Link to Day 7 Pictures
What I did:
@Four Seasons, Meet Fritz Maytag ---> After missing Fritz Maytag at Anchor's kickoff to San Francisco Beer Week, I wanted to check out the Four Seasons for two reasons: to see one of the industry's most vaunted figures, and to see how the high-end hotel chain accommodates the kind of beer we enjoy.
The meet and greet reception was a bit tough to get a gauge on the hotel's approach to craft beer. They did have a formal presentation of the beer in the middle of the room, but yet no one from the restaurant staff to advise guests on how to actually obtain a beer. We got our beer from the bar, but even that seemed a bit awkward.
No worries, I suppose. I made my way to speak with Andy Musser and Fritz Maytag. It looks like I blew my one chance to get a taste of the Potrero-aged Anchor beer the other night when Andy brought a bottle of it to Brother Paul's in Eagleville. When I hit that proverbial fork in the road on Tuesday, I went home fearing that a trip to see Anchor could turn into a later night that I was planning for. Ah, those forks in the road...
So, it was a nice meetup with Fritz, Andy, and a few other beer fans at the Four Seasons. Their dinner was about to begin. I'll be anxious to hear from Bruce Nichols, who stayed for the dinner, and his reactions to the dinner. My road from here was somewhat undecided...and so, to a certain degree, was Jennie Hatton's. We left together and plotted our course as we went.
@Tir Na Nog, Chimay/Bobo ---> Well...not exactly. In keeping with last year, Bobo has stayed one step ahead of The Brew Lounge. This time, after leaving the Four Seasons, Jennie and I stopped in at Tir Na Nog hoping to find some Chimay before his scheduled 6:30pm departure. Turns out that departure was a bit premature. So, we departed as well. Can't chalk up this event.
@Time, Green Flash ---> Here, at Time, we found some friendly faces in Chris Leonard and Chuck Silva of Green Flash. Chuck provided some of the background of their relationship and Chris gave some unedited, of which will go unprinted, blog outtakes ;-)
The Trippel, which I feel that we don't see all that often around Philly...maybe I'm wrong, went down real nicely and then was followed by a double stout, which was also very well done but I don't think my palate was quite ready for at that time of early evening. Hated to leave Chuck and Chris, but our cross-town journey continued.
@Triumph, Klash of the Kaisers ---> But, continued to Triumph it did not. No worries, we'd get there right? Well, not with my late night train awaiting me and three other stops that we made before Triumph.
There had originally been no doubt that my Day 7 night would center around this event. (See, I need to be really dramatic about this point, so that Jennie feels badly that she got out of the cab in Old City and I kept going when the time came to 11pm. I'll be waiting on my growler of "Jay's Way.") Two reasons I looked forward to this event and hope that it lived up to them.
One, in the midst of all the barrel, sour, abv, adjunct hype, an event that celebrates well-made pilsners sounds like a great event. Plus, two, there was a tribute (both a toast and a special beer, I'm guessing a toast with said beer) to Jay Misson. Beer lovers far and wide owe it to Jay's short, but well-lived life to show up tonight and raise a glass. Then, you can go back to your triple imperial barrel-aged Brett beers with gooseberries thrown in the secondary ;-)
@Dark Horse, Yuengling ---> These next three events I could never had predicted I would arrive at, but with Jennie committed to making visits, I thought that they all sounded pleasant enough, so what the heck? And, I wouldn't turn back on one of them.
At Dark Horse, ah the old stomping ground of the Dickens Inn, they were hosting Yuengling reps, including fifth-generation Yuengling---Wendy. Apart from having an extremely pleasant meetup with these folks, I had the chance to try the Yuengling Bock. And, how about that? Mighty impressive. Now, I'll need to have at least one more run at it to see if my palate still tells me the same thing, but I'm guessing that my reaction to this easy-drinking but firm bock was right on.
@O'Neals, Atwater Block ---> After a slice of Lorenzo's pizza (a longtime gem on South Street), Jennie and I headed to O'Neals on 3rd Street just off South. Again, not one of my first list of events, but once again a very nice meetup, this time with Atwater Block owner, Mark Rieth and Peter/Bear Brett from Stockertown Beverage. The Voodoo Vator, wow! One of the sneakiest 9.5% ABVs I've had in quite a while. The taste, not the alcohol, really shines in this doppelbock. Also had a try of the Dirty Blonde, which at least at the moment was a bit too heavy on my palate for a wheat beer.
I'm still deciding whether to rant about an unfortunate run-in with a blowhard at O'Neal's. We'll see; I don't do that sort of thing too much around, so if I do you can be sure it'll be a doozy.
@For Pete's Sake, Allgash/Rob Tod ---> And, the nail in my night that canceled any Triumph plans came in the form of Rob Tod, Curt Decker, distributors, and a houseful of Allagash beer at For Pete's Sake, one of the city's lesser known gems. A good time, might even be one of those unexpected highlights of PBW, that I would never turn down. But, being down in South Philly with an approaching train clear across town, there was no way that I'd be getting my pilsners on this night.
Hopefully, when I cruise through Old City on Friday, they'll still be pouring Jay's Way tribute pilsner. Please...
What I might do tomorrow:
9am; @Grey Lodge, Friday the Firkinteenth (shuttle from Yards) ---> I may only go to this if the shuttle bus appears convenient between Yards and Grey Lodge. Even though I expect the Yards event to be extremely popular, should I apologize for not wanting to throw elbows at Grey Lodge to toss back small glasses of beer?
11am; @Yards, Smoke 'Em ---> At Yards' brewery, I expect crowds but with the ability to move around and, weather and permits permitting, even outside. This is one of the top 5 events I was looking forward to going into PBW 2009; I'm trusting it won't disappoint. I may even come and go more than once. By the way, there is now a $25 option that covers all beers instead of the $15 cover which includes one beer (unless Mashington was just making that up the other night?)
4pm; @Plough and Stars, Fergal Murray and Guinness ---> At some point during PBW, I will get the chance to toss back a Guinness with the brewmaster. It seems to make the most sense to do it in Old City after Yards and on my way back into Center City.
5pm; @13 at Marriott, Sam Adams ---> I posted the press release for this event at this new bar in the Downtown Marriott. If for nothing else, I may stop by at 5pm for the special PBW release of Blackberry Wit.
6pm; @Irish Pol, Weyerbacher ---> Just curious as to what The Irish Pol is all about. Weyerbacher being there doesn't hurt either.
DINNER??? ---> Dinner, dinner...where to get dinner?
7pm; @Eulogy, Chouffe ---> Dinner will probably be in Old City. Because after the Guinness toast with Fergal, it's a 42 second walk to Eulogy for some lovely Chouffe beer.
7pm; @Good Dog, Sly Fox/Southampton ---> Suzy, Spencer, Sly Fox, Southampton...sure.
8pm; @Moriarity's, Ballast Point ---> Had a brief taste of Ballast Point during Sunday brunch at Bridgid's. Hope to get more of it at Moriarity's before heading home.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
PBW 2009: Some new Sam Adams at a New Bar on Market Street
I didn't plan to litter my Philly Beer Week coverage with press releases, but this is a new one that seems like it's timely and deserved a bit of attention.
As I'd mentioned somewhere in the recent past, I wanted to see two things during PBW (well, primarily two). One, I wanted to get to ten new places I hadn't been to before. Two, I wanted to see how higher-end establishments were presenting and promoting craft beer.
This press release appears to fit both. A new restaurant/bar in the Downtown Philadelphia Marriott is serving up Sam Adams beer, one per hour for 13 hours. At least one will be a new product, the Blackberry Wit. And the timing my fit my schedule just right for a late afternoon/early evening visit. Here you go...
13/13/13 at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown: Sample 13 beers for 13 hours at 13 PHILADELPHIA, PA— 13, the new-American restaurant in Center City’s Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, will host “13/13/13” on Friday, March 13 in celebration of Philadelphia Beer Week. Thirteen just became Philadelphia’s lucky number. 13/13/13 is a beer aficionado’s dream. Beginning at noon on Friday, March 13, and continuing through midnight, patrons will enjoy free samples of thirteen styles of famous Sam Adams beers—one new style unveiled each hour for thirteen hours at 13. Customers will savor samples ranging from Hefeweizen to Cherry Wheat to Irish Red Ale to Cream Stout while complimentary appetizers will fortify guests until the next round. And when patrons focus on a favorite brew, they can also enjoy $3 specials on any Sam Adams beer all day long. Plus, 13 will unveil new Sam Adams Blackberry Wit at 5pm. Though not available elsewhere in Philadelphia until April, this newly crafted beer will debut at 13 and continue to be served here exclusively throughout the month. 13/13/13 is the beer lover’s event that will satisfy the palate while introducing a beer enthusiast to fantastic new brews. 13 styles of Beer • 13 hours • 13 Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Thirteen—The stylish new restaurant and bar in the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown draws its moniker from the original 13 colonies and features vibrant American cuisine, stepped up and inspired with modern culinary verve and regional influences. Thirteen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 1201 Market St., 215-625-6795.
13/13/13 at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown: Sample 13 beers for 13 hours at 13 PHILADELPHIA, PA— 13, the new-American restaurant in Center City’s Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, will host “13/13/13” on Friday, March 13 in celebration of Philadelphia Beer Week. Thirteen just became Philadelphia’s lucky number. 13/13/13 is a beer aficionado’s dream. Beginning at noon on Friday, March 13, and continuing through midnight, patrons will enjoy free samples of thirteen styles of famous Sam Adams beers—one new style unveiled each hour for thirteen hours at 13. Customers will savor samples ranging from Hefeweizen to Cherry Wheat to Irish Red Ale to Cream Stout while complimentary appetizers will fortify guests until the next round. And when patrons focus on a favorite brew, they can also enjoy $3 specials on any Sam Adams beer all day long. Plus, 13 will unveil new Sam Adams Blackberry Wit at 5pm. Though not available elsewhere in Philadelphia until April, this newly crafted beer will debut at 13 and continue to be served here exclusively throughout the month. 13/13/13 is the beer lover’s event that will satisfy the palate while introducing a beer enthusiast to fantastic new brews. 13 styles of Beer • 13 hours • 13 Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Thirteen—The stylish new restaurant and bar in the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown draws its moniker from the original 13 colonies and features vibrant American cuisine, stepped up and inspired with modern culinary verve and regional influences. Thirteen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 1201 Market St., 215-625-6795.
PBW 2009: Day 6 Wrap-Up and Day 7 Preview
Link to Day 6 Pictures
What I did: Thanks to Mrs. Brew Lounge for grabbing the camera. You'll notice more pictures of me in here than ever before recorded here at this site!
Center City Pub Crawl ---> By the time we joined up with the crew, they were already at McGlinchey's (Yards Smoked Polish Wheat) meaning we'd missed them there and previously at Jose Pistola's (Stoudt's Pilsner). We decided to head straight to Good Dog (Iron Hill Pig Iron Porter) and secure a spot before the crowds showed up.
Funny thing is that's what many others attempted to do as well. It was hard to tell if Center City is simply a great, teeming bar town on an average Wednesday or if a lot of the crowds at the Pub Crawl stops were at least partly attributable to Beer Week? There was no bar that we stopped at that wasn't already at least moderately crowded even before the Pub Crawl showed up.
Once again, like last year, with a tap in one hand and the cowbell in another, a gaggle of brewers and their followers criss-crossed the city streets from bar to bar kicking quarter kegs (last year was sixtels) in near record time everywhere they went. Pub Crawl t-shirts were available for sale this year. (There may still be some left on Friday at Yards.) Classy t-shirts this year with caricatures of local beer personalities (matching caricatures, done by local artist Jim Comey, hang on the restaurant wall of Nodding Head) decorate the shirt. A 180 degree classiness turnaround from last year's unforgettable t-shirt design.
We joined up with Partyin' Pub Crawl at Good Dog, Black Sheep (Flying Fish Hoppy Belgian Tripel), Nodding Head (Nodding Head Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse) and Fergie's (Tröegs Nugget Nectar). A small, um, snafu found the Nugget Nectar gone (as in, no more for you or any of your crazy vagabond friends) at Fergie's even before the Tröegs brew crew (Nick, Chris B., John) showed up. Some stayed, as we did, to have some of their HopBack Amber or other decent beers that Fergie's typically carries. Others skipped ahead to Time (Sly Fox Gang Aft Agley), while we skipped Time and joined everyone at McGillin's (All 7 brewers and their beers).
Timeout: Didn't know where to fit this, so here goes. A new entry to my list of favorite beers of Philly Beer Week is Da Phunk from Nodding Head. This beer won't last long and is a Brett beauty. This is a beer so good that you could simply sit and smell all day...and the tart and funky flavors lived up to the aroma. On this night, it pleased me much more than the Berliner Weisse. Timeout over, game on...
And, when I say everyone, I mean...EVERYONE. Chris Mullins, proprietor, welcomed everyone and kicked things off. Don Russell stepped up to the mic for a few words. It may be time to start compiling a Joe Sixpack quote book. Who needs Ben Franklin's "Beer is living proof....blah, blah" when you have Joe thanking everyone for making Philly Beer Week successful and proclaiming that real Philadelphia beer drinkers always double-fist (I did hear that correctly, did I not Don?)
