Checking in with the City by the Bay

San Francisco, particularly 21st Amendment, made sure that no one took the 75th anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition for granted. The festivities rolled across town with a parade that culminated in a celebration at the two-one-A's pub. Bet it was a fun event. In Philly, Memphis Taproom did a price rollback on all beers for one hour. Still waiting for highlights from anyone who dropped into Memphis on Friday. From San Francisco, check out some of the written word and pictures from their celebration. Pictures at 21st Amendment's website Pictures from Jay Brooks Background of 21st Amendment Brewery The beginning of Prohibition The fight for sanity and a Repeal

TJ's Anniversary Tap List - December 7, 2008; 12:30am

TJ's Anniversary Weekend continues; what a great time! So many people came and went; so many kegs were kicked, but many still remain. Lucky for you, if you didn't make it to TJ's. Are you going to blame the snow? Well, Sunday's forecast looks fine, so go and grab some lunch and a few choice beers, maybe some NFL football as well. There was still a decent crowd at the bar when we left just after midnight. At 12:30am, here's the current tap list. All Allagash is gone and the Tsjeeses, as predicted, didn't make it the entire night. One of the best beers of the year, in my opinion. Not sure if Monk's tapped theirs yet; if not, keep an eye open for it and make sure that you get your lips on some. Wondering what this TJ's thing is all about? Check the profile that I wrote. Currently On Tap (read on; or check live on TJ's website) TJ's 5-Year Anniversary British Pale Ale by Sly Fox (hand cask) Eggenberger Samichlaus Founders Breakfast Stout Dogfish Head World Wide Stout Russian River Pliny the Elder Stone Oaked Bastard Troegs Mad Elf (2007) Troegs Mad Elf (2008) Corsendonk Christmas Sly Fox Christmas Ale Brasserie Dupont Avec Les Bons Voeux Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van de Keizer Brasserie des Rocs Grand Cru Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter Weyerbacher Thirteen North Coast Old Stock (2007) Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti (2007) Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale Chimay Cinq Cents Stella Artois Belgian Pale Ale Hoegaarden Belgian Wit Leffe Blond Lindemans Framboise (hand cask) Warsteiner Dunkel Lager

TJ's Anniversary Tap List - December 6, 2008; 8:00pm

Things have picked up considerably here at TJ's in Paoli since we left at 3:30pm. At 8:00pm, here's the current tap list. Only one Allagash remains, the FOUR and the Rasputin is gone. Wondering what this TJ's thing is all about? Check the profile that I wrote. Currently On Tap (read on; or check live on TJ's website) TJ's 5-Year Anniversary British Pale Ale by Sly Fox (hand cask) Eggenberger Samichlaus Founders Breakfast Stout Dogfish Head World Wide Stout Russian River Pliny the Elder Stone Oaked Bastard Troegs Mad Elf (2007) Troegs Mad Elf (2008) Struise Tsjeeses Brasserie Dupont Avec Les Bons Voeux Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van de Keizer Allagash FOUR Brasserie des Rocs Grand Cru Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter Weyerbacher Thirteen North Coast Old Stock (2007) Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti (2007) Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale Chimay Cinq Cents Stella Artois Belgian Pale Ale Hoegaarden Belgian Wit Leffe Blond Lindemans Framboise (hand cask) Warsteiner Dunkel Lager Warming Up in the Bullpen - Drink Up Bell's Expedition Affligem Noel Corsendonk Christmas Delrium Noel Sly Fox Christmas Ale St. Bernardus Christmas Ale Bell's Winter White Heavy Seas Winter Storm Weyerbacher Winter Warmer Bell's Kalamazoo Stout Bell's Porter Dogfish Head Chicory Stout Heavy Seas Below Decks Heavy Seas Peg Leg Lagunitas Cappacino Stout Weyerbacher QUAD Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA De Ranke Guldenbergt

TJ's Anniversary Tap List - December 6, 2008; 1:30pm

Things are rolling along at a moderate pace here at TJ's in Paoli. At 1:30pm, here's the current tap list. Wondering what this TJ's thing is all about? Check the profile that I wrote. Currently On Tap (read on; or check live on TJ's website) TJ's 5-Year Anniversary British Pale Ale by Sly Fox (cask) Eggenberger Samichlaus Founders Breakfast Stout Dogfish Head World Wide Stout Russian River Pliny the Elder Stone Oaked Bastard Troegs Mad Elf (2007) Troegs Mad Elf (2008) Struise Tsjeeses Brasserie Dupont Avec Les Bons Voeux Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van de Keizer Allagash FOUR Allagash Musette Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter Old Rasputin Imperial Stout (nitro) Weyerbacher Thirteen North Coast Old Stock (2007) Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti (2007) Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale Chimay Cinq Cents Stella Artois Belgian Pale Ale Hoegaarden Belgian Wit Leffe Blond Lindemans Framboise (hand) Warsteiner Dunkel Lager Warming Up in the Bullpen - Drink Up Bell's Expedition Affligem Noel Corsendonk Christmas Delrium Noel Sly Fox Christmas Ale St. Bernardus Christmas Ale Bell's Winter White Heavy Seas Winter Storm Weyerbacher Winter Warmer Bell's Kalamazoo Stout Bell's Porter Dogfish Head Chicory Stout Heavy Seas Below Decks Heavy Seas Peg Leg Lagunitas Cappacino Stout Weyerbacher QUAD Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA Brasserie des Rocs Grand Cru De Ranke Guldenbergt

TJ's Restaurant & Drinkery in Paoli, PA

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If you live in the Philadelphia region and have not been to TJ's in Paoli, PA, I call beer foul on you. Celebrating their 5th year anniversary this weekend, TJ's (that would be the eponymous drinkery of Terri & Jeff Miller's, respectively) has grown into a "beer destination" in the Delaware Valley; an argument could even be made for not just the local area, but the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic as well.

