I lost a good friend today and so did the entire Philadelphia beer community. Bruce Nichols lost his battle with leukemia. Bruce was president of Museum Catering Company and co-founder of Philly Beer Week. Bruce was a voice of reason, always calm and had an innate ability to bring people together. Bruce, myself and Don Russell organized the first Philly Beer Week with the help of many bars, restaurants, distributors, brewers, etc. Bruce was always a driving force behind the Philly beer movement. He was also adept at keeping us crazy beer people organized and on-point. Philly Beer Week would have never happen without his ideas and positive energy. Bruce is the person that brought famed beer writer, Michael Jackson, to Philly, way back in 1991. Bruce Nichols hosted Michael at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology for a "The Book & The Cook" event. That single beer event drew more people than any 10 food events combined. Thus began the real emergence on the Philadelphia beer culture. Bruce & Michael combined for seventeen annual beer events, each more challenging than the previous. Bruce really helped push the boundaries of beer culture in Philadelphia. We are all thankful and grateful to all that Bruce has done for us. Bruce will be missed by all who were close to him and the beer community has lost a good friend and champion. I raise a glass to your life. Goodbye, my friend. - Tom Peters, 11/30/10
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bruce Nichols, RIP
I lost a good friend today and so did the entire Philadelphia beer community. Bruce Nichols lost his battle with leukemia. Bruce was president of Museum Catering Company and co-founder of Philly Beer Week. Bruce was a voice of reason, always calm and had an innate ability to bring people together. Bruce, myself and Don Russell organized the first Philly Beer Week with the help of many bars, restaurants, distributors, brewers, etc. Bruce was always a driving force behind the Philly beer movement. He was also adept at keeping us crazy beer people organized and on-point. Philly Beer Week would have never happen without his ideas and positive energy. Bruce is the person that brought famed beer writer, Michael Jackson, to Philly, way back in 1991. Bruce Nichols hosted Michael at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology for a "The Book & The Cook" event. That single beer event drew more people than any 10 food events combined. Thus began the real emergence on the Philadelphia beer culture. Bruce & Michael combined for seventeen annual beer events, each more challenging than the previous. Bruce really helped push the boundaries of beer culture in Philadelphia. We are all thankful and grateful to all that Bruce has done for us. Bruce will be missed by all who were close to him and the beer community has lost a good friend and champion. I raise a glass to your life. Goodbye, my friend. - Tom Peters, 11/30/10
Monday, November 29, 2010
Have one last celebratory toast to Sierra Nevada's 30th Anniversary
Eastern Shore for beer, for dinner, for the Chesapeake Bay
Hanssens Kriek, you say? Sounds like a NYD game changer
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Beer Photos for Prizes
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Beer Calendar: What To Do in December 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Two beers you'll likely never have...at least not this time around
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 25th-November 30th
Oh, so it isn't common knowledge that beer complements more foods than does wine?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Dock Street...pizza...saison...tonight
Monday, November 22, 2010
Dogfish Head & Discovery Channel's Brew Masters makes its TV debut
Friday, November 19, 2010
Sixpoint pops up more beer in Philly
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Philly Beer Week Collaboration Raffle at McGillin's Olde Ale House
De Proef has brewed four Brewmaster's Collaboration Series beers in the past, one each with Tomme Arthur (Port), Jason Perkins (Allagash), John Mallett (Bell's), and Brian "Spike" Buckowski (Terrapin). For the 2011 version, Philly Beer Week Executive Director Don Russell took an idea to Alan Shapiro of SBS-Imports (the annual liaison between the brewery and the American brewers) and the planning of a PBW collaboration beer took off.
According to Russell, it only took a few beers worth of discussion with Alan and then pulling Tom Peters into the conversation to get the ball rolling on this very exciting idea for publicity and fundraising.
It's hard to tell if Mr. Curtin likes this idea or not, but I for one think it one of PBW's more ingenious ideas.
