There's this little trip to Belgium next week

Post by The Brew Lounge.

Remember that raffle that I won in December from Philly Beer Week and 12% Imports? Well, it's finally here. Not that it snuck up on me all that much, but any ideas I had about preparing adequately to maximize my travels have all but evaporated at this point.

I know I have a flight, a hotel room, and a valid passport. The weather looks clear (and cold) leaving Philly and overcast/rainy (and not quite as cold) when arriving in Brussels.

Beyond that, oy.

That's not really true, though. The level of communication has been much higher than expected amongst all the principals involved in the trip. Brian Ewing of 12% Imports (the importer of the host brewery, Hof ten Dormaal) is picking up the travel tab for myself and the brewer I tapped, John Stemler of Free Will Brewing, and has been playing his liaison role between the brewing entities on both sides of the pond. This role has become even more critical in light of the devastating fire that HtD suffered earlier in January. They continue to work like crazy at their brewery just east of Brussels to prepare for our brew day on February 5.

The dialogue between the brewers, myself, Tom Peters (of Monk's Cafe), William Reed (Standard Tap), Casey Parker (Jose Pistolas), and others around the recipe specifications has also taken on a life of its own in long-running e-mail conversations. While it's still too soon to say with 100% certainty, you can bet we'll be talking about the recipe next week as we tweet, burp, share, post, blog, bleep, blurp, write, and take pictures along the way. The free-wheeling conversation leading up to the trip has been fun and educational for me as an outsider to the professional brewing world — or at least to the part that involves recipe formulation, ingredient planning and sourcing, etc.

Side threads have also sprouted in e-mail around other group excursions apart from brew day. Staying in Brussels, Cantillon is an obvious choice. Drie Fonteinen and Boon are also likely visits. As he has taken the lead in planning these additional visits, the respect that Tom Peters garners in his home away from home in Belgium is immediately obvious.

Finally, as Stemler and I will both be coming into Belgium prior to the larger group (we expect a total of 11 from Philly, I think is our last count, in the complete traveling group), he has been taking the lead in establishing other brewery meetups and possible brew days in order to further his professional relationships abroad during this trip.

So my rough count is that there have been over 130 e-mails over the past few weeks leading up to what should be a most-excellent trip. Now, it's time for me to count some Euros I have at my home desk and figure out if/how to get more. Set up my international data and calling plan. Figure out the best route into the city from the airport (likely the train). Determine which, if any, "gift beers" I'd like to pack for the new friends we make over there. Clothes, toiletries? Eh, minor stuff!

Oh, and the minor footnote of being 89% of the way through editing my 416-page book manuscript, due by the end of this week--is that today?! Separate story for a different day. Maybe I'll write something about it on the plane ride to Belgium.

While I'm in Belgium, expect to see updates here at The Brew Lounge. I'll also be forwarding some material to Philly.com for Michael Klein to include in his column. Philly Beer Week will also have some fun content that we'll be chipping in with along the way. And the usual social media outlets — The Brew Lounge on Facebook and The Brew Lounge on Twitter — should be alive and well during this trip and full of fun things found, heard, and tasted along the way.

Here we go....

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Beer Calendar: What To Do in February 2015

Love is in the air this second month of 2015. February begins with a big football game, groundhog day, hits the middle of the month with the firkinteenth and Valentine's Day, and rounds out the month with a few festivals.

Not too shabby for a 28-day month.

While not really qualifying as an event, I still feel inclined to share with you that I'll be helping make a beer in Belgium the first week of the month. John Stemler from Free Will and I will be joining a Philly Beer Week contingent as part of the PBW '15 collaboration brewing trip. My part, you may recall, is the result of winning the annual raffle back in December. Read about it over here at Monk's Cafe's website and follow along on Philly Beer Week's website

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


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

Philadelphia
Sun. 2/1 - Super Bowl Partaaay at Sancho Pistola's in Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 2/1 - Super Bowl XLIX Party at Dock Street Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 2/1 - Super Fowl V at Varga in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 2/1 - Super Bowl XLIX at Perch Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 2/1 - National Gruit Day at Earth Bread + Brewery in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Sun. 2/1 - German-style Pigskin Party at Brauhaus Schmitz in Philadelphia, Pa. ($20)
Sun. 2/1 - Super Bowl XLIX Party at City Tap House (University City) in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Mon. 2/2 - Groundhog Day Hawaiian Shirt Beer Breakfast & Lucky Cat Beer Prognostication at The Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 a.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 2/2 - Brew Forecast at Perch Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 2/3 - Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/6 - Beer Tasting at Craft Beer Outlet in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 2/6 - Do Good Brewery Release Party at Bottle Bar East in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/7 - One Year Anniversary at Madira in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 2/8 - Band of Brewers at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $20 + $PAYG)
Sun. 2/8 through Sat. 2/14 - Ballast Point Tasting Menu at Beast and Ale in Philadelphia, Pa. ($28)
Tue. 2/10 - Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/12 - Stouts & Oysters at Sansom Street Oyster Hosue in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 2/13 - Friday the Firkinteenth at The Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/14 - Be my Valentine Bells Brewing at Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 2/17 - Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/19 - Midwest Beer Night at Barcade in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/21 - Conshohocken Brewing Pig Roast at The Institute in Philadelphia, Pa. (2 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 2/24 - Tuesday Tapping at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG.)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 2/4 - Straub Draft Event at Capone's in Norristown, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/5 - First Thursday Tasting at Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $Free)
Thu. 2/5 - Ithaca Event at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/5 - New Stuff from Sierra Nevada at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 2/6 - Polar Bear Plunge Outdoor Patio Party at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/6 - Tap Takeover at Uno Chicago Grill in Deptford, NJ (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/7 - Summit is Back at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Thu. 2/12 - Lagunitas Event at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/13 - Oxbow Industry Luncheon at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/13 - Firkin February Friday at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/20 - Firkin February Friday at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/20 - Something Hoppy Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in North Wales, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/24 - Heavy Seas and ALEiens night at Hulmeville Inn in Hulmeville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/26 - Port/Lost Abbey Event at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/27 - Firkin February Friday at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Sun. 2/1 - HHHoppy Super Bowl Sunday at The Fridge in Lancaster, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 2/3 - Victory Night at Molly's Pub in Lancaster, Pa. (9 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 2/4 - Charity Cask Night (February's beer: TBA) at Allentown Brew Works in Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/5 - Tröegsuary at McGrath's in Harrisburg, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/5 - Bell's Brewery Tap Takeover at CJ's Doghouse in Kulpsville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/5 - Charity Cask Night (February's beer: TBA) at Bethlehem Brew Works in Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/6 - Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville and Pottstown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/6 - Beer Sampling (Yards) at Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. (3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 2/6 - Friday Night Beer Tasting (Duck-Rabbit) at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/6 - Tröegs Night at Blue Dog Pub in Lansdale, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 2/10 - 19 Years of Victory Beers at The Fridge in Lancaster, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/13 - Tap Takeover at Rio Station in Rio Grande, NJ ($PAYG)
Fri. 2/13 - Rose Tripel Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/13 - Shokolad Stout Limited Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in West Chester, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 2/14 - Chocolate and Beer at CJ's Doghouse in Kulpsville, Pa. (3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 2/15 through Sun. 2/22 - Lehigh Valley Beer Week at establishments around the Lehigh Valley, Pa. (see website for a current schedule of events.)
Thu. 2/19 - Girl Scout Cookie Pairing at CJ's Doghouse in Kulpsville, Pa. ($19)
Fri. 2/20 - Third Friday Firkin Fest at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 2/22 - Chili Challenge at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. (12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 2/26 - Tap Takeover with Bell’s Brewery at Isaac Newton’s in Newtown, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 2/27 - Stoudts Brewing Company Tap Takeover at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Sun. 2/1 - Super Bowl XLIX at Field House in Philadelphia, Pa. ($35)
Wed. 2/4 - Beer & Chocolate at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $35)
Wed. 2/4 - Suds Sessions Beer Dinner at Kings Oak in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $35)
Wed. 2/4 - Neshaminy Creek Beer Dinner at Crow and The Pitcher in Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.; $85)
Fri. 2/6 - The Philly 0.0 at Victory Beer Hall in Philadelphia, Pa. (5:30 p.m.; $28-$35)
Sat. 2/7 - Beer & Brewing 101 at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $39.98)
Wed. 2/11 - Suds Sessions Beer Dinner at Kings Oak in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $35)
Sat. 2/14 - Valentine's Day at Varga in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m. and 9 p.m. seatings; $55)
Sun. 2/15 - The Goose Island Sweet Heart Dinner at City Tap House (University City) in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $75)
Wed. 2/18 - Suds Sessions Beer Dinner at Kings Oak in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $35)
Sat. 2/21 - Bierfest at German Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; $45-$75)
Sat. 2/21 - Beats, Brews, & BBQ at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, Pa. (12 p.m.; $45-$60)
Sat. 2/21 - Belgian Beer Experience at Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $47.98)
Tue. 2/24 - Tomme Arthur Lost Abbey Dinner at Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $100)
Wed. 2/25 - Suds Sessions Beer Dinner at Kings Oak in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $35)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 2/3 - Southern Comfort Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Maple Shade, NJ (7 p.m.; $65)
Wed. 2/11 - Wine vs. Beer Dinner at Iron Abbey in Horsham, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)
Sat. 2/14 - Valentine's Chef Special Dinner at Dog & Bull in Croydon, Pa. (5 p.m.; $90)
Sat. 2/14 - Valentine's Day Dinner at Forest & Main in Ambler, Pa. (Details TBA.)
Tue. 2/17 - Bootlegger’s Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. (7 p.m.; $65)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 2/4 - Dogfish Head Brewery and Washington State Wines at The Inn Keeper's Kitchen in West Chester, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $70)
Fri. 2/6 - Blind Tasting at CJ's Doghouse in Kulpsville, Pa. (3 p.m.; $23)
Fri. 2/6 - Cape May Brewing Company Beer Dinner at Ruth's Chris in Atlantic City, NJ (6:30 p.m.; $65)
Fri. 2/6 - Victory Beer Dinner at Greenfield Restaurant & Bar in Lancaster, Pa. (6:30 p.m.; $57)
Fri. 2/6 - Barrel-aged Series at River Horse Brewing Company in Ewing, NJ (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $45)
Sat. 2/7 - Hibrewnation at Memorial Hall-York Expo in York, Pa. (12 p.m.-5 p.m.; $20-$55)
Tue. 2/10 - River Horse Brewery and Wine Dinner at The Inn Keeper's Kitchen in West Chester, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $70)
Thu. 2/12 - The Murder Mystery of Abraham Lincoln at Trolley Tap House in Wilmington, Del. (7 p.m.; $60)
Fri. 2/13 - Craft Beer Series: Mason Dixon Line at The Inn Keeper's Kitchen in West Chester, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $75)
Sat. 2/14 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting at World Cafe Live in Wilmington, Del. (3 p.m.; $40)
Sat. 2/14 - Valentine's Day Pre Fixe Dinner at Chatty Monk's in Reading, Pa. (5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. seatings; $49.95)
Tue. 2/17 - 19th Anniversary Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $65)
Fri. 2/20 and Sat. 2/21 - Pittsburgh Beerfest at David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; $20-$85)
Sat. 2/21 - Saturday Brew Review at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. (3 p.m.-5 p.m.; $25)
Sun. 2/22 - Founders Beer Dinner at The Yardley Inn in Yardley, Pa. ($65)
Sat. 2/28 - Kennett Winterfest at downtown Kennett Square, Pa. (11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; $20-$85)
Sat. 2/28 - Fare Festival at The Fuge in Warminster, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $50)
Sat. 2/28 - Winter Brew Festival at Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35)

