News wire is heating up now that we've got the holidays packed up in a box behind us and 2017 squarely in front of us and under way. Here are some bits and bytes you should be aware of from the last few weeks.
~ On the way to Cape May....and another Final Four appearance? [link to Cape May Brewing Company blog]
~ This is very good. It's from Lew Bryson, so not a surprise. [link to The Daily Beast]
~ I, too, have found too many breweries and bars not taking enough time to care about things, like cask ale, that require both time and care. Very interesting read. [link to Your For Good Fermentables]
~ Last time here, it was Bell's Hopslam release schedule that I shared with you. If you like that one, I'm guessing that you'll find this one at least as interesting, or maybe more so. -- [link to Russian River's blog]
~ Mitch Steele nails it. [link to The Hop Tripper]
~ Closing in Philly. [link to Philly.com]
~ Excellent piece on the growler. I'm in the same camp as the author, rarely ever filling growlers in the last couple of years and reconsidering my "collection". [link to Draft Magazine]
~ Here's a 2017 list to know. [link to Uwishunu]
~ More Flying Dog to come. [link to Area Development]
~ Now this sounds a bit confusing, does it not? [link to The Full Pint]
~ I liked Helltown so much, I included them in my book. Nice to see them growing into Pittsburgh. [link to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
~ Because I know you've been asking what came of Curt Decker from Nodding Head Brewery that closed nearly 2 1/2 years ago. [link to Philly.com]
~ Drink up, as if your kid's future depends upon it! [link to Joe Sixpack]
© 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 Lew Bryson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lew Bryson. Show all posts
Friday, January 20, 2017
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.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Taking The Brew Lounge to Origlio
Here in issue #27, I take my Brew Lounge talents to the Origlio publication, Draught Lines. Page 9 to be exact.
Filling the large shoes of the inimitable Lew Bryson. You know what they say about large shoes.
Seriously, pleased to be partnered with a reputable beer and beverage distribution company like Origlio Beverage. Want to know more about what they do? Check out their craft brands page.
Filling the large shoes of the inimitable Lew Bryson. You know what they say about large shoes.
Seriously, pleased to be partnered with a reputable beer and beverage distribution company like Origlio Beverage. Want to know more about what they do? Check out their craft brands page.
Friday, June 01, 2012
2 writers, 1 brewhouse, 2 taps at Standard Tap
Hey, not my words. That's how Tröegs describes it on their webpage.
Proving once again that the Philly beer landscape is rich enough to include writers amongst the brewers, importers, and pubs, distinguished beer writers Lew Bryson and Jack Curtin each brewed a beer at Tröegs under the long-running Scratch Series umbrella.
Their beers, along with a bevy of other beers from Tröegs will be on tap this Sunday, June 3 at Standard Tap for your decision of whose Scratch beer is better: Lew's Zwickel Licker or Jack's Biere de Grouch. Both are clever names, and based on branding alone, I'd probably give a point to Curtin's.
But, we should taste them on Sunday for the ultimate decision.
Head on over to Curtin's site to check out the fun videos that were made.
~ Link to Part 1
~ Link to Part 2
Proving once again that the Philly beer landscape is rich enough to include writers amongst the brewers, importers, and pubs, distinguished beer writers Lew Bryson and Jack Curtin each brewed a beer at Tröegs under the long-running Scratch Series umbrella.
Their beers, along with a bevy of other beers from Tröegs will be on tap this Sunday, June 3 at Standard Tap for your decision of whose Scratch beer is better: Lew's Zwickel Licker or Jack's Biere de Grouch. Both are clever names, and based on branding alone, I'd probably give a point to Curtin's.
But, we should taste them on Sunday for the ultimate decision.
Head on over to Curtin's site to check out the fun videos that were made.
~ Link to Part 1
~ Link to Part 2
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Bryson's beer blog on the boob tube
Watch. Set the DVR. Make a call/donation. Support beer and the Big Guy.
Tomorrow night. Watch Lew Bryson and his new American Beer Blogger on PBS-WLVT.
Who's in charge of the drinking game that goes along with this?
Tomorrow night. Watch Lew Bryson and his new American Beer Blogger on PBS-WLVT.
Who's in charge of the drinking game that goes along with this?
Monday, February 27, 2012
Weekly Brew Bits Update: 2/27/12
February may only have 29 days, but even for the dead of winter, there was no shortage of beer news to share. Here's a bit more from the last week of the month.
