Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Beer Calendar: What To Do in November 2013

Fall is squarely upon, a nip is in the air, and I trust a few are in your glass as well. If not, what are you waiting for? November offers plenty of chances around the Philadelphia region to drink up and stay warm.

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


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

Philadelphia
through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
throughout November 2013 - Brewery of the Month (Barren Hill) @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 11/1 - Allagash Happy Hour @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/1 - Otter Creek Double Dose See-Doh @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/2 - Yards Cask Takeover @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/2 - Fresh Hop Fest @Field House, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/2 - GTV Almrausch Oktoberfest @Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $10-$12)
Tue. 11/5 - Beer School (November subject: TBA) @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 11/5 - Yards Election Day Happy Hour @Stateside, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 11/5 and Wed. 11/6 - First Anniversary Party @Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 11/5 through Sun. 11/10 - The Brooklyn Brewery Mash @various locations around Philadelphia, Pa. (Various pricing from $PAYG to $70. See website for a full, up-to-date calendar of event listings.)
Wed. 11/6 - Beer School (November subject: TBA) @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 11/7 - Bell's Wheat Love Tapping @Khyber Pass Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/7 - Olde Bartholomew Event @Dawson Street Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Does Stockertown Beverage have great beers? Does a BEAR (Peter Brett) shit in the woods? (Craft Beer Express) @Bishop's Collar, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Holy Schmitz That's Good Beer (Craft Beer Express) @Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Get Animated Costume Party (Craft Beer Express) @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Craft Beer Express with Firestone Walker (Craft Beer Express) @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Wet Hop Rodeo & Ranchero Brunch (Craft Beer Express) @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Git' Yo' Popcorn Ready (Craft Beer Express) @Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Taste of the Midwest (Craft Beer Express) @Kraftwork, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Up Around the Bend, OR (Craft Beer Express) @Pub On Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.), Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Colorado Night (Craft Beer Express) @Race Street Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Belgo-Americano Brewfest (Craft Beer Express) @Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Sexy Singles @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Stouts and Porters (Craft Ber Express) @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 11/10 - Chili Cook Off @The Cambridge, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 11/10 - Speakeasy Night @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 11/12 - Stone's "End Of The World" @Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 11/13 - Beer School (November subject: TBA) @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 11/13 - Brooklyn Brewery Keep the Growler Night @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/14 - Black is New Black @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/14 - Coast-to-Coast Toast @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/14 - Coast-to-Coast Toast @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 11/14 - Coast-to-Coast Toast @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 11/14 - Coast-to-Coast Toast @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 11/14 - Coast-to-Coast Toast @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 11/15 - Yards Sampling @The Foodery (2nd Street), Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 11/15 - Mad Elf/Happy You Night @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 11/20 - Beer School (November subject: TBA) @Bottle Shop at Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 11/22 - Imperial Coffee Porter Beer Release @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/23 - Sam Adams Limited Release Presents the Great Gingerbread Race @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 11/24 - Savage Sixtel Sunday @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 11/26 - Amber Ale release @Dock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 11/28 - Thanksgiving w/Southern Tier Pumking 2012 & 2013 @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/29 - Blackout Brunch @Kraftwork, Philadelphia, Pa. (10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/29 - Blackout Brunch @Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa. (10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/29 - Finally Friday Beer Tasting (Otter Creek and Wolavers) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 11/29 - Everything Went Black Friday @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/29 - Black Friday — All Day Chicken with Victory @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 11/29 - A Civilized Black Friday Shopping Experience @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 11/1 - Friday Night Sampling (Evolution) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 11/1 - Flying Fish Sampling @The Beer Shoppe, Ardmore, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 11/1 through Sun. 11/3 - Wet Hop Weekend @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sun. 11/3 - Guy Fawkes Day @Forest & Main, Ambler, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 11/4 - Beer 101 (Yards) @Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 11/5 - Deschutes Tap Takeover @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 11/5 - New Holland @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 11/6 - Support the Delaware County SPCA @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 11/6 - Deschutes Tasting @The Beer Shoppe, Ardmore, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 11/7 - Tröegs Tasting @Whole Foods, Devon, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 11/7 - Featured Craft Night @Maggie O'Neill's, Drexel Hill, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/9 - Hot Rods – Hops @Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $5-$10)
Sat. 11/9 - Speakeasy @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/14 - Vanberg & DeWulf's Coast-to-Coast Toast @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 11/20 - Dogfish Head American Beauty Tapping @Fingers Wings and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 11/21 - Tröegs Mad Elf Release Party @Fox & Hound, King of Prussia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 11/27 - Free Beer Tasting with Yards @The Greeks Next Door, Narberth, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 11/1 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Phoenixville and Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/1 - Friday Night Sampling (Victory) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 11/1 - Battle of the IPA Cask Challenge @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/1 - First Friday Firkin (experimental hop Red Ale) @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/1 - Tröegs Beer Tasting @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/2 - Zombie Hopocalypse @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (12 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/2 - Wilmington Beer Week Kickoff party @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (4 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/2 through Sat. 11/9 - Wilmington Beer Week @various locations around Wilmington, Del. (See website for a full, up-to-date calendar of event listings.)
Sun. 11/3 - PACX Cyclocross Series @Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa. (8 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 11/3 - No Fear Drink Beer @Tröegs, Hershey, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 11/4 through Sat. 11/9 - Deschutes all over Philly @various locations around the Philly region (Various pricing from $Free to $65.)
Wed. 11/6 - Big Double IPA Beer Release @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/7 - Charity Cask Night (The Bethlehem Area Public Library’s ‘Room to Grow’) @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/7 - Smuttynose Takeover @The Pour House, Exton, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 11/8 - NovemberFest @River Horse, Ewing, NJ. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $15)
Fri. 11/8 - Neshaminator Launch Party @Irish Rover Station House, Langhorne, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 11/11 - Yards Sampling @Whole Foods, Glen Mills, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 11/15 - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 11/20 - Cerberus Beer Release @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 11/21 - Winter Warmers & Holiday Brews @Total Wine, Claymont, Del. (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $15)
Fri. 11/22 through Sun. 11/24 - Cask Ale Festival @Bulls Head Public House, Lititz, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 11/23 - Tröegs Tap Takeover @Landmark Americana, West Chester, Pa. (All day; $PAYG)
Tue. 11/26 - Om Nom Nom Beer Release @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 11/27 - Southern Tier Rare Beer Tap Takeover @Ulysses Gastropub, Wilmington, Del. ($PAYG)
Fri. 11/29 - Scrooge American IPA Beer Release @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 11/30 - Wet Hop Harvest Beer Promotion @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Tue. 11/5 - Beer Dinner w/ Deschutes Brewery @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Tue. 11/5 - "Local 2 Ways" Brooklyn Brewery Collaboration Beer Dinner @The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $50)
Thu. 11/7 - Brew and Chew (Long Trail) @Cavanaugh's Headhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $20-$25)
Fri. 11/8 - Handcrafted Beer: A Tasting Event @Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $45)
Wed. 11/13 - Brew and Chew (Sixpoint) @Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $25)
Sat. 11/16 - Craft Beer and Irish Whiskey Festival @Kildare's, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-7 p.m.; $25-$40)
Sun. 11/17 - Pumpkin Beer Dinner @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $70)
Thu. 11/21 - Pints for North Light @Manayunk Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $50-$80)
Thu. 11/21 - Beer Dinner with John Holl @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $50)
Sat. 11/23 - Winter Beerfest @23rd Street Armory, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m. and 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $10-$50)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 11/6 - Brews. Babes. Business. @Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $40)
Thu. 11/7 - Straub Beer Dinner @From The Boot, Ambler, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $55)
Sat. 11/16 - Beef, Beer, Bike, and Bowie @Scottish Rite Theatre, Collingswood, NJ (8 p.m.-11 p.m.; $25)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 11/2 - Brewphoria @Canal Street Pub, Reading, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $40)
Sun. 11/3 - F-ing Awesome Tasting with History Channel Beer Expert Gary Monterosso @Atlantic City Bottle Company, Atlantic City, NJ (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $30)
Wed. 11/6 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $38)
Wed. 11/6 - Winter Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (6 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 11/7 - Tröegs Beer Dinner @Federal Taphouse, Lancaster, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $TBA)
Fri. 11/8 - Autos and Ales @AACA Museum, Hershey, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $40-$45)
Tue. 11/12 - American Bistro Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $65)
Tue. 11/12 - Fall Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 11/14 - Allagash Brewing Company Tap Takeover @Bistro On Bridge, Phoenixville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 11/17 - Craft Beer and Irish Whiskey Festival @Kildare's, West Chester, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $25-$40)
Wed. 11/20 - Victory German Beer Dinner @Uno Chicago Grill, Deptford, NJ (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $55)
Sat. 11/23 and Sun. 11/24 - Great Brews Classic Beer Festival @Split Rock Resort & Golf Club, Lake Harmony, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $15-$60)




