Friday, December 29, 2017

Beer Event Calendar: Philadelphia & beyond: What To Do in January 2018

New Year. More Beer. Happy, happy. Don't let this shorter-than-usual monthly list throw you off. The first posting of the January calendar each year looks like this. I'll keep up with it in the coming weeks as brewers and bar owners shake off their 2017 dust and hangover and get more events together for you. Hang tight, grab a beer, and until then check some of these out.

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
Mon. 1/1; 12 p.m. — 9th Anniversary at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 1/1; All day — Pliny, KBS, & CBS at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 1/1; All day — New Years Day Good Luck Pork & Sauerkraut Special at Brauhaus Schmitz in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 1/1; All day — New Year's Day at Devil's Den in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/4; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. — Fly Like An Eagle Release at Evil Genius Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/4; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Sly Fox Tap Takeover  at St. Stephen's Green in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/5; 9 p.m.-11 p.m. — Dart Shooting for Victory at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 1/10; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tröegs First Squeeze Nugget Nectar Release at Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/12; 12 p.m. — Sly Fox Mudlust Launch at City Tap House-Logan in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 1/16; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping-Goose Island at Lucky's Last Chance (Manayunk) in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 1/17; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Happy Birthday Ben Franklin at Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/20; All day — 120 on 1/20 at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 1/22; 4 p.m. — Crime & Punishment at Martha in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/25; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Cape May Tap Takeover at St. Stephen's Green in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/27; 12 p.m. — Cuvée Day at Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 1/28; All day — Sour Bowl IV at Brü Craft & Wurst in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Mon. 1/1; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Recovery Brunch & Parade of Beers at Iron Abbey in Horsham, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 1/1; 12 p.m.-3 p.m. — Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout Release at The Greeks Next Door in Narberth, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/20; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. — Pittsburgh Invades Philly Tap Takeover at Conshohocken Brewing Company in Bridgeport, Pa. [$PAYG]


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Mon. 1/1; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — New Year's Day Pork & Sauerkraut Ride at Oakbrook Brewing Company in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 1/1; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. — New Year's Day at Spring House Brewing Company in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 1/1; All day — Who Cares About New Year's Resolutions? Drink High Calorie, High Alcohol Stouts Instead! at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/4; 4:30 p.m. — Vintage & Vinyl - The Bitches (Brew) is Back at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton, Del. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/5; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Free Samples at Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 1/5; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting: Free Will at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 1/8; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Guest Beertender Monday ~ Ann's Heart for Code Blue at Stable 12 Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 1/10; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Beer & Benevolence Night at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth Beach, Del. [$PAYG]
Wed. 1/10 and each Wednesday through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 1/11 and each Thursday through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/12; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Free Samples at Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 1/12; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Yards Tap Takeover at Cassell's Grille in Mount Holly Springs, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/12; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Release Party — Millenium Ale at Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company in Dover, Del. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/12; 6 p.m. — Free Will Tap Invasion at Federal Taphouse in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/12; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Tröegs Nugget Nectar First Squeeze at The Bottle Room in Downingtown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/12; All day — Wooden It Be Nice? Wood-Aged Bitches Brew Release at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton, Del. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/13; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — Barrel-aged Beer Party at Sturges Speakeasy in Harrisburg, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/13; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Cask Fest at River Horse Brewing Company in Ewing Township, NJ [$20+$PAYG]
Thu. 1/18; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Terrapin Stout & Chocolate Covered Pretzel Pairing at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 1/19; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Bell's Tap Takeover at Cassell's Grille in Mount Holly Springs, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/20; 5:30 p.m. — Robert Burns Night at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 1/24; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Beer & Benevolence Night at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth Beach, Del. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/27; 12 p.m. — Belgium Comes to West Chester at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in West Chester, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 1/27; All day — Russian River at Isaac Newton's in Newtown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 1/28; 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
Sat. 2/3; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Free Will Flight Night at The Horse Tavern & Grill in Sellersville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 2/10; All day — Winterfest 2018 at Hunger N Thirst in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Sat. 1/6; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Beer 101 at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$40-$79]
Fri. 1/12 & Sat. 1/13;  — Big Philly Beerfest at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa. [$45-$80]

after January in Philadelphia
Fri. 2/2; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — 8 Beers To Try Before You Die at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$60-$99]
Tue. 2/6; 7 p.m. — Lost Abbey Dinner with Tomme Arthur at Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia, Pa. [$115]


