tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150638142012-01-28T02:04:40.321-05:00<hr><i>Telling the stories behind the passionate pursuit of great beer since 2005.</i>Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.comBlogger25611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-23827546158209664162012-01-26T06:00:00.016-05:002012-01-26T06:00:02.655-05:00

Attention all ladies in the northern Chester County area. Next Tuesday night, the West Chester Beer Ladies is meeting at The Flying Pig Saloon in Malvern to discuss plans they developing with Iron Hill in West Chester to brew a beer of their very own. They have a website but, like it seems everyone nowadays, the most current info can be found on their Facebook page. The meet up is at 7 p.m. on 1/

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-81253152241805333832012-01-24T19:00:00.015-05:002012-01-24T20:16:25.556-05:00

(Truffled Old Ale, winter seasonal release from Dock Street and The Four Seasons) Dock Street and The Four Seasons began their relationship over 20 years ago when the brewery and restaurant opened just around the corner on 18th Street in the space that is currently occupied by Public House. Much looks very familiar at the old brewpub, but Dock Street has certainly taken its spirit in a different

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-41880354451845082292012-01-23T04:00:00.022-05:002012-01-23T06:56:27.449-05:00

Definitely seem to be generating some significant interest via these weekly updates. Certainly has me thinking about how to best use these to satisfy your need/interest for relevant and interesting beer material. In that spirit, I'm making a small modification here this week that should help in weeks that there are more than just a handful of interesting stories to share. I'll be organizing

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-43785795413479725212012-01-19T06:00:00.019-05:002012-01-19T10:42:51.115-05:00

Philly Beer Week released a video last week. If it doesn't get your lupulin flowing for PBW '12 (the 5th anniversary already!), I'm not sure what will. My 1/2 second of PBW '11 fame comes at 0:09 :) Until then, continue your winter/spring training for PBW '12 with some of the following beer events in and around Philadelphia. As usual, there's no shortage or diversity in events to keep you

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-43893701299340681362012-01-16T21:00:00.003-05:002012-01-16T21:20:17.746-05:00

Things-a-little slow for traffic over at ye olde Washington Times. Seems all they want to talk about is Tim Tebow and the Republicans. I contributed to an article that wove beer into a political (of sorts) story. Check it out. Read it if you like (it's extremely light), but most importantly as I always say, click the link here to let 'em know that you like reading about beer - if nothing else -

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-4912111037147327282012-01-16T04:00:00.021-05:002012-01-16T04:00:04.969-05:00

Here's a bunch of unrelated stuff from the great wide world of the craft brewing segment. This weekly update is usually Philly-centric, but there's a bit more randomness in here this week. Figured many of you will, nonetheless, enjoy most of it. There's a lot here. My goal has never been to make these too long and overwhelming. ~ One of the best food and beer events of the year takes place

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-67423392058635728182012-01-12T06:00:00.007-05:002012-01-13T09:29:37.488-05:00

How are we doing out there? Holidays behind us and recovered? The beer events calendar is heating up here in and around Philly. So grab a beer and give the list below a once-over and then get out there to support your local beer and bar scene. Check out the entire January 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. Special Tastings, Brewery Promos,

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-39201756581548698602012-01-09T04:00:00.026-05:002012-01-09T04:00:00.064-05:00

If you thought things in the beer world slowed down around the holidays, then you must have missed the following over the past week or so. ~ Lew Bryson has a potential production show brewing (get it?! er, never mind) with Green Leaf Productions and he's taken to the road to help drum up support. Well, and drink some good beer and talk about it along the way. Tonight he's at Devil's Den in South

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-68691872818537550682012-01-07T22:00:00.017-05:002012-01-07T23:19:49.706-05:00

Tired Hands Brewing Company, 16 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore, Pa 19003 The only thing that was for sure when today began was that we were heading into Philly, taking the dogs to a dog park (Schuylkill River Park), and making a few beer pick ups for an upcoming event. After a sidewalk lunch at Dock Street, we opted for the westward route out of the city along Lancaster Avenue and found ourselves

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-41825507455156348572012-01-05T06:00:00.007-05:002012-01-05T06:00:04.674-05:00

And so it begins. Another year. Funny thing, from a beer events calendar perspective, it's gonna look pretty similar to last year, I'll bet. In and around Philly, a lot of great things happening at breweries and bars. So buckle up and let's go. Here's a look at the next 7 days. If you think the calendar looks light by Philly standards, relax. I think everyone's still coming down off a crazy

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-47424096085237782972012-01-03T11:00:00.035-05:002012-01-03T14:38:40.754-05:00

For the first time, I can tag an Iron Hill-based posting here with the "Philadelphia" tag. As of tomorrow, 1/4/12, Iron Hill will have nine locations. From Newark, Del. to Lancaster, Pa., over to Maple Shade, NJ, and now to Philly's last westerly neighborhood, Chestnut Hill, in the city of wonderful neighborhoods. The brewery family of perennial award-winning brewers has been hosting

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-32762955414752793152012-01-02T12:00:00.005-05:002012-01-06T14:53:24.887-05:00

As you begin to come out of your holiday craze and daze, here are some things that you may have missed along the way. ~ Tired Hands continues to make progress...progress that is rapidly picking up pace. Before we know it, there'll be a new opening. This one, in a location desperately needing one. Note to self: get back to Ardmore. Link here back to previous pictures on The Brew Lounge or Link

