Racing Goats and Other Beer Madness

"Ah, there is nothing like the smell of goats and beer in the morning." 

The annual Sly Fox Bock Fest and Goat Race kicks off Sunday (5/1) at 11:00 in Phoenixville. Expect goats (many/48), people (bunches-o-bunches/2,500 plus) and beer (several bocks-a-flowin').   The snippet from Sly Fox's website explains it best.

The Sly Fox Bock Festival & Goat Race is held on the first Sunday of May every year, rain or shine. It has become one of the Philadelphia region’s favorite beer-focused celebrations, drawing crowds estimated in the 2,500 to 3,000 range to the Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery in Phoenixville in recent years.



BOCK FEST: Goat Races,

German Food & Fun!

A German menu is offered to complement what might be the largest offering of bock-style beers by any brewery in the United States at one time. Brewmaster Brian O’Reilly and his crew produce a mouth-watering lineup: Slacker Bock, Helles Bock, Instigator Doppelbock, two Eisbocks (usually Slacker and Instigator) and a Maibock. The day marks the release of the Maibock which is tapped immediately after the race and named in honor of the winner.

The festival takes place in front of the pub with a huge tent helping provide shade on what is usually a perfect spring day. The running of the ruminants is held from the rear of the building in which the pub sits down along a roadway to a finish line near the back of festival area, in front of a grassy hillside where early arrivals have staked out their place. Afterwards, some of the goats and their owners mingle with the crowd, delighting the many children in attendance with their families.

Goats not your thing?  Then check out some other happenings.

Firkins For Our Furry Friends @ Kyber Pass Pub

The second annual fundraiser, Firkins For Our Furry Friends, commences at Noon on Saturday, April 30th. This event features an array of cask conditioned bartop kegs of quality craft brews. $20 at the door gets you a bottomless cup of delicious beers donated by our friends at Yards, Philadelphia Brewing, Sly Fox, Sixpoint and more. Last year we raised over $700 - during the worst blizzard Philly has seen in a decade.

All proceeds go to P.A.W.S. (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) to help them in their efforts to save Philadelphia’s homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. So come in, have some brews, & help us help P.A.W.S.!
Khyber Pass Pub is located at 56 S. 2nd St.
Phone 215.238.5888

 

 

BATTLE OF THE BANDS April 30th - 6pm to 10pm

 

Stoudt's Brewing Company is proud to host our 4th Annual Battle of the Brewery Bands. This event is all about giving back to our community, uniting breweries, and having a great time. Last year, we raised over $7,000 with more than 400 people attending. This year we are hoping to exceed last year's goal. This year's participants include Lancaster Brewing, Lancaster Homebrew, Victory, Union Barrel Works, and Stoudt's. Some of the charities are: The Wounded Warrior Project, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Relay for Life, and Schreiber Pediatric.

The tickets are $30 which includes food, great beer, and music from our talented breweries. We will also have a cash bar for wine and mixed drinks. You must be 21 to attend. Call 717.484.4386 x 204 to or click below icon to purchase tickets.

13TH ANNUAL BREW FEST EXTRAVAGANZA:

Saturday, April 30th, 2011 1-5pm

Back for the 13th year in a row, the MANAYUNK BREW FEST EXTRAVAGANZA is a craft beer tasting event featuring two dozen breweries and over 50 craft beers all outside on the banks of the Schuylkill River (weather permitting)! Live music by Plan B.

Tickets are $45 person and include:
•4-hour long tasting session
•2011 event sampling glass
•2011 event t-shirt
•food voucher
•event program
Tickets are on sale now only through our Online Store.

Hopfest @ UJ's and a Haiku

A Hoppy Haiku

Easter's on the way

Searching for a big hop fix

UJ's is heaven

The day before Easter means Hopfest at Union Jack's on the Manatawny.  20 tongue twisting, mouth numbing, brilliantly bitter hop forward beers are on tap along with a few notable non-hop monsters. 12:15 is go time and it goes all day. 

