Thursday, March 31, 2016

Beer Calendar: What To Do in April 2016

April 2016. The events calendar below speaks for itself. If you can't find some way, some place to drink a glass of beer, you're either a hermit or don't like beer. From the mountains to the city to the Shore, there is no shortage of options.

I've got three book events on the horizon with more to be filled in. There's the fundraiser for the Wayne Public Library in northern NJ on April 30 (including a handful of new breweries to sample), the Books-A-Million store in the Exton Square Mall the day before Father's Day in June, and an almost-planned-but-not-quite-yet run/book/beer event that I'm anxious to get on the calendar but I probably shouldn't talk about until it's locked in. I'm superstitious like that.

If you somehow have still not seen the book, check it out over at my publisher's site. Or to buy, send a note to me, ping Amazon.com, or drop by your local bookstore such as Barnes & Noble.

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
Fri. 4/1; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Southern Tier with Joe Sixpack at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/1; 7 p.m. — Allagash Tap Tasting & Takeover at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/1; 12 p.m. — Pliny the Younger at Pub On Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.) in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/1; All day — He’Brew Circum Session Ale Tapping at Tria Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/2; 12 p.m. — 4th Annual Homebrew Contest at Earth Bread + Brewery in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/3; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — A Tribe Called Brunch Vol. 5: Diabetes Fundraiser at McCrossen's Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 4/4; 4 p.m. — Phillies First 2016 Game at Devil's Den in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 4/4; All day — Quad Day at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 4/4; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Happy Hour with Fegley's at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Tue. 4/5; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tappings at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/5; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Meet Picobrouwerij Alvinne at Monk's Café in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/5; 4 p.m. — Tostada Tuesday with Sly Fox at Sancho Pistola's in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/6; 7 p.m. — Lady Birds Anniversary Party and International Women's Collaborative Brew Day Gose Release Party at Devil's Den in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/6; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Happy Hour with Jack's Abby at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Wed. 4/6; 9 p.m.-12 a.m. — Late Night Beer Brunch at The Irish Pol in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/7; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Fat Heads Brewing Tasting at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/7; 5 p.m. — Natural Wine & Funky Beer at South Philadelphia Tap Room in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/8; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Evolution Brewing Company at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/8; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Star Hill Tasting of 4 Kings at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/9; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Craft Beer Express at 13 quality beer bars around town in Philadelphia, Pa. [$10+$PAYG]
Sat. 4/9; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — St. Benjamin Brewing Can Release Launch Party at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 4/11; 3 p.m. — Phillies Home Opener at Devil's Den in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 4/11; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Happy Hour with Otter Creek at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Tue. 4/12; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tappings at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/12; 5 p.m. — PhoTap at ProTap at Prohibition Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/12; 5 p.m. — The Art of Tröegs at Strangelove's in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/13; 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — The Art of Tröegs Coloring Night at Devil's Den in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/15; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — 21st Amendment with Joe Sixpack at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/15; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — NCBC Tasting at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/16; 12 p.m. — Beer Garden Opening at Memphis Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/16; 12 p.m.-7 p.m. — Tappin' The Trucks- Brews n' Bites Block Party at Tap Room On 19th in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 4/18; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Happy Hour with Lagunitas at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Tue. 4/19; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Bach & Beer at Dock Street Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/19; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tappings at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/20; 5 p.m. — Game of Thrones Quizzo at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/20; 9 p.m.-12 a.m. — Universal Funk featuring Bella Vista Beer Night at The Trestle Inn in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/21; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Two Roads: 500 Years of Reinheitsgebot — Beer Purity Party at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/21-Sun. 4/24; All weekend — St George's Day — A Weekend Celebration of English Beers at Devil's Den in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/22; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Leinenkugel Brewing Company at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/22; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Capt. Lawrence Tasting at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/23; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Stiftungsfest at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein in Philadelphia, Pa. [$10-$12]
Sun. 4/24; 12 p.m.-10 p.m. — Game Of Thrones Season 6 Premiere at The Institute in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 4/25; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Happy Hour with Captain Lawrence at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Tue. 4/26; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tappings at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/27; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Shake Shack “In Da Cart" at Garage [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/28; 3 p.m. — PA Breweries Night at Barcade in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/29; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — British Ales with Joe Sixpack at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/29; 5 p.m. — Ommegang / Blvd Tasting at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/29; 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. — Finally Friday Beer Tasting at Trolley Car Diner in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]

Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 4/1; All day — Porter & Stout Sweatout at The Pour House in North Wales, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/3; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Yoga and a Beer at Crooked Eye Brewery in Bristol, Pa. [$10]
Wed. 4/6; 6 p.m. — Phightin' Phils Pils Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Maple Shade, NJ [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/7; 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Starr Hill IPA Limited Draft Event at Capone's in Norristown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/10; 11:30 a.m. — Fourth Anniversary Party at Forest & Main in Ambler, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/13; 6 p.m. — Free Will Brewing at Fingers Wings & Other Things in Conshohocken, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/14; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Tröegs Night at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/15; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Ship Bottom Mini Tap Takeover at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/20; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. — Iron Lady Porter Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/20; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Lagunitas Happy Hour at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/21; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Boaks Retirement Draft Party at Capone's in Norristown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/27; 6 p.m. — Chicken & Waffles with Founders Brewing at Fingers Wings & Other Things in Conshohocken, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/28; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Green Flash Night at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/28; 5:30 p.m. — Deschutes Draft Event at Capone's in Norristown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/30; 12 p.m. — Cake-Over & Craft Bazaar at Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company in Cherry Hill, NJ [$PAYG]

Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 4/1; 12 p.m. — IPA #1 Release at Weyerbacher Brewing Company in Easton, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/1; 3 p.m.-10 p.m. — First Friday, Firkin, & Flatbread Night at Saucony Creek Brewing Company in Kutztown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/1; All day — Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/1; All day — Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/1; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/1; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Free Samples at Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/1-Sat. 4/2; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. & 12 p.m.-10 p.m. — Cask Festival at Bulls Head Public House in Lititz, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/2; 12 p.m. — 4th Anniversary Party at Round Guys Brewing Company in Lansdale, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/2; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Mahalo, Apollo! Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/3; 10:30 a.m. — Sunday Morning Breakfast at CJ's Doghouse in Kulpsville, Pa. [$15]
Sun. 4/3; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Firestone Walker Berks County Kickoff at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 4/4-Sun. 4/10; All day — Delaware Beer Week at Pickled Pig Pub in Rehoboth Beach, Del. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/7; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works in Bethlehem, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/7; 6 p.m. — Twas the Night Before AC Beerfest Tap Takeover at Wingcraft Kitchen & Beer Bar in Atlantic City, NJ [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/7; All day — Mispillion River entering PA market at CJ's Doghouse in Kulpsville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/7; 5 p.m. — A Night of Farmhouse Ales at Hunger N Thirst in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/7; All day — Session Beer Day Tap Take Over at Bulls Head Public House in Lititz, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/7; All night — Bell's Tap Take Over at Ulysses Gastropub in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/8; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Release Party at Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company in Dover, Del. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/8; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Titus 2XIPA Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Voorhees, NJ [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/8; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Free Samples at Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. [$Free]
Sat. 4/9; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Sly Fox Flight at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/10; 1 p.m. — 1st Homebrew Competition at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/10-Sat. 4/16; All night — What The Funk? Fest 3 at Keg & Kitchen in Westmont, NJ [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/12; All night — Free Will Ladies Night at CJ's Doghouse in Kulpsville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/13; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Tap Takeover at Railroad St. Bar & Grill in Linfield, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/15; All day — 6th Anniversary Celebration at Good Ta Go in Chambersburg, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/15; 5 p.m. — Yards Tap Takeover at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/15; All day — Third Friday Firkin Fest at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/16; 12 p.m. — Dogfish Head Record Day Celebration at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth Beach, Del. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/16; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Putting Away Capone Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Voorhees, NJ [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/20; 4:20 p.m.-8 p.m. — 4:20 on 4/20 at Levante Brewing Company in West Chester, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/20; 5 p.m. — Dank Beer Tap Takeover at The Drafting Room [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/21; 5 p.m. — Mikkeller Flight Night at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/22; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Tap Takeover at Good Ta Go in Chambersburg, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/22; All weekend — Game of Thrones Weekend at The Drafting Room [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/22-Sun. 4/24; All weekend — SRT Spreekend at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/22-Sat. 4/30; All day — Harrisburg Beer Week at Harrisburg Beer Week in Harrisburg, Pa. [$Varies]
Sat. 4/23; All day — Ballast Point Brewing Event at Isaac Newton's in Newtown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/23; 3 p.m. — Smile For The Camera! at Levante Brewing Company in West Chester, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/28; All day — Starr Hill King of Hops Flights at CJ's Doghouse in Kulpsville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/30; 1 p.m.-6 p.m. — Delaware on the Deck Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG]


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Fri. 4/15; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — 8 Beers To Try Before You Die at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$59.98]
Sat. 4/16; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Beer Brewing Program, Level One at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$149.98]
Sat. 4/23; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Manayunk BBQ, Bourbon, and Blues Craft Beer Fest at Manayunk Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. [$20-$60]
Sat. 4/23; 12 p.m.-6 p.m. — Fruit Beer and Cider Festival at The Institute in Philadelphia, Pa. [$45]
Sat. 4/30; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Belgian Beer Experience at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$49.98]

Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 4/1; 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — Second Birthday at Crooked Eye Brewery in Bristol, Pa. [$25]
Sat. 4/23; 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. — Tap into Spring with Team WMMR at Barren Hill Brewing Company in Lafayette Hill, Pa. [$25]
Tue. 4/26; 6:30 p.m. — Doylestown Brewing Beer Dinner at Steam in Southampton, Pa. [$45]
Wed. 4/27; 7 p.m. — St. Bernardus Beer Dinner at Iron Abbey in Horsham, Pa. [$65]
Sat. 4/30; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Spring Fest at Blue Monkey Tavern in Merchantville, NJ [$35]

Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 4/1; 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Pairings on the Ferry at Cape May Ferry in Cape May, NJ [$59]
Sat. 4/2; 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. — Beer & Yoga at Victory Brewing Company in Kennett Square, Pa. [$35]
Sat. 4/2; 2 p.m.-5 p.m. — Art of the Brew Fest at Hamburg Field House in Hamburg, Pa. [$10-$45]
Sun. 4/3; 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. — Weyerbacher Beer & Grilled Cheese Pairing at Musikfest Café at ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem, Pa. [$45-$49]
Thu. 4/7; 7:30 p.m. — Flying Fish Beer Dinner at Guy Fieri's Chophouse in Atlantic City, NJ [$99]
Thu. 4/7; All night — Dogfish Head Beer Dinner at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill in Atlantic City, NJ [$99-$125]
Fri. 4/8-Sat. 4/9; 8 p.m.-12 a.m.; 12 p.m.-4 p.m.; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — AC Beer and Music Festival at Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, NJ [$20-$99]
Sat. 4/9; 2 p.m.-5 p.m. — 250th Anniversary Opening Event and Beer Tasting at John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion in Harrisburg, Pa. [$25]
Sat. 4/9; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — Brew Review at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. [$25]
Sat. 4/9; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Gettysburg Firkin Fest at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pa. [$25-$79]
Sat. 4/9; 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — The Taming of the Brew at Caldwell Consistory in Bloomsburg, Pa. [$30-$60]
Sat. 4/9; 3 p.m. — Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting at World Café Live in Wilmington, Del. [$40]
Sun. 4/10; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Beer Geek Brunch at Martorano's at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, NJ [$35]
Sun. 4/10; 5:30 p.m. — Four-course Beer Dinner at Ludwig's Grille & Oyster Bar in Glenmoore, Pa. [$45-$55]
Sun. 4/10; 6 p.m. — Whiskey Dinner with Lew Bryson at Bulls Head Public House in Lititz, Pa. [$68]
Thu. 4/14; 7 p.m. — Allagash Beer Dinner at The Yardley Inn in Yardley, Pa. [$75]
Sat. 4/16; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Fegley's Chocolate Festival at Allentown Brew Works in Allentown, Pa. [$30-$35]
Sat. 4/16; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Rails & Ales at Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Pa. [$15-$50]
Sat. 4/16; 1 p.m.-6 p.m. — Reading Craft Beer Festival at Santander Arena in Reading, Pa. [$10-$65]
Sat. 4/16; 11 a.m.-12 p.m. — Detox & Retox: Brew Yoga Series at Saucony Creek Brewing Company in Kutztown, Pa. [$30-$35]
Tue. 4/19; 6:30 p.m. — Grilled Cheese Paradise Beer Dinner Lite at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Lancaster, Pa. [$45]
Wed. 4/20; 7 p.m. — Game of Thrones Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Newark, Del. [$65]
Sat. 4/23; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — PA Flavor at Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa. [$20-$75]
Sat. 4/23; 3 p.m. — Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting at World Café Live in Wilmington, Del. [$40]
Sun. 4/24; 9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Craft Beer & Yoga at Chatty Monks in West Reading, Pa. [$30]
Mon. 4/25; 5:30 p.m. — Beer Dinner with Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company at Bulls Head Public House in Lititz, Pa. [$35]
Tue. 4/26; 7 p.m. — Brewers of Delaware Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Wilmington, Del. [$65]
Wed. 4/27; 7 p.m. — Dogfish Head Beer Dinner at Hotel du Pont in Wilmington, Del. [$60]
Thu. 4/28; 6:30 p.m. — Best of the Locals Beer Dinner at The Drafting Room [$59]
Sat. 4/30; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — IPA Brew Fest at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. [$35-$40]
Sat. 4/30; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Pottstown Firkin Festival at Manatawny Park in Pottstown, Pa. [$25-$75]
Sat. 4/30; 2 p.m.-5 p.m. — Little Big Beer Fest at Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg, Pa. [$30]




Thursday, March 24, 2016

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: March 24 - March 31

March going out with a majestic roar.

