Monday, December 31, 2018

Rest In Peace 2018 - Thanks For All The Beers

As I do each year, it's time to look back on those individuals that we lost in 2018 and their significant contributions to the industry. Many thanks to additional feedback from Tony Forder, Tara Nurin, Nancy Rigberg, and Don Russell to help make this the most complete list I could.

First up, however, is one that I missed last year.

4/12/17, John Bryan, 52, stroke
  ~ He made his mark in the beer world with Boulevard and Firestone Walker and was dearly missed by friends, family, and the beer community after his untimely passing. [link to Flatland KC and link to Forbidden Root]

4/28/18, Jack Glunz, 82, infection
  ~ Fascinating back story here for Jack, who amongst a life of accomplishments, brought Leinenkugel to Chicago in the 1980s through his family's beer distribution business. [link to Chicago Tribune and link to Chicago Sun-Times]

5/7/18, Jerry Turner, 75
  ~ He owned the Evansville, IN fixture, Turoni's, and was a beloved figure on the local scene, even having started a brewery side of the business too back in 1996. [link to Indiana On Tap]

7/1/18, Jim Pickett, 53, stroke
  ~ Jim's life in beer sales spanned Brooklyn Brewery to Pipeline to Gotham Artisanal to USA Beverage Company. [link to The Plain Dealer]

7/27/18, Kazuko Komatsu, 70, cancer
  ~ She was a significant figure in British Columbia's beer scene and, more generally, the broader business scene. The entrepreneur owned Pacific Western Brewing and served as director of The Brewers Association of Canada. [link to Canadian Beer News]

10/13/18, Bill Coors, 102
  ~ His last name says it all, the grandson of Coors founder Aldoph Coors. [link to Denver Post]

12/8/18, Katie Loeb, 57, cancer
  ~ Last but not least, back home here on the Philadelphia bar scene, while perhaps not exactly associated directly with the beer world, many brewers and others in the industry have shared time and drinks with cocktail guru, Katie Loeb. She left a lifetime of expertise that thrilled those on both sides of the bar. [link to Philly.com]


If you care to look back on the previous 11 years that I've been doing this year-end wrap, consult the links here for: 2017, 2016, 2015,  2014,  2013,  2012,  2011,  2010,  2009,  2008,  and 2007.

As in past years, I'll repeat a soothing message: Be still sad heart and cease repining; Behind the clouds the sun is shining, Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life a little rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary. ~ Longfellow




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2016. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com



Thursday, December 20, 2018

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: Philadelphia & beyond: December 20 - December 31

If "all you want for Christmas is" ...beer, this list should serve you well. My friends, it's been another interesting year in beer. No matter what you celebrate — Festivus included! — I wish you good friends and family, cheers, and beers. Thanks to your continued support, the event calendar will continue in 2019.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region and over here for a look at Philly Tap Finder's event draft lists.

Ardmore, Pa.
Sat. 1/12; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Winter Beer Festival at Ardmore Music Hall [50+ craft brew tastings, live music, and bites.  $15-$5]

Boyertown, Pa.
Sat. 12/29; All day — Hoppy Holidays at Union Jack's On The Manatawny [Nothing makes the holiday season better than a dozen or so overly hopped, dank, and juicy IPAs.  $PAYG]

Easton, Pa.
Sat. 12/22; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Party at The Tap Room at Weyerbacher [We’ll be giving a case of beer to the best (worst) ugly sweater – winner will be announced at 6:30 p.m.  $PAYG]

Exton, Pa.
Fri. 12/21; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Exton Beverage Company [Sampling of beers from Tröegs.  $Free]

Horsham, Pa.
Wed. 12/26; 7 a.m. — Boxing Day at Iron Abbey [Enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet from 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. plus $4 Guinness and Bloody Mary, $5 Hofbrau 1/2 liter, and $9 Hofbrau liters while watching the games starting at 10 a.m.  $PAYG]

Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
Sat. 12/29; 12 p.m. — Fire And Ice Fest at Moss Mill Brewing Company [Bring your friends to hang out in our heated tents, roast s'mores over our fire pits and stare in amazement at our live ice sculptors.  $PAYG]

