Plenty more this week to fill up your beer news mail bag. I don't cover it all, so I link to it for your convenience.
~ Looks like cat is finally out of the bag. [link to BillyPenn.com]
~ Nice news for the future of Bell's Brewery. [link to The Full Pint]
~ Iron Hill is about to climb yet another. [link to The Brew Lounge]
~ Interesting story out of Reading, Pa. [link to WFMZ]
~ Excellent news for beer lovers in Pittsburgh. [link to Post-Gazette]
~ Absolutely NFW. Please stop ruining beer. [link to New York Times]
~ Guppy's is cool. This might be a decent replacement for Growlers. [link to Philly.com]
~ Great background on a sappy Super Bowl ad. [link to Yours For Good Fermentables]
~ Great to hear the news developing out in Boyertown. Wish I lived closer. [link to Other Farm's FB page]
~ Charitable beer drinking. [link to Draft Magazine]
~ You know I'm a numbers guy; these are interesting numbers. [link to Appellation Beer]
~ Perhaps even more so, I a coffee and beer guy. [link to Joe Sixpack]
~ For some reason, I was wondering if I was missing out on not following Beer Advocate forums. Then I went down this rabbit hole and reconfirmed why I never have. [one and only time link to BeerAdvocate.com]
~ Chalk this interesting talk about Neshaminy Creek up to something worth following. [link to Philly.com]
© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com
Showing posts with label Joe Sixpack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joe Sixpack. Show all posts
Friday, February 17, 2017
Friday, January 06, 2017
January 2017: News update, part 1
And we're off and running in 2017. A few newsy and fun bits that I collected over the past couple weeks to share with you.
~ I'm a consumer and I'm not confused. Pretty confident there's millions more in the same camp. [link to Richmond.com]
~ A rare look at the more commonplace practice of questionable beer marketing these days. [link to Chicago Tribune]
~ This guy always has some keen insight to beers you should know about. [link to Joe Sixpack]
~ Another fascinating look into the big business of big beer. [link to Brewbound]
~ Here's another decent list worth checking out. [link to Draft Magazine]
~ And one last list; this a well-conceived one of beers. [link to Philly.com]
~ Excellent wish for the new year -- [link to Yours For Good Fermentables]
~ Helpful news for those of you, like me, that really enjoy Hopslam -- [link to The Full Pint]
~ Big business prognostications for those of you, like me, that really enjoy following big business and, in this case, how it affects our favorite beverage -- [link to Beer Business Unplugged]
© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com
~ I'm a consumer and I'm not confused. Pretty confident there's millions more in the same camp. [link to Richmond.com]
~ A rare look at the more commonplace practice of questionable beer marketing these days. [link to Chicago Tribune]
~ This guy always has some keen insight to beers you should know about. [link to Joe Sixpack]
~ Another fascinating look into the big business of big beer. [link to Brewbound]
~ Here's another decent list worth checking out. [link to Draft Magazine]
~ And one last list; this a well-conceived one of beers. [link to Philly.com]
~ Excellent wish for the new year -- [link to Yours For Good Fermentables]
~ Helpful news for those of you, like me, that really enjoy Hopslam -- [link to The Full Pint]
~ Big business prognostications for those of you, like me, that really enjoy following big business and, in this case, how it affects our favorite beverage -- [link to Beer Business Unplugged]
© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
A prelude to Philly Beer Week 2016 - t minus 3 days
Gonna keep this really simple, fun, and visual for you today. This is the result of me simply scrolling and picking from amongst thousands of photos. They represent just a smattering of out-of-town guests that have come calling on Philly Beer Week. No order in these pictures, no captions, no rhyme or reason, but just one request please. I've had a couple occasions recently where I've found my pictures popping up around virtual beer hall. Want an original of one and permission to use it? Just ask. It's always worked well in the past. Thanks in advance for the courtesy.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Beer News You Can Use, 10/24/2014
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For your consumption, here's a mashup of what I've read, what I've heard, and what I've tasted in the past week. As I mentioned last week as I began to revitalize this feature, the primary focus will be on the greater Philadelphia region first, extending outward as it seems interesting or necessary.
Beer "of the week"
Sierra Nevada Tumbler. I don't recall how many years it's been now that Tumbler has been distributed to Pennsylvania, but after several years of thoroughly enjoying this beer, I'm pleased to see it continue to be sent within the variety case of fall-themed beers, including also the Oktoberfest, Lager, and Pale, each excellent in their own right.