I've got some new book events coming up in the next couple of months. I'll share them with you soon. In the meantime, I'll continue to stick a quick plug here pointing you to: a) my publisher; b) Amazon.com; c) BarnesAndNoble.com. As always, I thank you for your continued support.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Bethlehem, Pa.
Thu. 3/24; 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. — Pennsylvania Brewpub Festival at Artsquest Center at SteelStacks [Showcasing Pennsylvania-based brewpubs and light appetizers  $35]
Thu. 3/24; 7:15 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Meeting of the Malts V at Artsquest Center at SteelStacks [A panel discussion and a five-course meal paired with beers from D.G. Yuengling & Son, Samuel Adams, and Sierra Nevada.  $85]
Thu. 3/24; 10:15 p.m.-12:00 AM — Prohibition Party at The Foundry Room at Sands Casino Resort [Light appetizers, desserts, one drink ticket, and discounted PA beer.  $40]

Boyertown, Pa.
Sat. 3/26; 11 a.m. — Easter Hopfest at Union Jack's On The Manatawny [Our annual hop extravaganza.  $PAYG]

Conshohocken, Pa.
Wed. 3/30; 6 p.m. — Tröegs Brewing at Fingers Wings & Other Things [A night of beers from Tröegs Brewing Company.  $PAYG]

Exton, Pa.
Thu. 3/24; All day — Tap Takeover at The Pour House [Beers from Levante.  $PAYG]
Thu. 3/31; All day — Tap Takeover at The Pour House [Beers from Yards.  $PAYG]

Harleysville, Pa.
Mon. 3/21 through Sun. 3/27; All Day — Bourbon Barrel Bonanza at The Butcher & Barkeep [Keep up with us daily to find out what will be poured each night of this week long event.  $PAYG]

Lambertville, NJ
Mon. 3/28; 7 p.m. — Flying Dog Beer Dinner at Inn Of The Hawke [A five-course dinner paired with Flying Dog's Bloodline Blood Orange Ale, Single Hop Imperial IPA HBC-291, Tropical Bitch Belgian-Style IPA, Gonzo Imperial Porter, and Kujo Imperial Coffee Stout.  $50]

Lancaster, Pa.
Sat. 3/26; 11 a.m. — Hoppy Easter at The Fridge [Enjoy a full tap-take-over of dank, hoppy goodness all day long.  $PAYG]

Mount Holly, NJ
Sat. 3/26; 12 p.m. — Russian Imperial Stout Release at Village Idiot Brewing Company [32 Ounce Crowler release of our Russian Imperial Stout, this beer came in at 13% ABV.  $PAYG]

Newark, Del.
Thu. 3/24; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Batman vs. Superman Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for the release of Kryptonite and Victor Saaz.  $PAYG]

Newtown, Pa.
Thu. 3/24; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Victory Tap Takeover at Isaac Newton's [Victory's Java Cask, Agave IPA, Grapefruit IPA, and Anniversary 20.  $PAYG]

North Wales, Pa.
Fri. 3/25; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — New Belgium Tap Takeover at The Pour House [A night of beers from New Belgium including the Lips of Faith Series.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/25; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Batman vs. Superman Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for the release of Superbier and Grand Inquisitor.  $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 3/24; 4 p.m. — Weyerbacher Happy Hour at Bru Craft & Wurst [Tapping a lineup of limited and new beers from our friends at Weyerbacher Brewing, including some very limited offerings.  $PAYG]
Thu. 3/24; 5 p.m. — 2SP + Yards Collaboration Night at Local 44 [The release of the new 2SP + Yards Collaboration “Goat Faced Killah" …an amazing 7% German-style Dopplebock. We'll also be pouring two of our own collaboration house beers made by these fine breweries: "White Bear" (2SP) + "Ma Kelly's Stout" (Yards) as well as Yards IPA, 2SP Bean & Gone and Delco Lager.  $PAYG]
Thu. 3/24; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Craft Beer and Cheese Pairing at Philly Beer School [This class combines the talent of one of Philadelphia’s top beer geeks and beloved cheesemongers for the ultimate class on beer and cheese pairings.  $48.98]
Fri. 3/25; 5 p.m. — Two Roads Tasting and Taps at Bottle Bar East [Beers from Two Roads Brewing Company.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/25; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Good Fish Friday at City Tap House-University City [Flying Fish and Dogfish Head team up for Good Fish Friday. Several beers from each brewery on tap along with delicious fish dishes for the last Friday in Lent.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/25; 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. — Beer Tasting at Trolley Car Diner [Fresh from the brewery, samples of Philadelphia Brewing Co. beers will be on hand courtesy of Tony Madjor.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/26; 11 a.m. — National Orval Day at Monk's Café [We'll be featuring Orval at special price all day.  $PAYG]
Mon. 3/28; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 [Join us for brewery representative led complimentary tastings and specials on bottle selections from ShawneeCraft.  $Free]
Tue. 3/29; 7 p.m. — Taco and Beer Dinner at Jose Pisola's [Five courses of food paired with five beers from Allagash, Dogfish Head, Duvel/Moortgat, Firestone Walker, and Jack's Abby.  $65]
Tue. 3/29; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance [Featuring Great Divide's 21st Anniversary Sour and Oak-Aged Espresso Yeti.  $PAYG]
Thu. 3/31; 4 p.m. — Boulevard Happy Hour at Bru Craft & Wurst [It's time for another Happy Hour with our friends from Boulevard Brewing Company, featuring some cool limited and seasonal drafts.  $PAYG]

Reading, Pa.
Thu. 3/31; 5 p.m. — Beer and Sausage with Neshaminy and Dundore & Heister at Liberty Taproom [Each sausage will be made with a different beer from Neshaminy Creek and will be paired with featured Neshaminy beers on tap as well.  $PAYG]

Voorhees, NJ
Sat. 3/26; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Dark Matter Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for a big bang lineup featuring beers from Iron Hill and three guest breweries.  $PAYG]

Wayne, Pa.
Fri. 3/25; 3 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Beer Yard [Tasting samples of beers from Tröegs.  $Free]



Thursday, March 17, 2016

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: March 17 - March 23

We've cleared the Ides of March and now are buckling down for a St. Patrick's Day celebration today and tonight. Thinking hanging with Mr. O'Reilly at Sly Fox could be in order. That and another almost three dozen events below for your perusal.

