This may be a bit out of our region, but just a quick heads-up for San Francisco Beer Week (my second favorite, of course) coming up in February. Working on my own arrangements to hopefully be there for a portion of it. If you're traveling in northern California between Feb. 8 - Feb. 17, you'll want to take my word for it that hitting up a few events during SFBW would quite the wise thing to do.
Back here around Philly, the party bus rolls on. Here comes the next seven days.
Check out the entire January 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
First up once again are the continually more popular events with live tap lists that I'll draw your attention to over at tap lists posted at PhillyTapFinder.com.
As I've asked, show the Philly love and go check out the events on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. Tell 'em PTF and TBL sent you.
Events with Tap Lists via PhillyTapFinder.com
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - Brooklyn Brewery Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder)
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - Elysian Tap Takeover (5 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder)
@Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - Sour Face Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder)
@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/19 - The Trouble With Trippels IV (11 a.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder)
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 1/18 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Oskar Blues beers)
@High Street Caffe, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 1/18 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6:30 p.m.; $PAYG as Trubbel and others will be on tap and we will be serving some bottles as well.)
@Iron Hill, Newark, Del.--- Thu. 1/17 - Russian Imperial Stout Release Party (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for this year’s release of our top award-winning seasonal beer.)
@Iron Hill, Media, Pa.--- Sat. 1/19 - Russian Imperial Stout Release Party (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG for this year’s release of our top award-winning seasonal beer and raffles for a bottle of 2009, 2010, and 2012.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/21 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Sierra Nevada.)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 1/1-Thu. 1/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials focused on Boulder Brewery from Colorado)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - An Evening with Lancaster Brewing (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of beers from Lancaster Brewing)
@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - River Horse Neighbors Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for a night of beers from Lambertville)
@Uno Chicago Grill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Thu. 1/17 - Music Series Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG for the three Music Series beers on-tap from 2012: Positive Contact, Bitches Brew, and Hellhound on My Ale. Also, Birra Etrusca, Burton Baton, Palo Santo Marron, Raison D'Etre, and a few others will also be on tap along with an appearance by Randall the Enamel Animal.)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Bistro On Bridge, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Thu. 1/17 - DuClaw Tap Takeover ($PAYG for Bare Ass Blonde, Venom Pale Ale, Hellraizer IPA, Serum IPA, Devil’s Milk, Euphoria Toffee Brown, Mysterium, and Old Flame. Craft Beer Specialist, Adam Crockett, on board to answer all questions.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 1/20 - 120 on 1/20 (10 a.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a tapping of a sixtel of Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA. Weighing in around 20% ABV, we expect this sixtel to last all day.)
@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Wed. 1/23 - Jersey's Finest Beer Release Party (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for the latest collaboration with Flying Fish. Meet Flying Fish head brewer Casey Hughes and enjoy a couple rare treats from Iron Hill and Flying Fish. Special guest New Jersey State Senator Don Norcross will be on hand for the first tap, as will Iron Hill owners Kevin Finn, Mark Edelson, and Kevin Davies.)
@Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/21 - Sierra Nevada Takeover (All Day and Night; $PAYG as they pour a huge selection of drafts in the bar all day long and host a Bottle Shop Happy Hour next door starting at 6 p.m. featuring swag-laden folks from the Brewery)
@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/21 - Mad Monday with Dogfish Head (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for Dogfish Head's Birra Etrusca Bronze Ale, Bitches Brew, Immort Ale, Namaste, Old School Barleywine, and Lost Abbey's Cuvee de Tomme. Since this is a Charity Event, all these beer will be cash only. We will have a couple of rare beer raffles, too.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Mon. 1/21 - Day Off Day Drinking (11 a.m.; $PAYG for Russan River Pliny the Elder, Hill Farmstead Arthur, Russian River Supplication, Hill Farmstead Anna, Allagash Bourbon Black, Southern Tier Pumking, Evil Twin Mini Growler, Yards Bourbon-aged Love Stout, Uinta Crooked Line Labyrinth, 21st Amendment Back in Black, and Local Option American Muscle DIPA.)
Food and Beer events
@DoubleTree Hotel, King of Prussia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/23 - Beef & Beer (5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $25-$35 for provided food and beer where 100% of all proceeds from the event will be donated to Sandy Hook School Support Fund.)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Mon. 1/21 - Girls Just Wanna Have Suds-Beer & Cupcakes (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a selection of locally-made original and classic cupcakes created by Dia Doce paired with some of our favorite Victory beers.)
Boot Camp where only the strong survive
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Weekly Second-Hand Brews News Update: 1/14/13
Well, I sure got back into the swing of things with weekly notes/links wrap-up for you here in the first week of the new year.
My previously-announced move of this weekly segment to Saturday mornings will need to wait for one more week, for those of you that like to get your reading caught up early on weekend mornings.
Back to the usual format of Philly - Regional - Rest of the World. This week, "Rest of Planet Beer" will get you caught up with the Westvleteren madness that invaded the States at the end of 2012. Was it worth it? Well, only those of you that shelled out money for the beer can say for sure.
PHILADELPHIA
~ For Philly Beer Week, this happened two days ago. And, this was the result.
~ Love the Dayman tie-in to Philadelphia.
~ My old friends at Fishtown Beer Runners are still running…and getting great press.
~ Cool news from Brauhaus Schmitz.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ This has been announced up in the Lehigh Valley.
~ These guys at Neshaminy Creek in Croydon exceeded my expectations as well as their own in 2012. Here are some year-end notes from them.
~ This is interesting more so because of who is moving in rather than who is moving out (at least from a good beer perspective).
~ Interesting times in the world of marketing and craft beer. I don't know anything about this television show, so I don't see the parallels as I'm sure many of you do.
~ The Wench is keeping tabs on what's going on back in her native northeast part of the country. Here she finds what's up with the collaboration beer brewed at Blue Point to benefit Long Island's Barrier Brewing Company.
~ And a bit on how Ommegang Brewery farther upstate also pitched in with relief of its own.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Westvleteren news from BeerPulse.com
~ Westvleteren thoughts from Stan Hieronymous at AppellationBeer.com
~ Andy Crouch weighs in at BeerScribe.com
~ And a bit more insight into the Trappist brewing world via BeerPulse.com
My previously-announced move of this weekly segment to Saturday mornings will need to wait for one more week, for those of you that like to get your reading caught up early on weekend mornings.
Back to the usual format of Philly - Regional - Rest of the World. This week, "Rest of Planet Beer" will get you caught up with the Westvleteren madness that invaded the States at the end of 2012. Was it worth it? Well, only those of you that shelled out money for the beer can say for sure.
PHILADELPHIA
~ For Philly Beer Week, this happened two days ago. And, this was the result.
~ Love the Dayman tie-in to Philadelphia.
~ My old friends at Fishtown Beer Runners are still running…and getting great press.
~ Cool news from Brauhaus Schmitz.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ This has been announced up in the Lehigh Valley.
~ These guys at Neshaminy Creek in Croydon exceeded my expectations as well as their own in 2012. Here are some year-end notes from them.
~ This is interesting more so because of who is moving in rather than who is moving out (at least from a good beer perspective).
~ Interesting times in the world of marketing and craft beer. I don't know anything about this television show, so I don't see the parallels as I'm sure many of you do.
~ The Wench is keeping tabs on what's going on back in her native northeast part of the country. Here she finds what's up with the collaboration beer brewed at Blue Point to benefit Long Island's Barrier Brewing Company.
~ And a bit on how Ommegang Brewery farther upstate also pitched in with relief of its own.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Westvleteren news from BeerPulse.com
~ Westvleteren thoughts from Stan Hieronymous at AppellationBeer.com
~ Andy Crouch weighs in at BeerScribe.com
~ And a bit more insight into the Trappist brewing world via BeerPulse.com
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: January 10 - January 16
Lots to consider out there over the next seven days and nights of beer in and around Philadelphia. You could win a trip to Belgium (see: Field House, below). You can drink the new Trubbel de Yards at several bars around town. You can drink beer for no charge. You can have a five-course meal paired with beers (in fact, you could have one on Tues. 1/15 and on the following night on the 16th; one in PA and one in NJ). You can earn points toward a chance to win a trip to Ireland (see: Sly Fox, below). You can even drink beer and practice Yoga, though, to my knowledge, not in that order. The opportunities for drinking great beer with fun people and making new friends abound. Whatever you do, enjoy!
Check out the entire January 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
First up once again are the continually more popular events with live tap lists that I'll draw your attention to over at tap lists posted at PhillyTapFinder.com.
As I asked last week, show the Philly love and go check out the events on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. If you like this idea, let me know.
Events with Tap Lists via PhillyTapFinder.com
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/10 - Goose Island Tap Takeover (5 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list served up to you by PhillyTapFinder.com.)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Annual Battle Royale (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list served up to you by PhillyTapFinder.com.)
Start your Philly Beer Week engines
@Field House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - 3rd Annual Philly Beer Week Benefit Raffle (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Belgium with your favorite Philly-area brewer.)