Every brewery that was represented on the Pub Crawl has their beer in the newly and beautifully renovated second floor of McGillin's. Upstairs was good thing given the hideous karaoke being, must I say, performed downstairs. Even the Nugget Nectar was here and that was of course a very good thing. As was the Exit 4 from Flying Fish, the Pig Iron Porter from Iron Hill and whatever else was thrust into my hand.
Dunno what else I can share with you about the night. What do you want? It was another legendary pub crawl, replete with brewers from both near and far, beer fans of every stripe, with tons of mash tun tomfoolery to go around. It's not really so much a night to write about. It really needs to be seen first hand to be experienced. Or it needs to be experienced to be understood...or something like that.
Oh, and of course, the daily T.U.D.? At Bridgewater's, duh. For some reason, with 4 minutes to spare for the train, we thought a Lancaster IPA was a good idea. At least we shared one glass instead of getting one for each of us. We is smart, ja?
What I might do tomorrow:
@Field House, Sierra Nevada ---> I walked right by the new Field House (former location of now defunct Independence Brewing Co. at the Reading Terminal Headhouse) and didn't poke my head in. I'd like to see what they're all about and get a quick taste of maybe something new from Sierra Nevada.
@Tir Na Nog, Chimay/Bobo ---> Chimay & Bobo are two reasons to make me stop at Tir Na Nog, which might otherwise not happen
@Four Seasons, Meet Fritz Maytag ---> I'm very anxious to see how a high-end hotel like The Four Seasons accommodates craft beer and what type of clientele shows up
@Triumph, Klash of the Kaisers ---> If I do only one thing on Thursday night of Day 7, it will be this. A bunch of locally-made pilsners and a tribute to Jay Misson is all you need to know. Be there!
@Good Dog or P.O.P.E., Ithaca ---> Love Ithaca...and love the show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. That would get me to the P.O.P.E. But since that's a bit of a hike from Old City, I might settle for catching up with Ithaca instead at Good Dog...a good bar.
@Monk's, Elysian/Buhler ---> And, if there's any energy left in the tank before train out, a visit in to Monk's for the visiting Dave Buhler from the excellent northwest's Elysian.
What I did: Thanks to Mrs. Brew Lounge for grabbing the camera. You'll notice more pictures of me in here than ever before recorded here at this site!
Center City Pub Crawl ---> By the time we joined up with the crew, they were already at McGlinchey's (Yards Smoked Polish Wheat) meaning we'd missed them there and previously at Jose Pistola's (Stoudt's Pilsner). We decided to head straight to Good Dog (Iron Hill Pig Iron Porter) and secure a spot before the crowds showed up.
Funny thing is that's what many others attempted to do as well. It was hard to tell if Center City is simply a great, teeming bar town on an average Wednesday or if a lot of the crowds at the Pub Crawl stops were at least partly attributable to Beer Week? There was no bar that we stopped at that wasn't already at least moderately crowded even before the Pub Crawl showed up.
Once again, like last year, with a tap in one hand and the cowbell in another, a gaggle of brewers and their followers criss-crossed the city streets from bar to bar kicking quarter kegs (last year was sixtels) in near record time everywhere they went. Pub Crawl t-shirts were available for sale this year. (There may still be some left on Friday at Yards.) Classy t-shirts this year with caricatures of local beer personalities (matching caricatures, done by local artist Jim Comey, hang on the restaurant wall of Nodding Head) decorate the shirt. A 180 degree classiness turnaround from last year's unforgettable t-shirt design.
We joined up with Partyin' Pub Crawl at Good Dog, Black Sheep (Flying Fish Hoppy Belgian Tripel), Nodding Head (Nodding Head Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse) and Fergie's (Tröegs Nugget Nectar). A small, um, snafu found the Nugget Nectar gone (as in, no more for you or any of your crazy vagabond friends) at Fergie's even before the Tröegs brew crew (Nick, Chris B., John) showed up. Some stayed, as we did, to have some of their HopBack Amber or other decent beers that Fergie's typically carries. Others skipped ahead to Time (Sly Fox Gang Aft Agley), while we skipped Time and joined everyone at McGillin's (All 7 brewers and their beers).
Timeout: Didn't know where to fit this, so here goes. A new entry to my list of favorite beers of Philly Beer Week is Da Phunk from Nodding Head. This beer won't last long and is a Brett beauty. This is a beer so good that you could simply sit and smell all day...and the tart and funky flavors lived up to the aroma. On this night, it pleased me much more than the Berliner Weisse. Timeout over, game on...
And, when I say everyone, I mean...EVERYONE. Chris Mullins, proprietor, welcomed everyone and kicked things off. Don Russell stepped up to the mic for a few words. It may be time to start compiling a Joe Sixpack quote book. Who needs Ben Franklin's "Beer is living proof....blah, blah" when you have Joe thanking everyone for making Philly Beer Week successful and proclaiming that real Philadelphia beer drinkers always double-fist (I did hear that correctly, did I not Don?)
Every brewery that was represented on the Pub Crawl has their beer in the newly and beautifully renovated second floor of McGillin's. Upstairs was good thing given the hideous karaoke being, must I say, performed downstairs. Even the Nugget Nectar was here and that was of course a very good thing. As was the Exit 4 from Flying Fish, the Pig Iron Porter from Iron Hill and whatever else was thrust into my hand.
Dunno what else I can share with you about the night. What do you want? It was another legendary pub crawl, replete with brewers from both near and far, beer fans of every stripe, with tons of mash tun tomfoolery to go around. It's not really so much a night to write about. It really needs to be seen first hand to be experienced. Or it needs to be experienced to be understood...or something like that.
Oh, and of course, the daily T.U.D.? At Bridgewater's, duh. For some reason, with 4 minutes to spare for the train, we thought a Lancaster IPA was a good idea. At least we shared one glass instead of getting one for each of us. We is smart, ja?
What I might do tomorrow:
@Field House, Sierra Nevada ---> I walked right by the new Field House (former location of now defunct Independence Brewing Co. at the Reading Terminal Headhouse) and didn't poke my head in. I'd like to see what they're all about and get a quick taste of maybe something new from Sierra Nevada.
@Tir Na Nog, Chimay/Bobo ---> Chimay & Bobo are two reasons to make me stop at Tir Na Nog, which might otherwise not happen
@Four Seasons, Meet Fritz Maytag ---> I'm very anxious to see how a high-end hotel like The Four Seasons accommodates craft beer and what type of clientele shows up
@Triumph, Klash of the Kaisers ---> If I do only one thing on Thursday night of Day 7, it will be this. A bunch of locally-made pilsners and a tribute to Jay Misson is all you need to know. Be there!
@Good Dog or P.O.P.E., Ithaca ---> Love Ithaca...and love the show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. That would get me to the P.O.P.E. But since that's a bit of a hike from Old City, I might settle for catching up with Ithaca instead at Good Dog...a good bar.
@Monk's, Elysian/Buhler ---> And, if there's any energy left in the tank before train out, a visit in to Monk's for the visiting Dave Buhler from the excellent northwest's Elysian.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
PBW 2009: Pub Crawlin' in Phoenixville, March 14th, 2009
It doesn't look like I'll make it to Phoenixville's Pub Crawl on Saturday the 14th. If you'll be in the area looking for some fun people, interesting brewers, and great beer, here's a list of why I'd go if I were you.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
---> Iron Hill cleaned up this year at GABF in Denver. Most of the reason was probably due to my presence. But if you stop by Iron Hill on Saturday, you'll get a chance to taste any or all of the rest of the reason for their success: the beer and the brewers. They're calling it Heavy Medal (a t-shirt for this sounds like a great idea!) and the 6 beers are: Vienna Lager (Gold); Saison (Gold); Lambic de Hill (Gold); Roggenbier (Gold); Cherry Dubbel (Silver); and Cassis de Hill (Bronze). A few of the brewers will be there too.
Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery
---> Will be very cool to see the reverse meetup of William Reed (Standard Tap owner/former brewer) in Brian O'Reilly's house. Their collaborative beer, Standard Ale, is a 5.6% cask-conditioned ale that's back for another year of Philly Beer Week antics.
Columbia Bar & Grille
---> Charming building with Charming Brewer Bill Moore from Lancaster BC
101 Bridge
---> I know nothing about 101 Bridge except for its facade that I pass on Bridge Street. A meetup with Stoudt's is as good of a reason as any to learn more.
Molly Maguire's Irish Restaurant
---> Is there any place in the 'burbs that seems more appropriate to meet the Guinness Master (Fergal Murray from 1pm-3pm) than at Molly Maguire's? If you've got any ill conceived notions about Molly's, put them aside for an afternoon, go and check it out, then get back to me. By the way, Bill Covaleski will be there from 3pm-5pm. How about a Donnybrook/Guinness Challenge?
Pickering Creek Inn
---> I love Blue Point Toasted Lager as an easy-drinking almost session beer. When I was told that Pickering Creek had tapped it, along with an ever-improving beer list (Russian River, anyone?), they came up on my radar list. Then Jack Curtin wrote about them. Now they're featuring Weyerbacher (Chris Lampe) & Southampton (Spencer Neibuhr) during the Pub Crawl.
PJ Ryan's
---> Flying Fish Brewing's Drew Perry...maybe with some Exit 4, some Abbey Dubbel, HopFish, or remaining Grand Cru Winter Reserve would be great.
Epicurean Restaurant & Bar
---> Another Yards Throwdown? He might meet his match against Dogfish, the two breweries pouring at Epicurean, a pleasant restaurant a bit hidden along route 113 on the way south out of Phoenixville. Don't know who either brewery is sending, especially when all eyes will be on Tom Kehoe at Kite & Key. Epicurean's takeout is another bit of a hidden gem and reason to stop there on Saturday.
PBW 2009: Day 5 Wrap-Up and Day 6 Preview
Link to Day 5 Pictures
What I did: @Exton Beverage, a tasting of barleywine ---> On my way to wherever the car would lead, I stopped off at Exton Beverage, knowing that they were doing a daily style sampling for their customers during PBW. Happenstance happened and it was barleywine that was being poured on Tuesday, Day 5, from Brooklyn, Clipper City, Sierra Nevada, and Victory. Not too shabby for a tasting, eh?
The daily tastings, plus a beer education table shows that the guys at Exton Beverage are serious about helping customers learn more about the beer that they are (or maybe are not) drinking.
@The Drafting Room, for no reason ---> I moved up the road a mile or so to find my Lancaster County correspondent dining with a friend at The Drafting Room's bar. I figured that I probably would not get another chance to check out TDR during PBW, so this was a nice and short happy hour with a friend (and Sean, Heather, and Howard too!). But, I got a chance to see the excellent two beer/two courses special that they're running all week along. Check it out over here.
@Uno Chicago Grill, Sly Fox and craft beer ---> If you read closely around these parts, you probably know that I have been a bit critical of some of these so-called "events" during Philly Beer Week. I don't mind if a bar of suspect nature hosts a little something for their customers. I do believe that there are, though, different levels of trying.
And, at some point, there are establishments that have crossed the line, in my opinion, between an event that promotes craft beer in the way that Philly Beer Week aims to and an event that is just a mere advertisement for their business.
So, you can imagine my curiosity (and, admittedly, skepticism) for places like Uno Chicago Grill and the degree that they would go to to promote their so-called events. After all, there were something like 33 events at 7 Uno locations on the official calendar. I still don't believe that Uno's should be permitted to list an event every day on the Philly Beer Week calendar, thereby for example counting as 10 events at its Exton location. Considering especially that only one of these days in Exton had an actual representative from the brewery, the other days were not even offering any type of special or discount to promote the beers...merely the "opportunity" to taste these beers.
But, at the end of the day, this is really mostly about promotion right? And Uno seemed to be doing it right.
All that being said, before I even opened the door in Exton, I noticed that Uno's spared nothing at promoting their recently revamped beer menu. Notices around the front entrance about PBW and Sly Fox, table tents on the bar and tables, and signs in the men's restroom (can't speak for the ladies...though, that would be interesting to note as well)...all good signs...but what about the staff?
The staff would be the ultimate test. Do they get pre-shift meeting notes about the beer? Can they simply get through the beer list without stumbling or coming across as underinformed? In my case, the bartender Brian that took care of me was all over the beers....happy to promote them, willing to talk about Philly Beer Week from his perspective, and enthusiastic about the new direction that Uno's taking with regard to beer.
With a positive experience from the minute I walked in the door, I figured I could indulge in a deep dish pizza. It's been a long time since I've done this, so I started with Phoenix Pale Ale (hey, that makes two days in a row with this Sly Fox beer), then added a Weyerbacher Fireside Ale to go perfectly with my pizza.
There you have it. Another chain/"mainstream" restaurant taking a fresh look at its beer offerings. Kudos to Uno's.
So ended Day 5. Nice and easy. I had plenty of reasons that I could have once again hopped the train into center city. But, after 4 days of running (both literally and figuratively), scaling back just a bit on Day 5 seemed appropriate given what the next 5 days are expected to bring. I'm anxious to hear recaps of things like Victory's Beer Dinner at The Four Seasons, the Cheesesteak Throwdown between Sly Fox and Lagunitas at the P.O.P.E., and other frivolity around the city.
