Reading up on the news of the brewing world across the many miles of my recent travels, there has certainly been a much larger dose of negatively-toned news. Trademarks being contested (not like in the "old" days of Russian River and Avery) and egos taking center stage as markets explode are just two loud examples of attention-grabbing headlines that I've occasionally pointed out to you here in the past.
For the remaining weeks of 2012, my focus will attempt to stay true to the positive. There's plenty of it available, so let's get to it here this Monday morning. Cheers!
PHILADELPHIA
~ Hard to argue that this is positive news to kick things off here in the City of Culinary Love.
~ Philly.com reports that another bar from part of the Sunny In Philadelphia crew that brought us Mac's Tavern in Old City is imminent farther across town.
~ Every flight to/from San Francisco reminds me of the great conversation about beer, the Phillies, running, and the Bay Area with Andy Musser aboard the cross-country flight that he was taking to head out to the annual Anchor Christmas party. That took place again this past week, the first one without Musser, who died earlier this year. Joe Sixpack remembered him at Fergie's Pub in Philly and wrote about it. Sounds like the perfect tribute at the right time of year.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ I'm a fan of Greg Heller-LaBelle's writing (The Pour Curator, e.g.), so I'm glad to see what he'll be taking up next in the world of great beverages.
~ A very cool look at the good people at Iron Hill and their approach to the annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver. And, if that didn't fill your Iron Hill newsy needs……
~ Here comes #11. Ardmore, to be exact. A place I used to call home is getting even richer with great beer. I first told you about it back (oops, no I didn't, I kept it to myself when I was told in confidence during a casual off-the-record conversation), Jack Curtin teed the story up last week (because that's where you go for breaking news, not here), and the Inquirer followed through with the "official" word. Wasn't too hard to predict the no-nothings in the comments coming out of the woodwork to bash what is widely considered a highly-reputable "chain" of brewpubs.
~ Victory continues its progress at the future Parkesburg site. They've got a few words and a fun video update over at their website. Makes me think about taking a ride out west to check out the progress in person.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Here's one for you homebrewers out there. Ever hear of Contract Homebrewing? Southern Brew News will fill you in.
~ Stan Hieronymous and Draft Magazine. There they go again asking us to think about tasting and smelling our beer. Pretty sure something good can come of this.
~ I can't say I've sat in any bar that looks like just about any of these. Some look like a lot of fun and others, well. You?
Monday, December 10, 2012
Thursday, December 06, 2012
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: December 6 - December 12
Bit of a scheduling slip-up this morning has me just getting this to you now. I'm trusting that you're already out there tearing it up at one of the many events scheduled for tonight alone. If not, a whole weekend awaits. Enjoy.
Check out the entire December 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sly Fox beers including their two newest canned releases, Christmas Ale and the just released Odyssey Imperial IPA, plus bottles of old favorites: Black Raspberry Reserve, Incubus, Ichor, & Saison Vos)
@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Great Lakes Promo (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG for lots of great beer from Great Lakes on tap)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Leinenkugel's beers)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Evolution's beers)
@Falls Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - Stillwater Night (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for drafts including Kopstooje, As Follows, Debutante, Stateside, Premium, Bronze Age, Cellar Door, Folklore, and Our Side. Also, bottles of Pappy Barrel-aged Folklore.)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Friday Night Sampling (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sly Fox beers)
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - Flying Fish Sampling (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for all the best that Flying Fish has to offer.)
@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - Hop Rampage (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG for this tapped-out event featuring eight hoppy beers including Sweet Leaf, Kryptonite, Lex Luthor, Belgian IPA, Helltrack IPA, Grizzly IPA, Ryed or Die IPA, and cask-conditioned Galaxy 500 IPA and a spicy menu features that pair perfecly with our hoppy beers.)
@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Sat. 12/8 - East Coast vs. West Coast (1 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for Flying Fish + Allagash + Brooklyn + Smuttynose (East Coast) vs. Green Flash + Stone + Sierra Nevada Brew + North Coast (West Coast). Raffle prizes for Rewards Club members)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - Burning Of The Phoenix (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for a special menu featuring “fire”-inspired fare in celebration of the Fire Bird Festival.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 12/10 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of 21st Amendment's beers)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Leinenkugel's Tasting (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from Wisconsin with JB)
@Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - A Firkin of Weyerbacher (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a fresh firkin of beer from Weyerbacher)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown & Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Incubus Friday (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG as the incredible Belgian-style Tripel pours until the keg kicks.)
@The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - Tröegs U Buy The Glass (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for an all Tröegs draft list and raffle prizes.)
@Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Beer Tasting (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sierra Nevada's beers)
@Valley Forge Casino Resort, Valley Forge, Pa.--- every Thursday in December - Sly Fox Thirsty Thursday (5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $PAYG for Sly Fox specials and giveaways)
@Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - First Thursday Beer Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free to mingle and enjoy complimentary beer samples during a store-wide tasting)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Stone's Tap Takeover (4 p.m.; $PAYG for live music along with $10 Burger and Stone's Brews or $10 Pizza and Stone's Brews.)
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - A Very Heady Saturday (9 p.m.; $PAYG as they welcome Estimated Profit in paying tribute to The Grateful Dead and serving some of our favorite Brooklyn Brewery flavors.)
@Drink Philly HQ, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - First Friday (5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $Free to enjoy beer from DuClaw and food from Bierstube. All donations made at the door will be donated to the Red Cross to help those that have drastically been affected by Hurricane Sandy.)
@Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - Valley Forge Beer Festival (12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10/$40/$60 for an incredible variety of beers from the local area, from across the country, and from around the globe. Food will be available for purchase during each session.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Anchor OSA Flashback Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Our Special Ale from Anchor, one from 2011 and a fresh one from 2012)
@The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Rogue Tap Attack (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of beers from Oregon)
@TJs, Paoli, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - 9th Anniversary Party (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG at the annual not-to-be-missed anniversary party. This year we're celebrating number nine. With an underlying theme from the song Love Potion #9, as the lyrics go we too shall have a Gypsy Fortune Teller on hand.)
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 12/9 - Weyerbacher Event ($PAYG for a bunch of Weyerbacher beers, details coming soon)
Food and Beer events
@Garrett Hill Ale House, Bryn Mawr, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - Victory Beer Dinner (6 p.m.; $40 for a three-course meal paired with choices of Golden Monkey, Headwaters, Prima Pils, Storm King, Helios Saison, and Donnybrook Stout)
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - 12 Beers of Christmas Dinner (6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. seatings; $70 for a six-course meal paired with twelve holiday-themed beers)
@Monk's CafÈ, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 12/11 - 20th Annual Holiday Dinner (7 p.m.; $85 for a six-course holiday feast paired with some of the best beers in the world.)
@Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del.--- Wed. 12/12 - Cajun Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $TBD for the last beer dinner of the year)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Victory's Cooks Showdown Final (6 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for their in-house head-to-head cooking competition, where Victory's own culinarians are paired with a "sous chef" from our brewery or office and pitted against each other. Competitors will face mystery ingredients, time constraints, naked beer identification and a barrage of trivia before they present their dishes to the judges.)
Homebrewing, Charity, and Education
@Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Charity Cask Night (5 p.m.; $PAYG as 100% of cask sales will be donated to charity)
@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - Beer School (4 p.m.; $Free to learn along side the bar/restaurant staff)
@The Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Beer and Cheese (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $56.98 for a class that combines the talent of one of Philadelphia's top beer geeks and beloved cheesemongers for the ultimate class on beer and cheese pairings.)
Special holiday-themed events
@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Sun. 12/9 - Winter Warmer Release Party (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of Winter Warmer. Also, Bourbon Jerry Chris Mas, Jerry Chris Mas, Wild Jerry Chris Mas. Get in the spirit of the holidays by wearing your ugliest sweater.)
@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Rudolph's Revenge Release Party (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for some holiday cheer with the release of Rudolph's Revenge.)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Milk and Cookies with Santa (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG to enjoy the Phoenixville Christmas Parade with Milk Stout and house-made cookies. Complimentary cookies for kids. Live holiday music with Cole Campbell from 7-9 p.m.)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - Christmas Treats Bonanza (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a Christmas beer event that will feature several seasonal brews on tap, killer ice cream, and cupcakes to boot. Tap list coming soon but of course it includes Tröegs Mad Elf & Brew Works Rude Elf.)
@Washington House, Sellersville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Holiday Beer Tasting (5 p.m.; $PAYG to get into the spirit with a selection of holiday brews.)
Mad Elf events gets its own category this month because, well, it's Mad Elf
@Field House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - Mad Elf Event (9 p.m.; $PAYG for a Tröegs Mad Elf Tap Takeover. TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb debut live for their first of many appearances on stage.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Tue. 12/11 - Mad Elf Party (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for four vintages of Tröegs Mad Elf on draft, as well as Flying Mouflan and more details to come.)
@The Pour House, Westmont, NJ--- Thu. 12/6 - Mad Elf Night (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for Mad Elf, Scratch beers, & more from Tröegs. Will Buddy The Elf make another surprise apperance this year?)
Check out the entire December 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sly Fox beers including their two newest canned releases, Christmas Ale and the just released Odyssey Imperial IPA, plus bottles of old favorites: Black Raspberry Reserve, Incubus, Ichor, & Saison Vos)
@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Great Lakes Promo (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG for lots of great beer from Great Lakes on tap)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Leinenkugel's beers)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Evolution's beers)
@Falls Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - Stillwater Night (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for drafts including Kopstooje, As Follows, Debutante, Stateside, Premium, Bronze Age, Cellar Door, Folklore, and Our Side. Also, bottles of Pappy Barrel-aged Folklore.)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Friday Night Sampling (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sly Fox beers)
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - Flying Fish Sampling (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for all the best that Flying Fish has to offer.)
@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - Hop Rampage (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG for this tapped-out event featuring eight hoppy beers including Sweet Leaf, Kryptonite, Lex Luthor, Belgian IPA, Helltrack IPA, Grizzly IPA, Ryed or Die IPA, and cask-conditioned Galaxy 500 IPA and a spicy menu features that pair perfecly with our hoppy beers.)
@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Sat. 12/8 - East Coast vs. West Coast (1 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for Flying Fish + Allagash + Brooklyn + Smuttynose (East Coast) vs. Green Flash + Stone + Sierra Nevada Brew + North Coast (West Coast). Raffle prizes for Rewards Club members)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - Burning Of The Phoenix (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for a special menu featuring “fire”-inspired fare in celebration of the Fire Bird Festival.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 12/10 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of 21st Amendment's beers)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Leinenkugel's Tasting (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from Wisconsin with JB)
@Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - A Firkin of Weyerbacher (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a fresh firkin of beer from Weyerbacher)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown & Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Incubus Friday (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG as the incredible Belgian-style Tripel pours until the keg kicks.)
@The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - Tröegs U Buy The Glass (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for an all Tröegs draft list and raffle prizes.)
@Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Beer Tasting (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sierra Nevada's beers)
@Valley Forge Casino Resort, Valley Forge, Pa.--- every Thursday in December - Sly Fox Thirsty Thursday (5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $PAYG for Sly Fox specials and giveaways)
@Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - First Thursday Beer Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free to mingle and enjoy complimentary beer samples during a store-wide tasting)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Stone's Tap Takeover (4 p.m.; $PAYG for live music along with $10 Burger and Stone's Brews or $10 Pizza and Stone's Brews.)
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - A Very Heady Saturday (9 p.m.; $PAYG as they welcome Estimated Profit in paying tribute to The Grateful Dead and serving some of our favorite Brooklyn Brewery flavors.)
@Drink Philly HQ, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - First Friday (5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $Free to enjoy beer from DuClaw and food from Bierstube. All donations made at the door will be donated to the Red Cross to help those that have drastically been affected by Hurricane Sandy.)
@Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - Valley Forge Beer Festival (12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10/$40/$60 for an incredible variety of beers from the local area, from across the country, and from around the globe. Food will be available for purchase during each session.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Anchor OSA Flashback Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Our Special Ale from Anchor, one from 2011 and a fresh one from 2012)
@The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Rogue Tap Attack (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of beers from Oregon)
@TJs, Paoli, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - 9th Anniversary Party (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG at the annual not-to-be-missed anniversary party. This year we're celebrating number nine. With an underlying theme from the song Love Potion #9, as the lyrics go we too shall have a Gypsy Fortune Teller on hand.)
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 12/9 - Weyerbacher Event ($PAYG for a bunch of Weyerbacher beers, details coming soon)
Food and Beer events
@Garrett Hill Ale House, Bryn Mawr, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - Victory Beer Dinner (6 p.m.; $40 for a three-course meal paired with choices of Golden Monkey, Headwaters, Prima Pils, Storm King, Helios Saison, and Donnybrook Stout)
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - 12 Beers of Christmas Dinner (6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. seatings; $70 for a six-course meal paired with twelve holiday-themed beers)
@Monk's CafÈ, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 12/11 - 20th Annual Holiday Dinner (7 p.m.; $85 for a six-course holiday feast paired with some of the best beers in the world.)
@Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del.--- Wed. 12/12 - Cajun Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $TBD for the last beer dinner of the year)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Victory's Cooks Showdown Final (6 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG for their in-house head-to-head cooking competition, where Victory's own culinarians are paired with a "sous chef" from our brewery or office and pitted against each other. Competitors will face mystery ingredients, time constraints, naked beer identification and a barrage of trivia before they present their dishes to the judges.)
Homebrewing, Charity, and Education
@Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 12/6 - Charity Cask Night (5 p.m.; $PAYG as 100% of cask sales will be donated to charity)
@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/12 - Beer School (4 p.m.; $Free to learn along side the bar/restaurant staff)
@The Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Beer and Cheese (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $56.98 for a class that combines the talent of one of Philadelphia's top beer geeks and beloved cheesemongers for the ultimate class on beer and cheese pairings.)
Special holiday-themed events
@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Sun. 12/9 - Winter Warmer Release Party (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of Winter Warmer. Also, Bourbon Jerry Chris Mas, Jerry Chris Mas, Wild Jerry Chris Mas. Get in the spirit of the holidays by wearing your ugliest sweater.)
@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Rudolph's Revenge Release Party (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for some holiday cheer with the release of Rudolph's Revenge.)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Milk and Cookies with Santa (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG to enjoy the Phoenixville Christmas Parade with Milk Stout and house-made cookies. Complimentary cookies for kids. Live holiday music with Cole Campbell from 7-9 p.m.)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - Christmas Treats Bonanza (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a Christmas beer event that will feature several seasonal brews on tap, killer ice cream, and cupcakes to boot. Tap list coming soon but of course it includes Tröegs Mad Elf & Brew Works Rude Elf.)
@Washington House, Sellersville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/7 - Holiday Beer Tasting (5 p.m.; $PAYG to get into the spirit with a selection of holiday brews.)
Mad Elf events gets its own category this month because, well, it's Mad Elf
@Field House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/8 - Mad Elf Event (9 p.m.; $PAYG for a Tröegs Mad Elf Tap Takeover. TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb debut live for their first of many appearances on stage.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Tue. 12/11 - Mad Elf Party (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for four vintages of Tröegs Mad Elf on draft, as well as Flying Mouflan and more details to come.)
@The Pour House, Westmont, NJ--- Thu. 12/6 - Mad Elf Night (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for Mad Elf, Scratch beers, & more from Tröegs. Will Buddy The Elf make another surprise apperance this year?)
Monday, December 03, 2012
Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 12/3/12
Bunch of interesting stuff to share with you from the wide world of great beer. Let's get it started with some lists out of Philly.
PHILADELPHIA
~ There's a tiny little part of me that for a few seconds actually wonders about the quality of life of the folks spewing the hate in the comments again in this year's Top 50 Bar list over at Foobooz. Actually, if you don't think real hard about them (and, really you shouldn't), they could provide a bit of comedy in your day. Check out the Top 50 Philadelphia Bars according to the Foobooz poll of a bunch of industry, as well as unimportant periphery industry no-nothings, such as me (otherwise I would've been called in some of the comments as well, right?). FWIW, my submitted top ten list has 5 in the Top 10, three that fell in positions 11-50, and two that didn't make the Top 50 at all. And, I didn't cast a vote for anyplace not in Philadelphia; how else can you call it a Top 50 Philadelphia Bars list? (sorry, I do really find it to be a fine list; my sarcasm is directed solely at the commenters and their, uh, "comments")
~ There's a new Gastropub in town. Unfortunately, not a new category name for it other than Gastropub.
~ File under FWIW….here's another fine list, but once again, in my constant complaint, they could've stuck with just Philly Proper.
~ In other comings and goings and a blast from the past, the former Dickens Inn (or Dark Horse, if you prefer) has a new name but reportedly much of the same feel. That sounds like a good thing.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ SAVOR is moving (for one year) to NYC from DC. Thomas Cizauskas has a few words to share about that.
~ Ride. Tour. Eat. Beer. Sleep. Repeat. Looks like something fun to do from a new follower of The Brew Lounge on Twitter.
~ So this has popped up on the calendar. Interesting.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ If you're a fan of American Craft Beer, you should know a little of its history. Basic Brewing Radio has great material about the landmark New Albion beer and its brewer, Jack McAuliffe. Head to BBR's directory of podasted material or here is a direct link to the MP3 file for your listening enjoyment and education. Looking forward to this beer hitting the market.
~ The Lagunitas/Tony Magee/Twitter never fails to disappoint. Actually, many points are difficult to contest and, frankly, would like to see more industry leaders addressing the current and future states of the industry in real terms.
~ BeerPulse also pointed us in this direction
~ The Wench (™?) shared a Conan O'Brien video with us and a glimpse into the life of a beer blogger
~ First Fortune Magazine and then the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It's no secret anymore, the big guys are gunning for us.
~ No doubt "blogging" is seeing in some ways its end of days. Can't say that I'm sorry, you'll surely know what I mean by that if you've ever heard me grouse about the state of affairs in the written word. Here's a view from the world of cocktail "blogging". So many good takeaways. By way of Stan Hieronymous.
PHILADELPHIA
~ There's a tiny little part of me that for a few seconds actually wonders about the quality of life of the folks spewing the hate in the comments again in this year's Top 50 Bar list over at Foobooz. Actually, if you don't think real hard about them (and, really you shouldn't), they could provide a bit of comedy in your day. Check out the Top 50 Philadelphia Bars according to the Foobooz poll of a bunch of industry, as well as unimportant periphery industry no-nothings, such as me (otherwise I would've been called in some of the comments as well, right?). FWIW, my submitted top ten list has 5 in the Top 10, three that fell in positions 11-50, and two that didn't make the Top 50 at all. And, I didn't cast a vote for anyplace not in Philadelphia; how else can you call it a Top 50 Philadelphia Bars list? (sorry, I do really find it to be a fine list; my sarcasm is directed solely at the commenters and their, uh, "comments")
~ There's a new Gastropub in town. Unfortunately, not a new category name for it other than Gastropub.
~ File under FWIW….here's another fine list, but once again, in my constant complaint, they could've stuck with just Philly Proper.
~ In other comings and goings and a blast from the past, the former Dickens Inn (or Dark Horse, if you prefer) has a new name but reportedly much of the same feel. That sounds like a good thing.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ SAVOR is moving (for one year) to NYC from DC. Thomas Cizauskas has a few words to share about that.
~ Ride. Tour. Eat. Beer. Sleep. Repeat. Looks like something fun to do from a new follower of The Brew Lounge on Twitter.
~ So this has popped up on the calendar. Interesting.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ If you're a fan of American Craft Beer, you should know a little of its history. Basic Brewing Radio has great material about the landmark New Albion beer and its brewer, Jack McAuliffe. Head to BBR's directory of podasted material or here is a direct link to the MP3 file for your listening enjoyment and education. Looking forward to this beer hitting the market.
~ The Lagunitas/Tony Magee/Twitter never fails to disappoint. Actually, many points are difficult to contest and, frankly, would like to see more industry leaders addressing the current and future states of the industry in real terms.
~ BeerPulse also pointed us in this direction
~ The Wench (™?) shared a Conan O'Brien video with us and a glimpse into the life of a beer blogger
~ First Fortune Magazine and then the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It's no secret anymore, the big guys are gunning for us.
~ No doubt "blogging" is seeing in some ways its end of days. Can't say that I'm sorry, you'll surely know what I mean by that if you've ever heard me grouse about the state of affairs in the written word. Here's a view from the world of cocktail "blogging". So many good takeaways. By way of Stan Hieronymous.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Beer Calendar: What To Do in December 2012
It's that most wonderful time of the year and your favorite breweries and bars have lots of special treats for those of you, whether or not you've been good. Go forth and spread the cheer of good beer.
For anyone attempting to plan an event that wants to stand out on the calendar, be aware that only 12/16, 12/24, 12/29, and 12/30 appear to be devoid of any special events. Have at it!