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 1/11 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Yards beers)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 1/11 - Rogue Farm Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Rogue's line of Chatoe Farm beers including Wet Hop, Dirtoir Black Lager, Single Malt Ale, Orgesmic Ale, Roggenbier Rye, Mead, and bottles of Pumpkin. Special Rogue mason jar glassware while supplies last and some yet to be figured out farm-inspired fun.)
@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 1/11 - Fire and Ice Beer Release Party (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to chill out with Head Brewer, Paul Rutherford, and get fired up for the release of his four beers, including Smoked Weizenbock, Rauchbier, Hopsicle, and Rasputin’s Revenge.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/14 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Shangy's portfolio.)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 1/1-Thu. 1/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials focused on Boulder Brewery from Colorado)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Tue. 1/15 - Belgian Night with Alex (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG as Alex from Artisanal Imports will be here pouring Bockor Cuvee des Jacobins, Kwak, and La Trappe Quad. Come out and try some of our Beer Garden staff's favorite Belgian beers on draft.)
@The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - Left Hand U Buy The Glass (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from Left Hand in Colorado)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 1/10 - The Bruery Night ($PAYG for Cuir, White Oak, Rugbrod, 4 Calling Birds, 5 Golden Rings, and Oude Tart.)
@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Ice Capades (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for Blue Balls, 3 iCe, Triple Axel, and Gillooly)
@Sam Adams Grille, Breinigsville, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 & Sat. 1/26 - Sam Adams Beer & Decadent Chocolate Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $49 for a tasting of eight craft beers and a assortment of five chocolates)
@Sly Fox, both Phoenixville & Pottstown, Pa.--- Sun. 1/13 - 113 Day (1:13 p.m. 'til closing; $PAYG for a day-long of fun related to Route 113 IPA. See website for all the details.)
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - Evolution Tap Takeover (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Lot 3, Lot 6, Prelude Black, Exile ESB, Secret Spot, and Lucky 7)
Food and Beer events
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - AleSmith Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $60 for a five-course meal paired with X Pale Ale, IPA, Horny Devil, Wee Heavy, and Speedway Stout)
@Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ--- Tue. 1/15 - Yards Beer Dinner (5 p.m.; $TBD for a beer dinner with plenty of Yards beer on hand and some dynamite grub for the occassion, featuring our Trubbel de Yards.)
Yards is getting its own category this week with its-Trubbel making ways
@Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 1/13 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a bit of a Yards night to help kick off our Trubbel launch.)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Trubbel at the Kite (4 p.m.; $PAYG for favorites from Yards along with Bourbon George Washington Tavern Porter and of course, Trubbel de Yards. Perhaps there will be a showdown between Cousin Jimmy and Tom “Moondog” Kehoe.)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/14 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG as they pour all the usual Yards suspects, but will also be having our Trubbel de Yards on hand for the occasion.)
@Side Car Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG as they tap a firkin for the monthly High Gravity event.)
Time to get in shape with Boot Camp
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
What category fits a beer event with Yoga?
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Beer and Yoga (9:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a class that will start promptly at 10 a.m. Please be on time! After class we will have a selection of light appetizers paired with Victory beers.)
Check out the entire January 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
First up once again are the continually more popular events with live tap lists that I'll draw your attention to over at tap lists posted at PhillyTapFinder.com.
As I asked last week, show the Philly love and go check out the events on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. If you like this idea, let me know.
Events with Tap Lists via PhillyTapFinder.com
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/10 - Goose Island Tap Takeover (5 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list served up to you by PhillyTapFinder.com.)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Annual Battle Royale (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for this event tap list served up to you by PhillyTapFinder.com.)
Start your Philly Beer Week engines
@Field House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - 3rd Annual Philly Beer Week Benefit Raffle (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Belgium with your favorite Philly-area brewer.)
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 1/11 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Yards beers)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 1/11 - Rogue Farm Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Rogue's line of Chatoe Farm beers including Wet Hop, Dirtoir Black Lager, Single Malt Ale, Orgesmic Ale, Roggenbier Rye, Mead, and bottles of Pumpkin. Special Rogue mason jar glassware while supplies last and some yet to be figured out farm-inspired fun.)
@Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 1/11 - Fire and Ice Beer Release Party (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to chill out with Head Brewer, Paul Rutherford, and get fired up for the release of his four beers, including Smoked Weizenbock, Rauchbier, Hopsicle, and Rasputin’s Revenge.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/14 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from Shangy's portfolio.)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 1/1-Thu. 1/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials focused on Boulder Brewery from Colorado)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Tue. 1/15 - Belgian Night with Alex (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG as Alex from Artisanal Imports will be here pouring Bockor Cuvee des Jacobins, Kwak, and La Trappe Quad. Come out and try some of our Beer Garden staff's favorite Belgian beers on draft.)
@The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - Left Hand U Buy The Glass (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from Left Hand in Colorado)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa.--- Thu. 1/10 - The Bruery Night ($PAYG for Cuir, White Oak, Rugbrod, 4 Calling Birds, 5 Golden Rings, and Oude Tart.)
@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Ice Capades (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG for Blue Balls, 3 iCe, Triple Axel, and Gillooly)
@Sam Adams Grille, Breinigsville, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 & Sat. 1/26 - Sam Adams Beer & Decadent Chocolate Tasting (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $49 for a tasting of eight craft beers and a assortment of five chocolates)
@Sly Fox, both Phoenixville & Pottstown, Pa.--- Sun. 1/13 - 113 Day (1:13 p.m. 'til closing; $PAYG for a day-long of fun related to Route 113 IPA. See website for all the details.)
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - Evolution Tap Takeover (6 p.m.; $PAYG for Lot 3, Lot 6, Prelude Black, Exile ESB, Secret Spot, and Lucky 7)
Food and Beer events
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - AleSmith Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $60 for a five-course meal paired with X Pale Ale, IPA, Horny Devil, Wee Heavy, and Speedway Stout)
@Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ--- Tue. 1/15 - Yards Beer Dinner (5 p.m.; $TBD for a beer dinner with plenty of Yards beer on hand and some dynamite grub for the occassion, featuring our Trubbel de Yards.)
Yards is getting its own category this week with its-Trubbel making ways
@Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 1/13 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for a bit of a Yards night to help kick off our Trubbel launch.)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Trubbel at the Kite (4 p.m.; $PAYG for favorites from Yards along with Bourbon George Washington Tavern Porter and of course, Trubbel de Yards. Perhaps there will be a showdown between Cousin Jimmy and Tom “Moondog” Kehoe.)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/14 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG as they pour all the usual Yards suspects, but will also be having our Trubbel de Yards on hand for the occasion.)
@Side Car Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/16 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG as they tap a firkin for the monthly High Gravity event.)
Time to get in shape with Boot Camp
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
What category fits a beer event with Yoga?
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Sat. 1/12 - Beer and Yoga (9:30 a.m.; $PAYG for a class that will start promptly at 10 a.m. Please be on time! After class we will have a selection of light appetizers paired with Victory beers.)
Monday, January 07, 2013
Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 1/7/13
Time to resume your Monday morning reading. Actually, during the holiday hiatus around here in Monday Morning Brews News, I've considered that it might be better positioned to put these updates out on Saturday morning, since there's decent demand for reading on weekend mornings as well.
So this should be the last Monday morning news posting as I move them to Saturday morning. I'll leave the posting fresh at the top of The Brew Lounge through Monday morning for those of you that still like your Monday morning reading on the company's web server, and time. Everyone wins (well, except for the bandwidth at your workplace).
If you haven't been keeping up over the past several weeks, I'm going to jump back in the beer news world with a doozie that hit just before the holidays courtesy of the Brewers Association. It was their attempt to tell the world what is considered craft and what is not.
I've taken the time to compile a list of links here for those of you that would care to get into some of the details and opinions that have fueled this conversation into something louder and more opinionated than I really think it needs to be.
If you just want to drink good beer made by hard-working folks and don't care so much about labels, carry on, nothing to see here.
Charlie Papazian added his weight with this diatribe at Examiner.com
And, the Brewers Association took it from there with an article entitled "Craft versus Crafty".
It included a graphic no longer on its site, but one that BeerPulse.com took upon itself to archive.
BeerPulse.com, which has chronicled much of this, has August Schell's response.
And one from Tenth & Blake.
John Cochran from Terrapin had his say.
Stan Hieronymous jumped in as well with a fun poke at the marketing spin that goes into the "crafting" of the macro beer message.
Jack Curtin had a few bits from SABMiller's chairman.
Then, also some words from Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione about distribution and the role the big guys play (both manufacturers and distributors).
Finally, from Curtin again, comes some insights in the comments section from the BA's Gary Gillman.
Gillman also weighed in at Alan McLeod's site appearing to be defending a position that ultimately seems to demonstrate little sustainability.
CNNMoney has a spot with more details from the SABMiller chairman interview.
The Wench had some thoughtful words to add to the conversation/debate/argument.
Carolyn Smagalski had a 15-point approach for looking at craft beer.
Maureen Ogle has a little something to say about the "local" aspect of craft brewing.
Tony Magee (Lagunitas) always has plenty to say about the industry and about his brewery's role in it. The BA probably never appreciated what he said more than he said recently to a room full of industry big wigs. If you're into this whole topic and still cruising these links, this is one that you'll probably enjoy taking the 15 minutes or so to read all of.