Come to think of it, there is one recap that's already out there. Jack Curtin came out for his first PBW event and made every minute of it worthwhile from the sound of his description. Go check out his review of what sounded like an amazing brunch at Teresa's Next Door with Dogfish Head riding shotgun...or was it the other way around? He links to Gina Talley, where The Femme Fermental supports his glowing review and provides pictures as well.
What I might do tomorrow: Wednesday night will primarily focus on the Center City Pub Crawl, one of 2008's highlights.
Center City Pub Crawl ---> The ordered lineup kicks off at 6pm and includes: @Jose Pistola's (Stoudt's Pilsner); @McGlinchey's (Yards Smoked Polish Wheat); @Good Dog (Iron Hill Pig Iron Porter); @Black Sheep (Flying Fish Hoppy Belgian Tripel); @Nodding Head (Nodding Head Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse); @Fergie's (Troegs Nugget Nectar); @Time (Sly Fox Gang Aft Agley); @McGillin's (All 7 brewers and their beers)
@Jose Pistolas, Stone ---> maybe some Stone can be found there during the Pub Crawl; thing is, the stops on the crawl don't last very long, so we'll see
@Black Sheep, Sprecher ---> ditto the Jose's comment; but like Stone I would love to find some Sprecher along the PBW this year (last year's Day 1 of PBW was where I finally discovered Black Bavarian)
What I did: @Exton Beverage, a tasting of barleywine ---> On my way to wherever the car would lead, I stopped off at Exton Beverage, knowing that they were doing a daily style sampling for their customers during PBW. Happenstance happened and it was barleywine that was being poured on Tuesday, Day 5, from Brooklyn, Clipper City, Sierra Nevada, and Victory. Not too shabby for a tasting, eh?
The daily tastings, plus a beer education table shows that the guys at Exton Beverage are serious about helping customers learn more about the beer that they are (or maybe are not) drinking.
@The Drafting Room, for no reason ---> I moved up the road a mile or so to find my Lancaster County correspondent dining with a friend at The Drafting Room's bar. I figured that I probably would not get another chance to check out TDR during PBW, so this was a nice and short happy hour with a friend (and Sean, Heather, and Howard too!). But, I got a chance to see the excellent two beer/two courses special that they're running all week along. Check it out over here.
@Uno Chicago Grill, Sly Fox and craft beer ---> If you read closely around these parts, you probably know that I have been a bit critical of some of these so-called "events" during Philly Beer Week. I don't mind if a bar of suspect nature hosts a little something for their customers. I do believe that there are, though, different levels of trying.
And, at some point, there are establishments that have crossed the line, in my opinion, between an event that promotes craft beer in the way that Philly Beer Week aims to and an event that is just a mere advertisement for their business.
So, you can imagine my curiosity (and, admittedly, skepticism) for places like Uno Chicago Grill and the degree that they would go to to promote their so-called events. After all, there were something like 33 events at 7 Uno locations on the official calendar. I still don't believe that Uno's should be permitted to list an event every day on the Philly Beer Week calendar, thereby for example counting as 10 events at its Exton location. Considering especially that only one of these days in Exton had an actual representative from the brewery, the other days were not even offering any type of special or discount to promote the beers...merely the "opportunity" to taste these beers.
But, at the end of the day, this is really mostly about promotion right? And Uno seemed to be doing it right.
All that being said, before I even opened the door in Exton, I noticed that Uno's spared nothing at promoting their recently revamped beer menu. Notices around the front entrance about PBW and Sly Fox, table tents on the bar and tables, and signs in the men's restroom (can't speak for the ladies...though, that would be interesting to note as well)...all good signs...but what about the staff?
The staff would be the ultimate test. Do they get pre-shift meeting notes about the beer? Can they simply get through the beer list without stumbling or coming across as underinformed? In my case, the bartender Brian that took care of me was all over the beers....happy to promote them, willing to talk about Philly Beer Week from his perspective, and enthusiastic about the new direction that Uno's taking with regard to beer.
With a positive experience from the minute I walked in the door, I figured I could indulge in a deep dish pizza. It's been a long time since I've done this, so I started with Phoenix Pale Ale (hey, that makes two days in a row with this Sly Fox beer), then added a Weyerbacher Fireside Ale to go perfectly with my pizza.
There you have it. Another chain/"mainstream" restaurant taking a fresh look at its beer offerings. Kudos to Uno's.
So ended Day 5. Nice and easy. I had plenty of reasons that I could have once again hopped the train into center city. But, after 4 days of running (both literally and figuratively), scaling back just a bit on Day 5 seemed appropriate given what the next 5 days are expected to bring. I'm anxious to hear recaps of things like Victory's Beer Dinner at The Four Seasons, the Cheesesteak Throwdown between Sly Fox and Lagunitas at the P.O.P.E., and other frivolity around the city.
Come to think of it, there is one recap that's already out there. Jack Curtin came out for his first PBW event and made every minute of it worthwhile from the sound of his description. Go check out his review of what sounded like an amazing brunch at Teresa's Next Door with Dogfish Head riding shotgun...or was it the other way around? He links to Gina Talley, where The Femme Fermental supports his glowing review and provides pictures as well.
What I might do tomorrow: Wednesday night will primarily focus on the Center City Pub Crawl, one of 2008's highlights.
Center City Pub Crawl ---> The ordered lineup kicks off at 6pm and includes: @Jose Pistola's (Stoudt's Pilsner); @McGlinchey's (Yards Smoked Polish Wheat); @Good Dog (Iron Hill Pig Iron Porter); @Black Sheep (Flying Fish Hoppy Belgian Tripel); @Nodding Head (Nodding Head Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse); @Fergie's (Troegs Nugget Nectar); @Time (Sly Fox Gang Aft Agley); @McGillin's (All 7 brewers and their beers)
@Jose Pistolas, Stone ---> maybe some Stone can be found there during the Pub Crawl; thing is, the stops on the crawl don't last very long, so we'll see
@Black Sheep, Sprecher ---> ditto the Jose's comment; but like Stone I would love to find some Sprecher along the PBW this year (last year's Day 1 of PBW was where I finally discovered Black Bavarian)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
PBW 2009: One of the Best Deals Going
Tonight, I witnessed one of the best deals around at The Drafting Room in Exton, PA. If you do nothing else during Philly Beer Week (and you live or work somewhere in the Chester County area), as was the case with the friend I was sitting with at the bar, this should probably be the one event. After all, you do need to have dinner, right?
Here's the deal. Get an appetizer, get an entree, and get two 10-ounce beers. Not just from a list of a few beers....ANY two beers. That's right. Tonight it could be the Sierra Nevada Chico, it could be the Bear Republic Apex, or it could have been Founders Imperial Stout. Yeah. And, pay only $21.99. uh, oh yeah.
From what I witnessed, these portions were regular sized portions and the beers were for real. This can't be much of a money-maker for The Drafting Room, so got get yourself one of these economic deals of the week and celebrate Philly Beer Week in Exton.
PBW 2009: Day 4 Wrap-Up and Day 5 Preview
Link to Day 4 Pictures
What I did: @Monk's Café, JW Lees/Lavagulin ---> I believe the phrase 'calling an audible' applies here (heard that somewhere today, seems apt). I get a feeling that with the breadth and depth of PBW events, a lot of people will be calling audibles during the week. I got the earliest train I could and had almost an hour before the run was due to begin in the Fairmount neighborhood at Bishop's Collar. So, why hang out with the Rock Star Running Brewers for pre-game beers when I could hop a few blocks from the train station, albeit farther from Fairmount, to Monk's where Tom Peters was tapping a 6-year-old JW Lees wooden Lavagulin cask?
This smooth sipper was gone in less than 30 minutes. But, tougher than getting through my beer in time to head off for the run was getting through the thicket of 30-40 fellow beer lovers. Joel Armato (New Holland) and Mike Ellis (Teresa's Next Door) each have full dance cards during PBW, but found time to take in an early afternoon session with Tom, Jodi, and JW Lees. However, out I did head, to catch the '32' bus on Broad Street which cuts across the city to Fairmount via the Ben Franklin Parkway.
@Bishop's Collar, Run with Brewers ---> The Philly Beer Week weather was perfect for a fourth day in a row, though the winds were kicking up and conspiring against us runners. That, and the promise of an Avery/Dogfish/Sly Fox after-party at Bishop's Collar created the perfect atmosphere for a second Philly Beer Run, this one complete with no less than 4 brewers of high acclaim! Adam Avery, Sam Calagione, and Brian O'Reilly toed the line to lead around 45 other running beer enthusiasts through picturesque Fairmount and Kelly Drive. Not to be overshadowed (which Don Russell said that only Ben Franklin can do, ha!!), Tom Kehoe got on a scooter and, as advertised, with Wendy (Dogfish) and a six-pack of Sly Fox cans on the back to goad the runners along.
In both my Dock Street Run on Saturday and this run to/from The Bishop's Collar, the runners were the winners. At Dock Street, beer, food, and schwag were the prizes. At Bishop's Collar, a free (the first) beer was the prize, along with the chance to rub elbows with brewers, distributors, sales folk, and the like.
But, amazing even more still is that between these two runs, around 100 beer lovers took part in physical activity. Combine that little stat with the two bike rides that are taking place (30 riders this past Saturday; another ride scheduled for Saturday the 14th) and there is no doubt that we are all proving that it is entirely possible to have your beer and burn it off too.
The brisk pace was set early on by Sam Calagione and Adam Avery. A bit of machismo, you think?! But the gusty winds swirling along the Schuylkill River eventually slowed everyone into a more reasonable pace. At the turnaround point on Kelly Drive, Tom and Wendy doled out refreshments for those in need and pointed the runners back to the Art Museum.
Somehow, Tom and Wendy did not cause any accidents on their scooter that we know of. And, Brian O'Reilly did in fact finish, running, the run and I have the pictures and testimony to prove it. Oh yeah, and plus the empty cans of Pikeland Pils....even if no one waited for us at the Art Museum.
@the tiedhouse, Session Beer with Lew Bryson ---> What goes better after a mid-afternoon run than some good session beers? Well, to be honest, first a Dogfish Red & White and then an Avery Rascal went well...but, I mean after that? General Lafayette's The Economizer which has been getting a lot of well-deserved press of late for its light, fruity flavors and Coniston's Bluebird Bitter (classic English session) were two great starters for me.
Lew Bryson regaled the crowd of about 25 with his philosophies and experiences in the world of session beers. Then, Russ Czajka (General Lafayette's brewer) spoke of the techniques and challenges involved with brewing low-ABV commercial beer and the marketplace's acceptance of the beer.
My last beer turned out be my favorite of the evening and one that might deserve to be on hand in my cooler at home at all times. Uerige's Alt bier from Düsseldorf comes in at around 4.5% ABV and packs a nice punch of mostly malty flavors balanced with just the slightest touch of bitterness that makes for a real nice drink.
Unfortunately, time was running out on my deadline to get to 30th Street Station for my train to TJs in Paoli. Given the time, I would have taken the chance to have a run-in with Earth Bread + Brewery's new Stout, for which others have given an approving thumbs-up.
On Amtrak with Woody ---> Ah, the serendipitous beauty of an unplanned Train Session with Woody Chandler. Imagine my surprise when I'm making the train with 3 minutes to spare and I see a guy standing at the top of the escalator. At first, I thought it was just a confused traveler afraid of moving stairs. Well, maybe the confused part was right. Anyway, he was waiting on his wingman Christian Heim, brewer at Lancaster Brewing. They'd just wrapped up a Lancaster promotional tasting at Bridgewater's (Did it really take me 'til Day 4 to mention Bridgewater's?!) and were heading west.
I was unsuccessful in getting either of them to jump off the train with me in Paoli (though, Christian was willing to push Woody), but was successful in sharing a couple of German beers (a bock and a dark weizen) with the two of them. Judging from the conductor's conversation and demeanor, Woody's presence and m.o. is well known and perhaps even legendary (or is it infamous, dunno) on Amtrak. Why do I get a feeling that train conductors around the country probably know exactly what I mean by this?
@TJs, Ommegang ---> I knew I'd be pulling in late for this one. It "started" at 7pm, but apparently the joint was really jumping starting around 5:30pm. When I arrived just after 8:30pm, some of the beers were kicked, and the craze was just starting to die down. Craze to the point that ownership couldn't keep up with the Real-time Online Tap List (trademark: TJs, 2008). The Ommegang Abbey is really what I was hankering, but alas was kicked. I had the pleasure, instead, of a Duvel Green and a Houblon Chouffe with some chicken wings.
Phil Leinhart, brewmaster, took a pass and had Wes Nick and Megan Maguire (regional sales) representing instead. But, represent they did as they worked the room chatting up the few dozen people that were still there after 9pm. I learned that Ommegang's tickets for their annual Belgian festival go on sale April 1st. Though, apparently that's public knowledge on their website already. Mark thy calendar.
