The Brew Lounge

Monday, December 05, 2016

Flying Fish crafting a new beer future for Brewerytown

The brewery that continues to carry the standard that it set in New Jersey for great beer more than twenty years ago is now part of an ambitious new plan in Philadelphia that begins today in the city's Brewerytown neighborhood.

I had the opportunity last night to check out the new Flying Fish Crafthouse and its atmosphere, the bar, and the food. Flying Fish's beer list is the cornerstone of the bar menu and the licensed namesake for the Crafthouse. Expect to see at least a dozen Flying Fish core brands in addition to three that are claimed to either be exclusive to the Brewerytown location or only available also at the brewery in Somerdale, NJ.

Five other beer taps are planned to be dedicated to other local breweries. Operations Manager, Sean Kelly, mentioned breweries such as Bar Hygge, Crime & Punishment, Evil Genius as examples of a few small brewery local options he envisions on tap. Perhaps not so coincidentally, my night concluded with a visit to Crime & Punishment (only six blocks away and, by taste, appearing to be doing quite well since my last visit during CBC, but I'll save that for another post) where owner/brewer Mike Wambold discussed his enthusiasm for more great beer in Brewerytown as well as confirmed talks to get his beer on tap at the Crafthouse.

Also, plans call for one rose, two red, and two white wines to be on tap as well as one featured cocktail. No handpumped beer as of now — however, count on special firkin and other events to develop in time — and no plans (nor licensing currently) in the foreseeable future to be brewing on site.

From the food menu samples last night, the Philly Porchetta Sandwich is a standout, appropriately complete with a attention-grabbing long hot pepper and the Smokey Brisket Sandwich impresses with tender beef, coleslaw, and a Flying Fish Abbey Dubbel au jus.

The ownership forces behind the concept (in which, by the way, Flying Fish has no ownership interest) include locals Dana Spain (of PAWS, real estate, and other ventures) and Chef Brian Duffy (of Bar Rescue fame), who has immediately stamped his trademark - "Duffified" - on everything from the menu to apparel.

The ownership group has ties to The Fairmount @ Brewerytown residential property that sits overhead. The building was converted from the former Acme distribution warehouse, which itself has vestiges in the form of re-used wall signs around the interior. The Crafthouse occupies a good portion of the first floor, has a communal seating beer garden, rollup garage-style windows and a streetside patio, and has room for live music.

The ambitious plan I referred to earlier calls for an additional four Flying Fish Crafthouse locations in the city proper in the next five years. While a second location has not been announced, the general Chinatown area is dicussed as a likely contender. Flying Fish will have exclusivity on all of them. Nice to see the sustained growth, and now increased visibility, for the nearly perennial award-wining Flying Fish brand over the last nine years.

When I used to live in Fairmount, there wasn't much worthwhile to speak of for going north of Girard Avenue. That's been changing in recent years, nowhere more rapidly than in the Brewerytown neighborhood.

(Apologies for the quick and scattered dump of notes here and the mediocre pictures which seem to be thanks to a failing phone/camera. Nonetheless, hope you enjoy.)

(Duffy, owner Brian Duffy that is, approves.)

(The standards, plus some exclusives, due to always be available at Flying Fish Crafthouse.)

(Hola Cubano joins Philly Porchetta, a ribeye Cheesesteak, and an excellent Smokey Brisket on the sandwich menu.)

(Crunchy beer chips.)

(Sean Kelly, Operations Manager at Flying Fish Crafthouse, takes to the mic to for a song or two.)

(Plenty of signs at Flying Fish's Crafthouse remain from the building's former occupant, an Acme distribution warehouse.)

(Crime & Punishment, at 27th & Girard, just a few blocks away from the new Flying Fish Crafthouse.)

(All's well at Crime & Punishment at 27th & Girard, not far from the new Flying Fish Crafthouse.)

(Always something new at Crime & Punishment.)

© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2016. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com

Thursday, December 01, 2016

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: December 1 - December 7

Just like that, December comes a-calling. Check your beer events list and check it twice.

And while you're at it, make sure you check out my book. It's that special gift-giving time of year again, so I'm inclined to remind you again of my book, Beer Lover's Mid-Atlantic. To buy, send a note to me for personal signing and delivery, ping Amazon.com, or drop by your local bookstore such as Barnes & Noble.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They 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. 12/3; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Craft Beer Festival at Allentown Brew Works [More than 50 craft beers to sample from dozens of the best local and national craft breweries. $10-$35]

Bethlehem, Pa.

Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works [Entire proceeds of the charity cask are donated to a local non-profit organization. $PAYG]

Boyertown, Pa.

Sat. 12/3; 11 a.m. — Back In Black Stout Fest at Union Jack's On The Manatawny [Our annual Stout Fest. $PAYG]

Cape May, NJ

Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m.-6 p.m. — Fireside Chat: Barrel-aged Series at Cape May Brewing Company [You’ll hear all about our process and ingredients, as well as some glimpses into the future of the series. No promises, but tastings are rumored. $PAYG]

Fri. 12/2; 5:30 p.m. — Cape May Beer Dinner at Cape May Ferry Terminal [A five-course menu paired with Cape May beers. Brewery representatives will be on-hand to discuss the various beer styles offered. $59]

Chalfont, Pa.

Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m. — Tröegs Mad Elf Madness at Blue Dog Tavern [Mad Elf verticals, vintages, blends, and straight-up fresh. $PAYG]

Wed. 12/7; 4 p.m. — Cave Bear Barleywine Release at Tower Hill Brewery [22 degrees Plato, 60 BUs, 8% ABV. Great full gold color and a creamy head. $PAYG]

Conshohocken, Pa.