As always, 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
Sat. 12/1-Wed. 12/12 - The 12 Cans Of Christmas @Percy Street BBQ, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - 31 Days Of Christmas @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - Brewery Of The Month @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 12/1 - Light My Fire @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/1 - Zwanze Day 2012 @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/1 - Happy Hour @Percy Street BBQ, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/1 - Sandy Relief Fundraiser @Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/2 - Savage Sixtel Sunday @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/2 - Fly Eagles Fly, Fry Turkey Fry @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/2 - 9th Anniversary Party @Good Dog Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 12/3 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 12/4 - Ommegang and Cupcakes @Lucky's Last Chance, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Beer School @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 12/5 - Night Of The Krampus @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Bridgid's 25th Anniversary @Bridgid's, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover @The Bards, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Tröegs Firkin Night @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Repeal Day with Founders Brewing Company @Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Great Lakes Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Rogue Tap Attack @The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Stone's Tap Takeover @Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Beer Tasting (Sierra Nevada) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/7 - Anchor OSA Flashback Night @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - First Friday @Drink Philly HQ, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-9:30 p.m; $Free)
Fri. 12/7 - A Firkin of Weyerbacher @Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - Mad Elf Event @Field House, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - Christmas Treats Bonanza @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - Hop Rampage @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - A Very Heady Saturday @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/9 - Weyerbacher Event @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Mon. 12/10 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 12/11 - Sat. 12/22 - The Twelve Beers of Christmas 2012 @Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 12/12 - Beer School @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 12/12 - Flying Fish Sampling @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/12 - Stillwater Night @Falls Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/12 - Tröegs U Buy The Glass @The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/13 - Weyerbacher Night @SoWe Bar and Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Rogue John John No More No More Night @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Christmas Extravaganza @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Mad Elf/Mad Dreams @Revolution House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $5 cover+$PAYG)
Sat. 12/15 - Winterfest Craft Show @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 12/17 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 12/18 - Annual Holiday Roast @Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/19 - Nino's Prickly Pear Release @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/19 - Beer School @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 12/20 - Duck-Rabbit Brewing Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - C'est La Fin du Monde, et Nous Nous Sentons Bien @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - Germany Comes from Cleveland @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - Flying Fish Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/21 - Celebrate The End of the World with the Mayans and Left Hand @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 12/22 - Chocolate, Coffee, & Barrel-aged Things @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/23 - Sing-a-long Christmas Karaoke with Smuttynose Brewing @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/23 - Festivus @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 12/25 - It's A Mad Elf Christmas @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/26 - Boxing Day Beer Festival @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 12/26 - Firkin Wednesday (Flying Fish) @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 12/4 - Sly Fox Friday @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Stone Tap Takeover @Fingers, Wings, and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - First Thursday Beer Tasting @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 12/6 - Leinenkugel's Tasting @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Mad Elf Night @The Pour House, Westmont, NJ (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Rudolph's Revenge Release Party @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/9 - Winter Warmer Release Party @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 12/11 - Mad Elf Party @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/13 - 12 Geese Of Christmas @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/13 - Southern Tier Tap Takeover @Isaac Newtons, Newtown, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Flying Fish Tasting @The Beer Shoppe, Ardmore, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/14 - Christmas Vertical Pairing @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/15 - How the Sheltons Stole Christmas @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/15 - Beer Garden's 3rd Anniversary @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 12/19 - Great Lakes Tasting @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - Twas The Night @Forest & Main, Ambler, Pa. (7 p.m. & 10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - End Of The World Party @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - Victory Tasting @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/21 - Christmas Vertical Pairing @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
every Thursday in December - Sly Fox Thirsty Thursday @Valley Forge Casino Resort, Valley Forge, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/1 - Saturday Sampling (Stoudt's) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 12/1 - Back In Black @Union Jack's On The Manatawny, Boyertown, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/2 - Brewmaster's Brunch & Riverfront Dock Maple Porter Release Party @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (11 a.m.-2 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Grace Montessori School) @Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Victory's Cooks Showdown Final @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit TBD) @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Thursday Sampling (Leinenkugel) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 12/6 - Goose Island Beer Tasting @Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, Pa. (6 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Milk and Cookies with Santa @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Pottstown & Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Holiday Beer Tasting @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Friday Night Sampling (Sly Fox) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/7 - Friday Night Sampling (Sly Fox) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/7 - Friday Sampling (Evolution) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 12/8 - 9th Anniversary Party @TJs, Paoli, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - Burning Of The Phoenix @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - East Coast vs. West Coast @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (1 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/13 - Ugly Sweater Release @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (Victory) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/14 - 17th Anniversary Party @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (Evolution and Goose Island) @Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa. (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (Long Trail) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 12/15 - Oatmeal Milk Stout Release Party @River Horse, Lambertville, NJ (7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $12+)
Sat. 12/15 - Saturday Afternoon Sampling (Lancaster) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 12/15 - Saturday Sampling (Lancaster) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 12/20 - Mad Elf Par-tay @Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/21 - End Of The World Dogfish Tap Takeover @Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (Stella Artois) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (Unibroue) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/21 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (Chester County Bitter, Pughtown Porter, and Brewer's Select Pale Ale) @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (Christmas beers) @Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa. (4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 12/22 - Hoppy Holidays @Union Jack's On The Manatawny, Boyertown, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/22 - Saturday Afternoon Sampling (Shock Top Midnight and Goose Island Christmas) @Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa. (2 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/28 - Smuttynose Tap Takeover @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/28 - Friday Night Sampling (Rogue) @Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa. (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Events Over $20
Philadelphia
Sat. 12/1 - Philadelphia Winter Beer Festival @The Blockley, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.-8 p.m.; $30/$35/$40/$45)
Fri. 12/7 - Beer and Cheese @The Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $56.98)
Tue. 12/11 - 20th Annual Holiday Dinner @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $85)
Wed. 12/19 - Christmas Beer Dinner @Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $50)
Thu. 12/20 - Cancer Is Ugly Sweater Christmas Party @Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $40)
Sat. 12/22 - Stone Vertical Epic Series @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-2 p.m.; $100)
Thu. 12/27 - Winter Beer Festival @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $40)
Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve Dinner @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.; $75 & $125, respectively)
Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve with Yards Brewery @Kennett, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $65)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 12/5 - Winter Craft Beer Dinner @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.; $50)
Wed. 12/5 - Annual Christmas Dinner @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $55)
Wed. 12/12 - 12 Beers of Christmas Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. seatings; $70)
Wed. 12/12 - Victory Beer Dinner @Garrett Hill Ale House, Bryn Mawr, Pa. (6 p.m.; $40)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 12/1 - Craft Beer Festival @Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m. & 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10/$30/$35)
Tue. 12/4 - Holiday At The Hill Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $75)
Tue. 12/4 - Wild Game Night @Union Barrel Works, Reamstown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $45)
Sat. 12/8 - Valley Forge Beer Festival @Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, Pa. (12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10/$40/$60)
Wed. 12/12 - Cajun Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $TBD)
Thu. 12/13 - Holiday Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 12/13 - Sixpoint Beer Dinner @Village Whiskey (Revel Resort & Casino), Atlantic City, NJ (7 p.m.; $50)
Fri. 12/14 - 17th Anniversary Brunch @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (10 a.m.; $45)
Sat. 12/15 - Craft Beer Bus to Philadelphia @Dock Street, Manayunk Brewing, & Appalachian Brewing (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $70)
Tue. 12/18 - Victory Beer Dinner @Keswick Tavern, Glenside, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $50)
Sun. 12/23 - Sunday Christmas Brunch with Dogfish Head @Side Bar, West Chester, Pa. ($TBD)
Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $75)
For anyone attempting to plan an event that wants to stand out on the calendar, be aware that only 12/16, 12/24, 12/29, and 12/30 appear to be devoid of any special events. Have at it!
As always, 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
Sat. 12/1-Wed. 12/12 - The 12 Cans Of Christmas @Percy Street BBQ, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - 31 Days Of Christmas @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - Brewery Of The Month @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 12/1 - Light My Fire @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/1 - Zwanze Day 2012 @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/1 - Happy Hour @Percy Street BBQ, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/1 - Sandy Relief Fundraiser @Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/2 - Savage Sixtel Sunday @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/2 - Fly Eagles Fly, Fry Turkey Fry @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/2 - 9th Anniversary Party @Good Dog Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 12/3 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 12/4 - Ommegang and Cupcakes @Lucky's Last Chance, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Beer School @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 12/5 - Night Of The Krampus @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Bridgid's 25th Anniversary @Bridgid's, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover @The Bards, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Tröegs Firkin Night @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Repeal Day with Founders Brewing Company @Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Great Lakes Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Rogue Tap Attack @The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Stone's Tap Takeover @Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Beer Tasting (Sierra Nevada) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/7 - Anchor OSA Flashback Night @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - First Friday @Drink Philly HQ, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-9:30 p.m; $Free)
Fri. 12/7 - A Firkin of Weyerbacher @Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - Mad Elf Event @Field House, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - Christmas Treats Bonanza @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - Hop Rampage @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - A Very Heady Saturday @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/9 - Weyerbacher Event @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Mon. 12/10 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 12/11 - Sat. 12/22 - The Twelve Beers of Christmas 2012 @Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 12/12 - Beer School @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 12/12 - Flying Fish Sampling @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/12 - Stillwater Night @Falls Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/12 - Tröegs U Buy The Glass @The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/13 - Weyerbacher Night @SoWe Bar and Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Rogue John John No More No More Night @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Christmas Extravaganza @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Mad Elf/Mad Dreams @Revolution House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $5 cover+$PAYG)
Sat. 12/15 - Winterfest Craft Show @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 12/17 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Tue. 12/18 - Annual Holiday Roast @Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/19 - Nino's Prickly Pear Release @Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/19 - Beer School @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 12/20 - Duck-Rabbit Brewing Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - C'est La Fin du Monde, et Nous Nous Sentons Bien @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - Germany Comes from Cleveland @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - Flying Fish Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa. (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/21 - Celebrate The End of the World with the Mayans and Left Hand @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sat. 12/22 - Chocolate, Coffee, & Barrel-aged Things @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/23 - Sing-a-long Christmas Karaoke with Smuttynose Brewing @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/23 - Festivus @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 12/25 - It's A Mad Elf Christmas @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/26 - Boxing Day Beer Festival @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 12/26 - Firkin Wednesday (Flying Fish) @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 12/4 - Sly Fox Friday @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Stone Tap Takeover @Fingers, Wings, and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - First Thursday Beer Tasting @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 12/6 - Leinenkugel's Tasting @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Mad Elf Night @The Pour House, Westmont, NJ (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Rudolph's Revenge Release Party @Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/9 - Winter Warmer Release Party @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 12/11 - Mad Elf Party @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/13 - 12 Geese Of Christmas @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/13 - Southern Tier Tap Takeover @Isaac Newtons, Newtown, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Flying Fish Tasting @The Beer Shoppe, Ardmore, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/14 - Christmas Vertical Pairing @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/15 - How the Sheltons Stole Christmas @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/15 - Beer Garden's 3rd Anniversary @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 12/19 - Great Lakes Tasting @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - Twas The Night @Forest & Main, Ambler, Pa. (7 p.m. & 10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - End Of The World Party @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/20 - Victory Tasting @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/21 - Christmas Vertical Pairing @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
every Thursday in December - Sly Fox Thirsty Thursday @Valley Forge Casino Resort, Valley Forge, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/1 - Saturday Sampling (Stoudt's) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 12/1 - Back In Black @Union Jack's On The Manatawny, Boyertown, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 12/2 - Brewmaster's Brunch & Riverfront Dock Maple Porter Release Party @Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del. (11 a.m.-2 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 12/5 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Grace Montessori School) @Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Victory's Cooks Showdown Final @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit TBD) @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/6 - Thursday Sampling (Leinenkugel) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 12/6 - Goose Island Beer Tasting @Pickering Creek Inn, Phoenixville, Pa. (6 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Milk and Cookies with Santa @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Incubus Friday @Sly Fox, Pottstown & Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Holiday Beer Tasting @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/7 - Friday Night Sampling (Sly Fox) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/7 - Friday Night Sampling (Sly Fox) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/7 - Friday Sampling (Evolution) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 12/8 - 9th Anniversary Party @TJs, Paoli, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - Burning Of The Phoenix @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/8 - East Coast vs. West Coast @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (1 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 12/13 - Ugly Sweater Release @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (Victory) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/14 - 17th Anniversary Party @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (Evolution and Goose Island) @Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa. (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (Long Trail) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 12/15 - Oatmeal Milk Stout Release Party @River Horse, Lambertville, NJ (7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $12+)
Sat. 12/15 - Saturday Afternoon Sampling (Lancaster) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 12/15 - Saturday Sampling (Lancaster) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 12/20 - Mad Elf Par-tay @Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/21 - End Of The World Dogfish Tap Takeover @Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (Stella Artois) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (Unibroue) @Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/21 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (Chester County Bitter, Pughtown Porter, and Brewer's Select Pale Ale) @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (Christmas beers) @Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa. (4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 12/22 - Hoppy Holidays @Union Jack's On The Manatawny, Boyertown, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 12/22 - Saturday Afternoon Sampling (Shock Top Midnight and Goose Island Christmas) @Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa. (2 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 12/28 - Smuttynose Tap Takeover @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 12/28 - Friday Night Sampling (Rogue) @Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa. (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Events Over $20
Philadelphia
Sat. 12/1 - Philadelphia Winter Beer Festival @The Blockley, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.-8 p.m.; $30/$35/$40/$45)
Fri. 12/7 - Beer and Cheese @The Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $56.98)
Tue. 12/11 - 20th Annual Holiday Dinner @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $85)
Wed. 12/19 - Christmas Beer Dinner @Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $50)
Thu. 12/20 - Cancer Is Ugly Sweater Christmas Party @Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $40)
Sat. 12/22 - Stone Vertical Epic Series @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-2 p.m.; $100)
Thu. 12/27 - Winter Beer Festival @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $40)
Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve Dinner @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.; $75 & $125, respectively)
Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve with Yards Brewery @Kennett, Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $65)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 12/5 - Winter Craft Beer Dinner @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.; $50)
Wed. 12/5 - Annual Christmas Dinner @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, Pa. (7:00 p.m.; $55)
Wed. 12/12 - 12 Beers of Christmas Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. seatings; $70)
Wed. 12/12 - Victory Beer Dinner @Garrett Hill Ale House, Bryn Mawr, Pa. (6 p.m.; $40)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 12/1 - Craft Beer Festival @Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m. & 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10/$30/$35)
Tue. 12/4 - Holiday At The Hill Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $75)
Tue. 12/4 - Wild Game Night @Union Barrel Works, Reamstown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $45)
Sat. 12/8 - Valley Forge Beer Festival @Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, Pa. (12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10/$40/$60)
Wed. 12/12 - Cajun Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $TBD)
Thu. 12/13 - Holiday Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.; $65)
Thu. 12/13 - Sixpoint Beer Dinner @Village Whiskey (Revel Resort & Casino), Atlantic City, NJ (7 p.m.; $50)
Fri. 12/14 - 17th Anniversary Brunch @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (10 a.m.; $45)
Sat. 12/15 - Craft Beer Bus to Philadelphia @Dock Street, Manayunk Brewing, & Appalachian Brewing (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $70)
Tue. 12/18 - Victory Beer Dinner @Keswick Tavern, Glenside, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $50)
Sun. 12/23 - Sunday Christmas Brunch with Dogfish Head @Side Bar, West Chester, Pa. ($TBD)
Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $75)
Where there's Smoke, there's Yards...and BBQ and many other beers
 |
| Yards Smoke 'Em If Yous Got 'Em (Click above for full gallery of 30 event pictures) |
(At this rate of "catching up", perhaps I'll be done by Christmas. What a gift that would be. Really only to me because, anymore, who's really counting?)
