Do my local Philly beeps (y'know, beer peeps) not travel, not travel through Terminal A-West, or just not find it all that interesting?
In any case, I found it interesting and will ask you to follow this link to see what the "it" is to which I refer.
Brought to you by Road Trips for Beer.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Get Mad for a good reason at Monk's...on Monday
It may be tempting (really tempting) to look ahead to an August Monday afternoon of Cantillon at Monk's....
....but, please focus on this coming Monday first and do what you can to help.
Tom Peters and the crew at Monk's have turned this Monday's Dogfish Head event into a fundraiser for Ray Deter's teenage sons.
It's a significant fundraiser for a dear friend of Tom's and the craft brewing and restaurant/bar industries.
Check out all the details and available beer at this link.
....but, please focus on this coming Monday first and do what you can to help.
Tom Peters and the crew at Monk's have turned this Monday's Dogfish Head event into a fundraiser for Ray Deter's teenage sons.
It's a significant fundraiser for a dear friend of Tom's and the craft brewing and restaurant/bar industries.
Check out all the details and available beer at this link.
Weekly Beer Calendar Update: July 7 - July 13
Don't you know that it's Hot in the City, Hot in the City in July? You can get out, or you can stay and partake in some of the best that our stellar beer region has to offer.
This second week of July certainly shows no shortage of events -- from free samplings (and plenty of 'em) to sit-down dinners that'll run you a few bucks.
Check out the entire July 2011 calendar over here.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
Wilmington Beer Week (a few, but not all of the events)
@Domaine Hudson, Wilmington, DE--- Sun. 7/10 - Belgian Beer Tasting (4:30pm-6:30pm; $25 includes Rodenback Grand Cru, Steenbrugge Tripel, and Boon Oude Gueuze, among others plus appropriately paired foods, cheeses, and charcuterie)
@Domaine Hudson, Wilmington, DE--- Tue. 7/12 - Flying Fish Brewery Tasting (5:00pm-7:00pm; $25 for Farmhouse Summer, ESB Ale, Belgian Dubbel, Hopfish IPA, Extra Pale Ale and Exit 9 and appropriately paired foods, cheeses, and charcuterie)
@Harry's Seafood Grill, Wilmington, DE--- Sat. 7/9 - Victory Beer Dinner (5:30pm; $60 for a four-course meal paired with beers from Victory)
@Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE--- Sat. 7/9-Sat. 7/16 - 3 Course Prix Fixe Dinner ($30 for a three course meal, each with food and beer pairing suggestions)
@Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE--- Sat. 7/9 - 16 Mile Portfolio Complimentary Tasting and City-wide Beer Toast (Led by Mayor Baker, the city-wide toast will be simulcast on channel 22 9p with all cof the participating craft brewers. The beer tasting will take place at Piccolina Toscana all night.)
@Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE--- Mon. 7/11 - Evolution Craft Brewing Complimentary Tasting (6:00pm-8:00pm; $7 for three 4oz pours of Primal Pale Ale, Exile ESB, Summer Session, Lot #3 IPA, Haymaker Copper Ale, Imperial IPA , and Lot #6)
@Union City Grille, Wilmington, DE--- Sun. 7/10 - Samuel Adams Beer Dinner ($45 for a five-course meal paired with beers from Sam Adams)
@Vinoteca 902, Wilmington, DE--- Tue. 7/12 - Five-course Paired Dinner with Harpoon Beer (6:30pm; $50 for a five-course meal paired with Hefeweizen, Summer Beer, IPA, and Cider)
Tastings, samplings, and brewery promos
@Beer Yard, Wayne, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free tasting samples from Flying Fish, like Extra Pale and Abbey Dubbel)
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples from River Horse)
@Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Alexander Keith's Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free tasting samples of Alexander Keith's from Ontario)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Reading Premium and Hoptimus Prime)
@Mr. Bottle, Berwyn, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples from Victory Brewing)
@Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, PA--- Thu. 7/7 - First Thursday Beer Tasting (6:00pm-8:00pm; Free tasting samples)
Learn to Homebrew it yourself
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA--- Thu. 7/7 - Intro to Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 for this class geared toward the first-time brewer that will explain the basic equipment needed to homebrew and how it works. Participants will get hands-on experience brewing, bottling, and tasting homebrew.)
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Next Step Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 for this class geared toward the new brewer who has brewed some beer kits and is ready to learn the next step in homebrewing. In this class we will concentrate on beer ingredients and how they influence the final flavors. We'll brew up a Keystone beer kit, which is extract-based with specialty grains, fresh hops, and liquid yeast. We will taste and discuss your homebrews and ours, so be sure to bring some.)
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - All-Grain Brewing Class (10:00am; $75 for this class geared toward those brewers thinking of making the jump to all-grain brewing, or wanting to improve all-grain techniques. This is a great class that we don’t offer very often, so don’t miss out! Class will be held rain or shine at our new Montgomeryville store. Expect the class to run until around 3 p.m. with a live brewing demonstration)
@Tavern 17, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - Sierra Nevada Homebrew Cup Announcement Party (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG to see this Keystone homebrew contest winner annoucements for fun, bragging rights and truly fantastic prizes. Hang out at the announcement party with Sierra Nevada brewers)
Beer for dinner
@Iron Hill, North Wales, PA--- Mon. 7/11 - Beer & Cheese (with Hunter Fike from Di Bruno Bros.) (7:00pm-9:00pm; $24.95 for six cheeses paired with Anton’s Red Love & Belgian Pale Ale, Ironbound Ale, English IPA, Sorachi Ace, Russian Imperial Stout, and Quadrupel)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, DE--- Wed. 7/13 - Summer Seafood Brewmaster's Dinner (7:00pm; $65 for a six-course meal paired with Samurai Saison, Mahallo Apollo, Belgian Wit, Smokin Blonde, Tripel, and Russian Imperial Stout)
@Kennett Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 7/12 - Yards Brewing, Culton Organics & Kennett Come Together (7:00pm-11:00pm; $65 for a four-course meal paired with beers collaboratively brewed with Yards)
@Square 1682 (at Hotel Palomar), Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 7/13 - Beer-B-Q (6:30pm; $40 for a four-course meal paired with Victory's Lager, Summer Love, HopDevil, and Golden Monkey)
@Tria, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 7/12 - Allagash Gone Wild (6:30pm-8:00pm; $60 for some of Allagash's Belgian Lambics, as well as some other tart-funky brews...cheese and other light snacks)
@White Dog Café, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 7/13 - Weyerbacher Beer Dinner (6:30pm-9:30pm; $50 for a four-course meal paired with Que¿beck Summer Ale, Slam Dunkel Dunkelweizen, Papa Scotch Ale, Blanche Belgian Style Wit, and XVI Anniversary)
Beer, it's not just for dinner
@Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - Breakfast with Hefe (9:00am-2:00pm; PAYG for a specialty breakfast menu of Quiche Lorraine, Omelets Your Way, Crabby Benedict, French Toast with Fruit Compote, Fruit & Granola Parfait, and more to pair with their Hinterland Hefe Weizen)
"Christmas" Beer in July
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Christmas in July (5:00pm; PAYG for a special tapping of Scaldis Noel '10 and vintage bottles of other Christmas brews)
@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Xmas in July (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG for cellared barrels of Tröegs Mad Elf, Sly Fox Christmas Ale, Long Trail Hibernator, and Great Lakes Christmas Ale. Free Xmas treats for dessert, with the purchase of dinner. While supplies last.)
A bunch of great beer for you, because they care
@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, PA--- Sun. 7/10 - Beer Geek BBQ, part deux (12:00pm; PAYG to celebrate Philly Beer Geek, Natalie DeChico, and for a bunch of great beer like Alewerks Bourbon Barrel Porter, Brooklyn 2009 BCS, Central Waters 2009 Bourbon Barrel Barley Wine, Dark Horse Shake Maple, Firestone Walker Parabola, Founders Breakfast Stout, Great Divide Chocolate Oaked Yeti, Lost Abbey Brandy Barrel Angels Share, Port Older Viscosity, Stoudts Ex Gratia, Weyerbacher 13th Anniversary, Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Firkin, Weyerbacher Insanity, and free burgers & dogs.)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Phoenixville Blob Fest Beer Release (11:00am-10:00pm; PAYG for the release of Cherry Blob and Cinnamon Blob in celebration of the annual Blob festival.)
@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, PA--- Mon. 7/11 - Mad Monday (11:30am; PAYG for at least ten kegs from Dogfish Head including a couple of vintages of World Wide Stout.)
@The Drafting Room, Exton, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - West Coast Brewery Promotion (12:00pm; PAYG for 5/10/14 ounce pours of Ballast Point Pig Eye IPA, Bear Republic Ryevalry, Firestone Walker Double Jack, Lagunitas Old Gnarlywine "Cask", Lost Abbey Angel's Share "Brandy Barrel, Aged", Mission Shipwrecked, Moylan's Hopsickle, Port Brewing Anniversary Ale, Rogue Dad's Little Helper Black IPA, Sierra Nevada Beer Camp ExPorter "Barrel Aged", Sierra Nevada Hop Smack Double Black IPA, Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere, and Stone Cali-Belgique)
Extracirricular
@City Hall, western plaza, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 7/8, Sat. 7/9 - Philly On Tap Walking Tours (5:00pm-7:00pm; $35 for a beer at each stop in your happy hour adventure, as well as a snack or two along the way.)
@Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 7/12 - Movie Night (9:00pm; Free/PAYG for discounted beers and pizzas and Back to the Future on the projection screen)
@downtown West Chester, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - Iron Hill Twilight Criterium (4:00pm; PAYG during the outdoor street festival and bike race title sponsored by Iron Hill)
@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Sat. 7/9 - Beer Wars II (12:00pm-2:00pm; $25 for three courses of food to highlight the matchup between Weyerbacher and Allagash)
Pickups in Limerick, PA and Manayunk section of Philly--- Sat. 7/9 - Craft Beer Bus Tour, Philadelphia (11:00am-5:00pm; $55 for a tour of Manayunk, Yards, and Triumph breweries and samples of their delicious brew while getting a V.I.P. behind the scenes tour of each facility)
@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - Royal Stumble (1:00pm-5:00pm; $45 for the annual debauchery on Sansom Street)
This second week of July certainly shows no shortage of events -- from free samplings (and plenty of 'em) to sit-down dinners that'll run you a few bucks.
