Free Press for anyone who buys or sends a birthday beer for me

You know how I've got this thing about not effusively going on about the packaging, doodads, and geegaws that breweries tend to send? Though, must say they don't seem to send like they used to — probably just me.

Well, it's my birthday this weekend and 21st Amendment sent some Fireside Chat...and a pie...and a USB thumbdrive with "stuff" on it. Not that it was actually for my birthday, but it showed up two days prior, so that's cool.

Further more cool is that most packages arriving from 21A contains some sort of unique packaging. Last time, the Hop Crisis had whole leaf hops sprinkled generously throughout the packaging so that even without opening the box, you could smell fresh hops. The delivery guy must've loved that.

This time, a pie to go with the winter spiced ale. Very clever. And a video introduction from Nico and Shaun, owners, on a brewery-branded USB thumbdrive.

Oh, and the beer? Well, I certainly wouldn't be writing this if every beer I've had from this Bay Area brewing beast wasn't top notch, or pretty damned close.

This goes back 6 or maybe 7 years to my first visit at the pub...and, over the years, my summertime affection for the Hell or High Watermelon Wheat.

And GABF has noticed over the years as well. This year, they took home two medals: a Gold for Hqt and a Gold for Amber Waves.

Who's next with a beer for me? The shameless birthday plug will not end until the weekend ends. Or maybe until we officially celebrate in Belgium next May.

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: October 6 - October 12

After this weekend, you should see me begin to come out of my slowdown-of-sorts. As we get into the fall season and I begin my fifth decade of this wonderful life, the beer calendar offers us all plenty of opportunities to get out there and enjoy some tasty treats.

Check out the entire October 2011 calendar over here.

If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.

Two more chances to catch David Dye and WXPN's Broadcaster Brown Ale
@Derek's, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 10/6 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)

@McMenamin's, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 10/6 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)


Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 10/7 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of New England Beers with Joe Sixpack)

@Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, PA--- Thu. 10/6 - Charity Cask Night (5:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG and featuring triple-hopped IPA to benefit Northeastern Pennsylvania American Diabetes Association)

@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 10/6 - Philadelphia Brewing Promo (4:30pm; PAYG for a night of guest beers, prizes, & you can keep the pint glass from Philadelphia Brewing Company)

@Global Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 10/7 - Free Beer Tasting (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free tasting samples of Victory beers)

@Iron Hill Brewery, Phoenixville, PA--- Fri. 10/7 - Firkin Friday (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG for cask-conditioned Vienna Red Lager, a GABF 2011 bronze medal winner)
@Iron Hill Brewery, West Chester, PA--- Fri. 10/7 - Hop Attack! (12:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG for 8 Hoppy Beers-Rye IPA, Hopkowski, Kryptonite (3:00 Release), JPA, Hell Track IPA, Hopdiculous, Kamikaze IPA, and Rising Sun)

@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 10/7 - Funky First Friday (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG for at least one extra-funky beer on tap)

@Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 10/7 - Beer Tasting (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free tasting samples of beers from Tröegs)

@Wegmans, Downingtown, PA--- Fri. 10/7 - Free Beer Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of beers from Philadelphia Brewing)


Special Events with a Little Something Extra
@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 10/7-Sun. 10/9 - 3rd Anniversary Celebration (PAYG for beer and food specials and surprises all weekend long. Actual anniversary is Sunday the 9th.)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 10/11 - Sly Fox & Allagash Night (PAYG for a Suzanne Woods send-off beer list that includes: Allagash Blonde, Allagash Dubbel, Hugh Malone, Tripel, and Big Little and Sly Fox's Route 113 IPA, O'Reilly Stout, Pikeland Pils, and Abbey Extra. Plus, something special on the Engine.)

@Sly Fox, Royersford, PA--- Sun. 10/9 - Closing Time/One Last Pint (PAYG as they serve 'em up one last time before officially moving the Royersford brewery location to Pottstown.)

@Varga Bar, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 10/6 - Weyerbacher Sick Lineup (7:00pm; PAYG for a lineup including Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Pumpkin, Harvest Ale, AutumnFest, Imperial Pumpkin, Old Heathen, Blithering Idiot, Diamond (IPA #6), and Romeo. "Black and Orange" specials, which is an Imperial Pumpkin/Old Heathen mix)


Oktoberfest and Fall Festivals für Alle
@downtown Bethlehem, PA--- Sat. 10/8 - Bethlehem Harvest Festival (11:00am-9:00pm; Free admission, $20/$25 for beer samples 1pm-4pm)

@downtown Kennett Square, PA--- Sat. 10/8 - Kennett Brewfest (12:00pm-1:30pm, 2:00pm-6:00pm; $40/$65 to sample beers from over 60 local, regional, and craft breweries)

@Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, PA--- Fri. 10/7 - Pumpkin Beer Month (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG for cask-conditioned Pumpkin Ale)

@Isaac Newton's, Newtown, PA--- Sat. 10/8 - Oktoberfest (12:00pm-3:00pm; $30 for a glass mug, Isaac's Oktoberfest t-shirt, authentic German buffet, 2 draft beers, live accordion music, chances to win some cool prizes, and great people to hang out with.)

@Nodding Head, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 10/8 - Nod-toberfest (3:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG for German-Style and German-Inspired beer, food specials and some sort of thematic silliness. Beers to include: Festbier, Keller Pils, Altercation, Lead Pipe Lager, and Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse)

@Philadelphia Bar & Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 10/8 - OktoPBRfest (12:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG as the interior and sidewalk café will be converted into a beer garden stocked with more than a dozen locally-produced German-style craft beers as well as a collection of freshly brewed favorites from the old country.” Food offerings will include: Steamed Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Bauernwurst, Currywurst, Drei Im Weckla, Fasnacht, Schnecken, and soft pretzels with beer mustard.)

@River Horse Brewery, Lambertville, NJ--- Sat. 10/8 - Oktoberfest (1:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG for food, live music, and beer as they pour Lager, Special Ale, Tripel Horse, Hop A Lot Amus, Hop Hazard, Hipp O Lantern Imperial Pumpkin, and their new Brewer's Reserve, Batch #008 - Dunkelweizen, a German style wheat beer for the fall.)

@Stoudt's Brewery, Adamstown, PA--- Sun. 10/9 - OktoberFest (12:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG as gates open at noon, music from 2 to 6, and food available from 1-5pm)


Charity and Beer
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 10/8 - Ales 4 Tails Outdoor Block Party (4:00pm-9:00pm; cash only-$5 admission donation, PAYG $5 beers. 20 Draft Beers, Street Food, Live Music.)

@Various locations, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 10/8 - Brews for Boobies (12:00pm; $25 + PAYG and see website for all locations and details)


Food and Beer
@Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA--- Fri. 10/7 - Local Autumn Harvest Dinner with Weyerbacher (6:00pm; $85/$97 for a five-course meal paired with Verboten, AutumnFest, Harvest Ale, Merry Monks’ Ale, Double Simcoe IPA, and "Black & Oranges", a blend of Imperial Pumpkin and Old Heathen)

@Mill at The Stone Barn, Kennett Square, PA--- Fri. 10/7 - A Harvest Dinner pairing of Local Food, Beer, & Wine (7:00pm-11:00pm; $125 for this fundraising event for Historic Kennett Square)

@Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, PA--- Wed. 10/12 - Trappist Beer Dinner featuring Chimay (7:00pm; $65 for a four-course meal paired with Chimay Premiere, Chimay Cinq Cents, Chimay Grande Reserve, and Orval Trappiste.)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA--- Tue. 10/11 - Victory Cooks' Showdown (6:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG to cheer on Victory’s talented employees as they battle eachother in our Cook’s Showdown.)

@Washington House, Sellersville, PA--- Fri. 10/7 - Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Dinner (5:00pm; $59 for their annual tradition to sample nine German beer styles in three flights of three 6 oz pours. This year they will be offering a special four-course meal to complement them as well. Order the flights individually or enjoy Chef Andrew's Oktoberfest dinner pairings with all three.)


Homebrewing
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA--- Tue. 10/11 - Next Step Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 to 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, Bethlehem, PA--- Tue. 10/11 - Introduction to Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 for the first-time brewer who will learn the basic equipment needed to homebrew and how it works. Participants will get hands-on experience brewing, bottling, and tasting homebrew.)

@The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 10/8 - Terry's Beer Fest & the Iron Homebrewer's Finals (11:00am; PAYG for 26 draft lines of our own Brew House beer, by Terry Hawbaker, and the guest judging for Iron Homebrewer Competition.)

