Philly Beer Week 2018. But, first, a look back on the Top 10 Greatest Hits of the last 10 years

(If you know me well enough, you know how uncomfortable I am putting this picture of me up top, front and center. But, I very rarely do this and, well, I kind of like the picture)
From year to year, Philly Beer Week (really, it should be called an imperial beer week because, you know, it's ten days, not seven) looks much the same, tied together with a dizzying lineup of beer events from simple tastings to educational experiences to creatively raucous events to extravagant food pairings. This year, though on smaller scale with less participating establishments and less overall events, will likely be no different.

At this point, you're probably counting the minutes until the end of your work day so you can get out 'n' about chasing the Hammer, or meeting up at events scattered through the city, including Opening Tap later tonight. Or maybe you're already out there in the soup. Don't forget to hydrate; it's gonna be a tough one out there today.

Follow along here long enough and you should know you can count on me to check in both here and on the socials as I make my way through my own custom-built PBW schedule. Since it's never possible to take in everything, or even everything you begin the day expecting to see in person, each person's view of PBW is a rather personal one.

With ten years of PBW under our belts now, and with me there every step of the way both writing about it and attending (and, of course, if you know your Philly beer scene, you know I don't confine myself just to PBW, but the year-round "event" that is Philly beer), here is my own version of a Top 10 list that I've witnessed from 2008-2017. Will there be anything to add to the list after June 10. Time, and beer, will tell.

#10 - You know what? I came up dry on a #10. So you tell me from your experience, what has been one of the most memorable, the most important, the most identifiable aspects of Philly Beer Week?

#9 - Philly Beer Run
I'm often told I don't toot my own horn enough. Prior to the first PBW, I conducted fun runs in conjunction with area breweries in both the city and suburbs. In 2008, I conducted a PBW running event that began at the Art Museum and ended at Dock Street. No one else did such a thing at that time and some in the beer world derided me for mixing the two. Around 25 people showed up. It was free and Dock Street donated their space, pizza, and beer. The following year I did another event and attracted 52 runners. So did Bishop's Collar, which attracted Adam Avery, Steve Beaumont, Sam Calagione, Brian O'Reilly, and Tom Kehoe (on moped!). Fishtown Beer Runners was founded around the same time. I got a little sappy after my 2010 event. I continued to conduct these running & beer events during PBW in the form of races, scavenger hunts, simple fun runs, and peaked in 2012 with a real, bona fide 5-k race starting and ending at Dock Street. 400 people showed up and paid $40 each on a brutal 90+ degree day. It was pretty damn epic if I do say so. I took the show to San Francisco Beer Week too, conducting beer runs with local breweries. These days, beer is found in countless fitness forms from running to yoga to can jam, etc. I don't claim to have started the phenomenon, but I am beyond proud of being a part of the "movement" that took place during PBW over the years.

#8 - T.T.U.D.
Fergie's plays a big part in the year-round celebration of great beer and great times in Philly with its wonderful atmosphere, events, and consummate host, Fergie Carey. The T.U.D. (totally unnecessary drink) event became a real thing in 2008 (or was it 2009) where countless fans of great beer joined up with brewery personnel and descended after their last day's events concluded to unwind with unnecessary beers and unnecessary, but incredible, karaoke.


#7 - Philly Beer Geek
Every industry has its know-it-alls, but let's admit that beer geeks are right up there with the fiercely-knowingest of them all. The PBG competition lasted for quite a few years and attracted some of the brightest individuals who may know more than some certified cicerones. And the judging panels were usually an enlightened bunch of beer personalities (except in 2010, the year that I was on the panel), which made the event all the more fun.


#6 - Fritz Maytag at Four Seasons
The Four Seasons was part of the city's beer scene for a little while, hosting events with Dock Street during the year and, in 2009, hosting one of the most celebrated and important figures in American Craft Brewing history — Fritz Maytag of Anchor Brewing in San Francisco. My unscientific feeling is that this was a time when beer began finding its way to places and on to menus previously inconceivable.

#5 - Throwdown in Franklintown
For many years, Kite & Key was a integral part of PBW, typically requiring more than one stop during the ten days because of the events and the beers and the guests. One of the signature events was the Throwdown In Franklintown. Street closure and the occasional police participation added to the over-the-top spectacle of brewery personnel battling each other in raucous events. K&K still does its thing very well throughout the year and is probably worth a stop when you're in the neighborhood for PBW.


#4 - The Brewer's Plate
When PBW was held in March in 2008 & 2009 (pause, sigh, sip, roll eyes, sip, repeat), it also included The Brewer's Plate, which still goes strong in March and is now at The Kimmel Center. What a fantastic cornerstone event this was to be part of PBW.

#3 - Visitors from near and far
PBW, particularly in its early years, attracted not only consumers from around the country and world, but also brewers too many to count. "Rock star" brewers were everywhere in the city (and the suburbs occasionally) and the crowds followed, no doubt elevating Philly's already strong and credible beer scene as a legitimate beer destination. As you can see below, Curt Decker (then of Nodding Head, now Second District) was often at the center of it all.


