**IF you're looking for 12/31/10 information about where to go for great beer on New Year's Eve, click over here**
This has become somewhat of a tradition around here: Talking with you all about what to do on New Year's Eve involving our favorite breweries, brewpubs, and beer bars. Judging from website traffic statistics, it's something that many of you are looking for. What can I say?...I'm here to serve.
There are some naysayers out there that won't leave the comfy confines of their homes on New Year's Eve. This one's not for you. This is for all of you looking for something to do on New Year's Eve, could be at 6pm or 11pm...looking for a party, looking for a good dinner, looking for a good beer with a bunch of your friends.
Take a gander through the list here. If there's something missing, feel free to drop a comment at the end of this or a private e-mail to me here.
UPDATED & NEWLY ADDED (12/28): In this update:
Philadelphia--> Good Dog Bar; Royal Tavern; Swift Half Pub; The Blockley Pourhouse; Tir Na Nog
Philadelphia Metro--> America Bar & Grill; Brickside Grille; Capone's; Firewater's; Flying Pig; Goshen Beverage; Gullifty's; Isaac Newton's; Michael's Deli; Quotations; Rock Bottom (King of Prussia); Sly Fox (both locations); Teresa's Next Door; The Drafting Room (both locations); Victory Brewing
Other PA/NJ/DE--> Barley Creek Brewing; Church Brew Works; Fat Head's; Lancaster Brewing; Otto's Pub & Brewery; Rivertown Pour House (Monroeville); Stewart's Brewing; Stoudt's Brewing; Union Jack's on the Manatawny; Zeno's
Other Northeast--> Beer Works (Fenway); Blind Tiger Ale House (**CHANGED**); Cambridge Brewing; Chelsea Brewing; David Copperfield's; Ebenezer's Pub; Hop Devil Grill; Southampton Publick House; Spring Street Lounge; Spuyten Duyvil; The Gate; The Publick House; Trinity Brewhouse
Other United States--> Carolina Brewery; Jacoby's; Kona Brewing (Honolulu); Lion's Pride; Marin Brewing; Maui Brewpub; Moylan's Brewery; The Great Lost Bear; Toronado; Tyler's Taproom
Special thanks to Paul Ruschmann (Beer Festivals, Ludwig Roars, and Michigan Breweries just to name a few) for helping to fill in some Midwestern gaps in this events listing.
This list will continue to grow to 100-150 establishments up until December 30th. The falling of the calendar this year ensures a long holiday weekend for most, so New Year's Eve should turn into an even bigger party this year. No matter what you do, eat and drink well, enjoy yourself, and be responsible out there.
By region---starting with the City of Philadelphia---here's what's happening this rapidly-approaching December 31st 2009.
Philadelphia
Brauhaus Schmitz - Come celebrate New Years eve at the Brauhaus!! No cover charge, close to the fireworks at Penn’s Landing, Free party Favors and Champagne toast at midnight. In addition to our normal menu we will be offering an a la Cart or Prix Fixe option… 4 courses for $45.
718 South Street
(267) 909-8814
Bridgewater's Pub - Bar and Kitchen closing early between 6pm-8pm, tbd.
2951 Market Street
(215) 387-4787
Bridgid's - Open for Business as Usual
A special dinner menu for $25 includes choice of soup/salad/calamari and choice of various chicken/pork/pasta/fish dishes
726 North 24th Street
(215) 232-3232
Chick's Café - Open for Business as Usual
A special a la carte dinner menu will be available
614 South 7th Street
(215) 625-3700
Dawson Street Pub - 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM Ring in the New Year as we enjoy the past and look forward to the future. Yards has resurrected our Old Bartholomew Barleywine and we'll be christening the return of it at the legendary Dawson St. Pub. Tom Kehoe and host of characters will be on hand to kick off the celebration. This event marks the first of the 10 days of Barleywine that we're doing around the city. Look out 2010, we're coming in strong!
Plus lots of great new winter and holiday ales are here. Barley wines, spiced ales, and winter warmers raise your spirits and warm you all over. Some great vintage stuff too! Anchor Our Special Ale from 2004 to 2009.
100 Dawson Street
(215) 482-5677
Dock Street Brewery - Bar and restaurant will be open for Business as Usual until closing at 9:30pm
701 South 50th Street
(215) 726-2337
Drinker's Pub - Only $90 for 5 Hr. OPEN BAR, champagne toast & hors d'oeuvres @ 2 Rittenhouse Bars! The New Year's Eve Passport for Rittenhouse is only $90 which includes admission into both DRINKER'S PUB & NOCHE, all the booze in both places, champagne toast, light hors d'oeuvres, dancing and more. One price, all access, open bar 9pm - 2am.
1903 Chestnut Street
(215) 564-0914
Earth Bread + Brewery - We will be closed Christmas Eve + Day, New Year's Eve. We are Open New Year's Day!!
7136 Germantown Avenue
(215) 242-MOON (6666)
Fergie's Pub - 10pm Hired Guns Blues Band
1214 Sansom Street
(215) 928-8118
For Pete's Sake Pub - Open for Business as Usual with party favors and a Midnight Champagne Toast; Dinner specials will be available
900 South Front Street
(215) 462-2230
Good Dog Bar - It's business as usual! No dress code! No Cover! No Stress! Complimentary Champagne Toast at Midnight.
224 South 15th Street
(215) 985-9600
Grace Tavern - Open for Business as Usual with a Champagne Toast at Midnight
2229 Grays Ferry Avenue
(215) 893-9580
Grey Lodge Pub - Disc Jockey starting at 9pm; Door prizes at 10pm; Hors d'oeuvres at 11pm; Champagne toast at midnight; Hats, Noisemakers, Cash bar, Tickets are only $10 ($15 at the door). Tickets on sale at the bar and by Paypal.
6235 Frankford Avenue
(215) 825-5357
Jack's Firehouse - We are booked with Andrew and Mike's Rockin' NYE 2010 Party!
2130 Fairmount Avenue
(215) 232-9000
Johnny Brenda's - 9:00pm-2:00am; Sucker-free New Year's Eve; Pay as you go drinks- 21 and over Proper I.D. is required--MC Elton Jawn (Brian from Papertrigger) & DJ Jawn Ritter (Chris from Pattern is Movement)
1201 North Frankford Avenue
(215) 739-9684
José Pistolas - Will be closed to the general public at 5pm (private party after 5pm)
263 South 15th Street
(215) 545-4101
London Grill - 5:00-11:00; Serving Regular Menu plus a Holiday Price Fix Menu--45.00 per person for 4 courses; Kid's Menu Available Early; 10pm-2am Open Bar Social; Free Champagne Toast at Midnight with Times Square Ball on HD TV; Bar Snacks till midnight
301 Fairmount Avenue
(215) 978-4545
Mad Mex (University City) - 2 for $35 dinner; your choice of appetizer to share; any cup of soup or casa salad each; an entree of your choice each; a champagne cocktail; a dessert to share; all day long $6 big azz margaritas
3401 Walnut Street
(215) 382-2221
Manayunk Brewery - 9pm-2am; Manayunk's Hottest New Year's Bash! Ring in 2010 at amongst friends at the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant where everyone is a VIP!
Tickets are $45 per person and include:
* 3-hour open bar from 9pm to midnight including our hand-crafted microbrews, house wines and all of your favorite name brand premium liquors
* 4 different bars each with multiple bartenders serving drinks
* Champagne toast at midnight
* Chef's choice passed and stationary hors d'oeuvres
* A rockin' live performance on stage downstairs by the one and only 52 Pickup
* DJ Kelly spinning all your favorite hits upstairs in the River Club
* Party favors galore
* Tax and gratuity
Purchase your tickets today at our E-Store.
***Don't delay and risk being left out! NYE is expected to sell out just as quickly as this year's Brew Fest and Halloween.***
4120 Main Street
(215) 482-8220
McGillin's - Be part of the oldest New Year's Eve celebration in Philadelphia & the kick-off of our 150th Anniversary! We're getting a limited quantity of cask-conditioned McGillin's 1860 IPA, plus sparkly surprises & decorations. Deejay. $5 cover.
1310 Drury Street
(215) 735-5562
McMenamin's - Open for Business as Usual; perhaps DJing by a local bar regular
7170 Germantown Avenue
(215) 247-9920
Memphis Taproom - Open for Business as Usual
2331 East Cumberland Street
(215) 425-4460
Monk's Café - The early dinner seating begins at 6:30pm and we will have you out by 8:30. $55 per person. That will give you plenty of time to get to your friend's party. We will even give you hats, noise makers, etc. as you are leaving. You will be totally prepared for that party.
First Course
Nøgne Ø Special Holiday Ale (Norway) or Wine
with Salade de Bruxelles
Second Course
DeGlazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch (Belgium) or Wine
with Country Terrine w/apple & cranberry chutney
Third Course
Het Alternatief Eewaarde Pater (Belgium) or Wine
with Lamb Shank w/duck confit, white beans & garlic sausage
Fourth Course
Lindemans Framboise (Belgium) draft
Chocolate Raspberry Cake
The late dinner seating begins at 9:30pm. $125 per person. This is the place to be to ring in the new year. We will be serving some amazing beers. Some of these are ridiculously rare. The food will be great, too. You will all get hats, noise makers, etc as the bewitching hour approaches. Here's the lineup. We are limiting this to the first 50 guests that purchase tickets, so don't delay.
Welcome Beer
Victory 10
First Course
DeMolen Hel & Verdoemenis (Netherlands) - only 570 bottles made or Wine
with Pan Seared Scallops in a gueuze blanc
Second Course
Fantome Pissenlit dandelion saison (Belgium) - made once a year or Wine
with Salade de Bruxelles
Third Course
Russian River Consecration (California) or Wine
with Duck w/cherry glaze
Fourth Course
Westvleteren 8° 2004 (Belgium) this has been in my cellar since '04 or Wine
with Filet Mignon Rossini
Fifth Course
Scaldis Prestige de Nuits (Belgium) - aged in Cotes de Nuits wine cask
with Cheese Plate
Sixth Course
Alvinne The Oak Podge (Belgium) - I only got 12 bottles of this rare gem
Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Midnight Toast
the exquisite Mahluer Brut
626 South 16th Street
(215) 545-7005
Moriarty's Pub - 4 hour top shelf open bar from 9pm, 3 floors, 3 bars, DJ Bob, dancing, deluxe gourmet buffet, champagne toast at midnight, watch the ball drop on one of our 15 flat screen tvs
1116 Walnut Street
(215) 627-7676
Nodding Head - Open for Business as Usual with a Midnight Champagne Toast; a 3 or 4 course prix fixe dinner menu paired with beers will be available
1516 Sansom Street
(215) 569-9525
Paddy Whacks Pub - Top Shelf Open Bar, Deluxe Dinner Buffet, Party Favors, DJ Music & Dancing, Champagne Toast at Midnight. $75 Per Person, $60 in advance before 12/25. Large Group Discounts Are available.
150 South Street
(215) 464-7544
Philadelphia Brewing - Retail beer closing by 6pm
2439 Amber Street
(215) 427-2739
Prohibition Taproom - Open for Business as Usual with a firking of Heavy Seas Peg Leg Stout and a Midnight Champagne Toast
501 North 13th Street
(215) 238-1818
Raw Dawgs Saloon - $50/pp, $90/couple. All you can eat and drink from 8pm to 1am. Call for details.
1700 South 2nd Street
(215) 485-8869
Rembrandt's - Join us for our gala New Year's Eve as we welcome in 2010
741 North 23rd Street
(215) 763-2228
Resurrection Ale House - Looking for a laid-back place to spend New Year's Eve this year? Ta-da! Search complete. Resurrection Ale House will be offering a special New Year's Eve dinner menu for $45 with an optional beer or wine pairing. The full menu is available at http://resurrectionalehouse.com/menu.htm
2425 Grays Ferry Avenue
(215) 735-2202
Royal Tavern - $20 for a two hour open bar. You pick the two hours.
937 East Passyunk Avenue
(215) 389-6694
South Philadelphia Tap Room - Open for Business as Usual with a Kenzinger and Champagne Midnight Toast; Happy Hour all Night (1/2 off local drafts)
1509 Mifflin Street
(215) 271-7787
Standard Tap - to continue celebrating their 10th Anniversary, there'll be a nightlong celebration with Golden Monkey and Mad Elf...plus, a live band will perform 3 sets beginning at 9pm; no cover; 21+
901 North 2nd Street
(215) 238-0630
Sugar Mom's - Free buffet, $25 champagne bottles, and $4 Yards
225 Church Street
(215) 925-8219
Swift Half Pub - DJ Jenny will be spinning your favorite tunes! No cover charge. Drink Specials:$3 select draughts, $4 well drinks & a Free Champagne Toast at Midnight.
1001 North 2nd Street
(215) 923-4600
Ten Stone - New Year's Party 9pm-1am, open bar and dinner buffet. $55 in advance, $65 at the door
2063 South Street
(215) 735-9939
The Belgian Café - Reserve our special menu now! Four courses for $45 per person ~ OR ~ a la carte (at prices listed)
2047 Green Street
(215) 235-3500
The Blockley Pourhouse - $50.00 per person; Doors open at 8pm;
9pm-2am open bar includes:
Well and Call liquor All Draft Beer and Domestic Bottles;
8:30-10:30 Complimentary Buffet
DJ spinning all night long!!
3801 Chestnut Street
(215) 222-1234
The Foodery (2nd/Poplar) - Retail closing by 10pm
837 North 2nd Street
(215) 238-6077
The Foodery (10th/Pine) - Retail closing by 11:30pm
324 South 10th Street
(215) 928-1111
The Institute - New Years Eve 80's Dance Party! It all kicks off at 9pm with a free buffet of our killer bbq pork and rice and beans! $3 well drinks all night! Oh and if you come dressed in 80's garb you'll get a well drink for $1!
