA Tasting @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/22 - Night Before Christmas @Forest and Main, Ambler, Pa. ($PAYG)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 12/4 - Armstrong Ales Happy Hour @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/4 - Charity Cask Night (Allentown Residents for Clean Air) @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/4 - Winter Warmer Release Party @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/5 - Dogfish Head Beer Tasting @Total Wine, Claymont, Del. (3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 12/5 - Charity Cask Night (Autism Speaks) @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/5 - End Of The Year Party @Appetites On Main, Exton, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/6 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Phoenixville and Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/6 - The American Craft Beer Cookbook Book Signing @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/6 - Craft Beer Tasting @Total Wine, Claymont, Del. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/6 - Ugly Sweater Party @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/6 - Steal the Cheer Beer Release @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/6 - Milk & Cookies with Santa @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/6 - Holiday Beer Tasting @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/6 - Allgash Tap Take-over @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/6 and Sat. 12/7 - Wild Game Weekend @Stewart's Brewing Company, Bear, Del. ($PAYG)
Sat. 12/7 - 10th Anniversary Party @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/8 - 10th Anniversary Aftermath Brunch @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. (11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/8 - Winter Warmer Release Party @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/11 - Weyerbacher Tap Takeover and Radio Feature @Geraghty's, Burlington, NJ (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/11 - Old Dominion Brewery-Pinup Girl Beers @Ulysses Gastropub, Wilmington, Del. ($PAYG)
Thu. 12/12 - Craft Beer Tasting @Total Wine, Claymont, Del. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/13 and Sat. 12/14 - 18th Anniversary Weekend @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 12/14 - Children’s Holiday Luncheon with Santa @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/14 - Craft Beer Tasting @Total Wine, Claymont, Del. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 12/14 - Bob’s Barrels @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/14 - Burning of the Phoenix @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (2 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/19 - Craft Beer Tasting @Total Wine, Claymont, Del. (3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 12/19 - Craft Beer Tasting @Total Wine, Claymont, Del. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 12/19 - Yuletide One On @Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/20 - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/20 - Craft Beer Tasting @Total Wine, Claymont, Del. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/20 - Ugly Sweater Party @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/22 - Bah Humbug Sour Tap Takeover @John J. Jeffries, Lancaster, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Sun. 12/1 - Scrambled Eggs & Wobbly Legs: A Beer Lovers Brunch @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $35)
Thu. 12/5 - Brew and Chew @Cavanaugh's Headhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $20-$25)
Fri. 12/6 - Wells Imperial Pairings Dinner @The Victoria Freehouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $30)
Sun. 12/8 - Bacon and Beer Festival @Hotel Monaco, Philadelphia, Pa. (12:30 p.m.-5 p.m.; $45-$60)
Tue. 12/10 - Elements of Beer @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Tue. 12/10 - Holiday Beer Dinner @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $85)
Wed. 12/11 - Brew and Chew @Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $25)
Sat. 12/14 - LLS Ugly Sweater Holiday Party @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $50)
Wed. 12/18 - Victory Beer Dinner @The Goat's Beard, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $50)
Fri. 12/20 - Craft Beer & Food Pairing @The Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $56.99)
Fri. 12/27 - Winter Beer Festival @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $40)
Tue. 12/31 - New Year's Eve Beer Dinner @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. seatings; $TBD)
Tue. 12/31 - New Year's Eve Gala @Manayunk Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-12 a.m.; $65-$85)
Tue. 12/31 - New Year's Eve Beer Bash @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $125)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Mon. 12/9 - Beer School @Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $30)
Mon. 12/9 - Weyerbacher Beer Dinner @The Hyatt, Morristown, NJ ($45)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 12/5 - Beer and Breakfast for Dinner @Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, Pa. ($TBD)
Sat. 12/7 - Craft Beer Festival @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $10-$45)
Sat. 12/7 - Valley Forge Beer Festival @Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, Pa. (12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10-$60)
Sun. 12/8 - Brunch with Santa @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $25 ($12 for children))
Wed. 12/11 - Goose Islands Sour Sisters @Station Taproom, Downingtown, Pa. (3 p.m.; $35)
Thu. 12/12 - Holiday Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $65)
Sat. 12/14 - Beer and Yoga @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; $25)
Sat. 12/28 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (3 p.m.; $40)
Tue. 12/31 - Hop Drop 2014 @Vault Brewing Company, Yardley, Pa. (9 p.m.-1 a.m.; $75-$85)





Monday, November 25, 2013

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Room set to open in Berkeley, Calif.

