Sunday, March 30, 2014

Beer Calendar: What To Do in April 2014

The Philly area beer calendar knows no seasons. However, it does feel like this month's calendar is turned up just a notch and that seems to fit nicely with our improving spring weather and matching attitudes. Am I wrong?

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 April 2014 - Brewery of the Month (Summit) @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 4/1 - Happy Hour (Bell's) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 4/1 - Beer School @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/2 - Beer School @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/2 - Tröegs Brewery Tap Takeover @Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/2 - Sunshine Pils Release Party @Bourbon and Branch, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/3 - Tröegin It Up @Brü Craft & Wurst, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Phightin’ Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Beer Tasting (Otter Creek) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/4 - Quad Day @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 4/5 - 6th Anniverary Party @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Mon. 4/7 - Happy Hour (Samuel Smith) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/10 - Saucony Creek Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/11 - Saison Launch @Brü Craft & Wurst, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/11 - Beer Tasting (Ithaca) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 4/12 - Craft Beer Expo @Cottman Beverages, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $Free)
Mon. 4/14 - Happy Hour (Summit) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/16 - Beer School @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/18 - Quacky Easter/Hoppy Easter from Duck-Rabbit @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/19 - 6th Anniversary Beer Bash @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/19 - Split Thy Skull XIX @Tattooed Mom's, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 4/20 - Everyone Must Drink Stone @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 4/21 - Happy Hour (Tröegs) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 4/22 - Earth Day @London Grill, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 4/23 - Bella Vista Beer Night @The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/23 - Local 44 Collaboration Beer @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 4/23 - Resurrection Ale House Collaboration Beer @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 4/23 - Strangelove's Is Turning One @Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 4/24 - Spring House Brewery Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/24 - Beer Tasting (Clown Shoes) @The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 4/25 - Local Farmhouse Ales @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/25 - Meet The Brew Crew from Stone Brewing Co. @Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/26 - Stiftugsfest @Cannstatter, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-11 p.m.; $10-$12)
Sun. 4/27 - West Philly Homebrew Competition @Dock Street Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $10)
Mon. 4/28 - Happy Hour (Deschutes) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 4/1 - Teresa's Travels (Netherlands) @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 4/2 - Ommegang/Game of Thrones Event @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Phightin’ Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Phightin’ Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Phightin’ Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Friday Beer Tasting (Yards) @The Greeks Next Door, Narberth, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 4/8 - Teresa's Travels (Germany) @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 4/10 - Duck Rabbit Night @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/11 - Friday Beer Tasting (Heavy Seas) @The Greeks Next Door, Narberth, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Sun. 4/13 - 2nd Anniversary Party @Forest & Main, Ambler, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 4/15 - Full Nelson Beer Release @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 4/15 - Teresa's Travels (Switzerland) @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 4/17 - Liquid Hero Sampling @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 4/17 - Liquid Hero @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/17 - Nuggest Nectar Release Party @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/18 - Friday Beer Tasting (Ithaca) @The Greeks Next Door, Narberth, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 4/22 - Teresa's Travels (Spain) @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 4/29 - Teresa's Travels (Canada) @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)



Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 4/1 - Summer Love Happy Hour @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/2 - Charity Cask Night (“Shooting for the Cure” of Relay for Life of Lower Carbon County) @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/2 - Belgian Wit Release @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/3 - Otter Creek Happy Hour @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/3 - Charity Cask Night (NCC Alumni) @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Phightin’ Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Phightin’ Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Phightin’ Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Phightin’ Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Voorhees, NJ (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Phightin’ Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Phightin’ Phils Pils Release @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Phoenixville and Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - First Friday Firkin @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 - Erie Beer Tasting @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/4 through Sun. 4/6 and Fri. 4/11 through Sun. 4/13 - Susquehanna Ale Trail @nine establishments in the lower Susquehanna Valley, Pa. (See website for all the establishment and event details.)
Tue. 4/8 - Happy Hour with DC Brau and Bella Vista Distributors @Side Bar, West Chester, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 4/9 - Meet The Brewery (Yuengling) @Spninerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/10 - Allagash Happy Hour @TJ's, Paoli, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/10 - Elvis’s Sideburns Beer Release @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/10 - Tröegs Tap Takeover @Hops Fogelsville Hotel, Fogelsville, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 4/15 - Full Moon Firkin @ Tröegs, Hershey, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 4/16 - Brooklyn Tap Takeover @Ulysses Gastropub, Wilmington, Del. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 4/17 - Wild'n Out in Newark @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/18 - Third Friday Firkin Fest @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/18 - Happy Bday Brookside @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/18 - Ithaca Tap Takeover @Isaac's Pickle Bar, Lancaster, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 4/18 - Deschutes Brewery Draft Launch Party @The Fridge, Lancaster, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/19 - Hoppy Easter @The Fridge, Lancaster, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 4/19 - Easter Hopfest @Union Jack's on the Manatawny, Boyertown, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 4/26 - Rock & Hops @Deer Lake Pub and Restaurant, Orwigsburg, Pa. (3 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Wed. 4/2 - Sly Fox Beer Dinner @White Dog Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $45)
Fri. 4/4 - A World History of Curds and Suds @Tria Fermentation School, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.; $68)
Fri. 4/11 - Beer School UK @Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $47.97)
Sat. 4/26 - Beer and Brewing 101 @Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $39.98)
Mon. 4/28 - Where's The Beef, A Vegan Beer Dinner @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $45)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sun. 4/13 - Prism Beer Tasting Event @Tex Mex Connection, North Wales, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $TBA)
Mon. 4/14 - Beer School @Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $25-$30)
Sun. 4/27 - Prism Beer Tasting Event @Tex Mex Connection, North Wales, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $TBA)
Sun. 4/27 - Fare Festival @The Fuge, Warminster, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $70)



Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Saturdays in April - Parkesburg Brewery Tour @Victory Brewing Company, Parkesburg, Pa. (11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; $58)
Sat. 4/5 - Boone's Beerfest @Daniel Boone Homestead, Birdsboro, Pa. (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $10-$40)
Sun. 4/6 - Real Ale Invitational @Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $20-$65)
Thu. 4/10 and Fri. 4/11 - Chef & Brewmaster Pairing Menu @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $50)
Sat. 4/12 - Beer Geek Festival @Montage Mountain, Scranton, Pa. (3 p.m.-7 p.m.; $40)
Sat. 4/12 - Saturday Brew Review (Ithaca) @Isaac's Pickle Bar, Lancaster, Pa. (3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $25)
Sat. 4/12 - The Taming Of The Brew @Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg, Pa. (7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $75)
Tue. 4/15 - Girls Just Wanna Have Suds @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $35)
Tue. 4/15 - Minnesotan Comfort Food with Summit Brewery @Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $40)
Thu. 4/24 - Lancaster Brewing Beer Dinner @The Yardley Inn, Yardley, Pa. (7 p.m.; $55)
Sat. 4/26 - McCoole's Beer Festival @McCoole's Arts & Events, Quakertown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10-$75)
Sat. 4/26 - 16th Annual Brew Fest @Manayunk Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $20-$45)
Sat. 4/26 - PA Flavor @Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $20-$75)
Sat. 4/26 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Wilmington, Del. (3 p.m.; $40)
Sat. 4/26 - Big Brew PA Beer Festival @Valley Forge Casino & Resort, Valley Forge, Pa. (4 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $15-$80)
Sat. 4/26 - Microfest: IPA Fest @Stoudt's Brewing Company, Adamstown, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $TBA)

Mon. 4/28 - Newark Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $TBA)
Tue. 4/29 - Springtime in Belgium Beer Dinner @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $65)
Wed. 4/30 - Brewer's Dinner @Stewart's Brewing Company, Bear, Del. (6 p.m.; $40)




Thursday, March 27, 2014

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: March 27 - March 31

Rest up, my thirsty friends, as you consider the last five days of beer events here in March and this modest list, by Philly standards. I can promise you as I work on the next monthly calendar as we speak, April will be a doozy.

Check out the entire March 2014 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 and Special One-offs or Debuts
@Cooper's Seafood House, Scranton, Pa.--- Fri. 3/28 - Firkin Friday (4 p.m.; $PAYG for a one-of-a-kind firkin of Yards Philly Pale Ale with fresh grapefruit added directly to the firkin — brewed just for Cooper’s.)

@Dock Street Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 3/30 - Dock Street Walker Beer Release (7 p.m.; $PAYG for live music from acoustic funky filth band Face and the Filthies, goblets of this never before done brew, and a screening of The Walking Dead Season Finale.)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 3/28 - Friday Night Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Sierra Nevada.)

@The Churchville Inn, Churchville, Pa.--- Fri. 3/28 - Imports ($PAYG for a special event draft list posted at PhillyTapFinder.com.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@American Sardine, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/27 - Founders Night (6:30 p.m.; $25, or $PAYG, for special event draft list posted at PhillyTapFinder.com.)

@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/27 - Spring House Brewing Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for a special event draft list posted at PhillyTapFinder.com.)

@Bistro On Bridge, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Thu. 3/27 - Goose Island Takeover (7 p.m.; $25 for a flight of Lolita, Juliet, Halia, Gillian or $50 for a five-course pairing menu featuring '13 Sofie Paradisi, '13 Matilda Lambicus, '13 Lolita, '13 Bourbon County, and '12 Big John.)

@Brew, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/27 - Free Tasting (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Stillwater Ales.)

@Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/28 - Allagash Spins Your Right Round, Right Round (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG as Beer Lass Suzy Woods will be on hand to spin you right round with Allagash's Saison, White, Hugh Malone, Confluence, and Fluxus.)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.-- Sat. 3/29 - Hop Rampage Multi-Tap Event (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG for this tapped-out event featuring six hoppy beers.)
@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.-- Sat. 3/29 - British Invasion (1 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a traditional British-inspired menu and seven beers on tap, plus a cask-conditioned ESB.)