King of Prussia, Pa.
Mon. 12/31; 3 p.m.-7 p.m. — German New Year's Eve Party at Workhorse Brewing Company [Our party will be a little different than others: for one, we’ll be ringing in the New Year at 6 p.m. EST, or more appropriately, Midnight in Germany. There will be an open bar, German food, limited edition Workhorse beer stein, live music and games, a toast at midnight, and tours of the brewery.  $45-$90]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Fri. 12/21; 3 p.m. — Featured Sampling at Bell Beverage [Sampling of beers from Bell's.  $Free]

Fri. 12/21; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. — Bell's Winter Solstice at City Tap House (Logan Square) [We are celebrating the longest and darkest night of the winter with special tappings of Bell's Christmas Ale, Lampshade Double IPA, & Bourbon Aged Expedition Stout, along with some favorites and rarities.  $PAYG]

Sat. 12/22; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Beer America at Philly Beer School [If you are a beer aficionado, or want to be one, this is a class for you. We have written a road map to the great breweries all around the country, and this is our way of sharing it with you. It’s an irreverent but informative a guide to craft beer across the United States.  $51-$89]
Sun. 12/23; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — Festivus at Grey Lodge Pub [We celebrate Festivus the traditional, old fashioned way with all the trimmings including the beautiful unadorned aluminum pole, a meatloaf dinner, and Feats of Strength. We finally have a fruitcake to display (but not eat). And it wouldn't be a Grey Lodge event without great beer. We will have a greatest hits of Christmas seasonals.  $PAYG]
Wed. 12/26; All day — Boxing Day at Memphis Taproom [Featuring some of our favorite Christmas beers as well as our all time favorites. Every Boxing Day we donate a portion of our sales to a local charity. This year's recipient is South Jersey Rescue.  $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.
Sat. 12/22; 7 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Party at Bistro on Bridge [Our Ugly Sweater Party tradition continues with an evening full of prizes, music, Ugly Sweaters and a delicious selection of Tröegs Independent Brewing seasonal beers.  $PAYG]

Wayne, Pa.
Fri. 12/21; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Welcome Mainstay Independent Brewing at Teresa's Next Door [You may know the name Brian O’Reilly from the last 20 years of brewing in the Philadelphia area. He even has a nitro stout named after him. Well, he is now the head brewer with a brand new spot in Philadelphia called Mainstay Independent Brewing. We’ll have Brian out and have 5 different beers on draft including King Laird, Harness Bend, First Run, Birthplace and Poplar Pilsner.  $PAYG]

Westmont, NJ
Thu. 12/20; 8 p.m.-10 p.m. — Deck The Halls With Ugly Sweaters & Holiday Gift Wrapping Party at Keg & Kitchen [Bring your unwrapped gifts and wrap them in holiday cheer while enjoying a Yards beer. Scissors, tape, ribbons, papers, and all kinds of gift wrapping accessories will be provided. There will also be a prize for the best-wrapped gift. Plus, the best sweater will win a $40 gift card to Keg & Kitchen.  $PAYG]

Woodbury, NJ
Fri. 12/21; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Dark Signal & Parlor Car Release at Eight & Sand [Parlor Car is our first Brut IPA - super dry and effervescent, almost champagne-like but with loads of hop character. We also brought back Dark Signal, our Black IPA with Centennial, Cascade, and Columbus hops lending a subtle citrus nose to complement the hints chocolate.  $PAYG]



© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com


Wednesday, December 19, 2018

They brewed for a great cause, now it's our turn to drink for the same - Resilience IPA for Butte County, California

Earlier this month, I tracked down nearly 30 SEPA, NJ, and Del. breweries that reportedly were taking part in the nationwide call to charitable brewing. Plenty more came on board since then.

It was the Sierra Nevada-led project for the devastating Camp Fire near Chico, Calif. Here's the background story and here's an updated story from Sierra Nevada.

Following are those area breweries that I could find a release party/fundraising event tied to the release of their respective Resilience IPA. If you know of one that I missed, please feel free to drop a note to me, or respond in the comments with details. I'll keep this updated over the next couple of days so it can serve as the most complete list possible in the region.

I think it's safe to say that the beer brewing industry has never seen an undertaking such as this. What a project; cheers!

Now On Tap
      ~ at La Cabra in Berwyn, Pa. — "La Cabra is honored to participate in the efforts and hope you will support the movement along with us."

