Thursday, September 29, 2016

We Be Jammin' at the annual Sly Fox Can Jam Festival 2016

(a picture-perfect day for big crowds at Can Jam Festival 2016 at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa.)

The annual Can Jam Festival at Sly Fox's brewery in Pottstown, Pa. has quickly (and somewhat quietly) become one of the region's destination events. I say "quietly" because the early years of this festival were more exclusively focused on the competition - the Kan Jam tournament. I won't go into much detail of game rules here, but basically it works like any two-person team game such as horseshoes. In Kam Jam, teams alternate throwing discs to open cans 50 feet away. Points are earned a variety of ways and scoring goes to 21. It's addictive.

So addictive that, while I don't have documented or validated numbers on this, my guess is that in the early years of Sly Fox-hosted Kan Jam tournaments held in the city during Philly Beer Week, there were no more than 16 teams. Who knows, maybe 8 teams?

Click here for a look back to the 2012 tournament held at the Four Seasons Hotel where William Reed (Standard Tap/Johnny Brenda's/and a new venture soon-to-be-named) and I took second place.

By the time the tournament was taken out to the brewery's Phoenixville location (on a very uninviting and unforgiving macadam parking lot), the game was really catching on and (again, guessing here) there could have been 16 or 32 participating teams. Still, it was mostly about the game.

Then in 2012, after the brewery opened its impressive location in Pottstown (at the edge of the Pottstown Municipal Airport, if you've never been....I still grin when I see that they're located on Circle of Progress Drive), many events were naturally moved there to the much more accommodating space for large events.

I recall talking with owner John Giannopoulos in Phoenixville during the Goat Races one year saying something to the extent of "...your new location is so perfect for events like this (Goat Races). You've got to move it there; you're going to right?...." His response was rooted in skepticism that fans of the brewery would "find them in" and make the effort to go to Pottstown.

I think that the crowds that show up for the Goat Races in May, the Can Jam Festival in September, Cyclocross in November, and many other medium- and large-scale events held in Pottstown have rightfully concluded that Sly Fox has one of the region's more ideal brewery (and brewery event) locations.

The 2012 Can Jam Festival attracted 64 teams and you can see a full picture gallery here.

(from left: Charlie Sciandra, Kan Jam inventor; Brian O'Reilly, Sly Fox Brewmaster; Corey Reid, Sly Fox Ambassador at Can Jam Festival 2016 at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa.)

Back to Can Jam Festival circa 2016. This past weekend's tournament saw 160 registered teams (!) playing in double-elimination bracket format. That's 320 players. And consequently, 320 automatic customers of the brewery before one additional guest showed up. Further, in one of the wisest moves, a few years ago, Sly Fox added music to the day's events. Wise, I say, because teams that exit the tournament quickly might likely pack up and head home otherwise. With the lineup of five spectacular local bands, there's all the more reason to stay and, naturally, drop a few more dollars the brewery's way.

The brewery estimates that upwards of 3,000 people in total were in attendance for Can Jam 2016. This year, there was Ben Arnold, American Babies, Jason Fraticelli, and Chestnut Grove on the live music docket. But the band that I really wanted to see (for the second time this year... the first time being during Philly Beer Week at Deschutes Street Pub) was Swift Technique, the amazing local Philly funk band that puts the art in party.

Want to see the Swift Technique band in action? Check this video over at YouTube.

Pictures are very few in number this year as I teamed up with Patrick Mullin (former Director of Sales at Sly Fox) for the tournament. We went five rounds before finally bowing out. We had a good thing going until it ran out of steam. Not a bad thing as we got to focus on the people, the beer, the food, and the music.

Canned beer, draft beer, pizza kitchen, outdoor grill, merchandise, official games, practice courts, and live music. All components in what is now a successful, full-fledged festival.

P.S. Did I forget to mention that given that this is now generally accepted as the largest Kan Jam Tournament in the world, the game's inventor Charlie Sciandra showed up to recognize and participate in the event? You can see longtime brewery fixture, Corey Reid, introduce him here in this YouTube video.



Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Beer Event Calendar: What To Do in October 2016

The beer-drinking season - what a beautiful time of year. All sorts of varied reasons and opportunities to drink our favorite beverage.

A lot of local brewers are off to Denver next week for the annual Great American Beer Festival. Back home, there'll be plenty to do including maybe some pop-up parties to celebrate their medal-winning brews.

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
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m. — Zwanze Day 2016 at Monk's Café in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — Midtown Village Fall Festival at 1300 block of Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free entry + $PAYG]
Sat. 10/1-Sun. 10/2; 4 p.m.-11 p.m. each day — Oktoberfest Weekend at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/4; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 7 p.m. — Goose Island Sour Sisters at Jon's Bar & Grille in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 7 p.m. — Free Will Brewing Tap Takeover at Union Tap House in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27; All Day — Franconian Lager Gravity Kegs at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Tasting at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 10/7; 5 p.m. — First Friday Event at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — First Friday Sixtel: Ballantine Burton Ale at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Ballantine IPA Bar Buy at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/8; 12 p.m.-6 p.m. — Thirstoberfest at Memphis Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 10/9; 1 p.m.-3 p.m. — Pumpkin Smash at City Tap House-University City in Philadelphia, Pa. [$10]
Sun. 10/9; 7 p.m. — Savage Sixtel Sunday featuring Highway Manor at Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/11; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/12; All Day — 5th Anniversary Party at Barcade in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/12; 5 p.m. — Manayunk Brewing 20th Anniversary Celebration at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/14; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Tasting at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 10/14; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Friday Sixtel: Saint Benjamin Rum Aged Export Stout at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15 & Sun. 10/16; 4 p.m.-11 p.m. — Apple/Baconfest Weekend at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 10/16; 12 p.m.-7 p.m. — Tappin' The Trucks- Brews n' Bites Block Party at Tap Room On 19th in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 10/17; 8 p.m. — New Belgium Brewing Wood Cellar Night at McCrossen's Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 10/17-Thu. 10/20; All Day — 20th Anniversary Kickoff at Manayunk Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/18; 4 p.m.-11 p.m. — Manayunk Brewery 20th Anniversary Party at American Sardine Bar in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/18; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/19; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — U Buy The Glass at The Abbaye in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/20; 4 p.m. — Pumpkin Head at Standard Tap in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/20; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — TerraPink:Sound Czech Yourself For Breast Cancer at Brü Craft & Wurst in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/21; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Tasting at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 10/21; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Friday Sixtel: Sam Adams & Flounder Devil’s Nectah at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/22; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Brunch en Tie Dye at McCrossen's Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/22; 12 p.m.-10 p.m. — Evil Genius Brew Garden: Final Pop-up at Evil Genius Beer Company in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/22 & Sun. 10/23; 4 p.m.-11 p.m. — Harvestfest Weekend at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/25; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/28; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Tasting at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 10/28; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Friday Sixtel: Boaks Monster Mash at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/29; All Day — Halloween Party at Barcade in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]