Check out the entire July 2011 calendar over here.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
Wilmington Beer Week (a few, but not all of the events)
@Domaine Hudson, Wilmington, DE--- Sun. 7/10 - Belgian Beer Tasting (4:30pm-6:30pm; $25 includes Rodenback Grand Cru, Steenbrugge Tripel, and Boon Oude Gueuze, among others plus appropriately paired foods, cheeses, and charcuterie)
@Domaine Hudson, Wilmington, DE--- Tue. 7/12 - Flying Fish Brewery Tasting (5:00pm-7:00pm; $25 for Farmhouse Summer, ESB Ale, Belgian Dubbel, Hopfish IPA, Extra Pale Ale and Exit 9 and appropriately paired foods, cheeses, and charcuterie)
@Harry's Seafood Grill, Wilmington, DE--- Sat. 7/9 - Victory Beer Dinner (5:30pm; $60 for a four-course meal paired with beers from Victory)
@Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE--- Sat. 7/9-Sat. 7/16 - 3 Course Prix Fixe Dinner ($30 for a three course meal, each with food and beer pairing suggestions)
@Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE--- Sat. 7/9 - 16 Mile Portfolio Complimentary Tasting and City-wide Beer Toast (Led by Mayor Baker, the city-wide toast will be simulcast on channel 22 9p with all cof the participating craft brewers. The beer tasting will take place at Piccolina Toscana all night.)
@Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE--- Mon. 7/11 - Evolution Craft Brewing Complimentary Tasting (6:00pm-8:00pm; $7 for three 4oz pours of Primal Pale Ale, Exile ESB, Summer Session, Lot #3 IPA, Haymaker Copper Ale, Imperial IPA , and Lot #6)
@Union City Grille, Wilmington, DE--- Sun. 7/10 - Samuel Adams Beer Dinner ($45 for a five-course meal paired with beers from Sam Adams)
@Vinoteca 902, Wilmington, DE--- Tue. 7/12 - Five-course Paired Dinner with Harpoon Beer (6:30pm; $50 for a five-course meal paired with Hefeweizen, Summer Beer, IPA, and Cider)
Tastings, samplings, and brewery promos
@Beer Yard, Wayne, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free tasting samples from Flying Fish, like Extra Pale and Abbey Dubbel)
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples from River Horse)
@Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Alexander Keith's Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free tasting samples of Alexander Keith's from Ontario)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Reading Premium and Hoptimus Prime)
@Mr. Bottle, Berwyn, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples from Victory Brewing)
@Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, PA--- Thu. 7/7 - First Thursday Beer Tasting (6:00pm-8:00pm; Free tasting samples)
Learn to Homebrew it yourself
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA--- Thu. 7/7 - Intro to Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 for this class geared toward the first-time brewer that will explain the basic equipment needed to homebrew and how it works. Participants will get hands-on experience brewing, bottling, and tasting homebrew.)
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Next Step Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 for this class geared toward the new brewer who has brewed some beer kits and is ready to learn the next step in homebrewing. In this class we will concentrate on beer ingredients and how they influence the final flavors. We'll brew up a Keystone beer kit, which is extract-based with specialty grains, fresh hops, and liquid yeast. We will taste and discuss your homebrews and ours, so be sure to bring some.)
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - All-Grain Brewing Class (10:00am; $75 for this class geared toward those brewers thinking of making the jump to all-grain brewing, or wanting to improve all-grain techniques. This is a great class that we don’t offer very often, so don’t miss out! Class will be held rain or shine at our new Montgomeryville store. Expect the class to run until around 3 p.m. with a live brewing demonstration)
@Tavern 17, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - Sierra Nevada Homebrew Cup Announcement Party (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG to see this Keystone homebrew contest winner annoucements for fun, bragging rights and truly fantastic prizes. Hang out at the announcement party with Sierra Nevada brewers)
Beer for dinner
@Iron Hill, North Wales, PA--- Mon. 7/11 - Beer & Cheese (with Hunter Fike from Di Bruno Bros.) (7:00pm-9:00pm; $24.95 for six cheeses paired with Anton’s Red Love & Belgian Pale Ale, Ironbound Ale, English IPA, Sorachi Ace, Russian Imperial Stout, and Quadrupel)
@Iron Hill, Wilmington, DE--- Wed. 7/13 - Summer Seafood Brewmaster's Dinner (7:00pm; $65 for a six-course meal paired with Samurai Saison, Mahallo Apollo, Belgian Wit, Smokin Blonde, Tripel, and Russian Imperial Stout)
@Kennett Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 7/12 - Yards Brewing, Culton Organics & Kennett Come Together (7:00pm-11:00pm; $65 for a four-course meal paired with beers collaboratively brewed with Yards)
@Square 1682 (at Hotel Palomar), Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 7/13 - Beer-B-Q (6:30pm; $40 for a four-course meal paired with Victory's Lager, Summer Love, HopDevil, and Golden Monkey)
@Tria, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 7/12 - Allagash Gone Wild (6:30pm-8:00pm; $60 for some of Allagash's Belgian Lambics, as well as some other tart-funky brews...cheese and other light snacks)
@White Dog Café, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 7/13 - Weyerbacher Beer Dinner (6:30pm-9:30pm; $50 for a four-course meal paired with Que¿beck Summer Ale, Slam Dunkel Dunkelweizen, Papa Scotch Ale, Blanche Belgian Style Wit, and XVI Anniversary)
Beer, it's not just for dinner
@Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - Breakfast with Hefe (9:00am-2:00pm; PAYG for a specialty breakfast menu of Quiche Lorraine, Omelets Your Way, Crabby Benedict, French Toast with Fruit Compote, Fruit & Granola Parfait, and more to pair with their Hinterland Hefe Weizen)
"Christmas" Beer in July
@Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Christmas in July (5:00pm; PAYG for a special tapping of Scaldis Noel '10 and vintage bottles of other Christmas brews)
@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Xmas in July (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG for cellared barrels of Tröegs Mad Elf, Sly Fox Christmas Ale, Long Trail Hibernator, and Great Lakes Christmas Ale. Free Xmas treats for dessert, with the purchase of dinner. While supplies last.)
A bunch of great beer for you, because they care
@Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, PA--- Sun. 7/10 - Beer Geek BBQ, part deux (12:00pm; PAYG to celebrate Philly Beer Geek, Natalie DeChico, and for a bunch of great beer like Alewerks Bourbon Barrel Porter, Brooklyn 2009 BCS, Central Waters 2009 Bourbon Barrel Barley Wine, Dark Horse Shake Maple, Firestone Walker Parabola, Founders Breakfast Stout, Great Divide Chocolate Oaked Yeti, Lost Abbey Brandy Barrel Angels Share, Port Older Viscosity, Stoudts Ex Gratia, Weyerbacher 13th Anniversary, Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Firkin, Weyerbacher Insanity, and free burgers & dogs.)
@Iron Hill, Phoenixville, PA--- Fri. 7/8 - Phoenixville Blob Fest Beer Release (11:00am-10:00pm; PAYG for the release of Cherry Blob and Cinnamon Blob in celebration of the annual Blob festival.)
@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, PA--- Mon. 7/11 - Mad Monday (11:30am; PAYG for at least ten kegs from Dogfish Head including a couple of vintages of World Wide Stout.)
@The Drafting Room, Exton, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - West Coast Brewery Promotion (12:00pm; PAYG for 5/10/14 ounce pours of Ballast Point Pig Eye IPA, Bear Republic Ryevalry, Firestone Walker Double Jack, Lagunitas Old Gnarlywine "Cask", Lost Abbey Angel's Share "Brandy Barrel, Aged", Mission Shipwrecked, Moylan's Hopsickle, Port Brewing Anniversary Ale, Rogue Dad's Little Helper Black IPA, Sierra Nevada Beer Camp ExPorter "Barrel Aged", Sierra Nevada Hop Smack Double Black IPA, Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere, and Stone Cali-Belgique)
Extracirricular
@City Hall, western plaza, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 7/8, Sat. 7/9 - Philly On Tap Walking Tours (5:00pm-7:00pm; $35 for a beer at each stop in your happy hour adventure, as well as a snack or two along the way.)
@Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 7/12 - Movie Night (9:00pm; Free/PAYG for discounted beers and pizzas and Back to the Future on the projection screen)
@downtown West Chester, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - Iron Hill Twilight Criterium (4:00pm; PAYG during the outdoor street festival and bike race title sponsored by Iron Hill)
@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Sat. 7/9 - Beer Wars II (12:00pm-2:00pm; $25 for three courses of food to highlight the matchup between Weyerbacher and Allagash)
Pickups in Limerick, PA and Manayunk section of Philly--- Sat. 7/9 - Craft Beer Bus Tour, Philadelphia (11:00am-5:00pm; $55 for a tour of Manayunk, Yards, and Triumph breweries and samples of their delicious brew while getting a V.I.P. behind the scenes tour of each facility)
@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 7/9 - Royal Stumble (1:00pm-5:00pm; $45 for the annual debauchery on Sansom Street)
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Memories of Ray Deter, in his own words
If you follow Beer Sessions Radio, you may have caught this link that they put up.
A nice 7 minute compilation of Ray Deter from the nearly year-and-a-half of Beer Sessions Radio with Dave Brodrick, Sam Merritt, and Jimmy Carbone.
For my local Philly folks, a short Tom Peters story begins at 3:04.
And, episode #71 is up as a tribute to Ray.
While I'm at it, I should also link to Carolyn Smagalski's own remembrances.
A nice 7 minute compilation of Ray Deter from the nearly year-and-a-half of Beer Sessions Radio with Dave Brodrick, Sam Merritt, and Jimmy Carbone.
For my local Philly folks, a short Tom Peters story begins at 3:04.
And, episode #71 is up as a tribute to Ray.
While I'm at it, I should also link to Carolyn Smagalski's own remembrances.
Beer News, Bella Vista, and Just How Big is Craft Beer?
