Call me Elf one more time....Happy Holidays.

You may now resume your holiday imbibing with the elves in peace.

Actually, I'd wondered recently how many even knew of the legal storm when it began brewing earlier this year. I'd mentioned a couple times in the past week or so to various people in the biz who basically shrugged and said something like "huh, dunno...kind of forgot all about that. Weird, though."

Collaboration? Not Litigation? Seems like a dreamy past.

So here we are. The Fegley's crew continues their thing in the Lehigh Valley with a successfully growing empire of locations, complete with coffee and burritos to round out the brewing and restaurant operations. Tröegs has its shiny new operation in Hershey as the envy of many in the industry.

Mad Elf. Rude Elf. I'm happy with them both. And comparing isn't really fair given that they're quite different beers.

There above is a picture of them living side-by-side at Wegmans when they both first made their annual reappearance back in October. I'd wondered at the time if the retail beer staff at Wegmans stuck them side-by-side with any intended message.

Tröegs is a bit more expensive. Given the recipe, you might imagine that. 33% more? Hard to say.

Here they are at home with me. I like 'em both. But, they're different. Rude Elf is more cinnamon and more allspice, but yet a quite drinkable "Christmas beer", particularly at 10.5% ABV.

Mad Elf is more honey and muted sweet cherries. Also, quite drinkable and, yet, 11% ABV. I prefer the latter but would not think of turning away the Rude Elf. Like I said, no reason to since they are so different.

While I'd like to be hopeful that these kind of legal actions do not become the norm, similar proceedings between other breweries in recent years suggest that may be wishful thinking.

Neither of the breweries are saying anything. Anything. I tried. I tried my "nice cop" approach and got nothing from either. It must have been part of the settlement, whatever that may have been. The extent of what I got was, and I quote, "We have nothing to add." (Tröegs) and "We are very happy that it has been resolved and have no further comment on that matter. We are proud that Rude Elf's Reserve always seems to prove a winner such as its 2002 World Beer Championship win and 2009 GABF win. This years batch is destined for greatness as well." (Fegley's)

Here's the official press release copy from Fegley's.

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Fegley's Brew Works is pleased to report the litigation with fellow Pennsylvania Brewer, Tröegs Brewing, has been resolved and Fegley's Brew Works will continue to sell Rude Elf's Reserve. When asked to comment on this matter Jeff Fegley responded, "We have no further comment. You may direct any questions to me via email only at jeff@thebrewworks.com" When asked if Tröegs would be attending the Allentown Brew Works Beer Festival this Saturday, December 3rd, Fegley responded, "Unfortunately no, they are tied up with their new brewery expansion."

When asked about this year's batch of Rude Elf's Reserve, Fegley noted that it is "better than ever. We added two new 30bbl fermentation tanks this year and are really happy with how the complexity of the flavor profile has come together. The 1999 recipe has only been tweaked slightly over the years as the equipment changed, and was a Medal Winner at the Great American Beer Festival in 2009." Like many craft breweries, in 2011 Fegley's Brew Works has seen a giant increase in business. "We are at full capacity projected to brew about 3,800 barrels of beer in the next 12 months at our Allentown facility alone. We are adding 3 more 30 barrel fermenters in the next few months." said Fegley.

There are only limited quantities of this year's Rude Elf's Reserve left so get them while they last! Or sample them at the annual Allentown Beer Festival this Saturday afternoon with almost 30 other breweries attending. Look for Fegley's Brew Works products at Shangy's Beer Authority, Whole Foods, Wegmans and Tanczos, or sample their fine brews at locations like PJ Whelihans (Allentown and Bethlehem), Dunderbaks (Whitehall), Porter's Pub (Easton), TGIFriday's (Quakertown), Wise Guys Beer Depot (Allentown) and a distributor near you.

Happy Holidays from the rudest elf in Town. The now Legendary ...Fegley's Brew Works Rude Elf's Reserve. Cheers!

Homebrewing is news fit to print

The New York Times featured an article a couple of weeks ago that I thought some of you may be find of interest.

