I Am Beer Wise

Dogfish is All About the Noble Rot

2012-01-26T15:33:00.001-05:00

Sly Fox Phoenixville Robbie Burns: Haggis Infused Birthday Celebration

2012-01-20T14:45:00.001-05:00

Yes, it's time to get your Scottish on at Sly Fox. The annual Robbie Burns celebration is this evening. Festivities start at 6:00 but the real fun starts at 6:30 with the arrival of the Haggis. If you're lacking on the history of Mr. Burns (pictured below) please click here for a fast lesson.

Robbie Burns Birthday Event

Our mid-January party is the first big beer event of each year and this one is no different. Gang Aft Agley Scotch Ale and Burns Scottish Ale will be pouring, the bagpipes will be piping and the arrival of the Haggis (6:30pm) will be marked by Ian Turnbull's reading of Burns' Ode to a Haggis. Celtic Spirit will play music throughout the evening.

We will also reward everyone who attends wearing a kilt with a free pint and have a judging of the best Kilt attire, male and female, with first, second and third place prizes.

Merry Chris...Happy New Ye....Ahhh Hell the Pumpkins are Still Here!!!

2012-01-19T18:16:00.003-05:00

Yes the New Year is here and so am I. The blog, though seemingly on life support, rolls on with a pulse. A pulse that demands the third installment of the pumpkin beer saga. No fear this is the light at the end of a long cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg infused tunnel. It is officially 2012 and this is DEAD PUMPKIN BEERS WALKING the final onslaught.

All the previous Pie-in-a-glass (P.I.G) rules apply. A 1 rating means the pie and the pint don't share much in common. On the flip side a 5 means the pie rules with a heavy hand. If you need more details please refer back to the other pumpkin posts. Now lets put a knife to this pumpkin beer madness and end it.

Sixpoint: Autumnation

This is the first and only canned pumpkin beer out of the bunch. Similar to canned pumpkin used for a pie this beer is a bright seasonal orange. Unfortunately that's about where the pumpkin comparison stops. Not much pumpkin flavor happening here. Maybe some allspice, ginger and essence of pumpkin at the most. What stands out more are the crisp, grassy and bitter notes that make for a good fall IPA. The P.I.G is 1 and done.

Uinta: Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin Ale

The barrel aged trend has found it's way to the pumpkin beer patch. This is the third barrel aged pumpkin beer to get the P.I.G review. Jacked is part of Uinta's Crooked Line Series and hits with a big abv of 10.31% (really?). If accurate it's a very good percentage for a Halloween appropriate brew. This beer is a spice train. Loads of allspice, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and vanilla all swirling together. The pumpkin-vegi-squash flavor is there if you really search it out. The oak treatment comes on at the end and then it all becomes boozy and hot.
Like a kid with only half a bag of candy on Halloween, I expected more. P.I.G points 2.5.

Voodoo Brewing Company: Headless Horseman

If you fear the dark this is not the beer for you. Pumpkin Beers don't get much murkier or charred brown than this nitro pour. The color maybe haunting but that's where the scariness ends. This is smooth pumpkin spice happiness. The pie spice is heavy handed (especially ginger and clove) but it works with the mellow roastiness. Although somewhat thin it doesn't distract from the creamy smoothness. Even with a touch of malt sweetness the bite of bitter hops had me thinking Black IPA. The P.I.G is big here. Think, a slice of pie served with a dark roasty Starbuck's blend. This treat gets a 4.

Jolly Pumpkin: La Parcela

What better way to end this pumpkin journey than with the brewery that mistakenly gets thrown in the mix of pumpkin happenings by those not in the know. Despite the name of the brewery La Parcela is the first pumpkin beer from Jolly Pumpkin. If sour is your thing get to know these guys. They specialize in funky ales and this is certainly a funky pumpkin. The sour isn't tongue buckling but it is dominate. Real pumpkin flavor is there but it takes effort to pull out the traditional spices. I picked out more citrus, grass and biscuit than pumpkin. It's a solid, tasty sour that breaks away from the traditional pumpkin format. For that reason the P.I.G rides low with a 0. Sorry, no pie for you.

This pumpkin beer ride has gone on far longer than expected but that's not such a bad thing. I had the opportunity to try some amazing beer. Each year it's seems that more brewers are jumping into the pumpkin patch. One of the reasons for the many creative twists on the typical pumpkin and spice approach. If you still have a taste for the spicy beer offerings there are certainly several still out there. Even though we are on the downside of the season and the autumnal spirits are at rest, it won't be long until another crop of pumpkin inspired treats rises to take over taps once again.

Chickie's & Pete's Visited (Revisited)

2011-12-11T05:33:00.001-05:00

Finally after weeks of trying I managed to slide into Chickie's & Pete's in Audubon. My last C&P experience happened at the Philadelphia Airport location more than a year ago. Where that was a quick, grab some Crabfries before jumping a flight to Pittsburgh, the Audubon stop was the whole down and dirty. The perfect opportunity to dive deep into sloppy crabby goodness, house a mound of Crabfries and fully explore the extensive (smile) beer list.

Since Friday was the night of my attack all the expected negatives were in place: crowded parking lot, 40 minute wait, full bar area and a mix of loud chatter and 80's music. Not a problem. I didn't expect Sunday School surroundings. Those slight negatives were easily brushed off. What made a true impression, is for the amount of humanity swirling the service was exceptional. From the time I entered the door until I received a check the service impressed. There has to be some crazy Chickie's & Pete's boot camp out there, whipping 20 somethings into hardcore food service shape. You'd never know the place had only been in operation for a month. While quickly getting menus, taking orders, delivering drinks and serving, the crew remained friendly and operated like a well tuned machine.

Great service is certainly something to fawn over but the efficiency of the wait staff wasn't the primary reason for dining out. The main focus involved food and beer. I'll start with the good news first. Chickie's & Pete's knows what to do with little creatures from the sea. Oh holy crabs! Specifically three hard shell crabs served in a bowl of seasoned broth with a side of crusty white bread. Juicy, tender and sweet there is no way to hate the little bottom walkers. Surprisingly 3 crabs with an order of Crabfries and a salad completely wiped out my massive appetite.

However as delectable as the crabs were if you want a good beer to accompany your meal the choices are horribly limited. In my last post (see below) I brought out the fact that Chickie's & Pete's seems to have a blind eye for craft beer. Well that's not entirely true. It's more like an eye with tunnel vision and severe cataracts. The Audubon beer list isn't that drastically different from the other locations. It's chocked full of crap macro swill with barely a sniff of good beer. A small hooray for Victory Hop Devil and the obligatory Sam Adams offerings. Really guys, only room enough for a few true craft beers? You're a Philly based restaurant group and you don't get how this town loves great beer? Sure everyone tells you your the best sports bar in America but that obviously has nothing to do with the beer you pour. I guess I'll just have to be happy with Hop Devil along side the hard shells. I'd certainly walk through the doors more if a few of those repetitive, same old, swill macros were pushed aside for more craft beers that would compliment what's served on the plates. Go to Chickie's & Pete's for the crabs and Crabfries. Go somewhere else for a beer.

Chickie's & Pete's Where's the Beer (WTB)?

2011-11-11T13:23:00.005-05:00

Chickie's & Pete's has recently opened in Audubon, PA. I'm sure most Philadelphian's who enjoy sports, drinks and bar grub are more than familiar with the, "Crab House and Sports Bar". I've made it to several of their locations over the years and have succumb to the delicious spell of their crabs and famous Crabfries (cheese sauce please). Now that they are essentially in my backyard the temptation to throwdown will be even harder to resist. However as great as their food menu is one look at their beer selection leaves a craft beer fan asking, "Where's the beer (WTB)"?

(from C&P website S.Philly Menu)
Draft List
Amstel Light, Blue Moon, Budweiser, Coors Light, Guinness, Heineken, Hoegaarden, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Sam Adams Seasonal, Rolling Rock, Yuengling Lager
Bottle List
Amstel Light, Bass Ale, Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Lime, Coors Light, Corona, Corona Light, Harp, Heineken, Heineken Light, Michelob, Michelob Ultra, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Miller Lite, Miller High Life, Miller 64, Molsen Golden, Moosehead, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Rolling Rock, Sam Adams Boston Lager, Smirnoff Ice, Smithwick's, Stella Artois, Twisted Tea, Twisted Tea 1/2 & 1/2, Twisted Light, Twisted Peach, Yuengling Lager, Yuengling Light, Yuengling Black & Tan, O'Doul's.

Why in a town known as, "America's Best Beer Drinking City", where the "Beer Week" phenomenon originated and whose residents support an amazing array of craft beer locations, does Chickie's & Pete's have one of the largest selections of bland, unimaginative, fizzy yellow, macro muck on draft and in bottles? One look at what the South Philly location is pouring and anyone who knows good beer would head in the other direction. There's barely even a thimble full of taste on either list and having Sam Adams does nothing to appease my dissatisfied craft beer soul. Ironically this is happening at a time when even cookie cutter national chains such as T.G.I. Friday's and Applebee's are getting a clue and doing slight tweeks to improve their beer menus. Seems odd that a well run Philly based restaurant/bar chain would snub craft beer. Worse yet turn it's back on local brews.

Obviously the powers-that-be who guide the Chickie's & Pete's gravy train are successful with what they do and their business plan is certainly rapidly moving them forward. However why not offer some quality beer choices that go beyond what I'd find at a late night frat party. Would that take C & P too far off course? Hey, no need to get crazy with the beer offerings. I'm not shooting for a selection of 10% imperial, barrel aged, smoked, Whatchamacallits. To avoid getting lost in the sea of craft beer choices start simple and stay local. Sorry, having Yuengling as the only local beer doesn't cut it. There are plenty of good choices from: Victory, Sly Fox, Troegs, Dogfish Head, Stoudt's, Weyerbacher, Yards etc. Imagine a successful local restaurant/bar with fantastic food and amazing local beer. Hmmm, (Standard Tap) wonder if that would work?

Now in fairness I haven't made a trip to the Audubon location of Chickie's & Pete's so I'm judging from past experience and relying on the beer menus posted on their website. If the beer program has miraculously changed for the better I stand corrected. Hooray if that's the case. Then it's time for me to shut up and move on. Since I'm headed to C & P over the weekend I'll have recent first hand experience. I hope I'm not stuck asking, "WTB"? Check back here for what I uncover.

Meanwhile, to the guys who make the decisions at the house that Crabfries built, check out what craft beer can do for you. Just a thought.

Happy International Stout Day

2011-11-03T11:59:00.000-04:00

November 3rd is officially proclaimed by those official enough to deem such things officially as, International Stout Day

(From the ISD website). International Stout Day is a worldwide celebration of the iconic beer style, Stout. Taking place in homes, pubs, breweries and restaurants; it’s all about celebrating the craft beer revolution, relishing in this beloved beer style, sharing your photos, tasting notes and events with the world

Now I am all for the celebration of a particular beer style. Ahhh, how I remember International IPA Day just like it was yesterday (actually Aug 4th). Heck if it puts people in bars, on their couches, in clubs or wherever they raise a glass, then I say, "Hell yeah lets celebrate". However as a responsible citizen I must inform everyone of a few special days ahead. Prepare accordingly.

11/3 National Sandwich Day (Order a Cheesesteak and Stone IRS and the day is covered)
11/5 National Doughnut Day (Wonder if Krispie Kreme and DD are aware?)
11/9 National Bold and Pungent Day (So many ways I can celebrate this)
11/16 National Fast Food Day (Truly an American holiday)
11/9 National Scrapple Day (Another reason for Philadelpians to stand up and cheer)

Today, where ever you choose to imbibe, pick your favorite stout and hoist the glass high in honor of this most righteous day of beer.

Cheers my friends!

Lets Have Breakfast @ The Sidecar Bar and Grille

2011-11-02T11:49:00.000-04:00

What more needs to be said?

THE PUMPKINS LIVE!!!! (Pumpkin Beers Part Deux).

2011-11-01T11:41:00.002-04:00

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the bottle shop..........(dramatic pause)............More pumpkin beers cometh!!!! No one ever expects a horror movie to end on the first go around. You have to beat any good idea into the ground like it's a stumbling, worm infested zombie. Thus, The Pumpkins Live.

In round one a Pie-in-a-glass (aka P.I.G) scale was introduced to judge the pumpkin pie effect of the selected brews. A 1 rating denotes it's less pie like while a 5 rating suggests a side of whip cream is appropriate. Let the tasting commence.

Heavy Seas: Great'Er Pumpkin (Imperial Pumpkin Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels)

If you're launching back into the pumpkin beer sea you might as well go big and boozy. Great'Er (9.0% abv) is the bourbon aged version of Heavy Seas Great Pumpkin (not reviewed) and there is no denying this beer spent some time in the wood. Bourbon catches air during the pour, lashes out at first sip and remains the dominate flavor. Pie spices, pumpkin and roasted malt are detectable while the bourbon provides a mild sweetness. As expected the warmth kicks in towards the end and hangs on through the finish. Overall Great'Er is good but a fuller bodied imperial pumpkin beer as a base may of worked better with the barrel treatment. P.I.G factor 2. This is one serious drunkin' pumpkin.

Cigar City: Good Gourd Imperial Pumpkin Ale

This seems to be the year that brewers want to say, "My pumpkin is bigger than yours". The imperial train keeps on rolling with Good Gourd (9.0% abv). This is one of the few bottles that I didn't drag from my cellar. I was lucky to share this with friends at Craft Ale House one evening. The yummy pie flavors are all present but what stood out most was the great balance of flavors. Pumpkin, spices, graham cracker, sweetness and booze were all in check. No high octane burn, no sudden nutmeg spikes and not a single sugary rush. Simply a solid flavorful pumpkin beer. The P.I.G is high on this one 4.

