Thursday, May 29, 2014

Beer Calendar: What To Do in June 2014

It should go without saying that under the heading of "what to do in June 2014", Philly Beer Week is right up there. Actually, you can get started on what to do in June and Philly Beer Week on Friday, May 30. The full list of scheduled events that fall under the "umbrella" of Philly Beer Week can be found over at the official site of PhillyBeerWeek.com.

PhillyTapFinder.com has done yeoman's work (yeo-woman's as well, thank you Kristy and Jared) for informing us not just when events are happening but what is being served at the events. Amazing utility that soothes my beating fermenter (I'll must work on a better cliche).

As for my annual "PBW spreadsheet", ah yes, the famed, the infamous, the once-outlawed, and the coveted PBW spreadsheet. Time and workload (namely the epic book that I'm working on) have got the better of me this year and there's no way possible that working up a spreadsheet was in the cards. Thanks to the surprising many of you that have reached out to me inquiring about the status of said spreadsheet this year. I trust you'll still be able to find your way around town, though I do agree, the spreadsheet in the past always made the planning part just a bit easier, or a lot as some of you have professed.

Now to June 2014. Here's what I've done. In fairness, and in an attempt to preserve some relative brevity and sanity, I've not listed any PBW events below. Instead, as I mentioned, just hit up the official site for all the scheduley goodness. I've picked up and attempted my best at capturing non-PBW events as well as the rest of the month, as if anyone will have energy remaining to do events from Monday, June 9 and on. But, apparently, there's no rest for the thirsty and you can see that evidence below. I've forgone my traditional format here, since the list is rather short. I'm confident you'll navigate it just fine.

With that, go forth and find great people and beer in and all around our fair (phair?, nah, don't do it) City of Philadelphia. Cheers to Happy Beer Weeking!

As always, if I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.

Fri. 5/30 through Sat. 6/7 - Spinny Beer Days @Spninerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, Pa. (See website for all events and details of our Lehigh Valley version of Philly Beer Week.)
Fri. 5/30 through Sun. 6/8 - Philly Beer Week @hundreds of locations around Philadelphia, Pa. (See website for full list of events and details.)

Wednesdays in June - Barrel-aged Wednesdays @Flying Fish, Somerdale, NJ (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as we tap a new barrel-aged beer each Wednesday.)

Wed. 6/4 - Charity Cask Night (Lehigh Valley Whalers for “Hockey Fights MS") @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG as 100% of cask proceeds will be given to Lehigh Valley Whalers for “Hockey Fights MS".)
Wed. 6/4 - Dominion Beer Dinner @White Dog, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $45 for a four-course spring menu served with Dominion's Beach House Golden Pilsner, Abbey Ale, Double D Double IPA, and Oak Barrel Stout.)

Thu. 6/5 - Charity Cask Night @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG as 100% of cask proceeds will be given to charity.)
Thu. 6/5 - Shelton Brothers Night @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $PAYG for a whole bunch of interesting beers from Shelton Brothers on tap.)

Fri. 6/6 - Philly Beer Week Favorites @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG for a lineup of beers from across the region.)

Sat. 6/7 - Grapes & Grains @Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $40 for the best of both worlds with a craft beer and wine sampling all under one roof.)

Wed. 6/11 - Saucony Creek Tap Take Over @Ulysses Gastropub, Wilmington, Del. (5 p.m.; $PAYG to taste beers from a best new brewery pick of Ratebeer.com.)

Thu. 6/12 - The Golden Child Beer Release @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of The Golden Child—Gold Medal winner at the 2014 World Beer Cup. Also on tap will be a barrel-aged version of The Golden Child.)
Thu. 6/12 - Der Kaiser Kölsch Beer Release @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for our annual release of Der Kaiser Kölsch, named after the legendary German footballer Franz Beckenbauer.)
Thu. 6/12 - Widmer Growler Night @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as the first 12 people to buy half growlers get a free Widmer 32 oz growler.)
Thu. 6/12 - Beer Tasting (Flying Fish) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Flying Fish.)
Thu. 6/12 - Happy Hour with Firestone Walker @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for Opal Saison, Sucaba, Agrestic, Pivo Pils, Easy Jack, Union Jack, Double Jack, Wookey Jack, DBA, and Pale 31.)