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-26910954503688961722012-01-01T06:00:00.005-05:002012-01-01T06:00:00.450-05:00

165 years Labatt, Ontario 155 years Stevens Point, Wisconsin 140 years Straub, Pennsylvania 30 years Red Hook, Washington 20 years Unibroue, Quebec 15 years J.J. Bitting, New Jersey 4 years One Guy Brewing, Pennsylvania Philadelphia Brewing Co., Pennsylvania

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-43649768052341923592011-12-31T15:00:00.001-05:002011-12-28T12:12:12.768-05:00

Welcome to so many of you first-time visitors here coming to hunt down a New Year's Eve gathering. Before you run off, be sure to stick The Brew Lounge in your RSS reader and/or Like The Brew Lounge on Facebook and/or Follow The Brew Lounge on Twitter. There's over 6 years of history here focused first on the Philadelphia region, but in reality the content spans the country (and sometimes the

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-9636653246169330362011-12-29T07:00:00.006-05:002011-12-30T14:15:40.260-05:00

It's time to get this New Year's Eve thing started. I know. It's not even Christmas. But too many of you have already begun to ask and more search engine results have been sent my way looking for what to do on New Year's Eve 2011/2012. Some of you love this time of year; others hate it. One thing's for sure, there are plenty of you looking to find a great beer on New Year's Eve outside the

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-54777345907432300222011-12-28T19:00:00.037-05:002012-01-25T21:38:38.619-05:00

2012? Really? Anyone else feeling older? Well, let's get past that, celebrate the coming of the new and the passing of the old, and see what we have on tap in and around the Philadelphia region on the January 2012 beer calendar of events. The calendar, as might be expected, looks a bit light by our standards around here. But, keep in mind that we're in a bit of a holiday hangover and I'll add to

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-41763689411505530572011-12-27T16:00:00.005-05:002011-12-27T16:00:00.490-05:00

As the year comes to a close, let's take a moment to reflect back upon some significant figures and friends in the beer industry that left us in 2011. 1/31/11--Don Younger, 69, Horse Brass Pub- complications from an accident Plenty of coverage of this Portland, Oregon forefather of great beer including: ~ OregonLive.com ~ Jay Brooks 4/9/11--Pierre Celis, 86- natural causes Plenty of words about

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-14168791088305573932011-12-26T04:00:00.092-05:002011-12-27T14:16:17.184-05:00

Lots of Christmas-y stuff going on this past week, so it's not difficult to imagine that you may have missed some of the following. ~ Dock Street proclaimed last Wednesday the beginning of "Occupy Dock Street". No plastic was accepted. Cash only. And for every Wednesday going forward. They intend to pass along the saved merchant fees from the credit card companies to the customers, offering all

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-89110038706631492572011-12-22T06:00:00.016-05:002011-12-27T13:52:06.163-05:00

Let's go ahead and cover off the remainder of the month and year. If you were expecting the Philly Beer Calendar to go out quietly with a wimper because of the holidays, then you don't know the Philly Beer Scene (the scene, not the magazine) very well. I've left New Year's Eve events off of here since I've got them all neat and tidy presented for your consumption over here. Check out the entire

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-31791268814126661652011-12-20T10:00:00.000-05:002011-12-20T10:00:00.384-05:00

You may now resume your holiday imbibing with the elves in peace. Actually, I'd wondered recently how many even knew of the legal storm when it began brewing earlier this year. I'd mentioned a couple times in the past week or so to various people in the biz who basically shrugged and said something like "huh, dunno...kind of forgot all about that. Weird, though." Collaboration? Not Litigation?

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-81671942243430257262011-12-19T19:00:00.002-05:002011-12-19T19:00:06.778-05:00

As part of my way of tying a bow on the year 2011 in craft beer, I've got the first of three parts up over at The Washington Times in the Communities section. Who doesn't love a Top 10 list that can be discussed and debated...and dissed? So go and check it out and weigh in with your own thoughts of what were some of the biggest buzz topics in 2011. After this one, I'll have a Top 10 brewers

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-37266048095201831952011-12-19T04:00:00.040-05:002012-01-06T14:51:30.866-05:00

Going into the new year, I need to do something about both getting more organized in the spirit of getting more information to all of you. Honestly, I'm not sure exactly where the future of "blogging" is, but with the likes of Facebook and Twitter looming larger than ever, it stands to reason that it's more difficult than ever for me to "keep up" with the rapid flow of information regarding

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-65624889260774996362011-12-15T06:00:00.007-05:002011-12-16T11:57:51.951-05:00

Here we go again. Another bang-up week of beer events to give you all the holiday prep procrastination that you need. Check out the entire December 2011 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. Ongoing @Love Park, Philadelphia, Pa.--- through Sat. 12/24 - Christmas Village ($PAYG for this unique atmosphere with thousands of lights, the big Holiday

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-11926161659797534182011-12-08T06:00:00.011-05:002011-12-08T16:21:36.519-05:00

Were your eyes as crossed as mine after reading through December's full month beer calendar? Well, here's just the next seven days; though, since the month's events are certainly shifted toward the first half, outside of Philly Beer Week, this is the longest weekly calendar I've assembled here on these pages. Probably close to 50 once you add in the ones that I inevitably missed. Read slowly,