New Belgium w/Elysian: Kick (pumpkin, cranberry, barrel aged)

Leave it to New Belgium to put a sour twist on the pumpkin beer tradition. Part of the Lips of Faith series, Kick (8.5) is a pumpkin cranberry ale that's blended with wood aged beer. In this unique wrestling match for flavor supremacy the cranberry lays a serious smackdown on the old orange gourd. Sweet tart cranberry, crisp citrus and oak flavors barely give the pumpkin a chance to surface. The sour effect is low so it's not a tongue buckler. Pumpkin lovers don't let the kickass Jack-o-Lanterns on the bottle fool ya. This one is more Thanksgiving than Halloween. A very good lightly sour beer that sends the pie a packing. Zero P.I.G.

Rock Bottom Brewery (King of Prussia) Ichabod's Pumpkin Ale

One of the few things that keeps an extended trip to the mall bearable is the ability to sneak away to Rock Bottom for a pint. No shifty moves were needed to seek out their pumpkin beer. Ichabod is a break away from the imperialized trend. In fact it could officially be the anti-imperial pumpkin. The most exciting option offered when ordering a pint was the sugar & cinnamon treatment done to the rim of the glass. I opted out and went in clean. Everything about the 5.5% abv ale is clean and easy going. The pie spices and pumpkin flavors are middle of the road and almost textbook plain. Surprisingly the underlying flavor even leans more towards a traditional macro lager than an ale. Tasting more light hops and malt than in-your-face pie spice isn't necessarily a bad thing. However on the P.I.G it gets you a 2.5.

Pumking on display at Wegmans Collegeville

2010 & 2009
(Ghostly finger provided by Big Dan)

Southern Tier: Pumking

If there were a heavyweight equivalent to pumpkin beer, Southern Tier Pumking (9.0% abv 2011) would be champ. The hurrah hype that hits every fall causing bottle packed displays to quickly dwindle down to empty cardboard stacks is almost deserved. I've reviewed this beer multiple times so I'll keep it simple this go around. This is the Grand Puba P.I.G 5. Sure, go ahead toss in a dollop of fresh whip cream for effect (just kidding). Sweet cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, yadda, yadda, yadda, yummy pie goodness, you get the idea. To make it somewhat interesting this year I had the chance to taste the 2009, 2010 and this year's draft and bottle versions. The draft had a more pronounced cinnamon sharpness than the bottle and a pallet far better than mine is needed to pick out any subtle difference between the 09 and 10. Whichever one you encounter, here's to raising a pint of pie.

Now that Halloween has passed does this mean a death to the pumpkin beers? Something tells me this tale of spice and hops has not seen it's final chapter. To be continued..........????

The Gathering of the Gourds @ Iron Hill West Chester

2011-10-19T12:55:00.002-04:00

For those of you, like me, who go full speed ahead into fall consuming everything pumpkin (especially beer) West Chester is where you'll want to venture next weekend (10/29) for the annual Gathering of the Gourds. The folks at Iron Hill Brewery West Chester will be pouring a variety of their well crafted and creative pumpkin beers along with guest brews from Elysian Brewing Co. and Cambridge Brewing Co. To accompany the pumpkin pours special pumpkin and squash inspired dishes. It all starts at 2:00 with the tapping of one seriously sizable pumpkin.

Here a little pumpkin tapping blast from the past to hold ya over until next week. Iron Hill North Wales Pumpkin Fest 2008. Hmmm, those guys in the video look familiar.

It's On: Great American Beer Festival 2011

2011-09-29T17:04:00.002-04:00

Philly represented at GABF 2010 @ the Cheeky Monk

Ooohhh Haaa! It's time for a little beer gathering in Denver. Today is the kick off of the Great American Beer Festival. A three day (Sept 29-Oct1) extravaganza dedicated to the world's best beverage. Last year I experienced it first hand and it's a trip that should be made by anyone who suffers from good beer lust. There is no need to go into all the many reasons why the pilgrimage is a must. It's already been done here. Simply trust me on this and make plans to attend next year. There's obviously a reason why all the people above are smiling. Cheers!

Yard's: Smoke 'Em If Yous Got 'Em

2011-09-23T15:39:00.001-04:00

This is the 3rd Annual Smoke 'Em If Yous Got 'Em at Yard's Brewing Company. I've had the chance to attend the last two and if you are a smoke beer fan with a fondness for BBQ then don't miss this. Unfortunately do to prior engagements (hanging with Ava) my attendance streak will come to an end. However, that should be good news to everyone in attendence. Since I ate a criminal amount of BBQ last year I gaurentee there will be more food available this time around. Cheers!

4:30-8:00pm
Tickets
$50.00 in advance
$60.00 at the door
Designated driver $25.00

Pictures from Smoke Em 2010 and Smoke 'Em 2009

Dogfish Head Celebrates Pearl Jam

2011-09-23T12:32:00.002-04:00

Looks like Dogfish Head is continuing it's blending of beer and music. Following in the path of last year's Bitches Brew (Miles Davis) and the release of Hellhound Ale (Robert Johnson) earlier this year, Faithfull Ale will celebrate Pearl Jam's twentieth anniversary and the album TEN. A release date has not been announced.

(Label)
Faithfull Ale is a celebration of Pearl Jam’s 20th anniversary and their seminal album Ten – In recognition of these milestones this Belgian-style golden ale is delicately hopped to 20 IBUs and fruit-forward from 10 incremental additions of black currants over the course of the one hour boil. 7% ABV.

The Cameron Crowe film Pearl Jam 20 was released in theaters September 20th on a limited run. The film will be shown on American Masters (PBS) on October 21st.

This is a blatant opportunity for me to post a Pearl Jam Video. So be it.

YIKES, The Invasion of the Pumpkin Beers!!!

2011-09-22T18:08:00.004-04:00

Beer people tend to have either a love it or hate it relationship with pumpkin beers. While I lean heavy on the love side, seeing pumpkin beers in late July (finger pointed at you Smuttynose) had me grimacing and screaming foul. However now that the weather is turning, a slight chill is in the night air and the last days of summer are upon us, it's time for the flavors of Fall. Unleash the pumpkin brews!

The abundance of pumpkin offerings this year is staggering. More breweries than ever are making it their big fall seasonal. Sorry, Oktoberfest lovers the squeeze for shelf space is on. Some companies like Elysian offer multiple styles: Night Owl (pumpkin ale), The Great Pumpkin (imperial pumpkin) and Dark-o-the-Moon (pumpkin stout). With so many options I stuck with a few tried and true beers and then mixed in several bottles that were new to me.

When it comes to pumpkin beer they tend fall on a sliding scale. At one end there are the pumpkin pie wannabe's. All the spices of pumpkin pie coveniently in liquid form. The over used, "pie in a glass" applies here. On the other side are beers with less of a sweet pie complex. The pumpkin is there with spice but the hops and malt are more pronounced. The following beers are all judged on the Pie-In-a-Glass scale (aka P.I.G scale). 1 denotes it's less pie like, while 5 means breakout the whip cream.

Schlafly Pumpkin Ale

Thank you Dave for putting this in my hands. This is getting high praise over on that advocate site so my interest was peaked going into the first sip. This screams pumpkin pie spice as soon as it's poured in the glass. Cinnamon is the muscle spice here with a nutmeg back-up. The clove barely creeps in. The pumpkin is all pie quality. Think Grandma baking on Thanksgiving. This one will have you forgetting it's beer. With an 8% abv this could make for a dangerous dessert. If you dig the pie this is for you.

P.I.G scale 5 (Did my Grandma make this?)

Dogfish Head Punkin
Hello old vampire shark friend (see the label). It's been awhile. This may of been my first pumpkin beer and remains a beer I purchase every year. The pumpkin pie spices are there but don't call it pie. The brown ale base is very noticeable with nutmeg and allspice mixing in well with the hops. It's a treat but not an overly sweet candied one. It happily maintains it's beer bite.
P.I.G scale 2 (Yum, I can tell I'm drinking a beer)

O' Fallon Pumpkin Beer

This is where things get interesting. Real pumpkin comes forward in the aroma, not just pie spice. However the same isn't true when it comes to the flavor. The pumpkin fades and spices come forward with cloves running the show. There's even a slight cider flavor detectable. The P.I.G is there but only if your grandma's pies were covered in dry clove buds. Finally, this was also the thinnest of all the beers which didn't make for the best drinking experience.
P.I.G scale 4 (only if you love cloves)

River Horse Hipp-O-Lantern Imperial Pumpkin Ale

This is the non offensive pumpkin beer out of the bunch. Somewhat of a surprise since it has the "Imperial" tag. Everything here leans to the light side. There's pumpkin and pie spices but they don't strike big. Sweet, malty cinnamon and nutmeg balance out the bitterness. The booziness that lags at the end is the only hint that this wants to be known as an imperial ale.
P.I.G scale 3 (Imperial ?)

South Hampton Pumpkin Ale
This is another middle of the road offering. The aroma is light roasted pumpkin and pie spice. The flavor is pumpkin bread upfront with a good balance of cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar appearing later. Sweetness is under control and nothing over powers so you know there is an ale under the spice.
P.I.G scale 3 (Middle of the road pumpkin)

This is only the begining of the season. Prepare for more beers from the cellar. The Invasion of the Pumpkin Beers Part Deux........ coming soon!

Wow, Those Are Some Seriously Big Beers My Dear: Oktoberfest is On

2011-09-21T15:58:00.000-04:00

With such a focus on what's happening in and around Philadelphia sometimes I forget to widen the lense for a bigger view of the beer world. Last week I managed to miss the start of Oktoberfest in Munich Germany. The world's largest festival, at 5 million plus attendies, launched on Sept 17 and runs until October 3.

As much as I'd love to attend this mondo beer fest that day will have to wait. If you plan on keeping it local here are two options that will put a twist in your dirndls and lederhosen. PROST!

Brauhaus Schmitz 3rd Annual Oktoberfest

Saturday Sept 24. Noon-? PAYG

This is the real deal. Skip the flight and stay in Philly for German food, music and of course the beer. Anytime you can shut down a block on South Street for your party it's gotta be good.

6th Annual Midtown Village Fall Festival
Saturday October 1st, Noon-8pm
So what if it's not offically an Oktoberfest. It's a "five block block party". Have a beer and enjoy!

Tailgating Bastard

2011-09-19T15:38:00.002-04:00

Last week I the started the 2011 NFL season tailgating at Met Life stadium for the Jets/Cowboys game. In a massive sea of green clad Jets fans, sparking up grills to prepare various forms of seasoned meats, the beers most often seen were of the fizzy yellow variety. However, one cooler held a secret. Mixed in with the chilled cans of Miller Light was a bottle of true relevance. An old micro friend. Something a tad tastier than the common mans micro muck, a bomber of Stone Arrogant Bastard.

The one thing I never understood was why someone would spend time grilling up big flavorful pieces of meat cover them in big bold spicy sauces then wash them down with flavorless swill. It's the equivalent of picking off a pass, running it down the field, avoiding multiple defenders, reaching the 1 yard line only to sit down and not score. What the hell? If you start strong finish strong.

Arrogant Bastard's strong abrasive hop profile matched perfectly with the charcoal cooked meats. From brats to dogs, burgers and grilled chicken the beer flavor never got lost. Overall, the best combo was Bastard and marinated steak. The garlic, onion, season salt and lines of black char from the steak melding with the roastiness and bitter hops of AB was an intoxicating flavor marriage. Not that Bastard is the only beer suited for a big grilling occasion, it's simply a damn good one. The bonus of the day was that there was even enough to enjoy once we broke out the cigars. Consider Arrogant Bastard a true tailgate necessity.

For the Love of Dogs and Beer: The Beer Yard/Troegs/Teresa's

2011-09-02T12:32:00.000-04:00

The Murph

This one is for Murphy (any reason to get my dog's photo up) and all those who love dogs and beer. Troegs, the Beer Yard and Teresa's are combining forces for the Delco SPCA on Sat (9/3). Since Mr Curtin's words over at the Beer Yard site say it best I'll just copy and paste them below.

Labor Day Weekend Tröegs/Teresa's/Beer Yard Event for Delco SPCA September 03, 2011 - September 05, 2011 - The Beer Yard

Saturday, Sept. 3: 1-4 pm, in front of the Beer Yard. Award-winning beers from Tröegs Brewing Company will be available for sampling and accompanied by a variety of tasty food treats from Teresa's Next Door. Every case of Tröegs beer sold during the event will benefit the Delco SPCA to the tune of $5.00 and all profits from the food menu, which will feature $2 hot dogs as a specialty, will also go to that worthy cause. Sales Rep Nick Johnson will be selling Tröegs do collars with proceeds going to SPCA. Additionally, every customer buying a case of Tröegs will receive a free logo-ed pint glass.

All Weekend & Labor Day: $5 goes to Delco SPCA for any case of Tröegs beer purchased; write SPCA on your bill at Teresa's and 10% will also go the Delco SPCA.

Firestone Walker Abacus with a Kicker

2011-09-02T11:26:00.004-04:00

Lately I've been on a Firestone Walker journey. A few roll backs on the mouse wheel and you'll see a review of Parabola. Before that, although not reviewed, I poured a bottle Double Jack . This past weekend I yanked a bottle of Abacus from the cellar and rode out the hurricane.

David Walker @ Capone's

The first time I experienced Abacus was during the Philly launch of FW back in April. David Walker was doing his best Sam Calagione impersonation by making the proper promotional rounds and explaining the magic behind his beers. Since most of what he was showcasing packed a serious abv punch the extreme beer heads (myself included) were happy with Philly's newest offerings. Abacus made enough of an impression that I have ~~three~~ two bottles collecting dust in the beer cellar.