This brown ale resists getting "all Americanized" with a big hop presence. Instead, it packs wonderful flavors of roasted and chocolate malts and is yet easy-drinking at 5.5% ABV with a moderate body weight. Solid brown ales, especially those leaning toward the classic English style, can be tough to come by in today's craft drinking US. Sierra Nevada flies in the face of the west coast hop-centric stereotype and delivers an enjoyable one.
Openings
2nd Story Brewing Company opened on this last Monday, October 21 in the former home of Triumph in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood. Had wondered if Patrick Jones had been spotted lately and Joe Sixpack reported that he consulted with John Wible at 2nd Story in getting thing up and running.
And, Devil's Pocket Food & Spirits opened in the split-level space that used to house Resurrection Ale House.
Coming Soon
On the heels of closing Resurrection Ale House, the owners are eyeing up a new place just blocks from Local 44. [Philly.com]
Closures
Joe Sixpack also reports that Crabby Larry's in Chalfont has closed. Not that much press coming from that neck of the woods in quite some time, so it will be interesting to see how the next project there — Tower Hill Brewery — fares. [JoeSixpack.net]
Interesting reading
I think beer geeks are expected to be so conditioned to respond with acrimonious vitriol. I don't think that's necessary. Sure, Chang says some things that don't necessarily sync with his role in food and beverage and I can't tell if he's more put off my "tasty beer" or the snobbery that surrounds it. What are your thoughts? [GQ.com]
Major Announcements
Green Flash finally broke ground on its planned 100,000-barrel production facility in Virginia Beach. [WAVY.com]
Significant Releases
Moving Parts 02 — "the ever-evolving IPA' — has just dropped from Victory. I should have some tasting notes in the near future. [VictoryBeer.com]
Upcoming Events
The annual fundraiser at Monk's Café tomorrow will have tongues wagging once again for a very good cause. Note that it's a cash-only event. [Monk's Café]
If tomorrow, instead, you're west of Philly, the Pick Fest in Boyertown sounds like a very, very good time — with an after-party at The Other Farm Brewing Company.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Philly Beer Week 2011: Spreading the News in NYC
The weekly Beer Session Radio, based in NYC, were talking up Philly Beer Week during last week's episode.
Our beer-drinking buddies to the North were chatting up Don Russell (Joe Sixpack), Tom Kehoe (Yards), and Curt Decker (Nodding Head) as they tried to decipher what happens (and what they might try to do while visiting during PBW) during Philly Beer Week.
Here's a direct link to Beer Sessions, where you can listen to Episode 65.
Our beer-drinking buddies to the North were chatting up Don Russell (Joe Sixpack), Tom Kehoe (Yards), and Curt Decker (Nodding Head) as they tried to decipher what happens (and what they might try to do while visiting during PBW) during Philly Beer Week.
Here's a direct link to Beer Sessions, where you can listen to Episode 65.
Monday, October 25, 2010
While I was out....
....on a Rhine and Moselle Rivers cruise with the esteemed Mr. Stephen Beaumont (beer cruise tour director of 'Beers on the Rhine'), things appeared to be humming along as per usual in and around Philadelphia.
As I continue to dig out from around 2,000 emails, 3,000 RSS feeds, hundreds of missed Facebook and Twitter connections, and hundreds of podcasts, it will be nearly impossible to catch up with everything that I might have missed.
But, that was the intentional direction of this trip--it was designed to be a vacation away from everything. For almost 17 days, I did absolutely no Facebook updates or RSS surfing and replied only to the emails that looked like they required a timely reply.
Prior to leaving on October 8th (Happy Birthday to me :), I wrote around eight articles to be posted on a scheduled basis at both The Brew Lounge and After Hours at The Brew Lounge (Washington Times Communities). So, while it may have looked to some of you that I was still actively on line, nothing could have been farther from the truth--and, it was good!
Now, I'm back and getting re-engaged. Here's a bit of what I missed that I could glean from various sources. If I missed something important, like responding to your email, please forgive me and gently nudge me with a follow-up e-mail.
- Lew Bryson reported on PBC's Harvest from the Hood. I saw a shelf-full's worth at Wegmans this morning and, if it wan't 5am (y'know...jet lag...the body clock thing), would have purchased a bottle or two to bring home. This is a fine beer to do such a thing.
- Adam the NonconFermist was busy. Not only did he finish his garage floor in preparation for a new homebrew system, but he was able to sneak some time in at Iron Hill's West Chester location where they were conducting a homebrew contest. (And, here's a link to Iron Hill's take on the event.)
- Victory will be at Rattle 'n' Hum in NYC on 11/2/10. Lots of their beer like only Rattle 'n' Hum can do it. Reportedly 40 lines, plus cask, and Bill Covaleski too.