Thu. 12/1; 7 p.m. — First Thursday with Tröegs at Below Deck Bottle Shop [We'll be featuring this year's Mad Elf, the very limited Naked Elf, Nitro Chocolate Stout, and Mad Elf blends. Yes, we'll be blending Mad Elf with Nitro Chocolate Stout to create Chocolate Elf. We'll also be blending Mad Elf with Dreamweaver to create Mad Dreams. $PAYG]

Downingtown, Pa.

Sun. 12/4; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Brunch with Santa at Victory Brewing Company [We’ll be serving a buffet style brunch. Free photo for each child and each additional photo is $5. $12-$28]

Tue. 12/6; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Holiday Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company [A five-course meal paired with Victory Red, Winter Cheers, Hip Czech Lager, St. Victorious, and Java Cask. $75]

Emmaus, Pa.

Wed. 12/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Avery Beer Dinner at Trapp Door [Five awesome beers, five amazing courses. $75]

Exton, Pa.

Fri. 12/2; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Exton Beverage Company [Tasting samples of beers from Evolution. $Free]

Sat. 12/3; 2 p.m.-4 p.m. — Saturday Sampling at Exton Beverage Company [Tasting samples of beers from Dogfish Head. $Free]

Horsham, Pa.

Wed. 12/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — 12 Beers of Christmas at Iron Abbey [12 beers with 6 courses of food. $75]

Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

Sat. 12/3; 12 p.m.-10 p.m. — Festivus at Naked Brewing Company [Annual celebration with ten beers on tap from Naked, food by Stockyard, and music by Gary Senavitis and Haywood Trout $PAYG]

Lancaster, Pa.

Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — Collusion Tap Works Draft Invasion at Hunger N Thirst [Will feature 6 different beers, one being a scotch ale collaboration that we brewed on their pilot system. $PAYG]

Tue. 12/6; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — 2SP Brewery Release Party at Hunger N Thirst [We were fortunate enough to get a few very limited production kegs that sound absolutely delicious. $PAYG]

Maple Shade, NJ

Sat. 12/3; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Winter Wonderland Celebration Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for the release of Winter Warmer & Om Nom Nom, along with 6 other unique beers. $PAYG]

Media, Pa.

Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Allagash Night at Pinocchio's [A night of beers from Allagash. $PAYG]

Sun. 12/4; 12 p.m.-3 p.m. — Milk & Cookies with Santa Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [ $PAYG]

Newark, Del.

Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Party Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Santa’s Little Helper & Reindeer’s Revenge are coming to the taps to fill you with cheer. Anyone bringing in a donation of non perishable foods will receive a thank you gift. $PAYG]

Wed. 12/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — The Beer Dinner Before Christmas at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [A five-course meal paired with Abbey Dubbel, Fe20, Santa’s Little Helper, Sugar Shack Brown Ale, and Jack Skellington. $65]

North Wales, Pa.

Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m. — Deck the Halls Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Celebrating the Holiday Season with the Release of Scrooge IPA. We’ll also have Reindeer’s Revenge, Santa’s Little Helper, and Winter Warmer on tap. $PAYG]

Oaks, Pa.

Sat. 12/3; 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. — Valley Forge Beer & Cider Festival at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center [Shoulder to shoulder with the most popular local breweries and cideries will be amazing producers from across the country and around the world. $10-$55]

Paoli, Pa.

Fri. 12/2 through Sun. 12/4; All Weekend — 13th Anniversary Weekend Party at TJ's [When all that fun stuff at the bottom of TJ's webpage gets tapped. $PAYG]

Perkasie, Pa.

Sun. 12/4; 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — BrewAsana Beer & Yoga at Free Will Brewing Company [This 45 minute yoga session will be lead by Beth Howard of Younger Thru Yoga+, LLC., and will be followed by a private beer tasting, hosted by Free Will Brewing Co. $TBA]

Philadelphia, Pa.

Thu. 12/1; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Half Acre Happy Hour at Brü Craft & Wurst [Vexer, Bucket Brains Pony, Tuna, Gone Away, Daisy Cutter, Double Daisy, and Navaja. $PAYG]

Thu. 12/1; 7 p.m. — Fireplace Lighting Party at Devil's Den [We will be tapping a variety of Smoked and Wood-aged beers along with our winter cocktail menu. $PAYG]

Thu. 12/1; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — SingleCut Beersmiths Night at Varga Bar [SingleCut's Harry Doesn't Mind IPA, Billy Half Stack IPA, Dean Pacific NW Mahogany Amber Ale, and Heavy Boots of Lead Imperial Stout. $PAYG]

Fri. 12/2; 6 p.m. — Friday’s Sixtel: New Belgium Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough at Grey Lodge Pub [This collaboration with Ben & Jerry’s brings together two different types of pint-makers for one common goal: to fill your glass with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale. $PAYG]

Sun. 12/4; 2 p.m.-6 p.m. — Repeal Day Ball at Victory Beer Hall [We're bringing you back to the Roaring 20s and a we encourage our guests to dress up within the theme. $11+$PAYG]

Sun. 12/4; 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. seatings — Brunch with Santa at Brauhaus Schmitz [Hot and cold buffet stations and The Big Man will be in the Haus for pictures and biers from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $15-$25]

Sun. 12/4; 5 p.m. — Christmas Goose Dinner at Brauhaus Schmitz [Includes a three-course dinner and a glass of Gluhwein. $50]