      ~ at Tröegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, Pa. — "The proceeds from this beer will go to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund to support those affected by the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history."

Thursday, Dec. 20
      ~ beginning at 11 a.m. at Round Guys in Lansdale, Pa. — "100% of all sales will go to the Camp Fire Relief Fund."

      ~ beginning at 11 a.m. at Two Rivers Brewing in Easton, Pa. — "100% of SALES going to those affected in the Camp Fire disaster in Butte County California."

      ~ beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Philadelphia, Pa., center city location — "100% of the sales will be donated to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund, benefiting those devastated by the Butte County wildfires."

      ~ beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Roy-Pitz Barrel House in Philadelphia, Pa. — "100% of the proceeds of Resilience IPA go to support the Camp Fire Relief Fund."

      ~ beginning at 12 p.m. at Wallenpaupack Brewing in Hawley, Pa. — "Donating 100% of sales of Resilience IPA to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund to support those impacted by the Camp Fire."

      ~ beginning at 3 p.m. at Aston Abbey in Aston, Pa. — "We will be donating 100% of the money raised by the sale of this beer to the Camp Fire Relief Fund."

      ~ beginning at 3 p.m. at Lost Tavern in Hellertown, Pa. — "100% of the proceeds of this beer are going to those affected in the Camp Fire disaster in Butte County, CA."

      ~ beginning at 4 p.m. at Bonn Place Brewing in Bethlehem, Pa. — "Every Dollar of every sale is going to these efforts."

      ~ beginning at 4 p.m. at Brewery Techne/Bar Hygge in Philadelphia, Pa. — "Come get it whilst it lasts and drink for a good cause."

      ~ beginning at 4 p.m. at Brothers Kershner in Skippack, Pa. — "100% of Resilience IPA sales go to Sierra Nevada’s Camp Fire Relief Fund."

      ~ beginning at 4 p.m. at Crime & Punishment in Philadelphia, Pa. — "100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund."

      ~ beginning at 4 p.m. at Evil Genius in Philadelphia, Pa. — "100% of proceeds go back to help victims of the CA camp fire."

      ~ beginning at 4 p.m. at Goose Island in Philadelphia, Pa. — "In support of those affected by the Camp Fire, 100% of all sales will go to Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund."

      ~ beginning at 4 p.m. at Neshaminy Creek Brewing in Croydon, Pa. — "Proceeds will 100% be going towards the Camp Fire Relief Fund."

      ~ beginning at 4 p.m. at Zeroday Brewing in Harrisburg, Pa. — "The money for every Pint, Crowler and Growler fill will be donated to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund."

      ~ beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Earth Bread + Brewery in Philadelphia, Pa. — "All of the proceeds are being donated to victims of the California wild fires in Butte County CALIFORNIA."

      ~ beginning at 5 p.m. at Brewery ARS in Philadelphia, Pa. — "100% of the sales of the Resilience IPA will be donated to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund, aimed at long-term community rebuilding support."

      ~ beginning at 5 p.m. at Ever Grain in Camp Hill, Pa. — "100% of sales will be donated to help the people of Butte County rebuild their community."

      ~ beginning at 5 p.m. at Wissahickon Brewing in Philadelphia, Pa. — "We are donating 100% of Resilience sales to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund to help Butte County rebuild its community."

      ~ beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Funk Brewing in Emmaus, Pa. — "100% of the proceeds of this beer are going to those affected in the Camp Fire disaster in Butte County, CA."

      ~ beginning at 7 p.m. at Death Of The Fox in Clarksboro, NJ — "Come out to show your Christmas spirit by supporting this noble cause."

Friday, Dec. 21
      ~ beginning at 11 a.m. at Dogfish Head in Milton & Rehoboth Beach, Del. — "100% of its sales will be donated to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund."

      ~ beginning at 11 a.m. at Pizza Boy Brewing/Al's of Hampden in Enola, Pa. — "100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund."

      ~ beginning at 3 p.m. at Flying Fish in Somerdale, NJ — "Releasing Resilience IPA to help raise funds for the Camp Fire Relief Fund."

      ~ beginning at 4 p.m. at Love City Brewing in Philadelphia, Pa.

      ~ beginning at 5 p.m. at Imprint Brewing in Hatfield, Pa. — "100% of all sales will go to the Camp Fire Relief Fund."

