PBW 2008 - Day 3 Wrap-Up

PHILLY BEER WEEK INDEX @ THE BREW LOUNGE

Day 3 Report

The Brewer's Plate 2008

(click Joe Sixpack's picture to see more pictures from The Brewer's Plate)
Background: Beautiful crisp winter day with plenty of sun. But, stayed mostly indoors reading, catching up (trying to stay one step ahead of everything else not related to PBW!), and watching a pretty decent movie, Into The Wild, that brings pause and reflection into our usually self-absorbed lives. How's that for preparation going into The Brewer's Plate?

Where to: The Brewer's Plate at the Independence Visitor Center

Why: In case you haven't heard me go on (and on and on) in the past about how this is one of Philadelphia's finest conceived and executed beer events, then go here for a review of 2006's installment and over here for last year's.

What to drink: I didn't conquer nearly as many of the tables as I thought I might; the space was just a bit too tight for ease in comfortably moving from table to table. Plus, the signage was not always as prominent as its been in past years. And, while there were not too many beers that I have not had the pleasure of in the past, there were a few one off beers and beer/food pairings that impressed me to seconds.

General Lafayette's Chocolate Thunder with Beeramisu (repeat winner; if they did this combination every year, it would never ever I say get old! out of this world phenomenal)

Iron Hill's Saison with Thai Shrimp and mango-yellow curry sauce over white rice (the spices in both played so nicely off of each other; delectable flavor after flavor)

Climax's ESB with Rose Tattoo-styled Choptank Oysters (these Eastern Shore sweet, salty, and tender oysters went perfectly with the spicy bitterness of the ESB)

Other beers and foods of note:

Dock Street Satellite Stout (lately, I'd be hard-pressed to name a better espresso stout);

Cricket Hill APA (this beer actually screamed louder than Rick, who said he only does that rendition for the weekly tours);

the Saint Maure goat milk cheese that Tria brought (probably would have gone nicely with the spicy character of Prima Pils, but I opted only for the cheese)

The honey-hoisin glazed baby back ribs from Fork were so tender & flavorful

And, last but certainly not least was the Nodding Head-braised Pork Belly that Bar Ferdinand did (with a little piece of apple added, it was such a nice balance)

Who to share a drink with: Tipped and talked beers with Brian O'Reilly, Suzanne Woods, Don Russell, Carol Stoudt, the Iron Hill & Yards brew crews, Garrett Oliver, Woody Chandler, Dell "a true walking beer geek" Massey (and Samantha, too), the Johnstons, davide169 (and Sarah) of beeradvocate & Google PBW calendar fame, Judy Wicks, and Scott Morrison (and Daria).

Didn't get much "dirt" to share with you. I did get the word that River Horse's new Double White is about a week away from bottling and being made available to the public. From my taste, if you're a fan of the style I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Reaction: This event continues to impress as one of Philly's Best. Though, I'll be anxious for the event to (hopefully) return to its natural and rightful home at the Reading Terminal Market. Plans are still being discussed, though not yet finalized, for what we'll hopefully be able to call an autumn redux of The Brewer's Plate 2008.