Friday, March 30, 2018

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

No jokin', no foolin'. The April beer calendar is here and follows predecessor months in its variety of ways to enjoy our favorite beverage. Batter up kids; go get 'em.

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. 4/2; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Tue. 4/3; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance (Manayunk) in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/3; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance (Queen Village) in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/6; 3 p.m. — Bell's Brewery Sampling at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/6; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Neshaminy Creek Tasting at Beer Love in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/6; 7 p.m. — Two Roads Tap Takeover at Brewerytown Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/7; 1 p.m.-7 p.m. — Tappin' The Trucks Brews n' Bites Block Party at Tap Room On 19th in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/7; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. — Baby Daddy Brunch at Devil's Den in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/8; 12 p.m. — Terrapin Wake 'n' Bake Off at City Tap House-Logan in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 4/9; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Tue. 4/10; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance (Manayunk) in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/10; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance (Queen Village) in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/13; 2 p.m. — Friday The Firkinteenth at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/13; 3 p.m. — 21st Amendment Sampling at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/13; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Rivertowne Tasting at Beer Love in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Sun. 4/15; 2 p.m.-5 p.m. — #Adulting featuring Evil Genius at Garage-Fishtown in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 4/16; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Tue. 4/17; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance (Manayunk) in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/17; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance (Queen Village) in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 4/18; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — You Buy The Glass at The Abbaye in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/19; 4 p.m. — Grand Opening at Love City Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/19; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — LeBruce Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/20; 3 p.m. — Leinenkugel Sampling at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/20; All day — 4/20 Flower Festival at Memphis Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/21; 11 a.m. — 10th Anniversary Beer Garden Festival at Memphis Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/21; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. —  Stiftungsfest at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein in Philadelphia, Pa. [$12-$15]
Mon. 4/23; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Tue. 4/24; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance (Manayunk) in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/24; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance (Queen Village) in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/26; 12 p.m. — Captain Lawrence April Sours at Barcade in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/26; 2 p.m.-9 p.m. — Avengers Infinity War Movie Release at The Institute in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/26; 7 p.m. — What The Dill at Devil's Den in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/27; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — New Belgium Tasting at Beer Love in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/27; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Dock Street Cannery + Tasting Lounge 1st Birthday at Dock Street Brewery in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 4/30; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]

after April in Philadelphia
Sat. 5/5; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. — Maifest at Brauhaus Schmitz in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG or $100 VIP]
Sat. 5/19; 12 p.m.-7 p.m. — Wheat Beer Fest at South Philadelphia Tap Room in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 4/4; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Firestone Walker Lager at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/7; 11 a.m. — Four Year Anniversary Party at Conshohocken Brewing Company in Conshohocken, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/7; 12 p.m. — Rye Whiskey Bottle Release and Rob's Craft Sandwiches at Spellbound Brewing Company in Mount Holly, NJ [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/7; All day — NHC 1st Round Judging at Keystone Homebrew Supply in Montgomeryville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/12; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Weyerbacher Sampling at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/14; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Hops and Hounds Mini Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/14; 12 p.m. — April Showers Wit Saisons at 2SP Brewing Company in Aston, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/14; 12 p.m. — 6th Anniversary Party at Naked Brewing Company in Huntingdon Valley, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/15; 11:30 a.m. — Sixth Anniversary Party at Forest & Main in Ambler, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/19; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — LeBruce Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Ardmore, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/19; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — LeBruce Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Maple Shade, NJ [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/19; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — LeBruce Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in North Wales, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/20; 4:20 p.m.-6:20 p.m. — Lagunitas Waldo 4:20 at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/21; 12 p.m. — Cakeover & Mexican Coffee Funnel Cake Can Release at Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company in Cherry Hill, NJ [$PAYG]