On September 23, Yards hosted their 4th annual Smoke 'Em If Yous Got 'Em event. The popular event was held again at the brewery, taking advantage of both the brewing space as well as the short street just outside the front door. Smoke-flavored beers were the focal point of the event with a supporting cast of great foods and music.
Some might say that smoke beers are an acquired taste. While that certainly has not been an issue for the hundreds that have come out each year, for the first time, Yards opened up the beer list to more than just smoke beers. Guest breweries included many of the locals you might expect (Sly Fox, Iron Hill, Stoudt's, Tröegs, Victory, Manayunk, Flying Fish, and Weyerbacher), some newer upstarts (Neshaminy Creek and Old Forge, e.g.), and a couple of authentics from Germany (namely, Schlenkerla).
Outside, the street was filled with both amateur and professional chefs (including Percy Street BBQ and Vernalicious) cooking up their best barbecue. Unlimited helpings of everything from ribs to brisket to sausage were included in the price of admission and judged by guest judges as well as the public for people's choice.
There was much pleasing flavor to go around the event from the plate to the glass. However, one particular plate stood out for me. It was The Smoke Team's Suckling Pig stuffed with cornbread and broccoli rabe, then topped with duckfat sauce and duck cracklings. They called it "The Phillington", a classic Wellington with a Philly twist. A tasty twist indeed.
In the spirit of me dropping the ball more than is typical of late, I left before Yards owner Tom Kehoe announced the winning entries. So, I really have no idea how this magnificent plate of food fared at the judges' table. I had an early morning flight the following day and the prior day's activities at Sly Fox had already filled the weekend for me.
So this year, I will have to let the picture gallery do more of the talking on this page. (You'll notice quite a few Eagles jerseys being worn that day. Wonder if the event was being held, say, this Sunday if the colors would be seen just as much?)
Just another fine day and event at the Yards. If you've not given it a try, consider this fair warning for next September.
If you'd like to read and see more from two guys that put in more time at the event than did I, head over to read Ryan Hudak's account at In Search Of Beer and/or Rich Isaacs' account at Rich On Beer.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 11/26/12
Back again here in the post-Thanksgiving slug with a batch of interesting reading for you before things really pick up in the coming weeks.
PHILADELPHIA
~ This was shaping up to be quite a fine looking reason to visit The Industry this week. Now, though, even the website doesn't say so, the Tuesday dinner with Iron Hill has been pushed back into late-January
~ Blink. There they go again. And, we're walking...
~ Lew Bryson has a wrap-up from his time in Philly with a cast of players in the ongoing discussion around Pennsylvania state law facilitated for a second time at Yards Brewing Company.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Sly Fox is now in Delaware. Odd that it took so long for such a small state, but there you go.
~ And, while we're on the topic of Sly Fox, you'll pat yourself on the back later for taking some time off from work on Friday, Dec. 14 to help the brewery celebrate its 17th anniversary. You can even begin with a brunch on location.
~ I must've been away too long. Jean Broillet from Tired Hands tells us about something new and interesting he's cooked up. But, then again, that's his M.O. is it not?
~ Jack Curtin had a spot-on image to share of beer "belonging" with Thanksgiving…from 46 years ago.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Greg Heller-LaBelle says no matter how you cut it, Obama still wins. A fun read, even if a bit after the fact.
~ My favorite time of year at Alan McLeod's Good Beer Blog. You, too, can join in the fun.
~ Release the Geeks. Let me know how it goes.
PHILADELPHIA
~ This was shaping up to be quite a fine looking reason to visit The Industry this week. Now, though, even the website doesn't say so, the Tuesday dinner with Iron Hill has been pushed back into late-January
~ Blink. There they go again. And, we're walking...
~ Lew Bryson has a wrap-up from his time in Philly with a cast of players in the ongoing discussion around Pennsylvania state law facilitated for a second time at Yards Brewing Company.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Sly Fox is now in Delaware. Odd that it took so long for such a small state, but there you go.
~ And, while we're on the topic of Sly Fox, you'll pat yourself on the back later for taking some time off from work on Friday, Dec. 14 to help the brewery celebrate its 17th anniversary. You can even begin with a brunch on location.
~ I must've been away too long. Jean Broillet from Tired Hands tells us about something new and interesting he's cooked up. But, then again, that's his M.O. is it not?
~ Jack Curtin had a spot-on image to share of beer "belonging" with Thanksgiving…from 46 years ago.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Greg Heller-LaBelle says no matter how you cut it, Obama still wins. A fun read, even if a bit after the fact.
~ My favorite time of year at Alan McLeod's Good Beer Blog. You, too, can join in the fun.
~ Release the Geeks. Let me know how it goes.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 22 - November 30
Be thankful. Have fun. Support your favorite bar and brewery beginning tonight with more than 25 events before the end of the month.
Check out the entire November 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/29 - Elysian Brewing Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for a night with one of Seattle's finest and at least 19 of their beers)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Oskar (Blues) The Grouch Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for lots of Oskar Blues beers in cans and on draft. Beers will include all the Oskar Blues core brands and some special stuff. This event, believed to the world’s first garbage can focused beer event, definitely should not be missed.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/30 - Blackout Night with Great Lakes (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for the local draft debut of this year's batch of Great Lakes Blackout Stout. We will be under blackout conditions, just candlelight. Several other great Great Lakes beers will be on tap. Mark should have some Great Lakes give-aways too.)
@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Tue. 11/27 - Brewmaster Series (6 p.m.; $PAYG for a tap list from Lancaster County's Stoudt's Brewery including Alterbier, Pumpkinfest, Achluophobia, and Fat Dog Stout)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Mon. 11/26 - St. James Release (11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of St. James Brown Ale, an English-style Brown Ale, and Give-20 benefiting the Anchorage Program at St. James Church.)
@London Grill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/27 - RJ Rockers and Laughing Dog (7 p.m.; $PAYG as we welcome RJ Rockers from South Carolina and Laughing Dog from Idaho to Philly)
@The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/29 - Allagash Favorites and Rarities (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for Bourbon Black, Hugh Malone, White, Curieux, and Four)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Fri. 11/30 - Mustache Happy Hour (4 p.m.; $PAYG to show off your moustache pride for a chance to win some cool Victory goodies. Moustaches will be judged by the lovely ladies of Victory and prizes will be awarded to winners for the best facial hair in the following categories: Best Style, Wackiest, Fullest, and Creepiest)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Capone's, Norristown, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Black Friday (7 a.m.; $PAYG for a for the annual Black Friday staggering lineup)
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Into The Black (2 p.m.; $PAYG for a celebration of the "art of dark craft")
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/22 - Full of Turkey? Come Drink you Pumpkin Pie (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a tapping a 2012 Southern Tier Pumking and one from last year. We will have a limited food menu available and special discounts for anyone that had to work on turkey day.)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Hopstravaganza (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as we celebrate 5 years with some tasty hoppy beers like Hop Monster DRIPA, Burton IPA, American Pilsner, Batch 500!, Petite IPA, White IPA, Rising Sun, and Cask-conditioned Kryptonite Imperial IPA)
@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Big Bottle Tasting (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG to sample some of our favorite Bottle Reserves)
@Kraftwork, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Blackout (10:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a funky brunch served with beautiful black beers)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Wed. 11/21 - Lost Abbey/Port Tap Takeover (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for Lost Abbey Deliverance, Lost Abbey Bourbon Angel’s Share, 2011 Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi, Lost Abbey Serpents Stout, Lost Abbey Judgement Day, Lost Abbey Avant Garde, Port Mongo DIPA, and possibly more.)
@Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Blackout (10:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a special brunch and some of the most amazing black beers)
@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Sat. 11/24 - Hopfest with Harvest Ales (12 p.m.; $PAYG for over a dozen Harvest Ales and a massive raffle at 7 p.m. with 15% of all draft beer sold donated to All 4 Paws Rescue organization.)
@Tria Fermentation School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/29 - Allagash's Sour Delights (6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.; $60 to explore the wild world of sour beer with Allagash)
@Union Transfer, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/24 - Winter Beer Fest (1 p.m.-5 p.m., 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $10/$40/$50 for more than 100 beers from around the world.)
Food and Beer events
@Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza, Wayne, Pa.--- Thu. 11/29 - Neshaminy Creek Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $30 for a four-course meal paired with Neshaminy Creek's Highwater Hefeweizen, Dunkle, County Line IPA, and Tribute Tripple)
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Black Friday Holiday Leftovers ($PAYG for a special brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. beers all day)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Everything Went Black ($PAYG for a special brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. beers all day)
@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Slow & Steady Black Friday ($PAYG for a special brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. beers all day)
@The Industry, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/27 - Off The Wall Iron Hill Dinner (7:30 p.m.; $60 for a five-course meal paired with Biere de Garde, Sweet Leaf IPA, Weizenbock, Winter Warmer, and Wild Belgian Tripel)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Thu. 11/29 - Victory's Cooks Showdown Round 3 (6 p.m.; $PAYG for an in-house head-to-head cooking competition with Victory’s own culinarians paired with a “sous chef” from our brewery or office and pitted against each other.)
@World Café Live, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 11/28 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting (6 p.m.; $35 for Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer paired together in unexpected and delicious ways. Bring your vegetarian friends, too – we can accommodate them on all pairings.)
Homebrewing, Education, and Charity
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Wed. 11/28 - SPCA Fundraiser (7 p.m.; $PAYG for Animal themed beers will be on tap, including favorites from breweries such as Duck Rabbit, Thirsty Dog, Terrapin, Dark Horse, etc.)
Check out the entire November 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/29 - Elysian Brewing Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for a night with one of Seattle's finest and at least 19 of their beers)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Oskar (Blues) The Grouch Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for lots of Oskar Blues beers in cans and on draft. Beers will include all the Oskar Blues core brands and some special stuff. This event, believed to the world’s first garbage can focused beer event, definitely should not be missed.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/30 - Blackout Night with Great Lakes (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for the local draft debut of this year's batch of Great Lakes Blackout Stout. We will be under blackout conditions, just candlelight. Several other great Great Lakes beers will be on tap. Mark should have some Great Lakes give-aways too.)
@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Tue. 11/27 - Brewmaster Series (6 p.m.; $PAYG for a tap list from Lancaster County's Stoudt's Brewery including Alterbier, Pumpkinfest, Achluophobia, and Fat Dog Stout)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Mon. 11/26 - St. James Release (11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of St. James Brown Ale, an English-style Brown Ale, and Give-20 benefiting the Anchorage Program at St. James Church.)