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 1/10; 7 p.m. — Cigar & Beer Dinner with Tröegs at Dog and Bull in Croydon, Pa. [$55]
Wed. 1/17; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Russian River Beer Dinner at Iron Abbey in Horsham, Pa. [$65]


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 1/12; 6:30 p.m. — Bacon & Beer Dinner at Caffé Gelato in Newark, Del. [$79]
Fri. 1/12; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Rare Taps and Tapas at The Tap Room at Weyerbacher in Easton, Pa. [$55]
Sat. 1/13; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — Ring In The New Year Craft Brew Review at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. [$29.95]
Tue. 1/16; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Beer Soap Making Class at Argilla Brewing Company in Newark, Del. [$45]
Thu. 1/18; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Taste Of Phoenixville at Phoenixville Foundry in Phoenixville, Pa. [$100]
Sat. 1/20; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Winter Brewfest at The Horse Tavern & Grill in Sellersville, Pa. [$45-$65]
Sat. 1/20; 12 p.m. — Pocono Winter Beerfest at Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, Pa. [$35-$55]
Thu. 1/25; 6 p.m. — January Beer Dinner at The Millworks in Harrisburg, Pa. [$60]
Sat. 1/27 & Sun. 1/28; 12 p.m.-3 p.m.; 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Super Barrel Weekend 2018 at The Tap Room at Weyerbacher in Easton, Pa. [$25-30]
Tue. 1/30; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Evil Genius Beer Dinner at The Horse Tavern & Grill in Sellersville, Pa. [$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



Thursday, December 28, 2017

Rest in Peace 2017 -- Thanks for all the beers

As I do each year, it's time to look back on those individuals and their significant contributions to the industry that we lost in 2017. Many thanks to additional feedback from Brian Yaeger, Tara Nurin, and Don Russell.

9/8/17, Tom Draper, 76, bicycle accident
  ~ Father and father-in-law to Mariah and Sam Calagione, Draper's passing was a sudden blow to the media world as well as the Calagione family. Sam referred to him as his "greatest business mentor" in a statement following the accident. [link to DelMarVaNow.com]

August '17, Trent Dolyniuk, cancer
  ~ A big personality and talented chef whose name Brian Yaeger passed along to me, Dolyniuk had a hand in Columbia County Brewing in St. Helens, Ore. so he, too, gets included here. [link to Portland Mercury and a profile that Yaeger wrote just prior to Dolyniuk's passing]

7/26/17, Tony Knipling, 63, heart attack
  ~ A major force behind craft beer over the last twenty years in Pittsburgh, Pa. and Vecenie Distributing. [several links here: link to his obituary; one from Chris Dilla of Bocktown link to Bocktown Beer & Grill; another from Bob Batz at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; and my piece that was published in Ale Street News]

4/28/17, Curt Plants, 33, blood infection
  ~ Trained in both brewing school and under John Maier at Rogue, Plants opened GoodLife Brewing in Bend, Ore. in 2011. His sudden loss was a shock to his family and the beer community. His Sweet As! Pacific Ale won a gold medal at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival. [link to The Bend Bulletin]

3/19/17, Pierre Zuber, undisclosed
  ~ Information was difficult to come by regarding Pierre's passing. A sad loss for the Belgian beer drinking community. My hope is that if you'd been to Brussels prior to his passing, you had a chance to meet and drink with this incredibly friendly, hospitable, and knowledgable personality who ran the Délices et Caprices beer shop. [link to a profile of Zuber at Brussels Life]