I've got some new book events coming up in the next couple of months. I'll share them with you soon. In the meantime, I'll continue to stick a quick plug here pointing you to: a) my publisher; b) Amazon.com; c) BarnesAndNoble.com. As always, I thank you for your continued support.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Allentown, Pa.
Sat. 3/19; 3 p.m.-7 p.m. — The Great Allentown Brew Works Cask Beer Festival at Allentown Brew Works [32+ cask creations and craft beer from more than a dozen craft breweries.  $40-$50]

Boyertown, Pa.
Sat. 3/19; 8:30 p.m.-11 p.m. — King Brothers with Killen Clark at Other Farm Brewing Company [We will be tapping our Stoudt and Old McDonald Rye IPA to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, so we’re bringing Irish music to celebrate.  $5+$PAYG]

Columbia, Pa.
Fri. 3/18; 6 p.m. — Oyster Night, Beer Release, and Live Music at Columbia Kettle Works [Lancaster City Oyster Co. will be joining us with some wonderful east coast oysters. There will be a very special beer release for this event — Our very first Pilsner, a traditional German style Pilsner brewed with a blend of three German noble hop varieties. Live music by Silver City Rodeo.  $PAYG]

Conshohocken, Pa.
Wed. 3/23; 6 p.m. — Two Roads Brewing at Fingers Wings & Other Things [Choose your own adventure...Beer Edition.  $PAYG]

Exton, Pa.
Thu. 3/17; All day — Tap Takeover at The Pour House [Beers from Stone.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/18; 5 p.m. — Green Flash and Alpine Brewing Special Tapping at The Drafting Room [Start the weekend right with some awesome brews from both Green Flash and Alpine Brewing.  $PAYG]

Harleysville, Pa.
Mon. 3/21 through Sun. 3/27; All Day — Bourbon Barrel Bonanza at The Butcher & Barkeep [Keep up with us daily to find out what will be poured each night of this week long event.  $PAYG]

Kennett Square, Pa.
Sat. 3/19; 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. — Beers & Bells at Victory Brewing Company [Jump start your Saturday with a 1-hour kettle bell and body weight workout followed by a beer and food pairing.  $35]

Kutztown, Pa.
Sat. 3/19; 11 a.m.-12 p.m. — Detox & Retox at Saucony Creek Brewing Company [Both Yoga and Beer gather people together creating a joyful, emotional, and blissful experience whether that be found internally on our Yoga mats or from an external substance such as the ever alluring Maple Mistress.  $30-$35]

Lancaster, Pa.
Fri. 3/18; 5 p.m. — Stoudts Tap Takeover at Isaac's Pickle Bar [All taps will be from Stoudts Brewing Co., March's featured brewery.  $PAYG]

Media, Pa.
Mon. 3/21; 5 p.m. — Hudson Stout Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us in remembrance of our dear friend and colleague Mark Hudson. Featuring Hudson Stout, a robust oatmeal stout, aged on vanilla beans and fresh roasted coffee from Burlap and Bean.  $PAYG]

North Wales, Pa.
Thu. 3/17; All Day — Stone IPA Madness at The Pour House [Stone's IPA, Pataskala Red IPA, Go To IPA, Ruination 2.0, and Delicious IPA.  $PAYG]
Wed. 3/23; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — SweetWater Tap Takeover at The Pour House [A night of beers from SweetWater in Georgia.  $PAYG]

Perkasie, Pa.
Sun. 3/20; 12 p.m.-7 p.m. — Sour Sunday at Free Will Brewing Company [A celebration of sour beers.  $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 3/17; 7 p.m. — 20th Annual St. Patrick's Day Drawing with Sly Fox Brewing at McCrossen's Tavern [Sly Fox Brewing will be donating a keg to help raise money for the Officer Daniel Boyle Scholarship Fund. Come enjoy four great Sly Fox beers on draft, and enter the raffle to win some great prizes.  $PAYG]
Thu. 3/17; All Day — St. Patrick's Day the Traditional Way at Grey Lodge Pub [Patrick McGinley's recipe for a great St. Patrick's Day. Guinness Stout + Sly Fox Seamus Red + Shepherds Pie = a Great St. Pat's. We'll have all three and more.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/18; 11 a.m. — Lunchtime Lagunitas at Bru Craft & Wurst [Grab a sandwich, watch some hoops, and wash it down with a nice slate of Lagunitas drafts.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/18; 12 p.m. — Terrapin Tap Takeover at Wrap Shack [Join us during the second day of March Madness games.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/18; 5 p.m. — Magic Hat Tasting at Bottle Bar East [Beers from Magic Hat.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/18 through Sun. 3/20; All weekend — IPA's Greatest Hits at Sidecar Bar & Grille [A weekend of nothing but great IPAs, including the coveted Russian River Pliny The Younger on Fri. Mar. 18 and Bell's HopSlam on Sun. Mar. 20  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/19; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Jack's Abby Release Party at Varga Bar [Featuring House Lager cans, Hoponius Union cans, Smoke & Dagger, Nitro Coffee Baby Hammer, Calyptra, PB&J Framinghammer, Sour Time, and Blood Orange Hibiscus Leisure Time.  $PAYG]
Sun. 3/20; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Kegs & Eggs at City Tap House-University City [Sam Hendler, owner of Jack’s Abby, will be dropping by for brunch and college ball.  $PAYG]
Sun. 3/20; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — A Tribe Called Brunch at McCrossen's Tavern [Kristin Miller Caine from Yards Brewing Company, Mary Grace Hodge from Flying Fish Brewing Company, and Megan Maguire from Ommegang will be here with three beers each on draft.  $PAYG]
Mon. 3/21; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 [Join us for brewery representative led complimentary tastings and specials on bottle selections from Evolution.  $Free]
Tue. 3/22; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance [Featuring Long Trail's Green Blaze IPA  $PAYG]
Wed. 3/23; 6 p.m. — Joe Sixpack's Irish Beer Night at McGillin's [Join Joe Sixpack for a fun evening of Irish beer from Ireland's Carlow Brewery, plus an exceptional collaboration brew with Virginia's Starr Hill Brewery. Giveaways, raffle, and info about Joe Sixpack's upcoming Beer & Whiskey Tour to Ireland in October 2016.  $PAYG]
Wed. 3/23; All Day — Ballast Point Tap Takeover at The Cambridge [More than 20 beers from Ballast Point.  $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.
Thu. 3/17; 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. — Boot Camp Finale Party at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Come by and celebrate the holiday with us and enter your Boot Camp card with 8 stamps for a chance to win a trip to Ireland.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/18; All Day — Third Friday Firkin Fest at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Stop by the Brewhouse & Eatery to see which delicious brews will be on the hand pumps.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/19; 6 p.m. — Battle of the Brewers at Bistro on Bridge [Beers from Victory and Weyerbacher.  $PAYG]