Saturday, October 26, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/26/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Manyaunk is growing. The brewery, thankfully not the neighborhood. Continue to be impressed with what head brewer, Doug Marchakitus has done since coming over from Iron Hill four years ago.

~ Our own City Tap House is going on the road.

~ Am frankly surprised it took this long; Sunday brunch is now an option at Dock Street.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Very welcomed, long-awaited news out of DC.

~ Great info about a great happening today in Baltimore.

~ Creeping closer to Philly — and that's a very good thing if you didn't know (at least it is if you live somewhere in the vicinity).

~ A chocolate peanut butter porter certainly raises eyebrows, but is a huge hit nonetheless.

~ Creating a Ruckus.

~ I knew there was a lot of room in their new facility, but...wow!


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Striking gold.

~ Always good to have a backup plan.

~ Thanks Lew! I'd received a note on this and forgot to share with all here. Tis truly a great thing when a brewery takes the bold leap of making a low alcohol beer to mark a significant event like an anniversary. Kudos North Coast.

~ The Beer Odyssey continues. Can't wait to hear him filing reports from abroad.

~ If you'd like to catch up on GABF in pictures, this is one of the best places to head.

~ A different take on GABF. Thanks Wench!

~ Are there room for thousands more? I'm a skeptic but open to convincing.

~ And, on this note, I'll just stop this weekly wrap-up right here. Agreed: just stop.



Thursday, October 24, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: October 24 - October 31

Not content to let October go out with a whimper, the Philly area beer events calendar sports over sixty (60!) events of varying scope and scale over the final eight days and nights of the month. Just watch out for zombies, villians, and the deceptively cute nurses.

Check out the entire October 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.


Tastings/Samplings/Freebies
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. — Fri. 10/25 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Otter Creek.)

@Bottle Bar East, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - Hoppy Tap Takeover (!2 p.m.; $PAYG for a special event beer list that can be found at PhillyTapFinder.com)

@Craft Beer Outlet, Philadelphia, Pa. — Fri. 10/25 - Great Lakes Sampling (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Great Lakes in Cleveland.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. — Fri. 10/25 - Friday Night Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Sierra Nevada.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - Saturday Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Moosehead.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. — throughout October 2013 - Brewery of the Month ($PAYG for two lines of Free Will beer pouring all month long, Saison de Rose collaboration beer and a rotating line. $1 from each Saison de Rose will be donated to the Rena Rowan Breast Cancer Center.)

@Philadelphia Bar & Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Get Gruntled ($PAYG for beers from Laughing Dog, Selkirk Abbey, and RJ Rockers.)

@Total Wine, Claymont, Del. — Thu. 10/24 - Beerrelevance: Old World Meets New World (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $15 to savor classically-brewed beers from Germany, Belgium, and England alongside North American beers brewed with inspiration from these Old World brewing styles.)

@Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. — Fri. 10/25 - Finally Friday Beer Tasting (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Allagash.)

@Wegmans, Collegeville, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Great Lakes Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Great Lakes in Cleveland.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@2312 Garrett, Drexel Hill, Pa. — Tue. 10/29 - Evolution Tap Takeover ($PAYG for three taps of Evolution beers and a firkin of the Rise Up Stout. This will also be a "Keep the Pint" night.)

@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - A Very Hippie Halloween (9 p.m.; $15 includes live music, American Beauty keepsake glass, & your first DFH 60 Minute IPA. Full special event beer list can be found over PhillyTapFinder.com)

@City Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - Historic Tavern Crawl and Craft Beer Tasting (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $50 to discover the great watering holes of Philly’s past as you taste modern brews and colonial-style suds.)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Germany Comes from Kensington (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG as they showcase three of Philadelphia Brewing's beers that fit right in with what we try to do here at Hop Angel, which is showcase locally-made, freshly-made German-style beer.)

@Misconduct Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Nosferatu Tapping (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG as Great Lakes' Nosferatu is tapped and each glass served comes with a set of vampire teeth.)

@Pub On Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.), Philadelphia, Pa. — Wed. 10/30 - Southern Tier Tap Takeover (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a special event beer list found at PhillyTapFinder.com)

@Railroad Street Bar & Grill, Linfield, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Starr Hill Night (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG as the crew from Starr Hill Brewery will be here at The Rail pouring beers and giving away Phish tickets.)

@Rino's Restaurant, Exton, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Otter Creek Tap Takeover (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG with free wings for every purchase of Otter Creek beer.)