What I might do tomorrow: Tuesday, Day 5, is looking like a PBW day off (is that allowed?) for me. This is a tough decision, as there are a number of events that do look great in the city. Here's what is possible after a quick train ride into the city:
@Four Seasons Hotel, Victory ---> a meet 'n' greet precedes the dinner; I'd like to see how the high-end hotel accommodates the craft brewing scene
@McGillin's, Carol Stoudt ---> hanging out at McGillin's is a favorite Center City beer thing of mine to do...with Carol there, even more so
@Nodding Head, with Stewart's ---> two great beers and brewers that go great together
@the P.O.P.E. for cheesesteaks ---> dinner, check.
with Sly Fox and Lagunitas, check. south philly hijinx, for sure.
@SPTR, Tröegs Flying Mouflan ---> seems like as good of a place as any to have a run-in with this eagerly anticipated re-beer from Tröegs
If I'd rather do something in the suburbs, it could be a stop in to visit the crew at The Drafting Room, a check-up on how Uno Chicago Grill in Exton is promoting Sly Fox, and a drive up to Collegeville, or wherever Brother Paul's is, for a meetup with Andy Musser and some special Anchor beer. We shall see, we shall see, what 5 o'clock brings.
What I did: @Monk's Café, JW Lees/Lavagulin ---> I believe the phrase 'calling an audible' applies here (heard that somewhere today, seems apt). I get a feeling that with the breadth and depth of PBW events, a lot of people will be calling audibles during the week. I got the earliest train I could and had almost an hour before the run was due to begin in the Fairmount neighborhood at Bishop's Collar. So, why hang out with the Rock Star Running Brewers for pre-game beers when I could hop a few blocks from the train station, albeit farther from Fairmount, to Monk's where Tom Peters was tapping a 6-year-old JW Lees wooden Lavagulin cask?
This smooth sipper was gone in less than 30 minutes. But, tougher than getting through my beer in time to head off for the run was getting through the thicket of 30-40 fellow beer lovers. Joel Armato (New Holland) and Mike Ellis (Teresa's Next Door) each have full dance cards during PBW, but found time to take in an early afternoon session with Tom, Jodi, and JW Lees. However, out I did head, to catch the '32' bus on Broad Street which cuts across the city to Fairmount via the Ben Franklin Parkway.
@Bishop's Collar, Run with Brewers ---> The Philly Beer Week weather was perfect for a fourth day in a row, though the winds were kicking up and conspiring against us runners. That, and the promise of an Avery/Dogfish/Sly Fox after-party at Bishop's Collar created the perfect atmosphere for a second Philly Beer Run, this one complete with no less than 4 brewers of high acclaim! Adam Avery, Sam Calagione, and Brian O'Reilly toed the line to lead around 45 other running beer enthusiasts through picturesque Fairmount and Kelly Drive. Not to be overshadowed (which Don Russell said that only Ben Franklin can do, ha!!), Tom Kehoe got on a scooter and, as advertised, with Wendy (Dogfish) and a six-pack of Sly Fox cans on the back to goad the runners along.
In both my Dock Street Run on Saturday and this run to/from The Bishop's Collar, the runners were the winners. At Dock Street, beer, food, and schwag were the prizes. At Bishop's Collar, a free (the first) beer was the prize, along with the chance to rub elbows with brewers, distributors, sales folk, and the like.
But, amazing even more still is that between these two runs, around 100 beer lovers took part in physical activity. Combine that little stat with the two bike rides that are taking place (30 riders this past Saturday; another ride scheduled for Saturday the 14th) and there is no doubt that we are all proving that it is entirely possible to have your beer and burn it off too.
The brisk pace was set early on by Sam Calagione and Adam Avery. A bit of machismo, you think?! But the gusty winds swirling along the Schuylkill River eventually slowed everyone into a more reasonable pace. At the turnaround point on Kelly Drive, Tom and Wendy doled out refreshments for those in need and pointed the runners back to the Art Museum.
Somehow, Tom and Wendy did not cause any accidents on their scooter that we know of. And, Brian O'Reilly did in fact finish, running, the run and I have the pictures and testimony to prove it. Oh yeah, and plus the empty cans of Pikeland Pils....even if no one waited for us at the Art Museum.
@the tiedhouse, Session Beer with Lew Bryson ---> What goes better after a mid-afternoon run than some good session beers? Well, to be honest, first a Dogfish Red & White and then an Avery Rascal went well...but, I mean after that? General Lafayette's The Economizer which has been getting a lot of well-deserved press of late for its light, fruity flavors and Coniston's Bluebird Bitter (classic English session) were two great starters for me.
Lew Bryson regaled the crowd of about 25 with his philosophies and experiences in the world of session beers. Then, Russ Czajka (General Lafayette's brewer) spoke of the techniques and challenges involved with brewing low-ABV commercial beer and the marketplace's acceptance of the beer.
My last beer turned out be my favorite of the evening and one that might deserve to be on hand in my cooler at home at all times. Uerige's Alt bier from Düsseldorf comes in at around 4.5% ABV and packs a nice punch of mostly malty flavors balanced with just the slightest touch of bitterness that makes for a real nice drink.
Unfortunately, time was running out on my deadline to get to 30th Street Station for my train to TJs in Paoli. Given the time, I would have taken the chance to have a run-in with Earth Bread + Brewery's new Stout, for which others have given an approving thumbs-up.
On Amtrak with Woody ---> Ah, the serendipitous beauty of an unplanned Train Session with Woody Chandler. Imagine my surprise when I'm making the train with 3 minutes to spare and I see a guy standing at the top of the escalator. At first, I thought it was just a confused traveler afraid of moving stairs. Well, maybe the confused part was right. Anyway, he was waiting on his wingman Christian Heim, brewer at Lancaster Brewing. They'd just wrapped up a Lancaster promotional tasting at Bridgewater's (Did it really take me 'til Day 4 to mention Bridgewater's?!) and were heading west.
I was unsuccessful in getting either of them to jump off the train with me in Paoli (though, Christian was willing to push Woody), but was successful in sharing a couple of German beers (a bock and a dark weizen) with the two of them. Judging from the conductor's conversation and demeanor, Woody's presence and m.o. is well known and perhaps even legendary (or is it infamous, dunno) on Amtrak. Why do I get a feeling that train conductors around the country probably know exactly what I mean by this?
@TJs, Ommegang ---> I knew I'd be pulling in late for this one. It "started" at 7pm, but apparently the joint was really jumping starting around 5:30pm. When I arrived just after 8:30pm, some of the beers were kicked, and the craze was just starting to die down. Craze to the point that ownership couldn't keep up with the Real-time Online Tap List (trademark: TJs, 2008). The Ommegang Abbey is really what I was hankering, but alas was kicked. I had the pleasure, instead, of a Duvel Green and a Houblon Chouffe with some chicken wings.
Phil Leinhart, brewmaster, took a pass and had Wes Nick and Megan Maguire (regional sales) representing instead. But, represent they did as they worked the room chatting up the few dozen people that were still there after 9pm. I learned that Ommegang's tickets for their annual Belgian festival go on sale April 1st. Though, apparently that's public knowledge on their website already. Mark thy calendar.
What I might do tomorrow: Tuesday, Day 5, is looking like a PBW day off (is that allowed?) for me. This is a tough decision, as there are a number of events that do look great in the city. Here's what is possible after a quick train ride into the city:
@Four Seasons Hotel, Victory ---> a meet 'n' greet precedes the dinner; I'd like to see how the high-end hotel accommodates the craft brewing scene
@McGillin's, Carol Stoudt ---> hanging out at McGillin's is a favorite Center City beer thing of mine to do...with Carol there, even more so
@Nodding Head, with Stewart's ---> two great beers and brewers that go great together
@the P.O.P.E. for cheesesteaks ---> dinner, check.
with Sly Fox and Lagunitas, check. south philly hijinx, for sure.
@SPTR, Tröegs Flying Mouflan ---> seems like as good of a place as any to have a run-in with this eagerly anticipated re-beer from Tröegs
If I'd rather do something in the suburbs, it could be a stop in to visit the crew at The Drafting Room, a check-up on how Uno Chicago Grill in Exton is promoting Sly Fox, and a drive up to Collegeville, or wherever Brother Paul's is, for a meetup with Andy Musser and some special Anchor beer. We shall see, we shall see, what 5 o'clock brings.
Monday, March 09, 2009
PBW 2009: The Brew Lounge & Dock Street on CBS3.com
A direct link to the article.
A direct link to the slideshow.
A nice recap of our Dock Street to Dock Street Scavenger Run on 3/7/09 and many, many pictures are posted up on CBS3.com's homepage. Ted did a nice job of capturing our day in words and pictures. Thanks once again to everyone who came out and supported us.
PBW 2009: Day 3 Wrap-Up and Day 4 Preview
Link to Day 3 Pictures
What I did: So, first I did my weekly long run. After wiggling fingers and toes and a shake of the head, I confirmed that I was in one piece and good to go. It was an absolutely beautiful morning for a 16-mile run through the city and Fairmount Park. After cleaning up my act, Patty and I visited the Reading Terminal Market (mistake, thanks Flower Show tourists), did some tooling around the city, before settling on Bridgid's for a wonderful brunch of Benedicts and Ballast Points.
@Bridgid's, Brunch ---> Though, we might have opted for Memphis Taproom's Vintage Beer Brunch, but it began too late and would have conflicted with The Brewer's Plate. At Bridgid's, it was hard to resist the Lancaster Benedict and the Spanish Benedict, and a couple of porters from Ballast Point. The 'regular' porter and their espresso porter were all we needed to kick start our Day 3 of Philly Beer Week. The place started to fill up in anticipation of their meet the (Ballast Point) brewer before we headed over to University City for The Brewer's Plate.
@UPenn, Brewer's Plate ---> I've said this since the first year: THE BEST ANNUAL FOOD AND BEER PAIRING EVENT, possibly in the country. While I still have a fond place in my heart for the Reading Terminal Market as the host location, the Museum at the University of Pennsylvania is such a striking and well-suited venue for this event.
Standouts this year included: Sly Fox Saison with The Abbaye's Country Pate (amazing), Dock Street Prince Myshkin (a very good R.I.S.) with perfect chocolate from Betty's Speakeasy, Iron Hill's Bourbon Imperial Stout with "brewed cupcakes" from Betty's Speakeasy, the 90 Minute IPA from Dogfish paired with Distrito's Short Rib Sandwich, and Victory's Baltic Thunder paired with a very nice (and mildly stinky), soft cow's milk cheese from Vermont via Tria.
The venue may have been perfect for an event that has unfortunately outgrown its home of the first three years, the Reading Terminal Market and last year's unfortunate choice of the Independence Visitor's Center. If I have my notes correct, approximately 800 tickets were sold to this year's Brewer's Plate and the venue's rotunda, side hall, and downstairs (VIP only) were able to facilitate a comfortable flow of revelers.
The only thing we may want to be careful about in any future beer fests at this strikingly beautiful museum is where guests want to leave their dirty napkins, plates, and ring-leaving glassware. Exhibits are NOT the appropriate place for such things. Neither is leaning acceptable.
What I might do tomorrow: @Bishop's Collar, Run with brewers ---> Partly because I want to support another physical activity during PBW in addition to my Dock Street Run; Partly because brewers are involved; and oh yeah Partly because of the advertised scooter-riding Tom Kehoe. Plus the event is just blocks from the tiedhouse which bring me to....
@the tiedhouse, Session beer ---> Lew Bryson's finally seeing some critical mass (intentional choice of words?) get behind him for the Session Beer Cause. The good thing is he's not all high-and-mighty (or hypocritical) about low ABV. He just wants to see a respectable place in the beer world for (Craft) Session Brew.....and more of it. This is expected to be a casual meetup, and I''m expecting fun.
@Teresa's Next Door, Rodenbach ---> If I had time to hop off the train in Wayne for TND's Rodenbach Night, I would...I may...we'll see.
@TJs, Ommegang ---> I met Phil Leinhart at GABF this past year and am looking forward to seeing him and a nice lineup of Ommegang just a couple of miles from my house at TJs in Paoli. Should be a great way to end Day 4.
What I did: So, first I did my weekly long run. After wiggling fingers and toes and a shake of the head, I confirmed that I was in one piece and good to go. It was an absolutely beautiful morning for a 16-mile run through the city and Fairmount Park. After cleaning up my act, Patty and I visited the Reading Terminal Market (mistake, thanks Flower Show tourists), did some tooling around the city, before settling on Bridgid's for a wonderful brunch of Benedicts and Ballast Points.
@Bridgid's, Brunch ---> Though, we might have opted for Memphis Taproom's Vintage Beer Brunch, but it began too late and would have conflicted with The Brewer's Plate. At Bridgid's, it was hard to resist the Lancaster Benedict and the Spanish Benedict, and a couple of porters from Ballast Point. The 'regular' porter and their espresso porter were all we needed to kick start our Day 3 of Philly Beer Week. The place started to fill up in anticipation of their meet the (Ballast Point) brewer before we headed over to University City for The Brewer's Plate.
@UPenn, Brewer's Plate ---> I've said this since the first year: THE BEST ANNUAL FOOD AND BEER PAIRING EVENT, possibly in the country. While I still have a fond place in my heart for the Reading Terminal Market as the host location, the Museum at the University of Pennsylvania is such a striking and well-suited venue for this event.