Saturday, Dec. 22
      ~ beginning at 11 a.m. at St. Boniface in Ephrata, Pa. — "100% of Resilience sales to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund to help Butte County rebuild its community."

      ~ beginning at 11 a.m. at Bube's Brewery in Mount Joy, Pa. — "100% of the proceeds will go to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund. Every penny will go to cause."

      ~ beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Columbia Kettle Works in Columbia, Pa. — "100% of the sales will be donated to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund to help Butte County rebuild its community."

      ~ beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Spring House in Lancaster, Pa. — "All sales of this beer will go to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund to help those affected rebuild their community."

      ~ beginning at 12 p.m. at Black Forest Brewery in Ephrata, Pa. — "100% of the proceeds from our allotment will be donated to help those affected by the wildfires in California."

      ~ beginning at 12 p.m. at Fetish Brewing in Lititz, Pa.

      ~ beginning at 12 p.m. at Mad Chef Craft Brewing in East Petersburg, Pa. — "Proceeds benefits the Northern California wildfire relief."

      ~ beginning at 12 p.m. at Pour Man's Brewing in Ephrata, Pa. — "100% of the proceeds will be donated."

      ~ beginning at 12 p.m. at Wacker Brewing in Lancaster, Pa. — "Each pint will be $6 and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to California fire relief."

      ~ beginning at 12 p.m. at Stoudts in Adamstown, Pa. — "We will donate 100% of Resilience sales to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund to help Butte County rebuild its community."

      ~ beginning at 1 p.m. at Lunacy Brewing in Haddon Heights, NJ — "We will be donating 100% of the proceeds to this great cause."



© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com


Thursday, December 13, 2018

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: Philadelphia & beyond: December 13 - December 19

In the last two weeks until Christmas, I know exactly what you need — Beer! Here's how...

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region and over here for a look at Philly Tap Finder's event draft lists.

Bristol, Pa.
Sat. 12/15; 12 p.m. — Kili Bottle Release at Broken Goblet Brewery [Join us for bottle 5 in our 15 year quest to solidify our nerdom (and try to stay open for 15 years) - we present KILI, a Black IPA, hopped with Idaho 7, Wakatu, & Apollo, and generously dry hopped with Citra and Mosaic.  $PAYG]

Croydon, Pa.
Sun. 12/16; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Holiday Taproom Brunch at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company [Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company and our Jenkintown location, The Borough Brewhouse, are coming together for a Holiday Taproom Brunch in Croydon that is sure to make you very merry, and very full.  $25-$30]

Downingtown, Pa.
Sat. 12/15; 1 p.m.-3 p.m. — Beers With Santa at Bottle Room [Come out and have a beer with Santa! Feel free to bring the kids so they can tell Santa what they want for Christmas this year. Sarascript Designs and Kottmeyer's Reclaimed Carpentry, LLC will be on hand selling custom locally made Christmas ornaments and Dan Wilson of Watchfuleye will be taking fun photos of you and Santa.  $PAYG]

Doylestown, Pa.
Wed. 12/19; 4 p.m. — Christmas Party with Sly Fox & Jameson at Penn Taproom [Special tapping of the Sly Fox/Jameson Collaboration, Jameson Barrel-Aged Imperial IPA, part of the Jameson Caskmates program.  $PAYG]

Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
Sat. 12/15; All day — A Festivus For The Rest Of Us at Naked Brewing Company [Featuring all your favorite Festivus staples - we've got the Feats of Strength! And don't forget everyone's favorite, The Airing of Grievances! Come and observe our Festivus pole in all her glory.  $PAYG]

Kennett Square, Pa.
Thu. 12/13; All day — The Russians Are Coming at Two Stones Pub [Our taps are being taken over by loads of tasty imperial stouts from Two Roads Brewing Company, The Brooklyn Brewery, & 2SP Brewing Company.  $PAYG]

Lancaster, Pa.
Sat. 12/15; All day — Beer Geek Christmas at Hunger N Thirst [We will be rolling out some rare kegs to celebrate the holiday season with everyone and will be pouring these treats all day long.  $PAYG]

Lititz, Pa.
Mon. 12/17; 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Firestone Walker Beer Dinner In The Ballroom at Bulls Head Public House [This special event includes four courses and four perfectly paired beers from the California-based brewery.  $39]