Sun. 12/4; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Brunch with Santa at City Tap House-University City [Kids under 10 eat complimentary and pictures of Santa are, of course, included. A $10 donation to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House is suggested. $PAYG]

Sun. 12/4; 7 p.m. — 13th Anniversary Party at Good Dog Bar [Passed appetizers, raffle prizes, souvenir photobooth, dog photo contest winners announced. $PAYG]

Mon. 12/5; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 Bottle Shop [Complimentary tastings and specials on bottle selections of cider's from Big Hill. $Free]

Tue. 12/6; 5 p.m. — Sinterklaas Day at Eulogy [A rare bottle of Thomas H. Handy Rye and bottles of Bourbon County Brand Stout will be in limited supply to celebrate the Feast of Saint Nicholas' Day. $PAYG]

Tue. 12/6; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping–Tröegs at Lucky's Last Chance [A night of special beers from Tröegs. $PAYG]

Tue. 12/6; 7 p.m. — Holiday Beer Dinner at Monk's Café [A six-course meal paired with seasonal beers from around the world. $85]

Wed. 12/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Hank Shaw "Buck Buck Moose" Cook Book Dinner at Brauhaus Schmitz [Join us once again for an amazing night and five-course rustic dinner featuring dishes inspired by Hank Shaw’s newest cook book “Buck Buck Moose”. Optional beer pairing. $90-$110]

Wed. 12/7; 7 p.m. — Christmas PJ Party with Evil Genius Brewing at Devil's Den [To celebrate the new brewery they are throwing a Christmas pajama party at the Devil's Den. $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.

Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m. — Cookies with Santa Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Enjoy the Phoenixville Christmas Parade with the release of Santa's Little Helper. For the kids: Patio seating during the parade, complimentary housemade cookies and a visit from Santa Claus. $PAYG]

Fri. 12/2; All Day — Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Belgian-style Tripel pours until the keg kicks. $PAYG]

Sat. 12/3; 5 p.m. — Firebird Tap Takeover at Bistro on Bridge [During the Firebird Festival, we are going to host a Tap Takeover that is sure to warm you up before and after the Burning of the Bird. $PAYG]

Sat. 12/3; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Firebird Festival Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for an 8 beer multi-tap featuring big, bold, cozy winter beers in celebration of the Firebird Festival. $PAYG]

Tue. 12/6; 6:30 p.m. — Hill for the Holidays Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [A five-course meal paired with Sugar Shack Brown Ale, Winter Warmer, Reindeer’s Revenge, Abbey Dubbel, The Hoppening, and Nitro Bourbon Baltic Porter. $65]

Pottstown, Pa.

Fri. 12/2; All Day — Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company [Belgian-style Tripel pours until the keg kicks. $PAYG]

Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Sun. 12/4; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Wild Game Beer Dinner at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery [A four-course meal served with Pennsylvania Tuxedo, 2014 Red & White, 2013 World Wide Stout, and 2013 Burton Baton. $75]

Wed. 12/7; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Festivus Part 2 Beer Dinner at Pickled Pig Pub [A Seinfeld inspired collaboration with our very own Chef Ian Mangin and Brooklyn Brewery Chef Andrew Gerson. $TBA]

Sellersville, Pa.

Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting: Holiday Brews at Washington House [Stop by to share flights of seasonal, hearty brews. $PAYG]

Voorhees, NJ

Thu. 12/1; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Party Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Release Harry Henderson. $PAYG]

Wayne, Pa.

Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m. — Tröegs Mad Elf Event at Teresa's Next Door [Mad Elf graces our tap lines and reindeer stew is on your plate. $PAYG]

West Chester, Pa.

Fri. 12/2; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Free Samples at Goshen Beverage [Free tasting samples of beers from Smuttynose. $Free]

Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Steal The Cheer Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join in the cheer for the release of Scrooge IPA and enjoy the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade. $PAYG]

Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m. — Milk & Cookies with Firestone Walker Brewing at The Side Bar [During the West Chester Christmas Parade we will be hosting a Milk and Cookie event with Firestone Walker and a local West Chester bakery. $PAYG]

Wed. 12/7; 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. — Holiday Beer Dinner at Kildare's Irish Pub [A four-course dinner to celebrate the holiday season paired with New Belgium Accumulation White IPA, Port Brewing Santa's Little Helper, Deschutes Jubelale, and Great Lakes Christmas Ale. $37.92]

Westmont, NJ

Sat. 12/3; 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Brunch with Santa at Keg & Kitchen [We will be featuring a special pre-fixe menu with seasonal drinks for all, festive cocktails, and Santa arrives at 11:30-ready for wish lists and pictures. $9-$18]

Wilmington, Del.

Sun. 12/4; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Jay Z Birthday Brunch with Brooklyn Brewery at Two Stones Pub [We're celebrating Mr. Jay Z's birthday with some of Brooklyn's Finest from The Brooklyn Brewery paired with amazing Hov-inspired brunch features and, of course, music from the man himself. $PAYG]

Monday, November 28, 2016

Beer Event Calendar: What To Do in December 2016

They say time flies. I'd only be repeating the obvious if I talked about how unreal it is that we find ourselves contemplating the end of yet another year. It must be the beer and the events that speed us along through the year. What a year it was here in Philly, hosting both the Craft Brewers Conference and World Beer Cup in addition to the ninth Philly Beer Week. Plenty of other special stuff in between as well.

Here, for your pleasure, is the final monthly beer events calendar of 2016 for Philadelphia and the greater region.