David Dye, WXPN, and Broadcaster Brown at Station Taproom

Just a few words here (yes, this is in fact Bryan speaking!) about last night at Station Taproom in Downingtown. WXPN's David Dye is in the middle of making rounds throughout the Delaware Valley to promote the station's 20th anniversary and showcase Philadelphia Brewing's Broadcaster Brown Ale that they brewed to commemorate the landmark date.

The beer is tasty, quite drinkable (5% ABV) throughout the Phillies game (which you do realize, correct?, that Station Taproom is a great neighborhood joint to watch a game at), and a nice roasty, slightly hoppy, with a dry finish-brown ale that I would want it to be.

The scene was perfect. From 5 p.m. on, the crowd continued to grow and fill the room — first, with Phillies fans. Then, with WXPN fans. And scanning the crowd showed that this was not necessarily a beer geek crowd, but a crowd of the pub's neighborhood friends who, oh by the way, just so happen to enjoy good beer as well. As they say, the hard-core beer geeks ain't gonna pay the mortgage.

You've still got some time to track down both David Dye and this beer tonight and tomorrow night. Refer back to the posting I made with all of the dates.

Here are a couple of pictures from the gathering last night in Downingtown. Oh, and please notice the correct spelling of Downingtown, not Downington or some other bastardization.

(WXPN's David Dye, left, and Sean McGettigan, owner of Station Taproom)

(WXPN's David Dye and raffle winner.....Rachel? Sorry, mental lapse. Think they were doing some sort of singalong here.)

(Yours truly, right—in case there was a question—and the First Couple of Sierra Nevada in southeastern PA, Patrick Mullin and his lovely wife Tracy)

Beer Dates in History: October Anniversaries

15 years
Arcadia
Basil T's
Hitachino Nest (Kiuchi)
Manayunk Brewery
Tampa Bay Brewing
Two Brothers

3 years
Earth Bread + Brewery

1 year
Big Beaver

One last GABF '11 breakdown and wrap-up.

The 2011 Great American Beer Festival is in the books. After 30 years, the world's largest beer judging and consumer festival continues to astound with its ever-expanding scope and growth.

The numbers have grown staggeringly to official reports of nearly 4,000 beers, 526 breweries, 167 judges from 9 countries, and 86 pro-am entries.

From the official GABF website: "The Great American Beer Festival has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1982 as an offshoot of the 4th Annual National Homebrew and Microbrewery Conference. Nevertheless, if the name is any indication, its aspirations were great, and over 30 years, the event has grown from 800 attendees to 49,000, and from a 5,000 square foot festival hall to one close to 300,000 square feet."

And, beginning in 2011, "breweries located in the unincorporated, organized U.S. Territories of Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands will be eligible to enter the GABF".

I vow to do what I can to break my three year absence next year. Until then, I watched from afar once again this year. For the benefit of those who cannot make it to Denver, the Brewers Association and The Brewing Network (and others, I imagine) continue to make it easier than ever to participate as if we were in the convention center — albeit, with a few less beers.

And, for all of the analysis (paralysis?) that I perform year after year, I've noticed that the Brewers Association has done more of the heavy lifting than ever before. See their wrap-up at this link.

So, what follows is a bit of regurgitation and some is with a bit of a twist. Nonetheless, the information age has certainly been embraced by the industry. Within minutes of the medal presentation, the website was updated and made publicly available.

My focus, of course, eventually focuses on the local (Philly) front. While the numbers may, in aggregate for the region, not look particularly as impressive as we might have hoped for, that should in no way take anything away from the awards that were won. I've made a few small notes by each award where I've found interesting observations. But, let's remember too, that judging at a festival of this size can be a funny thing. And for as objective (style guidelines, etc.) as the judging process strives to be, tasting at the end of the day is somewhat subjective, somewhat arbitrary, and somewhat at the mercy of (even the most talented of) the many judges involved.

Let's get on with it. The next time you see your favorite award-winning brewers (Kennett Brewfest, Newtown Brewfest, etc.), be sure to congratulate them for their well-deserved recognition.

At the 50,000-foot level, these last three years look much more similar than I was imagining while listening to the awards on Saturday. Certainly, I figured there'd be a more noticeable distribution of more winning breweries across more states than ever before. To the contrary, the number of winning organizations is approximately the same and, in fact, from three less states in 2011.

~ 84 categories, incl. the Pro-Am (2010 = 80 categories, & 2009 = 79 categories)
~ 165 organizations with at least one medal (2010 = 159 organizations, 2009 = 157 organizations)
~ 35 States with at least one medal (2010 & 2009 = 38 states)

~ The top 5 winning organizations in 2011 had 131 total medals or 52% of all medals presented (59% of all gold, 56% of all silver, and 55% of all bronze).
~ The top 5 winning organizations in 2010 had 136 total medals or 56% of all medals presented.
~ The top 5 winning organizations in 2009 had 131 total medals or 55% of all medals presented.

What does this mean? It seems that in 2011, with less states winning, there were a few less medals concentrated in the top 5 and instead distributed amongst the remainder. Yet, not enough to change the story of the last couple of years: There are two powerhouse states for winning medals; California and Colorado, rightfully so. A couple of mid-tier winners, usually WA, OR, IL, and PA. And, then, all the rest.

However, this year Indiana cracked into the top 5, thanks mostly to the contributions of Sun King. I think I might sort of kind of understand how the Large/Mid/Small brewery of the year awards get calculated, but how Sun King got excluded is still a crazy thought based on its 8 medal wins.

Here's the rundown of the top 6 states and every brewing organization with more than 3 medals.

~ California with 51 total medals. (16 gold, 22, silver, 13 bronze)
~ Colorado with 43 total medals. (17 gold, 13 silver, 14 bronze)
~ Oregon with 15 total medals. (4 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze)
~ Illinois with 12 total medals. (3 gold, 3 silver, 6 bronze)
~ Indiana with 10 total medals. (4 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze)
~ Washington with 10 total medals. (5 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze)

~ Sun King from Indiana with 8 total medals. (4 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze)
~ Firestone Walker from California with 6 total medals. (4 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze)
~ Pizza Port Carlsbad from California with 6 total medals. (3 gold, 3 silver)
~ Boston Beer Co. from Massachusetts with 4 total medals. (1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze)
~ Boulevard Brewing from Missouri with 4 total medals. (2 gold, 2 bronze)
~ Chuckanut from Washington with 4 total medals. (2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze)
~ Pabst from Illinois with 4 total medals. (1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze)
~ Pizza Port Ocean Beach from California with 4 total medals. (1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze)

In local news...

GOLD
~ Weyerbacher Sixteen (style category: Specialty Honey Beer). A "Dark Braggot Anniversary Beer made with 1,440 pounds of honey per 40 bbl batch". Very cool.
~ Tröegs Troegenator (style category: Bock). Again? Yup, again. That makes 4 golds, 2 silvers, and a bronze between the GABF and WBC (World Beer Cup) since 2006.

SILVER
~ Ithaca SuperFriends IPA (style category: American-Style Brett Ale)....Even though this was brewed in NY, I'm adding this to our local list here since Flying Fish's Casey Hughes participated in the collaborative brew with his "super friends".
~ Tröegs Sunshine Pils (style category: German-Style Pilsener)....Picked up a sixtel of this fine Pilsner just the other week; thanks, Nick :)
~ Stewart's Maibock (style category: Bock)....from the little state that could and does.
~ Rock Bottom-King of Prussia Nevermore (style category: German Style Schwarzbier). Brewer Brian McConnell continues to make some mighty fine beer at, some might say, one of the most unfortunate locations in the region. But, he continues to be recognized for doing it well.
~ Iron Hill Russian Imperial Stout (style category: Imperial Stout). Courtesy of this brewer named Bob Barrar; you may have heard his name before.

BRONZE
~ Iron Hill Grand Inquisitor (style category: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Stout). Way to go first-timer Vince Desrosiers from North Wales location for contributing to Iron Hill's continued success.
~ Iron Hill Vienna Red Lager (style category: Vienna Style Lager). Chris LaPierre adds to the Iron Hill heap with one of their "old reliables".
~ Fegley's Brew Works Arctic Alchemy (style category: Old Ale or Strong Ale). This beer's been around. Chris Bowen, renowned homebrewer and beer historian, originally contributed to this project.

Also, from farther abroad in Pennsylvania and Delaware, Erie Brewing picked up a bronze medal for its Derailed Black Cherry Ale (style category: Fruit Beer), Penn Brewing in Pittsburgh garnered a silver medal for its St. Nick's Brewer's Reserve (style category: German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock) and bronze medal for its Penn Dark (style category: European-Style Dunkel), and Dogfish Head took home a silver medal for its Chateau Jiahu (style category: Specialty Beer) and bronze medal for its Midas Touch (style category: Specialty Honey Beer).