Just a few days ago, the BA's Julia Herz took to Fox Business in an attempt to clarify things. Not sure that really happened.
I think that's probably enough for one Monday morning. Phew, now that is out of my system. For those of you tired of the conversation that seems to have no end in sight (and for some reason are still reading at this point), my apologies.
This is by no means the complete list of everything that everyone has had to say on the topic to date. But, it's what has caught my attention along the way over the past month or so.
What about you? What does "craft" mean to you? Do you care? To what degree?
So this should be the last Monday morning news posting as I move them to Saturday morning. I'll leave the posting fresh at the top of The Brew Lounge through Monday morning for those of you that still like your Monday morning reading on the company's web server, and time. Everyone wins (well, except for the bandwidth at your workplace).
If you haven't been keeping up over the past several weeks, I'm going to jump back in the beer news world with a doozie that hit just before the holidays courtesy of the Brewers Association. It was their attempt to tell the world what is considered craft and what is not.
I've taken the time to compile a list of links here for those of you that would care to get into some of the details and opinions that have fueled this conversation into something louder and more opinionated than I really think it needs to be.
If you just want to drink good beer made by hard-working folks and don't care so much about labels, carry on, nothing to see here.
Charlie Papazian added his weight with this diatribe at Examiner.com
And, the Brewers Association took it from there with an article entitled "Craft versus Crafty".
It included a graphic no longer on its site, but one that BeerPulse.com took upon itself to archive.
BeerPulse.com, which has chronicled much of this, has August Schell's response.
And one from Tenth & Blake.
John Cochran from Terrapin had his say.
Stan Hieronymous jumped in as well with a fun poke at the marketing spin that goes into the "crafting" of the macro beer message.
Jack Curtin had a few bits from SABMiller's chairman.
Then, also some words from Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione about distribution and the role the big guys play (both manufacturers and distributors).
Finally, from Curtin again, comes some insights in the comments section from the BA's Gary Gillman.
Gillman also weighed in at Alan McLeod's site appearing to be defending a position that ultimately seems to demonstrate little sustainability.
CNNMoney has a spot with more details from the SABMiller chairman interview.
The Wench had some thoughtful words to add to the conversation/debate/argument.
Carolyn Smagalski had a 15-point approach for looking at craft beer.
Maureen Ogle has a little something to say about the "local" aspect of craft brewing.
Tony Magee (Lagunitas) always has plenty to say about the industry and about his brewery's role in it. The BA probably never appreciated what he said more than he said recently to a room full of industry big wigs. If you're into this whole topic and still cruising these links, this is one that you'll probably enjoy taking the 15 minutes or so to read all of.
Just a few days ago, the BA's Julia Herz took to Fox Business in an attempt to clarify things. Not sure that really happened.
I think that's probably enough for one Monday morning. Phew, now that is out of my system. For those of you tired of the conversation that seems to have no end in sight (and for some reason are still reading at this point), my apologies.
This is by no means the complete list of everything that everyone has had to say on the topic to date. But, it's what has caught my attention along the way over the past month or so.
What about you? What does "craft" mean to you? Do you care? To what degree?
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: January 3 - January 9
We're off and running into yet another year of greater access to great beer. Here's what local bars and breweries have in store for us in the next week of beer calendar events in and around Philadelphia.
Happy New Year of new beers for one and all!
Check out the entire January 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
There are no new special event tap lists over at PhillyTapFinder.com, so instead I'll draw your attention to some interesting stats that I pulled from their data.
As of 4 p.m. yesterday, seven establishments showed updated tap lists as of 1/2/13. Below are links to my findings.
As I asked last week, show the Philly love and go check out the tap lists on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. If you like this idea, let me know.
Tap Lists via PhillyTapFinder.com
~ The most local: London Grill with 35.7% of its draft beer list coming from breweries within 100 miles of Philly (per Google Directions).
~ The most international: Devil's Den where 33.3% of its draft beer list comes from outside of the U.S.
~ The most rare: Also, Devil's Den draft beer list, where its list is, on average, on tap at 3.7 other PTF participant bars (pretty cool feature on PTF).
~ The most diverse style representations: Bottle Bar East draft beer list is comprised of 1.14 beers per style.
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/3 - Arcobrau Keep the Glass Night (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to buy a liter of Arcobrau Zwicklbier and keep the glass.)
@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Thu. 1/3 - Russian Imperial Stout Beer Release (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of Russian Imperial Stout and a vintage one as well.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/7 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Belukus beers.)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 1/1-Thu. 1/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials focused on Boulder Brewery from Colorado)
@Washington House, Sellersville, Pa.--- Fri. 1/4 - Flying Dog Beer Tasting (5 p.m.; $PAYG to taste four specially picked Flying Dog beers)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 1/4 - Feast of the Epiphany (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Bruery Five Golden Rings, Port Gift of the Magi, Starr Hill The Gift, Victory Mad King's Weisse, and Victory Storm King. Plus, we will cook up a bunch of Puerto Rican food.)
@Mad Mex, Willow Grove, Pa.--- Wed. 1/9 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG for some of our delicious brews, including, but not limited to, our Trubbel de Yards.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Tue. 1/8 - Smutty Knows (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a night with Smuttynose beers)
Food and Beer events
@World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/7 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting (7 p.m.; $45 for grilled cheese paired with Smuttynose's IPA, Star Island Single, Big A Double IPA, Zinnike Belgian Stout, Baltic Porter, and Old Brown Dog.)
Homebrewing, Charity, and Education
@Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 1/3 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Lehigh Valley Business Group) (5 p.m.; $PAYG for hand-drawn beer from the cask and 100% of cask sales will be donated)
@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/9 - Beer School (4 p.m.; $Free to get some in depth beer schooling along with our staff.)
Boot Camp is back; time to get in shape
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
Happy New Year of new beers for one and all!
Check out the entire January 2013 calendar over here. If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, don't hesitate to let me know.
There are no new special event tap lists over at PhillyTapFinder.com, so instead I'll draw your attention to some interesting stats that I pulled from their data.
As of 4 p.m. yesterday, seven establishments showed updated tap lists as of 1/2/13. Below are links to my findings.
As I asked last week, show the Philly love and go check out the tap lists on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. If you like this idea, let me know.
Tap Lists via PhillyTapFinder.com
~ The most local: London Grill with 35.7% of its draft beer list coming from breweries within 100 miles of Philly (per Google Directions).
~ The most international: Devil's Den where 33.3% of its draft beer list comes from outside of the U.S.
~ The most rare: Also, Devil's Den draft beer list, where its list is, on average, on tap at 3.7 other PTF participant bars (pretty cool feature on PTF).
~ The most diverse style representations: Bottle Bar East draft beer list is comprised of 1.14 beers per style.
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 1/3 - Arcobrau Keep the Glass Night (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to buy a liter of Arcobrau Zwicklbier and keep the glass.)
@Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa.--- Thu. 1/3 - Russian Imperial Stout Beer Release (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG for the release of Russian Imperial Stout and a vintage one as well.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/7 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Belukus beers.)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 1/1-Thu. 1/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials focused on Boulder Brewery from Colorado)
@Washington House, Sellersville, Pa.--- Fri. 1/4 - Flying Dog Beer Tasting (5 p.m.; $PAYG to taste four specially picked Flying Dog beers)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 1/4 - Feast of the Epiphany (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Bruery Five Golden Rings, Port Gift of the Magi, Starr Hill The Gift, Victory Mad King's Weisse, and Victory Storm King. Plus, we will cook up a bunch of Puerto Rican food.)
@Mad Mex, Willow Grove, Pa.--- Wed. 1/9 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night (6 p.m.; $PAYG for some of our delicious brews, including, but not limited to, our Trubbel de Yards.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Tue. 1/8 - Smutty Knows (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a night with Smuttynose beers)
Food and Beer events
@World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 1/7 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting (7 p.m.; $45 for grilled cheese paired with Smuttynose's IPA, Star Island Single, Big A Double IPA, Zinnike Belgian Stout, Baltic Porter, and Old Brown Dog.)
Homebrewing, Charity, and Education
@Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa.--- Thu. 1/3 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Lehigh Valley Business Group) (5 p.m.; $PAYG for hand-drawn beer from the cask and 100% of cask sales will be donated)
@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 1/9 - Beer School (4 p.m.; $Free to get some in depth beer schooling along with our staff.)
Boot Camp is back; time to get in shape
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
@Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa.--- every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp ($PAYG for ten weeks of chances to win a trip to Ireland, culminating on St. Patrick's Day. See website for all the details.)
Monday, December 31, 2012
2012: Good friends we've lost along the way
I have a soft spot at this time each year for posting a brief look back on the year in terms of significant individuals that have departed this earthly life, leaving behind a lot of great beer and memories that they helped to create.
I don't always have a personal connection with each of them, but this year's list begins with Andy Musser, a trusted voice of the Philadelphia Phillies from my days of listening to him call games on the radio, to more recent years as a trusted voice and "ambassador" of Anchor Brewing Company where he'd formed a friendship with former owner Fritz Maytag. The last time I saw him in person was during a Philly Beer Week event a couple of years ago.
He, and these others, will be missed by anyone whose lives they have touched along the way.
