Thursday, January 26, 2017

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: January 26 - January 31

The beer events calendar has hit its 2017 stride. Here's the last installment for January, plus a few peeks into February.

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.

Cape May, NJ
Fri. 2/3; 5:30 p.m. — Beer Dinner at Cape May Ferry Terminal [A five course meal served with Cold Spring Brewery's Hildreth German Wheat, Cold Spring Red, Cresse American Wheat, Bradner's Brown Ale, and Dennisville Inn Porter.  $59]

Conshohocken, Pa.
Mon. 1/30; 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — Cocktail, Cigar, and Beer Dinner at Fingers Wings & Other Things [You will get the usual 3 course dinner, and then a signature Rowhouse Cocktail, a Neshaminy Creek beer and for the finale, a Rowhouse Neshaminy Creek cocktail.  $55]
Thu. 2/2; 6 p.m. — Goose Island Bourbon County Tap Takeover at Below Deck Bottle Shop [Featuring this year's Goose Island Bourbon County releases on tap.  $PAYG]

Easton, Pa.
Sat. 1/28; 12 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. — Super Barrel Weekend at Weyerbacher Brewing Company [We love our barrel aged beers. In fact, we love them so much that we’ve decided to dedicate an entire weekend at The Tap Room to them.  $25]

Exton, Pa.
Fri. 1/27; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Exton Beverage Company [Tasting samples of beers from Flying Fish.  $Free]

Media, Pa.
Thu. 2/2; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Firestone Walker Milk and Cookies at Pinocchio's [Special event with Firestone Walker.  $PAYG]

Newtown, Pa.
Sat. 1/28; All day — Russian River Tap Event at Isaac Newtown's [Temptation, Blind Pig, Pliny the Elder, Consecration, Damnation, and Supplication.  $PAYG]

Perkasie, Pa.
Sun. 1/29; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — Sour Sunday at Free Will Brewing Company [We fill ten of our tap lines with sours, saisons, and wild ales. The West End Pub from Quakertown will be offering a special menu that includes table side service.  $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Fri. 1/27; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Victory Tasting at Beer Love [Sample beers from Victory Brewing.  $Free]
Fri. 1/27; 6 p.m. — Friday’s Sixtel: Neshaminy Creek Coffee Jawn at Grey Lodge Pub [Coffee adds an intriguing earthiness to this moderate, refreshing, hoppy ale.  $PAYG]
Sat. 1/28; 12 p.m. — Sour Beer Event at Bainbridge Street Barrel House [Come enjoy some of the best names in sour beer.  $PAYG]
Sat. 1/28; 12 p.m. — Terrapin Wake 'n' Bake Off at City Tap House-Logan Square [Challenge yourself to create something tasty using Terrapin’s Hopsecutioner, Moo-Hoo, or Wake n’ Bake.  $PAYG]
Sat. 1/28; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Beer & Brewing 101 at Philly Beer School [This is our introduction to how beer is made, major beer styles, and brewing history. Eight different brews will be sampled.  $39.98]
Sun. 1/29; 12 p.m. — Sour Bowl 3 at Brü Craft & Wurst [This year we are going all out- breaking this into a four part event across three bars and six hours of tappings, encompassing 73 kegs.  $PAYG]
Sun. 1/29; 2 p.m. — Cinder Bowl I at Cinder [In addition to a baker's dozen special ciders, we are filling the taps with a bounty of sours, saisons, stouts, strong ales, and fresh as hell hoppy beers from six of our absolute favorite breweries.  $PAYG]
Sun. 1/29; 4 p.m. — Stout Bowl II at U-Bahn [Fifteen behemoth drafts, eleven Eclipse bottle pours, a firkin of fresh as hell IPA, and a whole bunch of housemade sausage and wings specials.  $PAYG]
Tue. 1/31; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance [Beers from Neshaminy Creek.  $PAYG]
Tue. 1/31; All night — Bell's Hopslam Release & Glass Night at Kite & Key [Join us as we release Bell's Hopslam and Bell's products will be flowing through the taps.  $PAYG]
Wed. 2/1; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Behind the Beer: Tröegs Nugget Nectar at Standard Tap [Three 8-oz. Nugget pours, three small bites, and a signed copy of Josh Bernstein's new "Complete IPA" book.  $35]
Thu. 2/2; 7 a.m.-1 p.m. — 16th Annual Groundhog Day Hawaiian Shirt Beer Breakfast at Grey Lodge Pub [We Pennsylvanians believe very strongly in rodent based weather forecasting, so we assemble at The Grey Lodge every Groundhog Day at 7 a.m. to catch Punxsutawney Phil's prognostication.  $PAYG]
Fri. 2/3; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Boulevard Tasting at Beer Love [Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest.  $Free]
Fri. 2/3; 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.  $49.98]
Sun. 2/5; All day — Firestone Walker Milk & Cookies Superbowl Sunday at Kite & Key [The “Milk & Cookies” event is in collaboration with Brown Butter Cookie Company, a beloved family operation located in Firestone Walker’s backyard of California’s Central Coast.  $PAYG]
Tue. 2/7; 7 p.m. — Lost Abbey Dinner at Monk's Cafe [Join us for our annual Lost Abbey beer dinner with brewer/founder Tomme Arthur, who has sent some rare goodies straight from sunny California for this very special event.  $90]

