The Numbers are Right for New Year's Day

Does 20 + 44 = 64 chances at great beer? New Years Day is a true numbers game with 2 big beer events taking place.

Darkness takes over Monk's Cafe with their New Year's Day 20 Stouts on tap. If the darker the beer the better then be there starting at noon.

From Monk's Website
Thursday, January 01, 2009 all day cash bar
That's right...20 Stouts on tap. Last year we had six front bar taps pouring great stout and we decided to have all 20 taps pouring stouts to ring in the new year. Here's the lineup: Southern Tier Choklat Imperial Stout (NY), Pennichuck Pozharnik Espresso Russian Imperial Stout (NH), Hitachino Espresso Stout (Japan), Founders Breakfast Stout (MI), Hercule Stout (Belgium), Buffalo Stout (Belgium), Bear Republic Big Bear Stout (CA), Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout 2007 & 2008 (NY), Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout (CA), High & Mighty Two Headed Beast Chocolate Stout (MA), Arcadia Imperial Stout (MI), Bell's Cherry Stout (MI), Stoudt's Fat Dog Stout (PA), Boaks Monster Mash Imperial Stout (NJ), New Holland Dragon's Milk Stout (MI), Southampton Espresso Stout (NY), Oscar Blues Ten Fidy Imperial Stout (CO), North Coast Old Rasputin (CA), Legacy Nor'Easter Oatmeal Stout (PA). We open the doors around noon, maybe just a tad later & will serve these until 2AM. As we do every night, our kitchen will be serving our full menu until 1AM. Watch the parade on Broad Street, then come in to warm your innards!

Brendan & Leigh of Memphis Taproom fame open their second establishment, Local 44, located at 44th and Spruce in West Philadelphia. The doors open at 5pm and as you would expect the draft list is a good one. Normal hours, 11:30am-2:00am, start on Friday along with the full menu. The kitchen serves until midnight.

CASK
Yards Brawler
Lagunitas Hop Stoopid
DRAFT
Ayinger Celebrator
Allagash White
Sly Fox O’Reilly’s Irish Stout
Coniston Bluebird Bitter
Cantillon Lou Pepe Framboise (’06)
Franziskaner Dunkel Weisse
Russian River Blind Pig
De Ranke XX Bitter
Sprecher Black Bavarian
Harviestouns Old Engine Oil
Maredsous 6
Saison DuPont
St.Bernardus Abt 12
PBC Kenzinger
Dogfish Head Raison d’Etre
LaChouffe
Victory Prima Pils


Nurse your New Year's Eve hangover with a stop at both Monk's and Local 44. It adds up to a great way to start the New Year.

Craft Ale House: A View of Opening Night

Yesterday I managed to make it to the opening of the Craft Ale House on West Ridge Pike in Limerick. The place looks fantastic. Even in its newness it manages to give off that warm, worn in pub feel. The low lights, dark wood, neutral tones, and fireplace create an inviting environment. The large room is split by a partial wall. The bar area is to the left, the dining room on the right and a fireplace with an eye catching rustic mantel accents a sitting area near the front window. It's easy to envision planting yourself on the couch, relaxing and sipping on a pint of something malty in front of the fire.

A large chalkboard to the left of the bar lists the current drafts and from my seat I had the perfect view of 16 pristine taps and an impressive beer filled wall cooler. The draft lineup has some serious offerings. Dogfish 90 minute, Fantome Noel, Stoudt's Double IPA, Victory Old Horizontal, and Stone Arrogant Bastard to name a few. However everything wasn't high octane PBC's Kenzinger, Yard's Brawler and Sly Fox Keller Pils all come in under 5% for a more comfortable pint. I think you can get a good session in Mr. Bryson. Another cooler just beyond the bar allows customers to select from a wide variety of reasonably priced beers for take home. Soon growlers will also be available.

I had the chance to spend a few hours at the bar talking with the usual crew. Conversations seemed to be flowing around the bar, people were mixing and the overall feel was very comfortable. There is nothing better than going to a bar where you immediately feel welcome and can dive into good conversation. Along with the solid bar crowd families were enjoying meals at the surrounding tables and as time went on spots in the dining room filled.