after October in Philadelphia
Thu. 11/3; 7 p.m. — Terrapin Brewing Tap Takeover at Union Tap House in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 11/5; 2 p.m.-5 p.m. — Chili Cook-Off for the LLS at Dawson Street Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$25 to enter, $PAYG to attend]
Sat. 11/5; 1 p.m.-8 p.m. — The Great Harvest Cider and Beer Festival at The Cambridge in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 11/5; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Cannstatter Volksfestverein in Philadelphia, Pa. [$10-$12]


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 9/30 & Sat. 10/1; All Day — Oktoberfest at Iron Abbey in Horsham, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Forest & Main in Ambler, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Beer Muscles Strongman Competition at 2SP Brewing Company in Aston, Pa. [$PAYG for the beer, $65 for the competition]
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-7 p.m. — NCBC Oktoberfest Celebration at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company in Croydon, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Brewhouse of Horrors Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-7 p.m. — Oktoberfest Celebration at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company in Croydon, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; All Day — The Greeks Turns 4 at The Greeks Next Door in Narberth, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/5; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Bastard Happy Hour at Fingers Wings & Other Things in Conshohocken, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Long Trail Citrus Limbo at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/11; 4 p.m. — Hook & Lager Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; 12 p.m. — 2-Year Extravaganza and 5 can releases at Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company in Cherry Hill, NJ [$PAYG]
Sun. 10/16; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Manayunk 20th Anniversary Brunch at Dog and Bull in Croydon, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/19; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Stone 20th Anniversary at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/22; 12 p.m.-10 p.m. — 2nd Anniversary & Imperial Stout bottle release at Spellbound Brewing Company in Mount Holly, NJ [$PAYG]


after October in Philadelphia's close suburbs
Thu. 11/3; All Day — International Stout Day at Fingers Wings & Other Things in Conshohocken, Pa. [$PAYG]


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 9/27-Sun. Oct. 2; All Night — Got Jerk Week With Pizza Boy Brewing Company at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 9/30-Sun. 10/2 & Fri. 10/7-Sun. 10/9; All weekend — Oktoberfest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pa. [$Free + $PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 2 p.m.-7 p.m. — Out of Our Gourds Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — River Horse Oktoberfest at River Horse Brewing Company in Ewing Township, NJ [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — Pumpkins In The Parking Lot at Keg & Kitchen in Westmont, NJ [$PAYG]
Sun. 10/2; 12 p.m.-6 p.m. — Oktoberfest – Mädel-Jäger at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/5; 5 p.m. — Yards Rival IPA Release Party at Ulysses Gastropub in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works in Bethlehem, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — Bullfrog Brewery Tap Invasion at Hunger N Thirst in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works in Bethlehem, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Drink For Pink at Argilla Brewing Company in Newark, Del. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 5 p.m. — First Friday Firkin Cask Conditioned Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting: Oktoberfest Beers at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Free Samples at Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 10/7-Sun. 10/9; All Weekend — Fall Fest at Backyard Ale House in Scranton, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/8; 12 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Victory Brewing Company in Parkesburg, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15;  7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Funkin' Halloween at Funk Brewing Company in Emmaus, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Oktoberfest at River Horse Brewing Company in Ewing Township, NJ [$15+$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; All Day — Fall Fest at Argilla Brewing Company in Newark, Del. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Hallowed Pumpkin Hill Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Newark, Del. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; All Day — Pumpkinfest at Isaac Newton's in Newtown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; All day — Goose Island Rare Takeover at Bistro on Bridge in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; 2 p.m.-8 p.m. — Haddon Avenue Pub Crawl at The Pour House in Westmont, NJ [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15 & Sun. 10/16; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. — OktoberFeast at Peddler's Village at Free Will Taproom in Lahaska, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/21; 5 p.m. — Evil Genius Tap Takeover at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/21; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting: Pumpkin Brews at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/21; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Undead Black IPA Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Voorhees, NJ [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/22; 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. — Homebrewing Demo at Fancy Camper Home Brew Supply in Malvern, PA [$Free]
Sat. 10/22; 12 p.m.-6 p.m. — Grand Opening at Free Will Taproom at Peddler's Village [$PAYG]
Sun. 10/23; All day — PA Tap Takeover at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/27; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Southern Tier Pumking & Benchwarmers Doughnut Pairing at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/28; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Halloween Bash at Cape May Brewing Company in Cape May, NJ [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/28; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Halloween at Mispillion River Brewing Company in Milford, Del. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/28-Sun. 10/30; All weekend — Italian Beer at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/29; 12 p.m.-11 p.m. — Hoptoberfest at Molly Pitcher Brewing Company in Carlisle, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 10/30; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — Sour Sunday at Free Will Brewing Company in Perkasie, Pa. [$PAYG]

after October in Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other
Sat. 11/5; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Learn To Homebrew Day at Fancy Camper Home Brew Supply in Malvern, PA [$Free]
Sat. 11/12; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — 2016 Homebrew Contest at Weyerbacher Brewing Company in Easton, Pa. [$Free]