The idea seems to be a win for everyone. ~ De Proef is associated with the original and, arguably, most successful Beer Week ~ a local brewer gets his name attached to the beer and nationwide attention ~ a local beer drinker gets a free vacation and the chance to rub mash paddles with brewing celebrities (or do a lot of grunt work) ~ PBW raises money for its coffers ~ a good reason for a pre-PBW party in November at McGillin's.
Okay, so everything above was written prior to the PBW bash last night at McGillin's. We now know that the winning brewer was Brian O'Reilly from Sly Fox and he'll be accompanied to Belgium in February by Jason Kramer to brew their concept of a porter with Dirk Naudts of the famed De Proef Brouwerij near the town of Gent.
The crowd was almost wall-to-wall in the upstairs room of McGillin's last night and they came from near and far to party and for a chance to win the trip to Belgium.
Brewers were there. Owners, too. Reps, distributors, homebrewers, fans, and other hoperati were as well. "Regulars" from Hulmeville to Grey Lodge to Teresa's Next Door descended upon the historic McGillin's. An early estimate shows close to 1,000 ballots in the ballot box. Final counts and total dollars raised will be available by the end of the week.
Everyone was there, well, except for not only the winning brewer but the winning entrant too, which made for a bit of an anticlimatic ending to the event. Apparently Kramer submitted his absentee ballot via the mail and the system certainly worked out for him.
If you'd like to see a 4 minute clip of the drawing and announcement, check out the video and just picture the joy on Kramer's and O'Reilly's faces.
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 18th-November 24th
@Bell's Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 11/19 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Tröegs)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 11/18 - Victory Brewing Night (7:00pm; PAYG for Yakima Glory, Harvest Ale, and Golden Monkey on tap and Storm King Stout on cask)
@Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 11/23 - All-Brett Bottle-Conditioned Saison Release Party (6:30pm; PAYG for one of only 42 bottles to be released at the brewery)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, PA--- Fri. 11/19 - Bottled Reserve Tasting and Book Signing (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG for special bottle tastings and a book release and signing from special guest, Lew Bryson)
@Stewart's Brewing Company, Bear, DE--- Fri. 11/19 - Delaware Draft Release of Flying Fish Exit 6 (5:00pm; PAYG to hang with Gordon Grubb of Nodding Head, Casey Hughes of Flying Fish, and host Ric Hoffman of Stewart's as they introduce Delaware to Exit 6)
@Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, PA--- Thu. 11/18 - Duvel Beer Sampling (6:00pm; Free tasting samples of this Belgian standard)
Tastings bordering on the rare and esoteric@Fork and Barrel, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 11/18 - Epic/Rare Beer and Cheese tasting (6:30pm; $65 for a structured sampling of approximately 10 beers, snacks will be served as well)
@Iron Hill, Media, PA--- Sat. 11/20 - Pucker Up! (2:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG for 8 rare sour beers from 6 Iron Hill locations like: Wee Funky, Framboise de Hill, and Raspberry Torte from Media; Blackberry Saison from Wilmington; Saison de Sorachi from Lancaster; Cherry Dubbel from West Chester; Brett Tripel from Maple Shade; Barrel Aged Dubbel from North Wales)
International Flavor@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 11/18 - Aecht Schlenkerla Beer Dinner (7:00pm-10:00pm; $65 for a four-course meal featuring 6 Schlenkerla beers including: Rauchbier Weizen; Helles Lagerbier; Rauchbier Märzen; Eiche (Oak Smoke) from both the bottle and a wood-clad gravity-poured keg; and Rauchbier Urbock)
@Fork and Barrel, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 11/24 - Rare Firkin from Italy (PAYG)
@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 11/23 - Leifmans Returns to the U.S. (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG for the classic Belgian Gouden Band, plus two additional beers)