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Weekly Beer Calendar Update: January 22 - January 31

As January comes to a close, football takes a break before the Super Bowl on Feb. 1. There's the Wing Bowl. Wonder if any interesting beer is served there?

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They continue to host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Burlington, NJ
Sat. 1/24; 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. - Winter Beerfest at Geraghty's Pub ($PAYG as four local breweries serve winter seasonal and strong beers.)

Cherry Hill, NJ
Sun. 1/25; 11 a.m. - Donate Life Charity Fundraiser at Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company ($PAYG as New Jersey Sharing Network Fundraiser will be at our Brunch featuring beer-mosas and locally roasted coffee available on our nitro line.)

Ewing, NJ
Fri. 1/23; 12 p.m. - Belgian Freeze Aged in Port Barrels at River Horse Brewing Company ($PAYG for Belgian Freeze aged in port wine barrels from Alba Vineyards for several months with 50 pounds of pears from Terhune Orchards and cinnamon added.)

Exton, Pa.
Fri. 1/23; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Friday Night Tasting at Exton Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Susquehanna.)
Sat. 1/24; 12 p.m. - Eclipse Vertical Tasting at The Drafting Room in Exton, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG for 15 barrel-aged beers from FiftyFifty Brewing Company.)

Hanover, Pa.
Tue. 1/27 - Beer & Dinner Tasting Menu at Warehouse Gourmet Bistro & Brewpub ($65 for a six-course meal paired with Warehouse Wit, Habitual Debauchery, Due Benevolence, Leggy Blonde, Hopknocker IPA, and Steampunk Stout.)

Lititz, Pa.
Mon. 1/26; 5:30 p.m. - Beer Dinner at Bulls Head Public House ($27.50 for four beers from Victory Brewing paired with four courses of food.)

Maple Shade, NJ
Fri. 1/30; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - Luca Brasi Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the re-release of the 2011 Iron Brewer competition winner, Luca Brasi—our coffee-infused milk stout blended with 24 pounds of whole and ground Sumatran coffee beans.)

Newtown, Pa.
Sat. 1/31; 11:30 a.m. - Russian River Tap Takeover at Isaac Newton's ($PAYG for Pliny The Elder, Blind Pig, Consecration, Supplication, and Damnation.)

North Wales, Pa.
Sat. 1/24; 1 p.m. - Peanut Butter Porter Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG to celebrate National Peanut Butter Day with the release of our delicious Peanut Butter Porter.)

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 1/22; 4 p.m. - Winter Beer Night at Barcade ($PAYG for a draft list full of winter beers.)
Thu. 1/22; 6 p.m. - Knee Deep Philly Launch Party at Kite & Key ($PAYG for one of California's finest breweries.)
Thu. 1/22; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. - Founders Night at The Bishop's Collar ($PAYG for Breakfast Stout, Imperial Stout, Red's Rye, Black Rye IPA, 2013 Curmudgeon, Pale Ale, and bottles of KBS.)
Fri. 1/23; 5 p.m. - Ninkasi Debut at City Tap House-University City ($PAYG for Believer, Dawn of the Red, Devil Rye, Luxor Helles, Total Domination, and Tricerahops.)
Sat. 1/24; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. - 8 Beers to Try before You Die at Philly Beer School ($39.98 for Philly Beer School’s bucket list of beers.)
Sun. 1/25; 12 p.m. - Sour Bowl at Brü Craft & Wurst ($PAYG for 32 lines of sour/wild, imperial IPAs, and stouts.)
Sun. 1/25; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. - Beef & Beer at South Philadelphia Tap Room ($35 for all-you-can-eat beef and pay-as-you-go firkin beer. Portions of the proceeds from this year's event will be donated to Imerman Angels.)
Tue. 1/27; 12 p.m. - Staff Picks: Barrel-aged at Kraftwork ($PAYG or $24 for barrel-aged beers served a la carte or with a prix fixe menu.)
Wed. 1/28; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. - Suds Sessions at Kings Oak ($35 for four courses of food served with five beers from Great Lakes.)
Fri. 1/30; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - Friday Night Sampling at Trolley Car Diner ($PAYG for complimentary glassware from Tröegs with purchase.)
Fri. 1/30; 6 p.m. - Does Sam Still Matter? at City Tap House-University City ($50 for a three-course dinner served with Boston Beer's Sam Adams Boston Lager, Kosmic Mother Funk Grand Cru, Black Harbor Stout, and Utopias.)
Fri. 1/30; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - Manayunk Lager Night at The Grey Lodge ($PAYG for great beer and giveaways from Manayunk, plus meet brewers Evan and Mark.)