@Rogues Gallery Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sun. 10/27 - Browns, Chiefs, and Great Lakes (1 p.m.; $PAYG to watch the Cleveland Browns faceoff against the Kansas City Chiefs along with draft specials on Great Lakes' beers.)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - Victory Lap With Victory Brewing (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for electric slot car racing and a special event beer list found at PhillyTapFinder.com)

@TJ's, Paoli, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Ithaca Box of Hops (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for Ithaca's The Creeker, Double Zilla, Dark Vine, Flower Power, White Gold, and Country Pumpkin.)


Special One-offs or Debuts, Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - 2nd Anniversary (2 p.m.; $PAYG for a special event beer list found over at PhillyTapFinder.com)

@Capone's, Norristown, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 through Sun. 10/27 - Fresh Hop IPA Draft Event ($PAYG for over a dozen fresh hop and many other hop-forward beers. Plus, a special tapping of Otter Creek/Wolavers Double Dose on Saturday, 10/26.)

@Downtown Glassboro, NJSat. 10/26 - Glassboro Craft Beer Festival (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $30-$40 for 5 oz. samples of beer from local and regional brewers and great live music.)

@Sovereign Bank Stadium, York, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 and Sun. 10/27 - Yorktoberfest (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$55 for a tour of splendiferous Pennsylvania wines from 12-5pm or regional and international craft brews starting an hour later.)

@The Greeks Next Doore, Narberth, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - 1st Anniversary Party (11 a.m.; $PAYG + some $Free for a special event beer list found over at PhillyTapFinder.com)

@The Village of Skippack, Pa.Sun. 10/27 - Skippack Beer Fest (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $45-$50 for unlimited pours for the duration of the event.)


This one's pretty darn special, so it gets its own category
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. — Tue. 10/29 - Imperial Russian Stout Express (5 p.m.; $PAYG for a long night of revelry as Courage Imperial Russian Stout kegs land in America and make their trip to the family of bars largely responsible for their arrival along with Jim Robertson, the Wells and Young's brewmaster.)
@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. — Tue. 10/29 - Imperial Russian Stout Express (5 p.m.; $PAYG to meet Jim Robertson, the Wells and Young's brewmaster who was encouraged to resurrect the brand during a 2009 tasting of Courage vintages that occurred on a cinematically foggy night at none other than Resurrection Ale House.)
@Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. — Tue. 10/29 - Imperial Russian Stout Express (5 p.m.; $PAYG for the uncompromising stout with a hearty hop profile well suited to the wintery unknown that was Russia at the time.)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. — Tue. 10/29 - Imperial Russian Stout Express (5 p.m.; $PAYG as there will be Russian food specials at each location.)


Food and Beer events
@General Sutter Inn, Lititz, Pa. — Mon. 10/28 - Beer School with Lavery Brewing Company (6 p.m.; $24.95 for four courses of food served with Lavery's Imperial Red Ale, 1847 Rye Stout, Madra Allta IPA, and Devil's Pumpkin Ale.)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. — Wed. 10/30 - Game of Thrones Dinner (7 p.m.; $60 for an authentic candlelight five-course meal themed around the hit show and paired with beers from Ommegang.)

@Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Great Lakes Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $35 for a four-course meal paired with Dortmunder Gold, Eliot Ness, Edmund Fitzgerald, and Commodore Perry IPA.)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. — Tue. 10/29 - Food & Beer Pairing Class (7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $34 to explore the principles of pairing craft beer with fine cheeses and other foods.)

@Plumsteadville Inn, Pipersville, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Tröegs Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $40 for a four-course dinner paired with Dream Weaver, Perpetual IPA, Dead Reckoning, and Java Head.)

@Ron's Original, Exton, Pa. — Wed. 10/30 - Stone Beer Event (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for four great Stone beers to be paired with our chef's delicious "Stone Creations".)

@Tired Hands, Ardmore, Pa. — Tue. 10/29 - All Hallows' Eve Supper (6:30 p.m.; $85 for a celebration of hyper-local cuisine and strange, forward-thinking beers inspired by some of our favorite creepy monsters. Costumes are encouraged and will be rewarded.)

@Union Barrel Works, Reamstown, Pa. — Tue. 10/29 - OctoberFest (6:30 p.m.; $45 for a five-course meal served with Kölsch, Lager, Pilsner, Double Scotch Ale, Reamstown Lager, and Stout.)

@Uno Chicago Grill, Exton, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Stone Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $55 for a five-course dinner paired with Levitation, Sublimely Self-Righteous, Pale Ale, Arrogant Bastard, Vertical Epic 12/12/12.)

@World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 10/31 - Halloween Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $45 for a five-course dinner of pumpkin and fall ales paired with fresh, interesting fare.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Local 44 is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Memphis Taproom is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

@Red Owl Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Kick the Keg in Heels (7 p.m.; $5 donation plus $PAYG for this breast cancer benefit with a silent auction for charity and to meet the brewers of Free Will's Saison de Rose.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Resurrection Ale House is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

@Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Strangelove's is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - Brewed Spirits ($PAYG for pairings, flights, and cooking with spirits distilled directly from some of our favorite beers.)

@The Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - The Belgian Beer Experience (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $56.98 to taste through the famous and not so famous beer styles of Belgium, such as Strong Golden Ales, Wild Fermented Lambics, brews by Trappist Monks, and more.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - Beer and Yoga (9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; $25 for a yoga class followed by a selection of light appetizers paired with Victory beers.)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. — Sun. 10/27 - ‘No One in Need’ Pig Roast (12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; $40 for an afternoon pig roast where proceeds will go directly to local families and their adoptive children.)


Oktoberfest and other seasonal extravaganzas
@Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - A Halloween Costume Party with Yards Brewery (8 p.m.; $PAYG for a costume party, awards, and prizes plus a special event beer list that can be found at PhillyTapFinder.com)

@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa. — Wed. 10/30 - Bottomless Beer Happy Hour to Benefit Center for Literacy (5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.; $30 for bottomless beer (even liter mugs). Come for the beer, stay for the liter lift competition. $10 of each ticket sold goes directly to Center for Literacy to support life-changing adult education programs and services.)

@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. — Fri. 10/25 - Great Pumpkin Stout Beer Release ($PAYG for the release of the Great Pumpkin Stout, a rich, chocolaty stout brewed with pumpkin, brown sugar and a healthy dose of vanilla and pumpkin spice.)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - Pumpkin Party (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG for a fun-filled event featuring six pumpkin beers on tap and pumpkin-inspired fare. Plus, enjoy special events just for the kids.)
@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - The Gathering of the Gourds (12 p.m.; $PAYG for pumpkin beers from Iron Hill, Southern Tier, Elysian/Ninkasi, Stewart’s, Dogfish Head, and Brooklyn.)
@Iron Hill, Newark, Del. — Sat. 10/26 - Hallowed Pumpkin Hill Multi-Tap (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for eight pumpkin beers on tap from Iron Hill and three guest breweries.)
@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - The Giant Pumpkin Tapping (3 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the tapping of a giant pumpkin filled with our fan favorite Pumpkin Ale and pumpkin-inspired fare.)