549 North 12th Street
(215) 765-8515
The Khyber - New Year's Eve at The Khyber; 9pm $10 21+; Philadelphia Slick is a self-described, ten-piece hip-hop ensemble. Structurally, the project could remind you of another Philly based ensemble - you know the ones who invented the hip-hop band. The collective serves up bright sound and diverse subject matter cooked to order. Mechanical Minds-Jazz/Hip-hop fusion from Philly. Featuring Emcee Problem Child. Emcee Unless; DJ Dunson
56 South Second Street
(215) 238-5888
Tir Na Nog - Ring in 2010 with one of Philly's best party bands The Zone doing 3 sets of your favorite songs. DJ RKO will keep the dance floor moving between sets. Free Champagne toast at Midnight plus plenty of hats and noisemakers for you and your friends. $15 cover at the door.
1600 Arch Street
(267) 514-1700
Tria (both locations) - Join us on New Year's Eve for.. Nothing Special. No $100 per plate surf & turf special. No tacky decorations. No forced whoopin' it up. Stop by Tria before, after, or for your main event and add a touch of festive chill to your New Year's Eve celebration. Toast the new year with festive sparkling wines, luscious cheese and celebratory beers in addition to our regular menus.
18th & Sansom Streets
(Rittenhouse Square)
(215) 972-TRIA
12th & Spruce Streets
(Washington Square West)
(215) 629-9200
Triumph Brewery - New Years Eve Party with live music from Si Senorita, choice of a three or five course Beer Dinner complete with pairings from our fine selection of brews and special guest beers on tap from local breweries including Victory, Yards, Flying Fish and Iron Hill with a few surprises along he way. Reservations accepted and ...Highly Recommended. NO COVER and a champagne toast will be provided at Midnight. See y'all here!
117 Chestnut Street
(215) 625-0855
Varga Bar - 5 Course Dogfish Head Beer Dinner, 2 seatings 6pm & 8pm, $75 per person; Open Bar Package 10pm-1am; Over 20 beers on tap; $65 per person (and includes all liquor); Champagne Toast at Midnight; DJ, Party Favors, No Pat's Run Needed; Cheesesteaks or Chili at 1am; $60 per person, Call for reservations
941 Spruce Street
(215) 627-5200
White Dog Café - 5:30pm-Midnight; White Dog Cafe's 26th Annual New Year's Eve Dinner Party. Join us as we welcome the New Year in true White Dog fashion. Our celebration includes a 5-course prix fixe dinner, party favors and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. $75 per person plus tax and gratuity. A la carte dining also available from 5:30pm-8:30pm.
Strolling violin duet (8:30pm-Midnight) and Sing-a-long piano (9:00pm-2:00am) as well.
3420 Sansom Street
(215) 386-9224
Philadelphia Metro
Alison Two - Ring in the New Year with our 4-course dinner, including at least four choices for every course. Optional wine pairings available. 1st seating (before 7 p.m.) $50. During the second seating, each guest will receive a complimentary glass of bubbly & we'll celebrate with hats, noise makers & streamers! 2nd seating $65. Happy 2010 - Prices are $20 less than last year. Prices do not include tax, gratuity or optional wine pairings. Reservations necessary for dinner. Or, join us at the bar, where we'll have special snacks and drinks all evening long!
424 South Bethlehem Pike
Fort Washington, PA
(215) 591-0200
America Bar & Grill - Open for Business as Usual plus regular Thursday Night Trivia
499 East Uwchlan Avenue
Chester Springs, PA
(610) 280-0800
Avalon - We'll celebrate with a 5-course Italian dinner with live acoustic guitar & vocals by Steve Laret (starting 9 pm). We're BYOB (Bring your own bottles) so you can bring your own spirits! We'll cap it off with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight! $75 per person ($65 per person for early birds seated at 5 pm). Does not include tax and gratuity. Reservations necessary.
312 South High Street
West Chester, PA
(610) 436-4100
Brickside Grille - Open for Business as Usual plus live 2-piece band at 10pm, dinner specials, party favors, and Champagne Toast at Midnight
540 Wellington Square
Exton, PA
(610) 321-1600
Capone's Restaurant - Restaurant is open for Business as Usual until 10pm; Bottle Shop is open until 12 Midnight
224 W Germantown Pike
Norristown, PA
(610) 279-4748
Exton Beverage - New Year's Eve hours 9am-9pm. New Year's Day from 12pm-8pm.
310 East Lincoln Highway
Exton, PA
(610) 363-7020
Firecreek - ...FIRST COURSE Crab & Corn Chowder + corn Bread Croutons
Cognac Scented Lobster Bisque + Snipped Chives
...SECOND COURSE Pan Crispy Crab Cakes + Warm Tomato-Cream + Basil Chiffonade
Black Pepper Seared Scallops + Saffron Beurre Blanc + Mizuna Salad
...ENTREES Petite Filet Mignon & Lobster Pot Pie + Basil Asparagus Sour Cream Chive Mashed + Truffled Demi Glaze
or
Veal Chop Morel Cream Sauce + Butternut Squash Risotto
or
Yellowfin Tuna + Crispy Coconut Rice Cake Spicy Red Curry Broth + Sauteed Edamame
...DESSERT Dessert Sampler
$65 per person
$85 with wine
20 East Lancaster Avenue
Downingtown, PA
(610) 269-6000
Firewaters (Concord) - $10 cover for entry and drink specials; $30 cover for 3 included drinks, plus Champagne Toast at Midnight, party favors, and light buffet; $159/pp or $199/couple for 7 drinks per person, plus Champagne Toast at Midnight, party favors, light buffet, and hotel room at adjoining Holiday Inn Express
1110 Baltimore Pike
Glen Mills, PA
(610) 459-9959
Flying Pig Saloon - Open for Business as Usual
121 East King Street
Malvern, PA
(610) 578-9208
General Lafayette - 6:00 or 9:00pm - 3-Course Prix Fix. We Offer Two Seatings For Your Pleasure, $39.95 per person, Salad/Appetizer, Entree, Dessert
Add a flight of specially selected paired wine for $16; Add a flight of brewmster paired beer for $13
646 Germantown Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA
(610) 941-0600
Goshen Beverage - Open until 9pm on New Year's Eve and closed on New Year's Day
102 Turner Lane
West Chester, PA
(610) 436-6555
Gullifty's - Kitchen and Bar expected to close by 9pm
1149 East Lancaster Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA
(610) 525-1851
High Street Grill - New Year's Eve Specials.....A la Carte menu also available. Dinner served from 5pm to 11pm. Reserve Early.
64 High Street
Mount Holly, NJ
(609) 265-9199
Iron Abbey - Beer Dinner Pairing Package
6pm-10pm; $65
4 course menu/pairing with beers
Open bar (well drinks)
Live entertainment & DJ/Acoustic during and after dinner through Midnight.
Join us after dinner starting at 10:30pm
$20 at the door
Includes 2 drinks, champagne toast at midnight and celebratory New Year's stuff
Beer basket raffles and other prizes raffled every hour
Package deals available at Town Place Suites in Horsham, PA. Shuttle bus services available to and from the Iron Abbey.
680 Easton Road
Horsham, PA
(215) 956-9600
Isaac Newton's - Plans to close early by 9pm
18 South State Street
Newtown, PA
(215) 860-5100
McKenzie Brew House - Ring in 2010 at our relaxed Underground Pub in McKenzie Malvern or at Metro, our upscale lounge in McKenzie Chadds Ford. Both locations are throwing a New Year's Eve Party from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. Party highlights include: DJ & dancing, elaborate dinner buffet, party favors, champagne toast, and four-hour open bar with handcrafted brews and premium wines. To book, ask for the McKenzie New Year's Eve Package.
Two Locations:
451 Wilmington-West Chester Pike (route 202)
Glen Mills, PA
(610) 361-9800
240 Lancaster Ave
Malvern, PA
(610) 296-2222
Michael's Deli - Beer retail plans to close early by 10pm
Valley Forge Office Center
King of Prussia, PA
(610) 265-3265
Pickering Creek Inn - Celebrate The New Year in Style at The Pickering Creek Inn! Penny Productions will be on hand hosting a Jammin Dance Party beginning at 9pm. Enjoy a delicious Dinner before all the fun begins with a New Year's Eve Special Dinner Menu. Reservations Are Recommended. Give Us A Call.
37 East Bridge Street
Phoenixville, PA
(610) 933-9962
Quotations Pub - Open for Business as Usual
37 East State Street
Media, PA
(610) 627-2515
Riverstone Café - Special Chef's Menu and complimentary champagne toast at Midnight
143 West Lincoln Highway
Exton, PA
(610) 594-CAFE (2233)
Rock Bottom (King of Prussia) - Restaurant to close by 8pm; Bar and Lounge Open for Business at Usual until 2am
1001 King of Prussia Plaza
King of Prussia, PA
(610) 230-2739
Ron's Original - 2nd Annual NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH with SubLegend! SubLegend was here to kick in 2009, now they are here to say goodbye to it! This will be one night of fun for all... food, music, booze, a bus to take you to the Comfort Suites with discounted prices for all who attend!
74 East Uwchlan Avenue (Route 113)
Exton, PA
(610) 594-9900
Sly Fox - Kitchen open until 9pm with full menu; 9pm-10pm with limited menu; and plans to close by 11pm
519 Kimberton Road
Phoenixville, PA
(610) 935-4540
312 North Lewis Road
Royersford, PA
(610) 948-8088
Teresa's Next Door - Open for Business as Usual
124 N Wayne Avenue
Wayne, PA
(610) 293-9909
The Drafting Room (Exton) - A la carte dinner menu plus specials
635 N Pottstown Pike
Exton, PA
(610) 363-0521
The Drafting Room (Spring House) - A la carte dinner menu plus specials
900 Bethlehem Pike
North Wales, PA
(215) 646-6116
TJs - closes at 6pm on New Year's Eve and closed on New Year's Day
35 Paoli Plaza
Paoli, PA
(610) 725-0100
Victory - Open for Business as Usual until early closing at 6pm
420 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA
(610) 873-0881
Other PA/NJ/DE
Allentown Brew Works - 7:30pm – 12:30am The Perfect Party "Pursuit" is the party of the year.
All guests are invited to play along in our live game show! Loads of fun will ensue as our hosts deliver Trivia questions from all genres made famous by the Trivia board game. Prizes and giveaways are all part of the fun! It’s a total, all inclusive party. Food, Drinks, Entertainment, and all charges are included! It’s all taken care of so you don’t have to think about anything – except for using that brain to WIN the GAME SHOW!
Only $95 per person. Open Beer selections from our award winning Brewmaster til’ midnight! Open wine bar with popular selections also included til’ 12am! And a Champagne Toast at the dawn of 2010!
Reservations are required. Contact Wendie at 610-433-7777 x25 , or wendie@thebrewworks.com to RSVP.
812 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA
(610) 433-7777
Appalachian Brewing/Harrisburg - A Space Odyssey with Spotus. General admission (9pm Doors), $10 - Includes Show and Champagne Toast
VIP Dinner: Cocktail Hour at 7pm - Dinner at 8pm
VIP - Ticket price includes four course, seated dinner (heavy apps, salad, main course of seafood/beef and dessert), two draft beers and champagne toast.
VIP - Ticket prices: Single - $35, Couple- $60, Table of 8- $200. Tickets on-sale NOW! To infinity and beyond!
50 North Cameron Street
Harrisburg, PA
(717) 221-1080
Barley Creek Brewing - Open for Business as Usual in the main bar area throughout the night;
From 7:45pm-10pm, a 5-course dinner (with beer pairings...also wine and kid friendly if necessary) hosted by the brewmaster is available for $45/pp plus tax and gratuity
Sullivan Trail & Cambelback Road
Tannersville, PA
(570) 629-9399
Bethlehem Brew Works - NO COVER CHARGE! TONS OF FUN!
Join us at Main & Broad in Historic Downtown Bethlehem as we welcome in the second decade of the 21st century! Bethlehem Brew Works will be having a lively balloon drop at the stroke of 12 along with a complimentary champagne toast!
Free hats, noise makers, & decorations will add to the fun as we await the dawn of the new year! They’ll be special gold flaked martinis to add glam, while we keep the countdown on the big 10 foot screen (and on all the other hdtv’s).
569 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA
(610) 882-1300
Bube's Brewery - Y2K10 at Bube's
* New Year's Eve Dinner served in Alois, the Bottling Works, and the Catacombs (reserve early)
* New Year's Eve Party in the Bottling Works with DJ Kerry-come dance! $5.00 cover
* Dine here and admission to the party is free!
102 North Market Street
Mount Joy, PA
(717) 653-2056
Bullfrog Brewery - 10 PM -1 AM Five Dollars. Can't Miss Bullfrog Event!!! Spend NYE getting your FUNK on! Mel Mounds and the Get Down Sounds RETURN to the Bullfrog Brewery for a super funky New Years Eve party. We'll all be there, Mel, Maxine, Roscoe, Lord Chesterfield, the Get Down horns and THE DUKE!!!
Make plans now for another not miss funky good time!
229 West Fourth Street
Williamsport, PA
(570) 326-4700
Church Brew Works - Open for Business as Usual in the bar area; Restaurant is taking reservations through 10pm for a Diamond Tier Menu ($48/pp); Gold Tier Menu ($42/pp); or Silver Tier Menu ($36/pp). Menu is available a la carte as well.
3525 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 688-8200
Dogfish Head - Two seatings - 6:00pm SEATS AVAILABLE! ($65 per person, incl. gratuity); 9:00pm SOLD OUT ($85 per person, incl. gratuity)
We're kicking off our 15th year in a big way - with 15 Dogfish beers!!!! Join us for our "Off-Centered Black Tie Evening Featuring 15 Beers for 15 Years." Yes, that's right - 15 Dogfish beers (we've raided Sam's stash of vintage and hard-to-find beers plus we'll have a few newer old standbys) paired with an excellent 5-course meal and lots of Dogfish fun.
True to our mission of looking at the world with an off-centered lens, we're inviting folks to dress to the nines in their best 'off-centered Black Tie' attire. There will be prizes for best dressed indivudual and best dressed group for each seating.