High praise? Certainly. Too high of praise? I, and many of TJs' regulars, would say certainly not.

Believe it or not, it's been over five years since Goose Creek Grill left the space that TJ's now occupies. I'd never been to Goose Creek and recall thinking curiously about what this new place, TJ's Everyday (as it was called at the time), was all about. Actually, it took me at least a couple of years to finally get there. And, when I did, the craft beer was just beginning to show up at the bar. Jeff started slowly with introducing "different" beers to the clientele, then finally went all in. Jeff says that as if his restless nights of sleep aren't trouble enough, new business ideas constantly run through his head...to the point that he keeps a notepad on his nightstand...some ideas work and some don't. I'd say this one with the craft beer thingy has worked pretty well.

It took a little while for the word to get out that this place across the street from the Paoli train station was actually serving up decent beer. The legacy there certainly didn't support the better beer scene. Admittedly, it even took me a while to finally call TJ's my local. It must be my local now considering that I never feel like I'm "on the job" when I'm there. Further proof in that I've never written a full profile like this before about TJ's and when I did finally get around to it this week, I realized I didn't have any photos of the place on file.

When I first moved to Chester County over seven years ago, the Flying Pig in Malvern quickly became my local beer joint. But, TJ's finally won me over with a thoughtfully developed food menu that incorporates beer at every turn in a friendly environment where you could almost say that every one knows your name. More on that later.

The layout is equally inviting. With a sometimes raucous bar crowd (particularly during sporting events), the dining rooms are set off on the other side of the building behind tasteful decorated brick walls. It's certainly possible to have a quiet family dinner in the dining room while the big game is on TV in the bar area and not even know it. Well, maybe not the World Series, but I think you get the point.

Prior to opening TJ's, Jeff owned a deli and catering company, Duffy's, in King of Prussia since 1989 that is still run by his brother. On a busy night, you can hear Jeff in the kitchen presiding over the dishes that are being prepared off the menu that he developed to highlight both the food and the beer. Instead of me trying to describe the menu any farther, just go check it out for yourself.

For the record, my favorites and oft-ordered dishes range from the Stout & Onion Soup, Arrogant Chipotle Chili, Boneless Chicken Wings, and Crispy Boneless Wings on the small plate list...to the Cajun Alfredo Cavatappi Pasta (great for marathon "carbing", speaking from experience)...to the Dunkel Pulled Pork (someone get me a North Coast Thelonious!), the Chicken Boursin sandwich, Hop Hog Chicken Panini, any of the "Belgian Blonde" burgers, or the Anchor Steam Crabcake all on the sandwich menu. Not so peculiarly, I've never had dessert at TJs; maybe it's because I'm always saving room for that "one last beer." But, when I do, it will have to be the one that screams after me the most...the Apple Pie à la mode.

But, this is what I'm talking about. A restaurant that serves good food and good (often great) beer and, most importantly, emphasizes them together. Some can keep a great beer list; some can have a great beer dinner once in a while; some simply throw it out there and hope that it sticks without much staff training.

Some restaurants have started listing a recommended beer for a dish or two on their menu. Their servers may even be able to recommend a Belgian beer that goes with mussels, or some other standard staple or pairing. But, at TJ's, every food menu item has a recommended beer pairing, many include beer as ingredient in some stage of the preparation, and every server in the dining room has at least what would pass as better than average (compared to many dining rooms) knowledge of the beer. If nothing else, they talk about the special beers as if they are commonplace and take pride in them; it's not like a "oh, yeah, management is trying out these new beers, uh, er, whatever" thing. If they don't know the answer to a question, they'll go without hesitation and ask someone who does know.

At the bar, the service gets even better. Though they pour every beverage possible, they proudly show off the craft beer and will pour a sample for your approval while discussing their knowledge of it with you. Over the past year, Jeff has made it a point for you to know what to expect on the beer tap lines before you leave home. Their website has the most real time tap list I've ever seen. Other establishments have tap lists that are accurate to within a day, or maybe even the hour. But, at TJ's the online tap list is updated as soon as the keg is flowing; it's simply part of the process of changing kegs. As a matter of fact, why don't you go now and check out what's on tap. In the spirit of promoting their weekend anniversary event, you'll be able to see the stellar drafts that will be enjoyed this weekend. Stellar may even be an understatement.

And, don't overlook the bottles. For sale to drink both at the bar and at home, the bottle coolers are always well-stocked with great beers of both the commonplace and hard-to-find variety.