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Sat. 10/1; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. — Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin Beer Festival at The Institute in Philadelphia, Pa. [$45-$55]
Fri. 10/7; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Belgian Beer Experience at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$48.98]
Fri. 10/7-Sun. 10/9; All Weekend — Armory Oktoberfest at 23rd Street Armory in Philadelphia, Pa. [$45-$65]
Sat. 10/8; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Northeast Philly Fall Fest at Cannstatter’s in Philadelphia, Pa. [$25-$45]
Sat. 10/15; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Homebrew Festival at Strangelove's in Philadelphia, Pa. [$40]
Thu. 10/20; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Beers, Brewing and Boos at Evil Genius Beer Company in Philadelphia, Pa. [$25]

after October in Philadelphia
Sat. 11/5; 2 p.m.-7 p.m. — Brawlerfest by Yards at 500 Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia, Pa. [$20-$55]
Sat. 11/5; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Beer Brewing Program, Level One at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$150]
Wed. 11/16; 7 p.m. — Vegan Beer Dinner at Strangelove's in Philadelphia, Pa. [$60]


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 10/8; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Flying Fish Brewing Company in Somerdale, NJ [$35-$40]
Sat. 10/15; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Conshohocken Beer Fest at A. A. Garthwaite Stadium in Conshohocken, Pa. [$10-$50]
Sun. 10/23; 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — Eagles Tailgate with Iron Abbey at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. [$25]
Tue. 10/25; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Halloween Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Maple Shade, NJ [$65]
Fri. 10/28; 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Conshohocken Beer Dinner at Sullivan's Steakhouse in King of Prussia, Pa. [$60]


after October in Philadelphia's close suburbs
Mon. 11/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Long Trail Cigar Dinner at Dog and Bull in Croydon, Pa. [$50]


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-5:30 p.m. — Kennett Brewfest at South Broad Street in Kennett Square, Pa. [$15-$75]
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Beer & Cider Festival at Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck in Sweetwater, NJ [$5-$40]
Sun. 10/2; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. — Oktoberfest – Mädel-Jäger at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$10-$50]
Sat. 10/8; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Cheesetoberfest at Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company in Dover, Del. [$20-$60]
Sat. 10/8; 3 p.m. — Firestone Walker Vintage Ale at CJ's Doghouse in Kulpsville, Pa. [$30]
Sun. 10/9; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. — Oktoberfest – Mountain Xpress at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$10-$50]
Thu. 10/13; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Harvest Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company in Kennett Square, Pa. [$55]
Sat. 10/15; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. & 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Breast Cancer Awareness Brewfest at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$$TBA]
Sat. 10/15; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Fegley's Whisky Festival  at Allentown Brew Works in Allentown, Pa. [$25-$45]
Sat. 10/15; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Ride The Rails I at Boxcar Brewing Company in West Chester, Pa. [$25-$45]
Sat. 10/15; 9 a.m.-10 a.m. — Beer & Yoga at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. [$35]
Sat. 10/15; 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Funktoberfest at The Stone Barn in Kennett Square, Pa. [$40]
Sat. 10/15; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — Evil Genius Saturday Brew Review at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. [$30]
Sat. 10/15; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Yorktoberfest at The York Fairgrounds in York, Pa. [$15-$40]
Sat. 10/15; 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. — Carsonia Craft Beer & Wine Amusement at Carsonia Park in Pennside, Pa. [$35-$40]
Sun. 10/16; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. — Octoberfest – Alex Meixner at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$10-$50]
Sun. 10/16; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild Beer Festival at Two Rivers Brewing Company in Easton, Pa. [$30]
Mon. 10/17; 6:23 p.m. — Stewart's Beer Dinner at Stewart's Brewing Company in Bear, Del. [$55]
Tue. Oct. 18 & Wed. Oct. 19; 5 p.m. — Oktoberfest Buffet at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. [$28]
Wed. 10/19; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Wine. Beer. Food. Pairing with Penns Woods Winery at Kennett Brewing Company in Kennett Square, Pa. [$50]
Thu. 10/20; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Harvest Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. [$55]
Sat. 10/22; 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Pottstown Brew Fest at Manatawny Park in Pottstown, Pa. [$10-$75]
Sat. 10/22; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Ride The Rails II at Boxcar Brewing Company in West Chester, Pa. [$25-$45]
Sun. 10/23; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. — Oktoberfest – The Joe Weber Band at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$10-$50]
Sun. 10/30; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. — Craft Beer Mile at Levante Brewing Company in West Chester, Pa. [$40]


after October in Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other
Fri. 11/4; 7 p.m. — Beer Dinner at Hotel du Pont in Wilmington, Del. [$60]




Beer Event Calendar: What To Do in October 2016

The beer-drinking season - what a beautiful time of year. All sorts of varied reasons and opportunities to drink our favorite beverage.

A lot of local brewers are off to Denver next week for the annual Great American Beer Festival. Back home, there'll be plenty to do including maybe some pop-up parties to celebrate their medal-winning brews.