- More from Lew...he'll be at Craft Ale House in Limerick tomorrow (10/26) and he's fond of their Pennsylvania lineup in honor of his book promotion tour that he'll be there for. Check it out and see if you agree.
- I haven't quite figured out the whos and whats of Thirsty Girl yet, but Whitney Thompson of Victory Brewing is one of them. A nice bit of reading about her over on the Facebook page.
- Just a few miles south down I-95, Alexander Mitchell covered Baltimore Beer Week with passion and a lot of ambition and motivation. Check out his site and scroll through some of the fun stuff that he posted along the way. I get a feeling that if we hadn't been out of the country, an overnight trip to Baltimore during BBW would not have been out of the question.
- Back home here in Philly, Joe Sixpack discussed pre-Prohibition as both a time period for beers as well as a modern-day style. He also touches on the very cool event occurring this coming weekend in a cemetery--yes, a cemetery.
- Jack Curtin, last but certainly never least, kvetched a bit over session beers. I'm not sure if there was any motivation to the posting other than wanting to start a conversation. Basically, my response is that a session beer is very personal when it comes to ABV level. Because of my size and my eating and drinking habits, I've always considered my own "session level" to be at around 5.0%-5.5% Do you feel differently? Go to Jack's site and contribute to the conversation.
- Bringing this full circle to Steve Beaumont, he, on the other hand, did take his laptop with him and manage to squeeze in some blog posts and Facebook updates. Scroll through and find a couple of Rhine-related postings of his over here.
My telling of the 16+ days in Europe will have to wait until I can wade through 1,000+ pictures, dozens of videos, and scribbled notes (oh, typed ones, too, on my iPhone) and determine just exactly how to present some slimmed down portion of them to you.
Until such time...
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Joe Sixpack packs a full weekly column
Joe's on top of things in last Friday's column that he writes for the People's Paper. All sorts of good material covering the latest and greatest. Check it out for yourself...and see some of The Brew Lounge's photographic evidence of January's beer dinner at McKenzie Brew House.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Philly Beer Week 2010: Comprehensive Coverage
Here we go 'round again. Philly Beer Week 2010. Bigger and Better than ever? Now in June. This was interesting to observe with the change in calendar and I'll have more on that aspect later.
With close to 1,000 "events" reportedly scheduled (and, yes, more on that later as well) across the Philadelphia region, there was promised to be something for just about anyone looking to have a good beer to toast the merits of the Philadelphia Beer Landscape from June 4th-June 13th. Lucky for us, the Landscape doesn't change or "go back" to anything different after June 13th....well, okay, perhaps with a bit less volume and intensity.
This page here will serve as my repository for all things Philly Beer Week 2010. My own notes, pictures, and wrap-ups. But, not one man, woman, or even a group could cover the whole thing, so I get by with a little help from my friends and link out to other perspectives down below. Let's get started!
The Brew Lounge Wrap-up and Pictures
Friday June 4 - 6/4 Wrap-Up - 6/4 Pictures
Saturday June 5 - 6/5 Wrap-Up
Sunday June 6 - 6/6 Wrap-Up - 6/6 Pictures
Monday June 7 - 6/7 Wrap-Up - 6/7 Pictures
Tuesday June 8 - 6/8 Wrap-Up - 6/8 Pictures
Wednesday June 9 - 6/9 Wrap-Up
Thursday June 10 - 6/10 Wrap-Up - 6/10 Pictures
Friday June 11 - 6/11 Wrap-Up
Saturday June 12 - 6/12 Wrap-Up - 6/12 Pictures
Sunday June 13 - 6/13 Wrap-Up - 6/13 Pictures
Insights from other Prodigious Online Presences during PBW '10
Suzanne Woods, The Beer Lass
~~ Eating and Drinking her way through PBW '10
~~ A hilarious insight into sales rep chatter during PBW '10
~~ Do you know the way to Saint Nobodyville?