The growing homebrewing trend is discussed from a few different angles. One such angle showcased accomplished homebrewer Chris Bowen. He of Artic Alchemy, GABF Pro-Am gold winner, Hammersmith Ales, brewing historian, and perhaps of some other fame as well.

Link to the NY Times article

In preview of tomorrow's weekly Philly Beer Calendar

Right--I normally do these weekly calendar updates on Thursday morning. And, that's exactly what you'll see tomorrow morning. You're all good enough readers to pick up on what I'm about to point out.

Once again, the Philly area beer calendar is bursting at the seams and demonstrates how "in to" great beer the publicans are...the consumers are...the brewers are...the distributors are. We live Beer Week year-round 'round these parts.

Take for example Thursday February 17 and the 10 events that will be on my weekly calendar release tomorrow. Stand back and admire the tenacity of our beer region on an "average" Thursday night.

In the Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem Brew Works is doing a charity fundraiser with a special cask of beer to benefit the Muscular Dystropy Association.

In Philly, Jose Pistolas is throwing a party with Allagash's Rob Tod and in the suburbs, Capone's is throwing yet another Sierra 30th Anniversary Bash for one last taste of the special anniversary beers.

There'll be a cask of Yards Chocolate Love Stout at Khyber Pass Pub, a couple over at Kraftwork during its celebration of Victory's 15 years, and at least two at Fork & Barrel as they welcome BFM's Jerome Rebetez.

White Dog in University City is throwing a Happy Hour with Weyerbacher.

Devil's Den will be experimenting with beer and cheese in conjunction with DiBruno Bros., both always good moves.

Iron Hill has a sold-out five-course meal in Maple Shade with some pretty nice beers (call to check for cancellations).

And, finally, Sly Fox is continuing Boot Camp at its Royersford location as they march on toward St. Patrick's Day.

Happy Thursday. Not too shabby, eh? Get your rest.

Sounds like Bryson pulled it off

(Lew Bryson at his eponymously-named beer and bourbon event at Allentown Brew Works) Thanks to The Pour Curator, Greg Heller-Labelle, for not only making good use of my comp'ed media pass for the event, but for sending along the following words and pictures to help describe the event for all of you. I would have been one of those bourbon neophytes, as Greg describes further below and probably would have appreciated the full slate of Buffalo Trace. The various takes on already-interesting beers sound like it made for an afternoon and admission well-spent. I'm hoping and looking forward to a reprise next year. You, too, can thank Greg by paying him a visit over at his site, The Pour Curator and checking out his contribution to the world of beer and art. (since writing this, I see that Brian Parker also has his own review of the event up over at his I Am Beer Wise site)

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(Rick Anstotz from Yards Brewing Company) The *Yards Bourbon Barrel aged Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale* was maybe the beer that picked up the most vanilla Bourbon flavor. The *Stoudt's Bourbon Barrel Cask-Conditioned Scarlet Lady* was a special one-off for the occasion, and that was the beer that was most transformed by the bourbon barrel-aging. Anyone who’s had a Scarlet Lady is familiar with the lively, hoppy ESB, and it was close to impossible to believe that the earthy, mellow, round tasting brew at the event was the same beer. (Josh Bushey of Allentown Brew Works) The Brew Works had three selections. The *Beau’s Perfect Porter* and *Black Dog Stout* were mellowed versions of flagship beers, but they also had a kegged *Apple Lambic* that was a nice tart change of pace from all of the rich vanilla flavors. Weyerbacher poured their popular bourbon barrel-aged brandywine, the *Insanity.* (Lew Bryson, presenter) The third floor was devoted to bourbon, including multiple sessions by *Lew Bryson,* who talked on everything from the Pennsylvania roots of whiskey to the modern innovations and procedures that create great bourbon today. The full slate of *Buffalo Trace* distillery products was a particularly popular hit, in part because it offered tastes for all palates, including the bourbon neophytes in attendance.

Some of you really know your brewer resumes!

