The Brew Lounge

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Flynn on Fire Smoked Beer Initiative from Switchback Brewing Company in Burlington, VT

(Photo courtesy of Switchback Brewing Company)
Maybe it's my German roots. I'm a big fan of well-made beers with that element of smoke. Call it a smoke beer here in the States, or a Rauchbier over in Germany. More technically correct to say in Bamberg, Germany where the Rauchbier style calls home. Schlenkerla is one of Bamberg's most well-known and broadly distributed breweries.

I'm a fan of both bold smoke beers and those with subtle undercurrents of smoke. Put a plate of, say, roast turkey and mashed potatoes in front of me along with a glass of it and I'll be in heaven. Would have loved to find a Kentucky Hot Brown while in Louisville to eat alongside a glass of Schlenkerla. Wow, to think!

But this is about a brewery that I "discovered" for the first time during the Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville, TN back in May. I'd received an e-mail from Switchback Brewing Company, located in Burlington, VT (ah, Burlington, it's been way too long, I must visit you again soon!), informing me of the promotion taking place at City Tap and thinking/hoping I'd be interested to check it out. Little did they know (or maybe they did), they found the right guy.

The brewery has something called Flynn On Fire Smoked Beer Initiative. They were serving three at City Tap that are currently in the series — Smoked Märzen; Blackstrap Ale; and Gates of Helles (great name, btw!). I did not sample the Blackstrap, so I cannot speak to that, but was mightily impressed with the easier-going Gates of Helles as well as the more assertive Smoked Märzen. Looking at the company website, the brewery also does other German-inspired styles (Kellerbier, Berliner Weisse, and Märzen to name a few) and they will obviously be on my to-do list when that next visit to the Granite State. They've expanding distribution into NYC earlier this year; hopefully Philly isn't too much longer.

And, now that I'm on their media distribution list, I have this to pass along to you. Makes me wonder if the Flynn series, currently available in bombers, might someday also be available in cans.

Introducing the Switchback Ale Can
Legendary flavor in convenient 16oz can

BURLINGTON, VT, July 26, 2018 — How does Vermont’s favorite beer improve on itself? By making it easier than ever to enjoy while adventuring. Switchback Brewing’s legendary Switchback Ale – a 100 percent unfiltered, 100 percent naturally carbonated, well-balanced reddish amber ale – is now available in popular 16oz cans. The 4x16oz packages are debuting now in Vermont and will roll out gradually to the rest of New England.

“Ale fans have been asking for cans, but we held off until we could install a canning line designed for craft brewers from the ground up,” said Switchback founder and brewmaster Bill Cherry. “It’s from Germany and integrates the seamer with the filler in one monoblock to give craft brewers unprecedented control of the filling speed to maintain world class quality.”

Switchback cans feature a non-BPA liner to assure quality and a special matte finish on its graphics.

"Switchback Ale drinkers are assured the same great beer flavor experience they expect from us," said Cherry. "There is zero compromise on quality. This beer is identical to our bottles and draught – which aren’t going away – and the fill is the best that exists on the planet. We’re excited to add more options in cans in the future."

About Switchback Brewing Company
Switchback Brewing Company was founded in 2002 by master brewer Bill Cherry and his longtime friend Jeff Neiblum. To maximize complexity and flavor, the beer is left unfiltered and carbonated during fermentation by the yeast itself, creating a 100% naturally conditioned beer. In 2017, Switchback Brewing Co. officially became the first 100% employee-owned brewery in New England via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The move keeps the brewery locally owned and operated, still at its original home in the South End of Burlington, VT. Switchback beers are distributed throughout New England and New York. For more information, visit www.switchbackvt.com

© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. 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

Saturday, July 28, 2018

TailGate Brewery in Nashville, TN

I routinely get requests from friends and family for travel suggestions and one this past week related to Nashville reminded me to wake up and finally post this bit about TailGate Brewery in Nashville. I visited the Music Row location in downtown Nashville (the production HQ facility is approximately 10 miles away in West Nashville) during the Craft Brewers Conference back in, ahem, May. Yes, my tardiness in this post disappoints me as well.

The four-year-old brewery recently announced it's embarking on a third location to be found in East Nashville. What I found when I visited for a couple hours was a brewery that serves as a beer geek destination, a fun neighborhood hangout for food and beer, and a bona fide sports bar. The night I stopped in, the Nashville Predators were in a home NHL playoff game and the atmosphere both in the city and at TailGate was electric.

As I was taking note of the atmosphere, I was simultaneously struck by the incredible diversity of beer styles on the draft list. An Altbier quickly became my first beer consumed in Nashville after making the drive from Pennsylvania and unpacking the car. One of my favorite, and oft-cited under-appreciated, styles. Was I skeptical about an Altbier in Nashville? Well, maybe just a bit until I recalled the German brewing heritage in Nashville that I was told about. And I was not disappointed. A Brown, a Saison, a Kolsch, a Pilsner, and a Double IPA all continued to keep me engaged as I stayed much longer than expected and watched the Predators win the game.

Of course they've got the requisite hazy IPA too. The forward-thinking brewery also had left a gift pack of beer and swag where I was staying so I could later enjoy at home some of their packaged goodies. The Welcome To Nashville Hazy IPA was in the package and, as one that is often critical and outspoken about this "style", I'll chalk this one up to meeting the style guidelines while still having enough assertive hop bitterness coming through to keep me interested. Well done. As were the others in the bunch — the Golden Ale, the Southeast IPA, and the Peanut Butter Milk Stout.

So, as I'll advise my friend in must-do recommendations when visiting Nashville, be sure to check out TailGate Brewery.

Speaking of German brewing heritage, the bonus picture here is of the conference's symposium collaboration beer — Mockingbird Maibock — given to all conference attendees. It was conceived and brewed by members of the Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild, of which TailGate is a member brewery. Nice naming of the beer to tie in the state bird of Tennessee and yet another very good beer experience from Nashville.

Thursday, July 26, 2018

And now for something a little different

(Photo courtesy of Quaker City Mercantile)
I say "a little different" because it's an alcoholic beverage, but it's a lot different than beer. I rarely veer off the beer rails around here, but a PR firm that sends good beer stuff my way — Punch Media — sent some cans of Quaker City Shrubs. This news might look a bit dated by the press release date and the official event date. That's how long it took for me to get around to sampling the product. (Remember, I don't post just any press release; I need to have some type of personal experience that I can relate and vouch for.) Plus, with this delay, I can now report that the area Wegmans, and I'm presuming other advertised retail outlets, are carrying 6-packs ($9.99) of all three varieties in cans.

Personal favorite? Probably the blackberry, followed by apple, followed by grapefruit. What you'll find in each is a remarkably clean, refreshing, and flavorful beverage perfect for summertime and as a break between long beer drinking sessions. And look at those 90 calories! The dose of apple cider vinegar (which, imo, could be dosed up just a tad more but is noticeable nevertheless) adds great flavor plus a well-documented health benefit. Something that I haven't been able to find in hard seltzers (haven't found one worth my dollars yet) and hard cider (feel like I need to apologize, don't know why, but sorry I've found many to be too sweet, too insipid, or otherwise unmemorable to become a regular go-to beverage). Plus, while I'm no expert mixologist, I think the suggestion is spot-on and could see these serving as perfect mixers.