Food and Beer events
@Braddock's, Medford, NJ--- Thu. 3/27 - Unibroue Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal served with Unibroue's Blanche de Chambly, Don de Dieu, Ephemere Apple, Maudite, and Grande Reserve 17.)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Sun. 3/30 - Beer & Cheese Pairing (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $30 for an educational and delicious beer and cheese pairing featuring Unibroue and Cherry Grove Farm.)

@Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/27 - Italian Beer School (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $47.98 to get an education in the fastest growing high-quality beer region in the world with beers rarely seen outside of Italy.)

@The Loft at the Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Thu. 3/27 - Beer and Chocolate (7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Dock Street's Sexy Beast Chocolate Stout.)

@Two Stones Pub, Kennett Square, Pa.--- Mon. 3/31 - Kennett Beer Dinner #2 (6:30 p.m.; $75 for a six-course, six-beer dinner.)

@World Café Live, Wilmington, Del.--- Sat. 3/29 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting (3 p.m.; $40 for two of the best things on Earth paired together in unexpected and delicious ways. Bring your vegetarian friends, too – we can accommodate them on all pairings.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/29 - 2nd Annual Homebrew Competition (12 p.m.-3:30 p.m.; $PAYG as the winning beer will be brewed at Earth. Additional prizes too.)

@Hotel Bethlehem, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 3/27 - Brewer's Summit: Meeting Of The Malts (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $35-$125 to choose from three events that range from light appetizers and beers, to a small plates dinner, to a "post-summit" party. The Brewer's Summit will be attended by Dick Yuengling, Jim Koch, and Sam Calagione.)

@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 3/28 - Hippie vs. Punk Beer Release (5 p.m.- 9 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this year’s Homebrew Contest winning beer, an Imperial Black IPA.)



Thursday, March 20, 2014

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: March 20 - March 26

Fat Tuesday and St. Patrick's Day are both behind us and Spring Breaks are lingering. But, we don't need special holidays or excuses to drink great beer. With that, here's how you can go about doing just that during the next seven days.

Check out the entire March 2014 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 and Special One-offs or Debuts
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 3/21 - Friday Night Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Widmer.)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Fri. 3/21 - Allagash Saison Beer Release (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of the new Allagash Saison, plus on tap with suggested pairings, and in four-packs to take home.)
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 3/26 - Game Of Thrones Pre-release Party (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for a special night of staff in Game of Thrones-inspired costumes, live music, games, prizes, fire spinner, and of course, the new Fire and Blood Red Ale available on draft.)

@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Thu. 3/20 - Breakfast Stout Beer Release (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this full-bodied Imperial Chocolate Oatmeal Stout with flavors of roast coffee and chocolate.)
@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Thu. 3/20 - Spring Saison Beer Release (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG to celebrate the start of spring with the release of Saison and a featured cheese plate pairing.)

@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/21 - Allagash Saison Release Party (12 p.m.; $PAYG for the first tapping of the new Allagash Saison and come taste what moldy magic our favorite beer-washing Cheese Monger was able to make happen with it. Also, special Allagash drafts including Dubbel, Interlude, and Midnight Brett will be on all day.)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/21 - Allagash Saison Release Party (12 p.m.; $PAYG for the first tapping of the new Allagash Saison and come taste what moldy magic our favorite beer-washing Cheese Monger was able to make happen with it. Also, special Allagash drafts including Dubbel, Interlude, and Midnight Brett will be on all day.)
@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/21 - Allagash Saison Release Party (12 p.m.; $PAYG for the first tapping of the new Allagash Saison and come taste what moldy magic our favorite beer-washing Cheese Monger was able to make happen with it. Also, special Allagash drafts including Dubbel, Interlude, and Midnight Brett will be on all day.)
@Strangelove's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/21 - Allagash Saison Release Party (12 p.m.; $PAYG for the first tapping of the new Allagash Saison and come taste what moldy magic our favorite beer-washing Cheese Monger was able to make happen with it. Also, special Allagash drafts including Dubbel, Interlude, and Midnight Brett will be on all day.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 3/21 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a choice of two specially selected beers on the handpump in addition to the year-round Chester County Bitter.)

@The Beer Shoppe, Ardmore, Pa.--- Fri. 3/21 - Evolution Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Evolution.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/26 - DuClaw Night (7 p.m.; $PAYG for 13 DuClaw beers on tap plus a firkin of Sweet Baby Jesus with snickers.)

@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/26 - Wells and Young's Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as James Chapnick will be here from the UK pouring Wells Banana Bread Beer, Wells Bombardier ESB, Young's Double Chocolate Stout, and their newest release, Wells Sticky Toffee Pudding Ale.)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa.--- Thu. 3/20 - Tap Takeover with Great Lakes (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a night with beers from Great Lakes in Cleveland, OH. including Commodore Perry IPA, Burning River Pale Ale, Belgian Tripel Dog Dare, Chillwave Double IPA, and Dortmunder Gold.)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 3/20 - Dominion Tasting (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for Dominion's Oak Barrel Stout, Cherry Blossom Lager, Hop Mountain, and a firkin of Double D DIPA.)