#2 - Hammer of Glory
The Hammer of Glory became synonymous with PBW in 2009 and has been carted around the world, been hijacked, been recovered, been polished, used for mayoral tappings, and been in the hands of thousands more. It has its own tour around the city on the first day of PBW each year and has worked well year-in and year-out to generate enthusiasm and recognition for the country's first 10-day Beer Week.


#1 - Monk's dinners
I mentioned "rock star" brewers before. It's not a term used so much anymore but there was a time 10-15 years ago when you couldn't not hear it. Monk's beer dinners through the years have always been, or at least bordered on, epic. No need to spell out the well-documented role that Monk's (and its famed back room, particularly late at night) and its proprietor, Tom Peters, has continued to play in this city's, and country's, beer scene. But, maybe no better way to illustrate it and see the intersection with PBW than captured in this picture below of he and business partner Fergie Carey with three of Belgium's most celebrated brewing figures and where I had captioned it at the time — "three Belgian brewers who had never previously dined together". Thereby solidifying the draw of Monk's and power of Philly Beer Week.


Want to see more of what I've documented through the years of Philly Beer Week? Warning, there's quite a bit behind each of these links below (but they do link to a "master index" for each year to make it easier to navigate) but it sure is a fun trip down memory lane. Fyi, I more/less took off 2014 and 2015 from my obsessive documentation of PBW to write and sell my book Beer Lover's Mid-Atlantic.....hence the missing years. And, last year, for reasons both known and unknown, I never did fully wrap up the days and week as I had in previous years. Maybe I'll atone for that shortcoming this year. Stay tuned, and stay thirsty.

*2008* --- *2009* --- *2010* --- *2011* --- *2012* --- *2013* --- *2016* --- *2017*

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© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com

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Post-Christmas gift: Tröegs Nugget Nectar is back

It's back — the one major release in the Mid-Atlantic that beer lovers have been setting their post-New Year's calendars to each year. And the Tröegs team, along with their distributing partners Penn, have blanketed the region with "First Squeeze" events from their home turf of Hershey, Pa. to Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, and beyond to newer markets of MD, VA, OH, NC, NY, and MA. At the events, they are handing out Nugget Nectar art prints, bottle openers, and stickers.

Pouring from the taps include the Nugget Nectar (often both on CO2 and on handpumps) along with fan favorites like the dependably solid Hopback Amber Ale, seasonally appropriate Blizzard of Hops, chart-topping newcomers Solid Sender Pale Ale and various Scratch beers, and the big burly monsters Mad Elf and Impending Descent.

In Philadelphia, the kickoff event was on January 13 at Kite & Key, longtime friend and supporter of the brewery. As such, brothers/owners/brewers Chris and John Trogner drove an old Chevy truck proudly flying their corporate flag and delivering the first keg to be served. Check out the brewery's Instagram feed for fun pictures of the truck, the commute, and the tapping.

It's been a busy 2016 thus far for Tröegs, with news breaking this month of the brewery's continuing expansion plans. Quite an odyssey for these guys, first with their move from Harrisburg to Hershey (announcement in 2010) to the building of the new brewery (my coverage of it) to the unveiling in late 2011 (more full coverage from me in addition to a full set of pictures).

Hershey was a destination for many other reasons before Tröegs came along. Now, with the continually growing world-class brewery, there's more reason than ever to visit them in person if you've not yet done so. I can't wait to see what the remainder of 2016 holds for these guys. In the meantime, I'll be enjoying my own sixtel (and probably some cans too, who am I kidding?!). Stop by if you can.

(inside Kite & Key on Jan. 13, there was definitely no stopping the Nugget Nectar revelry)

(the good stuff flowing from Kite & Key's taps on January 13)

(Brothers Trogner — Chris and John — have certainly made good on their promise of world-class beer in Central Pennsylvania through the years, first from Harrisburg and the last four years from Hershey)

(Jim Kirk, co-owner Kite & Key, had the honor of hosting Chris Trogner and his brother at the only First Squeeze event that the brothers will be attending in Philly to roll out the 2015-16 Nugget Nectar.)

(John Trogner pours fresh Nugget Nectar for a thirsty crowd at Kite & Key.)

(A wall-to-wall crowd came out to find Chris Trogner and a handful of Tröegs beers on tap at Kite & Key.)
Then on Thursday, January 14, Regional Sales Manager, Nick Johnson, and Sales Representative, Matt Hasson, dusted themselves off from the Wednesday night kickoff and continued at The Pour House in Exton, Pa. Here, the happy hour crowd swelled by 6 p.m. and the handpumped firkin kicked barely an hour later. The Nugget is loose; go getchyer self some.