@Tap and Table, Emmaus, PA--- Fri. 11/19 - Aecht Schlenkerla (7:00pm; $TBD for a four-course meal featuring 6 Schlenkerla beers including: Rauchbier Weizen; Helles Lagerbier; Rauchbier Märzen; Eiche (Oak Smoke) from both the bottle and a wood-clad gravity-poured keg; and Rauchbier Urbock)
Two more beer dinners@Chifa Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 11/18 - Iron Hill Beer Dinner (7:00pm; $65 for a four-course meal paired with Rising Sun IPA, Victoria's Bitter, Pig Iron Porter, and Weizenbock)
@Ron's Original, Exton, PA--- Thu. 11/18 - Blues Brews 'n' BBQ (PAYG for beers at Ron's and BBQ from Ron's)
The beginning of a cool series?@City Tap House, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 11/19-Sun. 11/21 - Pop-Up Brewery (all weekend; PAYG for the kickoff of a new concept. This first installment includes a visit from Brooklyn's Sixpoint Brewery and seven of its brews plus three debut exclusives for Philadelphia. Sunday features a homebrewing Q&A with brewers and owner, Shane Welch.)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Iron Hill beer dinners aplenty
Monday, November 15, 2010
Happy 30th Birthday to Sierra Nevada
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 11th-November 17th
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Still catching up, with some nuggets to share
"50-55 guests...Slightly raucous..." This time around? 60-ish guests, definitely raucous. We debated the concept of courtesy and rudeness at beer dinners such as these. I discussed a "liberal, free-pouring" approach at beer dinners hosted by restaurants. At this dinner, it was not necessary as all beers were above 8% ABV, except for the first course which came in just merely a tick or two under 7% ABV. Last year, I mentioned a surprise, that of "the baby brother of Limb & Life". The only real surprise this time around was the unfortunate absence of the originally-planned Anniversary #4 beer, the Sierra blended and oak-aged beer which was not ready from the brewery in time for this dinner. Of course, I also described the "grand-daddy of the dinner---the dessert course". This year was no exception as the Belgian Chocolate Flourless Torte paired with the Fritz & Ken Imperial Stout (anniversary beer #1) shone brightly. Fortunately, the lights were not so bright as to draw attention to this beer guy dunking forkfuls of his chocolate dessert in the stout. Sheesh, you can't take some people anywhere, eh? Finally, last year I wondered if TDR could "continue to pull off strings of $70 beer dinners and pack the house each time". The house was still packed for this year's dinner, though at a lower price, $59, than for last year's. Somehow, I don't think price really matters when it comes to a beer dinner of this caliber.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Saturday the Thirstless-teenth
>>> Along the Delaware River at Penn's Landing's Independence Seaport Museum, Rolling Barrel Events is hosting its first annual Stout & Chowder Festival from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For a $40 admission, in their words you can expect "over ten 'Burly Beer Stations' featuring all local breweries, a special breakout session showcasing pumpkin beers, and numerous hearty soups, stews and chowders. Proceeds will also benefit the Independence Seaport Museum." >>> Back in the heart of Center City, Nodding Head is throwing 4 of their wet-hopped beers on the bar and one on the beer engine at 3 p.m. Harvest Ale on the hand pump and Wet Chinook Double IPA, X, Hoppo Marx, and BPA all on the bar top served via the lovely forces of gravity. The tasting event is PAYG. >>> Moving out from the City, first up is TJs in Paoli where they will be helping Sierra Nevada with its ongoing 30th Anniversary Celebration. All four anniversary beers are due to be on tap. Plus the Northern Hemisphere Harvest. Plus the Estate Homegrown Ale. Plus the Celebration Ale. Plus the Tumbler Autumn Brown. And, plus the Pale Ale. How's that for an all-growed-up 30 year old brewing company? This is an all-day event (and, PAYG) with nothing necessarily special planned at any given time. Just a lot of great beer (and some