Furthermore, it should not go unnoticed that Gretz Beer Company took top honors for Craft Beer Distributor Recognition. Though, unless I'm missing something, even though many know what they're doing and know that they know what they're doing, their website far from suggests that they're communicating it well.

In other news:
~ Large Brewing Company & Brewmaster of the Year - Pabst Brewing Co. (Bob Newman)
~ Mid-size Brewing Company & Brewmaster of the Year (28 eligible) - Firestone Walker (Matt Brynildson) in Paso Robles, CA
~ Small Brewing Company & Brewmaster of the Year (45 eligible) - Chuckanut (Will Kemper) in Bellingham, WA
~ Brewpub Group & Brewmaster of the Year (8 eligible) - TAPS Fishouse (Victor Novak)
~ Large Brewpub & Brewmaster of the Year (18 eligible) - Pizza Port Carlsbad (Jeff Bagby)
~ Small Brewpub & Brewmaster of the Year - Pizza Port Ocean Beach (Yiga Miyashiro)

With one parting note, I'll once again voice my displeasure with the issue of not awarding certain medals. Once again, I kind of/sort of/maybe get that a gold is defined as "X", a silver is defined as "Y", and a bronze is defined as "Z". It sounds like the logic says if there is no beer in a category that is "X", then the medal should not be awarded. In this case, "X" for a gold medal is supposed to indicate "World Class", not necessarily better than all the rest.

I'm sure there are fine points and grey areas; but, let's take the only category without a gold medal this year: Bohemian Pilsner. Mama's Little Yella Pils from Oskar Blues received a silver medal which implies that it was better than all the other 41 beers entered in the category. But, yet it was not deemed good enough for gold. It's a level of subjectivity that I'm not comfortable with. And, with that dangling preposition, I'm done. And off to begin planning for a trip to next year's 31st annual Great American Beer Festival.

I now realize why Quinannan Falls typically never leaves Bell's Brewery

Remember that special Bell's beer we discussed last week?

Well, it made its into the Philly market for a guest appearance alongside many of its typical traveling Bell's Beer brethren from Kalamazoo, Michigan.

On Saturday, the last stop along a multi-stop construction progress update tour (more on that coming soon) was in Norristown where Mr. Capone turned over a few beers that I'd forgotten he was holding for me.

That's when I remembered that Capone's was one of the handful of accounts that received this beer. Fortunate #2 was having an empty growler in the car, my precautionary just-in-case.

Turns out, it's pretty obvious why this Quinannan Falls Special Lager Beer never leaves the home brewpub: It's one heckuva tasty and well-made beer.

It's a clean lager with bready notes; it's pleasantly hoppy; it's the good kind of easy-drinking. And at 6.4% ABV, it's just low enough that it can get me happily through Phillies postseason baseball.

If there's anything else hiding out there in Kalamazoo, feel free to send it our way and we'll be glad to offer our opinion.

Hopefully, you've all had a chance to track some of this down while it's been in the Philly region.

[Link back to Quinannan Falls info]

Local Philly winners at the Great American Beer Festival 2011 (close to real-time list)

nearly 4,000 beers, 526 breweries, 167 judges from 9 countries.

That's the starting point.

I'll continue to update this list of local Philadelphia winners over the next two hours as best I can as the results stream in near real-time.

GOLD
~ Weyerbacher 16 (style category: Specialty Honey Beer)
~ Tröegs Troegenator (style category: Bock)

SILVER
~ Ithaca SuperFriends IPA (style category: American-Style Brett Ale)...Flying Fish was part of collaboration
~ Tröegs Sunshine Pils (style category: German-Style Pilsener)....proud to have this on tap at home right now :)
~ Stewart's Maibock (style category: Bock)
~ Rock Bottom-King of Prussia Nevermore (style category: German Style Schwarzbier)
~ Iron Hill Russian Imperial Stout (style category: Imperial Stout)

BRONZE
~ Iron Hill Grand Inquisitor (style category: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Stout)
~ Iron Hill Vienna Red Lager (style category: Vienna Style Lager)
~ Fegley's Brew Works Arctic Alchemy (style category: Old Ale or Strong Ale)

In other news:
~ Large Brewing Company & Brewmaster of the Year - Pabst Brewing Co. (Bob Newman)
~ Mid-size Brewing Company & Brewmaster of the Year (28 eligible) - Firestone Walker (Matt Brynildson) in Paso Robles, CA
~ Small Brewing Company & Brewmaster of the Year (45 eligible) - Chuckanut (Will Kemper) in Bellingham, WA
~ Brewpub Group & Brewmaster of the Year (8 eligible) - TAPS Fishouse (Victor Novak)
~ Large Brewpub & Brewmaster of the Year (18 eligible) - Pizza Port Carlsbad (Jeff Bagby)
~ Small Brewpub & Brewmaster of the Year - Pizza Port Ocean Beach (Yiga Miyashiro)

Getting funky at Teresa's Next Door Oct. 1-2

More than one of you have asked, so that constitutes a majority around here, so here's this weekend's list of sour bottles that Teresa's Next Door is putting on display in Wayne, Pa.

To test the waters and see how well received the weekend's event is, TND is offering bottle flight tastings in the following groupings. More to come if you prove thirsty and worthy enough :)

Cantillon Mamouche, Lou Pepe Geuze '06, Iris 07

Cantillon Fou Foune '09, Lou Pepe Kriek '04, and Gambrinus

Cantillon Saint Lamvinus, Vigneronne, Bruocscella,

Russian River Supplication 4,5,6

Allagash Interlude 06, 12/07, 6/09

Drie Fonteinen Scharbeekse, Doesjel, and Oude Geuze

an

Russian River Consecration batch 3 by glass

Beers to taste at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival

This brewing industry has come a long way to participate in this information age. To cut to the chase, GABF's website now has a listing (oh, was that my heart skipping a beat?) of all beers available to sample at this year's Festival, which is now underway after tucking Day 1 for the night.

If you lost count, the number is somewhere around 2,400 samples of beer on the festival floor.

As some of you are just hitting your R.E.M. sleep in Denver after Day 1, I've put together a list of personal recommendations that you might like to seek out when wandering the festival floor at the Convention Center during the next three sessions.

Here are a dozen from the Philadelphia region that I enthusiastically endorse for your tasting pleasure. If you're not from the northeast part of the country, there's a good chance you may not have heard of some of these gems. They're all brewed within roughly an hour's drive of Philadelphia.

~ Fegley's Blueberry Belch
~ Flying Fish Exit 4
~ Iron Hill The Cannibal
~ Lancaster Milk Stout
~ McKenzie Brew House Irma Extra
~ Nodding Head Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse
~ Sly Fox Saison Vos
~ Stewart's Dunkel Rico
~ Tröegs Perpetual IPA
~ Victory Summer Love
~ Weyerbacher Double Simcoe
~ Yards General Washington's Tavern Porter

And then, as you spread out around Festival's regional layout, here are an even 61 other beers from across the country that should, from my experience (because, really, is there anything worse than someone recommending something that they have not personally tasted?), be a delight if you've never had the pleasure.

~ (512) Pecan Porter
~ 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon Wheat
~ Alaskan Smoked Porter
~ AleSmith Speedway Stout
~ Allagash Coolship Resurgam
~ Anchor Liberty Ale
~ Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA
~ Bell's Kalamazoo Stout
~ Big River Grille Sweet Magnolia Brown
~ BJ's Jeremiah Red
~ Blind Tiger County Seat Wheat
~ Blue Point Toasted Lager
~ Boulevard Saison Brett
~ Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout
~ Brewer's Art Ozzy
~ Ommegang Abbey Ale
~ Brooklyn Sorachi Ace
~ Capital Autumnal Fire
~ Captain Lawrence Rosso e Marrone
~ Deschutes Black Butte Porter
~ Dogfish Head Red & White
~ Drake's Denogginizer
~ Fat Head's Head Hunter IPA
~ Firestone Walker Pale 31
~ Gella's American Wheat
~ Glenwood Canyon Vapor Cave
~ Goose Island Matilda
~ Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
~ Ithaca Le Bleu
~ Jolly Pumpkin Oro de Calabaza
~ Kona Longboard Lager
~ Lagunitas A Little Sumpin' Wild
~ Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan
~ Live Oak Pilz
~ Lost Abbey Framboise de Amorosa
~ Magnolia Proving Ground IPA
~ Maui Father Damien Abbey Ale
~ Mountain Sun Colorado Kind
~ Moylan's Hopsickle Imperial IPA
~ New Belgium La Folie
~ New Glarus Raspberry Tart
~ New Holland Charkoota Rye
~ Odell 90 Shilling
~ Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils
~ Penn Kaiser Pils
~ Port Brewing Wipeout IPA
~ Rahr's Ugly Pug
~ Real Ale Rio Blanco Pale Ale
~ Russian River Sanctification
~ Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower Beer
~ Shmaltz He'brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA
~ Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale
~ Southampton Publick House Cuvee des Fleurs
~ Southern Star Buried Hatchet Stout
~ Spoetzel Shiner Black Lager
~ Sprecher Black Bavarian
~ Stone Levitation Ale
~ SweetWater IPA
~ Titletown Canadeo Gold
~ Triple Rock IIMAXX
~ Trumer Pils

BTW, special thanks to the increasingly valuable services of BeerNews.org for the heads-up link.