Media, Pa.
Thu. 12/13; 6 p.m. — Oskar Blues/Cigar City at Pinocchio's [Beers from Oskar Blues and Cigar City.  $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 12/13; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — December Can Release at Evil Genius Brewing Company [Run By Fruiting (6.5%) Tropical Fruit NEIPA and Complete The Process (9%) Double IPA.  $PAYG]
Fri. 12/14; 3 p.m. — Featured Sampling at Bell Beverage [Sampling of beers from Tröegs.  $Free]
Fri. 12/14; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Christmas Extravaganza to Benefit Cradles to Crayons at Kite & Key [Santa is back and ready to get his final bender going before he takes to the sleigh. Taps will be lined with holiday cheer and of course Santa will be here. This event is not for the kids! Bring a donation and receive $1 off drafts.  $PAYG]
Fri. 12/14 & Sat. 12/15; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. & 11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Crime & Punishmas at Crime & Punishment Brewing Company [We will be hosting a Holiday Bazaar where we will be featuring for sale the arts and crafts of 30 local artists and makers. There will be music and beer and on Saturday in addition to the Bazaar, we will be hosting our annual fundraiser benefitting Give & Go Athletics and The Village of Arts and Humanities.  $PAYG]
Sat. 12/15; 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. — Excelling At Your Craft Brewing Symposium at University of the Sciences [The symposium will consist of a series of presentations, panel discussion, and a happy hour where guests will have an opportunity to mingle with the panelists and to sample their beer. The University and the Pink Boots Society have brought together a group of women brewers and industry leaders who excel at their positions to share their experiences with you—Carol Stoudt; Julie Foster; and Jen Adams.  $20]
Sat. 12/15; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — West of Broad Holiday Pub Crawl at Six Stops at some of South Philly's Finest [Throw on your silly holiday hat and join your neighbors for the 6th Annual West of Broad Holiday Pub Crawl.  $PAYG]
Sat. 12/15; 6:45 p.m.-8 p.m. — The Chairman Dances / Brewery ARS Anniversary at Brewery ARS [The Chairman Dances performs at this event celebrating another year of the existence of the great Brewery ARS in South Philly.  $PAYG]
Sun. 12/16; 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — A Very Metal Holiday Event wtih Copper & Kings Brandy, 2SP, and Yards at Butcher Bar [Drink specials, food specials, metal, and ugly sweaters.  $PAYG]
Mon. 12/17; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 [Join us for brewery representative led complimentary tastings and specials on bottle selections from Ommegang.  $Free]
Tue. 12/18; 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Beer and Bonsai at Love City Brewing Company [n this fun and educational workshop, attendees will plant and create their own bonsai display to enjoy for years to come. Workshop fee will include: a healthy juniper, landscape with decorative rocks, one six inch ceramic pot as well as a beer flight from Love City.  $53]
Tue. 12/18; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Trivia on Tap with Stateside & Yards Brewing Co. at Pizzeria Vetri-Chancellor Street [Come meet the brewers from Yards Brewing Co. and enjoy their beers plus special cocktails from Stateside Vodka.  $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.
Fri. 12/14; All day — 23rd Anniversary Party and Hop Project No. 009 Release at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Holt 45 will be busting out the tunes from 8-11pm, we're dropping fresh cans of Hop Project No. 009: Double IPA, Chef Jim Trainer is whipping up some awesome food specials, and we'll have some special kegs on tap for your sipping pleasure.  $PAYG]
Sat. 12/15; 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. — Puppy. Yoga. Beer. at Stable 12 Brewing Company [Brewery Yoga with Samm and Liz, Stable 12 Brewing Company and To Love A Canine Rescue, Inc have teamed up to put together another rescue puppy yoga class. TLC will stay in brew house having a Meet & Greet and Giveback so you can socialize with the rescue pups, drop of donations and maybe even find your furever match.  $30]

Swarthmore, Pa.
Sat. 12/15; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — A Holiday Evening With Allagash at 320 Market Café [The Belgian via Maine brewery will be in the house and taking over the taps. In addition to the always perfect Allagash White and Allagash Tripel, we will be tapping a very special reserve keg of their 2015 St. Klippenstien.  $PAYG]