after April in Philadelphia's close suburbs
Thu. 5/3; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Sterling Pig Happy Hour at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 4/4; 5 p.m. — Brewer's Choice For Charity at Allentown Brew Works in Allentown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/5; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — La Cabra In The House at Barley Mow Craft Beer House in West Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/5; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Tattered Flag Sampling at Funck's in Leola, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/5; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Stoudt's Brewery Tasting at Ron's Original Bar & Grille in Exton, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/5 through Sun. 4/8; Varies — One Year Anniversary Celebration at Locust Lane Craft Brewery in Malvern, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/6; 12 p.m. — First Firkin Friday at Cape May Brewing Company in Cape May, NJ [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/6; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting: Evil Genius at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/6; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Free Sampling at Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. [$Free]
Sat. 4/7; 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Opening Trails Day Celebration at Fork & Ale in Douglassville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/7; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Tank to Table Batch No. 06 Release at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/7; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Tank to Table Batch No. 06 Release at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/7; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Tank to Table Batch No. 06 Release at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/7; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Reclaim The Bay at Pinelands Brewing Company, NJ in Tuckerton, NJ [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/8; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — DelCo Spelling Bee at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/12; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Philadelphia Children's Alliance Fundraiser at Root Down Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/12; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Neshaminy Creek & Fried Pizza Dough Pairing at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/13; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Victory Brewing Sampling at Frank Smith Beverages in Pottstown, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/13; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Free Sampling at Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/13; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Flying Fish Tap Invasion at Federal Taphouse in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/14; 10 a.m. — Berks Brewery & Breweriana Fest at Berks History Center Museum in Reading, Pa. [$15]
Thu. 4/19; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Evil Genius Takeover at Funck's in Leola, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/19; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Bell's Brewery Tasting at Ron's Original Bar & Grille in Exton, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/20; 4:20 p.m. — 4:20 on 4/20 at Levante Brewing Company in West Chester, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/20; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Free Sampling at Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 4/20; 5 p.m. — The Dankness Beer Release at Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes, Del. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/20; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Hemperor Friday at Federal Taphouse in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/20 through Sun. 4/29; Varies — Harrisburg Beer Week at The Best Bars and Breweries around and in Harrisburg, Pa. [$Varies]
Sat. 4/21; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. — Pints For Pets at River Horse Brewing Company in Ewing Township, NJ [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/21; 12 p.m. — Phlight Of The Phoenix at 7 Craft Establishments in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/24; 4 p.m. — Brewing with Bryan at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth Beach, Del. [$PAYG]
Tue. 4/24; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Tattered Flag Sampling at Funck's in Palmyra, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 4/26; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — St. Boniface Firkin Night at Funck's in Palmyra, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 4/27; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Funk Brewing Funk Night at Funck's in Palmyra, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 4/28; 12 p.m. — Funk Fest at Keg & Kitchen in Westmont, NJ [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/29; 1 p.m.-3 p.m. — Firestone Walker Club Racing League at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/29; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Crafts & Drafts at River Horse Brewing Company in Ewing Township, NJ [$PAYG]
Sun. 4/29; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Third Homebrew Competition at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$Free]


after April in Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other
Sat. 5/5; 4 p.m.-11 p.m. — Cinco de Neshaminy at Union Jack's On The Manatawny in Boyertown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 5/6; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Bock Fest & Goat Race at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa. [$PAYG]


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Sun. 4/8; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. — Flannel Animal at Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia, Pa. [$10-$30]
Sat. 4/14; 2 p.m.-6 p.m. — Beer Brewing Program, Level One at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$150]
Sat. 4/21; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — MGK's Locals Only Beer Fest at Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, Pa. [$10-$45]
Sat. 4/21; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — PA Flavor at Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Philadelphia, Pa. [$20-$75]
Sat. 4/21; 3 p.m.-7 p.m. — Beer Brewing Program, Level Two at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$175]
Fri. 4/27; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Beer America at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. [$51-$79]
Sat. 4/28; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — 20th Annual Brew Fest at Manayunk Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. [$20-$65]

after April in Philadelphia
Sat. 5/19; 2 p.m.-7 p.m. — All-Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa. [$19.95-$16.95]


after April in Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 5/19; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Brandywine Valley Craft Brewers’ Festival at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. [$5-$45]