Draft list

Ballast Point Sculpin

Russian River Pliny the Elder

Russian River Blind Pig

Bells Hopslam

Founders Double Trouble

New Holland Imperial Hatter
Green Flash Imperial

Avery Maharajah

Port Hop 15

Port Mongo

Troegs Nugget Nectar

Boulder Mojo Risin'

Mission Shipwrecked

Brew Works Hop'solutely

Ithaca Flower Power

Rogue I2PA
Ottos Double D
Moylans Hopsickle
Southern Tier Gemini
Firestone Walker Double Jack

For the non hop-heads:

Founders KBS
Russian River Supplication
Firestone Walkers Reserve Porter

Restaurant Drama: The Good, the Bad and the Tasty

The Bad

The words are flying fast and furious and the s**t is piling higher and deeper. Foobooz has an update to the update on The Bookstore,  Fork & Barrel, Tap & Table soap opera.  The spicy part of all this drama are the comments following the post.  Hmmm, so how do you really feel about this restaurateur?  I see lawyers in someones future.  I guess he can always concentrate on his more positive endeavour at 1113 Walnut Street.

The Good and Tasty

The Mysterious Kelleigh and Ms. Bex accompanied me to the Evil Twin Brewing launch at The Farmers' Cabinet (1113 Walnut Street) on Tuesday night. The ladies arrived first and I drifted in around half an hour before the official start time.  Perfect time to get settled, check the surroundings and peruse the menu.

Stepping into the place is like stepping back in time.  The whole speakeasy vibe is 100% in effect.  Thankfully not in a corny Disney way. Instead the rustic interior is a hip nod to the past. First, the place is dark. There's recessed lighting but most of the illumination is from oil lamps and candles. Not a problem once your eyes adjust. If you need it small flashlights are available to make menu reading easier. Dark wood, long communal tables, ceiling height curtains, live jazz, barrel tables, hidden rooms and vintage furniture all create a proper hideaway.

As wonderful as the surroundings were it was the beer that coaxed us out of the burbs on a week night.  After some words from Brian Ewing owner of 12% Imports and Brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso (pictured above) of Evil Twin Brewing, we were served a flight of five beers. All were impressive (full review on the way) however,  Yin a 10% Imperial Stout and Disco Beer a 10.5% IPA/Chardonnay blend were standouts.

Of the five beers Disco Beer (above, 1st from the left) offered the most unique ride. The hop bitterness and grape sweetness created a complimenting well balanced blend. The fruit factor was big in the aroma, while the hops popped more during the first sip.  That hoppiness then tones down at the midway point allowing the sweetness to come in.  It all finished with a wine like dryness and more hop bite. Very well done.

I could easily get more into the beer and the food, especially the Bourbon Braised Escargot, but if all goes as planned those details will come from a new contributor. Lets just say I Am Beer Wise is seeking a more feminine voice. Someone to balance my rough and cynical side. Interesting changes are on the horizon.

Meantime seek out Evil Twin and slip into The Farmers' Cabinet. Both should impress.  Rumor has it that a certain Thursday night crew straight outta 422 way will be paying the place a visit at the end of the week. I certainly have no problem going another round at The Farmers' Cabinet.

Update

Over at Beer Advocate there's a thread about brewer Terry Hawbaker and what he has planned for The Farmers' Cabinet. Sounds like the first beer to come out of the two-barrel system will be an, "uber-hoppy IPA". More on this here.

Open, Closed, Open???

The beer blogosphere has been spewing with information on the open and closed status of The Tap and Table, Fork & Barrel and The Bookstore.  Early on Foobooz ran with a rumor that all were closing leaving only the recently opened The Farmers' Cabinet in operation.  Hours have passed and the restaurant haze has started to lift. For clarification on the matter and some commentary Mr. Curtin dishes it out the best. Go here for the low down.