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Craft Beer Express 2015 in Philadelphia -- next stop America's Best Beer-Drinking City

Okay, my apologies. That headline sounds like quite the marketing pitch and for the record I've got absolutely nothing to do with any aspect of the Craft Beer Express except for giving it a bit of publicity here. Yet, even though I've never partaken in a full-day of the twice-annual Craft Beer Express (and only rode the bus once for a short hop across town), there's something about this day that comes every March and November that I really appreciate and feel compelled to share with you.

As during Philly Beer Week, these twelve establishments, which represent some of the best of the local beer scene, put on a display of unique beers and themed events for the day and early evening. Throw in an all-day unlimited $10 bus pass and you've got the making of a fun beer day-drinking Saturday in the city with friends. It's quite the showcase for the local bar scene.

Given the rain forecast for this coming Saturday, March 14, what else would you rather be doing?

As I mentioned, I typically pick 1-3 stops and swoop in, typically by way of train and walking, for a few hours. One time, I swear, I'm going to walk the entire route and hit every stop. Of course this means sticking to a schedule and limiting each stop to a beer, but I think this would be a fun (and healthy) approach all the same.

For what it's worth, you can expect to see me at some point at Johnny Brenda's (because it's a stout brunch at JB's and I'm a fan of both the food, the beer, and the people), Kraftwork (because they've got one of the last kegs of Captain Lawrence's Think Drink that I "helped brew"), Jose Pistola's (because Pi is fun and nutritious and I love me some Other Farm), and Brauhaus Schmitz (because I will never pass up a chance to get into a fine German Alt bier, kudos to the crew there for securing its arrival on US terra firma).

Here's the rest of the schedule for the day.

Kraftwork  541 East Girard Avenue -- 215-739-1700
"I Heart NY" -- Lovable, huggable, kissable beers from New York state! Featuring Southern Tier, Ithaca, Captain Lawrence, Ommegang, Sixpoint, Bluepoint and Doc's Cider.

Johnny Brenda's  1201 Frankford Avenue -- 215-739-9684
"7th Annual Stout Brunch" -- Back for the 7th year! We will be pouring a wide array of local stouts on draft from Dry Irish Stouts to Oyster Stouts to Russian Imperial Stouts. We will have an awesome Full Irish Breakfast on the menu in addition to our regular brunch menu, plus an array of delicious oysters!

Standard Tap  901 North 2nd Street -- 215-238-0630
"Big Wood Weekend featuring Bone-In Brunch!" -- Big Wood Weekend is coming! Over the weekend we'll be pouring a heady array of barrel-aged and wood-smoked beer as we welcome Craft Beer Express. There's even a Big Wood mystery firkin from Victory Brewing. Big Wood also means the return of Bone-In Brunch! From 11-3 on Saturday and Sunday our brunch menu will feature all manner of meat on the bone from marrow to chops and ribs. So come hungry because BIG WOOD WEEKEND featuring BONE-IN BRUNCH will leave you filled up!

The Institute  549 North 12th Street -- 267-318-7772
"Widmer Invades The Institute" -- The brewers will be in town to talk about their amazing brews from the State of Oregon. We will also have the outdoor draft trailer to help minimize your wait for any food or beverage.

Bishop's Collar  2349 Fairmount Avenue -- 215-765-1616
"Deschutes & Ladder" -- Inversion IPA, Fresh squeezed IPA, Abyss stout, Mirror Pond, Black Butte porter, Zarabanda, Bachelor bitter, and Red Chair northwest pale ale.

Kite & Key  1836 Callowhill Street -- 215-568-1818
"Doggie Style!" -- Flying Dog is taking over the taps for the Craft Beer Express. There are no fleas on these dogs! Pearl Necklace, Raging Bitch, Old Scratch, Gonzo to name a few. We will have a special treat if you are good!!

Jose Pistola's  263 South 15th Street -- 215-545-4101
"Pie Day Celebration" -- Celebrate PIE Day and Jose Pistola's! Mini PIE eating competitions (PIES provided by the delicious Frecon Cidery). Competitions to see who can recite the most characters of PIE. Possibly some PIEs in the face. Featured drafts include: Other Farms Hoppy Mon, Other Farms Saisoner, Bell's 2 Hearted, Bell's Oarsmen, St. Bernardus Prior 8, St. Bernardus, and Rodenbach Collaboration Kazematten Grotten cave aged brown and the Oskar Blues Pinner.

The Sidecar  2201 Christian Street -- 215-732-3429
"IPA's Greatest Hits" -- It's baaaaaack! Hop heads: REJOICE!

Pub on Passyunk East  1501 East Passyunk Avenue -- 215-755-5125
"Sour Beer Tap Takeover" -- Pucker up sour pusses.

Devil's Den  1148 South 11th Street -- 215-339-0855
"Ommegang and Boulevard" -- Ommegang and Boulevard breweries will be taking over the taps at the Devill's Den for a mix of the Best Belgian and American craft beers.