BeerNews.org usually struts out exactly what the name implies, Beer. News. Day in and day out, Adam (and others? I do not know.) passes along all sorts of News: events; product releases; openings; press releases; comings and goings; etc.
Every once in a while, they dig in a bit deeper and create content like in this link back to an interview with Jordan Fetfatzes of Bella Vista Beer Distributors in Philadelphia.
Jordan offers up quite a bit on what it looks like from the beer importing/wholesaling/retailing distributor perspective in the metro Philly market.
One quote that I found interesting was the first attempt at quantifying "craft's" impact on the beer industry in the local market -- or at least the first time that I've heard one. Obviously we hear the stats and trends at the national level. For example, "craft" has grown to over 7.5% of beer sales based on dollars and nearly 5% based on volume.
But I've always wondered and have been asking more of late, "Those percentages must be higher in areas like Philadelphia, right? It stands to reason that my perspective could be skewed a bit since I drink the "craft" at home, hang around a lot of similarly-minded people who do likewise, and frequent establishments with "craft" in their close sights. Could Philadelphia's number be 15%...20%...even 25%?"
I've heard no one do anything but guess, but Fetfatzes pegs his own estimation based on first-hand experience at 12%-15% of dollars and 10%-12% of volume.
Does anyone have any other solid evidence to support or contradict this claim?
It's a good read, a bit long for some of you I'm sure, but one that you should be pleased with by the time you're finished.
Every once in a while, they dig in a bit deeper and create content like in this link back to an interview with Jordan Fetfatzes of Bella Vista Beer Distributors in Philadelphia.
Jordan offers up quite a bit on what it looks like from the beer importing/wholesaling/retailing distributor perspective in the metro Philly market.
One quote that I found interesting was the first attempt at quantifying "craft's" impact on the beer industry in the local market -- or at least the first time that I've heard one. Obviously we hear the stats and trends at the national level. For example, "craft" has grown to over 7.5% of beer sales based on dollars and nearly 5% based on volume.
But I've always wondered and have been asking more of late, "Those percentages must be higher in areas like Philadelphia, right? It stands to reason that my perspective could be skewed a bit since I drink the "craft" at home, hang around a lot of similarly-minded people who do likewise, and frequent establishments with "craft" in their close sights. Could Philadelphia's number be 15%...20%...even 25%?"
I've heard no one do anything but guess, but Fetfatzes pegs his own estimation based on first-hand experience at 12%-15% of dollars and 10%-12% of volume.
Does anyone have any other solid evidence to support or contradict this claim?
It's a good read, a bit long for some of you I'm sure, but one that you should be pleased with by the time you're finished.
Every once in a while, you find a gem at Facebook.
Ah, those clever commenters over there. Now, don't go trying to read between the lines. This is just me making a humorous observation. In light of recent news out of Downingtown, this had me laughing out loud.
In response to a notification on Victory's wall of this morning's CBS-3 live broadcast from the brewery, one person asked why it was occurring, and the follow-up commenter stepped in adroitly with:
"Cause they won't give tours anymore, so we have to settle for this."
In response to a notification on Victory's wall of this morning's CBS-3 live broadcast from the brewery, one person asked why it was occurring, and the follow-up commenter stepped in adroitly with:
"Cause they won't give tours anymore, so we have to settle for this."
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Homebrewing is news fit to print
The New York Times featured an article a couple of weeks ago that I thought some of you may be find of interest.
The growing homebrewing trend is discussed from a few different angles. One such angle showcased accomplished homebrewer Chris Bowen. He of Artic Alchemy, GABF Pro-Am gold winner, Hammersmith Ales, brewing historian, and perhaps of some other fame as well.
Link to the NY Times article
The growing homebrewing trend is discussed from a few different angles. One such angle showcased accomplished homebrewer Chris Bowen. He of Artic Alchemy, GABF Pro-Am gold winner, Hammersmith Ales, brewing historian, and perhaps of some other fame as well.
Link to the NY Times article
Monday, July 04, 2011
Tired Hands are not idle hands
 |
| Tired Hands Brewing Company, Construction Update #1 |
Jean, Collin, and the wrecking crew at the future Tired Hands Brewing Company in Ardmore are wasting no time making a brewery out of a former doctor/chiropractor office space.
Did you see the picture Jack Curtin posted on Saturday? He followed up yesterday with some additional notes.
He was there not long after owners Jean and Julie showed up to begin assessing first-day demolition plans. He got a good deal of scoop on plans for later this year when they intend to open, if all goes according to plans.
I showed up later, closer to dinner time, and found Jean with one of his operating owners, Collin Farrell (the former Iron Hill and Manayunk brewer, not the actor) and "Magic Man" Colin (sheer coincidence) armed with sledge hammers, pry bars, and reciprocating saws.
Apparently, in the six hours since Curtin had been there, quite a lot had changed. Fast forward another 24 hours to check out Broillet's pictures posted over on Facebook and you'll find even more progress being made. Today, I'm sure was no different.
No surprise, I suppose, since these guys are young and destruction work is always faster, more fun, and requires last care than does construction.
The next generation of craft brewers is upon us, folks. See also: Forest & Main; McKenzie Brew House; Dock Street; Roy Pitz, just to name a few. Get ready.
There will be plenty more construction updates and pictures in the weeks and months to come.
Oh, and I should end with a bit of a mea culpa. "Light snacks", as I mentioned yesterday? What a gross injustice I did in those two words to the food plans that Broillet has at Tired Hands. Sure, there won't be a full-scale kitchen, but it won't be pringles and gherkins either. Expect sandwiches, on-site baked bread, cheeses, meats, and other "simple and satisfying foods". Much better than "light snacks" :)
Friday, July 01, 2011
Welcome Tired Hands to Ardmore
Easy now, don't let the title fool you; Tired Hands Brewing Company is not yet open for business in Ardmore, Pa.
However, today marked a significant step forward as Jean Broillet and Julie Foster officially settled on and took possession of 16 Ardmore Avenue as the future location for their "brew café" endeavor.
Which is to say that beginning tomorrow, all hell breaks loose. Work begins to transform the space (two floors and a "back yard") into their vision for a community spot serving beer and light snacks just off of Lancaster Avenue and a few extra steps from the Ardmore stop of the don't-call-it-the-R5 regional rail train station.
Those of you savvy with the beer scene around Philadelphia know that as Jean has been "phasing out" of his current position at Iron Hill Brewery (where they've been quite gracious in keeping him on as he openly laid the groundwork for his new business plans), he has been brewing up batches and making it available around town. His saisons/farmhouse ales are garnering quite a bit of favorable buzz even before going into full production.
You may recall an event that he coordinated with me at Johnny Brenda's something like 6 weeks ago. He's also been partnering with Birch Run Hills Farm's cheese program and working closely with DiBruno Bros. in Philly.
Collaboration brews in Philly as well as across the Atlantic. Beer dinner at Station Taproom and special events like at Earth Bread + Brewery.
Patty and I lived in Ardmore, albeit closer to Haverford Road and the college than Lancaster Avenue, for just shy of 18 months. However, it would have been less than a mile uphill walk from our house and I could have imagined us stopping in frequently for light bites, social meetups, and growler fillups.
As many Philadelphia locals know, the city is a mecca of great beer, as is farther west into Montgomery and Chester counties. The "closer" Main Line has always been a bit of a void for better beer options.
Tired Hands should help to change that. Celebrate tonight, but not too much, tomorrow and every day after will be filled with lots of hard work to make the dream a reality.
Beer Dates in History: July Anniversaries
80 years
Orval
25 years
Abita
15 years
Brewer's Alley
Flossmoor Station
Southampton Publick House
Stone
Orval
25 years
Abita
15 years
Brewer's Alley
Flossmoor Station
Southampton Publick House
Stone
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Ray Deter, a great guy suffers a terrible accident
I realized I only posted on Facebook about the terrible news of Ray Deter's (d.b.a.) bicycle accident in NYC a few days ago. And, realizing that Facebook messages only travel so far, I'm here now trying to get you caught up on the news.
If you read around at other beer-related sites, I'm sure you've seen the news by now. But, if not, the short story involves long-time bar owner, booster of and fixture in the world of craft beer, Ray Deter, who was involved in a terrible bicycle accident late Monday afternoon.
Deter owns two d.b.a. bars in New York and one in New Orleans. The original location, on First Avenue, is where I can recall one of my first experiences with truly good tequila. A few great local craft beers have been known to pass my lips there as well in addition to some pizza from across the street (byof).
Ray has been found traveling the world for great beer, wine, tequila, and whiskey. I've been fortunate to share a table with him and dine together at Monk's and tossed back some great beers together the last time I saw him -- at Ommegang's BCTC 2010.
As a good friend of Ray, Tom Peters put up a touching note about their relationship through the years on Monk's website.
One of Ray's most recent endeavors has been co-hosting the weekly-produced Beer Sessions Radio out of Brooklyn with Jimmy Carbone (Jimmy's No. 43) and Dave Brodrick (Blind Tiger).
Producer, Bree O'Connor (Beer Sessions Radio/Heritage Radio Network), wrote yesterday on the company's Facebook group page the following:
For those of you who are not aware, our good friend Ray Deter was in a serious accident on Monday night. At the moment, we are taking cues from his family as to how to proceed and when they are ready to update everyone on Ray's condition we will let you all know. Thank you for your kind words and offers of support.
In the meantime, I got caught up yesterday with the three most recent episodes of Beer Sessions Radio. The first two of which Deter was his typical self -- drinking beers and telling stories to sometimes keep the show moving and sometimes to head down a tangent, usually to the bemusement of Carbone :)
If you haven't checked them out before, do so. If you're from the Philly area, you'll recall that I've mentioned in the past that they (particularly Ray) give lots of love and props to Philly and our beer scene.
Episode #68 - The Good Beer Seal Awards
Episode #69 - Charlie Papazian & Grape Hops Tours (plus a bit of Philly Beer Week Recap from Ray Deter)
Episode #70 - Cider, Brewpubs, and Hops (the first episode without Ray)
If you read around at other beer-related sites, I'm sure you've seen the news by now. But, if not, the short story involves long-time bar owner, booster of and fixture in the world of craft beer, Ray Deter, who was involved in a terrible bicycle accident late Monday afternoon.