Pottstown, Pa.
Thu. 3/17; 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. — Boot Camp Finale Party at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Come by and celebrate the holiday with us and enter your Boot Camp card with 8 stamps for a chance to win a trip to Ireland.  $PAYG]

West Chester, Pa.
Mon. 3/14 through Sat. 3/19; All Day — HOP Through It Week at Side Bar in West Chester, Pa. [Local breweries will be flowing from Side Bar's taps with hoppy kegs filled days prior to tapping. The week will end with a celebration of a beer that is rated one of the best hoppy beers in the world being tapped at 11 a.m. Friday March 18th  $PAYG]
Thu. 3/17; 4 p.m. — St. "Patty's" Day - Happy Hour at Levante Brewing Company [We will roll out two limited release beers, an Irish Stout and an Irish Red Ale.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/18; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Beer Sampling at Goshen Beverage [Beer tasting samples from Yards Brewing Company.  $Free]

Yardley, Pa.
Thu. 3/17; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — St. Patrick's Day Dinner at The Yardley Inn [A five-course meal served with ten beers from Great Lakes and Heavy Seas.  $65]



Wednesday, March 16, 2016

The Brewer's Plate scores big again in 2016

Hopefully, you've had a chance to catch my full wrap-up over at Communities Digital News [click here if you've not yet]. As usual, your assistance with pushing those little social buttons to share on Facebook, Twitter, etc. is always much appreciated.

I go through a full run-down of beers and pairings that left a lasting memory from The Brewer's Plate 2016. Now don't go getting all offended if I didn't list your favorites of the night. But, feel free to weigh in with comments.

With around fifty pairings to get to, it's impossible even before walking through the door to think of trying everything. What you won't find on my list of highlights, however, are any blatantly hop-forward — say double IPAs — beers. For this particular event, I opted to steer away from them.


(The Industry and Tröegs Brewing Company crews)

(Josh and Josh from Deer Creek Malthouse)

(Dessert from Garces Events Catering paired with Victory's V-12)

(The VIP session surge)

(St. Benjamin Brewing Company's bock served with Weckerly's Custard)

(Beer for breakfast, or any meal of the day)

(Jake Borer and Tim Ohst from Sly Fox Brewing Company)

(Free Will Brewing Company's Coffee Oatmeal Brown with molasses and coffee aged in a rum barrel and called Brown Beard)

(Bread from High Street on Market for the train ride home)



Thursday, March 10, 2016

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: March 10 - March 16

Ditch the Erin Expresses this weekend and check out the exhaustive set of more than forty beer events occurring all around the Philly region this weekend and the rest of the next seven days.

While I don't envision any book events for at least the next month, I'll continue to stick a quick plug here pointing you to: a) my publisher; b) Amazon.com; c) BarnesAndNoble.com. As always, I thank you for your continued support.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Allentown, Pa.
Fri. 3/11; 4 p.m. — Beer Sampling at Weis [Beer tasting samples from Yards Brewing Company.  $Free]

Burlington, NJ
Mon. 3/14; 7 p.m. — New Belgium Tap Takeover & Release Party at Geraghty's Pub [We're excited to announce New Belgium Brewing beers are being released in NJ and you can get them here first.  $PAYG]

Chalfont, Pa.
Sun. 3/13; 10 a.m. — Russian River Pliny The Younger and Much More at Blue Dog Tavern [Served at 11 a.m., doors open at 10 a.m.  $PAYG]

Chambersburg, Pa.
Sun. 3/13; 2 p.m.-3 p.m. — Detox to Retox at Roy Pitz Brewing Company [Get a great workout in and reward yourself with a nice cold beer after.  $15]

Dover, Del.
Fri. 3/11; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Cherry Blossom Release Party at Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company [Annual release party plus music by Maiden Names and food by I Don't Give A Fork.  $PAYG]

Downingtown, Pa.
Fri. 3/11; 4 p.m. — Beer Sampling at Wegmans [Beer tasting samples from Yards Brewing Company.  $Free]
Sat. 3/12; 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. — Beer & Yoga at Victory Brewing Company [Join us for a yoga class taught in our Downingtown brewpub, then treat yourself to a tasty menu paired perfectly with our delicious seasonal Victory brews.  $30]

Ewing Township, NJ
Sat. 3/12; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — River Horse Spring Thaw at River Horse Brewing Company [To kickoff Spring, we are introducing a new beer to our line up that you can enjoy all year long....The River Horse Roly Poly Pils.  $15+$PAYG]

Exton, Pa.
Thu. 3/10; All day — Tap Takeover at The Pour House [Beers from River Horse.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/12; 12 p.m. — Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout Saturday at The Drafting Room [Join us for one last 'winter hurrah' with some awesome Bourbon Barrel Aged Stouts on tap.  $PAYG]

Kulpsville, Pa.
Thu. 3/10; All Day — 4 Hands Event at CJ's Doghouse [We will be tapping Absence of Light and Madagascar as well as a few others from 4 Hands.  $PAYG]

Lancaster, Pa.
Thu. 3/10; 5 p.m. — Maine Beer Company at Hunger N Thirst [Join us for tappings of Maine Beer Company's Peeper Ale, MO, and Mean Old Tom.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/12; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — Stoudts Brew Review at Isaac's Pickle Bar [Enjoy a four-course meal paired perfectly with four brewmaster picks from Stoudts Brewing Company.  $25]

Maple Shade, NJ
Sat. 3/12; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Barrels, Bourbons, & Bugs Multi-Tap Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us as we tap a collection of wild and barrel-aged beers.  $PAYG]