Fri. 6/13 - Full Moon Firkin @Tröegs, Hershey, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG for a bartop firkin of fun.)
Fri. 6/13 - Friday The Firkinteenth @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-12 a.m.; $PAYG to choose from around 26 firkins of mostly local cask-conditioned beers.)
Fri. 6/13 - Beer Sampling (Smuttynose) @Bottles Packs and Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Smuttynose.)
Fri. 6/13 - Friday the 13th Beer Wars @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (7 p.m.; $PAYG and dress up as your favorite horror character with beer reps from both Great Lakes and Clown Shoes, pick a side, and try new beers on tap.)

Fri. 6/13 through Sun. 6/15 - Big Bad Bourbon Barrel Beer Blowout @The Foodery (Roxborough), Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG as only bourbon beer is on the list for the weekend. The beer will be accompanied with several paired food options including a specially made Foodery Sandwich.)

Sat. 6/14 - Father’s Appreciation Beer Brunch @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (12 p.m.-2 p.m.; $55 for a four-course meal paired with Mahalo, Apollo!, Maibock, Orange Truffle, and Belgian White.)
Sat. 6/14 - New Hope Beer Festival @Eagle Fire Company, New Hope, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $20-$65 for beers poured by local breweries and entertainment and live music.)
Sat. 6/14 - Around the World Multi-Tap @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG for the opening of the World Cup with this multi-tap event, featuring a lineup of 8 beers and several food specials.)
Sat. 6/14 - Brews & Bites @Pennsbury Manor, Morrisville, Pa. (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10-$75 to wander the grounds and watch 17th century beer brewing demonstrations, take a walk through the gardens, tour the Manor House, or simply relax along the banks of the Delaware River. Food will be available to purchase.)

Sun. 6/15 - Pints for Pops @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. ($PAYG for special breakfast menu additions all morning and all dads will receive a free pint glass with the purchase of a .5L beer.)

Wed. 6/18 - Bella Vista Beer Night @The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for Dark Horse Brewing drafts coming from Bella Vista and j the audiophile spinning cool mixes.)

Thu. 6/19 - Beer Tasting (Southern Tier) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Southern Tier.)

Fri. 6/20 - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG to see which delicious brews will be on the hand pumps along side our year round Chester County Bitter.)
Fri. 6/20 - Friday Night Tasting (Lagunitas) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Lagunitas.)
Fri. 6/20 - Beer Sampling (Ommegang) @Bottles Packs and Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Ommegang.)
Fri. 6/20 - Party for One Simple Wish @River Horse Brewing Company, Ewing Township, NJ (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $20 to benefit One Simple Wish, a Trenton based charity that focuses on assisting children in the foster care system.)

Sat. 6/21 - Harrisburg Brewers Fest @2nd & Locust Streets, Harrisburg, Pa. (12 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $10-$50 for beer samples from up to fifty participating breweries, a collector’s sampling mug, and entertainment from several bands. There will also be reasonably priced food concessions available.)
Sat. 6/21 - Saturday Sampling (Victory) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (1 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Victory.)
Sat. 6/21 - Beer and Brewing 101 @Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $39.98 for an introduction to how beer is made, major beer styles, and brewing history. Eight different brews will be sampled.)
Sat. 6/21 - Microfest @Stoudts Brewery, Adamstown, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35-$40 for this long-running celebration of great beer.)

Tue. 6/24 - Summer Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (6 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Raspberry Wheat, Belgian Wit, Saison, Hopstinger, and Abbey Dubbel.)

Wed. 6/25 - Shiner Keep The Pint Night @Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG featuring White Wing on draft and $3.5 cans of Ruby Red Bird.)
Wed. 6/25 - Summer Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (7 p.m.; $75 for five-course meal paired with Belgian Witbier, Saison, Mahalo, Apollo!, The Dark Side, and Bumblebee Hefeweizen.)

Thu. 6/26 - NJ Craft Beer Party @Blend Bar & Bistro, Hamilton, NJ ($PAYG for an all-New Jersey tap takeover in honor of NJ's 350th anniversary.)

Fri. 6/27 - Beer Sampling (Sly Fox) @Bottles Packs and Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Sly Fox.)
Fri. 6/27 - Rauch Bock Beer Release @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this unique, dark Bavarian lager and a weekend menu featuring barbeque specials to pair with the smoky flavors of the beer.)