Football and beer at TJ's and The Drafting Room

Two of my most frequented locals, TJ's in Paoli and The Drafting Room in Exton, have beer and food deals occurring throughout the NFL football season.

Some like to stay home and watch games; others like the social environment of a bar in which to take in the action.

At TJ's during all Eagles games, they will be featuring $3 Dortmunders from Great Lakes. While a fine choice, it makes me wonder if we should be throwing on our orange and brown and cheering for the Browns. A local thrown in for the spirit of the home team might be nice too. Their popular wings are also available at a discount: 10 for $7, 20 for $13, and 50 for $30.

Down at The Drafting Room, on Philadelphia Eagles game days and during all Monday Night Football games, they will be offering selected pints for $4, wings for $5, and pork sliders also for $5. As well, they're spanning the country with $3 can specials from 21st Amendment (Back in Black IPA and Brew Free or Die IPA), Oskar Blues (Dale's Pale Ale and Old Chubb Scottish Ale), and Sly Fox (Phoenix Pale Ale, Pikeland Pils, and Route 113 IPA)

Two establishments doing their part to provide great environments for enjoying football this fall.

Beer Calendar: What To Do in October 2011

GABF will be behind everyone by the time this calendar kicks into high gear. There will be some winners and some not-winning-as-much-as-they-thought-they-might. No matter, back here at home these guys are all winners and these events help to prove it.

If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.


$20 and under, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG) also included here


Philadelphia
Sat. 10/1 - Oktoberfest @Hop Angel, Philadelphia, PA (3:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin Beer Festival @The Institute, Philadelphia, PA (10:00am-2:00am; PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Franc-toberfest Gravity Kegs @The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-3:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Victory Brewing Pre-Party AND East Hundred show @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA (7:30pm; $10)
Sat. 10/1 - Midtown Village Fall Festival @Drury Street (McGillin's), Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG)
Sun. 10/2 - Oktoberfest Pre-Game Wheat Beer Breakfast @Hop Angel, Philadelphia, PA (11:00am-1:00pm; PAYG)
Sun. 10/2 - Oktoberfest @Hop Angel, Philadelphia, PA (1:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/5 - "WXPN Beer Week" with David Dye and PBC’s limited-edition World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Milkboy Coffee, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/5 - "WXPN Beer Week" with David Dye and PBC’s limited-edition World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/5 - Brewery Promo Night (Weyerbacher) @Falls Taproom, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/6 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @McMenamin's, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/6 - Philadelphia Brewing Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA (4:30pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/6 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Derek's, Philadelphia, PA (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/6 - Weyerbacher Sick Lineup @Varga Bar, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/7 - Free Sampling (New England Beers with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 10/7 - Free Beer Tasting (Victory) @Global Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 10/7 - Funky First Friday @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/7 - Beer Tasting (Tröegs) @Trolley Car Diner, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Fri. 10/7 - 3rd Anniversary Celebration @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA (PAYG)
Sat. 10/8 - Ales 4 Tails Outdoor Block Party @Hawthornes, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-9:00pm; $5 admission donation, PAYG $5 beers)
Sat. 10/8 - Terry's Beer Fest & the Iron Homebrewer's Finals @The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, PA (11:00am; PAYG)
Sat. 10/8 - Nod-toberfest @Nodding Head, Philadelphia, PA (PAYG)
Sat. 10/8 - OktoPBRfest @Philadelphia Bar & Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 10/11 - Sly Fox & Allagash Night @Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, PA (PAYG)
Fri. 10/14 - Free Sampling (Flying Dog) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 10/14 - Home Brew Legalization Day @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/15 - Thirstoberfest @Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/15 - Blocktoberfest @South Street betw. Broad & 17th, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm-8:00pm; Free admission + PAYG for drink tickets)
Tue. 10/18 - Yards Cerebus Release Party @Percy Street Barbecue, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-11:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/19 - Tröegs Tap Takeover @Khyber Pass Pub, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/20 - Lancaster Brewing Promo @Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA (4:30pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/20 - Nano Brewery Fest @Mugshots-Brewerytown, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; Free + PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - Third Friday - Jodi's Firkin @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (5:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - Omme-Dog-a-Gash Happy Hour @City Tap House, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - Free Sampling (Belgian Beers with Joe Sixpack) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Sat. 10/22 - Victory Village Breakfast @The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA (10:00am-1:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 10/25 - Doughnuts & Local Beer (for P.A.W.S.) @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA (11:00am-2:00am; PAYG)
Fri. 10/28 - Free Sampling (Winners Great Americian Beer Fest) @Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Mon. 10/31 - Pumpkinpalooza @Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 9/30-Thu. 10/6 - Oktoberfest @Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA (PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Bottle Funk @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA (PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Oktoberfest @downtown Ambler, PA (10:00am-5:00pm)
Mon. 10/3 - Meet Jerry Vietz and Drink Unibroue @Iron Hill Brewery, Maple Shade, NJ (6:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/7 - Pumpkin Beer Month (cask-conditioned Pumpkin Ale) @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, PA (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/14 - Pumpkin Beer Month (cask-conditioned Pumpkin/Honeycomb Ale) @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, PA (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Sun. 10/16 - Kegs and Eggs @Iron Hill Brewery, Media, PA (10:00am-1:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - Pumpkin Beer Month (Media's Belgian Rye IPA versus North Wales' Pumpkin Ale for title of Pumpkin King) @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, PA (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/22 - Octoberfest @Frontier Saloon, Folsom, PA (1:00pm-5:00pm; $15/$20)
Tue. 10/25 - Jolly Pumpkin Halloween @Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA (PAYG)
Fri. 10/28 - Pumpkin Beer Month (four from Iron Hill and two from Elysian) @Iron Hill Brewery, North Wales, PA (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 10/1 - Oktoberfest @Triumph, New Hope, PA (1:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/1 - Oktoberfest/Fall Beer Tasting @Veritas Wine and Spirits, Wilmington, DE (2:30pm-7:30pm; Free)
Sat. 10/1 - Oktoberfest @Frank A. Smith Beverage, Pottstown, PA (1:00pm-4:00pm; Free)
Sun. 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23 - OktoberFest @Stoudt's Brewery, Adamstown, PA (12:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG)
Sun. 10/2 - Victory Beer Garden @Downingtown Fall Fest, Downingtown, PA (12:00pm-4:00pm; Free, then PAYG)
Mon. 10/3 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Havana, New Hope, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 10/4 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Half Moon, Kennett Square, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 10/4 - PBC’s limited-edition David Dye/World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale @Station Taproom, Downingtown, PA (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/5 - A Night with De Struise @Station Taproom, Downingtown, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/6 - Charity Cask Night (featuring triple-hopped IPA to benefit Northeastern Pennsylvania American Diabetes Association) @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, PA (5:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/7 - Hop Attack! @Iron Hill Brewery, West Chester, PA (12:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/7 - Free Beer Tasting (Philadelphia Brewing) @Wegmans, Downingtown, PA (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free)
Fri. 10/7 - Firkin Friday (Vienna Red Lager) @Iron Hill Brewery, Phoenixville, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Sat. 10/8 - Oktoberfest @River Horse Brewery, Lambertville, NJ (1:00pm-6:00pm; PAYG)
Tue. 10/11 - Victory Cooks' Showdown @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA (6:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/14 - Dark Devil Sampling (Victory) @Wegmans, Malvern, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free)
Sat. 10/15 - DogFishFest @Union Jack's on the Manatawny, Boyertown, PA (1:00pm; PAYG)
Thu. 10/20 - Beerrelevance: The tastiest history lesson you've ever had @Total Wine, Claymont, DE (6:30pm-8:30pm; $15)
Thu. 10/20 - Charity Cask Night (featuring triple-hopped IPA to benefit Northeastern Pennsylvania American Diabetes Association) @Bethlehem Brew Works, Bethlehem, PA (5:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - 5 Year Anniversary @Iron Hill Brewery, Phoenixville, PA (5:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG)
Fri. 10/21 - Beer Tasting (Pumpkin Beers) @Washington House, Sellersville, PA (5:00pm; PAYG)
Wed. 10/26 - Tröegs Tap Takeover @Station Taproom, Downingtown, PA (6:00pm; PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Mon. 10/3 - Oktoberfest Dinner @Garces Trading Co., Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm; $75)
Tue. 10/4 - De Molen Beer Dinner @The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; $TBD)
Sat. 10/8 - Brews for Boobies @Various locations, Philadelphia, PA (12:00pm; $25 + PAYG)
Sat. 10/15 - Smörgåsbeer’d: A Beer Tasting @American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm-7:00pm; $25)
Thu. 10/20 - Oktoberfest & Beer Pairing @Healthy Bites-to-Go, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm; $55)
Sat. 10/22 - Beer Barons to Homebrewers @Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA (1:00pm; $25)
Sun. 10/23 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer @World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA (4:00pm; $35)
Tue. 10/25 - Women of Beer @MidAtlantic Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA (6:00pm-10:00pm; $150)
Thu. 10/27 - Sierra Nevada Beer Dinner @Tavern 17, Philadelphia, PA (6:30pm-9:00pm; $40)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 10/4 - Introduction to Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Wed. 10/5 - Victory Beer Dinner @The Melting Pot, Warrington, PA (6:00pm-9:00pm; $59)
Wed. 10/5 - Beer & Chocolate @Iron Hill Brewery, Maple Shade, NJ (7:00pm-9:00pm; $25)
Tue. 10/11 - Next Step Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Thu. 10/13 - Flying Fish Beer Tasting Class @Hobbs Coffee House, Swarthmore, PA (7:30pm-9:00pm; $30)
Mon. 10/17 - A Feurious Night, Beer Lovers Delight @Nectar, Berwyn, PA (6:00pm-9:00pm; $65)
Wed. 10/19 - Flying Dog Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA (7:00pm-9:00pm; $55)
Sat. 10/29 - Halloween Autumn Beer Brunch @High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ (12:00pm-3:00pm; $35/$40)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sat. 10/1 - EMSP Beer Fest @Emmaus Shopping Center, Emmaus, PA (1:00pm-5:00pm; $10/$30/$35)
Wed. 10/5 - Brewer's Dinner @Stewart's Brewing Company (6:30pm; $65)
Fri. 10/7 - Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Dinner @Washington House, Sellersville, PA (5:00pm; $59)
Fri. 10/7 - A Harvest Dinner pairing of Local Food, Beer, & Wine @Mill at The Stone Barn, Kennett Square, PA (7:00pm-11:00pm; $125)
Fri. 10/7 - Local Autumn Harvest Dinner with Weyerbacher @Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA (6:00pm; $85/$97)
Sat. 10/8 - Bethlehem Harvest Festival @downtown Bethlehem, PA (11:00am-9:00pm; Free admission, $20/$25 for beer samples 1pm-4pm)
Sat. 10/8 - Kennett Brewfest @downtown Kennett Square, PA (12:00pm-1:30pm, 2:00pm-6:00pm; $40/$65)
Sat. 10/8 - Oktoberfest @Isaac Newton's, Newtown, PA (12:00pm-3:00pm; $30)
Tue. 10/11 - Introduction to Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Bethlehem, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Wed. 10/12 - Trappist Beer Dinner featuring Chimay @Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown, PA (7:00pm; $65)
Thu. 10/13 - Brewmaster's Oktoberfest Beer Dinner @Iron Hill Brewery, West Chester, PA (7:00pm; $65)
Sat. 10/15 - Microfest @Stoudt's Brewery, Adamstown, PA (12:00pm-4:00pm; $TBD)
Sun. 10/16 - Wooden It Be Nice Dogfish Head Beer Dinner @Caffe Gelato, Newark, DE (6:00pm; $69)
Tue. 10/18 - Harvest Beer Dinner @Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA (6:00pm; $55)
Thu. 10/20 - Sugar Hill Cooks with Harlem Brewing Company @Blue Pear Bistro, West Chester, PA (7:00pm; $TBD)
Fri. 10/21 - Sierra Nevada Beer Dinner @Side Bar & Restaurant, West Chester, PA (5:00pm-7:00pm; $TBD)
Sat. 10/22 - Newtown's Original Brewfest @Newtown Swim Club, Newtown, PA (12:00pm-5:00pm; $10/$40/$70)
Sat. 10/22 - Bourbon, Beer, and Bryson II @Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, PA (5:00pm-8:00pm; $25/$45)
Sun. 10/23 - Delaware Wine & Beer Festival @Pizzadili Vineyards & Winery, Felton, DE (12:00pm-5:00pm; $25/$35)
Tue. 10/25 - Next Step Brewing Class @Keystone Homebrew Supply, Bethlehem, PA (6:30pm; $40)
Sat. 10/29 - Somers Point Craft Beer Fest @Somers Point Volunteer Fire Company #2 (12:00pm-4:00pm; $35/$50)