Standouts this year included: Sly Fox Saison with The Abbaye's Country Pate (amazing), Dock Street Prince Myshkin (a very good R.I.S.) with perfect chocolate from Betty's Speakeasy, Iron Hill's Bourbon Imperial Stout with "brewed cupcakes" from Betty's Speakeasy, the 90 Minute IPA from Dogfish paired with Distrito's Short Rib Sandwich, and Victory's Baltic Thunder paired with a very nice (and mildly stinky), soft cow's milk cheese from Vermont via Tria.
The venue may have been perfect for an event that has unfortunately outgrown its home of the first three years, the Reading Terminal Market and last year's unfortunate choice of the Independence Visitor's Center. If I have my notes correct, approximately 800 tickets were sold to this year's Brewer's Plate and the venue's rotunda, side hall, and downstairs (VIP only) were able to facilitate a comfortable flow of revelers.
The only thing we may want to be careful about in any future beer fests at this strikingly beautiful museum is where guests want to leave their dirty napkins, plates, and ring-leaving glassware. Exhibits are NOT the appropriate place for such things. Neither is leaning acceptable.
What I might do tomorrow: @Bishop's Collar, Run with brewers ---> Partly because I want to support another physical activity during PBW in addition to my Dock Street Run; Partly because brewers are involved; and oh yeah Partly because of the advertised scooter-riding Tom Kehoe. Plus the event is just blocks from the tiedhouse which bring me to....
@the tiedhouse, Session beer ---> Lew Bryson's finally seeing some critical mass (intentional choice of words?) get behind him for the Session Beer Cause. The good thing is he's not all high-and-mighty (or hypocritical) about low ABV. He just wants to see a respectable place in the beer world for (Craft) Session Brew.....and more of it. This is expected to be a casual meetup, and I''m expecting fun.
@Teresa's Next Door, Rodenbach ---> If I had time to hop off the train in Wayne for TND's Rodenbach Night, I would...I may...we'll see.
@TJs, Ommegang ---> I met Phil Leinhart at GABF this past year and am looking forward to seeing him and a nice lineup of Ommegang just a couple of miles from my house at TJs in Paoli. Should be a great way to end Day 4.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
PBW 2009: Day 2 Wrap-Up and Day 3 Preview
Link to Day 2 Pictures
What I did: The Brew Lounge presents: Dock Street-to-Dock Street Scavenger Run ---> How perfect was the weather? How great is Philly for running? How great is Philly for beer? How great isBohemian Pilsner (dry) Gold Stock for a post-run refueling?!
52 runners came out and another dozen or so family and friends joined us at Dock Street for one of the most perfect days for running and outdoor beer drinking in Philadelphia. We all had a blast and Dock Street provided complimentary food and handed out some very cool prizes for the top 5 finishers in the Scavenger Run. Joe McNulty took home the top solo runner prize and the team of Christopher Blinn & Joe Whelan took home the team runner prize.
@The Institute, The Bruery and Saint Somewhere ---> Finally getting to taste the beers that everyone's been raving about from The Bruery certainly did not disappoint. The Bruery was pouring their Orchard White and Saint Somewhere from Florida had their Lectio Divinas...though, don't hold me to it. Between the conversation at the bar with Heather, Don Russell, and the brewers, I just took whatever was given to me.
With Patrick Rue putting out 600 bbls and capacity to grow to 5,000 and Bob Sylvester at Saint Somewhere aiming to double his capacity, we're likely to see much more from the two these new-ish breweries over the coming years. In fact, Patrick mentioned not only recently coming to Pennsylvania, but New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon as well.
I didn't get time to take in any Wii action (private booths), but The Institute definitely ranks up there as a not-so-likely destination beer bar north of Spring Garden. Husband and wife team of Heather and Charlie provide a friendly and relaxing atmosphere befitting a great beer bar.
@Standard Tap, King Pin ---> An easy trip down Spring Garden on SEPTA's 43 bus, which magically came after I stepped out to Spring Garden from The Institute, and I was just minutes away from Standard Tap. Now I already knew that Standard was packed to the walls earlier when the king pin event officially started. But, I figured I was already behind "schedule" and that there, of course, would still be great beer and dinner to be found.
And, many of the party people were still in the house. I ran into Yards' Frank Winslow walking up 2nd Street and found out what everyone else has been saying thusfar around Philly Beer Week: "The first three days of PBW have had events that have all been wildly successful."
Take for example at Standard Tap where one Yards employee said that Tria was a mob scene, another said that Good Dog was packed, and the King Pin event at Standard was spilling outside. Casey Hughes from Flying Fish concurred regarding his events as did Suzy Woods from Sly Fox about hers. Even the cab driver who took me back to the hotel knew something to do with beer was going on in the city.
They all convened on Standard Tap to then move on to Bridgid's for the smoked meat, beer, and kielbasa contest (not a typo). That was before some of them then moved on to the P.O.P.E. for the New Holland sponsored burlesque event. Quite the festive beer party scene, I tell ya.
And, I can attest. In the first two days of visiting 7 events and 2 establishments (sans events), the enthusiasm and attendance has been overwhelming. But, back to the King Pin. I stood no chance of meeting up for this event, given that Philly Brewing's pin kicked in, like, 42 seconds...or something close to it and they were officially crowned the 'King Pin'. Even Kevin Bacon, I'm told, showed up for the event...or dinner...no one's quite sure. Although everyone I know is now one degree closer to Kevin Bacon :)
@P.O.P.E., with New Holland Burlesque ---> So, even though I called it quits after Standard Tap, I feel inclined to list this event because it seems to be where everyone, except I, went to after Standard (and, okay, the Yards guys that went to Bridgid's). Apparently, another wall-to-wall event with great beer and, this one, with scantily clad ladies entertaining the crowd. I tell ya, what else can PBW offer?!
So, as predicted, after the run and gallivanting the city, knowing that I was doing a 16 mile run in the morning, I called it quits after dinner. Having a hotel room in the city definitely took the angst out of getting home, allowing us to eat, drink, and be merry to our hearts content.
What I might do tomorrow: First, I'll start off with a 16 mile run. It should be an absolutely beautiful morning for a run through the city and Fairmount Park. After cleaning up my act, Patty and I will head out for brunch. @Bridgid's, Brunch ---> We might have opted for Memphis Taproom's Vintage Beer Brunch, but it begins too late and would have conflicted with The Brewer's Plate. Plus, Bridgid's will likely have already put on some Ballast Point beer from San Diego leading up to their afternoon event with the brewer. @UPenn, Brewer's Plate ---> I've said this since the first year: THE BEST ANNUAL FOOD AND BEER PAIRING EVENT, possibly in the country. I expect that the Museum at the University of Pennsylvania will be a striking and well-suited venue for this event.
What I did: The Brew Lounge presents: Dock Street-to-Dock Street Scavenger Run ---> How perfect was the weather? How great is Philly for running? How great is Philly for beer? How great is
52 runners came out and another dozen or so family and friends joined us at Dock Street for one of the most perfect days for running and outdoor beer drinking in Philadelphia. We all had a blast and Dock Street provided complimentary food and handed out some very cool prizes for the top 5 finishers in the Scavenger Run. Joe McNulty took home the top solo runner prize and the team of Christopher Blinn & Joe Whelan took home the team runner prize.
@The Institute, The Bruery and Saint Somewhere ---> Finally getting to taste the beers that everyone's been raving about from The Bruery certainly did not disappoint. The Bruery was pouring their Orchard White and Saint Somewhere from Florida had their Lectio Divinas...though, don't hold me to it. Between the conversation at the bar with Heather, Don Russell, and the brewers, I just took whatever was given to me.
With Patrick Rue putting out 600 bbls and capacity to grow to 5,000 and Bob Sylvester at Saint Somewhere aiming to double his capacity, we're likely to see much more from the two these new-ish breweries over the coming years. In fact, Patrick mentioned not only recently coming to Pennsylvania, but New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon as well.
I didn't get time to take in any Wii action (private booths), but The Institute definitely ranks up there as a not-so-likely destination beer bar north of Spring Garden. Husband and wife team of Heather and Charlie provide a friendly and relaxing atmosphere befitting a great beer bar.
@Standard Tap, King Pin ---> An easy trip down Spring Garden on SEPTA's 43 bus, which magically came after I stepped out to Spring Garden from The Institute, and I was just minutes away from Standard Tap. Now I already knew that Standard was packed to the walls earlier when the king pin event officially started. But, I figured I was already behind "schedule" and that there, of course, would still be great beer and dinner to be found.
And, many of the party people were still in the house. I ran into Yards' Frank Winslow walking up 2nd Street and found out what everyone else has been saying thusfar around Philly Beer Week: "The first three days of PBW have had events that have all been wildly successful."
Take for example at Standard Tap where one Yards employee said that Tria was a mob scene, another said that Good Dog was packed, and the King Pin event at Standard was spilling outside. Casey Hughes from Flying Fish concurred regarding his events as did Suzy Woods from Sly Fox about hers. Even the cab driver who took me back to the hotel knew something to do with beer was going on in the city.
They all convened on Standard Tap to then move on to Bridgid's for the smoked meat, beer, and kielbasa contest (not a typo). That was before some of them then moved on to the P.O.P.E. for the New Holland sponsored burlesque event. Quite the festive beer party scene, I tell ya.
And, I can attest. In the first two days of visiting 7 events and 2 establishments (sans events), the enthusiasm and attendance has been overwhelming. But, back to the King Pin. I stood no chance of meeting up for this event, given that Philly Brewing's pin kicked in, like, 42 seconds...or something close to it and they were officially crowned the 'King Pin'. Even Kevin Bacon, I'm told, showed up for the event...or dinner...no one's quite sure. Although everyone I know is now one degree closer to Kevin Bacon :)
@P.O.P.E., with New Holland Burlesque ---> So, even though I called it quits after Standard Tap, I feel inclined to list this event because it seems to be where everyone, except I, went to after Standard (and, okay, the Yards guys that went to Bridgid's). Apparently, another wall-to-wall event with great beer and, this one, with scantily clad ladies entertaining the crowd. I tell ya, what else can PBW offer?!
So, as predicted, after the run and gallivanting the city, knowing that I was doing a 16 mile run in the morning, I called it quits after dinner. Having a hotel room in the city definitely took the angst out of getting home, allowing us to eat, drink, and be merry to our hearts content.
What I might do tomorrow: First, I'll start off with a 16 mile run. It should be an absolutely beautiful morning for a run through the city and Fairmount Park. After cleaning up my act, Patty and I will head out for brunch. @Bridgid's, Brunch ---> We might have opted for Memphis Taproom's Vintage Beer Brunch, but it begins too late and would have conflicted with The Brewer's Plate. Plus, Bridgid's will likely have already put on some Ballast Point beer from San Diego leading up to their afternoon event with the brewer. @UPenn, Brewer's Plate ---> I've said this since the first year: THE BEST ANNUAL FOOD AND BEER PAIRING EVENT, possibly in the country. I expect that the Museum at the University of Pennsylvania will be a striking and well-suited venue for this event.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
PBW 2009: Day 1 Wrap-Up and Day 2 Preview
Link to Day 1 Pictures
What I did: @TJs, Duvel Green comes to Paoli ---> Why wait on a train platform when I could enjoy my F.U.D. at TJs? At least that was my thinking when I started the day. Duvel Green made its debut at Monk's Cafe back in the fall and is now expected to be setting up residence on tap handles around the region. I enjoyed some in NYC on New Year's Eve and was reminded that I couldn't wait to find this great tasting (with a little less punch than "normal" Duvel) on tap again. Unfortunately, I was running late for my train, so I'll need to keep my eyes open for the Duvel Green elsewhere around town at one of the many places that it's due to show up.
@Doobies, Save a Kitty ---> I didn't know if I'd find Gene, Casey, or anyone else from Flying Fish hanging around, but I thought I'd put in my one or two pints worth to save the kitties and see what Doobies is all about at the same time. Abbey Dubbel didn't disappoint, and I think the kitties were pleased as well. I was the first customer of the day; approximately 10-15 others joined me while I was there during the mid-afternoon in putting back almost 20 Abbey Dubbels...the kitties thank you all.
@Grace Tavern, Rogue with Badass Buhler ---> Now that I'm an official part of Rogue Nation (thanks to Cheryl at the Ale House in San Francisco), I figured I should go and see what benefits it would afford me at Grace Tavern where Sebbie Buhler was doling out bennies (and a little something with rum and chocolate too!) to all who stopped by. The Frog Rye IPA might have been the best beer I had all day. Rough count had around 30 or so people getting a head start on Happy Hour with Sebbie and Rogue.
@Sidecar, New Holland/Arcadia ---> Here's where I had to be careful. With Fred Bueltmann, Joel Armato, and Tim Suprise pouring the predictably dangerous brews (and pairing them with cheese) from New Holland and Arcadia, I needed to keep the social lubrication under control with the Opening Tap looming at 7pm. No worries, though. All was good, since there was a doctor in the house. I had the chance to sample the dependably hop-pleasant Mad Hatter IPA from New Holland. A run-in with Arcadia will need to take place again later in the week. Around 30-40 were spotted getting ready for the big beer/cheese smackdown.
@Comcast Center, Opening Tap ---> Then came the Official Kickoff to Philly Beer Week. Others positioned for 12:01am to get on the calendar ahead of everyone else. But, we all know that Philly Beer Week had officially begun when the Hammer of Glory arrived via Mike Fava/Ben Franklin on a tandem bicycle. Huh? Yeah, it was a sight to be seen.