Sat. 6/28 - Lansdale Beer Tasting Festival @downtown Landsdale, Pa. (12 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; $10-$125 to sample some of the best regional and national craft beers accompanied by great food, great music, and great people.)
Sat. 6/28 - Garden State Brewers Festival @Battleship New Jersey, Camden, NJ (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $19.95-$55 to sample beer brewed in the State of New Jersey from 21 breweries. Food and live music by the Cabin Dogs.)

Mon. 6/30 - Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $TBA with more details to come.)

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

I'm still writing a book


I'll begin by wishing you, in advance, a Happy Philly Beer Week.

And then excuse myself as the festivities roll on - without me this year.

As I mentioned back in April, I'm off on a wild trip of writing "Beer Lover's Mid-Atlantic". Really, it's been going on since February.

It's even got cover artwork and my name on it, so it must be real, right? (see Amazon for a picture, description, and for pre-sale too)

I've been somewhat surprised, I must admit, at how many still had no clue. I think that for as much as I've done to "socialize" it through the channels that are supposed to be more effective than "old school blogs", etc. (Facebook and Twitter postings along the way, photos, lots of photos, etc.), the message still isn't completely out there.

(Here are those links you should hit for Beer Lover's Mid-Atlantic on Facebook - and on Twitter)

I'll assure you that it's for real. Contract real. 5,194 driving miles to-date real. 240 visits for real across PA/NJ/DE/MD. From Erie to Eastern Shore, from Hoboken to Hagerstown, from Scranton to Solomons Island, and from Danville to Downingtown to Delmar.

For those on both sides of the bar that have been cooperative and helpful in terms of sharing information, tips, etc. it has been immensely helpful as I continue to crunch on this extremely aggressive timeline.

So I'll be in Hoboken, Jersey City, and other parts of northern New Jersey this weekend, continuing along the path of writing this book. Join me along the way…because, if you didn't know, now you know.

Cheers and enjoy Philly Beer Week!

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: May 22 - May 31

And, just like that, summer is unofficially upon us. (as I'd mentioned before, for Philly Beer Week 2014 events - beginning on Friday, May 30, simply head to the official page for all the necessaries.)

Check out the entire May 2014 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. 5/23 - Sampling Night (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Radler from Amstel.)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Thu. 5/22 - All-American Beer Garden (6:30 p.m.; $PAYG for plenty of pints, koozies, t-shirts, and more. Brews to look forward to include 312 by Goose Island and Headwaters by Victory.)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 5/28 - Lex Luthor IPA Beer Release (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this full-bodied triple IPA and a special chicken wing pairing.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Flying Fish, Somerdale, NJ--- Wednesdays in May - Barrel-aged Wednesdays (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as we tap a new barrel-aged beer each Wednesday.)

@Holy Hound Taproom, York, Pa.--- Thu. 5/22 - Tröegs Tap Takeover (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a huge tap takeover featuring five different Scratch beers and other Tröegs favorites.)


Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@hundreds of locations around Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/30 through Sun. 6/8 - Philly Beer Week (See website for full list of events and details.)

@63rd and Landis, Sea Isle City, NJ--- Sat. 5/31 - Craft Beer & Rock Festival (3 p.m.-7 p.m.; $35-$50 for over 100 beers to sample. Awards for best beer; you choose.)

@Hunger 'n' Thirst, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 5/30 - One Year Anniversary Party (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for special kegs starting on Friday, May 30th and continuing throughout the weekend.)

@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/29 - Liquor Before Beer (Week) with Art in the Age & Dock Street (7 p.m.; $PAYG for Dock Street brews on tap, Art in the Age cocktails…and the marriage of the both with featured beer cocktails.)

@Spninerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, Pa.--- Fri. 5/30 through Sat. 6/7 - Spinny Beer Days (See website for all events and details of our Lehigh Valley version of Philly Beer Week.)


Food and Beer events
@Federal Taphouse, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 5/23 through Sun. 5/25 - Memorial Day Weekend with Liquid Hero Brewery ($PAYG for a variety of Liquid Hero-focused events throughout the weekend including a $50 pairing dinner. See website for all the details.)

@Forest & Main, Ambler, Pa.--- Sun. 5/25 - Sunday Dinner (6 p.m.; $67 for an exclusive Sunday Dinner party in our private dining room. Enjoy special beers and amazing seasonal fare.)