3/5/17, Zach Ziegler, 32, undisclosed
  ~ A founding partner in Molly Pitcher Brewing Company, Ziegler helped bring better beer at this still growing brewery in downtown Carlisle, Pa. [link to The Sentinel's website]

March '17, Ben Flerchinger, undisclosed
  ~ A long time brewer at Lucky Lab in Portland, Ore., Ben passed unexpectedly in March after a brief stay in the hospital. More recently he spent time at Gigantic Brewing and across the Columbia River in Washougal, Wash. at 54’40° Brewing. He was a significant presence on the Portland-area brewing scene including the Lucky Lab Barleywine Festival, Cheers to Belgian Beers Festival, and BenFest. [link to a video tribute at Lucky Lab's website]

2/4/17, Wajih Abed, 71, cancer
  ~ Abed and Fergus Carey were the two that opened and grew Fergie's Pub into one of Philadelphia's most must-visit bars over the last 22 years. [link to Philly.com and link to Philadelphia Weekly and a column by Don Russell]

If you care to look back on the previous ten years that I've been doing this year-end wrap, consult the links here for: 2016, 2015,  2014,  2013,  2012,  2011,  2010,  2009,  2008,  and 2007.

As in past years, I'll repeat a soothing message: Be still sad heart and cease repining; Behind the clouds the sun is shining, Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life a little rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary. ~ Longfellow




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2016. 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, December 22, 2017

December 2017: Beer News update, part 2

Some brews bits and bytes here to close out your year in beer news in Philly and beyond.


~ Good thing it was only a one-year contract for Flying Fish. [Link to Foobooz/Philadelphia Magazine]

~ An ending of a different type in Philadelphia. [Link to Philly Voice]

~ Some new stuff coming out of Sly Fox. [Link to Brewbound]

~ Still going. [Link to BeerPulse]





© 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, December 21, 2017

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: Philadelphia & beyond: December 21 - December 31

"Is it the complete list of all beer events happening? No, but no one has a more complete list."

Choose from the following to close out 2017 the best way you know possible — with Great Beer! Hope you've been having a great holiday season, a rewarding upcoming Christmas, and a bright outlook for a new year.

As you review the listings, don't forget Philly Tap Finder. 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.

Berwyn, Pa.
Fri. 12/22; 4 p.m. — Double Can Release at La Cabra Brewing [Clement DIPA and Hipster Catnip IPA pounder 4-packs.  $PAYG]

Boyertown, Pa.
Sat. 12/30; All day — Hoppy Holidays at Union Jack's On The Manatawny [Nothing spreads good cheer like a dozen over hopped beers.  $PAYG]

Downingtown, Pa.
Tue. 12/26; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Founder's CBS Can Drive at The Bottle Room [We are pairing up with Founders Brewing Company for a canned food drive and featuring the coveted Canadian Breakfast Stout on draft. To purchase a draft of CBS we request that you bring 2 canned goods or a $5 donation. Canned goods and monetary donations will go to Philabundance charity.  $PAYG]

Harleysville, Pa.
Sun. 12/24; 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. — Christmas Eve Bottle Bazaar at Butcher & Barkeep [Hook up your friends and family with seriously good big bottles of sours, stouts, and other oddities.  $PAYG]

Horsham, Pa.
Thu. 12/21; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Complimentary Wine & Beer Tasting at Iron Abbey [Beer tastings from Neshaminy Creek.  $Free]

King of Prussia, Pa.
Thu. 12/21; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Thursday Tasting — Vintage Aventinus at King of Prussia Beer Outlet [We will be sampling different vintages of Schneider Weiss Aventinus, a world renowned weizenbock. Vinatges from as far back as 2008.  $Free]

Lansdale, Pa.
Sun. 12/31; 9 p.m. — NYE Block Party at Round Guys [12oz special RGBC branded glass, unlimited draft beer fills all night until midnight, and ring in the New Year with our keg drop.  $35]

