Beer News You Can Use, 10/31/2014

For your consumption, here's a mashup of what I've read, what I've heard, and what I've tasted in the past week. As I mentioned last week as I began to revitalize this feature, the primary focus will be on the greater Philadelphia region first, extending outward as it seems interesting or necessary.

Beer "of the week"
Another canned option of a beer in the 5% ABV range has presented itself to me as a potential yearly occupant of my cooler. Not only does the Otter Creek Overgrown Pale Ale come packaged in a can bearing an image of old friend (from Dogfish Head days) Mike Gerhart, the liquid inside is quite perfect for everything that the fall brings: bonfires; tailgating; post-yard work sessions; post-exercise rehydration; and end of season picnics.

In fact, the first can of the case I purchased helped chase down some crack-and-eat crabs spread across the table a few weeks ago. It's hop-forward but in a citrus, sweet, and only slightly bitter way. This can be a crowd-pleaser for seasoned beer lovers and newbies alike (my test case confirms this).

Openings
I've enjoyed the Mad Mex's in Pittsburgh, State College, and University City (Philly). In the hoopla of finishing the manuscript a few months ago, I must've missed the opening in Wynnewood, just across Philly's western city line. [Mad Mex]

Closures
If you read this when it "publishes" around 1 p.m. today (Friday Oct. 31), you should likely find me at Nodding Head for a long lunch helping them drain some kegs prior to shutting down business on Sansom Street later tonight. This condition is only expected to be temporary as the brewpub begins its relocation efforts elsewhere in the city.

It's been a great run in Center City, but I think I speak for many that look forward to owner Curt Decker, brewer Gordon Grubb, and the entire crew establishing something new and even better in one of the city's lauded neighborhoods. Here's a link to a trip down memory lane at Nodding Head with some words, pictures, and videos.

Coming Soon
A bit more current is the opening this coming week of City Tap House near Logan Circle in the former home Dock Street. [City Tap House]

And coming a bit further down the pike is the SawTown Tavern, part ownership coming from Mike "Scoats" Scotese of The Grey Lodge and Hop Angel Brauhaus. [Jack Curtin]

Interesting reading
This is just as germane, if not more so, today as it was over three years ago. The only one I can't really get behind is number ten. [Ding's Beer Blog]

I can vouch, as I think many can, for Calagione's continued relentless and passionate hands-on pursuit of great beer at Dogfish Head. [Dogfish Head]

Major Announcements
The arrival of the brewhouse in Ardmore means that Iron Hill is creeping toward opening its eleventh location in the next couple of months. [Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant]

Upcoming Events
This weekend sees a bunch of beer events around the region. A couple of big ones stick out. One in the city at Bishop's Collar (Sun.) and one just outside the city in Hulmeville at the Hulmeville Inn (Sat.)

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Beer News You Can Use, 10/24/2014

For your consumption, here's a mashup of what I've read, what I've heard, and what I've tasted in the past week. As I mentioned last week as I began to revitalize this feature, the primary focus will be on the greater Philadelphia region first, extending outward as it seems interesting or necessary.

Beer "of the week"
Sierra Nevada Tumbler. I don't recall how many years it's been now that Tumbler has been distributed to Pennsylvania, but after several years of thoroughly enjoying this beer, I'm pleased to see it continue to be sent within the variety case of fall-themed beers, including also the Oktoberfest, Lager, and Pale, each excellent in their own right.

This brown ale resists getting "all Americanized" with a big hop presence. Instead, it packs wonderful flavors of roasted and chocolate malts and is yet easy-drinking at 5.5% ABV with a moderate body weight. Solid brown ales, especially those leaning toward the classic English style, can be tough to come by in today's craft drinking US. Sierra Nevada flies in the face of the west coast hop-centric stereotype and delivers an enjoyable one.

Openings
2nd Story Brewing Company opened on this last Monday, October 21 in the former home of Triumph in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood. Had wondered if Patrick Jones had been spotted lately and Joe Sixpack reported that he consulted with John Wible at 2nd Story in getting thing up and running.