With the first drops hitting the glass it's obvious this is a big beer. The aroma is all telling; Sweet bourbon, dark fruit, vanilla and toffee with some roastiness. I feared an overly sweet first sip but thankfully this barley wine's sweet malty side isn't over the top. The taste is in line with the aroma. Cherry, fig and chocolate flavors mixing great with the soft bourbon background. The booze is there but more warm than burning. Very well done and so far my favorite from Firestone Walker.

Abacus with cherries added, SWEET!

Looking at the photo your eyes are not deceiving you there are some serious floaters in the glass. Those globs are fresh Bing cherries I added to my second glass of the evening. The sweet cherries were a nice little kicker and worked even better than expected. They obviously pumped up the dark fruit flavors and the bourbon combined with fresh cherry juice created an ultimate evening sipper. The bonus was all those Abacus soaked cherries once the beer was finished. A glass just keeps on giving. No better way to spend a stormy evening.

Beer is My Breakfast: Rogue Bacon Maple Porter

2011-08-25T18:26:00.001-04:00

Bacon Maple Bars

Rogue Ales and Voodoo Doughnuts are putting their creative Pacific Northwest minds together and unleashing what sounds like a wickedly delicious breakfast beer. Bacon Maple Porter will be made with apple smoked bacon, vanilla beans and maple syrup. Mmmmm bacon! The release will be in 750ml bottles.

For those not in the know Voodoo Doughnuts out of Portland Oregon is famous for their ultra creative sugary fried treats. The Bacon Maple Bar with actual strips of bacon and a maple glaze is one of their biggest sellers. This is definitely the type of food and beer collaboration I live for.

Welcome to the World Ava

2011-08-25T12:57:00.003-04:00

In the past my lapses in posting have mainly been due to surges in work or laziness. Now I have an even better excuse for my recent hiatus. On August 7th little Ava Grace Parker entered the world. Our first child is now delightfully taking up anything that could be called free time. Everyone at this end is healthy, happy and working with all the new twist and turns of the day. My beer life has slowed but still exists between diaper changes, feedings and doctor visits. Cheers!

Happy IPA Day

2011-08-04T15:24:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure how I feel about International IPA Day. Is it just another silly made up celebratory day in the mold of National Raspberry Cream Pie Day, National Tooth Fairy Day and National S'mores Day? Or is it another great way to get the word of craft beer flowing. Realistically the only people talking about IPA Day are those of us who are already enjoying craft beer. I know this for a fact because my mother has yet to send me a holiday card filled with XOXOXOs and a $10.00 check. Take it for what its worth, it's another reason to enjoy a beer. Round up a few friends, pick your favorite pub and hoist a glass of IPA. The day is yours hop heads, rejoice. It all ends soon, but no worries National Mustard Day (Aug 6th) is just around the corner.

Memphis Taproom Does My Pittsburgh Heart Proud

2011-08-03T17:04:00.001-04:00

There is certainly no love lost between Philadelphians and Pittsburghers. With the exception of when their sports teams are butting heads one corner of PA couldn't care less about what's happening in the other. However, since Pittsburgh is my hometown and the Philly area is were I reside I have a love of both cities. Therefore, when I have the chance to experience a little Pittsburgh flavor at this end of the state it makes me all warm and fuzzy. Tonight is the chance to experience a taste of Pittsburgh. Memphis Taproom has brought back Pittsburgh Nights and they're doing it in the Beer Garden.

Pittsburgh Night in the Beer Garden

Wednesday, August 3 :: 6-9pm
Pittsburgh Nights are back! We'll be stocking the truck with cans of IC Light and whatever goodies we can get our hands on from Penn Brewery, all for $3! AND for one night only get your 'Ode to a Primanti Brothers HOT DOG' for just $4. Alfresco dining, the Pittsburgh way!

I'll vouch for the Primanti style dog and beers from Penn Brewery but you're on your own when it comes to IC Light. Just because I call it home doesn't mean I have to like everything from Pittsburgh.

Parabola: the Darkness in the Glass

2011-07-28T14:26:00.000-04:00

IN THE DARKNESS

In the darkness of my doubts

I know not what to say.

In the darkness of my jealousies

I know not what to feel.

In the darkness of my insecurities

I know not what to become.

-Sri Chinmoy

In the darkness of my glass I know not what I'll taste. The darkness in the glass is 2011 Firestone Walker Parabola. It's a high octane (13% abv) bourbon barrel aged imperial stout. I had debated on whether or not to pull this from my cellar or to let it sit on the shelf, get dusty and age. Originally I had only one bottle. A HUGE thanks to Rich Isaacs (richonbeer.blogspot.com) who stepped up when I thought I missed my chance to find it in store. Then, not too long after, during a trip through South Jersey I got lucky and came across two bottles. Score! So quickly none turned to three. Now the best of both worlds: drink one and age two.

On the first pour of Parabola the bourbon shows big in the aroma. There is no denying its bourbon aged. Chocolate, hints of cherry/dark fruit, coffee and caramel all fall in line. The taste is sweet bourbon mixed with chocolate, vanilla and roasted malt flavors. With small sips it's perfectly smooth at first. However, the booziness catches up in the end and it becomes hot. Not horrible, but age should do good things to this beer. Even now it's still a pretty amazing.

If you're lucky enough to have a bottle or find it on draft two things are a must. First, enjoy it in the proper glass. Get your nose into a snifter and have fun with the aroma while you drink. Yes it makes a difference! Second, taste it cool but wait to really enjoy it once it warms up. Well worth it.

I put it up there with The Abyss, Bourbon County Brand Stout and Black Magick. The curiosity of how this is going to taste in a year or two is the only thing that stops me from opening the remaining bottles and enjoying them now.

Thanks Big Dan for Bringing Us Beersgiving

2011-07-22T19:22:00.001-04:00

Mr. Dan Bengel, aka Big Dan, has officially made the announcement of BEERSGIVING. A grand beerfest to be held at Sunnybrook in Pottstown on Sat November 19th. Yes, that's the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Hence the name of the fest. Those of you who know Dan are probably aware that his first attempt at a beerfest unfortunately fizzled fast. That's why this announcement is even sweeter. I've known about it for awhile but was sworn to secrecy. A wise man, especially a beerwise man, knows it's best to follow Big Dan's wishes. You know he hangs with those TNSC hooligans. Anyway I kept quiet and now that the news is out we can all cheer for the big day. If you haven't done so already click on the above link for more information and start counting the days until our first BEERSGIVING.

Traveling for Burgers and Beer

2011-07-20T17:47:00.011-04:00

Craft Ale House Burger
w/ fried onions & blue cheese

Some of my recent posts have focused on food along with beer options around Philly. This started me thinking about my favorite beer and food combo. What do I tend to order more than anything else? Either locally or out on the road the burger is king. For great beer and burgers around Philly Standard Tap, Craft Ale House , Monk's and Capone's get my nod. Since my grand traveling days are on hold for awhile (little Miss. Iambeerwise is arriving soon) I'm depending on these local favorites for my fix. However, when I dream of sizzling ground beef away from Philly there are two places that satisfy my beer and burger fantasies. One is a plane ride west and the other is a simple day trip down 95.

Duffy's Cherry Cricket Burger
w/green chilies & cream cheese

First up is Duffy's Cherry Cricket in Denver Colorado. Their mouth watering Cricket Burger topped with mild Green Chilies and Cream Cheese is outrageously good. It may sound odd but it's an incredible mix of flavors that really work well together. The beer list is heavy on Colorodo breweries which should be no surprise. I wrote more about it here in my ramblings on last year's GABF.

RFD Breakfast Burger

However as good as that burger and beer choices were at Cherry Cricket top spot goes to RFD in Washington D.C. This beer utopia is home to the appropriately named Breakfast Burger. I discovered this miracle on a plate last year during D.C. Beer Week. It's a 1/2lb of ground beef marinated in Kostritzer Black Lager, cooked to order, topped with a fried egg, bacon, American cheese and a choice of toppings. It's all served with a side of fries. As good as that was what pushed it to number one was the accompanying glass of Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout. A damn a finer meal has not been had in all the land! Although I enjoyed it for dinner it's easy to picture putting this away on a weekend morning or better yet after a night out with the clock striking 3am. All that breakfast goodness between two buns washed down with the maple, coffee, bourbon flavors of the palate bashing CBS. The bonus is RFD is one of the best beer bars anywhere. If a monstrous Imperial Stout doesn't work something from the impressive bottle selection or 35 taps is sure to please. The perfect gluttonous burger along with a bevy of beer choices is the reason RFD has my top spot.

TJ's "The Scraps"

2011-07-16T15:45:00.001-04:00

The notion of getting scraps isn't typically anything to write home about. That's unless those scraps come from Philly Beer Week 2011. Today (7/16) TJ Restaurant and Drinkery breaks out a full lineup the good stuff for a PBW flashback. Sure it wasn't that long ago but I'm sure no one will complain about an early nod to this years mondo event. The official start time is 4pm PAYG.

TheScraps on Tap

Ballast Point Navigator

Ballast Point Tongue Buckler

Ballast Point Sculpin

Boulder Bourbon Barrel Aged Mojo Risin

Bruery Mischief

Cigar City Hillsborough Dry Stout

Central Waters Illumination DIPA

Coronado Hoppy Lager

Coronado Black Pearle

Dark Horse Raspberry Black Ice

Dark Horse Shake Mocha Porter

Evil Twin Yang

Hill Farmstead Double Citra

Hill Farmstead Abner

Hill Farmstead Edward

Sixpoint Bill's Burger Bar Beer

Stillwater/Brewer's Art Debutante

Stillwater Existent

Stillwater Jaded

St. Somewhere Lectio Davina

Sprecher Black IPA

't Gaverhopke Extra

Voodoo Bitchin' Camaro

Voodoo Pilzilla

Voodoo Black Strap (FIRKIN)

Williamsburg Bourbon Barrel Porter

Get Your Saison On @ Capone's

2011-07-15T15:32:00.001-04:00

Need a lesson on Saisons/Farmhouse ale? Then Capone's is the place to go and get schooled. Matt has gathered 14 Saisons and is making this a three day event 7/14-7/16. For those who need more styles no worries the other taps are always flowing.

The Saisons are on
Voodoo Bitchin' Camaro Saison

Bullfrog Saison Nouveau
Bullfrog Somnus Viduata Saison
Southampton Cuvee Des Fleurs "Brewed at The Publick House"
De Proef Sly Fox Collaboration Broederlijke Liefde ( Brotherly Love) "Sour"
KleinBrouwerij De Glazen Toren Saison D'Erpe-Mere
Stillwater Stateside Saison
Cigar City Table Saison
Victory CBC Saison
Lost Abbey Carnevale Saison
Dock Street Erbe Saison
Dock Street Brun Saison
New Holland Golden Cap Saison
McKenzie's Saison Vatour-Gold Medal Winner at The Great American Beer Fest

The other stuff
Jolly Pumpkin Luciernaga w/Brett

Firestone Walker Double Jack Double IPA
East End Firkin of Obsticle Delusion FIRKIN
Port Brewing Mongo DIPA
Great Lakes Erie Monster DIPA
Ithaca Flower Power IPA
Weyerbacher Steel IPA Project #4 A West Coast Style IPA
Bear Republic APEX DOUBLE IPA
Ithaca Dark Humor Sour Porter
Lagunitas LUCKY 13
Fruli Strawberry
North Coast Old Rasputin on Nitrogen
Geants Goliath Tripel
Urban Chestnut Winged Nut
Koning Ludwig Weissbier

Night of the Hatters @ Craft Ale House

2011-07-13T14:07:00.000-04:00

The ever wise Dr. Joel (New Holland Beer Ambassador and Grain Bill blogger) slows his traveling ways for an evening close to home at the Craft Ale House. Never one to show empty handed he brings along 5 special Mad Hatters surely to bring joy and wonderment to all those in attendance. Start time is 5pm. Let the madness ensue.

All the Hatter Goodness

Black Hatter

Farmhouse Hatter

Oak Aged Hatter

Rye Hatter

Plus a special Hatter firkin??????

Blue Route Tacos: Love for Tacos and Beer

2011-07-12T12:09:00.001-04:00

Recently after exploring the chilly beer room at Cold Point Pub in the Plymouth Meeting Whole Foods I trekked up to the rooftop of for some south of the boarder grub. If you're unfamiliar with Whole Foods the roof is home to the Blue Route Taco Truck. Yes a revamped food truck sits on the roof and it's putting out some serious soft shell tacos for the lunch and dinner crowd.

The concept is simple, fill out an order form, pay, wait for your name to be called, pick-up your meal and munch. There's a choice of 5 tacos: Carne Asada w/Quesso Fresco, Tecate Fish (fried) w/Chipotle Mayo, Spiced Chicken w/Pico de Gallo, Grilled Veggie w/Black Beans and Jicama and Pork Carnits w/Tomatillo. A single taco is $2.50 or 3 for $6.00. Out of the three tacos I ordered: pork, carne asada and chicken, the pork was the most flavorful and spicy. Chips and drinks are also available including a selection of canned beer. Since I stopped in for lunch I opted for a water but the craft selection fit well with the food offered.

At the time six, beers all in cans, were available: Breckenridge Avalanche, Avery White Rascal, Lancaster Rumspringa, Caldera IPA, Dave's Brewfarm Select and Sly Fox Phoenix Plae Ale. At only $2.99 each not a bad way to counter the spicy ride. With creative taco options and an affordable menu the Blue Route Taco Truck gives Whole Foods patrons yet another great choice when it comes to finding a quick bite to eat.

PYT ASAP with PBR & Lobster

2011-07-07T16:31:00.002-04:00

The down fall of living in the land beyond the Blue Route is that quick trips to the city seem to come around less often. Thus it takes me forever to get to a new restuarant or bar in Philly. Thats why when I managed to score a recent Friday off I picked up the mysterious Kelleigh and headed to Northern Liberties for lunch at PYT.