With last year's easy swing of the mallet behind him, Mayor Michael Nutter was ready to step up and take on the Hammer of Glory to let loose the Yards ESA for approximately 600 people (a sell-out) who were waiting. In the meantime, at least 30 other beers were keeping the natives sated. Jack Curtin published a list of beers to be found at Opening Tap. Glad he did this since he was no where to be found. Either a snowstorm hit route 422, or he was having a hangnail removed, or the dogs needed to be let out. In any case, we raised a toast to our friend Jack, who was slaving away under the light of his writer's garret.
If it wasn't for the early morning rise on Saturday to do the Dock Street/Brew Lounge Run, we might have hit up South Philly Taproom or St. Stephen's Green. But, we erred on the side of prudence and grabbed one last at Bridgewater's while waiting on the train, this being Day 1 and all. And, to all, it was a very good night.
What I might do tomorrow:
The Brew Lounge presents: Dock Street-to-Dock Street Scavenger Run ---> No 'might' here. I'm hosting close to 75 runners, with the intention of drinking plenty of Bohemian Pilsner, Hop Garden, and Man Full O Trouble at the end...Flammenkuche pizza, too!
@The Institute, The Bruery and St. Somewhere ---> This is a short walk from the hotel we're staying at, so this seems very likely
@Standard Tap, King Pin ---> Maybe we could have dinner somewhere in Northern Liberties, or heck, at Standard Tap and help kick a few pins at the same time. Think they can cook up a good carbo-loading meal for my 16 mile run on Sunday?
@Bridgid's, Yards ---> I get a feeling I might start shuttin' down after dinner, so it might be back to the hotel. If we have any gas left in our tank, I'd love to head to Bridgid's.
@P.O.P.E., with New Holland Burlesque ---> And, if that lady named prudence is no where to be found, you could very easily find us at P.O.P.E. for some racy burlesque and brews!
What I did: @TJs, Duvel Green comes to Paoli ---> Why wait on a train platform when I could enjoy my F.U.D. at TJs? At least that was my thinking when I started the day. Duvel Green made its debut at Monk's Cafe back in the fall and is now expected to be setting up residence on tap handles around the region. I enjoyed some in NYC on New Year's Eve and was reminded that I couldn't wait to find this great tasting (with a little less punch than "normal" Duvel) on tap again. Unfortunately, I was running late for my train, so I'll need to keep my eyes open for the Duvel Green elsewhere around town at one of the many places that it's due to show up.
@Doobies, Save a Kitty ---> I didn't know if I'd find Gene, Casey, or anyone else from Flying Fish hanging around, but I thought I'd put in my one or two pints worth to save the kitties and see what Doobies is all about at the same time. Abbey Dubbel didn't disappoint, and I think the kitties were pleased as well. I was the first customer of the day; approximately 10-15 others joined me while I was there during the mid-afternoon in putting back almost 20 Abbey Dubbels...the kitties thank you all.
@Grace Tavern, Rogue with Badass Buhler ---> Now that I'm an official part of Rogue Nation (thanks to Cheryl at the Ale House in San Francisco), I figured I should go and see what benefits it would afford me at Grace Tavern where Sebbie Buhler was doling out bennies (and a little something with rum and chocolate too!) to all who stopped by. The Frog Rye IPA might have been the best beer I had all day. Rough count had around 30 or so people getting a head start on Happy Hour with Sebbie and Rogue.
@Sidecar, New Holland/Arcadia ---> Here's where I had to be careful. With Fred Bueltmann, Joel Armato, and Tim Suprise pouring the predictably dangerous brews (and pairing them with cheese) from New Holland and Arcadia, I needed to keep the social lubrication under control with the Opening Tap looming at 7pm. No worries, though. All was good, since there was a doctor in the house. I had the chance to sample the dependably hop-pleasant Mad Hatter IPA from New Holland. A run-in with Arcadia will need to take place again later in the week. Around 30-40 were spotted getting ready for the big beer/cheese smackdown.
@Comcast Center, Opening Tap ---> Then came the Official Kickoff to Philly Beer Week. Others positioned for 12:01am to get on the calendar ahead of everyone else. But, we all know that Philly Beer Week had officially begun when the Hammer of Glory arrived via Mike Fava/Ben Franklin on a tandem bicycle. Huh? Yeah, it was a sight to be seen.
With last year's easy swing of the mallet behind him, Mayor Michael Nutter was ready to step up and take on the Hammer of Glory to let loose the Yards ESA for approximately 600 people (a sell-out) who were waiting. In the meantime, at least 30 other beers were keeping the natives sated. Jack Curtin published a list of beers to be found at Opening Tap. Glad he did this since he was no where to be found. Either a snowstorm hit route 422, or he was having a hangnail removed, or the dogs needed to be let out. In any case, we raised a toast to our friend Jack, who was slaving away under the light of his writer's garret.
If it wasn't for the early morning rise on Saturday to do the Dock Street/Brew Lounge Run, we might have hit up South Philly Taproom or St. Stephen's Green. But, we erred on the side of prudence and grabbed one last at Bridgewater's while waiting on the train, this being Day 1 and all. And, to all, it was a very good night.
What I might do tomorrow:
The Brew Lounge presents: Dock Street-to-Dock Street Scavenger Run ---> No 'might' here. I'm hosting close to 75 runners, with the intention of drinking plenty of Bohemian Pilsner, Hop Garden, and Man Full O Trouble at the end...Flammenkuche pizza, too!
@The Institute, The Bruery and St. Somewhere ---> This is a short walk from the hotel we're staying at, so this seems very likely
@Standard Tap, King Pin ---> Maybe we could have dinner somewhere in Northern Liberties, or heck, at Standard Tap and help kick a few pins at the same time. Think they can cook up a good carbo-loading meal for my 16 mile run on Sunday?
@Bridgid's, Yards ---> I get a feeling I might start shuttin' down after dinner, so it might be back to the hotel. If we have any gas left in our tank, I'd love to head to Bridgid's.
@P.O.P.E., with New Holland Burlesque ---> And, if that lady named prudence is no where to be found, you could very easily find us at P.O.P.E. for some racy burlesque and brews!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
PBW 2009: Heads-up on the Schedule of Events
If you've made a list of things you're planning to do during Philly Beer Week, take this as a word of caution. Some events have had their dates and/or times changed, others have been cancelled. For example, the Monk's JW Lees cask event, originally scheduled for 3/14 at 12pm, is now on Monday 3/9 at 2pm.
Consult the Philly Beer Week Calendar for the most up-to-date listing. If you're using the spreadsheet that I've compiled, I've done my best to keep it current and column A includes a "last updated" notation to point out where there's been a change in date, time, price, or description.
Beer folk are crafty, do your best to keep up!
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
PBW 2009: You asked what I'm doing?
What am I doing during Philly Beer Week? Many of you have asked, which sorta scares me. So, if this helps, below is a listing of more than I could possibly do, but of which I would advocate. This year, the percentage of high quality events makes it more difficult than last year to decide what to do. So difficult, in fact, that events are being cancelled...I know, since I've updated the Excel spreadsheet calendar of events.
Of around 600+ events, I narrowed down to 90 events that in a world of money plentiful (and responsibilities none) I would be happy to take part in. Then narrowed down to 35 events that are even remotely possible, based on timing/logisitics. In all likelihood, number will again, like last year, be somewhere around 20-25.
While there's no way I could do each of these events every day, here is the list of places where you might find me at any given point during Beer Week. I decided that with so many events this year, that I would forgo any of the high-priced sitdown beer dinners. Tempting as dinner with the Brett Pack or Fritz Maytag or Stephen Beaumont or....would be, if I were only doing an event or two, then I might plunk down the c-note for a dinner. But, with many other events to choose from, I'm allocating my beer dollars around some of the following. The ticketed events that I have are The Opening Tap, The Brewers Plate, and Zythos America. Must-dos include Smoke 'Em, the Kehoe/Kirk Throwdown, the Center City Pub Crawl, Kaiser Klash, and the Dock Street Run (duh). Throw in a bunch of tastings, meetups, and oddball events and I've got myself a full Philly (Imperial) Beer Week.
FRIDAY 6th
2pm; Doobies, Save a Kitty
>> sure, why not? It's Flying Fish, it's a benefit, and I've never been to Doobies
3pm; Kickoff at Grey Lodge
>> cuz any reason's a good reason to say hi to Scoats, and bless the Hammer of Glory before it leaves for the Comcast Center, and drink beer from a can, and ride the El to Center City
4pm; Standard Ale at Standard Tap
>> repeat of last year's "official" Beer Week kickoff; this year, though, it comes as something like the 20th event on Friday's schedule; still need to stop by to see Brian, William, and other for a proper kickoff at a Philadelphia landmark
5pm; New Holland/Arcadia at Sidecar
>> Dr. Joel & Mr. Suprise. Nuff said.
7pm; Opening Tap at Comcast Center
>> Tongue-in-cheek awards and all the glitterati that a skyscraper can shake a mash paddle at
7pm; Bell's at Bishop's Collar
>> Larry Bell will entertain everyone else and maybe we'll make it over there after the Opening Tap
9:30pm; Bell's at St. Stephan's Green
>> Or catch them at the former Cuvee Notredame instead
10pm; New Glarus at SPTR
>> Would it be prudent to stop at SPTR for late night antics when I have my Dock Street to Dock Street Run to conduct the next morning? Hmmm.....
SATURDAY 7th
10am; Dock Street Run
>> Me and, like, 75 of my closest beer buddies who also like to run meet in Old City at Dock Street (as in, the street) and running to Dock Street (as in, the brewpub)
5pm; Ommegang at Sidecar
>> It's catch up with Ommegang at the Sidecar on Saturday or at TJs on Tuesday....gametime decision
5pm; Bruery and St. Somewhere at Institute
>> Never been to the Institute and never had beer from The Bruery (Orange County, CA)...seems like a no-brainer to me; maybe take in a little Wii action as well
6pm; King Pin at Standard Tap
>> Have double the fun with half a firkin at Standard Tap; gosh I love that place
7pm; Good Dog with Yards
>> No playing dead at Good Dog; firkin fun makes sense too
9pm; Bridgid's with Yards
>> Bridgid's; please people! Don't forget about Bridgid's during Philly Beer Week. One of the city's standard-bearers.
11pm; P.O.P.E. with New Holland Burlesque
>> Now with a 16 mile run scheduled for Sunday, does this make sense? Jury's still out, but damn does this sound like the ol' days at The Trocadero? Dr. Joel will sure try hard to make it so
SUNDAY 8th
9am; Brunch at Marathon
>> If I bag my 16 mile run, brunch at Marathon Grill could be in order (did I say we've got a hotel room for Saturday night?), they have a nice little lineup of beers perfect for brunch
10:30am; Capone's and The Bruery
>> But, if we bag the hotel room and find ourselves back out in the 'burbs, it's off to Capone's we go for a little liquid brunch; but if I've already been to the Institute, then this might go by the wayside as well.
3pm; Vintage Beer Brunch
>> Brunch at Memphis; only thing better would be to be in Tennessee; though, with The Brewer's Plate at 4pm in University City, this doesn't seem likely for me...though, doesn't mean you shouldn't go and represent
4pm; Brewer's Plate
>> One of Philly's best annual beer and food related events. Period. No arguments, please.
4pm; Bridgid's and Ballast Point
>> Caught some great beer from Ballast Point that I'd never had before during San Francisco Beer Week and hope to find some of it again during PBW.
4pm; Belgian Café and 12% Imports
>> Got to see what these importers are up to. Just down the road from Bridgid's, this makes plenty of sense
6:30pm; Stephen Beaumont Dinner at Monk's
>> Tough call, but sticking to my guns and not doing any formal dinners this year
7:30pm; Devil's Den and Arcadia
>> Hard to believe that I still haven't been to Devil's Den. If I don't see Arcadia and Tim Suprise on Friday, I'll get to see the bar and the brewery on Sunday night. Or maybe we'll just head home after The Brewer's Plate; depends on our fatigue factor at this point.
MONDAY 9th
3pm; Run with brewers at Bishop's Collar
>> This seems priceless. Rock star brewers chasing Tom Kehoe's scooter around Fairmount? Gotta be there for this and the post-run beers.
5pm; Uno/Exton and Sly Fox
>> If for some reason, I don't get downtown for the beer run, I may choose to make Monday night a suburban night, seeing what Uno tells their staff in the pre-shift meeting about PBW
5pm; Gullifty's and Dock Street
>> Would include this in a suburban night as well
6pm; Session beer at Tiedhouse
>> As long as I'm downtown and can find a place to clear off the stink, I'd like to stop by and see Lew Bryson's ongoing Session Project at the tiedhouse
7pm; TJs and Ommegang
>> No matter if I call it a city night or suburban night, the train is definitely stopping in Paoli at TJs at some point during the night. Phil Leinhart will be repping Ommegang and I'm betting for a great night at TJs
7pm; TND and Rodenbach
>> And, if I'm on the train, it might as well include a jump off in Wayne to take in some Rodenbach (Palm, too?) at Teresa's Next Door
TUESDAY 10th
5pm; Bill Covaleski at Four Seasons
>> Tuesday could be an all-together night off. But, assuming that's not the case, I may do a whirlwind tour through the City. First stop: see how the swanky Four Seasons accommodates Philly Beer Week and a visit from Victory's Bill Covaleski.