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-62856723099237370882011-12-06T11:00:00.009-05:002011-12-06T12:23:16.559-05:00

Sly Fox is celebrating 16 years of its incredible brewing business in Phoenixville and they've got quite a lineup in store for you. They're opening bright-and-early at 10 a.m. for those of you that plan to take off work to help in the celebration. Last year (hit up this link for videos), they hosted a brunch to kick the day off and rolled merrily along from there. This year, they're promising a

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-1885166581308591432011-12-04T20:00:00.039-05:002011-12-22T11:09:22.474-05:00

2011 has been an incredible year of great beer and events around the Greater Philadelphia region. The calendar of beer events for December should sum the year up well and put an exclamation point on it. Perhaps no more so than on Tuesday, December 7. 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

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-58030890481254740602011-12-04T09:00:00.017-05:002011-12-04T09:45:41.229-05:00

25 years Alaskan Brewing Geary 20 years Rock Bottom (1st location: Colorado) Schlafly/St. Louis Brewery Spanish Peaks 15 years Live Oak Selin's Grove Titletown 10 years McKenzie Brew House (1st location: Chadds Ford) 3 years Old Forge

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-7377972753166074362011-11-27T22:00:00.004-05:002011-11-27T22:00:01.440-05:00

I know, I know. The title has all the makings of an aimless BA thread. Rather, I'm catching up on my delinquent link to an article I wrote pre-Thanksgiving about drinking beer with the holiday dinner. So, here it is....let me know if you agree, disagree, or have personal favorites you feel like sharing with the group. Comment here, or comment there. If you comment "there", you get the big guy's

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-9539148449972356202011-11-26T23:00:00.019-05:002011-11-27T20:19:49.815-05:00

Preliminary returns show just over $3,000 being raised at The Drafting Room for the local All 4 Paws animal rescue. Big congrats to Howard at TDR and Kristen Schlichtig at All 4 Paws (and her team of volunteers) who capped off a successful week of fundraising with a list of fresh hop/harvest/or otherwise hop-forward beers and an incredible list of raffle prizes from around the region. Head over

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-20451351972135364252011-11-25T09:00:00.024-05:002011-11-25T09:00:08.980-05:00

Our 1-year-old puppy, Callie, came from South Carolina courtesy of All 4 Paws animal rescue. It's based out of northern Chester County and The Drafting Room has their back this weekend. I can't quite figure how The Drafting Room pulled this one off, but damn impressive it is. Tomorrow, Saturday November 26, The Drafting Room is throwing a big party. All this week, raffle tickets have been on

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-35234087864768566702011-11-24T19:00:00.004-05:002011-11-24T19:21:21.776-05:00

Here's something I missed in the past week and I'm here to give it a proper bump and share with you. Our local pal, Lew Bryson, whom we share with the world of beer and whiskey is getting his own show. On TV, the Internet, or wherever I'm not sure, but this sure has the makings of being something pretty cool -- particularly given Lew's pretty cool attitude and personality. Instead of me going

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-33591529938177901452011-11-24T06:00:00.005-05:002011-11-27T11:12:16.887-05:00

We stand here at the official kickoff to the holiday season and we all have much to be thankful for...at least in terms of great beer in the Philadelphia region. So get out there and celebrate at any of these worthy beer events in the next seven days. Check out the entire November 2011 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. Y'gotta Play to Win @

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-70185310746896393322011-11-23T16:00:00.014-05:002011-11-23T16:16:06.731-05:00

I went to Victory for a growler fill up and a sandwich to go...and to witness the throngs of beer enthusiasts lined up for bottles of Dark Intrigue, the barrel-aged Storm King Stout. Bottles? More correctly -- cases, which was the per person limit again this year. Since it seemed that more is the new more and more is always better. So, yes, it was mostly cases going out the door one at a time.

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-80983472703393598432011-11-22T07:00:00.001-05:002011-11-22T07:00:05.602-05:00

From the sounds of the title, it almost sounds like I'm writing press copy for Victory Brewing. Knowing how many of you are really jazzed for the (final?) release of Dark Intrigue, I thought I'd give you a behind-the-scenes peek. I'd planned to stop by in person and snap a picture or two of Dark Intrigue behind-the-scenes, but for living so close by, I should figure out how that never happened.

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-75524815668703239882011-11-21T09:00:00.012-05:002011-11-21T09:00:01.014-05:00

[Link to Philadelphia Marathon Guide to Beer] Let's see, if you "follow" me on Twitter, "like" me on Facebook, or actually "know" me in real life (!), you likely know that I volunteered yesterday at the Philadelphia Marathon. But, I may not have mentioned it here. Mrs. Brew Lounge, the young pup, and I served as walking information "booths" from 20th Street to the Art Museum along the Ben

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-38243266476631041062011-11-20T19:36:00.004-05:002011-11-20T19:44:08.675-05:00

This weekend around the Philly beer scene (actually both lower case and Upper Case) saw a little bit of every kind of beer thing imaginable. I did the whole Twitter thing, which, by now, I'm sure is getting to be a bit of a boring story line. Nonetheless... I, as my human limitations demanded, stopped in at Iron Hill's 15th Anniversary Party in Newark, Del. and drank from a flight of firkins.