PHILADELPHIA
~ Lew Bryson, Senator McIlhenny, and a roomful of beer lovers discussed evolving legislation at Yards on 2/9. Philly Beer Scene's Mat Falco was there and shared audio from the event.
~ While we're on the topic of Yards, BeerNews.org has an interview with Yards' Tom Kehoe and the recently-dismissed operations manager, Steve Mashington. They discussed the phenomenal growth and plans at the brewery over the past few years.
~ Chris LaPierre, Philly Beer Week 2012's collaborative brewer from Iron Hill, has blogged some words and pictures from the big brew day over at Brasserie Dupont in Belgium.
~ About Philly Beer Week, wish I'd written this, but then again I wasn't there. Great piece by this beer guy Craig LaBan ;-)
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ "The end result is an elegant and succinct brewery/cafe space, with floor drains in every room, that can comfortably house one hundred and eleven people enjoying a glass of Saison." That's a quote in a recent blog post from Jean Broillet, owner of the soon-to-be Tired Hands Brewing Company in Ardmore, Pa., a place that from that quote makes me very anxious to be paying customer there.
~ Evil Eye PA. They're calling it a sessionable IPA and, at 6%, it'll be pushing that boundary a bit for some. None the less, these new suburban Philadelphian brewers, Luke Bowen, Trevor Hayward, and Mark Braunwarth, at Evil Genius are contracting their beers out of Four Horseman in South Bend, Indiana and if you've seen any of their beer around the area, share with the group please.
~ I've still got a few more spoonfuls of chili to work off from yesterday's Chili Challenge at Victory. They've got all sorts of fun planned to coincide this year with the brewery's 16th anniversary. A new one I learned of was the new Chocolate Lager, brewed in collaboration with nearby Eclat Chocolate in West Chester, Pa. This beer won't last long, so get yourself to the pub soon and try this delicious beer.
~ How about one more bit from Victory? Matt Krueger is still raising money to fight the good fight against cancer. Here's a way that your contributions can benefit you. Do the right thing.
~ Female fans of great beer continue to band together in appreciation and support of their favorite beverage. The West Chester Beer Ladies group continues to grow and now they'll be brewing a beer at the West Chester location of Iron Hill. On Wednesday, in two days, they'll be gathering at Iron Hill to toss back a few beers, announce the collaboration brew, and hear from guest brewer, Whitney Thompson, of Victory Brewing.
THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ One last blurb from SF Beer Week comes in the form of a 15 minute long video wrap up of Celebrator Magazine's anniversary party, which every year is a Bay Area Beer Highlight. (Philly Beer Week shout-out at 10:40)
~ And in other northern California news, for those of you that love the behind-the-scenes type of stuff and Pliny the Younger too, you'll probably like this video shot during the initial brewpub release of PtY.
~ Must not be much of a man, if twisting a cap makes him feel like one. Loser. Keep drinking the swill and puffing the chest.
~ And, while you're at it Einstein, keep rubbing your nose grease and boogers and sticking it in your beer to kill the head. Thanks, Mr. Sixpack for an informative article. Or you could treat your beer and pour it properly to begin with.
PHILADELPHIA
~ Lew Bryson, Senator McIlhenny, and a roomful of beer lovers discussed evolving legislation at Yards on 2/9. Philly Beer Scene's Mat Falco was there and shared audio from the event.
~ While we're on the topic of Yards, BeerNews.org has an interview with Yards' Tom Kehoe and the recently-dismissed operations manager, Steve Mashington. They discussed the phenomenal growth and plans at the brewery over the past few years.
~ Chris LaPierre, Philly Beer Week 2012's collaborative brewer from Iron Hill, has blogged some words and pictures from the big brew day over at Brasserie Dupont in Belgium.
~ About Philly Beer Week, wish I'd written this, but then again I wasn't there. Great piece by this beer guy Craig LaBan ;-)
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ "The end result is an elegant and succinct brewery/cafe space, with floor drains in every room, that can comfortably house one hundred and eleven people enjoying a glass of Saison." That's a quote in a recent blog post from Jean Broillet, owner of the soon-to-be Tired Hands Brewing Company in Ardmore, Pa., a place that from that quote makes me very anxious to be paying customer there.
~ Evil Eye PA. They're calling it a sessionable IPA and, at 6%, it'll be pushing that boundary a bit for some. None the less, these new suburban Philadelphian brewers, Luke Bowen, Trevor Hayward, and Mark Braunwarth, at Evil Genius are contracting their beers out of Four Horseman in South Bend, Indiana and if you've seen any of their beer around the area, share with the group please.