@London Grill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/27 - RJ Rockers and Laughing Dog (7 p.m.; $PAYG as we welcome RJ Rockers from South Carolina and Laughing Dog from Idaho to Philly)
@The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/29 - Allagash Favorites and Rarities (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for Bourbon Black, Hugh Malone, White, Curieux, and Four)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Fri. 11/30 - Mustache Happy Hour (4 p.m.; $PAYG to show off your moustache pride for a chance to win some cool Victory goodies. Moustaches will be judged by the lovely ladies of Victory and prizes will be awarded to winners for the best facial hair in the following categories: Best Style, Wackiest, Fullest, and Creepiest)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Capone's, Norristown, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Black Friday (7 a.m.; $PAYG for a for the annual Black Friday staggering lineup)
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Into The Black (2 p.m.; $PAYG for a celebration of the "art of dark craft")
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/22 - Full of Turkey? Come Drink you Pumpkin Pie (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a tapping a 2012 Southern Tier Pumking and one from last year. We will have a limited food menu available and special discounts for anyone that had to work on turkey day.)
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Hopstravaganza (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG as we celebrate 5 years with some tasty hoppy beers like Hop Monster DRIPA, Burton IPA, American Pilsner, Batch 500!, Petite IPA, White IPA, Rising Sun, and Cask-conditioned Kryptonite Imperial IPA)
@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Big Bottle Tasting (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG to sample some of our favorite Bottle Reserves)
@Kraftwork, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Blackout (10:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a funky brunch served with beautiful black beers)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Wed. 11/21 - Lost Abbey/Port Tap Takeover (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for Lost Abbey Deliverance, Lost Abbey Bourbon Angel’s Share, 2011 Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi, Lost Abbey Serpents Stout, Lost Abbey Judgement Day, Lost Abbey Avant Garde, Port Mongo DIPA, and possibly more.)
@Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Blackout (10:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a special brunch and some of the most amazing black beers)
@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Sat. 11/24 - Hopfest with Harvest Ales (12 p.m.; $PAYG for over a dozen Harvest Ales and a massive raffle at 7 p.m. with 15% of all draft beer sold donated to All 4 Paws Rescue organization.)
@Tria Fermentation School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/29 - Allagash's Sour Delights (6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.; $60 to explore the wild world of sour beer with Allagash)
@Union Transfer, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/24 - Winter Beer Fest (1 p.m.-5 p.m., 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $10/$40/$50 for more than 100 beers from around the world.)
Food and Beer events
@Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza, Wayne, Pa.--- Thu. 11/29 - Neshaminy Creek Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $30 for a four-course meal paired with Neshaminy Creek's Highwater Hefeweizen, Dunkle, County Line IPA, and Tribute Tripple)
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Black Friday Holiday Leftovers ($PAYG for a special brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. beers all day)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Everything Went Black ($PAYG for a special brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. beers all day)
@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/23 - Slow & Steady Black Friday ($PAYG for a special brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. beers all day)
@The Industry, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/27 - Off The Wall Iron Hill Dinner (7:30 p.m.; $60 for a five-course meal paired with Biere de Garde, Sweet Leaf IPA, Weizenbock, Winter Warmer, and Wild Belgian Tripel)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Thu. 11/29 - Victory's Cooks Showdown Round 3 (6 p.m.; $PAYG for an in-house head-to-head cooking competition with Victory’s own culinarians paired with a “sous chef” from our brewery or office and pitted against each other.)
@World Café Live, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 11/28 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting (6 p.m.; $35 for Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer paired together in unexpected and delicious ways. Bring your vegetarian friends, too – we can accommodate them on all pairings.)
Homebrewing, Education, and Charity
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Wed. 11/28 - SPCA Fundraiser (7 p.m.; $PAYG for Animal themed beers will be on tap, including favorites from breweries such as Duck Rabbit, Thirsty Dog, Terrapin, Dark Horse, etc.)
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 15 - November 21
It's the designated time of year to give extra thanks for all that we are fortunate enough to have in this life and to share the goodness with others. Not too much of a leap to think that we, around Philadelphia, should be thankful for the year-round hard work of brewers, bar owners and all that are related to the process of getting great beer in our hands. Share the wealth.
Check out the entire November 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/20 - Holiday Bottle Release Celebration (4 p.m.; $PAYG for bottles of Prisoner of Hell, Prince Myshkin, Barleywine, Flemish Red, and Barrel-aged R.I.S. plus a special brussel sprouts pizza and live music beginning at 8:30 p.m.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 11/16 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sierra Nevada beers)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 11/16 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Victory beers)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Sat. 11/17 - Senor Chocolatoro Bottled Release Party (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG for this chocolate-style beer, and enjoy some small bites that pair perfectly with our Chocolate Beer Selections. Also on tap: Jittery Aztec; Rogue Chocolate Stout; Cowabunga Porter; and Rogue Double Chocolate Stout)
@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Wed. 11/21 - Holiday Beer Release (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for some of our favorite seasonal beers, including Holiday Ale, Bad Santa Brown Ale, Pumpkin Ale, and Cask-conditioned Vanilla Pumpkin Ale. And, raffles on the hour from 7–9 p.m.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 11/19 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tastings of Oskar Blues beers)
@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 11/18 - Meet the Brewer and Tasting (Stillwater Artisanal Ales and Sixpoint Brewery) (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for Stillwater's Stateside Saison, Existent, and Why Can't IBU? and Sixpoint's Sweet Action, Brownstone, and Spice of Life: Pacifica. Brian Strumke from Stillwater and "Jersey" Dan Bisogno, regional brand manager, from Sixpoint Brewery will be in attendance. We will also offer flight tastings of each of Brewery's three offerings that night for $6 in addition to regular draft pours.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 11/15 - Ommegang Takeover (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for Ommegang's Scythe & Sickle, Belgian Independence Day, Art of Darkness, Seduction, and Abbey Ale.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Wed. 11/21 - Lost Abbey/Port Tap Takeover (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for Lost Abbey Deliverance, Lost Abbey Bourbon Angel’s Share, 2011 Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi, Lost Abbey Serpents Stout, Lost Abbey Judgement Day, Lost Abbey Avant Garde, Port Mongo DIPA, and possibly more.)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 11/16 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for Chester County Bitter, Phoenix Pale Ale, and Brewer's Select Pale Ale all from firkins)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/20 - He Said Beer, She Said Wine (7 p.m.; $75 as Chef Jeremy Nolen and Owner Doug Hager of Brauhaus Schmitz are teaming up with Mike Solomonov (Zahav, Percey Street, & Federal Donuts) and sommelier and author Marnie Old (He Said Beer, She said Wine) to host unforgettable pairing dinner.)
@Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/15 - Long Trail Tap Takeover (4 p.m.; $PAYG to enjoy live music, delicious food and more importantly delicious beer.)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 11/21 - Duvel Rustica Feature (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG to try the new collaboration between Duvel and Ommegang, brewed here in the US and should be an excellent Belgian Golden Ale. Enjoy it or one of several other Ommegang drafts.)
@Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa.--- Sat. 11/17 - Chocolate Festival (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10/$15/$20/$25 to start the holiday season early by indulging in decadent sampling of chocolate beer, wine, and liqueur. Additionally, food vendors will have samples available to all participants as well as showcasing their unique chocolate specialties.)
@General Sutter Inn/Bulls Head Public House, Lititz, Pa.--- Fri. 11/16-Sun. 11/18 - Fall Real Ale Festival ($PAYG and no entrance fee. This gives you the opportunity to come back several times in order to sample the variety of brews. Half price growler fills on Sunday; bring your own growler. Saturday from 8-11 a.m. a traditional English breakfast will be served in the pub.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/16 - Mad Elf, Happy You ($PAYG for Annual Mad Elf Night. As usual we saved a barrel from last year, so we will be pouring two years of Mad Elf. Also on tap will be Tröegs Scratch 78 Fresh Hop and Dream Weaver Wheat.)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/15 - Russian River Night (7 p.m.; $PAYG as they've been saving a few Russian River barrels in the vault for special tapping on this night)
@Manayunk Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/15 - Pints For North Light (6 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $50/$60/$75/$80/$135/$150 for a beer festival that benefits the North Light Community Center. Great food samplings, silent auction, commemorative 2012 "Pints for North Light" glass, and entertainment by Sound Investment.)
@National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/15 - Bathtub Beer Fest (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $45 for a unique, sudsy evening that harkens back to America's darkest, driest chapter: The Prohibition. We'll have flappers and gangsters and plenty of beer served straight from the bathtub. You'll enjoy samples of old-fashioned styles and new varieties, too. PLUS: All attendees receive free admission to the Center's Prohibition exhibit. Held in conjunction with the National Constitution Center's new exhibit, "American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition.")
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Wed. 11/21 - Red Wednesday (8 a.m.; $PAYG as they release Red Thunder - Baltic Thunder aged in red wine barrels - by dubbing the day "Red Wednesday," and serving a special breakfast starting at 8 a.m)
Food and Beer events
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Mon. 11/19 & Tue. 11/20 - Halloween Brewmaster's Dinner (Rescheduled from 10/29-10/30 due to Hurricane Sandy) (6:00 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with English IPA, Anvil Ale, Rauchtoberfest, Old Ale 2008, and Great Pumpkin Stout)
Homebrewing, Education, and Charity
@Keystone Homebrew, Montgomeryville, Pa.--- Sat. 11/17 - 20th Anniversary Blowout Party (see website for details)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- ending Fri. 11/16 - Thanksgiving Pie In The Sky from MANNA ($PAYG to buy MANNA Pies to help provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)
Check out the entire November 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/20 - Holiday Bottle Release Celebration (4 p.m.; $PAYG for bottles of Prisoner of Hell, Prince Myshkin, Barleywine, Flemish Red, and Barrel-aged R.I.S. plus a special brussel sprouts pizza and live music beginning at 8:30 p.m.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 11/16 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Sierra Nevada beers)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 11/16 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Victory beers)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Sat. 11/17 - Senor Chocolatoro Bottled Release Party (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG for this chocolate-style beer, and enjoy some small bites that pair perfectly with our Chocolate Beer Selections. Also on tap: Jittery Aztec; Rogue Chocolate Stout; Cowabunga Porter; and Rogue Double Chocolate Stout)
@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Wed. 11/21 - Holiday Beer Release (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for some of our favorite seasonal beers, including Holiday Ale, Bad Santa Brown Ale, Pumpkin Ale, and Cask-conditioned Vanilla Pumpkin Ale. And, raffles on the hour from 7–9 p.m.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 11/19 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tastings of Oskar Blues beers)
@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 11/18 - Meet the Brewer and Tasting (Stillwater Artisanal Ales and Sixpoint Brewery) (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for Stillwater's Stateside Saison, Existent, and Why Can't IBU? and Sixpoint's Sweet Action, Brownstone, and Spice of Life: Pacifica. Brian Strumke from Stillwater and "Jersey" Dan Bisogno, regional brand manager, from Sixpoint Brewery will be in attendance. We will also offer flight tastings of each of Brewery's three offerings that night for $6 in addition to regular draft pours.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 11/15 - Ommegang Takeover (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for Ommegang's Scythe & Sickle, Belgian Independence Day, Art of Darkness, Seduction, and Abbey Ale.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Wed. 11/21 - Lost Abbey/Port Tap Takeover (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for Lost Abbey Deliverance, Lost Abbey Bourbon Angel’s Share, 2011 Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi, Lost Abbey Serpents Stout, Lost Abbey Judgement Day, Lost Abbey Avant Garde, Port Mongo DIPA, and possibly more.)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 11/16 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for Chester County Bitter, Phoenix Pale Ale, and Brewer's Select Pale Ale all from firkins)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/20 - He Said Beer, She Said Wine (7 p.m.; $75 as Chef Jeremy Nolen and Owner Doug Hager of Brauhaus Schmitz are teaming up with Mike Solomonov (Zahav, Percey Street, & Federal Donuts) and sommelier and author Marnie Old (He Said Beer, She said Wine) to host unforgettable pairing dinner.)