And for navigating the great region of PA, NJ, MD, and DE?.......it's that special gift-giving time of year again, so I'm inclined to remind you again of my book, Beer Lover's Mid-Atlantic. To buy, send a note to me for personal signing and delivery, ping Amazon.com, or drop by your local bookstore such as Barnes & Noble.

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
Thu. 12/1; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Half Acre Happy Hour at Brü Craft & Wurst in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/1; 7 p.m. — Fireplace Lighting Party at Devil's Den in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/1; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — SingleCut Beersmiths Night at Varga Bar in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/2; 6 p.m. — Friday’s Sixtel: New Belgium Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 12/4; 2 p.m.-6 p.m. — Repeal Day Ball at Victory Beer Hall in Philadelphia, Pa. [$11+$PAYG]
Sun. 12/4; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Brunch with Santa at City Tap House-University City in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 12/4; 7 p.m. — 13th Anniversary Party at Good Dog Bar in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 12/5; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 Bottle Shop in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Tue. 12/6; 5 p.m. — Sinterklaas Day at Eulogy in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 12/6; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping–Tröegs at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 12/7; 7 p.m. — Christmas PJ Party with Evil Genius Brewing at Devil's Den in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/8; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Take a Shine to Shiner at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/9; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Christmas Extravaganza at Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/9; 6 p.m. — Friday’s Sixtel: Unibroue A Tout le Monde at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 12/11; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Breakfast with Santa at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 12/12; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 Bottle Shop in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Tue. 12/13; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping–Goose Island Sours at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 12/14; 3 p.m. — Evil Genius Beer Night at Barcade in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/15; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Mad Elf Night at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/15; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. — Star War Rogue One Movie Release Party with Rogue Brewing at The Institute in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/16; 6 p.m. — Friday’s Sixtel: Smuttynose Smistletoe at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/16; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Penn St. Nikolaus Reserve - 2 Year Vertical at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 12/17; 12 p.m.-3 p.m. — Caturday at Philadelphia Brewing Company in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 12/17; 12 p.m.-3 p.m. — A Very Jerry Christmas Christmas Party at City Tap House-Logan in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 12/18; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Brunch with Santa at City Tap House-University City in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 12/18; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Festivus! at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 12/19; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bottle Shop Happy Hour at Local 44 Bottle Shop in Philadelphia, Pa. [$Free]
Tue. 12/20; 7 p.m. — A Very Vegan, Beery Cheery Industry Holiday Celebration at Brigantessa in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 12/20; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping–Victory at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 12/21; 3 p.m. — Winter Beer Night at Barcade in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 12/21; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Weyerbacher Wednesday: Mellow Monks at Hop Angel Brauhaus in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 12/21; 7 p.m. — Feast of the Seven Fishes Christmas Stroll at Sancho Pistola's in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Wed. 12/21; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. — You Buy the Glass Night at The Abbaye in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 12/26; 11 a.m. — Boxing Day Beer Festival at Memphis Taproom in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Tue. 12/27; 8 p.m. — Tuesday Tapping–Duck–Rabbit at Lucky's Last Chance in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/30; 6 p.m. — Friday’s Sixtel: Round Guys Hipster Frogger at Grey Lodge Pub in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]

after December in Philadelphia
Wed. 1/11; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Tröegs First Squeeze Nugget Nectar Release at Kite & Key in Philadelphia, Pa. [$PAYG]

Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 12/1; 7 p.m. — First Thursday with Tröegs at Below Deck Bottle Shop in Conshohocken, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Allagash Night at Pinocchio's in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m. — Deck the Halls Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in North Wales, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 12/3; 12 p.m.-10 p.m. — Festivus at Naked Brewing Company in Huntingdon Valley, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 12/3; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Winter Wonderland Celebration Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Maple Shade, NJ [$PAYG]
Sun. 12/4; 12 p.m.-3 p.m. — Milk & Cookies with Santa Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/9; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Party Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Huntingdon Valley, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 12/10; 12 p.m.-9 p.m. — Funky Beer & Holiday Bazaar at Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company in Cherry Hill, NJ [$PAYG]