Located at The Piazza PYT has become the go to place for burgers. A quick look at the menu and you realize everything isn't just mayo, ketchup, lettuce, pickle and tomato. Yes, the basics are available but there is some serious food creativity happening here.

As much as I wanted to follow my adventerous side and take on the Krispy Kreme Sliders (a mini glazed KK donut for a bun, cheese and chocolate covered bacon perched on a ground beef pattie) I opted for the Truffle Lobster Burger. The surf n turf treat came out with lobster piled high on a thick ground beef pattie, all covered with a truffle aioli and served with Old Bay fries. So as not to seem too pretentious I paired the highend burger with a humble Pabst Blue Ribbon. Surprise, surprise the PBR and lobster got along quite well. The slight macro sweetness played off the sweetness in the lobster and worked as a good refresher. The PBR drank far better than I remembered and the burger was a juicy masterpiece. For those who don't flow with the Pabst old school vibe there were a few craft beer options, as well as other alcoholic goodies from the bar

PYT has everything you want in a cool hangout. A fantastic location on the Piazza, hip atmosphere, solid food choices and good selections from the bar. A couple years ago Kelleigh and I may have hung around to have a couple adult milkshakes or take in happy hour. Instead this old head followed lunch with a little shoppping on the Piazza and a drive back to the burbs on a full stomach. I'll make it a point not to wait too long before venturing back. The Krispy Kreme burger is still calling me. PYT definitely knows how to put togther a tasty, creative burger.

Sweet Action with True Blood

2011-06-29T17:27:00.002-04:00

Sweet Action refers to the beer not what's happening on screen

Sunday was the premiere of season 4 of True Blood. While all the vamps, werewolves and other supernatural critters rose to the occasion I poured a Sixpoint Brewing Sweet Action and kicked back in my leather chair for the Sunday night freak fest. Both the show and the beer impressed.

Sweet Action is listed as a cream ale which means nothing to me as a style. The only cream ale I've ever had is Genesee Cream Ale and that was at least 20 years ago. Doing some research on Wikipedia and Beer Advocate quickly brought me up to speed. The descriptions are fairly vague but basically it's a top fermenting ale, sometimes finished with lager yeast. Typically lower in hops, light in color and body. Thankfully Sweet Action breaks from those overly bland guidelines.

Sweet Action pours a hazy deep gold with a thin white head that quickly fades. Flavors of citrus, vanilla and mango all come out. However this seems like one of those beers that if a 100 different people tried it you'd get a 100 different flavor descriptions. The hops that show in the aroma stay fairly mellow in the taste. It's all very well balanced. This is a summer comfort beer in a good way. No hop assault here. At 5.2% abv session purist will hate that I call this a session beer. However as smooth and easy drinking as it is it's nothing but sessionable. Sweet Action delivers balanced flavors, a touch of sweet and enough bitter to let you know there is nothing macro about it. The 16 ounce can makes it great for around the pool or as the perfect accessory to the mower when working on the lawn.

As for True Blood if your unaware of the whole series you have a little catching up to do (click on the link above). For those in the know the premiere offered a few surprises and laid the ground work for what should be a good season. There is no question what I'll be watching on Sunday night.

And that was Philly Beer Week

2011-06-13T16:12:00.001-04:00

Another successful Philly Beer Week came to a close yesterday. I managed to make it out to several events, however falling well short of my goal. A quick photo rundown of the week's activities is soon to follow. Thanks again to everyone who made Philly Beer Week a huge success. Cheers!!!

A special thanks to Don Russell who gave me the opportunity to contribute to this years PBW guide. It's the article on West Philly/University City (page 33). If you haven't done so already check it out.

IAMBEERWISE.com is IAMBEERWISE.net for now

2011-06-06T18:19:00.000-04:00

With Philly Beer Week in full swing and so much good happening in the world of beer I'm not looking to bring down the positive vibe with my personal domain battle. There's plenty of time for that. This post is just another attempt to get the word out about the current switch over.

For those following the situation no new updates and for now IAMBEERWSE.net rolls on.

Now time get back to PBW.....cheers!

Domain Pain the Continuation

2011-06-01T17:12:00.000-04:00

If you're reading this you have obviously managed to find the new/current home of IAMBEERWISE. Unfortunately the former IAMBEERWISE.COM is no longer (for now). Through a series of mishaps the domain I started with has slipped from my possession and into the hands of another. Basically it's in domain name limbo. I'm currently going through steps to regain it but as I figured it's a slow and arduous process. With Philly Beer Week upon us I need to move on with the blog and hope for the best. Does using IAMBEERWISE.NET make a huge difference? No. I've never pretend this blog is anything more than what it is. I'm not changing the world, hopefully just what goes in your glass. It's inconvenient and annoying more than anything. Tons of broken links and searches and some readers who certainly think the site is dead. Those who know me realize this stupid mishap would never deter my craft beer passion. So for now the switch is on to IAMBEERWISE.NET and we'll see if the .COM is meant to be again.

The saga continues...............

Night of the Bastards @ Craft Ale House

2011-06-01T15:09:00.000-04:00

For any major event it's always good to prepare. It's key for survival. With Philly Beer Week only a couple days away what better way to gear up than to shock the system with a few heavy hitting bastards? Tonight (6/1) Craft Ale House in Limerick (or is it Royersford?) unleashes Night of the Bastards. All things bastard from Stone Brewing and others. Let the prep work begin! Start time is 6pm.

Draft List

Stone Arrogant Bastard

Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard

Stone Lukcy Basartd (yes, that's how you spell it)

Stone Double Bastard

With a few special guest Bastards.

Founders Dirty Bastard

Founders Backwoods Bastard (yum)

Blue Point Old Howling Bastard

Get Bastardized!!!

Breckenridge Brewery Beervertising

2011-05-19T18:29:00.000-04:00

If you are a craft beer drinker guaranteed you have laughed at the multi million dollar ads for Bud, Miller, and Coors that use every gimmick possible to convince us that their products are worth drinking. Of course we know better. Well, Breckenridge Brewery in Denver has launched a series of ads that parody Big Beer. This is definitely something we need more of.

Here are the videos and an article from Ad Age that details the topic.

To convince drinkers it's the coldest beer in town, Coors Light has for a while made a big fuss over its "cold-activated" cans and bottles on which special thermochromatic ink turns the mountains blue when the beer is sufficiently chilled. Anheuser-Busch followed up recently with its new "ice-cold easy indicator" for Busch Light. And then, this yearMillerCoors upped the ante with its new "super-cold" indicator, in which a bar on Coors Light turns blue when the beer reaches a near-frozen state.

Whatever happened to just touching the damn beer?

This novel concept is put forth in a new ad campaign by a small brewer in Colorado. In one spot, Breckenridge Brewery reveals its "proprietary cold test," which consists of head brewer Bob Harrington touching a bottle of Summerbright Ale and deadpanning: "It's cold." Another spot plugs Avalanche Ale's "gravity activated pouring" bottles: "When you tip it, beer goes straight in your mouth. When you tip it back, the beer stops flowing." Without saying it by name, another ad clearly makes a dig at "triple hops brewed" Miller Lite, by declaring that Breckenridge's Lucky U IPA is "seven-druple hopped."

The brewer, which makes just 40,000 barrels a year, spent a measly $10,000 producing the parody campaign, called "Truth in Beervertising," which includes four ads that will air on Denver Fox affiliate KDVR during local news and Broncos football games. The agency is Cultivator Advertising & Design, Denver.

Domain Name Pain

2011-05-19T14:54:00.001-04:00

(Yes it's wine but I like the picture)

Congratulations to all who have made it here. To quote Mark Twain, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." Iambeerwise is still kicking. However, I'm sure you have noticed that a domain name incident has occurred. It's a headache but not an end to this friendly neighborhood beer blog? Ultimately I'm not sure how it's all going to play out. I apologize for the inconvenience and will keep all posted on the not so dramatic outcome.

Whatever the result Iambeerwise lives.

Cheers!

Introducing Bex on Beer

2011-05-07T17:07:00.001-04:00

A couple weeks ago I dropped a hint about a feminine twist being added to the oh so masculine I Am Beer Wise. Well the time has come. For awhile I've tossed around the idea of having another beer obsessed individual occasionally post articles, reviews and beer thought. Where the idea hit a wall was on the who and the how. Then I received grand inspiration from beer mastermind Sam Calagione. Actually it came from his book, He Said Beer She Said Wine. The male and female play is perfect. The twist to Sam's great read? Ditch the wine (sorry Marnie) and only focus on the beer. Next, get someone who is fairly new to drinking the good stuff so that there is a fresh perspective. The person must be intelligent, witty, have an appreciation for good food and drink (Duh! Must like beer) and demonstrate the ability to form an interesting sentence or two. All qualifiers I easily fall short on from time to time. Of course, most important, the contributor needed to be of the female persuasion. From all of that I introduce the other beer soaked mind contributing to this blog, Rebecca T with "Bex on Beer".

And yes that is her sampler!
Reviews and more on the way.

American Craft Beer Week May 16-22

2011-05-05T07:56:00.000-04:00

List of Beer Weeks

Racing Goats and Other Beer Madness

2011-04-29T11:34:00.002-04:00

"Ah, there is nothing like the smell of goats and beer in the morning."

The annual Sly Fox Bock Fest and Goat Race kicks off Sunday (5/1) at 11:00 in Phoenixville. Expect goats (many/48), people (bunches-o-bunches/2,500 plus) and beer (several bocks-a-flowin'). The snippet from Sly Fox's website explains it best.

The Sly Fox Bock Festival & Goat Race is held on the first Sunday of May every year, rain or shine. It has become one of the Philadelphia region’s favorite beer-focused celebrations, drawing crowds estimated in the 2,500 to 3,000 range to the Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery in Phoenixville in recent years.

BOCK FEST: Goat Races,
German Food & Fun!

A German menu is offered to complement what might be the largest offering of bock-style beers by any brewery in the United States at one time. Brewmaster Brian O’Reilly and his crew produce a mouth-watering lineup: Slacker Bock, Helles Bock, Instigator Doppelbock, two Eisbocks (usually Slacker and Instigator) and a Maibock. The day marks the release of the Maibock which is tapped immediately after the race and named in honor of the winner.

The festival takes place in front of the pub with a huge tent helping provide shade on what is usually a perfect spring day. The running of the ruminants is held from the rear of the building in which the pub sits down along a roadway to a finish line near the back of festival area, in front of a grassy hillside where early arrivals have staked out their place. Afterwards, some of the goats and their owners mingle with the crowd, delighting the many children in attendance with their families.

Goats not your thing? Then check out some other happenings.

Firkins For Our Furry Friends @ Kyber Pass Pub

The second annual fundraiser, Firkins For Our Furry Friends, commences at Noon on Saturday, April 30th. This event features an array of cask conditioned bartop kegs of quality craft brews. $20 at the door gets you a bottomless cup of delicious beers donated by our friends at Yards, Philadelphia Brewing, Sly Fox, Sixpoint and more. Last year we raised over $700 - during the worst blizzard Philly has seen in a decade.

All proceeds go to P.A.W.S. (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) to help them in their efforts to save Philadelphia’s homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. So come in, have some brews, & help us help P.A.W.S.!
Khyber Pass Pub is located at 56 S. 2nd St.
Phone 215.238.5888

BATTLE OF THE BANDS April 30th - 6pm to 10pm

Stoudt's Brewing Company is proud to host our 4th Annual Battle of the Brewery Bands. This event is all about giving back to our community, uniting breweries, and having a great time. Last year, we raised over $7,000 with more than 400 people attending. This year we are hoping to exceed last year's goal. This year's participants include Lancaster Brewing, Lancaster Homebrew, Victory, Union Barrel Works, and Stoudt's. Some of the charities are: The Wounded Warrior Project, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Relay for Life, and Schreiber Pediatric.

The tickets are $30 which includes food, great beer, and music from our talented breweries. We will also have a cash bar for wine and mixed drinks. You must be 21 to attend. Call 717.484.4386 x 204 to or click below icon to purchase tickets.

13TH ANNUAL BREW FEST EXTRAVAGANZA:

Saturday, April 30th, 2011 1-5pm

Back for the 13th year in a row, the MANAYUNK BREW FEST EXTRAVAGANZA is a craft beer tasting event featuring two dozen breweries and over 50 craft beers all outside on the banks of the Schuylkill River (weather permitting)! Live music by Plan B.

Tickets are $45 person and include:
•4-hour long tasting session
•2011 event sampling glass
•2011 event t-shirt
•food voucher
•event program
Tickets are on sale now only through our Online Store.

Hopfest @ UJ's and a Haiku

2011-04-23T12:12:00.001-04:00

A Hoppy Haiku

Easter's on the way

Searching for a big hop fix

UJ's is heaven

The day before Easter means Hopfest at Union Jack's on the Manatawny. 20 tongue twisting, mouth numbing, brilliantly bitter hop forward beers are on tap along with a few notable non-hop monsters. 12:15 is go time and it goes all day.

Draft list

Ballast Point Sculpin

Russian River Pliny the Elder

Russian River Blind Pig

Bells Hopslam

Founders Double Trouble

New Holland Imperial Hatter
Green Flash Imperial

Avery Maharajah

Port Hop 15

Port Mongo

Troegs Nugget Nectar

Boulder Mojo Risin'

Mission Shipwrecked

Brew Works Hop'solutely

Ithaca Flower Power

Rogue I2PA
Ottos Double D
Moylans Hopsickle
Southern Tier Gemini
Firestone Walker Double Jack

For the non hop-heads:

Founders KBS
Russian River Supplication
Firestone Walkers Reserve Porter

Restaurant Drama: The Good, the Bad and the Tasty

2011-04-21T10:42:00.006-04:00

The Bad

The words are flying fast and furious and the s**t is piling higher and deeper. Foobooz has an update to the update on The Bookstore, Fork & Barrel, Tap & Table soap opera. The spicy part of all this drama are the comments following the post. Hmmm, so how do you really feel about this restaurateur? I see lawyers in someones future. I guess he can always concentrate on his more positive endeavour at 1113 Walnut Street.