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Mon. 4/2; 8 p.m. — National Championship Watch Party at La Cabra Brewing Company in Berwyn, Pa. [$25]
Mon. 4/9; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — Spring Fling Chef & Brewer Beer Pairing Dinner at Two Stones Pub in Kennett Square, Pa. [$40]
Wed. 4/11; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Full Mountie Canadian Beer Dinner at Pickled Pig Pub in Rehoboth Beach, Del. [$49.99]
Sat. 4/14; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — Hop In To Spring at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. [$29.95]
Sat. 4/14; 4 p.m. — Spirited Dinner - 'We Said Beer, They Said Wine, Grandpa Said Cocktails' at Chesapeake & Maine in Rehoboth Beach, Del. [$40]
Sat. 4/14; 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — Taming Of The Brew at Caldwell Consistory in Bloomsburg, Pa. [$30-$63]
Mon. 4/16; 5:30 p.m. — Beer Dinner at Bulls Head Public House in Lititz, Pa. [$39]
Sat. 4/21; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. — R2Hop2 at Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company in Dover, Del. [$25-$60]
Wed. 4/25; 7 p.m. — Brewers of Delaware Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Wilmington, Del. [$65]
Thu. 4/26; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — April Beer Dinner at The Millworks in Harrisburg, Pa. [$60]
Fri. 4/27; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Little Little Beer Fest at Tattered Flag Brewing Company in Middletown, Pa. [$35]
Fri. 4/27 & Sat. 4/28; 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; 12 p.m.-4 p.m.; 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. — Montage Mountain Brew Fest at Montage Mountain in Scranton, Pa. [$29-$59]

after April in Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 5/12; 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival at Kimberton Fairgrounds in Phoenixville, Pa. [$10-$65]




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. 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, March 22, 2018

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: Philadelphia & beyond: March 22 - March 31

Closing out the first quarter with quite a list of solid events, topped off by the return of the always epic Brewer's Plate. This time, they're trying it out on a Friday and a good Friday it will be. This coming Saturday at Monk's will be its own kind of epic. Read on for more...

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region and over here for a look at Philly Tap Finder's event draft lists.

Atlantic City, NJ
Fri. 3/23 & Sat. 3/24; 8 p.m.-12 a.m., 12 p.m.-4 p.m., & 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — The Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival at A.C. Convention Center [The goal of The Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival is to promote and educate attendees on craft beers as well as the brew masters that create them.  $60]

Boyertown, Pa.
Sat. 3/31; All day — Easter Hopfest at Union Jack's On The Manatawny [Join us for our annual IPA extravaganza, featuring the sweet sounds of the Good Lovin' Jam Band from 7 p.m.  $PAYG]

Harrisburg, Pa.
Thu. 3/22; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — March Beer Dinner at The Millworks [Brewery tour with first beer and hors-d’oeuvres, four unique off-menu dishes paired with Millworks beers in a private dining atmosphere, and an explanation of each pairing from our Executive Chef and Master Brewer.  $60]

Jennersville, Pa.
Fri. 3/30; All day — Two Roads Tap Takeover at Two Stones Pub [We will be tapping rare and fan favorites from this great east coast brewery.  $PAYG]

Lewes, Del.
Fri. 3/23; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Hand of Buddha Beer Release at Crooked Hammock Brewery [We've also got a limited number of customized glasses for the first 100 people to purchase a pint of Hand of Buddha.  $PAYG]

Media, Pa.
Sat. 3/24; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Girl Scout Cookie Pairing Multi-tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Come out and drink your favorite beers paired up with four of your favorite girl scout cookies.  $PAYG]
Thu. 3/29; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Allagash Rare Bottles at Pinocchio's [We'll be popping bottles with Katie.  $PAYG]

Milton, Del.
Sat. 3/24; 2 p.m.-7 p.m. — Weekend of Compelling Ales & Whatnot at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery [You’ll also find amazing beer-centric inspired food pairings, brewery and distillery tours, and Dogfish co-workers just dying to hang with you for the day.  $35-$175]
Fri. 3/30; 11 a.m. — 120 Minute IPA Is Back at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery [120 Minute IPA will be on the Randall, being infused with even more goodness, and the Food Truck will be offering special pork wings—with 120 Minute IPA BBQ sauce.  $PAYG]