after December in Philadelphia's close suburbs

Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works in Bethlehem, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m.-6 p.m. — Fireside Chat: Barrel-aged Series at Cape May Brewing Company in Cape May, NJ [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m. — Tröegs Mad Elf Madness at Blue Dog Tavern in Chalfont, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — Collusion Tap Works Draft Invasion at Hunger N Thirst in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/1; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Party Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Voorhees, NJ [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/2; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Exton Beverage Company in Exton, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Party Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Newark, Del. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m. — Cookies with Santa Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/2; All Day — Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/2; All Day — Incubus Friday at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting: Holiday Brews at Washington House in Sellersville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m. — Tröegs Mad Elf Event at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/2; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Free Samples at Goshen Beverage in West Chester, Pa. [$Free]
Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Steal The Cheer Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in West Chester, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m. — Milk & Cookies with Firestone Walker Brewing at The Side Bar in West Chester, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/2 through Sun. 12/4; All Weekend — 13th Anniversary Weekend Party at TJ's in Paoli, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 12/3; 11 a.m. — Back In Black Stout Fest at Union Jack's On The Manatawny in Boyertown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 12/3; 2 p.m.-4 p.m. — Saturday Sampling at Exton Beverage Company in Exton, Pa. [$Free]
Sat. 12/3; 5 p.m. — Firebird Tap Takeover at Bistro on Bridge in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 12/3; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Firebird Festival Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 12/3; 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Brunch with Santa at Keg & Kitchen in Westmont, NJ [$9-$18]
Sun. 12/4; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Jay Z Birthday Brunch with Brooklyn Brewery at Two Stones Pub in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG]
Tue. 12/6; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. — 2SP Brewery Release Party at Hunger N Thirst in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/8; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Allagash Brewing Tap Takeover at Isaac Newton's in Newtown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/9; All Day — Anniversary Party at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/9; 5 p.m. — Kevin Brooks Brings some Shelton Brothers Treats at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 12/10; 12 p.m. — Scrooge IPA Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 12/11; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Brunch with Santa at Kennett Brewing Company in Kennett Square, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/15; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Beer & Brownie Pairing at Liberty Taproom in Reading, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/16; 1 p.m. — Beer Geek Christmas at Hunger N Thirst in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/16; 5 p.m. — Weyerbacher Tap Takeover at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/16; All Day — Third Friday Firkin Fest at Sly Fox Brewing Company in Phoenixville, Pa. [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/16; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Save the Galaxy Gala Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Voorhees, NJ [$PAYG]
Fri. 12/16; 5 p.m. — Teresa's welcomes the new Firestone Walker Rep at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sat. 12/17; 2 p.m.-7 p.m. — The Darkside Party Multi-Tap at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG]
Sun. 12/18; 10 a.m. — Yoga at the Brewery at Weyerbacher Brewing Company in Easton, Pa. [$20]
Sun. 12/18; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Brunch with Santa at Victory Brewing Company in Parkesburg, Pa. [$PAYG]
Sun. 12/18; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Brunch w/ Santa, Hops & Sours at The Side Bar in West Chester, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 12/19; 6 p.m. — Victory Java Cask Firkin Event at Bulls Head Public House in Lititz, Pa. [$PAYG]
Mon. 12/19; 5 p.m. — 5th Anniversary Party at Ulysses Gastropub in Wilmington, Del. [$PAYG]
Tue. 12/20; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Tired Hands Tap Takeover at The Bottle Room in Downingtown, Pa. [$PAYG]
Thu. 12/22; 5 p.m.-6 p.m. — Fireside Chat: 'Twas the Night Beer-fore X-mas at Cape May Brewing Company in Cape May, NJ [$PAYG]

after December in Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other

Events Over $20

Philadelphia
Sun. 12/4; 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. seatings — Brunch with Santa at Brauhaus Schmitz in Philadelphia, Pa. [$15-$25]
Sun. 12/4; 5 p.m. — Christmas Goose Dinner at Brauhaus Schmitz in Philadelphia, Pa. [$50]
Tue. 12/6; 7 p.m. — Holiday Beer Dinner at Monk's Café in Philadelphia, Pa. [$85]
Wed. 12/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Hank Shaw "Buck Buck Moose" Cook Book Dinner at Brauhaus Schmitz in Philadelphia, Pa. [$90-$110]
Sun. 12/11; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Flavors Of The Season at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, Pa. [$8-$100]
Thu. 12/15; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — South Philly Goes to the Movies 3.0 at The P.O.P.E. & The Industry Bar in Philadelphia, Pa. [$25]
Mon. 12/26; 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Winter Beer Festival at World Café Live in Philadelphia, Pa. [$20-$45]

after December in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's close suburbs (within 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Wed. 12/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — 12 Beers of Christmas at Iron Abbey in Horsham, Pa. [$75]

after December in Philadelphia's close suburbs

Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other (beyond 20 mile radius of Philadelphia)
Fri. 12/2; 5:30 p.m. — Cape May Beer Dinner at Cape May Ferry Terminal in Cape May, NJ [$59]
Sat. 12/3; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Craft Beer Festival at Allentown Brew Works in Allentown, Pa. [$10-$35]
Sat. 12/3; 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. — Valley Forge Beer & Cider Festival at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa. [$10-$55]
Sun. 12/4; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Brunch with Santa at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. [$12-$28]
Sun. 12/4; 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — BrewAsana Beer & Yoga at Free Will Brewing Company in Perkasie, Pa. [$TBA]
Sun. 12/4; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Wild Game Beer Dinner at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Rehoboth Beach, Del. [$75]
Tue. 12/6; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Holiday Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. [$75]
Tue. 12/6; 6:30 p.m. — Hill for the Holidays Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Phoenixville, Pa. [$65]
Wed. 12/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Avery Beer Dinner at Trapp Door in Emmaus, Pa. [$75]
Wed. 12/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — The Beer Dinner Before Christmas at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Newark, Del. [$65]
Wed. 12/7; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Festivus Part 2 Beer Dinner at Pickled Pig Pub in Rehoboth Beach, Del. [$TBA]
Wed. 12/7; 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. — Holiday Beer Dinner at Kildare's Irish Pub in West Chester, Pa. [$37.92]
Thu. 12/8; 7 p.m. — Tröegs Beer Dinner at Federal Taphouse in Lancaster, Pa. [$40]
Sat. 12/10; 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. — Beer & Yoga at Victory Brewing Company in Kennett Square, Pa. [$35]
Sat. 12/10; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — Weyerbacher Brew Review at Isaac's Pickle Bar in Lancaster, Pa. [$30]
Sun. 12/11; 10 a.m. — Jolly Beer Mile at Shawnee Craft Brewing Company in Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pa. [$40]
Tue. 12/13; 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Holiday Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company in Kennett Square, Pa. [$65]
Sat. 12/17; 5 p.m. — Anniversary Party at Stickman Brews in Royersford, Pa. [$26]
Sat. 12/17; 3 p.m. — Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting at World Café Live in Wilmington, Del. [$40]
Tue. 12/27; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Tröegs Brewery Beer Dinner at The Horse Tavern & Grill in Sellersville, Pa. [$35]
Wed. 12/28; 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — St. Boniface Beer and Food Tasting at Bulls Head Public House in Lititz, Pa. [$35]
Wed. 12/28; 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Beach Bash Beer Festival at World Café Live in Wilmington, Del. [$20-$45]

after December in Greater Philadelphia Metro / Eastern Pennsylvania / Other
Sat. 1/21; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Hibrewnation at Allstar Complex in Gettysburg, Pa. [$20-$55]

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: November 24 - November 30

How thankful are you for this time of year? So many reasons and, somewhere on the list I'm sure for most of us, is the access to so much great beer at events such as these couple dozen through the remainder of November. May you enjoy all your many blessings with family and friends throughout the holidays.