So you get to the bar and let's say that you're a first timer there. Allow me to repeat a piece of my first visit there and tell me if yours isn't the same. Something like this....Bartender: "Hi there, what can I get for you?" Me: "such-or-such a beer" Bartender: "There you go; by the way what's your name? Mine's Scott." This is important to note because this is the way things go at TJ's. The emphasis is so great on customer service that not only will you get your food and drink politely and professionally served to you, apologized to if something is wrong (like an overflowing glass of beer), or asked what you'd like to see on TV. But, you'll be asked your name and get this...they'll tend to remember it if you return in the near future. Talk about disarming. At my second visit, I get a "hey, how ya doin', it's Bryan, right?"

The great thing about TJ's is (have I mentioned that there's more than one great thing?) that this isn't some kind of a special treatment thing going on at the pub. There are some bars that you might go in to where you're stretching to get some service as the staff kowtows to their favorite customers at the other end of the bar. At TJ's, you won't get treated any more special than the next person. And, I say that in the most complimentary way, if you catch my drift.

Maybe here is a good place to take a pause to recognize that in an industry that sees high turnover as a way of life, it seems like a testament to the way that Terri and Jeff manage the place that six staff members have been with them since the beginning. In the front of the house, Scott Blaine, Laurie Dimidio, Amy Flather, Staci Klostas and in the back of the house, Joe Alway and Jon Reynders have all been helping deliver the TJ's message of quality since day one.

Speaking of Jeff being involved with employees and customers...the BeerAdvocate discussion forums. Jeff just doesn't lurk there trying to either pimp his business or squash others that may have a negative thing to say about his business. He's there (here's a link to his profile) looking for trends, buzz beers, and to join in conversations about whatever's happening in beer, whether his bar's name is involved or not.

Okay, the last great thing, I promise, about TJ's is (well, maybe this is a bit selfish) that they are all of 3.1 miles from my house. Hey, that's a 5k and that reminds me that TJ's is also a great place to park the car, go for a run through pastoral northern Chester County, and to return to for beer and grub. Um, yeah, I've done that.

Let's see, what else. Bingo, quizzo, poker, and other nightly specials help draw in an ever-diverse crowd. Oh, and somewhere along the way here I mentioned that they are across the street from the R5 SEPTA train line's Paoli station. City tipplers, take note. Only one stop and $6.50 from 30th Street Station to Paoli in something like 25 minutes on Amtrak...or 45 minutes, $4.75, and 16 stops on the R5. If you choose to take the R5, make a train crawl out of it and stop at Teresa's along the way (the Wayne stop) and Flying Pig (the Malvern stop).

What do you want at the end of all this, a comparison? To what? Is it Monk's, Bridgid's, Eulogy, or Teresa's Next Door? No, but they do serve some of the very finest beer from the other side of the pond. Are they Standard Tap, Memphis Taproom, or a local brewpub? No, but they do serve some of the best local beer available. Are they Ortino's Northside? No, but they do have a great menu. How about Union Jack's? Hm, they don't have a wonderful outdoor seating area. You got me. Finally, one shortcoming of TJ's: no outdoor seating. But, you know what? I think we'll be just fine. Point is, don't go into TJ's trying to compare them to anyone else. They are setting their own standard, and others can hope to measure up.

If you stop in this weekend, or whenever you stop in next, be sure to thank them for what they've been doing and encourage them to continue doing more of the same. Seeing you eat and drink well, and celebrate anniversary milestones with them is one of the most gratifying parts of their livelihood. And if you tell them that The Brew Lounge sent you...well, you might not get a free beer, but you'll at least be greeted by name with an honest smile, a thanks, and a handshake.

Happy Anniversary to Jeff, Terri, and the entire TJ's crew that makes the restaurant and bar one of the best around!

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Elevator Brewing Company in Columbus, OH