Enough from me, here's the press release.

2018: The Official Summer of Shrubs

Meet Quaker City Shrubs - a New Line of Sparkling Tart & Tangy Alcoholic Beverages Made with Apple Cider Vinegar
PHILADELPHIA, PA — June 20, 2018 – Spirits industry pioneer Steven Grasse, in partnership with Diageo, is pleased to announce the release of Quaker City Shrubs - a brand new line of sparkling, tart, and tangy canned alcoholic beverages made with apple cider vinegar. Hitting shelves June 25, just in time for the start of summer, Quaker City Shrubs present at 4% ABV with just 3g of sugar and are only 90 calories. Consumers can choose from natural fruit flavors including Grapefruit, Blackberry, and Apple. These low-calorie, low-sugar and low-ABV beverages are delicious straight from the can, poured over ice, or used as mixers in simple cocktails. They offer imbibers the perfect all-natural alternative to beer and cider compared to other ready-to-drink cocktails which are commonly packed with sugar or cold-fermented dextrose (found in most hard seltzers). Apple cider vinegar enhances natural fruit flavors while adding tart, tangy notes and a dry finish.

The inspiration for Quaker City Shrubs came to Grasse when he discovered this classic historical shrub recipe while doing research for his book, Colonial Spirits. Traditionally, a shrub was used as a way to preserve fruit by combining it with sugar and vinegar. This concentrated liquid could then be watered down with still or sparkling water (or spiked with rum or brandy) for a refreshing, fruity treat in any season.

“The beer-alternative category is saturated with sugary, spiked beverages packed with synthetic ingredients,” explains Grasse. “We spent a long time perfecting this recipe to create a liquid that would appeal to mindful drinkers and would be a welcome alternative to beer and overly-sweet hard ciders and other spiked sparkling beverages. Instead of trying to recreate the wheel, we allowed an old-world health tonic celebrated for its holistic qualities to be our guide. Apple cider vinegar provides the perfect amount of natural sweetness to create an exciting flavor profile without relying on common sweeteners or fermented dextrose.”

Quaker City Shrubs launch this summer at Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Total Wine stores across the Philadelphia, Delaware, and southern New Jersey regions, as well as at boutique bottle shops, beer distributors, and your favorite neighborhood bars and beer gardens. Quaker City Shrubs are made with all natural ingredients and boast only 3g of sugar and 90 calories. At 4.0% ABV the liquid is specially crafted to remove gluten.

Quaker City Mercantile is celebrating the official launch of #SummerofShrubs on July 17 (6-9pm) with a Bokyard BBQ, QC Shrub tastings and specials (with RSVP), Shrub Floats courtesy of Capogiro Gelato Artisans, bites from South Philly Smokhaus BBQ and Simply Good Jars, a garnish station from Greensgrow Farms and fruit kebabs thanks to Riverwards Produce. Noted WXPN DJ, Robert Drake will be providing the beats and guests will enjoy the QC Shrubs Smilebooth all while taking in the gorgeous Philly views from Bok Bar’s scenic rooftop bar. The event is free but guests must RSVP through Eventbrite. Quaker City Mercantile will be donating $1 for each guest towards Southwark School. For more information and recipe inspiration visit Quaker City Shrubs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and follow along with #SummerofShrubs.

About Quaker City Shrubs:
Quaker City Shrubs is a product of Quaker City Mercantile and Diageo, the world’s largest producer of spirits. Drawing inspiration from a classic historical recipe, Steven Grasse created Quaker City Shrubs as an alternative to beer and cider with an unlikely ingredient: apple cider vinegar. Presenting at 4% ABV with just 3g of sugar and only 90 calories, the sparkling, tart, and tangy alcoholic beverages come in an array of natural fruit flavors, including Grapefruit, Blackberry and Apple. For more information please visit instagram.com/quakercityshrubs/.

About Quaker City Mercantile:
Spear-headed by spirits industry pioneer, Steven Grasse, Quaker City Mercantile creates world-famous spirits, beers and other libations. Their expertise includes conceptual ideation, liquid development, manufacturing, distillery/brewery construction, brand building, and on-and off-trade distribution. They own their own distilleries and brewery and maintain a work force that includes distillers, brewers, mixologists, chefs, chemists, botanists and creative teams from various disciplines. In addition to creating their own award-winning products, they build and grow product lines for partners worldwide. Quaker City Mercantile is a unique force in the beverage industry with notable achievements including Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, and Lo-fi Aperitifs.For more information please visit http://quakercitymercantile.com

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Big-time Homebrewing in Portland, Ore.

(photos courtesy of American Homebrewers Association)
As amazing as the growth in commercial craft brewing over the last 10-20 years, the phenomenal growth in homebrewing is equally impressive. I'll let the recent press release from the American Homebrewers Association tell the story from Portland, Ore. where the annual National Homebrewers Conference & Competition took place.

Nation’s Best Homebrews Awarded in Beervana

National Homebrewers Conference & Competition wraps in Portland, following U.S. Senate passing resolution celebrating American Homebrewers Association’s 40th anniversary

Portland, Ore • June 30, 2018 — Over 3,200 homebrewers and beer enthusiasts gathered at the 40th Annual Homebrew Con presented by the American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) this weekend at the Oregon Convention Center, where they attended seminars, bonded over brews and had their beers judged in the world’s largest beer competition.

On June 28, Homebrew Con’s opening day, the U.S. Senate, led by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) passed a resolution honoring the 40th year of the AHA and its founder, Charlie Papazian, who was the conference’s keynote speaker.

Since 1979, the AHA National Homebrew Competition has recognized the most outstanding homemade beer, mead and cider produced by homebrewers worldwide each year. This year’s submissions included 8,405 entries from 3,517 homebrewers located in 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 18 countries. Over its 40-year history, the National Homebrew Competition has evaluated 143,240 brews. The first competition, held in 1979 in Boulder, Colo., judged 34 beers.

This year’s winners include Michael Rogers of Wichita, Kan., who earned the Homebrewer of the Year Award; Nathan Williams of Somerville, Mass., who won the Cidermaker of the Year Award; and Michael Wilcox of Wichita, Kan., who received the Meadmaker of the Year Award. QUAFF (Quality Ale and Fermentation Fraternity), based in San Diego, Calif., won the NHC Homebrew Club award; and North Seattle Homebrew Club based in Seattle, Wash., won the Gambrinus Club Award; while Greg Young of Roseville, Calif., won the Samuel Adams Ninkasi Award, for accumulating the most wins in the competition.

A complete list of winners of the 2018 National Homebrew Competition can be found here.

“This has been a milestone year for the American Homebrewers Association. It’s inspiring to see such a great turnout at this year’s conference, and to see such a strong comradery and passion among homebrewers who have traveled far and wide to celebrate their love of homebrewing,” said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association.

In addition to the competition, the conference provided attendees the opportunity to enhance their brewing skills and homebrew knowledge through over 60 seminars focused on beer styles, the brewing process, ingredients, recipe formulation, sensory analysis, and yeast & formation.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without Charlie’s vision, devotion and passion to this community,” added Glass. “We thank him for the strong foundation he has built for over one million homebrewers in this country. He leaves a lasting legacy.”