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
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m. — Zwanze Day 2016 at Monk's Café in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — Midtown Village Fall Festival at 1300 block of Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free entry + $PAYG]
Sat. 10/1-Sun. 10/2; 4 p.m.-11 p.m. each day — Oktoberfest Weekend at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/4; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 7 p.m. — Goose Island Sour Sisters at Jon's Bar & Grille in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 7 p.m. — Free Will Brewing Tap Takeover at Union Tap House in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27; All Day — Franconian Lager Gravity Kegs at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Tasting at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 10/7; 5 p.m. — First Friday Event at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — First Friday Sixtel: Ballantine Burton Ale at Grey Lodge Pub [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Ballantine IPA Bar Buy at Grey Lodge Pub [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/8; 12 p.m.-6 p.m. — Thirstoberfest at Memphis Taproom [$PAYG]
Sun. 10/9; 1 p.m.-3 p.m. — Pumpkin Smash at City Tap House-University City in Philadelphia, Pa. [$10]
Sun. 10/9; 7 p.m. — Savage Sixtel Sunday featuring Highway Manor at Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/11; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/12; All Day — 5th Anniversary Party at Barcade in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/12; 5 p.m. — Manayunk Brewing 20th Anniversary Celebration at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/14; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Tasting at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 10/14; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Friday Sixtel: Saint Benjamin Rum Aged Export Stout at Grey Lodge Pub [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15 & Sun. 10/16; 4 p.m.-11 p.m. — Apple/Baconfest Weekend at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 10/16; 12 p.m.-7 p.m. — Tappin' The Trucks- Brews n' Bites Block Party at Tap Room On 19th in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 10/17; 8 p.m. — New Belgium Brewing Wood Cellar Night at McCrossen's Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 10/17-Thu. 10/20; All Day — 20th Anniversary Kickoff at Manayunk Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/18; 4 p.m.-11 p.m. — Manayunk Brewery 20th Anniversary Party at American Sardine Bar in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/18; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/19; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — U Buy The Glass at The Abbaye in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/20; 4 p.m. — Pumpkin Head at Standard Tap in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/20; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — TerraPink:Sound Czech Yourself For Breast Cancer at Brü Craft & Wurst [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/21; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Tasting at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 10/21; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Friday Sixtel: Sam Adams & Flounder Devil’s Nectah at Grey Lodge Pub [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/22; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Brunch en Tie Dye at McCrossen's Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/22; 12 p.m.-10 p.m. — Evil Genius Brew Garden: Final Pop-up at Evil Genius Beer Company [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/22 & Sun. 10/23; 4 p.m.-11 p.m. — Harvestfest Weekend at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/25; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/28; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Tasting at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 10/28; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Friday Sixtel: Boaks Monster Mash at Grey Lodge Pub [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/29; All Day — Halloween Party at Barcade in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]


after October in Philadelphia
Thu. 11/3; 7 p.m. — Terrapin Brewing Tap Takeover at Union Tap House in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 11/5; 2 p.m.-5 p.m. — Chili Cook-Off for the LLS at Dawson Street Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$25 to enter, $PAYG to attend]
Sat. 11/5; 1 p.m.-8 p.m. — The Great Harvest Cider and Beer Festival at The Cambridge in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 11/5; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Cannstatter Volksfestverein in Philadelphia, Pa. [$10-$12]


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 9/30 & Sat. 10/1; All Day — Oktoberfest at Iron Abbey in Horsham, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Forest & Main in Ambler, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Beer Muscles Strongman Competition at 2SP Brewing Company in Aston, Pa. [$PAYG for the beer, $65 for the competition]
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-7 p.m. — NCBC Oktoberfest Celebration at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company in Croydon, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Brewhouse of Horrors Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-7 p.m. — Oktoberfest Celebration at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company in Croydon, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; All Day — The Greeks Turns 4 at The Greeks Next Door in Narberth, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/5; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Bastard Happy Hour at Fingers Wings & Other Things in Conshohocken, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Long Trail Citrus Limbo at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 10/11; 4 p.m. — Hook & Lager Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; 12 p.m. — 2-Year Extravaganza and 5 can releases at Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company in Cherry Hill, NJ [$PAYG]
Sun. 10/16; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Manayunk 20th Anniversary Brunch at Dog and Bull in Croydon, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/19; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Stone 20th Anniversary at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/22; 12 p.m.-10 p.m. — 2nd Anniversary & Imperial Stout bottle release at Spellbound Brewing Company in Mount Holly, NJ [$PAYG]


after October in Philadelphia's close suburbs
Thu. 11/3; All Day — International Stout Day at Fingers Wings & Other Things in Conshohocken, Pa. [$PAYG]


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 9/27-Sun. Oct. 2; All Night — Got Jerk Week With Pizza Boy Brewing Company at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 9/30-Sun. 10/2 & Fri. 10/7-Sun. 10/9; All weekend — Oktoberfest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pa. [$Free + $PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 2 p.m.-7 p.m. — Out of Our Gourds Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — River Horse Oktoberfest at River Horse Brewing Company in Ewing Township, NJ [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — Pumpkins In The Parking Lot at Keg & Kitchen in Westmont, NJ [$PAYG]
Sun. 10/2; 12 p.m.-6 p.m. — Oktoberfest – Mädel-Jäger at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 10/5; 5 p.m. — Yards Rival IPA Release Party at Ulysses Gastropub in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works in Bethlehem, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — Bullfrog Brewery Tap Invasion at Hunger N Thirst in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works in Bethlehem, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/6; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Drink For Pink at Argilla Brewing Company in Newark, Del. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 5 p.m. — First Friday Firkin Cask Conditioned Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting: Oktoberfest Beers at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/7; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Free Samples at Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 10/7-Sun. 10/9; All Weekend — Fall Fest at Backyard Ale House in Scranton, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/8; 12 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Victory Brewing Company in Parkesburg, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15;  7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Funkin' Halloween at Funk Brewing Company in Emmaus, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Oktoberfest at River Horse Brewing Company in Ewing Township, NJ [$15+$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; All Day — Fall Fest at Argilla Brewing Company in Newark, Del. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Hallowed Pumpkin Hill Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Newark, Del. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; All Day — Pumpkinfest at Isaac Newton's in Newtown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; All day — Goose Island Rare Takeover at Bistro on Bridge in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15; 2 p.m.-8 p.m. — Haddon Avenue Pub Crawl at The Pour House in Westmont, NJ [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/15 & Sun. 10/16; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. — OktoberFeast at Peddler's Village at Free Will Taproom [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/21; 5 p.m. — Evil Genius Tap Takeover at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/21; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting: Pumpkin Brews at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/21; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Undead Black IPA Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Voorhees, NJ [$PAYG]
Sat. 10/22; 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. — Homebrewing Demo at Fancy Camper Home Brew Supply in Malvern, PA [$Free]
Sun. 10/23; All day — PA Tap Takeover at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 10/27; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Southern Tier Pumking & Benchwarmers Doughnut Pairing at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/28; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Halloween Bash at Cape May Brewing Company in Cape May, NJ [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/28; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Halloween at Mispillion River Brewing Company in Milford, Del. [$PAYG]
Fri. 10/28-Sun. 10/30; All weekend — Italian Beer at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. [$PAYG]