Deter owns two d.b.a. bars in New York and one in New Orleans. The original location, on First Avenue, is where I can recall one of my first experiences with truly good tequila. A few great local craft beers have been known to pass my lips there as well in addition to some pizza from across the street (byof).
Ray has been found traveling the world for great beer, wine, tequila, and whiskey. I've been fortunate to share a table with him and dine together at Monk's and tossed back some great beers together the last time I saw him -- at Ommegang's BCTC 2010.
As a good friend of Ray, Tom Peters put up a touching note about their relationship through the years on Monk's website.
One of Ray's most recent endeavors has been co-hosting the weekly-produced Beer Sessions Radio out of Brooklyn with Jimmy Carbone (Jimmy's No. 43) and Dave Brodrick (Blind Tiger).
Producer, Bree O'Connor (Beer Sessions Radio/Heritage Radio Network), wrote yesterday on the company's Facebook group page the following:
For those of you who are not aware, our good friend Ray Deter was in a serious accident on Monday night. At the moment, we are taking cues from his family as to how to proceed and when they are ready to update everyone on Ray's condition we will let you all know. Thank you for your kind words and offers of support.
In the meantime, I got caught up yesterday with the three most recent episodes of Beer Sessions Radio. The first two of which Deter was his typical self -- drinking beers and telling stories to sometimes keep the show moving and sometimes to head down a tangent, usually to the bemusement of Carbone :)
If you haven't checked them out before, do so. If you're from the Philly area, you'll recall that I've mentioned in the past that they (particularly Ray) give lots of love and props to Philly and our beer scene.
Episode #68 - The Good Beer Seal Awards
Episode #69 - Charlie Papazian & Grape Hops Tours (plus a bit of Philly Beer Week Recap from Ray Deter)
Episode #70 - Cider, Brewpubs, and Hops (the first episode without Ray)
The Almanac (beer) says tonight will be a good night in San Francisco
It's been a while (February?) since I've shared anything with you from the West Coast.
I found this exciting news posted in an e-mail from downtown San Francisco's City Beer Store, one of the Bay Area's premier craft beer retailers and tasting bars, owned by the husband-and-wife team of Craig and Beth Wathen.
Jesse and Damian are two great guys -- brewers, foodies, artists, all-around fun guys, and both fairly recently married to two wonderful and supportive spouses -- whom I've had the pleasure of getting to know in recent years visiting San Francisco. The Incanto/Magnolia dinner (Chris Cosentino/Incanto & Dave McLean/Magnolia) a couple of years ago was certainly a highlight, you may recall me writing about it.
Jesse and Damian got the ball rolling on their Almanac Beer Company last year and are ready to share their tasty creations with you.
I had my first opportunity to taste some of their first barrel-aged beers at San Francisco Beer Week (you can check back here for some of my words and pictures from SFBW '11).
Their excitement and anticipation for going to market was palpable and also evident in the beers. They warned me that likely by my next trip to the Bay Area, I'd be able to find some of their beers available commercially. Looks like that time has come.
They've got a philosophy of "farm-to-barrel" brewing in keeping with the four seasons of the year which should make discovering and re-discovering their brewing talents throughout the year a treat for Northern California beer fans.
Even if you're not reading this within 20 miles of San Francisco, be sure to put Almanac Beer on your to-find list during your next visit to San Francisco.
Here's the notice from City Beer Store.
Thursday, June 30: Almanac Beer Company Bottle Launch - 6:00pm
Almanac Beer Company was dreamed up by home brewers Jesse Friedman and Damian Fagan, both skilled in the fine art of barrel aging and blending. Drawing inspiration from the lush, plentiful farms in their neighboring towns, they sought to establish their own label.
Their first offering is the Summer 2010 Blackberry Ale, a delicate Belgian style golden ale brewed with fresh blackberries from Sebastopol Berry Farm. Further details you should know:
*Summer 2010 Blackberry Ale will be on draft as well as in bottles.
*Bottles limits will apply.
*A special draft only keg of 2010 Vintage Sour will be poured during the event.
*Hapa Ramen will be barside serving tasty morsels to enjoy with the Almanac selections.
I found this exciting news posted in an e-mail from downtown San Francisco's City Beer Store, one of the Bay Area's premier craft beer retailers and tasting bars, owned by the husband-and-wife team of Craig and Beth Wathen.
Jesse and Damian are two great guys -- brewers, foodies, artists, all-around fun guys, and both fairly recently married to two wonderful and supportive spouses -- whom I've had the pleasure of getting to know in recent years visiting San Francisco. The Incanto/Magnolia dinner (Chris Cosentino/Incanto & Dave McLean/Magnolia) a couple of years ago was certainly a highlight, you may recall me writing about it.
Jesse and Damian got the ball rolling on their Almanac Beer Company last year and are ready to share their tasty creations with you.
I had my first opportunity to taste some of their first barrel-aged beers at San Francisco Beer Week (you can check back here for some of my words and pictures from SFBW '11).
Their excitement and anticipation for going to market was palpable and also evident in the beers. They warned me that likely by my next trip to the Bay Area, I'd be able to find some of their beers available commercially. Looks like that time has come.
They've got a philosophy of "farm-to-barrel" brewing in keeping with the four seasons of the year which should make discovering and re-discovering their brewing talents throughout the year a treat for Northern California beer fans.
Even if you're not reading this within 20 miles of San Francisco, be sure to put Almanac Beer on your to-find list during your next visit to San Francisco.
Here's the notice from City Beer Store.
Thursday, June 30: Almanac Beer Company Bottle Launch - 6:00pm
Almanac Beer Company was dreamed up by home brewers Jesse Friedman and Damian Fagan, both skilled in the fine art of barrel aging and blending. Drawing inspiration from the lush, plentiful farms in their neighboring towns, they sought to establish their own label.
Their first offering is the Summer 2010 Blackberry Ale, a delicate Belgian style golden ale brewed with fresh blackberries from Sebastopol Berry Farm. Further details you should know:
*Summer 2010 Blackberry Ale will be on draft as well as in bottles.
*Bottles limits will apply.
*A special draft only keg of 2010 Vintage Sour will be poured during the event.
*Hapa Ramen will be barside serving tasty morsels to enjoy with the Almanac selections.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Beer Calendar: What To Do in July 2011
As the weather heats up around Philadelphia, so does the Beer Calendar. Wilmington is putting on their own Beer Week and some of the events look well worth a train ride or drive. I've captured many of their events below; but here's a link to their website for the most up-to-date and complete.
Stay cool, and hydrated, at any of the fine-looking beer events scheduled throughout the month of July.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
$20 and under, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG) also included here
Philadelphia
Fri. 7/1 - Sierra Nevada Exportation Tapping @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/1 - Free Sampling (Lancaster Brewing) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/1 - Central Waters Sampling @Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/1 - Free Beer Sampling (Victory) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, PA (5:30pm-7:30pm; Free)
Sat. 7/2 - Mountain Getaway @Biba Wine Bar, Philadelphia, PA (3:00pm-12:00am; PAYG)
Sat. 7/2 - Duvel/Ommegang & Tour de France @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm; PAYG)
Mon. 7/4 - Dogfish Head Hellhound On My Ale @Tria, Philadelphia, PA (3:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 7/5 - Movie Night (Weekend at Bernie's II) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA (9:00pm; Free/PAYG)
Wed. 7/6 - IPA Cask (Ithaca Hop Stash) @Khyber Pass Pub, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/8 - Free Sampling (River Horse) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/8 - Alexander Keith's Sampling @Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/8 - Xmas in July @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/9 - Sierra Nevada Homebrew Cup Announcement Party @Tavern 17, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Mon. 7/11 - Mad Monday (Dogfish Head) @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, PA (11:30am; PAYG)
Tue. 7/12 - Movie Night (Back to the Future) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA (9:00pm; Free/PAYG)
Thu. 7/14 - Harry Potter Quizzo Movie Release Party @The Institute, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm-11:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/15 - Free Sampling (Victory) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/15 - Dogfish Head 10 Taps o' Fun @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm-11:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/15 - Brooklyn Brewery Sampling @Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Sat. 7/16 - Tröegs Tap Take-Over featuring Buffalo Wings @The Institute, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/16 - Sustainable Saturday: Zip Code Honey with Local Cheese and Beer @Biba Wine Bar, Philadelphia, PA (2:00pm-3:00pm; $20)
Sat. 7/16 - Saison Brunch @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA (11:00am; PAYG)