Conference-goers also enjoyed a series of events where they sampled each other’s brews and commercial craft beers. The Homebrew Expo & Social Club and Club Night were opportunities for participants to try beers and meads from homebrew clubs and breweries across the country, while making new brew-savvy friends.

In 2019, Homebrew Con will be held June 27-29 for the first time since 1993 in the New England area in Providence, Rhode Island.

About the American Homebrewers Association:
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of 46,000 homebrewers. The American Homebrewers Association organizes events including Homebrew Con™ and the National Homebrew Competition. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy® magazine and offers the Brew Guru® mobile app. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association (BA), whose independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA’s Brewers Publications™ division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers.

Beer lovers and anyone interested in making their own beer are invited to learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org. Follow the AHA on Twitter, and join us on Facebook and Instagram.

Monday, July 23, 2018

The long relationship of McGillin's and Stoudts continues

(Photo courtesy of Stoudts Brewing Company)
Stoudts' beers have been served at McGillin's for many years and the bar's eponymous IPA since 2010. Nice to see the long relationship continue with the upcoming re-release of the beer in bottles. Carol Stoudt will be there. Joe Sixpack as well. And you'll see a very attractive pricing of these beers for one night only. More information follows in the press release.

McGillin's 1860 IPA to be re-released in bottles
To commemorate 25th anniversary of ownership at McGillin's Olde Ale House, city's oldest tavern. Re-release party on August 9.

PHILADELPHIA (July 17, 2018) — McGillin's Olde Ale House, the oldest continuously owned tavern in Philadelphia and one of the oldest in the country, will re-release its 1860 IPA in bottles to commemorate the 25th year of ownership by Mary Ellen and Chris Mullins, Sr.

The bottles will be rolled out at a Re-Release Party from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 9 at McGillin's Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury Street. Joe Sixpack (a.k.a. Don Russell) will be on hand, along with Carol Stoudt, who is considered the first lady of craft brewing. At the party the bottled 1860 IPA will be reduced to $3.50. The event is free and open to the public.

Mary Ellen and Chris Mullins, Sr, a husband-wife duo, bought the bar from Mary Ellen's father and uncle in 1993. They run it today with their son, Christopher Mullins, Jr. His grandfather and great-uncle purchased the bar from the McGillin family in 1958, making Christopher Mullins, Jr., the third generation of the same family to run the tavern.

The namesake IPA, brewed by Stoudts Brewing Company, was introduced in 2010 when the historic tavern was celebrating its 150th anniversary. McGillin's 1860 IPA is unfiltered, as it would have been in the 1800s and is made from a secret recipe with multiple hop varieties, including centennial and amarillo. A crisp hop flavor and aroma with a slight maltiness and medium body round off this quaffable ale.

Bottles of the 1860 IPA will be available to drink at McGillin's or to take out. It is also available on tap. Bottles will also be available at other restaurants and bars around Philadelphia. As other establishments begin carrying McGillin's 1860 IPA, it will be announced on the tavern's social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

McGillin's has 30 beers on tap and is committed to Eastern Pennsylvania breweries and serves a large selection of regional microbrews. McGillin's also serves the only stout made exclusively in Ireland. The 1860 IPA is one of three house beers served at McGillin's Olde Ale House. The 1860 IPA, McGillin's Real Ale and McGillin's Genuine Lager are all brewed by Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, PA. Mary Ellen & Chris Mullins, Sr. starting serving Stoudts beer at McGillin's 25 years ago when they bought the bar and they have a warm relationship with Carol and Ed Stoudt. The tavern serves more Stoudts draft beer than any other tavern in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

McGillin's Olde Ale House opened in 1860, the year Lincoln was elected president. It is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia and one of the oldest in the country. The tavern that opened around the time the Liberty Bell cracked and long before anyone ever tasted a cheesesteak, is a stone's throw from City Hall, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Holiday Inn Express Midtown, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, the Philadelphia Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton and other Center City hotels. A private upstairs room for 90 plus guests is available for beer tastings, bus groups, fundraisers, and more. The tavern is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

New ingredients at Sly Fox's kitchen

Haven't been to Sly Fox in Phoenixville since Robbie Burns Night back in January (actually have driven farther, many times, though to the HQ in Pottstown). Sounds like these updates, particularly the kitchen menu, are perfect reasons to get there soon. Here's the brewery's press release describing the recent changes.

Region’s first brewery retools original pub
Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery freshens up with brewery rebrand

JULY 10, 2018— Phoenixville, PA — In late 2017, Sly Fox Brewing Company evaluated their twenty-plus year old offering and instituted some seriously creative innovations including a revised portfolio of beers featuring all new packaging and an updated brand with an exciting new logo. Only one brewpub in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania was first. In 2018, the small southeastern Pennsylvania town of 16,440 ranks in the national top 10 for most breweries per capita, but it all started twenty years ago with the Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery.

MEET THE NEW SLY FOX PHOENIXVILLE!

Pennsylvania's original brewpub, the Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery, recently applied the exciting modifications to the restaurant, overhauling the inside with a fresh new look that underscores what Beer Advocate called, "America's third best brewpub." Beyond a new coat of paint, the Phoenixville restaurant modified the bar and dining room layouts and opted to use brewery event and product promotion in the interior decoration plan. All new carpeting and a decluttering of the pub has created a new, inviting space.

Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery, the only Sly Fox outpost that offers full table service, also upgraded their exterior facade—incorporating an aesthetic that complemented the brewery rebrand. Outside, inviting cedar fencing now encloses a charming outdoor patio and tasteful signage summons passersby to acres of free parking, while a long list of award-winning fresh beer and an original pub menu with rotating specials await inside. The East Pikeland Township pub also offers Penn's Woods select and premier red and white wines.

"The Eatery is unique even within our own company," says Pete Giannopoulos, brewery founder and manager of the first pub—one of the longest-lasting brewpubs anywhere. "With the rebranding of the brewery and excitement generated by the new beers added, it was a logical time to examine what we were doing on the restaurant side."

Sly Fox recently announced a new pub coming online in Wyomissing, PA as well as plans for several other locations and it's expected that Trainer will consult on those menus while maintaining the creative new style of the Phoenixville food offering.

MEET THE NEW CHEF!

Besides the rebranding and the interior and exterior upgrades, Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery has retained a new chef with a first class pedigree. Chef Jim Trainer, who last ran the kitchen at the Kimberton Inn for twenty-seven years, has revamped the Sly Fox menu and introduced daily specials as inviting as the new decor.

Trainer has been a fan of Sly Fox beer since the beginning, sitting on the other side of the bar after long shifts preparing wonderful cuisine. He'd often commiserate with the bartender so, in true Sly Fox style, we enlisted a part-time bartender to introduce you to the new head chef. Corey Reid, part-time beer-slinger at the Brewhouse & Eatery and full-time sales manager has come to know a lot of customers well, and he recently sat down to interview the man who is reshaping the food offering in Phoenixville.

Click here for a fun Q&A with Head Chef Jim Trainer conducted by Corey Reid

Friday, July 06, 2018

Philly Beer Week 2018. Complete.