@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sat. 5/24 - Heroes and Villains (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG for a pairing of 8 Legion of Doom IPA beers & 8 Justice League culinary creations.)

@Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/24 - Beer and Cheese Pairing (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $56.98 for a class that combines the talent of one of Philadelphia’s top beer geeks and beloved cheesemongers for the ultimate class on beer and cheese pairings.)

@World Café Live, Wilmington, Del.--- Sat. 5/31 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting (3 p.m.; $35-$40 for two of the best things on earth paired together. Bring your vegetarian friends, too - we can accommodate them on all pairings.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/30 - Belgian Beer Experience (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $48.98 to taste through the famous, and not-so-famous, beer styles of Belgium, including Strong Golden Ales, Wild Fermented Lambics, Monk brews, and more.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Parkesburg, Pa.--- Saturdays in May (ex. 5/3) - Parkesburg Brewery Tour (2 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $58 for a chartered bus trip to the new Parkesburg brewery, including a behind the scenes look at the brewery, as well as a food and beer component.)



Thursday, May 15, 2014

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: May 15 - May 21

Safe to say that this Saturday the 17th will be a busy day. What are you doing? Don't just sit there.

Check out the entire May 2014 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
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 5/16 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Susquehanna Brewing Company.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 5/16 - Sampling Night (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Fegley's.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Sat. 5/17 - Sampling Night (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Straub.)

@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 5/16 - Friday Night Samples (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Kona Brewing.)

@Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/15 - Brooklyn Brewmaster's Reserve Launch Party of Ridgy-Didge (5 p.m.; $PAYG for the Philadelphia release of Ridgy-Didge from Brooklyn Brewery; a strong saison with a distinctly Australian edge.)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Wed. 5/21 - Specialty Keg Tapping ($PAYG for DC Brau's On The Wings Of Armegaddon Imperial IPA.)

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 5/19 - Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for Sly Fox's brewery representative led complimentary tastings and specials on bottle selections.)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 5/15 - Ship Bottom IPA Night (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from nearby Ship Bottom in Delaware County.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Wed. 5/21 - Southern Tier IPA Night (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for Gemini, 2x, Unearthly, Farmers Tan, and maybe one more.)

@The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/17 - Beer Tasting (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Duck-Rabbit.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/17 - Heavy Seas White Oak Firkin Tapping (12 p.m.; $PAYG for an extremely rare white oak firkin with Heavy Seas Brewing.)

@Flying Fish, Somerdale, NJ--- Wednesdays in May - Barrel-aged Wednesdays (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as we tap a new barrel-aged beer each Wednesday.)

@Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/16 - SIPA = Sam India Pale Adams (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for an American Beer Week celebration with Sam Adams IPAs: Rebel IPA, Rebel IPA (with something interesting through the randal), Rye Galaxy IPA, Tasman Red IPA, Third Voyage American Double IPA, and of course Sam Adams Lager. There will likely be some Sam Adams goodies too.)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Thu. 5/15 - DuClaw Tap Takeover (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a list of rare and specialty DuClaw beers including Neon Gypsy IPA, Sweet Baby Jesus Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Serum XXIPA, Hell on Wood Bourbon Barrel-Aged Barleywine, Cocoa Fuego Chocolate Chipotle Stout, Dirty Little Freak Coconut Caramel Chocolate Brown Ale, and Divine Retribution — a blend of the Retribution Imperial Stout and Misery Wheat-wine Ale.)

@Isaac's Pickle Bar, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 5/16 - Deschutes Tap Takeover (5 p.m.; $PAYG as all taps will feature the brewery of the month, Deschutes Brewery.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 5/16 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a firkin of Oatmeal Stout to pour along side our year round Chester County Bitter.)

@The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 5/21 - Bella Vista Beer Night (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for new drafts coming from Bella Vista and j the audiophile spinning cool mixes.)


Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Cottman and Frankford, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/17 - The Grey Lodge Beer Garden at the Mayfair May Fair (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG for a tasty local microbrew to enjoy with the live music and other fun.)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Sat. 5/17 - All-American Beer Garden (2 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for American craft beers, a selection of wines and sodas, and gourmet BBQ food.)

