Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Beer Calendar: What To Do in October 2014

These first days of October, don't be surprised if you can't track down your favorite local brewery's owner, rep, or brewer. Chances are they're looking to get their Rocky Mountain high on with some award-winning beers at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival. But, as you'll see below, many have stayed home to keep the home parties burning with great beer as they do year-round.

Be sure to keep up-to-date with what's on tap at PhillyTapFinder.com.

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


$20 and under, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG) also included here

Philadelphia
Fri. 9/26 through Thu. 10/2 - Sausage Fest @Standard Tap in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays in October - Brewery of the Month (Free Will) @Old Eagle Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 10/1 - Founders Breakfast Stout for Breakfast @South Philadelphia Tap Room in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 a.m.-9 a.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/1 - Founders Breakfast Stout Release @Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/1 - Founders @Prohibition Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/1 - Founders @P.O.P.E. in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/2 - Follow the Leader Hosen @Frankford Hall in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/3 - Victory-fest @Independence Beer Garden in Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/3 - Friday Night Tasting (Yards) @Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/3 - A Pynk Affair @Yards Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.; $10 + PAYG)
Fri. 10/3 through Sun. 10/5 - Free Will Weekend for Rena Rowan Breast Cancer @Old Eagle Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 10/4 - Oktoberfest Party @Brewers Outlet in Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 10/4 - Beer and Bacon Festival @Nick's Roast Beef in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 10/6 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Boulevard) @Local 44 Bottle Shop in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Mon. 10/6 - Introducing Boulevard Brewing @Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 10/6 - Industry Night with Lo Spiedo @Amis in Philadelphia, Pa. (10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 10/7 - Introducing Boulevard Brewing @Memphis Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 10/7 - Hardywood @Wishing Well in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/9 - Boulevard at The Franklin @DiBruno Bros. in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/9 - Hardywood Brewing Tap Invasion @The Bishop's Collar in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/9 - Beer & BBQ @Fette Sau in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/9 - Anniversary Party @Earth Bread + Brewery in Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/10 - Friday Night Tasting (Boulevard) @Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/10 - Hardywood @City Tap House in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/10 - Beer Sampling (Traveler) @Bottles Packs and Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/10 - Penn Brewery Fall Trifecta @Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/10 through Mon. 10/13 - Dinner, Beer, and A Movie @Old Eagle Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/11 - Packin’ Pumpkin @Iron Hill in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/11 - Boulevard on the Avenue @Moonshine Bar in Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 10/12 - Pumpkin Smash @City Tap House in Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 10/13 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Port/Lost Abbey) @Local 44 Bottle Shop in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 10/15 - Hop Harvest Party @Strangelove's in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/15 - Local Brewery Feature Night @Renaissance Hotel-Airport in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/15 - U Buy The Glass Event (Oktoberfest) @The Abbaye in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/15 - Pumpkin Fest @Bainbridge Street Barrel House in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/16 - Anniversary Party @Barcade in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/16 - Pop-Up Beer Garden at Mayfair Third Thursdays Night Market @Cottman and Frankford Avenues in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/17 - Friday Night Tasting (Firestone Walker) @Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/17 - Ballantine IPA Night @Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $Free samples + $PAYG)
Fri. 10/17 - Sixpoint Showcase @Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-12 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/18 - Thirstoberfest @Memphis Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 10/19 - Savage Sixtel Sunday Bye Week Edition @Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Mon. 10/20 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Victory) @Local 44 Bottle Shop in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 10/22 - Lew Bryson Tasting Whiskey Friends & Family Book Launch @Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/23 - Samuel Adams Limited Release Great Pumpkin Carving Competition @Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/24 - Friday Night Tasting (Great American Beer Festival beers with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/24 - Beer Sampling (Victory) @Bottles Packs and Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Mon. 10/27 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Susquehanna) @Local 44 Bottle Shop in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/31 - Friday Night Tasting (Saucony Creek) @Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/31 - Round Guys Halloween Party @Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/31 - Halloween @South Philadelphia Tap Room in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 10/1 - Founders Breakfast Stout Release Party @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/2 - Round Guys Tap Takeover @Hulmeville Inn in Hulmeville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/3 and Sat. 10/4 - Oktoberfest @Iron Abbey in Horsham, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 10/4 - Oktoberfest @Forest & Main in Ambler, Pa. (12 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 10/7 - Boulevard Brewing Night @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/8 - Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Event @Capone's in Norristown, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/9 - Round Guys Tap Takeover @Anthony's Coal-fired Pizza in Horsham, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/9 - Hardywood Debut @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/9 - Weyerbacher Tap Takeover @Hulmeville Inn in Hulmeville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/10 - Oak-aged Abbatia Bottle Release @Iron Abbey in Horsham, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/11 - Out of the Gourdinary @Iron Hill in Voorhees, NJ (11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/11 - Grand Opening @Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company in Cherry Hill, NJ (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 10/13 through Fri. Oct. 17 - Pumpkin and Seasonal Tap Takeover with Pumpkin Tapas Menu @Gypsy Saloon in Conshohocken, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 10/14 - Barrel-aged Series @320 Market Cafe in Swarthmore, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 10/14 - Beer and Ice Cream Pairings @Southern Cross Kitchen in Conshohocken, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 10/15 - Victory Tappening @Fingers Wings and Other Things in Conshohocken, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/15 - Goose Island Beer Dinner and A La Carte Menu @Southern Cross Kitchen in Conshohocken, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 10/16 - Conshohocken Brewery Tap Takeover @Southern Cross Kitchen in Conshohocken, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 10/16 - ALS Fundraiser @Hulmeville Inn in Hulmeville, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 10/17 through Sun. 10/19 - 40th Anniversary Celebration Weekend @Capone's in Norristown, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 10/18 - Brewhouse of Horrors @Iron Hill in Media, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/23 - Free Will Night @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/24 - Undead Black IPA Beer Release @Iron Hill in Voorhees, NJ (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/25 - Hoppy Halloween Beer Fest @Broken Goblet Brewing Company in Bristol, Pa. (4 p.m.-9 p.m.; $5-$20)
Thu. 10/30 - Firestone Walker Night @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/31 - Halloween @Forest & Main in Ambler, Pa. ($PAYG)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 10/1 - Charity Cask Night (October's beer: TBA) @Allentown Brew Works in Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/1 through Sun. 10/5 - Oktoberfest @Reading Liederkranz in Reading, Pa. ($5 admission + $PAYG)
Thu. 10/2 - Charity Cask Night (October's beer: TBA) @Bethlehem Brew Works in Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/3 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville and Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/3 - Friday Night Beer Tasting (Firestone Walker) @Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/3 - Friday Night Beer Tasting (Oktoberfest beers) @Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/3 through Sun. 10/5 and Fri. 10/10 through Sun. 10/12 - Oktoberfest @SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pa. ($Free admission + $PAYG)
Sat. 10/4 - Phoenixville Pub Crawl @Bridge Street in Phoenixville, Pa. (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 10/5, Sun. 10/12, Sun. 10/19, Sun. 10/26 - Okotberfest @Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. (12 p.m.; $8 admission + $PAYG)
Mon. 10/6 - Boulevard & BBQ in Berks @Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/8 - Full Moon Firkin @Tröegs Brewery in Hershey, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/8 - Boulevard On The Back Porch @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/9 - Beer and Barbecue @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/10 - Friday Night Beer Tasting (Long Trail) @Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/10 - Oktoberfest @River Horse Brewing Company, Ewing, NJ (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $17 + $PAYG)
Fri. 10/17 - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/18 - Pumpkinfest @Isaac Newton's in Newtown, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sun. 10/19 - PA Tap Takeover @Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 10/23 - Yards Tap Takeover @Ulysses Gastropub in Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/23 - Victory Triple Takeover @all three Two Stones Pubs in Kennett Square, Pa., Newark, Del., and Wilmington, Del. ($PAYG)
Fri. 10/24 - Diplomat Dunkel Beer Release @Iron Hill in Lancaster, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/25 - Boyertown Pickfest After Party @Other Farm Brewing Company in Boyertown, Pa. (7:30 p.m.; $5-$10)
Sun. 10/26 - Barks & Beers @Pour in Lancaster, Pa. (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/31 - Friday Night Beer Tasting (Pumpkin beers) @Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Sat. 10/4 - Charlie Brown Pumpkin Beer Festival - Brunch @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (10 a.m.-12 p.m.; $62)
Sat. 10/4 - Charlie Brown Pumpkin Beer Festival @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $47)
Fri. 10/10 - Beer and Cheese Pairing @Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $47.98)
Tue. 10/14 - Ancient Brewer Dinner @Monk’s Café in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $TBD)
Thu. 10/16 - Harvest Beer Dinner @Manayunk Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $55)
Sat. 10/18 - East Falls House Party @The East Fall House in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35-$40)
Sun. 10/19 - Breast Brunch Ever @Amis in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $TBD)
Sun. 10/26 - Ladies Brunch @McCrossen's Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-3 p.m.; $TBD)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 10/2 - Donnerstag Happy Hour @King of Prussia Mall Parking Lot, King of Prussia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $60-$65)
Sat. 10/4 - Beerfest Royale @King of Prussia Mall Parking Lot, King of Prussia, Pa. (12 p.m.-3:30 p.m., 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $15-$50)
Wed. 10/8 - Welcome To PA BBQ @Barren Hill Tavern & Brewery in Lafayette Hill, Pa. (7 p.m.; $25)
Wed. 10/15 - Firestone Walker Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey in Horsham, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $60)
Thu. 10/16 through Sat. 10/18 - Tasting Menu for the Rena Rowan Breast Center @Barren Hill Tavern & Brewery in Lafayette Hill, Pa. (7 p.m.; $TBD)
Sat. 10/18 - Conshohocken Beer Fest @A.A. Garthwaite Stadium, Conshohocken, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$65)
Sun. 10/26 - Sunday Dinner @Forest & Main in Ambler, Pa. (4 p.m.-9 p.m.; $TBD)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 10/1 - Beer Dinner @Rino's Restaurant — Pizzeria in Exton, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $39.95)
Sat. 10/4 - Glassboro Beer Festival @Glassboro Marketplace in Glassboro, NJ (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $5-$40)
Sat. 10/4 - Heart Jam @Victory Brewing Company in Parkesburg, Pa. (3 p.m.-8 p.m.; $35)
Sun. 10/5 - Shakes-Beer @Robert Shackleton Playhouse in Cape May, NJ (11 a.m.; $40)
Sat. 10/11 - Kennett Brewfest @downtown Kennett Square, Pa. (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $15-$70)
Sun. 10/12 - Breast Brunch Ever @all three Two Stones Pubs in Kennett Square, Pa., Newark, Del., and Wilmington, Del. (12 p.m.; $TBD)
Tue. 10/14 - Tröegs Beer Dinner @Black Powder Tavern in Wayne, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $50)
Wed. 10/15 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live in Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $40)
Thu. 10/16 - Dogfish Head Ancient Ales Dinner @Hunger N Thirst in Lancaster, Pa. (5:30 p.m.; $40)
Sat. 10/18 - Parkesburg Brewery Tour @Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown/Parkesburg, Pa. (2 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $58)
Mon. 10/20 - Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $TBD)
Tue. 10/21 - Meeting of the Malts @Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa. (6 p.m.; $60)
Thu. 10/23 - Hop Ticket Harvest Ale Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $65)
Sat. 10/25 - Central Jersey Beer Festival @Blend Bar & Bistro, Hamilton, NJ (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $15-$55)