And it's that special gift-giving time of year again, so I'm inclined to remind you again of my book, Beer Lover's Mid-Atlantic. To buy, send a note to me for personal signing and delivery, ping Amazon.com, or drop by your local bookstore such as Barnes & Noble.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They 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.

Fri. 11/25; 3 p.m.-9 p.m. — Black Friday Release at HiJinx Brewing Company [We will be releasing a limited number of bottles of Bourbon Barrel Aged Steal Your Face Stout. Live music by Jordan White. $PAYG]

Bethlehem, Pa.

Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Charity Cask Night at Bethlehem Brew Works [Entire proceeds of the charity cask are donated to a local non-profit organization. $PAYG]

Boyertown, Pa.

Sat. 12/3; All Day — Back In Black Stout Fest at Union Jack's On The Manatawny [Our annual Stout Fest. $PAYG]

Chalfont, Pa.

Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m. — Tröegs Mad Elf Madness at Blue Dog Tavern [Mad Elf verticals, vintages, blends, and straight-up fresh. $PAYG]

Conshohocken, Pa.

Fri. 11/25; All Day — Black Friday & Bourbon County at Flanigan's Boathouse & Below Deck Bottle Shop [On Black Friday there will be six beers on tap that we've been holding onto just for this event and of course the Bourbon county release. $PAYG]

Emmaus, Pa.

Wed. 12/7; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. — Avery Beer Dinner at Trapp Door [Five awesome beers, five amazing courses. $75]

Exton, Pa.

Fri. 12/2; 4 p.m.-7 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Exton Beverage [Tasting samples of beers from Evolution. $Free]

Sat. 12/3; 2 p.m.-4 p.m. — Saturday Sampling at Exton Beverage [Tasting samples of beers from Dogfish Head. $Free]

Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

Sat. 12/3; 12 p.m.-10 p.m. — Festivus at Naked Brewing Company [Annual celebration with ten beers on tap from Naked, food by Stockyard, and music by Gary Senavitis and Haywood Trout. $PAYG]

Lancaster, Pa.

Fri. 11/25; All Day — Black Friday Stout Invasion at Hunger N Thirst [We will have a variety of "black as night" beers available for consumption. $PAYG]

Lititz, Pa.

Wed. 11/30; 5:30 p.m. — Carton Beer and Food Tasting at Bulls Head Public House [Pairings with beers from Carton Brewing Company. $35]

Maple Shade, NJ

Media, Pa.

Wed. 11/30; 4 p.m. — Winter Is Coming Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us as we release two seasonal holiday favorites – Winter Warmer, a medium-bodied dark ale and Scrooge IPA, an American-style IPA. $PAYG]

Thu. 12/1; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Allagash Night at Pinocchio's [A night of beers from Allagash. $PAYG]

Sun. 12/4; 12 p.m.-3 p.m. — Milk & Cookies with Santa Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for the release of Milk Stout, our medium-bodied English-style stout with a roasted malt aroma and flavor. Infused with lactose for a sweet creaminess. $PAYG]

Norristown, Pa.

Fri. 11/25; 7 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. tappings — Annual Black Friday Event at Capone's [An annual display of amazing beer (and brunch) with two tappings to spread the goodness across the day. $PAYG]

North Wales, Pa.

Fri. 11/25; 1 p.m. — Deschutes & Oskar Blues Event at The Pour House [Special event draft pricing for beers from Deschutes and Oskar Blues. $PAYG]

Paoli, Pa.

Wed. 11/30; All Day — SingleCut Beersmiths at TJ's [Tap list TBA. $PAYG]

Fri. 12/2 through Sun. 12/4; All Weekend — 13th Anniversary Weekend Party at TJ's [When all that fun stuff at the bottom of TJ's webpage gets tapped. $PAYG]

Perkasie, Pa.

Fri. 11/25; 12 p.m. — Unleash The Barrel-aged Beasts at Free Will Brewing Company [Ollie's Food Truck will be here. Bottles of Ella, the beer formerly known as "Black Friday" & a Gold and Bronze Medal Winner, is a 12.8% Belgian Quad, aged in apple brandy barrels for a year and Ralphius is a 15.1% Russian Imperial Stout, aged in bourbon barrels for a year. $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.