Menu:
Welcome
Soft Pretzel with Gruyere Cheese Sauce
~ with 60 Minute IPA
1st Course
Arugula Salad with Parma Proscuitto, Walnut, White Grape, Parmigiano-Reggiano Shavings and a Roasted Pear Peche Vinaigrette
~ with Pangaea, Black and Blue
2nd Course
Wood Grilled Duck Egg Roll and Cane Sugar Shrimp with Roasted Peanut Sauce and Asian Slaw
~ with Sahtea, Jiahu, Raison D'Etre
3rd Course
Ancho Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Chipotle Mac and Cheese and Poblano Sauce
~ with Theobroma, Black Thai, Immort
Pomegranate Granita with Festina Peche Palate Cleanser
4th Course
Cheese Plate
~ with 120 Minute [2006], Red and White, Punkin Ale
5th Course
Raspberry Fort Crme Brule with a WWS Chocolate Ice Cream Milk Shake
~ with World Wide Stout [2008], Fort [2007]
Late seating includes a champagne toast at midnight and the great, live music from Nate Myers & The Aces.
320 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE
(302) 226-2739
East End Brewing - Special Extended Thursday Growler Hours from 4pm-7pm
6923 Susquehanna Street
Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 537-BEER (that's 2337)
Fat Heads - Restaurant and Bottle Shop closing at 6pm
1805 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 431-7433
Half Moon Saloon - New Years Eve hours Lunch 11:30-5. Dinner 5-10
108 West State Street
Kennett Square, PA
(610) 444-7232
Keystone Homebrew - Both stores will close early (4:00 PM) on New Year's Eve.
779 Bethlehem Pike (Rt. 309)
Montgomeryville, PA
(215) 855-0100
599 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA
(610) 997-0911
Lancaster Brewing - Open for Business as Usual
302 North Plum Street
Lancaster, PA
(717) 391-6258
Otto's - Open for Business as Usual
2105 North Atherton Street
State College, PA
(814) 867-6886
Rivertowne Pour House (Monroeville) - from 9pm-2am, $50/pp or $90/couple for well and call liquors, all beer except high gravity beers, and a food buffet
312 Center Road
Monroeville, PA
(412) 372-8199
Selin's Grove Brewing - closed on New Year's Eve, resume our regular hours on January 6th
121 North Market Street
Selinsgrove, PA
(570) 374-7308
Stewart's Brewing - Open for Business as Usual; perhaps some special music and menu still to be determined
219 Governors Place
Bear, DE
(302) 836-2739
Stoudt's - Dinner, hors d'ouerves, plus Holiday Inn hotel packages available for $275/couple or $200/couple without hotel arrangements; Bread Shop open until 4pm and Bar until 10pm
2800 North Reading Road (route 272)
Adamstown, PA
(717) 484-4386
Triumph (New Hope) - 10pm, $10 cover includes champagne toast at midnight
Kobra Commander is more than just the fictional nemesis of G.I. Joe or a Hasbro action figure; the electro-prog trio pays homage to the fact that they are a product of the 80’s as they remind you that the wake of the electro wave has yet to settle.
400 Union Square
New Hope, PA
(215) 862-8300
Union Barrel Works - In-house performance by Steven Courtney and his Band of Friends plus New Year's Eve Barrel Drop.
6 North Reamstown Road
Reamstown, PA
(717) 335-SUDS (7837)
Union Jack's on the Manatawny - Closed for New Year's Eve
546 Manatawny Road
Boyertown, PA
(610) 689-0189
Zeno's - Open for Business as Usual with live bands and a cover charge
100 West College Avenue
State College, PA
(814) 237-4350
Other Northeast
Beer Table - Past, Present, and Future dinner. 8pm $45, 10pm $55 w/ midnight toast. Three plates of food paired with 3 beers from the past, present, and future!
427 B 7th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 965-1196
Boston Beer Works (Fenway) - Open for Business as Usual through 12:45am
61 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA
(617) 536-2337
Blind Tiger Ale House - This event has now been changed to a PAYG, no cover charge, "same old great stuff as every other day of the year" event. Open for Business as Usual!
281 Bleecker Street
New York, NY
(212) 462-4682
Cambridge Brewing Co. - Open for Business as Usual in the restaurant until 10pm and in the bar until 11pm
1 Kendall Square
Cambridge, MA
(617) 494-1994
Chelsea Brewing Company - Closed all day and then booked for a private party after 10pm
59 Chelsea Piers
New York, NY
(212) 336-6440
City Steam - Join us for an incredible evening featuring...Jay Black and Mike Burton. There will be two performances this evening...
7:30 p.m Show -Dinner Package:
$59.95 per person plus tax & 18% gratuity on food and drinks
Doors open at 6 p.m.-Dining at 6:30 p.m.
Includes comedy cover charge, three course dinner and champagne toast
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the bar or pool room
With DJ Party Girl from 9:00pm -12:30am
10:30 p.m. Countdown to New Year’s Show:
Doors open at 10 p.m -$30 admission per person
Countdown to the New Year with Jay Black (headlining comedian)
Celebrate New Year’s Day in the bar with live entertainment after the show
Our full menu is available until 11:30 p.m.
Reservations are required by credit card for all shows.
Cancellation fee is for full amount if cancellation occurs after 12/23/09. All guests must be 21 or older with valid ID
942 Main Street
Hartford, CT
(860) 525-1600
David Copperfield's - Open for Business as Usual
1394 York Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 734-6152
Ebenezer's Pub - Open for Business as Usual with some dinner specials to be determined
44 Allen Road
Lovell, ME
(207) 925-3200
Ginger Man (NYC) - Join us New Years Eve for specialty beer, and a Chimay or champagne toast at midnight. $100 per person includes open bar from 9pm-2am, or come in and drink at your own pace.
11 East 36th Street
New York, NY
(212) 532-3740
Hop Devil Grill - Open for Business as Usual with party favors, balloon drop, Champagne Toast at Midnight, and a kitchen open until at least 1am
129 Saint Marks Place
New York, NY
(212) 533-4468
Rattle 'n' Hum - Time for some fun at New Years again and this year its Karaoke fun!! What’s better than singing in the new year with a good quality beer in your hand!! For this new years you can buy an open bar ticket for $150 which includes all beers, liquor, and a Black Ops toast at midnight!
Or you can just come, pay as you go and still have an awesome time!!
14 East 33rd Street
New York, NY
(212) 481-1586
Southampton Publick House - 5pm-10pm 3 course dinner without alcohol for $40/pp; 10pm in the bar area includes DJ and $20 champagne split specials
40 Bowden Square
Southampton, NY
(631) 283-2800
Spring Street Lounge - Open for Business as Usual
48 Spring Street
New York, NY
(212) 965-1774
Spuyten Duyvil - Open for Business as Usual
359 Metropolitan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 963-4140
The Brazen Head - Open for Business as Usual with various specials and fun throughout the night
228 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 488-0430
The Gate - Open for Business as Usual with a Champagne Toast at Midnight
321 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 768-4329
The Publick House - Open for Business as Usual
1648 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA
(617) 277-2880
Trinity Brewhouse - Open for Business as Usual
186 Fountain Street
Providence, RI
(401) 453-2337
Willimantic Brewing - dinner specials being served
967 Main Street
Willimantic, CT
(860) 423-6777
Zum Schneider - come say goodbye to the old year in proper Bavarian style at Zum Schneider.
This year we don't only offer a free champagne toast when it's time to switch, and serve "Silvester-Bowle" and delicious specials from the kitchen. For the first time on "Silvester" we'll have Moesl Franzi and the JaJaJas playing. They'll make sure you will sing, schunkel, Polka and yodel into 2010 in the Schneider-party-style! The JaJaJas will also have a surprise list of songs you can sing with them Karaoke style into the microphone. Sounds like fun?! You know it always is with us. We're looking forward to party with you and bury the old year.
See you on the 31st for a "Prosit Neujahr"!
PS: The door opens at 5pm.
107 Ave C
New York, NY
(212) 598-1098
Other United States
21st Amendment - Open for Business as Usual with specials still TBD
563 2nd Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 369-0900
Ale Asylum - Some special beer, including aged brands. Midnight Toast with both Champagne and Triple Nova
3698 Kinsman Boulevard
Madison, WI
(608) 663-3926
Arbor Brewing - "Brew Year's Eve", with a different keg of small-batch celebratory beer every hour from 8:30pm-11:30pm, dinner specials, live music and no cover.
114 East Washington Street
Ann Arbor, MI
(734) 213-1393
Birreria Paradiso (both locations) - Closing by 10pm
3282 M Street Southeast
Washington, DC
(203) 337-1245
Bourbon and Branch - This is the one evening of the year where we put away all but one of our House Rules. You'll be able to speak as loudly as you want, move at your leisure between the three bars in the Main Room, The Library, and Russell's Room to mingle, stand, and order your own drinks right at the bar. And yes, you can use your camera. The music selection will also take some updated detours from our typical 1920's swing and jazz.
We will have table service available for those that arrive earliest, beginning at 8pm to take hold of the few coveted Main Room booths for up to 6 guests, on a first come, first served basis.
Through the course of the festivities we'll be offering a very special NYE Cocktail Menu, drinks from this menu are included with admission, and we will also have our usual full menu available (at normal prices). 1920's attire is encouraged, but not required.
At every turn, this Affaire aspires to spoil you with fine hand-crafted libations and spirits. At midnight, revelers will be treated to complimentary Champagne for the Annual New Years Countdown and Toast.
As usual, there is Very Limited Capacity for this lively event. Admission is $150 per person. This includes the Champagne Cocktail Welcome Reception, all cocktails on the NYE special menu, and the Midnight Champagne Toast. All other beverages will be served at usual prices.
The Affaire begins at 8PM.
501 Jones Street
San Francisco, CA?
(415) 931-7292
Brugge Brasserie - Closing by 8pm
1011 East Westfield Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 255-0978
Captain Lawrence Brewing - Retail beer closing by 6pm
99 Castleton Street
Pleasantville, NY
(914) 741-2337
Carolina Brewery - $20.10 for a buffet (drinks extra) and a Champagne Toast at Midnight
460 West Franklin Street
Chapel Hill, NC
(919) 942-1800
City Beer Store - Closed December 24th-January 1st. Our doors will reopen with normal business hours on January 2nd.
1168 Folsom Street-Suite 101
San Francisco, CA
(415) 503-1033
D.B.A. (New Orleans) - Colin Lake-7pm- New Year's Eve Bash w/Eric Lindell-11pm- $25
618 Frenchman Street
New Orleans, LA
(504) 942-3731
Duclaw (all locations) - Open for Business as Usual
16 Bel Air South Parkway
Bel Air, MD
(410) 515-3222
Falling Rock Tap House - Open for Business as Usual
1919 Blake Street
Denver, CO
(303) 293-8338
Father's Office (both locations) - closed for business both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
1018 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 736-2224
3229 Helms Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 736-2224
Fort Street Brewing - "New Year's Eve Uncovered" with no cover charge and three beer releases.
1660 Fort Street
Lincoln Park, MI
(313) 389-9620
Great Dane - Ring in 2010 at the Downtown Dane! Music from DJ Mike Carlson at 9:30 and then Kid Cut Up at 11:30. $5 cover begins at 9:00 and also includes party favors and champagne toast to the New Year!
123 East Doty Street
Madison, WI
(608) 284-0000
Hop Leaf - Regular Hours, Regular Menu, Regular Prices, No Cover
5148 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL
(773) 334-9851
Jacoby's - Open for Business as Usual with free appetizers and a Champagne Toast at Midnight
624 Brush Street
Detroit, MI
(313) 962-7067
Kona Brewing - Closing by 9pm
7192 Kalanianole Highway
Honolulu, HI
(808) 394-5662
Lion's Pride - Open with a special dinner menu and a Champagne Toast at Midnight
112 Pleasant Street
Brunswick, ME
(207) 373-1840
Magnolia Pub & Brewery - Closing by 10pm
1398 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 864-7468
Maui Brewpub - Last call at 12:15am
4405 Honoapiilani Highway
Lahaina, Hawaii
(808) 669-3474
Marin Brewing - Open for Business as Usual until 11pm
1809 Larkspur Landing Circle
Larkspur, CA
(415) 461-4677
Moylan's Brewery - Open for Business as Usual until 1am
15 Rowland Way
Novato, CA
(415) 898-4677
The Brewer's Art - Open for Business as Usual
1106 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD
(410) 547-9310
RFD/The Brickskeller - Ring in the New Year with Beer! R.F.D. has one of the largest selections of beer in the city. Offering over 300 bottled beers and 40 drafts. From world class brews to local craft brews. You're bound to discover a favorite! There's no cover, beer/liquor/champagne specials, and a DJ for dancing.
Come celebrate 2010 at the World of Beer in the heart of the city!
810 7th Street NW
Washington, DC
(202) 289-2030
Russian River - The ladies from Wild Card Belly Dance return to the Russian River Brewing Company to help us celebrate New Years Eve! Free Show! All Ages Welcome! Celebrate New Year`s Eve with The 808 Band!!! This is sure to be one of the best parties in town!!! Free Show!!! All ages welcome!!!
725 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 545-2337
Sierra Nevada - We’re changing the format a bit this year by opening a bit later and offering a dazzling, evening long gourmet cheese/munchies buffet along with a to-die-for dessert array. Doors will open at 8:30 PM and the evening’s entertainment will begin at 9:30. We are proud to present the legendary and acknowledged friend of the Sierra Nevada family, Roy Rogers and The Delta Rhythm Kings for your dancing pleasure. Join us for a special Chico New Year’s Eve celebration with all the trimmings you’ve come to expect and we invite you participate in our complimentary champagne toast at the stroke of midnight. Tickets for this special evening are $50.
1075 East 20th Street
Chico, CA
(530) 893-3520
Stone Brewing - Starting at 11am, Come join us and ring in the New Year with a specialty growler fill from the past year. This is a day of celebration you don't want to miss! 2009 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine, 2009 Stone Imperial Russian Stout, Stone 13th Anniversary Ale, Stone 09.09.09 Vertical Epic Ale, 2009 Double Bastard Ale
1999 Citracado Parkway
Escondido, CA
(760) 471-4999
The Corner Brewery - featuring the "Third Coast Kings" and a special "Rat Pad" batch of beer that will be tapped just before midnight. There is no cover.