The Good and Tasty

The Mysterious Kelleigh and Ms. Bex accompanied me to the Evil Twin Brewing launch at The Farmers' Cabinet (1113 Walnut Street) on Tuesday night. The ladies arrived first and I drifted in around half an hour before the official start time. Perfect time to get settled, check the surroundings and peruse the menu.

Stepping into the place is like stepping back in time. The whole speakeasy vibe is 100% in effect. Thankfully not in a corny Disney way. Instead the rustic interior is a hip nod to the past. First, the place is dark. There's recessed lighting but most of the illumination is from oil lamps and candles. Not a problem once your eyes adjust. If you need it small flashlights are available to make menu reading easier. Dark wood, long communal tables, ceiling height curtains, live jazz, barrel tables, hidden rooms and vintage furniture all create a proper hideaway.

As wonderful as the surroundings were it was the beer that coaxed us out of the burbs on a week night. After some words from Brian Ewing owner of 12% Imports and Brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso (pictured above) of Evil Twin Brewing, we were served a flight of five beers. All were impressive (full review on the way) however, Yin a 10% Imperial Stout and Disco Beer a 10.5% IPA/Chardonnay blend were standouts.

Of the five beers Disco Beer (above, 1st from the left) offered the most unique ride. The hop bitterness and grape sweetness created a complimenting well balanced blend. The fruit factor was big in the aroma, while the hops popped more during the first sip. That hoppiness then tones down at the midway point allowing the sweetness to come in. It all finished with a wine like dryness and more hop bite. Very well done.

I could easily get more into the beer and the food, especially the Bourbon Braised Escargot, but if all goes as planned those details will come from a new contributor. Lets just say I Am Beer Wise is seeking a more feminine voice. Someone to balance my rough and cynical side. Interesting changes are on the horizon.

Meantime seek out Evil Twin and slip into The Farmers' Cabinet. Both should impress. Rumor has it that a certain Thursday night crew straight outta 422 way will be paying the place a visit at the end of the week. I certainly have no problem going another round at The Farmers' Cabinet.

Update

Over at Beer Advocate there's a thread about brewer Terry Hawbaker and what he has planned for The Farmers' Cabinet. Sounds like the first beer to come out of the two-barrel system will be an, "uber-hoppy IPA". More on this here.

Open, Closed, Open???

2011-04-19T13:40:00.000-04:00

The beer blogosphere has been spewing with information on the open and closed status of The Tap and Table, Fork & Barrel and The Bookstore. Early on Foobooz ran with a rumor that all were closing leaving only the recently opened The Farmers' Cabinet in operation. Hours have passed and the restaurant haze has started to lift. For clarification on the matter and some commentary Mr. Curtin dishes it out the best. Go here for the low down.

Embrace Evil Twin Brewing

2011-04-19T02:21:00.003-04:00

Straight out of Denmark comes the next brewery to bring it's beers to Philadelphia. Evil Twin Brewing Company makes it's area debut tonight (4/19) at The Farmers' Cabinet. Philadelphia is the second leg of the US launch for Brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso and 12 Percent Imports. New Yorkers had the first chance to experience the new brews yesterday at Beer Table in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The Farmers' Cabinet will have single pours and flights along with a special menu from Executive Chef, Peter Felton to compliment the five Evil beers.

The Beers

Before, During, & After Xmas (8% DIPA) Draft
Disco Beer (10.5% IPA/Chardonnay Blend) Bottle.
Soft DK (10% Vanilla Imperial. Stout) Draft
Yin (10% Imperial Stout) Draft*
Yang (10% DIPA) Draft*
*Created to make a revamped Black & Tan

The Brewery Info

Evil Twin Brewing is the brainchild of Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø. An avid beer geek since 1997, Jeppe began home-brewing in Copenhagen, Denmark in June/'03. His first foray into the commercial craft beer scene commenced in September/'05, when he opened the now world-famous bottle shop Ølbutikken in Copenhagen. The reputation of Jeppe & his shop grew quickly, and myriad side projects began (including his collaboration with Cantillon on the Blåbær Lambik - one of this most highly regarded, highly sough-after lambics in the world). Evil Twin Brewing is Jeppe's latest venture, and is the culmination of the vast knowledge, experiences, and relationships he's built over the years.

FYI:

Jeppe's brother is Mikkel Borg Bjergso of Mikkeller Brewing
7:00PM start, PAYG and reservations are recommended.

Vancouver Craft Beer Week

2011-04-18T14:59:00.001-04:00

The bar has been raised (or maybe lowered) on Craft Beer Week advertising. The organizers for Vancouver Craft Beer Week (May 6-14) have released a video that is sure to burn in your brain. Makes me wonder what the Philly Beer Week Team will bring to the table.

TAP INTO IT from Vancouver Craft Beer Week on Vimeo.

David Walker Rolling Through Philly. @ Capone's

2011-04-14T16:18:00.005-04:00

This week David Walker and crew along with team Origlio have been making their way to better beer establishments around Philly. Yesterday the Firestone Walker beer express stopped at Capone's to spread some afternoon delight. As it's been for most of the stops Abacus, Walker's Reserve and Double Jack were on tap and the 14th Anniversary was served from from bottles.

Looks like the hardest marketing man in beer Sam Calagione isn't the only one who knows how to work a room. David Walker definitely understands the importance of talking shop and shaking hands when it involves launching a new market. The rock star analogy was hard to avoid with cameras clicking, the frequent requests to sign bottles and admirers eager for a few minutes of conversation. It's proof that if you bring great beer to Philly the town will love you. With the introduction of Firestone Walker it appears that David Walker is quickly achieving star status.

*Firestone Walker express rolls into Resurrection Ale House Friday (4/15) from 5-7pm.*

Favorite Beer Board of the Week (4/12)

2011-04-12T14:38:00.001-04:00

Haven't done this in awhile but the beauty of what Teresa's Next Door is offering certainly deserves praise. Take a close look at what's going on here. First the day is a special one because of the debut of Firestone Walker in the Philly area. Abacus, Walker's Reserve and Double Jack are all welcome with open arms. Second, the area's love for Russian River continues with Pliny the Elder and Damnation. Next toss in Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, Petrus Oak Aged Pale, Blaugies Saison D'Epautre and Allagash Odyssey. Finally, finish with two solid locals Sly Fox O'Reilly's Stout and Yard's IPA (hand pump). Damn impressive. No disrespect to the beers I didn't mention they're all part of what makes this diverse board so good. I'll have to make sure my journeys take me to Wayne more often.

I'm Just Waiting on Some Pliny.

2011-04-11T14:27:00.001-04:00

This was the line about 15 minutes before the doors opened at Capone's for the Russian River/ Pliny the Younger event on April 2nd. I have to wonder what those who are driving by are thinking about a 9:30am bar line. Philly beer people continue to vigilantly chase this beer with exuberance once it starts reaching local bars. Is it worth the extra effort it takes to taste the often proclaimed, "best beer in the world"? It's hard for any beer to live up to the uber hype. I can't call it the best, but no question it's a damn good pour. Obviously I thought it was worth the time and effort since I arrived an hour early for a beer I've had on several occasions.

The excitement for Pliny shows no sign of fading. Back in 2008 (?) the wonderful Kelleigh trekked her way from our apartment in Center City to Capone's, with no fear of a line, to purchase me a growler of both Pliny the Younger and Elder . Now if you get one 6oz glass of PtY consider yourself lucky. If there isn't a change in the way it's released or distributed don't expect the pours to get bigger or the lines to get shorter anytime soon.

Update on Battle of the Elves

2011-04-09T12:29:00.001-04:00

I hated hearing about this when it first happened especially since it deals with two PA Breweries. This press release came out today and is a statement from The Brew Works on their trademark battle with Troegs. Sounds like the lawyers are digging in so my guess is the whole thing is gonna get ugly.

PRESS RELEASE
Due to the overwhelming number of requests for comments about our Trademark of Rude Elf’s Reserve, The Brew Works is offering the following Statement:

Five years after the registration for Fegley’s Brew Works RUDE ELF’S RESERVE issued, Troegs is trying to take the registration away, asking the US Trademark Office to invalidate it.

In so doing, Troegs seeks to monopolize the word elf in advertising its beer. We do not think the law recognizes such exclusivity and believe other brewers who have used elves longer than Troegs and have not complained about each others’ or Fegley’s use will also take part in preserving their rights.

Troegs must prove a likelihood of consumer confusion, that is, that consumers believe Fegley’s products are associated with, endorsed by or originate with Troegs. Under the trademark law, likelihood of confusion depends on many factors including the similarity of the marks in appearance and overall commercial impression and the strength of the complainant’s mark. A mark’s strength in turn depends on the number of third parties in the marketplace using the same or similar designations as those in dispute. Here the parties’ brands have only a single term in common, “elf” . There is a long tradition in this country of using the terms “elf” or “elves” in connection with holiday beers, ales and lagers. In addition to the parties in this litigation there are at least one dozen beers produced by other parties including Shelton Brothers and La Chouffe that use the term elf and/or elf imagery. Of the (at least) one dozen parties offering beers, a single producer, Shelton, sells six of them under the mark BAD ELF and variations thereof. Under the circumstances, we believe consumers are readily able to differentiate among different “elf” beers and do not associate the term “elf” with any single beer producer. Therefore we think consumers are not likely to believe any party’s beer including the term elf, is related to any other beer that includes this term. Moreover on the labels and cases for their respective products, both parties use their house names (Fegley’s Brew Works and Troegs), Troegs uses additional words to describe the flavor of its beer, and Fegley also uses the word “Reserve”; also the parties’ illustrations of elves simply look different. These factors further support that there is not likely to be consumer confusion.

Moreover the marks on the labels and cases for their respective products are very different. Fegley’s filed an application for the Trade Mark of “Rude Elf’s Reserve” on June 21st 2004 with the following elf image (shown below), on all of their beer labels for sale.

At same time of Fegley’s original filing in 2004, the only Troeg’s mark of Record was the following image (shown below) and the name…

“THE MAD ELF TROEGS HOLIDAY ALE BREWED WITH HONEY, CHERRIES & CHOCOLATE MALTS“.

As these images make clear, both parties use their house names (Fegley’s Brew Works and Troegs), Troegs uses additional words to describe the flavor of its beer, and Fegley also uses the word “Reserve”; and the parties’ illustrations of elves simply look different. These factors further support that there is not likely to be consumer confusion.
Rude Elf’s Reserve Trademark PRESS RELEASE

For additional information please visit these links of public record with the US Patent and Trade office

1. Rude Elf’s Reserve Mark filed June 21st 2004: http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=registration&entry=3047757

2. Other Elf mark: http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=registration&entry=2887242

3. Official Petition information: http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?qt=adv&procstatus=All&pno=&propno=&qs=&propnameop=&propname=Rude+Elf&pop=&pn=&pop2=&pn2=&cop=&cn=

Two examples (of more than a dozen) other Elf beers

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/7944/14422

http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/rinkuskiai-missing-elf/114945/

Next Week Firestone Walker Hits Philly

2011-04-07T15:09:00.006-04:00

They've already rolled out in New Jersey, now it's go time in PA. Firestone Walker Brewing the award winning California brewery known for, barrel aging, is launching next week in Philly with their Proprietors Reserve Series.

I'm all for having the big beers at the launch since they're highly rated and obvious attention grabbers. Hopefully it's not long before we see sixers of the Pale Series and seasonals rolling into town. No reason to stop short of having it all.

The finest of what we have to offer, these extremely limited beers represent the ingenuity and creativity of our talented brewing team. These beers spend several months, even years in a combination of retired bourbon, Firestone Union and wine barrels. Each lot is full of complex aromas and flavors, attributes reached through careful aging. These beers are on the cutting edge and are changing the perception of beer.

Firestone Walker Events

April 11th
Memphis Taproom
Double Jack, Walker Reserve and Abacus. Free samples of 14th Anniversary and "complimentary nibbles on the bar". David Walker and crew on hand. Noon, PAYG.

Monks Cafe

Double Jack, Walker Reserve, 14th Anniversary and Abacus. David Walker (Co Founder) and crew in house. 5pm, PAYG.

April 12th

Teresa's Next Door

Double Jack, Walker Reserve and Abacus. Meet David Walker and pick up bottles (Double Jack, Walker Reserve, 14th Anniversary and Abacus). Noon, PAYG.

Hawthorne's Cafe

Double Jack, Walker Reserve, 14th Anniversary and Abacus. Draft and bottles. Meet David Walker and crew. Evening, PAYG.

April 13th

Capone's

Double Jack (draft/bottles), Walker Reserve (draft/bottles), 14th Anniversary (bottles) and Abacus (draft ?/bottles). David Walker and crew in house from 1:30-3:45. PAYG.

Kraftwork
Double Jack, Walker Reserve, 14th Anniversary and Abacus. Draft and bottles plus meet David Walker and his crew.

April 15th

Jose Pistola's

Lunch with Firestone Walker 12-3pm.

Here's a video to put you in the mood for next week.

Happy 35th B-Day Foodery

2011-04-07T10:17:00.001-04:00

Sorry, all I could get you was this cheezy birthday card.

For the good stuff head to both locations today.

(2nd & Poplar)

Sly Fox tasting with beer infused snacks, 6-8pm

(10th & Pine)

Homebrew demo and sampling (Liberties Brew Club), 2-5pm
Philadelphia Brewing Company tasting with cheese and Birthday cake, 5-7pm
Beer and Cheese Throwdown (Italian Market vs Reading Terminal). The best beer and cheese from DiBruno's & Fair Food Farmstead.