Beau Baden used to brew at a Pyramid Alehouse in California. A few of you that wanted to go to Bourbons, Brews, and Bryson yesterday knew that and replied to my quick little "popup contest" yesterday. Greg Heller-Labelle (of the nicely "art"-iculated Pour Curator) was both the overall quickest and the first to reply with the correct answer about Baden's brewing history. Greg attended with a couple of his friends and, with no pressure from me, offered to bring back a few words and pictures to share with the rest of us. For those of us that intended to go, or had second thoughts, I get a feeling we're all going to be a little disappointed for not being there as well. Congratulations, Greg, and I trust you enjoyed your complimentary ticket from the Fegley Crew at Brew Works.

I have a ticket for this event that I will not be able to use….Do you want it?

Be the first to answer this question correctly by 12:00pm on 8/20/10 and I will pass along my ticket (courtesy of Fegley’s Brew Works) to you for use on Saturday. If you take along a friend, there are still regular admission and designated driver tickets still available. So here’s the deal. Simply send an email to me saying "I want the ticket". If you’re the first to respond with this phrase and no one answers the following question correctly, you’ll get the ticket. BUT, whomever responds both with the phrase "I want the ticket" and the first correct answer to the following question, will automatically get the ticket. Q: At what brewery in California did Brew Works brewmaster Beau Baden formerly work? This should be a great time and one that I’ll be sorry to miss. Here are the details

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Bourbon, Beer and Bryson Festival! August 21st, 2010, 5pm-8pm Bourbons and other Spirits Buffalo Trace, the Eagle Rare Single Barrel, and Blanton’s Single Barrel featured in tasting seminars with Lew Bryson (see below)! Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack featured in "The Bourbon Barrel Lounge," featuring the "Art of the Bourbon Cocktail" with mixologist Donna Scott giving bourbon tips and bourbon sips! The NEW Maker’s 46 stave-aged bourbon from Maker’s Mark and the Knob Creek 9-yr-old. 4 Roses Single Barrel, their 4 Roses Small Batch Bourbon, and the 4 Roses Yellow Label. Three selections from Wild Turkey - Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Rye, and Wild Turkey American Honey. Brews Allentown Brew Works Master Brewer Beau Baden will feature Draft Bourbon Barrel Porter as well as a Specialty Bourbon Cask and a Cassis Lambic that will enhance your Bourbon Pecan Foster Bethlehem Brew Works brewer Lewis Thomas will work his magic and provide an infused cask that will match the moment. Stoudt's Brewery in Adamstown is creating a specialty bourbon beer that only they can make; Weyerbacher Brewery of Easton; and Yards Brewing of Philadelphia Bountiful Bites --Fried Plantains topped with Bourbon Pulled Pork and Smoked Mozzarella --Carving Station – Ham with Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce --Brisket served over Collard Greens and Bacon, topped with Fried Okra --Corn Bread with Butter and Honey --Apple, Raisin and Bourbon Pecan Foster over Vanilla Ice Cream Bourbon Round Table Seminars Hosted by featured speaker: Lew Bryson, author of Pennsylvania Breweries Session Times: 5:15 pm, 6:15 pm, and 7:15 pm Maximum 30 guests per seminar Featuring Buffalo Trace, the Eagle Rare Single Barrel, and Blanton’s Single Barrel. Lew Bryson has been a full-time writer and lecturer since 1995 and is the author of four brewery guidebooks, including Pennsylvania Breweries and New Jersey Breweries. He is the Managing Editor of Malt Advocate, the country’s foremost whisky magazine, and writes the American Whiskey Column for the magazine. His books will be available for purchase and signing at the Festival. The Bourbon Round Table seminar will feature tastings of Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare Single Barrel and Blanton’s Single Barrel. Lew will be discussing the distillery and the making of the bourbon, how these bourbons are different from each other and the mingling and growth of Craft Beer and Bourbon. Dan Williams, Sazarac Director of Sales in Pennsylvania, will also be on hand to provide his expertise on the distilleries and their art in producing their Bourbons. Bourbon Barrel Lounge "The Art of the Bourbon Cocktail" -Sharing sips, tips, and recipes. Demonstrations with Woodford Reserve & Gentleman Jack by Liquor representative and Mixologist Donna Scott. The Lounge will be open for your pleasure for the entire duration of the event. Master Bourbon Discussions: Session Times- 5:15pm, 6:15pm, 7:15pm Our open forum discussion groups with samplings allow for deeper insight into some of our favorite American spirits. Additional Vendors: Benjamin Hull, Custom Bottle Openers; Indulge Chocolates by Erin Coughlin; Tobacco Village of Whitehall, PA Cost: $45 per personDesignated Drivers: only $25