rather rare ones, too) served until it kicks which will be sooner for some than others, I'm sure. >>> Just a keg's throw away in Exton, The Drafting Room is conducting a seasonally-appropriate Harvest Beer event. Expect such fresh and hoppy beers from Bear Republic, Flying Dog, Founders, Great Divide, Harpoon, Philadelphia Brewing, Port Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Southern Tier, Terrapin, Tröegs, Two Brothers, Victory, and Weyerbacher. This also is a PAYG all-day affair, so come and go as you please. >>> Stretching farther to the west, downtown Reading's Canal Street Pub is hosting the 8th Brewphoria festival. Admission is $35, the event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and you can expect a beer tasting and exhibition featuring local and regional brewers with live music being provided by The Youngers. >>> Down "south", Iron Hill's Justin Sproul and his Newark location are throwing a delightful-looking cask ale festival. It begins at noon, is PAYG, and is expected to showcase "real ale" from Iron Hill, Yards, Flying Fish, Tröegs, Sly Fox, Stewart's, and Victory. >>> And, finally, stretching the Pennsylvania's Fertile Crescent of Beer to its outer limits in Harrisburg, Pa., the Expo Hall at The State Farm Show Arena is playing host to an event called PA Flavor: A Food & Beer Expo of which I know very little but have picked up some tidbits from the Web. It lasts from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and promises up to 40 Pennsylvania breweries, 60 Pennsylvania food producers, and 20 Pennsylvania restaurants. Attendees can expect two-ounce samples of close to 100 different beers. All proceeds from PA Flavor are reported to benefit the Pennsylvania Brewers Guild. You can't do them all. I promise you. Though, if you get a hired driver, there's the ever-so-slim chance that you could pull it off. If I dared you, I'm afraid someone might try it. So get out there....forget about the yardwork, ditch the wedding (unless it's yours), call off from your weekend job. Drink a few great beers, support your local economy, be safe, and enjoy!Kraftwork: 20 Beers from B.United and the sweet sounds Damon Bennett's Jazzsoul Experience Johnny Brenda's: The Wet Hop Rodeo, A round up of local & national wet hoped beers Standard Tap: Imperial Pageant, An orgy of excess and power in a glass. The Institute: The Power Of The Darks Side, Stout & Porter event featuring Brewers & Owners Bishop's Collar: Southern Tier Invades The North East Kite & Key: A.A.A. (Almighty, Afternoon of Allagash) Jose Pistolas: Big Bold Barleywine & Live Blues Sidecar: Discoteque & Brothel, featuring Bell's Jazz series brews & The Sidecar Jazz Quartet P.O.P.E.: Dogfish Head Dominates The P.O.P.E., featuring the Randell 3.0 Devil's Den: Stockertown Beverage Supplies Sudds, special tapping of Founders Nemesis Brauhaus Schmitz: still T.B.A.
a Luca Brasi sighting in New Jersey
I've learned my lesson trying to get to Iron Hill's New Jersey location one too many times. From where I begin, there's rarely a quick way through or around Philly to get to Maple Shade, NJ.
Not for lack of wanting to be there, of course. The Iron Hill model is alive and well across the river. Fortunately, for me, I've got two close to me...one in Phoenixville and one West Chester.
But, Luca Brasi's gonna be there tonight. How can an offer like that be refused?!
No, not that Luca Brasi.
This Luca Brasi.
Iron Hill has a long track record of working with the homebrewing community. Chris LaPierre has been passing along wort and yeast to homebrewers in West Chester to bring the whole craft brewing industry full circle and now does the same in Maple Shade.
He's taken the same philosophy to his New Jersey brewing outpost and is debuting the Luca Brasi beer tonight. It's a coffee stout "collaboration" beer brewed with local Maple Shade homebrewers Scott Davi and Jim Carruthers recent winners of the Iron Brewer competition.
Check out the fun and informative video above (excellently produced by the BeerStainedLetter guy, Jeff Linkous); it'll give you all the details that you need. Then, head over to Iron Hill in Maple Shade to check out the beer tonight beginning at 7 p.m.