~ I've still got a few more spoonfuls of chili to work off from yesterday's Chili Challenge at Victory. They've got all sorts of fun planned to coincide this year with the brewery's 16th anniversary. A new one I learned of was the new Chocolate Lager, brewed in collaboration with nearby Eclat Chocolate in West Chester, Pa. This beer won't last long, so get yourself to the pub soon and try this delicious beer.
~ How about one more bit from Victory? Matt Krueger is still raising money to fight the good fight against cancer. Here's a way that your contributions can benefit you. Do the right thing.
~ Female fans of great beer continue to band together in appreciation and support of their favorite beverage. The West Chester Beer Ladies group continues to grow and now they'll be brewing a beer at the West Chester location of Iron Hill. On Wednesday, in two days, they'll be gathering at Iron Hill to toss back a few beers, announce the collaboration brew, and hear from guest brewer, Whitney Thompson, of Victory Brewing.
THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ One last blurb from SF Beer Week comes in the form of a 15 minute long video wrap up of Celebrator Magazine's anniversary party, which every year is a Bay Area Beer Highlight. (Philly Beer Week shout-out at 10:40)
~ And in other northern California news, for those of you that love the behind-the-scenes type of stuff and Pliny the Younger too, you'll probably like this video shot during the initial brewpub release of PtY.
~ Must not be much of a man, if twisting a cap makes him feel like one. Loser. Keep drinking the swill and puffing the chest.
~ And, while you're at it Einstein, keep rubbing your nose grease and boogers and sticking it in your beer to kill the head. Thanks, Mr. Sixpack for an informative article. Or you could treat your beer and pour it properly to begin with.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Weekly Brew Bits Update: 1/30/12
Again, quite a bit to share with you, so let's get right to it.
PHILADELPHIA
~ I took the easy way out with my most recent article at The Washington Times. Eight brewery and importer reps that you're used to hearing from at the bars weighed in with their thoughts of the 2012 beer season. Definitely worth the read, once again, if no other reason than to let 'em know at TWT that you like reading about good beer. Thanks, as usual, for the support.
~ Dock Street has a seasonal collaboration with and on display at The Four Seasons hotel off Logan Circle. Many of you may not recall that 18th Street was the original home of the brewpub way back in the late 80s and have come together with their old neighbors to showcase a very delicious (read my thoughts via this link) Truffled Old Ale.
~ Special of the Week, just gonna quote verbatim: "Come to Manayunk First Friday (6-9pm) and enjoy deals all down Main Street, anywhere you see the red flag! Here at Manayunk Brewery enjoy a free pizza buffet, and 1/2 off two of our favorite Sushi Rolls: Manayunk Roll and Main Street Roll.
~ Here's an interesting idea about bar closing times and city revenue in Philly. I wouldn't exactly say the streets are "clean" at 2 a.m. Plus, I'd love to see someone try to measure the marginal drunkenness. I need to hear more, but can't believe the going from a 2 a.m. close time to 3 a.m. will wreak that much more havoc in the bars and on the streets. And, don't tell me the after hours clubs are open. They're all private (right?) plus not usually the "scene" that most are comfortable in.
~ File along with a grain of salt, for sure. Thanks to Jack Curtin for slogging through the lists at RateBeer.com to discover which the raters deem worthwhile around our great beer-drinking region. Check it out, discuss, try not to argue about it.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ If you follow @TroegsBeer on Twitter, you'll see that Nugget Nectar is wrapping up production in Hershey and getting ready to hit the streets. Nicely spaced from the Bell's HopSlam release this year, beer geeks should have just recovered from their excessive slobbering in time for the February release of this hoppy treat.
~ Our own world-renowned, Lew Bryson, has reinvigorated his blogging ways. He obviously has sensed a void since I slowed things down around here. Either that, or he figured if he's making a show chronicling the American Beer Blogger, that he should do as he says. :-D That, for us all, will be a very good thing. He's out in Pittsburgh for a couple of days, but this posting here about Victory's Dark Lager is a good reason you should be reading along over at his blog. Here's another link for his notes on the new Delaware spot, Ernest and Scott, and a bit from London Grill.