Thu. 7/21 - Belgian Independence Day @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/22 - Sixpoint Brewery Tap Takeover @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/22 - Belgian Beer Sampling @Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/22 - Free Sampling (San Diego beers) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Sun. 7/24 - Savage Sixtel Sunday 3rd Anniversary Party @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/29 - Meteor Sampling @Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/29 - Free Sampling (Flying Fish) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Sat. 7/30 - The Kenzinger Clambake @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
throughout July - Christmas in July @Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA (PAYG)
Fri. 7/1 - Friday Night Sampling (4th of July theme) @Beer Yard, Wayne, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/1 - Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company Sampling @The Beer Store, Southampton, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Thu. 7/7 - First Thursday Beer Tasting @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, PA (6:00pm-8:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (Flying Fish) @Beer Yard, Wayne, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (Victory) @Mr. Bottle, Berwyn, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Sun. 7/10 - Beer Geek BBQ, part deux @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, PA (12:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 7/14-Sat. 7/16 - 3 Day Saison & IPA Event @Capone's, Norristown, PA (PAYG)
Sat. 7/16 - 2nd Anniversary Party @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (12:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 7/21 - Feastdag @Pinocchio's, Media, PA (PAYG)
Fri. 7/22-Sun. 7/24 - Non-Denominational Winter Solstice in July @Pinocchio's, Media, PA (PAYG)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 7/1 - Friday Night Sampling (Miller Lite) @Exton Beverage, Exton, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/1 - Firkin Friday (follow Twitter for details) @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/2 - Free Sampling (Landshark Lager) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA (1:00pm-3:00pm; Free)
Wed. 7/6 - Specialty Keg Wednesdays (Dogfish Head Burton Baton) @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, PA (11:30am; PAYG)
Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (Reading Premium and Hoptimus Prime) @Exton Beverage, Exton, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/8 - Phoenixville Blob Fest Beer Release @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, PA (11:00am-10:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/9 - 16 Mile Portfolio Complimentary Tasting @Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE (Free/PAYG)
Sat. 7/9 - West Coast Brewery Promotion @The Drafting Room, Exton, PA (12:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/9 - Breakfast with Hefe @Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, PA (9:00am-2:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/9 - Iron Hill Twilight Criterium @downtown West Chester, PA (4:00pm; PAYG)
Mon. 7/11 - Evolution Craft Brewing Complimentary Tasting @Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE (6:00pm-8:00pm; Free/PAYG)
Thu. 7/14 - Night of Hatters @Craft Ale House, Limerick, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/15 - Friday Night Sampling (Fish Brewing) @Exton Beverage, Exton, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/15 - Firkin Friday (Yards, Evolution & Fordham) @Washington Street Ale House, Wilmington, DE (PAYG)
Fri. 7/15 - Rut Returns...with Hopkowski @Iron Hill, Wilmington, DE (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/16 - Better than Leftovers @TJ's, Paoli, PA (4:00pm-11:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/16 - Free Sampling (Shocktop White and Raspberry) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA (1:00pm-3:00pm; Free)
Thu. 7/21 - 17th Anniversary Party @The Drafting Room, Exton, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/22 - Friday Night Sampling (Craft Beer in Cans) @Exton Beverage, Exton, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Sat. 7/23 - Duvel/Ommegang's Belgian Independence Day @TJ's, Paoli, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Mon. 7/25 - Christmas in July @Victory, Downingtown, PA (11:30am; PAYG)
Fri. 7/29-Sat. 7/30 - 16th Anniversary Party @Stewart's Brewing Company, Bear, DE (PAYG)
Events Over $20
Philadelphia
Fri. 7/1, Sat. 7/2, Fri. 7/8, Sat. 7/9, Fri. 7/15, Sat. 7/16, Fri. 7/22, Sat. 7/23, Fri. 7/29, Sat. 7/30 - Philly On Tap Walking Tours @City Hall, western plaza, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; $35)
Sat. 7/2, Sat. 7/16, & Sat. 7/30 - Craft Beer and Artisanal Cheese Tour @Old City, Philadelphia, PA (3:30pm-5:30pm; $49)
Tue. 7/5 - An American Beer and Cheese Pairing @Garces Trading Company, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; $65)
Sat. 7/9 - Royal Stumble @Nodding Head, Philadelphia, PA (1:00pm-5:00pm; $45)
Tue. 7/12 - Allagash Gone Wild @Tria, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-8:00pm; $60)
Tue. 7/12 - Yards Brewing, Culton Organics & Kennett Come Together @Kennett Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-11:00pm; $65)
Wed. 7/13 - Beer-B-Q @Square 1682 (at Hotel Palomar), Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Wed. 7/13 - Weyerbacher Beer Dinner @White Dog Café, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-9:30pm; $50)
Thu. 7/14 & Thu. 7/28 - A Philadelphia Ale & Arts Adventure @World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA (5:30pm-8:00pm; $35)
Sat. 7/16 - Good Food, Good Beer & the Rest is History @The Shambles, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm-9:00pm; $25/$30)
Sat. 7/23 - Lobster & Clam Bake Street Party @White Dog Café, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; $55)
Thu. 7/28 - Oskar Blues Beer Dinner @Chifa, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; $65)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 7/1, Thu. 7/7, Fri. 7/15, Wed. 7/20 - Intro to Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Fri. 7/8 - Next Step Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Sat. 7/9 - All-Grain Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA (10:00am; $75)
Sat. 7/9 - Beer Wars II (Weyerbacher vs. Allagash) @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (12:00pm-2:00pm; $25)
Mon. 7/11 - Beer & Cheese (with Hunter Fike from Di Bruno Bros.) @Iron Hill, North Wales, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; $24.95)
Thu. 7/14 - Beer & Food of Summer Tour @Wegmans, Malvern, PA ($30)
Sat. 7/16 - Pour-a-palooza @PJ's Pour House, Westmont, NJ (12:00pm-4:00pm; $35/$40)
Thu. 7/21-Sat. 7/23 - Belgium Independence Week: Hogfest @Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA (PAYG)
Wed. 7/27 - Brewmaster’s Summer Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (7:00pm; $65)
Wed. 7/27 - Summer Beer Dinner @Kaya's Cuisine, Havertown, PA (7:00pm; $65)
Sat. 7/30 - Beer Wars II (Tröegs vs. Unibroue) @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (12:00pm-2:00pm; $25)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 7/5, Wed. 7/27 - Intro to Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Bethlehem, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Wed. 7/6 - The Return of Randall the Enamel Animal (DFH Burton Baton) @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, PA (5:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/9-Sat. 7/16 - 3 Course Prix Fixe Dinner @Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE ($30)
Sat. 7/9 - Victory Beer Dinner @Harry's Seafood Grill, Wilmington, DE (5:30pm; $60)
Sat. 7/9 - Craft Beer Bus Tour, Philadelphia Pickups in Limerick, PA and Manayunk section of Philly (11:00am-5:00pm; $55)
Sun. 7/10 - Belgian Beer Tasting @Domaine Hudson, Wilmington, DE (4:30pm-6:30pm; $25)
Sun. 7/10 - Samuel Adams Beer Dinner @Union City Grille, Wilmington, DE ($45)
Tue. 7/12 - Five-course Paired Dinner with Harpoon Beer @Vinoteca 902, Wilmington, DE (6:30pm; $50)
Tue. 7/12 - Flying Fish Brewery Tasting @Domaine Hudson, Wilmington, DE (5:00pm-7:00pm; $25)
Wed. 7/13 - Summer Seafood Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, Wilmington, DE (7:00pm; $65)
Thu. 7/14 - Beer Week beer dinner with Dogfish Head @Chelsea Tavern, Wilmington, DE (4:00pm; $59)
Thu. 7/14 - Perfect Pairings six course Beer Dinner @Domaine Hudson, Wilmington, DE (6:30pm; $55)
Sat. 7/16 - Beer & Cooking Class with Chef Robbie @Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE (TBD)
Sat. 7/16 - Unibroue Tasting Dinner @Union City Grille, Wilmington, DE (TBD)
Sat. 7/16 - Four-course Beer Dinner with Old Dominion & Fordham Brewery @Deep Blue Bar and Grill, Wilmington, DE (6:30pm; $TBD)
Sat. 7/16 - Pints for Pups @Reading Phillies Stadium, Reading, PA (5:00pm-9:00pm; $20/$40/$50/$75)
Sat. 7/16 - Selinsgrove Beer & Wine Festival @downtown Selinsgrove, PA (2:00pm-6:00pm; $10/$45)
Sat. 7/16 - Victory Beer Dinner @Harry's Seafood Grill, Wilmington, DE (4:00pm-7:00pm; $25)
Sun. 7/17 - Food & Spirits Festival @Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Lancaster, PA (2:00pm-7:00pm; $45/$55/$60)
Sun. 7/17 - Craft Beer Bus Tour, Homebrewers Tour Pickup in Limerick, PA (12:00pm-4:00pm; $50)
Sat. 7/23 - Delaware State Fair Battle of the Brews @Delaware State Fair, Harrington, DE (12:00pm-3:00pm; $5.25 admission and up)
Sat. 7/23 - Summer Ale Festival @Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-10:00pm; $30/$60/$90)
Tue. 7/26 - Coast to Coast Brew Dinner @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, PA (7:00pm-9:30pm; $50)
Stay cool, and hydrated, at any of the fine-looking beer events scheduled throughout the month of July.
If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.