@TJ's, Paoli, Pa.--- Thu. 3/20 - Ithaca Happy Hour (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for Ithaca's Laissez-Faire, Hopbloem, Obscurite, Fleur de Belgique, White Gold, Apricot Wheat, Flower Power, Ground Break, and Green Trail IPA.)

@Tavern On The Lake, Hightstown, NJ--- Tue. 3/25 - Victory Brewing In The House (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Victory's Swing Saison, DirtWolf DIPA, Storm King Stout, Headwaters Pale Ale, Prima Pils, and Golden Monkey along with a special menu for the night utilizing Victory beer and pairing them with other exceptional food items.)


Food and Beer events
@Federal Taphouse, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sat. 3/22 - Craft Beer and Bacon Bash (2:30 p.m.-5 p.m.; $25 for eight different craft beers paired with eight different bacon dishes. All proceeds benefit The Central PA Foodbank.)

@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Sun. 3/23 - Bacon Beer Brunch (12 p.m.; $40 for four courses of bacon-themed goodness paired with Rosemary Hefeweizen, Valentinus IPA, Citra IPA, and Russian Imperial Stout.)

@Reading Terminal Market (Rick Nichols Room), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 3/23 - Farm School: Raising Pastured Pork and Creating Charcuterie with Stryker Farm and Rooster St. Provisions (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $50 to learn what sets pastured, heritage breed pork apart with a lecture, Q&A session, and tasting with farmer Nolan Thevenet of Stryker Farm. Then get the scoop on charcuterie and learn how to make your own at home with a demo and tasting from chef/butcher Tony Page of Elizabethtown, Pa.'s Rooster St. Provisions. Attendees can also enjoy local snacks from the Fair Food Farmstand and complimentary beverages from Philadelphia Brewing Co. and Commonwealth Cider.)

@Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/26 - A Hop Eclipse Now (6:30 p.m.; $TBA for pairings still to come.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Tue. 3/25 - Teresa's Travels ($PAYG for unusual English drafts and traditional casks.)

@World Café Live, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 3/26 - Bourbon and Burgers (and other fine spirits) (6 p.m.; $45 for four burger courses each paired with a delicious bourbon.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Hawthornes (across the street), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 3/23 - Hawthornes Family Fundraiser (1 p.m.-6 p.m.; $20 for unlimited beer cup, raffles, bake sale, and live music to help support a speedy and beautiful rebuild of Hawthornes in the wake of the recent building fire.)

@Rino's, Exton, Pa.--- Thu. 3/20 - Otter Creek Beer School 101 (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $29.95 to learn about Otter Creek beers and paired with food from Rino's kitchen.)

@River Horse Brewing Company, Ewing, NJ--- Sun. 3/23 - Ewing Disaster Relief Event (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $20 + $PAYG to help out those affected by the recent explosion in Ewing. Food donations of equivalent or greater value can get you an extra drink ticket at the door.)



Thursday, March 13, 2014

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: March 13 - March 19

If you like to celebrate the Irish in you with great beer, food, and people sans the color green, there are several ways in which you can do that over the next week. If you'd just like to eat and drink well without all the holiday hoopla, you can do that as well.

Check out the entire March 2014 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 and Special One-offs or Debuts
@The Beer Shoppe, Ardmore, Pa.--- Fri. 3/14 - Evil Genius Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Evil Genius.)

@The Greeks Next Door, Narberth, Pa.--- Fri. 3/14 - Friday Beer Tasting (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Old Dominion.)

@Tröegs, Hershey, Pa.--- Sun. 3/16 - Full Moon Firkin (11 a.m.; $PAYG for a special Chai Tea version of HopBack Amber Ale.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Champps, King of Prussia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/13 - A Night Of Victory (5 p.m.; $PAYG for Victory's Swing Session Saison, Headwaters Pale Ale, Storm King Stout, and DirtWolf Double IPA.)

@Field House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 3/16 - Bell’s Brewing Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Bell's Christmas Ale, Smitten Golden Rye, Wheat Love, Winter White, Two-Hearted Ale, and Hopslam.)

@Good Dog Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/15 - Drink Green Flash, Not Green Beer (3 p.m.; $PAYG for Green Flash's Hop Odyssey, Le Freak, and Double Stout.)

@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/19 - Great Lakes Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as Betsy Riley brings some beers greater than their lakes.)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/13 - Hoffbrau Delicator Night (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG with more details to come.)

@Isaac's Pickle Bar, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 3/14 - Liquid Hero Tap Takeover (5 p.m.; $PAYG for the March featured brewery, York's Liquid Hero.)

@TJ's, Paoli, Pa.--- Thu. 3/13 - The Bruery Happy Hour (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for The Bruery's Humulus Lager, Rueuze, Oude Tart, Sour in the Rye, Mischief, and Saison de Lente.)

@The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/19 - Bella Vista Beer Night (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for new drafts from Carton Brewing in Atlantic Highlands, NJ and J the Audiophile spinning cool mixes.)