720 Norris Street
Ypsilanti, MI
(734) 480-2739
The Great Lost Bear - Open for Business as Usual until 11:30pm
540 Forest Avenue
Portland, ME
(207) 772-0300
The Map Room - closed from December 29th-January 12th.
1949 North Hoyne
Chicago, IL
(773) 252-7636
The Monk's Kettle - Enjoy a Four-course Dinner & Beer Pairing featuring: Pauwel Kwak; La Trappe Isid'Or; Koningshoeven Dubbel; Tripel Karmeliet; & DeuS. $115 per person.
Time: Doors at 8:30pm with a reception beer, 1st Course at 9:00 pm
3141 16th Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 865-9523
The Old Fashioned - Big Shot New Years Eve Bash!
23 North Pinckney Street
Madison, WI
(608) 310-4545
The Old Toad - Join us for a night of delicious food paired with exqusite beers. Four courses all prepared from scratch and expertly paired with a complimenting beer. This event is by reservation only and seating times will be between 6:30 and 9pm. Tickets are $40 with beer pairings, $35 without. (not including tax or gratuity)
277 Alexander Street
Rochester, New York
(585) 232-2626
Toronado - Open for Business as Usual until 2am
547 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 863-2276
Tyler's Taproom - from 7pm-2am, $70/pp or $120/couple. Special Beer & Wine pairing with Unique Food Stations. Durham location only.
324 Blackwell Street
Durham, NC
(919) 433-0345
Yard House - Open for Business as Usual with a Midnight Champagne Toast and party favors; late night requires 21+
Multiple locations nationwide
401 West Shoreline Drive
Long Beach, CA
(562) 628-0455
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
2009, in every year a little rain must fall
Be still sad heart and cease repining;
Behind the clouds the sun is shining,
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life a little rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.
~ Longfellow
It's inevitable, but jarring nonetheless, that good friends and family members will pass away from this little blue marble. 2009 was no different as the craft brewing industry lost some noteworthy figures. And, October was a particularly sad month for many in the industry. I don't pretend that I've kept a perfect list of everyone that has passed away in this past calendar year, so if I've missed someone that deserves mention here, please drop a private note to me or a simple comment below. Let's raise a glass in these last couple of days of 2009 to the following individuals:
William Brand, 70, February 2009, accident (read more at The Oakland Tribune and Bottoms Up
Martin N. Friedland, 83, May 2009 (read more at JoeSixpack.net)
Gary Bredbenner, 44, October 2009, pulmonary embolism (read more from Lew Bryson, Jack Curtin, and the Daily News)
Greg Noonan, 58, October 2009, cancer (read more at Burlington Free Press)
Dick Young, 56, October 2009, brain aneurysm (read more at The News Tribune)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Pittsburgh, Penn ... again
Looks like I was just a few weeks early in my visit to Pittsburgh in order to taste the "new" Penn Pilsner being brewed once again back on Penn's home turf in the North Side/Troy Hill neighborhood. Check the Post-Gazette for more details.
But while I was there in the middle of December, here is what I did find.
I did find (finally) that Piper's Pub is just down the street from Fat Head's on Carson Street in the South Side. I'd, of course, always known this; it's just that I've always found it so difficult to get past Fat Head's.
By the time the eating and drinking was done with at Fat Head's, a trip upstairs to the retail shop, oh and maybe just one more, trekking the extra half block down the street has always just seemed so unnecessary. And, I've been told by others wiser than I that this is a mistake that I should not be repeatedly making.
While Fat Head's should always remain on any beer drinker's best Pittsburgh Itinerary, it may be time for me to reconsider my first stop in the South Side. Between the soccer (oh, my apologies, I should say football?!), the neighborhood insider ambiance, the friendly but unobtrusive staff, and the interesting but not overwhelming menu, Piper's Pub will be my first stop on Carson Street when I return for the annual Flyers/Penguins hockey trip that I'll be making at the end of March. I can already taste my next perfect Scotch Egg at Piper's.
It was during this visit to Piper's that I found what was already reported to be true just a few short months ago---that Philadelphia Brewing had entered the Pittsburgh market. Harvest from the Hood was still on tap (as it was also at Fat Head's) and according to the Philadelphia-transplanted bartender has been well-received by patrons.
Oh, and before I move on from Piper's, how remiss I would be if I didn't mention the oh-so-perfect East End Snow Melt coming off the cask engine. Simply,,,wow! This is a great beer to begin with, and it shines all the more (as many beers do when served this way) when served cask-conditioned without the invasive forced carbon dioxide.
What else I did find was a pleasant neighborhood-y feeling tavern smack in the middle of downtown a stone's throw from the Convention Center. While there isn't an endless supply of decent beer bars in the heart of downtown, August Henry's just may be downtown's best nowadays.
A co-worker and I stopped in long enough to find a tasteful decor of dark, heavy wood, comfortable barstools, and a long mural of the local landscape and skyline decorating the long wall opposite the bar.
We had a couple of beers, East End's Snow Melt and Great Lakes' Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. I hadn't made a note of the entire draft list, but in addition to the two I've already mentioned, to know that Great Lakes Christmas and Tröegs Mad Elf had just kicked should give you an idea of why August Henry's should be on your short list of stops if you happen to be staying in a Downtown Pittsburgh hotel looking for decent grub and grog within a few blocks of your hotel.
Since this three-night group business trip to Pittsburgh was largely dominated by, well, business, there wasn't much more to report, except....
What I did find when crossing the river and highway to the North Side/Troy Hill neighborhood was not a whole lot of apparent activity at the newly former and new again home of Penn Brewery.
Someone had written somewhere online (my apologies for lack of proper credit here) that Tom Pastorius and crew had just mashed in days ahead of my visit. As you can see from the link all the way above (okay, here it is again so you don't have to go looking for it), the Penn Pilsner will be ready very soon and I might add not a day too soon.
I had a Penn Dark during one of our dinners out in Pittsburgh. It was one that had been brewed in Wilkes-Barre (The Lion) as any Penn beer brand has been for the last however-many-months-it's-been since the brewery and restaurant were shuttered. Let's just say the beer tasted and smelled at least a notch or two below what I would call acceptable by Penn's standards. So, yes, I'm looking as forward to some fresh Penn Pilsner as much as I am to the Scotch Egg and Soccer at Piper's Pub in March.
Since I arrived without warning, all I could do was to poke around to see whom I might find working around the brewery. An electrician was about it. A couple of open doors allowed me (well, 'allowed' may be a too generous of a way to describe them) to poke my head in, but really nothing else much to report sight- or smell-wise.
So, I grabbed a few pictures for your enjoyment and teasing. If you haven't been to Penn in the past, I'd recommend keeping your eyes on the Beer Press so that you can schedule your own visit later this coming year.
The walk to Penn from downtown is such an easy one. Of course, it depends partly upon where you are coming from downtown. If you're all the way down by The Point/Fort Pitt or over by Duquesne, you might be looking at a 2 mile walk...very doable, of course, on a nice day. If you're closer to the Strip District, you're talking about barely a mile's worth of walking.
Walking or driving, you'll want to head across the 16th Street Bridge from downtown. A nice little road sign bearing the word 'Brewery' will point you in the right direction over to Vinial Street. Good thing they never took it down.
But, if walking, you can shave a few minutes off your trek by walking through the Heinz Loft property (totally legal and open, not private property) and across a pedestrian walkway which takes you almost to the front door of Penn's Brewery and Restaurant. If you want to see this pedestrian bridge, it won't show up on any map only on satellite image...though, trust me, it makes for a better and faster walk (safer too, when crossing the highway 28 intersection) by taking this pedestrian bridge...and affords a nice view of the brewery and the Heinz property as well.
That seems to bring me to a close of my most recent finds in Pittsburgh. I plan to have much, much more to share after the late March trip that I'll be making.
'Til then, why don't YOU take shot at sharing with the rest of us what you like most of Pittsburgh and its beer scene? Comment below!
I did find (finally) that Piper's Pub is just down the street from Fat Head's on Carson Street in the South Side. I'd, of course, always known this; it's just that I've always found it so difficult to get past Fat Head's.
By the time the eating and drinking was done with at Fat Head's, a trip upstairs to the retail shop, oh and maybe just one more, trekking the extra half block down the street has always just seemed so unnecessary. And, I've been told by others wiser than I that this is a mistake that I should not be repeatedly making.
While Fat Head's should always remain on any beer drinker's best Pittsburgh Itinerary, it may be time for me to reconsider my first stop in the South Side. Between the soccer (oh, my apologies, I should say football?!), the neighborhood insider ambiance, the friendly but unobtrusive staff, and the interesting but not overwhelming menu, Piper's Pub will be my first stop on Carson Street when I return for the annual Flyers/Penguins hockey trip that I'll be making at the end of March. I can already taste my next perfect Scotch Egg at Piper's.
It was during this visit to Piper's that I found what was already reported to be true just a few short months ago---that Philadelphia Brewing had entered the Pittsburgh market. Harvest from the Hood was still on tap (as it was also at Fat Head's) and according to the Philadelphia-transplanted bartender has been well-received by patrons.
Oh, and before I move on from Piper's, how remiss I would be if I didn't mention the oh-so-perfect East End Snow Melt coming off the cask engine. Simply,,,wow! This is a great beer to begin with, and it shines all the more (as many beers do when served this way) when served cask-conditioned without the invasive forced carbon dioxide.
What else I did find was a pleasant neighborhood-y feeling tavern smack in the middle of downtown a stone's throw from the Convention Center. While there isn't an endless supply of decent beer bars in the heart of downtown, August Henry's just may be downtown's best nowadays.
A co-worker and I stopped in long enough to find a tasteful decor of dark, heavy wood, comfortable barstools, and a long mural of the local landscape and skyline decorating the long wall opposite the bar.
We had a couple of beers, East End's Snow Melt and Great Lakes' Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. I hadn't made a note of the entire draft list, but in addition to the two I've already mentioned, to know that Great Lakes Christmas and Tröegs Mad Elf had just kicked should give you an idea of why August Henry's should be on your short list of stops if you happen to be staying in a Downtown Pittsburgh hotel looking for decent grub and grog within a few blocks of your hotel.
Since this three-night group business trip to Pittsburgh was largely dominated by, well, business, there wasn't much more to report, except....
What I did find when crossing the river and highway to the North Side/Troy Hill neighborhood was not a whole lot of apparent activity at the newly former and new again home of Penn Brewery.
Someone had written somewhere online (my apologies for lack of proper credit here) that Tom Pastorius and crew had just mashed in days ahead of my visit. As you can see from the link all the way above (okay, here it is again so you don't have to go looking for it), the Penn Pilsner will be ready very soon and I might add not a day too soon.
I had a Penn Dark during one of our dinners out in Pittsburgh. It was one that had been brewed in Wilkes-Barre (The Lion) as any Penn beer brand has been for the last however-many-months-it's-been since the brewery and restaurant were shuttered. Let's just say the beer tasted and smelled at least a notch or two below what I would call acceptable by Penn's standards. So, yes, I'm looking as forward to some fresh Penn Pilsner as much as I am to the Scotch Egg and Soccer at Piper's Pub in March.
Since I arrived without warning, all I could do was to poke around to see whom I might find working around the brewery. An electrician was about it. A couple of open doors allowed me (well, 'allowed' may be a too generous of a way to describe them) to poke my head in, but really nothing else much to report sight- or smell-wise.
So, I grabbed a few pictures for your enjoyment and teasing. If you haven't been to Penn in the past, I'd recommend keeping your eyes on the Beer Press so that you can schedule your own visit later this coming year.
The walk to Penn from downtown is such an easy one. Of course, it depends partly upon where you are coming from downtown. If you're all the way down by The Point/Fort Pitt or over by Duquesne, you might be looking at a 2 mile walk...very doable, of course, on a nice day. If you're closer to the Strip District, you're talking about barely a mile's worth of walking.
Walking or driving, you'll want to head across the 16th Street Bridge from downtown. A nice little road sign bearing the word 'Brewery' will point you in the right direction over to Vinial Street. Good thing they never took it down.
But, if walking, you can shave a few minutes off your trek by walking through the Heinz Loft property (totally legal and open, not private property) and across a pedestrian walkway which takes you almost to the front door of Penn's Brewery and Restaurant. If you want to see this pedestrian bridge, it won't show up on any map only on satellite image...though, trust me, it makes for a better and faster walk (safer too, when crossing the highway 28 intersection) by taking this pedestrian bridge...and affords a nice view of the brewery and the Heinz property as well.
That seems to bring me to a close of my most recent finds in Pittsburgh. I plan to have much, much more to share after the late March trip that I'll be making.
'Til then, why don't YOU take shot at sharing with the rest of us what you like most of Pittsburgh and its beer scene? Comment below!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Are you bored this week?
Just in case you're going stir crazy, need a little liquid warming, and/or happen to be on either end of the state (of PA, that is) looking for a way to get yourself through to New Year's Eve/Day (whichever it is that you tend to prefer), I offer you these 2 late entries to the Weekly Calendar.
~~~Penn Brewery wants you to be a part of the reintroduction of its "new self" in Pittsburgh... for a free taste, check 'em out on Wednesday, 12/30
~~~Over in the eastern side of the state, Craft Ale House is celebrating its 1 Year Anniversary in the shadows of Limerick's cooling towers. Seems appropriate if that so-called Nuclear Penguin beer would make an appearance, eh? and it's tomorrow, 12/29.
Beer Calendar: What To Do in January 2010
2010, Ach weh! Closing in on 20 years of drinking the good stuff and 5 years writing about it am I. And, with that, the brewers, distributors, and publicans who make it all possible continue to march on with a January beer events calendar as full as it has ever been.
With many still catching up here in the middle holiday madness, this calendar will continue to grow over the coming weeks. Check back often to make sure you stay up-to-date with all of the best beer events.