Phoenixville, Pa.
Sat. 1/24; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. - British Invasion Multi-Tap Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for a traditional British-inspired menu and English-style beers on tap.)
Sat. 1/24; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. - Robert Burns Birthday Celebration at Sly Fox Brewing Company ($PAYG as Gang Aft Agley Scotch Ale and Burns Scottish Ale will be pouring, the bagpipes will be piping, and the arrival of the Haggis (6:30 p.m.) will be marked by Ian Turnbull's reading of Burns' Ode to a Haggis. Celtic Spirit will play music throughout the evening.)

Pittsburgh, Pa.
Thu. 1/22; 5 p.m. - Meeting of the Malts III at Priory Hotel ($20-$90 for a beer sampling, a five-course beer pairing dinner, a silent auction, and a panel discussion between Victory's president and brewmaster, Bill Covaleski; Tröegs' founder and "brew brother", Chris Trogner; and Scott Smith, founder of Pittsburgh’s own East End Brewing Company.)

Sellersville, Pa.
Sat. 1/24; 7 p.m. - Goose Island Beer Dinner at The Horse Tavern ($35 to sample 8 delicious craft beers from Goose Island brewery.)
Tue. 1/27; 7 p.m. - Atwater Beer Dinner at The Horse Tavern ($35 for yet another delicious pairing featuring Atwater brewery from Michigan.)
Sat. 1/31; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. - Winterfest at The Horse Tavern ($25-$30 for 25 breweries and the tapping of 50 craft beers.)

Voorhees, NJ
Sat. 1/24; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. - Peanut Butter Beer Blowout at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the celebration of National Peanut Butter Day with the limited release of three unique beers you won’t find anywhere else.)

Wayne, Pa.
Sat. 1/31 - Superbowl Saturday VII at Teresa's Next Door ($PAYG for a great day of sours and this year will be no different.)

West Chester, Pa.
Fri. 1/23; 8 p.m.-11 p.m. - Pre-Grand Opening Event at Boxcar Brewing Company ($25 for Boxcar refreshments and two sets of musical fun from Subterranean Groove Theory.)
Sat. 1/24; 1 p.m. - Belgium Comes To West Chester at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for regional breweries showcasing the best locally craft-brewed, Belgian-style beers.)
Fri. 1/30; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Beer Sampling at Goshen Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Victory.)

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Weekly Beer Calendar Update: January 15 - January 21

Cold days. Cold nights. Hot beer events. Get 'em here.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They continue to host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Cape May, NJ
Thu. 1/15; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. - Tap Takeover at 5 West Pub ($PAYG for Cape May's IPA, Blonde Ale, King Porter Stomp, and Dubbel Marker.)

Conshohocken, Pa.
Wed. 1/21; 7 p.m. - Beer & Food Pairing Dinner at Southern Cross Kitchen ($70 for a five-course dinner paired with Goose Island Lolita, Sofie, Matilda, Ten Hills Pale Ale, and Bourbon County Coffee Stout.)

Harrisburg, Pa.
Sat. 1/17; 3 p.m. - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Pairing at Federal Taphouse ($25-$30 for eight craft beers paired with eight variations of grilled cheese.)

Horsham, Pa.
Wed. 1/21; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. - Lost Abbey Beer Dinner at Iron Abbey ($60 for a five-course meal served with Lost Abbey's Red Barn Ale, Lost and Found, Judgement Day, Ten Commandments, and Cuvee de Tomme.)

Maple Shade, NJ
Tue. 1/20; 6 p.m. - 120 on 1/20 at Uno Chicago Grill ($PAYG for limited and occasional Dogfish Head beers like 120 Minute IPA, Bitches Brew, Punkin Ale, Palo Santo, Burton Baton, 90 Minute IPA, Sixty-One, and Rosabi.)

Philadelphia, Pa.
Fri. 1/16; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - Lappy New Beer – American Saison at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG as Head Brewer Chris LaPierre brews a style of beer that he has never brewed before. Join us for this year’s release, Lappy New Beer, an American Saison.)
Sat. 1/17; 11 a.m. - The Trouble with Trippels at Johnny Brendas ($PAYG as the kitchen will be serving up some hearty Belgian-themed dishes to keep you on an even keel as you work your way through these tasty ales.)
Sat. 1/17; 6 p.m. - Ben Franklins Birthday with Victory Brewing at Kite & Key ($PAYG for taps lined with our favorite Victory suds including a collaboration with Earth Bread + Brewery.)
Tue. 1/20; 10 a.m. - 120 on 1/20 at The Grey Lodge ($PAYG as we expect this sixtel, weighing in at around 20% ABV, to last all day.)
Wed. 1/21; 5 p.m. - Bella Vista Beer Night at The Trestle Inn ($PAYG for Heretic beer from California and j the audiophile spinning the tunes.)
Wed. 1/21; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. - Suds Sessions at Kings Oak ($35 for four courses of food served with five beers from Flying Fish.)
Wed. 1/21; 7 p.m. - An Introduction to Sour Beers at Bainbridge Street Barrel House ($PAYG for a kick ass collection of sour beers.)

Phoenixville, Pa.
Thu. 1/15; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. - Taste of Phoenixville at Phoenixville Foundry ($90-$100 for an extravaganza of food, wine, and tastes of Sly Fox beers and Manatawny Still Works spirits. Proceeds from this event support Good Samaritan Shelter.)

Voorhees, NJ
Thu. 1/15; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. - Titus 2XIPA Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of this epic American IPA.)

Wayne, Pa.
Fri. 1/16 - A Bunch of Arrogant Bastards at Teresa's Next Door ($PAYG for Lucky Bastard, Double Bastard, Arrogant Bastard, and a few other special things from Stone Brewing.)
Tue. 1/20 - The Cool Stuff from Smuttlabs at Lunch at Teresa's Next Door ($PAYG for some of the cool stuff coming out of the new experimental Smuttlabs.)

Wilmington, Del.
Fri. 1/16; 7:30 p.m. - New Belgium Slow Ride Session IPA Release Party at World Cafe Live ($5 for a beer release party and live music.)
Wed. 1/21; 6 p.m. - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting at World Cafe Live ($40 for two of the best things – Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer – paired together in unexpected and delicious ways. Bring your vegetarian friends, too – we can accommodate them on all pairings.)

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Weekly Beer Calendar Update: January 8 - January 14

Lots of football and college hoops in January worthy of a few good beers. Not into sports, that's fine. These beer events help the beer stand on their own. Stay warm and enjoy!

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They continue to host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Bethlehem, Pa.
Thu. 1/8; 5 p.m. - Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works ($PAYG as 100% of cask sales will be donated to Citizens' Climate Lobby of the Lehigh Valley.)

Deptford, NJ
Fri. 1/9; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - Tap Takeover at Uno Chicago Grill ($PAYG for Cape May's IPA, Pale Ale, King Porter Stomp, Coastal Evacuation, and Apple Bomb.)

Exton, Pa.
Fri. 1/9; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Friday Night Tasting at Exton Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Evil Genius.)
Fri. 1/9 through Sun. 1/11 - Welcome Ninkasi Brewing at The Drafting Room ($PAYG for a weekend of beers like Total Domination, Tricerahops, Vanilla Oatis, Lux, Quantum, Dawn of the Red, and Devil Went Down to Oregon welcoming Ninkasi Brewing Company from Oregon.)