(Management and staff has been eagerly preparing and awaiting your arrival when the Torpedo Room opens on Nov. 26, 2013.)

During my last swing through northern California, I was invited to stop by what was, at the time, the future home of the Torpedo Room in Berkeley. During my visit, I could see that they were, by and large, ready to open their doors to the thirsty public on the west side of Berkeley. The address is 2031 4th Street along the southern end of the half-mile long and continually expanding Fourth Street corridor of shops, restaurants, and residential.

(Special delivery for the Torpedo Room from a local craftsman in nearby Richmond.)

As of tomorrow, November 26, it will no longer be the future home as they have received all the legal clearance to begin selling beer to the public.

Coincidentally, the evening I stopped by was the evening that a crew was preparing to mount an impressive sign, crafted in nearby Richmond, Calif., above the front entrance. I met a good portion of the staff that will be running and manning the bar. They were putting the finishing touches on what will be a distinctly Sierra Nevada experience, minus the trek to Chico.

The space inside has nice touches from lauter tun false bottoms serving as table tops to Erlenmeyer flasks as lamp shades above the bar. An educational and retail display can be found in one corner of the bar, while coolers of takeout beer are positioned at the other end. Plus, a replica brewhouse tile floor in between. The word education is intended to play as big a role in the execution of the Torpedo Room as the beer. Part of the stated mission of the brewery's outpost is to help educate their customer as they are tasting and appreciating the beers.

(A full beer bar at Sierra Nevada's Torpedo Room including an Alfred Gruber growler filler station.)

As you can imagine, as a showcase of the company's best, the beer board will read as a who's who of Sierra Nevada brews. Some will be year-round mainstays, others will be special/rare limited distribution brews, and the occasional others will be drafts and bottles found only on-premise at Sierra Nevada. For opening day, the beer geek in you might enjoy finding Barrel-Aged Torpedo (as seen in the draft board above, drawn up well before opening day, likely to entice passerbys into a frothy salivation!).

The Torpedo Room has wasted no time marking up the beer event calendar. On Wednesday, December 4, they will be hosting Dr. Charles W. Bamforth for a night of brewing science education. It will be a chance to learn just how much about beer you really don't know.

For reference, the Torpedo Room can be found at 2031 4th Street, Berkeley and is barely a block from the Berkeley Amtrak station, just under a mile from The Rare Barrel Tasting Room, just over a mile from the North Berkeley BART station, and just under two miles from the Shattuck Avenue Shopping District (home to Triple Rock and Jupiter brewery restaurants) in Downtown Berkeley.

(Preparing to hang the entrance door sign.)

(16 draft lines of Sierra Nevada beer at the Torpedo Room in Berkeley, Calif.)

(Table tops made from lauter tun false bottoms and ingredients as visual aids for educating the Torpedo Room customers.)

(Do the unique Erlenmeyer flask light fixtures take you back to chemistry days?)

(Fittingly, a Torpedo in the corner.)

(Plenty of great Sierra Nevada beer to go.)

(More Sierra Nevada bottles to go.)

(Torpedo Room: open daily, except Sundays and Mondays)



Saturday, November 23, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 11/23/13

Heading into the holiday season, there is no shortage of news popping up around our ever-expanding beer scene around the country. I missed sending an update out to you last week, so you'll get a healthier serving than usual here with some nuggets that you may have recently missed.

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Tria Taproom is open.

~ And, on that note, my how things have changed (in a good way, of course) since the "old days" when I tried publishing tap lists.

~ Our Fishtown Beer Runners get noticed from afar.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Scott Rudich from Round Guys showed up on The Brewing Network's Sunday Session to give his take (the fullest accounting and most honest for what happened that I've heard since NHC) on the case of the exploding cans as well as everything else happening in Lansdale.

~ Solid resumes behind the people behind this new place.

~ Read all about New Jersey Brew like never before.

~ Here's some recent NYC brewing news that I've completely missed in recent press.