And, Devil's Pocket Food & Spirits opened in the split-level space that used to house Resurrection Ale House.

Coming Soon
On the heels of closing Resurrection Ale House, the owners are eyeing up a new place just blocks from Local 44. [Philly.com]

Closures
Joe Sixpack also reports that Crabby Larry's in Chalfont has closed. Not that much press coming from that neck of the woods in quite some time, so it will be interesting to see how the next project there — Tower Hill Brewery — fares. [JoeSixpack.net]

Interesting reading
I think beer geeks are expected to be so conditioned to respond with acrimonious vitriol. I don't think that's necessary. Sure, Chang says some things that don't necessarily sync with his role in food and beverage and I can't tell if he's more put off my "tasty beer" or the snobbery that surrounds it. What are your thoughts? [GQ.com]

Major Announcements
Green Flash finally broke ground on its planned 100,000-barrel production facility in Virginia Beach. [WAVY.com]

Significant Releases
Moving Parts 02 — "the ever-evolving IPA' — has just dropped from Victory. I should have some tasting notes in the near future. [VictoryBeer.com]

Upcoming Events
The annual fundraiser at Monk's Café tomorrow will have tongues wagging once again for a very good cause. Note that it's a cash-only event. [Monk's Café]

If tomorrow, instead, you're west of Philly, the Pick Fest in Boyertown sounds like a very, very good time — with an after-party at The Other Farm Brewing Company.

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Beer News You Can Use, 10/17/2014

Another summertime casualty of my crushing book research workload was the weekly news update that I put in front of you each week. They tended to be the second most popular item here at The Brew Lounge behind the unstoppable beer events calendar.

I don't claim to have the early scoop on all beer-related news, so as we head into the weekend I'm going to begin once again sharing with you some of the significant beer news stories of the past week. If it didn't occur during the past week, perhaps it came to me in my meanderings around the beer world in the past week. Considering that major beer news typically doesn't break after, say, lunch on Fridays, I'll test this weekly feature out beginning here at 1 p.m. on Fridays. That gives me a last-minute chance to add anything that may pop on Friday morning.

The news will generally focus on the Philadelphia area first and reaching out as news seems interesting to a broader audience.

Also, as a new feature, if a beer "spoke" to me during the past week, I'll include some snippets of what it said.

Beer "of the week"
Drinking beers from Breckenridge Brewery in Colorado reminds me of being introduced to them back in the 1992-1993 timeframe. They're still around and doing gangbusters representing the "craft" segment well.

They have "Autumn Ale" that you can still get your hands on at some stores in the next few weeks. Clocking in at 6.7% ABV, it certainly makes for a perfect after-rakin' beer, as they say, or a late night firepit beer. Speaking of fires, at the dinner table, the Autumn Ale will do well with a plate of grilled steak and cheddar potatoes.

It has a solid malt backbone with a touch of chocolate and caramel offset with just a slight spicy hop note. It has barely a medium body weight, making it an easy-to-drink and perfect fall beer.

Openings
Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company in the former of home of Flying Fish Brewing Company in Cherry Hill, NJ. Brigantessa with an interesting lineup of drafts, bottles, and cans in the Philly's hot-stays-hot Passyunk neighborhood. And, Parkway Corner Deli in my former Fairmount home. All now open and serving up our favorite beverage.

Coming Soon
2nd Story Brewing Company opens on Monday, October 21 in the former home of Triumph in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood.