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A little over a month ago, I found myself in Columbus, Ohio for the Penn State/Ohio State college football game. Football-wise, this was a very good thing. Beer-wise, uh, it was so-so...more so, from my agenda being more on football then craft beer hunting. We guys stayed in a downtown hotel within spitting distance of The Ohio Statehouse. In our hotel, there was one local craft beer on tap, a perfectly solid pale ale from Columbus Brewing. As for good beer within walking distance of the hotel, there really wasn't much to speak of other than Elevator Brewing Company. That worked out just fine for us on Friday night. After what should have been an hour long flight, half hour from home to airport, twenty minutes from airport to hotel, and one hour waiting time in the Philly airport...let's see, that makes like three hours home to hotel...like I said, should have been. Now recall, this was Friday around rush hour at the Philly airport...ergo, all bets were off...oh, and there was a storm front moving through the region. So, more like five hours after leaving home and checking into the hotel, we beelined a few blocks to Elevator. Elevator's pub is located in a beautifully restored building (the brewery is across the street) with an interior full of stained glass, wood, unique fixtures, and interesting angles. Two billiards tables in the back of the pub both date over 100 years old. I'd seen these guys at GABF just a couple of weeks prior and was anxious to try their fuller lineup. And, try I did. Elevator typically pours around 12 beers at any given time, spanning the spectrum from light lager to IPA to doppelbock and rotating specialities. The beers provided the soothing elixir and the solid pub grub fed the appetite. We got into a bunch of wings, burgers, and the like. As for the beers, I sampled a half dozen of them and found them all to be decent enough to pass the evening with. Particularly memorable were the Bear Ass Pale Ale, the Three Frogs IPA, the Procrastinator Doppelbock, and especially the Coal Porter. Two of the other guys found the Buckeye Red Ale agreeable enough to put back a couple glasses worth, while our fourth abstained and went with the vodka. I thought I'd return for another glass or two of malted barley beverage and a few interior pictures. But, they were closed on Saturday afternoon, not reopening until 5pm...The downside, I suppose, of being located in a rolled-up downtown business district. I'd also been led to believe that the historic building's history and the brewpub story would be on their website and I could refer to it later when sharing my notes with you. Alas, not to be. To find other beer-worthy joints in Columbus, you would need to venture a little farther into the Arena District for Gordon Biersch and Barley's or even farther north towards the University in the Short North neighborhood (Surly Girl Saloon). Up around campus, Mad Mex stirs up the tex-mex and full lineup of interesting beers while on the other side of the beltway BJs provides relief for the "I recognize this from back home" set and an Ohio staple, Winking Lizard, pours the good stuff. I'd gone looking for the Brewery District, only to find that this was a remnant of Columbus' past, I suppose in part the same way that Brewerytown in Philly is no longer anything like it used to be. Next time you're stuck downtown in Columbus, fear not, you have Elevator to wander over to for some fresh beer, pool, and darts. I'll get back there for a fuller review the next time I'm in town. Oh, and the restrooms, of course. A touch of brewing, even above the urinals, with posters of beer style and yeast guides.

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Beer Dates In History: December Anniversaries

20 years Gritty McDuff's (Portland, Maine) Big Time Brewing 15 years Grand Rapids Brewing Northern Lights Great Basin Brewing Golden Valley Brewery 10 years Mac & Jack's Brewery Raccoon Lodge & Brewpub Blackfoot River Brewing

And what to my wondering eyes but a beer?

Here's a two-fer to get the month of December rolling here at The Brew Lounge. Philadelphia Brewing and Earth Bread + Brewery. Look what the cat dragged in... Generally speaking, it was a crappy day....weather-wise, that is. Which may help to explain our 32 minute trip from Malvern to the Kensington home of Philadelphia Brewing Company. They hosted their annual Open House yesterday and, as usual, did not disappoint. The crowd was a bit thinner, likely due to the miserable weather, than in prior years. But, that didn't stop a couple hundred people from enjoying the usual lineup of Rowhouse Red, Kenzinger, Walt Wit, and Newbold. Also available and new to the scene was their latest entry in the Select Beer Series, a fresh-hopped black lager called (Pedro) Feliz Navidad Black Lager. (Light finger food was also available...and much appreciated.) Scoats has a few vessels of it over at his Grey Lodge Pub in Mayfair. In fact, he's tapped the first of them and you can get some of the fresh stuff tonight as Beer Season opens at the Grey Lodge. Be sure to get some while you can (I did yesterday...in fact, a few of them!); I doubt you'll be disappointed. Now, if I could just stumble across some of that wheat wine, hmmmm. Back to the Open House. Santa was there, of course. More kids than I can recall at past Open Houses, which meant that Santa had his work cut out for him. Future Pink Boots Society members were there, very nice indeed. The Flat Iron Wildcats organization was taking contributions of food, litter, and cash to support the neighborhood kitty claws (er, cause). And, of course, the PBC crew was scattered around the brewery at beer kiosks and behind their impressive new bar (finished just the day before) in the upstairs tasting room. Very nice, indeed...and more comfy than ever. It made us quickly forget about the weather outside. On to Earth Bread + Brewery But, outside we needed to go. Our plan was to take the Germantown Avenue "tour" from Kensington to Mount Airy, finally for our first visit to Tom's (Baker) & Peggy's (Zwerver) Earth Bread + Brewery. If you recall (I unfortunately do), I was in Denver for the GABF as scores made their way to the grand opening almost two months ago. With things up and running now for several weeks, it seemed like an obvious place to stop for an early dinner on the way home. After all, Mount Airy is practically along a straight line home so.... (okay, maybe like a boomerang shot?) On a rainy Sunday, it was easy to grab an on-street parking spot just across the street from EB+B. We were there a half an hour before their 4:30pm Sunday opening time, so we beat a quick path to McMenamin's for some Russian River Damnation on draft. With these two A+ neighborhood joints are around 47 steps apart (unofficial count), and North by Northwest just across the street (more for their live music than beer, but that's okay too in a pinch), there's a nice little triangulation thing going on in Mt. Airy these days. Coming in off the corner entrance to EB+B, we were greeted by the staff who was fresh off their shift meeting. The bar has a dozen or so seats. Also on this main floor are the wood-fired oven, a handful of tables, and a top-down view on the brewery operations. Hand craftmanship is evident throughout EB+B, from the flatbreads and the beer, to the equipment in the kitchen to the restrooms, and the artwork on display for sale by local artists. Above on the second floor, an even more spacious dining room provides a different, quieter vibe perfect for family dining. There's also a smaller bar upstairs as well. In a way, the vibe changes as you go up the stairs in a similar way that it changes when you go upstairs at Grey Lodge Pub. Tom always has a handful of his beers on tap and also keeps at least as many guest beers as well. When we visited, his Bradley Effect, Lil Pylon, Terra Fume, and Here's Brucker were on tap. To give the beers a style name may be a disservice to Baker, who generally eschews strict style guidelines. Suffice to say that the closely-related styles were, respectively, a Gruit, a Dubbel, a Smoked Wheat, and an Alt. The Gruit sample was good, but I was glad to only have asked for a sample, since my palate wasn't in the mood for a full glass of the herbal flavors that this beer delivered. The big winner for me was the Terra Fume. Paired with the Mushroom flatbread, its slightly smoky essence complemented the earthy flavors of the mushrooms nicely. Other beers from the guest world came from as nearby as Sly Fox, PBC, Troegs, and Victory and as far away as Youngs, Bear Republic, Founders, and Rogue. As you can see, Tom's approach is (basically) to make the beers that he wants to make. Many of them will tend toward the session-y side of things (i.e. focus on flavors, not alcohol), while he'll bring others to do what they do with big flavors and ABVs in beers with hops (Racer 5), chocolate malt (Double Chocolate Stout), and peaty malts and ABV (Dirty Bastard). And, everyone wins... EB+B is definitely the comfy neighborhood kind of place that we here in Philadelphia boast makes our beer community so special. With thoughtfully sourced food and drink in comfortable surroundings, this is the kind of spot that brings in people from all walks of life. As we wrapped our visit, we noticed a stream of young couples, families with children, and middle aged folks beginning to fill the dining rooms. Further, I see this as the kind of place that will weather the next couple of financially-difficult years as it provides reasonably-priced high quality food and drink to its customers.