Montgomeryville, Pa.
Sat. 4/7; All day — NHC 1st Round Judging at Keystone Homebrew Supply [Please refer to the National Homebrew Competition website for 1st round entry and judging info.  $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 3/22; 3 p.m. — Can Releases at Dock Street Brewery [Two canned releases: Spring Haze Hoppy Pale Ale and Nino's Prickly Pear.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/23; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Bell Beverage [Tasting samples of beers from Founders.  $Free]
Fri. 3/23; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Dogfish Bitches Brew Chill-In at Grey Lodge Pub [Dogfish just released a wood-aged version of their Bitches Brew, their homage to the Miles Davis album.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/23; All day — Second District Brewing & Chef Doreen at Garage-Fishtown [Second District Brewing will be visiting Garage Fishtown and their Chef Doreen will be in da kitchen delighting your taste buds with items off their menu: The Cheeseburger and The Vegan Ribwich.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/24; All day — Brasserie Dieu du Ciel Péché Day at Monk's Cafe [Monk's is honored once again to be only one of two bars in the US participating in Brasserie Dieu du Ciel Péché Day. This international event brings together 50 bars around the world in celebration of Dieu du Ciel! Péché Mortel, the standard-setting coffee infused stout. We'll be pouring seven iterations of Péché Mortel on draft.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/24; 1 p.m. — National Orval Day at Monk's Cafe [We are proud to participate in our Third Annual Orval Day. Join us as we offer several vintages of Orval.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/24; 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Sour Monkey Can Release with Victory Brewing at Garage-Fishtown [Come celebrate this very exciting can release with us and dive into March Madness with our nine TVs and giant projection screen.  $PAYG]
Sat. 3/24; All day — Orval and Tattoos at Memphis Taproom [We are super passionate about this beer and thought it would be fun to get an Orval tattoo and have everyone there to witness our devotion to this Trappist classic.  $PAYG]
Mon. 3/26; 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 Sly Fox.  $Free]
Fri. 3/30; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Bell Beverage [Tasting samples of beers from Southern Tier.  $Free]
Fri. 3/30; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Round Guys Spelling Beer at Grey Lodge Pub [Round Guys will be in the house with a spelling beer.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/30; 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. — The Brewer's Plate at Kimmel Center [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.  $67-$99]
Sat. 3/31; 5 p.m. — Decibel Metal & Beer Fest at The Fillmore [Featuring live music, Weyerbacher, Stoudts, Yards, and nearly twenty other breweries.  $42-$80]

Reading, Pa.
Thu. 3/22; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Gingerbread vs. Pumpkin Spice at Liberty Taproom [We will be pairing two barrel-aged pumpkin beers and two barrel-aged gingerbread beers with both filet and pork tenderloin.  $PAYG]
Sat. 4/14; 10 a.m. — Berks Brewery & Breweriana Fest at Berks History Center Museum [A look at Berks County's legendary beer brewing history in a presentation led by Breweriana Aficionado, Chad Campbell, followed by a breweriana collectors display. Beer tasting hosted by Oakbrook Brewing Company.  $15]

Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Fri. 3/30; 4 p.m. — 120 Minute IPA Spring Release at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats [We’ll be offering a special vintage flight with samples of our ’16, ’17, and ’18 batches of 120 Minute IPA for just $12.  $PAYG]

Wayne, Pa.
Sat. 3/24; All day — Orval Day at Teresa's Next Door [We’ll be selling bottles of Orval in house all day long for only 5 bucks! On top of that 50 cents from every bottle will go to charity.  $PAYG]
Sun. 3/25; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Brunch With Hidden River at Teresa's Next Door [They made a super awesome imperial stout and aged it in one of our Buffalo Trace Barrels. To celebrate the first tapping of this beer, we’ll have some of the team down from the brewery plus 4 different beers on draft. Their beer rarely leaves the brewery so get some while you can.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/30; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Track 7 Brewing from Sacramento at Teresa's Next Door [The folks from Track 7 Brewing have been out to Teresa's before, but now that their beer is available in the market we're happy to give them a tap takeover.  $PAYG]