Feel free to read on for my half-baked attempt at wrapping up Philly Beer Week 2018 more than a month after it began. Or just click the picture above for a pictorial walk down memory lane as seen through my personalized schedule of attended events.

Still here? Ok, let's see how I do with this. What can I tell you? Did I give it the ol' college try? Depends what you call trying. I was absolutely prepared for PBW '18.

I was at inbox-zero. All computer and apps and phones were updated and backed up. All summertime power equipment fired up and working perfectly. Hot tub water chemistry spot on. Lawn and garden producing nicely. Office tidied up; printer toner replaced; papers filed; old documents shredded; (most) everything in its place. Contractor work on front of house/sidewalk finished. Gutters cleared; house and walkway powerwashing complete. Beer inventory squared away. Beer writing duties up-to-date and next deadline in mid-June after PBW.

I shared a bunch of stuff with you here in these pages leading up to June 1. I social media'ed the crap out of the events I attended. (You do know where to find me out there, right? On Facebook and on Twitter.)

24 events to be exact if you're counting or if you care. Pretty much like what I do every year to get a feel for the energy and the pulse of PBW. One year, I hit something like 35-ish events. Granted, it can be just for a beer, to get a headcount, and get a sense for overall effort that an establishment put into conducting a PBW "event".

So, yeah, I put in the effort as I always do out there on the street. But, here on the ol' Brew Lounge blog? Worse than last year, I not only did not post up a timely recap, but did no daily wrap-ups either.

That's what this post will endeavor to do. I don't really have many words to share at this point. Don't know that it really matters. Lots of "events" (see how I keep putting "events" in quotes?). Lots of beers. People? Yeah, there were people, mostly at the uber-dorky (I mean geeky, I mean geeky, in its most endearing sense, of course) beer releases/tap takeovers. To me, there were not enough creative events promoting at the median between mad-sick-yo-bro beers to the run-of-the-mill brewery feature. We do this year-round in the Philly region. We can do even better for ten days in June.

But where did I feel the "best energy"? Opening Tap for starters. It had something this year that I can't exactly articulate. But, it was there. Like I haven't felt for at least a few years. If I have a say, I'd like to see much better emphasis on local/regional breweries. For Opening Tap, this is our one chance to showcase the best of the region. Allow no other events to be posted during the time of Opening Tap. Make it the grandest showcase that serves as the appropriate kickoff for Philly Beer Week. The rest of the week can feel free to mix it up as much as consumers want with out-of-market features, but at least for one night under one roof, the locals should dominate.

And Monk's Cafe on Tuesday. Dogfish Head sent not just owner Sam Calagione but also his reunited former head brewer, Bryan Selders, area sales manager Wendy Domurat and brand development manager Jennie Hatton-Baver. It was a lunch befitting Philly Beer Week. There was talk of the past and talk of the present. It was a nice mix of industry folk and the consumer off the street willing to take an afternoon off work, plunk down upwards of $100, after tip. For the record, it was out of my own pocket as well, before anyone gets any ideas of bias. Then, the lunchtime soiree made its way down Sansom to Fergie's where Calagione and Selders recreated the days of their brewery rap group - The Pain Relievaz. Lunch, learning, eating, drinking, and capped off with some good ol' fashioned laughs. A very well-rounded day that lived up to the lunch's name - Olde School.

On Thursday, there was an educational type of event. I can not be quite certain that any non-industry folk showed up for it, even though it was absolutely open to the public. It was nicely attended for a Thursday afternoon by around 25 industry people listening to a panel discussion about quality beer, quality processes, and quality presentation for great beer. It was hosted at Urban Village which coincidentally was celebrating its first anniversary of getting its root down on Philly's brewing scene in the Northern Liberties neighborhood. Feels like there have been more panels, stuff that gets closer to educational, special guests, and events that have just that little something extra than just shoveling in a tap takeover's worth of beer. Eh, maybe the jury is in and beer drinkers aren't looking for that? Or did I miss a part of this year's schedule?

Everything else, to me, felt like just drinking (mostly) great beer. Something that we've done around these parts for many more years than many places in this country and something that has become even easier to do in just about every corner of this country in recent years from Alabama to Nebraska, not to mention Florida and Texas, also once considered vast beer wastelands, but no more. Philly Beer Week is still a great excuse to showcase what we make and what we have the pleasure of being sent to our blessed region and should have absolutely no reason to continue strong into the future. But, oh, that one other thing that I kept hearing (yet again)...

March. Think about it. What I heard from more than ever in at least the last five years was — March.

Link to Google Photos for a gallery of PBW '18 pictures.

Monday, July 02, 2018

Can Yards can beer? Yes, they can and they are (let me know if you need more can jokes)

Yards invited me and some others in various forms of media to check out the new canning line, have a few beers, and get an updated tour of the brewery at the new location of 5th & Spring Garden. I hadn't been on site since Yards was a part of my never-ending post-Super Bowl parade party back in February. So I figured it'd be a timely opportunity to see how things have developed since then.

I think it's pretty clear that the Yards crew is settling quite nicely in to their new digs. Early visits of mine seemed to show a staff humming along as if they'd been working in this new space for years. In addition to the well-tuned beers that the brewery has trained its fans to expect, the kitchen was turning out some creative food from the get-go, taking the brewpub experience up a notch.

What's changed since then? Some of the empty space that I recall from early visits has been filled with more stainless steel and, most recently, a canning line. They've accomplished quite a bit in the last six months since making the official transition from the scenic home along the Delaware River up on to the western edge of the Northern Liberties neighborhood. The new location certainly gives it more of an integrated city feel and the hustle in the 70,000 square foot brewery and taproom shows that Yards is reaching its steady state and, likely, ready for some new growth. That's just me attempting to read tea leaves (or hop leaves, if you prefer); there've not been any new markets opened, nor has there been public talk of such.

They're currently running at a pace of around 42,000 bbls/year with the potential to ultimately go to 100,000, though the talk is not currently that aggressive (or reckless?) But, with more equipment (there's room) and more brewing hours (they currently have a 5 day/week schedule), there is support for potential growth. And some of that is being seen in the new cans coming off the line. They're doing Philly Pale, IPA, and Brawler first, three of the most popular brands and, not to mention, smart choices for this hot summer. Pounders too! The bold, clean, and distinctive design works well too for the ever more crowded retail shelves.

By the way, the tour? Yeah, you should do that too. You'll get plenty of information, plenty of laughs (expect a good dose of irreverent humor woven in with the brewing bits), and a parting gift.

Here's a bit more from the brewery's press release.

First Chance for Beer Fans to View New Brewery and Canning Line

This Summer, Yards Brewing Company invites Philly area locals, as well as visitors to this great city, to come have a beer in their distinct outdoor seating area located directly underneath towering steel brewing tanks along Spring Garden Street in the city’s bustling Northern Liberties neighborhood. The new Yards taproom and brewery at 5th and Spring Garden Streets offers patrons 20 taps of fresh, quality Yards ales and a full dining menu crafted by Chef Jim Burke. Curious folks can opt for up-close brewery tours to see how Yards beers are brewed, bottled, canned and kegged for the hard-working people of Philadelphia and beyond.