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-66984663421273663212011-11-19T17:32:00.003-05:002011-11-20T18:27:42.314-05:00

All these words strung together have the markings of a festival not to be missed. Follow along with me on Twitter where I'll be occasionally posting pictures from the Stout and Chowder Festival at the Independence Seaport Museum at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia. [Link to The Brew Lounge on Twitter]

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-11401033711016953842011-11-19T14:11:00.007-05:002011-11-19T17:07:48.287-05:00

I'm still doing the whole mobile (only) thing, so while I'm at Iron Hill's 15th Anniversary Party in Newark, Delaware this afternoon, follow along over on Twitter where I'll be occasionally posting pictures.Tonight, I'll be doing likewise from the 2nd Annual Stout and Chowder Festival Link to The Brew Lounge on Twitter

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-9050341281444320062011-11-18T16:00:00.004-05:002011-11-18T22:29:53.113-05:00

With a dead desktop at home not yet replaced, The Brew Lounge is still a mobile-only venture. With that spirit, I'll be stopping by two events tomorrow. If you're not there, you should follow along with me via Twitter. You're not following The Brew Lounge on Twitter? C'mon now, if I can get through (sort of) this Twitter odd-yssey, we all can ;-) These promise to be swell beer events worthy of

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-70732665999382285622011-11-18T13:31:00.001-05:002011-11-18T13:31:45.201-05:00

Anything to see around here? Nope, just another test.

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-86050501250071360572011-11-18T06:00:00.015-05:002011-11-18T12:21:44.476-05:00

I wouldn't ordinarily re-post an entire press release verbatim, but in this case, it was one of the most well-written that I've seen in some time. Or perhaps I say that more so because it's full of well-deserved praise for two leading characters (said with all due respect!) in Philadelphia's craft brewing industry (home and professional brewing alike). Check it out and do give careful

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-57466998369357828172011-11-17T06:00:00.052-05:002011-11-17T10:50:22.736-05:00

Craft Beer Express and all of its wild and crazy events are behind us. But, fear not; this is Philadelphia and the great quality beer, bars, events carry on with business as usual. And, that should suit us all just fine. Read on for how you can participate. Check out the entire November 2011 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. One highly

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-86770848999927509182011-11-16T11:00:00.008-05:002011-11-16T11:00:05.139-05:00

Likely by now, you've caught wind of the return of the Dark Intrigue barrel-aged beer at Victory. Next Wednesday, at this time, some of the eagerly awaiting beer geeks enthusiasts will be lining up prior to the brewery/restaurant's opening at 11:30 a.m. Good thing is, compared to last year, it sounds like there'll be more product to go around and more organization to keep those looking for the

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-2655338282610893532011-11-15T12:00:00.013-05:002011-11-15T12:00:02.944-05:00

I haven't said much about NYC's Blind Tiger Ale House since my numerous visits back in August. But, they've got a set of events this week that sure to get any beer geek's heart pumping a little faster. If you're around the city this week, you should probably like to check this out. Tomorrow, beginning at sundown (y'know, 3 p.m.) is the (at least) annual VSK -- Very Special Keg. And they've got

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-70703634635329755712011-11-14T15:00:00.002-05:002011-11-14T15:00:06.800-05:00

Tomorrow is King's Day in Belgium. Somewhat coincidentally, it's also the 30th anniversary celebration of Don Feinberg and Wendy Littlefield's beer importing business of mostly Belgian beer called Vanberg & Dewulf. They also have a hand in opening Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY back in 1997. Hundreds of establishments across the country are lining up to help celebrate with an event called Coast to

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-56047628514100528792011-11-13T18:00:00.004-05:002011-11-14T11:46:15.004-05:00

Buried in yesterday's wrap-up of the Craft Beer Express in Philly was my question about me making more use of The Twitter via my iPhone when out at certain events that lend themselves to it. I posted up at least a dozen Tweets with accompanying pictures during the course of 8 hours in Philly for the Craft Beer Express. But, other than replies and retweets, it's sort of difficult to determine the

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-71342469924753111362011-11-12T23:00:00.026-05:002011-11-14T11:44:14.230-05:00

Do you follow me on The Twitter? I wouldn't blame you if you don't. After all, if I didn't do what I do, I probably would not either. I'm not helping my case here, am I? But, when circumstances present them as they did today, Twitter does (gulp) seem to be an acceptable way of communicating. It's been interesting in the almost 4 years that I've been on Twitter to see The Brew Lounge's list of "

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-70756869125128429382011-11-11T16:00:00.010-05:002011-11-16T09:53:59.349-05:00

Don't say I didn't tell you so. Last night's dinner at The Drafting Room in Exton was shaping up to be, and turned out to quite possible be, one of the best dinners they've ever hosted...or so I'm told. I showed up as the dinner checks were being distributed. That's what happens when I'm in Providence for most of the week and then return in the middle of a storm front that delayed me nearly two

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-1188010716258651582011-11-10T06:00:00.025-05:002011-11-10T06:00:13.024-05:00

Hope you're hungry sometime in these next seven days. Come to think of it, whether dinners, tastings, or otherwise, there's some type of beer event every night of the next week in and around Philly. Enjoy! Check out the entire November 2011 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. Craft Beer Express comes to Philly @12 participating bars in

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-20334927532136687692011-11-09T11:00:00.021-05:002011-11-09T11:00:12.264-05:00