Phoenixville, Pa.
Sat. 2/4; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — British Invasion Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for our British Invasion featuring 8 British style beers and a British inspired menu.  $PAYG]
Wednesdays through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Complete 8 Boot Camp evenings and your stamped ID card will earn you 10 additional raffle tickets and a limited edition Boot Camp t-shirt when it becomes available. On St. Patrick's Day a lucky Sly Fox patron will win a trip to Ireland.  $PAYG]

Pottstown, Pa.
Thursdays through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Complete 8 Boot Camp evenings and your stamped ID card will earn you 10 additional raffle tickets and a limited edition Boot Camp t-shirt when it becomes available. On St. Patrick's Day a lucky Sly Fox patron will win a trip to Ireland.  $PAYG]
Sat. 1/28; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — All Out 2017 at Sly Fox Brewing Company [As we commit to getting outside every day in 2017, you're invited to join us on Saturday, Jan. 28 for a day of outdoor education and activities.  $PAYG]

Reading, Pa.
Sun. 2/12; All day — Dark Beer Day IV at Liberty Taproom [Certainly one of our favorite days each year, DBD highlights some of the best porters and stouts we can offer including many vintage and barrel aged beers.  $PAYG]

Sellersville, Pa.
Tue. 1/31; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Deschutes Beer Dinner at The Horse Tavern & Grill [You will be enjoying four courses of food perfectly paired with four great beers.  $40]

Wayne, Pa.
Sat. 2/4; All day — 10th Annual Super Bowl Saturday at Teresa's Next Door [Our annual day of beer indulgence full of Russian River, Founders, B.F.M., and aged treats to make your day Super whether your team is in the game or not.  $PAYG]
Fri. 1/27 through Sun. 1/29; All weekend — Paradox Brewing at Teresa's Next Door [This is a rare opportunity to try the beer without drinking the whole bottle because they don’t send draft out to this side of the country.  $PAYG]

West Chester, Pa.
Thu. 1/26; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Bourbon County Brand Stout Tapping at Kildare's Irish Pub [Other great beers that we will have line up for the event from Goose Island may include Domination, Muddy, Matilda, Sophie, IPA , 4 Star Pilsm, as well as some of their sours.  $PAYG]
Sat. 1/28; 1 p.m.-6 p.m. — Belgium Comes to West Chester Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us as we team up with regional breweries to showcase the best locally craft-brewed, Belgian-style beers.  $PAYG]
Wed. 2/8; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Levante Beer Dinner at Kildare's Irish Pub [A four-course meal paired with Levante's Locked in the Trunk Citra IPA, Queen in the Hive Barrel Aged Brett Saison, Yesterdays Weather Belgian Wine Ale, and Coffee Shop Terminology Imperial Coffee Milk Stout.  $TBD]

Wilmington, Del.
Sat. 1/28; 3 p.m. — Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting at World Café Live [We have taken two of the best things on earth and paired them together and paired them together in unexpected and delicious ways. Bring your vegetarian friends, too — we can accommodate them on all pairings.  $40]
Sat. 2/11; 3 p.m. — Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting at World Café Live [We have taken two of the best things on earth and paired them together and paired them together in unexpected and delicious ways. Bring your vegetarian friends, too — we can accommodate them on all pairings.  $40]




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com



Friday, January 20, 2017

January 2017: News update, part 2

News wire is heating up now that we've got the holidays packed up in a box behind us and 2017 squarely in front of us and under way. Here are some bits and bytes you should be aware of from the last few weeks.

~ On the way to Cape May....and another Final Four appearance? [link to Cape May Brewing Company blog]

~ This is very good. It's from Lew Bryson, so not a surprise. [link to The Daily Beast]

~ I, too, have found too many breweries and bars not taking enough time to care about things, like cask ale, that require both time and care. Very interesting read. [link to Your For Good Fermentables]

~ Last time here, it was Bell's Hopslam release schedule that I shared with you. If you like that one, I'm guessing that you'll find this one at least as interesting, or maybe more so. -- [link to Russian River's blog]

~ Mitch Steele nails it. [link to The Hop Tripper]

~ Closing in Philly. [link to Philly.com]

~ Excellent piece on the growler. I'm in the same camp as the author, rarely ever filling growlers in the last couple of years and reconsidering my "collection". [link to Draft Magazine]

~ Here's a 2017 list to know. [link to Uwishunu]

~ More Flying Dog to come. [link to Area Development]

~ Now this sounds a bit confusing, does it not? [link to The Full Pint]

~ I liked Helltown so much, I included them in my book. Nice to see them growing into Pittsburgh. [link to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

~ Because I know you've been asking what came of Curt Decker from Nodding Head Brewery that closed nearly 2 1/2 years ago. [link to Philly.com]

~ Drink up, as if your kid's future depends upon it! [link to Joe Sixpack]




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com



Thursday, January 19, 2017

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: January 19 - January 25

Who doesn't love a good beer event? Or at least a couple dozen? You all have proven you do. Have at 'em...

And as you review the calendar, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They host an impressive listing of event draft lists to help better inform your beer event scheduling.