I love a great brown ale (yes, brown ales can be great), and now WXPN has one thanks to David Dye and Philadelphia Brewing Company

One of the most neglected beer styles these days just might be the brown ale. While they may lack some of the sex appeal of some other beer styles, at least as defined by today's geekerie and hype machines, I can't help but be excited to hear about a well-made brown ale.

Now I say this only with hope, but no way (yet) of knowing whether this new brown ale from Philadelphia Brewing Company will measure up. Familiar with some of the brewhouse talent in Kensington, I don't expect to be let down.

In the words of the press release, "the World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale is brewed in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the World Café radio program. The Broadcaster Brown Ale will be available on draught at select bars throughout the greater Philadelphia region beginning at the end of September."

The pictures contained herein were forwarded along to me from the special release event held on September 21 at the brewery with David Dye and the brewers that I unfortunately was not able to attend.

But, I'll be doing my best to make it out to one of the following host bars in the coming week to hopefully get a taste for myself. As the press release goes on to describe these events: "WXPN has arranged a World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale Beer Week from Octobert 3-6 at regional watering holes where the limited-edition beer will be available. Dye will serve as DJ and guest bartender, playing a special music mix while serving up the World Café brew. All Beer Week events will feature giveaways including World Café Broadcaster Brown Ale Beer pint glasses, Live @ the World Café CDs, music downloads and more."

Monday, October 3

Havana Restaurant and Catering
105 South Main Street, New Hope
5 p.m - 7 p.m.

The Princeton Sports Bar & Grill
128 Nassau Street, Princeton
8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Tuesday, October 4

Half Moon Restaurant and Saloon
108 West State Street, Kennett Square
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Station Taproom
207 West Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown
8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Wednesday, October 5

Milkboy Coffee
1100 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Johnny Brenda's
1201 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia
8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Thursday, October 6

McMenamin's Tavern
7170 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Derek's Restaurant
4411 Main Street, Philadelphia
8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Bell's Beer special distribution this week

Here are a few late entries to The Brew Lounge's September calendar of events that many of you will find of interest.

I received a nice note from Josh at Bell's Brewery. Yes, that Bell's Brewery from Michigan. The one that did the massive tap takeover during Philly Beer Week and delivers so many beers that get the geeks foaming.

They're in town the next few days to show off their Quinannan Falls Special Lager Beer, a 6.5% ABV "dry-hopped, strong lager that is usually only available on draft in Kalamazoo, MI".

I probably won't be able to make it out to any of the special events in the next few days, but trust if any of you do, you'll report back.

Here are the details straight from the brewery:

Tuesday, Sept. 27
Meet Derek from the brewery as Bell’s will be taking over Capone’s in Norristown starting at 6 p.m. In addition to Q-Falls, Amber, Best Brown, Cherry Stout, Consecrator Doppelbock, Kalamazoo Stout, Octoberfest, Oracle Double IPA, Porter, Two Hearted Ale IPA, and Wedding Ale will also be available on draft.

Call 610-279-4748 or visit them online caponesdraftlist.blogspot.com for more information.

Wednesday, Sept. 28
Bell’s will take over Jeremy’s Khyber Pass Pub in Philadelphia with Two Hearted, Porter, Consecrator, Q-Falls, Amber Ale, Oarsman Ale, and Expedition Stout on draft starting at 8 p.m.

Call 215-238-5888 or go to www.khyberpasspub.com for more information.

Thursday, Sept. 29
This first look at Q-Falls will be held at Blue Dog Tavern in Chalfont alongside Two Hearted, Porter, Consecrator, Amber, Pale Ale, Oarsman Ale, and Expedition Stout.

Call 215-997-9988 or go online to www.bluedog.cc for more information.