File under: my how time flies. First up, we have Iron Hill's Phoenixville location celebrating its five-year anniversary a few weeks back. Somehow, I showed up for the party and yet dropped the ball on posting this short wrap-up. Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows it full (fool?) well could've been the three glasses of Chardonnay barrel-aged (local bee) honey saison that I could not get

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-31866251385286722992011-11-08T14:00:00.017-05:002011-11-08T14:00:01.178-05:00

(A handblown beer glass, quite near perfect) Hudson Beach Glass has been in the Gilvey family for many years and based out of the Hudson River Valley town of Beacon, approximately 90 minutes north of NYC. Three years ago, Sean Gilvey and his wife Emily opened a Philadelphia location in Old City. Bonus points for anyone who knows that Strawberry Street also runs parallel between 2nd and 3rd

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-12641567346297457212011-11-07T13:00:00.007-05:002011-11-07T22:09:24.360-05:00

The wildly popular — just looking at the lineup of fun events will tell you why and all you need to know — Craft Beer Express returns this coming Saturday, November 12 in Philadelphia. There's no set order, just 10 hours of fun-filled beer events at a dozen of the city's best beer joints. You can show up at 1, 2, or all 12 bars and partake in the fun. The more you do and the longer you stay,

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-86788478612170372852011-11-06T22:30:00.010-05:002011-11-07T07:29:01.970-05:00

Some might call this Patrick Mullin's farewell dinner at The Drafting Room. It would not be entirely inaccurate. Though, to be fair, better beer fans will still continue to see Patrick around town after the transition to his new role at Sly Fox. The Drafting Room in Exton hosts many events during the course of the year, but only a few set price, timed, sit-down dinners. One of the dinners is

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-44064737874496363592011-11-05T18:00:00.013-04:002011-11-06T21:11:15.866-05:00

When I first got started here at The Brew Lounge way back in the year 2005, I set out to write as many reviews (full reviews, not the Tweet types that seem to have gained popularity these days) of high quality beer joints around the country, focusing, of course, first on the Philadelphia region. That was a tall order back then, but one that I didn't consider completely out of my reach. Of course

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-41144809200156215202011-11-04T17:30:00.002-04:002011-11-04T17:39:33.617-04:00

Had to keep this one to myself until the news made its way through the mid-Atlantic breaking news clearinghouse. Patrick Mullin, as regional sales manager for Sierra Nevada, has racked up some frequent flyer miles over the past few years to the West Coast and the Sierra Nevada headquarters in Chico. But, his lifetime platinum status will have to wait until he helps grow Sly Fox beyond the

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-71235427340460658842011-11-03T14:00:00.000-04:002011-11-03T14:00:04.632-04:00

Wow, now here's a question that I'm having a difficult time wrapping my head around to arrive at a position. Read this, then come back and weigh in. [Link to BeerNews.org] Unfortunately, and I expect to be beaten up a bit over this, but I think marketing trumps. Here's why. Much as we'd like to dismiss marketing — and, really, isn't a fair amount of that reaction due to what we've seen "The

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-47131247921299470462011-11-02T19:00:00.006-04:002011-11-04T19:10:19.067-04:00

November comes in roaring. Hopefully, the weather not as much so. Check out the entire November 2011 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. Grand Opening @Franklin's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/5 - Grand Opening (5:00pm; $PAYG for 14 featured rotating taps, $3 craft pints every Monday and $3 Yards pints and you keep the glass every Wednesday. At

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-51661164319066415182011-11-02T10:30:00.039-04:002011-11-02T10:56:51.396-04:00

By the sound of this title, I'm sure you're thinking, "Oh boy, I better buckle in, we're in for another long missive." Not today. But in keeping with the daily posting directive of NaBloMoPo (did I spell it right?), I should be filing something for you to read today. Plus, I really do want to give you something that helps keep my Wikio ranking from slipping for a third straight month. Hopefully 

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-84339101236000114782011-11-01T14:01:00.020-04:002011-11-02T10:57:11.383-04:00

Today is All Saints' Day. No worries, though; I don't have plans to get religulous with you. We're not drinking with those saints; I'm talking about some of the following saint-related beers and breweries. And while we may be talking about saints, let's agree up front that we won't be discussing St. Ides. If I've missed any that deserve mention, feel free to drop a comment below and share. I

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-14624878722230566412011-11-01T14:00:00.009-04:002011-11-02T10:57:34.702-04:00

NaBloPoMo, you say? I've heard of it in the past and really hadn't really paid it much mind. After a sporadic summer of posting here at The Brew Lounge and attempting to find the proper voice and approach to my Washington Times Communities column, October (kicked off by GABF material) saw a jump back up in posting frequency. Far be it, though, for me to judge my satisfaction by quantity rather

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-30338402533048981402011-10-31T17:00:00.001-04:002011-10-31T17:00:00.758-04:00

15 years Iron Hill (first location: Newark, Del.) The Brewer's Art

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-18495601466935502692011-10-30T13:00:00.000-04:002011-10-30T13:16:54.606-04:00

Seeing this healthy reminder over at Jay Brooks' site reminded me of signs I snapped a couple of months ago at a local watering hole favorite. As serious as their message is, I couldn't help but get a little chuckle out of them and snap their picture to share here. Plus, they're tagged from the PLCB...say what you will about that.