Media, Pa.
Thu. 3/10; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Ithaca Night at Pinocchio's [Beers from Ithaca Beer Company.  $PAYG]

North Wales, Pa.
Thu. 3/10; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Sly Fox Tap Takeover at The Pour House [Eight beers from Sly Fox Brewing Company.  $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 3/10; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Evolution Craft Brewing & Kinsey Whiskey Night at Devil's Den [We will be pouring beer from Evolution Craft Brewing and Kinsey Whiskey from local distillery New Liberty.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/11; 5 p.m. — 2SP Tasting at Bottle Bar East [Beers from 2SP Brewing Company.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/12; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Saison Day with Allagash at City Tap House-Logan [Join the Philly Homebrew Outlet, Philly Home Brew Club, and Allagash Brewing Company in celebration of one of our favorite styles of beer....the lovely Saison.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/12; 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. — Terrapin Beer Southern Beer Brunch at Devil's Den [The good folks from Terrapin Beer will be taking over our taps for a good old fashioned Southern Inspired Brunch.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/12; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. — The Beer Scouts of America Inaugural Jamboree at Jose Pistola's [Earn yourself a dazzling array of merit badges at this gathering of all the major Beer Scout troops from Brooklyn Brewery, Frecon, Founders, and the Pistola's local chapter.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/12; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Bourbon Flav Barrel Aged Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us as we celebrate the flavor of bourbon barrel aged beer.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/12; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Stout Brunch at Johnny Brenda's [We will be pouring a wide array of local stouts on draft from Dry Irish Stouts to Oyster Stouts to Russian Imperial Stouts. In addition to our regular brunch menu, we will have an tasty bill of fare including a Full Irish Breakfast, haggis, oysters, and more.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/12; 11 a.m. — Tsar Power at Khyber Pass Pub [A celebration of imperial stouts.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/12; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — World Atlas of Beer at Philly Beer School [This beer tasting class is an overview of the entire world of beer today.  $48.98]
Sat. Mar. 12 & Sun. Mar. 13; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. each day — Big Wood Wknd at Standard Tap [Wake up to wood-smoked and barrel-aged beers with Bone-In Brunch.  $PAYG]
Sun. 3/13; 4:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — The Brewer's Plate at The Kimmel Center [No other annual event maintains such an unwavering commitment to "buy fresh, buy local" while bringing together our region's outstanding chefs, farmers, food artisans, brewers, distillers, and winemakers for the benefit of the most discerning critics, bloggers, and guests.  $64-$125]
Mon. 3/14; 4 p.m. — Pi Day with Pizza Boy at City Tap House-University City [Featuring $10 flights and deep dish and brick oven pizza.  $PAYG]
Mon. 3/14; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — St. Benjamin's Brewing: Franklin's Abbey at Monk's Cafe [Join us in the back bar to welcome St. Benjamin Brewing and taste their new Franklin's Abbey Series.  $PAYG]
Mon. 3/14; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 [Join us for brewery representative led complimentary tastings and specials on bottle selections from Big Hill Cider.  $Free]
Tue. 3/15; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Thomas Hooker Brewing Meet & Greet at Devil's Den [Stop in and try some great craft beers from Thomas Hooker Brewing Company.  $PAYG]
Tue. 3/15; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance [Featuring beers from Tröegs' Scratch Series.  $PAYG]
Wed. 3/16; 6 p.m. — Going Deep with Neshaminy Creek at Hawthornes [Featuring Bourbon Barrel Aged Concrete Pillow ’13 and Brewpub-only Winter Wit on tap, along with all available cans.  $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.
Sat. 3/12; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. — Porter Fest at Club 212 above Bistro On Bridge [A celebration of Mason Porter music and beer featuring the release of the new Sly Fox Porter. After party at Sly Fox in Phoenixville from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Bring your show ticket for a complimentary beverage.  $15-$25]

Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Sun. 3/13; 6:30 p.m. — Beer & Books Beer Dinner with Sam Calagione at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery [For this beer dinner, each guest will receive a copy of the new book paired with live readings in-between each course of this three-course meal.  $65]

Wayne, Pa.
Fri. 3/11; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — A Selection from Muller's at The Beer Yard [Murphy's Irish Stout, Stoudts Pilsner, Captain Lawrence Frost Monster Imperial Stout, and the new Captain Lawrence Effortless Grapefruit Session IPA.  $Free]

West Chester, Pa.
Mon. 3/14 through Sat. 3/19; All Day — HOP Through It Week at Side Bar in West Chester, Pa. [Local breweries will be flowing from Side Bar's taps with hoppy kegs filled days prior to tapping. The week will end with a celebration of a beer that is rated one of the best hoppy beers in the world being tapped at 11 a.m. Friday March 18th  $PAYG]

West Reading, Pa.
Sun. 3/13; 9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Craft Beer & Yoga at Chatty Monks [A 1 hour yoga class followed by a glass of beer or cider of your choice.  $30]

Westmont, NJ
Sun. 3/13; 11 a.m. — Hoppy 7th Anniversary at The Pour House [Rare beer on tap.  $PAYG]

Wilmington, Del.
Sat. 3/12; 3 p.m. — Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting at World Café Live [Featuring Yards Brewing Company. We have taken two of the best things on earth — Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer — and paired them together in unexpected and delicious ways. Bring your vegetarian friends, too — we can accommodate them on all pairings.  $40]




Saturday, March 05, 2016

Beer News You Should Know - continued

In addition to the newsroll I sent up for you yesterday, here are two that I omitted from the January/February timeframe and one that just hit the wire this week.

Tired Hands - From the sounds of things, the lines are exactly what you'd expect them to be at Tired Hands. But, good news for those that want a non-growler package of THBC beer to go that holds up nicely in a can — and pounders at that. Must find my way into a few of these gems myself in the very near future. [Link to Philadelphia Magazine/Foobooz]

Tröegs - Hershey is so darn lucky to have Tröegs that I would consider moving there if only for the brewery, not to mention the couple dozen other great reasons. After 4+ years growing into this new brewery (after moving from Harrisburg in 2011), Tröegs is ready to expand again. This new addition will be called Splinter Cellar — love the name — and hopefully it will come with some additional parking space! [Link to Tröegs' blog]

Ship Bottom - The Delaware County Ship Bottom brewery has been making some respectable size waves the last few years from the modest brewery in Wallingford. Plans to move the brewery to its naming inspiration — Long Beach Island, NJ — are nearing completion and the Beach Haven shore point will be an even better destination for it come this June. [Link to Philadelphia Business Journal]



Friday, March 04, 2016

Beer News You Should Know - Jan.-Feb. 2016

The pace of change in the beer world has never been greater. As the industry continues to move and shake, rattle and roll, and find its footing to move confidently into the future, the only constant is change.