The Amazing Weekly Philly Beer Calendar of December 2008, week 1

This year, December's Beer Calendar in the Philadelphia Region is not planning to take a back seat to any other month of the year. With a festive calendar of events planned, I'll post a little preview of each week's events. With at least an equally long list of social events and to-do lists, you'll want to make sure that you take in at least one or two events during the month...y'know...just to keep a good life balance...and low stress...or whatever other excuses you might need to employ to avoid unpleasant tasks or obligations ;-) Here goes...week one...December 1st-December 7th 2008 You've got some tasting events to get you through the week at various locations around the region. Check out the following, for example: ~ A couple of Victory tastings include one on Fri. 12/5 - Keep the Pint Night @Les Bons Temps and one on Wed. 12/3 Meet the Brewer Night @Spinnerstown Hotel ~ On Thu. 12/4 in Old City's Triumph is a special Brewer's Reserve Barrel Tappings of Jewish Rye (beer, that is) ~ And, also on Thu. 12/4, Harpoon Brewery Promo Night @Isaac Newton's As far as Repeal Day (aka The End of Prohibition) goes, I could only turn up one event and it looks like a great one. Leave work a bit early and check out: ~ Repeal Day Celebration on Fri. 12/5 @Memphis Taproom A handful of special events and dinners look worth checking out. They include: ~ Tue. 12/2 gets the week started with Ho Ho Holiday Brews with Don Russell (aka Joe Sixpack) @Tria Café ~ same night, Tue. 12/2, on the north side of center city, check out the collaborative dinner between The Institute, Root, and Sierra Nevada. ~ Fri. 12/5 - Mad Elf Night @Grey Lodge with an '07 version, '08 version, and some married version of a guy named Nick Johnson ~ Sat. 12/6 - Release Party for highly sought-after Bottled Lambics @Iron Hill ~ And a charitable festival also on 12/6, Winter Beer Festival @The Cliveden But, lucky me. One of the week's (month's?) absolute highlights looks to be just out my front door. Car service, please? ~ Sat. 12/6 - 5th Anniversary Party @TJs For the full December list, you know where to go.

Draft Magazine keeps the taps flowing

It's no secret that I enjoy an active lifestyle....active in outdoor exploits like running, biking, and hiking just to name a few. Active also in my pursuit of well-crafted beer. Many wonder if these should be mutually exclusive, as in you can be a beer drinker or a runner, but not both. I agree with one word in that sentence, the word "NOT." The regular of you readers out there can attest that I remind you (sometimes probably painfully so) that moderate consumption of great beer goes perfectly well with an active lifestyle. You could even say that they complement each other quite well. And, now, the online version of Draft Magazine has carried on with this theme with a new section called Beer Runner. Though, I've got to wonder why they didn't ask me to play host for it. Ah well, perhaps I'll get a call for an interview of me and my perspective one day soon. Check it out; they've already got some good interviews and other material up for you reading pleasure. They've got another relatively new section as well that examines the intersection of Sports & Beer. It's all part of a widening focus that Draft Magazine appears to be taking. This, paired with well-rounded coverage of the beer industry (as a whole, not necessarily just "craft") is making for a decent beer publication that's maturing quite nicely. If you haven't checked them out in a while, you might just want to do so again soon.

Tap List at The Drafting Room in Exton, PA - 11/28/08

What's on tap at The Drafting Room in Exton, PA as of 11/28/2008?