@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sun. 10/27 - Savage Sixtel Sunday Halloween Party (5 p.m.; $PAYG for great beers and a lot of fun. Costumes not mandatory, but special prizes given to best costume.)

@Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 10/24 - Pumpkin Head (4 p.m.; $PAYG to drink some of the area's best pumpkin beers, drunk out of your gourd.)

@Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa. — Sundays in October - Octoberfest Sundays (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for music, food, and beer.)

@The Pour House, Exton, Pa. — Sat. 10/26 - PumpkinFest (12 p.m.; $PAYG for 15 different pumpkin ales and one on the hand pump. Plus, a bring-your-carved-jack-o'-lantern contest.)



Saturday, October 19, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/19/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Philly and area breweries brought home more pride and joy in the form of medals from GABF in Denver last weekend. A local rundown edition is over at BeerYard.com.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Dogging it in New Jersey.

~ Very cool story coming out of Berks County.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Hot Chicken Loves Cold Beer and more on where Bryan Selders wound up.

~ Beaumont's right.

~ Get a GABF experience on a Stone ridealong.

~ Finally, some big (read: BIG) news in brewery M&A. Plus, well-considered parting thoughts from the long-time owner.



Friday, October 18, 2013

November is a big month for Deschutes Brewery


From the city to the far flung 'burbs, Deschutes is making sure you didn't miss that they are now fully distributed in their first East Coast state — Pennsylvania. With a partnership that began this past summer with importing distributor, Muller Inc. of Philadelphia, some of the Bend, Oregon brewery's flagship beers can now be found with relative ease around the Philadelphia metropolitan region.

From November 4 through November 9, Deschutes and Muller are undertaking its own massive events calendar with Deschutes Base Camp.

If you're anything like me, this is great news. For years, a Black Butter Porter was always high on the list of must-drinks when visiting the west coast. Of course, coming home with something a bit more high-end, like an Abyss or a Dissident, was always part of the plan as well. Now, the Black Butte is available year-round in Pennsylvania as is the Chainbreaker White IPA and Mirror Pond Pale Ale.

Fun fact: Did you know that the brewery was named after the river of the same name that snakes through Bend?

Fun fact #2: Deschutes' brew pub in Bend took home two silver medals from this year's Great American Beer Festival, held just last weekend in Denver, one for its Gluten-free Beer and one for its Sage Fight Imperial IPA.

I recently took the time to sample all three, compliments of a sampler pack that showed up on my doorstep. I made the most of my recent vacation to take plenty of time to dip into all three of these and develop well-considered notes for your consumption.

Read on after the tasting notes to see what Deschutes and Muller have in store for the Philly region in November. Cheers!

Mirror Pond Pale Ale - 5.0% ABV. 40 IBU. 170 calories. Gold Medal in 2010 Great American Beer Festival competition. Available: Year-round. As nearly perfect a balance in a delightful pale ale as you'll find. Moderate in maltiness and bitterness, yet extreme in enjoyable drinkability. If you want to talk about gateways into ales, this classic pale ale could certainly be one.

Chainbreaker White IPA - 5.6% ABV. 55 IBU. 180 calories. Silver Medal in 2012 Great American Beer Festival competition. Available: Year-round. A new Deschutes beer for me and what a welcome addition. Is it an IPA? Is it a Wheat? Is it a Belgian? Can it be all of the above? Full of interesting flavors, breaking the mold of the traditional IPA with bursts of delicious and refreshing citrus aromas and flavors, but tempered with a contribution of bready yeastiness. Could drink this year-round but will be sure to have a constant stash of this on hand every summer.

Black Butte Porter - 5.2% ABV. 30 IBU. 192 calories. Bronze Medal in 2009 Great American Beer Festival competition. Available: Year-round. Here, another classic. A porter that is full of roasty and chocolatey dark malts and light hop bitter flavor, yet not heavy on the palate. A dark, session beer to drink all night, just to confound those that still believe that dark beers are too heavy.



From the Press Release:

Deschutes Brewery Base Camp Week
November 4 through 9, 2013

Deschutes Brewery Base Camp is a celebration of Mirror Pond's easy-drinking goodness, along with many more of the brewery's passion-heavy, pioneering brews. The Deschutes Brewery team is traveling around to cities all over, providing passionate fans with a seriously fun exploration of beer. Make the trek to Base Camp. It all begins here!

You can chime in and listen to the Base Camp chatter on Twitter using #BeerBaseCamp and by following @DeschutesBeer.


Mon, 11/4, 6:30-9pm, Small Plates, Big Tastes Dinner (Side Bar & Restaurant) - $50; Five delectable small plates of mouthwatering fare paired expertly with Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Inversion IPA, Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale, Jubelale (on Nitro), and the 25th anniversary Black Butte XXV.

Tues, 11/5, 7pm, Landmarks Beer Dinner (Monk's Café) - $65; Each dish will be paired with beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Inversion IPA, Collage, Chasin' Freshies Fresh Hop IPA, and Class of '88 Imperial Smoked Porter. Assistant Brewmaster Ben Kehs will be present to discuss each landmark course.

Tues, 11/5, 8-10pm, Beer Geek Bonanza (Hulmeville Inn) - $PAYG; Deschutes Brewery brewer Ryan Wibby will be in the house to share the intricacies of all the beers, like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Inversion IPA, Obsidian Stout, Armory XPA, and the limited collaboration beer Class of '88 Imperial Smoked Porter.

Wed, 11/6, 5-7pm, Beer & Cheese (The Foodery - Wash Square West) - $PAYG; Local cheese from Di Bruno Brothers and the gang from Deschutes Brewery will answer questions and chat about Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Inversion IPA, Obsidian Stout, the Oregon breweryís winter seasonal Jubelale and Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale.

Wed, 11/6, 5-7pm, Tutored Beer & Cheese (Di Bruno Brothers) - $20; Class attendees will learn the art of cheese pairing from Di Bruno Brothers expert cheesemongers and Deschutes Breweryís beer aficionados.

Wed, 11/6, 6-8pm, Growlers in the Garden (Pinocchio's Beer Garden to Go) - $PAYG; Join brewer Ryan Wibby in the garden to chat and sample favorites like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Chainbreaker White IPA, Inversion IPA, Obsidian Stout (nitro), winter seasonal Jubelale, Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale, and a few more rare, hard-to-find brews. The first ten visitors who grab a growler fill of Deschutes Brewery beer will get a free growler.