About Quinannan Falls Special Lager Beer:
Born in a dream, Quinannan Falls Special Lager Beer refers to a mythical place in the boreal north. While the waterfall may exist solely in Larry Bell’s imagination, the beer he remembered drinking there is now quite real. Quinannan Falls possesses the crisp, dry bitterness you’d expect from a German pilsner, but the use of highly aromatic hops from the Pacific Northwest in both the kettle & dry-hop invokes the fragrant pine forests that inspired this beer.

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 22 - September 30

Did you think last week's beer event calendar around the Philly region was crowded with over 30 events? This week's isn't much different. You wouldn't know that a bunch of the regular party people are getting ready to head out west to GABF.

My Houdini act continues this week as I'll miss much or all of this calendar.

Check out the entire September 2011 calendar over here.

If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.

Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/30 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples and chance to vote for Samuel Adams Beer Lover's Choice)

@Capone's, Norristown, PA--- Thu. 9/22 - Southern Tier Draft Specials (11:30am; PAYG for 2XIPA, Crème Brûlée, Gemini Imperial Blended Ale, Harvest Ale, Oat Imperial Oatmeal Stout, Iniquity Imperial Black Ale, Mokah Stout, and Pumking)

@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/22 - Keep the Pint Night (5:00pm; PAYG for a night of Sly Fox's Pikeland Pils, Royal Weisse, Black Raspberry Reserve, Falconer's Flight Pale, and Belgian Blonde)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Fegley's beers)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Fri. 9/30 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Flying Fish's beers)

@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Free Samples (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Crispin Cider)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA--- Sat. 9/24 - Free Samples (12:00pm-2:00pm; Free tasting samples of Blue Moon Pale Moon)
@Goshen Beverage, West Chester, PA--- Sat. 9/24 - Free Samples (4:30pm-6:30pm; Free tasting samples of Weyerbacher's beers)

@Iron Hill Brewery, Newark, DE--- Fri. 9/23 - Pumpkin Ale Release Party (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG for the first pints of his most popular fall seasonal beer.)

@Roosevelt's Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/29 - Cape of Good Hope & The Fleeting Ends (8:30pm; $8 Cover & PAYG for a special music night with The Fleeting Ends. Joining them will be Ron Gallo of Toy Soldiers with special guest the Levee Drivers. And they will be pouring Cape of Good Hope)

@Superior Beverage, Phoenixville, PA--- Fri. 9/30 - Free Beer Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Philadelphia Brewing's beers)

@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/30 - Spaten Oktoberfest Night (6:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG for beer by Spaten, delicious German food by Chef Eric, and for music, Spaten rep Tom Neuhauser will be on hand with his accordion. If you come dressed in lederhosen or a dirndl, Tom might have a nice goody for you.)

@The Institute, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/22 - Yelp Movie Club Night (7:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG for Back to School on the big screen and discounted Flying Fish ESB & HopFish on tap)

@Wegmans, Downingtown, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Free Beer Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Philadelphia Brewing's beers)


Alles ist Gut at Oktoberfest celebrations
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of American Oktoberfests with Joe Sixpack)

@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, PA--- Mon. 9/19-Sat. 9/24 - Oktoberfest (12:00pm; PAYG for a week of nightly fun culminating in a block party on the 24th with plenty of live music, pig roast, and tons of tons of tons of Bavarian Bier.)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/24-Sun. 9/25 - Oktoberfest (3:00pm-7:00pm, 1:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG for the first of 3 weekends of Oktoberfest fun. Music, beer, food and more. Out back weather permitting, inside if rainy. Free sausage sandwich to anyone wearing lederhosen or a dirndl.)
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, PA--- Sun. 9/25 - Oktoberfest Pre-Game Wheat Beer Breakfast (11:00am-1:00pm; PAYG to start off your Oktoberfesting right with a wheat beer breakfast.)

@Standard Tap, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/23-Thu. 9/29 - Sausage Fest (PAYG to enjoy Oktoberfest beers and wieners of all varieties all week long)

@Stoudt's Brewery, Adamstown, PA--- Sat. 9/24-Sun. 9/25 - OktoberFest opening weekend (12:00pm; PAYG as gates open at noon, music from 2 to 6, and food available from 1-5pm)

@United German Hungarian Club, Oakford, PA--- Fri. 9/23-Sun. 9/25 - Oktoberfest (PAYG with plenty of free parking. Featuring live German Music and traditional Bavarian Dancers. Home-cooked Bavarian food, desserts, and refreshments all weekend long! Soccer Games throughout the weekend)

@With Love Garden at The Four Seasons, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Oktoberfest (5:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG for featured seasonal beers from Victory Brewing Company, including one of the last opportunities to enjoy the Summer Love Ale collaboration beer from GPTMC and Victory. Also on tap will be Victory Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest-style Festbier, which will be paired with tasty Oktoberfest-inspired treats from Executive Chef Rafael Gonzalez and his culinary team.)


Food and Beer events
@Hawthornes, Philadelphia, PA--- Sun. 9/25 - Friends of Hawthornes Beer Dinner (6:30pm-8:30pm; $50 for a 3-course dinner paired with New Belgium's Somersault, Fat Tire, Ranger, and Mother Ship Wit)

@High Street Caffe/Vudu, West Chester, PA--- Mon. 9/26 - ALS Beer Dinner with Yards ($55/$75 for a five-course meal paired with Philly Pale Ale, Brawler, Thomas Jefferson Ale, Cape of Good Hope IPA, and Bourbon Barrel-Aged Love Stout)

@Midatlantic Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/29 - Birdies, Beer, & Booze (6:00pm; $40/$60 for a five-course meal paired with a handful of spirits and Dock Street's OMG Pale Ale, Kölsch, OMG Pale Ale/Dry Hopped Firkin, Rye IPA, and Man Full of Trouble Porter)

@Morris Arboretum, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/22 - Beer Tasting and Dinner (7:00pm-9:00pm; $50/$55 for an Ales of the Revolution Dinner, modeled on the annual City Tavern dinner during Philly Beer Week)

@Triumph Brewing, Princeton, NJ--- Sat. 9/24 - Texas Bar-B-Que & Craft Beer Fest (1:00pm-5:00pm; $50 for a festival of beer, live music, and food by Hambone Opera Catering)

@Victory Brewing, Downingtown, PA--- Sun. 9/25 - Bike Fresh Bike Local (7:00am; $40/$45 for your choice of a 25, 50 or 75 mile bike route on some of the area's most beautiful roads, delicious local foods lunch, and an award-winning Victory draft beer)


Special Events with a little something extra
@Cooperage Wine & Whiskey Bar, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 9/28 - Victory Village Celebration of Beer and Coffee (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG for this celebrated brown ale with coffee served along with plenty of other Victory brews, unique coffee-inspired dishes, and some excellent One Village coffee)

@Harry's Savoy Grill, Wilmington, DE--- Fri. 9/23 - Grapes vs. Grains (7:00pm-10:00pm; $75/$140 for a selection of great wine against Dogfish Head craft beers -- My Antonia, Red & White, and Black & Blue -- with each course and you will deside which paired better combo)

@Iron Hill Brewery, Newark, DE--- Thu. 9/22 - Pick Me A Winner (6:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG to pick which beer will win a medal at the Great American Beer Festival and win 1000 Mug Club points.)

@Khyber Pass Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/24 - Ryes Above (12:00pm; PAYG for tasty rye brews from Founders, Sixpoint, Bear Republic, and more)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 9/28 - Back to School Staff Beer Training (12:00pm; Free/PAYG to learn about some of the beer on our menu in depth along with our staff. Four ounce pours of each beer we will discuss are being offered as our treat to you during the class.)

@Total Wine, Claymont, DE--- Thu. 9/29 - Beerrelevance: The tastiest history lesson you've ever had (6:30pm-8:30pm; $15 for a class that includes beer selections, tasting sheets, take-home educational materials, and discounts on the beer presented in class.)

@Tria, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/22 - Beer 101 (6:30pm-8:00pm; $50 as Tria founder and beer aficionado Jon Myerow brings beer down to earth with a tasting and discussion that will enhance your enjoyment and confidence in any beer situation.)


Fall Beer Festivals continue
@The Stocking Works, Newtown, PA--- Sat. 9/24 - Newtown Beerfest 2011 (12:30pm-5:30pm; $10/$40/$75 to sample from over 80 breweries)

@The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA--- Sun. 9/25 - Taste of Fall (1:00pm-5:00pm; $10-$60 for a festive afternoon in the outdoors filled with food, wine, and beer tastings, activities, and live music. Enjoy items for sale from local farms, specialty food vendors, and select artists. Bring your children to enjoy a variety of activities in the children’s area.)

@Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/23 - Smoke 'em if Yous Got 'em (2:00pm-6:30pm; $25/$50/$60 for an annual tribute to smoked beer, smoked food, smoked cheese, smoked everything)


And a Homebrewing Event
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Bethlehem, PA--- Wed. 9/28 - Next Step Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 to 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.)

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 15 - September 21

If this type of foolishness keeps up, I'm gonna need an intern. I'm getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome working on this calendar. I mean, c'mon, is there an area of the country with a more aggressive (and interesting) set of brewers, distributors, and publicans that take the (beer) ball and run with it? Even without the Oktoberfest celebrations that really kick off the season this coming weekend, there are still over 30 beer events scheduled running the gamut from free tastings to the more expensive sit down beer dinner type of events.

My non-beer life is winning currently, so I trust you'll get out there and take in some of the scene for me as I continue my Houdini act.

Check out the entire September 2011 calendar over here.

If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.

Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Beer World, Roslyn, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Free Beer Tasting (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Philadelphia Brewing's beers)

@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tastings samples of German Fest beers)

@Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - Movie Night (9:00pm; PAYG for a night of discounted beer and food and Urban Roots on the big screen)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Friday Night Sampling (5:00pm-7:00pm; Free tasting samples of Victory)

@Global Beer Distributors, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Free Beer Tasting (4:30pm-6:30pm; Free tastings samples of Philadelphia Brewing)

@Local 44, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - Life & Limb Collaboration Night (5:00pm; PAYG for this collaboration brewed with pure maple syrup from the Calagione family farm in Massachusetts and estate barley grown on the Grossman "farm" at the brewery in Chico, CA)

@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Third Friday Jodi's Firkin (5:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG for a special firkin from Jodi Stoudt)


Ein, Zwei, Viel Oktoberfest celebrations
@Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Capital City Invitational Beer Fest (2:00pm-9:00pm; $15/$35/$40 for 25+ breweries from Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region as well as some awesome brew friendly vendors.)

@Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia, PA--- Mon. 9/19-Sat. 9/24 - Oktoberfest (12:00pm; PAYG for a week of nightly fun culminating in a block party on the 24th with plenty of live music, pig roast, and tons of tons of tons of Bavarian Bier.)

@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Oktoberfest (PAYG)

@Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Oktoberfest (5:30pm-9:00pm; $25/$45/$50 for a festive night of authentic German dancing and delicious food from Outback Steakhouse of Conshohocken, Dave & Busters of Plymouth Meeting, Zone's Catering, and ShopRite of East Norrition, complemented by sampling a wide variety of seasonal and craft beers.)

@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17-Sun. 9/18 - Oktoberfest (3:00pm-7:00pm, 1:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG for the first of 3 weekends of Oktoberfest fun. Music, beer, food and more. Out back weather permitting, inside if rainy. Free sausage sandwich to anyone wearing lederhosen or a dirndl.)
@Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia, PA--- Sun. 9/18 - Oktoberfest Pre-Game Wheat Beer Breakfast (11:00am-1:00pm; PAYG to start off your Oktoberfesting right with a wheat beer breakfast.)


Food and Beer events
@Allentown Brew Works, Allentown, PA--- Thu. 9/15 - Samuel Smith Beer Dinner (7:00pm-9:30pm; $50 for a four course meal paired with Samuel Smith beers like Organic Ale, Organic Cherry Ale, Nut Brown Ale, and Oatmeal Stout and Brew Works' beers like The Second Coming ESB, Amber Lager, Steelgaarden Wit, Kilo Imperial Honey Brown Ale, and Devious Imperial Pumpkin Ale)

@DiBruno Bros., Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - An Evening with The Brewer, The Farmer, The Chef, and The Goat (6:00pm-8:00pm; $45 for a night focused on all things goat. There will be interactive tasting stations that include plentiful and various preparations of goat and goat cheese.)

@Éclat, West Chester, PA--- Fri. 9/16 - Eclat Chocolate and Beer (6:30pm-8:00pm, 8:30pm-10:00pm; $45)

@Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Brews, Blues, & BBQ (1:00pm-5:00pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm; $45 for a sampling of 100 or more craft beers from around the world. There will be free food for your enjoyment and judging. 15 or more Barbecue masters from around the Philadelphia area will be competing for the Best of Philly in 3 different categories: Brisket, chicken and of course, ribs.)

@General Sutter Inn, Lititz, PA--- Sun. 9/18 - Beer and Cheese Tasting (4:30pm; $30)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA--- Wed. 9/21 - Russian River Beer Dinner (7:00pm-9:00pm; $60 for a five-course meal featuring Redemption, Sanctification, Pliny the Elder, Temptation, and Salvation)

@Maloney's Pub & Grill, Matawan, NJ--- Sat. 9/17 - Yards Ales of the Revolution Dinner (7:15pm; $55 for a four-course meal paired with Yards' Philadelphia Pale Ale, George Washington’s Tavern Porter, Poor Richard’s Tavern Ale, and Thomas Jefferson’s Tavern Ale. Four other beers from Yards will be on tap during the evening as well.)

@Side Bar, West Chester, PA--- Wed. 9/21 - Sierra Nevada Beer Dinner (7:00pm; $55 for a creative 5 to 7 course dinner)


Special Events with a little something extra
@Allentown, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Craft Beer Bus Tour (11:00am; $65 for a tour that includes samples of beer at each location (Fegley's, Triumph, Weyerbacher) along with a behind the scene, V.I.P. tour of their brewing and packaging facility. We give you snacks and water on the bus and the Quizzo lady has promised to show up and challenge your mind.)

@Iron Abbey, Horsham, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Festivus Humulus Hopfest (PAYG for 17 "normal" drafts and 1 firkin (2pm tapping) of IPAs and giveaways from Fanatic 97.5 FM giveaways)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 9/21 - Back to School Staff Beer Training (12:00pm; PAYG for a chance to learn about some of the beer on our menu in depth along with our staff. Four ounce pours of each beer we will discuss are being offered as our treat to you during the class.)

@Mile Post Pub inside Whole Foods, Devon, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - Beer School (7:30pm-8:30pm; $35 for six or seven miscellaneous beer, a bottle of each to take home, a bottle of water and snack, food/cheese/dessert pairing suggestions plus a recipe, a take-home empty pub glass, an empty growler, and some other pub swag.)

@Monk's Café, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - International Zwanze Day (3:00pm; PAYG for this unique and exclusive event)

@Pinocchio's, Media, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - Stone Tap Takeover (6:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG for beer tastings, food, and special edition Pinocchio's/Stone growlers)

@Schuylkill River Banks under the Walnut Street Bridge, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - Blues & Brews on the Banks (5:00pm-8:00pm; $35 for a fun evening of food from The Dapper Dog, drinks, and live music performed by the Brian LaPann Trio to benefit maintenance and operations of the Schuylkill Banks and greenway. All monies raised will go towards the purchase of a new maintenance vehicle for the Grays Ferry portion of the trail.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA--- Tue. 9/20 - Allagash Alley (PAYG for no less than five taps from this rock star brewery. Expect to see some rare vintage bottles poured as well.)

@The Sidecar Bar & Grille, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/15 - Sibling Rivalry (PAYG for Mikkeller's Black Hole/Bourbon, Draft Bear, US Alive/Brett, and Drinkin' In The Sun and Evil Twin's Soft Dookie, Biscotti Break, Ryan And The Easter Bunny, and B/D/A Christmas)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA--- Mon. 9/19 - Girls Just Wanna Have Suds 2 (6:00pm; $30 gets you locally sourced produce and cheeses from girls who aren’t afraid to get down in the dirt. Beers include: Sunrise; Summer Love; Kölsch; and Helios)


Anniversary Celebrations
@London Grill, Philadelphia, PA--- Mon. 9/19 - 20th Anniversary Party (5:00pm-9:00pm; $40 for Beer & Cheese Pairings from Nodding Head, DiBruno Bros. and Stoudt’s)

@Resurrection Ale House, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 9/21 - Two Year Anniversary Party (5:00pm; PAYG for a Twice-Fried Chicken Goodness (starting at noon) and special draft list after 5pm including De Dolle Dulle Teve, St. Bernardus 12, Schneider Aventinus Eisbock--poured from a wooden barrel off the bar, Leipziger Gose, Green Flash West Coast IPA, Sly Fox Pikeland Pils, Victory Headwaters Pale Ale on Cask, and Dogfish Head Chateau Jiahu--Randalized with Sake-Soaked Hop Leaves)


Fall Beer Festivals get underway
@Battleship New Jersey, Camden, NJ--- Sat. 9/17 - Brew Blast on the Battleship (1:00pm-5:00pm; $45 for over 50 craft and specialty beers)

@Jenkintown Town Square, Jenkingtown, PA--- Sun. 9/18 - Beer Fest at Jenkintown Festival of the Arts (1:00pm-6:00pm; $25 gets you admittance to the brewfest, a sporty wristband, a commemorative sampling cup, and all the samples you care to enjoy during the time taps are open.)