Wayne, Pa.
Thu. 12/13; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Tröegs Mad Elf Day with Nick Johnson at Teresa's Next Door [The lineup will include Naked Elf, Mad Elf, and Wild Elf. We’ll also have some one offs and classics from Tröegs pouring as well.  $PAYG]
Wed. 12/19; 5 p.m. — A Vintage Beer Lineup at Teresa's Next Door [We’re going to pick six different kegs that have been sitting in our cellar for at least two years and throw them on tap. Some of the selections include 2015 Abbey Saint Bon Chien, 2015 Dogfish Head 120 Minute, 2016 Russian River Supplication and 2015 Rodenbach Vintage.  $PAYG]

Wernersville, Pa.
Thu. 12/13; 4 p.m.-9 p.m. — Holiday Beer Night at Paradise by the Slice [Join us for six holiday beers on tap including beers from Tröegs, Fat Heads, Southern Tier, and more. From Stouts to Spiced Ales, there will something for everyone. Free glasses with sampler and other giveaways during the night.  $PAYG]

Westmont, NJ
Thu. 12/13; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Elf Fell Off The Shelf at Keg & Kitchen [We'll have Christmas movies and music to add to the fun. Christmas beers include Sly Fox Christmas, Bells Christmas Ale, and Fegley’s Rude Elf with other Christmas cocktails and creations to be featured.  $PAYG]

Wilmington, Del.
Sat. 12/15; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. — The Dark Side Party Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Our annual Star Wars themed beer event with a new spin! Featuring both dark side and light side beers for a total of 16 beers on tap... choose wisely. Costumes are encouraged.  $PAYG]



© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com


Thursday, December 06, 2018

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: Philadelphia & beyond: December 6 - December 12

This December holiday season, if either you're a) bored with nothing to do or b) running around crazed out of your mind with too much to do, there's a beer event on here for you in the next week either in the city or in the sticks to give you a break from your reality. No excuses not to drink great beer this week!

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region and over here for a look at Philly Tap Finder's event draft lists.


Ardmore, Pa.
Wed. 12/12; 6:30 p.m. — December To Remember Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Come celebrate the holiday season with five courses of hearty scratch beer and craft food combinations, featuring Scrooge IPA, Marzen, Foles Gold, Abbey Dubbel, and Russian Imperial Stout.  $65]

Boyertown, Pa.
Sat. 12/8; All day — Back In Black Stout Fest at Union Jack's On The Manatawny [Our annual celebration of the dark stuff.  $PAYG]

Cape May, NJ
Wed. 12/12; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — One off: Cranberry Orange Devil’s Reach at Cape May Brewing Company [One-off new release at the Tasting Room.  $PAYG]

Downingtown, Pa.
Thu. 12/6; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Great Lakes Toy Drive at Bottle Room [Buy a pint of Christmas Ale, bring in an unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots or a cash donation for Chester County Food Bank and get a raffle ticket to win a red Christmas Ale mini fridge or a Great Lakes gift pack.  $PAYG]
Sun. 12/9; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Brunch With Santa at Victory Brewing Company [We’ll be celebrating the season with our family and yours, including an amazing brunch buffet and the opportunity to have your picture taken with our Santa.  $Free-$28]

Easton, Pa.
Thu. 12/6; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Easton Assassinator Release Party at Two Rivers Brewing Company [Join us for the re-release of our Easton Assassinator Doppelbock. Doppelbocks traditionally have that end in "-ator", so when we first brewed a doppelbock, it seemed only right to name it the Easton Assasinator in honor of Easton's favorite son Larry Holmes, former heavyweight boxing champion. We will be donating $1 per beer sold to Larry's Heart Of A Legend Foundation.  $PAYG]

Emmaus, Pa.
Wed. 12/12; 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Dinner at Trapp Door [We are raiding our beer cellar for this monumentous occasion and we are consulting with our wine specialist to pair some unique wines. 4 courses. 4 beers and wines.  $60]

Harrisburg, Pa.
Fri. 12/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Fat Head's Christmas Bash at Sturges Speakeasy [Featuring “Pimp My Sleigh” Belgian Strong Dark Ale, and more. Pimp out grandma’s favorite Christmas sweater and spread the holiday cheer.  $PAYG]