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-58625042990724852732011-10-29T19:00:00.000-04:002011-10-29T19:16:37.106-04:00

Vanberg & Dewulf is celebrating 30 years of finding great (mostly Belgian) beer and bringing it to the States. Nearly 150 establishments across the country have signed up to help them celebrate with a Coast-to-Coast Toast promotion on November 15. If you don't know how some of your favorite Belgian beer, like Saison Dupont, gets to your bar or your table, I strongly recommend reading Lew

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-8186819750254460032011-10-28T15:00:00.023-04:002011-11-16T10:08:16.366-05:00

There'll be plenty to be thankful for in November 2011. Near the top should be the display of great beer put on by Philadelphia-area bars, brewers, and distributors. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. Kicking things off here, though, I should first mention that on Tuesday, November 15, around the Philadelphia area at participating bars like, Monk's, Tria, Eulogy,

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-78775688596558716972011-10-28T06:00:00.027-04:002011-10-28T07:19:15.676-04:00

I'm not generally moved one way or another by Best and Worst Of lists. Unless there's such a stupefyingly crazy inclusion or exclusion, I tend to take them with a grain or two of salt and a chuckle. They tend to be fun and sometimes open my eyes to something I've neglected over time. Philadelphia Magazine compiled and released its 85 Best Bars earlier this week. My western Philly suburbs fared

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-83477257333706418632011-10-26T18:00:00.000-04:002011-10-26T18:00:05.524-04:00

And now to close out October 2011. Last week had over 30 beer events of every different flavor, shape, and size scheduled around the Philadelphia area. Guess what? The next five days are no different. Go figure... Check out the entire October 2011 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings @Bell Beverage

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-47033626950736260482011-10-25T18:00:00.002-04:002011-10-25T18:00:06.043-04:00

I suppose it's rather ridiculous that here in The Brew Lounge I've never really made as big a deal as I should of the column I write in the Communities section of The Washington Times. After all, it's called After Hours at The Brew Lounge and was originally intended to be some sort of an extension of this thing here. Been doing it for over a year now. Haven't even put up a handy link over there

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-37430441476340273582011-10-25T12:00:00.006-04:002011-10-25T12:10:37.848-04:00

For those of you looking to celebrate Christmas in October today, look no farther than Teresa's Next Door in Wayne where they'll be hosting Jolly Pumpkin for a Halloween celebration with barely a pumpkin in sight, save for the brewery's name and La Parcela. A half dozen drafts like: La Parcela ['10]; Luciérnaga; Madrugada; Noel de Calabaza ['10]; Oro de Calabaza; and Weizen Bam Bière. Vintage

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-37710216588141007262011-10-21T18:00:00.002-04:002011-10-21T18:00:01.752-04:00

Maui Brewing is coming to the East Coast, so reports BeerNews.org To me, it's a double-edged sword. Here's a brewery that makes great beer, Great--Local--Beer. On one hand, don't get me wrong, the ability to buy it so close to home is, according to the greedy consumer in me, great. Bikini Blonde, Big Swell, and, yes, CoCoNut Porter will all find their way into my cooler after my next trip to

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-19398194067938376532011-10-21T06:00:00.002-04:002011-10-21T06:00:13.535-04:00

As Iron Hill in Phoenixville threw down for its 5th anniversary celebration last night (as the company's sixth location), it got me thinking to an area of The Brew Lounge to point back to that many of you may enjoy: Construction Updates. There was a bit of recent buzz about it over in the Twitter-verse, particularly related to Tröegs, so I thought I'd share a bit of the bigger picture here to the

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-27301941544352485202011-10-20T06:00:00.012-04:002011-10-24T14:31:34.438-04:00

October marches on with cooler temps and hotter beer events. Check out the entire October 2011 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 10/21 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Belgian Beers with Joe Sixpack) @Capone's, Norristown, PA---

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-42217215651580825842011-10-19T17:00:00.003-04:002011-10-19T17:04:29.292-04:00

Here's a little news nugget from earlier today about Yards' Tom Kehoe helping Mayor Nutter and the Phillie Phanatic to ship off some Yards beers to the mayor of St. Louis for that little postseason debacle you may recall from a couple of weeks back. According to Ops Manager Steve Mashington, representing Philly honorably in defeat were Yards' Philadelphia Pale Ale and Brawler. I can only hope

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-16556480945705774082011-10-19T12:00:00.004-04:002011-10-19T12:01:07.766-04:00

Imagine yourself on the Pennsylvania Turnpike heading east or west somewhere between Harrisburg and Reading. You're hungry and want to make a pit stop along the way. You're near the Lebanon/Lancaster exit and decide to head south on Route 72 in search of food. You smell something good (refrain from making Pennsylvania farmland jokes here). It could be beer or it could be barbecue. Chances are,

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-57203815085465630822011-10-17T06:30:00.025-04:002011-10-17T07:28:57.022-04:00

[Quick Link to my Tröegs pictures posted at Picasa.] (John and Chris Trogner, brothers and co-owners) Am I allowed to say Sooper Dooper? Will I find myself in hot water if I say that The Sweetest Place on Earth is about to get a whole lot sweeter? There are a lot of trademarks around the city that has a little something to offer for almost everyone. What do family and friends like to do in

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-49788370652883174082011-10-15T18:00:00.024-04:002011-10-15T18:00:01.263-04:00

I don't recall going to the beer distributor with my father on a Friday night to be fed food, be given beers (well, of course not at that age, that'd be ridiculous, right?!), and listen to live music. Exton Beverage has done it again. For the second time this year, they've put together a customer appreciation-type of event with food, beer, and live music. This time it was Holt 45 on stage, beers