Brauhaus Schmitz  718 South Street -- 267-909-8814
"US Füchschen Alt Beer Premiere" -- Brauhaus will host the exclusive United States launch of Füchschen Alt bier, a traditional German ale that has been hand-crafted in Düsseldorf since 1848. This rare copper-colored ale is brewed from a centuries-old recipe using toasty malt and noble hops, giving the beer a crisp, hoppy finish with a subtle caramel flavor and hints of toasted bread.

Race St. Cafe  208 Race Street -- 215-627-6181
"Captain Lawrence & Sixpoint" -- Please Join us in celebration of Captain Lawrence (Sunblock - Wheat IPA, Captains Reserve - Imperial IPA, Elderflower - Belgian Blonde) and Sixpoint Breweries ( Bengali - IPA, Crisp Lager, Resin - Imperial IPA, Sweet Action Pale Ale). Stop by to sample their beers and speak with their brewery representatives.

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Craft Beer Express, 2014-A version

Here we go again. Another round of Craft Beer Express, the day-long event of events. Twelve beer-centric joints with a theme to present to you, the good beer drinking public. A school of buses to shuttle you from bar to bar throughout the day, as many rides as you wish. Each bar is a pay-as-you-go arrangement and the bus is an all-you-can-ride arrangement for ten bucks.

Below is a quick rundown on what to expect at each stop. Check the website for a full version of the details.

Oh, and you think you might like to walk the entire route. It's not impossible, provided you don't spend more than 1-2 beers at each location. It'll cost you around 11 miles on the soles of your shoes.

Kraftwork - "Rocky Mountain High"
      We'll have a stash of Grade-A liquid from The Rocky Mountain's best including Lefthand, Avery, Oskar Blues, Breckenridge, and Great Divide.

Johnny Brenda's - "6th Annual Stout Brunch"
      Dry Irish Stouts to Oyster Stouts to Russian Imperial Stouts. We will have an awesome full Irish Breakfast on the menu in addition to our regular brunch menu.

Standard Tap - "Annual Big Wood Weekend"
      Wake up to wood smoked and aged beers, paired excellently with an exclusive bone-in brunch menu.

The Institute - "5th Annual Big Banging Barleywine Bonanza"
      Arcadia Cereal Killer, Avery Hog Heaven, Bell's Third Coast, Blue Point Old Howling Bastard, Boulder Killer Penguin, Duck Rabbit Barleywine, DuClaw Barrel Aged Misery, DuClaw Devil's Milk, Fegley's Brew Works Barleywine, Fegley's Brew Works Barrel Aged Arctic Alchemy, Fegley's Brew Works Barrel-Aged Barleywine, Flying Dog Horn Dog, Heavy Seas Below Decks, Left Hand Widdershins, Rock Art Ridge Runner, Sierra Nevada Bigfoot, Smuttynose Barleywine, Smuttynose Wheat Wine, Southern Tier Back Burner, Starr Hill Bandstand, Tröegs The Flying Mouflan, Two Brothers Bare Tree, Victory Oak Horizontal, Victory Old Horizontal, and Weyerbacher Insanity.

Bishop's Collar - "Dogfish Head Tap Takeover"
      120 Minute, World Wide Stout, Noble Rot, Piercing Pils, Palo Santo Marron, Burton Baton, Hellhound On My Ale, Sahtea, Midas Touch, Namaste, and 75 Minute on cask.

Kite & Key - "Yards Collaboration"
      Collaboration with Yards for a special Kite & Key choice brew (The Great White IPA). As usual, mayhem and incredible local suds from our good friend Tom Kehoe & Crew will be on tap.

Jose Pistola's - "Twin Geeks: Firestone Walker With Me"
      In a bar where nothing is as it seems and where everyone has something to drink Who Killed Jenny Hobbs?

The Sidecar - "IPA's Greatest Hits"
      It's baaaaaack. The most bodacious collection of hop juice in the universe.

Pub on Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.) - "I Wish They All Can Be California Beers"
      All draft beer will be from the west coast including Bear Republic, North Coast, and Russian River, among others.

Devil's Den - "Hooked on Hops. Seduced by Sours."
      The best of IPAs and sour ales.

Brauhaus Schmitz - "Dunkel Side of the Moon"
      Pink Floyd and every dark German draft beer imaginable under the “moon.” We will be showing “Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii” on the big screen and “The Wizard of Oz” synched with the album “Dark Side of the Moon.”

Race St. Café - "Race Street Café is Kicking it Old School"
      Join us in a celebration of the beers and the breweries that began the craft beer brewing revolution in Philadelphia with Yards, Dock Street, and Stoudt's.

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Philly Beer Week 2013, Day 3 Sights and Sounds: Sunday, June 2

(Links to video precede the pictures farther below.)

The opening weekend of Philly Beer Week 2013 came to a slightly cooler, interrupted by brief passing showers, end with festivities of every stripe going down around the city.