after October in Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other
Sat. 11/5; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Learn To Homebrew Day at Fancy Camper Home Brew Supply in Malvern, PA [$Free]
Sat. 11/12; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — 2016 Homebrew Contest at Weyerbacher Brewing Company in Easton, Pa. [$Free]


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Sat. 10/1; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. — Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin Beer Festival at The Institute in Philadelphia, Pa. [$45-$55]
Fri. 10/7; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Belgian Beer Experience at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$48.98]
Fri. 10/7-Sun. 10/9; All Weekend — Armory Oktoberfest at 23rd Street Armory in Philadelphia, Pa. [$45-$65]
Sat. 10/8; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Northeast Philly Fall Fest at Cannstatter’s in Philadelphia, Pa. [$25-$45]
Sat. 10/15; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Homebrew Festival at Strangelove's in Philadelphia, Pa. [$40]
Thu. 10/20; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Beers, Brewing and Boos at Evil Genius Beer Company [$25]

after October in Philadelphia
Sat. 11/5; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Beer Brewing Program, Level One at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$150]
Wed. 11/16; 7 p.m. — Vegan Beer Dinner at Strangelove's in Philadelphia, Pa. [$60]


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 10/8; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Flying Fish Brewing Company in Somerdale, NJ [$35-$40]
Sat. 10/15; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Conshohocken Beer Fest at A. A. Garthwaite Stadium in Conshohocken, Pa. [$10-$50]
Sun. 10/23; 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — Eagles Tailgate with Iron Abbey at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. [$25]
Tue. 10/25; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Halloween Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Maple Shade, NJ [$65]
Fri. 10/28; 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Conshohocken Beer Dinner at Sullivan's Steakhouse in King of Prussia, Pa. [$60]


after October in Philadelphia's close suburbs
Mon. 11/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Long Trail Cigar Dinner at Dog and Bull in Croydon, Pa. [$50]


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-5:30 p.m. — Kennett Brewfest at South Broad Street in Kennett Square, Pa. [$15-$75]
Sat. 10/1; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Beer & Cider Festival at Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck in Sweetwater, NJ [$5-$40]
Sun. 10/2; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. — Oktoberfest – Mädel-Jäger at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$10-$50]
Sat. 10/8; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Cheesetoberfest at Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company in Dover, Del. [$20-$60]
Sat. 10/8; 3 p.m. — Firestone Walker Vintage Ale at CJ's Doghouse in Kulpsville, Pa. [$30]
Sun. 10/9; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. — Oktoberfest – Mountain Xpress at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$10-$50]
Thu. 10/13; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Harvest Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company in Kennett Square, Pa. [$55]
Sat. 10/15; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. & 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Breast Cancer Awareness Brewfest at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$$TBA]
Sat. 10/15; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Fegley's Whisky Festival  at Allentown Brew Works in Allentown, Pa. [$25-$45]
Sat. 10/15; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Ride The Rails I at Boxcar Brewing Company in West Chester, Pa. [$25-$45]
Sat. 10/15; 9 a.m.-10 a.m. — Beer & Yoga at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. [$35]
Sat. 10/15; 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Funktoberfest at The Stone Barn in Kennett Square, Pa. [$40]
Sat. 10/15; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — Evil Genius Saturday Brew Review at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. [$30]
Sat. 10/15; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Yorktoberfest at The York Fairgrounds in York, Pa. [$15-$40]
Sat. 10/15; 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. — Carsonia Craft Beer & Wine Amusement at Carsonia Park in Pennside, Pa. [$35-$40]
Sun. 10/16; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. — Octoberfest – Alex Meixner at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$10-$50]
Sun. 10/16; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild Beer Festival at Two Rivers Brewing Company in Easton, Pa. [$30]
Mon. 10/17; 6:23 p.m. — Stewart's Beer Dinner at Stewart's Brewing Company in Bear, Del. [$55]
Tue. Oct. 18 & Wed. Oct. 19; 5 p.m. — Oktoberfest Buffet at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. [$28]
Wed. 10/19; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Wine. Beer. Food. Pairing with Penns Woods Winery at Kennett Brewing Company in Kennett Square, Pa. [$50]
Thu. 10/20; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Harvest Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. [$55]
Sat. 10/22; 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Pottstown Brew Fest at Manatawny Park in Pottstown, Pa. [$10-$75]
Sat. 10/22; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Ride The Rails II at Boxcar Brewing Company in West Chester, Pa. [$25-$45]
Sun. 10/23; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. — Oktoberfest – The Joe Weber Band at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$10-$50]
Sun. 10/30; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. — Craft Beer Mile at Levante Brewing Company in West Chester, Pa. [$40]


after October in Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other
Fri. 11/4; 7 p.m. — Beer Dinner at Hotel du Pont in Wilmington, Del. [$60]




Friday, September 23, 2016

Writing This Ship: Part 13 - And in other news....