Founder, President and Brewmaster Tom Kehoe and the Yards crew have been brewing in the City of Brotherly Love since 1994. For the first time in Yards’ 24-year history, the regional craft producer has started canning their flagship beers: Philadelphia Pale Ale, Brawler, and Signature IPA. These go-to brews are available in traditional 12-oz. and 16-oz. pounder cans that can be found in the Yards Taproom and wherever Yards beers are sold – just in time for summer barbecues, ball games and weekends down the shore.

For those who don’t want to go too far to get away this summer, Yards Brewing Company’s front yard is the perfect spot to throw back a can or two in the shade of the tanks. Big round tables encourage friends to get together under the tanks and watch the day go by while enjoying everything Yards has to offer, like their behind-the-scenes brewery tours offered daily.

Brewery tours provide thirsty guests a behind-the-scenes look at how Philly’s Beer is made. Tour goers will learn about the brewing process and hear the Story of Yards, with plenty of comedy, beer samples, and giveaways throughout. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and cost just $5. Tours must be booked in advance through an online reservation system at yardsbrewing.com/tours. Tours run Monday through Friday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, with 12 tours per day, from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

About Yards Brewing Company…Yards has proudly brewed Philadelphia’s beer since 1994. The regional craft producer has grown from a garage-sized operation in the Manayunk section of Philly to a 38,000-square-foot facility along the city’s Delaware River waterfront to a 70,000-square foot facility in the thriving Northern Liberties neighborhood. Philadelphia Pale Ale and Brawler, both nationally-recognized ales, lead a balanced portfolio of quality, handcrafted beers, including eight year-round offerings and several seasonal and limited releases. Founder Tom Kehoe and the Yards crew share a commitment to supporting the good people and organizations making their backyard a better place to live and work. It’s all about working hard, having fun and giving back. Brew Unto Others.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Meeting of the Malts returns to Bethlehem on August 23, 2018

Titans of the craft brewing industry will reconvene where the once-titans — Bethlehem Steel — of its own industry, called home. This multi-faceted event, now in its seventh installment, has turned into quite a nice evening of discussion, pairing, and tasting at a unique venue. A couple new out-of-state brewers join the panel this year alongside Pennsylvania brewers and the sampling portion of the evening will showcase 15 PA breweries.

The event is conducted by Brewers of Pennsylvania and its press release follows below.

2018 Meeting of the Malts
Brewers of Pennsylvania Welcomes First-time Participants Founders and Cigar City
HARRISBURG, PA (6.20.18) — The Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP), the state’s official brewers guild, has released its event details and list of panel participants for the 2018 Meeting of the Malts, the association’s popular annual event that gathers the most acclaimed breweries to discuss the state of the craft beer industry.

Presented by Gold Sponsor Micro Matic USA , Meeting of the Malts VII will take place Thursday, August 23 from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. EST at Artsquest Center at SteelStacks, and will feature a powerhouse panel including Bill Covaleski (Victory Brewing Company), Tom Kehoe (Yards Brewing Company), Wendy Yuengling (D. G. Yuengling & Son), Mike Stevens (Michigan-based Founders Brewing Company), and Joey Redner (Florida-based Cigar City Brewing ). The panel discussion, which will run from 6-7 p.m., will be emceed by industry icon, Bump Williams. Dick Yuengling and Jim Koch (Samuel Adams) will provide the opening remarks.

“Craft beer is thriving in Pennsylvania, and Meeting of the Malts, now in its seventh year, continues to serve as the state’s primary meeting place to discuss the industry’s important successes and challenges from legislative issues to craft beer trends,” said Dan LaBert, Executive Director of the Brewers of Pennsylvania. “If you are a brewer or simply a fan of the craft beer scene, Meeting of the Malts is a must-attend event. We expect as strong a turnout as last year, which welcomed hundreds of attendees who listened to and learned from our industry’s most successful brewers, as well as promising peers who are in the trenches producing the very best craft beer in the United States.”

Draft Magazine has named Meeting of the Malts as the #12 (out of 101) rated beer experiences on the industry bucket list. While several panelists have participated in previous Meeting of the Malts, new to this year is Mike Stevens, Co-Founder and CEO of Founders and Joey Redner, Founder of Cigar City. Founders has been ranked in the top breweries in the world by Ratebeer.com for the last five years. The brewery has won six World Beer Cup medals, four European Beer Star medals, and three Great American Beer Festival medals.

“Founders has been a part of the industry now for twenty-one years, and when I first got into the business breweries like Sam Adams and Yuengling inspired me to follow my passion,” said Stevens. “I’m truly honored to be a part of this event and share the stage with such accomplished brewers, and I look forward to a spirited conversation.”

Cigar City has won a Gold Medal for its Humidor Series IPA at the National Beer Championships and a Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival for its Minaret ESB.

Following the panel discussion will be a four-course dinner from 7:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., each course being paired with a beer from select panelist’s breweries. During the meal, the BOP will host a Beer Silent Auction , an opportunity to bid on unique and collectible items from a variety of breweries including autographed, one-of-a-kind items from the country’s finest breweries.

After the dinner comes the Pennsylvania BrewPub Festival from 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Participating BOP members include: Barley Creek Brewing Co., Berwick Brewing Co., Boneshire Brew Works, Brewery at Hershey, Collusion Tap Works, Covered Bridge Brewhaus, Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks, Hop Hill Brewing Co., Round Guys Brewing Co., Roy-Pitz Brewing Co., Saucony Creek Brewing Co., and Wolf Brewing Co.

For the second consecutive year, Meeting of the Malts will also include the Legislative Growler Awards, an honor that recognizes a person or organization the BOP considers a partner in the industry, one who continually strives to promote and protect Pennsylvania’s craft beer industry. Honorees will be announced at a later date.

Artsquest Center at SteelStacks is located at 711 First St., Bethlehem, PA. Accommodations deadline for the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem is August 9.

About the Brewers of Pennsylvania - The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a 501c6 trade association that brings together leaders of Pa.-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. The Brewers of Pennsylvania, a strong and influential organization, serves the consuming public of Pa. by encouraging brand diversity in the market. BOP members employ an estimated 10,000 employees earning $296 million in wages and generating $1.1 billion in direct economic benefits to communities throughout the state. Its signature annual event is the popular Meeting of the Malts. #supportPAbeer

Thursday, June 14, 2018

A growing CANarchy is afoot. Deep Ellum joins the team.

I'll admit that when I saw the multi-day, outdoor CANarchy event in Nashville during the Craft Brewers Conference last month, I thought it was just a marketing play on words to promote an event. Then, after a little extra effort and scrutinizing the participating breweries (Oskar Blues, Cigar City, Perrin, Wasatch, and Squatters), I came to learn that it was the umbrella name for their new company collective.

Now they have one more on Team CANarchy — Deep Ellum. I've drank the beers while elsewhere in Texas, but haven't been to the rollicking Deep Ellum neighborhood in Dallas for nearly 15 years in the time that it was just growing up.

Take it away, press release.