~~ Suck it Up: It's only Day 2
~~ Pre-PBW'10 Picks
Jack Curtin, The Liquid Diet
~~ Back to the future to the past, before the wrap-up in the beginning
~~ His wrap-up, briefly
~~ Notes #4, though I couldn't find #1, #2, or #3
~~ In which He gives credit to me, but mostly to Mrs. Brew Lounge
~~ The Crawl that Was or Was Not
Helene Roper, The Philly Beer Girl
~~ Days 5-8
~~ The Beginning
Don Russell, The Joe Sixpack
~~ A prelude on 5/13/10
~~ Philly Beer Geek wrap-up
Jay Brooks, The Bay Area Brookston (sorry, I made that up)
~~ Look who Came to Dinner
~~ Go Hammer, Go Hammer...don't hurt 'em
Lew Bryson, The Laugh
~~ A bit of This, That, and The Other...pick a posting for yourself and see
Phoodie.Info
~~ Lots of content, mostly in the form of "their PBW picks"
Hammer of Glory video
~~ Head over to a Facebook video for a fun video of the rollicking tour that the Hammer took on Day 1
A Guy named Steve Lyford
~~ took off the whole week, took a lot of pictures, and finally hardly any have his extended arm in the foreground! Good stuff and amazing dedication, check 'em out
With close to 1,000 "events" reportedly scheduled (and, yes, more on that later as well) across the Philadelphia region, there was promised to be something for just about anyone looking to have a good beer to toast the merits of the Philadelphia Beer Landscape from June 4th-June 13th. Lucky for us, the Landscape doesn't change or "go back" to anything different after June 13th....well, okay, perhaps with a bit less volume and intensity.
This page here will serve as my repository for all things Philly Beer Week 2010. My own notes, pictures, and wrap-ups. But, not one man, woman, or even a group could cover the whole thing, so I get by with a little help from my friends and link out to other perspectives down below. Let's get started!
The Brew Lounge Wrap-up and Pictures
Friday June 4 - 6/4 Wrap-Up - 6/4 Pictures
Saturday June 5 - 6/5 Wrap-Up
Sunday June 6 - 6/6 Wrap-Up - 6/6 Pictures
Monday June 7 - 6/7 Wrap-Up - 6/7 Pictures
Tuesday June 8 - 6/8 Wrap-Up - 6/8 Pictures
Wednesday June 9 - 6/9 Wrap-Up
Thursday June 10 - 6/10 Wrap-Up - 6/10 Pictures
Friday June 11 - 6/11 Wrap-Up
Saturday June 12 - 6/12 Wrap-Up - 6/12 Pictures
Sunday June 13 - 6/13 Wrap-Up - 6/13 Pictures
Insights from other Prodigious Online Presences during PBW '10
Suzanne Woods, The Beer Lass
~~ Eating and Drinking her way through PBW '10
~~ A hilarious insight into sales rep chatter during PBW '10
~~ Do you know the way to Saint Nobodyville?
~~ Suck it Up: It's only Day 2
~~ Pre-PBW'10 Picks
Jack Curtin, The Liquid Diet
~~ Back to the future to the past, before the wrap-up in the beginning
~~ His wrap-up, briefly
~~ Notes #4, though I couldn't find #1, #2, or #3
~~ In which He gives credit to me, but mostly to Mrs. Brew Lounge
~~ The Crawl that Was or Was Not
Helene Roper, The Philly Beer Girl
~~ Days 5-8
~~ The Beginning
Don Russell, The Joe Sixpack
~~ A prelude on 5/13/10
~~ Philly Beer Geek wrap-up
Jay Brooks, The Bay Area Brookston (sorry, I made that up)
~~ Look who Came to Dinner
~~ Go Hammer, Go Hammer...don't hurt 'em
Lew Bryson, The Laugh
~~ A bit of This, That, and The Other...pick a posting for yourself and see
Phoodie.Info
~~ Lots of content, mostly in the form of "their PBW picks"
Hammer of Glory video
~~ Head over to a Facebook video for a fun video of the rollicking tour that the Hammer took on Day 1
A Guy named Steve Lyford
~~ took off the whole week, took a lot of pictures, and finally hardly any have his extended arm in the foreground! Good stuff and amazing dedication, check 'em out
Friday, June 11, 2010
Philly Beer Week 2010: Day 7 Wrap-Up
Link to Day 7 Pictures
Link back to Day 6 ----- Link forward to Day 8
I took some time off work on Thursday (the first and only such occurrence during this year's PBW) since I had TBL Admin work to do related to the Amazing Beer Race I'm conducting on Sunday. I kept it to the straight and narrow with my appointments until I was crossing town from east to west (next destination: Local 44) and I punched up the iPhone app to ask it what was occurring and closest to my location....voila--the Dunk Tank for charity at London Grill.
I walked down 23rd street over an hour after the festivities had begun. Steve Mashington from Yards and Casey Hughes from Flying Fish had already been giving his dunking(s), but plenty more awaited Dan Conway (Left Hand) and Eric VanZile (Ithaca). Dogs were barking (the ones from PAWS that wanted to be adopted, money was being raised for Alex's Lemonade Stand among other charities, and great beer was being poured outside (like Yards Saison, Flying Fish Exit 6, and a few others).