@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Sat. 5/17 - Brandywine Valley Craft Brewers’ Festival (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $5-$50 for 25 local breweries. Live music all day. Food prepared by Iron Hill Brewery. Proceeds to benefit Media youth center.)

@Kildare's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/17 - Manayunk Craft Beer and Irish Whiskey Festival (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $15-$40 for unlimited samples of 40+ incredible craft beers and 10+ Irish Whiskeys along with music and food.)

@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- Sat. 5/17 - Taps, Tunes, and Trucks (11 a.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG to listen to live music and enjoy delicious award-winning beers while munching on creative curbside cuisine from six delicious food trucks at our Pottstown Tastin' Room. The Sly Fox Brewing Company Foxtrot 5k is at 10 a.m. before this event.)

@South Philadelphia Tap Room, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/17 - Wheat Beer Fest ($PAYG for a full day of music, classic backyard barbeque grub by Chef Scott, and over 30 wheat beers listed over at PhillyTapFinder.com.)

@The Gables at Chadds Ford, Chadds Ford, Pa.--- Sun. 5/18 - Chill The Firk Out (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $70 for ten firkins from ten excellent local breweries, live music by Mike Lorenz and Friendz, a sampling by Righteous Felon Jerky, and food provided by The Gables.)

@World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 5/20 - Philly Beer Scene Awards (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $50 for a very limited number of public tickets to help celebrate the best of the local brewing scene.)

@York Fairgrounds, York, Pa.--- Sat. 5/17 - Taste of Pennsylvania (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10-$40 for a selection of the best breweries Pennsylvania has to offer with 60+ hand-selected brews in your souvenir pint glass while the band plays on.)


Food and Beer events
@Federal Taphouse, Harrisburg, Pa.--- Sat. 5/17 - Craft Beer & Seafood Bash (3:30 p.m.; $35 for different craft beers paired with seafood.)

@Hunger 'n' Thirst, Lancaster, Pa.--- Thu. 5/15 - Beer and Oysters (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for three different varieties available by the half dozen and dozen.)

@Iron Hill, Voorhees, NJ--- Tue. 5/20 - BBQ Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Saison, Burton IPA, Bourbon Barrel Rising Sun, Rauchporter, and Abbey Dubbel.)

@Two Stones Pub, Kennett Square, Pa.--- Mon. 5/19 - Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $TBA with more details to come.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Bulls Head Public House, Lititz, Pa.--- Mon. 5/19 - Beer School with Sixpoint (5:30 p.m.; $27.95 for a four-course meal paired with Sixpoint beers.)

@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 5/21 - Beer School (5 p.m.; $PAYG to learn a little something about the beer we love to serve and where 100% of your Beer School donation goes directly to Share Our Strength.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Parkesburg, Pa.-- Saturdays in May (ex. 5/3) - Parkesburg Brewery Tour (2 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $58 for a chartered bus trip to the new Parkesburg brewery, including a behind the scenes look at the brewery, as well as a food and beer component.)



Thursday, May 08, 2014

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: May 8 - May 14

A bit short on time this week, but long on the calendar. So, let's get straight to it.

Check out the entire May 2014 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
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 5/9 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Fegley's Brew Works.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 5/9 - Sampling Night (3 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Amstel Light and burgers.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Sat. 5/10 - Sampling Night (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Hop City, Spitfire, and Primus.)

@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 5/9 - Friday Night Samples (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Sierra Nevada.)

@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 5/12 - Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for Lancaster's brewery representative led complimentary tastings and specials on bottle selections.)

@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sat. 5/10 - Diplomat Dunkel Beer Release (12 p.m.; $PAYG to celebrate Franklin & Marshall’s graduating class with the release of Diplomat Dunkel.)
@Iron Hill, Voorhees, NJ--- Sat. 5/10 - Kôkô Niu Stout Beer Release (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this English sweet stout aged with toasted coconut and chocolate.)

@The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/9 - Beer Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Long Trail.)

@The Foodery (2nd Street), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/10 - Crabbie's Tasting (12 p.m.-2 p.m.; $PAYG for complimentary Crabbie's tastings and free giveaway plus special drinks to order.)
@The Foodery (10th Street), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/9 - Crabbie's Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for complimentary Crabbie's tastings and free giveaway plus special drinks to order.)
@The Foodery (Roxborough), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/9 - Crabbie's Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for complimentary Crabbie's tastings and free giveaway plus special drinks to order.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Dad Vail Regatta, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 5/9 and Sat. 5/10 - Dad Vail Regatta Pale Ale with Sly Fox ($PAYG as Sly Fox is the exclusive beer feature and this year will introduce the Dad Vail Regatta Pale Ale; a low ABV American Pale Ale.)