Closures
Mount Holly, NJ
    An early entrant on the NJ craft beer scene, ten-year-old High Street Grill announced its closure. [PhillyMag/Foobooz]

Moves
Philadelphia, Pa.
    Nodding Head announced a move of its fifteen-year-old original brewpub location on Sansom Street in Philadelphia. Destination TBA. [Jack Curtin/Liquid Diet Online]

Major Announcements
    Not long after announcing the intention to open a brewery operation in Berlin, Germany, Stone Brewing Company finally settled on Richmond, Va. for its East Coast operations in the United States. [Stone Brewing Company]

Significant Releases
Boulevard, Captain Lawrence, and Hardywood Park are all new to southeastern Pennsylvania in October; I wrote some bits about them at this link. The next big thing? How does the annual release of Tröegs Mad Elf sound?

Upcoming Events
Pottstown, Pa.
    Meeting of the Malts at Sly Fox's brewery has the makings of an excellent event to both learn and taste. [Sly Fox Brewing Company]

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 11/23/13

Heading into the holiday season, there is no shortage of news popping up around our ever-expanding beer scene around the country. I missed sending an update out to you last week, so you'll get a healthier serving than usual here with some nuggets that you may have recently missed.

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Tria Taproom is open.

~ And, on that note, my how things have changed (in a good way, of course) since the "old days" when I tried publishing tap lists.

~ Our Fishtown Beer Runners get noticed from afar.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Scott Rudich from Round Guys showed up on The Brewing Network's Sunday Session to give his take (the fullest accounting and most honest for what happened that I've heard since NHC) on the case of the exploding cans as well as everything else happening in Lansdale.

~ Solid resumes behind the people behind this new place.

~ Read all about New Jersey Brew like never before.

~ Here's some recent NYC brewing news that I've completely missed in recent press.

~ As a favorite beer of mine, this is pretty special.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Nice to hear progress is on the move in an example of cooperation.

~ Speaking of progress, we're going to keep following our old friend Casey Hughes (formerly of Flying Fish), until we see some of his beer in our hands.

~ A good seasonal beer with a fun story.

~ A shame. A porter that I've always looked forward to in Colorado.

~ Boulevard's future is being paved.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 11/9/13

As I've come down off my NYC Marathon high this week, I haven't spent a ton of time scouring the web for interesting bits and bites of craft beer nuggets to share. Here are a few.

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ I include this because, in a not-so-insignificant way, this helps to explain Philly's position as one of the most beer-friendly cities in the country.

~ It's back. Get your debating faces on. I missed the deadline this year to contribute, so you can't throw insults my way this time.

~ Didn't win in the past? Philly Beer Week has another chance for you to go to Belgium and be a part of history.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ A bunch of pictures showing Victory's growth continuing uninterrupted.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Apparently, breweries these days must feel inadequate if they haven't threatened legal action against somebody. And, the current MO seems to be to make the threat as ridiculous as possible; though, to be fair, this isn't nearly the worst of 'em.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 11/2/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ I'd missed this news in Chestnut Hill.

~ Tria already has a strong focus on beer, so this seems to make sense, but the phrase "more manly" made me chuckle.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ "Voorhees is now open to serve you" is the official message.

~ I thought "fixin" was a southern phrase. Anyway, Lafayette Hill's about to get to new joints.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Fire in Tampa.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/26/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Manyaunk is growing. The brewery, thankfully not the neighborhood. Continue to be impressed with what head brewer, Doug Marchakitus has done since coming over from Iron Hill four years ago.

~ Our own City Tap House is going on the road.

~ Am frankly surprised it took this long; Sunday brunch is now an option at Dock Street.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Very welcomed, long-awaited news out of DC.

~ Great info about a great happening today in Baltimore.

~ Creeping closer to Philly — and that's a very good thing if you didn't know (at least it is if you live somewhere in the vicinity).

~ A chocolate peanut butter porter certainly raises eyebrows, but is a huge hit nonetheless.

~ Creating a Ruckus.

~ I knew there was a lot of room in their new facility, but...wow!


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Striking gold.

~ Always good to have a backup plan.

~ Thanks Lew! I'd received a note on this and forgot to share with all here. Tis truly a great thing when a brewery takes the bold leap of making a low alcohol beer to mark a significant event like an anniversary. Kudos North Coast.