Lancaster, Pa.
Fri. 1/9; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. - Russian Imperial Stout Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for this year’s release of our top award-winning seasonal beer.)

Malvern, Pa.
Mon. 1/13; 5 p.m. - Saison Vautour bottle release at McKenzie Brew House ($PAYG for the special bottle release and free samples poured by Nate Walter, brewer.)

Maple Shade, NJ
Fri. 1/9; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - Iron Brewer Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of this year’s Iron Brewer winner: Boris the Great, guest-brewed by Will Pozniak.)

Media, Pa.
Thu. 1/8; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. - Starr Hill Sampling at Pinocchio's ($PAYG for Little Red RooStarr, Double Platinum, Love Wheat, and Snowblind.)

Newark, Del.
Thu. 1/8; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. - Russian Imperial Stout Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for this year’s release of our top award-winning seasonal beer.)
Tue. 1/13; 7 p.m. - Iron Thrones Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($75 for a six-course meal paired with Lannister’s Golden Ale, Baratheon Brown Ale, Imperial Witbier, Dragon’s Breath Ale, Winter Warmer, and Milk of the Poppy.)

Norristown, Pa.
Sat. 1/10 - Goose Island Raffle at Capone's ($PAYG for the opportunity to purchase one of the limited Bourbon County bottles. On draft will be other Goose Island Beers such as Bourbon County Stout, Vanilla Rye, Barleywine, and others.)

North Wales, Pa.
Sat. 1/10; 2 p.m. - Winner's Circle Grand Multi-Tap Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of eight beers that have won over 20 awards combined.)

Philadelphia, Pa.
Fri. 1/9 and Sat. 1/10; 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. - Big Philly Beerfest at The Pennsylvania Convention Center ($20-$75 for an unlimited sampling of over 300 fresh beers of all colors, styles, and tastes to raise funds for Animal Rescue Partners.)
Tue. 1/13; 8 p.m. - Ninkasi Tap Takeover at Lucky's Last Chance ($PAYG for a lineup of beers from Oregon's Ninkasi.)
Wed. 1/14; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. - Suds Sessions at Kings Oak ($35 for four courses of food served with five beers from Tröegs.)

West Chester, Pa.
Fri. 1/9; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. - Dirt Rye’der IPA Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of this year’s Iron Brewer Competition winning beer — a spicy, rugged, mahogany-hued American IPA brewed in collaboration with homebrewer John Mays.)

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Beer Calendar: What To Do in January 2015

Annnnd, just like that, it's 2015. The holidays are behind us, are you relieved? The raging parties of New Year's Eve have (presumably) subsided by now, have you recovered? 2014 was a rough year in terms of politics, policing, and conflict but another banner (if not crowded) year for great beer. Let's hope for, and more importantly work toward, a more peaceful world in 2015. Maybe a few good beer sessions would help.

To that end, I present for your review the January 2015 beer events calendar around the greater Philadelphia region. Always a bit tricky capturing a full list in January given that the planners are a bit sluggish coming off the hectic holiday season. Hope to see some of you along the way out there.

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


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

Philadelphia
Fri. 1/2 - Terrapin Tap Takeover @Jon's Bar & Grille in Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/3 - Bell's Brewery @Sancho Pistola's in Philadelphia, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 1/4 - Founders re-introduces Black Rye @City Tap House (University City) in Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 1/4 - Evolution Brewery @Sancho Pistola's in Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 1/6 - Drinkin' Lost Abbey with Adam @Jose Pistola's in Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/7 - Firkin Event @Standard Tap in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 1/13 - Ninkasi Tap Takeover @Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. (8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/16 - Lappy New Beer – American Saison @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/17 - The Trouble with Trippels @Johnny Brendas in Philadelphia, Pa. (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/17 - Ben Franklins Birthday with Victory Brewing @Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Tue. 1/20 - 120 on 1/20 @The Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (10 a.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/21 - Bella Vista Beer Night @The Trestle Inn in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Wed. 1/21 - An Introduction to Sour Beers @Bainbridge Street Barrel House in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/22 - Winter Beer Night @Barcade in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/22 - Knee Deep Philly Launch Party @Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/30 - Friday Night Sampling @Trolley Car Diner in Philadelphia, Pa. (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/30 - Manayunk Lager Night @The Grey Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 1/8 - Starr Hill Sampling @Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. (6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/9 - Iron Brewer Beer Release @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Maple Shade, NJ (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/10 - Winner's Circle Grand Multi-Tap Release @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in North Wales, Pa. (2 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/10 - Goose Island Raffle @Capone's in Norristown, Pa. ($PAYG)
Fri. 1/16 - A Bunch of Arrogant Bastards @Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)
Tue. 1/20 - 120 on 1/20 @Uno Chicago Grill in Maple Shade, NJ (6 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/24 - Peanut Butter Porter Beer Release @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in North Wales, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/30 - Luca Brasi Beer Release @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Maple Shade, NJ (6 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/31 - Superbowl Saturday VII @Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. ($PAYG)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 1/2 - First Firkin Friday @Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company in Cherry Hill, NJ (4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/2 - Friday Night Beer Tasting (Saucony Creek) @Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/5 - Full Moon Firkin @Tröegs in Hershey, Pa. ($PAYG)
Wed. 1/7 - Charity Cask Night (January's beer: TBA) @Allentown Brew Works in Allentown, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/8 - Russian Imperial Stout Beer Release @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Newark, Del. (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/8 - Charity Cask Night (January's beer: TBA) @Bethlehem Brew Works in Bethlehem, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/9 - Friday Night Tasting (Evil Genius) @Exton Beverage in Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Fri. 1/9 - Tap Takeover @Uno Chicago Grill in Deptford, NJ (5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/9 - Russian Imperial Stout Beer Release @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Lancaster, Pa. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/9 - Dirt Rye’der IPA Beer Release @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in West Chester, Pa. (5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Mon. 1/13 - Saison Vautour bottle release @McKenzie Brew House in Malvern, Pa. (5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/15 - Titus 2XIPA Beer Release @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Voorhees, NJ (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $PAYG)
Thu. 1/15 - Tap Takeover @5 West Pub in Cape May, NJ (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/16 - New Belgium Slow Ride Session IPA Release Party @World Cafe Live in Wilmington, Del. (7:30 p.m.; $5 + $PAYG)
Fri. 1/23 - Friday Night Tasting (Susquehanna) @Exton Beverage in Exton, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 1/24 - Eclipse Vertical Tasting @The Drafting Room in Exton, Pa. (12 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/24 - Peanut Butter Beer Blowout @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Voorhees, NJ (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/24 - British Invasion Multi-Tap Release @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Phoenixville, Pa. (1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/24 - Belgium Comes To West Chester @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in West Chester, Pa. (1 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/24 - Winter Beerfest @Geraghty's Pub in Burlington, NJ (2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sat. 1/24 - Robert Burns Birthday Celebration @Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. (5 p.m.-11 p.m.; $PAYG)
Sun. 1/25 - Donate Life Charity Fundraiser @Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company in Cherry Hill, NJ (11 a.m.; $PAYG)
Fri. 1/30 - Beer Sampling (Victory) @Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $Free)
Sat. 1/31 - Russian River Tap Takeover @Isaac Newton's in Newtown, Pa. (11:30 a.m.; $PAYG)


Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Sun. 1/4 - Beer & Brewing 101 @Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-6 p.m.; $39.98)
Fri. 1/9 and Sat. 1/10 - Big Philly Beerfest @The Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa. (6:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; $20-$75)
Wed. 1/14 - Suds Sessions @Kings Oak in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35)
Wed. 1/21 - Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting @World Cafe Live in Wilmington, Del. (6 p.m.; $40)
Wed. 1/21 - Suds Sessions @Kings Oak in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35)
Sat. 1/24 - 8 Beers to Try before You Die @Philly Beer School in Philadelphia, Pa. (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $39.98)
Wed. 1/28 - Suds Sessions @Kings Oak in Philadelphia, Pa. (7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $35)


Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Mon. 1/5 - Cigar & Beer Dinner @Dog & Bull in Croydon, Pa. (7 p.m.; $50)
Wed. 1/21 - Beer & Food Pairing Dinner @Southern Cross Kitchen in Conshohocken, Pa. (7 p.m.; $70)


Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Tue. 1/13 - Iron Thrones Beer Dinner @Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Newark, Del. (7 p.m.; $75)
Thu. 1/15 - Taste of Phoenixville @Phoenixville Foundry in Phoenixville, Pa. (6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $90-$100)
Sat. 1/17 - Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Pairing @Federal Taphouse in Harrisburg, Pa. (3 p.m.; $25-$30)
Wed. 1/21 - Lost Abbey Beer Dinner @Iron Abbey in Horsham, Pa. (7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $60)
Thu. 1/22 - Meeting of the Malts III @Priory Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pa. (5 p.m.; $20-$90)
Sat. 1/24 - Goose Island Beer Dinner @The Horse Tavern in Sellersville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $35)
Sun. 1/25 - Beef & Beer @South Philadelphia Tap Room in Philadelphia, Pa. (4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $35)
Mon. 1/26 - Beer Dinner @Bulls Head Public House in Lititz, Pa. (5:30 p.m.; $27.50)
Tue. 1/27 - Atwater Beer Dinner @The Horse Tavern in Sellersville, Pa. (7 p.m.; $35)
Tue. 1/27 - Beer & Dinner Tasting Menu @Warehouse Gourmet Bistro & Brewpub in Hanover, Pa. ($65)
Sat. 1/31 - Winterfest @The Horse Tavern in Sellersville, Pa. (1 p.m.-4 p.m.; $25-$30)

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In memory of those lost in 2014

I've always have loved this quote and use it again this year: Be still sad heart and cease repining; Behind the clouds the sun is shining, Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life a little rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary. ~ Longfellow

Each year at this time, I take a moment to reflect back upon the year and notable men and ladies of the industry that were lost in the course of the year. Naturally, I wish for the list to be as short as possible, but the inevitability of life and death means that will not always be true. Capturing and helping to remember the lives and significant contributions of these individuals to the beer industry actually turns out to be one of my favorite things of the year that I share with you all.

In 2014, I've only found one name on my running list of those dearly departed to share with you and he was a giant in the industry.

Jack Joyce, founder of Rogue Brewery in Oregon all the way back in 1988, passed away in May 2014 from a heart attack at the age of 71. Here is some of what you should know about him from Jay Brooks, Portland Business Journal, Oregon Live, Statesman Journal, Jeff Alworth, and Washington Beer Blog.

From past years:
2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

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Weekly Beer Calendar Update: December 25 - January 1

I'm going to go ahead and get this out to you a bit earlier than the typical Thursday morning release, since I feel you may have other things on your mind Christmas morning. This weekly edition laps over into New Year's Day with some great options for starting off the new year on the right foot and with the right beer. Here's wishing you, your family, and your friends a peaceful and relaxing Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa, and New Year's celebration with a great beer in hand.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They continue to host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Boyertown, Pa.
Sat. 12/27; 11:30 a.m. - Hoppy Holidays at Union Jack's On The Manatawny ($PAYG to celebrate the holiday season with mouth-puckering hops.)

Burlington, NJ
Wed. 12/31; 9 p.m.-1 a.m. - Craft Beer New Years at Geraghty's Pub ($55 for a 4 hour open bar with 14 rotating taps, a buffet, DJ, champagne toast at midnight, and all sorts of party favors and giveaways.)

Kennett Square, Pa.
Wed. 12/31; 5 p.m. - NYE at 2SP at Two Stones Pub ($39 for a food package and then ask your server to help with beer pairings at your choosing.)

Lancaster, Pa.
Fri. 12/26; 5 p.m. - Beer Geek Christmas at Hunger N Thirst ($PAYG for some rare and interesting kegs to celebrate our love of craft beer and the culture surrounding it.)
Wed. 12/31; 10 p.m. - New Year's Eve Party at Hunger N Thirst ($75 for a DJ, hors d'oeuvres, a champagne toast, and open bar.)

Lititz, Pa.
Wed. 12/31; 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. - New Year's Eve Party at Bulls Head Public House ($90 for hors d'oeurves, craft beer, liquor, & wine, and a live band.)

Newark, Del.
Wed. 12/31; 5 p.m. - NYE at 2SP at Two Stones Pub ($39 for a food package and then ask your server to help with beer pairings at your choosing.)

Paoli, Pa.
Fri. 12/26 - AleSmith Brewery at TJ's ($PAYG for AleSmith IPA, Horny Devil, Grand Cru, Evil Dead Red, Winter YuleSmith, Speedway Stout, and Wee Heavy.)

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 12/25; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Christmas Day Brunch at Hop Angel Brauhaus ($PAYG for a suitably festive brunch menu.)
Fri. 12/26 - Boxing Day Beer Festival at Memphis Taproom ($PAYG for some of the best holiday and seasonal ales from around the world. We're proud to celebrate the traditional spirit of Boxing Day by helping our neighbors in need by collecting non-perishable (canned and boxed) foods for Philabundance. Plus, $1 from every draft beer sold will be donated to Share Our Strength.)
Sat. 12/27; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Italian Beer School at Philly Beer School ($56.98 for an education in the fastest growing high-quality beer region in the world with beers rarely seen outside of Italy.)
Sun. 12/28; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. - Winter Beer Festival at World Cafe Live ($40 for the opportunity to sample the offerings of over 40 breweries and live music from The Whiskeyhickon Boys.)
Wed. 12/31; 7 p.m. - New Year's Eve at Devil's Den ($PAYG to ring in the New Year with great food, beer, friends, and a complimentary champagne or Barren Hill beer toast.)
Wed. 12/31; 7 p.m. - New Year's Eve at Old Eagle Tavern ($PAYG to ring in the New Year with great food, beer, friends, and a complimentary champagne or Barren Hill beer toast.)
Wed. 12/31; 9 p.m.-1 a.m. - New Year's Eve Silvester Party at Brauhaus Schmitz ($125 for a four-hour top shelf open bar with exclusive winter German imports, live entertainment, and a grand buffet.)
Wed. 12/31; 6:30 p.m. - New Year's Eve Dinner at Monk's Cafe ($75 for a four-course dinner paired with festive ales. This will give you plenty of time to ring in the New Year at your friend's party. We'll even provide you with hats and noisemakers on your way out the door.)
Wed. 12/31; 8 p.m. - New Year's Eve Beer Bash at Strangelove's ($125 for a night of great food and spectacular beer.)
Wed. 12/31; 9 p.m. - New Year's Eve Dinner at Monk's Cafe ($125 for six courses of amazing food paired with stellar beers. We'll have a Malhuer Brut toast at Midnight. Hat, noisemakers, and fun.)
Thu. 1/1; 11 a.m. - New Year's Day at Devil's Den ($PAYG as you strut with the Mummers down Broad and warm up by the fireplace with a Yards draft.)
Thu. 1/1; 12 p.m. - Sixth Anniversary Beer Bash at Local 44 ($PAYG for a full brunch menu served all day and a special anniversary draft list.)
Thu. 1/1; 12 p.m.-ish - New Year's Day at Monk's Cafe ($PAYG for a cash bar for lots of big, malty beers on tap.)

Wayne, Pa.
Fri. 12/26 - Bell's Tap Takeover at Teresa's Next Door ($PAYG for a few great Bell's rarities and some classics as well. A firkin or two may even show up as well.)