6pm; Stoudt's at McGillin's
>> Carol Stoudt will be hanging out at McGillin's and that's a very good thing, especially considering that they brew a house beer for McGillin's
6pm; Local 44 meet the brewers
>> Getting to Local 44 at least once during the Imperial Beer Week is on my list. Could be on Tuesday.
6pm; Nodding Head & Stewart's
>> To go and see the brewer who never believes me when I say that I'm coming to Delaware.
6pm; Sly Fox/Lagunitas Cheesesteak at POPE
>> I don't give up anything for Lent, so noshing on Cheesesteaks in a bi-coastal battle with Suzie and Trevor is as good as done.
6pm; Troegs Mouflan at SPTR
>> At some point during PBW, we will probably tire of seeing Nick Johnson around town, hopefully Meg will show up once and a while
6:30pm; Rodenbach at London Grill
>> May not be a need for me to check in on Rodenbach if I've already has at Teresa's, but London has a special place in my heart as a former "neighbor" when I lived in Fairmount
7pm; Brother Paul's, Anchor, Andy Musser
>> Andy Musser is a great guy and a great ambassador for his friend's, Fritz Maytag, Anchor Brewery. Plus, I keep hearing of Brother Paul's and figure I should check it out.
7pm; Iron Hill at Good Dog
>> Iron Hill will pop up here and there during PBW. Why do I get a feeling that I'll be at Good Dog numerous times?
9pm; Smuttynose at Sidecar
>> Sidecar's becoming a nice little neighborhood gem in a once-forgotten nook of town. Smuttynose? Well, that just adds to the reasons.
WEDNESDAY 11th
3pm; Brett Pack Cocktail Party at Nodding Head
>> Do you know anyone with seats at Monk's Brett Pack Dinner. Nah, neither do I. But for a mere $85, you can comfortably and casually mingle with the "rock stars" (sans Vinnie?) of edgy brewing.
5pm; PAWS event at either St. Stephen's Green or Bishop's Collar
>> Another charity, volunteer dogwalkers, and another reason to drink great beer
5pm; Voodoo Happy Hour at Khyber
>> I'm so inexperienced with Voodoo's beer, and I'm embarrassed for that. I should change that at the getting-to-be-venerable Khyber
5pm; Urthel at Tria
>> Tria is solidifying itself as a landmark beer destination in Center City. Tossing back a few Urthels seems like the right thing to do. Plus it would be along the walk from The Khyber in Old City to the Center City Pub Crawl.
6pm; Center City Pub Crawl (end at Affordable Beer in Tough Times
With the economy doing its best to dampen our spirits, many beer drinkers are wondering how to get the best beer for their buck. This is often addressed in homebrewing circles like The Brewing Network (discussion this past Sunday with Chris Graham) and Basic Brewing Radio (e.g. a podcast on the topic of mash tun efficiency).
Maureen Ogle came across a piece called the Economics of Homebrewing and shared it with us.
And in my own backyard, literally, Adam at BB2 often tackles this dilemma, most recently in a question that he posed to the readers of his site.
In the mainstream media, Philly's local Fox affiliate hosted Joe Sixpack (aka Don Russell) last week as he offered up his handful of reasonably priced (and good!) commercial beers.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Philly Beer Week 2009: Earth Bread + Brewery Profile
Last year I did a profile for each of most of the local breweries in the Philadelphia region. I've updated them, but instead of once again spilling them out across the page here, I'll simply point you over to where you can find and download the profile.
Earth Bread + Brewery is getting its brew kettle footings firmly under itself as it comes up on its first year anniversary later this year. If you can't find a Yards beer or employee during this year's PBW, you're doing something way, way wrong. Click here for a 2009 Profile of EB+B.
An addition to the profiles this year will be an interview with a key "player" at each establishment.
The Brew Lounge: Earth? Bread? Brewery? Now a few months into the pub's operation, which of these three are you having the most fun with?
Tom Baker: Bread - the restaurant portion of this venture has been challenging and rewarding.
TBL: How do you "give back" to the community and "give back" to the Earth?
TB: We recycle, compost, reduce our garbage, pay a living wage, hire locally, buy locally whenever possible.
TBL: Nyack, NYC, or Philadelphia? We know which you ultimately chose, but is there any, even tiny, bit of "what if" still lurking?
TB: noooooooooo
TBL: Have you found that most of your fans from Heavyweight have found you on Germantown Ave? Have you heard displeasure from any of them with your new direction?
TB: Alot of them have found us. But we don't really care if they're displeased. Heavyweight is done. We're doing what we want!
TBL: Which is more fun? Coming up with a recipe and brewing it, or naming it?
TB: Coming up with the recipe is fun. The names change as the brew evolves.
TBL: Which is your favorite name thusfar?
TB: All of the names are ridiculous and favs.
TBL: What can we expect from you one year from now? Or maybe better asked, What do you hope from yourself?
TB: More involved in the community. We like what we're doing. More of the same.
PBW 2009: Even in Exton, PA
A few more tasty events have shown up in Exton, PA to complement The Drafting Room and Uno's Chicago Grill during Philly Beer Week 2009. Sheesh, whoever thought those two would be mentioned in the same breath?!
Exton Beverage has lined up a series of daily style themes that look worth stopping by for a few minutes to grab a beer and say hi to Greg, Mike, Bob, and the rest of the crew. Here's the lineup, per their website...and a link to their location.
Fri. 3/6 (4pm-6pm) Belgian-style
Sat. 3/7 (1pm-3pm) Pilsner/Lagers
Mon. 3/9 (4pm-6pm) Wheat
Tue. 3/10 (4pm-6pm) Barleywine-style
Wed. 3/11 (4pm-6pm) Stout/Porter
Thu. 3/12 (4pm-6pm) English Style Ales
Fri. 3/13 (4pm-6pm) I.P.A.
Sat. 3/14 (1pm-3pm) Mystery Beers?? Test your beer knowledge.
Monday, March 02, 2009
PBW 2009: Where there's Smoke...
Yards is holding a smoked everything event, didjya hear? Seriously, do these guys know what they're getting themselves into? Only what might be getting to be one of the most talked about and anticipated events of Philly Beer Week 2009. If you haven't already heard, Check out some of the details...
(cue Mashington)
"15 amateur BBQers." (mmm, amateur)
"Ridiculous amounts of smoked food." (uh, ridiculous is certainly a word that comes to mind)
"Tons of BBQ. Baconaisse. Bacon Lip Balm. Bacon." (get the message?)
"$15 at the door = food, music, glassware, 1st beer and shuttle to and from Grey Lodge." (only 1 beer?)
"This thing is getting to be insane!" (I might have to concur; save a ticket for me!)
Aecht Schlenkerla ~ Helles
Aecht Schlenkerla ~ Marzen
Aecht Schlenkerla ~ Ur-Bock
Aecht Schlenkerla ~ Weisse
Allentown Brew Works ~ Smoked Wheat
Bethlehem Brew Works ~ Rauchbock
Flying Dog ~ Dog Shwarz
Iron Hill Brewery ~ Rauch Bier
Iron Hill Brewery ~ Rauch Bock
Left Hand Brewing ~ Smoke Jumper -Imp. Porter
New Holland Brewing ~ Smoked Stout
Oskar Blues ~ Smoke On The Water - Porter
Roy Pitz Brewing. ~ Ludwigs Revenge - Porter
Sierra Nevada ~ Smoked Imperial Porter
Sly Fox Brewing ~ Rauch Bier
Sly Fox Brewing ~ Smoked Imperial Porter
Spezial ~ Spezial Rauchbier
Stewart's Brewing Co. ~ Smoked Porter
Stone Brewing Co. ~ Smoked Porter
Stoudt's Brewing ~ Peat Smoked Scotch
Triumph Brewing Co. ~ Scotch Ale
Yards Brewing Co. ~ Smoked Pol - Grodziskie
Beer Wars: The Business of Beer coming soon to the Big Screen
Well-done documentaries are the kind of movies I can look forward to, and this one called Beer Wars looks like one of them. Wonder how many screening parties will pop up on the schedule? And, the list of beer-related web links? wow.
Winter Beer Festival at High Street Grill in Mount Holly, NJ: 1/31/09
This goes back a few weeks, but hey at least it's still the same season!
The weather was about as cold, maybe colder, as January's can get around here. I'm betting even that it was colder than in Anchorage, where Mr. Sixpack found himself for the annual barleywine festival in Alaska.
The first (annual?) High Street Grill Winterfest took place on the last Saturday of January, during the annual Fire & Ice festival in downtown Mount Holly, NJ. Apparently, there were several events happening up and down the shut-down main street (that'd be High Street) during the day. An ice sculpture carving contest and a chili cook-off seemed appropriately perfect for the weather. But, spending most of our time in Mt. Holly at High Street Grill, we uh kind of missed the other events.
I admittedly don't do much bar drinking in New Jersey. Unless it's at the Shore, I just don't have many friends or family who live in South Jersey. Plus, the number of quality beer bar destinations is not all that high. But, speaking of high, High Street Grill is certainly is one of the exceptions to the rule. (Iron Hill in Maple Shade, coming mid-2009, will be another quality beer bar/brew pub New Jersey.) I would be interested to know if any craft beer price (or beer in general) found at any given beer bar in New Jersey will tend to be higher than across the river in Pennsylvania. Until then, I won't discuss the prices that I encountered.
But, I digress (is this a habit?) We were there to meet friends who live just a few miles away for an afternoon of outdoor beer festivities in January in New Jersey. For $20, participants got one hour to sample from approximately a dozen breweries who all brought two appropriately heavier seasonal beers. A printed menu of beers was available for guests to make notes. And Mark Haynie and Lew Bryson were on hand to sell and sign their recent "New Jersey Breweries" book.
There were three of these one hour sessions. Anyone who complained about $20 for one hour couldn't complain about the atmosphere. Though cold, there was enough room under the tent to mingle and easily get a new beer sample when they wanted. Captain Lawrence was distributor-represented while Sly Fox, Tröegs, and Lagunitas sent their own familiar faces. Also represented was Stone, Boulder, River Horse, Smuttynose, and Founders.
As expected, it was a good time with good beer. But, the hour quickly came to an end. Our plan was to grab lunch inside of High Street Grill to warm up before heading home. It seemed, though, to also be most everyone else's plan. We opted instead for a walk down the street and grabbed lunch at the Robin's Nest Restaurant (coincidentally, a chili cook-off winner this year). Not a bad option...only a bad option if I wanted a beer, which given the hour long ride home, I really did not.
High Street Grill has been around for quite a few years now and has definitely embraced the craft brewing scene. They do occasional beer-related events and I'll be anxious to see what they have coming up next, maybe in warmer weather.
Here's a quick video link to a last second add to this capsule. [Still Crazy After All These Beers]
The first (annual?) High Street Grill Winterfest took place on the last Saturday of January, during the annual Fire & Ice festival in downtown Mount Holly, NJ. Apparently, there were several events happening up and down the shut-down main street (that'd be High Street) during the day. An ice sculpture carving contest and a chili cook-off seemed appropriately perfect for the weather. But, spending most of our time in Mt. Holly at High Street Grill, we uh kind of missed the other events.
I admittedly don't do much bar drinking in New Jersey. Unless it's at the Shore, I just don't have many friends or family who live in South Jersey. Plus, the number of quality beer bar destinations is not all that high. But, speaking of high, High Street Grill is certainly is one of the exceptions to the rule. (Iron Hill in Maple Shade, coming mid-2009, will be another quality beer bar/brew pub New Jersey.) I would be interested to know if any craft beer price (or beer in general) found at any given beer bar in New Jersey will tend to be higher than across the river in Pennsylvania. Until then, I won't discuss the prices that I encountered.
But, I digress (is this a habit?) We were there to meet friends who live just a few miles away for an afternoon of outdoor beer festivities in January in New Jersey. For $20, participants got one hour to sample from approximately a dozen breweries who all brought two appropriately heavier seasonal beers. A printed menu of beers was available for guests to make notes. And Mark Haynie and Lew Bryson were on hand to sell and sign their recent "New Jersey Breweries" book.
There were three of these one hour sessions. Anyone who complained about $20 for one hour couldn't complain about the atmosphere. Though cold, there was enough room under the tent to mingle and easily get a new beer sample when they wanted. Captain Lawrence was distributor-represented while Sly Fox, Tröegs, and Lagunitas sent their own familiar faces. Also represented was Stone, Boulder, River Horse, Smuttynose, and Founders.
As expected, it was a good time with good beer. But, the hour quickly came to an end. Our plan was to grab lunch inside of High Street Grill to warm up before heading home. It seemed, though, to also be most everyone else's plan. We opted instead for a walk down the street and grabbed lunch at the Robin's Nest Restaurant (coincidentally, a chili cook-off winner this year). Not a bad option...only a bad option if I wanted a beer, which given the hour long ride home, I really did not.