Fri. 11/25; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Black Friday Beer Brunch at Devil's Den [The Lighter Side of Black Friday with 21st Amendment, Stone, and Firestone Walker. $PAYG]

Fri. 11/25; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Black Friday Brunch at Standard Tap [We'll be here serving up our beloved farm fresh brunch and tapping one of two existing firkins of Tröegs' Java Cask. $PAYG]

Fri. 11/25; 12 p.m. — Into The Black at City Tap House-University City [We're excited to tap a stunning selection of porters and stouts - just in time for the chilly winter season. $35]

Fri. 11/25; 3 p.m.-9 p.m. — Black Friday Giveback at Beer Love [We will again be raising funds for Student-Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia. $PAYG]

Fri. 11/25; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Friday’s Sixtel: Weyerbacher Sunday Mole Stout at Grey Lodge Pub [This brew captures everything you’d expect from a traditional molé—coffee, chocolate, heat and smokiness. $PAYG]

Fri. 11/25; All Day — Fade To Black IV at Brü Craft & Wurst [The time has come for the 4th annual Left Hand Brewing Company + Captain Lawrence Brewing Company Black Friday tap takeover. To mix it up a bit, this year we are dialing back the 'black,' and cutting in some fresh as hell hoppy beers and extremely limited sours. $PAYG]

Fri. 11/25; All Day — Goose Island Black Friday at City Tap House-Logan [We will be tapping 13 Goose Island drafts for the big event. $PAYG]

Sat. 11/26; 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. — Winter Beer Fest at 23rd Street Armory [We will have on tap more than 100 beers from around the world that will tickle your tongue and warm your belly with big bold flavors and spices. $10-$50]

Wed. 11/30; 3 p.m. — Allagash vs. Dogfish Head Beer Night at Barcade [A special night of beers from some of our friends in Maine and Delaware. $PAYG]

Fri. 12/2; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Beer & Brewing 101 at Philly Beer School [This is our introduction to how beer is made, major beer styles, and brewing history. $39.98]

Sun. 12/4; 7 p.m. — 13th Anniversary Party at Good Dog Bar [Passed appetizers, raffle prizes, souvenir photobooth, dog photo contest winners announced. $PAYG]

Wed. 12/14; 3 p.m. — Evil Genius Beer Night at Barcade [Join us as we welcome our friends from the neighborhood. $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.

Fri. 12/9; All Day — Anniversary Party at Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery [Details to come. $PAYG]

Reading, Pa.

Thu. 12/15; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Beer & Brownie Pairing at Liberty Taproom [This will be a four beer flight featuring Oarsman, Java Stout, Double Cream Stout, and Bourbon Barrel Aged Hell Hath No Fury. $PAYG]

Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Sellersville, Pa.

Fri. 12/2; 5 p.m. — Beer Tasting: Holiday Brews at Washington House [Stop by to share flights of seasonal, hearty brews. $PAYG]

Shawnee On The Delaware, Pa.

Sun. 12/11; 10 a.m. — Jolly Beer Mile at ShawneeCraft Brewing Company [Registration fee includes bib, timed course, long sleeve event shirt, and four cans of beer during run. All runners should wear Christmas flair. $40]

Wayne, Pa.

Mon. 11/28; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Big Hill Cider Dinner at Teresa's Next Door [Join us for 7 ciders, 5 courses, and a delicious and educational oppurtunity. $80]

West Chester, Pa.

Fri. 11/25; 2 p.m.-4 p.m. — Free Samples at Goshen Beverage [Free tasting samples of beers from Smith & Forge, Peroni, and Pilsner Urquell. $Free]

Fri. 12/2; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Free Samples at Goshen Beverage [Free tasting samples of beers from Smuttynose. $Free]

Friday, November 18, 2016

November 2016: News update, part 2

Gathered up a few interesting things from the last couple weeks to share with you. Have I missed anything?

~ Oh, how convenient this would've been to have Wissahickon Brewing Company so close to my college when I was there. [Link to Phila. Business Journal]

~ So Pittsburgh thinks it can best Philly in hockey and beer? [Link to Phila. Business Journal]

~ The beer guys that brought you U-bahn and Bru now have some sour beer and pizza to sell to you [Link to Philly.com]

~ This should keep our local friend and Two Roads sales guy, Lee Porter, hopping. [Link to Beer Pulse]

~ Apparently, I'm not as plugged in as I thought I was. Last I checked (okay, that's on me), this project was dead. Alas... [Link to Prism Brewing Company's facebook page]

~ Six-packs, growlers, and singles at beer distributors. Wine in grocery stores. Welcome to your new Pennsylvania. [Link to Philadelphia Magazine]

~ And, finally, this happened last night. Bob Barrar from 2SP Brewing Company found his name on the drawn raffle ticket last night at City Tap House, where Philly Beer Week was conducting its annual fundraiser and Belgian trip giveaway. [Link to 2SP's facebook page]

© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Weekly Beer Event Calendar Update: November 17 - November 23

How many ways do you like to drink your beer? Here are a couple dozen for the next week leading up to Thanksgiving.

And it's that special gift-giving time of year again, so I'm inclined to remind you again of my book, Beer Lover's Mid-Atlantic. To buy, send a note to me for personal signing and delivery, ping Amazon.com, or drop by your local bookstore such as Barnes & Noble.

As you review beer events, don't forget PhillyTapFinder.com. They 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.

Downingtown, Pa.

Wed. 11/23; All Day — Dark Wednesday at Victory Brewing Company [This year not only can you snag the insanely popular Java Cask but also our brewpub exclusive Java Cask Rye. This year's Java Cask offerings feature two different One Village Coffee roasts. $PAYG]

Exton, Pa.

Thu. 11/17; 5 p.m. — Goose Island Tap Takeover at The Drafting Room [A special tapping of some awesome beers from Goose Island, including 1516, Festivity, The Muddy, and IPA. $PAYG]

Fri. 11/18; 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Friday Night Sampling at Exton Beverage [Tasting samples of beers from Oskar Blues. $Free]

Harrisburg, Pa.