I'm more or less (probably less, but don't tell anyone) caught up with material accumulated across the last several months. My typical M.O. is such that every time I see something that seems worth sharing (apart from just the obligatory social-sharing), I copy a link or some text to a folder/notepad to reference later in an article. Here below are the remnants of things that I never really mentioned all that extensively in postings here at The Brew Lounge.

However, even as dated as some of the material is, I figured it's still newsworthy enough to pass along in the case you haven't been aware. With this then, finally, I do believe I can say that the Ship has been Writed and we'll see how diligent I am in coming months staying on top of things.

World of Beer opened its Exton location. Guess you could say I'm indifferent since I've never pointed it out to you or included other locations in my book.

A brewpub at Piazza at Schmidt's? Sounds like a reasonable location, though I haven't heard anything about this since the initial announcement. Wonder if this is completely legit? I should follow-up on this.

New at Saint Benjamin's. This was very cool and turned out even better than i expected.

This is good news for lovers of fresh New Belgium beer and those that need another spot to seek out in Asheville, NC.

It's hard to imagine Anchor Brewing without Mark Carpenter overseeing the brewhouse. 45 years! Here's who's taking his place.

"The deal was formalized quietly." Well, that was pretty darn accurate. Interesting to see where Flying Fish goes from here.

Here's a not-so-quiet deal that involved Devils Backbone and that big not-an-American brewery.

And we'll have to go into the way long ago past to find the roots to this story. Always got a kick out of seeing the Red Bell sign on the backside of the building when taking Amtrak to NYC. Looks like something will finally be done with the building.



Thursday, September 22, 2016

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: September 22 - September 30

More events, you ask? Yup, another 30 or so here in the next nine days to close out September. Look at this list and you'll understand why, if pressed, I'd say the fall is my favorite beer-drinking season of the year. Oktoberfest and "fall harvest" celebrations. New releases. Anniversary parties. Big festivals. Small festivals. Rare beer. Easy-to-find beer. Free beer. Expensive beer. Fun 'n' games, live music, and much more. We've got it all here; a little something for every taste beer. Enjoy!

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They 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.
Sun. 9/25; 12 p.m.-6 p.m. — Oktoberfest – Bavarski at Stoudts Brewing Company [A fun-filled family festival featuring live German polka music by Bavarski, dancing, pig roast, authentic German food, and Stoudts hand crafted lagers and ales.  $PAYG]

Conshohocken, Pa.
Thu. 9/22; 6 p.m. — New Belgium Cheers To A Year at Flanigan's Boathouse [We'll be offering up a New Belgium Sour Flight featuring four very limited sours.  $PAYG]

Downingtown, Pa.
Sun. 9/25; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Downingtown Fall Fest at Green Street & Pennsylvania Avenue [A Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce Event, in partnership with Victory Brewing Company and the Borough of Downingtown.  $PAYG]

Glassboro, NJ
Sat. 9/24; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Glassboro Craft Beer Festival at College Avenue [We're going to have an amazing line up of beers and breweries.  $5-$50]

Kennett Square, Pa.
Mon. 9/26; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — 2SP Beer Co. Beer Dinner at Two Stones Pub [Five courses, five pairings, done by the best.  $TBD]

Lancaster, Pa.
Thu. 9/22; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — Trinity Brewing Co. at Hunger N Thirst [We will be tapping four kegs of their amazing liquid.  $PAYG]

Limerick, Pa.
Mon. 9/26; 6 p.m. — Monkey Monday at Craft Ale House [Featuring Sour Monkey and Air Drop.  $PAYG]

Lititz, Pa.
Sun. 9/25; 2 p.m.-5 p.m. — Lititz Craft Beer Fest at Main Street [The Lititz AMBUCS, a Lititz area nonprofit service organization, is presenting the 3rd Annual Lititz Craft Beer Fest in partnership with WCAA.  $40]

Media, Pa.
Thu. 9/22; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Shorts Sampling at Pinocchio's [Huma Luppa, Key Lime Pie, Soft Parade, plus Pulsar on tap.  $PAYG]
Thu. 9/29; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Port/Lost Abbey Night at Pinocchio's [Bourbon Santa, Hop 15. Angel's Share, 10 Commandments, Wipe Out, and Lost Abbey Helles.  $PAYG]

Mercersburg, Pa.
Sat. 9/24; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Mercersburg Beer and Wine Festival at Mercersburg Lions Club Park [An impressive array of 5+ wineries and vintners and 25+ Breweries with 50 craft beers.  $10-$25]

Norristown, Pa.
Sat. 9/24; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Tapped Philadelphia at Elmwood Park Zoo [With over 100 craft beers that epitomize Philadelphia’s powerful craft beer culture, plus multiple selections from around the world including, Tapped Philadelphia offers guests a chance to enjoy live music from Great Big House, play games like giant jenga and corn hole, and taste delicious food from our vendors.  $39-$59]

North Wales, Pa.
Thu. 9/22; 6 p.m. — One Year Anniversary Party at The Pour House [Partiers will be treated to a line-up of rare beers on tap plus a slew of giveaways including craft beer swag from dozens of breweries featured throughout the year.  $PAYG]