~ Speaking of Delaware, our old friend, Ben Potts played the role of Silent Bob in this video (I kid, you know) where Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione discusses the highly-anticipated Noble Rot. Look for it on shelves soon. Thanks, as usual, to BeerNews.org for the link and the perpetual flow of, uh, beer news.
~ There have been some new happenings at General Sutter Inn. Did you know that the Sutter has a bit of a very cool new look in Lititz, Pa.? Now, when you've partied like a rock star at a cask festival or at the Bulls Head Public House next door, you can sleep it off like a rock star.
~ The inimitable, inevitable, and unavoidable Richard Ruch has struck again. This time with a fun and informative video (approx. 10 minutes) that he passed along. It shows the trip he took with Victory (Bill, Ron, and others) back in '07 to Germany and the Czech Republic. Has me looking even more forward to this week's Tettnang dinner at the pub.
~ Thanks to Ken who dropped a note to remind of the under-the-radar development up in Doylestown. The other end of the R-5 train line gets so much attention. Here in Doylestown, they're readying operations at Doylestown Brewing Company and even have an appropriately-named R-5 Lager. An IPA and a Light are also in the works for a February opening. Check 'em out and congratulations to the northern 'burbs on an ever-improving beer scene.
THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ After meeting "Chipper Dave" a few years back at GABF (and touring around Colorado), I've had his well-maintained Fermentedly Challenged on my blog reading list to stay abreast of beer news around his home state. Here, in this Bull & Bush article, I found the tableside dry-hopping unique enough to share with you.
~ I don't know why I seemingly continue to find this stuff interesting. Sure, binge drinking can be a problem. But, the wild definitions and the excessive hand-wringing, I'm not so sure. Anyway, here's a rebuttal to some material that I've linked to the in the past. If you're not up-to-date, don't worry. Main message: binge drinking is very, very bad and based on the definition, most of us do it…and, more frequently than you might imagine.
~ And, then. Oh yes, and then. Perhaps the biggest beer news story of the week centered around the craft segment pioneer, Sierra Nevada. The Chico, Calif.-based giant (and I mean that in the most craft-loving way) announced that they settled on North Carolina for its future eastern operations. So much has been written about this that I'll merely link to Sierra Nevada's press release posted on its website. And here is one video from Fox Carolina that nicely wraps up the announcement.
The next question on many's minds is: What of New Belgium's and Stone's plans to do something similar? Lew Bryson has also written of potential plans for New Belgium in Philly. In my own pea brain, the jury is still out on the hows and whys of this being a smart move.
In the meantime, have I mentioned that I've already got Sierra Nevada's Ruthless Rye IPA in my Top 10 beers of 2012?
PHILADELPHIA
~ I took the easy way out with my most recent article at The Washington Times. Eight brewery and importer reps that you're used to hearing from at the bars weighed in with their thoughts of the 2012 beer season. Definitely worth the read, once again, if no other reason than to let 'em know at TWT that you like reading about good beer. Thanks, as usual, for the support.
~ Dock Street has a seasonal collaboration with and on display at The Four Seasons hotel off Logan Circle. Many of you may not recall that 18th Street was the original home of the brewpub way back in the late 80s and have come together with their old neighbors to showcase a very delicious (read my thoughts via this link) Truffled Old Ale.
~ Special of the Week, just gonna quote verbatim: "Come to Manayunk First Friday (6-9pm) and enjoy deals all down Main Street, anywhere you see the red flag! Here at Manayunk Brewery enjoy a free pizza buffet, and 1/2 off two of our favorite Sushi Rolls: Manayunk Roll and Main Street Roll.
~ Here's an interesting idea about bar closing times and city revenue in Philly. I wouldn't exactly say the streets are "clean" at 2 a.m. Plus, I'd love to see someone try to measure the marginal drunkenness. I need to hear more, but can't believe the going from a 2 a.m. close time to 3 a.m. will wreak that much more havoc in the bars and on the streets. And, don't tell me the after hours clubs are open. They're all private (right?) plus not usually the "scene" that most are comfortable in.
~ File along with a grain of salt, for sure. Thanks to Jack Curtin for slogging through the lists at RateBeer.com to discover which the raters deem worthwhile around our great beer-drinking region. Check it out, discuss, try not to argue about it.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ If you follow @TroegsBeer on Twitter, you'll see that Nugget Nectar is wrapping up production in Hershey and getting ready to hit the streets. Nicely spaced from the Bell's HopSlam release this year, beer geeks should have just recovered from their excessive slobbering in time for the February release of this hoppy treat.