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

Downingtown, Pa.
Sat. 1/21; 1 p.m.-10 p.m. — Sour Monkey Remix at Victory Brewing Company [Chardonnay barrel aging puts a whole new spin on our already tastefully twisted Sour Monkey, with notes of vanilla and oak rounding out its lemony tart tang and dry finish.  $PAYG]

Doylestown, Pa.
Fri. 1/20; All day — 20th Batch of Union Street IPA at Doylestown Brewing Company [All day specials, a firkin, a pin, and our head brewer, Justin Low, will be on hand to tap these delicious treats for you to try.  $PAYG]

Ewing Township, NJ
Sat. 1/21; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — 2017 River Horse Cask Festival at River Horse Brewing Company [We'll have over 20 specialty casks on tap, including our traditional cask favorites like Chocolate Porter with Hazelnut and Vanilla, Tripel Horse with Raspberries, Oatmeal Milk Stout with Mint and Vanilla, and Special Ale with Chocolate and Chillies, along with some new combinations that we've never tried before.  $20]

Exton, Pa.
Fri. 1/20; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Exton Beverage Company [Tasting samples of beers from Starr Hill.  $Free]

Gettysburg, Pa.
Sat. 1/21; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Hibrewnation at Allstar Complex [Tucked within our 100 hand-selected craft and local brews, you'll find a healthy portion of rare and hard to find beers.  $20-$55]

Harrisburg, Pa.
Thu. 1/19; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Thirsty Thursday Tap Invasion at Federal Taphouse [Sarah from Neshaminy Creek will be here as well with some cool stuff.  $PAYG]

Harleysville, Pa.
Thu. 1/19; 5 p.m. — Ommegang Night at The Butcher & Barkeep [A half dozen beers from Ommegang plus Gnomegeddon in bottles.  $PAYG]

Lancaster, Pa.
Thu. 1/19; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Victory Brewing 21st Birthday Party at Friendly Greek Bottle Shop [We're throwing Victory Brewing a birthday party celebrating 21 years of phenomenal beers. To commemorate, we will be tapping kegs of the new 21st Birthday IPA and Java Cask.  $PAYG]

Maple Shade, NJ
Tue. 1/24; 7 p.m. — Bacon Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for a five course bacon-centered beer dinne paired with Rye of the Tiger, Saison, Munich Dunkel, Luca Brasi, and Winter Warmer.  $65]

Media, Pa.
Thui. 1/19; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Fat Head's Night at Pinocchio's [A night of beers from Fat Head's.  $PAYG]
Fri. 1/20; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Ship Bottom Night at Pinocchio's [A night of beers from Ship Bottom.  $PAYG]

North Wales, Pa.
Sat. 1/21; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Smoke & Oak Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Come enjoy six barrel aged beers and a special menu of smoke inspired dishes.  $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 1/19; 5 p.m. — Paint it Black Stout Fest 2.0 at Union Tap House [Little different this year, instead of all 14 lines pouring the delicious black liquid we are pouring five of the perceived best.  $PAYG]
Fri. 1/20; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Alpine/Green Flash Tasting at Beer Love [Both Alpine and Green Flash will be in house sampling some of their finest IPAs and other offerings.  $Free]
Fri. 1/20; 6 p.m. — Friday’s Sixtel: Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA at Grey Lodge Pub [120 on 1/20! It's a Grey Lodge tradition.  $PAYG]
Sat. 1/21; All day — The Trouble With Trippels at Johnny Brenda's [Trippels on tap from Victory, Weyerbacher, Great Divide, Allagash, Manayunk, Captain Lawrence, and more, plus the interplanetary soul of DJ Joshua Kwedar.  $PAYG]
Sun. 1/22; 11 a.m. — Bell's Brunch at City Tap House-Logan Square [Featuring Hopslam.  $PAYG]
Sun. 1/22; 3 p.m. — Football & Pizza (Boy) Party at City Tap House-University City [We'll be tapping a slew of amazing Pizza Boy beers, and our kitchen is creating some specialty pizzas inspired by the four remaining teams.  $PAYG]
Tue. 1/24; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance [Beers from Helltown.  $PAYG]
Wed. 1/25; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Avery Tasting at Beer Love [Avery has been committed to producing eccentric ales and lagers that defy styles ​and​ categories.  $Free]
Wed. 1/25; 8:30 p.m.-11 p.m. — Bourbon, Beer, and Bluegrass at For Pete's Sake Pub [We will be tapping some of our favorite bourbon barrel beers. We will also have an array of Bulliet Bourbon cocktails, Bulliet tasting flights, and a bourbon inspired food menu.   $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.
Fri. 1/20; 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 next to our stalwart Chester County Bitter.  $PAYG]
Sat. 1/21; 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. — Robert Burns Night at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Gang Aft Agley Scotch Ale and Burns Scottish Ale will be pouring, the bagpipes will be piping and the arrival of the Haggis will be marked by a spirited reading of Burns' Ode to a Haggis.  $PAYG]
Wednesdays through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Complete 8 Boot Camp evenings and your stamped ID card will earn you 10 additional raffle tickets and a limited edition Boot Camp t-shirt when it becomes available. On St. Patrick's Day a lucky Sly Fox patron will win a trip to Ireland.  $PAYG]

Pottstown, Pa.
Thursdays through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Complete 8 Boot Camp evenings and your stamped ID card will earn you 10 additional raffle tickets and a limited edition Boot Camp t-shirt when it becomes available. On St. Patrick's Day a lucky Sly Fox patron will win a trip to Ireland.  $PAYG]

Reading, Pa.
Thu. 1/19; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Beef Jerky & Oskar Blues Beer Pairing at Liberty Taproom [We will be pairing five Oskar Blues beers with five different beef jerky flavors from local and family ran Beef Jerky Outlet.  $PAYG]

Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Wed. 1/25; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Allagash Beer Dinner at Pickled Pig Pub [A five-course meal paired with Allagash's White, Black, Interlude, Émile, Josephine, Hibernal Fluxus, and one more TBD.  $TBD]

Royersford, Pa.
Tue. 1/24; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Goose Island Prix Fixe Stout Dinner at French Quarter Bistro [Five courses paired with Goose Island Regal Rye, Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Dogfish Head Beer for Breakfast, and Founders Oatmeal Stout.Plus, giveaways of five bottles of Goose Island Bourbon County Stout.  $75]

Sellersville, Pa.
Sat. 1/21; 2 p.m.-6 p.m. — Winter Brew Fest at The Horse Tavern & Grill [Think about it: a few friends, a few good drinks and a fire keeping you warm on a cold night.  $35-$55]

Voorhees, NJ
Fri. 1/20; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Come embrace your inner nerd with science games, super heroes, and great beer.  $PAYG]

Wayne, Pa.
Fri. 1/20 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Beer Yard [Tasting samples of White, Saison, Hoppy Table, and Black from Allagash.  $Free]
Fri. 1/20 All day — Inauguration Day with Allagash at Teresa's Next Door [Either you’re drinking to celebrate or you’re drinking to forget. Either way we have you covered all weekend long with some Allagash beers.  $PAYG]




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com



Thursday, January 12, 2017

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: January 12 - January 18

Free beer, firkins, and food. Plenty of events in the next seven days to satisfy your thirst for great beer.

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.

at six Pennsylvania locations
Thu. 1/12; 5:30 p.m. — For The Love of Cheese and Beer at The Pub at Wegmans [A four-course meal paired with beers from Stone Brewing.  $45]

Croydon, Pa.
Fri. 1/13; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Charity Movie Night at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company [Proceeds to Fruitstrology. Special guest food truck will be Pbons Fresh Phood.  $PAYG]

Exton, Pa.
Fri. 1/13; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Exton Beverage Company [Tasting samples of beers from Ommegang.  $Free]
Wed. 1/18; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Levante Beer Dinner at Red Star Craft House [A four-course meal paired with Levante's Bianco Wit, Panic Room IPA, The Duke Belgian Tripel, and Bourbon Barrel-aged Bullitt Train Imperial Stout.  $40]

Lancaster, Pa.
Sat. 1/14; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. — Make it Funky Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Groove to the ’70s with six funky beers at our sour beer release party.  $PAYG]
Sat. 1/14; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — Comfort Food Brew Review at Isaac's Pickle Bar [A four-course meal featuring seasonal picks from the following breweries: Victory, Dogfish Head, Uinta, and Smuttynose.  $30]

Media, Pa.
Thu. 1/12; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Voodoo Ranger at Pinocchio's [New Voodoo brands plus a wacky nitro beer.  $PAYG]

Newark, Del.
Fri. 1/13; 6:30 p.m. — Bacon and Beer Dinner at Caffé Gelato [Six courses paired with Victory's Prima Pils, Hop Devil, Vital IPA, Golden Monkey, and Winter Cheers.  $79]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Fri. 1/13; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Merchant du Vin Sampling at Beer Love [Merchant du Vin imports some of the finest Belgian beers available, such as Westmalle, Orval, and Rochefort, and they'll be in store with samples of some of our favorites.  $Free]
Fri. 1/13; 12 p.m. — Friday the Firkineenth #34 at Grey Lodge Pub [We go all out with 26 cask ales. Some are super sexxed versions where the brewers had a little fun creating something both novel and tasty. Some are straight up versions of a breweries most normal beer; those really tend to shine when poured from a cask. We break the beers down into two sessions.  $PAYG]
Fri. 1/13 & Sat. 1/14; 7 p.m.-11:30 p.m. — Big Philly Beerfest at PA Convention Center [Breweries and beer enthusiasts from across the region will gather on two January evenings for an unlimited sampling of over 350 fresh craft beers of all styles, and tastes and a whole lotta fun! All while raising funds for Animal Rescue Partners.  $20-$75]
Tue. 1/17; 5 p.m.-12 a.m. — Late Night Brunch with Starr Hill Brewing at The Irish Pōl [As always we will have a menagerie of breakfast items all infused with the fine brews from Starr Hill.  $PAYG]
Tue. 1/17; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Milk & Cookies with Firestone Walker at Jose Pistola's [We are having special cookies drone-delivered to us from a local bakery in Paso Robles, Brown Butter Cookie Company. We'll be pairing it with the finest batch of Firestone Walker's Velvet Merlin Nitro Milk Stout.  $PAYG]
Tue. 1/17; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — The Brewing Give Back Fest at World Café Live [Come join us in for a great cause in raising money and awareness for Philabundance and Operation Warm. We will have 30 breweries offering samples, as well as light snacks and live music. Each brewery has graciously donated their beer, and all proceeds go directly to both organizations.  $30]
Tue. 1/17; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance [Beers from Founders.  $PAYG]
Tue. 1/17; All night — Ben Franklin's Birthday & New Belgium Glass Night at Kite & Key [New Belgium wants to celebrate Ben’s Birthday with us.  $PAYG]
Wed. 1/18; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Weyerbacher Wednesday at Hop Angel Brauhaus [Buy a pint of Weyerbacher, keep the glass. Sean from Weyerbacher will have other goodies too.  $PAYG]
Wed. 1/18; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — You Buy The Glass at The Abbaye [Keepsake glass, raffles, prizes, and giveaways with Sterling Pig Brewing.  $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.
Wednesdays 1/11 through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Complete 8 Boot Camp evenings and your stamped ID card will earn you 10 additional raffle tickets and a limited edition Boot Camp t-shirt when it becomes available. On St. Patrick's Day a lucky Sly Fox patron will win a trip to Ireland.  $PAYG]