Monday, September 29, 2014

The Philadelphia region goes to Denver for the 2014 Great American Beer Festival

I suppose I'm stretching the "Philadelphia region" just a bit farther than you might expect. To accommodate my purposes here, let's go (roughly) with eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and all of Delaware.

The annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in Denver is upon us once again, scheduled this week from October 2-October 4. GABF means different things to different people, from attendees and volunteers to judges, vendors, and brewers. Some see it as work while others see it as a sort of vacation. Some write it off without much value and others bask in the glow of the world's largest beer festival-slash-judging event. There's no debating, however, the enormity of it and the spectacular effort that the Brewers Association undertakes in order to showcase our favorite beverage.

As for brewers submitting beers to be judged at the mammoth specatacle of great beer, the approach can vary quite a bit as well. Some brewers pride themselves on grabbing production beers off the line, submitting them, and letting the chips fall where they may. Others brew special batches or recipes and submit themselves to plenty of pre-screening agita prior to submitting their candidates.

No matter the approach, award-winning brewers return home with plenty of pride. Being validated on a platform the size of GABF with medals bestowed from top-tier judges with a well-regarded judging process is an honor that most enjoy showing off to their customers back home.

Across the eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware brewing landscape, below is a quick rundown from those I heard back from regarding their participation in the 2014 GABF. But first, a quick recap of recent awards won from local brewers at the 2013 GABF, 2014 World Beer Cup, and 2014 Summer Beer Tasting Championship.

Who will surprise us this year? The first surprise would be if a perennial winner from Iron Hill like Russian Imperial Stout or ones from Tröegs such as Sunshine Pils or Troegenator did not return with another medal for its walls. Or if something in the lager realm from the likes of Iron Hill, Neshaminy Creek, Sly Fox, Stoudts, Tröegs, or Victory does not represent the eastern European brewing roots of the region as it typically does. And as new brewers continue to fill in the landscape, there's greater chance than ever to see other newcomers to join the young Barren Hills, Mispillions, and Neshaminy Creeks of the world in the GABF winner ranks.

Great American Beer Festival 2013
Gold - Neshaminy Creek Churchville Lager (Vienna-Style Lager), Stewart's Stumblin' Monk (Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale), Tröegs Troegenator (Bock)
Silver - Dogfish Head Midas Touch (Specialty Honey Beer), Flying Fish OktoberFish (American-Style Amber Lager), Iron Hill Russian Imperial Stout (Imperial Stout), McKenzie Brew House Dark and Stormy (Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer), Rock Bottom KOP The Hammer (Baltic-Style Porter), Sly Fox Grisette (Belgian- and French-Style Ale), Yards Brawler (English-Style Mild Ale)
Bronze - Sly Fox Oktoberfest (Vienna-Style Lager), Tröegs Sunshine Pils (German-Style Pilsener), Yards Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce (Indigenous Beer)

World Beer Cup 2014
Small Brewpub of the Year - Iron Hill
Gold - Dominion Candi Belgian Tripel (Belgian-Style Tripel), Iron Hill-Chestnut Hill The Golden Child (American-Style Brett Beer), Iron Hill-Media Russian Imperial Stout (British-Style Imperial Stout), Iron Hill-Media 2009 Russian Imperial Stout (Aged Beer)
Silver - Al's of Hampden/Pizza Boy Hoptart (Experimental Beer), Mispillion River Brewing Beach Bum Joe (American-Belgo-Style Ale)
Bronze - Barren Hill Barren Hill Biere De Extra (Belgian- and French-Style Ale), Flying Fish HopFish (Classic English-Style Pale Ale), Iron Hill-Maple Shade Honey Tripper (Specialty Honey Beer), Iron Hill-Phoenixville Bock (Traditional German-Style Bock), Stoudts Pils (German-Style Pilsener)

US Beer Tasting Championship 2014
"Grand Champion" - Victory Prima Pils (Pilsner) and Weyerbacher Double Simcoe (Imperial IPA/Red Ale)

Even though all but two of the responding breweries supplied me with the list of beers that they submitted to be judged, I chose to withhold the beer list for a couple of reasons, most significantly for the appearance of propagating what has become sometimes known (somewhat unfairly) as a "loser's list".