~ Our own world-renowned, Lew Bryson, has reinvigorated his blogging ways. He obviously has sensed a void since I slowed things down around here. Either that, or he figured if he's making a show chronicling the American Beer Blogger, that he should do as he says. :-D That, for us all, will be a very good thing. He's out in Pittsburgh for a couple of days, but this posting here about Victory's Dark Lager is a good reason you should be reading along over at his blog. Here's another link for his notes on the new Delaware spot, Ernest and Scott, and a bit from London Grill.
~ Speaking of Delaware, our old friend, Ben Potts played the role of Silent Bob in this video (I kid, you know) where Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione discusses the highly-anticipated Noble Rot. Look for it on shelves soon. Thanks, as usual, to BeerNews.org for the link and the perpetual flow of, uh, beer news.
~ There have been some new happenings at General Sutter Inn. Did you know that the Sutter has a bit of a very cool new look in Lititz, Pa.? Now, when you've partied like a rock star at a cask festival or at the Bulls Head Public House next door, you can sleep it off like a rock star.
~ The inimitable, inevitable, and unavoidable Richard Ruch has struck again. This time with a fun and informative video (approx. 10 minutes) that he passed along. It shows the trip he took with Victory (Bill, Ron, and others) back in '07 to Germany and the Czech Republic. Has me looking even more forward to this week's Tettnang dinner at the pub.
~ Thanks to Ken who dropped a note to remind of the under-the-radar development up in Doylestown. The other end of the R-5 train line gets so much attention. Here in Doylestown, they're readying operations at Doylestown Brewing Company and even have an appropriately-named R-5 Lager. An IPA and a Light are also in the works for a February opening. Check 'em out and congratulations to the northern 'burbs on an ever-improving beer scene.
THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ After meeting "Chipper Dave" a few years back at GABF (and touring around Colorado), I've had his well-maintained Fermentedly Challenged on my blog reading list to stay abreast of beer news around his home state. Here, in this Bull & Bush article, I found the tableside dry-hopping unique enough to share with you.
~ I don't know why I seemingly continue to find this stuff interesting. Sure, binge drinking can be a problem. But, the wild definitions and the excessive hand-wringing, I'm not so sure. Anyway, here's a rebuttal to some material that I've linked to the in the past. If you're not up-to-date, don't worry. Main message: binge drinking is very, very bad and based on the definition, most of us do it…and, more frequently than you might imagine.
~ And, then. Oh yes, and then. Perhaps the biggest beer news story of the week centered around the craft segment pioneer, Sierra Nevada. The Chico, Calif.-based giant (and I mean that in the most craft-loving way) announced that they settled on North Carolina for its future eastern operations. So much has been written about this that I'll merely link to Sierra Nevada's press release posted on its website. And here is one video from Fox Carolina that nicely wraps up the announcement.
The next question on many's minds is: What of New Belgium's and Stone's plans to do something similar? Lew Bryson has also written of potential plans for New Belgium in Philly. In my own pea brain, the jury is still out on the hows and whys of this being a smart move.
In the meantime, have I mentioned that I've already got Sierra Nevada's Ruthless Rye IPA in my Top 10 beers of 2012?
Monday, January 09, 2012
Weekly Brew Bits Update: 1/9/12
If you thought things in the beer world slowed down around the holidays, then you must have missed the following over the past week or so.
~ Lew Bryson has a potential production show brewing (get it?! er, never mind) with Green Leaf Productions and he's taken to the road to help drum up support. Well, and drink some good beer and talk about it along the way. Tonight he's at Devil's Den in South Philly.
~ Speaking of the big guy, Lew was on Beer Sessions Radio back in November along with the Vanberg & DeWulf duo Wendy Littlefield and Don Feinberg talking Belgian beer and the 30th anniversary of the V&D's business of bringing Belgians (the beer, not the people, well unless it was for a beer event) to America.
~ And now speaking of NYC-based Beer Sessions Radio vintage and Belgian beers were discussed the following week with Tom Peters. Both 45 minute long podcasts are worth the listen, even two months later. I only just got around to listening to them myself.
~ I've made some past reference to the Tröegs/Fegley's pending trademark dispute. During the holidays, Tröegs withdrew potential legal action. Lehigh Valley Live had the story.