Wilmington, Del.
Wed. 12/31; 5 p.m. - NYE at 2SP at Two Stones Pub ($39 for a food package and then ask your server to help with beer pairings at your choosing.)

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Weekly Beer Calendar Update: December 18 - December 24

Not much left to this holiday season except some last-minute beer purchases. Plenty to hold your interest as this year of 2014 quickly runs out.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They continue to host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Ambler, Pa.
Tue. 12/23; 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. - Night Before Christmas at Forest & Main ($PAYG for a holiday poem reading for the family at 5 p.m. and a raucous adult version of the poem, mulled wine, and our yearly "Squeeb" chant at 10 p.m.)

Downingtown (and Parkesburg), Pa.
Thu. 12/18; 6:30 p.m. - Holiday Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company ($65 for a five-course meal served with Winter Cheers, Biere de Mars, Hop Ranch, Old Horizontal, and Earth & Flame.)
Sat. 12/20; 2 p.m.-5:30 p.m. - Parkesburg Brewery Tour at Victory Brewing Company ($58 for the final Parkesburg bus tour before construction of the brewpub begins.)

Exton, Pa.
Fri. 12/19; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Friday Night Tasting at Exton Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Stoudts.)
Tue. 12/23; 1 p.m.-3 p.m. - Beer Tasting at Exton Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Widmer.)

Lafayette Hill, Pa.
Sun. 12/21; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. - Brunch with Santa at Barren Hill Tavern & Brewery ($PAYG as Santa and Mrs. Claus will be here for holiday fun for the kids. Beer and Mimosas for the parents.)

Lancaster, Pa.
Fri. 12/19; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - Winston Churchill Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of this traditional English-style Barleywine with a smoky malt sweetness.)
Fri. 12/19 - Newport Storm Launch Party and Tap Takeover at Federal Taphouse ($PAYG for cool giveaways, a chance to meet the reps, and to try some of these amazing New England brews including "14" an Anniversary ale brewed with snow.)

Lansdale, Pa.
Thu. 12/18; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. - The Twelve Geese of Christmas at Blue Dog ($PAYG for great beer, great food, and holiday camaraderie. Bourbon County Stout will be available in '13 and '14.)

Limerick, Pa.
Thu. 12/18; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. - Yuletide One On Night at Craft Ale House ($PAYG to hang with Gary and crew with lots of Tröegs on tap.)

Malvern, Pa.
Thu. 12/18; 4:30 p.m. - Beer Sampling at Wegmans ($Free tasting samples of beers from Yards.)

Newtown, Pa.
Thu. 12/18; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. - Boston Tea Party at Isaac Newton's ($PAYG as Tyler Burton from Sam Adams and Sean Hamel from Harpoon will here to tap a full list of each brewery's beers including Harpoon's Czernobog Russian Imperial Stout and Sam Adams' Thirteenth Hour.)

Paoli, Pa.
Thu. 12/18; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. - A Hardywood Christmas at TJ's ($PAYG for Gingerbread Stout, Bourbon GBS (Pending Arrival), Farmhouse Pumpkin, Hull Melon Saison, The Great Return, Hardywood Pils, and Hardywood Singel.)

Parkesburg, Pa.
Fri. 12/19; 6:30 p.m. - Holiday Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company ($75 for a five-course meal served with Hip-Czech Lager, Winter Cheers, Hop Ranch, Helios, Moving Parts 02, and Earth & Flame.)

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 12/18; 7 p.m.-8 p.m. - Theology On Tap at Hop Angel Brauhaus ($PAYG for drinks, community, and conversation.)
Thu. 12/18; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. - Mad Elf Night at Hop Angel Brauhaus ($PAYG for two kegs of this elusive trickster.)
Fri. 12/19; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Friday Night Tasting at Bell Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Founders.)
Fri. 12/19; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. - Beer Sampling at The Foodery (Rittenhouse) ($Free tasting samples of beers from Yards.)
Sat. 12/20; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. - LLS Ugly Sweater Holiday Party at City Tap House (Logan) ($PAYG in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.)
Sat. 12/20; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. - Have a Beer With Santa at Hop Angel Brauhaus ($PAYG for Sly Fox Christmas Ale, Goose Island Christmas Ale, Evil Genius Naughty or Nice, and many more.)
Sun. 12/21; 12 p.m. - Ninkasi Tap Invasion at Bishop's Collar ($PAYG for Total Domination, Tricerahops, Vanilla Oatis, Believer Double Red, Lux, and Dawn of the Red.)
Sun. 12/21; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. - Festivus at The Grey Lodge ($PAYG for a traditional, old fashioned Festivus with all the trimmings including the beautiful unadorned aluminum pole.)
Sun. 12/21; 9 p.m. - Ugly Christmas Sweater Karaoke at Varga Bar ($PAYG as Miles Moser of Brooklyn Brewery and Joanna Manzo of Smuttynose are gonna rock your world.)
Tue. 12/23; 7 p.m. - Hanukkah with He'brew at Devil's Den ($PAYG to celebrate the 8 nights of Chanukah with 8 beers from He'Brew Brewing Company. There will be dreidels, gelt, latkes, and more.)

Phoenixville, Pa.
Fri. 12/19; 11:30 a.m. - Third Friday Firkin Fest at Sly Fox Brewing Company ($PAYG for the mainstay Bitter plus one or two other casks on the hand pumps.)
Fri. 12/19; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - Ugly Sweater Party at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of Ugly Sweater, our popular Winter Warmer ale. The best of the worst ugly sweaters will win prizes.)

West Chester, Pa.
Thu. 12/18; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. - Free Tasting at Goshen Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Pilsner Urquell.)
Fri. 12/19; 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. - Free Tasting at Goshen Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Red Hook and Widmer.)

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Weekly Beer Calendar Update: December 11 - December 17

Ho Ho Ho. How's your holiday shopping coming along? More importantly, how is your holiday beer drinking coming along? Plenty to choose from again this week.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They continue to host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Ewing, NJ
Fri. 12/12; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. - River Horse Cask Festival at River Horse Brewing Company ($15 + $PAYG for 17 different variations on our regular beers, plus this will be the first time our seasonal Oatmeal Milk Stout will be available this year, as well as our next installment of the Brewer's Reserve Series, a Baltic Porter.)

Exton, Pa.
Fri. 12/12; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Friday Night Tasting at Exton Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Lagunitas.)

Hulmeville, Pa.
Thu. 12/11; 6 p.m. - Goose Island Night at Hulmeville Inn ($PAYG for Bourbon County Stout, Ogden, Illinois, and Muddy.)

Lafayette Hill, Pa.
Wed. 12/17; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. - Cookie & Beer Pairing at Barren Hill Tavern & Brewery ($PAYG as we will be offering a flight of Barren Hill beers paired with freshly baked cookies from our kitchen.)

Lititz, Pa.
Wed. 12/17; 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. - Goose Island Bourbon County Night at Bulls Head Public House ($PAYG for Bourbon County Stout on tap and Bourbon County Vanilla Rye and Bourbon County Coffee Stout in bottles.)

Maple Shade, NJ
Sat. 12/13; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. - Winter Warmer Release Party at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of our most popular spiced beer along with five other unique winter offerings. Come dressed in your ugliest holiday sweater.)

Media, Pa.
Thu. 12/11; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. - Rudolph's Revenge Release Party at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of Rudolph's Revenge, an American-style Belgian golden ale.)

Newark, Del.
Mon. 12/15; 6:30 p.m. - Beer Dinner at Two Stones Pub ($TBD for an intimate night of great beer and food.)

Norristown, Pa.
Thu. 12/11; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - ShawneeCraft Beer Draft Event at Capone's ($PAYG to meet Dave Goldstein and try the special featured ShawneeCraft Sour Kriek, the first time offered on draft.)