Pottstown, Pa.
Thursdays 1/12 through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Complete 8 Boot Camp evenings and your stamped ID card will earn you 10 additional raffle tickets and a limited edition Boot Camp t-shirt when it becomes available. On St. Patrick's Day a lucky Sly Fox patron will win a trip to Ireland.  $PAYG]

Wayne, Pa.
Fri. 1/13; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Beer Yard [Tasting samples of Helles Lager, Pikeland Pils, and Odyssey Imperial IPA from Sly Fox.  $Free]

Wilmington, Del.
Thu. 1/12; 5 p.m. — Weyerbacher Tap Take Over at Ulysses Gastropub [Come join us for a tap take over from one of our favorite PA breweries.  $PAYG]




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com



Tuesday, January 10, 2017

German beer at Brauhaus Schmitz, Discovering more solid, young breweries in Lancaster County, Pa.


As time goes by, I swear I don't become any wiser at figuring out the proper balance between posting here and posting social media updates. The latter is honestly (and not surprisingly, right?) much easier. But, of course, often lacking in context and detail.

If I made resolutions at this time of year, it might be to shift more material back here. But with my other outlets for longer-ish form writing, past attempts have proven this to be more difficult than I'd hope for.

Enough of that. Let's get to the point of this and the holiday happenings with great beer that I experienced in the week after Christmas. Instead of shuttling you off to a photo gallery elsewhere, they're all dumped out below.

Bunch of new stuff here. Chime in if you've been to any of them and have similar (or different, why not?) experiences.

First up, on December 28, Brauhaus Schmitz played a role in showcasing new imported German beers from five breweries under the umbrella called Reinheits Boten. Four of the breweries leaning more traditional (Distelhäuser, Zoller-Hof, Friedenfelser Brauerei, Riedenburger Brauhaus) — think pilsners, hefeweizens, zwickels, kellers, zoigls, and the like. One of the breweries (Himburgs Braukunst Keller) you can expect to find dry-hopped Helles lager, a double IPA, a hoppy German-style IPA, a classic India Pale Ale, and a pale ale with fruity citrus hops. All, however, are still strictly "Reinheitsgebot beers" — in other words, complying with the five centuries-old "German Purity Law of 1516", which limits German brewers to four main ingredients: hops, barley/wheat, yeast, and water.

In all the generous samples (and the plates of food including Schweinshaxe — YES, the Schweinshaxe, one of my favorite dishes. Hopefully, you've experienced this at least once!), the Old Fred and Zwickel from Zoller-Hof, the Friedenfelser Hefeweizen, and Riedenburger's Pilsener stood out as ones I'll be on the lookout for next time at Brauhaus Schmitz. Great debut and opportunity to check out some well-made classic German style beers.

(On December 28, Brauhaus Schmitz hosted the U.S. debut of the new Reinheits Boten family of beers imported from five German breweries.)

(On December 28, Brauhaus Schmitz hosted the U.S. debut of the new Reinheits Boten family of beers imported from five German breweries.)

(Behind the debut, Lars Dahlhaus of Liquid Projects importer and Beate Green of Brauhaus Schmitz.)

(Schweinshaxe, the cornerstone gem of the menu at Brauhaus Schmitz.)

On Friday the 30th, I resumed the annual day trip around Lancaster County with a buddy of mine, Dennis. He and I have made a habit of checking out (mostly) new beer spots around Lancaster County, and sometimes beyond into neighboring counties depending upon the way the schedule lines up. We tend to do this right around the holidays and has always worked out nicely in the past.

This time, the agenda presented to us, in order: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (Lancaster); Spring House (Lancaster); Mad Chef Craft Brewing (East Petersburg); Columbia Kettle Works (Columbia); Funk (Elizabethtown); Bulls Head Public House (Lititz); and JoBoy's (Lititz).

I'll keep the verbosity reined in here and stick to the salient points. Bet I can't do it, you say? Let's see.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
If you've seen the chain of BJ's scattered around much of the west and southwest, you'll know what I mean when I say that BJ's lives up to expectations. They opened a location in the Lehigh Valley and Lancaster last year in what I believe could be their first two east coast locations. I've been to numerous around the country and they're all virtually the same with the same standard issue award-winning BJ's beer plus a few dozen other craft and imports on tap. Most locations don't brew for themselves but rather serve BJ's beer made mostly (or totally, not entirely sure) in Texas at, again if I'm not mistaken, Saint Arnold. Realizing now that I should research this further before printing, but I feel nearly certain about my recollection of the facts that I once knew were such, so we're going to go with it for now. (hey, if you can't beat 'em....right?)

Closing note here. If you find yourself at a BJ's and looking for one rock solid beer and food recommendation, you will absolutely never going wrong with the famed Pizookie and a Tatonka Stout. Been a recommendation I've made for at least ten years since I first encountered it and continue to do so.

(BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Lancaster, Pa.)

(Flight of solid beers at the new BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Lancaster, Pa.)

(BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Lancaster, Pa.)

Spring House
Spring House has been delighting palates for nearly ten years with both tried and true (such as Seven Gates Pale Ale) and the wild and wacky (thinking: Big Gruesome Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout and The Martians Kidnap Santa Eggnog Stout amongst a number of others). For a business that once was comprised of a closed-to-the-public brewery and a downtown taproom with limited food, Spring House now has an impressive new showpiece called Hazel Street.

Housed in a massive converted warehouse a little more than a half-mile from downtown Lancaster, the craftsmanship in the remodeled space provides a beautiful and comfortable atmosphere for enjoying Spring House beers as well as local wines, ciders, and spirits. Plus, a full, bona fide kitchen menu including oysters, tacos, poutine, charcuterie plate, sandwiches, salads, sliders, steaks, and desserts. And a recently added weekend brunch that I've added to my short to-do list in 2017. Finally, as I mentioned in a Facebook post: "...ample parking! I may never go back to the taproom again."

(Spring House Brewing Company's new Hazel Street production facility and restaurant in Lancaster, Pa.)

(Inside Spring House Brewing Company's new Hazel Street production facility and restaurant in Lancaster, Pa.)

(Inside Spring House Brewing Company's new Hazel Street production facility and restaurant in Lancaster, Pa.)

(Inside Spring House Brewing Company's new Hazel Street production facility and restaurant in Lancaster, Pa.)

Mad Chef Craft Brewing
My Facebook post was so well-received that I think I'll just paste it here. It's just a bit too far from me near West Chester to make a regular stop. But when they want to look at opening a Chester County location, I'll be there to help. Yeah, I was impressed. Oh, by the way, impressed so much so that I've included them in my next Ale Street News column that hits the street in a few weeks.

"Third stop on the almost-annual LancCo beer tour was the gem in the bunch. Not that there were any dogs on this well-conceived tour. However, there's always a surprise or two along the way.

This year, it was Mad Chef Craft Brewing in East Petersburg just outside Lancaster. Hats off to the crew that put together a comfortable atmosphere, attentive service, and an equally strong focus on both the food and beer side of the menu. Spot on pilsner and session IPA. Plus, contenders for the best Cuban sandwich and fish tacos. But don't take my word for it. Yes, you need to check this out too."

(Mad Chef Craft Brewing Company's brewpub in East Petersburg, Pa.)

(Mad Chef Craft Brewing Company's brewpub in East Petersburg, Pa.)

(Mad Chef Craft Brewing Company's brewpub in East Petersburg, Pa.)

(Mad Chef Craft Brewing Company's brewpub in East Petersburg, Pa.)

Columbia Kettle Works
I've not gone deep enough to determine if Columbia really has something special happening and on the rise, but when I'm at CKW it can sure feel like it. And, for now, it appears that the brewpub (and live music space upstairs) has the market cornered for great locally-made beer and a social scene. Maybe I should get out more there and in neighboring Marietta, but there's something about the atmosphere, the darts, satisfyingly simple approach to the food menu, and the welcoming hospitality of owners Bill Collister, Rod Smith, and their staff. Plus, it's been almost two years since they brought on head brewer Chad Rieker. His brewing resume shows significant time spent at Iron Hill in Lancaster and that has served CKW quite well. If you've got the kids at Turkey Hill Experience, or are hiking the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail along the Susquehanna River (and a trailhead just a few blocks from the brewpub), or are antiquing around town, you owe it to yourself to stop here.

(Columbia Kettle Works in Columbia, Pa.)

(Flight of well-made beers at Columbia Kettle Works in Columbia, Pa.)

(Inside Columbia Kettle Works in Columbia, Pa.)

(Free weekday, daytime parking for the holidays in Columbia, Pa.)

Funk
Funk has been opened for more than a couple years now in the Lehigh Valley, where co-owner Kyle Funk calls home. The other co-owner, John Norman, rests his head in Elizabethtown where there is now a second location. All brewing is done in Emmaus with the exception of whatever comes from the 1/2-barrel setup in Elizabethtown. Plans, however, according to Norman are to expand that in the future since they do have the needed space. I hadn't yet been to the original location, so this was a nice chance to see what's happening at Funk's new spot and on this particular Friday afternoon, there was a plenty of good to be found. The location is in the heart of the downtown's shopping corridor. "E-town" is also home to Moo-Duck Brewery across from the Amtrak train station and Cox Brewing Company on the edge of town. Quite a bustling beer scene growing in the college town. I've been to Moo-Duck; next up is Cox.

(Funk Brewing Company's new location in Elizabethtown, Pa.)

(Inside Funk Brewing Company's new location in Elizabethtown, Pa.)

(Funk Brewing Company's new location in Elizabethtown, Pa.)

(Funk Brewing Company's new location in Elizabethtown, Pa.)

(Funk Brewing Company's new location in Elizabethtown, Pa.)

(Funk Brewing Company's new location in Elizabethtown, Pa.)

(Funk Brewing Company's new location in Elizabethtown, Pa.)

Bulls Head Public House
And the day's field trip finally took us to Lititz. Ah, the charming town of Lititz. Home to one of my favorite pubs around — Bulls Head Public House. I've lost count the number of times I've been there. Maybe that's all the testimony I need to provide here. A somewhat small pub (attached to the General Sutter Inn restaurant and lodging), but yet big enough to contain a usually lively crowd enjoying perfect pints of beers drawn from the handpump.