Abbaye de Leffe Blonde
Brooklyn Brewery Lager
Brouwerij Van Steenberge Augustijn Ale
Elysian Bifröst Winter Ale
Green Flash IPA
Oskar Blues Ten Fidy
Rogue John's Locker Stock Black Lager
Sierra Nevada Celebration
Southern Tier Tripel
Victory Bags Packed Porter (cask)
Victory Golden Monkey
Sly Fox O'Reilly's Stout
Legacy Midnight Wit
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Lindemans Framboise
Amstel Light

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This is the kind of shopping I can get into

Mr. Sixpack is right on the money today with his plan of attack for dealing with Black Friday Madness. If you're in the western suburbs of Philly today, around, say, the Plymouth Meeting or King of Prussia Malls, do yourself a favor and get as far away as soon as possible and over to Capone's on Germantown Pike. The taps are now flowing! Session-ists need not attend. I could get into a bunch of superlatives here regarding this tap list, or I could shut up and just let you get to your drooling over this list. Sheesh, where to begin???

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Black Friday November 28th Draft promo starts at 10:00am until 2:00am 16 Drafts-Pay as you go! Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter Great Lakes Nosferatu Hoppin Frog Boris The Crusher Imperial Oatmeal Stout Hoppin Frog Mean Manalishi Double IPA Harpoon Leviathan Imperial IPA Founders Old Curdmudgeon Ommegang Rouge Duchesse De Bourgogne "Flemish Red" Jolly Pumpkin La Parcela St. Bernardus Christmas Dogfish Head 120 Minute Otto's Otto Nater "Double Bock" De Proef Signature Les Deux Brasseurs Ale (w/Jason Perkins from Allagash) Russian River Damnation Russian River Blind Pig IPA Iron Hill Russian Imperial Stout (Nitrogen)

Still Looking for Thanksgiving Beer Menu Suggestions?

Even if you've got your menu for tomorrow locked up, you may wish to consult Sean Paxton's incredibly useful website of beer, food, and pairings website. Not just recipes, but tips and tricks as well, are found on his website. Even, the Turducken demystified! If you recall, earlier this year it was his inspiration that got me to the backyard in search of fresh hop shoots to saute over the rangetop. Drop an e-mail to him for additional insights; not only is he one of the most helpful guys, but one of the nicest as well. And, remember, it's not too early to begin planning your Christmas or New Year's Dinners.

Getting Back Off The Wagon

After gutting my way through the last mile and a half of the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, Patty and I met up with friends at The Tiedhouse where we had a table for nine. The Abbey Blonde was my first beer of choice, followed by a Bière de Framboises. With a Brewmaster's Breakfast Bowl and beer under my belt, I started to bonk. (Though, I don't think I bonked nearly as badly as did the Eagles...but that is a topic that shan't be discussed here.) Aches and pains from Sunday's marathon have subsided, but since then I've contracted a nasty cold. Apparently, and understandably, the body's immune system takes a beating during such a physical exertion so it's no surprise that I'm at the greatest risk for getting sick in the days immediately following the race. I should be back in the swing of things by this weekend. The time between the Thanksgiving and New Year's holidays will be a great time for beer here in the Philadelphia region. It begins with a dinner at The Farmhouse in Emmaus, a Stout event at Union Jack's, and an Open House at Philadelphia Brewing this coming weekend. Enjoy what will, for many of you, be a "long weekend." Here are a few more pictures related to the Marathon. Signs of support from friends and family Part of my "recovery plan."