~ Ben Potts recently relocated mash paddles from Philly (Dock Street) to Delaware (Dogfish Head, the pub). Here's a link to Food Informants at The Huffington Post where Ben provides a diary style peek at a week-in-his-life-at-DFH. I still haven't finished the article yet, but I trust you'll enjoy.
~ I wrapped up my three-part Top 10 list set in The Washington Times Communities section. The last one was the highly-anticipated, or debated, Top 10 Craft Beers. Check it out and weigh in.
~ Slowly, bit-by-bit, over time, things have been changing in Pennsylvania. Beginning yesterday, beer distributors are now permitted to open on Sundays for beer sales from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Additionally, restaurants serving Sunday brunch may begin serving alcohol at 9 a.m. Many distributors will not choose to stay open for the full twelve hours, citing not nearly enough incremental business to cover expenses (or aggravation) in the early and late hours of a Sunday. Around Philadelphia, Craft Beer Outlet has changed its Sunday hours to 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Exton Beverage and Goshen Beverage to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
~ Nicole Erny recently became only the fourth certified Master Cicerone. The Cicerone exam will be hosted on March 15 by Hunterdon Distributors in Phillipsburg, NJ.
~ One of the most eagerly-anticipated beer festivals of the year on the East Coast takes place in Baltimore, Md. where Max's pulls together a reported 100+ draft and 175+ Belgian and Belgian-inspired beers for three days. February 17-19 from 11 a.m. 'til closing with no entrance fee is just about all you need to know. Their website has a running list of beers as they procure them.
~ Hot Specials. If you Like/Fan The Drafting Room on Facebook and show them proof in person at their Exton, Pa. location by 1/12/12 (this coming Thursday), you'll get a free appetizer.
~ Lew Bryson has a potential production show brewing (get it?! er, never mind) with Green Leaf Productions and he's taken to the road to help drum up support. Well, and drink some good beer and talk about it along the way. Tonight he's at Devil's Den in South Philly.
~ Speaking of the big guy, Lew was on Beer Sessions Radio back in November along with the Vanberg & DeWulf duo Wendy Littlefield and Don Feinberg talking Belgian beer and the 30th anniversary of the V&D's business of bringing Belgians (the beer, not the people, well unless it was for a beer event) to America.
~ And now speaking of NYC-based Beer Sessions Radio vintage and Belgian beers were discussed the following week with Tom Peters. Both 45 minute long podcasts are worth the listen, even two months later. I only just got around to listening to them myself.
~ I've made some past reference to the Tröegs/Fegley's pending trademark dispute. During the holidays, Tröegs withdrew potential legal action. Lehigh Valley Live had the story.
~ Ben Potts recently relocated mash paddles from Philly (Dock Street) to Delaware (Dogfish Head, the pub). Here's a link to Food Informants at The Huffington Post where Ben provides a diary style peek at a week-in-his-life-at-DFH. I still haven't finished the article yet, but I trust you'll enjoy.
~ I wrapped up my three-part Top 10 list set in The Washington Times Communities section. The last one was the highly-anticipated, or debated, Top 10 Craft Beers. Check it out and weigh in.
~ Slowly, bit-by-bit, over time, things have been changing in Pennsylvania. Beginning yesterday, beer distributors are now permitted to open on Sundays for beer sales from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Additionally, restaurants serving Sunday brunch may begin serving alcohol at 9 a.m. Many distributors will not choose to stay open for the full twelve hours, citing not nearly enough incremental business to cover expenses (or aggravation) in the early and late hours of a Sunday. Around Philadelphia, Craft Beer Outlet has changed its Sunday hours to 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Exton Beverage and Goshen Beverage to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
~ Nicole Erny recently became only the fourth certified Master Cicerone. The Cicerone exam will be hosted on March 15 by Hunterdon Distributors in Phillipsburg, NJ.
~ One of the most eagerly-anticipated beer festivals of the year on the East Coast takes place in Baltimore, Md. where Max's pulls together a reported 100+ draft and 175+ Belgian and Belgian-inspired beers for three days. February 17-19 from 11 a.m. 'til closing with no entrance fee is just about all you need to know. Their website has a running list of beers as they procure them.
~ Hot Specials. If you Like/Fan The Drafting Room on Facebook and show them proof in person at their Exton, Pa. location by 1/12/12 (this coming Thursday), you'll get a free appetizer.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Weekly Brew Bits Update: 12/19/11
Going into the new year, I need to do something about both getting more organized in the spirit of getting more information to all of you. Honestly, I'm not sure exactly where the future of "blogging" is, but with the likes of Facebook and Twitter looming larger than ever, it stands to reason that it's more difficult than ever for me to "keep up" with the rapid flow of information regarding breweries, beers, and events.