$20 and under, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG) also included here
Philadelphia
Fri. 7/1 - Sierra Nevada Exportation Tapping @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/1 - Free Sampling (Lancaster Brewing) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/1 - Central Waters Sampling @Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/1 - Free Beer Sampling (Victory) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, PA (5:30pm-7:30pm; Free)
Sat. 7/2 - Mountain Getaway @Biba Wine Bar, Philadelphia, PA (3:00pm-12:00am; PAYG)
Sat. 7/2 - Duvel/Ommegang & Tour de France @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm; PAYG)
Mon. 7/4 - Dogfish Head Hellhound On My Ale @Tria, Philadelphia, PA (3:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 7/5 - Movie Night (Weekend at Bernie's II) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA (9:00pm; Free/PAYG)
Wed. 7/6 - IPA Cask (Ithaca Hop Stash) @Khyber Pass Pub, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/8 - Free Sampling (River Horse) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/8 - Alexander Keith's Sampling @Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/8 - Xmas in July @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/9 - Sierra Nevada Homebrew Cup Announcement Party @Tavern 17, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Mon. 7/11 - Mad Monday (Dogfish Head) @Monk's Café, Philadelphia, PA (11:30am; PAYG)
Tue. 7/12 - Movie Night (Back to the Future) @Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA (9:00pm; Free/PAYG)
Thu. 7/14 - Harry Potter Quizzo Movie Release Party @The Institute, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm-11:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/15 - Free Sampling (Victory) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/15 - Dogfish Head 10 Taps o' Fun @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm-11:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/15 - Brooklyn Brewery Sampling @Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Sat. 7/16 - Tröegs Tap Take-Over featuring Buffalo Wings @The Institute, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/16 - Sustainable Saturday: Zip Code Honey with Local Cheese and Beer @Biba Wine Bar, Philadelphia, PA (2:00pm-3:00pm; $20)
Sat. 7/16 - Saison Brunch @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA (11:00am; PAYG)
Thu. 7/21 - Belgian Independence Day @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/22 - Sixpoint Brewery Tap Takeover @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/22 - Belgian Beer Sampling @Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/22 - Free Sampling (San Diego beers) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Sun. 7/24 - Savage Sixtel Sunday 3rd Anniversary Party @Kite & Key, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/29 - Meteor Sampling @Bella Vista Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/29 - Free Sampling (Flying Fish) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Sat. 7/30 - The Kenzinger Clambake @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
throughout July - Christmas in July @Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA (PAYG)
Fri. 7/1 - Friday Night Sampling (4th of July theme) @Beer Yard, Wayne, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/1 - Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company Sampling @The Beer Store, Southampton, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Thu. 7/7 - First Thursday Beer Tasting @Whole Foods, Plymouth Meeting, PA (6:00pm-8:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (Flying Fish) @Beer Yard, Wayne, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (Victory) @Mr. Bottle, Berwyn, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Sun. 7/10 - Beer Geek BBQ, part deux @Hulmeville Inn, Hulmeville, PA (12:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 7/14-Sat. 7/16 - 3 Day Saison & IPA Event @Capone's, Norristown, PA (PAYG)
Sat. 7/16 - 2nd Anniversary Party @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (12:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 7/21 - Feastdag @Pinocchio's, Media, PA (PAYG)
Fri. 7/22-Sun. 7/24 - Non-Denominational Winter Solstice in July @Pinocchio's, Media, PA (PAYG)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 7/1 - Friday Night Sampling (Miller Lite) @Exton Beverage, Exton, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/1 - Firkin Friday (follow Twitter for details) @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/2 - Free Sampling (Landshark Lager) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA (1:00pm-3:00pm; Free)
Wed. 7/6 - Specialty Keg Wednesdays (Dogfish Head Burton Baton) @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, PA (11:30am; PAYG)
Fri. 7/8 - Friday Night Sampling (Reading Premium and Hoptimus Prime) @Exton Beverage, Exton, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/8 - Phoenixville Blob Fest Beer Release @Iron Hill, Phoenixville, PA (11:00am-10:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/9 - 16 Mile Portfolio Complimentary Tasting @Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE (Free/PAYG)
Sat. 7/9 - West Coast Brewery Promotion @The Drafting Room, Exton, PA (12:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/9 - Breakfast with Hefe @Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, PA (9:00am-2:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/9 - Iron Hill Twilight Criterium @downtown West Chester, PA (4:00pm; PAYG)
Mon. 7/11 - Evolution Craft Brewing Complimentary Tasting @Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE (6:00pm-8:00pm; Free/PAYG)
Thu. 7/14 - Night of Hatters @Craft Ale House, Limerick, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/15 - Friday Night Sampling (Fish Brewing) @Exton Beverage, Exton, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 7/15 - Firkin Friday (Yards, Evolution & Fordham) @Washington Street Ale House, Wilmington, DE (PAYG)
Fri. 7/15 - Rut Returns...with Hopkowski @Iron Hill, Wilmington, DE (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/16 - Better than Leftovers @TJ's, Paoli, PA (4:00pm-11:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/16 - Free Sampling (Shocktop White and Raspberry) @Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA (1:00pm-3:00pm; Free)
Thu. 7/21 - 17th Anniversary Party @The Drafting Room, Exton, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 7/22 - Friday Night Sampling (Craft Beer in Cans) @Exton Beverage, Exton, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Sat. 7/23 - Duvel/Ommegang's Belgian Independence Day @TJ's, Paoli, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Mon. 7/25 - Christmas in July @Victory, Downingtown, PA (11:30am; PAYG)
Fri. 7/29-Sat. 7/30 - 16th Anniversary Party @Stewart's Brewing Company, Bear, DE (PAYG)
Events Over $20
Philadelphia
Fri. 7/1, Sat. 7/2, Fri. 7/8, Sat. 7/9, Fri. 7/15, Sat. 7/16, Fri. 7/22, Sat. 7/23, Fri. 7/29, Sat. 7/30 - Philly On Tap Walking Tours @City Hall, western plaza, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; $35)
Sat. 7/2, Sat. 7/16, & Sat. 7/30 - Craft Beer and Artisanal Cheese Tour @Old City, Philadelphia, PA (3:30pm-5:30pm; $49)
Tue. 7/5 - An American Beer and Cheese Pairing @Garces Trading Company, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; $65)
Sat. 7/9 - Royal Stumble @Nodding Head, Philadelphia, PA (1:00pm-5:00pm; $45)
Tue. 7/12 - Allagash Gone Wild @Tria, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-8:00pm; $60)
Tue. 7/12 - Yards Brewing, Culton Organics & Kennett Come Together @Kennett Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-11:00pm; $65)
Wed. 7/13 - Beer-B-Q @Square 1682 (at Hotel Palomar), Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Wed. 7/13 - Weyerbacher Beer Dinner @White Dog Café, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-9:30pm; $50)
Thu. 7/14 & Thu. 7/28 - A Philadelphia Ale & Arts Adventure @World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA (5:30pm-8:00pm; $35)
Sat. 7/16 - Good Food, Good Beer & the Rest is History @The Shambles, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm-9:00pm; $25/$30)
Sat. 7/23 - Lobster & Clam Bake Street Party @White Dog Café, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; $55)
Thu. 7/28 - Oskar Blues Beer Dinner @Chifa, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; $65)
Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 7/1, Thu. 7/7, Fri. 7/15, Wed. 7/20 - Intro to Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Fri. 7/8 - Next Step Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Sat. 7/9 - All-Grain Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA (10:00am; $75)
Sat. 7/9 - Beer Wars II (Weyerbacher vs. Allagash) @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (12:00pm-2:00pm; $25)
Mon. 7/11 - Beer & Cheese (with Hunter Fike from Di Bruno Bros.) @Iron Hill, North Wales, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; $24.95)
Thu. 7/14 - Beer & Food of Summer Tour @Wegmans, Malvern, PA ($30)
Sat. 7/16 - Pour-a-palooza @PJ's Pour House, Westmont, NJ (12:00pm-4:00pm; $35/$40)
Thu. 7/21-Sat. 7/23 - Belgium Independence Week: Hogfest @Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA (PAYG)
Wed. 7/27 - Brewmaster’s Summer Beer Dinner @Iron Hill, Maple Shade, NJ (7:00pm; $65)
Wed. 7/27 - Summer Beer Dinner @Kaya's Cuisine, Havertown, PA (7:00pm; $65)
Sat. 7/30 - Beer Wars II (Tröegs vs. Unibroue) @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (12:00pm-2:00pm; $25)
Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 7/5, Wed. 7/27 - Intro to Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Bethlehem, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Wed. 7/6 - The Return of Randall the Enamel Animal (DFH Burton Baton) @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, PA (5:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 7/9-Sat. 7/16 - 3 Course Prix Fixe Dinner @Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE ($30)
Sat. 7/9 - Victory Beer Dinner @Harry's Seafood Grill, Wilmington, DE (5:30pm; $60)
Sat. 7/9 - Craft Beer Bus Tour, Philadelphia Pickups in Limerick, PA and Manayunk section of Philly (11:00am-5:00pm; $55)
Sun. 7/10 - Belgian Beer Tasting @Domaine Hudson, Wilmington, DE (4:30pm-6:30pm; $25)
Sun. 7/10 - Samuel Adams Beer Dinner @Union City Grille, Wilmington, DE ($45)
Tue. 7/12 - Five-course Paired Dinner with Harpoon Beer @Vinoteca 902, Wilmington, DE (6:30pm; $50)
Tue. 7/12 - Flying Fish Brewery Tasting @Domaine Hudson, Wilmington, DE (5:00pm-7:00pm; $25)
Wed. 7/13 - Summer Seafood Brewmaster's Dinner @Iron Hill, Wilmington, DE (7:00pm; $65)
Thu. 7/14 - Beer Week beer dinner with Dogfish Head @Chelsea Tavern, Wilmington, DE (4:00pm; $59)
Thu. 7/14 - Perfect Pairings six course Beer Dinner @Domaine Hudson, Wilmington, DE (6:30pm; $55)
Sat. 7/16 - Beer & Cooking Class with Chef Robbie @Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington, DE (TBD)
Sat. 7/16 - Unibroue Tasting Dinner @Union City Grille, Wilmington, DE (TBD)
Sat. 7/16 - Four-course Beer Dinner with Old Dominion & Fordham Brewery @Deep Blue Bar and Grill, Wilmington, DE (6:30pm; $TBD)
Sat. 7/16 - Pints for Pups @Reading Phillies Stadium, Reading, PA (5:00pm-9:00pm; $20/$40/$50/$75)
Sat. 7/16 - Selinsgrove Beer & Wine Festival @downtown Selinsgrove, PA (2:00pm-6:00pm; $10/$45)
Sat. 7/16 - Victory Beer Dinner @Harry's Seafood Grill, Wilmington, DE (4:00pm-7:00pm; $25)
Sun. 7/17 - Food & Spirits Festival @Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Lancaster, PA (2:00pm-7:00pm; $45/$55/$60)
Sun. 7/17 - Craft Beer Bus Tour, Homebrewers Tour Pickup in Limerick, PA (12:00pm-4:00pm; $50)
Sat. 7/23 - Delaware State Fair Battle of the Brews @Delaware State Fair, Harrington, DE (12:00pm-3:00pm; $5.25 admission and up)
Sat. 7/23 - Summer Ale Festival @Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-10:00pm; $30/$60/$90)
Tue. 7/26 - Coast to Coast Brew Dinner @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, PA (7:00pm-9:30pm; $50)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Free Beer Tonight...everywhere!
All types of notices about free pourings around the region tonight. Your local sources for great beer are trying to keep you cool and hydrated in this hot and humid weather. No particular order...
Left Hand at Bell Beverage in Philly.
Philadelphia Brewing at Mr. Bottle in Berwyn.
Tröegs at Global Beer in Philly.
Victory at Exton Beverage in Exton.
Sixpoint at Beer Heaven in Philly.
Yards at Goshen Beverage in West Chester.
Sly Fox at Philadelphia Beer Company in Fishtown neighborhood of Philly.
Philly Beer Scene and Joe Canal's team up for an A+ draft night in West Deptford, NJ. Hit 'em up on the way to the Shore. Free swing-top growler (not necessarily free beer, though.)
Did I miss any?
Left Hand at Bell Beverage in Philly.
Philadelphia Brewing at Mr. Bottle in Berwyn.
Tröegs at Global Beer in Philly.
Victory at Exton Beverage in Exton.
Sixpoint at Beer Heaven in Philly.
Yards at Goshen Beverage in West Chester.
Sly Fox at Philadelphia Beer Company in Fishtown neighborhood of Philly.
Philly Beer Scene and Joe Canal's team up for an A+ draft night in West Deptford, NJ. Hit 'em up on the way to the Shore. Free swing-top growler (not necessarily free beer, though.)