With a need for food and a suggestion from the bartender I tried the peppery chicken tenders. I apologize for not remembering the name of the sauce but it was a good mix of spicy and sweet. The best thing was the tenders weren't the frozen, flat, bland, breaded tenders you get at most bars. These were fresh, well seasoned, flavorful and paired with a chunky blue cheese making them the perfect compliment to my Penn Brewing St. Niklaus Bock. I had heard that the owners really stressed fresh menu items and the tenders alone were proof of that.

From the size of the crowd to the comments flowing around the bar the afternoon and early evening seemed to be a success. Anyone who appreciates fresh beer and great food should make it a point to take the ride out to Limerick. Once there find a table, have a seat at the bar or simply kick back by the fire and grab a pint. While you're there make sure to talk with Gary and Melissa, the owners, and thank them for putting together a location that should please any beer aficionado. I can already see many treks down Ridge Pike in my not to distant future.

Craft Ale House Opening Day

If you follow Philly beer sites no doubt you have heard about today's opening. Big Dan has been giving us all some great info and early photos of the place but now we get to experience it first hand. Today the Craft Ale House in Limerick opens it's doors for business. Yahooo!!! Like many I've been eagerly awaiting this one. Anytime a great beer spot is added to the burbs or in this case beyond the burbs it's time for celebration. Having Capone's, Northside, Sly Fox, Iron Hill (Phoenixville) and now Craft Ale House makes the out stretched area beyond 202 a very pleasant place to live if you're are a craft beer fan.

I know a few of the usual beer suspects will be there this afternoon and I hope to pop in an enjoy the excellent draft list along with a few items from kitchen. If you get the chance head out and check out what should be a great beer destination.

Draft List 12/29/07

LANCASTER MILK STOUT ON NITRO
PHILADELPHIA BREWING COMPANY KENSINGER PILSNER
FANTOME NOEL
OMMEGANG ABBEY ALE
STOUTS DOUBLE IPA
ROYERSFORD BREWING SERIOUS ALE ESB
YARDS BRAWLER
SOUTHAMPTON CHRISTMAS ALE
STONE ARROGANT BASTARD
DOGFISH HEAD 90 MINUTE
ST NICK BOCK
VICTORY OLD HORIZONTAL
LANCASTER BELGIAN TRIPLE
SLY FOX KELLER PILS
ALLAGASH WHITE
RIVER HORSE LAGER

To the Victor Belong the Spoils

A few weeks back I had a friendly wager with Brian/ The Baltimore Beer Guy on the Steelers/Ravens game. The bet was simple; if the Steelers won I would get a couple bottles of fine craft beer from Baltimore. If Baltimore won I would make sure Brian received a couple bottles from Philly. I know that sending Pittsburgh beers would make more sense but living in Philadelphia obviously it's bit easier to search out unique beers from the area.

Ultimately I didn't have to ponder about what beers to pick out. As any football fan knows the Steelers came away with a hard fought victory. "To the victor belong the spoils...", so yesterday I received a box and inside were two fantastic bottles from The Brewer's Art. Resurrection Ale and Ozzy Ale are two of the Baltimore brewery's more well known and highly rated beers. From the Brewer's Art website:

Ozzy

Our answer to the Belgian «devil» beers (i.e. Lucifer, Duvel, etc.). Both rich and dry, this beer is all too easy to consume in large quantities. Hopped with Styrian Goldings.7.25%abv

Resurrection

During the fermentation of the first batch of this Abbey-style ale, the yeast «died» and was «resurrected» by brewer Chris Cashell. Made with five types of barley malt and lots of sugar, this beer is quite flavorful, without being too sweet.7%abv

At one time Brewer's Art beers could be found around Philadelphia and I remember spending evenings at North 3rd enjoying goblets of Ozzy. Or was it Resurrection? Either way those days are gone. Not long ago the brewery stopped distribution to Philly to better support the Maryland market. This makes me even more appreciative of the bottles that now reside in my beer fridge.

I want to give a huge thanks to Brian for the fantastic beer choice and if you haven't done it yet make sure to check out his site Baltimore Beer Guy. I plan on resisting the urge to open either bottle until the first Steelers playoff game. Since they have a bye it's going to be a painful couple of weeks.