Embrace Evil Twin Brewing

Straight out of Denmark comes the next brewery to bring it's beers to Philadelphia.  Evil Twin Brewing Company makes it's area debut tonight (4/19) at The Farmers' Cabinet.  Philadelphia is the second leg of the US launch for Brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso and 12 Percent Imports. New Yorkers had the first chance to experience the new brews yesterday at Beer Table in Park Slope, Brooklyn. 

The Farmers' Cabinet will have single pours and flights along with a special menu from Executive Chef, Peter Felton to compliment the five Evil beers.

The Beers

Before, During, & After Xmas (8% DIPA) Draft
Disco Beer (10.5% IPA/Chardonnay Blend) Bottle.
Soft DK (10% Vanilla Imperial. Stout) Draft
Yin (10% Imperial Stout) Draft*
Yang (10% DIPA) Draft*
*Created to make a revamped Black & Tan

        
The Brewery Info

Evil Twin Brewing is the brainchild of Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø. An avid beer geek since 1997, Jeppe began home-brewing in Copenhagen, Denmark in June/'03. His first foray into the commercial craft beer scene commenced in September/'05, when he opened the now world-famous bottle shop Ølbutikken in Copenhagen. The reputation of Jeppe & his shop grew quickly, and myriad side projects began (including his collaboration with Cantillon on the Blåbær Lambik - one of this most highly regarded, highly sough-after lambics in the world). Evil Twin Brewing is Jeppe's latest venture, and is the culmination of the vast knowledge, experiences, and relationships he's built over the years.

FYI:

• Jeppe's brother is Mikkel Borg Bjergso of Mikkeller Brewing
• 7:00PM start, PAYG and reservations are recommended.

Vancouver Craft Beer Week

The bar has been raised (or maybe lowered) on Craft Beer Week advertising.  The organizers for Vancouver Craft Beer Week (May 6-14) have released a video that is sure to burn in your brain. Makes me wonder what the Philly Beer Week Team will bring to the table.


TAP INTO IT from Vancouver Craft Beer Week on Vimeo.

David Walker Rolling Through Philly. @ Capone's

This week David Walker and crew along with team Origlio have been making their way to better beer establishments around Philly.  Yesterday the Firestone Walker beer express stopped at Capone's to spread some afternoon delight.  As it's been for most of the stops Abacus, Walker's Reserve and Double Jack were on tap and the 14th Anniversary was served from from bottles.

Looks like the hardest marketing man in beer Sam Calagione isn't the only one who knows how to work a room.  David Walker definitely understands the importance of talking shop and shaking hands when it involves launching a new market.  The rock star analogy was hard to avoid with cameras clicking, the frequent requests to sign bottles and admirers eager for a few minutes of conversation.  It's proof that if you bring great beer to Philly the town will love you.  With the introduction of Firestone Walker it appears that David Walker is quickly achieving star status.

*Firestone Walker express rolls into Resurrection Ale House Friday (4/15) from 5-7pm.*

Favorite Beer Board of the Week (4/12)

Haven't done this in awhile but the beauty of what Teresa's Next Door is offering certainly deserves praise. Take a close look at what's going on here. First the day is a special one because of the debut of Firestone Walker in the Philly area. Abacus, Walker's Reserve and Double Jack are all welcome with open arms. Second, the area's love for Russian River continues with Pliny the Elder and Damnation. Next toss in Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, Petrus Oak Aged Pale, Blaugies Saison D'Epautre and Allagash Odyssey. Finally, finish with two solid locals Sly Fox O'Reilly's Stout and Yard's IPA (hand pump). Damn impressive.  No disrespect to the beers I didn't mention they're all part of what makes this diverse board so good. I'll have to make sure my journeys take me to Wayne more often.

I'm Just Waiting on Some Pliny.