Andy Musser, 1/22/12, natural causes, 74
Anchor Brewing Company representative and longtime Phillies baseball announcer
~ [Link to WPVI/ABC News]
~ [Link to Philly.com]
~ [Link to Philly.com]
~ [Link to Philadelphia Phillies]
~ [Link to a late-2012 Joe Sixpack memorial/tribute]
~ [Link to Carolyn Smagalski/Bella Online]
~ [Link to Chris LaPierre/Iron Hill Brewery]
Danny Williams, 1/23/12, cancer, 52
Brewers' Association, GABF beer organizer, and "gold-mine beer cellar" owner
~ [Link to Denver Westword]
~ [Link to Jay Brooks]
~ [Link to YouTube where Greg Koch gets Danny Williams on camera around the 25-second mark]
Tom Pastorius, 9/6/12, prostate cancer, 67
Penn Brewery, Founder
~ [Link to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
~ [Link to Jack Curtin]
Jim Patton, 10/23/12, unknown, 59
Abita Brewing Company, Founder
~ [Link to The Times-Picuyne]
~ [Link to Miami New Times]
I don't always have a personal connection with each of them, but this year's list begins with Andy Musser, a trusted voice of the Philadelphia Phillies from my days of listening to him call games on the radio, to more recent years as a trusted voice and "ambassador" of Anchor Brewing Company where he'd formed a friendship with former owner Fritz Maytag. The last time I saw him in person was during a Philly Beer Week event a couple of years ago.
He, and these others, will be missed by anyone whose lives they have touched along the way.
Andy Musser, 1/22/12, natural causes, 74
Anchor Brewing Company representative and longtime Phillies baseball announcer
~ [Link to WPVI/ABC News]
~ [Link to Philly.com]
~ [Link to Philly.com]
~ [Link to Philadelphia Phillies]
~ [Link to a late-2012 Joe Sixpack memorial/tribute]
~ [Link to Carolyn Smagalski/Bella Online]
~ [Link to Chris LaPierre/Iron Hill Brewery]
Danny Williams, 1/23/12, cancer, 52
Brewers' Association, GABF beer organizer, and "gold-mine beer cellar" owner
~ [Link to Denver Westword]
~ [Link to Jay Brooks]
~ [Link to YouTube where Greg Koch gets Danny Williams on camera around the 25-second mark]
Tom Pastorius, 9/6/12, prostate cancer, 67
Penn Brewery, Founder
~ [Link to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
~ [Link to Jack Curtin]
Jim Patton, 10/23/12, unknown, 59
Abita Brewing Company, Founder
~ [Link to The Times-Picuyne]
~ [Link to Miami New Times]
Friday, December 28, 2012
Beer Calendar: What To Do in January 2013
Resolve to drink better beer and be involved in supporting your local brewers and bars. Here's a great list to help you achieve your goals in January 2013 around the Philadelphia region.
I'm sure this list will continue to grow in the coming days/weeks as everyone stocks up on the events calendar in the wake of the holidays. In the meantime, this should give you a great start. Be safe and enjoy wherever your beer travels find you this January.
As always, if I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
$20 and under, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG) also included here
Philadelphia
Tue. 1/1-Thu. 1/31 - Brewery Of The Month @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 1/1 - Fourth Anniversary Party @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 1/1 - New Year's Day Stout and Sour @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/2 - Beer School @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 1/2 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/3 - Arcobrau Keep the Glass Night @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/4 - Feast of the Epiphany @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/7 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 1/9 - Beer School @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 1/10 - Goose Island Tap Takeover @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/11 - Fire and Ice Beer Release Party @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/11 - Rogue Farm Night @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/12 - 3rd Annual Philly Beer Week Benefit Raffle @Field House, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/12 - Ice Capades @Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/12 - Annual Battle Royale @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/12 - Trubbel at the Kite @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 1/13 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/14 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/14 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 1/16 - Left Hand U Buy The Glass @The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/16 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Side Car Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/16 - Evolution Tap Takeover @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - Brooklyn Brewery Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - Elysian Tap Takeover @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - Sour Face Night @Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/19 - The Trouble With Trippels IV @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 1/20 - 120 on 1/20 @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (10 a.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 1/20 - White Party aka Craft Stout Invitational @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/21 - Sierra Nevada Takeover @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (All Day and Night; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/21 - Mad Monday with Dogfish Head @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/21 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Sierra Nevada) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 1/24 - Lancaster Gold Star Pilsner Keep the Glass Night @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/24 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/24 - Instagram Viking Party for Philly debut of Skull Splitter on Draft @Pub On Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.), Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/24 - National Beer Can Day @Percy Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/24 - Peanut Butter Party with Terrapin Brewing @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/25 - Beer Tasting (Allagash) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 1/26 - Crazy, Catfish, Creations featuring Terrapin Brewing @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/28 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 1/30 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover @The Bards, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - Winter Beer Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - White Party, aka Craft Stout Invitational @Varga, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - The Big, The Bold, The Barrel-aged @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 1/8 - Smutty Knows @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/9 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Mad Mex, Willow Grove, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/10 - The Bruery Night @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 1/15 - Belgian Night with Alex @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - River Horse Neighbors Night @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - An Evening with Lancaster Brewing @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/19 - Russian Imperial Stout Release Party @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/21 - Day Off Day Drinking @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - Evolution Night @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - Yards Firkin Challenge @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. ($PAYG)
every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp @Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 1/1 - Hangover Brunch @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/3 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Lehigh Valley Business Group) @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/3 - Russian Imperial Stout Beer Release @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/4 - Flying Dog Beer Tasting @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
**MOVED TO FEB. 1-FEB. 3**Fri. 1/11-Sun. 1/13 - Belgian Weekend @Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 1/11 - Friday Night Sampling (Yards) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 1/12 - Beer and Yoga @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (9:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 1/13 - 113 Day @Sly Fox, both Phoenixville & Pottstown, Pa. (1:13 p.m. 'til closing; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - Russian Imperial Stout Release Party @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - DuClaw Tap Takeover @Bistro On Bridge, Phoenixville, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 1/18 - Friday Night Sampling (Oskar Blues) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 1/18 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @High Street Caffe, West Chester, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/21 - Girls Just Wanna Have Suds-Beer & Cupcakes @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/24 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Side Bar, West Chester, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/25 - From Russia with Love @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/25 - Robbie Burns Birthday Celebration @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (6 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/26 - Belgium Comes to West Chester @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/30 - River Horse Tap Takeover @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - Ballast Point Tap Take Over @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Events Over $20
Philadelphia
Mon. 1/7 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $45)
Thu. 1/24 - Great Lake Brewing Beer Dinner @JG Domestic, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Fri. 1/25 - Stout and Chowder Festival @Power Plant Productions, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $60-$65)
Sat. 1/26 - Winter Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Sat. 1/26 - Big Ass Beer Fest @Starlight Ballroom, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m. & 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $45)
Sun. 1/27 - Beef and Beer @South Philadelphia Tap Room, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $35)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 1/15 - Yards Beer Dinner @Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ (5 p.m.; $TBA)
Wed. 1/16 - AleSmith Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (7 p.m.; $60)
Wed. 1/23 - Beef & Beer @DoubleTree Hotel, King of Prussia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $25-$35)
Sat. 1/26 - Winter Beerfest @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., 3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$35)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 1/12 & Sat. 1/26 - Sam Adams Beer & Decadent Chocolate Tasting @Sam Adams Grille, Breinigsville, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $49)
Thu. 1/24 - Yards Beer Dinner @Fred & Ethel's Lantern Light Tavern, Absecon, NJ (6:30 p.m.; $55)
Sun. 1/27 - Girls Just Wanna Have Suds-Beer & Cupcakes @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (12 p.m.; $40)
Mon. 1/28 - Ommegang Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $TBA)
Wed. 1/30 - Dogfish Head Beer Dinner @Roosevelt's 21st, Bethlehem, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $TBA)
I'm sure this list will continue to grow in the coming days/weeks as everyone stocks up on the events calendar in the wake of the holidays. In the meantime, this should give you a great start. Be safe and enjoy wherever your beer travels find you this January.