Wilmington, Del.
Thu. 3/22; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Yards Philly Brawler Beer Dinner at Ernest & Scott [We welcome Ian Wallace from Yards and will be pairing a four-course meal with Yards' Golden Hop IPA, Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce, Rival IPA, and Love Stout.  $55]




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. 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, March 15, 2018

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: Philadelphia & beyond: March 15 - March 21

Don't come looking here for green beer events. I better not see any of you with green in your beer, unless it's green glitter. No wait, what am I saying? I don't want to see that either. Behave.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region and over here for a look at Philly Tap Finder's event draft lists.

Berwyn, Pa.
Thu. 3/15; 10 a.m. — Beers & Brackets at La Cabra Brewing Company [Turn a hard copy of your bracket into the hostess at La Cabra Brewing by halftime of the 1st games. When you turn in your completed bracket receive a La Cabra Beers & Brackets Coupon for 10% your food bill during the entire tournament. Plus, a grand prize and other ways to win along the way.  $PAYG]

Media, Pa.
Thu. 3/15; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — River Horse Night at Pinocchio's [Beers from River Horse Brewing Company.  $PAYG]

Newark, Del.
Tue. 3/20; 6:30 p.m. — Bone-In 6th Anniversary Celebration at Argilla Brewing Company [A craft adult beverage dinner featuring a five-course meal paired with beer, cider, and braggot.  $65]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 3/15; 4 p.m. — Tonewood Brewing Launch Party at South Philadelphia Tap Room [Join us in welcoming Tonewood Brewing to South Philadelphia.  $PAYG]
Thu. 3/15; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Ides of March Stout Night at Beer Love [Make sure all your debts are settled and try not to get done in by these big beers we are tapping for the night — 2SP The Russian, Dogfish Head Oak barrel aged World Wide Stout, North Coast Barrel aged Old Rasputin XX, and Perennial Artisan Ales Abraxas.  $PAYG]
Thu. 3/15; All day — Against the Grain Brewery at Garage-Fishtown [The crew from Against the Grain is traveling all the way from Kentucky.  $PAYG]
Thu. 3/15; All day — Springdale Launch at Khyber Pass Pub [Springdale by Jack’s Abby was founded in 2016 as the experimental and barrel-aging arm of Jack’s Abby Brewing. They launch in Philly at the Khyber Pass Pub.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/16; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Bell Beverage [Tasting samples of beers from Neshaminy Creek.  $Free]
Fri. 3/16; 5 p.m. — Tonewood Brewing at Strangelove's [Strangelove's is so pumped to welcome Tonewood Brewing from Oaklyn, NJ to this side of the river.  $PAYG]
Sun. 3/18; 8 p.m. — Annual Black Carpet, Red Tie Event at Varga Bar [Come get your picture taken. Come drink some Pliny the Younger with friends. Come drink a bunch of other really good craft beers too.  $PAYG]
Mon. 3/19; 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 Starr Hill.  $Free]
Tue. 3/20; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Philadelphia Restaurant Festival at The Crystal Tea Room [Guests can sample their way through over 100 different amazing dishes, craft beers, Bourbon and whiskeys, liquors, and wines from across the Philadelphia area.  $44.95-$59.95]
Tue. 3/20; 7 p.m.-8 p.m. — Celebration of Fermentation: Beer & Cheese at St. Benjamin Brewing Company [We would like to invite you to join Philadelphia cheesemonger Matt Buddah and the crew at St. Benjamin Brewing Company for an educational and fun night of cheese and beer pairings.  $PAYG]
Wed. 3/21; 5 p.m. — Beer School at Local 44 [Free samples of each beer we will discuss are offered as our treat to you during the class. 100% of your Beer School donation goes directly to No Kid Hungry, an organization that aims to end childhood hunger in our community and across the country.  $Free]