Horsham, Pa.
Thu. 12/6; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Imperial Stout v3 Release at Iron Abbey [Join us and Free Will Brewing for a limited bottle release and tapping of the third version of our Double Barrel-Aged Iron Abbey Imperial Stout using our Knob Creek Single Barrel.  $PAYG]
Mon. 12/10 & Tue. 12/11; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — 12 Beers Of Christmas at Iron Abbey [6 courses and 12 beers.  $75]

Kennett Square, Pa.
Sun. 12/9; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Brunch With Santa at Victory Brewing Company [We’ll be celebrating the season with our family and yours, including an amazing a la carte brunch menu and the opportunity to have your picture taken with our Santa.  $PAYG]

Lancaster, Pa.
Thu. 12/6; 6 p.m. — Beer & Cookie Pairing at Friendly Greek Bottle Shop [Today we are thankful to have the greatest cookie baker on the planet as one of our good friends. She provides the cookies, we provide the beer.   $PAYG]
Sat. 12/8; 4 p.m. — Santa Stumble With New Belgium Brewing Co. at Federal Taphouse [On tap we will be featuring New Belgium's Juicy Haze IPA, Brut IPA, Fat Tire, Fat Tire White, Imperial Frambozen, and Hemperor.  $PAYG]

Lewisberry, Pa.
Sat. 12/8; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Roundtop + Tröegs present Ullr Fest at Roundtop Mountain Resort [Our third annual ULLR Fest, our annual bonfire event featuring great food, Tröegs seasonals, music from Riff Mountain, and more. New this year: zip line through the night on our new Dual Zips.   $PAYG]

Media, Pa.
Thu. 12/6; 5 p.m. — Allagash Resurgam at Pinocchio's [Half price drafts and $4.99 apps.  $PAYG]
Fri. 12/7; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Party Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Celebrate the holiday season with some great beer and Christmas cheer. Don't forget to wear your best ugly sweater.  $PAYG]

Merchantville, NJ
Thu. 12/6; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Firestone Walker Tap Takeover at Blue Monkey Tavern [We will be pouring 12 (and maybe even more) of Firestone Walker's best beers from big barrel aged and boozy beers to refreshing wild ales there will be something from Firestone Walker for each one of you.  $PAYG]

Milton, Del.
Thu. 12/6; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Vintage & Vinyl: The Immortal Grapes Of Wrath at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery [What we're pouring 12/6 …'10 Wrath of Pecant; '12 Immort Ale; '13 Noble Rot; and '14 Red & White.  $PAYG]

Montgomeryville, Pa.
Sat. 12/8; 3 p.m.-7 p.m. — Intro To Brewing Class at Keystone Homebrew Supply [We will go over all of the equipment necessary to get started homebrewing, and how they all function. Sanitation, ingredients, brewing, and bottling will all be covered with a live demonstration of each.  $30]

Newark, Del.
Fri. 12/7; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Party Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for our annual Ugly Sweater Party with the release of Winter Warmer. Also, every 2 cans or dry goods donated to the Food Bank of Delaware will earn you a raffle ticket and chance to win all kinds of great prizes.  $PAYG]