Early reports came in of some solid brunches being served up and I got mine in just before 3 p.m. at Kite & Key (great "stuffed" PB&J French Toast) as the Throwdown in Franklintown was warming up. I got roped into a couple of events so you may see some moving or still pictures (moving as in motion, not be confused with emotional) of me participating on the runner-up to the runner-up to the runner-up team.

Each year K&K does this event, a) it gets larger, b) it attracts more folks from the industry who want to participate in a couple hours of fun 'n' games, and c) it remains an event where you know, where you can trust, that K&K will do its job to secure great beer, but that isn't the focal point of the event. That last point, to me, is what differentiates truly special/unique events during beer week from the more run o' the mill types. Getting people involved, entertaining, and providing a fun atmosphere where it's not just beer geekerie sitting around, pontificating a beer's merits, and checking it into an app.

Not that there's anything wrong with that. Usually.

So how about those beers, eh mister beer geek?

Yes, the beers were special (as would be expected) during the Throwdown at K&K. The two that stoodout and wound up multiple times in my hand were Allagash's FV-13 and Golden Brett, two beers aged in oak and treating folks to a wild ride of fruit and tart and sweet and rich. The Golden Brett comes across as cleaner and more refreshing, if you will, where the FV-13 has a wider range, and is a bit boozier, of flavors.

Also of note was my second Bell Ringer IPA from Victory. It was on CO2 and was just as enjoyable as the night prior at Johnny Brenda's where it was being served from a gravity cask. And, as their website warns "not to be fooled", I was. No way I'd guess this clocks in at 9% ABV.

The party rolled on with many moving into Center City and Nodding Head where owner Curt Decker and the team were hosting Tomme Arthur and his Red Poppy, Framboise, and several other tasty sours from southern California.

It was a bit of a sign of things to come when next Tuesday, if you haven't heard, Nodding Head will be doing a very special brew day with De La Senne and guest appearances by Vinnie Cilurzo (Russian River) and again Tomme Arthur. Breakfast bites will be available as well.

With time for just a quick stop at Standard Tap, we buzzed in and saw owner Willam Reed holding court with three huge GABF 2012 winners. Tröegs (Hershey) won mid-size brewery of the year, Devil's Backbone (Virginia) won small brewpub of the year, and Church Brew Works (Pittsburgh) won large brewpub of the year. They each had multiple beers of theirs pouring, most of which are not typically available in Philly.

They also had a beer that all three collaborated on brewed at Tröegs. It's a black rye IPA and it was being served on the handpump. Interesting beer with an earthy hop profile and definitely worth checking out should you see it around (apparently it's tagged as Scratch #97).

Great exposure at Standard Tap, one of the city's most comfortable pubs, for these two out-of-town excellent breweries and, as always, for our home-region Tröegs.

That might be about it for me for a few days. It may even turn out to be the first year where I essentially take off the full week from PBW events. Must keep the balance in life. Time will tell. In the meantime, check out the fun videos and pictures and let me know where you have been and what you've seen that's worth reporting.

p.s. Special thanks to Megan Moore of Evolution Brewing for passing along the picture of me keg racing at the Kite & Key event.

Link to video of the keg race (they were full, btw).
Link to video of tug o' war (Victory versus Dogfish Head, first match)
Link to video of tug o' war (Victory versus Dogfish Head, second match)
Link to video of jousting (Jim Kirk-Kite & Key versus Tom Kehoe-Yards Brewing, first match)
Link to video of jousting (Jim Kirk-Kite & Key versus Tom Kehoe-Yards Brewing, first match)
Link to video of jousting finals (Greg Lehman-Victory Brewing versus Tom Kehoe-Yards Brewing)



(A slightly cooler day, it's relative of course, brought larger crowd than ever for the annual Throwdown in Franklintown at Kite & Key.)

(The Yards Brewing team from Philly.)

(The Victory Brewing team from Downingtown.)

(Good thing I had sustenance to carry me through the keg race and tug o' war that I was recruited for.)

(Yours truly got recruited for the keg race.)

(Fergie Carey, temporary custodian, and loving/nurturing custodian at that, of the Hammer of Glory.)

(Curt Decker of Nodding Head welcomes Tomme Arthur from Lost Abbey to his Sour Happy Hour event on Sunday, June 2.)

(Standard Tap featuring the reigning Small and Large brewpub and Mid-size brewery GABF 2012 winners. The Black Rye IPA on the handpump was the collaboration between the three.)

(William Reed of Standard Tap and Johnny Brenda's, with the Hammer of Glory natch, played host at Standard Tap to Jason Oliver from Devil's Backbone in Virginia.)

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Philly Beer Week 2013, Day 1 Sights and Sounds: Friday, May 31

You know how I've been falling back on my "I'm too busy" excuse for, oh, the last year or so now? Well I think it will apply all throughout this week as well.

So instead of getting wrapped up in a lot of words about the preceding days, I'll save it all for one wrap-up at the end of Philly Beer Week 2013 and deliver each day to you in the videos and pictures that I collect along the way.

Hope you're all enjoying another year of incredible sights, sounds, food, and beer during Philly Beer Week. Stay safe and stay hydrated!