Lititz, Pa.
Thu. 12/28; 5:30 p.m. — Barrel-aged Beer & Food Tasting at Bulls Head Public House [Five-course menu with a couple Pennsylvania Barrel-Aged beers that will be tapped in the pub after the dinner for a post-dinner reception.  $69]

Malvern, Pa.
Fri. 12/22; 4 p.m.-11 p.m. — Holiday Party & Food Drive at Locust Lane Craft Brewery [Come out with your family and friends to enjoy an evening of drinks, food, music, and giveaways while supporting the People's Pantry at Church Road in Frazer.  $PAYG]
Sat. 12/30; 4 p.m. — PSU v Washington: Fiesta Bowl at Locust Lane Craft Brewery [We will be tapping into your Penn State Philanthropic Spirit by raising money for THON while we enjoy the game. We'll be canning all day as well as donating a portion of the day's proceeds.  $PAYG]

Palmyra, Pa.
Thu. 12/21; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Craft Beer Tap Attack at Funck's [Special lineup of beers from Bell's.  $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 12/21; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Dark Dank Night at The Cambridge [Join us as we ring in the holidays with a night of exclusive dark beers, winter cocktails, live jazz music, and raffles.  $PAYG]
Fri. 12/22; 3 p.m. — Free Tasting at Bell Beverage [Tasting samples of Belgian and Belgian-style beers.  $Free]
Fri. 12/22; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. — Sonoma Pride Fundraiser with Russian River and Firestone Walker at Memphis Taproom [100% of your donations made through the Sonoma Pride fundraising initiative will be used locally in Sonoma County, and be distributed directly to the victims of the current wildfire outbreak. Sponsored by Russian River, Firestone Walker, and Memphis Taproom.  $PAYG]
Fri. 12/22; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Holiday Happy Hour Fundraiser at Devil's Den [There will be drink specials and a 50/50 raffle to support our animal rescue efforts.  $PAYG]
Sat. 12/23; 7 p.m. — Festivus at Grey Lodge Pub [We celebrate Festivus the traditional, old fashioned way with all the trimmings including the beautiful unadorned aluminum pole, a meatloaf dinner, and Feats of Strength. And it wouldn't be a Grey Lodge event without great beer. We will have a greatest hits of Christmas seasonals. The draft list will be updated as we get closer to Festivus.  $PAYG]
Sun. 12/24; 8 p.m. — Christmas Eve Party at Varga Bar [We crack open some of our personal stashed beers. We share them with everyone. We have some draft/can specials. Richard cooks up some specials. Patrick will be behind the bar. Everyone can save time by just wearing their pajamas (preferably onesies) to the party.  $PAYG]
Tue. 12/26; 11 a.m. — Boxing Day at Memphis Taproom [Get festive with Dupont, Jolly Pumpkin, Sierra Nevada, Anchor, S0le, De Ranke, Brasserie De La Senne, Young’s, Ridgeway, De Struise, and many more.  $PAYG]
Tue. 12/26; 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Winter Beer Fest at World Cafe Live [We will be pouring over 50 beers (winter seasonals, double IPAs, all kinds of stouts & porters, as well as special one-offs and rarities). Food is also included as well as two sets from the beloved Whiskeyhickon Boys.  $50]
Thu. 12/28; 8 p.m. — Choice Tasters 10th Anniversary Bash at P.O.P.E. [Featuring six beers from Pizza Boy.  $PAYG]
Fri. 12/29; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Ballast Point Victory at Sea – Peanut Butter at Grey Lodge Pub [Ballast Point released a few special variations of Victory at Sea, their 10.5% imperial porter. We went with the peanut butter one. This beer is already full of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. Peanut butter should take it right over the top.  $PAYG]
Fri. 12/29; 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.  $52-$99]
Sat. 12/30; 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. — Final-ly Friday Free Beer Tasting at Trolley Car Diner [Manager's choice.  $Free]
Sun. 12/31; 9 p.m. — New Years Eve Firkin' Good Time at Brauhaus Schmitz [it's going to be a firkin good time, hint hint.  $PAYG]
Mon. 1/1; All day — New Years Day Good Luck Pork & Sauerkraut Special at Brauhaus Schmitz [On your way out to see the Mummers Parade, get your Good Luck Pork and Sauerkraut Special over mashed potatoes.  $PAYG]
Mon. 1/1; All day — New Year's Day at Devil's Den [We will be celebrating all day with some of our favorite Pennsylvania Breweries, plus a special brunch.  $PAYG]
Mon. 1/1; 12 p.m. — 9th Anniversary at Local 44 [Not sure what to do with that holiday hangover on New Years Day? Look no further. We're throwing your hangover a party.  $PAYG]
Thu. 1/4; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. — Fly Like An Eagle at Evil Genius Brewing Company [Wooder ice is a staple street snack in Philadelphia, and we’ve decided to craft a hazy, dank, fuzzed out beer in its honor.  $PAYG]
Sat. 1/20; 10 a.m. — 120 on 1/20 at Grey Lodge Pub [We tap a sixtel of Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA every January 20.  $PAYG]