Of the nearly fifty breweries that I "surveyed", here is a list whose beers you can expect to see in Denver potentially coming home with some new bling.

Delaware
Yes
- 3rd Wave
- Dogfish Head
- Iron Hill
- Stewart's

No
- 16 Mile


southern NJ
Yes
- Flying Fish
- Triumph (Princeton)

No
- Cape May
- Rinn Duin
- River Horse
- Tuckahoe
- Village Idiot


eastern PA
Yes
- Barren Hill
- Earth Bread + Brewery
- Forest & Main
- Free Will
- Nodding Head
- Rock Bottom (King of Prussia)
- Roy Pitz
- ShawneeCraft
- Sly Fox
- St. Boniface
- Stoudts
- Susquehanna Brewing
- Triumph (New Hope)
- Tröegs
- Victory
- Weyerbacher
- Yards

No
- Barley Creek
- McKenzie Brew House
- Philadelphia Brewing
- Tired Hands
- Yuengling



Friday, September 26, 2014

21st Amendment and Elysian score a double knockout

Put up your dukes, let's get down to it
A pumpkin beer face-off

















Much of the beer I receive does not find its way into these pages. Suffice to say that when something moves me to feature a beer, it often comes from a point of a) having time to do so; b) feeling it's worthwhile for a broader audience to know about; and c) flipping a coin.

Okay, that last one is a simple joke but points out that I've been rather random in my approach to talking about specific beers. Whenever I do, though, those of you that know me know that my reviews are absolutely never influenced even slightly by their complimentary or reduced price nature.

But that's only some fine print as I am here with a fun package from the good people at 21st Amendment in San Francisco and Elysian Brewing in Seattle. The 21A has been close to me over the years because of my many trips to the Bay Area and my encounters with their beer, their place, and their people. Even enjoying the beer on board numerous Virgin America flights around the country. And they're readying for a massive world tap takeover. Elysian? I wish I found myself in Seattle more often and I settle for their beer "abroad" when I spot it.

Quite coincidentally, during my beach vacation in August, I polished off the last two of each He Said collaboration beer that I still had remaining from 2013. Now, the 2014 has descended upon us and my verdict is in: These may be the best pumpkin beers on the market for those that don't want to be assaulted with over-the-top so-called pumpkin pie spice flavors and aromas.

The package I received included a set of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em robots, which seemed to point to the fun 'n' games that Shaun O'Sullivan (21A), Dick Cantwell (Elysian), and their respective brewing staffs have when they get together for planning and executing a brew day. As the story goes, they each wanted to collaborate on a pumpkin beer; O'Sullivan wanted to do a light-colored beer in a dark can and Cantwell wanted to do a dark-colored beer in a light can. Put up your dukes gentlemen.

The version of He Said coming from San Francisco is a Belgian-style Tripel and the Seattle-based version from Elysian is a Baltic Porter. Both weigh in at 8.2% ABV and couldn't be more different — in color, flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel.

Somewhere in each beer is a dose of pumpkin puree and pumpkin juice and a uniquely simple dash of spices that does not overwhelm either beer. In other words, through and at the end of the twelve ounces, you leave knowing that you drank a Belgian Tripel and a Baltic Porter. The tripel does a better job at primarily showcasing one of its spices — ginger — and the porter gives off a bit more of the roasted and sweet pumpkin meat flavor in addition to the caraway seed. If you've been a past naysayer of pumpkin beers, give these a try and let me know if you agree that the deft balancing of flavors works to these beers' favors.



Thursday, September 25, 2014

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 25 - September 30

How many ways can you appreciate great beer around the Philadelphia region through the remaining days of September? Read on and count the ways.

When you plan for beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They continue to host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Adamstown, Pa.
Sat. 9/27 and Sun. 9/28; 12 p.m. - Okotberfest Opening Weekend @Stoudts Brewing Company ($8 admission + $PAYG for food and drink at a fun-filled family event held every Sunday in October, featuring live German music, dancing, and authentic German food.)

Cape May, NJ
Sat. 9/27; 6 p.m. - Cape May Brewery Tap Takeover @Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille ($PAYG to hang out with the Cape May Brew Crew and seven of their beers.)

Downingtown, Pa.
Sun. 9/28; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. - Downingtown Fall Fest along Lancaster Avenue ($PAYG as Victory will be providing beer and food from their Brewpub on Wheels (BPOW) all afternoon in the Beer Garden.)

Greenville, Del.
Sat. 9/27; 2 p.m.-6 p.m. - Red Shoe and Brew @Twin Lakes Brewery ($55 for an afternoon of barbeque, beer, live music, lawn games, silent auction, brewery tours, and more. This outdoor event raises funds for the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware.)

Kennett Square, Pa.
Mon. 9/29; 6:30 p.m. - Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub ($TBA for great food and great beer just for you.)

Lititz, Pa.
Sun. 9/28; 2 p.m.-5 p.m. - Lititz Craft Beer Fest @Main Street ($40 for more than 30 local, regional, and national breweries offering over 70 different craft beers.)

Malvern, Pa.
Sun. 9/28; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. - Oktoberfest @McKenzie Brew House ($20 for unlimited beer, all-you-can-eat German Buffet, DJ, Beer Pong, and Corn Hole.)

Media, Pa.
Thu. 9/25; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. - Flying Fish Tap Takeover @Pinocchio's ($PAYG for a night with beers from Flying Fish from New Jersey.)

Merchantville, NJ
Sat. 9/27; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. - Blue Monkey and Niagara Fire Company’s Oktoberfest @Blue Monkey Tavern (Proceeds support our local fire department.)

Milton, Del.
Sun. 9/28; 9 a.m. - Dogfish Dash @Dogfish Head Craft Brewery ($35 for a 5k or 10k and a post-race party on the grounds of the brewery.)

Norristown, Pa.
Fri. 9/26; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. - Sixpoint Sampling @Capone's ($PAYG for a lineup of beers from the crew in Brooklyn, NY.)