Cheers!


Video of The Hammer of Glory being transported from Kite & Key to The Institute, Top Gun-style.

Video of Nick Johnson (Tröegs) and Jim Kirk (Kite & Key) playing Top Gun's Goose and Maverick.

Video of the uniquely-Philly reception for the Hammer of Glory at Nodding Head.

Link to a picture gallery over at Picasa.

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Philly Beer Week 2012: The Missed Events edition, Days 1-4

Regrets have been minimal thusfar through the first four days of Philly Beer Week 2012.

Two events, though, that have me wondering what if are the Saison Festival at Tapestry and the annual lunacy of Kite & Key's afternoon antics, this year displayed by way of "Gladiator Games". Until I see video, I'll live vicariously through these pictures.

The intrepid John Doherty sent along these few pictures that he snapped with his new smartphone this past Saturday. You should recognize several characters in this scenes including Philly Beer Regulars, Don Russell (Joe Sixpack), Tom Kehoe (Yards), and Suzy Woods (Allagash). Thanks John.







Check in over here for a complete run-down of much of what I've encountered to date through PBW '12.

Craft Beer Express rolls into March

This Craft Beer Express really doesn't need much help from me anymore. This thing has grown so wildly popular that there are now two installments per year, mkaing it a good thing that it was broken apart from Philly Beer Week.

Here's a quick synopsis from its website. Enjoy!


Kraftwork
541 East Girard Avenue
(215) 739-1700
Gettin' Loose with Goose Island, from Chicago, IL
We’ll be lining the taps with 7 to 10 of Goose Island’s flagship barrel series! This Midway Giant is not to be missed on your tasting journey. Starting with Brunch – opening at 10:30 am.

Johnny Brenda's
1201 Frankford Avenue
(215) 739-9684
Back for the 4th year! Starts at 11am! Brunch served from 11-3:30. Stouts on tap all day and evening! We will have an awesome Full Irish Breakfast on the menu in addition to our regular brunch menu, plus a Smorgasbord, and an array of delicious oysters!

Standard Tap
901 North 2nd Street
(215) 238-0630
Big Wood Weekend
Wake up to our 2-day celebration of wood- smoked and barrel-aged beers!

The Institute
549 North 12th Street
(267) 318-7772
3rd Annual Barleywine Bonanza
Get your hands on 10 of the most highly sought after barleywines out there!

Bishop's Collar
2349 Fairmount Avenue
(215) 765-1616
Six Point Brewing Company
Featuring Jersey Dan "Cornelius" spinning tunes and a complete tap take-over with a firkin or two from Six Point Brewing.

Kite & Key
1836 Callowhill Street
(215) 568-1818
A Change of Events with Firestone Walker
Firestone Walker has decided to ship out to the Kite & Key an AMAZING array of beers!! You CAN NOT MISS THIS!! We will guarantee this may be your only chance to try it!!! We cannot divulge the tap list yet, but you will be thrilled!!

Jose Pistola's
263 South 15th Street
(215) 545-4101
Chuck Norris Day
In Honor of Chuck Norris' birthday we tried to tie craft beer to Chuck Norris. We soon realized that chuck Norris won't be tied to anything. We then decided it would be best for everyone involved if we just poured all bad ass beers with bad ass names. Beers include iron fist gauntlet, clown shoes eagle claw fist, evil twins yin and yang, dark horse Scotty karate, and a firkin of yards brawler dry hopped with Sirachi Hops.

The Sidecar
2201 Christian Street
(215) 732-3429
IPA's Greatest Hits - Volume III
Around the World in three whole days, Sidecar brings you the best IPA and DIPA offerings from around the globe – and we’re lining the “Lucky 13” with an individual line up each day, 36-40 total…maybe even a firkin or two. HOP HEADS UNITE! Details to come…mark the date and the stop in SWCC!

Pub on Passyunk East
1501 East Passyunk Avenue
(215) 755-5125
POPE visits Colorado
Hosting beers from the rockies including Avery, Left Hand and many more.

Devil's Den
1148 South 11th Street
(215) 339-0855
Stop out for the Spring Craft Beer Express and try some of local beer guy, Cameron Saunders', favorite beers. Tap list to include Bell's Special Cream Stout, Avery Mephistopheles, Moylans Hopsickle, Southern Tier Oak Aged Pumpking and what ever else he wants. You have seen him in Philly Beer Scene Magazine now meet him in person!

Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South Street
(267) 909-8814
Was ist Das? 10 German beers you never heard of.... Seriously most of these beers have never been poured in Philly before.

Race St. Cafe
208 Race Street
(215) 627-6181
Winter Wrap Up
Have one last rendezvous with all of your favorite bocks, browns and barleywines before you have to kiss them goodbye for the next 6 months.