I hung out long enough to pay my respects once again to the Hammer and do a bit of informal meet 'n' greet. Then, before finally heading to Local 44, I felt it prudent to stop in at long ago hang out Tavern on Green (currently The Belgian Café) to see Megan Maguire doing her own meet 'n' greet thing with her stable of Ommegang and Duvel beers. BPA, Triple Perfection, Duvel Green, Abbey Ale were just a few of the draft and bottle selections that she had pouring.
Had a pleasant conversation with a couple of guys who had just finished up their run for the day. We talked about the beautiful intersection of great tasting/craft beer and running. Maybe I'll see one or both of them on Sunday for my Run. It was just one and done as I still needed to make my stop at Local 44.
At Local 44, the draft list impressed as always, but what I was really there for was a one-year-old bottle of the timeless Orval beer. My lunch never happened earlier in the day, so I figured that provided I didn't want to be a wreck at the Philly Beer Geek Finals, I'd better put some food down there with my beer. And, food at Local 44 (or Memphis or Resurrection, for that matter) never disappoints.
This time it was a Falafel sandwich, quite possibly just about the last thing I'd picture myself ordering at Local 44. But, boy would that be a mistake. A tasty and satisfying sandwich, especially with a little siracha sauce drizzled over it. And, the Orval? Just as perfect as you'd expect this beer to be. Mostly dry, crisp, slightly dry and funky. A perfect beer a warm afternoon.
Then, it was off to gather Patty up at 30th Street Station and head out to Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant where I was to be announced as an "illustrious judge" and some nonesense about how great and helpful "my spreadsheet" was! But so far only one person has taken Jack to his advice for buying me a beer because of it. Even Jack last night reneged on the (at least) two beers that he owes me. What's going on around here anyway?!
Instead of trudging up the hill to Dawson Street (an old underage--sshhh--college hangout..I think the statute of limitations has worn out, yes?) to meet Jack and Carl for dinner, we ate out on Manayunk's patio amongst all the pretty and cool happy hour peoples. Some sushi, some pizza, and a Bills Pils. Not too shabby.
It was time to head upstairs just before 8:00pm for the introductions. Five judges, Six contestants. Two women and Four guys being judged by a motley crew of...well, motley Lew maybe?? Lew definitely tried to steal the show from the contestants as Jason Harris and Carolyn Smagalski tried their best to reign him in (occasionally) and contestants tried to keep straight faces.
There was a round of lightning trivia, stump the judges, blind beer tasting, open-ended/vague questions, and local beer philosophy. Through it all, two contestants stood head and shoulders above the rest. Steve Hawk and Kate Stewart wowed the crowd and us judges with their knowledge, quick wit, and composure...and a little bit of showmanship as well. Steve finished solidly in first place representing Hulmeville Inn and Kate in second for the Iron Abbey of Horsham. The others had flashes of brilliance and represented Philadelphia well with their mastery and geekerie of beer.
But, in the end, we judges convened outside on the patio for yet one more beer and a quick confirmation that the other four judges felt the same as I. The only question was to whom to award third place. We threw up a quick and hokey tie-breaker but it didn't change the outcome, so we left them tied for third.
And, with that a few hearty souls wandered back to Dawson Street and Patty and I slipped back to the Schuylkill Expressway to head home for the dogs.
As you head into the last 3 days of PBW...the iPhone has been updated earlier this week...now boasting "Same amount of beer, less head.....with Minor stability and performance enhancements." Sounds like a good thing.
Link back to Day 6 ----- Link forward to Day 8
I took some time off work on Thursday (the first and only such occurrence during this year's PBW) since I had TBL Admin work to do related to the Amazing Beer Race I'm conducting on Sunday. I kept it to the straight and narrow with my appointments until I was crossing town from east to west (next destination: Local 44) and I punched up the iPhone app to ask it what was occurring and closest to my location....voila--the Dunk Tank for charity at London Grill.
I walked down 23rd street over an hour after the festivities had begun. Steve Mashington from Yards and Casey Hughes from Flying Fish had already been giving his dunking(s), but plenty more awaited Dan Conway (Left Hand) and Eric VanZile (Ithaca). Dogs were barking (the ones from PAWS that wanted to be adopted, money was being raised for Alex's Lemonade Stand among other charities, and great beer was being poured outside (like Yards Saison, Flying Fish Exit 6, and a few others).