@Chestnut 7, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/15 - Long Trail Tap Takeover (4 p.m.; $PAYG to enjoy live music, delicious food and more importantly delicious beer.)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 11/21 - Duvel Rustica Feature (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG to try the new collaboration between Duvel and Ommegang, brewed here in the US and should be an excellent Belgian Golden Ale. Enjoy it or one of several other Ommegang drafts.)
@Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa.--- Sat. 11/17 - Chocolate Festival (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10/$15/$20/$25 to start the holiday season early by indulging in decadent sampling of chocolate beer, wine, and liqueur. Additionally, food vendors will have samples available to all participants as well as showcasing their unique chocolate specialties.)
@General Sutter Inn/Bulls Head Public House, Lititz, Pa.--- Fri. 11/16-Sun. 11/18 - Fall Real Ale Festival ($PAYG and no entrance fee. This gives you the opportunity to come back several times in order to sample the variety of brews. Half price growler fills on Sunday; bring your own growler. Saturday from 8-11 a.m. a traditional English breakfast will be served in the pub.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/16 - Mad Elf, Happy You ($PAYG for Annual Mad Elf Night. As usual we saved a barrel from last year, so we will be pouring two years of Mad Elf. Also on tap will be Tröegs Scratch 78 Fresh Hop and Dream Weaver Wheat.)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/15 - Russian River Night (7 p.m.; $PAYG as they've been saving a few Russian River barrels in the vault for special tapping on this night)
@Manayunk Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/15 - Pints For North Light (6 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $50/$60/$75/$80/$135/$150 for a beer festival that benefits the North Light Community Center. Great food samplings, silent auction, commemorative 2012 "Pints for North Light" glass, and entertainment by Sound Investment.)
@National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/15 - Bathtub Beer Fest (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $45 for a unique, sudsy evening that harkens back to America's darkest, driest chapter: The Prohibition. We'll have flappers and gangsters and plenty of beer served straight from the bathtub. You'll enjoy samples of old-fashioned styles and new varieties, too. PLUS: All attendees receive free admission to the Center's Prohibition exhibit. Held in conjunction with the National Constitution Center's new exhibit, "American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition.")
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Wed. 11/21 - Red Wednesday (8 a.m.; $PAYG as they release Red Thunder - Baltic Thunder aged in red wine barrels - by dubbing the day "Red Wednesday," and serving a special breakfast starting at 8 a.m)
Food and Beer events
@Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa.--- Mon. 11/19 & Tue. 11/20 - Halloween Brewmaster's Dinner (Rescheduled from 10/29-10/30 due to Hurricane Sandy) (6:00 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with English IPA, Anvil Ale, Rauchtoberfest, Old Ale 2008, and Great Pumpkin Stout)
Homebrewing, Education, and Charity
@Keystone Homebrew, Montgomeryville, Pa.--- Sat. 11/17 - 20th Anniversary Blowout Party (see website for details)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- ending Fri. 11/16 - Thanksgiving Pie In The Sky from MANNA ($PAYG to buy MANNA Pies to help provide nourishing, life-sustaining meals to people in our area who are coping with life threatening illnesses.)
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Dash for the Dogfish in Milton, Del. 9/30/12
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| Dogfish Dash 2012 (click above for full gallery) |
It doesn't happen often, but every once in a great while, I give out a picture of me.
After all these years (7, to be specific), I finally got to my first Dogfish Dash on September 30. At that point in my marathon training schedule, whether it was a wise idea remained to be seen. My training schedule called for an 18-20 mile run and the Dogfish Dash was a 10-K (with a 5-K option).
The races started and ended along the side of the main brewery building and the courses weaved their way through the neighboring community and farmland. While the support from the residents along the course was surprisingly sparse (based on my experiences in many other "neighborhood races"), there was no shortage of post-race excitement and support for their runners and their families and friends back at the brewery.
I won't bore you with the details of the race. We ran. We finished. Or, at least that's the view of runners by most non-runners, right?
So, what do you say, on to the beer? The race began at 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning and most runners were across the finish line not much later than 9 a.m., which conveniently was the time the brewery was allowed to start serving beer.
But don't let the time of day fool you; the runners were quick to jump into their allotment of three beers that came with the race participation fee. Unfortunately, the Indian Brown supplies were drained quickly. No slouches, though, Shelter Pale Ale and 60 Minute IPA picked up the slack for plenty of refreshment as the party picked up.
Live rocking music was provided and a breakfast buffet was served up during the two-ish hour long post-race party. Lines quickly grew long but that provided the chance to get to know other runners/beer lovers in line.
Dogfish went all out during the awards ceremony by first turning over their biggest check ever to The Nature Conservancy ($38,500) and then inviting Governor Jack Markell (who also happened to be campaigning for the fall election) to the stage to help brewery owner Sam Calagione present the overall and age group awards for both the 5-K and 10-K races. Costume awards were given as well, in keeping with what we've all come to expect from Dogfish Head (a la Bocce tournament, e.g.)
Winning the men's 5-K race at the wonderful age of 52 was Greg Cauller (time: 18:08!) and 35-year-old Lynn Knothe for the women (time: 19:58). On the 10-K side, the intersection of craft beer and running was no where more evident than with the men's winner, homebrewer Jeff Powers sporting an impressive 33:14. He was subsequently featured in Draft Magazine by The Beer Runner. On the women's side, Lauren Kobylarz took first place overall with a time of 40:45.
All in all, a beautiful, fun, and healthy weekend in Delaware.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 11/12/12
With yesterday's Harrisburg Marathon behind me, pretty certain that you'll see a solid uptick from me here in the beer world. 'bout time, don't you think? First up, let's get the weekly rundown of recent and interesting stories from here and there.
PHILADELPHIA
~ Jeremy Nolen has the Wursthaus Schmitz stall opened at the city's historic Reading Terminal Market. That, in case it's not clear, is a very good thing. I should hopefully have a chance to stop there later this week.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Haven't linked to Suzy Woods in a while. Here she points out how Ommegang/Duvel has responded to the devastation of Superstorm/Hurricane Sandy.
~ Jump over here to see why Lew Bryson doesn't think Privatization is dead in Pennsylvania.
~ SAVOR is moving to NYC next year.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ This article has really burned some people up. I say, step outside of our great-tasting world of "craft" beer and think what all the hubbub sounds/looks like from afar. On one hand, some suggest this could be just link baiting, but also consider that this is the exact flavor of opinion that I hear at least once a week from people who just don't get it or have no interest in getting it.
So, there's this writer guy Queenan has an opinion about what he sees in the beer world from afar. He doesn't seem to make any misrepresentations about who he is or, for that matter, what he knows...or wants to know. His only misstep, it seems, is to have suggested "...want people to cut this out..." Otherwise, he appears to be stating an opinion which I'm pretty sure he's free to do.
Let's leave it at that, nothing more to see here, move along. Still, there's no harm, in my opinion, in reading it. I don't think we really have to worry about him moving the needle with this article.
PHILADELPHIA
~ Jeremy Nolen has the Wursthaus Schmitz stall opened at the city's historic Reading Terminal Market. That, in case it's not clear, is a very good thing. I should hopefully have a chance to stop there later this week.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Haven't linked to Suzy Woods in a while. Here she points out how Ommegang/Duvel has responded to the devastation of Superstorm/Hurricane Sandy.
~ Jump over here to see why Lew Bryson doesn't think Privatization is dead in Pennsylvania.
~ SAVOR is moving to NYC next year.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ This article has really burned some people up. I say, step outside of our great-tasting world of "craft" beer and think what all the hubbub sounds/looks like from afar. On one hand, some suggest this could be just link baiting, but also consider that this is the exact flavor of opinion that I hear at least once a week from people who just don't get it or have no interest in getting it.
So, there's this writer guy Queenan has an opinion about what he sees in the beer world from afar. He doesn't seem to make any misrepresentations about who he is or, for that matter, what he knows...or wants to know. His only misstep, it seems, is to have suggested "...want people to cut this out..." Otherwise, he appears to be stating an opinion which I'm pretty sure he's free to do.
Let's leave it at that, nothing more to see here, move along. Still, there's no harm, in my opinion, in reading it. I don't think we really have to worry about him moving the needle with this article.
Friday, November 09, 2012
Tomorrow: Craft Beer Bus rolls on in Philly
My unscientifically-formed impression of the Philadelphia beer scene is that outside of the mammoth Philly Beer Week each June, there may be no more anticipated display of Philadelphia beer riches than at the Craft Beer Express.
It has grown into a twice annual, one-day "event" of twelve events held across Center City Philadelphia and its border neighborhoods. A bus connects all of the establishments, transporting attendees who pay $10 for an unlimited number of rides for nine hours.
It's quite a spectacle, if you haven't seen it first-hand in the past.
Here's a rundown of each event during the fall installment of Craft Beer Express 2012, occurring tomorrow, November 10.
Kraftwork
541 East Girard Avenue
(215) 739-1700
kraftworkbar.com
"Great Taste of the Midwest"
Sexy beers from sexy states including all of your favorites from Bells, Founders, Jolly Pumpkin, Goose Island, New Holland, Two Brothers, Great Lakes, and more!
Johnny Brenda's
1201 Frankford Avenue
(215) 739-9684
johnnybrendas.com/event/173713
"Wet Hop Rodeo and Ranchero Brunch"
It's our 4th Annual Wet Hop Rodeo, a round-up of local and national wet hopped beers. Come celebrate the awesome-ness that is fresh-hopped beer! We will be kicking the day off with Ranchero Brunch from 11am-3:30pm featuring huevos rancheros, cowboy steak & eggs, and chilaquiles among other brunchly delights. Fresh hopped beers will be pouring all day until they kick.
Standard Tap
901 North 2nd Street
(215) 238-0630
news.standardtap.com.s86406.gridserver.com/?p=792
"Imperial Pageant & Huntsman's Brunch"
Magnificent Russian Imperial Stouts, Massive Pale Ales, and Powerful Pilsners command your respect. Too rich for your blood? A selection of Session beers is also available for the Peasantry. Brunch features game and smoked fish victuals. Starts at 11 a.m.
The Institute
549 North 12th Street
(267) 318-7772
institutebar.com/CBX--Craft-Beer-Express-.html
"Stouts and Porters"
Bishop's Collar
2349 Fairmount Avenue
(215) 765-1616
thecollar.us
"We're Raiding Wiggins' Fridge"
Origlio Beverage tap take-over.
Kite & Key
1836 Callowhill Street
(215) 568-1818
thekiteandkey.com/wp/?tribe_events=craft-beer-express-fall-session
"Tröegs & Victory Tap Takeover"
The event name says it all!
Jose Pistola's
263 South 15th Street
(215) 545-4101
josepistolas.com
Stay Tuned for Event Details!
The Sidecar
2201 Christian Street
(215) 732-3429
thesidecarbar.com
"Green Flash"
Delicious beers on tap from Green Flash Brewing out of San Diego, CA.
Pub on Passyunk East
1501 East Passyunk Avenue
(215) 755-5125
pubonpassyunkeastblog.blogspot.com
"Sweets & Sours"
The P.O.P.E. will have 14 exciting sour beers on draft in collaboration with East Passyunk neighbor, Ms. Goody Cupcake. We will be selling on premises her delicious & freshly made signature Truffles, pumpkin spice moonpies and debuting a unique, delicately-made cupcake infused with Russian River's Supplication.
Devil's Den
1148 South 11th Street
(215) 339-0855
devilsdenphilly.com/our-events
Gypsy Brewers
Gypsy Brewing Day featuring Beers from Evil Twin, Stillwater Artisanal Ales, Mikkeller & Omnipollo. Draft list coming soon.
Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South Street
(267) 909-8814
brauhausschmitz.com
Fatherland Knows Best
The best german beers available in 15 different styles. From kolsch to kellerbier, Dunkel to doppelbocks.