One fine Sunday from Saison Dupont to Kite & Key

(A draft list befitting a 3rd anniversary party)

A Sunday morning that begins with Saison Dupont for breakfast with the final day of the Tour de France could go one of a few ways. The rest of the day could go to the so-called hell in a handbasket after such a tasty beginning. Naps could ensue. Et cetera.

I instead used it as fuel for one of the most productive six hour stretches in recent weeks. Articles written, e-mails (some rather old) responded to, RSS feeds/articles read and cleaned up, pictures processed and organized, and the upcoming week leading to Ommegang's annual BCTC was planned.

Now, the only question remained: Could I squeeze in a couple of hours to check out and help celebrate Kite & Key's third anniversary? The draft list that owner Jim had sent along to me the Friday prior continued to tap away from deep inside my thick skull.

One final check of Google Maps/Traffic showed the Schuylkill Expressway all green. 25 minutes later, I was at Kite & Key to verify that the beers were as good on tap as they were on paper.

(from left: Bryan Kolesar, The Brew Lounge; Cameron Saunders, Shangy's; Jared Littman, PhillyTapFinder; and Jim Kirk, owner of Kite & Key)

Along my drive, I wondered what type of crowd would turn out on a school work night for a hefty beer list such as this one. The dinner crowd -- reportedly larger than usual -- came early and stayed longer. And, the bar remained comfortably crowded until a little after 9 p.m. when I decided it was time to call it a night as well.

It was a pleasant crowd that seemed more comprised of local/neighborhood beer enthusiasts rather than hardcore beer geeks that traveled from far and wide to hold up pen lights to test the beer's SRM. Yet, some familiar faces to me included Jared and Kristy Littman (PhillyTapFinder.com), Arthur Etchells (Foobooz), Cameron and Jess Saunders (Shangy's), and Rich Isaacs (RichOnBeer.com).

(Rich Isaacs of RichonBeer.com with Jim Kirk of Kite & Key)

Many of Jim's and Jake's regulars also turned out seeking some of the geekiest beers on the list such as Bell's Oracle, Bear Republic Apex, and Ithaca Thirteen. I'm a sucker for Sorachi Ace hop as well as the Citra. Therefore, the Thirteen may have been my favorite of the evening, though it didn't take more than a few sips of the potent Bell's Batch 10000 to want to stay the night. For a recipe that reportedly incorporates over 100 grains and 60 hop varieties, it's a pretty tightly clean beer that goes down so intoxicatingly pleasant.

All in all, a decent and satisfying way to celebrate a 3rd birthday and close out a day of delicious beer-drinking in Philly.

(Anniversary party-goers at Kite & Key filled the room from dinner on through the night)

Information leak at Kite & Key, something about a bunch of sixtels

I have no idea how The Brew Lounge came into possession of this list and subsequently posted it here for your consumption.

Afterall, the K&K website clearly states that the draft list will not be published until the Savage Sixtel Sunday/3rd Anniversary Party gets underway at 7 p.m.

It'll take some true savages to devour this list on Sunday. Are you up to the task? The morning after this soirée promises to be a bit rougher than the typical Monday morning.

~ 21st Amendment Hop Crisis
~ Allagash Blonde Ale
~ Bell's Batch 9000
~ Bell's Batch 10000
~ Bell's Oracle
~ Ithaca Thirteen
~ Ithaca Twelve
~ Russian River Damnation
~ Russian River Pliny The Elder
~ Weyerbacher Sixteen
~ Yards Bourbon Love Stout

Saturday the Thirstless-teenth

No one should go thirsty this Saturday the 13th. This coming Saturday will be a busy day across the Philadelphia region for beer events. As you'll see with tomorrow's weekly beer calendar that I publish, there are no less than eight beer events in and around the City on Saturday, 11/13. Really, it's eighteen when you add all of the individual events that comprise the Craft Beer Express. (And, there's probably another one or two that I'm missing that I'm sure you good readers will help to fill me in on, right?) >>> The big one is the Craft Beer Express in Philly. With 11 participating establishments and a steady flow of buses (was it 7 or 8 buses that I was told?) linking them all together, it should be a fine day. Plus, the weather should cooperate much more nicely than it did back in March during the first incarnation of this idea. Here's a quick rundown of who's doing what during the 10 hours of buses, beers, and bars. Ten dollars gets you on the bus; after that, it's PAYG at every bar along the way.

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.

>>> 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!

Philly Beer Weekend, March 2010---Get on the Bus

UPDATE: Here's a link that I should have included to the Johnny Brenda's calendar page where you can purchase your all-day bus tickets. Tell 'em The Brew Lounge sent you; they like when you do that sort of thing.

I'll put aside my snarkiness for a moment and recognize that Philly Beer Week, the organization, has coalesced and observed the market momentum from bars and their customers that have demanded a March-based Philly Beer Week. Screw St. Patty's Day and the thought that it was a viable excuse for moving PBW to June; I don't think many were "buying that". (oops, sorry, that sneaky snarkiness is back...get thyself back).