As always, if I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
$20 and under, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG) also included here
Philadelphia
Tue. 1/1-Thu. 1/31 - Brewery Of The Month @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 1/1 - Fourth Anniversary Party @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 1/1 - New Year's Day Stout and Sour @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/2 - Beer School @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 1/2 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/3 - Arcobrau Keep the Glass Night @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/4 - Feast of the Epiphany @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/7 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 1/9 - Beer School @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 1/10 - Goose Island Tap Takeover @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/11 - Fire and Ice Beer Release Party @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/11 - Rogue Farm Night @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/12 - 3rd Annual Philly Beer Week Benefit Raffle @Field House, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/12 - Ice Capades @Nodding Head, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/12 - Annual Battle Royale @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/12 - Trubbel at the Kite @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 1/13 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Growlers, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/14 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/14 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 1/16 - Left Hand U Buy The Glass @The Abbaye, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/16 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Side Car Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/16 - Evolution Tap Takeover @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - Brooklyn Brewery Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - Elysian Tap Takeover @City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - Sour Face Night @Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/19 - The Trouble With Trippels IV @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 1/20 - 120 on 1/20 @Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa. (10 a.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 1/20 - White Party aka Craft Stout Invitational @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa. (9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/21 - Sierra Nevada Takeover @Local 44, Philadelphia, Pa. (All Day and Night; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/21 - Mad Monday with Dogfish Head @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/21 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (Sierra Nevada) @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 1/24 - Lancaster Gold Star Pilsner Keep the Glass Night @Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/24 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/24 - Instagram Viking Party for Philly debut of Skull Splitter on Draft @Pub On Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.), Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/24 - National Beer Can Day @Percy Street, Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/24 - Peanut Butter Party with Terrapin Brewing @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/25 - Beer Tasting (Allagash) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 1/26 - Crazy, Catfish, Creations featuring Terrapin Brewing @The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/28 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour @Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free)
Wed. 1/30 - Flying Fish Tap Takeover @The Bards, Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - Winter Beer Night @Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - White Party, aka Craft Stout Invitational @Varga, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - The Big, The Bold, The Barrel-aged @Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 1/8 - Smutty Knows @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/9 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Mad Mex, Willow Grove, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/10 - The Bruery Night @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 1/15 - Belgian Night with Alex @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - River Horse Neighbors Night @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - An Evening with Lancaster Brewing @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/19 - Russian Imperial Stout Release Party @Iron Hill, Media, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/21 - Day Off Day Drinking @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - Evolution Night @Pinocchio's, Media, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - Yards Firkin Challenge @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
every Wednesday from 1/9 through 3/17 - Boot Camp @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. ($PAYG)
every Thursday from 1/10 through 3/17 - Boot Camp @Sly Fox, Pottstown, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 1/1 - Hangover Brunch @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa. (11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/3 - Charity Cask Night (to benefit Lehigh Valley Business Group) @Fegley's Brew Works, Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/3 - Russian Imperial Stout Beer Release @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/4 - Flying Dog Beer Tasting @Washington House, Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
**MOVED TO FEB. 1-FEB. 3**
Fri. 1/11 - Friday Night Sampling (Yards) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 1/12 - Beer and Yoga @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (9:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 1/13 - 113 Day @Sly Fox, both Phoenixville & Pottstown, Pa. (1:13 p.m. 'til closing; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - Russian Imperial Stout Release Party @Iron Hill, Newark, Del. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/17 - DuClaw Tap Takeover @Bistro On Bridge, Phoenixville, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 1/18 - Friday Night Sampling (Oskar Blues) @Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 1/18 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @High Street Caffe, West Chester, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/21 - Girls Just Wanna Have Suds-Beer & Cupcakes @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/24 - Yards/Trubbel de Yards Night @Side Bar, West Chester, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/25 - From Russia with Love @Iron Hill, Lancaster, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/25 - Robbie Burns Birthday Celebration @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa. (6 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/26 - Belgium Comes to West Chester @Iron Hill, West Chester, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/30 - River Horse Tap Takeover @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/31 - Ballast Point Tap Take Over @The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Events Over $20
Philadelphia
Mon. 1/7 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting @World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $45)
Thu. 1/24 - Great Lake Brewing Beer Dinner @JG Domestic, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Fri. 1/25 - Stout and Chowder Festival @Power Plant Productions, Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $60-$65)
Sat. 1/26 - Winter Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Sat. 1/26 - Big Ass Beer Fest @Starlight Ballroom, Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m. & 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $45)
Sun. 1/27 - Beef and Beer @South Philadelphia Tap Room, Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $35)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 1/15 - Yards Beer Dinner @Keg & Kitchen, Westmont, NJ (5 p.m.; $TBA)
Wed. 1/16 - AleSmith Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa. (7 p.m.; $60)
Wed. 1/23 - Beef & Beer @DoubleTree Hotel, King of Prussia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $25-$35)
Sat. 1/26 - Winter Beerfest @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., 3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$35)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 1/12 & Sat. 1/26 - Sam Adams Beer & Decadent Chocolate Tasting @Sam Adams Grille, Breinigsville, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $49)
Thu. 1/24 - Yards Beer Dinner @Fred & Ethel's Lantern Light Tavern, Absecon, NJ (6:30 p.m.; $55)
Sun. 1/27 - Girls Just Wanna Have Suds-Beer & Cupcakes @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa. (12 p.m.; $40)
Mon. 1/28 - Ommegang Beer Dinner @Two Stones Pub, Newark, Del. (6:30 p.m.; $TBA)
Wed. 1/30 - Dogfish Head Beer Dinner @Roosevelt's 21st, Bethlehem, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $TBA)
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: December 20 - December 31
This list is Santa-approved. Even as the year winds down, whether you've been naughty or nice, check this list twice and get out there to relax and enjoy some of the area's best beer and bars at these nearly 40 events.
This will be the last calendar update of 2012. As always, it's my pleasure (and madness) to continually bring you the best of the Philly beer region in weekly and monthly calendar updates. All the best to you through this holiday season.
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.
First up once again, and continuing what seemed to be popular with you guys last week, I'll draw your attention to special event tap lists posted up at PhillyTapFinder.com.
As I asked last week, show the Philly love and go check out the events on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. If you like this idea, let me know.
PhillyTapFinder.com
@2nd Street Brew House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Christmas/Not End Of The World Party (8 p.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Duck-Rabbit Brewing Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/22 - Chocolate, Coffee, and Barrel-aged Things (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Rogue Santa Private Reserve, Widmer Brrr, Anchor Christmas, and Goose Island Christmas.)
@Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa.--- Sat. 12/22 - Saturday Afternoon Sampling (2 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free to tasting samples of Shock Top Midnight and Goose Island Christmas)
@Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/28 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Rogue beers.)
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Unibroue La Fin Du Monde because the Mayan calendar says the world is going to end tomorrow (or thereabouts) so what better beer to pour?)
@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Flying Fish Promo (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG for lots of Flying Fish beer on tap)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Stella Artois)
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Germany Comes from Cleveland (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for a night with Great Lakes Brewery from Cleveland.)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials on beers from Schmaltz Brewing, aka He'Brew)
@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 12/11 - Sat. 12/22 - The Twelve Beers of Christmas 2012 ($PAYG for twelve award-winning seasonal brews and a nine-foot recycled beer bottle Christmas Tree to help benefit The Salvation Army.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Victory Tasting (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from Downingtown)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for Chester County Bitter, Pughtown Porter, and Brewer's Select Pale Ale from firkins)
@Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/26 - Firkin Wednesday (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a Flying Fish firkin still TBD.)
@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)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/22 - Stone Vertical Epic Series (12 p.m.-2 p.m.; $100 for this once in a lifetime opportunity to taste the Stone Vertical Epic Series, with a specially-crafted food pairing menu and keepsake Stone glassware.)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - 31 Days Of Christmas ($PAYG for a constant selection of Christmas Seasonals on tap. As always, Mad Elf will be a permanent handle throughout the month.)
@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 12/28 - Smuttynose Tap Takeover (5 p.m.; $PAYG for Vunderbar, Zinneke, Big A, Porter, IPA, Brown Dog, and more.)
@Union Jack's On The Manatawny, Boyertown, Pa.--- Sat. 12/22 - Hoppy Holidays (1 p.m.; $PAYG for a draft list (and firkin) of overly hopped beers. 3-liter '11 Tröegs Mad Elf and 3-liter '09 Corsendonk Christmas Ale to be raffled off)
@World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/27 - Winter Beer Festival (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $40 to sample the offerings of over 30 breweries.)
Food and Beer events
@Kennett, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve with Yards Brewery (8 p.m.; $65 for a four-course meal paired with Olde Bartholomew Barleywine, Trubbel de Yards, Love Stout, and ESA.)
@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve Dinner (6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.; $75 & $125 for a four-course and six-course feast, respectively, paired with excellent beers.)
@Side Bar, West Chester, Pa.--- Sun. 12/23 - Sunday Christmas Brunch with Dogfish Head ($TBD for an aged-DFH brunch that will include at least Palo Santo Marron '11, Olde School Barleywine '11, Burton Baton '11, and World Wide Stout '11.)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve Beer Dinner (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $75 for a six-course meal paired with Braumeister Pils, Midlands Stout, Helios Ale, Headwaters Pale Ale, Yakima Glory, and Old Horizontal.)
Homebrewing, Charity, and Education
@Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Cancer Is Ugly Sweater Christmas Party (7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $40 as all Yards beers will be on tap that night, as well as a few special rarities. Your ticket includes access to all of this - not to mention brewery tours, live music, and so much more. There will also be an ugliest sweater grand prize, so make sure to raid grandma and grandpas closet.)
Special holiday-themed events
@Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Mad Elf Par-tay (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG at the annual last promo of the year featuring Scratch beers, Mad Elf, and lots more from Tröegs.)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 12/25 - It's A Mad Elf Christmas (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a great holiday tradition of some great Christmas Beer and a limited food menu.)
@Forest & Main, Ambler, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Twas The Night (7 p.m. & 10 p.m.; $PAYG for dinner by candlelight with Victorian-themed dishes. A reading of the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" at 7 for families and again at 10 for the bar crowd.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 12/23 - Festivus (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for an old fashioned Festivus with all the trimmings including an aluminum pole, Feats of Strength (with prizes), Airing of Grievances, and if we're lucky some Festivus miracles. We'll have a greatest hits of Xmas beers on tap including Tröegs Mad Elf, Great Lakes Xmas Ale, Goose Island Xmas Ale, Manayunk Festivus, Scaldus Noel, and Sly Fox Xmas Ale.)