Race St. Café
208 Race Street
(215) 627-6181
racestreetcafe.net/ordereze/1000/Page.aspx
A Festivus For The Rest Of Us
Our annual celebration of Seasonal and Christmas Beers. We will be hosting Megan Maguire of Ommegang and Suzy Woods from Allagash. These Girls will be doing double duty as they spin records and represent their beers. There may also be an official airing of grievances.
It has grown into a twice annual, one-day "event" of twelve events held across Center City Philadelphia and its border neighborhoods. A bus connects all of the establishments, transporting attendees who pay $10 for an unlimited number of rides for nine hours.
It's quite a spectacle, if you haven't seen it first-hand in the past.
Here's a rundown of each event during the fall installment of Craft Beer Express 2012, occurring tomorrow, November 10.
Kraftwork
541 East Girard Avenue
(215) 739-1700
kraftworkbar.com
"Great Taste of the Midwest"
Sexy beers from sexy states including all of your favorites from Bells, Founders, Jolly Pumpkin, Goose Island, New Holland, Two Brothers, Great Lakes, and more!
Johnny Brenda's
1201 Frankford Avenue
(215) 739-9684
johnnybrendas.com/event/173713
"Wet Hop Rodeo and Ranchero Brunch"
It's our 4th Annual Wet Hop Rodeo, a round-up of local and national wet hopped beers. Come celebrate the awesome-ness that is fresh-hopped beer! We will be kicking the day off with Ranchero Brunch from 11am-3:30pm featuring huevos rancheros, cowboy steak & eggs, and chilaquiles among other brunchly delights. Fresh hopped beers will be pouring all day until they kick.
Standard Tap
901 North 2nd Street
(215) 238-0630
news.standardtap.com.s86406.gridserver.com/?p=792
"Imperial Pageant & Huntsman's Brunch"
Magnificent Russian Imperial Stouts, Massive Pale Ales, and Powerful Pilsners command your respect. Too rich for your blood? A selection of Session beers is also available for the Peasantry. Brunch features game and smoked fish victuals. Starts at 11 a.m.
The Institute
549 North 12th Street
(267) 318-7772
institutebar.com/CBX--Craft-Beer-Express-.html
"Stouts and Porters"
Bishop's Collar
2349 Fairmount Avenue
(215) 765-1616
thecollar.us
"We're Raiding Wiggins' Fridge"
Origlio Beverage tap take-over.
Kite & Key
1836 Callowhill Street
(215) 568-1818
thekiteandkey.com/wp/?tribe_events=craft-beer-express-fall-session
"Tröegs & Victory Tap Takeover"
The event name says it all!
Jose Pistola's
263 South 15th Street
(215) 545-4101
josepistolas.com
Stay Tuned for Event Details!
The Sidecar
2201 Christian Street
(215) 732-3429
thesidecarbar.com
"Green Flash"
Delicious beers on tap from Green Flash Brewing out of San Diego, CA.
Pub on Passyunk East
1501 East Passyunk Avenue
(215) 755-5125
pubonpassyunkeastblog.blogspot.com
"Sweets & Sours"
The P.O.P.E. will have 14 exciting sour beers on draft in collaboration with East Passyunk neighbor, Ms. Goody Cupcake. We will be selling on premises her delicious & freshly made signature Truffles, pumpkin spice moonpies and debuting a unique, delicately-made cupcake infused with Russian River's Supplication.
Devil's Den
1148 South 11th Street
(215) 339-0855
devilsdenphilly.com/our-events
Gypsy Brewers
Gypsy Brewing Day featuring Beers from Evil Twin, Stillwater Artisanal Ales, Mikkeller & Omnipollo. Draft list coming soon.
Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South Street
(267) 909-8814
brauhausschmitz.com
Fatherland Knows Best
The best german beers available in 15 different styles. From kolsch to kellerbier, Dunkel to doppelbocks.
Race St. Café
208 Race Street
(215) 627-6181
racestreetcafe.net/ordereze/1000/Page.aspx
A Festivus For The Rest Of Us
Our annual celebration of Seasonal and Christmas Beers. We will be hosting Megan Maguire of Ommegang and Suzy Woods from Allagash. These Girls will be doing double duty as they spin records and represent their beers. There may also be an official airing of grievances.
Thursday, November 08, 2012
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 8 - November 14
The weather is chilling down and the beer events calendar around the Philadelphia region is heating up. Though, that's not news to most of you. Get out there and enjoy.
Check out the entire November 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 11/14 - Germany Comes from Danville - Old Forge Night (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for Old Forge's Ludwig's Lager (Oktoberfest), Rauchbier, Righteous Roggin, and Shermanator Doppelbock.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 11/12 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tastings of Yards' beers)
@Percy Street Barbecue, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Happy Birthday ($PAYG for Happy Hour all night with Oskar Blues, live music, and smokin’ BBQ.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Coors Batch 19 Tasting (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to come out and try Coors Batch 19 Pre-Prohibition Lager with draft specials and meet our buddy Eric.)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - James Bond Movie & Dinner Quizzo (8 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for an entree and your choice of beer for $12 and James Bond Quizzo with "You Only Live Twice" playing on the TVs.)
@Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Beer Tasting (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m; $Free to taste new brews from Chimay Brewing.)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@12 Quality Beer Bars, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/10 - Craft Beer Express (11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $10 unlimited bus ticket plus $PAYG at the bars)
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Pretty Things Brewing Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for Babayaga, Field Mouse’s Farewell, Fluffy White Rabbit, Jack D’Or, Lovely St. Winefride, Meadowlark, and Saint Botolph’s Town)
@Campbell's Field, Camden, NJ--- Sat. 11/10 - Sippin' By The River (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $35-$65 for a keepsake stemless wine glass, and the chance to sample an assortment of great food, wine, beer, and spirits. Plus, interactive sessions, a silent auction, entertainment, live music, and much more)
@Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/10 - PA Beer Festival (1 p.m.-4 p.m., 7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $15/$40 for one of the largest selections of beers on the east coast, featuring 100+ craft breweries and a total of over 250 beers to sample.)
@Field House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/10 - Fresh Hop Festival (5 p.m.; $PAYG for any of our twelve fresh hop kegs being tapped at 5 p.m. These fresh hop beers are only kegged once a year so get the flavor while it lasts. Be a part of the PA Beer Fest in the PA Convention Center and join us as we introduce our Live and Local Series presented by TJ Kong.)
@Fingers, Wings, and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa.--- Wed. 11/14 - Flying Dog Tap Takeover (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Raging Bitch Belgian IPA; Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout; Gonzo Imperial Porter; Double Citra IPA.)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sat. 11/10 - Barrel-Aged At The Hill (1 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for barrel-aged beers from Phoenixville, Chestnut Hill, North Wales, West Chester, and Wilmington Iron Hill brewery locations)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Southern Tier Night (7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for a firkin of Southern Tier Pumking, 2011 Oak-aged Pumking, and Black Water Series Beers will be paired with special desserts and $1 off all Southern Tier Brews.)
@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - DuClaw Philadelphia Launch Party (7 p.m.; $PAYG as they host the owner David Benfield of DuClaw Brewery for their Philadelphia Launch Party.)
@Pub & Kitchen, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/13 - Allagash Brewing Cookbook Release (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG as Chef Jonathan McDonald and Brewer Rob Tod present two food and beer pairings from the cookbook.)
@The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Dogfish Head Tap Attack (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for a firkin of Johnny Cask gravity poured off the bar. Beers on draft: Punk'in, Chicory Stout, My Antonia, Ta Hanket, 60 Minute IPA. We will also be offering a Deviled Egg Flight featuring six different egg flavors, one paired with each beer.)
@Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del.--- Fri. 11/9 - Black Friday No. 2 (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG as Gumbo's been gathering and cellaring the country's finest porters, stouts and other manner of dark, rich brews...and now he's ready to unleash them on the masses)
Food and Beer events
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 11/11 - Pumpkin Beer Dinner (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $60 for a four-course meal paired with Southern Tier Pumking, The Bruery Autumn Maple, River Horse Hipp-o-lantern, Alewerks Pumpkin, and Dogfish Punkin.)
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 11/14 - Fall Fest Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $60 for a five-course meal paired with Doc’s Cassis Black Currant Hard Cider, Timmerman’s Pumpkin Lambicus, Abbatia Octo 8, De Proefbrouwerij Flanders Fred, and St. Bernardus Christmas Ale.)
@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Fall Harvest Brewmaster's Dinner (6 p.m.; $75 for a five-course meal paired with Saison, American Brown Ale, Rauchbier, Abbey Dubbel, and Ichabod Pumpkin Ale.)
@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Tue. 11/13 & Wed. 11/14 - Brewmaster's Medieval Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Oud Bruin, Saison, Abbey Dubbel, 2 Logan TJ, and Honey Tripper)
@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/13 - Fall Brewmaster's Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Pumpkin Ale, Biere de Garde, Munich Dunkel, Black Double Rye IPA, and Imperial Coffee Porter.)
@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Tue. 11/13 - Fall Brewmaster's Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Vienna Lager, Belgian Pumpkin, Sticke Alt, Danny Dortmunder, Abbey Dubbel, and Wee Heavy)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 11/14 - Fall Harvest Brewmaster's Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Red Headed IPA, Saison, F.red, Abbey Dubbel, and The Great Imperial Pumpkin Ale)
@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Wed. 11/14 - New England in the Fall Brewmaster's Dinner (6 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Vienna Lager, German Pilsner, Wee Heavy, Abbey Dubbel, and Pumpkin Ale)
@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/13 - Home Brewer Turn Pro Brewer Dinner (7 p.m.; $55 as local home brew guru, George Hummel, will select a handful of professional brewers who started as home brewers. George is co-owner of Home Sweet Homebrew at 20th & Sansom Streets.)
@South Philadelphia Tap Room, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Allagash Pig Dinner (7:30 p.m.; $70 for an epic nose-to-tail dinner featuring Country Time pork paired with rare Allagash draughts.)
@Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del.--- Wed. 11/14 - Pig Roast Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $TBD for some swine and dine)
Homebrewing, Education, and Charity
@Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa.--- Fri. 11/9 - Habitat For Humanity Charity Event (5 p.m.; $PAYG as The Allentown Brew Works is proud to sponsor this evening of charity for Habitat for Humanity.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/10 - Mayfair Dog Park Fundraiser (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $15 food, $PAYG bar)
@Keystone Homebrew, Montgomeryville, Pa.--- Thu. 11/1-Thu. 11/8 - 20th Anniversary Discounts (see website for details)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- ending Fri. 11/16 - Thanksgiving Pie In The Sky from MANNA ($PAYG)
@The Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/9 - Beer and Brewing 101 (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $39.97 for an introduction to how beer is made, major beer styles, and brewing history)
@Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Beer Laws Forum Part 2 (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG as Tom Kehoe, Lew Bryson, and Senator Chuck McIlhinney have all generously agreed to once again sit on the panel, and this time will be joined by Bill Covaleski, of Victory Brewing Co who will be representing the brewers of Pennsylvania, and Mike Gretz Sr. of Gretz Beer Distributors, who will be representing things from the wholesalers point of view.)
Check out the entire November 2012 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 11/14 - Germany Comes from Danville - Old Forge Night (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for Old Forge's Ludwig's Lager (Oktoberfest), Rauchbier, Righteous Roggin, and Shermanator Doppelbock.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 11/12 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tastings of Yards' beers)
@Percy Street Barbecue, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Happy Birthday ($PAYG for Happy Hour all night with Oskar Blues, live music, and smokin’ BBQ.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Coors Batch 19 Tasting (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to come out and try Coors Batch 19 Pre-Prohibition Lager with draft specials and meet our buddy Eric.)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - James Bond Movie & Dinner Quizzo (8 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for an entree and your choice of beer for $12 and James Bond Quizzo with "You Only Live Twice" playing on the TVs.)
@Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Beer Tasting (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m; $Free to taste new brews from Chimay Brewing.)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@12 Quality Beer Bars, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/10 - Craft Beer Express (11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $10 unlimited bus ticket plus $PAYG at the bars)
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Pretty Things Brewing Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for Babayaga, Field Mouse’s Farewell, Fluffy White Rabbit, Jack D’Or, Lovely St. Winefride, Meadowlark, and Saint Botolph’s Town)
@Campbell's Field, Camden, NJ--- Sat. 11/10 - Sippin' By The River (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $35-$65 for a keepsake stemless wine glass, and the chance to sample an assortment of great food, wine, beer, and spirits. Plus, interactive sessions, a silent auction, entertainment, live music, and much more)
@Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/10 - PA Beer Festival (1 p.m.-4 p.m., 7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $15/$40 for one of the largest selections of beers on the east coast, featuring 100+ craft breweries and a total of over 250 beers to sample.)
@Field House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/10 - Fresh Hop Festival (5 p.m.; $PAYG for any of our twelve fresh hop kegs being tapped at 5 p.m. These fresh hop beers are only kegged once a year so get the flavor while it lasts. Be a part of the PA Beer Fest in the PA Convention Center and join us as we introduce our Live and Local Series presented by TJ Kong.)
@Fingers, Wings, and Other Things, Conshohocken, Pa.--- Wed. 11/14 - Flying Dog Tap Takeover (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Raging Bitch Belgian IPA; Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout; Gonzo Imperial Porter; Double Citra IPA.)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Sat. 11/10 - Barrel-Aged At The Hill (1 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for barrel-aged beers from Phoenixville, Chestnut Hill, North Wales, West Chester, and Wilmington Iron Hill brewery locations)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Southern Tier Night (7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for a firkin of Southern Tier Pumking, 2011 Oak-aged Pumking, and Black Water Series Beers will be paired with special desserts and $1 off all Southern Tier Brews.)
@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - DuClaw Philadelphia Launch Party (7 p.m.; $PAYG as they host the owner David Benfield of DuClaw Brewery for their Philadelphia Launch Party.)
@Pub & Kitchen, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/13 - Allagash Brewing Cookbook Release (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG as Chef Jonathan McDonald and Brewer Rob Tod present two food and beer pairings from the cookbook.)
@The Trestle Inn, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Dogfish Head Tap Attack (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for a firkin of Johnny Cask gravity poured off the bar. Beers on draft: Punk'in, Chicory Stout, My Antonia, Ta Hanket, 60 Minute IPA. We will also be offering a Deviled Egg Flight featuring six different egg flavors, one paired with each beer.)
@Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del.--- Fri. 11/9 - Black Friday No. 2 (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG as Gumbo's been gathering and cellaring the country's finest porters, stouts and other manner of dark, rich brews...and now he's ready to unleash them on the masses)
Food and Beer events
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 11/11 - Pumpkin Beer Dinner (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $60 for a four-course meal paired with Southern Tier Pumking, The Bruery Autumn Maple, River Horse Hipp-o-lantern, Alewerks Pumpkin, and Dogfish Punkin.)
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 11/14 - Fall Fest Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $60 for a five-course meal paired with Doc’s Cassis Black Currant Hard Cider, Timmerman’s Pumpkin Lambicus, Abbatia Octo 8, De Proefbrouwerij Flanders Fred, and St. Bernardus Christmas Ale.)
@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Fall Harvest Brewmaster's Dinner (6 p.m.; $75 for a five-course meal paired with Saison, American Brown Ale, Rauchbier, Abbey Dubbel, and Ichabod Pumpkin Ale.)
@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Tue. 11/13 & Wed. 11/14 - Brewmaster's Medieval Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Oud Bruin, Saison, Abbey Dubbel, 2 Logan TJ, and Honey Tripper)
@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/13 - Fall Brewmaster's Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Pumpkin Ale, Biere de Garde, Munich Dunkel, Black Double Rye IPA, and Imperial Coffee Porter.)
@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Tue. 11/13 - Fall Brewmaster's Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Vienna Lager, Belgian Pumpkin, Sticke Alt, Danny Dortmunder, Abbey Dubbel, and Wee Heavy)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, Del.--- Wed. 11/14 - Fall Harvest Brewmaster's Dinner (7 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Red Headed IPA, Saison, F.red, Abbey Dubbel, and The Great Imperial Pumpkin Ale)
@Iron Hill, North Wales, Pa.--- Wed. 11/14 - New England in the Fall Brewmaster's Dinner (6 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Vienna Lager, German Pilsner, Wee Heavy, Abbey Dubbel, and Pumpkin Ale)
@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 11/13 - Home Brewer Turn Pro Brewer Dinner (7 p.m.; $55 as local home brew guru, George Hummel, will select a handful of professional brewers who started as home brewers. George is co-owner of Home Sweet Homebrew at 20th & Sansom Streets.)
@South Philadelphia Tap Room, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Allagash Pig Dinner (7:30 p.m.; $70 for an epic nose-to-tail dinner featuring Country Time pork paired with rare Allagash draughts.)
@Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del.--- Wed. 11/14 - Pig Roast Beer Dinner (6:30 p.m.; $TBD for some swine and dine)
Homebrewing, Education, and Charity
@Fegley's Brew Works, Allentown, Pa.--- Fri. 11/9 - Habitat For Humanity Charity Event (5 p.m.; $PAYG as The Allentown Brew Works is proud to sponsor this evening of charity for Habitat for Humanity.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 11/10 - Mayfair Dog Park Fundraiser (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $15 food, $PAYG bar)
@Keystone Homebrew, Montgomeryville, Pa.--- Thu. 11/1-Thu. 11/8 - 20th Anniversary Discounts (see website for details)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- ending Fri. 11/16 - Thanksgiving Pie In The Sky from MANNA ($PAYG)
@The Philly Beer School, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 11/9 - Beer and Brewing 101 (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $39.97 for an introduction to how beer is made, major beer styles, and brewing history)
@Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 11/8 - Beer Laws Forum Part 2 (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG as Tom Kehoe, Lew Bryson, and Senator Chuck McIlhinney have all generously agreed to once again sit on the panel, and this time will be joined by Bill Covaleski, of Victory Brewing Co who will be representing the brewers of Pennsylvania, and Mike Gretz Sr. of Gretz Beer Distributors, who will be representing things from the wholesalers point of view.)
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Please help me raise money for NYC
Most of you know that since 2005, I've put a lot of time and energy into promoting great beer here at The Brew Lounge. I've also talked a bit about my love for running and the intersection of the beer and running worlds. Even put on annual "beer run" event during Philly Beer Week.
I don't ask for any financial support directly in return from any of you. Indirectly, perhaps. Like now.
Instead of the 2012 NYC Marathon last weekend, I'll be running the Harrisburg Marathon this coming Sunday, November 11.
I've set up a way for you to support me by supporting the Central Park Conservancy. Many of you have likely found a way to donate (probably) to the American Red Cross, primarily for humanitarian relief funding in the aftermath of Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy. That is a very good place to direct donations.
Here is a chance to support the wonderful Central Park in Manhattan, which also suffered quite a bit of damage. The money you donate to the foundation will aid in the rehabilitation and ongoing mainenance of the Park.
If you've ever walked, rode, ran, picnicked, or otherwise enjoyed Central Park, you know what a treasure it is for the City. Heck, if you've enjoyed any Park anywhere, you know how important they are to a community's fabric.
Please show your support for me and the work I do here at The Brew Lounge by visiting the donation page and contributing to this worthwhile cause. No financial benefit whatsoever comes back to me through this endeavor.
[Link to Crowdrise donation page.]
Cheers,
Bryan
I don't ask for any financial support directly in return from any of you. Indirectly, perhaps. Like now.
Instead of the 2012 NYC Marathon last weekend, I'll be running the Harrisburg Marathon this coming Sunday, November 11.
I've set up a way for you to support me by supporting the Central Park Conservancy. Many of you have likely found a way to donate (probably) to the American Red Cross, primarily for humanitarian relief funding in the aftermath of Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy. That is a very good place to direct donations.
Here is a chance to support the wonderful Central Park in Manhattan, which also suffered quite a bit of damage. The money you donate to the foundation will aid in the rehabilitation and ongoing mainenance of the Park.
If you've ever walked, rode, ran, picnicked, or otherwise enjoyed Central Park, you know what a treasure it is for the City. Heck, if you've enjoyed any Park anywhere, you know how important they are to a community's fabric.
Please show your support for me and the work I do here at The Brew Lounge by visiting the donation page and contributing to this worthwhile cause. No financial benefit whatsoever comes back to me through this endeavor.
[Link to Crowdrise donation page.]
Cheers,
Bryan
Monday, November 05, 2012
Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 11/5/12
I made another weekly list of interesting stories to share with you. Share the link love and read 'em up.
PHILADELPHIA
~ Bathtub Beer Fest is coming up on 11/15. Past beer events with the National Constitution Center as a venue have been well-received and praised by beer-loving attendees. This one is being held in conjunction with the exhibit, "American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition," which runs from October 19, 2012 to April 28, 2013.
~ Beer Yard brought us this long overdue news a couple of weeks ago.
~ What am I missing? Time for you to hit the comments section below and chime in to share something noteworthy in and around Philadelphia from the past couple of weeks.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Victory has a bunch of beer from the barrel that it would like to share with you.. on 11/21.
~ Grub Street out of Philly pointed us to the impact of "Superstorm" Sandy on Shangy's in Emmaus.
~ And, Alexander D. Mitchell IV is keeping us up-to-date on the status of a few places around the region.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Jack Curtin pointed us in the direction of an article at Business Week.
~ The Atlantic has a piece with a similiar theme.
~ I find this article utterly fascinating. Makes me wish I comprehend science better than I do. Otherwise, I might understand more than 20% of what the article contains. Even that might be an exaggeration. Still, check it out and appreciate the science that goes into your beer.
~ Another interesting piece, this one looking into the business/political/taxation side of beer and which presidential candidate may hold the most promise for a successful future for small brewers.
~ Chuck Cook shares with us some of the beer cellar news that I remember Van Roy sharing with us when we were at Cantillon earlier this year. Good stuff.
~ Interesting follow-up news of a settlement in a legal case involving August Busch IV.
~ A fun story about wine reviewing and the words used to describe. Can't say there isn't big-time crossover to the beer world as well.
PHILADELPHIA
~ Bathtub Beer Fest is coming up on 11/15. Past beer events with the National Constitution Center as a venue have been well-received and praised by beer-loving attendees. This one is being held in conjunction with the exhibit, "American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition," which runs from October 19, 2012 to April 28, 2013.
~ Beer Yard brought us this long overdue news a couple of weeks ago.
~ What am I missing? Time for you to hit the comments section below and chime in to share something noteworthy in and around Philadelphia from the past couple of weeks.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Victory has a bunch of beer from the barrel that it would like to share with you.. on 11/21.
~ Grub Street out of Philly pointed us to the impact of "Superstorm" Sandy on Shangy's in Emmaus.
~ And, Alexander D. Mitchell IV is keeping us up-to-date on the status of a few places around the region.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Jack Curtin pointed us in the direction of an article at Business Week.
~ The Atlantic has a piece with a similiar theme.
~ I find this article utterly fascinating. Makes me wish I comprehend science better than I do. Otherwise, I might understand more than 20% of what the article contains. Even that might be an exaggeration. Still, check it out and appreciate the science that goes into your beer.
~ Another interesting piece, this one looking into the business/political/taxation side of beer and which presidential candidate may hold the most promise for a successful future for small brewers.
~ Chuck Cook shares with us some of the beer cellar news that I remember Van Roy sharing with us when we were at Cantillon earlier this year. Good stuff.
~ Interesting follow-up news of a settlement in a legal case involving August Busch IV.
~ A fun story about wine reviewing and the words used to describe. Can't say there isn't big-time crossover to the beer world as well.
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