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 9/25; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. - Free Will Tap Takeover @Bridgewater's Pub ($PAYG as Lansdale's Free Will Brewing Company takes over the taps.)
Thu. 9/25; 6 p.m. - Cape Of Good Hope Release Party @Good Dog ($PAYG for a firkin of Cape of Good Hope on the bar and Pynk and Washington's Reserve on tap.)
Fri. 9/26; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - Beer Sampling (Great Lakes and Smuttynose) @Bottles Packs and Growlers ($Free tasting samples of beer from Great Lakes in Ohio and Smuttynose in New Hampshire.)
Fri. 9/26; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - Yuengling Oktoberfest @Grey Lodge ($PAYG for Yuengling Oktoberfest, Oktoberfest music on jukebox, prizes for the best lederhosen and dirndls, and Oktoberfest foods.)
Fri. 9/26 through Sun. 9/28 - Oktoberfest Celebration @Alla Spina ($PAYG for a weekend of Victory Brewing tap takeover, traditional German food specials, fun events, and capped with a Kegs 'n' Eggs event at 10 a.m. on Sunday followed by a street festival from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Fri. 9/26 through Sun. 9/28 - Free Will Weekend for the Rena Rowan Breast Center @Devil's Den ($PAYG as they will be pouring eight Free Will drafts, including the collaborative Saison de Rose, all weekend long and $1 of every draft will be donated to the Rena Rowan Breast Center at University of Pennsylvania. Friday at 7 p.m., Free Will owner Dominic will be guest bartending.)
Sat. 9/27; 2 p.m.-7 p.m. - Oktoberfest @Xfinity Live! ($15-$50 for 200+ craft beers, a beer stein, live music, contests, prizes, and food truck alley.)
Sat. 9/27 - Day Of Games: Oktoberfest Edition @City Tap House ($PAYG for a Lederhosen relay, a yodeling competition, stein hoisting, and more Oktoberfest-inspired games. Hosted by Johnny Goodtimes.)
Sat. 9/27 and Sun. 9/28; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. - Oktoberfest @Hop Angel Brauhaus ($PAYG for indoor and outdoor Oktoberfest fun for the whole family.)
Sun. 9/28; 9:30 a.m. - Bikes & Beers beginning @Yards Brewing Company ($45 for a map and coupon booklet, tasters at Yards, Dock Street, McGillin's, and Rembrandt's and a post-ride party at Yards.)
Sun. 9/28; 3:30 p.m. - 10 Yards with Tom Kehoe @Jose Pistola's ($PAYG to hang out with Tom Kehoe and other Yards folks watching the Eagles game, with ten different Yards beers on tap.)
Mon. 9/29; 6 p.m. - Craft Beer Revolution @Yards Brewing ($6 as Brooklyn Mash comes to town with a forum discussion panel comprised of Steve Hindy, Tom Kehoe, Daniel Endicott, Scott Morrison, Erin Wallace, and Joe Sixpack.)

Pottstown, Pa.
Sat. 9/27; 11 a.m. - Can Jam Festival @Sly Fox Brewing Company ($PAYG for a day of live music in the beautiful pastures adjoining the brewery, accentuated by one of the largest KanJam® tournaments on the planet.)

Wilmington, Del.
Sat. 9/27; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. - Harvest Hop Fest @World Café Live ($42 for the opportunity to sample offerings from over thirty breweries.)



Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Event Review: Dogfish Head Ancient Ales Dinner at Monk's Cafe (9/23/14)


As I attempt to regain some traction here at The Brew Lounge with more routine and predictable writings, it might be fitting that I bring back some of the mojo with a piece about last night's dinner at Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia. Fitting because it was writing of a dinner at Monk's in 2005 that got things going for me here (it's not the prettiest of writings, not to mention a bit humbling). It was a dinner with Dominique Friart of St. Feuillien in Belgium and can be found here if you're inclined to click back through the time machine to the early days of The Brew Lounge.

Last night's dinner also served to snap an unintentional personal hiatus from beer dinners at Monk's. Looking back through my "archives", it turns out to be a bit more than two years since the last dinner. No complaints there — it was a dinner with Vinnie Cilurzo (Russian River), Brian Grossman (Sierra Nevada), and Brian Morin (beerbistro). Wow, just reading it again...no complaints whatsoever. And in no way explains my two-plus year absence from Monk's dinners.

Last night, it was Patrick McGovern, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and Wendy Domurat of Dogfish Head holding court at the lauded Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia with the full lineup of beers that McGovern has partnered with at the groundbreaking brewery in Delaware over the years in a series that has become known as Ancient Ales. McGovern, in his introductory comments to the dinner, described how it was a tasting of aged Chimay coincidentally with the owner, Tom Peters, of Monk's Cafe that began him on his interest in the concept of aged beers and his pursuit to work with Dogfish Head to uncover some of the believed oldest beer ingredients and recipes.

Throughout the last few years, a dinner concept has sprung forth both at the brewery's pub in Rehoboth Beach, Del. and restaurants across the country that features some of the beers from the collection served with plates of food meant to enhance the tasting experience. At Monk's, the full series was in attendance — minus, it was noted, the Chicha, which got a chuckle from all who know it as the "spit beer". Google it if you'd like to learn more.

The Dogfish Head series of Ancient Ales is comprised of, in order of introduction to the beer-loving market: Midas Touch (Turkey - honey, white muscat grapes, and saffron); Chateau Jiahu (China - hawthorn fruit, sake rice, barley, and honey); Theobroma (Honduras - cocoa, honey, chilies, and annatto); Sah'tea (Finland - rye, juniper, and black chai tea); Ta Henket (Egypt - chamomile, doum palm fruit, and Middle Eastern herbs); Birra Etrusca Bronze (Italy, Ethiopia - hazelnut flour, pomegranates, Italian chestnut honey, Delaware wildflower honey and clover honey, gentian root, and Ethiopian myrrh resin); Kvasir (Denmark - lingonberries, cranberries, myrica gale, yarrow, honey, and birch syrup).

McGovern, while not tipping his hand, promises another beer in the Ancient Ales series being worked on to be released in the near future.

Scallops
Duck Breast


Pork Tenderloin
Pear Tarte Tatin




































Now to some tasting notes:

Amuse Bouche
Ta Henket served with Olive Tapenade
~ It was fitting to begin the dinner with a piece of chewy baguette and Olive Tapenade, which itself has a history that dates back millenia. Perfect as the opening taste for the dinner along with the Ta Henket and its soft herbal flavor.

First Course
Birra Etrusca Bronze served with Scallops with Pomegranate and Cauliflower Puree
~ Two perfectly-cooked scallops with a neutral cauliflower puree that served to counter the perfumy and slightly bitter beer.

Second Course
Midas Touch served with Heirloom Tomato Salad with Pickled Shallot, Fennel Blossom, and Cucumber Water
~ A refreshing end-of-season dish of ripe tomatoes and my personal favorite beer from the Ancient Ales collection, an almost Mead-like beer.

Third Course
Sah'tea served with Duck Breast with Arugula and Sah'tea-cooked figs
~ Tender duck meat, sweet figs, and delightfully aromatic beer stepped up the dinner to another level.

Fourth Course
Chateau Jiahu served with Brook Trout with Smoked Potatoes and Spinach Puree
~ The triple-play of animal meat courses continued with a fish dish (the Brook Trout, which I later learned is a state fish of Pennsylvania) that had a nice crunchy skin to it and picked up a nice smokey characteristic from the potatoes.

Fifth Course
Theobroma served with Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Puree and Brussels Sprouts
~ My hands-down favorite combination of the dinner. Succulent stuffed pork, earthy brussel sprouts, sweet (emphasis) potatoes and a clean and dry beer with slightly bitter hints of cocoa nibs. A very close second in my personal ranking of the Ancient Ales.