Deep Ellum Brewing Company Joins CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 12, 2018 - Deep Ellum Brewing Company is the latest craft brewery to join the CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective. For Deep Ellum, a craft brewery with rough edges and deep roots in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, the move to join the disruptive collective of independent brewers will immediately provide resources for increased production and distribution.

Founded in 2011 by John Reardon, Deep Ellum Brewing Company quickly grew to become the third largest independent craft brewery in Texas, led by its flagship brews, Dallas Blonde and Deep Ellum IPA. In 2017, Deep Ellum grew 37% to produce more than 45,000 bbls in Texas only, with the vast majority being consumed within 20 miles of the brewery.

“It’s been a hell of a ride for all of us at Deep Ellum and I believe this is just the beginning,” said John Reardon. ”We’ve been looking for the right partner to grow the Deep Ellum brand and I believe we’ve found that with CANarchy. They’re a group of like-minded people that have not conformed to the status-quo and have hit critical mass on the path of coming together and remaining independent. We’re all in.”

CANarchy provides a platform from which rapidly growing craft breweries seeking high level resources can expand and compete in the increasingly competitive craft beer segment, while maintaining independence. The platform is driven by individual brewery culture, giving brewers control of their businesses and brands, while providing resources and support to scale their respective operations.

“Deep Ellum Brewing has created a strong community and now they’re facing next-level challenges that we’ve seen before. Within CANarchy, we can solve those problems in our own way,” said Joey Redner, founder of Cigar City Brewing, who joined CANarchy in June of 2016. After immediately addressing capacity issues, CANarchy was able to assist Cigar City Brewing to expand distribution and increase shipments 43% from 65,000 bbls to 92,000 bbls in 2017.

“CANarchy’s culture thrives on collaboration among craft breweries blazing their own path and doing things their own way. John and the Deep Ellum crew light the fire of craft beer in DFW and will bring that same fire to our collective,” Dale Katechis, Soul Founder of Oskar Blues, said about the new partnership.

“During my time at the University of Colorado I specifically remember my first can of Dale’s Pale Ale, and that experience is part of the reason I’m in this business. Joining a collective of such irreverent and disruptive founders and leaders is exactly what Deep Ellum has been looking for,” said John Reardon.

Deep Ellum is currently undergoing a large expansion, including a 60-barrel brewhouse at the company’s primary facility that is expected to come online within the next few months. The brewery is operating at maximum capacity and is projecting 55,000 bbls of production in 2018. Deep Ellum is also constructing a taproom in Fort Worth, Texas, that will incorporate a 5 bbl Brewhouse and retail space that is scheduled to open in late fall of 2018.

CANarchy was recently ranked #9 on the Brewers Association’s list of the 2017 Top 50 U.S. Craft Brewers as ranked by sales volume. The portfolio includes Oskar Blues Brewery, Perrin Brewing Company, Cigar City Brewing, Squatters Craft Beer and Wasatch Brewery. The collective is the #1 provider of American craft beer in a can and has driven Cigar City Brewing’s Jai Alai IPA and Oskar Blues’ Dale’s Pale Ale to the #1 and #2 sold craft can six packs in U.S. Grocery.

Terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

About Deep Ellum Brewing Company
In 2011, Deep Ellum Brewing Company set up shop in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Texas - the first craft brewery to open in Dallas in over a decade. Since then, Deep Ellum has become as well known for its innovative brewing and exceptional quality as it has for its healthy disdain for the status quo. Like the notorious neighborhood it calls home, the brewery is bold, fearless, and unapologetic. The idea of “blending in” was never part of the plan - at the bar or on the shelf. With a commitment to staying true to their reckless streak, their rough edges and their roots, Deep Ellum has quickly grown to become the 3rd largest independent craft brewery in Texas and the 65th largest brewery overall. Led by its flagships, Deep Ellum IPA and Dallas Blonde, the brewery has amassed an extremely devoted fan base across Texas and beyond. @deepellumbrewing #LoveRunsDeep

About CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective
Founded in 2015, CANarchy is a disruptive collective of like-minded brewers dedicated to bringing quality and innovative flavors to beer drinkers in the name of independent craft beer. The portfolio of craft breweries, partially funded by Fireman Capital Partners, including Oskar Blues Brewery, Deep Ellum Brewing, Perrin Brewing Company, Cigar City Brewing, Squatters Craft Beer and Wasatch Brewery and newly added Deep Ellum Brewing Company, is challenging corporate convention to preserve independent craft beer culture. CANarchy is the #1 provider of American craft beer in a can by bringing value to distributors, retailers and beer drinkers. CANarchy was recently ranked #9 on list of the 2017 Top 50 U.S. Craft Brewers as ranked by sales volume. Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai IPA and Oskar Blues’ Dale’s Pale Ale are currently the #1 and #2 sold craft can six packs in U.S. Grocery. The CANarchy platform brewed over 350,000 bbls in 2017, reaching all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., parts of Canada, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Brazil, and South Korea.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

A nod to brewing history is back on display in Reading, PA

(photo credit: Brewers of Pennsylvania)
There are casualties during every Philly Beer Week. Often times they are related to missed e-mails and missed events. This one was out in the home turf of my youth, Berks County. Sorry to have missed the unveiling, but still nice to hear of this happening. Cue the press release. (and also, a nice news video from WFMZ)

Frederick Lauer Monument Restoration Complete

Rededication Ceremony Set for Friday, June 8th

HARRISBURG, PA (6.4.18) – After more than two years of committed work, the Brewers of Pennsylvania, the state’s official brewers guild, announces today that the Frederick Lauer Monument in Reading’s City Park has been restored. Lauer, the first national president of the U.S. Brewers Association (BA) is considered to be one of the early driving forces in establishing what would eventually become modern day brewing.

To commemorate the brewing pioneer’s trailblazing leadership and dedication to the local community, the BA constructed a monument in his honor in 1885 and gifted it to the City of Reading. It was the city’s very first statue. In early 2015, the monument was vandalized, and four bronze plaques were removed from its base. In 2016, the BA, the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, donated $25,000 to Reading to restore the statue and the Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP) collected donations from local breweries for repair work. In 2018, the BOP also donated $3,000 to the restoration project. The final round of fundraising came in the spring of 2018 when members of the Berks Brewers Guild produced a collaboration brew, Lauer’s Fellowship Ale. For each pint sold, participating breweries donated $3.50 to complete the restoration. The group raised over $5,000.

To celebrate the completion of the project, members of the Berks Brewers Guild, including BOP members Broken Chair Brewing Company (West Reading), Chatty Monks (West Reading), Oakbrook Brewing Company (Reading), Saucony Creek Brewing Company (Kutztown) as well as Schaylor Brewing Company (Shillington) will be hosting a free rededication ceremony of the monument on Friday, June 8th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the monument in Reading’s City Park (Washington Street & N 11th Street).

The event will include a Lauer's Fellowship Ale toast for those 21 and over, and a rereading of the speeches from the original monument dedication in 1885. The historic Ringgold Band, formed in 1852 and proud to be one of America’s first community bands, will provide entertainment. The Ringgold Band played at the original dedication in 1885.