Good Beer Tomorrow, Somewhere

2011-04-01T12:13:00.004-04:00

Nilpy eth Gnoyeru ta Oacpsen

A secret source has revealed that a highly sought after rare beer will be available somewhere in the western burbs of Philly on Sat (4/2) @ 10:30am. Along with this beer will be 5 other highly sought after beers from the same brewer. I promised I wouldn't reveal much more, although other advocates have already put the word out on the street. For this reason expect a mass of humanity to gather early. Prepay tickets ($6.50 cash) for 1 snifter (5.5oz) per person of the highly sought after rare beer will be available for purchase to those in line. This grainy surveillance photo and cryptic message are all I can provide on the location for the event. Good luck beer brethern and godspeed. Hope to see you there.

Tasting Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat

2011-03-31T16:46:00.000-04:00

Now that AB/InBev/Evil Empire has gobbled up Goose Island I figured I'd better start sampling from my reserves before the craft beer Mod Squad (just dated myself) tells me I'm breaking some independent brewery loyalty law. Ahhhhh, let them try to get my Bourbon County Stout. They'll have to pry it from my cold dead hands. As long as Goose Island continues to produce a quality product I see no reason not to enjoy it. I'm always for the little guy and I've read and seen enough on AB/Inbev to understand why the distaste exists, though I have a hard time grasping some of the extreme hatred. However the powers that be at GI made a business decision they believe is beneficial to the company. Remember, it wasn't some kind of hostile takeover. We can only hope that AB doesn't infect the Goose with too much negative macro influence, ultimately screwing up a good thing. I'm more curious to see what all the beer heads will say if AB/InBev actually makes improvements, i.e., a boost to the standard product lineup, expanded distribution, more experimental beers or lower prices. Will those who have already sworn off Goose Island have a sudden change of heart? I'm sure many will still have a difficult time seeing anything good about a company that has been touched by the so called Evil Empire of brewing.

AB/InBev's purchasing power allowed them to get Goose Island for approximately $38.8 million. My purchasing power brought home a sixer of Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat from Whole Foods in NYC. With spring here and summer not far off it's time to roll out the wheat beers. 312, without trying to sound overly cliché, is spring/summer in a bottle. The pour is a slightly hazy yellow with a white, fluffy 2 finger head. The visual is a perfect lead in for the taste; mild, mild, mild. The hops are toned down and there's no big flavor rush. The crisp clean wheat, biscuit, lemon and grassy flavors never go beyond mellow. It's nothing fancy and may even swing macro drinkers over to the craft beer side. This 4.2% abv session beer will preform best on a summer day once the thermometer reaches 90 and a serious refresher is desired.

Founders Night @ Craft Ale House

2011-03-28T17:33:00.000-04:00

"She Was Lost But Now We Founder". That clever phrase/title/little diddy came from the whimsically creative Mr. Dan Bengel announcing this event weeks ago over here. I love the word play, which Dan is always good for, and really appreciate his knowledge on the liquid action at Craft Ale House.

That action ramps up this Wednesday night (3/30) when Founders Brewing takes over the taps. The lineup is going to make for one serious midweek gathering. Bernie from Stockertown Beverage will be on hand to spread even more evening cheer. To paraphrase Mr. Bengel, "Prepare for much evilness".

Start time: 6pm, PAYG

We will be tapping:

Centennial Ipa

Double Trouble

Devil Dancer Triple Ipa

Harvest Ale

Red’s Rye

Nemesis ‘10

Dirty Bastard

Backwoods Bastard

Imperial Stout

Breakfast Stout ‘09

Kentucky Breakfast Stout ‘10

Wheat Wine ‘09

Maybe more!!!

AB/InBev Aquires Goose Island

2011-03-28T15:51:00.003-04:00

Yesterday the mysterious Kelleigh returned from NYC with Goose Island Matilda, 312 and IPA. This morning I read from Jack and Lew that the Goose has been gobbled up. The masters of macro muck have wrapped their hands around Goose Island Brewing and added it to their portfolio. I'm sure that many craft beer fans will have a problem with this. I can already hear the mass chant of, "No more Goose Island, no more Goose Island". For me the Matilda goes on a shelf in the cellar and the IPA and 312 are already cooling in the beer fridge. When the time comes I doubt I'll have a problem enjoying them.

Below are several links for more information on the subject and a letter from Goose Island Founder John Hall posted on the GI website.

Chicago Tribune

HuffPost Chicago

Chicago Breaking Business

Time Out Chicago

March 28, 2011

Dear Friends,

When I first started Goose Island Clybourn in 1988, drinkers were just beginning to explore new beer styles and "craft beer" was a term that no one had even thought of. I couldn't imagine the explosive growth that craft beer has had in the last few years, or the amazing creativity of so many new brewers, and the discovery of the amazing possibilities of beer by a whole generation of drinkers.

I am very proud of Goose Island's contribution to this craft beer movement, of the many awards won by our brewers, our growing number of employees, our support of the communities and life of Chicago, and the friendship of so many beer lovers in Chicago and elsewhere.

Over the past five years our partnerships with Craft Brewers Alliance and Anheuser-Busch have enabled Goose Island to reach a growing number of beer drinkers. This has fueled our growth to the point that demand for our beers has outgrown the capacity of our brewery. Recently, we’ve even had to limit production of some classic and medal-winning styles. To keep up with growing demand from drinkers we’ve explored a variety of paths to secure new capital to support our growth.

Today’s agreement to consolidate ownership of Goose Island under Anheuser-Busch will provide us with the best resources available to continue along our path of growth and innovation.

I am more excited than ever about Goose Island’s future. With the support and financial backing of our new partner, we will continue to brew our authentic classic styles, develop new amazing beers, and serve our drinkers.

Cheers!

John Hall

Beer Groupon is On!

2011-03-21T15:40:00.000-04:00

Recently I took my first dip in the giant sea that is Groupon. The additively popular online savings site is making spending a whole lot more fun by typically giving customers a savings of 50% or more on a variety of products and services. My first purchase was a couple weeks ago for food and drink at Sly Fox in Phoenixville. I haven't used it yet but will have no problem making the most of it. My second purchase, done just today, is for Rust Belt Brewing Company in Youngstown Ohio. Another no brainer considering my frequent trips to Pittsburgh. Now I have the perfect excuse to check out a brewery I've never been to, sample several beers and take home some cool beer swag. Not a bad deal for $9.00.

I hope more of the local better beer establishments follow in the footsteps of Rust Belt and Sly Fox and run with some creative offers. It's great advertising, creates a stir and gets new people in the door. All things any restaurant/brew pub/brewery would love to have.

Wedding Beer

2011-03-21T14:28:00.000-04:00

No one is stopping here for the latest on the royal wedding. However, since this is beer related I figured I'd run with it. Does this give me paparazzi status?

Kiss Me Kate for Royal wedding

Castle Rock brewery has announced plans to celebrate the marriage of HRH Prince William to Kate Middleton in the best way it knows how – by brewing a special real ale.

Called Kiss Me Kate, it will be available on draught at Castle Rock and many other local pubs for the full month in the run up to the wedding on Friday 29 April. A limited amount available in bottles for memento collectors and for laying aside to toast future royal events.

Castle Rock’s head brewer, Adrian Redgrove, says it will be a great British beer full of British hops and barley. “Kiss Me Kate will be elegant, tasteful and British to the core. It’ll be brewed to 5%, pale in colour and, we’re sure it’ll be the ideal way to toast the couple’s future happiness. We’ll certainly be enjoying it in our celebrations here at the brewery.”

Please send any enquires regarding Kiss Me Kate to:

kissmekate@castlerockbrewery.co.uk

Do You Believe in Black Magick

2011-03-18T17:56:00.022-04:00

Black Magick has made it's way into the Philly market and like so many high octane Bourbon Aged beers brings with it ultra hype. The Imperial Stout (Big Black Voodoo Daddy) is aged for a year in 13 1/2 year old Elaigh Craig bourbon barrels. The bottle conditioned ale is suitable for cellaring up to 5 years. Since it's only released every two years and highly sought-after buy it when you see it. It's not staying around for long.

Thanks to Brian at Craft Ale House I had a chance to sample some of the Magick. Even with a small pour the immediate aroma is full of bourbon and chocolate. Smelling it longer, coffee, vanilla and hints of tobacco are detectable. The taste is hype worthy. The roastiness and chocolate come out first, quickly followed by warm bourbon, vanilla and oak. It's all very sweet and syrupy but not cloying. I'm sure as the beer warms even more complex flavors appear. The surprise is the smoothness factor. At 15.5% you might expect an overly hot alcohol bomb. Not so. The alcohol is comfortably hidden. Still, it's a sipper and even though it's only a 12oz bottle Black Magick is built for sharing.

As far as uber hyped Bourbon Aged Stouts go this one falls slightly short of KBS, The Abyss and Bourbon County Stout. It will be interesting to see what aging does for the flavor. If budget allows buy one for the cellar and another to enjoy now.

Chadwick's in Audubon for Beer?

2011-03-17T15:57:00.015-04:00

A couple nights ago the mysterious Kelleigh and I did the unusual for a week night and snuck out after 7:30 to grab a bite. We ventured a short distance to Chadwick's in Audubon. The close proximity to home was the main contributing factor in breaking the vice like hold of our couch and TV.

Chadwick's is part of The Club at Shannondell and sits adjacent to the golf course along Egypt Road. Not the first place most would think of for craft beer. I always figured it pulled in golf types searching out mixed drinks, Corona, Heineken and Stella after knocking around on the links. Or it served as a watering hole for corporate types flowing in from nearby office parks. On a previous stop nearly a year ago I remember the draft list being far from impressive. Oh how times have changed. Like many places in the area the owners must of realized patrons want more than bland, fizzy, yellow, macro muck. A few months ago a roadside banner promoted a weekly Victory special and now Thursdays are craft night. Four sample pours for $4.00 ($1.00 off the regular price). Alongside the macros and imports were tap handles for Brooklyn, Dogfish Head, Harpoon, Victory, Stone and Flying Fish. That night to accompany my Chadwick's Chophouse Salad I had a sampler consisting of Brooklyn Pennant Pale Ale, Fly Fish Hop Fish, Dogfish 90 Minute and wait for it...........Stone Ruination IPA. Not a bad IPA line up and the big bitter punch of Ruination was a pleasant shocker.

Chadwick's won't get listed with Capone's, TJ's or Craft Ale House anytime soon as a great beer destination but its good to see another traditional BudMillerCoors/import place getting more adventurous with what they serve. If they plan on keeping up with the craft selection I'd suggest the website promote it. I'm sure there are many who are still unaware of the change. People in the Philly area know their beer. Bars that want to keep up with the competition have to keep the taps interesting. It's great to see Chadwick's is moving in the right direction.

Happy St Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T12:19:00.000-04:00

Friends don't let friends drink green macro.

Stoned not Stabbed @ Local 44 on the Ides of March

2011-03-14T14:09:00.000-04:00

In 44 B.C. Julius Caesar was stabbed to death on the Ides of March. At Local 44 everyone gets Stoned. An impressive list of Stone drafts are set to pour.
3/15, 6pm, PAYG.

Levitation

Stone IPA

Ruination

Sublimely Self Righteous
Stone Pale Ale
Smoked Porter

Vertical Epic 09.09.09

13th Anniversary

Double Bastard
Belgo Barleywine
Saison Du Buff

Highway 78 (a super rare collaboration between Stone, Pizza Port and Green Flash Brewing)

44 B.C. and Local 44, coincidence? Hmmmmm, just make sure to come out of the evening better than Caesar did.

Another Big Beer Saturday in Philly

2011-03-12T10:06:00.000-05:00

Stating that it's a big beer weekend in Philly is akin to reporting that the Schuylkill River is wet and flowing. It's a given. Just how big a beer weekend is the better question. Today is full of enough choices to have any beer centric individual frothing at the mouth.

Hopheads among us rejoice with Hopfest @ The Drafting Room noon tap time and Bitter Rivalry @ Iron Hill North Wales,1-5pm. Looking for variety get on the bus for Craft Beer Express 11-9pm or trek to Phoenixville for some strolling and sipping at the Phoenixville Pub Crawl 12-6pm. Want beer with your breakfast go here, Teresa's Next Door 4th Annual Stone Brunch or Johnny Brenda's Third Annual Stout Brunch. Now the choice is yours. Cheers!

PtY @ Monk's

2011-02-28T11:13:00.001-05:00

By announcing this, although most who are seeking the mystical elixir are already in line, do I add to the uber hype? Maybe. However, with my number of followers I don't think I'm creating uber anything.

After last year's flow of bad words about how the release of Pliny the Younger was handled at Monk's they have gone in another direction.

Monk's Mad Monday - Russian River Monday, February 28, 2011 11:30AM cash bar

OK Campers,
It’s time for another Monk’s Mad Monday. As always, things kick off at 11:30AM. You really need to be here early for the event. This week it’s our 4th Annual Russian River Day and yes, we do have one sixtle of Pliney The Younger. We figure that there will be around 50 glasses of Younger available.

We are charging a ridiculous amount ($15) for a glass of the Younger, but 100% of those sales goes to charity. We will pour the Younger at 11:20AM so it is ready to serve when you walk in the door. Please have your $15 in cash ready - exact change will be very helpful, but feel free to give more. $20 would be great. We want everyone to be able to relax and not go crazy about whether you will get a glass of Pliney The Younger.

We figure to raise $750 from the sale of Pliney The Younger and Monk's will add $250 to bring the donation to $1,000.

***THIS JUST IN (2/22): Natalie & Vinnie just told me they are going to kick in an extra $250 to the charity, bringing the donation up to $1,250 - it will ALL go to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.

***ANOTHER UPDATE (2/25): Jeff Benjamin from Vetri/Osteria/Amis will be adding another $1,000 to the charity kitty. Woo hoo.. now we're up to $2.250!