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-34770399971342597102011-10-14T17:30:00.000-04:002011-10-14T17:30:01.025-04:00

We had 'em smoked every which way at Yards. Quick jump over here for 40 pictures from the event. (Excellent glassware as always at Yards events. And, guess what? Attendees don't smash them at the end of the session!) A little late with this wrap-up (yeah, like nearly 3 weeks late...so, let's get on with it, eh?!), but must do my part here to reiterate the claim for this event as a top 10'er

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-66231417842621703902011-10-14T11:00:00.008-04:002011-10-14T11:40:02.903-04:00

Well, this is an embarrassing omission from The Brew Lounge's monthly calendar. The closest great beer distributor to me, and the one I write a newsletter for - go figure, is having another one of those kick-ass Customer Appreciation/Fall Fest events. Similar past events have been wildly successful. If you're in Northern Chester County this afternoon, be sure to stop by between 4pm-7pm. They're

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-55016023953449143912011-10-13T16:00:00.010-04:002011-10-13T19:28:28.500-04:00

(sorry, that was the most clever Washington/Politics reference I could come up with today) Ms. Woods is a downright likable beer personality. You'll hear me saying that about so many in the "craft" beer industry; but, then again, it's true and also what makes covering the industry, the happenings, and the people so darn interesting and fun. So as Suzy moves on from Sly Fox to Allagash, where

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-3663338759412570942011-10-13T06:00:00.004-04:002011-10-13T06:00:02.211-04:00

Such a light looking calendar of 7 beer days here, do you think? Check out the entire October 2011 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 10/14 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Flying Dog beer) @Capone's, Norristown, PA--- Sat. 10/15 -

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-68346331530293178642011-10-12T10:00:00.007-04:002011-10-12T10:00:02.705-04:00

McKenzie Brew House, 324 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, PA 19312 Quick Notes. Stopped by when no one was around and found progress poking along. The exterior façade and sidewalk are undergoing a bit of reconstruction. The interior has been roughed-out and the brewery is in place. No word yet on an official target date for opening, but that's the good thing about having two other locations to enjoy

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-55396256344851988542011-10-11T17:00:00.000-04:002011-10-11T17:00:05.559-04:00

Tired Hands Brewing Company, 16 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore, Pa 19003 Quick Notes. Jean Broillet and his team continue to rip away at the old building, finding beautiful brick, stone, and glass that was previously covered. Look for a just-after New Year opening, if all continues apace. I'll be reviewing a bottle of their FarmHands coming up soon.

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-14581029150918423432011-10-11T07:00:00.001-04:002011-10-11T07:38:04.937-04:00

Forest & Main Brewing Company, 61 N. Main Street, Ambler, Pa. 19002 Quick notes. Should be opening in November, let's say by Thanksgiving so we don't get too anxious? We all know how these things can bog down in the final (often bureaucratic stages). They seem, though, to have all the right people in Ambler pulling for them and working with them, so that's a good sign. They're nearing the end

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-28668561557420956702011-10-06T22:00:00.040-04:002011-10-06T22:00:00.691-04:00

You know how I've got this thing about not effusively going on about the packaging, doodads, and geegaws that breweries tend to send? Though, must say they don't seem to send like they used to — probably just me. Well, it's my birthday this weekend and 21st Amendment sent some Fireside Chat...and a pie...and a USB thumbdrive with "stuff" on it. Not that it was actually for my birthday, but it

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-52621414402606459352011-10-06T10:00:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:00:04.379-04:00

After this weekend, you should see me begin to come out of my slowdown-of-sorts. As we get into the fall season and I begin my fifth decade of this wonderful life, the beer calendar offers us all plenty of opportunities to get out there and enjoy some tasty treats. Check out the entire October 2011 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. Two more

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-7596405067098511022011-10-05T19:30:00.019-04:002011-10-05T19:38:14.396-04:00

Just a few words here (yes, this is in fact Bryan speaking!) about last night at Station Taproom in Downingtown. WXPN's David Dye is in the middle of making rounds throughout the Delaware Valley to promote the station's 20th anniversary and showcase Philadelphia Brewing's Broadcaster Brown Ale that they brewed to commemorate the landmark date. The beer is tasty, quite drinkable (5% ABV)

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-79174371367753763562011-10-05T18:00:00.006-04:002011-10-05T18:00:04.726-04:00

15 years Arcadia Basil T's Hitachino Nest (Kiuchi) Manayunk Brewery Tampa Bay Brewing Two Brothers 3 years Earth Bread + Brewery 1 year Big Beaver

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-13827883667987748342011-10-03T20:00:00.041-04:002011-10-03T20:43:08.603-04:00

The 2011 Great American Beer Festival is in the books. After 30 years, the world's largest beer judging and consumer festival continues to astound with its ever-expanding scope and growth. The numbers have grown staggeringly to official reports of nearly 4,000 beers, 526 breweries, 167 judges from 9 countries, and 86 pro-am entries. From the official GABF website: "The Great American Beer

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-77304360410621781942011-10-03T07:00:00.030-04:002011-10-03T07:00:08.467-04:00