On a somewhat regular basis, I'm going to attempt to keep you in the know with some of the most noteworthy news items happening. I'll focus primarily on the region (defined as I see fit) centered around my home turf of Philadelphia. And, considering I wrote a book about the PA, NJ, MD, and DE beer scenes and continuously stay abreast of changes within those four states, I'll likely cover newsy happenings from Erie to the Eastern Shore, Bayonne to Baltimore, and Pittsburgh back to Philly.

Let's try to knock off the first two months of 2016 in succinct bulletpoints and see where we go from there. Of course, if I missed anything you deem noteworthy, please hit up the comments below.

(in no particular order, seriously)

Mispillion River - as the Philly market continues to house one of the country's most diverse retail beer collections from around the world, it's great to see new ones available in the Philly market from just a few miles down the road in Milford, Del. Keep your eyes open for three-year-old Mispillion River Brewing Company and their excellent beers such as Beach Bum Joe (Belgian Pale) and Double Chin (Double IPA).  [Link to Philly Beer Scene]

Southern Tier - on the heels of announcing the joint venture/partnership/don't-call-it-a-sellout with Victory Brewing Company, a plan to open a brewpub in Pittsburgh's North Shore neighborhood was announced by Southern Tier Brewing Company. The Lakewood, NY-based brewery plans to set up along the bank of the Allegheny River in between Heinz Field and PNC Park and joins Penn Brewery, Grist House Brewing Company, and Draai Laag Brewing Company on Pittsburgh's increasingly popular North Shore across from downtown. [Link to STBC's news page]

Victory - speaking of that joint venture between Victory and Southern Tier, all short-term signs point to continued business as usual. Under the Artisanal Brewing Ventures holding company, Victory's 52 original investors get paid out in a combination of stock shares and cash and Ron Barchet becomes COO. According to VBC, the previously-planned brewpub for Leesburg, Va. is currently on hold. Will be interesting to see if they fold in any additional mid- to small-tier breweries in the coming months. [Link to Victory Brewing Company]

ShawneeCraft - ShawneeCraft Brewing Company is a standout brewing operation in northeast Pennsylvania on the doorstep of the Pocono Mountains. They recently announced that the grand opening for Scratch – their unique and collaborative food-beer retail operation inside the Easton Public Market in downtown Easton, Pa. – will be on March 18. [Link to Scratch's website]

Boaks - One of NJ's earliest homebrewers to turn pro, Brian Boaks and his Boaks beer have been around festivals and here and there for quite a few years. Now, he's decided to close up shop and deplete his inventory at a bunch of "Farewell Tour" upcoming events. The Great Beer Expo in Philly on June 4 will be one of the last chances to get his commercially brewed Boaks beer. [Link to Boaks' blog]

Susquehanna - the only time I visited Susquehanna Brewing Company, I was surprised such a beautiful brewing facility had no real tasting room. That's about to be rectified tomorrow, March 5, and that's a really good thing considering some of my favorite beers from them (thinking: Southern Rye IPA, Pils Noir, and especially the Goldencold Lager) that should be enjoyed by the glassful while sitting and chatting with others. [Link to SBC's tour page]

Saucony Creek - Also tomorrow, March 5, Kutztown, Pa. will see its Saucony Creek Brewing Company add on a gastropub, extending the experience of a visit to the brewery. Check out the announcement for all the festivities surrounding the opening and the brewery's third anniversary celebration. [Link to SCBC's press release]

Homebrewers - The Homebrew Con (formerly known as National Homebrewers Conference - can't imagine the need for name change, but I digress) is descending upon Baltimore, Md. from June 9-11. The most amazing confluence of education, events, vendors, and beer judging will take over the city's convention center and, I'm sure, dozens of bars and breweries for an unforgettable experience. I look forward to covering the excellent event in the excellent city of Baltimore; attendees are in for a treat. Maybe I should plug my book for advice of what to see/do! [Link to NHC event website]

New Jersey - I was surveyed and contributed to New Jersey Monthly's sweet 16 of brewery braketology with my top six breweries (ask nicely, and I might share that list with you). This is a mighty fine list from the Garden State. Now it's up to you to crown the best. [Link to New Jersey Monthly]

Sly Fox - Gosh, I recall ten years ago when the thought of merging running and beer events elicited hardly anything but scoffs and jeers. My running/beer events that I conducted were always wildly popular, but nothing like what breweries and bars have come up with these days. Case in point: check out the Sly Fox Fox Trot 5-K and accompanying Tap, Tunes, & Trucks festival. [Link to Sly Fox's event page]

Yards - Looks like Yards is ready to grow again. Hard to believe that the once-spacious building on Delaware Avenue is already reaching capacity. Read the article; stay away from the comments. [Link to Philly.com]

Meeting Of The Malts - Finally, a meeting of some of the brightest minds and most recognizable figures in the brewing industry are set up for a triple play of events in Bethlehem, Pa. on March 24. Ken Grossman (Sierra Nevada), Jim Koch (Boston Beer), and Dick Yuengling (D.G. Yuengling & Son) will hold court from 7:15 p.m.-9:30 p.m. under the banner of Meeting of the Malts to discuss the current state of affairs in the business of beer. Bookending this event, at which time a five-course beer-pairing meal will be served, the Pennsylvania Brewpub Festival will happen from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. and a "Prohibition Party" will take place from 10:15 p.m.-12 a.m. at The Foundry Room in the Sands Casino Resort. Should be a fun, educational, and tasty night. [Link to Brewers of PA event page]




Thursday, March 03, 2016

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: March 3 - March 9

Just a cool few dozen or more beer events around the greater Philadelphia area in the next seven days. Spring can't be far away!