“As the state’s official brewers guild, the BOP felt it was our duty to do our part in helping restore the
monument honoring Frederick Lauer, a local and national icon whose dedication to the craft of brewing beer helped pave the way for so many of our members as well as those beyond our Association from coast to coast,” said Chris Lampe, President of the Brewers of Pennsylvania and Co-owner and Production Manager at Weyerbacher. “Those who understand the craft beer industry know we all stick together, and we consider it a privilege to have teamed up with the Brewers Association and the Berks Brewers Guild in restoring this important piece of history.”

The first phase of the restoration project was completed in 2016, and involved replacement of the stolen bronze plaques and preservation work to the statue. This second phase focused on releveling the stone post and pier base, which had settled unevenly over the years, as well as replacement of the soil at the base, improvement in the drainage inside the base, and replanting the area with Sweet Woodruff, which will eventually spread and provide an attractive and low-maintenance groundcover. In addition, decorative stone was set in place to beautify what had previously been unattractive exposed stone aggregate beneath the statue.

Born in Germany in 1810, Lauer immigrated to the United States at age 12. He learned the brewing
process at an early age from his father. By age 16, he was foreman for his family’s brewery, and at 25, he became the brewery’s proprietor. For decades to follow, through innovation, hard work and business savvy, Lauer established himself as a brewing pioneer not only locally, but throughout the country.

Lauer’s commitment to pioneering the brewing industry was matched by his devotion to Reading. As
noted by the Berks History Center, Lauer was a key figure in changing Reading from the status of a
borough to a city in 1847. He helped to organize the Berks County Agricultural Society and the Board of Trade. Lauer also helped finance the Reading and Columbia Railroad, and he was a member of several charity groups, including the Reading Dispensary, Reading Relief Society and Reading Benevolent Society. His dedication to civic involvement led him to donate part of his seven-acre lot so that it could made into a park for community recreation.

About the Brewers of Pennsylvania - The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a 501c6 trade association that brings together leaders of Pa.-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. The Brewers of Pennsylvania, a strong and influential organization, serves the consuming public of Pa. by encouraging brand diversity in the market. BOP members employ an estimated 10,000 employees earning $296 million in wages and generating $1.1 billion in direct economic benefits to communities throughout the state. Its signature annual event is the popular Meeting of the Malts. #supportPAbeer

Saturday, June 02, 2018

Dogfish Head - still going and still growing

While Dogfish Head is on my mind, particularly after dabbling in its Philly Beer Week annual collaboration with a Belgian brewer — in this year's case, it was Browerij De Brabandere — it reminded me to pass along one of the more recent press releases I've received. This one announcing the current status of DFH's growth in its home state of Delaware over the last three years. If you visit Rehoboth Beach, you likely are already aware. If not, read on.

Dogfish Head Celebrates Completion of Three-Year Journey Bringing Together all the Goodness in Rehoboth
Opening of new courtyard, merchandise store and brewing and distilling systems

Rehoboth Beach, Del., May 29, 2018 – After 23 years of serving original beers and spirits, wood-fired food and world-class music, Dogfish Head is embarking on a new era of creating more goodness as they celebrate the completion of a three-year journey at the location where it originally began on Rehoboth Ave. The beautifully landscaped courtyard, new brewhouse and distillery operations, and Off-Centered EmPOURium store is the final stage in bringing together the downtown restaurants, Brewings & Eats – an off-centered brewpub, and Chesapeake & Maine – a geographically inspired seafood restaurant, and establishing it as the heart for all things Dogfish.

The project commenced in 2015 when they first began construction on Chesapeake & Maine, then went on to build a new, world-class Brewings & Eats in the former parking area. Dogfish then tore down the original pub to make way for the new courtyard and operational enhancements. “From the world-class stage to the killer brewing and distilling program, guests can truly experience 360° of Dogfish in the same place we first began our story in 1995 as the smallest craft brewery in America,” says Sam Calagione, CEO and founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. “I’m most proud that over the years we’ve been successful in building our Rehoboth restaurant brands as top beer destinations in the Mid-Atlantic region, and by coming together, and connecting our beer, food, spirits, music and merchandise – we can provide a world-class, panoramic, multi-sensory experience for folks to enjoy at our downtown properties.”

The charmingly landscaped, dog-friendly outdoor patio area seats 36 guests and serves as a passageway connecting Brewings & Eats and Chesapeake & Maine. The menu offers a full selection of food and drink offerings from the pub. With a rustic wooden exterior and large glass windows framing the courtyard, the gathering space offers behind-the-scenes views into the brewing and distilling production areas along with allowing guests to see bartenders and mixologists serving drinks and chatting up customers through the windows of both restaurants. Nestled in the corner of the patio is a beautiful, 14-barrel mash tun dating from the late 90s. Handcrafted in the UK, this wooden relic was Calagione’s dream mash tun back in the day when he first opened the doors for business in Rehoboth. When the opportunity to purchase the brewing equipment became available, Calagione jumped at the chance to bring it home to Dogfish and plans to incorporate it into the off-centered outdoor garden as a beer-inspired rain barrel of sorts.

The new, fully-manual five-barrel brewhouse system includes five fermentation tanks and five serving tanks. These enhancements allow for increased brewing production capacity enabling Bryan Selders, Dogfish Head Brewing Ambassador, the ability to create a significantly higher volume of ingredient-driven, inventive brewpub exclusives. The new 50-gallon still allows Graham Hamblett, Lead Distiller at Dogfish Head Distilling Co., to experiment with creating culinary-inspired spirits which will be served at the Rehoboth restaurants.

To celebrate the opening, Dogfish Head Distilling Co. is debuting Lemon & Peppercorn Vodka, a spirit that captures the essence of both restaurants as it contains the quintessential seafood seasoning found at Chesapeake & Maine, with a wood fire smoked twist done at Brewings & Eats. Using Analog Vodka as the base, they distill dried lemon peel and a medley of peppercorns. This citrus-peppery spirit is used to macerate hand-sliced, wood-fire grilled lemons from Brewings & Eats. Lemon & Peppercorn Vodka will be exclusively available in the restaurants.

For those looking to take a little bit of the Dogfish Head universe home, guests can swing into the Off-Centered EmPOURium to purchase Dogfish merchandise, including exclusive Rehoboth t-shirts, hoodies and hats. Folks can also find keychains, stickers, coasters and glassware. Keeping the spirit alive from the original Brewings & Eats, the counter top in the Off-Centered EmPOURium is the old bar top from the 1995 pub. Bike racks and stroller parking are also available.

For more information about Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, Chesapeake & Maine and the Off-Centered EmPOURium, visit dogfish.com.

Dogfish Head:
Dogfish Head has proudly been focused on brewing beers with culinary ingredients outside the Reinheitsgebot since the day it opened as the smallest American craft brewery 23 years ago. Dogfish Head has grown into a top-20 craft brewery and has won numerous awards throughout the years including Wine Enthusiast’s 2015 Brewery of the Year and the James Beard Foundation Award for 2017 Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional. It is a 300+ coworker company based in Delaware with Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, an off-centered brewpub and distillery, Chesapeake & Maine, a geographically enamored seafood restaurant, Dogfish Inn, a beer-themed inn on the harbor and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, a production brewery and distillery featuring a tasting room and food truck. Dogfish Head supports the Independent Craft Brewing Seal, the definitive icon for American craft breweries to identify themselves to be independently-owned and carries the torch of transparency, brewing innovation and the freedom of choice originally forged by brewing community pioneers. Dogfish Head currently sells beer in 42 states and Washington D.C. and will expand into additional states in 2018. For more information, visit www.dogfish.com, Facebook: @dogfishheadbeer, Twitter: @dogfishbeer, and Instagram: dogfishhead.