Did I miss any?
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Summer Beer Camp with Sierra Nevada at Station Taproom
A full room of people couldn't do the job that you'll be counted on to do today: kick a keg. Too many very decent beers from Sierra Nevada, its Beer Camp, and beyond were on draft last night at Station Taproom in Downingtown, Pa. You'll be in luck stopping by today as all on the list above still remain available on draft today.
As could be attested to by the temperature at the restaurant, there was no doubt that folks turned out for this event. If you could say there was a feature beer, it was probably the ExPortation, the ExPorter brewed by local Philly beer people (click back here for more details) last year at Beer Camp #25 which later had a portion of it shipped off to Santa Rosa for a little wood barrel-aging at Russian River Brewing.
Now, the ExPorter's got a sour (but not too much so) character, has been named ExPortation, and has been served during Philly Beer Week. The last of the kegs are making their rounds at places like Station Taproom. Word has it that there are still at least a couple more in "safe storage" at Teresa's Next Door for future fun.
Sean McGettigan's (owner, Station Taproom) Lighter Shade of Pale from Beer Camp #46 and Jim Crane's (Goshen Beverage) much-more-roasty-than-hoppy 'Double Black Ale' from Beer Camp #48 were also on tap as were other Sierra Nevada goodies like Southern Hemisphere. Oh, and speaking of the good people at Russian River, Pliny the Elder was on tap for good measure and more California representation as well.
Not too much to report otherwise at Station Taproom. We focused as much on the dinner that we desperately needed by the time we arrived. Focusing on the food at ST is easy because the kitchen continues to put out quality food to accompany the stellar beer list.
Last night, it was an awesome arugula salad with goat cheese, candied pecans, and roasted beets (I could eat these every day), Thai Red Curry Mussels (signature dish at ST), and a chorizo/red pepper sandwich. Oh, and my fingers found their way across the table numerous times into a bowl of awesomely-sea-salted edamame, or soy beans if you will.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Brew Lounge gets smarter on-the-go
Ugh, yes there is yet one more administrative detail to get out of the way before I get back to this semi-serious beer writing that I do.
Do you have a "smart phone"? (Is it smarter than you? I know mine is more than I!)
Well, now The Brew Lounge is (finally) compatible with your smart phone. You probably know that I have no idea how this technology works; I've never really wanted to.
I type words (a lot of them, in fact, right?) and upload pictures and hope that it all makes sense to you.
This bliggedy-bloggedy stuff and the website/service/software that goes along with it is just sort of a means to an end for me.
But one thing that I've been frustrated with for a while is Blogger's slow move to mobile device-enriched blogs.
Now it's there. And, now you can pull up and mingle in The Brew Lounge while on the go with much less headache than before. Go check it out!
It looks something like the picture above (at least on the iPhone it does).
While you're at it, feel free to let me know if there are other ways that reading/"using" The Brew Lounge could be easier for you.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
I'm the 16th most _______ beer blog in the country!
I mentioned yesterday that we'd get back to beer talk today. Just one more administrative detour before we do such things.
I lost track of this little goodie amidst the Philly Beer Week hoopla. The title is sort of Mad Lib-ish. Feel free to fill in your own adjective.
Thing is, with Wikio, I don't know if I should assume that their ranking means that I'm the 16th most popular, most smart, most clever, most hard-working, best linked, ....or whatever beer blog.
Of course, those of you who know me well enough know that I cringe just hearing the word 'blog', period. Nonetheless, Wikio is taking a stab at ranking the blogosphere. Not just beer, but all blogs categorized by industry or at least topic of interest.
They presumably use some criteria and algorithms which then get applied against all blogs without bias. So, in that sense, being compared against peers becomes an interesting thing. However, with each of the many hundreds (nearly 700 at last count, according to Beer Bloggers Conference) of us writing a different message intended for different audiences in different geographic regions with different styles and desired end games, I (and we all should) take this with a grain of salt.
I can tell, for near certain, that if all that was being measured was simply site visits/page views, there's no way I'm in the top 20, probably not even top 50 judging from other company in the top 50.
Since I'd been lobbying the admin folks at Wikio for nearly six months to include me in the 'beer' category (and since there oddly seems to be a growing number of folks "out there" who are insatiably curious about my site traffic), I figured now that I am being properly classified for the past two months, I should at least make mention of it.
They even supplied me with a "badge" that I can put on The Brew Lounge for proper display and recognition (you'll see it over there somewhere on the right side of the screen), though I must admit it feels a bit odd to do that and draw attention to it -- sort of like a Sports Illustrated cover in Spring Training, I'm bound to go down next month!
So to the extent that you all play a role in boosting me up to #16, I thank you and will do what I can to continue providing beer information worthy of the ranking.
Now let's all get back drinking some great beer :)
I lost track of this little goodie amidst the Philly Beer Week hoopla. The title is sort of Mad Lib-ish. Feel free to fill in your own adjective.
Thing is, with Wikio, I don't know if I should assume that their ranking means that I'm the 16th most popular, most smart, most clever, most hard-working, best linked, ....or whatever beer blog.
Of course, those of you who know me well enough know that I cringe just hearing the word 'blog', period. Nonetheless, Wikio is taking a stab at ranking the blogosphere. Not just beer, but all blogs categorized by industry or at least topic of interest.
They presumably use some criteria and algorithms which then get applied against all blogs without bias. So, in that sense, being compared against peers becomes an interesting thing. However, with each of the many hundreds (nearly 700 at last count, according to Beer Bloggers Conference) of us writing a different message intended for different audiences in different geographic regions with different styles and desired end games, I (and we all should) take this with a grain of salt.
I can tell, for near certain, that if all that was being measured was simply site visits/page views, there's no way I'm in the top 20, probably not even top 50 judging from other company in the top 50.
Since I'd been lobbying the admin folks at Wikio for nearly six months to include me in the 'beer' category (and since there oddly seems to be a growing number of folks "out there" who are insatiably curious about my site traffic), I figured now that I am being properly classified for the past two months, I should at least make mention of it.
They even supplied me with a "badge" that I can put on The Brew Lounge for proper display and recognition (you'll see it over there somewhere on the right side of the screen), though I must admit it feels a bit odd to do that and draw attention to it -- sort of like a Sports Illustrated cover in Spring Training, I'm bound to go down next month!
So to the extent that you all play a role in boosting me up to #16, I thank you and will do what I can to continue providing beer information worthy of the ranking.
Now let's all get back drinking some great beer :)
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Boss, The Big Man, the music, my life
So far, so good. I haven't "lost any friends" on Facebook.
If you're "friends" with me on Facebook (the Bryan guy, not The Brew Lounge page), you've likely seen me reeling off the first 16 of 30 "top" Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band songs/videos linked from YouTube.
I rarely venture here into my personal life in areas where beer doesn't intersect, but the news of Clarence, The Big Man, Clemons' death this past weekend has me in a sharing mode as I've been thrown into a whirlwind trip down memory lane.
Being a product of the Northeast region of the country, I became a huge fan of Springsteen's music and lyrics as a pre-teen nearly 30 years ago. My brother-in-law, one of the most important men in my life in those years, was a major factor in the introduction. His drum wailing on Paradise by the "C" with the recorded version on in the background is one memory, amongst many, that I'll never lose.
Obviously, I was just a bit young to have experienced him and the band in its early years at places like the Stone Pony, The Point, Tower Theater, and NYC clubs as people I know just a few years older than I did in the 70s and early 80s.
Nonetheless, their music is indigenous to and resonates more in the Northeast than anywhere else. Not to say the music can't be appreciated and loved by people around the country and world. It's the first-hand experience of life along the northeast and mid-Atlantic seaboard that cannot be captured anywhere else.
That, on the other hand, is what can make the band's music downright repulsive to others. I realize, and respect, that.
When they say the 'show goes on', it's so difficult at this point to see the stage, typically anchored by Clemons, missing his large presence on tambourine, saxophone, and supporting vocals. The band has so many identifiable and strong characters, yet given his long and special relationship with Springsteen it becomes nearly impossible to see future concerts without him. At least we have the music.
As I've posted up these videos beginning yesterday morning after the news of Clarence Clemons' death broke, I wondered if there would be any hate mail or unfriending activity on Facebook because of the perceived annoyance of posting 30 video links to Springsteen's music.
For the sake of sharing with those of you not on Facebook, or not inclined to wander over there (and it being a semi-closed network, in a sense), here's a rundown of the video links that I'm posting up over there, due to conclude by Wednesday.
Grab a beer, enjoy a trip down memory lane, and raise a toast to The Big Man. And, if you feel like sharing a few of your favorites as well, please do.
#30 If I Should Fall Behind (watch for The Big Man at 2:45, beautiful)
#29 You're Missing (The Big Man in a supporting role)
#28 My City of Ruins (not necessarily a focus on Clemons but what he was a part of with the Band)
#27 My Hometown
#26 Brilliant Disguise
#25 She's the One (love the red suit)
#24 Kitty's Back (an absolutely great, great song with fun pictures, too, that many are probably not familiar with)
#23 Atlantic City
#22 Reason to Believe
#21 Glory Days (wow, more than 25 years old. how young everyone looks!)
#20 No Surrender (still a favorite after all these years. saw this fun version in person back in '04 up in north Jersey)
#19 Prove it All Night (provin' it all night at 5:27)
#18 Streets of Philadelphia
#17 Spirit in the Night (killin' it at 3:57)
#16 Johnny 99
#15 Out in the Street (The Boss lets The Big Man out in the street at 2:25)
#14 Cadillac Ranch (One of the first songs to get me hooked on Springsteen and the E Street Band in the early '80s. Clarence opens up his engine and lets it roar beginning at 1:31)
#13 Backstreets
#12 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) (Clemons gets all patriotic on the 4th of July around 4:20)
#11 The River
#10 Darkness on the Edge of Town
#09 Racing the Street (racing across the pond, around 3:22 and again later, a wonderful rendition)
#08 Thundercrack (this song, if you've never heard it, is as big as The Big Man, who takes over around 3:43)
#07 Rosalita (Clarence jumps a little higher starting after 1:05)
#06 Jungleland (Undeniable sax after 3:03)
#05 Paradise by the "C" (Not sure why I don't call this #1, I LOVE this song. This is at least 50% Big Man. My brother-in-law used to play along on drums. Clemons does is thing around 0:40)
#04 Born to Run (Simply an E Street Band celebration; catch the Big Man at 2:12)
#03 Badlands (Clemons wanders into the Badlands at 3:05)
#02 Thunder Road (The Big Man really starts to take it home Thunder Road around 4:05. If you didn't get goose bumps in any of the previous 28 songs, this should do it.)