Beer Lover's Mid-Atlantic -- I'll continue to stick a quick plug here pointing you to: a) my publisher; b) Amazon.com; c) BarnesAndNoble.com. As always, I thank you for your continued support.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Allentown, Pa.
Wed. 3/9; 5 p.m.-6 p.m. — Brewer's Choice For Charity at Allentown Brew Works [Entire proceeds from cask ale sales to be donated to Engineers Without Borders.  $PAYG]

Ardmore, Pa.
Fri. 3/4; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Neshaminy Creek Tasting at The Beer Shoppe [Taste beers from local Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company.  $PAYG]

Bethlehem, Pa.
Thu. 3/3; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bethlehem Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works [Entire proceeds from cask ale sales to be donated to The Center For Animal Health & Welfare.  $PAYG]

Conshohocken, Pa.
Wed. 3/9; 6 p.m. — Neshaminy Creek Pint Night at Fingers Wings & Other Things [A night of beers from Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company.  $PAYG]

Croydon, Pa.
Mon. 3/7; 7 p.m. — Cigar & Beer Dinner at Dog and Bull [Cigar, app, salad, beers, entrée, and cordial.  $50]

Exton, Pa.
Thu. 3/3; All day — Tap Takeover at The Pour House [Beers from Fat Heads.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/4; 5 p.m. — Keep The Pint Night with Pizza Boy at The Drafting Room [We're excited to be able to offer you these great brews so be sure to check them out while they last... and don't forget your souvenir glass.  $PAYG]

Glen Mills, Pa.
Sat. 3/5; 1 p.m. — Beer Sampling at Acme [Beer tasting samples from Yards Brewing Company.  $Free]

Havertown, Pa.
Fri. 3/4; 5 p.m. — Beer Sampling at Giant [Beer tasting samples from Yards Brewing Company.  $Free]

Kennett Square, Pa.
Sat. 3/5; 11 a.m.-12 p.m. — Yoga and Beer at Kennett Brewing Company [A one hour yoga class, a flight of KBC beer, and refreshing, delicious food.  $20-$30]

Kulpsville, Pa.
Fri. 3/4; All Day — Deschutes Abyss at CJ's Doghouse [All week long we will be pouring Deschutes beers, February 29- March 4, for every pint, crowler, or growler, you will earn yourself a Raffle ticket to get a chance to buy Abyss Cognac or Rye.  $PAYG]

Maple Shade, NJ
Thu. 3/3; 3 p.m.-7 p.m. — Love & Darkness at Uno Chicago Grill [Featuring General Washington's Tavern Porter, Washington's Reserve, Olde Bartholomew Barleywine, Imperial Stout, Love Stout, Brawler, and Golden Hop IPA.  $PAYG]

Media, Pa.
Thu. 3/3; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Flying Fish Night at Pinocchio's [Celebrate a new Exit Series beer.  $PAYG]

Milford, Del.
Sat. 3/5; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Cabin Fever Relief Party at Mispillion River Brewing Company [We decided to bring back one of our most popular events from last year.  $PAYG]

Newark, Del.
Tue. 3/8; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. — Relay For Life Event at Argilla Brewing Company [We will have food specials and drink specials for the American Cancer Society fundraiser.  $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 3/3; 4 p.m. — Smutty Happy Hour at Brü Craft & Wurst [Whet your whistle with a nice slate of core and limited beers from our friends at Smuttynose Brewing Co.  $PAYG]
Thu. 3/3; 1 p.m. — Pliny the Younger at South Philadelphia Tap Room [It'll be first come - first served.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/4; 5 p.m. — First Friday Flight Night at Bottle Bar East [Beers from Terrapin Beer Company.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/5; 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. — Philly Craft Beer Festival at The Navy Yard [More than 75 of the best craft breweries from around the block, around the country, and around the globe will be on hand to offer samples of their finest brewing achievements to event attendees at two sessions, a VIP session and a General Session.  $12-$75]
Sat. 3/5; 10 a.m. — Coffee Beer Brunch at Bainbridge Street Barrel House [One of the most delicious brunches in the city along with a tantalizing selection of coffee beers.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/5; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Cinco de Marcho with Flying Dog at City Tap House-University City [Live music by the Liquid Americans, south of the border inspired Brunch features, Cerveza-ritas and Micheladas for all. A fun list of Flying Dog beers, highlighting the new Numero Uno.  $PAYG]
Mon. 3/7; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 [Join us for brewery representative led complimentary tastings and specials on bottle selections from Oskar Blues.  $Free]
Mon. 3/7; 12 p.m. — Pliny The Younger Day Fundraiser at Monk's Café [Remember that 100% of all those beer sales and raffle tickets go directly to the charity.  $PAYG]
Mon. 3/7; 7 p.m. — Women of the Industry Night at The Industry [We're celebrating Women of the Industry in Philadelphia by inviting Suzie Woods from Allagash, Jenny Hobbs from Firestone Walker, and Betsy Riley from Great Lakes to showcase their amazing beers.  $PAYG]
Tue. 3/8; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance [Featuring beers from Hop Concept, Port, and Lost Abbey.  $PAYG]
Tue. 3/8; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Sly Fox Beer Dinner at La Peg [Enjoy four hand crafted food courses carefully paired with Helles, Rt. 113 IPA, Saison Vos, and Ichor.  $38]
Wed. 3/9; 9 p.m. — J and Bella with Dark Horse Brewing Company at The Trestle Inn [$1 Dark Horse flights featuring Rain In Blood Pale Ale, Crooked Tree IPA, and Plead the 5th Russian Imperial Stout.  $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.
Fri. 3/4; All Day — Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Belgian-style Tripel pours until the keg kicks (usually by 7pm).  $PAYG]

Pittston, Pa.
Sun. 3/6; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — SØLE Good Good DIPA Can Release at Susquehanna Brewing Company [Can release for a limited run of Good Good DIPA.  $PAYG]

Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
Thu. 3/3; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Beer Tasting at Whole Foods [Fresh from the brewery, samples of Philadelphia Brewing Co. beers will be on hand courtesy of Tony Madjor.  $PAYG]

Pottstown, Pa.
Fri. 3/4; All Day — Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Belgian-style Tripel pours until the keg kicks (usually by 7pm).  $PAYG]

Sellersville, Pa.
Fri. 3/4; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting: Celtic Brews at Washington House [Pair your meal with these English, Irish and Scottish beer styles and take the opportunity to sample some beers that may be new to you.  $PAYG]

Tuckerton, NJ
Sat. 3/5; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — 2nd Birthday Party at Pinelands Brewing Company, NJ [Sample flights, pints, growlers and bombers are available for purchase. We'll also be giving away merch and prizes throughout the day.  $PAYG]

West Chester, Pa.
Fri. 3/4; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Friday Night Tasting at Goshen Beverage [Free tasting samples of beers from New Belgium Brewing Company.  $Free]
Sun. 3/6; 12 p.m. — Single Barrel Release: PB King's: Dub-C Midnight Stout at Levante Brewing Company [This is a collaboration beer that we partnered with Kerry Watson from In-My-Ex-Beerience to brew.  $PAYG]

Westmont, NJ
Fri. 3/4; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — 20th Anniversary Party at Keg & Kitchen [Come out for a birthday celebration of Victory Brewing Company.  $PAYG]