Parkesburg, Pa.
Sun. 12/9; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Brunch With Santa at Victory Brewing Company [We’ll be celebrating the season with our family and yours, including an amazing brunch buffet and the opportunity to have your picture taken with our Santa.  $Free-$28]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 12/6; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Mad Elf Night with Tröegs at Interstate Drafthouse [For this event, we'll be tapping 2016 and 2017 versions of this high octane delight. Also on tap that night will be Tröegs Dream Weaver and Nitro Chocolate Stout, so we'll be able to create the delicious blends "Mad Dreams" and "Chocolate Elf".  $PAYG]
Thu. 12/6; 5 p.m. — Tired Hands/Half Acre Tap Takeover at Memphis Taproom [Details TBA.  $PAYG]
Fri. 12/7; 5 p.m. — Lawson's Finest at Bainbridge Street Barrel House [Featuring beers from Lawson's Finest Liquids.  $PAYG]
Fri. 12/7; 3 p.m. — Featured Sampling at Bell Beverage [Sampling of beers from Dogfish Head.  $Free]
Fri. 12/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — First Friday Art Show w/ Founders at Bottle Bar East [Featured Artists: Jake Rhoda; John Corry; Chris Dowling. Featured Beer: Founders CBS and more.  $PAYG]
Fri. 12/7; All day — 15th Anniversary Party at Good Dog Bar [We’ll have amazing beers, booze, food, and raffle prizes for you to win with 10% of the proceeds and 100% of the raffle goes to Monster Milers who do great things for dogs.  $PAYG]
Sat. 12/8; 2 p.m.-6 p.m. — Beer Brewing Program, Level One at Philly Beer School [This program includes brewing with specialty grains, extracts, and hops. Topics covered in class include Intro to Brewing, Fermentation 101 and Principles of Beer Styles. This two-day program is the homebrewer’s bible: everything you need to know to brew beer at home from start to finish, including trade secrets to fermentation.  $150-$200]
Sat. 12/8; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Second Street Sessions: Holiday Crawl at 7+ stops along North 2nd Street [The inspiration for Second Street Sessions comes from the famous New Orleans Frenchman Street. The idea of music in the air wherever you walk. Second Street Sessions is a monthly event that brings you music, drink specials, arts & crafts and street performers.  $PAYG]
Mon. 12/10; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 [Join us for brewery representative led complimentary tastings and specials on bottle selections from Conshohocken.  $Free]
Tue. 12/11; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Christmas Movie Quizzo & Ugly Sweater Competition at Roy-Pitz Barrel House [Test your Holiday movie knowledge at Roy-Pitz and show off your ugliest sweater. Tom from Press Play DJ will be your Quizzo Master and we’ll be screening holiday movies beginning at 4 p.m. Happy Hour.  $PAYG]
Tue. 12/11; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance (Manayunk) [Beers from Narragansett featuring Autocrat.  $PAYG]
Tue. 12/11; 7 p.m. — Annual Holiday Beer Dinner at Monk's Café [Six courses paired with seven beers — Mikkeller Hoppy Lovin’ Christmas, Sierra Nevada Celebration, Dupont Avec Les Bon Vieux, Mikkeller Red White Christmas, Corsendonk Christmas Ale, Struise t’sjeeses Reserva, and Port Brewing Santa’s Little Helper.  $75]
Wed. 12/12; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Mad Elf Night at Hop Angel Brauhaus [It's OK to get a little Mad around the holidays... as long as it's Mad Elf.  $PAYG]
Wed. 12/12; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — You Buy The Glass at The Abbaye [Keepsake glass from Tröegs, raffle prizes, and giveaways.  $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.
Fri. 12/7; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Cookies With Santa Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for cookies with Santa Claus, and the release of Om Nom Nom, otherwise known as oatmeal cookie in a glass, as we celebrate Phoenixville's Christmas Parade.  $PAYG]
Sat. 12/8; All day — Phoenix Rising Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us as we celebrate the Firebird Festival with the release of Phoenix Rising, a sour cherry Belgian Ale. We’ll also be featuring a Firebird Flight with Phoenix Rising, Russian Imperial Stout, Scrooge IPA, and Cranberry Santa’s Little Helper.  $PAYG]

Reading, Pa.
Sat. 12/8; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Buy Local, Drink Local. A Celebration of Berks County Breweries at The Loft at 505 [A select group of brewers from Berks and surrounding counties will be pouring some amazing ales, lagers and other craft brews. Dundore and Heister will have some of their amazingly delicious hot sandwiches for sale. Live bluegrass music by The Mountain Folk Trio. Proceeds benefit the Reading Science Center.  $30]

Sellersville, Pa.
Fri. 12/7; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting: Holiday Brews at Washington House [‘Tis the season of warming, hearty brews. Our holiday beer tasting is always a customer favorite.  $PAYG]

Wernersville, Pa.
Thu. 12/6; 4 p.m.-9 p.m. — Dogfish Head Night at Paradise by the Slice [Join us for six of Delaware's finest beers on tap from Dogfish. Look for old favorites along with limited beers.  $PAYG]

West Lawn, Pa.
Thu. 12/6; 5 p.m. — Neshaminy Creek Tap Invasion at The Tavern on Penn [Featured brews include Ecomis DIPA, Maximum Mocha Porter, Tribute Tripel, Keep it on the DL Session IPA, and The Shape of Hops to Come DIPA. Brewery Staff will be present with giveaways.  $PAYG]



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