This was the line about 15 minutes before the doors opened at Capone's for the Russian River/ Pliny the Younger event on April 2nd. I have to wonder what those who are driving by are thinking about a 9:30am bar line. Philly beer people continue to vigilantly chase this beer with exuberance once it starts reaching local bars. Is it worth the extra effort it takes to taste the often proclaimed, "best beer in the world"?  It's hard for any beer to live up to the uber hype. I can't call it the best, but no question it's a damn good pour. Obviously I thought it was worth the time and effort since I arrived an hour early for a beer I've had on several occasions.  

The excitement for Pliny shows no sign of fading.  Back in 2008 (?) the wonderful Kelleigh trekked her way from our apartment in Center City to Capone's, with no fear of a line, to purchase me a growler of both Pliny the Younger and Elder .  Now if you get one 6oz glass of PtY consider yourself lucky.  If there isn't a change in the way it's released or distributed don't expect the pours to get bigger or the lines to get shorter anytime soon.

Update on Battle of the Elves

I hated hearing about this when it first happened especially since it deals with two PA Breweries.  This press release came out today and is a statement from The Brew Works on their trademark battle with Troegs.  Sounds like the lawyers are digging in so my guess is the whole thing is gonna get ugly.

PRESS RELEASE
Due to the overwhelming number of requests for comments about our Trademark of Rude Elf’s Reserve, The Brew Works is offering the following Statement:

Five years after the registration for Fegley’s Brew Works RUDE ELF’S RESERVE issued, Troegs is trying to take the registration away, asking the US Trademark Office to invalidate it.

In so doing, Troegs seeks to monopolize the word elf in advertising its beer. We do not think the law recognizes such exclusivity and believe other brewers who have used elves longer than Troegs and have not complained about each others’ or Fegley’s use will also take part in preserving their rights.

Troegs must prove a likelihood of consumer confusion, that is, that consumers believe Fegley’s products are associated with, endorsed by or originate with Troegs. Under the trademark law, likelihood of confusion depends on many factors including the similarity of the marks in appearance and overall commercial impression and the strength of the complainant’s mark. A mark’s strength in turn depends on the number of third parties in the marketplace using the same or similar designations as those in dispute. Here the parties’ brands have only a single term in common, “elf” . There is a long tradition in this country of using the terms “elf” or “elves” in connection with holiday beers, ales and lagers. In addition to the parties in this litigation there are at least one dozen beers produced by other parties including Shelton Brothers and La Chouffe that use the term elf and/or elf imagery. Of the (at least) one dozen parties offering beers, a single producer, Shelton, sells six of them under the mark BAD ELF and variations thereof. Under the circumstances, we believe consumers are readily able to differentiate among different “elf” beers and do not associate the term “elf” with any single beer producer. Therefore we think consumers are not likely to believe any party’s beer including the term elf, is related to any other beer that includes this term. Moreover on the labels and cases for their respective products, both parties use their house names (Fegley’s Brew Works and Troegs), Troegs uses additional words to describe the flavor of its beer, and Fegley also uses the word “Reserve”; also the parties’ illustrations of elves simply look different. These factors further support that there is not likely to be consumer confusion.

Moreover the marks on the labels and cases for their respective products are very different. Fegley’s filed an application for the Trade Mark of “Rude Elf’s Reserve” on June 21st 2004 with the following elf image (shown below), on all of their beer labels for sale.

At same time of Fegley’s original filing in 2004, the only Troeg’s mark of Record was the following image (shown below) and the name…

“THE MAD ELF TROEGS HOLIDAY ALE BREWED WITH HONEY, CHERRIES & CHOCOLATE MALTS“.

As these images make clear, both parties use their house names (Fegley’s Brew Works and Troegs), Troegs uses additional words to describe the flavor of its beer, and Fegley also uses the word “Reserve”; and the parties’ illustrations of elves simply look different. These factors further support that there is not likely to be consumer confusion.