Pottstown, Pa.
Fri. 12/29; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — River Horse Brewing Sampling at Frank Smith Beverages [Tasting samples of beers from River Horse.  $Free]

Reading, Pa.
Sun. 12/31; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — NYE Beer Dinner With The Bruery at Liberty Taproom [A fantastic lineup of beers from The Bruery paired with five courses of amazing dishes created by Chef Trevor Fake and the rest of our culinary crew.  $65]
Mon. 1/1; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — New Year's Day Pork & Sauerkraut Ride at Oakbrook Brewing Company [Start out the New Year right with some bikes, Neversink Mountain, good people, and local brew.  $PAYG]

Wayne, Pa.
Mon. 1/1; 11:30 a.m. — Who Cares About New Year's Resolutions? Drink High Calorie, High Alcohol Stouts Instead at Teresa's Next Door [A bunch of big, black, bold beers to help you recover from the hangover you deservedly have. De Molen, Firestone, Weyerbacher, and a bunch of others to make New Year's Day just as insane as 2017 has been.  $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, December 14, 2017

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: Philadelphia & beyond: December 14 - December 20

"Is it the complete list of all beer events happening? No, but no one has a more complete list."

It's beginning to look a lot like.....BEER. Now, go and get one. Here are some ideas of where to do just that.

As you review the listings, don't forget Philly Tap Finder. 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.

Croydon, Pa.
Sat. 12/16; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Delaware Valley Homebrew Community Pro-Am Beerfest at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company [Come join us for the inagural Delaware Valley Homebrew Community Pro-Am Beerfest. With more than 20 homebrew clubs in the area, the next great brewers could be out there waiting to share their talents.  $5 + $PAYG]

Downingtown, Pa.
Thu. 12/14; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Holiday Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company [Our annual holiday beer dinner featuring seasonal food and beer pairings.  $65]

Ewing Township, NJ
Sun. 12/17; 1 p.m.-7 p.m. — Winter Wonderland Artisan Market at River Horse Brewing Company [Come out to see our hand-picked artisans and pick up some amazing original creations of the highest quality for your holiday needs. We'll also be offering brewery tours and tastings, pints and flights, and River Horse beer and merchandise to go.  $PAYG]

Exton, Pa.
Thu. 12/14; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Local Beer Dinner Series featuring Levante Brewing at World Of Beer [Five local beers paired with five courses consisting of local ingredients.  $35]

Georgetown, Del.
Sat. 12/16; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Winter Brew Fest at 16 Mile Brewing Company [Get ready to experience samples of our prized brews as well as unique beers brewed specifically for the Holiday Ale Festival. Artisan vendors, local food trucks, and more.  $25-$35]

Lancaster, Pa.
Sat. 12/16; All day — Beer Geek Christmas at Hunger N Thirst [We are rolling out some rare kegs once again to celebrate all things craft beer, and of course the Holidays.  $PAYG]