I hung out long enough to pay my respects once again to the Hammer and do a bit of informal meet 'n' greet. Then, before finally heading to Local 44, I felt it prudent to stop in at long ago hang out Tavern on Green (currently The Belgian Café) to see Megan Maguire doing her own meet 'n' greet thing with her stable of Ommegang and Duvel beers. BPA, Triple Perfection, Duvel Green, Abbey Ale were just a few of the draft and bottle selections that she had pouring.
Had a pleasant conversation with a couple of guys who had just finished up their run for the day. We talked about the beautiful intersection of great tasting/craft beer and running. Maybe I'll see one or both of them on Sunday for my Run. It was just one and done as I still needed to make my stop at Local 44.
At Local 44, the draft list impressed as always, but what I was really there for was a one-year-old bottle of the timeless Orval beer. My lunch never happened earlier in the day, so I figured that provided I didn't want to be a wreck at the Philly Beer Geek Finals, I'd better put some food down there with my beer. And, food at Local 44 (or Memphis or Resurrection, for that matter) never disappoints.
This time it was a Falafel sandwich, quite possibly just about the last thing I'd picture myself ordering at Local 44. But, boy would that be a mistake. A tasty and satisfying sandwich, especially with a little siracha sauce drizzled over it. And, the Orval? Just as perfect as you'd expect this beer to be. Mostly dry, crisp, slightly dry and funky. A perfect beer a warm afternoon.
Then, it was off to gather Patty up at 30th Street Station and head out to Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant where I was to be announced as an "illustrious judge" and some nonesense about how great and helpful "my spreadsheet" was! But so far only one person has taken Jack to his advice for buying me a beer because of it. Even Jack last night reneged on the (at least) two beers that he owes me. What's going on around here anyway?!
Instead of trudging up the hill to Dawson Street (an old underage--sshhh--college hangout..I think the statute of limitations has worn out, yes?) to meet Jack and Carl for dinner, we ate out on Manayunk's patio amongst all the pretty and cool happy hour peoples. Some sushi, some pizza, and a Bills Pils. Not too shabby.
It was time to head upstairs just before 8:00pm for the introductions. Five judges, Six contestants. Two women and Four guys being judged by a motley crew of...well, motley Lew maybe?? Lew definitely tried to steal the show from the contestants as Jason Harris and Carolyn Smagalski tried their best to reign him in (occasionally) and contestants tried to keep straight faces.
There was a round of lightning trivia, stump the judges, blind beer tasting, open-ended/vague questions, and local beer philosophy. Through it all, two contestants stood head and shoulders above the rest. Steve Hawk and Kate Stewart wowed the crowd and us judges with their knowledge, quick wit, and composure...and a little bit of showmanship as well. Steve finished solidly in first place representing Hulmeville Inn and Kate in second for the Iron Abbey of Horsham. The others had flashes of brilliance and represented Philadelphia well with their mastery and geekerie of beer.
But, in the end, we judges convened outside on the patio for yet one more beer and a quick confirmation that the other four judges felt the same as I. The only question was to whom to award third place. We threw up a quick and hokey tie-breaker but it didn't change the outcome, so we left them tied for third.
And, with that a few hearty souls wandered back to Dawson Street and Patty and I slipped back to the Schuylkill Expressway to head home for the dogs.
As you head into the last 3 days of PBW...the iPhone has been updated earlier this week...now boasting "Same amount of beer, less head.....with Minor stability and performance enhancements." Sounds like a good thing.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Winemakers won't be happy with this one-two punch
First, I read on through to an excellent link from Don Russell to a column by an assistant winemaker about the true costs of making wine, even "very good" wine. A very good and enlightening read; Highly Recommended.
Now today Don carries on, where as Joe Sixpack, he claims that wine can be made by monkeys! Don't believe?-- go and read it for yourself. Actually, it's a nice primer on sake...just the reference to winemakers that made me laugh.
While on the topic of sake and rice, I'll figure that it's a good place to link to a recent interview on The Brewing Network where they talk with Trevor Schaben of Thunderbird Brewing in Kearney, NE about brewing with adjuncts, particularly corn.
Monday, March 08, 2010
The Story of the Year (to date) in Philadelphia
I take back what I said yesterday when I said that there was not much worthy chatter out there. Turns out most of us must have been enjoying the beautiful weather around the Philadelphia area. Since then, every one has settled back into their desk chairs (at home, or I'm presuming at work!!) and...
...our local ABC affiliate got in on the story during tonight's 6 o'clock newscast; though, I'm not so sure about the "cool and secured cellar" comment.
...Don Russell/Joe Sixpack has done some more of the investigative work that he's good at.