High Street Grill has been around for quite a few years now and has definitely embraced the craft brewing scene. They do occasional beer-related events and I'll be anxious to see what they have coming up next, maybe in warmer weather.
Here's a quick video link to a last second add to this capsule. [Still Crazy After All These Beers]
Sunday, March 01, 2009
San Francisco's Beer Week Joins the Club: Beers by the Bay, Part 3
Check back here for Part 1 and here for Part 2 of this chronicle of San Francisco Beer Week.
And, then there was Wednesday There was good reason that I was looking forward to our last full day in the Bay Area. It was the Cask Ale Festival at Thirsty Bear. Six hours of cask-conditioned beer and cheese. Plus, a hotel room and a day of gallivanting throughout the city. But I really wanted to see how cask beer is growing up on the West Coast. Just as other beer trends have moved east to west (well, except, of course, for hop-blasted beers which have come the other way), I wanted to see how cask-conditioned beer is taking root in the Bay Area. When I began traveling to the Bay Area around 10 years ago, and even as recently as three to five years ago, 'real ale' was just not really all that common of a find around the city or the 'burbs.
We left Walnut Creek and arrived downtown with enough time to walk a few miles around the city and check into our hotel room on Howard Street. The hotel was central to Union Square and Thirsty Bear. This meant we could easily walk to City Beer Store (on Howard), Scala's Bistro (on Powell, just off Union Square), and 21st Amendment (on 2nd Street). In the middle of all of this was the cask and queso festival at Thirsty Bear, just a couple of blocks from the hotel.
What makes a Beer Event? Scala's Bistro was our lunch stop. I knew that Jesse Friedman from Beer & Nosh was hosting a beer dinner there. So, I figured that Scala's must have at least a mediocre beer list. Of course, right? Well, not exactly. With Anchor Steam as its sole quality tenet, Scala's beer list is quite lacking. Even the server had no idea if and what was on the beer list. Didn't even know that there was a beer dinner that evening, until he went and asked the manager. And, yes, this seemed to be a seasoned waiter, not a part time uninformed employee. Nonetheless, I looked at this as a venue where a beer event might be a very good idea. In other words, the kind of idea that, if successful, could lead to better beer menus at Scala's down the road. Any way you approach it, lunch (probably dinner, too) was very good at Scala's. After a short meander around the city, we wound up at City Beer Store, with the opposite level of pretension as at Scala's.
A new neighborhood for good beer The farther away from Union Square and Market Street that we wandered, the more we wondered if we could really find decent beer. But, of course! We didn't walk any closer to the Mission District, where we could find Monk's Kettle. But, City Beer Store appears to be a ground floor entry in their neighborhood turnaround.
Owners Craig and Beth were hosting a handful of events during SFBW and had just taken delivery of the latest Russian River goodies (Damnation, Consecration, etc.). With hundreds of bottle varieties available to go or to drink on premise and with growler fills to go, City Beer Store is worth the extra few block walk or a a short drive out of the way to get to. They've been there for a couple of years and look to have solidified their place on any beer hunter's voyage through the Bay Area.
And then it was time to get Real Thirsty Bear has always interested me. While the beers have always been good, but rarely especially wow-ing, the Spanish food, the ambiance, and the weekly cask-conditioned beer on the bar have always been enough to give me a well-rounded beer experience in downtown San Francisco not similarly matched around the City.
Based on the (low) ticket number that I received when I purchased on line and that the event was scheduled for six hours (at only $35) made me think that this event might not be going over all that well in San Francisco in a week of Strong Beer, Barleywine, Sours, Barrel-Aged, and the like.
Even when we first walked in at 6pm (starting time: 5pm), the crowd didn't convince me that they were ready for cask-conditioned beer. But, by 7pm, the crowd began to fill in the spacious upstairs at Thirsty Bear and lines began to form at the tables. The setup had three casks at each of the four tables, with a special cheese in front of each cask. I didn't get the impression, though, that each beer was meant to be exclusively paired with the beer directly behind it. Our approach was to taste each beer on the table, randomly pairing with each of the three cheeses on the table. Then, we'd pick a favorite beer, get some more of it along with some more cheese and then pick a winning beer and cheese pairing from that particular table.
We made our way around to each of the four tables named Gold, Amber, Brown, and Black. The progression from table to table appeared to correspond to the gradual, though sometimes imperceptible increase in flavors and strength in ABV.
In short, our overall favorite of the evening was 21st Amendment's Bitter American (hey, I know a few of them!) paired with the Garrotxa (a Spanish goat cheese). Even at 3.6% ABV, this beer and its hop flavors shone extremely well as a cask conditioned beer.
A close second went to Moonlight's Twist of Fate when paired with another Spanish cheese, this one an unpasteurized sheep's Idiazabal. This is a well-balanced beer, with a bit more alcohol that stood up well along side the cheese's strong flavors. Also worth mentioning was Magnolia's perfect Cole Porter with St. George's Matos (cow) cheese from Santa Rosa and Beach Chalet's hoppy Presidio IPA and Drake's IPA both paired with either the Rouge et Noir brie from Petaluma or the Humboldt Fog from Cypress Grove in Humboldt.
Who knew that dinner could be comprised of a bunch of cask conditioned beers and a dozen different cheeses? Minor as my suggestions may be, next year I'd like to see the Bay Area breweries contributing twice as many casks for this festival. Also, if Thirsty Bear hosts again, I'd like to see them put out a few more of their tapas-style plates to accompany the cheeses and beers. Another $5 or $10 per person should cover the cost I might think...and at $40, attendees would still be getting a fair shake.
A few T.U.D.s With one more stop at 21st Amendment to drop off some gifted beer and to pick up one last Monk's Blood, my San Fran Trippin' was coming to an end. One more Pliny the Elder in the hotel room before bed, and a Special Holiday Collaboration Beer (Stone/Jolly Pumpkin/Nøgne-Ø) the following morning before our flight (sure, it was breakfast and y'know, 50 lb. weight limit, right?!) and it was time to call an end to another wonderful trip to the Bay Area.
Making their way home with me on the flight was the Deschutes The Abyss, Russian River Consecration, and Firestone Walker 12th Anniversary (up just a bit from the $9.99 that I bought the 10th Anniversary for back in 2006).
Is it fair to compare SFBW and PBW? No, not at all. These are the two best beer regions in this fine beer-drinking country of ours, in my opinion. The number of events means absolutely nothing. The percentage of events scheduled that are at least of above average quality is what counts and in both city's cases they come out way ahead of any other city/region in the United States, perhaps even Planet Earth.
But, okay, you force me to call a winner? The only difference could be in the acceptance of cask ale. Even though there's a noticeable appreciation of cask-conditioned beer in the Bay Area, it's significantly more noticeable (for longer) on the East Coast. And, considering Philadelphia set the Beer Week standard last year and is poised to continue the preeminence in 2009, I leave the mantle with Philly.
Now for a bit of detox before Philly Beer Week begins.
And, then there was Wednesday There was good reason that I was looking forward to our last full day in the Bay Area. It was the Cask Ale Festival at Thirsty Bear. Six hours of cask-conditioned beer and cheese. Plus, a hotel room and a day of gallivanting throughout the city. But I really wanted to see how cask beer is growing up on the West Coast. Just as other beer trends have moved east to west (well, except, of course, for hop-blasted beers which have come the other way), I wanted to see how cask-conditioned beer is taking root in the Bay Area. When I began traveling to the Bay Area around 10 years ago, and even as recently as three to five years ago, 'real ale' was just not really all that common of a find around the city or the 'burbs.
We left Walnut Creek and arrived downtown with enough time to walk a few miles around the city and check into our hotel room on Howard Street. The hotel was central to Union Square and Thirsty Bear. This meant we could easily walk to City Beer Store (on Howard), Scala's Bistro (on Powell, just off Union Square), and 21st Amendment (on 2nd Street). In the middle of all of this was the cask and queso festival at Thirsty Bear, just a couple of blocks from the hotel.
What makes a Beer Event? Scala's Bistro was our lunch stop. I knew that Jesse Friedman from Beer & Nosh was hosting a beer dinner there. So, I figured that Scala's must have at least a mediocre beer list. Of course, right? Well, not exactly. With Anchor Steam as its sole quality tenet, Scala's beer list is quite lacking. Even the server had no idea if and what was on the beer list. Didn't even know that there was a beer dinner that evening, until he went and asked the manager. And, yes, this seemed to be a seasoned waiter, not a part time uninformed employee. Nonetheless, I looked at this as a venue where a beer event might be a very good idea. In other words, the kind of idea that, if successful, could lead to better beer menus at Scala's down the road. Any way you approach it, lunch (probably dinner, too) was very good at Scala's. After a short meander around the city, we wound up at City Beer Store, with the opposite level of pretension as at Scala's.
A new neighborhood for good beer The farther away from Union Square and Market Street that we wandered, the more we wondered if we could really find decent beer. But, of course! We didn't walk any closer to the Mission District, where we could find Monk's Kettle. But, City Beer Store appears to be a ground floor entry in their neighborhood turnaround.
Owners Craig and Beth were hosting a handful of events during SFBW and had just taken delivery of the latest Russian River goodies (Damnation, Consecration, etc.). With hundreds of bottle varieties available to go or to drink on premise and with growler fills to go, City Beer Store is worth the extra few block walk or a a short drive out of the way to get to. They've been there for a couple of years and look to have solidified their place on any beer hunter's voyage through the Bay Area.
And then it was time to get Real Thirsty Bear has always interested me. While the beers have always been good, but rarely especially wow-ing, the Spanish food, the ambiance, and the weekly cask-conditioned beer on the bar have always been enough to give me a well-rounded beer experience in downtown San Francisco not similarly matched around the City.
Based on the (low) ticket number that I received when I purchased on line and that the event was scheduled for six hours (at only $35) made me think that this event might not be going over all that well in San Francisco in a week of Strong Beer, Barleywine, Sours, Barrel-Aged, and the like.
Even when we first walked in at 6pm (starting time: 5pm), the crowd didn't convince me that they were ready for cask-conditioned beer. But, by 7pm, the crowd began to fill in the spacious upstairs at Thirsty Bear and lines began to form at the tables. The setup had three casks at each of the four tables, with a special cheese in front of each cask. I didn't get the impression, though, that each beer was meant to be exclusively paired with the beer directly behind it. Our approach was to taste each beer on the table, randomly pairing with each of the three cheeses on the table. Then, we'd pick a favorite beer, get some more of it along with some more cheese and then pick a winning beer and cheese pairing from that particular table.
We made our way around to each of the four tables named Gold, Amber, Brown, and Black. The progression from table to table appeared to correspond to the gradual, though sometimes imperceptible increase in flavors and strength in ABV.
In short, our overall favorite of the evening was 21st Amendment's Bitter American (hey, I know a few of them!) paired with the Garrotxa (a Spanish goat cheese). Even at 3.6% ABV, this beer and its hop flavors shone extremely well as a cask conditioned beer.
A close second went to Moonlight's Twist of Fate when paired with another Spanish cheese, this one an unpasteurized sheep's Idiazabal. This is a well-balanced beer, with a bit more alcohol that stood up well along side the cheese's strong flavors. Also worth mentioning was Magnolia's perfect Cole Porter with St. George's Matos (cow) cheese from Santa Rosa and Beach Chalet's hoppy Presidio IPA and Drake's IPA both paired with either the Rouge et Noir brie from Petaluma or the Humboldt Fog from Cypress Grove in Humboldt.
Who knew that dinner could be comprised of a bunch of cask conditioned beers and a dozen different cheeses? Minor as my suggestions may be, next year I'd like to see the Bay Area breweries contributing twice as many casks for this festival. Also, if Thirsty Bear hosts again, I'd like to see them put out a few more of their tapas-style plates to accompany the cheeses and beers. Another $5 or $10 per person should cover the cost I might think...and at $40, attendees would still be getting a fair shake.
A few T.U.D.s With one more stop at 21st Amendment to drop off some gifted beer and to pick up one last Monk's Blood, my San Fran Trippin' was coming to an end. One more Pliny the Elder in the hotel room before bed, and a Special Holiday Collaboration Beer (Stone/Jolly Pumpkin/Nøgne-Ø) the following morning before our flight (sure, it was breakfast and y'know, 50 lb. weight limit, right?!) and it was time to call an end to another wonderful trip to the Bay Area.
Making their way home with me on the flight was the Deschutes The Abyss, Russian River Consecration, and Firestone Walker 12th Anniversary (up just a bit from the $9.99 that I bought the 10th Anniversary for back in 2006).
Is it fair to compare SFBW and PBW? No, not at all. These are the two best beer regions in this fine beer-drinking country of ours, in my opinion. The number of events means absolutely nothing. The percentage of events scheduled that are at least of above average quality is what counts and in both city's cases they come out way ahead of any other city/region in the United States, perhaps even Planet Earth.
But, okay, you force me to call a winner? The only difference could be in the acceptance of cask ale. Even though there's a noticeable appreciation of cask-conditioned beer in the Bay Area, it's significantly more noticeable (for longer) on the East Coast. And, considering Philadelphia set the Beer Week standard last year and is poised to continue the preeminence in 2009, I leave the mantle with Philly.
Now for a bit of detox before Philly Beer Week begins.
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