~ As a favorite beer of mine, this is pretty special.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Nice to hear progress is on the move in an example of cooperation.

~ Speaking of progress, we're going to keep following our old friend Casey Hughes (formerly of Flying Fish), until we see some of his beer in our hands.

~ A good seasonal beer with a fun story.

~ A shame. A porter that I've always looked forward to in Colorado.

~ Boulevard's future is being paved.



Friday, November 22, 2013

Eating well this holiday season with The Homebrew Chef


By now, most well-traveled beer folks that also like to eat and drink well (that's a part of the profile, is it not?) have likely heard the name Sean Z. Paxton. If not, perhaps the name Homebrew Chef is more familiar.

Paxton is a self-taught chef who has been treating tens of thousands of eager fans across the country to his delectable masterpieces from the kitchen that both incorporate our favorite beverage as well as that pair perfectly with it in a glass. It doesn't hurt that, though he travels the world in search of great beer and food for both serving and personal consumption, he hails from gastronomically-blessed northern California.

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, many will find great help in his holiday menu suggestions over at his website.

Additionally, he recently sent along a couple of dessert recipes that landed in the pages of Draught Lines magazine, a glossy newsletter from Origlio Beverage. I'd written about some fun ideas for the holiday season and used a recipe for Hophead Peanut Brittle and one for Narwhal Truffles (pages 9-10, by the way).

A third recipe, which to me was the most appealing of them all, did not make the cut due to space issues.

It's called Spiced Beer Cake with Hazelnut Beer Brittle and Barleywine Mascarpone Mousse. I would be complete neglecting my responsibility of bringing you the best of the beer and food world if I did not find a place to share this with you.

Sure the recipe looks long, but when you break it down in to bite-size tasks (sort of a pun, I suppose, fully-intended) as Paxton has done in laying out the ingredients and instructions, you will see that the preparation can begin three days prior to the final assembly of the dessert.

It also helps that Paxton's recipe-writing skills allow the home cook to read the recipe as if Paxton himself is in the kitchen serving as personal coach. This is one recipe that I plan to serve up at our Thanksgiving meal next week.

Go check it out for yourself over at my space in The Washington Times Communities and judge for yourself.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 21 - November 30

What better way to finish of the year's eleventh month than with ten days of great beer around the Philadelphia region. And, if you get the day after Thanksgiving off from work, then all the better to maximize your life with beer.

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


Tastings/Samplings/Freebies and Special One-offs or Debuts
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 11/22 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Magic Hat beers.)

@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 11/22 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Long Trail beers.)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Tue. 11/26 - Tuesday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Great Lakes beers.)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/22 - Imperial Coffee Porter Beer Release (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this stronger version of our Pig Iron Porter, brewed in collaboration with La Colombe Coffee.)
@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Tue. 11/26 - Om Nom Nom Beer Release (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for an oatmeal cookie in a glass. Brewed with oats, cinnamon, whole vanilla beans, and five pounds per barrel of pureed raisins. Winner of the 2012 Iron Brewer competition.)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Fri. 11/29 - Scrooge American IPA Beer Release (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this American-style IPA with full malt flavor. Dry-hopped with one pound of hops per barrel.)

@Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/29 - A Civilized Black Friday Shopping Experience ($PAYG for a special draft list of kegs still TBD.)

@The Greeks Next Door, Narberth, Pa.--- Wed. 11/27 - Free Beer Tasting with Yards (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tastings of beers from Yards with Kristin.)

@Total Wine, Claymont, Del.--- Thu. 11/21 - Winter Warmers & Holiday Brews (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $15 to get in the mood for the colder weather and holidays by savoring the spice of winter seasonal and special-release beers.)

@Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/29 - Finally Friday Beer Tasting (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples from Vermont's Otter Creek and Wolavers.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Capone's, Norristown, Pa.--- Fri. 11/29 - Black Friday Draft Event (7 a.m.; $PAYG for morning tappings, afternoon tappings, and a brunch menu in between.)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Sat. 11/30 - Kickoff to Christmas (Beers) (all day; $PAYG to kick off the season by featuring some of the best holiday beers available, including Tröegs Mad Elf.)