So as I attempt to take a step in the right direction, I'm planning to put up a weekly update each Monday morning of things that I (and you, perhaps) may have missed, or at least not drawn attention to, in the prior week. There'll be information, but not enough to warrant their own postings. I'll rely upon links to others that have more significantly reported on these things.
Is it the easy way out? Perhaps. But, the number of times I talk with many of you in "real life" and you express no idea about things that I'm aware of but just haven't written about tells me that I'm not doing a good enough job sharing these interesting tidbits of information with you.
Without further ado or agita, here's a handful of interesting things from the past week that you may find interesting as well. The focus will be, first, on the Philadelphia region and, then, beyond.
If you have suggestions for how I can make this the most effective delivery possible, by all means, feel free to let me know. Here goes.
~ Tired Hands Brewing Company owner, Jean Broillet, announced the details of his "Believer's Club". Membership details at the THBC website.
~ Forest & Main continues to gain steam towards its grand opening. Between its website and its Facebook page, you'll find (and see) all you need to know about one of Ambler's most exciting business projects.
~ Philly Food and Beer announced the First Annual "Grand Cru" Homebrew Competition in conjunction with Keystone Homebrew. It will be held on 1/5/12; deadline for entering beers is 12/28/11; all the important details at Philly Food and Beer.
~ Victory Brewing from Downingtown continues its phenomenal growth. It infiltrates South Philly with a reported spot inside the coming Xfinity Live! (planned opening: Spring 2012) with a German Beer Hall. Crossing Broad has a picture and some details from the press release.
~ Wheels of change in Pennsylvania vary their pace as promising signs went, once again, a bit dimmer. Check over at Lew Bryson's blog to learn more.
~ Apparently McKenzie Brew House is opening the doors on its third location in Devon, Pa. today. It's located along the northbound side of route 202 and has been the site of several restaurants, most recently Charlie Brown's, over the years. The Brew Lounge learned of this late last night via Twitter (thank heaven for Twitter, I mean how would I learn of these things otherwise?...it boggles) and has no further details at this point. UPDATE: The McKenzie Brew House homepage has a small blurb drawing attention to the 12/19 opening.
~ Jeff Bagby, head of brewery operations at Pizza Port, has announced his intentions to leave the 4-location southern California brewery after 6 years and strike out on his own. Bagby came up through the ranks with stops at Oggi's, White Labs, and various positions within Pizza Port and has won scores of awards along the way. San Diego Beer Blog has some details.
That's it for now. Anything else significant that I may have missed?
So as I attempt to take a step in the right direction, I'm planning to put up a weekly update each Monday morning of things that I (and you, perhaps) may have missed, or at least not drawn attention to, in the prior week. There'll be information, but not enough to warrant their own postings. I'll rely upon links to others that have more significantly reported on these things.
Is it the easy way out? Perhaps. But, the number of times I talk with many of you in "real life" and you express no idea about things that I'm aware of but just haven't written about tells me that I'm not doing a good enough job sharing these interesting tidbits of information with you.
Without further ado or agita, here's a handful of interesting things from the past week that you may find interesting as well. The focus will be, first, on the Philadelphia region and, then, beyond.
If you have suggestions for how I can make this the most effective delivery possible, by all means, feel free to let me know. Here goes.
~ Tired Hands Brewing Company owner, Jean Broillet, announced the details of his "Believer's Club". Membership details at the THBC website.
~ Forest & Main continues to gain steam towards its grand opening. Between its website and its Facebook page, you'll find (and see) all you need to know about one of Ambler's most exciting business projects.
~ Philly Food and Beer announced the First Annual "Grand Cru" Homebrew Competition in conjunction with Keystone Homebrew. It will be held on 1/5/12; deadline for entering beers is 12/28/11; all the important details at Philly Food and Beer.
~ Victory Brewing from Downingtown continues its phenomenal growth. It infiltrates South Philly with a reported spot inside the coming Xfinity Live! (planned opening: Spring 2012) with a German Beer Hall. Crossing Broad has a picture and some details from the press release.
~ Wheels of change in Pennsylvania vary their pace as promising signs went, once again, a bit dimmer. Check over at Lew Bryson's blog to learn more.