JoBoy's
Lititz has a lot going for it. Now they have a beer/barbecue/speakeasy joint on the list. The speakeasy part of it came later. Around for the better part of seven years now, JoBoy's was initially five miles away in Manheim and moved to Lititz in 2014. The space is bigger, puts the brewing on full display, and has a bigger and tastier menu. Smoked wings, pork nachos, brisket mac 'n' cheese were just a few things that landed on our table. This was my first time at the new location and I could have used a few more hours to check out a few more beers, plus experience the atmosphere of the subterranean speakeasy (complete with password). We got a quick tour and you can bet I'll be back there very soon (no spoilers yet!)

(JoBoy's relocated to Lititz, Pa. a few years ago.)

(Newly opened "Speakeasy" under JoBoy's in Lititz, Pa.)

(Newly opened "Speakeasy" under JoBoy's in Lititz, Pa.)

(Free holiday parking in Lititz, Pa.)

So, like I said, no dogs in the bunch. Not a one. Did you make it all the way to the end here? How did I do with brevity?





© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com



Monday, January 09, 2017

What's New in Beer at County Lines Magazine


If I've been effectively doing my job, you're aware that throughout 2016, I had a contributing column to County Lines Magazine. It's a beautifully done monthly magazine that covers life in Chester County and the region from numerous angles. My angle, naturally, was beer which was rotated on a quarterly basis with wine and spirits in the non-beer months.

My column is continuing in 2017 and here's a reminder for you to check it out in the January issue. This one is covering new beer establishments in the area beginning the oldest (it's all relative), Sterling Pig (Media, Pa.) and winding up with the newest, La Cabra (Berwyn, Pa.), covering Tuned Up (Spring City, Pa.), Brick & Brew (Media, Pa.), and The Bottle Room (Downingtown, Pa.) along the way.

Please check out the column through this link and feel free to comment and/or share. I, and maybe even more so the editors, will notice and appreciate. Cheers!




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com



Friday, January 06, 2017

January 2017: News update, part 1

And we're off and running in 2017. A few newsy and fun bits that I collected over the past couple weeks to share with you.

~ I'm a consumer and I'm not confused. Pretty confident there's millions more in the same camp. [link to Richmond.com]

~ A rare look at the more commonplace practice of questionable beer marketing these days. [link to Chicago Tribune]

~ This guy always has some keen insight to beers you should know about. [link to Joe Sixpack]

~ Another fascinating look into the big business of big beer. [link to Brewbound]

~ Here's another decent list worth checking out. [link to Draft Magazine]

~ And one last list; this a well-conceived one of beers. [link to Philly.com]

~ Excellent wish for the new year -- [link to Yours For Good Fermentables]

~ Helpful news for those of you, like me, that really enjoy Hopslam -- [link to The Full Pint]

~ Big business prognostications for those of you, like me, that really enjoy following big business and, in this case, how it affects our favorite beverage -- [link to Beer Business Unplugged]




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com



Monday, January 02, 2017

Beer Event Calendar: What To Do in January 2017

Based on historical patterns, a bit of a light start here to the January beer events calendar here in the Philly region. No doubt a holiday hangover. Yet still plenty to choose from below and I'm sure I'll be adding more as they come to light in the next week or so.

If you're a Penn State fan, a number of places on the list have you covered later today. We're off and running in 2017; let's keep it going.

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
Tue. 1/3; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/5; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Avery Maharaja Can Launch at Garage-Fishtown in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/6; 6 p.m. — Friday’s Sixtel: Flying Fish Exit 5 Pinelands Sour Forage Ale at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 1/10; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 1/11; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tröegs First Squeeze Nugget Nectar Release at Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/13; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Merchant du Vin Sampling at Beer Love in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 1/13; 12 p.m. — Friday the Firkineenth #34 at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 1/17; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 1/17; 5 p.m.-12 a.m. — Late Night Brunch with Starr Hill Brewing at The Irish Pol in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 1/18; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Weyerbacher Wednesday at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 1/18; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — You Buy The Glass at The Abbaye in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/19; 5 p.m. — Paint it Black Stout Fest 2.0 at Union Tap House in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/20; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Alpine/Green Flash Tasting at Beer Love in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 1/20; 6 p.m. — Friday’s Sixtel: Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 1/24; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 1/25; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Avery Tasting at Beer Love in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Wed. 1/25; 8:30 p.m.-11 p.m. — Bourbon, Beer, and Bluegrass at For Pete's Sake Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/27; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Victory Tasting at Beer Love in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 1/27; 6 p.m. — Friday’s Sixtel: Neshaminy Creek Coffee Jawn at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 1/29; 12 p.m. — Sour Bowl 3 at Brü Craft & Wurst in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 1/31; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]

after January in Philadelphia
Thu. 2/2; 7 a.m.-1 p.m. — 16th Annual Groundhog Day Hawaiian Shirt Beer Breakfast at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 2/3; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Boulevard Tasting at Beer Love in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 1/7; 1 p.m. — Burn the Bourbons Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 1/8; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Fat Head's Brunch at Fingers Wings & Other Things in Conshohocken, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/12; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Voodoo Ranger at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/13; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Charity Movie Night at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company in Croydon, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/20; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Ship Bottom Night at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/21; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Smoke & Oak Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in North Wales, Pa. [$PAYG]