...Lew Bryson's blog about the inner- and never-workings of the PLCB and the associated posting on this topic has mushroomed to over 20 comments while...
...Jack Curtin's site seems to be the place to be heard. As of this afternoon, he's logged over 50 responses to his initial posting...including weigh-ins from Nancy Barton, Mark Haynie, Chris LaPierre, Leigh Maida, Steve Mashington, and Jeff Miller.
...and my posting from yesterday has accumulated a handful of quality comments.
...According to the Facebook event status for tonight's Exit 16 release party at McGillin's, it has been cancelled due to an abundance of caution.
The conversation is really rolling now; let's not let go of this. Unlike the evening news, I suspect that we'll be tracking this one for quite some time.
...our local ABC affiliate got in on the story during tonight's 6 o'clock newscast; though, I'm not so sure about the "cool and secured cellar" comment.
...Don Russell/Joe Sixpack has done some more of the investigative work that he's good at.
...Lew Bryson's blog about the inner- and never-workings of the PLCB and the associated posting on this topic has mushroomed to over 20 comments while...
...Jack Curtin's site seems to be the place to be heard. As of this afternoon, he's logged over 50 responses to his initial posting...including weigh-ins from Nancy Barton, Mark Haynie, Chris LaPierre, Leigh Maida, Steve Mashington, and Jeff Miller.
...and my posting from yesterday has accumulated a handful of quality comments.
...According to the Facebook event status for tonight's Exit 16 release party at McGillin's, it has been cancelled due to an abundance of caution.
The conversation is really rolling now; let's not let go of this. Unlike the evening news, I suspect that we'll be tracking this one for quite some time.
Friday, February 12, 2010
A Tasty Secret from Joe Sixpack
Buried inside of Joe's weekly update was this little nugget: "Psst... Captain Lawrence is coming to Philly soon. You heard it here first."
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Yards is Open....old news or new?
Yards has been making beer and distributing it from their newest location for getting close to two years now. New to the story, though, is the long-promised tasting room which has just opened within the past week. But, this sounds like more than just a tasting room...this one comes with a kitchen to feed some vittles to go with your brew.
Don Russell/Joe Sixpack has a nice look back on where Yards came from and where they're now going.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Friday, December 11, 2009
2009, In Their Words--Part 4
Yesterday, you heard thoughts and opinions from Howard Weintraub and Suzanne Woods. Closing out the week here today (chosen in random order) are Jim Crane, Joe Sixpack/Don Russell, and Arthur Etchells. Please be sure to click the links and visit their sites. It shows that you came from The Brew Lounge and that you care about their work :)
Jim Crane (Proprietor, Goshen Beverage in West Chester, PA) "I fear the recession has hit the beer biz. Sales for what is usually a good month were very disappointing. Perhaps it is people watching the dollars more closely, perhaps they are finding better prices by going across state lines, perhaps beer in supermarkets have put the nail into the coffin for PA beer distributors. The availability of beers from around the country and the world, as well as proliferation of brands is something the consumer says they want...I can't tell you how many times someone browses through the 500+ different beers that I have in stock, then asks for Fat Tire or Shiner Bock or Moose Drool, then walks out with Yuengling or Lionshead or Bud Light Lime...talk about a disconnect.......Meanwhile the pioneers of the craft business suffer because the craft customer wants "the new beer". Flagships like Stoudts APA and Pilsner are great beers, but the sales of those items would not lead you to believe it. In my opinion the craft consumer needs to be thankful for the wealth and breadth of great local beers available in our back yard, and do their best to insure that when the smoke clears they can still find these great beers on the shelves. Meaning support your local businesses, both brewers and retailers, and be careful what you wish for. Craft beer from China could be around the corner. As a retailer I will continue to stock what my consumer wants to buy, plus what I know to be some of the best beers in the world, all the while juggling space and code issues."
Joe Sixpack (Philadelphia's long-time, award-winning beer writer and promoter posing as Don Russell...too many links to include, start with JoeSixpack.net) "2009 was the unfortunate victim of 2008. Last year, I published two books, helped launch Philly Beer Week, spent serious time in Denver, Portland, New York, San Francisco & D.C., got stupid drunk at Oktoberfest in Munich and cheered my ass off on Broad Street. It really couldn't get much better than that, so this year wasn't so bad, but... Thank god the beer was excellent. Burton Baton on draft at Tria, the new Yards IPA, fresh Southampton Double White after picking hops on Long Island, Sierra Nevada Kellerweis, the porter at Manayunk, the R5 beer crawl during PBW with a small, tight group of beer lovers - those were my highlights. Next year? Philly Beer Week will step up to an altogether bigger, greater level. As much as I love the flattery of no fewer than 20 other cities copying our beer week, they ain't seen nuttin' yet."