North Wales, Pa.
Sat. 12/13; 5 p.m. - Rudolph's Revenge Release Party at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of Rudolph's Revenge, an American-style Belgian golden ale.)

Paoli, Pa.
Thu. 12/11; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. - Port Brewing & Lost Abbey Happy Hour at TJ's ($PAYG for Lost Abbey's Devotion, Red Barn, Judgement Day, Ten Commandments, and Merry Taj and Port's Wipeout, Mongo, Shark Attack, Santa's Helper, Older Viscosity, and Bourbon Santa's Helper.)

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 12/11; 6:30 p.m. - Meet The Brewers at Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant ($19.99 for Happy Hour beer tastings, brewery tours with the head brewer, and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.)
Thu. 12/11; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. - Beer & Food Pairing at Philly Beer School ($64.98 to experience and learn about the best ways to pair beer and food.)
Fri. 12/12; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Friday Night Tasting at Bell Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers related to NFC East football cities.)
Fri. 12/12; 5 p.m. - Christmas Extravaganza at Kite & Key ($PAYG as taps will be lined with holiday cheer and of course Santa will be here. But, be warned, this event is not for the kids.)
Fri. 12/12 - Chouffemas at The Belgian Cafe ($PAYG for all things Chouffe to celebrate the holidays.)
Sat. 12/13; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Breakfast with Santa at Hop Angel Brauhaus ($PAYG to bring the kids to sit on Santa's lap and a special kinder brunch menu.)
Sat. 12/13; 12 p.m.-3 p.m. - Santa Visits The Bottle Shop at Local 44 Bottle Shop ($PAYG for a good old fashioned opportunity to sit on Santa's lap.)
Sat. 12/13; 2 p.m.-8 p.m. - Have A Happy Hanukkah With He'Brew at The Institute ($PAYG for some amazing He'Brew beers on tap and some traditional tasty food specials to fill your tummy.)
Sat. 12/13; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. - Tröegs Tap Takeover at Field House ($PAYG for eight Tröegs beers on draft including Mad Elf, Blizzard of Hops, and Impending Decent.)
Sat. 12/13; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. - The Stars are Aligned for Staropreman at Hop Angel Brauhaus ($PAYG for Staropreman, an authentic Czech pilsner straight from Prague.)
Mon. 12/15; 6 p.m. - Meet Evolution Brewery at Varga Bar ($PAYG to meet and drink with owner Tom Knorr and the new brewery rep.)
Wed. 12/17; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. - Blizzard of Hops Firkin Night at Standard Tap ($PAYG for the new winter seasonal Blizzard of Hops via firkin plus the limited Impending Decent.)
Wed. 12/17 - High Gravity at Side Car Bar & Grille ($PAYG for beers from Allagash, Boulevard, Chimay, Founders, Goose Island, Great Divide, Russian River, and Stone.)

Phoenixville, Pa.
Thu. 12/11; 7 p.m. - Allagash Return to the Odyssey at Bistro on Bridge ($PAYG for Allagash's Interlude 2013, Confluence, Odyssey, Hugh Malone, Fluxus, White, Bourbon Barrel Black, James Bean, Victor Ale, Pale Ale, and special limited Currant Affair.)
Fri. 12/12; 11:30 a.m. - 19th Anniversary Party at Sly Fox Brewing Company ($PAYG for a day-long party that will feature 23-plus beers on tap at a time featuring the release of our Anniversary IPA.)

Voorhees, NJ
Thu. 12/11; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. - Rudolph's Revenge Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of Rudolph's Revenge, an American-style Belgian golden ale with complex aromas and flavors of grapefruit, spice, and banana with a refreshing hop bitterness.)

West Chester, Pa.
Fri. 12/12; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Beer Sampling at Goshen Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Yards.)

Westmont, NJ
Fri. 12/12; 5 p.m. - Mad Elf Party at Pour House ($PAYG for a Tröegs Tap Takeover featuring 2012, 2013, and 2014 Mad Elf and Buddy the Elf will be in the house again.)

Wilmington, Del.
Thu. 12/11; 3 p.m. - SEPTA meets the Trolley at Trolley Tap House ($PAYG as Saucony Creek, Sly Fox, Tröegs, Victory, Weyerbacher, and Yards are all coming with their five brews of choice.)

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Weekly Beer Calendar Update: December 4 - December 10

Santa's everywhere in the coming weeks and so are beer events where you can eat and drink with him. Safe events for the kiddies and debaucherous ones for the adults. Get out there and enjoy.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They continue to host an impressive listing of beer event draft lists to help better inform your beer event planning.

Click through here for a look at the full monthly calendar of beer events around the Philadelphia region.

Allentown, Pa.
Sat. 12/6; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m. - Fegley's Brew Works Craft Beer Festival at Allentown Brew Works ($10-$45 for craft beer sampling, bountiful buffet filled with brew-pub favorites, beer centric vendors for shopping, and more.)
Wed. 12/10; 5 p.m. - Charity Cask Night at Allentown Brew Works ($PAYG as 100% of cask sales will be donated to LifePath.)

Atlantic City, NJ
Thu. 12/4; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. - Cape May Tap Takeover at Wingcraft ($PAYG for six Cape May beers and to hang with the staff and brewers.)

Bethlehem, Pa.
Thu. 12/4; 5 p.m. - Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works ($PAYG as 100% of cask proceeds will be donated to a local charity.)

Boyertown, Pa.
Sat. 12/6; 11:30 a.m. - The Week After Thanksgiving Strong Ale Fest at Union Jack's On The Manatawny ($PAYG for a dozen or so ales to cloud your mind and your judgement, so give thanks.)

Conshohocken, Pa.
Wed. 12/10; 12 p.m. - Box of Hops Tap Takeover at Fingers Wings and Other Things ($PAYG for the box's Flower Power, Dark Vine, Creeker, and Rustic Harvest along with a couple of other limited release beers from Ithaca.)

Downingtown, Pa.
Sun. 12/7; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Brunch with Santa at Victory Brewing Company ($25 adults, $12 children for a special brunch that includes a photo with Santa for the kids.)

Exton, Pa.
Fri. 12/5; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Friday Night Tasting at Exton Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Tröegs.)
Wed. 12/10; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. - Beer Dinner at Rino's Restaurant & Pizzeria ($39.95 for a four-course meal featuring Tröegs and its Mad Elf and Blizzard of Hops.)

Hulmeville, Pa.
Thu. 12/4; 6 p.m. - Great Divide Night at Hulmeville Inn ($PAYG for Fresh Hop APA, Hoss, Oak Aged Yeti, Hibernation, and Peche Grand Cru.)

Lafayette Hill, Pa.
Sat. 12/6; 6 p.m. - Holiday Beer Release at Barren Hill Tavern & Brewery ($PAYG for Gingerbread Jesus, a special collaboration with Reverend Kirk Berlenbach of St Timothy's Episcopal Church and a Belgian Dubbel brewed with molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.)

Lambertville, Pa.
Mon. 12/8; 7 p.m. - Dogfish Head Beer Dinner at Inn Of The Hawke ($50 for five courses with food and Dogfish Head beer pairings.)

Lancaster, Pa.
Fri. 12/5 - Shipyard Brewing Tap Takeover at Federal Taphouse ($PAYG for limited beers only available here, and a collection of Brewery Reserve barrel-aged special releases as well as cool giveaways and a chance to meet the reps.)

Lansdale, Pa.
Sat. 12/6; 2 p.m. - Last Waltz Release Party at Round Guys Brewing Company ($PAYG for 2013 Last Waltz, 2014 Last Waltz, 2013 Fuzzy Muttness, 2014 Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrel-aged Fuzzy Muttness, and 2013 Captain Blackback.)

Maple Shade, NJ
Fri. 12/5; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - Om Nom Nom Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for an oatmeal cookie in a glass, brewed with oats, cinnamon, whole vanilla beans and 5 pounds per barrel of pureed raisins.)