@Landmark Americana, West Chester, Pa.--- Sat. 11/23 - Tröegs Tap Takeover (All day; $PAYG for ten Tröegs beers on draft including Mad Elf.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- throughout November 2013 - Brewery of the Month ($PAYG to enjoy $1 off beers from our sister brewpub Barren Hill Tavern in Lafayette Hill every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday starting at 7 p.m.)

@The Bishop's Collar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/29 - Black Friday With Goose Island (11 a.m.; $PAYG for Bourbon County Stout, Bourbon County Barleywine, Lolita, IPA, Sophie, and The Illinois on tap. Bottles of Bourbon County Backyard Rye and Juliet.)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/23 - Carton Brewing and Cheese Pairing (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for some amazing Carton beers with some amazing cheeses from the Fair Food Farm stand in the Reading Terminal Market. The cheeses will be from all NJ dairies the same home state of Carton Brewing.)

@Ulysses Gastropub, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 11/27 - Southern Tier Rare Beer Tap Takeover ($PAYG for some of Southern Tier's unique beers that are rarely found in Delaware.)


Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@23rd Street Armory, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/23 - Winter Beerfest (1 p.m.-5 p.m. and 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $10-$50 for more than 100 beers from around the world that will tickle your tongue and warm your belly with big bold flavors and spices from around the world.)

@Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 11/27 - Chocoholic Beer Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG as they gather every chocolate beer they can for this night.)

@Bulls Head Public House, Lititz, Pa.--- Fri. 11/22 through Sun. 11/24 - Cask Ale Festival ($PAYG for at least 18 delicious, high-quality cask ales, English breakfast in the pub on Saturday, and half-price growler fills on Sunday.)

@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/28 - Thanksgiving w/Southern Tier Pumking 2012 & 2013 (7 p.m.; $PAYG for this annual holiday tradition.)

@Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/26 - Amber Ale release ($PAYG for 12oz six-packs of Amber Ale, the original Dock Street beer that started it all, brewed and bottled by hand on premises, available to take home - the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving dinner.)

@Fox & Hound, King of Prussia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/21 - Tröegs Mad Elf Release Party (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a tap takeover featuring Mad Elf and more.)

@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 11/24 - Savage Sixtel Sunday (7 p.m.; $PAYG as November goes out with a bang. Sixtel Sunday is ready to hip-check its way into the winter.)

@Split Rock Resort & Golf Club, Lake Harmony, Pa.--- Sat. 11/23 and Sun. 11/24 - Great Brews Classic Beer Festival (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $15-$60 for non-stop live music, great food, awesome beers, and lots of vendors.)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Sat. 11/30 - Wet Hop Harvest Beer Promotion (12 p.m.; $PAYG for featured beers including Drafting Room 19th Anniversary Ale, Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Ale, Sierra Nevada DevESTATEtion Ale, Six Point Autumnation, Southern Tier Harvest, Port Brewing High Tide Fresh Hop, Boulder Fryed, Left Hand Warrior, Victory Harvest Pils, Philadelphia Brewing Company Harvest from the Hood, Ommegang Sythe and Sickel, Victory Harvest Ale, and Stoudt's Experimental 01210. Holiday Raffle at 8:30 p.m.)


Food and Beer events
@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/21 - Beer Dinner with John Holl (7 p.m.; $50 for five courses of beer and food from Holl's new The American Craft Beer Cookbook.)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Fri. 11/22 - NJ Craft Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $50 for a NJ Craft Beer tap takeover and four-course meal and beer pairing upstairs hosted by TV and Sirius Radio Star Gary Monterosso.)

@Kraftwork, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/29 - Blackout Brunch (10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG to avoid retail establishments on Black Friday and have a drink after a family holiday.)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/29 - Everything Went Black Friday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG for a full brunch menu and a full line up of dark beers all day long including Stone Espresso Imperial Russian Stout, Harviestoun Olde Engine Oil Zymatore, Sierra Nevada Belgian Black IPA, Kostritzer Schwartzbier, Yards Love Stout, Allagash Black, Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, Founder's Breakfast Stout, Great Divide Claymore Scotch Ale (2011), and Green Jack Lurcher Stout.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/29 - Black Friday — All Day Chicken with Victory ($PAYG to spend the day after Thanksgiving recovering from food and family. We are serving up nothing but Fried Chicken until 5pm and pouring Victory Red Thunder, Dirt Wolf, Storm King, Old Horizontal, Headwaters (cask), Victory Lager, Winter Cheers, Harvest Ale, Harvest Pils, and Moonglow Weizenbock.)

@Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/29 - Blackout Brunch (10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG to avoid retail establishments on Black Friday and have a drink after a family holiday.)

@The Victoria Freehouse, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/21 - Beer and Cheese Pairing (7 p.m.; $25 for a beer & cheese pairing with special guest Joseph Green of DiBruno Bros. Wells Bombardier paired with Lancashire, Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted paired with Clothbound Cheddar, and Youngs Double Chocolate Stout paired with Stilton.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/23 - Jersey Dan’s Birthday/Sixpoint Lounge (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for some rare treats from Sixpoint in honor of Jersey Dan's special day.)

@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/23 - Sam Adams Limited Release Presents the Great Gingerbread Race (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG to grab a few pints of limited release Sam Adams and have your team (2-3 people) build the most creative gingerbread house. All materials will be provided for the competition. Great prizes.)

@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG to help provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)

@Manayunk Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/21 - Pints for North Light (6 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $50-$80 for a fundraising event to benefit the kids. Great food and beer samplings. Silent auction. Commemorative 2013 “Pints for North Light” glass. Entertainment from Sound by Shelly.)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG to help provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG to help provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)

@Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG to help provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)



Thursday, November 14, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 14 - November 20

Some food, some firkins, some charity, some takeovers, and some dinners. All in a typical week around these Philly beer parts. Grab yourself some fine beers from Vanberg & Dewulf's portfolio tonight at numerous spots around the region for their annual Coast to Coast Toast.

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


Tastings/Samplings/Freebies
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 11/15 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting sample of beer from Flying Fish.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 11/15 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for the silky smooth Oatmeal Stout along side our year-round Chester County Bitter.)

@The Foodery (2nd Street), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/15 - Yards Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of our Ales of the Revolution Series and Olde Bartholomew.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Bistro On Bridge, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Thu. 11/14 - Allagash Brewing Company Tap Takeover (7 p.m.; $PAYG for Hugh Malone, Yakuza, Fluxus, Confluence, FV-13, Four, Grand cru, Hugh Malone, Curieux, and Odyssey.)

@Fingers Wings and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa.--- Wed. 11/20 - Dogfish Head American Beauty Tapping ($PAYG for a rare keg of Dogfish Head and Grateful Dead collaborative beer ‘American Beauty’. There will also be other Dogfish Head rarities including Punkin Ale, Theobroma, Olde School, Immort Ale, and more.)

@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Tue. 11/19 - Ithaca Box of Hops (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Flower Power, The Creeker, Dark Vine, and Double Zilla.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- throughout November 2013 - Brewery of the Month ($PAYG to enjoy $1 off beers from our sister brewpub Barren Hill Tavern in Lafayette Hill every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday starting at 7 p.m.)

@Penn Taproom, Doylestown, Pa.--- Sat. 11/16 - Fall Hopfest (1 p.m.; $PAYG for Pliny the Elder, Cigar City Jai Alai IPA, Stoudt's Big Nasty, and a few other favorites.)

@The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 11/18 - Clown Shoes Night (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG as Bella Vista brings Clown Shoes from Ipswich, MA.)


Special One-offs or Debuts, Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/15 - Mad Elf/Happy You Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Tröegs' Mad Elf 2013, Mad Elf 2012, and probably some special Scratch beers.)

@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 11/14 - Hair of the Dog(fish Head) (6 p.m.; $PAYG for 60 Minute, 90 Minute on the Randall, 120 Minute, Kvasir, American Beauty, Red & White, Black & Blue, Punkin’, Olde School, Theobroma, and Bitches Brew.)

@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Wed. 11/20 - Cerberus Beer Release (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the collaboration brewed by our General Manager, Head Chef, and Head Brewer is a dark, rich Belgian Ale brewed with 250 pounds of sour cherries. Sales of Cerberus to benefit The Voorhees Animal Orphanage.)