Leola, Pa.
Thu. 12/14; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Craft Beer Tap Attack at Funck's [Special lineup of beers from Founders.  $PAYG]

Milton, Del.
Tue. 12/12 through Sat. 12/23; All day — 12 Days of Randall the Enamel Animal at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery [Every day we'll be featuring a different Randall offering inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.  $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 12/14; 5 p.m. — Maine Beer Company Woods & Waters Fundraiser at Monk's Cafe [Philadelphia's only keg of Woods & Waters, a special IPA brewed with Maine-grown barley and wheat. A portion of proceeds from Maine Beer Company beers will benefit the Delaware Valley chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, and their work supporting conservation in our region.  $PAYG]
Thu. 12/14; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — World Atlas of Beer at Philly Beer School [Starting in Philadelphia we head to Belgium, to the United Kingdom, to Germany and then onwards to the furthest reaches of this awesome beer-drenched world.  $42-$87]
Fri. 12/15; 3 p.m. — Free Tasting at Bell Beverage [Tasting samples of beers from Flying Fish.  $Free]
Sat. 12/16; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Barrel Out with Allagash at Memphis Taproom [Come down to hang with Allagash's Katie Tella and talk Barrel Aging and how it affects the nose and flavor profile of your new favorite beer from our dear friends in Portland Maine.  $PAYG]
Mon. 12/18; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Wiseacre Happy Hour at Grey Lodge Pub [Help us welcome Memphis's Wisecacre Brewing to Philly.  $PAYG]
Mon. 12/18; 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 Ommegang and Boulevard.  $Free]
Tue. 12/19; 4 p.m. — Holiday Party at South Philadelphia Tap Room [Join us as we ring in the holidays with St. Benjamin Brewing, Kurant Ciders, and Levante Brewing. We’ll have rare & seasonal drafts from each brewery, a fresh cask conditioned pin for the bar top, a special holiday raw bar, and warming winter cocktails to take the edge off. Even better, a portion of the sale of each draft will be donated to Unity in the Community.  $PAYG]
Wed. 12/20; 5 p.m. — Beer School at Local 44 [We'll be sampling from our nice little stash of Gale's Prize Old Ale (2001 and 1999), JW Lees (2011), Aventinus (2008), and more.  $PAYG]
Wed. 12/20; 6 p.m. — The Feast Of The Seven Fishes at Seven bars in Fishtown [Join us as we eat and drink our way through Fishtown. Each bar will have a $7 fish dish and a featured beer.  $PAYG]

Pottstown, Pa.
Fri. 12/15; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — 2SP Brewing Sampling at Frank Smith Beverages [Tasting samples of beers from 2SP.  $Free]

Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Tue. 12/12 through Sat. 12/23; All day — 12 Days of Cask at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats [Every other day we'll be releasing a new dry-hopped cask of 60 Minute IPA.  $PAYG]

Wayne, Pa.
Fri. 12/15; 6:30 p.m. — Firestone Charity/Russian River Fire Charity Event at Teresa's Next Door [$1 dollar from every pour of Stivo, plus several Russian River and Firestone Walker rarities will go to support the California fire victims.  $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



Friday, December 08, 2017

December 2017: Beer News update, part 1

More news of the sudsy sort.

~ Update on Guinness in the U.S. [Link to Draft Magazine]

~ Suburban Station has forever needed more food and drink, particularly drink. [Link to Foobooz/Philadelphia Magazine]

~ Stirring the cloudy, mirky pot. Kudos Mr. Oliver. [Link to The Morning Advertiser]

~ Left Hand's response. [Link to Courthouse News Service]

~ Hey look, another list. This one, though, a solid one if for no other reason than it's backed up with fully thought-out sentences as justification for each brewery's inclusion. [Link to Paste Magazine]





© 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, December 07, 2017

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: Philadelphia & beyond: December 7 - December 13

"Is it the complete list of all beer events happening? No, but no one has a more complete list."