@Flying Fish, Somerdale, NJ--- Wednesdays in May - Barrel-aged Wednesdays (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as we tap a new barrel-aged beer each Wednesday.)

@Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/8 - Crabbie's Spiced Orange Ginger Beer Launch Party (5 p.m.; $PAYG for delicious cocktails using Crabbie's, or you can enjoy the beer on its own.)

@The Sidecar Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 5/14 - High Gravity ($PAYG for a special event draft list found over at PhillyTapFinder.com.)

@Tröegs, Hershey, Pa.--- Wed. 5/14 - Full Moon Firkin (11 a.m.; $PAYG for a bartop firkin of fun.)

@Ulysses Gastropub, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 5/14 - B.W. Beer Works Tap Take Over (5 p.m.; $PAYG to taste the creations from this new brewery — Baltimore - Washington Beer Works/Raven Beer — making some great beers and paying homage to one of America's great authors and poets, Edgar Allen Poe.)

@Union Jack's on the Manatawny, Boyertown, Pa.--- Fri. 5/9 - The Other Farm & Frecon's Cidery Beer and Cider release party (7 p.m.; $PAYG for the releases of Renart's Tripel, Bahr Hill Estate, and Saisonner. Also featuring Frecon's Cidery, OFB's partner in fermentation, latest cider releases - Early Man and the famed Crabby Granny.)


Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@five beer-centric locations around the far western suburbs of Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 5/12 through Sat. 5/17 - Suburban Beer Week (See website for events, locations, and details.)

@along the Delaware River, Yardley, Pa.--- Sat. 5/10 - Yardley Beer Fest (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$65 for over 50 breweries and 100+ beers to sample. Music, food, and Homebrewers corner.)

@Blair County Ballpark, Altoona, Pa.--- Sat. 5/10 - Pints For Pets (1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10-$65 for over 50 breweries and 100+ beers to sample. Music, food, and Homebrewers corner.)

@Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Mount Hope, Pa.--- Sat. 5/10 - BrewFest (11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $20-$45 for a variety of different breweries from across the country, while enjoying live music and complimentary food.)


Food and Beer events
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sun. 5/4 through Fri. 5/9 - Chef & Brewmaster Pairing Menu (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $60 for three courses of food served with Honey Saison, Dortmunder, and Belgian Quadruple in conjunction with Phoenixville Restaurant Week.)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Fri. 5/9 - Suds & Sliders (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a 4 oz sample of three of our handcrafted beers each paired with a slider.)

@Isaac's Pickle Bar, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sat. 5/10 - Saturday Brew Review (3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $25 for a four-course meal featuring Isaac's favorites paired with four brewmaster picks from Deschutes Brewery.)

@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 5/10 and Sun. 5/11 - Bocks & Brats ($PAYG for house-made bratwurst and soft pretzels and a special event tap list available over at PhillyTapFinder.com. On Sunday, Peggy and Simon, the dynamic 3-legged goat duo and winners of the last 3 Sly Fox goat races, will be in attendance.)

@The Continental, Atlantic City, NJ--- Fri. 5/9 - Dogfish Head Beer Pairings Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a four-course meal paired with Dogfish Head's Namaste, 60 Minute IPA, 75 Minute IPA, and 120 Minute IPA.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ--- Mon. 5/12 - Beer School (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $30 for Beer 107 showcasing old school beers where the recipes have been modernized and captured by craft breweries to allow you to enjoy some ancient beers now.)

@Penn Museum, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 5/8 - Cerveza! Celebrating the South American Tradition (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $25-$30 as as Dr. Clark Erickson, American Section Curator-in-Charge, talks about south-of-the-border beer traditions and his recent research and collaboration with Dogfish Head Brewery to replicate traditional South American chicha beer, before inviting guests to sample beers representing the region.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Parkesburg, Pa.--- Saturdays in May (ex. 5/3) - Parkesburg Brewery Tour (2 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $58 for a chartered bus trip to the new Parkesburg brewery, including a behind the scenes look at the brewery, as well as a food and beer component.)