West Chester, Pa.
Fri. 3/16; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Goshen Beverage [Tasting samples of beers from Yards.  $Free]
Sun. 3/18; 10 a.m. — Beers & Brunch at The Side Bar [All 14 taps upstairs will be dedicated to celebrating PA and our local breweries. At least 5 of the 14 taps downstairs will be brews from Russian River and the remaining will be filled with kegs we have been aging in our basement for your drinking pleasure. Special Firkin tapping at noon.  $PAYG]




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. 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, March 08, 2018

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: Philadelphia & beyond: March 8 - March 14

Winter is going out with a bang, but no worries, there are plenty of beer and beer events to see you through this last blast of winter.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region and over here for a look at Philly Tap Finder's event draft lists.

Allentown, Pa.
Sat. 3/10; 3 p.m.-7 p.m. — Cask Beer Festival at Allentown Brew Works [Numerous one-of-a-kind cask creations and craft beer from over a dozen craft breweries. Tickets include Celtic entertainment and St. Patrick’s Day inspired food buffet.  $15-$50]

Croydon, Pa.
Wed. 3/14; 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. — Pairing Beer and Cheese 101 at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company [Your ticket includes a cheese plate made up of four locally crafted cheeses, with condiments, and a flight of NCBC's seasonal beers.  $25]

Dover, Del.
Fri. 3/9; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — 11th Hour Sour Release Party at Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company [Great brews, food, live music, and a new beer release.  $PAYG]

Exton, Pa.
Tue. 3/13; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Bell's Hopslam at World Of Beer [Bell’s Hopslam Ale possesses the most complex hopping schedule in the Bell’s repetoire.  $PAYG]

Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
Sat. 3/10; All day — Stoopid Naked Flanders Limited Bottle Release at Naked Brewing Company [We only have a couple hundred bottles, so you'll want to make sure you're here for the release at 3 p.m.  $PAYG]

Jennersville, Pa.
Thu. 3/8; All day — One Hit Wonders Tap Takeover at Two Stones Pub [You will not want to miss this chance to try one off beers from 2SP. This may be the first and last time you will ever see them again.  $PAYG]

Lancaster, Pa.
Sat. 3/10; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — "Lucky You!" Brew Review at Isaac's Pickle Bar [We'll be pairing up 4 delicious St. Paddy's Day-inspired dishes with 4 great drafts from some of our favorite breweries.  $29.95]

Milton, Del.
Sat. 3/10; 11 a.m. — Chicha Bottle Release at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery [An ancient Peruvian beer brewed with corn that’s been chewed up and spit out, we’ve stayed true to brewing traditions with our recreation of this ancient ale.  $PAYG]

Perkasie, Pa.
Thu. 3/8; All day — Pink Boots Collaborative Brew Day 2018 at Free Will Brewing Company [The beer will incorporate the Pink Boots Hop Blend from YHC hops.   $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.
Fri. 3/9; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Wyndridge Tasting at Beer Love [Beers from Wyndridge Brewing Company.  $PAYG]
Fri. 3/9; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Bell Beverage [Tasting samples of beers from Evil Genius.  $Free]
Mon. 3/12; 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/Cigar City.  $Free]
Mon. 3/12; 5 p.m. — Tonewood Brewing Comes to Philadelphia at Monk's Café [ Straight out of Oaklyn, NJ, Tonewood is a family business with major brewing chops.  $PAYG]
Tue. 3/13; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. — Magically Delicious & Trust The Process Can Release at Evil Genius Brewing Company [A hazy Oatmeal IPA and a Mosaic and Amarillo IPA.  $PAYG]
Wed. 3/14; 5 p.m. — Brewery Happy Hour Series at Strangelove's [A brewery-led Happy Hour featuring complimentary tastings and specials on draft selections from Harpoon and Clown Shoes.  $Free]
Wed. 3/14; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — You Buy The Glass at The Abbaye [Keepsake glass, raffles, prizes, & giveaways from Starr Hill.  $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.
each Wednesday through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Complete 8 Boot Camp evenings over the course of the 10-week program, then bring your stamped ID card to the finale on St. Patrick's Day for entry into the drawing to win fun prizes including the grand prize of a trip to Ireland.  $PAYG]