Media, Pa.
Fri. 12/5; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. - Holiday Ale Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the annual release of this holiday favorite. We'll kick off this release with a special batch of cask-conditioned Holiday Ale.)
Wed. 12/10; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - Oskar Blues Christmas at Pinocchio's ($PAYG for a lineup of beers from Oskar Blues.)

Millvale, NJ
Sat. 12/6; 12 p.m.-3 p.m. - The Grinch Stole My Eagles Tickets at Glasstown Brewing Company ($PAYG for a scavenger hunt and raffle prizes around the brewery.)

Newark, Del.
Fri. 12/5; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. - Ugly Sweater Party at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG to celebrate the holiday season with the release of Bad Santa Brown Ale. The best of the worst ugly sweaters will receive a Gap Gift Card. Treat filled Iron Hill pint glass for the first 50 guests to drop off a new, unwrapped toy for Ronald McDonald House Charities.)

Newtown, Pa.
Thu. 12/4; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. - Cape May Brewing Launch Party at Isaac Newton's ($PAYG for a lineup of beers from Cape May Brewing Company as they continue their introduction to Pennsylvania.)

Paoli, Pa.
Mon. 12/1 through Sat. 12/7 - 11th Anniversary Week at TJ's ($PAYG for a week of "pipeline tappings" in no particular order and with no specific times — it's like a pot luck dinner but with beer.)
Wed. 12/10; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. - Southern Tier Happy Hour at TJ's ($PAYG for Southern Tier's Tripel Cafe, Krampus, 2XMas, 2XLive, 2XRye, 2XIPA, Mokah & DeMunck's Holiday Cider, and bottles of rum barrel-aged Pumking.)

Philadelphia, Pa.
Thu. 12/4; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - Boulder Brewing Happy Hour at Perch Pub ($PAYG for Boulder's Nitro Shake Chocolate Porter, Slope Style Winter IPA, fRYEd Harvest Pale Ale, and Killer Penguin Barleywine.)
Thu. 12/4; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. - Winter Warmer Release Party at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of our most popular spiced beer served with a special Penzeys Spices sugar rim.)
Thu. 12/4; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. - DuClaw Tap Takeover at Interstate Drafthouse ($PAYG for Devil's Milk 2013, Devil's Milk 2014, Retribution, Oak Aged Brimstone, and Neon Gypsy.)
Thu. 12/4; 6 p.m. - Toys For Tots Collection at The Bards ($PAYG for a festive night of charity and helping out children in need while enjoying several tasty brews from Yards.)
Thu. 12/4; 7 p.m. - St Nikolaus Day at The Belgian Cafe ($PAYG for five Stoudts beers on tap including a 2013 Double Abbey and 2013 Old Abominable. Our Belsnickel will be there with his very limited spiced dark lager. Meet Carol Stoudt.)
Thu. 12/4; 9 p.m. - Pints Against Humanity at Varga Bar ($PAYG as the freshest SBC drafts will be pouring and cards will be provided. The best cards will be rewarded and the tournament winner will be taking home a deserving prize.)
Fri. 12/5; 1 p.m. - Check Out What Sam's Got at Brü Craft & Wurst ($PAYG for unique beers from Sam Adams including Rebel IPA poured thru a randall, Kosmic Mother Funk, 13th Hour Stout, Black Harbor imperial stout aged in Utopia barrels, and The Vixen chocolate chili bock.)
Fri. 12/5; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Friday Night Tasting (Santa Claus beers) @Bell Beverage ($Free tasting samples of Santa Claus themed beers and a special appearance by Joe Sixpack.)
Fri. 12/5; 7 p.m. - DuClaw Colossus at Devil's Den ($PAYG to warm up this winter with one of the biggest beers around — DuClaw Colossus at 17.3% ABV.)
Sat. 12/6; 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. - Philadelphia Bacon and Beer Festival at 23rd Street Armory ($46.50-$61.50 for creative bacon-based dishes and fine brews.)
Sun. 12/7; 11 a.m. - Allagash Brunch at Sancho Pistola's ($PAYG for a satisfying brunch of good grub and Allagash beers featuring Nancy.)
Sun. 12/7; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. - Brunch with Santa at City Tap House (University City) ($PAYG in support of The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Enjoy brunch with a special kid-friendly menu. Children under 10 eat complimentary and pictures with Santa are included. $10 donation suggested.)
Sun. 12/7; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. - Pop-up Beer Garden at Cottman & Frankford ($PAYG as The Grey Lodge will have a pop-up beer garden at Mayfair's annual Christmas Village and Tree Lighting.)
Sun. 12/7; 7 p.m. - 11th Anniversary Celebration at Good Dog Bar ($PAYG for passed appetizers, souvenir photo booth, dog photo contest winners announced, and raffle prizes to raise funds for Morris Animal Refuge.)
Tue. 12/9; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - Christmas Bash at National Mechanics ($PAYG for beer-themed ornament giveaways and gingerbread decorating and some delicious brews from Sly Fox and Great Lakes.)
Tue. 12/9; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. - Philly Beer Week Raffle at City Tap House (Logan) ($PAYG for an expenses-paid trip to Brouwerij Hof ten Dormaal to help brew the next great Philly Beer Week Belgo collaboration.)
Tue. 12/9; 7 p.m. - Tom's Annual Holiday Dinner at Monk's Cafe ($125 for a sumptous, six dinner paired with some of the world's best holiday ales.)
Tue. 12/9; 7 p.m. - A Very Merry Goose Island Bourbon County Christmas Dinner at Strangelove's ($60 for an intimate holiday beer dinner featuring Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Goose Island Bourbon County Barleywine, and Goose Island Bourbon County Coffee Stout. Additional Goose Island drafts will flow all night including Ten Hills Pale Ale, Matilda, and Sofie.)
Wed. 12/10; 7 p.m. - 4 Hands Brewing Brings Cans at Local 44 ($PAYG as 4 Hands Owner Kevin Lemp and the brewers show up for the official Philly launch of 4 Hands beer in cans.)
Wed. 12/10; 7 p.m. - Belgian Beer Dinner at Han Dynasty ($68 for 14 off-menu items and 6 beers.)
Wed. 12/10; 9 p.m. - Varga Girl Calendar Release Party at Varga Bar ($PAYG to meet and drink with the Calendar Girls and a portion of the proceeds go to the U.S.O.)

Phoenixville (and Pottstown), Pa.
Fri. 12/5; 11:30 a.m. - Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company ($PAYG for the Belgian-style Tripel that pours until the keg kicks, usually by 7 p.m.)
Fri. 12/5; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. - Milk and Cookies with Santa at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG to enjoy the Phoenixville Christmas Parade with the release of our English-style Milk Stout.)
Sat. 12/6; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. - Burning of the Phoenix at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of Winter Warmer, our medium-bodied dark ale finished with classic winter spices. Featuring "fire"-inspired fare in celebration of the Firebird Festival.)

Sellersville, Pa.
Fri. 12/5; 5 p.m. - Friday Night Beer Tasting at Washington House ($PAYG for a night of holiday-themed beers.)

West Chester, Pa.
Fri. 12/5; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. - Beer Sampling (Flying Fish) at Goshen Beverage ($Free tasting samples of beers from Flying Fish.)
Fri. 12/5; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. - Steal the Cheer at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of Scrooge IPA and Winter Warmer and a limited edition Santa beard pint glass.)

Wilmington, Del.
Thu. 12/4; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. - Tröegs Tap Takeover at Ulysses Gastropub ($PAYG to ring in the Mad Elf.)
Fri. 12/5; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. - Scrooge IPA Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant ($PAYG for the release of this American-style IPA with full malt flavor and dry hopped with one pound of hops per barrel for pronounced flavor and bitterness that matches the beer's namesake.)

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