after January in Philadelphia's close suburbs


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Mon. 1/2; 3 p.m. — Penn State Viewing Party - Rose Bowl 2017 at Tattered Flag Brewing Company in Middletown, Pa. [$15]
Mon. 1/2; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. — Open Monday for Rose Bowl at Stable 12 Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 1/2; 4 p.m. — Rose Bowl: PSU vs. USC at Backyard Ale House in Scranton, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 1/2; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Penn State Stars in the Rose Bowl at Kildare's Irish Pub in West Chester, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/5; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works in Bethlehem, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/5; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Tim's Pale Ale Launch Party at Timothy's in Exton, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/5; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Java Cask Tapping at The Side Bar in West Chester, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/6; All day — Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/6; All day — Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/6; 5 p.m. — Friday Night Beer Tasting at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 1/8; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — 4 Authors x 4 Beers x 4 Cheeses at Kennett Brewing Company in Kennett Square, Pa. [$10]
Tue. 1/10; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — "The Schoof" Belgian Dubbel Release Party at Two Rivers Brewing Company in Easton, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 1/11; 6 p.m. — Dogfish Banger at Bulls Head Public House in Lititz, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wednesdays 1/11 through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/12; 5 p.m. — Weyerbacher Tap Take Over at Ulysses Gastropub in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG]
Thursdays 1/12 through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/13; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Exton Beverage Company in Exton, Pa. [$Free]
Sat. 1/14; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. — Make it Funky Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/19; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Thirsty Thursday Tap Invasion at Federal Taphouse in Harrisburg, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/19; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Beef Jerky & Oskar Blues Beer Pairing at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/20; All day — 20th Batch of Union Street IPA at Doylestown Brewing Company in Doylestown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/20; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Exton Beverage Company in Exton, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 1/20; All day — Third Friday Firkin Fest at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/20; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Voorhees, NJ [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/21; 1 p.m.-10 p.m. — Sour Monkey Remix at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/21; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — 2017 River Horse Cask Festival at River Horse Brewing Company in Ewing Township, NJ [$20]
Sat. 1/21; 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. — Robert Burns Night at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/26; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Bourbon County Brand Stout Tapping at Kildare's Irish Pub in West Chester, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/27; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Exton Beverage Company in Exton, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 1/27 through Sun. 1/29; All weekend — Paradox Brewing at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/28; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — All Out 2017 at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/28; 1 p.m.-6 p.m. — Belgium Comes to West Chester Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in West Chester, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 1/29; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — Sour Sunday at Free Will Brewing Company in Perkasie, Pa. [$PAYG]


after January in Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other
Thu. 2/2; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Firestone Walker Milk and Cookies at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 2/4; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — British Invasion Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 2/4; All day — 10th Annual Super Bowl Saturday at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 2/12; All day — Dark Beer Day IV at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Sat. 1/28; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Beer & Brewing 101 at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$39.98]

after January in Philadelphia
Fri. 2/3; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Craft Beer and Cheese Pairing at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$49.98]


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 1/17; 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. — Meat and Greet Winter Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Ardmore, Pa. [$75]
Tue. 1/24; 7 p.m. — Bacon Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Maple Shade, NJ [$65]
Mon. 1/30; 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — Cocktail, Cigar, and Beer Dinner at Fingers Wings & Other Things in Conshohocken, Pa. [$55]

after January in Philadelphia's close suburbs


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 1/6; 5:30 p.m. — Beer Dinner at Cape May Ferry Terminal in Cape May, NJ [$59]
Sun. 1/8; 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — BrewAsana Beer & Yoga at Free Will Brewing Company in Perkasie, Pa. [$25]
Fri. 1/13; 6:30 p.m. — Bacon and Beer Dinner at Caffé Gelato in Newark, Del. [$79]
Fri. 1/13 & Sat. 1/14; 7 p.m.-11:30 p.m. — Big Philly Beerfest at PA Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa. [$20-$75]
Sat. 1/14; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — Comfort Food Brew Review at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. [$30]
Tue. 1/17; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — The Brewing Give Back Fest at World Café Live in Philadelphia, Pa. [$30]
Wed. 1/18; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Levante Beer Dinner at Red Star Craft House in Exton, Pa. [$40]
Sat. 1/21; 2 p.m.-6 p.m. — Winter Brew Fest at The Horse Tavern & Grill in Sellersville, Pa. [$35-$55]
Sat. 1/21; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Hibrewnation at Allstar Complex in Gettysburg, Pa. [$20-$55]
Wed. 1/25; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Allagash Beer Dinner at Pickled Pig Pub in Rehoboth Beach, Del. [$TBD]
Sat. 1/28; 12 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. — Super Barrel Weekend at Weyerbacher Brewing Company in Easton, Pa. [$25]
Sat. 1/28; 3 p.m. — Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting at World Café Live in Wilmington, Del. [$40]
Tue. 1/31; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Deschutes Beer Dinner at The Horse Tavern & Grill in Sellersville, Pa. [$40]

after January in Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other
Fri. 2/3; 5:30 p.m. — Beer Dinner at Cape May Ferry Terminal in Cape May, NJ [$59]
Wed. 2/8; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Levante Beer Dinner at Kildare's Irish Pub in West Chester, Pa. [$TBD]
Sat. 2/11; 3 p.m. — Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting at World Café Live in Wilmington, Del. [$40]






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