And, don't forget the roughly 175 establishments and their New Year's Eve plans that I've listed over here.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
$20 and under, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG) also included here
Philadelphia
Fri. 1/1 - One Year Anniversary Party @Local 44, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 1/1 - Olde Bartholomew Barleywine Firkin & Mummers Parade @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA (1:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 1/2 - Olde Bartholomew Barleywine Firkin @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm; PAYG)
Sun. 1/3 - Olde Bartholomew Barleywine Firkin & Eagles Game @Swift Half Pub, Philadelphia, PA (1:00pm; PAYG)
Mon. 1/4 - Olde Bartholomew Barleywine Firkin @Local 44, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26 - Left Hand Tuesday Nights @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 1/6 - Olde Bartholomew Barleywine Firkin @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 1/7 - Olde Bartholomew Barleywine Firkin @Kite and Key, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 1/7 - Brewer's Reserve Barrel Tappings (January's selection: Belgian Golden Ale) @Triumph, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 1/8 - Olde Bartholomew Barleywine Firkin @The Pub and Kitchen, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 1/8 - Olde Bartholomew Barleywine Firkin @London Grill, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 1/9 - Olde Bartholomew Barleywine Firkin @the P.O.P.E., Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm; PAYG)
Mon. 1/11 - Olde Bartholomew Barleywine Firkin @Bridgid's, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; PAYG)
Mon. 1/11 - Quizzo and Kenzinger @Doobie's, Philadelphia, PA (9:30pm; PAYG)
Fri. 1/15 - Friday Night Beer Tasting (Flying Fish) @Stone Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:30pm-6:30pm; free)
Mon. 1/18 - Keep the Pint Night (Victory) @Dawson Street Pub, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 1/20 - 120 on 1/20 @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (10:00am; PAYG)
Wed. 1/27 - Weyerbacher Wednesday @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 1/29 - A Taste of Boulder @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 1/30 - The Trouble with Trippels @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA (all day; PAYG)
Philadelphia's close suburbs
Tue. 1/5 - Olde Bartholomew Barleywine Firkin @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, PA (7:00pm; PAYG)
beginning Wed. 1/6 - St. Patrick's Day Boot Camp @Sly Fox, Phoenixville & Royersford, PA (5:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 1/7 - Craft Brew Night (Southampton Publick House) @Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 1/8 - Friday Night Tasting (Founders) @Beer Yard, Wayne, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; free)
Fri. 1/15 - Friday Night Tasting (Weyerbacher) @Beer Yard, Wayne, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; free)
Sat. 1/16 - Brewers' Reserve featuring British Invasion @Iron Hill Brewery, Phoenixville, PA (12:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 1/19 - Tasty Tuesday with Weyerbacher @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA (PAYG)
Thu. 1/21-Sat. 1/23 - Barleywines and Barrel-Aged Beers @Capone's, Norristown, PA (PAYG, more details to come)
Thu. 1/21 - Blues Brews 'n' BBQ @Ron's Original, Exton, PA (PAYG)
Fri. 1/22 - Robbie Burns Birthday Bash @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, PA (5:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 1/28 - Brewery Promo Night (Brooklyn Brewery) @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; free)
Fri. 1/29 - Friday Night Sampling (Yards) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; free)
Fri. 1/29 - Friday Night Tasting (Tröegs) @Beer Yard, Wayne, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; free)
Sat. 1/30 - Beer and Food Pairing @Wegmans, all PA stores (11:00am-3:00pm; Free)
Sat. 1/30 - Friday Night Sampling on Saturday (Various) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA (3:00pm-5:00pm; free)
Sun. 1/31 - Sour? @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA (PAYG)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania
Fri. 1/1 - Lambic Tappings @Tap and Table, Emmaus, PA (4:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 1/6 - Brewer's Reserve Barrel Tappings (January's selection: Wassail) @Triumph, Princeton, NJ (6pm; PAYG)
Fri. 1/8 - Brewer's Reserve Barrel Tappings (January's selection: Zitronenweizen) @Triumph, New Hope, PA (6pm; PAYG)
Fri. 1/29 - Cask Ale Night @General Sutter Inn, Lititz, PA (February's selections: Victory Pursuit Pale Ale & Oliver Dark Horse Mild) (5:00pm; PAYG)
Elsewhere
Fri. 1/8-Sun. 1/10 - Williamsburg Cask Ale Festival @d.b.a., Brooklyn, NY (1:00pm daily; PAYG)
Thu. 1/28 - Barleywine Night @Cambridge Brewing Co., Cambridge, MA (5:00pm; PAYG)
Events Over $20
Philadelphia
Sat. 1/2 & Sat. 1/16 & Sat. 1/30 - Craft Beer & Artisanal Cheese Tour @Old City, Philadelphia, PA (3:30pm-5:30pm; $45)
Thu. 1/14 - Flying Fish Beer Dinner @Chifa, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; $65)
Thu. 1/14 - Beer & Cheese: Victorious Winter Pairings @Tria Café, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-8:00pm; $50)
Wed. 1/20 - Weyerbacher Anniversary Beer(s) Dinner @The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; $55)
Fri. 1/22 - Belgium's Winter Wonderland @Tria Café, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-8:00pm; $45)
Sat. 1/23 - The Philadelphia Beer Experience, a Walking Tour @Philadelphia's Fairmount Neighborhood (11:00am-5:00pm; $32.50)
Sun. 1/31 - Beef and Beer @South Philadelphia Tap Room, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-9:00pm; $50)
Philadelphia's close suburbs
Wed. 1/13 - Brewmaster’s Winter Beer Dinner @Iron Hill Brewery, Maple Shade, NJ (7:00pm; $65)
Wed. 1/20 - Flying Fish Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA (7:00pm; $40)
Thu. 1/21 - Beer Pairing Dinner @McKenzie Brewhouse, Glen Mills, PA (7:00pm; $39)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania
Wed. 1/13 - Meet The Brewer Series Presents… (Bell's Brewery) @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, PA (7:00pm; $40)
Wed. 1/20 - Wild Game & Beer Dinner @Union Barrel Works, Reamstown, PA (7:00pm; $40)
Elsewhere
Thu. 1/7-Sat. 1/9 - Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines Festival @Vail Cascade Resort & Spa, Vail, CO (see website for details)
Fri. 1/15-Sat. 1/16 - Great Alaska Beer & Barleywine Festival @William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, Anchorage, AK (see website for details)
Sun. 1/17 - Bollywood (Dogfish style!) - A Night of Indian Cuisine @Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, Rehoboth Beach, DE (6:30pm; $57)
Sat. 1/30 - The Brewing Network's Winter Brews Festival @Linden Street Brewery, Oakland, CA (1:00pm-8:00pm; $25 at the door only)
Sat. 1/30 - Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting @5 Seasons Westside, Atlanta, GA (4:00pm-7:00pm; sold out, see website for details)
Sun. 1/31 - Real Ale Fest @Brü Rm. at BAR, New Haven, CT (1:00pm-5:00pm; $TBD)
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Upcoming at The Brew Lounge
Here's what I've got for you over the next 10 days or so.
- a Pittsburgh Trip Report (cuz there's always something good to report coming out of the 'burgh and this is now a couple of weeks overdue)
- a NYC Trip Report (ditto...at about 1 month delinquent)
- a Hawaii Trip Report (good stuff to talk about, even though I had to dig a bit harder...but still, this is somewhere around 3 months old at this point and I'm running out of excuses)
- gonna keep the New Year's Eve Guide up-to-date, because all you party people deserve it
- and I think I have a little something special here at year-end to recognize those who have passed on during 2009
- oh, and a little something to do with beer and running...something that is still not quite ready to be discussed
Hope you're all enjoying whichever holidays you may celebrate and that the season has held something special for you.
Holiday Cheers,
Bryan
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Donate to Worthy Charities first
I'd considered suggesting to you that for a great last minute holiday gift,
you might check out the Brew Your Own ad over there on the right------->
But, then I figured that was pretty selfish. Yes, I get a little kickback from the magazine and that's nice. But, then as we were making our end-of-year charitable contributions, I figured I should first suggest that you do that instead.
I figure that anyone reading this has the means at least to have Internet access and a device to be able to read web content such as this. And, though this has been a tough year all around to varying degrees for almost everyone, if you're reading this, I'm guessing that things are at least good enough that you can make a contribution to a worthy charity for those organizations that are doing the most for causes that need it the most.
Go do that, please. It is, after all, in keeping with the spirit of the holiday season regardless of how you choose to celebrate it.
Then, if you have a few spare nickels after that and wish to buy yourself a little something, get a last minute gift, and help to support The Brew Lounge, then by all means....go check out the Brew Your Own magazine ad and make some better beer in 2010.
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: December 24th-December 30th
You knew it was coming. Even brewers and bar staff must rest occasionally right? The beer events calendar slows down a bit here in the last week of December 2009. But, that's only because they're gearing up for New Year's Eve and a busier January than ever.
Wanna see the New Year's Eve Calendar I've got working for you once again this year? check it out.
The full December monthly calendar? over here.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
No categories this week, just a straight listing...and away we go...
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 12/25 - 12% (Imports) Fridays of December (opening at 7:00pm; PAYG for a keg yet to be announced and a special guest showing of Tröegs Mad Elf)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 12/26 - Boxing Day Beer Festival (8:00am-2:00am; PAYG--In addition to celebrating great beer, we'll be celebrating the true spirit of Boxing Day by collecting canned food and gently used winter coats and warm blankets for donation to two local organizations that distribute to families in need. Earn $1 OFF EACH BEER you have by bringing in a coat, a blanket, or 3 cans of food!)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 12/26 - How Heather Helped the Grinch Pour Christmas! (2:00pm; PAYG for Drafts that so far include Mad Elf, Sly Fox Christmas Ale, some special imports, and a few surprises. Keep checking for updates. We'll be showing holiday movies all day. Free Sugar Cookies flowing from the ovens all day!)
@World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA--- Sun. 12/27 - Winterfest '09 (1:00pm-4:00pm; $40/$15 for a bunch of Stouts, Porters, Winter Seasonals, and Special Holiday Brews)
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
This was Unexpected
Oh, crap! As if my list of things to write about wasn't already long and delinquent enough. I'd tell you what I think of Eulogy, but perhaps if I do, I'll put it where it belongs...in Foobooz comments. Unfortunately, this is one of the very few times that Eulogy has been mentioned around these parts. (and, no, it's not a bias that's to blame)
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Walkin' and Drinkin' in a Firkin Wonderland
Weather outside frightful? No way. I had just finished describing to someone how much I enjoy the changing of our distinctively different seasons here in the northeast part of the country when I decided that I would meet up with Patty in the city (Philly, that is...if you're not keeping track) and head over to The Khyber for their fund-raising firkin event.
Well, this was after checking both Amtrak's and SEPTA's morning "performance" to see how delayed service was running into the city. Oh, and that in fact came after hearing, or shall I say seeing, online from The Khyber's Jeremy Thomson that the event would go on. This was, after all, a state of emergency as he put it. One that would raise needed funds for the animals.
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Actually, what I found in the city was that much continued to go on. That's part of the beauty of urban living, not being so dependent upon cars to get through daily life. In the city, there are trains, buses, subways, trolleys, and cabs to get from point A to point B. Plus, there's good ol' fashioned pedi-power.
We combined a few of these to find our way into Old City and a bar seat at The Khyber. We were there for the first couple hours of the event when things were still a bit slow. But, I can recall how things went for us when we used to live in the city and predict how the remainder of the day went.
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After slumbering through a wintry morning, grabbing coffee and breakfast/brunch, urbanites in search of good beer for a good cause were lumbering in the direction of The Khyber to put back from Sly Fox Chester County Bitter, Yards George Washington Porter, Philadelphia Brewing's Shackamaximum Stout, and Stoudt's Fat Dog Stout on cask.
There were unlimited refills of these four beauts included in the $20 donation to Philly PAWS; but even at one glass of each of them you were right around breakeven. Note to brewers and bar owners/managers: These cask events don't pop up nearly often enough around these parts. We here in the Philadelphia region were one of the early adopters of a strong cask culture. Still...While most bars of above average repute have around one beer engine, I think I speak for many of us who would like to see more cask offerings and more at one given time at events such as this.
Brewers--Bar Managers....Possible? Readers....what say you?
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Time to get a little Viral
Coffee drank, bagel eaten, dogs walked, concert watched, wife dropped off at train station (more later), kitchen cleaned, bed fixed, estate been readied for the storm. A very productive morning thus far. Now time to get a little viral.
Funny thing is I knew that JibJab had this feature, just couldn't figure out how I might want to use it. And that, my friends, is the difference between simpletons like me and creative types like Jennie Hatton. I'm giving credit to Jennie because Suzanne did, so to see what I'm talking about, follow the linky-links through the Beer Lass where I give credit to having found it.
Confused? Don't be...just click the link and enjoy. This is Philly's version of I Am a Craft Brewer!
oh, the train thing? yeah, I could be sipping from some casks at the Khyber later today. Patty's already downtown, so why shouldn't I join her? Walking in an urban wonderland, cask beer, Christmas Village...sounds like a perfect plan? We shall see and report back later...
Friday, December 18, 2009
This Guy's Living the Dream
If this doesn't make you consider your career choice, I don't know what will. I'm devoid of any pictures from last night and that might be a good thing. The way mister, I should say doctor, Joel was being greeted like a rock star---back slapping from the gents, hugs and kisses from the ladies, even smiles of approval from a toddler---I'm proud to say that I knew this swell lad 'when'.
The excitement level at Pickering Creek Inn last night for New Holland Brewing's goodies like Charkoota Rye and Dragon's Milk made the Mad Hatter IPA look like the odd sister out. My last (and my first) run-in with the "kooter" was at the 2008 GABF where I declared the Charkoota Rye one of my favorites of the event; I was thrilled to have good fortune finally bestow another taste upon me. Joel, too, said that it was the first time he's had it on draft...now how about a firkin of cask-conditioned? Please?
Oh, by the way, you may be wondering what the heck this Charkoota Rye is all about. They classify it a doppelbock. With a few different smoked malts, including rye, I can see where they're going with this. The smoke was fairly obvious to me. Also, this bit of a lingering medicinal flavor that was difficult to put a finger on...but when someone said 'sucrets', that could be an apt comparison. A very interesting beer that I strongly recommend trying at least once.