Sixth Course
Kvasir served with Pear Tarte Tatin
~ I typically look to a home run in the dessert course; here, a wonderfully sweet and flaky pear dessert unfortunately didn't play well enough with the sharply tart Kvasir. Still, a tasty end to a wonderful dinner and night at Monk's Cafe.




Thursday, September 18, 2014

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 18 - September 24

The hits keep on coming. Great fall weather, great beer events. What's not to like?

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Allentown, Pa.
Sat. 9/20; 12 p.m. - Bacon and Brews Bash @Coca-Cola Park ($5-$50 as multiple vendors will be selling beer and bacon-related food items.)

Boyertown, Pa.
Fri. 9/19 and Sat. 9/20; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. - Oktoberfest @Inner Core Parking Lot ($PAYG for some of the region's best local food, beer, and wine vendors.)

Cape May, NJ
Sun. 9/21; 1 p.m.-3 p.m. - A Taste Of Cape May @Convention Hall in Cape May, NJ ($30 for Cape May area wineries and the Cape May Brewing Company alongside Cape May’s fine restaurants, along with local artisans and crafts persons displaying their food and wine-related merchandise.)

Downingtown, Pa.
Sat. 9/20; 2 p.m.-6:30 p.m. - Parkesburg Brewery Tour @Victory Brewing Company ($58 for a chartered bus trip, tour, and Victory beer and food experience in our Parkesburg brewery.)
Sun. 9/21; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. - PASA’s Bike Fresh Bike Local @Victory Brewing Company ($40-$45 for a choice of a 25, 50, or 75 mile bike route (all routes begin and end at the Downingtown Tech Center, adjacent to Victory) and lunch and Victory draft beer after the ride.)

Ewing, NJ
Fri. 9/19; 7 p.m. - IPA Release Party @River Horse Brewing Company ($15 for the release of the new year-round IPA.)

Lancaster, Pa.
Fri. 9/19; 5 p.m. - Long Trail Tap Takeover @Isaac's Pickle Bar ($PAYG when all taps are dedicated to September's featured brewery — Long Trail Brewing Company from Vermont.)

Media, Pa.
Fri. 9/19; 11 a.m. - Sour Bottom @Pinocchio's ($PAYG for some harder to find sour/wild ales, as well as some of our other favorite beers.)
Tue. 9/23; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. - Artisan Cheese and Beer Tasting @Pinocchio's ($35 for five Valley Shepherd Creamery cheeses paired with five excellent craft beers.)

Newark, Del.
Thu. 9/18; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. - Beer & Grilled Cheese Pairing @Iron Hill ($PAYG for unique grilled cheese sandwiches paired with Boulder Bank IPA, Blackburn Stout, Pumpkin Weiss, and Abbey Dubbel.)

Newtown, Pa.
Thu. 9/18; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. - Tap Takeover with Firestone Walker @Isaac Newton's ($PAYG for Pale 31 California Pale Ale, Union Jack IPA, Double DBA Imperial Special Bitter, Pivo Hoppy Pilsner, Oaktoberfest Paso Märzen, Double Jack Imperial IPA, and two cases of Stickee Monkee Central Coast Quad.)
Sat. 9/20; 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. - Newtown Beerfest @The Stocking Works ($10-$75 for beer tasting, live music, food, and fun.)

Norristown, Pa.
Thu. 9/18; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - Chouffe Brewery Draft Event @Capone's ($PAYG for La Chouffe, Houblon Chouffe, McChouffe, and lots of great brewery swag to be given out including free Chouffe Festival tickets.)

North Wales, Pa.
Sat. 9/20; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. - Pumpkinfest Multi-Tap @Iron Hill ($PAYG for eight pumpkin beers and two guest breweries.)

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 9/18 - Pop-Up Beer Garden at Mayfair Third Thursdays Night Market @Cottman and Frankford Avenues (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a pop-up beer garden courtesy of the Grey Lodge along with local businesses, a produce stand courtesy of Capriotti Brothers Fruit & Produce, artisans, crafters, food vendors, live music, and entertainment for the kids and families.)
Fri. 9/19; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - Heavy Seas Talk Like a Pirate Night @Grey Lodge ($PAYG to join in the attempt to set the record for the most casks of beer being tapped simultaneously in the Guinness Book of World Records.)
Sat. 9/20; 12 p.m. - Zwanze Day @Monk s Café ($PAYG for at least four Cantillon beers including the 2014 Cuvée Florian.)
Sat. 9/20; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. - Germantown Avenue Brewers Cartel - Brew Pub Crawl @Earth Bread + Brewery, Iron Hill, and Barren Hill breweries ($20 for a continuous bus loop between all three Germantown Avenue breweries to sample their collaborative beers.)
Sat. 9/20; 2 p.m.-6 p.m. - Oktoberfest @Perch Pub ($PAYG for an afternoon of fun and German beer from Victory Brewing.)
Sat. 9/20 and Sun. 9/21; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. - Pumpkinfest @Hop Angel Brauhaus ($PAYG for a variety of pumpkin beers, a variety of pumpkin foods, and some pumpkin fun.)
Sun. 9/21; 12 p.m. - Scrambled Eggs and Wobbly Legs: A Beer Lover's Brunch with Founders Brewery @World Café Live ($35 as we pair some of Founders' most coveted beers including Bolt Cutter, Sweet Repute, Backwoods Bastard, and Devil Dancer.)
Mon. 9/22 through Sun. 9/28 - Oktoberfest Back to School Glassware Promo @Local 44 ($PAYG for two free tall German bier glasses with the purchase of two German beers, styles and brands will vary.)
Tue. 9/23; 6:30 p.m. - Yards Tap Takeover and Dinner @Hard Rock Café ($50-$55 for a four-course meal paired with IPA, Pale Ale, Brawler, and Pynk with a portion of the night’s proceeds going to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.)
Tue. 9/23; 7 p.m. - Ancient Ales Dinner @Monk’s Café ($70 for a dinner to appropriate for Dogfish Head's series of Ancient Ales beers.)
Wed. 9/24; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - Four Year Anniversary Party @Independence Seaport Museum ($20 to don your best cocktail attire for a night of delicious treats and jazzy beats and a portion of the proceeds will go to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to aid childhood cancer research.)
Wed. 9/24; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. - U Buy The Glass Event @The Abbaye ($PAYG for a few Sly Fox specialties, prizes, and giveaways.)

Phoenixville, Pa.
Fri. 9/19; - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox Brewing Company (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for Sly Fox's Jake's ESB and Hop Project 05256, a single hopped pale ale/IPA hybrid brewed and dry hopped with a new experimental high alpha hop variety, on the handpump.)
Sat. 9/20; 11:30 a.m. - Out Of The Cellar 5th Anniversary @Bistro On Bridge ($PAYG for a special lineup of beers befitting a 5th anniversary party.)

Somerdale, NJ
Wed. 9/24; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. - Barrel-aged Wednesdays @Flying Fish Brewing Company in Somerdale, NJ ($PAYG as we tap a new barrel-aged beer each Wednesday.)

Southampton, Pa.
Sun. 9/21; 12 p.m. - Zwanze Hangover Day @Churchville Inn ($PAYG for around a couple dozen sour beers by draft and the bottle, including Cantillon’s Mamouche, Vigneronne, and Gueuze.)

Stone Harbor, NJ
Sat. 9/20; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. - Savor September @96th Street Shopping District ($PAYG for a day of wine and beer tastings, grape stomping, kid's activities, spectacular foods, local artists, and more.)