Arthur Etchells (mastermind behind Philadelphia's food and beverage wealth of information, Foobooz) "2009 was.... The year Philadelphia demanded to be known as the America's Best Beer Drinking City. The second Philly Beer Week was the embodiment of that claim but the echoes of those ten days can be seen on draft lists across the area. Breweries from Colorado, California and Michigan have become common place at Philadelphia bars as these brewers have realized Philadelphia is a great market of beer lovers looking to devour the latest one off or hard to find beers from the likes of Avery, Russian River or Founders. 2010 will be.... 2010 will continue to see more brewers bringing their beer to the Philadelphia area. It will be interesting to watch which brewers can get a foothold in the competitive market and which will make a single push with little long-term traction. Philly Beer Week is already shaping up to to be the ultimate such event in the US and maybe the world. Local brewers will need to step up their marketing and beer-making efforts in order to stay on taps as Philadelphia will be only become a more crowded and competitive market. The local beer scene does a great job of supporting each other at a grass-roots level and they'll need that support to hold off interlopers. It's time for a "Drink Local" campaign aimed at local beer drinkers and bar owners."
Jim Crane (Proprietor, Goshen Beverage in West Chester, PA) "I fear the recession has hit the beer biz. Sales for what is usually a good month were very disappointing. Perhaps it is people watching the dollars more closely, perhaps they are finding better prices by going across state lines, perhaps beer in supermarkets have put the nail into the coffin for PA beer distributors. The availability of beers from around the country and the world, as well as proliferation of brands is something the consumer says they want...I can't tell you how many times someone browses through the 500+ different beers that I have in stock, then asks for Fat Tire or Shiner Bock or Moose Drool, then walks out with Yuengling or Lionshead or Bud Light Lime...talk about a disconnect.......Meanwhile the pioneers of the craft business suffer because the craft customer wants "the new beer". Flagships like Stoudts APA and Pilsner are great beers, but the sales of those items would not lead you to believe it. In my opinion the craft consumer needs to be thankful for the wealth and breadth of great local beers available in our back yard, and do their best to insure that when the smoke clears they can still find these great beers on the shelves. Meaning support your local businesses, both brewers and retailers, and be careful what you wish for. Craft beer from China could be around the corner. As a retailer I will continue to stock what my consumer wants to buy, plus what I know to be some of the best beers in the world, all the while juggling space and code issues."
Joe Sixpack (Philadelphia's long-time, award-winning beer writer and promoter posing as Don Russell...too many links to include, start with JoeSixpack.net) "2009 was the unfortunate victim of 2008. Last year, I published two books, helped launch Philly Beer Week, spent serious time in Denver, Portland, New York, San Francisco & D.C., got stupid drunk at Oktoberfest in Munich and cheered my ass off on Broad Street. It really couldn't get much better than that, so this year wasn't so bad, but... Thank god the beer was excellent. Burton Baton on draft at Tria, the new Yards IPA, fresh Southampton Double White after picking hops on Long Island, Sierra Nevada Kellerweis, the porter at Manayunk, the R5 beer crawl during PBW with a small, tight group of beer lovers - those were my highlights. Next year? Philly Beer Week will step up to an altogether bigger, greater level. As much as I love the flattery of no fewer than 20 other cities copying our beer week, they ain't seen nuttin' yet."
Arthur Etchells (mastermind behind Philadelphia's food and beverage wealth of information, Foobooz) "2009 was.... The year Philadelphia demanded to be known as the America's Best Beer Drinking City. The second Philly Beer Week was the embodiment of that claim but the echoes of those ten days can be seen on draft lists across the area. Breweries from Colorado, California and Michigan have become common place at Philadelphia bars as these brewers have realized Philadelphia is a great market of beer lovers looking to devour the latest one off or hard to find beers from the likes of Avery, Russian River or Founders. 2010 will be.... 2010 will continue to see more brewers bringing their beer to the Philadelphia area. It will be interesting to watch which brewers can get a foothold in the competitive market and which will make a single push with little long-term traction. Philly Beer Week is already shaping up to to be the ultimate such event in the US and maybe the world. Local brewers will need to step up their marketing and beer-making efforts in order to stay on taps as Philadelphia will be only become a more crowded and competitive market. The local beer scene does a great job of supporting each other at a grass-roots level and they'll need that support to hold off interlopers. It's time for a "Drink Local" campaign aimed at local beer drinkers and bar owners."
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