Parkesburg, Pa.
Thu. 9/29; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Harvest Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company [A five-course meal served with Zeltbier, Blackboard #3 Berliner Weisse, Selene Saison, Moonglow, and Tart Ten.  $55]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Fri. 9/23; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Jacks Abby Tasting at Bottle Bar East [Beers from Jack's Abby.  $PAYG]
Fri. 9/23-Sun. 9/25; All Weekend — Oktoberfest at Alla Spina [Numerous events throughout the weekend plus Victory Tap Takeover and traditional German food specials all weekend.  $PAYG]
Fri. 9/23; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Firestone Walker & Allagash Happy Hour at Brü Craft & Wurst [Get your weekend started right with a "Bi-Coastal" Happy Hour featuring two of our favorite breweries.  $PAYG]
Sat. 9/24 and Sun. 9/25; 4 p.m.-11 p.m. — Pumpkinfest Weekend at Hop Angel Brauhaus [All weekend we will be celebrating that wonderful orange gourd with pumpkin beers, pumpkin foods, and pumpkin fun.  $PAYG]
Sat. 9/24 and Sun. 9/25; All Weekend — Uptown Celebrates Oktoberfest with UpToberfest at Uptown Beer Garden [We'll be doubling the size (and number of bars) for the weekend, bringing in bands and games, and serving a full slate of favorites from Das Vaterland, including Pretzels, Wurst, Schnitzel, and Spazel. Our taps will be flowing with an abundance of local and imported lagers, and we'll have keepsake 1L Boot steins to hoist.  $PAYG]
Wed. 9/28; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Stoudts Keep the Glass Night at Hop Angel Brauhaus [Special night of beers from Stoudts.  $PAYG]
Wed. 9/28; 6 p.m. — Goose Island Secrets and Sours at The Cambridge [We're featuring Goose's very limited Hombre Secreto and Hombre Secreto and Hombre Secreto with Mango.  $PAYG]
Thu. 9/29; 4 p.m. — Fall Kick Off Party at South Philadelphia Tap Room [Five Sterling Pig drafts pouring all night, including an exclusive real ale served bar top style.  $PAYG]
Fri. 9/30; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Weyerbacher Sampling at Bottle Bar East [Beers from Weyerbacher.  $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.
Sat. 9/24; All Day — Rare Beer Event at Bistro on Bridge [Featuring over 20 Taps & Limited Bottle selections of Rare Craft Beers, a specialty food menu and live music.  $PAYG]

Pottstown, Pa.
Sat. 9/24; 12 p.m. — Can Jam at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Can Jam is a free day of amazing music in the beautiful fields adjoining the brewery, accentuated by the largest KanJam tournament in the universe.  $PAYG]

Reading, Pa.
Tue. 9/27-Sun. Oct. 2; All Night — Got Jerk Week With Pizza Boy Brewing Company at Liberty Taproom [We will be teaming up with the crew from Got Jerk Jamaican seasonings as well as Pizza Boy Brewing to bring yet another exciting weekend to the Taproom this fall.  $PAYG]

Wayne, Pa.
Thu. 9/22; 6 p.m. — Brewdown with St. Benjamin and Captain Lawrence at Teresa's Next Door [Dan from Captain Lawrence and Anthony from St. Benjamin will be out to show you why you should be drinking their beer.  $PAYG
Fri. 9/23; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Tasting at Beer Yard [Free sample tastings of beers from St. Boniface Craft Brewing.  $Free
Sun. 9/25; 6 p.m. — Farewell Brunch for Jenny Hobbs of Firestone Walker at Teresa's Next Door [Helldorado, Sticky Monkey, Parabola, Sucaba, and the new Luponic Distortion plus some more extra fresh hoppy stuff. We bid you adieu Jenny.  $PAYG]
Fri. 9/30; 6 p.m. — Stone's Sours Have Arrived at Teresa's Next Door [We all know that Stone can make some badass hoppy beers. Did you know they make some awesome sour stuff too?  $PAYG]

West Chester, Pa.
Sat. 9/24; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Levante Brewing Company [We throw a big party, bring in amazing food, release two beers, we don't charge admission and we donate proceeds back to the community. That's what Oktoberfest is all about.  $PAYG]

Wilmington, Del.
Thu. 9/22; 6:30 p.m. — Dogfish Head Tap Takeover and Trip Giveaway at Stanley's Tavern [Come try some great Dogfish Head Beers and see who wins the Dogfish Days of Summer Trip and other great giveaways.  $PAYG]



Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Writing This Ship: Part 12 - Wrapping up PBW, CBC, and WBC. Now? Really? GABF is coming.


It's about time to bring this Writing This Ship series to a close. See above for a full "directory" of postings that attempted to catch me up with previously-unpublished stuff over the last few months. It also served to get the routine and creative writing flowing again.

Somewhere along the way, I'd mentioned that I'd be concluding with Philly Beer Week (June 2016) and World Beer Cup/Craft Brewers Conference (May 2016). I'd originally planned two longer postings on each subject separately, but at this point it just feels *so* dated, that I've decided to scrap that plan, combine the postings, and slim it back to just a few paragraphs. Plus, I had to ask myself how much you really cared to read about stuff that's at least a few months in the past at this point.

And then that will just about consider me "caught up" just in time for the Great American Beer Festival to roll around and give me a bunch of new stuff to report and discuss.

Philly Beer Week showed up on our doorsteps just as the aftermath of the Craft Brewers Conference was being cleared out of our collective bedraggled beer bodies. In hindsight (though, to be fair, I believe the idea actually was floated), it may have been a wiser idea to conduct PBW concurrently with CBC/WBC. Imagine the kind of display that would have made of the area's beer scene! Because by the time the massive show was put on for the brewers of the world in May, PBW was teed up to kick off just a few weeks later.

And it was noted. Major events not sold out. Out-of-town "dignitaries" not returning to town after having already been here for CBC. A relatively smaller set of higher-quality events on the official schedule. But, it was fine. You can catch my index of what I covered during PBW over here via this link.