@Issac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Thu. 11/14 - Tap Take-over with Victory (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a bunch of limited and seasonal beers including Headwaters Pale Ale, Winter Cheers Wheat Ale, 4Hop Bock, Hop Wallop, Red Thunder Barrel-aged Baltic Thunder, and a firkin of DirtWolf Double IPA.)

@Kildare's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/16 - Craft Beer and Irish Whiskey Festival (2 p.m.-7 p.m.; $25-$40 for unlimited samples of 40+ incredible craft beers and 10+ Irish Whiskeys along with music and food - all included.)
@Kildare's, West Chester, Pa.--- Sun. 11/17 - Craft Beer and Irish Whiskey Festival (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $25-$40 for unlimited samples of 40+ incredible craft beers and 10+ Irish Whiskeys along with music and food - all included.)


Belgian beer, thanks to Vanberg & Dewulf
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/14 - Coast-to-Coast Toast ($PAYG to raise a glass with us and checking out the three newest additions to our fun little cheese project — all washed (naturally) in beers from the Vanberg & DeWulf portfolio, including Saison Dupont, Green Jack Rippa and LambickX.)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/14 - Coast-to-Coast Toast ($PAYG to raise a glass with us and checking out the three newest additions to our fun little cheese project — all washed (naturally) in beers from the Vanberg & DeWulf portfolio, including Saison Dupont, Green Jack Rippa and LambickX.)

@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/14 - Coast-to-Coast Toast (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a wide variety of Belgian, an Italian beer, and even an Icelandic beer all on draft from Vanberg & DeWulf on this very special evening.)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 11/14 - Vanberg & DeWulf's Coast-to-Coast Toast (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG to celebrate these great importers of Belgian beer with Moinette Bruin, Foret Blanche, and Peche Mel Scaldis.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/14 - Coast-to-Coast Toast ($PAYG to raise a glass with us and checking out the three newest additions to our fun little cheese project — all washed (naturally) in beers from the Vanberg & DeWulf portfolio, including Saison Dupont, Green Jack Rippa and LambickX.)

@Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/14 - Coast-to-Coast Toast ($PAYG to raise a glass with us and checking out the three newest additions to our fun little cheese project — all washed (naturally) in beers from the Vanberg & DeWulf portfolio, including Saison Dupont, Green Jack Rippa and LambickX.)


Food and Beer events
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 11/17 - Pumpkin Beer Dinner (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $70 for a great menu in store for you along with some great beers to wash it all down.)

@Uno Chicago Grill, Deptford, NJ--- Wed. 11/20 - Victory German Beer Dinner (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $55 for a five-course meal served with Golden Monkey, Braumeister Pilsner, Winter Cheers, Dirt Wolf, and Storm King Stout.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Bottle Shop at Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 11/20 - Beer School (5 p.m.; $Free to learn a little something about the beer we love to serve. While attendance is free, 100% of donations will be given to Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry.)
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG to help provide provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG to help provide provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG to help provide provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)

@Scottish Rite Theatre, Collingswood, NJ--- Sat. 11/16 - Beef, Beer, Bike, and Bowie (8 p.m.-11 p.m.; $25 for music and beer. The event will support Collingswood Bike Share.)

@Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG to help provide provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)




Saturday, November 09, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 11/9/13

As I've come down off my NYC Marathon high this week, I haven't spent a ton of time scouring the web for interesting bits and bites of craft beer nuggets to share. Here are a few.

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ I include this because, in a not-so-insignificant way, this helps to explain Philly's position as one of the most beer-friendly cities in the country.

~ It's back. Get your debating faces on. I missed the deadline this year to contribute, so you can't throw insults my way this time.

~ Didn't win in the past? Philly Beer Week has another chance for you to go to Belgium and be a part of history.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ A bunch of pictures showing Victory's growth continuing uninterrupted.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Apparently, breweries these days must feel inadequate if they haven't threatened legal action against somebody. And, the current MO seems to be to make the threat as ridiculous as possible; though, to be fair, this isn't nearly the worst of 'em.



Thursday, November 07, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 7 - November 13

No time for flowery prose to describe the following beer events calendar. Just a whole bunch of beer events over the next seven days for your consideration. Have at it...