Wed, 11/6, 7-10pm, Hats Off To Homebrewers (Barren Hill Tavern & Brewery) - $35; Chat with brewers from all three breweries. Sip on an exclusive brew made just for the event, out of your commemorative snifter. Gather complimentary brewing supplies, including clone recipe booklets and bags of whole flower hops, to use in your next homebrew (supplies are limited). Enjoy three beer samples from each brewery, expertly paired with three gourmet tapas-style items from Chef Paul Trowbridge.

Wed, 11/6, 10pm-close, Pin-Ups and Pints (Varga Bar) - $PAYG; A "pin-up-themed" evening with Deschutes Brewery. Play some games, win a challenge and have a tasty pint of Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Chainbreaker White IPA or Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale, all for chances to win tickets to the brewery's marquis event "Beer-lesque: Tastings and Tassels" Friday night at Urban Saloon.

Thurs, 11/7, 2-4pm, Beer & Cheese (The Foodery - Northern Liberties) - $PAYG; The gang from Deschutes Brewery will answer questions and chat about Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Inversion IPA, Obsidian Stout, the Oregon breweryís winter seasonal Jubelale and Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale.

Thurs, 11/7, 4-6pm, Keg Kicker Happy Hour (TJs Restaurant & Drinkery) - $PAYG; Cracking open kegs of beer like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Inversion IPA, Jubelale, Obsidian Stout (Nitro), and Black Butte XXV is guaranteed to quench everyoneís thirst. To top it all off, an appetizer item will be paired with each beer and samples of the Class of í88 Imperial Smoked Porter will be floating around.

Thurs, 11/7, 5-9pm, Phila-Gonia: East Meets West (London Grill) - $15-$65; The Deschutes Brewery crew will be in the house once again sharing pints of beers like Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Jubelale, Chasin' Freshies Fresh Hop IPA. Rare beers like Collage and Black Butte XXIV (the ONLY keg in all of PA) are part of The Stoic multi-course dinner only. Live blues music by the Carol Moog Band.

Thurs, 11/7, 8-11pm, Outta Line with Deschutes Brewery (Blue Dog Family Tavern- Chalfont) - $PAYG; Live music with local favorites Outta Line will be matched up with some great beer. Beers include Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Jubelale and Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale. We'll have rare bottles of The Abyss 2012 on hand, as well, winner of the European Beer Star Gold Medal for Imperial Stout.

Fri, 11/8, noon-3pm, Brewer's Luncheon (Jose Pistola's) - $PAYG; Chat with Deschutes Brewery Assistant Brewmaster Ben Kehs and brewer Ryan Wibby about the fantastic beers sampled with a paired luncheon menu. Beers could include Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Inversion IPA, and more. Bottles of the brewery's Black Butte XXV will be available too.

Fri, 11/8, noon-2pm, Brewer's Luncheon (Iron Abbey) - $PAYG; Chat with Deschutes Brewery Assistant Brewmaster Ben Kehs and brewer Ryan Wibby about the fantastic beers sampled with a paired luncheon menu. Beers could include Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Inversion IPA, and more. Bottles of the brewery's Black Butte XXV will be available too.

Fri, 11/8, 5-7pm, Beer & Cheese (The Corner Foodery - Rittenhouse Sq) - $PAYG; The gang from Deschutes Brewery will answer questions and chat about Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Inversion IPA, Obsidian Stout, the Oregon brewery's winter seasonal Jubelale and Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale.

Fri, 11/8, 5-7pm, Beer & Cheese (The Foodery - Roxborough) - $PAYG; The gang from Deschutes Brewery will answer questions and chat about Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Inversion IPA, Obsidian Stout, the Oregon brewery's winter seasonal Jubelale and Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale.

Fri, 11/8, 8pm, Beer-lesque: Tastings & Tassels (Urban Saloon) - $5 cover plus $PAYG; An evening full of craft beer-coupled with Naughty Pierre, solo star Fannie Spankings, and the lovely ladies from the Peekaboo Revue. The ladies will feature a Deschutes Brewery beer in each of their burlesque and variety stage acts. Beers will include Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Jubelale, and Chasin' Freshies Fresh Hop IPA. A special "guest" beer will also make an appearance for sampling during intermission.

Sat, 11/9, 1-4pm, DB Day: Pints, Pairings & Prizes (Railroad Street Bar and Grill) - $PAYG; It's the much-anticipated annual Beer Meister giveaway, featuring custom artwork by Integrity Tattoo and presented in partnership with Valor Men's Grooming. There will be no less than 10 beers from Deschutes Brewery to sample, paired with Railroad Street Bar & Grill's famous grilled cheese sandwiches and a chat with brewer Ryan Wibby. Free growlers to the first 20 people to fill a growler full of Deschutes Brewery beer and special raffle prizes will be handed out all afternoon.

Sat, 11/9, all day long, Craft Beer Express: From Around the Bend, Oregon (Pub On Passyunk East - POPE) - $PAYG; What better way to celebrate Deschutes Brewery's final day in Philly than with a tap takeover with Assistant Brewmaster Ben Kehs at the Pub On Passyunk East.

Meet, Greet, and Sample Events
Grab a quick getaway and try some tasty beers from Oregon's Deschutes Brewery. Sample brews like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, winter seasonal Jubelale, and more. Join the crew all week at any of the following times and locations:

Mon, 11/4, 4-6pm, Mari's 6 Pac 'n' Mor, 835 Hiesters Ln., Reading
Mon, 11/4, 6-9pm, Union Jack's Pub - Glenside, 2750 Limekiln Pike, Glenside
Tues, 11/5, 4-6pm, The Beer Shoppe, 46 Greenfield Ave., Ardmore
Tues, 11/5, 5-7pm, The Beer Store, 488 2nd Street Pike, Southampton
Thurs, 11/7, 5-7pm, Whole Foods - Glen Mills, 475 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Glen Mills
Thurs, 11/7, 6-8pm, Whole Foods - Plymouth Meeting, 500 W Germantown Pike #1500
Fri, 11/8, 3-6pm, Capone's, 224 W Germantown Pike, Norristown
Sat, 11/9, noon-3pm, Wegmans, Collegeville, 600 Commerce Drive, Collegeville
Sat, 11/9, noon-3pm, Wegmans, Warrington, 1405 Main St., Warrington
Sat, 11/9, 3:30-6:30pm, Wegmans, King of Prussia, One Village Drive, King of Prussia
Sat, 11/9, 3:30-6:30pm, Wegmans, Malvern, 50 Foundry Way, Malvern
Sat, 11/9, 3:30-6:30pm, Wegmans, Downingtown, 1056 East Lancaster Ave., Downingtown

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: October 17 - October 23

Just another thirsty, er thirty, or so events coming atchya here in the next seven days in and all around the greater Philadelphia region. Have at it...

Check out the entire October 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.