~ Apparently McKenzie Brew House is opening the doors on its third location in Devon, Pa. today. It's located along the northbound side of route 202 and has been the site of several restaurants, most recently Charlie Brown's, over the years. The Brew Lounge learned of this late last night via Twitter (thank heaven for Twitter, I mean how would I learn of these things otherwise?...it boggles) and has no further details at this point. UPDATE: The McKenzie Brew House homepage has a small blurb drawing attention to the 12/19 opening.
~ Jeff Bagby, head of brewery operations at Pizza Port, has announced his intentions to leave the 4-location southern California brewery after 6 years and strike out on his own. Bagby came up through the ranks with stops at Oggi's, White Labs, and various positions within Pizza Port and has won scores of awards along the way. San Diego Beer Blog has some details.
That's it for now. Anything else significant that I may have missed?
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Lew Bryson has big plans for 2012
Here's something I missed in the past week and I'm here to give it a proper bump and share with you.
Our local pal, Lew Bryson, whom we share with the world of beer and whiskey is getting his own show. On TV, the Internet, or wherever I'm not sure, but this sure has the makings of being something pretty cool -- particularly given Lew's pretty cool attitude and personality.
Instead of me going on any longer, go over and check out the back story on Lew's site (er, blog).
And, do consider pitching in some funds via Kickstarter to the production company looking to get this thing going.
Add this to the list of things, I'm sure, that Bryson is thankful for this time of year.
Our local pal, Lew Bryson, whom we share with the world of beer and whiskey is getting his own show. On TV, the Internet, or wherever I'm not sure, but this sure has the makings of being something pretty cool -- particularly given Lew's pretty cool attitude and personality.
Instead of me going on any longer, go over and check out the back story on Lew's site (er, blog).
And, do consider pitching in some funds via Kickstarter to the production company looking to get this thing going.
Add this to the list of things, I'm sure, that Bryson is thankful for this time of year.
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...
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Lew Bryson, back on the road again
Lew's at it again. Between graduations and other family events, whiskey and beer, singing, and day-to-day writing and traveling, he's found time to finish the fourth edition of Pennsylvania Breweries. I received a copy in the mail recently and it, once again, looks to be the definitive guide (albeit only as current as the ever-changing brewing scene will allow) to traveling the long state in search of great beer.
As you might expect, Lew's got a book tour lined up...coming soon to a great brewery/bar near you. Check out the calendar on his blog for an up-to-date calendar of details.
In honor of Lew's hard-working travels....
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sounds like Bryson pulled it off
Sunday, August 22, 2010
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.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
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 detailsBourbon, 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
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.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Work, play, Work
I expect that we should hear more this week from Lew Bryson as he finished up his notes on the Pennsylvania legislative hearings that took place on April 13th. Seeing as how some of the core subjects most interested and involved in the hearings (Maida/Hartranft, Russell, Bryson) all took off immediately after for Sierra Nevada's Beer Camp, it doesn't surprise me that we haven't heard more details yet.
With a cross-country flight home to sort it all out, I'm betting that it won't be long now before we can find an update in the usual spot for such things. (trusting, too, that they've brewed a nice--registered--beer to bring home for us all to taste...and prove that they were indeed still doing some form of "work" while out there in CA ;-)
Until then, Jack Curtin linked us all in to a Scranton-based article that skimmed the surface.
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.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
A couple of videos in case you find yourself looking for a few minutes to kill this weekend...then, get offline and go enjoy the outdoors
I keep things like this on hand for times when I may not visit with you for a couple of days. Depending how the rest of this weekend goes---from my Beer Run at Dock Street and the Cask Event at TJs today, to a still-unplanned tomorrow---you may not hear from me again until Monday.
So, until then, check out these couple of videos that have been around for a little while that you may not have happened across yet. The first features Sam Calagione at a Google event (part of a series, apparently, that I still really haven't checked out) and the second shows Lew Bryson and Greg Koch (Stone) road-trippin' through California on their way to a Home Brewers' Fest.
Hope you all enjoy what looks like a weekend just about anywhere east of the Mississippi.
So, until then, check out these couple of videos that have been around for a little while that you may not have happened across yet. The first features Sam Calagione at a Google event (part of a series, apparently, that I still really haven't checked out) and the second shows Lew Bryson and Greg Koch (Stone) road-trippin' through California on their way to a Home Brewers' Fest.
Hope you all enjoy what looks like a weekend just about anywhere east of the Mississippi.
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