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


Tastings/Samplings/Freebies
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. — Wed. 11/13 - Brooklyn Brewery Keep the Growler Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Brooklyn's Shack Meister, Lager, Black Chocolate Stout, Winter Ale, Monster Barleywine, Brown Ale, Sorachi Ace Saison, and E.I.P.A. The growler is free when you fill with one of these.)

@Maggie O'Neill's, Drexel Hill, Pa. — Thu. 11/7 - Featured Craft Night (5 p.m.; $PAYG for drink specials on the entire line up of Yards craft ales.)

@Whole Foods, Devon, Pa. — Thu. 11/7 - Tröegs Tasting (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Tröegs beer and a tap takeover $PAYG.)
@Whole Foods, Glen Mills, Pa. — Mon. 11/11 - Yards Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Olde Bartholomew and our Ales of the Revolution Series with Doug.)

Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Dawson Street Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 11/7 - Olde Bartholomew Event ($PAYG for the Olde Bart and more from Yards.)

@Khyber Pass Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 11/7 - Bell's Wheat Love Tapping (11 a.m.; $PAYG for a whole slew of Bell's gems as well as a very special keg of Bell's Wheat Love.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. — throughout November 2013 - Brewery of the Month ($PAYG to enjoy $1 off beers from our sister brewpub Barren Hill Tavern in Lafayette Hill every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday starting at 7 p.m.)

@The Pour House, Exton, Pa. — Thu. 11/7 - Smuttynose Takeover (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for Cluster's Last Stand, Pumpkin, Rye IPA, Baltic Porter, and Brewer's Choice on cask.)

@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sun. 11/10 - Speakeasy Night (8 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of beers from Speakeasy. Passwords for specials will be released via social media channels.)

@various locations around the Philly region — Mon. 11/4 through Sat. 11/9 - Deschutes all over Philly (Various pricing from $Free to $65.)

@various locations around Philadelphia, Pa. — Tue. 11/5 through Sun. 11/10 - The Brooklyn Brewery Mash (Various pricing from $PAYG to $70. See website for a full, up-to-date calendar of event listings.)

Special One-offs or Debuts, Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@AACA Museum, Hershey, Pa. — Fri. 11/8 - Autos and Ales (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $40-$45 for the region's best craft breweries, two live bands, Demonstrations, food vendors, Antique Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles & Memorabilia, and raffles.)

@Irish Rover Station House, Langhorne, Pa. — Fri. 11/8 - Neshaminator Launch Party (7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.; $PAYG as the guys at NCBC show up for the Launch of The Neshaminator. We’ll have five NCBC Beers on tap, plus a firkin made just for the occasion.)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ — Sat. 11/9 - Speakeasy (7 p.m.; $PAYG as High Street Grill will turn into a 1920s speakeasy to celebrate Speakeasy Ales and Lagers arrival in the Garden State. Flappers and fedoras, live music, 1920s tapas, prizes to best dressed and of course Speakeasy beer.)

@Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, Croydon, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Hot Rods – Hops (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $5-$10 for food, beer, music, and our 2nd annual Car Show.)

@Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa. — Fri. 11/8 - Handcrafted Beer: A Tasting Event (7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $45 to experience craft beer as the brewers intended. Don Russell (aka Joe Sixpack) has curated a collection of local and Lithuanian brews that cannot be found together anywhere in the city. This is your chance to meet the brewers, sample their beer, and learn some of the trade secrets that go into brewing one-of-a-kind brews. All proceeds benefit the Philadelphia Museum of Art.)

@River Horse, Ewing, NJ — Fri. 11/8 - NovemberFest (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $15 for your first beer, glass, pretzels and water. After that, it’s pay as you go with beers at $5. It’s like Shad Fest, Oktoberfest, and a good ol’ housewarming all rolled into one.)

@Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa. — Tue. 11/12 - Stone's "End Of The World" (5 p.m.; $PAYG for Stone's Enjoy by 11/12/13, Vertical Epic 2012, Cali-Belgique, Saison Du Buff, R&R Coconut IPA, and Suede.)