~ The Beer Odyssey continues. Can't wait to hear him filing reports from abroad.

~ If you'd like to catch up on GABF in pictures, this is one of the best places to head.

~ A different take on GABF. Thanks Wench!

~ Are there room for thousands more? I'm a skeptic but open to convincing.

~ And, on this note, I'll just stop this weekly wrap-up right here. Agreed: just stop.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/19/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Philly and area breweries brought home more pride and joy in the form of medals from GABF in Denver last weekend. A local rundown edition is over at BeerYard.com.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Dogging it in New Jersey.

~ Very cool story coming out of Berks County.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Hot Chicken Loves Cold Beer and more on where Bryan Selders wound up.

~ Beaumont's right.

~ Get a GABF experience on a Stone ridealong.

~ Finally, some big (read: BIG) news in brewery M&A. Plus, well-considered parting thoughts from the long-time owner.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/12/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Joe Sixpack has a rundown of the new and developing scene from Philadelphia and beyond.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ On the doorstep of GABF, some notes about the aftermath of Colorado's severe flooding

~ Jack says Sam makes "a surprising argument".

~ Lots of good stuff in recent Sierra Nevada newsletter. Exhibit #1, exhibit #2, and exhibit #3.

~ I'll forgive you if you haven't seen me say before that I enjoy this brewery's beers when visiting the Atlanta region. Nice to see that they're taking the next step. Decatur's about to become an even more special beer destination.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 10/5/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Many moons ago, Joe Sixpack took aim at Veterans Stadium concessions. These days, he's got the Philadelphia Eagles and the Linc in his sights. Much as I love a good wine, he's got a few great points of logic to present as argument.

~ Speaking of Joe Sixpack, he was recently thrown into the mixer with the Beer Sessions crew in addition to the gents from Brew Dog. Interesting topic and discussion around "heritage beers".

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ More great stuff in 2014 from Flying Fish.

~ How to grow 250%

~ I was disappointed to have missed this year's running; however, one of the best known beer runners filed a story.

~ This was a quality stop earlier this year, so this news coming out of York, Pa. is quite welcome.

~ Jaime Jurado has left Pennsylvania and this is where he's setting down next.

~ Pretty cool news from Baltimore.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ We still read your blog.

~ First, the beard. Then, what's next?

~ This sounds like something to look forward to in Berkeley.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 9/28/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Tom Kehoe talks Yards.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Say it with me Austin Powers, one beeelion dollars.

~ Not only has Brew Dogs debuted on Esquire Network, the Philly episode is slated for October 1.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ A tantalizing forward from BeerPulse.com.

~ The September 12 episode was one of the most coherent (verbal) articulations I've heard on the subject of "session" beer.

~ This is a fun companion to the kickoff of the NFL season.

~ Oft times, I'm at least one or two of the people on this fun list. Who are you?

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 9/21/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Bringing four women together from around the Philadelphia region, Free Will (Perkasie, Pa.) is brewing up a charitable beer.

~ Speaking of Erin Wallace (of Devil's Den and Old Eagle Tavern), the new Barren Hill (Lafayette Hill, Pa.) has Scott Morrison on board as brewer and he's announced some of the initial beers planned to come out of his new brewhouse.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Anyone know what Iron Abbey Brewing is? Anything more than special one-off brews from Manayunk? I probably didn't get the memo.

~ More exciting growth in Delaware.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ If you've got some friends with plumbing and tech skills, this could happen to you too.

~ Whether you think it's time or not, this should be a fun and charitably worthwhile event.

~ Too funny. Or not, depending upon the circumstances.

~ Some solid thinking continues.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 9/14/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Shame to hear since Kimpton hotels are solid and we know that Tellez is a supporter of great beer, particularly his hometown Victory.

~ Did you know the most recent Draught Lines is out from Origlio. Check it out, particularly (and selfishly) since you'll find a piece from me featured prominently on page 3.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Our old friends from Philly, Mike Fava and Casey Hughes, have brewed up a collaboration beer.