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Christmas Vertical Pairing (5 p.m.; $PAYG for last year's version paired with this year's version. 12/21's special tapping is Dupont Avec Les Bon Voeux.)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/26 - Boxing Day Beer Festival ($PAYG for some of the best holiday & seasonal ales from around the world. In the spirit of Boxing Day, please bring canned and non-perishable food items and (gently used) winter coats for donation to two local organizations.)
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 12/23 - Sing-a-long Christmas Karaoke with Smuttynose Brewing (9 p.m.; $PAYG to dress up in Christmas gear, sing Christmas cheer, and drink some Smuttynose craft beer.)
End Of World parties are all the rage this week
@Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - End Of The World Dogfish Tap Takeover ($PAYG for Theobroma and many others)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - C'est La Fin du Monde, et Nous Nous Sentons Bien (11 p.m.; $PAYG to drink Unibroue's La Fin du Monde and a load of bottle-conditioned Unibroues too.)
@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Thu. 12/20 - End Of The World Party (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to beef up for the Apocalypse as we serve up some of the finer and fattier delicacies in life. Featured beer is Apocalypso, a single-hopped American IPA with 100% Calypso hops.)
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Celebrate The End of the World with the Mayans and Left Hand ($PAYG to celebrate what surely should be the end of the world's best party with beer from Left Hand.)
This will be the last calendar update of 2012. As always, it's my pleasure (and madness) to continually bring you the best of the Philly beer region in weekly and monthly calendar updates. All the best to you through this holiday season.
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.
First up once again, and continuing what seemed to be popular with you guys last week, I'll draw your attention to special event tap lists posted up at PhillyTapFinder.com.
As I asked last week, show the Philly love and go check out the events on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. If you like this idea, let me know.
PhillyTapFinder.com
@2nd Street Brew House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Christmas/Not End Of The World Party (8 p.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
@Barcade, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Duck-Rabbit Brewing Night (4 p.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
@The Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/22 - Chocolate, Coffee, and Barrel-aged Things (2 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Rogue Santa Private Reserve, Widmer Brrr, Anchor Christmas, and Goose Island Christmas.)
@Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa.--- Sat. 12/22 - Saturday Afternoon Sampling (2 p.m.-3 p.m.; $Free to tasting samples of Shock Top Midnight and Goose Island Christmas)
@Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/28 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Rogue beers.)
@Beer Yard, Wayne, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Unibroue La Fin Du Monde because the Mayan calendar says the world is going to end tomorrow (or thereabouts) so what better beer to pour?)
@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Flying Fish Promo (4:30 p.m.; $PAYG for lots of Flying Fish beer on tap)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Stella Artois)
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Germany Comes from Cleveland (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for a night with Great Lakes Brewery from Cleveland.)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials on beers from Schmaltz Brewing, aka He'Brew)
@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 12/11 - Sat. 12/22 - The Twelve Beers of Christmas 2012 ($PAYG for twelve award-winning seasonal brews and a nine-foot recycled beer bottle Christmas Tree to help benefit The Salvation Army.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Victory Tasting (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from Downingtown)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Third Friday Firkin Fest (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for Chester County Bitter, Pughtown Porter, and Brewer's Select Pale Ale from firkins)
@Standard Tap, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/26 - Firkin Wednesday (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for a Flying Fish firkin still TBD.)
@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)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@City Tap House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/22 - Stone Vertical Epic Series (12 p.m.-2 p.m.; $100 for this once in a lifetime opportunity to taste the Stone Vertical Epic Series, with a specially-crafted food pairing menu and keepsake Stone glassware.)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - 31 Days Of Christmas ($PAYG for a constant selection of Christmas Seasonals on tap. As always, Mad Elf will be a permanent handle throughout the month.)
@The Drafting Room, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 12/28 - Smuttynose Tap Takeover (5 p.m.; $PAYG for Vunderbar, Zinneke, Big A, Porter, IPA, Brown Dog, and more.)
@Union Jack's On The Manatawny, Boyertown, Pa.--- Sat. 12/22 - Hoppy Holidays (1 p.m.; $PAYG for a draft list (and firkin) of overly hopped beers. 3-liter '11 Tröegs Mad Elf and 3-liter '09 Corsendonk Christmas Ale to be raffled off)
@World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/27 - Winter Beer Festival (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $40 to sample the offerings of over 30 breweries.)
Food and Beer events
@Kennett, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve with Yards Brewery (8 p.m.; $65 for a four-course meal paired with Olde Bartholomew Barleywine, Trubbel de Yards, Love Stout, and ESA.)
@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve Dinner (6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.; $75 & $125 for a four-course and six-course feast, respectively, paired with excellent beers.)
@Side Bar, West Chester, Pa.--- Sun. 12/23 - Sunday Christmas Brunch with Dogfish Head ($TBD for an aged-DFH brunch that will include at least Palo Santo Marron '11, Olde School Barleywine '11, Burton Baton '11, and World Wide Stout '11.)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Mon. 12/31 - New Year's Eve Beer Dinner (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $75 for a six-course meal paired with Braumeister Pils, Midlands Stout, Helios Ale, Headwaters Pale Ale, Yakima Glory, and Old Horizontal.)
Homebrewing, Charity, and Education
@Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Cancer Is Ugly Sweater Christmas Party (7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; $40 as all Yards beers will be on tap that night, as well as a few special rarities. Your ticket includes access to all of this - not to mention brewery tours, live music, and so much more. There will also be an ugliest sweater grand prize, so make sure to raid grandma and grandpas closet.)
Special holiday-themed events
@Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Mad Elf Par-tay (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG at the annual last promo of the year featuring Scratch beers, Mad Elf, and lots more from Tröegs.)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 12/25 - It's A Mad Elf Christmas (7 p.m.; $PAYG for a great holiday tradition of some great Christmas Beer and a limited food menu.)
@Forest & Main, Ambler, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - Twas The Night (7 p.m. & 10 p.m.; $PAYG for dinner by candlelight with Victorian-themed dishes. A reading of the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" at 7 for families and again at 10 for the bar crowd.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 12/23 - Festivus (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG for an old fashioned Festivus with all the trimmings including an aluminum pole, Feats of Strength (with prizes), Airing of Grievances, and if we're lucky some Festivus miracles. We'll have a greatest hits of Xmas beers on tap including Tröegs Mad Elf, Great Lakes Xmas Ale, Goose Island Xmas Ale, Manayunk Festivus, Scaldus Noel, and Sly Fox Xmas Ale.)
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Christmas Vertical Pairing (5 p.m.; $PAYG for last year's version paired with this year's version. 12/21's special tapping is Dupont Avec Les Bon Voeux.)
@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/26 - Boxing Day Beer Festival ($PAYG for some of the best holiday & seasonal ales from around the world. In the spirit of Boxing Day, please bring canned and non-perishable food items and (gently used) winter coats for donation to two local organizations.)
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sun. 12/23 - Sing-a-long Christmas Karaoke with Smuttynose Brewing (9 p.m.; $PAYG to dress up in Christmas gear, sing Christmas cheer, and drink some Smuttynose craft beer.)
End Of World parties are all the rage this week
@Craft Ale House, Limerick, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - End Of The World Dogfish Tap Takeover ($PAYG for Theobroma and many others)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/20 - C'est La Fin du Monde, et Nous Nous Sentons Bien (11 p.m.; $PAYG to drink Unibroue's La Fin du Monde and a load of bottle-conditioned Unibroues too.)
@Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ--- Thu. 12/20 - End Of The World Party (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG to beef up for the Apocalypse as we serve up some of the finer and fattier delicacies in life. Featured beer is Apocalypso, a single-hopped American IPA with 100% Calypso hops.)
@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/21 - Celebrate The End of the World with the Mayans and Left Hand ($PAYG to celebrate what surely should be the end of the world's best party with beer from Left Hand.)
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 12/17/12
I have no creative words to roll us into the weekly Monday morning update of newsy notes to share with you, so let's get on with it.
PHILADELPHIA
~ Nice checklist of what makes Brauhaus Schmitz a must-destination for foodies, beer geeks, and, well, just about anyone looking for a unique dining and bar experience in Philadelphia. I'll admit I wasn't aware of the Foie Gras Liverwurst, but now that I am....well, you know what comes next :)
~ On my most recent cross-country flight, I finally got around to reading Philly Beer Scene magazine back issues. This time, it was an excellent article by Mike Scotese (aka, "Scoats" of Grey Lodge Pub) about the group trip he joined in on earlier in 2012 to Belgium to brew the 2012 version of Philly Beer Week's collaboration beer.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Also in the Aug/Sep issue of Philly Beer Scene that I mentioned above was a peek behind the mash paddle at Iron Hill's "medal machine", Bob Barrar.
~ And, still one more solid article from the same Philly Beer Scene magazine (y'think they might have something right going on over there?!) came in the form of a Lew Bryson-penned State of the Session Beer (my words, not his).