***YET MORE COOL STUFF (2/26):...Mat Falco, Philly Beer Scene mag, is donating one his four custom made, ceramic growlers for a raffle. Fifty $5 tickets will be sold and one luck person will walk away with this $200 piece of art. Take a look at this gem @ http://www.beerscenemag.com/2011/02/pliny-the-younger-and-win-a-growler/

Let's try to raise some serious cash for this worthy charity. So pliney up, er pony up, some extra cash for these children.

Thank you,
Tom

Here’s Monday’s Lineup:

The "tions"

Russian River Consecration (CA) Strong brown ale aged in a cabernet saugvignon barrel (Silver Oak) for six months with fresh currants The wine, oak and currants are well integrated in this stunning beer. 10.5%abv

Russian River Damnation (CA) Vinnie’s take on a Belgian strong blonde ale obviously influenced by Duvel. Great aromas of banana and pear. Medium body with flavors of pale roasted malt and spice from the hops. Lots of hops in the finish give it a nice bitterness and a crisp, dry finish. 7.75%abv

Russian River Redemption (CA) Their Belgian-style Single. A bit of citrus & spice in the aroma and taste from the Westmalle yeast. Blonde ale with a substantial hop finish. Vinnie’s beers are always excellent. This is a session beer. Enjoy. 5.48%abv

Russian River Sanctification (CA) Fermented with 100% brettanomyces. Funky and fruity. Enjoy. 5.75%abv
Russian River Temptation (CA) Blond Ale aged in french oak chardonnay barrels for twelve months. Vinnie adds his house strain of brettanomyces that adds a sour component and a bit of fruitiness. 7.25%abv

The IPA's
Russian River Blind Pig IPA(CA) Perhaps my favorite West Coast IPA. Solid hop aromas and finish backed up by the perfect balance of malt. Dare I say “quaffable”? 6.1%abv.

Russian River Pliney The Elder (CA) This is the original Double IPA, made by mistake, natch. More hops balanced by bigger malt. Aromas of grapefruit dominate. Finishes surprisingly dry, yet not too bitter. 8%abv

Russian River Pliney The Younger (CA) This is the original Triple IPA, and this one was not a mistake. Vinnie just wanted to see how far he could push the envelope. This is a Big Beer! Pliny the Younger is hopped three times more than their standard IPA, and is dry hopped four different times. 10.5%abv

$15 glass of Younger- CASH ONLY...
100% of the “Younger” money goes to Charity: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

New Jersey Wood (Bourbon Barrels) and Bugs (Brettanomyces)

2011-02-25T16:12:00.000-05:00

THE WILD BEERS

Heywood – Strong Belgian Golden Ale fermented in oak with 100% Brett L. Tart, dry, sour, phenolic and funky. 7.5% abv

Eddy - Strong Belgian Golden Ale fermented with the Duvel strain in stainless, then spiked with Brett L and aged in oak. Dry, fruity and phenolic with a refreshing tartness. 7.5% abv

Brett Quad - Strong Belgian Dark Ale fermented in stainless then spiked with Brett L and aged in oak. Rich, malty and complex with just a hint of fruitiness and mild phenols. 10.0 % abv

Brett Pete’s Celebration – Strong Belgian Dark Ale fermented in stainless, then spiked with Brett L and aged in oak. Malt complexity mingles with a touch of spiciness and pie cherry aroma from the Brett and a warming alcohol character. 11.0% abv

Wine Barrel Wee Heavy – Strong Scotch Ale fermented in stainless then aged in a freshly emptied Pinot Noir barrel spiked with Brett L. Rich malt character and a touch of roast complimented by a subtle but distinct red wine character and spicy phenolic notes. 8.8% abv

F.red Flemish Red Ale - Malty reddish-brown ale fermented in stainless with the Roselare blend then aged in used Pinot Noir barrels for 9 months. Malt sweetness and toastiness followed by an assertive but pleasant sourness. 5.3% abv

THE BOURBON BEERS

Porter – Our award-winning Pig Iron Porter aged in bourbon barrels with whole vanilla beans. Roasty malt and pronounced bourbon flavors with a nice vanilla aroma, served on nitrogen. 6.0% abv

Eisenhugel – Imperial Weizenbock aged in bourbon barrels. Rich and complex due to a huge percentage of specialty malts and Bavarian ale yeast with the added character of wood and bourbon. 11.0% abv

Wee Heavy – Our Strong Scotch Ale, aged in Four Roses bourbon barrels. A distinct sweet malt character entwines with bourbon and vanilla flavors. 9.0% abv

Imperial Pumpkin Ale – Big notes of bourbon and vanilla layered with pumpkin pie spices backed by a firm caramel malt body. 10.0% abv
Winter Warmer – Strong dark ale finished with winter spices and aged in a bourbon barrel. Christmas in February. 8.0% abv

Pete’s Celebration – As if this beer weren’t already rich enough… Big, chewy Belgian Strong Ale aged in used Bourbon barrels. 10.3% abv

We’ll be offering two separate samplers of all of the wild beers and all of the bourbon beers. Each will be $12.00 for 4 oz of each of the 6 beers.

WOOD? 2.0 @UJ's Inn on the Manatawny

2011-02-23T16:42:00.001-05:00

"If I would could you?"

Wood heads converge on Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny this Saturday (2/26) to experience a barrel aged promised land. The draft list pretty much speaks for itself. If you've never made the trip to UJ's make sure to hook up the GPS and a designated driver is a good call for this one.
12:30pm-12:30am, PAYG. Cheers!

WOOD? 2.0 BARREL AGED FEST

Avery Rumpkin (rum barrel)
Founders Nemesis
Laughing Dog The Dogfather (bourbon barrel)
Philadelphia Shackamaximum
Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron
Dogfish Head Burton Baton
Nebraska Hop God (chardonnay barrel)
Port Older Viscosity
Lost Abbey Angels Share (brandy barrel)
Allagash Interlude
Allagash Confluence
Allagash Odyssey
Bells Hell Hath No Fury (bourbon barrel)

More to come....

It was a toss up between this and The Beatles "Norweign Wood"

Sweet Blending aka Liquid Love

2011-02-22T13:04:00.001-05:00

This year Valentine's Day brought the obligatory heart shaped boxes of candy, roses and cards filled with sappy prose, but the best sweet treat came in liquid form. A couple of weeks back I purchased several beers for a small tasting and realized I had the makings of an interesting blending experiment. I'm not such a beer purist that I can't have a little mixing fun. It doesn't happen often other than the occasional Black & Tan or Dirty Ho (Hoegaarden and Lindemans Framboise). However, with a bottle of Southern Tier Choklat on the shelf and a Samuel Smith Organic Raspberry Ale in the fridge I couldn't resist. Come on! Chocolate and raspberry, perfect.

The blending was done in a snifter, courtesy of TJ's 7th Anniversary celebration. Three parts Choklat to one part Raspberry Fruit Ale created a magical elixir. The rich sweet chocolate blended perfectly with the sweet tart raspberry. Choklat is often seen as a big, overly sweet chocolate bomb of a beer. The Sam Smith's tartness helped to bring in some balance and add to the dark fruit notes already present in Choklat. I played with the balance going heavier on the raspberry, but the best combinations where the ones with raspberry as the background flavor.

All in all it was dessert in a glass. Perfect for Valentine's Day. If you have a sweet tooth and happen to have access to each try the experiment for yourself. Better yet wait until you have a few people over so that you can share the liquid love.

SLAM @ CAH

2011-02-21T14:46:00.000-05:00

I dig Craft Ale House.

I love what Gary and Melissa do with beer and food.

I have a Pavlovian response when I hear about fresh HOPSLAM. On TONIGHT at CAH, 6pm.

However, Im 90% certain the true reason for mentioning this tapping is to have an excuse to post this video.

SLAM!!!

Bar & Restaurant Owners Greg Koch Says Go Craft for Profit

2011-02-17T17:11:00.001-05:00

SellingCraftBeer

Wood'ja @ Nodding Head and Prism @ Capone's

2011-02-11T17:30:00.001-05:00

Head to the city:

This time Nodding Head's second Saturday event takes on big wood. It's all about the barrel aging with 3 beers provided by the house and one from a special guest. Sat Feb 12, 3pm-6pm, PAYG.

(Cask Two-Year-Old) Wee Heavier, (9.5%ABV) which is a strong, Scottish-style ale that has been aged in a wooden cask that once held Calvados brandy, and more recently JW Lees Harvest Ale. This ale is very dark in color, and full-bodied with a 'roasty' character and sweet malt flavors. It'll make your belly happy. (Disclaimer: the two-year-old barrel aged beer could possibly be volatile or magnificent. Either way, we have plenty of great back up beers - it's all part of the fun).

Pho-Tay, (7%ABV) which is our O-Tay aged in the Phunk Barrel. This beer started off as a golden ale brewed with eighty-four pounds of organic buckwheat and Belgian yeast, giving it a unique spicy character. It then, of course, picked up oak and brett characteristics.

Saison De La Tete, (6%ABV) which is a blend of a young saison, and a sour barrel aged, low alcohol, hoppy pale ale. Then, we added flavors of brett and oak to the slightly funky saison character.

ALSO: SPECIAL GUEST BEER FROM FRIENDS AT RUSSIAN RIVER

Consecration, (10%ABV) which was aged in American oak Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. They not only use Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus, but also add currants to the beer while it is aging in the barrels.

Journey to the burbs:

Join Rob DeMaria of Prism Brewing at Capone's for something on the unique side. So ya like bacon and ya like beer? How about fruit and peppers? Prepare for a taste assault with the tapping of Prism's Insana Bacon Chocolate Stout and LOVE is EVOL Strawberry Jalapeno Brown Ale.

Insana Stout (7% abv, 50 IBU) Pours chocolaty and goes down smoky. Using an enormous amount of cocoa and vegetarian friendly bacon, this beer makes you want breakfast for dinner, or as we like to say "BFD". Enjoy it with steak or portabella if you are animal friendly - or with pancakes and scrapple if you want the true BFD experience.

LOVE is EVOL (5.5% abv, 34 IBU). Some say that Love is evil. We say if you spell love backwards its evol. Our Strawberry Jalapeno brown represents that notion with the love of strawberries and the evil nature of Jalapenos. Leaving some seeds in and some seeds out we balance the spiciness and flavor of the Jalapenos to meld well with the strawberries and brown ale. Using earthy English hops combined with some traditional American ones weve created something special for your tongue. So dont be shy and tell us did you find love or evol?

Sat Feb 12. Rob is in house @ 12:30.

Bonus: Arrive early for Bell's HopSlam. It's on at 11:30

Happy Groundhog Day

2011-02-02T16:42:00.000-05:00

This morning that furry prognosticator from Punxsutawney looked out of his hallowed hole and didn't see his shadow. Guess that means we will all benefit from an early spring. Regardless of the positive prediction a wintery mix is preventing the true Groundhog Day celebration from happening. Tonight's Dogfish Head event at Craft Ale House has been postponed until next Wednesday (Feb 9, 6pm). So for now be content to gaze upon the list of upcoming draft goodies and plan accordingly. Spring might not get here by next week but I predict one hell of a good time happening in Limerick.

60 Minute Ipa

75 Minute Ipa - firkin
90 Minute Ipa
120 Minute Ipa '09
Red & White
Black & Blue
Sahtea
Theobroma
Midas Touch
Indian Brown Ale
World Wide Stout
Raison D'Etre being poured through Randall the Enamel Animal filled with ...
and maybe more.

We will be offering a flight with 60, 75, 90 and 120.

Wendy, our Dogfish Head rep will be showing up to do some giveaways sometime around 6'ish. If she comes in and sees her shadow, we will have 6 more hours of partying. Yeah!

Holy Hop Trinity @ TJ's

2011-01-26T04:06:00.002-05:00

What natural occurrence is strong enough to pull me out of a

winter hibernation? A truly perfect hop storm. Last week a quick stop at TJ's revealed a whole lotta love for hopheads. On draft were Bell's Hopslam, Sierra Nevada Hoptimum and Troegs Nugget Nectar. Three short pours of each created a true Holy Hop Trinity.

The hype is as big as ever with the release of Slam and Nectar, but after praising TJ's on the holy gathering it was the Sierra Nevada Hoptimum that took me by surprise. This whole-cone brewed DIPA is a sweet, biscuity, tangerine, grapefruit, hopfest. That familiar Sierra pine bitterness doesn't come in until later. At 10.4% the booze hits and the sticky factor is there. However, it's a big beer that works. This double more than holds it's own with it's mega hyped counterparts. If you don't fear going big it's a must try.

12 Bells of Christmas @ UJ's on the Manatawny

2010-12-18T13:03:00.001-05:00

Christmas is next weekend but today we all get a sweet beer gift from Union Jack's on the Manatawny. 12 Bell's drafts start flowing at 1pm. It's the perfect way to end a morning of Christmas shopping or the needed relaxer before heading into retail madness. PAYG. Cheers!

12 Bell's on tap!!

From "What Santa Really Does While Your Asleep"
Created by: Matthew Inman

Batch 9000

Batch 10,000

Sparkling Ale

Bourbon Barrel Hell Hath No Fury

2008 Java Stout

Christmas Ale

Expedition Stout
Two Hearted
Porter
Rye Stout
Winter White
Oarsman
Firkin of Best Brown to be tapped at 3pm.

Happy 7th Anniversary TJ's Restaurant & Drinkery

2010-12-04T10:57:00.001-05:00

Wow 7 years and going strong. I only discovered TJ's a few years ago after moving from the city. It was one of the places that my wife used to convince me that great beer and food were available in the land of chain restaurants. Along with Capone's, Craft Ale House, Teresa's Next Door, Flying Pig, Sly Fox and Iron Hill it's made transition to life beyond the Blue Route easy going. The area is a regular craft beer utopia. This Saturday TJ's becomes the capitol of that utopia. Always known for a great draft and bottle list the 7th Anniversary celebration takes it to another level. Congratulations Jeff and Terri. Thank you for continuing to keep amazing beer flowing.