Pottstown, Pa.
each Thursday through 3/17; All day — St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Complete 8 Boot Camp evenings over the course of the 10-week program, then bring your stamped ID card to the finale on St. Patrick's Day for entry into the drawing to win fun prizes including the grand prize of a trip to Ireland.  $PAYG]

Swarthmore, Pa.
Fri. 3/9; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Sterling Pig Tap Takeover at 320 Market Café [We are going to be absolutely crushing a pin of the limited release Captain Hogthrob Citra + Comet IPA, as well as plenty of their other awesome local brews.  $PAYG]

West Chester, Pa.
Fri. 3/9; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Goshen Beverage [Tasting samples of beers from 2SP.  $Free]




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. 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, March 01, 2018

San Francisco Beer Week 2018 - Beers By The Bay, Part 2

Check back here for Part 1 of SFBW 2018 - Beers By The Bay

(click picture for a gallery of 139 pictures from SFBW 2018)

Saturday proved to be, no surprise, another great day for SFBW 2018. It was the day I allocated to Oakland and Berkeley and it began at Drake's Dealership in North Oakland with a meetup of my sister-in-law and two nieces. On one hand, I was really there for the food; I knew the beer would follow if for no other reason than Drake's 30 years of excellence in Bay Area brewing. The brunch event was meant to showcase a collaboration beer with Beachwood in Southern California, a routinely award-winning brewery that you should seek out where possible. But the staff seemed completely overwhelmed and it turned out to be a one-beer plus food kickoff to my day. Albeit, a 90 minute, 1 beer kickoff. The atmosphere, including live jazz for the event, is unbeatable with the large open-air space built within the skeleton of a former car dealership. No worries, there'd be plenty more beer to find elsewhere.

The next stop took me and my good beer wing people to Woods Beer Co. This made the second stop at a Woods location (remember them from my Thursday highlights?) for me during SFBW '18 and again did not disappoint. This day's special Woods release focused on the Divine Origins series and showcased two beers - a base beer fermented with a white grape, Fiano, in neutral oak barrels and the same base beer fermented with a red grape, Merlot, also in neutral oak. It's been a while since I've had such a well-done mashup of the beer and wine worlds. Again, Woods gained another brewing star in my book and I'm already looking forward to the next visit(s).

Then it was off to Rare Barrel which was hosting a Women In Beer event, complete with roughly 15 female brewers mostly from the Bay Area or elsewhere in California. Much as dabbling Rare Barrel beers should be done without hesitation, okay well I did that too with the excellent Ensorcelled, I wanted to make a point of checking out a few of the guest beers. The Salted Caramel Stout from Breakside Brewing (Portland, Ore.) and London Calling Bitter (Redwood City, Calif.) certainly did not disappoint. $2 from each beer went to the Pink Boots Society, adding to the significance of the event. Love the atmosphere at Rare Barrel and was happy to see a solid, but not overwhelming, crowd. It was here that my co-conspirators went their own way and I hitched my wagon now to the Tasty McDole caravan.

The last stop of the night was the Celebrator Magazine 30th anniversary party. These parties, hosted by the inimitable publisher Tom Dalldorf, always look like the proper, just-about-over-the-top celebration of beer that you'd expect. The last I'd been to was all the way back in 2008 - the magazine's 20th - when it was staged at the downtown Oakland Marriott. For the last at least 8 years, it's been held at Trumer Brewery in northwest Berkeley. Much more conducive to a good beer festival. Plus, Jack-On-A-Stick agreed. The east coast writer for Celebrator - Jack Curtin - was in attendance, in a manner speaking and his co-writers certainly appreciated his appearance, though maybe not the Trumer staff so much since minutes after the group picture was taken, JOASt was confiscated.