Voorhees, NJ
Fri. 9/19; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - Cinderella’s Carriage Beer Release @Iron Hill Brewery ($PAYG for the release of our light amber, fuller-bodied Belgian-style pumpkin ale spiced with cinnamon, clove, allspice and nutmeg.)

Wayne, Pa.
Thu. 9/18; 7 p.m. - Sly Fox Beer Dinner @Peppercorn ($49 for a four-course meal paired with beers from Sly Fox.)
Fri. 9/19 - Summit Comes To Town @Teresa's Next Door ($PAYG as Adam Cox from Summit Brewing with a special firkin, a few regular offerings, and one or two special offerings.)
Sat. 9/20; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. - DelCo SPCA Fundraiser @Beer Yard ($PAYG with activities sponsored by Beer Yard, Tröegs, Teresa's Next Door, and Gretz Beer Company with donations from every case Tröegs sold from 9/19-9/21.)

Wilmington, Del.
Thu. 9/18; 12 p.m. - Bday Party #2 @Two Stones Pub ($PAYG for giveaways and phenomenal beers on tap.)



Thursday, September 11, 2014

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 11 - September 17

Same great weekly beer event calendar content; slightly new format. Great taste, just as filling. Enjoy!

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Atlantic City, NJ
Sat. 9/13 and Sun. 9/14; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. - Atlantic City Seafood Festival @Bader Field [$Free admission + $PAYG for children’s activities, cooking demos, live music, local art and artists, wine seminars and tastings, Great Brews on NJ Tasting Tent, crab-eating competition, and a chowder cook-off benefiting the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.]

Camden, NJ
Sat. 9/13; 5:35 p.m. - Oktoberfest/Fan Appreciation @Campbell Field [$PAYG for a menu featuring German beer selections as well as roast pork and sauerkraut, bratwurst, knockwurst, Ruben sandwiches, apple crisp, and more.]

Cape May, NJ
Tue. 9/16 - Cape May Craft Beer Dinner @Aleathea's at the Inn of Cape May in Cape May, NJ [Hosted by Gary Monterosso and featuring Watermelon Wheat, Devil's Reach, Honey Porter, and Sawyer's Swap.]

Downingtown, Pa.
Fri. 9/12; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Victory Beer-Infused Food Tasting @Victory Brewing Company [$Free samples of Key Ingredient Beer and Cheddar Spreads (three delicious flavors), Righteous Felon Victorious B.I.G. Storm King-infused beef jerky, Crisp & Co. Prima Pils Pint Pickles, Homesweet Homegrown Punch Drunk hot sauce and for dessert, Victory ice cream.]
Sun. 9/14; 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - Brunch and Firestone Walker Pairing @Station Taproom [$50 for a four-course meal paired with Pivo Pils, California Pale Ale, Wookey Jack, and Double Jack American Double IPA.]

Hershey, Pa.
Sat. 9/13; 2 p.m.-4 p.m. - Yards Beer Tasting and Home Brew Seminar (at the Hotel Hershey Wine and Food Festival) @The Hotel Hershey [$48 to learn all about the home brewing process and have the opportunity to taste beer with Yards Brewery ultimate Home Brewer, Andrew Howard and Head Brewer, Tim Roberts.]

Lancaster, Pa.
Sat. 9/13; 11 a.m. - 3rd Anniversary Customer Appreciation Celebration @The Fridge [$PAYG for a day of outstanding beer, food, prizes, and people to celebrate our 3rd anniversary.]
Sat. 9/13; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. - Saturday Brew Review @Isaac's Pickle Bar [$25 for a four-course meal paired perfectly with four brewmaster picks from Long Trail Brewing Company.]

Limerick, Pa.
Wed. 9/17; 5 p.m. - To Love A Canine @Craft Ale House ($PAYG for La Chouffe Golden Ale, Houblon Chouffe, McChouffe Brune, N'ice Chouffe, and Liefmans Goudenband. Come and drink with little Gnomes running around the bar . . . and maybe through your head — all to raise money for To Love a Canine Rescue.)

Media, Pa.
Thu. 9/11; 6 p.m. - Lieny's Event @Pinocchio's [$PAYG for the Uber, Oktoberfest, and Orange Shandy.]
Wed. 9/17; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - La Chouffe Night @Pinocchio's [$PAYG for a night with beers from La Chouffe.]

Norristown, Pa.
Sun. 9/14; 12 p.m.-3:30 p.m. - Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Festival @Elmwood Park Zoo [$40-$75 for dozens of beers for unlimited sampling, a variety of local food trucks, live entertainment by The Regan Brothers Band and DJ George Gibson, live animal encounters, raffles, and much more.]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 9/11; 11:30 a.m. - Tap List Expansion Party @Memphis Taproom [$PAYG for a celebration draft list to christen the new lines.]
Thu. 9/11; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. - An Evening with Rob Tod of Allagash @Kite & Key [$PAYG for some of our favorite Allagash brews, a special treat form Allagash Suzy and Chris LaPierre of Iron Hill, and a surprise treat from Rob Tod.]
Fri. 9/12; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - Be a Happy Camper! — Sierra Beer Camp @Grey Lodge [$PAYG for seven of the twelve collaboration beers on tap.]
Sat. 9/13 and Sun. 9/14; 11 a.m. - Wild In The Streets @Khyber Pass Pub [$PAYG for a daylong event of sour and wild beers, including Bullfrog, Cantillon, Firestone Walker, Jolly Pumpkin, Russian River, and others.]
Sat. 9/13; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. - Pils Picnic @Johnny Brenda's [$PAYG for local pilsners, picnic fare, and a breezy mix of doo-wop and classic R&B.]
Sat. 9/13; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. - Beer and Brewing 101 @Philly Beer School [$39.98 for an introduction to how beer is made, major beer styles, and brewing history. Eight different brews will be sampled.]
Sat. 9/13; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. - Sippin' By The River @The River Deck [$10-$50 for an assortment of great wines and beers, entertainment, live music, and much more.]
Sun. 9/14; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. - Smoke 'Em If Yous Got 'Em @Yards Brewing Company [$20-$50 for a celebration of BBQ, beer, Philly, and the final days of Summer.]
Mon. 9/15 through Sun. 9/21 - Wells Bombadier Back to School Glassware Promo @Local 44 [$PAYG for one free Wells glass with the purchase of a Wells Bombadier on the handpump.]
Tue. 9/16; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - Beer Sampling (Starr Hill) @Bottles Packs and Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free tasting samples of beer from Starr Hill in Virginia.]
Tue. 9/16; 4 p.m. - Yards Happy Hour @Grace Tavern [$PAYG to hang out with Yards' own Doug Mashington and featured beers from the brewery.]
Wed. 9/17; 6 p.m. - Local Brews & Local Grooves @TLA [$10 for beers from six local breweries and music from four local bands.]

Somerdale, NJ
Sat. 9/13; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. - Bogs, Beers, and Native Plants @Flying Fish Brewing Company [$PAYG for beer from Flying Fish, cheese from Cherry Grove, and RareFind Nursey on hand to answer questions about native plants and have a wide variety of them for sale.]
Wed. 9/17; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. - Barrel-aged Wednesdays @Flying Fish Brewing Company [$PAYG as we tap a new barrel-aged beer each Wednesday.]

Wayne, Pa.
Tue. 9/16 - Talk Like A Pirate Day with Jef Versele @Teresa's Next Door [$PAYG as the owner and brewer of Van Steenberge will be in the house.]