Tastings/Samplings/Freebies
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. — Fri. 10/18 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Stoudt's.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. — Fri. 10/18 - Friday Night Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Otter Creek and Wolaver's.)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. — Fri. 10/18 - Dumbledore's Dubbel Beer Release (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this mahogany ale brewed in honor of the fallen Albus Dumbledore.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. — Fri. 10/18 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a couple of delicious cask-conditioned brews.)

@Tröegs Brewery, Hershey, Pa. — Fri. 10/18 - Full Moon Firkin (11 a.m.; $PAYG for some full moon firkin madness with Scratch #116, a Fresh Hop Ale.)

@Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. — Fri. 10/18 - Beer Tasting (5 p.m.; $PAYG to taste an assortment of this year's best pumpkin beers.)

Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Bistro on Bridge, Phoenixville, Pa. — Thu. 10/17 - Stone Tap Takeover (7 p.m.; $PAYG for Russian Imperial Stout, Arrogant Bastard, Old Guardian, Vertical Epic 12.12.12, and more to follow.)

@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. — Fri. 10/18 - Top Ten with Sixpoint (6 p.m.; $PAYG as nine of our taps will be flowing with tasty brews from Sixpoint and we'll be tapping a surprise Sixpoint firkin.)

@Liberty Taproom, Reading, Pa. — Thu. 10/17 - Heavy Seas Tap Takeover (6 p.m.; $PAYG to enjoy draft versions of Loose Cannon, Powder Monkey, Small Craft Warning, Holy Sheet, and GreatER Pumpkin.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. — throughout October 2013 - Brewery of the Month ($PAYG for two lines of Free Will beer pouring all month long, Saison de Rose collaboration beer and a rotating line. $1 from each Saison de Rose will be donated to the Rena Rowan Breast Cancer Center.)

@Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 10/17 - Stoudt's versus Flying Fish (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG as MG and Kevin battle it out again with Exit 4 American Triple vs Stoudt's Triple, Exit 16 Wild Rice Double IPA vs Stoudt's Double IPA, Hopfish vs APA, and OktoberFISH vs OktoberFEST.)

@Ulysses Gastropub, Wilmington, Del. — Wed. 10/23 - Taste of Vermont (5 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from Long Trail, Otter Creek, and Wolaver's.)

Special One-offs or Debuts, Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 10/17 - Apostelbräu Meet 'n' Greet (7 p.m.; $PAYG to meet Matthias Müller of Apostelbräu Brewery, one of the 3 creators of the First Bavarian Pale Ale.)

@Manayunk Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 10/17 through Sat. 10/19 - 17th Birthday Party ($PAYG as the celebratory $17 fixed-price gets you either the award-winning House Smoked Ribs or the Cedar Plank Salmon and a complimentary pint of Schuylkill Punch or Bohemian Blonde. To thank the customers, every guest will receive a slice of birthday cake.)

@Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa. — Sat. 10/19 - Micro Brew Fest (12 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35-$40 for beer tasting, food, and live music by The Octavia Blues Band and The Skels.)

@Twin Lakes Brewery, Greenville, Del. — Sat. 10/19 - Red Shoe and Brew (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $50 for barbeque, beer, wine, live music, silent auction, and outdoor games.)

Food and Beer events
@Bistro On Bridge, Phoenixville, Pa. — Sat. 10/19 - Craft Beer Dinner Featuring Great Lakes Brewing Company (6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $55 for six pairings of food and Great Lakes beer including Dortmunder Gold, Eliot Ness, Commodore Perry, Edmund Fitzgerald, Oktoberfest, and Nosferatu.)

@Devon Seafood Grill, Philadelphia, Pa. — Tue. 10/22 - Heavy Seas Beer and Food Pairing (5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.; $25 for four courses of food paired with Cutlass Amber Lager, Small Craft Warning Uber Pils, Loose Cannon IPA, and The Greater Pumpkin.)

@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. — Tue. 10/22 - Kulmbacher Export Beer Release (11 a.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this traditional dark German lager, originally brewed in Lancaster in the early 1900s by head brewer Chad Rieker’s family brewery.)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. — Wed. 10/23 - Fall Beer Dinner (6 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Vienna Red Lager, Munich Dunkel Lager, Ironbound Ale, Oktoberfest, and Charlie Pumpkin Brown.)

@World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. — Sat. 10/19 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting (3 p.m.; $38 for two of the best things on earth paired together.)

Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Local 44 is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Memphis Taproom is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/19 - Framboise For A Cure Breast Cancer Event (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a charity event at Monk's, the only place East of the Rockies to have this beer.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Resurrection Ale House is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

@Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Strangelove's is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

@West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/19 - Beer Barons to Homebrewers: Tour The Past. Taste The Present (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $25 for a guided tour of burial sites of brewers interred at Laurel Hill Cemetery and will continue a tasting and reception at West Laurel Hill Cemetery.)

@Wissahickon Environmental Center, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/19 - Whispers Along The Wissahickon (5:30 p.m.; $30 for a family-friendly fall celebration that offers hayrides, face painting, magic, live music, food, beverages, wine, and beer from Stone.)

Oktoberfest and other seasonal extravaganzas
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. — Tue. 10/22 - Pumpkin on the Patio (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to grab a pint of Pumpkin Ale during the Phoenixville Halloween Parade. Refreshments for the kids will also be available.)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. — Sat. 10/19 - Pumpkinfest 2013 (11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for no less than eight pumpkin ales while also tapping additional selections throughout the afternoon.)

@Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa. — Sundays in October - Octoberfest Sundays (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for music, food, and beer.)



Saturday, October 12, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/12/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Joe Sixpack has a rundown of the new and developing scene from Philadelphia and beyond.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ On the doorstep of GABF, some notes about the aftermath of Colorado's severe flooding

~ Jack says Sam makes "a surprising argument".

~ Lots of good stuff in recent Sierra Nevada newsletter. Exhibit #1, exhibit #2, and exhibit #3.

~ I'll forgive you if you haven't seen me say before that I enjoy this brewery's beers when visiting the Atlanta region. Nice to see that they're taking the next step. Decatur's about to become an even more special beer destination.



Thursday, October 10, 2013

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: October 10 - October 16

If you have GABF envy, worry not. There's plenty of great beer to drink around these parts and the following listings are a good representation of those restaurants, bars, organizers, and breweries that are carrying on for all of us not in Denver. Stay tuned this coming weekend for news of the golds, silvers, and bronzes that local breweries are sure to be coming home with.

Check out the entire October 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.


Tastings/Samplings/Freebies
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. — Fri. 10/11 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Bear Republic.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. — Fri. 10/11 - Friday Night Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Susquehanna Brewing Company.)

@Wegmans, Cherry Hill, NJ — Fri. 10/11 - Victory DirtWolf DIPA Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of the new DirtWolf Double IPA from Victory.)

Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu. 10/10 - Founders Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG as we welcome Founders from Grand Rapids with All Day IPA, Breakfast Stout, Centennial IPA, Dirty Bastard, Imperial Stout, “Nitro” Pale Ale, Porter, Red’s Rye, and Rubaeus)

@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/12 - We Brewed Them For You (3 p.m.; $PAYG as we bring a little bit of the GABF to Sansom St. Phunky Tears, Burgundy Barrel Bier de Garde, Saison de la Tete, George's Fault, Enigma, Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse, Chocolate Stout and LAVA. We didn't brew them for judges, or people from Colorado and the west coast. We brewed them for you, the people who support us every day.)

@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. — throughout October 2013 - Brewery of the Month ($PAYG for two lines of Free Will beer pouring all month long, Saison de Rose collaboration beer and a rotating line. $1 from each Saison de Rose will be donated to the Rena Rowan Breast Cancer Center.)

Special One-offs or Debuts, Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, Pa. — Sat. 10/12 - Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Festival (12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; $15-$75 for unlimited beer tasting, souvenir tasting glass, and live animal encounters. Food for purchase.)

@Iron Hill, Newark, Del. — Fri. 10/11 and Sat. 10/12 - Blue & Gold Ale Beer Release (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for the first annual release of Blue & Gold Ale celebrating University of Delaware Homecoming.)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. — Sat. 10/12 - Catalina Wine and Beer Mixer (12 p.m.; $PAYG for a variety of wines from Sean Minor Winery and a selection of beers from West Coast breweries including Russian River, Elysian, Rogue, Stone, Sierra Nevada, Firestone Walker, Coronado, Ballast Point, and The Bruery. Proceeds benefit To Love A Canine Rescue.)

@Vault Brewing Company, Yardley, Pa. — Fri. 10/11 - One Year Anniversary ($Free for a pretty stellar tap list, including some special one-night-only beers. Also, we are releasing over 1,000 bottles of Barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout and 180 bottles of Aussie Double IPA.)

@World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. — Wed. 10/16 - Dogfish Head American Beauty Release Party (8 p.m.; $3 for the new Imperial Pale Ale brewed with granola and all-American hops. Box of Rain performs songs from The Grateful Dead's American Beauty.)

Food and Beer events
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. — Mon. 10/14 - Jolly Pumpkin Brunch (11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG for brunch and a special all day combo Bar + Bottle Shop event featuring the wild beers of Jolly Pumpkin.)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. — Tue. 10/15 - Beer Dinner (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $65 for a six-course meal paired with Ciderie Duche de Longueville Clos Normand Brut, Stillwater Lower Dens, The Bruery Autumn Maple, Lost Abbey 10 Commandments, Anderson Valley Bourbon Barrel Stout, and Heavy Seas The Greater Pumpkin.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. — Thu. 10/10 - Harvest Beer Dinner (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Red Thunder, Zeltbier, Braumeister Pils, DirtWolf, and Winter Cheers.)

Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Bottle Shop at Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. — Wed. 10/16 - Beer School (5 p.m.; $Free to get some in depth beer training right along side our staff.)

@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/12 - Ales 4 Tails Block Party (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a block party to help raise funds for PAWS.)

@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Local 44 is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Memphis Taproom is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Resurrection Ale House is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

@Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. — through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA ($PAYG as Strangelove's is supporting MANNA's great Pie In The Sky pie sale by selling pies.)

Oktoberfest and other seasonal extravaganzas
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sun. 10/13 - Pumpkin Smash 2013 (1 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for 30+ mouthwatering pumpkin draughts on tap including some rarities from our friends at Elysian Brewing. Head Brewer, Dick Cantwell will join us again and is bringing some "never before seen" in Philly pumpkin specialties.)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. — Sat. 10/12 & Sun. 10/13 - Harvestfest (2 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG to celebrate freshly harvested food as well as wet-hopped harvest beers.)

@Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa. — Sundays in October - Octoberfest Sundays (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for music, food, and beer.)



Saturday, October 05, 2013

Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/5/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Many moons ago, Joe Sixpack took aim at Veterans Stadium concessions. These days, he's got the Philadelphia Eagles and the Linc in his sights. Much as I love a good wine, he's got a few great points of logic to present as argument.

~ Speaking of Joe Sixpack, he was recently thrown into the mixer with the Beer Sessions crew in addition to the gents from Brew Dog. Interesting topic and discussion around "heritage beers".

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ More great stuff in 2014 from Flying Fish.

~ How to grow 250%

~ I was disappointed to have missed this year's running; however, one of the best known beer runners filed a story.

~ This was a quality stop earlier this year, so this news coming out of York, Pa. is quite welcome.

~ Jaime Jurado has left Pennsylvania and this is where he's setting down next.

~ Pretty cool news from Baltimore.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ We still read your blog.

~ First, the beard. Then, what's next?

~ This sounds like something to look forward to in Berkeley.




Tuesday, October 01, 2013

Beer Calendar: What To Do in October 2013

In the better-late-than-never way of thinking, here finally is the October calendar of beer events uncovered for you in and around the greater Philadelphia region. Seems that even with all the beer people and their beer off in Denver for the annual Great American Beer Festival, there's still plenty to go around back home. Best wishes to all our local breweries and we'll be anxious to hear which medal-winning beers we'll be drinking this fall.