~ Thought-provoking article.

~ DC Brau made the list.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Joe Sixpack offers up additional proof that beer, for better or worse, may in fact be the new wine. Particularly if we're going down this path.

~ I like this story about brewing in Santa Cruz as much because I've been there (love it) as the emphasis on the outdoors, brewing, and session beers

~ It's just beer marketing being marketing, of course, but in light of Patriot Day, it's pretty good video tribute to NYC.

~ Now cleared for takeoff.

~ A look at what's happening around some of Colorado's finest breweries during recent devastation. An inside look from "Chipper Dave".

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 9/7/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ TV Brew Dogs is coming soon.

~ Brauhaus Schmitz recently welcomed Andechs to Philly and Jack Curtin reminisced.

~ I like that McGillin's is a great place to drink great beer with friends (not to mention the place's history), but that it's also a curator of Philadelphia's history.

~ Certainly looks like an interesting addition to Chinatown.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Former Dogfish Bryan is moving on again.

~ This one sounds pretty baseless and frivolous.

~ Whereas, the big bad brewery needs a bit of comeuppance in this case.

~ And on a nicer note, solid Weyerbacher reppin' from Natalie DeChico.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ The dialogue about growth at Russian River continues.

~ I begin by applauding the opening sentences and cringing at the last.

~ A well-reasoned discussion of growth and quality from someone qualified to do so.

~ Parallels drawn in the ugly side of the beer business related to a story with a sad outcome.

~ When old becomes new and sometimes old again.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 8/31/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
Tell me something good about something new or different going on in Philly. Did I really miss the Philly news this week?

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ How hard do you work for your beer?

~ Pretty cool story from Weyerbacher.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ A few notables discuss the "renaissance" of craft beer.

~ Interesting developing news from Duvel Moortgat.

~ How 21st Amendment from San Francisco continues to grow.

~ Speaking of 21A means speaking of Cold Spring Brewery in Minnesota and here's interesting background information.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 8/24/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Now this should be interesting as Philly and its local environs prepare for some front-and-center attention.

~ Yards has got style.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Can Jam is returning to Sly Fox.

~ First learned of this Brooklyn Brewery happening on Beer Sessions Radio. Can't wait to learn more about the Philly excursion in November.

~ California has 4,000 wineries; the country can handle 4,000 breweries.

THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Rather than bring attention (and page views) directly to the offending (offensive?) source, I'd instead direct you to the very well-considered rebuttal which should give you all the information you need, particularly considering the qualified contributors. Plus, how can you ignore a comment like "...she’s probably dabbing beaver anal gland extract behind her ears daily..."

~ How many ways can I count that I love this article? Let's begin with Chateau Douchebag! Thanks to Stan for pointing it out.

~ More talk (and numbers..you know that'll get me every time) of The Bubble.

~ Lew's back with more session material.

~ Coincidence, my.....

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 8/17/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ The Earth Bread + Brewery audio tour stop is now up on Basic Brewing Radio. And, so too is the video version of the grand Tour in case you missed it.

~ William Reed and Tom Peters show up in the New Yorker.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Couple of heady news nuggets coming out D.C. and immediate locales.

~ How Boxcar got rolling.

~ Lot of Downingtown love and shout-outs.

~ More about the new digs for old Flying Fish friend, Casey Hughes.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Jack Curtin shared a pretty cool link.

~ Good hunches say that there will be some pretty darn good beer made here in the future.

~ Civility? Online? Oh, the snark. Make it stop!

~ So speaking of civility, this is one of the more civil and informative string of forum comments to a reasonable question than I've seen in some time.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 8/10/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ Nice coverage of The Dude over at Philly Beer Scene.

~ Express your artsy side and win cool stuff.

~ Sixpack abroad. Next up, Russian diplomacy and relationship-building.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ DC Beer Week is upon us. Their beer game in the capital has certainly stepped up over the past few years.