West Chester, Pa.
Sat. 9/13 and Sun. 9/14; 12 p.m.-2 p.m. - Harvest Beer Brunch @Iron Hill [$35 for a five-course brunch paired with Old Tom Barley Wine, Vienna Lager, Anise Saison, Experimental IPA, and Pumpkin Coffee Porter.]

Wilmington, Del.
Sat. 9/13; 1 p.m.-6 p.m. - Out of Our Gourds @Iron Hill in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG for eight pumpkin beers, three guest breweries, and plenty of pumpkin-inspired fare.]
Tue. 9/16 - Yards vs. Sly Fox Beer Dinner @Tyler Fitzgerald's in Wilmington, Del. [Details TBA.]


Thursday, September 04, 2014

Ryan Michaels joins Rinn Duin

Very pleased to hear that one of my "breakout surprises" from the book research (yes, that book research) earlier this year - Rinn Duin Brewing in NJ - has picked up multiple award-winning former McKenzie Brew House brewer, Ryan Michaels, who began on Aug. 25 as the head brewer.

The River Toms English IPA was one of the strong entries at this relatively young brewery when I visited back in the spring. Michaels will be building out some of his own recipes, including a smoked porter and wee heavy in the near-term, as he grows up a portfolio all of his own. Best wishes and congratulations to both on their continued growth.

p.s. if you'd like a short pronunciation tutorial, go with "Rinn Doon" and you'll be just fine.

(the tastier stuff is to the left at Rinn Duin)

(a look across the spacious Rinn Duin brewery)

(Chip Town, co-owner Rinn Duin)

(The River Toms, an English IPA from Rinn Duin)

(in 2011, left to right: Tim Smith-Chef, Station Taproom; Jean Broillet-owner/brewer, Tired Hands (in 2011, was readying a transition from Iron Hill to his own Tired Hands); Sean McGettigan-owner, Station Taproom; Jon Defibaugh-brewer, Tired Hands (in 2011, was at Earth Bread + Brewery); and Ryan Michaels)


Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Beer Calendar: What To Do in September 2014

It feels good to be back. Hard to believe but it's been a few months (basically the entirety of the summer) that you've not heard from me here in this 9-year-old Brew Lounge space. As many of you know (and, I'm still surprised at those that do not), I've been off writing a book due to be entitled "Beer Lover's Mid-Atlantic" and published this coming winter.

I've been working on it since February and sustained The Brew Lounge updates until the end of May. I missed out on all of Philly Beer Week and finally surrendered to the crushing workload that the book research and writing took on an already fairly busy lifestyle and left The Brew Lounge go quiet for a few months.

The first-draft manuscript was submitted on August 13 just after 7 a.m. and too many near sleepless nights. As I await the return of an edited version of the manuscript, it feels so satisfying to get back with you all here (trusting that we'll find each other again in this temperamental world of inter-tangled webs and nets) with one of the most anticipated and appreciated aspects of what I do here at The Brew Lounge — provide the most comprehensive beer events calendar in the Philadelphia region. Many of you have expressed to me your appreciation for it and missing of it during its absence this summer.

So I've shaken off the rust and put my calendar compilation skills back to work and submit to you this September 2014 version for your use.

And in my long-running affinity for the good work being done over at PhillyTapFinder.com, don't forget to tap into them for what is being served at some of the events listed below.

Finally, 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
Tue. 9/2 - Port Brewing and Lost Abbey @Resurrection Ale House in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 9/2 through Sun. 9/7 - Dogfish Head Back to School Glassware Promo @Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 9/2 through Tue. 9/9 - Two Month Long Closing Party continues @Resurrection Ale House in Philadelphia, Pa. (Check website for daily specials.)
Wed. 9/3 - Philly Grown & Raised @Iron Hill in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/4 - Free Beer Thursday (BelUK Imports) @The Foodery (Roxborough), Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 9/5 - Beer Sampling (Evolution) @Bottles Packs and Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 9/5 - Beer Tasting (Long Trail) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 9/5 - Manayunk Flood Waters Chocolate Hefeweizen Release @Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/5 - First Friday & Flying Dog Brewing @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/6 - Lego Build Off With Flying Dog @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/6 - Beer Sampling (Sixpoint) @Bottles Packs and Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 9/6 - 7th Anniversary Party @The Belgian Café in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Mon. 9/8 through Sun. 9/14 - Scaldis Back to School Glassware Promo @Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 9/9 - Back To School Night in the Beer Garden @Memphis Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 9/10 - Allagash Clam Fest @South Philadelphia Tap Room in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 9/10 - Collaboration Sensation @Bainbridge Street Barrel House in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/11 - Tap List Expansion Party @Memphis Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/11 - An Evening with Rob Tod of Allagash @Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/12 - Be a Happy Camper! — Sierra Beer Camp @Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/13 and Sun. 9/14 - Wild In The Streets @Khyber Pass Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/13 - Pils Picnic @Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 9/15 through Sun. 9/21 - Wells Bombadier Back to School Glassware Promo @Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 9/16 - Beer Sampling (Starr Hill) @Bottles Packs and Growlers in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 9/16 - Yards Happy Hour @Grace Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 9/17 - Local Brews & Local Grooves @TLA in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $10)
Thu. 9/18 - Pop-Up Beer Garden at Mayfair Third Thursdays Night Market @Cottman and Frankford Avenues in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/19 - Heavy Seas Talk Like a Pirate Night @Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/20 - Zwanze Day @Monk’s Café in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/20 - Germantown Avenue Brewers Cartel - Brew Pub Crawl @Earth Bread + Brewery, Iron Hill, and Barren Hill breweries in Philadelphia (and Lafayette Hill), Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $20)
Sat. 9/20 - Oktoberfest @Perch Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for an afternoon of fun and German beer from Victory Brewing.)
Sat. 9/20 and Sun. 9/21 - Pumpkinfest @Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. (10 a.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 9/22 through Sun. 9/28 - Oktoberfest Back to School Glassware Promo @Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 9/24 - Four Year Anniversary Party @Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $20)
Wed. 9/24 - U Buy The Glass Event @The Abbaye in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/25 - Free Will Tap Takeover @Bridgewater's Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/25 - Cape Of Good Hope Release Party @Good Dog in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/26 - Beer Sampling (Great Lakes and Smuttynose) @Bottles Packs and Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 9/26 - Yuengling Oktoberfest @Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/26 through Sun. 9/28 - Oktoberfest Celebration @Alla Spina in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 9/26 through Sun. 9/28 - Free Will Weekend for the Rena Rowan Breast Center @Devil's Den in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 9/27 and Sun. 9/28 - Oktoberfest @Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. (10 a.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 9/28 - 10 Yards with Tom Kehoe @Jose Pistola's in Philadelphia, Pa. (3:30 p.m.; $PAYG)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wednesdays in September - Barrel-aged Wednesdays @Flying Fish Brewing Company in Somerdale, NJ (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/4 - MS Fundraiser with Prism Brewing @Fingers Wings and Other Things in Conshohocken, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/4 - Yards Night @Hulmeville Inn in Hulmeville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/4 - Penn Sampling @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 9/10 - Allagash Happy Hour with Rob Tod @Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/11 - Lieny's Event @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/13 - Bogs, Beers, and Native Plants @Flying Fish Brewing Company in Somerdale, NJ (11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/13 - Oktoberfest/Fan Appreciation @Campbell Field in Camden, NJ (5:35 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 9/16 - Talk Like A Pirate Day with Jef Versele @Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 9/17 - La Chouffe Night @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/18 - Chouffe Brewery Draft Event @Capone's in Norristown, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/19 - Summit Comes To Town @Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 9/19 - Sour Bottom @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG for some harder to find sour/wild ales, as well as some of our other favorite beers.)
Sat. 9/20 - DelCo SPCA Fundraiser @Beer Yard in Wayne, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/20 - Pumpkinfest Multi-Tap @Iron Hill in North Wales, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 9/21 - Zwanze Hangover Day @Churchville Inn in Southampton, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/25 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/27 - Blue Monkey and Niagara Fire Company’s Oktoberfest @Blue Monkey Tavern in Merchantville, NJ (5 p.m.-9 p.m.)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 9/2 - Cape of Good Hope Launch Party @Home Grown Cafe in Newark, Del. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 9/3 - Welcome Back Wednesday @Craft Ale House in Limerick, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 9/3 - Charity Cask Night (September's beer: Orange Haven Zomerbier) @Allentown Brew Works in Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/4 - Happy Hour with Bell's @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/4 - Charity Cask Night (September's beer: Spaceman Belgian IPA) @Bethlehem Brew Works in Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/5 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville and Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/5 - Friday Night Beer Tasting (Firestone Walker) @Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 9/8 - Full Moon Firkin @Tröegs Brewery in Hershey, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/12 - Victory Beer-Infused Food Tasting @Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 9/13 - 3rd Anniversary Customer Appreciation Celebration @The Fridge in Lancaster, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/13 - Out of Our Gourds @Iron Hill in Wilmington, Del. (1 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 9/17 - To Love A Canine @Craft Ale House in Limerick, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/18 - Bday Party #2 @Two Stones Pub in Wilmington, Del. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/18 - Beer & Grilled Cheese Pairing @Iron Hill in Newark, Del. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 9/18 - Tap Takeover with Firestone Walker @Isaac Newton's in Newtown, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/19 - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/19 - Cinderella’s Carriage Beer Release @Iron Hill Brewery in Voorhees, NJ (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/19 - Long Trail Tap Takeover @Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/19 - IPA Release Party @River Horse Brewing Company in Ewing, NJ (7 p.m.; $15)
Sat. 9/20 - Out Of The Cellar 5th Anniversary @Bistro On Bridge in Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 9/19 and Sat. 9/20 - Oktoberfest @Inner Core Parking Lot in Boyertown, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m. and 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/20 - Savor September @96th Street Shopping District in Stone Harbor, NJ (12 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/27 and Sun. 9/28 - Okotberfest Opening Weekend @Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. (12 p.m.; $8 admission + $PAYG)
Sat. 9/27 - Can Jam Festival @Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/27 - Cape May Brewery Tap Takeover @Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille in Cape May, NJ (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 9/28 - Downingtown Fall Fest along Lancaster Avenue in downtown Downingtown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)



Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Wed. 9/3 - Farm To Bar Dinner @Jerry's Bar in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $65)
Sat. 9/6 - SmörgåsBeer'd @American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $25-$30)
Sat. 9/13 - Sippin' By The River @The River Deck, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$50)
Sat. 9/13 - Beer and Brewing 101 @Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $39.98)
Sun. 9/14 - Smoke 'Em If Yous Got 'Em @Yards Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $20-$50)
Sun. 9/21 - Scrambled Eggs and Wobbly Legs: A Beer Lover's Brunch with Founders Brewery @World Café Live in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $35)
Tue. 9/23 - Yards Tap Takeover and Dinner @Hard Rock Café in Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $50-$55)
Tue. 9/23 - Ancient Ales Dinner @Monk’s Café in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $70)
Sun. 9/28 - Bikes & Beers beginning @Yards Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. (9:30 a.m.; $45)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 9/6 - Flying Fish 5K @Flying Fish Brewing Company in Somerdale, NJ (10 a.m.-6 p.m.; $45)
Sat. 9/6 - Welcome, Great Pumpkin @Iron Hill Brewery in Maple Shade, NJ (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 9/6 - MGK Brew Blast @Battleship New Jersey in Camden, NJ (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $35-$40)
Sat. 9/6 - Delaware River Craft Brewfest @PPL Park in Chester, Pa. (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $10-$60)
Sun. 9/14 - Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Festival @Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pa. (12 p.m.-3:30 p.m.; $40-$75)
Thu. 9/18 - Sly Fox Beer Dinner @Peppercorn in Wayne, Pa. (7 p.m.; $49)
Tue. 9/23 - Artisan Cheese and Beer Tasting @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $35 for five Valley Shepherd Creamery cheeses paired with five excellent craft beers.)
Sat. 9/27 - Oktoberfest @Xfinity Live! in Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-7 p.m.; $15-$50)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 9/4 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live in Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $40)
Sat. 9/6 - Brews By The Bay @Cape May & Lewes Ferry Terminals in Cape May, NJ and Lewes, Del. (12 p.m.-4 p.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $5-$60)
Sat. 9/6 - Historic Odessa Brewfest @Historic Odessa Foundation in Odessa, Del. (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $10-$65)
Sat. 9/6 - Lancaster Craft Beerfest @Binns Park in Lancaster, Pa. (3 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $12-$55)
Sat. 9/13 - Yards Beer Tasting and Home Brew Seminar (at the Hotel Hershey Wine and Food Festival) @The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pa. (2 p.m.-4 p.m.; $48)
Sat. 9/13 - Saturday Brew Review @Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. (3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $25)
Sat. 9/13 and Sun. 9/14 - Atlantic City Seafood Festival @Bader Field in Atlantic City, NJ (11 a.m.-7 p.m. and 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; $Free admission + $PAYG)
Sat. 9/13 and Sun. 9/14 - Harvest Beer Brunch @Iron Hill in West Chester, Pa. (12 p.m.-2 p.m.; $35)
Sun. 9/14 - Brunch and Firestone Walker Pairing @Station Taproom in Downingtown, Pa. (10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; $50)
Tue. 9/16 - Cape May Craft Beer Dinner @Aleathea's at the Inn of Cape May in Cape May, NJ (Details TBA.)
Tue. 9/16 - Yards vs. Sly Fox Beer Dinner @Tyler Fitzgerald's in Wilmington, Del. (Details TBA.)
Sat. 9/20 - Bacon and Brews Bash @Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pa. (12 p.m.; $5-$50)
Sat. 9/20 - Newtown Beerfest @The Stocking Works in Newtown, Pa. (12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; $10-$75)
Sat. 9/20 - Parkesburg Brewery Tour @Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown/Parkesburg, Pa. (2 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $58)
Sun. 9/21 - PASA’s Bike Fresh Bike Local @Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. (7 a.m.-3 p.m.; $40-$45)
Sun. 9/21 - A Taste Of Cape May @Convention Hall in Cape May, NJ (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $30)
Sat. 9/27 - Harvest Hop Fest @World Café Live in Wilmington, Del. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $42)
Sat. 9/27 - Red Shoe and Brew @Twin Lakes Brewery in Greenville, Del. (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $55)
Sun. 9/28 - Dogfish Dash @Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton, Del. (9 a.m.; $35)
Sun. 9/28 - Lititz Craft Beer Fest @Main Street in downtown Lititz, Pa. (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $40)
Mon. 9/29 - Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Kennett Square, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $TBA)