Thu. 11/17; 6:30 p.m. — Beer Dinner at Millworks Brewery [Welcome beer with hors d’oeuvres, four food courses paired with four different Millworks brews, explanation of the beers from our Master Brewer, explanation of food pairing from our Executive Chef, and free Millworks Brewery merch. $60]

Sat. 11/19; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Hibrewnation at Farm Show Complex [An uncompromising exploration of beer with a side of rare and hard to find. $20-$55]

Lake Harmony, Pa.

Sat. 11/19-Sun. 11/20; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. — Great Brews Classic Beer Festival at Split Rock Resort [This is the beer event of the season with over 100 domestic and international craft beer samples. Food and craft vendors, beer games, giveaways, live musical entertainment, games on a big screen, and of course beer. $10-$70]

Media, Pa.

Thu. 11/17; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Peak Night at Pinocchio's [A night of beers from Peak Brewing. $PAYG]

Fri. 11/18; 5 p.m. — Voldemort's Wrath IPA Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for the limited release of Voldemort's Wrath IPA and come celebrate the premiere of the movie “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”. $PAYG]

Fri. 11/18; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Ship Bottom Night at Pinocchio's [Blueberry Bikini Bottom Wheat Ale, Kettle Soured Saison, Porter, and Stupid Paddle Boat IPA $PAYG]

Sun. 11/20; All Day — One-Year Anniversary and Bottle Release at Sterling Pig Brewery [A special party and bottle release of Big Gunz, a “dangerously drinkable” double IPA brewed with Horizon, Chinook, Centennial, Simcoe, and Citra hops. In addition, Sterling Pig’s reliably delicious menu of down-home barbecue and wood-fired pizzas. $PAYG]

Milford, Del.

Sat. 11/19; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Third Birthday Party at Mispillion River Brewing Company [We’ll have amazing food. Plus, music from Clifford Keith as well as Stone Jack Ballers. $PAYG]

Montgomeryville, Pa.

Sat. 11/19; 12 p.m. — 24th Birthday Celebration at Keystone Homebrew [We'll have special offers all day in the homebrew store, and festivities in the winery from 3-7 p.m. $PAYG]

Philadelphia, Pa.

Thu. 11/17; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — PBW Raffle Live Drawing at City Tap House-Logan [Ever want to brew beer in Belgium with one of Europe's rock star brewers? Well you can if you win our raffle grand prize and you get to take your favorite local brewer with you. The two of you will work on a recipe with DeStruise Brouwers in Oostvleteren and brew our official collaboration beer. $PAYG]

Fri. 11/18; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — Duck-Rabbit Tasting at Beer Love [Beers from Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery. $PAYG]

Fri. 11/18; 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — Mad Elf, Happy You Night at Grey Lodge Pub [We saved 3 barrels from last year (as usual), plus one from the year before that. So we will be pouring three years of Mad Elf. And we'll have a case of ultra-rare Naked Elf corked bottles, while they last. So four elves. Jolly ol' St. Nick Johnson will have ultra fresh 2016 Mad Elf gear for sale. $PAYG]

Sat. 11/19; All Day — Seeing Double at Standard Tap [We're doubling down on DIPA's from our favorite breweries, both regional and national. $PAYG]

Sat. 11/19; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Freigeist Bierkultur Meet & Greet at Devil's Den [Meet and Greet Sebastian Saurer, Brewer/ owner of Freigeist Bierkultur in Germany. Sebastian is known for brewing historical German beers along with some amazing sours. $PAYG]

Tue. 11/22; All Day — Annual Dog Photo Contest Entries Due at Good Dog Bar [Photo can be anything from cute & silly to “dirty doggie" and can be mailed or dropped off at the restaurant. $PAYG]

Wed. 11/23; 4 p.m. — Five-Year Anniversary Party at American Sardine Bar [Details TBA. $PAYG]

Wed. 11/23; 4:30 p.m. — Goose Island Black Wednesday at Alla Spina [We will be featuring several of their core brands along side some super rare brews that you can't get anywhere else. $PAYG]

Wed. 11/23; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. — St. Benjamin Tasting at Beer Love [Beers from St. Benjamin Brewing Company. $PAYG]

Wed. 11/23; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. — Thanksgiving Eve with Yards Brewing Company at Devil's Den [Join us for a special Holiday Happy Hour featuring Yards. $PAYG]

Phoenixville, Pa.

Fri. 11/18; All Day — Third Friday Firkin Fest at Sly Fox Brewing Company [The stalwart Chester County Bitter will be pouring alongside a delicious firkin of our annually anticipated Oatmeal Stout. $PAYG]

Voorhees, NJ

Fri. 11/18; 5 p.m. — Voldemort's Wrath IPA Beer Release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [Join us for the release of Voldemort’s Wrath IPA along with Dumbledore's Dubbel. Come celebrate the premiere of the movie “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”. $PAYG]

West Chester, Pa.

Fri. 11/18; 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Free Samples at Goshen Beverage [Free tasting samples of beers from New Belgium. $Free]

Wayne, Pa.

Fri. 11/18; 6 p.m. — 10th Annual Tröegs Mad Elf Event at Teresa's Next Door [Mad Elf graces our tap lines and reindeer stew is on your plate. A few scratch beers, some of the Tröegs classics and at least two beers you won't find anywhere else except here at Teresa's. $PAYG]

Wilmington, Del.

Sat. 11/19; 3 p.m. — Grilled Cheese and Craft Beer Tasting at World Café Live [We have taken two of the best things on earth and paired them together in unexpected and delicious ways. $40]