@Tria Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/13 - Where The Wild Beers Are (5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $PAYG to meet Andrew Cooper, founder of England's Wild Beer Company out of a dairy in Somerset, England and inspired by the American sours at Jolly Pumpkin. Wild Beer's Iduna Cru and Modus Operandi will be $5 each while Andrew is hanging out.)


Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Fegley's Allentown Beer Works, Allentown, Pa.--- Sat. 3/15 - Cask Beer Festival (3 p.m.-7 p.m.; $15-$45 to sample more than 32 cask and craft beers from your favorite breweries.)


Food and Beer events
@Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 3/14 - Pi(e) Day ($PAYG for a Pi reciting contest, Pi(e) trivia, sweet and savory pies, and of course Pi(e) Day beers from Yards including Trubbel de Yards, Black Rye IPA, Smoked Pol, and Brawler.)

@Hunger N Thirst, Lancaster, Pa.--- Thu. 3/13 - B.United Beer Dinner (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $60 for an eight-course meal paired with B.United portfolio's Italian beers.)

@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 3/18 - Far East Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $TBA for a five-course meal paired with Golden Child, Sweet Leaf IPA, Munich Dunkel, Scottish Ale, and Barleywine.)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 3/19 - 6 Degrees of Bacon Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $75 for a six-course meal paired with Vienna Lager, Belgian IPA, Cherry Dubbel, Munich Dunkel, Old Ale 2011, and Oompa Loompa Chocolate Stout.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Tue. 3/18 - Teresa's Travels ($PAYG for wonderful food and wonderful beer from Italy.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/19 - Beer School (5 p.m.; $PAYG to learn a little something about the beer we love to serve at Local 44. You can "pay what you wish", but you have to pay something. 100% of your Beer School donation goes directly to Share Our Strength.)

@Victory, Downingtown, Pa.--- Sat. 3/15 - Beer & 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.)


It's that time of year to give St. Patrick's Day-related events their own category
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 3/17 - St Paddy's Day (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for beer cocktails, corned beef and cabbage, and $4 Sly Fox draughts.)

@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 3/14 - Irish Red Ale Beer Release (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this medium-bodied red ale with a distinct hop character and a touch of caramel sweetness.)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sat. 3/15 - Erin Shea Irish Red & O’Sullivan Stout Beer Release (11 a.m.; $PAYG for the St. Patrick’s Day release of this medium-bodied Red Ale and classic Irish Stout.)

@Sly Fox Brewing Company, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Mon. 3/17 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp Finale ($PAYG as Boot Camp comes to a close with prizes, themed food and beer, and live music.)

@Triumph, New Hope, Pa.--- Sat. 3/15 - Irish Fest (12 p.m.; $PAYG for family fun during the day and live entertainment at night.)




Monday, March 10, 2014

Brewers Plate 2014

Brewers Plate 2014

My schedule is way too crowded to do the wonderful Brewers Plate event any justice here in print. Yes, I did attend after putting in a full weekend of solid Delaware research time (very few of you already know to what I'm referring, but there'll be much more to come on this very soon, I promise). Yes, I left the event early. But, yes, in between I did stuff myself with some of the best food, beer, and food-and-beer-pairings that our rich Philadelphia region has to offer.

So, in lieu of the typical full-blown analysis/critique that I've done in the past - and, in the spirit of being timely - here is small set of pictures that should give you an idea of the continued excellence that this event delivers year in and year out. I think I've said it plenty in the past; if you've not attended the Brewers Plate event, be sure to mark March of 2015 on your calendar to do so.


Friday, March 07, 2014

Brewers Plate 2014 is in two days

On one hand, it doesn't surprise me in the least that annual food and beer extravaganza, The Brewer's Plate, is still going strong after ten years. I remember it (and, fondly so) in its early years at the Reading Terminal Market, such a fitting place to showcase food and an agricultural beverage such as beer.

Since those first couple of years, it's been around. To the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (pretty excellent venue), Independence Visitors Center (not so much so), and the National Constitution Center (pretty darned good, as well).

This year, it sets up in two days at the Kimmel Center on Broad Street, just south of City Hall. If it's anything like the event I attended there last year, it should work out quite fine. An aesthetically pleasing venue, too.

Tickets are apparently scarce and nearing sellout (I'm pretty sure that's not just marketing speak either). As in the past, this event comes with my strongest personal recommendation. Go. Eat. Drink. Dance. Be Merry and Enjoy some the best tastes life has to offer.

Do you need further encouragement to help with the decision-making? The organizers sent along some sample pairing to whet your appetite.


Digging up some of the words and pictures from the past from this side of the desk, here's what I came across as if you need any additional enticement. Hope to see you there.

2013, at The Brew Lounge

2012, at The Brew Lounge

2011, posted up over at The Washington Times Communities.

2011, at The Brew Lounge

2007, at The Brew Lounge

2006, at The Brew Lounge


Thursday, March 06, 2014

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: March 6 - March 12

Even though this weekly calendar looks about the same as usual for quality, you might take a closer look to see if you agree that the quality is yet another notch, at least, higher than per normal. Say what, you ask?