Forget the 12 days of Christmas, we have 12 months of beer. Here's one week's worth.

As you review the listings, don't forget Philly Tap Finder. 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.
Tue. 12/12; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Allagash Brewing What About Barrels? at The Bottle Room [What About Barrels? features three different barrel aged beers and one unaged beer to showcase what different barrels does to different beers. Meet with the rep, Katie, to grab some swag and chat about the barrel aging process.  $PAYG]

Exton, Pa.
Thu. 12/7; 4 p.m. — Vintage Stout Raffle at World Of Beer [We will be raffling off the following: '15 Goose Island Bourbon County Grand Stout (3 Bottles); '16 Goose Island Bourbon County Grand Stout (3 Bottles); '1' Founders KBS (2 Bottles); '17 Cigar City Hunaphu (2 Bottles); and '15 Avery The Czar (1 Bottle).  $10+$PAYG]

Ewing Township, NJ
Sat. 12/9; 7 p.m. — Out Of The Cellar at River Horse Brewing Company [Come join us and celebrate our one off beers and rare brews from this year.  $PAYG]

Leola, Pa.
Thu. 12/7; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Craft Beer Tap Attack at Funck's [Special lineup of beers from New Belgium.  $PAYG]

Media, Pa.
Sat. 12/9; All day — Beer Garden 8th Anniversary at Pinocchio's [The Beer Garden is turning eight. Come celebrate with us.  $PAYG]

Milton, Del.
Tue. 12/12 through Sat. 12/23; All day — 12 Days of Randall the Enamel Animal at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery [Every day we'll be featuring a different Randall offering inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.  $PAYG]

Norristown, Pa.
Sat. 12/9; 10 a.m. — Goose Island Draft and Raffle Event at Capone's [Must be present to win and be able to purchase a bottle of the following beers: Bourbon County Barleywine, Coffee, and North Woods.  $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 12/7; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Christmas Extravaganza at Kite & Key [Taps will be lined with holiday cheer and of course Santa will be here. Donations for Cradles to Crayons organization get you $1 off beer.  $PAYG]
Fri. 12/8; 3 p.m. — Free Tasting at Bell Beverage [Tasting samples of beers from Lancaster Brewing.  $Free]
Sun. 12/10; 7 p.m. — 14th Anniversary Party at Good Dog Bar [Plus the announcement of the annual dog photo contest winner.  $PAYG]
Mon. 12/11; 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 Dogfish Head.  $Free]
Tue. 12/12; 4 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping - Peak Organic at Lucky's Last Chance (Manayunk) [Special lineup of beers from Peak Organic.  $PAYG]
Tue. 12/12; 6 p.m. — Christmas Beer Dinner at Sancho Pistola's [7 delicious courses, paired with 9 amazing beers.  $80]
Tue. 12/12; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping - Peak Organic at Lucky's Last Chance (Queen Village) [Special lineup of beers from Peak Organic.  $PAYG]
Wed. 12/13; 6 p.m. — 30 Years of Stoudts Brewery at London Grill [Come hang with Carol Stoudt and celebrate 30 years of craft brewing. First microbrewery in PA and has led the way. New Brewer, some new beer and the flagships will be on draft.  $PAYG]

Pottstown, Pa.
Fri. 12/8; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Rivertowne Brewing Sampling at Frank Smith Beverages [Tasting samples of beers from Rivertowne.  $Free]

Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Tue. 12/12 through Sat. 12/23; All day — 12 Days of Cask at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats [Every other day we'll be releasing a new dry-hopped cask of 60 Minute IPA.  $PAYG]

Wayne, Pa.
Wed. 12/13; 6:30 p.m. — 10th Annual Mad Elf Day at Teresa's Next Door [Mad Elf graces our tap lines and reindeer stew is on your plate. A few scratch beers, some of the Tröegs classics and at least two beers you won’t find anywhere except here at Teresa’s.  $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