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


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

Philadelphia
throughout October 2013 - Brewery of the Month (Free Will) @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 10/1 - Beer School (October subject: Hops) @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 10/1 - Avery Oktoberfest Kickoff @Brü Craft & Wurst, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 10/1 through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 10/1 through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 10/1 through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 10/1 through Fri. 11/22 - Thanksgiving Pies from MANNA @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 10/2 - Beer School (October subject: TBA) @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 10/2 - Shmaltz Brewery Neighborhood Pub Crawl @Monk's Café, Tequila's, and Jose Pistola's, Philadelphia, Pa. (All Day; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/3 - An Evening with Brett, Victor, Victoria, and a Blonde @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/4 - Mike Lawrence - Captain of Philly Beer Night @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/4 - Saison de Rose Release Party @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/5 - Thirstoberfest @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/9 - Beer School (October subject: TBA) @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 10/10 - Founders Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/12 - Ales 4 Tails Block Party @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/12 - We Brewed Them For You @Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/12 & Sun. 10/13 - Harvestfest @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 10/13 - Pumpkin Smash 2013 @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 10/14 - Jolly Pumpkin Brunch @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/16 - Beer School (October subject: TBA) @Bottle Shop at Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 10/17 - Stoudt's versus Flying Fish @Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/18 - Dumbledore's Dubbel Beer Release @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/18 - Top Ten with Sixpoint @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/19 - Framboise For A Cure Breast Cancer Event @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/24 - 2nd Anniversary @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/24 - Germany Comes from Kensington @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/25 - Finally Friday Beer Tasting (Allagash) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free)
Sun. 10/27 - Savage Sixtel Sunday Halloween Party @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 10/2 - Erie Brewing Night @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/3 - Yards Pynk Takeover @Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, Wayne, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/3 - Thursday Night Beer Promo (Great Lakes Oktoberfest) @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/4 - Friday Night Sampling (Weyerbacher) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 10/5 - Oktoberfest @Forest & Main, Ambler, Pa. (10 a.m.5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/5 - Oktoberfest @Forest & Main, Ambler, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/11 - Friday Night Sampling (Bear Republic) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/11 - Victory DirtWolf DIPA Sampling @Wegmans, Cherry Hill, NJ (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/18 - Friday Night Sampling (Stoudt's) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/25 - Friday Night Sampling (Otter Creek) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 10/26 - The Giant Pumpkin Tapping @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (3 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/26 - Brewed Spirits @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sundays in October - Octoberfest Sundays @Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa. (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 10/1 - Yards Takeover @The Pour House, Exton, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/2 - Speciality Keg Tapping (Ommegang Take the Black Stout) @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/2 - Charity Cask Night (Community Bike Works) @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/2 - Charlie Pumpkin Brown Beer Release @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/3 - Charity Cask Night (Itty Bitty Kitty) @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/4 - Diplomat Dunkel Beer Release @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (11 a.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/4 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Phoenixville and Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/4 - Friday Night Tasting (Brooklyn) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/4 - First Friday Firkin (DirtWolf Double IPA) @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/4 - Weyerbacher Tap Takeover @Uno Chicago Grill, Hamilton, NJ (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/4 - Beer Tasting Dinner (German-style) @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/4 - Yards Tap Takeover @Ott's, Medford, NJ (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/4 through Sun. 10/6 - Cherry Bomb Blonde Beer Release @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 10/5 - Brewers & Skewers @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 10/9 - Heavy Seas Brewing Company @Ulysses Gastropub, Wilmington, Del. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/11 - Friday Night Tasting (Susquehanna) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/11 - One Year Anniversary @Vault Brewing Company, Yardley, Pa. ($Free)
Fri. 10/11 and Sat. 10/12 - Blue & Gold Ale Beer Release @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/12 - Catalina Wine and Beer Mixer @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/16 - Dogfish Head American Beauty Release Party @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (8 p.m.; $3 cover + $PAYG)
Fri. 10/18 - Full Moon Firkin @Tröegs Brewery, Hershey, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/18 - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 10/18 - Friday Night Tasting (Otter Creek/Wolaver's) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/18 - Beer Tasting (Pumpkin Beers) @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/19 - Pumpkinfest 2013 @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 10/22 - Kulmbacher Export Beer Release @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (11 a.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 10/22 - Pumpkin on the Patio @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 10/23 - Taste of Vermont @Ulysses Gastropub, Wilmington, Del. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 10/24 - Beerrelevance: Old World Meets New World @Total Wine, Claymont, Del. (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $15)
Fri. 10/25 - Friday Night Tasting (Sierra Nevada) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 10/25 - Great Pumpkin Stout Beer Release @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 10/26 - Pumpkin Party @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/26 - The Gathering of the Gourds @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/26 - PumpkinFest @The Pour House, Exton, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/26 - Hallowed Pumpkin Hill Multi-Tap @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/26 - Saturday Tasting (Moosehead) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 10/30 - Stone Beer Event @Ron's Original, Exton, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for four great Stone beers to be paired with our chef's delicious "Stone Creations".)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Thu. 10/3 - Brew and Chew (Oktoberfest) @Cavanaugh's Headhouse, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $20-$25)
Sat. 10/5 - 5th Annual Pumpkin Festival @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 a.m.-7 p.m.; $40-$58)
Sat. 10/5 - 1st Anniversary Block Party @Growlers Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 10/5 - American Craft Brews: East Coast vs. West Coast @The Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $56.98)
Sat. 10/5 - Celebrate Heirloom Foods @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. seatings; $60)
Sun. 10/6 - Distinguished Oktoberfest @The Cambridge, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $30)
Sat. 10/19 - Beer Barons to Homebrewers: Tour The Past. Taste The Present @West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $25)
Sat. 10/19 - Whispers Along The Wissahickon @Wissahickon Environmental Center, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.; $30)
Sat. 10/26 - The Belgian Beer Experience @The Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $56.98)
Thu. 10/31 - Halloween Beer Dinner @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $45)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 10/15 - Beer Dinner @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $65)
Tue. 10/29 - All Hallows' Eve Supper @Tired Hands, Ardmore, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $85)
Tue. 10/29 - Food & Beer Pairing Class @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $34)
Wed. 10/30 - Game of Thrones Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (7 p.m.; $60)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 10/3 - Donnerstag Happy Hour @The Plaza at the King of Prussia Mall parking lot, King of Prussia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $55-$65)
Thu. 10/3 - Beer School 101 @Rino's, Exton, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $24.95)
Fri. 10/4 - Meet The Makers @Apple Alley, Kennett Square, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10)
Sat. 10/5 - Kennett Brewfest @South Broad Street, Kennett Square, Pa. (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $15-$70)
Sat. 10/5 - KOP Beerfest Royale @The Plaza at the King of Prussia Mall parking lot, King of Prussia, Pa. (12 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $45-$55)
Thu. 10/10 - Harvest Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $65)
Sat. 10/12 - Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Festival @Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, Pa. (12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; $15-$75)
Sat. 10/19 - Micro Brew Fest @Stoudt's, Adamstown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35-$40)
Sat. 10/19 - Red Shoe and Brew @Twin Lakes Brewery, Greenville, Del. (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $50)
Sat. 10/19 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (3 p.m.; $38)
Sat. 10/19 - Craft Beer Dinner Featuring Great Lakes Brewing Company @Bistro On Bridge, Phoenixville, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $55)
Wed. 10/23 - Fall Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 10/24 - Stone Beer Dinner @Uno Chicago Grill, Exton, Pa. (7 p.m.; $55)
Thu. 10/24 - Tröegs Beer Dinner @Plumsteadville Inn, Pipersville, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $40)
Sat. 10/26 - Beer and Yoga @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; $25)
Sat. 10/26 and Sun. 10/27 - Yorktoberfest @Sovereign Bank Stadium, York, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$55)
Sun. 10/27 - ‘No One in Need’ Pig Roast @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; $40)
Sun. 10/27 - Skippack Beer Fest @The Village of Skippack, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $45-$50)
Mon. 10/28 - Beer School with Lavery Brewing Company @General Sutter Inn, Lititz, Pa. (6 p.m.; $24.95)
Tue. 10/29 - OctoberFest @Union Barrel Works, Reamstown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $45)