The Dragon's Milk...ah, yes the Dragon's Milk. I may have had this one before, but I couldn't recall (still can not). After taking one taste, it's difficult to understand how I could not have recall of a run-in with this bell-ringer. The wood, the malt, and the vanilla dominate in this beer and admittedly is not for everyone. Still, I recommend grabbing a glass and letting it sit for 15-30 minutes. Then sip it over the next 15-30 minutes and enjoy. At 10% ABV, it will get your attention, so think about driving arrangements if you're going to have more than one.
This was finally my first visit to Pickering Creek Inn. I received an email somewhere over a year ago announcing that a couple of beers that I had recently written about were at this place. A place that I'd heard of but really knew nothing about. Apparently a change in ownership and a bit of sprucing up of the interior, the menu, and the beer list started putting this place on people's (namely beer geeks) radars. Tröegs was hosted there a couple of weeks ago and other beer events have taken place as well, including during 2009's Philly Beer Week (the Phoenixville Pub Crawl).
We only stayed long enough last night to get a nice vibe from the bar staff, a simple taste of some wings and chicken fingers, a good feel from the other patrons, and the Flyers game on the flatscreen TV (volume muted). I''m wondering what took me so long to get there for my first visit (oh yeah, it must be Phoenixville's continually improving beer scene) and am already anticipating my next.
Cheers Dr. Joel...keep on truckin'.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: December 17th-December 23rd
Did I say that things slow up on the Beer Events Calendar the closer we get to year's end? Uh, er, I don't think so. Peruse, go forth, imbibe...feel Mary, I mean Merry! Happy Holidays and all that good stuff.
Check out the entire December 2009 calendar over here.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
Some tastings, some free, some PAYG
@Beer Yard, Exton, PA--- Fri. 12/18 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; free tasting samples of Flying Fish)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 12/18 - 12% Fridays of December (7:00pm; PAYG for a tapping of a limited & rare Eedwaarde Pater keg from 12% Imports.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Fri. 12/18 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-7:00pm; free tasting samples of Sly Fox)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Sat. 12/19 - Friday Night Sampling...on Saturday (4:00pm-6:00pm; free tasting samples of Sly Fox)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 12/17 - Munich in Mayfair: Spaten Holiday Bock is Bock... er Back (PAYG with Spaten Holiday Bock on tap, loads of Spaten give-aways, and German food specials.)
@Local 44, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 12/23 - Christmas Kick the Keg Night (9:00pm; PAYG to come help us finish all the beer we've got left in the lines! Everything on draft is just $3, until the kegs run dry!)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 12/23 - Kick the Keg Night (9:00pm; PAYG to come help us finish all the beer we've got left in the lines! Everything on draft is just $3, until the kegs are empty!)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 12/22 - River Horse Tuesday Nights (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG to meet & greet the brewers & beer reps & to taste the beers.)
@Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, PA--- Thu. 12/17 - Craft Brew Night (New Holland) (6:00pm; PAYG for Cabin Fever Brown Ale, The Mad Hatter IPA, and Dragon's Milk Ale; Specials & Giveaways too)
@The Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 12/17 - Brewery Night (Stoudt's) (PAYG for Stoudt's Abbey Triple, Double IPA, Smooth Hoperator, Scarlet Lady, Quad, Fat Dog, Imperial Pum'king, Winter, and Pils...German Fare and Music too)
Events that just make you feel good
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 12/17 - Pretty Things Draft Release Party (7:00pm; PAYG for Jack D'Or, Saison, and St. Botolph's Town (rustic brown ale) on draft and Baby Tree (quadruple), American Darling (lager) and their new seasonal Babayaga (stout) in bottles)
@The Khyber, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 12/19 - Firkins For Our Furry Friends (1:00pm-8:00pm; $20 gets you bottomless cups of real ales. A variety of different styles of beer will be available, all graciously donated by the breweries. 100% of proceeds to benefit PAWS. Featuring Philadelphia Brewing Company, Yards, and more!! Gratuity not included)
Food and Beer, in a season of Food and Beer
@Iron Hill Brewery, Lancaster, PA--- Fri. 12/18 - Brewmaster's Winter Beer & Wine Dinner (7:00pm; $70 for four courses featuring Hearty Winter Fare, each course paired with a wine and a beer (Saison, Cherry Dubbel, Radebock, Russian Imperial Stout))
@Ron's Original, Exton, PA--- Thu. 12/17 - Blues Brews 'n' BBQ (PAYG for beer from Ron's and BBQ from Jimmy's BBQ)
More activity that just shouldn't be condoned!
@Craft Ale House, Limerick, PA--- Wed. 12/23 - Tröegs Yuletide (One On) OR Jolly Saint Nick And His Mad Elfs (6:00pm; PAYG for 2009 Mad Elf; 2008 Mad Elf; Hopback Amber Ale; Dreamweaver Wheat; Scratch 19--Imperial Oatmeal Stout; Scratch 21--Naked Elf; Scratch 24--Van De Horn; Scratch 25--Magical Mustache Rye on Cask)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 12/18 - An Anchor Christmas Carol (6:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG for three years of Anchor Our Special Ale on tap. 2009, 2008 and 2007.)
@José Pistola's, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 12/18 - Get Lit At Lunchtime Series (11:30am; PAYG for Adam Anderson's 2nd Annual Winter Warmer Lunch - featuring Ommegang's 3 Philosopher's from 2007, Schieder Aventinus Eisbock, Flower Power, and 2 Hearted for the Hop Lover in all of you plus some final, "week of", additions)
@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA--- beginning Thu. 12/17 - The Twelve Dog Days of Christmas (PAYG for a list that will include the following: 12/17-Olde School; 12/18-Palo Santo Marron; 12/19-Chateau Jiahu; 12/20-Pangaea; 12/21: Midas Touch; 12/22-Chicory Stout; 12/23-Burton Baton; 12/26-Immort Ale; 12/27-Black & Blue; 12/28-Fort [2008]; 12/29-World Wide Stout [2009]; 12/30-120 Minute)
@Tria Café, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 12/17 - Allagash: Gotta Have That Funk (6:30pm-8:00pm; $48 to be among the first to taste the new batches of Rob's sour specialties plus a few of his favorite funky brews from near and far.)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
And this is how TJs treats me when I return
After a few nights in Pittsburgh, I returned to the eastern side tonight. Figured a bit of food and a beer or two would be in order. A quick survey of the house and figured TJs would be the more expedient way to a satisfying combo of the two.
But, as is usually the way at TJs...a gracious owner, a congenial bartender, and some usual suspects can quickly turn an innocent hour long dinner into a mini-fest. I'm still not quite sure what happened but appreciate all who were involved. Check out the picture below for further evidence from one of the Philly region's best beer bars.
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Friday, December 11, 2009
2009, In Their Words--Part 4
Yesterday, you heard thoughts and opinions from Howard Weintraub and Suzanne Woods. Closing out the week here today (chosen in random order) are Jim Crane, Joe Sixpack/Don Russell, and Arthur Etchells. Please be sure to click the links and visit their sites. It shows that you came from The Brew Lounge and that you care about their work :)
Jim Crane (Proprietor, Goshen Beverage in West Chester, PA) "I fear the recession has hit the beer biz. Sales for what is usually a good month were very disappointing. Perhaps it is people watching the dollars more closely, perhaps they are finding better prices by going across state lines, perhaps beer in supermarkets have put the nail into the coffin for PA beer distributors. The availability of beers from around the country and the world, as well as proliferation of brands is something the consumer says they want...I can't tell you how many times someone browses through the 500+ different beers that I have in stock, then asks for Fat Tire or Shiner Bock or Moose Drool, then walks out with Yuengling or Lionshead or Bud Light Lime...talk about a disconnect.......Meanwhile the pioneers of the craft business suffer because the craft customer wants "the new beer". Flagships like Stoudts APA and Pilsner are great beers, but the sales of those items would not lead you to believe it. In my opinion the craft consumer needs to be thankful for the wealth and breadth of great local beers available in our back yard, and do their best to insure that when the smoke clears they can still find these great beers on the shelves. Meaning support your local businesses, both brewers and retailers, and be careful what you wish for. Craft beer from China could be around the corner. As a retailer I will continue to stock what my consumer wants to buy, plus what I know to be some of the best beers in the world, all the while juggling space and code issues."
Joe Sixpack (Philadelphia's long-time, award-winning beer writer and promoter posing as Don Russell...too many links to include, start with JoeSixpack.net) "2009 was the unfortunate victim of 2008. Last year, I published two books, helped launch Philly Beer Week, spent serious time in Denver, Portland, New York, San Francisco & D.C., got stupid drunk at Oktoberfest in Munich and cheered my ass off on Broad Street. It really couldn't get much better than that, so this year wasn't so bad, but... Thank god the beer was excellent. Burton Baton on draft at Tria, the new Yards IPA, fresh Southampton Double White after picking hops on Long Island, Sierra Nevada Kellerweis, the porter at Manayunk, the R5 beer crawl during PBW with a small, tight group of beer lovers - those were my highlights. Next year? Philly Beer Week will step up to an altogether bigger, greater level. As much as I love the flattery of no fewer than 20 other cities copying our beer week, they ain't seen nuttin' yet."
Arthur Etchells (mastermind behind Philadelphia's food and beverage wealth of information, Foobooz) "2009 was.... The year Philadelphia demanded to be known as the America's Best Beer Drinking City. The second Philly Beer Week was the embodiment of that claim but the echoes of those ten days can be seen on draft lists across the area. Breweries from Colorado, California and Michigan have become common place at Philadelphia bars as these brewers have realized Philadelphia is a great market of beer lovers looking to devour the latest one off or hard to find beers from the likes of Avery, Russian River or Founders. 2010 will be.... 2010 will continue to see more brewers bringing their beer to the Philadelphia area. It will be interesting to watch which brewers can get a foothold in the competitive market and which will make a single push with little long-term traction. Philly Beer Week is already shaping up to to be the ultimate such event in the US and maybe the world. Local brewers will need to step up their marketing and beer-making efforts in order to stay on taps as Philadelphia will be only become a more crowded and competitive market. The local beer scene does a great job of supporting each other at a grass-roots level and they'll need that support to hold off interlopers. It's time for a "Drink Local" campaign aimed at local beer drinkers and bar owners."
Jim Crane (Proprietor, Goshen Beverage in West Chester, PA) "I fear the recession has hit the beer biz. Sales for what is usually a good month were very disappointing. Perhaps it is people watching the dollars more closely, perhaps they are finding better prices by going across state lines, perhaps beer in supermarkets have put the nail into the coffin for PA beer distributors. The availability of beers from around the country and the world, as well as proliferation of brands is something the consumer says they want...I can't tell you how many times someone browses through the 500+ different beers that I have in stock, then asks for Fat Tire or Shiner Bock or Moose Drool, then walks out with Yuengling or Lionshead or Bud Light Lime...talk about a disconnect.......Meanwhile the pioneers of the craft business suffer because the craft customer wants "the new beer". Flagships like Stoudts APA and Pilsner are great beers, but the sales of those items would not lead you to believe it. In my opinion the craft consumer needs to be thankful for the wealth and breadth of great local beers available in our back yard, and do their best to insure that when the smoke clears they can still find these great beers on the shelves. Meaning support your local businesses, both brewers and retailers, and be careful what you wish for. Craft beer from China could be around the corner. As a retailer I will continue to stock what my consumer wants to buy, plus what I know to be some of the best beers in the world, all the while juggling space and code issues."
Joe Sixpack (Philadelphia's long-time, award-winning beer writer and promoter posing as Don Russell...too many links to include, start with JoeSixpack.net) "2009 was the unfortunate victim of 2008. Last year, I published two books, helped launch Philly Beer Week, spent serious time in Denver, Portland, New York, San Francisco & D.C., got stupid drunk at Oktoberfest in Munich and cheered my ass off on Broad Street. It really couldn't get much better than that, so this year wasn't so bad, but... Thank god the beer was excellent. Burton Baton on draft at Tria, the new Yards IPA, fresh Southampton Double White after picking hops on Long Island, Sierra Nevada Kellerweis, the porter at Manayunk, the R5 beer crawl during PBW with a small, tight group of beer lovers - those were my highlights. Next year? Philly Beer Week will step up to an altogether bigger, greater level. As much as I love the flattery of no fewer than 20 other cities copying our beer week, they ain't seen nuttin' yet."
Arthur Etchells (mastermind behind Philadelphia's food and beverage wealth of information, Foobooz) "2009 was.... The year Philadelphia demanded to be known as the America's Best Beer Drinking City. The second Philly Beer Week was the embodiment of that claim but the echoes of those ten days can be seen on draft lists across the area. Breweries from Colorado, California and Michigan have become common place at Philadelphia bars as these brewers have realized Philadelphia is a great market of beer lovers looking to devour the latest one off or hard to find beers from the likes of Avery, Russian River or Founders. 2010 will be.... 2010 will continue to see more brewers bringing their beer to the Philadelphia area. It will be interesting to watch which brewers can get a foothold in the competitive market and which will make a single push with little long-term traction. Philly Beer Week is already shaping up to to be the ultimate such event in the US and maybe the world. Local brewers will need to step up their marketing and beer-making efforts in order to stay on taps as Philadelphia will be only become a more crowded and competitive market. The local beer scene does a great job of supporting each other at a grass-roots level and they'll need that support to hold off interlopers. It's time for a "Drink Local" campaign aimed at local beer drinkers and bar owners."
Last Minute Planning...today...tomorrow
Is it too late to recommend that you head out tonight (if you're in Philly) to UofPenn for Xfest'09---tix available at the door for a bevy of holiday beauts, check out the list---or (if you're in the western suburbs) to Phoenixville for the "last ever" Hop Project/Anniversary Party at Sly Fox---the 12 Single Hop Project Beers of a Sly Fox Christmas?
If you're looking for a great way to celebrate the end of the workweek (depending, of course, upon the nature of how your job defines a workweek), these events both come highly recommended.
If this notice reaches you too late for Friday night reveling, how about Saturday afternoon Newark, Delaware? Iron Hill. Cask-conditioned Beer. Lunch. Delaware. Not New Jersey. It's PAYG for a bunch of casks from the tight-knit Iron Hill family as well as local faves such as Victory, Stoudt's, Stewart's, Yards, Sly Fox, Tröegs, Flying Fish, and Nodding Head. (check out the full cask list below.)