Two Great Reasons to Visit Bethlehem this week

Nestled in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains and halfway between Philadelphia and New York City, Bethlehem has a lot of good stuff going for it. I won't turn this into a promotional advertisement for the city, but do want to point out two great reasons to stop in the city this or any upcoming week during the next month. Patty and I visited there this past weekend to see her brother Bernard McManus' art exhibit on display (and for sale) at a charming gallery called Ambre Studio, which is just a hop, skip, and a jump ('hop', ha, get it? hop? uh, sorry) from Bethelehem Brew Works in the city's North neighborhood. This coming Friday night would seem about the right night to visit. While the exhibit opened officially last month, torrential rains and closed roads may have kept some of the crowd away. So, there's a do-over on Friday, November 6th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. It's completely feasible to park once, maybe out back of the Brew Works, walk out to Ambre (roughly 1/4 mile), and then back to the Brew Works for dinner. At Ambre, you'll be able to check out approximately 40 pieces of my brother-in-law's work and perhaps pick up a piece to take home to grace one of your walls. Much of the inspiration for his beautiful art has come from his two primary residences as an adult, France's Côte d'Azur (French Riveria) and more recently the Philadelphia/Lehigh Valley area. If you go on the 6th or on certain other days, you'll likely run into Bernie and have a chance to talk with him about his work and his travels. On the 6th, they may have some wine and light refreshments to pass around as well. After some time spent with art of the oil paint and brush variety, you can head back down Broad Street to Bethlehem Brew Works for art of the liquid form. For the less adventurous beer drinker in your group, there are some good solid standards like the Oatmeal Stout, the E.S.B., a Golden, and a Belgian Wit. But, for the beer geek in you, dear reader, you'll find a modestly built and easy drinking Belgian ale called Devil's Hearth. There's one on the opposite end of the spectrum that goes by the name of Biere de Pharaoh that is billed as the strongest beer (13.8% ABV) ever brewed at BBW. (Being of the driving set that day, I had to turn this one down.) I anxiously tried the Sorachi Ace hop-based Karate Hop, which was milder in flavor than I anticipated yet still quite enjoyable. The Hop'solutely is a "triple IPA" that made its way home with me in 750ml bottle form, since my curiosity wouldn't leave it alone; more to report on that one when the time comes. And, finally, the Framboises---one from '03 and one from '08. Both were easy drinking (relatively speaking) lambics that weren't as "challenging" to drink as I might have expected, but were very nice just the same. The '03 went just perfectly with my bleu cheese and mushroom Kobe burger and I got a sample of the '08 just for comparison sake. I was surprised that the '03 seemed only just a bit funkier and tarter than the '08, but basically the two were pretty close to each other. Could've been the bleu cheese helping to throw off my palate? By the time you get there, the Rude Elf's Reserve (2009 Bronze medal winner at GABF) should be available. Also medaling in Colorado this year (a Silver) but not available at current time was the Bagpiper's Scotch. On top of that, growler fillups of the regular brews (I strongly suggest the oatmeal stout) are only eight dollars. In any case, enough of my analysis. With the holidays coming, there will be plenty of reasons to venture into Bethlehem for festive shopping and doings in "Christmas City USA." Let me suggest November 6th as a way of seeing some great art and tasting some great beer before the holiday crush on the city begins. Tell 'em I sent you (though, I can't promise any discounts).