So, here's what 8 enterprising establishments in Center City Philly have put together for us all on March 13th. The idea is pretty simple. Pick a bar to start at; it doesn't matter where. I'm thinking if I jump in on this idea, I may find myself at Brauhaus Schmitz, for example. I need a good reason to (finally) visit for the first time.

Buses will be running continuously for 8 hours from 11am-7pm, picking up those that have paid their $15 for unlimited rides on the bus, and dropping riders off at any of the 8 bars along the way. No rules how long you must stay at each location or how many you must visit. But, with the bus option, getting around has never been easier.

Here's the rundown of events, as if you couldn't read them above in the official flyer:

~ 2nd Annual Stout Brunch at Johnny Brenda's
~ Standard Tap's Big Wood Weekend
~ The Institute will be pouring a beastly-good line up of Barleywines all day
~ Brauhaus Schmitz will feature Carol Stoudt's newest creation "Karnival Kölsch" as well as many other great Stoudt's and German beers
~ "Around the Clock" with Dogfish Head at the Kite and Key where you can get 60, 90, and 120 minute IPA on draft along with other DFH surprises.
~ Devil's Den is pairing Ommegang, Duvel, and cheeses in addition to their usually well-stocked beer inventory
~ Jose Pistola's has put together an Ithaca Beer Brunch
~ and, Sidecar Bar & Grille has a little thing going on that they call a Double IPA event...what am I saying? nothing little ever happens at Sidecar

Last Minute Planning...today...tomorrow

Is it too late to recommend that you head out tonight (if you're in Philly) to UofPenn for Xfest'09---tix available at the door for a bevy of holiday beauts, check out the list---or (if you're in the western suburbs) to Phoenixville for the "last ever" Hop Project/Anniversary Party at Sly Fox---the 12 Single Hop Project Beers of a Sly Fox Christmas? If you're looking for a great way to celebrate the end of the workweek (depending, of course, upon the nature of how your job defines a workweek), these events both come highly recommended. If this notice reaches you too late for Friday night reveling, how about Saturday afternoon Newark, Delaware? Iron Hill. Cask-conditioned Beer. Lunch. Delaware. Not New Jersey. It's PAYG for a bunch of casks from the tight-knit Iron Hill family as well as local faves such as Victory, Stoudt's, Stewart's, Yards, Sly Fox, Tröegs, Flying Fish, and Nodding Head. (check out the full cask list below.) These are the biggies this weekend. If you like something a bit more lowkey (yeah, right...you know these guys, there's nothing subdued about them!), there'a "Christmas Spectacular" at Kite & Key tonight...a "Get Lit at Lunchtime" lollygagger at Jose Pistolas today at, er, lunchtime...and a "Back in Black Stout Fest" out in the hinterlands at Union Jack's tomorrow...and...and... and...oh, hell, just go check out the Calendar that I keep up-to-date for you over here. Iron Hill cask list, 12/12/09 Flying Fish - Imperial Belgian Mild Iron Hill Lancaster - Afternoon Delight Imp. Coffee Porter Iron Hill Newark - English IPA Iron Hill North Wales - Anvil Ale Iron Hill West Chester - Russian Imperial Stout Iron Hill Wilmington - Scrooge American IPA Nodding Head - 700 level Sly Fox - Chester County Bitter Stewarts - Glacier IPA Stoudts - Fat Lady (blend of fat dog and scarlet lady) Tröegs - Hop Back Amber Victory - Hop Wallop Yards - General Washington Tavern Porter

Me and My Marathon

It can be a lonely road out there, even with 20,000 other runners, perfectly built for plenty of introspection. This will be my fifth marathon I've run in the last 4 years. Even though it may not be true, I somehow feel less prepared physically and psychologically than ever before. Sunday's Philadelphia Marathon will tell. Until then, I need a pick-me-up. So, if you've got any shouts of encouragement that you can offer up here (or just general yelling if that's your thing).... Or if you'd like to come out Sunday morning to support me during the race.... Best yet, do both and join me afterward for a brunch at The Kite and Key pub just a few blocks from the Art Museum Finish Line. It's a mighty fine place for a Sunday morning meetup for some grub and grog. I'm looking for all the motivation and inspiration that I can gather up right about now. I'll be asking the crew at Kite and Key to hold some tables for me, so if meeting up for brunch sounds like something you'd like to do around 12pm-ish, drop an e-mail to me. One last way that you can join in support of my Philadelphia Marathon: come on out to TJs in Paoli on Saturday for the Early Bird Special around 5pm. That's when and where I'll be "carbing up" with my pre-long run ritual...Cajun Chicken Alfredo, French Onion Soup, Bread, and Salad...oh, and 1 (relatively) low-alcohol beer. I hope Jeff has a few extra bits of pasta in the kitchen on Saturday! Oh, and this here is just all too appropriate given the timing of the fall marathon season and the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street...enjoy a trip down memory lane! y'gotta watch it all, it's bound to bring a smile to your face and rub away any rough edges of your day.