The good thing about being an east coast interloper at an event like this is that most beers are new to me. Not so much the breweries or at least their names - however, these days it's harder than ever to keep up even with name recognition now that the State of California now touts over 900 brewing establishments! Yet for all the new breweries, there are still the stalwarts such as Anchor, Bear Republic, Marin, Russian River, and many others bringing new beers (and even that "old one", Pliny The Younger). Was there one beer that jumped out at me? Difficult to say, but sitting here more than a a week later, I realize that I can't get the chocolate aroma forward and Munich malt-based Hellesexy out of my mind from New Bohemia in Santa Cruz. Or maybe it was just the perfect break that I needed from so many hop-centric beers.

Back from Berkeley by way of BART train to downtown. I was teetering at this point between heading to Sycamore (Firestone Walker), Hopwater Distribution (North Coast), or The Willows (San Diego breweries) for their respective events, but I knew by this point I'd pressed my luck as far as I felt necessary (boy, am I getting old, or what?!) and called it another successful day.

Sunday brought nearly a full day of SFBW frivolity before heading out the redeye back to the east coast. I'd originally considered San Leandro to search out a young-ish brewery - Cleophus Quealy - as well as stop by the original Drake's. But, the timing and the hassle of dragging luggage with me was not appealing. So, I started where I was always planning to begin and went from there with a downtown San Francisco day to close out my trip. The non-negotiable beginning was for brunch at 21st Amendment.

Similar to my thoughts on Magnolia being a must-stop each visit to San Francisco, the original 21st Amendment brewery on 2nd Street (near AT&T Park) has seen quite a bit of me over the years as well. I'm fond of saying that fruit usually does not have a place on the rim of my beer glass, but at 21A, I make an exception for the perfectly natural and acceptable garnishing of the Hell or High Watermelon Wheat with a wedge of watermelon. But I wasn't there for the watermelon beer on this last day of SFBW. It was the barbecue (chicken, in this case) and the special beers. And for the live music. And for the unplanned meetup with owner Shaun O'Sullivan, Dave McLean (Magnolia), and a handful of others. It was for 90 minutes that turned into three hours. It was for the last day of photo ops with my Philly Special t-shirt. And it was to continue reveling in Super Bowl glory with a couple of like-minded fans who were there in their Eagles jerseys.

If I was to make the most of staying in the city, it began with doubling my time at 21A and then filling out the rest of the day with whatever else tasted good. Next up, that meant walking the few short blocks to Black Hammer, a relative newcomer to the city scene. A unique space more or less underneath the elevated I-80 approach to the Bay Bridge was full of similarly minded people. They, like many breweries across the country, are attempting to capitalize on the NEIPA craze and the day's event was entitled "Lazy, Crazy Hazy IPA Sundaze". I generally try to steer away from them. What I did find from Black Hammer was a very good Sparkle Pony Belgian Blonde and a surprisingly pleasing Christmas in Febrewary Spiced Saison.

Having rejoined my friend Kevin at this point, we made our way over to Cellarmaker. Though, not technically an event, a stop at Cellarmaker is something I try to do as often as possible as well. Even given their immense popularity, I've still never been there when the crowd is crushing to the point of driving me out. So, it was another handful of beers to help close out my last stop. Some of the usual suspects were on the list (Coffee & Cigarettes and Taco Hands never disappoint), and I added a couple that I've never come across before and again did not leave disappointed. That would be Lost Wisdom Saison and Dobis Plus IPA (100% Citra).

My biggest disappointment came after Cellarmaker and that was when my Lyft driver dropped me at my favorite sushi spot for one last meal only to discover that their new hours have them closed on Sundays. A hearty WTF?! If I'd known this, I'd have pivoted to my other last-SF-meal-before-a-redeye-tradition at Mikkeller. But at this point, it would've been cutting it too close for enjoyment and still need to get luggage from hotel and get to airport to do the TSA tango.

The SFBW '18, while barely four days long in my experience this year, was worth every minute and bit of effort to see some of what's old, new, and still great about the Bay Area beer scene.

Check back here for Part 1 of SFBW 2018 - Beers By The Bay




© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. 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