Beer Calendar: What To Do in December 2008

With most people taking extra long looks at their finances, I've taken the approach of separating beer events into those free and under $20 from those that are greater than $20. I believe that it will serve festival planners well to keep the economy in mind when planning events in the foreseeable future. Everyone, even the geekiest of beer geeks, will have limits where they just won't be able to justify the "star" guests, the ambiance of the venue, or even the beer selection when doling out their beer dollars. So, let's take a look at the December 2008 calendar in this format. Let me know how this works for you. Cheers! If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know. Under $20, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG) also included here Philadelphia Sun. 11/30 - Open House @Philadelphia Brewing Co., Philadelphia, PA (1pm-5pm; donations) Thu. 12/4 - Brewer's Reserve Barrel Tappings (Jewish Rye)@Triumph, Philadelphia, PA (6pm; PAYG) Fri. 12/5 - Keep the Pint Night (Victory) @Les Bons Temps, Philadelphia, PA (7pm-9pm; PAYG) Fri. 12/5 - Repeal Day Celebration @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA (3pm-4pm; all beer=$1 each) Fri. 12/5 - Mad Elf Night @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, PA (PAYG) Wed. 12/10 - Firkin Night (Victory) @Standard Tap, Philadelphia, PA (6pm; PAYG) Thu. 12/11 - Meet the Brewer/Keep the Glass (Sly Fox) @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-8:30pm; PAYG) Fri. 12/12 - OMG! Ommegang! and Authors A'Plenty #6 @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, PA (6pm-9pm; PAYG) Sat. 12/13 - 15th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts (& Beer) Show @Sugar Mom's, Philadelphia, PA (12pm-6pm; PAYG) Tue. 12/16 - Joe Sixpack Christmas Beer Book Signing @Home Sweet Home Brew, Philadelphia, PA (5pm; free) Tue. 12/16 - Joe Sixpack Christmas Beer Book Signing @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA (7pm; PAYG) Tue. 12/16 - Crafty Tracy, Part Deux @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, PA (5pm-8pm; PAYG) Wed. 12/17 - Joe Sixpack Christmas Beer Book Signing @The Irish Pol, Philadelphia, PA (7pm; PAYG) Fri. 12/19 - Sly Fox 13th Anniversary Party @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, PA (6pm-9pm; PAYG) Sat. 12/20 - 20th Anniversary Party @Dawson Street Pub, Philadelphia, PA (PAYG) Fri. 12/26 - Boxing Day Beer Festival @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA (all day; PAYG) Wed. 12/31 - Brew Year's Eve Party @Grey Lodge, Philadelphia, PA (9:30pm; TBA) Philadelphia's close suburbs Sat. 12/6 - 5th Anniversary Party @TJs, Paoli, PA (PAYG; see website for details) Sat. 12/6 - Release Party-Bottled Lambics @Iron Hill, Wilmington, DE (PAYG; 2pm-5pm; 750ml=$24.50, 375ml=$13.00) Thu. 12/11 - Firkin of East End Big Hop Harvest @The Drafting Room, both Spring House & Exton, PA (5:30pm; PAYG) Fri. 12/12 - IPA Project Day 2008 @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, PA (all day; PAYG) Fri. 12/12 - Friday Night Tasting (New Holland) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA (4:30pm-6:30pm; free) Sat. 12/13 - Release Party-Bottled Lambics @Iron Hill, Media, PA (PAYG; 2pm-5pm; 750ml=$24.50, 375ml=$13.00) Tue. 12/16 - Maredsous Blonde Debut @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA (6pm; PAYG) Wed. 12/17 - Victory Night @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA (7pm-9pm; PAYG) Fri. 12/19 - Third Friday Firkin (Oatmeal Stout) @Sly Fox, Phoenixville, PA (all day; PAYG) Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania Wed. 12/3 - Meet the Brewer Night (Victory) @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, PA (6:30pm; PAYG) Wed. 12/3 - Brewer's Reserve Barrel Tappings (Oatmeal Cookie Stout)@Triumph, Princeton, NJ (6pm; PAYG) Thu. 12/4 - Brewery Promo Night (Harpoon) @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, PA (6pm-8pm; PAYG) Fri. 12/5 - Brewer's Reserve Barrel Tappings (Flemish Brown)@Triumph, New Hope, PA (10pm; PAYG) Thu. 12/11 - Book Signing with Don Russell @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, PA (7pm-9pm; PAYG) Thu. 12/11 - Keep the Pint Night (Victory) @Gavin's Tavern, Ambler, PA (9pm-11pm; PAYG) Sat. 12/13 - Sly Fox Firkin Night @Union Jack's, Boyertown, PA (4pm; PAYG) Thu. 12/18 - Brewery Promo Night (Hook & Ladder) @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, PA (5pm-7pm; PAYG) Fri. 12/19 - Victory Night @Bones, Lansdale, PA (5pm-7pm; PAYG) Sun. 12/21 - Annual Christmas Party @Union Jack's, Boyertown, PA (5pm; PAYG) Elsewhere Wed. 12/3-Sun. 12/7 - Holiday Ale Festival @Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland, OR (see website for details) Sat. 12/6 - Sleigh Bells Ring @Zeno's Pub, State College, PA (3pm-8pm; $20 for 15 4oz samples) Sat. 12/6-Sun. 12/7 - Belgium 2 Brooklyn @Mugs Ale House, Brooklyn, NY (PAYG; see website for details) Events Over $20 Philadelphia Tue. 12/2 - Ho Ho Holiday Brews with Don Russell (aka Joe Sixpack) @Tria Café, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-8:00pm; $45) Sat. 12/6 - Cliveden Winter Beer Festival @The Cliveden, Philadelphia, PA (1pm-6pm; $50/$65) Tue. 12/9 - Beer Geek's Winter Dream with Matthias Neidhart @Tria Café, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-8:00pm; $60) Tue. 12/16 - Holiday Beer Dinner @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, PA (7pm-10pm; $85) Thu. 12/18 - A Revolution Is Brewing with Rob Tod @Tria Café, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-8:00pm; $55) Sat. 12/27 - Christmas Beers & Winter Warmers @University of Pennsylvania's Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia, PA (12:30pm-4:00pm; $75/$90/$125) Wed. 12/31 - New Year's Eve @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm & 9:30pm seatings; $TBA) Philadelphia's close suburbs Tue. 12/23 - Victory Holiday Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing, Downingtown, PA (6pm; $50) Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania Tue. 12/9 - Wild Game & Beer Dinner @Union Barrel Works, Reamstown, PA (6:30pm; $40) Elsewhere Tue. 12/2 - Christmas Beer Dinner @Falling Rock Tap House, Denver, CO (7:30pm; $55/$65) Fri. 12/5-Sat. 12/6 - Strong Ale Festival @Pizza Port, Carlsbad, CA (4pm-11pm, 11am-11pm; see website for details)