~ This is perfectly welcome news, particularly if you're a fan of the Perpetual. I confirmed with brewery that target release is October.

~ Here's an informed take on BCTC 2013.

~ BeerPulse.com has the Dogfish Head-related video and a link to an important brewery safety story at Reuters.

~ This was such a fun day last year; I can't wait to see how they make it even better this year.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Pretty much in line with my own personal history on the subject.

~ Lew makes some excellent points in this conversation that I'm sometimes surprised continues to grow more divided.

~ Tap lists and their presentation matters.

~ Since you probably know my love of numbers and the endless things you can do with them, you can imagine that I like this article with supporting graphs. Though, one that I'm quick to point out that an "average beer drink" is 12 ounces at 5-ish% alcohol while an "average wine drink" comes in around 5 ounces and more than double the strength in alcohol. Point being you can't say that based upon per capita consumption (measured in gallons) that beer is "by far" the country's most popular alcoholic beverage. I could over several hours drink a gallon of beer, but likely only half that same amount of wine.

~ And finally, good friend Brian Yaeger brings attention to the growing issue of a-holes in the industry. In doing so, he called back another favorite posting, this one from Jeff a couple of years ago over at Beervana on a similar strain and talking cheap lager drinking too. Good stuff from both.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 8/3/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ And, with this, my tour business is launched.

~ I know a lot of you (okay, me too) look forward to the release of this beer.

~ Wondering if the beer news angles will ever run out. Great to see another week go by and in the Philadelphia Inquirer, there's still more continuing coverage.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ And yet more Victory beer for the people.

~ DC Beer Week coming atchya again this August.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ These crazy guys were in the area not long ago gathering footage for the TV show. It's coming soon to a TV near you.

~ Thanks to Keystone Homebrew for sharing this very cool link.

~ There's been great beer at the home of the Giants for many years. Now they're adding an "edible garden". Interesting.

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Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 7/27/13

I long ago lost the ability to keep up with even half the beer news out there in the wild and wacky world of craft beer. There was a time I attempted daily (or even more frequent) updates with interesting tidbits from around the brewniverse along with small contributions of my own thoughts.

That has yielded to my weekly updates that you'll find here every Saturday morning with some of what I consider to be some of the more interesting news out there that you might like to add to your weekend reading list (or Monday morning at work, depending upon your preference).

Enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA
~ The latest installment of Basic Brewing Radio is out and this episode (7/25/13) focuses on the Philadelphia Beer Tour stop at Forest & Main that I took the BBR crew to during the National Homebrewers Conference. Also, when at their site, check out the Chris LaPierre (Iron Hill-Maple Shade) episode if you've not previously done so.

~ I really love this beer and think if you don't know anything about it, you should check it out at some point this weekend at Devil's Den.

~ Jack Curtin points us to two articles this past week in the local Inky about our favorite beverage. One about bottle shops from Mr. Sixpack and one about beer gardens from Mr. Laban. Oh and this one, also in the Inquirer, was forwarded along by reader and friend, Richard.


EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Wegmans is now carrying on their Pub draft lines, the exclusively-brewed Tale Chaser IPA from Sly Fox.

~ Get ready for some more, much more, Dogfish Head beer.

~ Jeff over at Beer-Stained Letter has some details about what's happening with Flying Fish's former location.

~ A decent read about the current state of Lancaster County's brewing scene.

~ And, finally, while we're cruising the scene, Jack Curtin checks in with some news from Delaware.


THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ I don't agree that we need to be all that "hard line" about it, but there is a good bit of buzz around session beers of late, something that our friend Lew Bryson has been taking up for quite some time. One of his latest pieces brings attention to Founders, before moving on to talking about Notch, Boulevard, and Tired Hands.

~ Bryson also pointed us to this article, a solid one that reminds me of where I was this past week.

~ More beer for NYC mentioned in the NY Times and caught by reader and friend John.

~ You may have heard that tickets go on sale next week.

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