It's the Craft Beer Express and it's back again
@Bishop's Collar, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Does Stockertown Beverage have great beers? Does a BEAR (Peter Brett) shit in the woods? (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for kegs from Founders, Bear Republic, Hoppin Frog, Jolly Pumpkin, Mikkeller, Nogne-O, and many more.)
@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Holy Schmitz That's Good Beer (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG as German Monastery Breweries will be represented such as Andechs, Weltenberg, and others.)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Get Animated Costume Party (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for cartoon/animation-inspired draft list with beers like Flying Dog Underdog & Gonzo, Two Brothers SideKick Pale Ale, and more. We will be playing Saturday Morning Cartoons during brunch along with animated features all day.)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Craft Beer Express with Firestone Walker (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG as we have already started putting aside the barrels for this event.)
@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Wet Hop Rodeo & Ranchero Brunch (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for a round-up of local and national wet hopped beers including Victory Harvest Pils, Victory Harvest Ale, PBC Harvest from the Hood, Dock Street Rye IPA special brewed with fresh hops, Tröegs Scratch - Wet Hop, Sixpoint Autumnation, Port Brewing High Tide, Sierra Nevada Harvest Ale, Two Brother's Heavy Handed IPA, and Boxcar Amber.)
@Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Git' Yo' Popcorn Ready (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for the Retirement Ceremony for Terrell Owens. All beers 8.1% alcohol, including the debut of Naked Brewing's Driveway Sit Ups, an imperial stout with orange peels. There will be speeches, film tributes, prizes and giveaways, and so much more.)
@Kraftwork, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Taste of the Midwest (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for a selection of "sexy beers from sexy states", including Founders, Bells, Jolly Pumpkin, New Holland, Two Brothers, Goose Island, Great Lakes, and Summit.)
@Pub On Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.), Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Up Around the Bend, OR (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for a full tap takeover of Deschutes beer, many of which will be here for the very first time including a couple exclusives direct from the brewery.)
@Race Street Café, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Colorado Night (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from Oscar Blues and Great Divide.)
@Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Belgo-Americano Brewfest (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for seven of the best of Allagash — including Tripel, Hugh Malone, and Grand Cru and six from Ommegang including Rare Vos, Gnomegang, and Game of Thrones: Take the Black Stout.)
@Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Sexy Singles (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for a swinging selection of single-hopped beers.)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 11/9 - Stouts and Porters (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for at least 14 top-notch stouts and porters.)

Food and Beer events
@Cavanaugh's Headhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 11/7 - Brew and Chew (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $20-$25 for a two-hour Long Trail beer tasting with paired appetizers.)
@Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. — Wed. 11/13 - Brew and Chew (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $25 for a two-hour Sixpoint beer tasting with paired appetizers.)

@Federal Taphouse, Lancaster, Pa. — Thu. 11/7 - Tröegs Beer Dinner (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $TBA to enjoy a delicious dinner paired with rare and limited release beers.)

@From The Boot, Ambler, Pa. — Thu. 11/7 - Straub Beer Dinner (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $55 for a four-course meal served with Straub's IPL, Pre-Prohibition Lager, Amber Lager, and Doppelbock.)

@Iron Hill, Newark, Del. — Tue. 11/12 - American Bistro Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Danny Dortmunder, Saison, Oatmeal Stout, Abbey Dubbel, and Belgian Tripel.)
@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. — Tue. 11/12 - Fall Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Brown Ale, Oktoberfest, Abbey Dubbel, Pumpkin Ale, and Vanilla Porter.)

@The Cambridge, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sun. 11/10 - Chili Cook Off (3 p.m.; $PAYG for killer chili, ten pumpkin beers, and prizes.)

Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. — Thu. 11/7 - Charity Cask Night (5 p.m.; $PAYG for our fresh hop Harvest Ale infused with oranges where 100% of cask sales will be donated to The Bethlehem Area Public Library’s ‘Room to Grow’ project.)

@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG to help provide provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG to help provide provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. — Wed. 11/13 - Beer School (4 p.m.; $Free to learn a little something about the beer we love to serve. While attendance is free, 100% of donations will be given to Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry.)
@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG to help provide provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)

@Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA $PAYG to help provide provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)



Saturday, November 02, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 11/2/13

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

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

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ I'd missed this news in Chestnut Hill.

~ Tria already has a strong focus on beer, so this seems to make sense, but the phrase "more manly" made me chuckle.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ "Voorhees is now open to serve you" is the official message.

~ I thought "fixin" was a southern phrase. Anyway, Lafayette Hill's about to get to new joints.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Fire in Tampa.