The pours start at noon. PAYG

Featuring TJ's 7th Anniversary Ale

(A British Pale Ale brewed for us by our friends at Sly Fox)

Allagash Fluxus 2010 (Russian Imperial Stout)

Allagash Interlude
Ballast Point Dorado DIPA

Ballast Point Sculpin (FIRKIN)

Cantillon Kriek 100% Lambic
Corsendonk Christmas
Dieu du Ciel Aphrodite

Flying Dog Wild Dog Coffee Stout

Founders Devil Dancer

Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout

Great Lakes Christmas Ale

Hitachino XH

Jolly Pumpkin Oro De Calabaza

Lost Abbey Bourbon Barrel Aged Angel's Share

Mikkeller Black Hole

Port Brewing Older Viscosity

Russian River Consecration

Russian River Supplication

Russian River Temptation

Russian River Pliny the Elder

2009 Troegs Mad Elf

2010 Troegs Mad Elf (Randallized with Brandied Cherries)

Troubadour Magma
White Birch Barrel Aged Elysium Stout

Yards Bourbon Barrel Aged Olde Bartholomew

Roll a 7 with the giant dice on our craps table and win a commemorative "I Crapped Out at TJ's 7th Anniversary" shirt. (Only 72 available)

Special toast with Methuselahs (6L) & Jeroboams (3L) of Allagash Tripel at 7:00pm in a TJ's 7th Anniversary Snifter. (Keep the Glass - Only 144 Available)

Sorry no growlers

Break from the Extreme. It's Session Time

2010-12-02T15:24:00.005-05:00

After Black Friday at Capone's and before the Anniversary madness this Saturday at TJ's, it's the perfect time to explore the lighter side. No, I didn't bump my head and suddenly have a craving for a few macro lights. With a momentary break from the extreme why not settle down and go in the session direction.

If anyone were to follow my beer footprint they would think the idea of session beers were completely lost on me. Tongue numbing IPAs, sours, barrel aged beers and high abv seasonals remain my favorite. However to stay somewhat well rounded and improve my overall beer experience I'm slowly exploring lower abv options. Having a few beers that don't end up hitting like a mammoth fist to the skull makes sense. Besides, retaining the ability to form fully comprehensible sentences only adds to the social experience.

But what is a session beer? Some will scream nothing over 4% abv. Other opinions take it over 5%. Who is right? I'm placing my personal ceiling at 5.5%. Having a few drafts ranging between 5.0-5.5% and declaring them in the session range won't sit well with some session purists. However, if you thrive in the land of big abv, enjoying a few that are slightly beyond 5% seems comfortable and very session worthy.

While talking to friends whose tastes, like mine, tend to lean toward big beer I found that most have the misconception that lower abv means little flavor. I admit it, it use to be the first thing that popped into my head after hearing, session beer. I want big flavor. Nothing thin and watery in my glass. The three beers I used in my session experiment had no problem bringing the flavor and one even took it to an unexpected level.

If you're going to try a session beer doesn't it make sense to try one that literally screams session on the label? That's why

Full Sail Brewing's Session Lager (5.1%) and Session Black Lager (5.4%) seemed like no brainers. Not so fast. After some quick research it turns out these beers aren't called session for there lower abv. Full Sail's Executive Brewmaster Jamie Emmerson explains in an article in The Metro West Daily News.

Emmerson said people should not be confused about the name "session." In beer geek language, session usually refers to a low-alcohol beer, usually less than 4 percent alcohol by volume. Both of these session beers are over 5 percent. The Session actually refers to windsurfing sessions on the Columbia River, although Emmerson said, compared to other West Coast beers, the Session and Session Black are low alcohol. "In the Northwest, that is a session beer," he said.

Ok, good enough for me. So lets declare them Northwest session beers. I started with the Session Lager. Straw like in color, grainy aroma and a thin white head all scream macro. Thankfully it's better than what the big boys are putting out. Clean and crisp upfront with some sweetness. Biscuit/cereal flavors lead to subtle hop bitterness in the finish. Nothing earth shattering but better than expected. If it were 90 degrees and I was mowing the backyard this beer iced in a cooler would be a slice of heaven.

The Session Black works better with the current chilly Northeast conditions. Dark in color with mild bitter roastiness. A touch of sweetness sneaks in with some dark chocolate and smoke. Again nothing off the chart but it's more complex than it's sibling. It definitely serves it's purpose as a flavorful easy drinking beer.

The real surprise came from Stone's collaboration beer, San Diego County Session Ale (4.2%). Go figure it takes Stone to make a session beer I can truly love. From the makers of the extreme comes a session beer with some smack. Ya want bitter and big hops? This delivers. The pine hop effect is there with a sharp bitterness and herbal quality that makes you take notice. Where a well balanced IPA or DIPA may have some malt sweetness to balance the bitter bite San Diego Session is a hop show from start to finish. Not a bad thing. Slide a dozen extra spicy Buffalo wings next to a pint of this on football Sunday and you're livin'!

Ok, so whether or not the Session Lager, Session Black and San Diego Session are true session beers is debatable. The abv on all should have most feeling fine even after a few. If your doing the session thing and need a flavorful smack to the tongue San Diego Session and Session Black make it happen.

Wow Wednesday: Khyber Pass, Varga Bar, Devil's Den

2010-12-01T15:12:00.001-05:00

Crappy Philly weather got ya down? Snap out of it! Dodge the drops and make your way around the city for some midweek craft beer activity.

Celebrate all day at the Khyber Pass Pub Grand Opening

I'm sure most of you are already aware of the rebirth of the Khyber. Today's celebration makes it official. The good times kick off at 11am and continue with specials until close.

Kick Off Drafts

Ballast Point Sculpin

Allagash Curieux

Russian River Pliny The Elder

Yards Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Gen. Washington's Porter

Terrapin So Fresh & So Green Green

Founders Curmudgeon

Dogfish Head Old School

Oh So Happy Hour 4:00-6:00PM

$2.00 off all drafts and $1.00 off anything on the bottle list.

6:00-9:00PM

$2.00 Drafts all 22 taps

9:00--10:00PM

Complimentary pints of Sly Fox Dunkel Lager and Phoenix Pale Ale. Also complimentary Four Roses Bourbon cocktails.

10:00PM-2:00AM

Free Jameson Irish Whiskey shots with any draft purchase. Plus Beefeater Gin and Plymouth Gin cocktails only $2.

Avery Brewing Invades Varga Bar

It's big A night at Varga with something extra special for those still in need of a pumpkin fix. Rumpkin a pumpkin ale aged 8 months in rum barrels is on draft along with Avery IPA, White Rascal, Salvation, The Beast, Kaiser, Reverand, DuganA and Hog Heaven. The night starts @ 8:00PM.

Get Lit at Devil's Den aka: Light Our Fire

The fireplace gets lit @ 7:00PM. Hopefully it takes you a little longer! To celebrate it's a collection of Smoke and Barrel/Wood aged drafts. Light up time 7:00PM

From the Smoke

Yard's Grodziski Smoked Wheat

Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier

Weyerbacher 15

New Holland Charkoota Rye

From the Wood
Lost Abbey Angel's Share

Rodenbach 2008 Vintage Oak Aged

Weyerbacher Heresy
Dogfish Head Red & White

From the looks of it cab fare or a designated driver are on order for the evening.

Cheers!

Turn My World to Black: Capone's Black Friday

2010-11-26T08:49:00.000-05:00

You know the drill.
Try not to hurt yourself.

ETA 9:00am

Final Draft List

Bullfrog Old Toad "Barrel Aged Barleywine"
East End Gratitude
Victory Old Horizontal "Vintage 2006"
Bullfrog Busted Lawnmower
Bullfrog/ Bavarian Barbarian Collaboration Gothika "Schwarzbier"
Emelisse Russian Imperial Stout
Dieu du Ciel Péché Mortel Imperial Coffee Stout
Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch "Weasel"
Boulder Obivoid "On Nitrogen"
Russian River Pliny The Elder
Russian River Blind Pig
Russian River Consecration "Vintage Batch 2 "
Petrus Oak Aged Pale "Sour"
Ballast Point Sculpin
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree "Triple IPA"
Founders Devil Dancer "Triple IPA"
Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout ( KBS )
Founders Backwoods Bastard
Troegs Mad Elf "Vintage 2008"
General Lafayette Raspberry Mead Ale
Great Lakes Christmas Ale
Port Santas Little Helper
Avery Beast Grand Cru " Vintage 2009" 16.9%ABV 5.5oz pour only
Prism Red Zone ""Spiced Seasonal w/ ginger,nutmeg, allspice & maple syrup"
Spring House Kerplunk "Vintage 2009 Chocolate Stout"
Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout "Vintage 2008"
Affligem Noel Christmas Ale "Vintage 2008"
Southhampton Pumpkin Ale
Terrapin Moo-Hoo Milk Chocolate Stout
Yards Brawler

It's Harvest Time

2010-11-11T12:21:00.001-05:00

Mmmmmm, there is nothing like the smell of hops in the afternoon.

11:30 is officially harvest time at Capone's with a bounty of hop forward harvest ales on draft. As always the lineup includes offerings for those who don't live and die by the hop alone.

Bonus, at 6:30 Brewer/Owner Rob DeMaria of Prism Brewing will be in house to chat on the full spectrum of happenings at Prisim. Cheers!

Drafts Pouring

Founders Harvest Ale "Firkin"

Terrapin So Fresh & So Green, Green "Amarillo Hop Goodness !"
Terrapin Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout "Brand New Seasonal"
Ballast Point Even Keel "A Hoppy Session Ale"
Prism Brewing Death March Hopeless Porter "A non Hoppy Porter"

Philly Brewing Harvest from the Hood

Sierra Estate Harvest

Victory Harvest Pils

Victory Harvest Ale

Rogue Wet Hop IPA

Port Brewing High Tide Fresh Hop

Two Brothers Heavy Handed Fresh Hop IPA

Founders Harvest Ale
Brooklyn Cuvee Noire
Spring House Planet Bean Coffee Stout
Corsendonk Christmas Ale
Duck Rabbit Rabid Duck Russian Imperial Stout "2009"
Thomas Hooker Oktoberfest
Stoudts Smooth Hoperator
Erdinger Dunkel Weizen
Weyerbacher Mike "Abbey Dubbel"
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
Southampton Pumpkin
Brasserie De La Senne Taras Boulba "Belgian Pale Ale"
Rouge Double Chocolate Stout
Paulaner Oktoberfest
Ramstein Double Platinum Blonde
Southampton Double White
Fruli Strawberry

@ TJ's the Night Belongs to Ithaca

2010-10-16T12:49:00.001-04:00

It's time for another good beer gathering at TJ's in Paoli. This evening it's all about Ithaca Brewing. IB beer rep Eric VanZile will be on hand to talk about what's on draft and all things Ithaca. Start time is 4pm but some of the goodies are already flowing. Cheers!

Draft Board

Brute

Alphalpha (Firkin)

Cascazilla

Flower Power

Cold Front

Outdoor Harvest

Nut Brown

Apricot Wheat

Happy Big #2 Earth Bread + Brewery

2010-10-09T10:16:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania Breweries 4th Edition Release Party @ Victory

2010-10-05T12:29:00.000-04:00

Today (10/5) Lew Bryson's extensive travels and hard work all pay off. It's the official release party at Victory Brewing for Pennsylvania Breweries 4th Edition. Since Mr. Bryson doesn't party alone he's invited a few friends to help with the festivities. Carol Stoudt of Stoudts, Kurt Decker of Nodding Head, Chris and John Trogner of Troegs, Ron Barchet of Victory and Brian O'Reilly of Sly Fox will all be on hand for a Brewer's panel and an audience question and answer session. Tickets are $35.00 through Victory's website and include an autographed copy of the book, 2 beers and hors d'oeuvres. A damn fine deal! The party starts rolling at 6pm.

Randall or Brooklyn for a Friday

2010-09-30T18:22:00.010-04:00

Since Philly is a great beer town it's no surprise that multiple events tend to bump up against one another The dilemma of going here or there and doing this or that is bound to happen. Such is situation this weekend. It starts Friday with Randall @ TJ's or a taste of Brooklyn @ The Grey Lodge.

Randall 3.0

Sam with original Randall

The new and improved Randall the Enamel Animal (3.0 version) has been unleashed upon the world. From the beer stained lab of creative brew genius Sam Calagione Randall the, "organoleptic hop transducer module" has been redesigned. The new two chamber system was created to allow for a less foamy pour. While it's common to use whole flower hops with Randall for an over the top hop infused beer, some bartending visionaries are already experimenting with more unique blendings. A variety of fruit, spices and herbs can be added to the chamber to create endless flavor combinations. I'm thinking Raison D'Etre with bourbon soaked raisins.

TJ's Restaurant & Drinkery
On Friday see Randall work its blending magic at TJ's Restaurant and Drinkery. Dogfish Head Chateau Jiahu gets Randallized with Chinese 5 Spice. Once you've had your Randall fix the rest of the impressive TJ draft list is at your disposal. Randall is unleashed at 4pm.

The Grey Lodge
Brooklyn in the house. Such is the case at The Grey Lodge Friday night. It's Brooklyn Detonation Night. A line-up of rare Brooklyn Brewing goodies. 6pm start PAYG

Brooklyn Oktoberfest

Brooklyn Detonation Ale (double IPA)

Brooklyn Cookie Jar Porter

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

Randall or Brooklyn. The choice is yours.

Did someone say BROOKLYN? Any reason for some Beasties