Can you handle 75 lines of Sixpoint at Barcade or a massive Dogfish Head takeover at Hulmeville, both tonight? Try on Saturday's bi-annual Craft Beer Express for size. Take Sunday's annual Brewer's Plate extravaganza for example. Then, recover on Monday with the Russian River version of Mad Monday at Monk's. The city of Philadelphia will be buzzing this weekend in many ways. The only question is what you could possibly do on Friday? Well, there are tasting and samplings here and there and two special releases at two different Iron Hills.

However you choose to partake, be safe, enjoy, and drain those kegs. Oh, and donate generously at Monk's for the Alex's Lemonade Stand fundraiser.

Check out the entire March 2014 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 and Special One-offs or Debuts
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/12 - 4 Hands Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a relatively new brewery to our area that is making serious waves in the craft market.)

@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 3/6 - Stoudt's Firkin Night (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for a special firkin from the geniuses at Stoudt's.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville and Pottstown, Pa.--- Fri. 3/7 - Incubus Friday (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for the Belgian-style Tripel that pours until the keg kicks.)

@The Beer Shoppe, Ardmore, Pa.--- Fri. 3/7 - Victory Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Victory.)

@The Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/8 - Beer Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Evil Genius.)

@The Greeks Next Door, Narberth, Pa.--- Fri. 3/7 - Friday Beer Tasting (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beer from Oskar Blues.)

@Washington House, Sellersville, Pa.--- Fri. 3/7 - Celtic Beer Tasting (5 p.m.; $PAYG celebrate with three flights of three beers each that represent the tradition and influence of Celtic brews. We'll feature Irish dinner specials for perfect pairings with the beers.)


Brewery Promos and "Takeovers"
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 3/6 - Sixpoint Brewing Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for 75 (!) lines of beer from one of Brooklyn's finest.)

@Blue Dog, Lansdale, Pa.--- Fri. 3/7 - Lagunitas Beer Tasting (6:30 p.m.; $PAYG for some fine beers from northern California.)

@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 3/6 - Hair Of The Dog (fish Head) IX (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Dogfish Head's 60 Minute, 90 Minute, 75 Minute Firkin, World Wide Stout, Raison D’Etre, Positive Contact, Sah’tea, Noble Rot, Hellhound On My Ale, Chateau Jiahu, and Midas Touch – on the Randall with mint and lime.)

@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Fri. 3/7 - Shokolad Stout Beer Release (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of this full-bodied Imperial Stout brewed with 44 pounds of chocolate and aged with fresh cocoa nibs and whole vanilla beans.)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Fri. 3/7 - Simcoe Buzz IPA Firkin (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for this American IPA brewed with generous amounts of orange blossom honey and single hopped with Simcoe.)
@Iron Hill, Voorhees, NJ--- Sat. 3/8 - Café au Cholcolat (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG for an 8-beer lineup of coffee and chocolate inspired beers.)

@Pub On Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.), Paoli, Pa.--- Wed. 3/12 - Bell's Tap Takeover (7 p.m.; $PAYG for at least ten beers from Bell's Brewery, special event tap list available at PhillyTapFinder.com.)

@TJ's, Paoli, Pa.--- Thu. 3/6 - Southern Tier Happy Hour (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for Southern Tier's 2011 Bourbon Backburner, 2012 Oat, Choklat, Unearthly, Live, 2X One, and 2X Rye.)


Anniversaries/Parties, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@12 local beer-centric bars, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 3/8 - Craft Beer Express (11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $10 for all-the-rides-you-need and $PAYG at each bar along the way.)

@Bulls Head Public House, Lititz, Pa.--- Mon. 3/10 through Sat. 3/15 - 4th Anniversary Celebration ($PAYG; See website for all the tappings, raffles, and other details.)

@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 3/10 - Mad Monday (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a very special, cash-only draft list, plus a magnum of Cantillon Gueuze, to raise at least $25,000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand. See website for all the details.)

@Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sat. 3/8 - Pre-St. Patty's Pub Crawl ($PAYG for special beers from Founders, Bell's, Goose Island, and Stone.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Tue. 3/11 - Teresa's Travels ($PAYG to, like Spanish dancing, get downright sexy.)


Food and Beer events
@Cavanaugh's (Rittenhouse), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/12 - Brew and Chew (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $25 for select craft beers from Southern Tier Brewing Company paired with appetizers.)

@High Street Caffe, West Chester, Pa.--- Tue. 3/11 - Victory Beer Dinner (7:30 p.m.; $TBD for Victory beers paired with Creole-Cajun inspired dishes.)

@Inn Of The Hawke, Lambertville, NJ--- Mon. 3/10 - Neshaminy Creek Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $40 for a four-course meal paired with Trauger Pilsner, Churchville Lager, County Line IPA, Mudbank Milk Stout, and Tribute Triple.)

@Isaac's Pickle Bar, Lancaster, Pa.--- Sat. 3/8 - Saturday Brew Review (3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $25 for a four-course meal and select drafts from York's Liquid Hero brewery.)

@Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 3/9 - The Brewer's Plate (5:30 p.m.; $55-$135 to sample from the region's outstanding chefs, farmers, food artisans, brewers, distillers, and winemakers.)

@Pronto Bistro Italiano, Thorndale, Pa.--- Wed. 3/12 - Victory Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $55 for recipes direct from Italy and beer direct from Downingtown.)

@The Foodery (Roxborough), Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 3/12 - Tröegs and Yards Beer Dinner ($TBD for a dinner from Mel's Kitchen served with beers from Tröegs and Yards.)

@The Orchards Ballroom, Chambersburg, Pa.--- Sat. 3/8 - Smoke Em If You Got Em (2 p.m.-12 a.m.; $PAYG for Blowfish BBQ and lots of Roy Pitz Beers.)


Homebrewing, Charity, Schooling, and Miscellanies
@Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 3/6 - Charity Cask Night (5 p.m.; $PAYG as 100% of Blueberry Oatmeal Stout will be donated to Animal Health and Welfare.)

@Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ--- Mon. 3/10 - Beer School (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $25-$30 to put some of New Jersey's best craft beers against some of the region's best and see who comes out on top. Flying Fish brewery, Carton Brewery, River Horse Brewery, or others versus what we think are great regional brews.)

@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- each Wednesday through 3/12 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG to earn chances to win a trip to Ireland. See website for all the details.)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- each Thursday through 3/13 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG to earn chances to win a trip to Ireland. See website for all the details.)



Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Craft Beer Express, 2014-A version

Here we go again. Another round of Craft Beer Express, the day-long event of events. Twelve beer-centric joints with a theme to present to you, the good beer drinking public. A school of buses to shuttle you from bar to bar throughout the day, as many rides as you wish. Each bar is a pay-as-you-go arrangement and the bus is an all-you-can-ride arrangement for ten bucks.

Below is a quick rundown on what to expect at each stop. Check the website for a full version of the details.

Oh, and you think you might like to walk the entire route. It's not impossible, provided you don't spend more than 1-2 beers at each location. It'll cost you around 11 miles on the soles of your shoes.

Kraftwork - "Rocky Mountain High"
      We'll have a stash of Grade-A liquid from The Rocky Mountain's best including Lefthand, Avery, Oskar Blues, Breckenridge, and Great Divide.

Johnny Brenda's - "6th Annual Stout Brunch"
      Dry Irish Stouts to Oyster Stouts to Russian Imperial Stouts. We will have an awesome full Irish Breakfast on the menu in addition to our regular brunch menu.

Standard Tap - "Annual Big Wood Weekend"
      Wake up to wood smoked and aged beers, paired excellently with an exclusive bone-in brunch menu.

The Institute - "5th Annual Big Banging Barleywine Bonanza"
      Arcadia Cereal Killer, Avery Hog Heaven, Bell's Third Coast, Blue Point Old Howling Bastard, Boulder Killer Penguin, Duck Rabbit Barleywine, DuClaw Barrel Aged Misery, DuClaw Devil's Milk, Fegley's Brew Works Barleywine, Fegley's Brew Works Barrel Aged Arctic Alchemy, Fegley's Brew Works Barrel-Aged Barleywine, Flying Dog Horn Dog, Heavy Seas Below Decks, Left Hand Widdershins, Rock Art Ridge Runner, Sierra Nevada Bigfoot, Smuttynose Barleywine, Smuttynose Wheat Wine, Southern Tier Back Burner, Starr Hill Bandstand, Tröegs The Flying Mouflan, Two Brothers Bare Tree, Victory Oak Horizontal, Victory Old Horizontal, and Weyerbacher Insanity.

Bishop's Collar - "Dogfish Head Tap Takeover"
      120 Minute, World Wide Stout, Noble Rot, Piercing Pils, Palo Santo Marron, Burton Baton, Hellhound On My Ale, Sahtea, Midas Touch, Namaste, and 75 Minute on cask.

Kite & Key - "Yards Collaboration"
      Collaboration with Yards for a special Kite & Key choice brew (The Great White IPA). As usual, mayhem and incredible local suds from our good friend Tom Kehoe & Crew will be on tap.

Jose Pistola's - "Twin Geeks: Firestone Walker With Me"
      In a bar where nothing is as it seems and where everyone has something to drink Who Killed Jenny Hobbs?

The Sidecar - "IPA's Greatest Hits"
      It's baaaaaack. The most bodacious collection of hop juice in the universe.

Pub on Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.) - "I Wish They All Can Be California Beers"
      All draft beer will be from the west coast including Bear Republic, North Coast, and Russian River, among others.

Devil's Den - "Hooked on Hops. Seduced by Sours."
      The best of IPAs and sour ales.

Brauhaus Schmitz - "Dunkel Side of the Moon"
      Pink Floyd and every dark German draft beer imaginable under the “moon.” We will be showing “Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii” on the big screen and “The Wizard of Oz” synched with the album “Dark Side of the Moon.”

Race St. Café - "Race Street Café is Kicking it Old School"
      Join us in a celebration of the beers and the breweries that began the craft beer brewing revolution in Philadelphia with Yards, Dock Street, and Stoudt's.



Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Band of Brewers played on at World Café Live: March 2, 2014

This event has the makings of becoming a permanent fixture on the annual Philly Beer Events calendar. I was not able to attend the inaugural version in 2013, but watched YouTube from afar (like... 3,000 miles afar) and was envious of all who got to see talented brewery staff take the stage to rock out and show another creative side of themselves.

Philly Beer Scene's Mat Falco again organized the raucous afternoon at the accommodating World Café Live where many beer events have been held over the years.

A few hundred came out to see seven breweries took to the stage (Victory, Sly Fox, Weyerbacher, Neshaminy Creek, Tröegs, Yards, and Philadelphia Brewing) and no one disappointed. Beers from each of the breweries were available as was a limited food menu from the kitchen.

The judging panel consisted of local beer luminaries Suzanne Woods (Allagash), Casey Parker (Jose/Sancho Pistola's), and Dennis Hewlett (the "POPE") along with JUMP magazine founder, George Miller.

They awarded third place to Neshaminy Creek, second place to Yards, and first place to Philadelphia Brewing Company. Check out videos from each of the brewery performers below.




















Monday, March 03, 2014

More Victory Beer coming your way

(At their new Parkesburg, Pa. location, Bill Covaleski, left, and Ron Barchet, founding owners of Victory Brewing Company)

The school bus keeps on rolling…

I was not available to take in the media tour offered last week at Victory's new brewery operation in Parkesburg, Pa. They passed along the press release and some pictures that I can share with you here this morning. I'll need to get out there soon and do my own follow-up. Until then, here are some interesting points that I pulled from the press release for your early morning reading pleasure.


(Exterior shot of Victory Brewing Company's new Parkesburg location)

  • 3127 Lower Valley Road in Parkesburg, Pa.
  • More than 140,000 square feet set on 42 acres of rolling Chester County countryside
  • Best-in-class German-built ROLEC brewhouse with production capacity of up to 200 barrels per batch
  • A proprietary hop separator coined the HopVIC
  • A hard-piped fermentation cellar featuring (16) 1,000 barrel fermenters.
  • At full capacity, the brewery will able to brew 225,000 barrels annually – more than doubling the current capability in Downingtown.
  • A state-of–the-art biological acidification system, which will allow our brewers to naturally optimize pH values throughout the brewing process, yielding cleaner and fresher tasting beer.
  • Construction will continue on the 10,000 square feet of space where a full service brewpub and beer garden are planned, scheduled to near completion by the start of 2015.
  • If stretched end to end, more than three miles of stainless steel piping is used to connect the brewery and CIP vessels.
  • The custom glulam beams over the brewhouse span 80feet wide, 50 inches deep and weigh roughly 10,000lbs a piece.
  • The lauter tun in the brewhouse is 23 feet wide, weighing 26,000lbs empty, and required a police escort from the seaport in Dundalk, Maryland to Parkesburg, traveling on a special "low-boy" trailer to fit under bridges.
  • Speaking of the lauter tun, at full capacity it will be able to brew 200 barrels of wort every two hours for beers like Prima Pils, Summer Love and Golden Monkey. That's 6,200 gallons, or 400 x 1/2 kegs, or 2755 case equivalents, times 12 batches in 24 hours, to deliver 33,066 cases or 74,400 gallons of beer. You might need to bring a few friends.
  • In just one week, the state-or-the-art yeast propagation system can cultivate about 80hL (approximately 2200 gallons) of yeast with more than 100 million cells per mL, which, in technical terms, is a boatload.
  • In the fermentation cellar, the self-supported structure holding all 16 1,000 barrel fermentation tanks, was built on a mat slab concrete foundation that is roughly 840 cubic yards, running four feet deep. With the concrete walls, columns and roof added to that, there is roughly 1,600 yards of concrete surface in the cellar, which required 160 concrete trucks, each tank weighing 425,000lbs.
  • 45,000 feet of wire is needed to connect and run the 600 foot bottling line.
  • Each of the two largest bright beer tanks hold 1,000 barrels at once, which combined, is equal to 275 more barrels than the total number produced in Victory's first full year in operation.

Finally, if you want to see the new operation up close and personal yourself, until the day the full-service brewpub is opened at this new Parkesburg location (tentatively, early 2015), here are details of how you can get there now:

"We’re excited to offer an enjoyable package option that provides a behind the scenes look at the brewery, as well as food and beer component in the meantime.”

The tours, which are scheduled for Saturdays from 11am-2:30pm and 3pm-6:30pm, will depart from Victory’s Downingtown brewpub. Upon arrival in Parkesburg, guests will receive a welcome beer in the catering hall, followed by a guided tour of the brewery from the production floor, before meeting back in the hall to enjoy a chef-inspired food and beer pairing. Each session is limited to 40 people and all tour guests must be 21 years or older to participate. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be available on Victory’s website, beginning Monday, March 3."


(Beer running through the bottling line at the new Parkesburg, Pa. location of Victory Brewing Company)