Don't misunderstand, though, plenty of good things did take place. The Fillmore served as an excellent new host for Opening Tap and I strongly suggest that this not change in 2017. For what's touted as one of the country's finest 10-day displays of "the best" beer scene, the opening night should bring special attention - in a worthy venue - to what the following nine days have in store. It took an out-of-towner to once again put on one of the more impressive displays - Deschutes Street Pub. And, the Jose Pistola's crew continued its consistent run of interesting, fun, and tasty beer events. So did Alla Spina, Brauhaus Schmitz, Devil's Den, Fergie's, Good Dog, Grey Lodge, Johnny Brenda's, Kite & Key, Memphis Taproom, Monk's Cafe, South Philly Tap Room, Ubahn/Bru, and many other top-notch bars that continually carry the torch.

I understand that there's some revamping happening with the board behind PBW for 2017. It is, after all, the tenth annual occurrence of the country's first such Beer Week. It certainly deserves a refresh, a revamp, a restart, and a kick in the pants so that we ensure the best possible presentation of beer in and around Philadelphia. I assume, hopefully that's not too much to assume, that the website will be addressed. Because, oh my, the website that so much was invested in for PBW 2016. I don't think I need to say much more; it was one of the most talked about topics in June and I'm confidently hopeful that it will be dealt with accordingly in 2017.

So that was Philly Beer Week; open to the public, come one, come all. The previous month, the annual Craft Brewers Conference descended upon the city and its convention center along with the biennial World Beer Cup. Technically, everything about the mass gathering of industry professionals is closed to the public. It's several days of keynotes, breakout sessions, vendor demonstrations, and private events. However, through the years, the CBC has been identified as an opportune way in the host city for which local bars, other businesses, and event organizers can benefit from the annual industry convention by hosting brewers, owners, importers, et al for public events like special releases, tasting, dinners, etc.

This year in Philly, by some counts, there were around 150 special events at area bars, breweries, and restaurants open to the public where fans could meet, greet, eat, and drink with visiting brewers and other industry personnel. So, with industry folk spread out from the convention center and all around Philly for several long days and nights, consumers spending their money chasing great beer at the aforementioned events, and event planners creative juices ebbing, it wasn't a stretch to think that PBW would take a hit because of it all in 2016. It was fine, but no doubt obviously suffered a bit as a result of the crush of activity in May at CBC/WBC.

What happened at CBC/WBC? There isn't much more detail to dredge up, since I put out a bunch of information back at the time. I was front and center in the photographer's pit by the award ceremony stage and attempted to tweet out every local winner in as real time as possible while also grabbing pictures of them approaching and on the stage. Lotta hustle, you think?

As we look forward to a couple of weeks from now when the 2016 GABF medals are awarded in Denver, here's a look back at, first, 2016 WBC awards followed by 2015 GABF medals earned by local breweries.

2016 World Beer Cup local winners:

Delaware
~ Iron Hill-Wilmington (Valentinus IPA - Silver for Double Red Ale)

New Jersey
Departed Soles (A Dark Night - Bronze for Gluten-free Beer)
Kane (A Night To End All Dawns - Gold for Wood- and Barrel-aged Strong Stout)

Pennsylvania
Conshohocken (Puddler's Row ESB - Silver for Classic English-style Pale Ale)
Iron Hill-Lancaster (Bedotter - Gold for Belgian-style Tripel)
Iron Hill-Media (Solzhenitsyn and Russian Imperial Stout - Silvers for Aged Beer and British-style Imperial Stout, respectively)
Iron Hill-West Chester (Overload Stout - Silver for Coffee Beer)
Lancaster Brewing (Jump Seat Black Lager - Gold for American-style Black Lager)
Roundabout (Heini's Good Cheer - Silver for Old Ale or Strong Ale)
Spring House (Kerplunk! - Bronze for Chocolate Beer)
Stoudts (Maibock - Gold for German-style Bock or Maibock)
Straub (Kolsch - Bronze for German-style Koelsch)
Susquehanna (Shady Spot - Gold for Fruit Beer)

And here is a reminder of the 2015 Great American Beer Festival local winners:

Gold
Jailbreak Brewing Company (Laurel, MD) - Van Dammit - Belgian-style Strong Specialty Ale
Saucony Creek Brewing Company (Kutztown, PA) - xReserve Ale 05-15 Peach and Ginger Saison - Belgian-style Fruit Beer

Silver
~ Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (Philadelphia, PA) - The Cannibal - Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale
~ Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (Lancaster, PA) - Russian Imperial Stout - Imperial Stout
~ Sly Fox Brewing Company (Pottstown, PA) - Grisette - Belgian- and French-Style Ale
~ Spellbound Brewing (Mt. Holly, NJ) - Palo Santo Aged Porter - Wood- and Barrel-aged Beer
~ Stoudts Brewing Company (Adamstown, PA) - Oktoberfest - Vienna-Style Lager

Bronze
Flying Fish Brewing Company (Somerdale, NJ) - Red Fish - Extra Special Bitter
Marley's Brewery & Grille (Bloomsburg, PA) - Pack Dog Peanut Butter Ale - Specialty Beer
Mispillion River Brewing (Milford, DE) - Wonka Bar - Chocolate Beer
Susquehanna Brewing Company (Pittston, PA) - Goldencold Lager - Munich-style Helles
The Church Brew Works (Pittsburgh, PA) - Millennium Trippel - Belgian-style Tripel

One parting thought about CBC/WBC is that I learned quickly that it's much more difficult (perhaps less costly, but yet much more difficult) to consume and enjoy the CBC/WBC when it's in your hometown. With the overwhelming concentration of industry people in town, convention happenings, and events scattered about town in just four days, it actually is more overwhelming than PBW and is compounded by the fine art of balancing the home life when the convention comes to your hometown as opposed to traveling to it out-of-town. But, for you dear readers and friends, I will happily suffer the workload.