~ Brooklyn Brewery hosted a hurricane relief party recently and the results are in. This was a New York City Brewers Guild project; the group was formed earlier this year and the cooperation seems to be paying off.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Bryson and Beaumont recently wrote spot-on columns for Ale Street News. I would love to be able to link you over there; but, sorry to say there's no electronic version to link here. Topics were similar: Bryson's was entitled "Are You Enjoying Your Beer?" (with great snippets like: "What have we become? That which we most despised: we have become like wine snobs..."; "...and what the strike temperature was..."; and "Geek less, enjoy more") and Beaumont's was "In Praise Of Simplicity" (with nuggets like: "...collaborative effort featuring a specific moss gathered by virgins from the slopes of a remote Andean mountain" and "simple does not necessarily need to equal boring". Hopefully, you've been able to see the paper versions for yourself. If not, maybe one day there'll be links that I can forward along to you.
~ And, finally, none of this will matter in the least on 12/22 if ancient "predictions" come true at some point on 12/21. Yet, it was more fun stuff from Greg Koch and the Stone crew when they documented Koch's trip to the ruins of Caracol in Belize. He cracked open a beer on the stone remains of one of the pyramids. What could go wrong?! Did he reverse the prediction or hasten it? Only time will tell.
PHILADELPHIA
~ Nice checklist of what makes Brauhaus Schmitz a must-destination for foodies, beer geeks, and, well, just about anyone looking for a unique dining and bar experience in Philadelphia. I'll admit I wasn't aware of the Foie Gras Liverwurst, but now that I am....well, you know what comes next :)
~ On my most recent cross-country flight, I finally got around to reading Philly Beer Scene magazine back issues. This time, it was an excellent article by Mike Scotese (aka, "Scoats" of Grey Lodge Pub) about the group trip he joined in on earlier in 2012 to Belgium to brew the 2012 version of Philly Beer Week's collaboration beer.
EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ Also in the Aug/Sep issue of Philly Beer Scene that I mentioned above was a peek behind the mash paddle at Iron Hill's "medal machine", Bob Barrar.
~ And, still one more solid article from the same Philly Beer Scene magazine (y'think they might have something right going on over there?!) came in the form of a Lew Bryson-penned State of the Session Beer (my words, not his).
~ Brooklyn Brewery hosted a hurricane relief party recently and the results are in. This was a New York City Brewers Guild project; the group was formed earlier this year and the cooperation seems to be paying off.
THE REST OF PLANET BEER
~ Bryson and Beaumont recently wrote spot-on columns for Ale Street News. I would love to be able to link you over there; but, sorry to say there's no electronic version to link here. Topics were similar: Bryson's was entitled "Are You Enjoying Your Beer?" (with great snippets like: "What have we become? That which we most despised: we have become like wine snobs..."; "...and what the strike temperature was..."; and "Geek less, enjoy more") and Beaumont's was "In Praise Of Simplicity" (with nuggets like: "...collaborative effort featuring a specific moss gathered by virgins from the slopes of a remote Andean mountain" and "simple does not necessarily need to equal boring". Hopefully, you've been able to see the paper versions for yourself. If not, maybe one day there'll be links that I can forward along to you.
~ And, finally, none of this will matter in the least on 12/22 if ancient "predictions" come true at some point on 12/21. Yet, it was more fun stuff from Greg Koch and the Stone crew when they documented Koch's trip to the ruins of Caracol in Belize. He cracked open a beer on the stone remains of one of the pyramids. What could go wrong?! Did he reverse the prediction or hasten it? Only time will tell.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: December 13 - December 19
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. Here a beer event, there a beer event. If beer isn't on your list this holiday season, there's something wrong with your list. Consult this list and see if there's nothing to your liking.
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.
First off, a new addition that I'm gonna give a try here to see if you guys like it or not. For several years now, Jared and Kristy Littman have been putting in a great effort to build something you know (if you've been around here long enough) is near and dear to me — a nearly live, interactive, and up-to-date tap list of local bars.
Not only do they manage tap lists for establishments on a regular basis, but also for special events at participating establishments. I plan to bring focus to these special events tap lists in their own section. Show the Philly love and go check out the events on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. If you like this idea, let me know.
PhillyTapFinder.com
@Eulogy Belgian Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - A Very Stockertown Christmas Celebration (7 p.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
@Fox and Hound, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - Holiday Blowout (11 a.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Christmas Extravaganza (formerly known as Christmas Spectacular) (5 p.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of all of the Goose Island and Evolution products.)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Meet The Brewer Night (7 p.m.; $PAYG to meet Brewer's Art owner, Thomas Creegan, and taste his brewery's Ozzy, Resurrection, Bagman Porter, Stalking Hourse, St. Festivus, and La Petroleuse.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Victory's beers)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Sat. 12/15 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Lancaster Brewing's beers)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Long Trail beers)
@Isaac Newtons, Newtown, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - Southern Tier Tap Takeover (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG as Archie Knight from Shangy's shows up with Southern Tier's 2012 Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, 2012 Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Oak-aged Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Back Burner Imperial Barleywine, Choklat Imperial Chocolate Stout, and Mokah Imperial Coffee Chocolate Stout.)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - 31 Days Of Christmas ($PAYG for a constant selection of Christmas Seasonals on tap. As always, Mad Elf will be a permanent handle throughout the month.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 12/17 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from importer B. United)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/19 - Beer School (5 p.m.; $Free to learn along side the bar/restaurant staff)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials on beers from Schmaltz Brewing, aka He'Brew)
@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 12/11 - Sat. 12/22 - The Twelve Beers of Christmas 2012 ($PAYG for twelve award-winning seasonal brews and a nine-foot recycled beer bottle Christmas Tree to help benefit The Salvation Army.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Wed. 12/19 - Great Lakes Tasting (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from Cleveland's finest)
@Revolution House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Mad Elf/Mad Dreams (7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $5 cover for first drink free and complimentary raffle ticket. Food and drink discounts and raffle prizes at this huge Mad Elf/Mad Dreams event.)
@SoWe Bar and Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - Weyerbacher Night (7 p.m.; $PAYG for several Weyerbachers on tap, food and drink specials, wonderful conversations about meaningful and meaningless things, the sad Eagles playing — the makings of a wonderful night.)
@The Beer Shoppe, Ardmore, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Flying Fish Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Flying Fish beer)
@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)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Dock Street, Manayunk Brewing, & Appalachian Brewing--- Sat. 12/15 - Craft Beer Bus to Philadelphia (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $70 for an afternoon of beers, tours, food, and a bus ride to three breweries plus a special beer gift from Dock Street Brewing Company.)
@Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/19 - Nino's Prickly Pear Release (4 p.m.; $PAYG for this ale that was brewed with fresh prickly pears in the mash and brightened with 420 lbs of prickly pear puree. Also, the kitchen is creating a 'Feast of the Fish' dish and bartenders are mixing a Prickly Pear beer cocktail.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Rogue John John No More No More Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for the last two John John kegs (Juniper and Hazlenut) left here in Philly. Plus, a keg of Rogue 15K for good measure.)
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Christmas Vertical Pairing (5 p.m.; $PAYG for last year's version paired with this year's version. 12/14's special tapping is St. Feuillien Cuvée De Noël with a bonus 2010 version as well.)
@Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - It's a Mad Mad Mad World (6 p.m.; $PAYG for a Tröegs tap takeover featuring a 3 year vertical of Mad Elf. Come try a flight of Mad Elf 2010, 2011, 2012 or just drink the year you like best. We will also have Java Head, Dream Weaver, Perpetual IPA, Troegenator, and a surprise Scratch Beer.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - 12 Geese Of Christmas (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Goose Island's Christmas Ale, Bourbon County Stout, Imperial IPA, India Pale Ale, Minx, Matilda, Sofie, Pere Jacques, Pepe Nero, Honker's Ale, 312 Urban Wheat, and Nut Brown.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Sat. 12/15 - Beer Garden's 3rd Anniversary ($PAYG for a developing list that currently includes Russian River Sanctification, Consecration, and Supplication, Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA and Bitches Brew, Firestone Walker Double DBA.)
@Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 12/18 - Annual Holiday Roast (8 p.m.; $PAYG to some of the finest holiday foods and beers as you witness the roasting of one of the country's best-known beer writers. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Philabundance.)
@River Horse, Lambertville, NJ--- Sat. 12/15 - Oatmeal Milk Stout Release Party (7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $12 for your first beer and commemorative glass; all beers afterwards will cost $5. In addition to the traditional Oatmeal Milk Stout, we will also have specialty Oatmeal Milk Stout casks filled with chocolate, mint, hazelnut, and coffee, as well as bottles of our year round beers.)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - 17th Anniversary Party (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for day-long tapas and live music to accompany 30+ "regular" and special beers all day and night)
Food and Beer events
@Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/19 - Christmas Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $50 for a five-course meal paired with Corsendonk Christmas, Goose Island Christmas, Anchor Our Special Christmas, The Bruery 5 Golden Rings, and Tröegs Mad Elf.)