These are the biggies this weekend. If you like something a bit more lowkey (yeah, right...you know these guys, there's nothing subdued about them!), there'a "Christmas Spectacular" at Kite & Key tonight...a "Get Lit at Lunchtime" lollygagger at Jose Pistolas today at, er, lunchtime...and a "Back in Black Stout Fest" out in the hinterlands at Union Jack's tomorrow...and...and...
and...oh, hell, just go check out the Calendar that I keep up-to-date for you over here.
Iron Hill cask list, 12/12/09
Flying Fish - Imperial Belgian Mild
Iron Hill Lancaster - Afternoon Delight Imp. Coffee Porter
Iron Hill Newark - English IPA
Iron Hill North Wales - Anvil Ale
Iron Hill West Chester - Russian Imperial Stout
Iron Hill Wilmington - Scrooge American IPA
Nodding Head - 700 level
Sly Fox - Chester County Bitter
Stewarts - Glacier IPA
Stoudts - Fat Lady (blend of fat dog and scarlet lady)
Tröegs - Hop Back Amber
Victory - Hop Wallop
Yards - General Washington Tavern Porter
Thursday, December 10, 2009
2009, In Their Words--Part 3
Yesterday, you heard thoughts and opinions from Lew Bryson, Brian Yaeger, and Jennie Hatton. Next up are (chosen in random order) Howard Weintraub and Suzanne Woods. Please be sure to click the links and visit their sites. It shows that you came from The Brew Lounge and that you care about their work :)
Howard Weintraub (Proprietor of both Drafting Room locations and Brickside Grille) "2009 was bitter sweet. Restaurant sales were down, but beer drinking crowds and bar sales were the same, if not better. 2009 was bitter sweet as Wegmans finally did the obvious and got licensing to sell beer. Disruptive to local tavern owners and distributors? Apparently not. 2009 was joyous as additional new products arrived in our market. 2009 was as joyous as a successful Philly Beer Week jump-started additional "beer weeks" throughout the country. Expect 2010 to bring more options as additional breweries arrive in our market as well as additional "beer bars" open. Expect beer prices to continue to rise, and probably never fall back to the days when a good pint of beer was $4 or $4.50 And let’s just hope, although Budweiser is very hard to drink, that they continue with Jimmy Football, "Tail Gate Tested, Tail Gate Approved" marketing campaign in 2010."
Suzanne Woods (agenda too lengthy to list here, not least on the list though, Sales Rep for Sly Fox, IPA founder, and writer under the Beer Lass pseudonym) "-->A gang of us brought 2009 in at Standard Tap. We gussied up and traded in our standard pints for champagne that night. -->As it always does- the year came and went quicker than I go without getting a parking ticket. -->We saw the entrance of a lot of new brands into the market that kept a lot of us local guys on our toes. Bars started rotating a lot more. -->Nick Johnson got married in '08 but continued shananigans. I can't walk into a festival without him screaming "b o o z a n i m a l" -->Casey Hughes launched his Exit series-= maddening M.A.D.D. but making all of us very happy. Exit 4 was one of my year's favorites. -->Steve Mashington met a chicken wing and continued to know everything.jkid -->I forged some great new friendships in and out of beer. Tracy Mulligan of Victory, Megan Maguire of Ommegang, and Wendy of Dogfish Head and I started "Beer bitch" getaways. -->I started going on "dates" with Gordon Grubb. -->I developed crushes on Anniversary beers from North Coast and Great Divide. Must be the wood. -->I had a Kuhnhenn Raspberry Eisbock. That was more than a crush. -->I wasted a night watching Beer Wars when I could've seen the Felice Brothers in concert. -->Bars started doing away with brewery handles and went the way of the Chalkboard. -->I twittered the heck out of my life. -->I beer tripped through Michigan. -->I finally got to Three Floyds. -->I finally got to drink Sly Fox Prometheus- our smoked porter. -->Philly got themselves a beer magazine with Philly Beer Scene -->Cans started taking off in bars. -->Sly Fox launched Chester Co. Bitter- a new cask ale to be served authentically and with TLC. -->Jose Garces continued to expand his empire including great beers on all his lists. Starr continues to not really get it. -->Restaurants started to change their beer lists. Mini-chains like Marathon and Fishtown corner bars like Paddy's Well offered craft. -->More American craft breweries started pushing Nitrogenated Stouts. This gave me high blood pressure. -->I met a ton of women this year that are truly into beer. Women writing books, women making documentaries, women focusing on beer for their school semester projects, women homebrewers, and all the inspiring ladies of Pink Boots Society. -->South Jerz got themselves a brewpub and a PJ's Pourhouse -->In 2010 I'd like to see more beer lists switch up in Jerz. I'd like to see that last liquor warehouse on 30 east as you head back to Philly carry Sly Fox cans. -->I'd like to see a major relationship forged between beer emporium takeouts and BYOs. -->Beer Week will be different. Not better, not worse- just different. I am confident that once it's here- people will shut up about the change in month -->I hope to drink a Rochefort 10 on the cheap in Belgium or maybe a trip to California. At the very least- I will visit the Windy City for the first time. -->BREW will open with a beer selection as awesome as the coffee they brew. -->South Philly Tap Room will expand to another location called American Sardine -->I predict Brendan Hartranft and Leigh open at least one more bar. -->YARDS will finally get their tasting room. It will be a huge hit. Maybe I will even have my birthday party there in April. They will continue to expand their presidential line with a series called the "Jimmy Carter Series"...where they pay homage to local Philly homebrewers by brewing a different recipe every month. not really. -->Chris Lapierre of Iron Hill Maple Shade will have the largest mug club in the Country. And maybe he'll even let me brew with him one day. -->John Doherty will finally get a twitter account and 90% of his tweets will take place at either the South Philly Tap Room, Standard Tap, TJs, Teresa's Next Door, or Local 44. -->The beer scene will continue to expand in University City. Smart sales reps will spend more time there getting the students to get to know craft beer earlier. -->The Varga Bar ceiling mural will be expanded to include Casey Hughes -->Captain Lawrence will come to Philadelphia. I will celebrate with a Cuvee de Castleton party at my house with special guest Scotty V. -->I will see more shows at Johnny Brenda's -->I will spend more time selling in the burbs. -->I will brew a beer with my sister -->I will make beer icecream. I will actually go to the gym to burn off said beer ice cream -->I think Devil's Den will get the upstairs open and it'll be a great place for events/dinners -->Adam and Jennifer Ritter of Sidecar Bar will have beaut of a new bar in Fishtown- it will be packed constantly -->Prism Brewing will start distribution in the area. Owner seeks to brew new takes on classic styles. Funky ingredient play. Stay tuned. -->Philadelphia Brewing Co will release their coolest tap handle yet -->I promise my blog won't look like a blogger blog anymore. -->2009 saw mainstream media embrace craft beer. Esquire, NY times, Details, etc. I'd like to see that continue. Perhaps have chefs cooking with it on the Food Network- that kind of thing. -->I will drive a Sly Fox wrapped car. Probably not. But a rep can dream right? -->I can tell you one thing with certainty- I would be honored to be in the company of all the same folks drinking champagne at Standard Tap once again when the clock strikes 12. Auld Lang Syne couldn't sound sweeter any other way. I'll raise a cup o' kindness to them any ol' time. One thing that won't change with the years is the family we have in the beer community of our city. I'm lucky. We're all lucky. Cheers!"
Stop back tomorrow to read yet more sage tidbits from (chosen once again in random order) Jim Crane, Don Russell, and Arthur Etchells.
Howard Weintraub (Proprietor of both Drafting Room locations and Brickside Grille) "2009 was bitter sweet. Restaurant sales were down, but beer drinking crowds and bar sales were the same, if not better. 2009 was bitter sweet as Wegmans finally did the obvious and got licensing to sell beer. Disruptive to local tavern owners and distributors? Apparently not. 2009 was joyous as additional new products arrived in our market. 2009 was as joyous as a successful Philly Beer Week jump-started additional "beer weeks" throughout the country. Expect 2010 to bring more options as additional breweries arrive in our market as well as additional "beer bars" open. Expect beer prices to continue to rise, and probably never fall back to the days when a good pint of beer was $4 or $4.50 And let’s just hope, although Budweiser is very hard to drink, that they continue with Jimmy Football, "Tail Gate Tested, Tail Gate Approved" marketing campaign in 2010."
Suzanne Woods (agenda too lengthy to list here, not least on the list though, Sales Rep for Sly Fox, IPA founder, and writer under the Beer Lass pseudonym) "-->A gang of us brought 2009 in at Standard Tap. We gussied up and traded in our standard pints for champagne that night. -->As it always does- the year came and went quicker than I go without getting a parking ticket. -->We saw the entrance of a lot of new brands into the market that kept a lot of us local guys on our toes. Bars started rotating a lot more. -->Nick Johnson got married in '08 but continued shananigans. I can't walk into a festival without him screaming "b o o z a n i m a l" -->Casey Hughes launched his Exit series-= maddening M.A.D.D. but making all of us very happy. Exit 4 was one of my year's favorites. -->Steve Mashington met a chicken wing and continued to know everything.jkid -->I forged some great new friendships in and out of beer. Tracy Mulligan of Victory, Megan Maguire of Ommegang, and Wendy of Dogfish Head and I started "Beer bitch" getaways. -->I started going on "dates" with Gordon Grubb. -->I developed crushes on Anniversary beers from North Coast and Great Divide. Must be the wood. -->I had a Kuhnhenn Raspberry Eisbock. That was more than a crush. -->I wasted a night watching Beer Wars when I could've seen the Felice Brothers in concert. -->Bars started doing away with brewery handles and went the way of the Chalkboard. -->I twittered the heck out of my life. -->I beer tripped through Michigan. -->I finally got to Three Floyds. -->I finally got to drink Sly Fox Prometheus- our smoked porter. -->Philly got themselves a beer magazine with Philly Beer Scene -->Cans started taking off in bars. -->Sly Fox launched Chester Co. Bitter- a new cask ale to be served authentically and with TLC. -->Jose Garces continued to expand his empire including great beers on all his lists. Starr continues to not really get it. -->Restaurants started to change their beer lists. Mini-chains like Marathon and Fishtown corner bars like Paddy's Well offered craft. -->More American craft breweries started pushing Nitrogenated Stouts. This gave me high blood pressure. -->I met a ton of women this year that are truly into beer. Women writing books, women making documentaries, women focusing on beer for their school semester projects, women homebrewers, and all the inspiring ladies of Pink Boots Society. -->South Jerz got themselves a brewpub and a PJ's Pourhouse -->In 2010 I'd like to see more beer lists switch up in Jerz. I'd like to see that last liquor warehouse on 30 east as you head back to Philly carry Sly Fox cans. -->I'd like to see a major relationship forged between beer emporium takeouts and BYOs. -->Beer Week will be different. Not better, not worse- just different. I am confident that once it's here- people will shut up about the change in month -->I hope to drink a Rochefort 10 on the cheap in Belgium or maybe a trip to California. At the very least- I will visit the Windy City for the first time. -->BREW will open with a beer selection as awesome as the coffee they brew. -->South Philly Tap Room will expand to another location called American Sardine -->I predict Brendan Hartranft and Leigh open at least one more bar. -->YARDS will finally get their tasting room. It will be a huge hit. Maybe I will even have my birthday party there in April. They will continue to expand their presidential line with a series called the "Jimmy Carter Series"...where they pay homage to local Philly homebrewers by brewing a different recipe every month. not really. -->Chris Lapierre of Iron Hill Maple Shade will have the largest mug club in the Country. And maybe he'll even let me brew with him one day. -->John Doherty will finally get a twitter account and 90% of his tweets will take place at either the South Philly Tap Room, Standard Tap, TJs, Teresa's Next Door, or Local 44. -->The beer scene will continue to expand in University City. Smart sales reps will spend more time there getting the students to get to know craft beer earlier. -->The Varga Bar ceiling mural will be expanded to include Casey Hughes -->Captain Lawrence will come to Philadelphia. I will celebrate with a Cuvee de Castleton party at my house with special guest Scotty V. -->I will see more shows at Johnny Brenda's -->I will spend more time selling in the burbs. -->I will brew a beer with my sister -->I will make beer icecream. I will actually go to the gym to burn off said beer ice cream -->I think Devil's Den will get the upstairs open and it'll be a great place for events/dinners -->Adam and Jennifer Ritter of Sidecar Bar will have beaut of a new bar in Fishtown- it will be packed constantly -->Prism Brewing will start distribution in the area. Owner seeks to brew new takes on classic styles. Funky ingredient play. Stay tuned. -->Philadelphia Brewing Co will release their coolest tap handle yet -->I promise my blog won't look like a blogger blog anymore. -->2009 saw mainstream media embrace craft beer. Esquire, NY times, Details, etc. I'd like to see that continue. Perhaps have chefs cooking with it on the Food Network- that kind of thing. -->I will drive a Sly Fox wrapped car. Probably not. But a rep can dream right? -->I can tell you one thing with certainty- I would be honored to be in the company of all the same folks drinking champagne at Standard Tap once again when the clock strikes 12. Auld Lang Syne couldn't sound sweeter any other way. I'll raise a cup o' kindness to them any ol' time. One thing that won't change with the years is the family we have in the beer community of our city. I'm lucky. We're all lucky. Cheers!"
Stop back tomorrow to read yet more sage tidbits from (chosen once again in random order) Jim Crane, Don Russell, and Arthur Etchells.
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: December 10th-December 16th
Beer Events around the region are starting to look like shopping malls...a mad rush to provide you with all of the holiday cheer that they possibly can. Enjoy!