Remember that special Bell's beer we discussed last week? Well, it made its into the Philly market for a guest appearance alongside many of its typical traveling Bell's Beer brethren from Kalamazoo, Michigan. On Saturday, the last stop along a multi-stop construction progress update tour (more on that coming soon) was in Norristown where Mr. Capone turned over a few beers that I'd forgotten he

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-19436998087647343512011-10-01T15:00:00.014-04:002011-10-01T17:11:59.249-04:00

nearly 4,000 beers, 526 breweries, 167 judges from 9 countries. That's the starting point. I'll continue to update this list of local Philadelphia winners over the next two hours as best I can as the results stream in near real-time. GOLD ~ Weyerbacher 16 (style category: Specialty Honey Beer) ~ Tröegs Troegenator (style category: Bock) SILVER ~ Ithaca SuperFriends IPA (style category:

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-12898152881487919572011-10-01T09:00:00.005-04:002011-10-01T09:45:32.393-04:00

More than one of you have asked, so that constitutes a majority around here, so here's this weekend's list of sour bottles that Teresa's Next Door is putting on display in Wayne, Pa. To test the waters and see how well received the weekend's event is, TND is offering bottle flight tastings in the following groupings. More to come if you prove thirsty and worthy enough :) Cantillon Mamouche, Lou

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-61858959155642134172011-09-30T06:00:00.001-04:002011-09-30T06:29:57.723-04:00

This brewing industry has come a long way to participate in this information age. To cut to the chase, GABF's website now has a listing (oh, was that my heart skipping a beat?) of all beers available to sample at this year's Festival, which is now underway after tucking Day 1 for the night. If you lost count, the number is somewhere around 2,400 samples of beer on the festival floor. As some of

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-11645192952681968442011-09-29T12:00:00.004-04:002011-09-29T13:37:48.940-04:00

Two of my most frequented locals, TJ's in Paoli and The Drafting Room in Exton, have beer and food deals occurring throughout the NFL football season. Some like to stay home and watch games; others like the social environment of a bar in which to take in the action. At TJ's during all Eagles games, they will be featuring $3 Dortmunders from Great Lakes. While a fine choice, it makes me wonder

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-85069182729411700442011-09-28T10:00:00.018-04:002011-10-24T14:31:58.764-04:00

GABF will be behind everyone by the time this calendar kicks into high gear. There will be some winners and some not-winning-as-much-as-they-thought-they-might. No matter, back here at home these guys are all winners and these events help to prove it. 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

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-53920045687195986012011-09-27T17:00:00.025-04:002011-09-27T17:05:08.991-04:00

One of the most neglected beer styles these days just might be the brown ale. While they may lack some of the sex appeal of some other beer styles, at least as defined by today's geekerie and hype machines, I can't help but be excited to hear about a well-made brown ale. Now I say this only with hope, but no way (yet) of knowing whether this new brown ale from Philadelphia Brewing Company will

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-21496945786426557252011-09-26T21:00:00.024-04:002011-09-26T21:44:15.971-04:00

Here are a few late entries to The Brew Lounge's September calendar of events that many of you will find of interest. I received a nice note from Josh at Bell's Brewery. Yes, that Bell's Brewery from Michigan. The one that did the massive tap takeover during Philly Beer Week and delivers so many beers that get the geeks foaming. They're in town the next few days to show off their Quinannan

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-82198820086987604352011-09-22T06:00:00.007-04:002011-09-22T11:31:17.559-04:00

Did you think last week's beer event calendar around the Philly region was crowded with over 30 events? This week's isn't much different. You wouldn't know that a bunch of the regular party people are getting ready to head out west to GABF. My Houdini act continues this week as I'll miss much or all of this calendar. Check out the entire September 2011 calendar over here. If I'm missing any

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-84891504440090722502011-09-15T06:00:00.007-04:002011-09-15T06:00:16.328-04:00

If this type of foolishness keeps up, I'm gonna need an intern. I'm getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome working on this calendar. I mean, c'mon, is there an area of the country with a more aggressive (and interesting) set of brewers, distributors, and publicans that take the (beer) ball and run with it? Even without the Oktoberfest celebrations that really kick off the season this coming weekend,

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-37676456138851710962011-09-08T10:00:00.003-04:002011-09-08T10:00:03.433-04:00

I'm gonna be (mostly) off the Philly Beer Grid for the next few weeks and that's a shame seeing the wealth of events from which to choose. Take the next seven days as an example. I know you'll play your part in helping pick up the slack for me. Better yet, if you attend an event and have any words or pictures to share from the event, feel free to drop them my way and I'll feature you as a guest

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-52642577769253121742011-09-07T16:00:00.001-04:002011-09-07T16:27:43.575-04:00

>> Pictures from New York City (they're mostly beer-related, but not all. That's either a good thing or a sad thing, you decide.) If you missed Part 1 yesterday, here's a handy link back to it to fill in the blanks, or not. Financial District - the beginning of my second weekend visit to Patty in NYC began with a walking "tour" of lower Manhattan, taking a bunch of stock photos and walking the

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-68464982262458722482011-09-06T21:00:00.084-04:002011-09-07T16:32:18.585-04:00

>> Pictures from New York City (they're mostly beer-related, but not all. That's either a good thing or a sad thing, you decide.) I've traversed the northeast from a few different directions over the past few weeks and I've done very little to share much of any of it with you. By far, the majority of the time was spent across two separate weekends in New York City. Weather for both Saturdays

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0