@Keswick Tavern, Glenside, Pa.--- Tue. 12/18 - Victory Beer Dinner (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $50 for a six-course dinner paired with six unique Victory beers and representatives from the brewery to discuss the beers.)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - 17th Anniversary Brunch (10 a.m.; $45 for a ticketed brunch of four courses paired with six beers including Saison De Cuivre, Broederlijke Liefde, Odyssey, JB's Coffee Porter, Christmas Ale, and a toast with a surprise Anniversary Beer)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - Holiday Beer Dinner (6 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Braumeister Pils, Scarlet Fire, Headwaters Pale Ale, D'town Brown Ale, Red Thunder, and Dark Intrigue.)
@Village Whiskey (Revel Resort & Casino), Atlantic City, NJ--- Thu. 12/13 - Sixpoint Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $50 for a four course meal paired with The Crisp, Righteous Ale, Brownstone, and Sweet Action.)
Special holiday-themed events
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/15 - Winterfest Craft Show (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG Christmas beers on tap and gift ideas from local crafters.)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - Ugly Sweater Release (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG to enjoy holiday music favorites from the Cartoon Christmas Trio from 6-8 p.m., seasonal food trios, and Ugly Sweater, a full-bodied brown ale brewed with classic winter spices and aged on vanilla beans.)
@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Sat. 12/15 - How the Sheltons Stole Christmas (4 p.m.; $PAYG with poetry narrated by Kevin Brooks from Shelton.)
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.
First off, a new addition that I'm gonna give a try here to see if you guys like it or not. For several years now, Jared and Kristy Littman have been putting in a great effort to build something you know (if you've been around here long enough) is near and dear to me — a nearly live, interactive, and up-to-date tap list of local bars.
Not only do they manage tap lists for establishments on a regular basis, but also for special events at participating establishments. I plan to bring focus to these special events tap lists in their own section. Show the Philly love and go check out the events on PhillyTapFinder, then go check out the beer in person. If you like this idea, let me know.
PhillyTapFinder.com
@Eulogy Belgian Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - A Very Stockertown Christmas Celebration (7 p.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
@Fox and Hound, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - Holiday Blowout (11 a.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Christmas Extravaganza (formerly known as Christmas Spectacular) (5 p.m.; $PAYG for this special event tap list brought to you by PhillyTapFinder.com)
Brewery Promos and Samplings
@Austin's Beverage, Collegeville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of all of the Goose Island and Evolution products.)
@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Meet The Brewer Night (7 p.m.; $PAYG to meet Brewer's Art owner, Thomas Creegan, and taste his brewery's Ozzy, Resurrection, Bagman Porter, Stalking Hourse, St. Festivus, and La Petroleuse.)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Victory's beers)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, Pa.--- Sat. 12/15 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Lancaster Brewing's beers)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Friday Night Sampling (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Long Trail beers)
@Isaac Newtons, Newtown, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - Southern Tier Tap Takeover (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG as Archie Knight from Shangy's shows up with Southern Tier's 2012 Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, 2012 Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Oak-aged Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Back Burner Imperial Barleywine, Choklat Imperial Chocolate Stout, and Mokah Imperial Coffee Chocolate Stout.)
@Kite & Key, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - 31 Days Of Christmas ($PAYG for a constant selection of Christmas Seasonals on tap. As always, Mad Elf will be a permanent handle throughout the month.)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Mon. 12/17 - Bottle Shop Happy Hour (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of beers from importer B. United)
@Local 44 Bottle Shop, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/19 - Beer School (5 p.m.; $Free to learn along side the bar/restaurant staff)
@Old Eagle Tavern, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/1-Mon. 12/31 - Brewery Of The Month ($PAYG for month-long specials on beers from Schmaltz Brewing, aka He'Brew)
@Perch Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 12/11 - Sat. 12/22 - The Twelve Beers of Christmas 2012 ($PAYG for twelve award-winning seasonal brews and a nine-foot recycled beer bottle Christmas Tree to help benefit The Salvation Army.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Wed. 12/19 - Great Lakes Tasting (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for beers from Cleveland's finest)
@Revolution House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Mad Elf/Mad Dreams (7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $5 cover for first drink free and complimentary raffle ticket. Food and drink discounts and raffle prizes at this huge Mad Elf/Mad Dreams event.)
@SoWe Bar and Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - Weyerbacher Night (7 p.m.; $PAYG for several Weyerbachers on tap, food and drink specials, wonderful conversations about meaningful and meaningless things, the sad Eagles playing — the makings of a wonderful night.)
@The Beer Shoppe, Ardmore, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Flying Fish Tasting (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $Free tasting samples of Flying Fish beer)
@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)
"Takeovers", Debuts, Festivals, and other noteworthy events
@Dock Street, Manayunk Brewing, & Appalachian Brewing--- Sat. 12/15 - Craft Beer Bus to Philadelphia (12 p.m.-6 p.m.; $70 for an afternoon of beers, tours, food, and a bus ride to three breweries plus a special beer gift from Dock Street Brewing Company.)
@Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/19 - Nino's Prickly Pear Release (4 p.m.; $PAYG for this ale that was brewed with fresh prickly pears in the mash and brightened with 420 lbs of prickly pear puree. Also, the kitchen is creating a 'Feast of the Fish' dish and bartenders are mixing a Prickly Pear beer cocktail.)
@Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Rogue John John No More No More Night (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for the last two John John kegs (Juniper and Hazlenut) left here in Philly. Plus, a keg of Rogue 15K for good measure.)
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - Christmas Vertical Pairing (5 p.m.; $PAYG for last year's version paired with this year's version. 12/14's special tapping is St. Feuillien Cuvée De Noël with a bonus 2010 version as well.)
@Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - It's a Mad Mad Mad World (6 p.m.; $PAYG for a Tröegs tap takeover featuring a 3 year vertical of Mad Elf. Come try a flight of Mad Elf 2010, 2011, 2012 or just drink the year you like best. We will also have Java Head, Dream Weaver, Perpetual IPA, Troegenator, and a surprise Scratch Beer.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - 12 Geese Of Christmas (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG for Goose Island's Christmas Ale, Bourbon County Stout, Imperial IPA, India Pale Ale, Minx, Matilda, Sofie, Pere Jacques, Pepe Nero, Honker's Ale, 312 Urban Wheat, and Nut Brown.)
@Pinocchio's, Media, Pa.--- Sat. 12/15 - Beer Garden's 3rd Anniversary ($PAYG for a developing list that currently includes Russian River Sanctification, Consecration, and Supplication, Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA and Bitches Brew, Firestone Walker Double DBA.)
@Prohibition Taproom, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Tue. 12/18 - Annual Holiday Roast (8 p.m.; $PAYG to some of the finest holiday foods and beers as you witness the roasting of one of the country's best-known beer writers. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Philabundance.)
@River Horse, Lambertville, NJ--- Sat. 12/15 - Oatmeal Milk Stout Release Party (7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $12 for your first beer and commemorative glass; all beers afterwards will cost $5. In addition to the traditional Oatmeal Milk Stout, we will also have specialty Oatmeal Milk Stout casks filled with chocolate, mint, hazelnut, and coffee, as well as bottles of our year round beers.)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - 17th Anniversary Party (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG for day-long tapas and live music to accompany 30+ "regular" and special beers all day and night)
Food and Beer events
@Bainbridge Street Barrel House, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Wed. 12/19 - Christmas Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $50 for a five-course meal paired with Corsendonk Christmas, Goose Island Christmas, Anchor Our Special Christmas, The Bruery 5 Golden Rings, and Tröegs Mad Elf.)
@Keswick Tavern, Glenside, Pa.--- Tue. 12/18 - Victory Beer Dinner (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $50 for a six-course dinner paired with six unique Victory beers and representatives from the brewery to discuss the beers.)
@Sly Fox, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Fri. 12/14 - 17th Anniversary Brunch (10 a.m.; $45 for a ticketed brunch of four courses paired with six beers including Saison De Cuivre, Broederlijke Liefde, Odyssey, JB's Coffee Porter, Christmas Ale, and a toast with a surprise Anniversary Beer)
@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - Holiday Beer Dinner (6 p.m.; $65 for a five-course meal paired with Braumeister Pils, Scarlet Fire, Headwaters Pale Ale, D'town Brown Ale, Red Thunder, and Dark Intrigue.)
@Village Whiskey (Revel Resort & Casino), Atlantic City, NJ--- Thu. 12/13 - Sixpoint Beer Dinner (7 p.m.; $50 for a four course meal paired with The Crisp, Righteous Ale, Brownstone, and Sweet Action.)
Special holiday-themed events
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, Pa.--- Sat. 12/15 - Winterfest Craft Show (2 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG Christmas beers on tap and gift ideas from local crafters.)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, Pa.--- Thu. 12/13 - Ugly Sweater Release (5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $PAYG to enjoy holiday music favorites from the Cartoon Christmas Trio from 6-8 p.m., seasonal food trios, and Ugly Sweater, a full-bodied brown ale brewed with classic winter spices and aged on vanilla beans.)
@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, Pa.--- Sat. 12/15 - How the Sheltons Stole Christmas (4 p.m.; $PAYG with poetry narrated by Kevin Brooks from Shelton.)
Monday, December 10, 2012
Monday Morning Second-Hand Brews News Update: 12/10/12
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?
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?
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.
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