On A Roll

I occasionally get asked if I have a blogroll. And, I say...uh, yeah, um, kinda. Actually, it's a separate page of links to various beer-related sites. I'd say that it's barely maintained...and that's where I fall down. See, I've never been a big proponent of cluttering up my home page with a "sidebar" that goes on for screens and screens with nothing but un-vetted links to everything under the sun. Some do, and it works fine for their approach; it's just never been mine. If I could have a homepage with a feature "something" on it and 5-10 links on it, that would be just perfect. Nice and clean. On the other hand, I believe (honestly, I do) that it's important in the online world to have websites that play nicely with others...if for no other reason than it enhances and makes more efficient the web surfing experience. In other words, this whole "linking" conversation. Many people with websites/blogs/whatever you wish to call them, choose to place links on the homepage in something of a blog roll. I dunno, maybe that's the generally-accepted approach. I, perhaps being a bit contrarian, believe that it's more important to link to other sources within the body of my writings that will help to enrich what I write. At the end of the day, What I write may or may not, at the end of the day, make much of a difference. I do feel, though, that I am contributing value in the sense that I'm bringing awareness through more formal-type writings, less formal-type postings, reviews, activities, etc. around an industry and product(s) that I fervently believe in. So, where I don't claim to know everything (and sometimes very little), I link in expertise and perspectives from others that are writing about similar topics. Okay, let's bring this to a conclusion. I'm sticking to my guns and not starting a blog roll on the homepage. But, what I do plan to do is wipe the slate clean. Get rid of the links page and begin to add something along the lines of a new Brew Lounge Hall of Fame page (don't hold me to that title, but it sounds good right now). I will add over time to this page, not simply by just placing a link but by writing a short description and bringing to your attention why I'm linking to a particular website. There's so much information about beer available via news agencies, freelance writers, full-time bloggers (who take it seriously), part-time bloggers (who take it sort of seriously), trade boards, portals, forums, social networks, consumer publications, public relations firms, and the brewers and owners of the beer and bar businesses that are actually making the stuff that I write about....and on and on....that I feel it's time that I take a step back and ask the question: "Where can we find the best information about beer on these here Internets?" I'll get started on this mini-project no later than the first of the new year. Many of you already drop notes to me asking if I will make mention of or link to your site. Chances are, if I already link to you, you'll wind up in the Hall of Fame, or whatever. If you'd like to see your website featured, please drop a private e-mail to me for my consideration (now that sounds arrogant, doesn't it?).

Get Your Wood On; 'The Year of 2008' runner-up?

Beer Dinners or Wood-aged Beer, which made a bigger splash in 2008? With 7 weeks to go in the year, I'm leaning towards Beer Dinner...but, a case (or barrel) can certainly be made for wood-aged beer. Take a look below at a just a couple of events that have been held in this month. These and other similarly-themed events have underscored a year in which beers of the wood have gone on their way to becoming commonplace in the craft brewing world. Take for example the number of beers entered at the last three GABFs (2008, 2007, 2006) in the following categories: Wood & Barrel-aged Beer (25, 26, 29); Wood & Barrel-aged Strong Beer (79, 72, 58); Wood & Barrel-aged Sour Beer (27, 21, n/a). The Sixth Annual Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer - 11/8, 113 beers, 41 breweries, 14 states Barrel Aged Beer Festival - at The Bistro in Hayward, CA on 11/15; wrap-up by Jay at his site Victory has joined the fray with a rotating weekly wooden 30-liter cask of unfiltered lager to be tapped each Friday.....things get underway tomorrow, the 21st, at 5pm with Prima Pils in the wood. The Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood - Not only about the wood, though it's part of their original raison d'être

When the Dust Clears, Give Me a Local Craft Beer from St. Louis

The official AB-InBev deal-closing news as of 11/18/08; link to St. Louis Post-Dispatch An article from September highlighting a small craft brewer, Schlafly, that you may be familiar with and their perspective on the local beer market in St. Louis; link to St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Yards is Green and on NBC10

Green? Yards is certainly doing a better job of representing green than the local football team.A nice promo piece for Yards and some of their environmentally-friendly endeavors. UPDATE: The video link above seems to be currently unavailable. Here's a link to the alternate, abbreviated text version.

New Holland not so new in PA anymore

Dr. Joel unveiled the New Holland Variety Pack, now available in Pennsylvania, at Exton Beverage last Friday. It's a nice looking case with four bottles each of six varieties. Most enticing to me is the inclusion of the Ichabod Pumpkin. Joel says that it's one of the last places that we'll be able to find this beer for the year. At this point, I'm calling it my new go-to Pumpkin beer for next year. It has such a nice undertone of pumpkin spice that it adheres to the rule (or at least, my rule) of being a beer first and foremost. Also in the case is oatmeal stout (The Poet), kölsch (Full Circle), brown (Cabin Fever), ipa (Mad Hatter), and amber (Sun Dog). Not a dog in the bunch. Well, other than the Sun Dog....dog, get it...right?! Get a case while you still can and share with friends. With the variety of styles, you shouldn't be disappointed.