Check out the entire December 2009 calendar over here.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
Some tastings, some free, some PAYG
@Beer Yard, Wayne, PA--- Fri. 12/11 - Friday Night Tasting (5:00pm-7:00pm; free tasting samples of Yards beer)
@The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 12/10 - Heavy Seas Yule Tide Cask and Winter Storm (PAYG to see John Moorhead of Clipper City/Heavy Seas will be here to crack a cask of Yule Tide and welcome the impending Winter Season with Winter Storm)
@The Belgian Café, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 12/12 - St. Martin Abbey Brewery Meet & Greet (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG as Christine Celis will be here introducing the Blonde, Brune, and, Triple to the guests....and, if we can get it in time, the Noel!)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 12/11 - 12% (Imports) Fridays of December (7:00pm; PAYG for a keg tapping of Hik Blonde)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 12/16 - Dogfish Head Shiteload of Sixtels (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG for a tapping of six rare Dogfish Head sixtels (Palo Santo Marron, Black and Blue, Midas Touch, Pangaea, Burton Baton, Life & Limb). And it will be Authors A'plenty with three authors (Sam Calagione, Marnie Old, and Patrick McGovern) selling and signing books. And there will be traipsing, which seems to be quite different from prancing (Sorry to disappoint those who were hoping for some prancing).)
@Iron Abbey Gastro Pub, Horsham, PA--- Wed. 12/16 - 12 Beers of Christmas (details TBD)
@Iron Hill Brewery, Newark, DE--- Sat. 12/12 - Brewers' Reserve Cask Conditioned Ales (12:00pm; PAYG for Real Ales from Iron Hill as well as Victory, Stoudt's, Stewarts, Yards, Sly Fox, Tröegs, Flying Fish, and Nodding Head)
@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, PA--- Wed. 12/16 - Specialty Keg Wednesday (4:00pm; PAYG for the much-sought after Sierra Nevada/Dogfish Head collaborations, Life & Limb and Limb & Life)
@José Pistola's, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 12/11 - Get Lit At Lunchtime Series (11:30am; PAYG to Meet the brewer of Lancaster Brewing, Christian Heim, and his Firkin of the Hop Hog I.P.A., the Milk Stout, The Winter Warmer, and Shoe Fly Porter)
@Kite and Key, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 12/11 - Christmas Spectacular (6:00pm; PAYG for the tapping of 10 Holiday Brews)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 12/15 - River Horse Tuesday Nights (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG to meet & greet the brewers & beer reps & to taste the beers.)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 12/10 - Tröegs Mad Dreams Party (3:00pm-close; PAYG get a Tapping of the Tröegs Mad Elf and Dreamweaver. Combine the two for a Tröegs "Mad Dream". Food specials and giveaways too.)
@The Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 12/16 - High Gravity (PAYG for a bunch of hand-selected high gravity craft brews)
@Tap and Table, Emmaus, PA--- Beginning Thu. 12/10 - 12 Days of Xmas (4:00pm; PAYG for pourings of 3 holiday beers on draft, 3 holiday beers on firkin, and serving special holiday dishes....for 12 days straight)
It's the holiday season for eating and drinking well
@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 12/15 - Annual Holiday Beer Dinner (7:00pm; $75 for this annually decadent feast)
@Victory Brewing Co., Downingtown, PA--- Tue. 12/15 - Holiday Beer Dinner (6:00pm-8:00pm; $50 to Join us for a unique beer dinner that will be held in our new fermentation cellar (yes it will be heated for this dinner). Sit among the four 400 bbls tanks while you enjoy a five course dinner each course perfectly paired with a Victory beer.)
These kind of gatherings should be outlawed
@Capone's, Norristown, PA--- Thu. 12/10 - Sweet & Sour (11:30am-'til they kick; PAYG for six "sweet" beers and twelve "sour" beers. In addition there will be up to ten TBD other beers to be added consisting mostly of IPAs, stouts, porters, etc.)
@Rattle 'n' Hum, New York, NY--- Tue. 12/15 - Winter Beer Extravaganza (PAYG for a list too long to include here...just click the link, why dontchya?)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, PA--- Fri. 12/11 - Hop Project Day (11:00am; PAYG for this annual extravaganza of 11 single hop pale ale varietals and the 2009 Odyssey which will be on tap as well, along with both Odyssey and our flagship Rt. 113 IPA on the handpumps)
@Union Jack's, Boyertown, PA--- Sat. 12/12 - Back in Black Stout Fest (1:00pm-'til they kick; PAYG)
Just the right time of year for a holiday beer tasting festivus
@Penn Museum, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 12/11 - Xfest '09 (6:00pm-9:00pm; $45/$55/$15 for A Civilized Sampling of the World's Best Winter Warmers & Christmas Beers)
And one special release
@Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 12/15 - Dock Street Barrel-aged Barley Wine Release (PAYG for 750ml bottles of 10.5%, 76 IBU beer aged 10 months in Chaddsford Pinot Noir oak barrels)
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
2009, In Their Words--Part 2
Yesterday, you saw thoughts and opinions from Maureen Ogle, Carolyn Smagalski, Mike Scotese (Scoats), Jim Wiggins, and Nick Johnson. Next up are (chosen in random order) Lew Bryson, Brian Yaeger, and Jennie Hatton. Please be sure to click the links and visit their sites. It shows that you came from The Brew Lounge and that you care about their work :)
Lew Bryson (Writer of many things beer and whiskey and taker-upper of causes like Banishing the PLCB) "I’m looking back over my blog to remind me what happened this year. We’re finally seeing some backlash on extreme beers; Yards and Philly Brewing have both settled in (and seem to be getting along); some great new beer bars opened in the area; Penn Brewing closed but then miraculously revived; collaboration among brewers exploded; the economy brought cries to raise booze taxes; Philly Beer Week also exploded and the “Beer Week” phenomenon spread across the country; we lost Gary Bredbenner; craft beer rocked right along (as did bourbon and Irish whiskey, not that any of you care); Iron Hill broke open south Jersey; the General Lafayette didn't go under; Victory expanded (again); Flying Fish developed an Exit strategy; the beer festival business changed; and this damned beer writing gig finally got profitable. Next year? Assuming the economy continues the recovery that seems to be happening, craft beer should continue to expand and local brewers will be part of that. We’ll see more German joints building on the success of Brauhaus Schmitz and the beerhalls of NYC; I hope Philly also continues to build its cocktail culture. Philly Beer Week faces a tougher job of adjusting to a new month and a raised bar of expectations (that I’m confident will be met). Please please please…more brewpubs in Philadelphia proper?"
Brian Yaeger (Writer of many things as well...most recently Red White and Brew) "I had a great 2009 and hope y'all did, too. Each year seems to be increasingly monumental in the world of beer, and 2009 was no exception. I'm continually amazed and thrilled at the new, jaw-dropping beers that come out, the depth of passion and innovation that brewers keep bringing to the table, the interest and education with which ale enthusiasts enrich the community, and how fun it continues to be. So in the end, I will remember 2009 as the year of celebrating and 2010 will be the year for celebration. For you see, 2009 was also the year of acceptance. I found Half Pint, my girlfriend, in 2008. This year, she accepted that I periodically turned our kitchen into our home brewery as I joined the ranks of homebrewers back in January. She accepted that I ignored her for a stretch during the inaugural, annual SF Beer Week back in February. And when she wasn't lucky enough to be ignored, it was because I dragged her to the Toronado Barleywine Festival. On Valentine's Day. And she hates barleywines. She accepted that I went from low-earning to lower-earning as I focused on being a full-time beer scribe after my book came out in late '08 and landed my first All About Beer cover story in early '09. In this vein, she accepted that going off to San Diego for a week is now a "business trip." Hell, she even accepted that I'd be gone for an entire month to go on another solo x-country road trip as another "fact-finding mission" for the follow-up manuscript. All in all, she's a very understanding, tolerant, and accepting person. Anyone who lets me turn our romantic vacation to the island of Vieques be capped by a trek to Puerto Rico's only brewpub (Old Harbor Brewery) is my kinda gal. Anyone who goes to Wisconsin for work and checks a bag explicitly to bring me back some New Glarus is the gal for me. So it was in this frame of mind, as we drove out to GABF together, that I accepted I don't need or want to be a bachelor my whole life. I proposed and she--after initially telling me to shut up, insisting I was joking--accepted. I now need to come up with a few good recipes for our wedding. We literally scratched off the list any venues that wouldn't allow homebrew to be served at the reception. Hence, 2010 will see the even more phenomenal and exhausting 2nd Annual SF Beer Week, more brewery openings, more big barrel-aged beers, more beer stories to work on, and, in early May, one awesome celebration. Happy, hoppy holidays and may your 2010 be even better than your 2009, Brian"
Jennie Hatton (providing PR to the stars of eats and drinks at Profile PR) "A few things - 2009 was the year of the collaboration brew. Prediction - 2010 will be the year of the collaboration brews between the "bigger" and "smaller" breweries (does that make sense?) 2009 - Wine vs. Beer Dinners were hot. Prediction - 2010 - Dinners featuring both wine and craft beer pairings will be hot 2009 - "Beer Weeks" sprouted up all over the country. Prediction - 2010 - More Beer Weeks - Beer Weekends - heck, I bet someplace tries to create a Beer Month - but none will compare to Philly's because they just don't have what we've got - a community of beer people - from sales reps to brewers to bar and restaurant owners - that all work together to promote how great the local beers and craft/import beer selection is in this town. 2009 Philly Beer Week brought over 600 amazing beer events to our region and brewers from around the US. Prediction - 2010 Philly Beer Week will have over 1,000 events, brewers from around the world. Things I'd like to see in 2010 - A "Brewers of Philadelphia" calendar that helps raise $ for PBW; Someone to PLEASE bring back the "Big Mouth" packaging and put some great beer in there; more of our local beers available in the Midwest and West Coast; and Bryan Kolesar at more events in Philly."
Stop back tomorrow to read yet more sage tidbits from (chosen once again in random order) Suzanne Woods and Howard Weintraub.
Lew Bryson (Writer of many things beer and whiskey and taker-upper of causes like Banishing the PLCB) "I’m looking back over my blog to remind me what happened this year. We’re finally seeing some backlash on extreme beers; Yards and Philly Brewing have both settled in (and seem to be getting along); some great new beer bars opened in the area; Penn Brewing closed but then miraculously revived; collaboration among brewers exploded; the economy brought cries to raise booze taxes; Philly Beer Week also exploded and the “Beer Week” phenomenon spread across the country; we lost Gary Bredbenner; craft beer rocked right along (as did bourbon and Irish whiskey, not that any of you care); Iron Hill broke open south Jersey; the General Lafayette didn't go under; Victory expanded (again); Flying Fish developed an Exit strategy; the beer festival business changed; and this damned beer writing gig finally got profitable. Next year? Assuming the economy continues the recovery that seems to be happening, craft beer should continue to expand and local brewers will be part of that. We’ll see more German joints building on the success of Brauhaus Schmitz and the beerhalls of NYC; I hope Philly also continues to build its cocktail culture. Philly Beer Week faces a tougher job of adjusting to a new month and a raised bar of expectations (that I’m confident will be met). Please please please…more brewpubs in Philadelphia proper?"
Brian Yaeger (Writer of many things as well...most recently Red White and Brew) "I had a great 2009 and hope y'all did, too. Each year seems to be increasingly monumental in the world of beer, and 2009 was no exception. I'm continually amazed and thrilled at the new, jaw-dropping beers that come out, the depth of passion and innovation that brewers keep bringing to the table, the interest and education with which ale enthusiasts enrich the community, and how fun it continues to be. So in the end, I will remember 2009 as the year of celebrating and 2010 will be the year for celebration. For you see, 2009 was also the year of acceptance. I found Half Pint, my girlfriend, in 2008. This year, she accepted that I periodically turned our kitchen into our home brewery as I joined the ranks of homebrewers back in January. She accepted that I ignored her for a stretch during the inaugural, annual SF Beer Week back in February. And when she wasn't lucky enough to be ignored, it was because I dragged her to the Toronado Barleywine Festival. On Valentine's Day. And she hates barleywines. She accepted that I went from low-earning to lower-earning as I focused on being a full-time beer scribe after my book came out in late '08 and landed my first All About Beer cover story in early '09. In this vein, she accepted that going off to San Diego for a week is now a "business trip." Hell, she even accepted that I'd be gone for an entire month to go on another solo x-country road trip as another "fact-finding mission" for the follow-up manuscript. All in all, she's a very understanding, tolerant, and accepting person. Anyone who lets me turn our romantic vacation to the island of Vieques be capped by a trek to Puerto Rico's only brewpub (Old Harbor Brewery) is my kinda gal. Anyone who goes to Wisconsin for work and checks a bag explicitly to bring me back some New Glarus is the gal for me. So it was in this frame of mind, as we drove out to GABF together, that I accepted I don't need or want to be a bachelor my whole life. I proposed and she--after initially telling me to shut up, insisting I was joking--accepted. I now need to come up with a few good recipes for our wedding. We literally scratched off the list any venues that wouldn't allow homebrew to be served at the reception. Hence, 2010 will see the even more phenomenal and exhausting 2nd Annual SF Beer Week, more brewery openings, more big barrel-aged beers, more beer stories to work on, and, in early May, one awesome celebration. Happy, hoppy holidays and may your 2010 be even better than your 2009, Brian"
Jennie Hatton (providing PR to the stars of eats and drinks at Profile PR) "A few things - 2009 was the year of the collaboration brew. Prediction - 2010 will be the year of the collaboration brews between the "bigger" and "smaller" breweries (does that make sense?) 2009 - Wine vs. Beer Dinners were hot. Prediction - 2010 - Dinners featuring both wine and craft beer pairings will be hot 2009 - "Beer Weeks" sprouted up all over the country. Prediction - 2010 - More Beer Weeks - Beer Weekends - heck, I bet someplace tries to create a Beer Month - but none will compare to Philly's because they just don't have what we've got - a community of beer people - from sales reps to brewers to bar and restaurant owners - that all work together to promote how great the local beers and craft/import beer selection is in this town. 2009 Philly Beer Week brought over 600 amazing beer events to our region and brewers from around the US. Prediction - 2010 Philly Beer Week will have over 1,000 events, brewers from around the world. Things I'd like to see in 2010 - A "Brewers of Philadelphia" calendar that helps raise $ for PBW; Someone to PLEASE bring back the "Big Mouth" packaging and put some great beer in there; more of our local beers available in the Midwest and West Coast; and Bryan Kolesar at more events in Philly."
Stop back tomorrow to read yet more sage tidbits from (chosen once again in random order) Suzanne Woods and Howard Weintraub.
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