#01 Tenth Avenue Freeze Out (If #5 was 50% Clemons, this is near 100%. Vintage awesomeness from the cornerstone of the houserocking, pants dropping, brain-shocking, earthquaking, booty-shaking, Viagra-taking, lovemaking, sexifying, electrifying, women shrieking, grown men crying, legendary E Street Band.)
We will resume our beer talk tomorrow. Until then, RIP Clarence Clemons, and thanks for the music!
If you're "friends" with me on Facebook (the Bryan guy, not The Brew Lounge page), you've likely seen me reeling off the first 16 of 30 "top" Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band songs/videos linked from YouTube.
I rarely venture here into my personal life in areas where beer doesn't intersect, but the news of Clarence, The Big Man, Clemons' death this past weekend has me in a sharing mode as I've been thrown into a whirlwind trip down memory lane.
Being a product of the Northeast region of the country, I became a huge fan of Springsteen's music and lyrics as a pre-teen nearly 30 years ago. My brother-in-law, one of the most important men in my life in those years, was a major factor in the introduction. His drum wailing on Paradise by the "C" with the recorded version on in the background is one memory, amongst many, that I'll never lose.
Obviously, I was just a bit young to have experienced him and the band in its early years at places like the Stone Pony, The Point, Tower Theater, and NYC clubs as people I know just a few years older than I did in the 70s and early 80s.
Nonetheless, their music is indigenous to and resonates more in the Northeast than anywhere else. Not to say the music can't be appreciated and loved by people around the country and world. It's the first-hand experience of life along the northeast and mid-Atlantic seaboard that cannot be captured anywhere else.
That, on the other hand, is what can make the band's music downright repulsive to others. I realize, and respect, that.
When they say the 'show goes on', it's so difficult at this point to see the stage, typically anchored by Clemons, missing his large presence on tambourine, saxophone, and supporting vocals. The band has so many identifiable and strong characters, yet given his long and special relationship with Springsteen it becomes nearly impossible to see future concerts without him. At least we have the music.
As I've posted up these videos beginning yesterday morning after the news of Clarence Clemons' death broke, I wondered if there would be any hate mail or unfriending activity on Facebook because of the perceived annoyance of posting 30 video links to Springsteen's music.
For the sake of sharing with those of you not on Facebook, or not inclined to wander over there (and it being a semi-closed network, in a sense), here's a rundown of the video links that I'm posting up over there, due to conclude by Wednesday.
Grab a beer, enjoy a trip down memory lane, and raise a toast to The Big Man. And, if you feel like sharing a few of your favorites as well, please do.
#30 If I Should Fall Behind (watch for The Big Man at 2:45, beautiful)
#29 You're Missing (The Big Man in a supporting role)
#28 My City of Ruins (not necessarily a focus on Clemons but what he was a part of with the Band)
#27 My Hometown
#26 Brilliant Disguise
#25 She's the One (love the red suit)
#24 Kitty's Back (an absolutely great, great song with fun pictures, too, that many are probably not familiar with)
#23 Atlantic City
#22 Reason to Believe
#21 Glory Days (wow, more than 25 years old. how young everyone looks!)
#20 No Surrender (still a favorite after all these years. saw this fun version in person back in '04 up in north Jersey)
#19 Prove it All Night (provin' it all night at 5:27)
#18 Streets of Philadelphia
#17 Spirit in the Night (killin' it at 3:57)
#16 Johnny 99
#15 Out in the Street (The Boss lets The Big Man out in the street at 2:25)
#14 Cadillac Ranch (One of the first songs to get me hooked on Springsteen and the E Street Band in the early '80s. Clarence opens up his engine and lets it roar beginning at 1:31)
#13 Backstreets
#12 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) (Clemons gets all patriotic on the 4th of July around 4:20)
#11 The River
#10 Darkness on the Edge of Town
#09 Racing the Street (racing across the pond, around 3:22 and again later, a wonderful rendition)
#08 Thundercrack (this song, if you've never heard it, is as big as The Big Man, who takes over around 3:43)
#07 Rosalita (Clarence jumps a little higher starting after 1:05)
#06 Jungleland (Undeniable sax after 3:03)
#05 Paradise by the "C" (Not sure why I don't call this #1, I LOVE this song. This is at least 50% Big Man. My brother-in-law used to play along on drums. Clemons does is thing around 0:40)
#04 Born to Run (Simply an E Street Band celebration; catch the Big Man at 2:12)
#03 Badlands (Clemons wanders into the Badlands at 3:05)
#02 Thunder Road (The Big Man really starts to take it home Thunder Road around 4:05. If you didn't get goose bumps in any of the previous 28 songs, this should do it.)
#01 Tenth Avenue Freeze Out (If #5 was 50% Clemons, this is near 100%. Vintage awesomeness from the cornerstone of the houserocking, pants dropping, brain-shocking, earthquaking, booty-shaking, Viagra-taking, lovemaking, sexifying, electrifying, women shrieking, grown men crying, legendary E Street Band.)
We will resume our beer talk tomorrow. Until then, RIP Clarence Clemons, and thanks for the music!
Harrisburg Brewers Festival in Harrisburg, Pa: 6/18/2011
~ Link to Festival Pictures at Google's Picasa
~ Link to Video #1 of Starsan on stage
~ Link to Video #2 of Starsan on stage
Just as I'd begun to write off most beer festivals as the "same-old, same-old" and more trouble than they're worth, I finally, after all these years of being asked, get myself to my first Harrisburg Brewers Festival. Patty was under-the-weather, so I grabbed my nephew Ryan who is always up for a good beer expedition.
Controlled crowd of roughly 1,500 per session spread out comfortably across three city blocks.
Plenty of reasonably-priced food.
Nearly 50 breweries bringing both at least a not-quite-so-core brand or two in addition to their core brands.
Water and rinsing stations.
Live music.
Plenty of brewer support (hotel rooms, pizza, ice on demand, and an "honorarium")
Big donations to a reputable cause.
These are just a few of the reasons I heard yesterday for why brewers, reps, and attendees all love the Harrisburg Brewers Festival.
The festival is now in its 8th year, with Cystic Fibrosis as title sponsor and beneficiary and Tröegs as the chief organizer. (Tröegs' future involvement -- after their move to Hershey -- is still undetermined and under consideration.)
If I recall correctly, I believe I heard quoted yesterday that proceeds donated to CCF last year were in the $110,000 range. I've already seen publicized today that $115,000 is the donated amount after this year's fest.
Should make other "charitable" beer festivals blush embarrassingly in comparison. This is not, by the way, a lone editorial comment.
Walking around the festival, it was more fun spotting the not-so-usual suspects lining the streets with their tap handles than trying to figure out who wasn't there.
Straub...Old Forge...Market Cross...Marzoni's...Fat Head's...Otto's...even Brew Works and Union Barrel Works. A few out-of-staters like Oskar Blues, 21st Amendment, Capitol City, and Ithaca. All amongst just about all of the local guys you'd expect to see.
On stage, the Tröegs Brewery house band, Starsan & the Chill Haze Horns fronted by Ed Yashinsky, rocked the middle set of the day.
It was probably good that I had family obligations at night back near Philly. It kept me from having a second (or third, fourth.....) Moscow Mule at McGrath's, one of downtown's pre-eminent craft beer bars and all-around solid local watering hole and gathering spot in the shadows of the Capitol building. The drink is simply vodka with ginger beer and a lime wedge. It's dangerously refreshing and easy-to-drink...quickly. Thank you, Mr. Mullin, for the introduction.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Meeting Florian Kuplent and his Urban Chestnut beers at Capone's: 6/17/2011
I needed to stop by and pick up a bottle that Matt was holding for me at Capone's this past Friday night. I wasn't looking to make too much out of my first post-PBW Friday night.
So when I saw that Urban Chestnut beer would be at Capone's, along with founder and brewmaster Florian Kuplent, I figured this might be a nice way to spend an hour or so.
That plan worked out quite nicely.
Mike Gretz, your if-he's-not-a-Philly-Beer-Geek-I-don't-know-who-is, was helping to introduce Florian and his beers to the region. Kuplent drove in from Missouri with his wife, native of New Jersey, and the kids for barely a two day visit to the Philly area while his beers are on a 60-day trial registration with the State.
We had a pleasant chat about his departure, along with many others, from Anheuser-Busch to the realization of a lifelong dream at the 20-bbl Urban Chestnut brewery. The name is a bit of an homage to German beer gardens.
He's been going at it now for around six months and is ramping up quickly to meet local demand first as he also tests the waters abroad in the well-renowned Philadelphia market.
Only two beers came along for the introduction and they were certainly two wise choices. He brought the flagship and very well-made Zwickelbier and the Winged Nut, the first in the 'Revolution Series'.
The latter is a 6.5% ABV ale brewed with finely-milled chestnuts which leaves a sweet, nutty flavor to the beer. But, not too sweet or cloying to be difficult to drink; a nice beer for sure.
It made for a perfect follow-up to the quite enjoyable 4.8% ABV Zwickel, from the 'Reverence Series' which celebrates traditional European brewing methods. The Zwickel is unfiltered, though just slightly cloudy, with tons of tasty Munich malt flavor and a just-noticeable undercurrent of Noble Hop bitterness mainly from Hallertau Mittelfrüh. Sessionable for me and would be quite happy with this all-afternoon long.
If you can get to Capone's this weekend, you may still find them on tap, but of course there are no guarantees. If you miss them at Capone's, keep your eyes, ears, and mouths open for this fun new brewery from Missouri.
With brewery distribution expansions and contractions a growing conservation and debate of late, how long Urban Chestnut will be in the Philadelphia market remains to be seen; but be sure to check them out while it's here.
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