And a Homebrewing Event
@Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/17 - West Philly Homebrew Competition (1:00pm-3:00pm; $7 for the experience of all of the participating wonderful homebrews in addition to voting privileges for the "People’s Choice Award".)

Weekly Beer Calendar Update: September 8 - September 14

I'm gonna be (mostly) off the Philly Beer Grid for the next few weeks and that's a shame seeing the wealth of events from which to choose. Take the next seven days as an example.

I know you'll play your part in helping pick up the slack for me.

Better yet, if you attend an event and have any words or pictures to share from the event, feel free to drop them my way and I'll feature you as a guest in The Brew Lounge.

Check out the entire September 2011 calendar over here.

If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.

Special Tastings, Brewery Promos, and Samplings
@Bell Beverage, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/2 - Free Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of pumpkin beers with Joe Sixpack)

@Brewhouse Grille, Camp Hill, PA--- Thu. 9/8 - Stone/Tröegs Collaboration Keg Tapping (5:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG for a rare keg appearance of the chocolate, and sort of cherry, stout)

@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Thu. 9/8 - Thursday Night Sampling (3:00pm-4:30pm; Free tasting samples of Yuengling Light Lager plus a Darren Daulton appearance)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Fri. 9/9 - Friday Night Sampling (4:00pm-6:00pm; Free tasting samples of Leinenkugel)
@Exton Beverage, Exton, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Saturday Sampling (1:00pm-4:00pm; Free tasting samples of canned craft beer)

@Farmhouse Tavern, Doylestown, PA--- Thu. 9/8 - Victory Promo Night (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG as they feature Victory promotions with giveaways.)

@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 9/8 - Straub Night (7:00pm-9:00pm; PAYG for Straub Special Dark on tap and Straub Regular in cans. The first 48 people who order Straub Special Dark keep the glass.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA--- Thu. 9/8 - River Horse Night (PAYG for food, fun, and firkins from NJ's River Horse brewery)


Iron Hill has enough events this week, they get their own category
@Iron Hill Brewery, Newark, DE--- Fri. 9/9 - Oktoberfest Release Party (5:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG for the first pints of this year's only batch of Oktoberfest.)
@Iron Hill Brewery, Phoenixville, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Heavy Medals (12:00pm-5:00pm; PAYG to taste GABF '11 contenders: Roggenbier, Schwarzbier, Abbey Dubbel, Belgian Tripel, Saison, Maibock, Pig Iron Porter, Vienna Lager, and Ironbound Ale)
@Iron Hill Brewery, Wilmington, DE--- Sat. 9/10 - Big Beers Small State (3:00pm-8:00pm; PAYG to enjoy beers from Iron Hill and 6 other Delaware-based breweries.)
@Iron Hill Brewery, Media, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Farm to Table Supper (7:00pm-10:00pm; $75 for a five-course meal paired with Bob Barrar's Belgian Tripel, Ironbound Ale, Vienna Red Lager, Maniac Alt, and Abbey Dubbel)


Classes and Education
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA--- Fri. 9/9 - Next Step Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 for this class that is 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.)
@Keystone Homebrew Supply, Montgomeryville, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Introduction to Brewing Class (1:00pm; $40 for this class for 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, Bethlehem, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Introduction to Brewing Class (6:30pm; $40 for this class for 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.)

@Mile Post Pub inside Whole Foods, Devon, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Beer School (7:30pm-8:30pm; $35 for six or seven Belgian styles of beer, a bottle of each to take home, a bottle of water and snack, food/cheese/dessert pairing suggestions plus a recipe, a take-home empty pub glass, an empty growler, and some other pub swag.)

@Total Wine, Claymont, DE--- Thu. 9/8 - Beer 101: Get your suds on (6:30pm-8:30pm; $15 for a class that includes beer selections, tasting sheets, take home educational materials, and discounts on the beer presented in class.)


Large gatherings of beer and beer lovers
@Bube's Brewery, Mount Joy, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Beerfest (2:00pm; $TBD for tastings of several local brewery's best current offerings, including ours. Also taste the beer of the winners of Bube's 4th Annual Homebrew Contest.)

@High Street Grill, Mount Holly, NJ--- Sat. 9/10 - American IPA Festival (7:00pm; $40/$45 for for All-American IPAs, All you can eat blue claw crabs, Bratwurst and Kraut, and $5 of every ticket goes to fund the 2012 St. Patrick's Day Parade)

@Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Pils Picnic (12:00pm; PAYG Brooklyn Pils, Dock Street Bohemian Pils, Sixpoint Sehr Crisp Pils, Sly Fox Pikeland Pils, Southampton Keller Pils, Standard Pils, Troeg’s Sunshine Pils, Twin Lakes Route 52 Pilsner, Victory Braumeister Pils with Saaz hops, Victory Braumeister Pils with Sladek hops, and Victory Braumeister Pils with Tettnang hops. And, a firkin of Stoudt’s Pils. Plus the Victory Beer Barrel. Picnic fare on the menu. Expect housemade hot dogs, cold fried chicken, deviled eggs, and potato salad.)

@The Drafting Room, Exton, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Rogue Brewery (12:00pm; PAYG for John John Dead Guy Ale, John John Hazelnut, XS Imperial IPA, Maierfest Lager, Double Chocolate Stout, Double Dead Guy Ale, Chatoe Rogue OREgasmic Ale, Morimotot Soba Ale, Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout (Nitro), Chipotle Ale, Somer Orange Honey Ale, Smoke Ale, Dad's Little Helper Black IPA, and cask-conditioned Dead Guy. Plus, Specialty West Coast Oysters & Artisanal Cheeses from Rogue's Award Winning Creamery)

@The Farmers' Cabinet, Philadelphia, PA--- Fri. 9/9-Sat. 9/10 - Session Beer Fest (3:00pm-11:30pm; PAYG)

@Union Jack's on the Manatawny, Boyertown, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Saisons in the Sun (1:00pm; PAYG for Allagash/ De Proef Les Duex Brasseurs, Avery Eighteen, Coronado Saison by the Sea, Lost Abbey Carnavale, New Holland Farmhouse Hatter, Port Mongo, Pretty Things Jack D'or, Russian River Blind Pig, Russian River Pliny the Elder, Sly Fox/De Proef Broederlijke Liefde, Stillwater Cellar Door, Stillwater Existent, Stillwater Stateside, Stillwater/Brewers Art Debutante, and Voodoo Bitchin Camaro. Frecon Farms Hogshead Cider will also be featured. Live music TBA)


Miscellaneous Fun Times
@Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Beer Fest at the Ballpark (2:00pm-7:00pm; $15-$50 for Different Beers from 25+ Craft Breweries all while listening to Live Band & DJ Music and indulging on Great Ballpark Food. Also, a 50/50 Raffle for Great Prizes)

@Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Movie Night (9:00pm; PAYG for beer and food specials and 'Conan O'Brien: Can't Stop' on the projector)

@Memphis Taproom, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 9/14 - Back to School Staff Beer Training (12:00pm; PAYG for a chance to learn about some of the beer on our menu in depth along with our staff. Four ounce pours of each beer we will discuss are being offered as our treat to you during the class.)

@Teresa's Next Door, Wayne, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Zwet.be vs. Exportation (PAYG for a crazy night of soured beers, hoppy beers, and some Sierra products like Tumbler, Life and Limb, 1 or 2 Torpedos, Pale, and a Bigfoot sixtel. What does it all mean?)

@Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA--- Tue. 9/13 - Victory Cooks' Showdown (6:00pm-7:00pm; PAYG as one back of house Chef and one front of house Sous Chef will battle it out)


Only two beer events this week with a food focus?
@Ron's Original, Exton, PA--- Wed. 9/14 - Carol Stoudt and the West Chester Beer Ladies (7:00pm-10:00pm; $20 to hear from Carol Stoudt about Women in the Beer Industry and four courses of food paired with Stoudt's Oktoberfest, Gold, Scarlet Lady, and Porter)

@The Grey Lodge Pub, Philadelphia, PA--- Sat. 9/10 - Founders Breakfast Stout Breakfast (10:00am-1:00pm; PAYG as they'll have a bunch of Founders on tap, including their famous Breakfast Stout, and some pint glass to give away too. And we of course will have our tasty breakfast menu, including our great Strawberry Challah French Toast. September 10th will also mark the introduction of Whiskey Donuts to our breakfast menu. And if that ain't enough for you, we will break out the case of Founders KBS we have been cellaring.)