Friday, June 01, 2018

Philly Beer Week 2018. But, first, a look back on the Top 10 Greatest Hits of the last 10 years

(If you know me well enough, you know how uncomfortable I am putting this picture of me up top, front and center. But, I very rarely do this and, well, I kind of like the picture)
From year to year, Philly Beer Week (really, it should be called an imperial beer week because, you know, it's ten days, not seven) looks much the same, tied together with a dizzying lineup of beer events from simple tastings to educational experiences to creatively raucous events to extravagant food pairings. This year, though on smaller scale with less participating establishments and less overall events, will likely be no different.

At this point, you're probably counting the minutes until the end of your work day so you can get out 'n' about chasing the Hammer, or meeting up at events scattered through the city, including Opening Tap later tonight. Or maybe you're already out there in the soup. Don't forget to hydrate; it's gonna be a tough one out there today.

Follow along here long enough and you should know you can count on me to check in both here and on the socials as I make my way through my own custom-built PBW schedule. Since it's never possible to take in everything, or even everything you begin the day expecting to see in person, each person's view of PBW is a rather personal one.

With ten years of PBW under our belts now, and with me there every step of the way both writing about it and attending (and, of course, if you know your Philly beer scene, you know I don't confine myself just to PBW, but the year-round "event" that is Philly beer), here is my own version of a Top 10 list that I've witnessed from 2008-2017. Will there be anything to add to the list after June 10. Time, and beer, will tell.

#10 - You know what? I came up dry on a #10. So you tell me from your experience, what has been one of the most memorable, the most important, the most identifiable aspects of Philly Beer Week?

#9 - Philly Beer Run
I'm often told I don't toot my own horn enough. Prior to the first PBW, I conducted fun runs in conjunction with area breweries in both the city and suburbs. In 2008, I conducted a PBW running event that began at the Art Museum and ended at Dock Street. No one else did such a thing at that time and some in the beer world derided me for mixing the two. Around 25 people showed up. It was free and Dock Street donated their space, pizza, and beer. The following year I did another event and attracted 52 runners. So did Bishop's Collar, which attracted Adam Avery, Steve Beaumont, Sam Calagione, Brian O'Reilly, and Tom Kehoe (on moped!). Fishtown Beer Runners was founded around the same time. I got a little sappy after my 2010 event. I continued to conduct these running & beer events during PBW in the form of races, scavenger hunts, simple fun runs, and peaked in 2012 with a real, bona fide 5-k race starting and ending at Dock Street. 400 people showed up and paid $40 each on a brutal 90+ degree day. It was pretty damn epic if I do say so. I took the show to San Francisco Beer Week too, conducting beer runs with local breweries. These days, beer is found in countless fitness forms from running to yoga to can jam, etc. I don't claim to have started the phenomenon, but I am beyond proud of being a part of the "movement" that took place during PBW over the years.

#8 - T.T.U.D.
Fergie's plays a big part in the year-round celebration of great beer and great times in Philly with its wonderful atmosphere, events, and consummate host, Fergie Carey. The T.U.D. (totally unnecessary drink) event became a real thing in 2008 (or was it 2009) where countless fans of great beer joined up with brewery personnel and descended after their last day's events concluded to unwind with unnecessary beers and unnecessary, but incredible, karaoke.

#7 - Philly Beer Geek
Every industry has its know-it-alls, but let's admit that beer geeks are right up there with the fiercely-knowingest of them all. The PBG competition lasted for quite a few years and attracted some of the brightest individuals who may know more than some certified cicerones. And the judging panels were usually an enlightened bunch of beer personalities (except in 2010, the year that I was on the panel), which made the event all the more fun.

#6 - Fritz Maytag at Four Seasons
The Four Seasons was part of the city's beer scene for a little while, hosting events with Dock Street during the year and, in 2009, hosting one of the most celebrated and important figures in American Craft Brewing history — Fritz Maytag of Anchor Brewing in San Francisco. My unscientific feeling is that this was a time when beer began finding its way to places and on to menus previously inconceivable.

#5 - Throwdown in Franklintown
For many years, Kite & Key was a integral part of PBW, typically requiring more than one stop during the ten days because of the events and the beers and the guests. One of the signature events was the Throwdown In Franklintown. Street closure and the occasional police participation added to the over-the-top spectacle of brewery personnel battling each other in raucous events. K&K still does its thing very well throughout the year and is probably worth a stop when you're in the neighborhood for PBW.

#4 - The Brewer's Plate
When PBW was held in March in 2008 & 2009 (pause, sigh, sip, roll eyes, sip, repeat), it also included The Brewer's Plate, which still goes strong in March and is now at The Kimmel Center. What a fantastic cornerstone event this was to be part of PBW.

#3 - Visitors from near and far
PBW, particularly in its early years, attracted not only consumers from around the country and world, but also brewers too many to count. "Rock star" brewers were everywhere in the city (and the suburbs occasionally) and the crowds followed, no doubt elevating Philly's already strong and credible beer scene as a legitimate beer destination. As you can see below, Curt Decker (then of Nodding Head, now Second District) was often at the center of it all.

#2 - Hammer of Glory
The Hammer of Glory became synonymous with PBW in 2009 and has been carted around the world, been hijacked, been recovered, been polished, used for mayoral tappings, and been in the hands of thousands more. It has its own tour around the city on the first day of PBW each year and has worked well year-in and year-out to generate enthusiasm and recognition for the country's first 10-day Beer Week.

#1 - Monk's dinners
I mentioned "rock star" brewers before. It's not a term used so much anymore but there was a time 10-15 years ago when you couldn't not hear it. Monk's beer dinners through the years have always been, or at least bordered on, epic. No need to spell out the well-documented role that Monk's (and its famed back room, particularly late at night) and its proprietor, Tom Peters, has continued to play in this city's, and country's, beer scene. But, maybe no better way to illustrate it and see the intersection with PBW than captured in this picture below of he and business partner Fergie Carey with three of Belgium's most celebrated brewing figures and where I had captioned it at the time — "three Belgian brewers who had never previously dined together". Thereby solidifying the draw of Monk's and power of Philly Beer Week.

Want to see more of what I've documented through the years of Philly Beer Week? Warning, there's quite a bit behind each of these links below (but they do link to a "master index" for each year to make it easier to navigate) but it sure is a fun trip down memory lane. Fyi, I more/less took off 2014 and 2015 from my obsessive documentation of PBW to write and sell my book Beer Lover's Mid-Atlantic.....hence the missing years. And, last year, for reasons both known and unknown, I never did fully wrap up the days and week as I had in previous years. Maybe I'll atone for that shortcoming this year. Stay tuned, and stay thirsty.

*2008* --- *2009* --- *2010* --- *2011* --- *2012* --- *2013* --- *2016* --- *2017*