Rude Elf’s Reserve Trademark PRESS RELEASE

For additional information please visit these links of public record with the US Patent and Trade office

1. Rude Elf’s Reserve Mark filed June 21st 2004: http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=registration&entry=3047757

2. Other Elf mark: http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=registration&entry=2887242

3. Official Petition information: http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?qt=adv&procstatus=All&pno=&propno=&qs=&propnameop=&propname=Rude+Elf&pop=&pn=&pop2=&pn2=&cop=&cn=

Two examples (of more than a dozen) other Elf beers

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/7944/14422

http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/rinkuskiai-missing-elf/114945/

Next Week Firestone Walker Hits Philly

They've already rolled out in New Jersey, now it's go time in PA.   Firestone Walker Brewing the award winning California brewery known for, barrel aging, is launching next week in Philly with their Proprietors Reserve Series.

I'm all for having the big beers at the launch since they're highly rated and obvious attention grabbers. Hopefully it's not long before we see sixers of the  Pale Series and seasonals rolling into town. No reason to stop short of having it all.

The finest of what we have to offer, these extremely limited beers represent the ingenuity and creativity of our talented brewing team. These beers spend several months, even years in a combination of retired bourbon, Firestone Union and wine barrels. Each lot is full of complex aromas and flavors, attributes reached through careful aging. These beers are on the cutting edge and are changing the perception of beer.

Firestone Walker Events

April 11th
Memphis Taproom
Double Jack, Walker Reserve and Abacus.  Free samples of 14th Anniversary and "complimentary nibbles on the bar". David Walker and crew on hand. Noon, PAYG.

Monks Cafe

Double Jack, Walker Reserve, 14th Anniversary and Abacus. David Walker (Co Founder) and crew in house. 5pm, PAYG.

April 12th

Teresa's Next Door

Double Jack, Walker Reserve and Abacus. Meet David Walker and pick up bottles (Double Jack, Walker Reserve, 14th Anniversary and Abacus). Noon, PAYG.

Hawthorne's Cafe

Double Jack, Walker Reserve, 14th Anniversary and Abacus. Draft and bottles. Meet David Walker and crew. Evening, PAYG.

April 13th

Capone's

Double Jack (draft/bottles), Walker Reserve (draft/bottles), 14th Anniversary (bottles) and Abacus (draft ?/bottles).  David Walker and crew in house from 1:30-3:45. PAYG.

Kraftwork
Double Jack, Walker Reserve, 14th Anniversary and Abacus. Draft and bottles plus meet David Walker and his crew.

April 15th

Jose Pistola's

Lunch with Firestone Walker 12-3pm.

Here's a video to put you in the mood for next week.

Happy 35th B-Day Foodery

Sorry, all I could get you was this cheezy birthday card.

For the good stuff head to both locations today.

(2nd & Poplar)

• Sly Fox tasting with beer infused snacks, 6-8pm

(10th & Pine)

• Homebrew demo and sampling (Liberties Brew Club), 2-5pm
• Philadelphia Brewing Company tasting with cheese and Birthday cake, 5-7pm
• Beer and Cheese Throwdown (Italian Market vs Reading Terminal).  The best beer and cheese from DiBruno's & Fair Food Farmstead.

Good Beer Tomorrow, Somewhere

Nilpy eth Gnoyeru ta Oacpsen

A secret source has revealed that a highly sought after rare beer will be available somewhere in the western burbs of Philly on Sat (4/2) @ 10:30am. Along with this beer will be 5 other highly sought after beers from the same brewer. I promised I wouldn't reveal much more, although other advocates have already put the word out on the street.  For this reason expect a mass of humanity to gather early. Prepay tickets ($6.50 cash) for 1 snifter (5.5oz) per person of the highly sought after rare beer will be available for purchase to those in line.  This grainy surveillance photo and cryptic message are all I can provide on the location for the event.  Good luck beer brethern and godspeed. Hope to see you there.