New Home Needs Beer

Last week I was feeling a bit out of touch as far as beer things go and figured that it couldn't get much worse. Well this past week I moved a bit further from the world of beer. Other than a quick stop at Capone's for a shopping break and one short evening at a friends place I've been really out of it. No beer events (How did I miss Boxing Day at Memphis?), no posts, a barren beer fridge and I haven't even checked my fellow beer blogger's sites. The holiday is only a small part of the reason for my lack of beer fun. The bigger reason is the purchase of a house. From a marathon closing day, trips to Lowes and Home Depot, tours of furniture stores, meeting with contractors, tearing up carpets and stripping wallpaper the house is taking most of my time. Now by no means am I seeking pity. I feel blessed having the ability to move into an incredible home I just wasn't prepared for the time it takes to work on the new suburban dwelling. I guess I've been watching too many home improvement shows where everything goes from disaster to perfection in a 1/2 hour. Now that I've had a chance to get my hands dirty in the unedited real world it's just a matter of organizing my time a bit better. There isn't a reason home construction, a little beer activity and the rest of life can't happily coexist in a normal week. BEER SHALL PREVAIL IN THE NEW YEAR along with a new family room to drink it in.

Every Philly beer blog has had this info up but today is finally the day for the Christmas Beer Fest at the University of Pennsylvania. The festival features some of the best Christmas beers and winter warmers. VIP session starts at 12:30 and regular session is 1-4pm.

Mugs for Mutts at Victory Brewing. Don't just drink because, drink for a cause. Victory is pouring oak barrel St. Victorious Doppelbock and oak barrel Hop Wallop. $2.00 from each purchase is going to the Chester County SPCA. Start drinking for a good reason at 5:00pm.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MORE BEER FOLLOWING THE HOLIDAY

HAPPY B-DAY SLY FOX

Celebrate 13 great years with 13 great beers. Tonight the Grey Lodge Pub is the place to party with the Sly Fox crew and drink a bit o Sly Fox Brew. Check it out here.

Thursday is Beer Night in the Burbs and Beyond

This week has been a bit crazy and there hasn't been much time for beer. Yikes, say it ain't so!!! Yes, this week beer has taken a back seat but it isn't entirely out of the picture. To make sure you stay informed I've come out my real world hibernation to shout about Thursday is Beer Night

Tonight both Ortino's and Capone's give you good reason to venture out. A few weeks ago these craft beer bars gave you Dogfish Head (Capone's) and New Holland (Ortino's) promos on the same night. Tonight they do it again with Southern Tier and Bear Republic.

Capone's

Southern Tier is here. Or there? Just go to Capone's for a serious draft list of some of the Western New York brewer's best. Plus RANDALL will be in the house. Pay as you go. 11:30am-???

Phin & Matts American Pale Ale
Southern Tier IPA on the RANDALL
Hoppe Imperial Extra Pale Ale
Unearthly Imperial IPA

Krampus Imperial Helles Lager
Creme Brulee Imperial Milk Stout
Choklat Imperial Chocolate Stout
Oat Imperial Oatmeal Stout

Ortino's Northside

The best of the west is here in the east. Bear Republic pours and you get to keep the glass. Nice. Pay as you go. 7:00pm-???

Hop Red Rye Red Ale
Racer 5 IPA

Big Bear Black Stout

Weekend VICTORY!!!

Last week was heavy on the event side. Samplings, brewery promos, firkin specials, Keep the Pint Nights and IPA Project Day gave everyone ample opportunity to find their favorite beer and indulge. I managed to get to Sly Fox for the IPA Project but it was a friendly football wager on the Pittsburgh/Baltimore game with the Baltimore Beer Guy that put an interesting twist to my weekend.

On the line were craft beers from Philly and Baltimore. The winner receives a bottle or two from the opponent. Since the Pittsburgh Steelers won I now look forward to receiving some of B-more's finest brews. Even though I was victorious I am not gloating especially with the mistakes Pittsburgh made and the overall way the game ended. I am sure it is no surprise that I believe the ball did break the goal line. The call was close and the final outcome could of easily gone the other way. I'll just take comfort in knowing that the NFL's number 1 defense kept the game from getting out of hand.

Next up for the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) the AFC's number 1 team, the Tennessee Titans (12-2). Sunday @1pm.

A Sunday Wager

This Sunday I am preparing to watch the AFC North leading Pittsburgh Steelers take on the 2nd place Baltimore Ravens. I know here in the middle of Eagles country most of you are more focused on the Eagles/Browns Monday night game but being from Pittsburgh my focus is always on the Black and Gold. To kick up the excitement of watching today's AFC battle I have made a friendly wager with Baltimore Beer Guy.

Brian "Baltimore Beer Guy" does a great blog that focuses on beer happenings in and around the Baltimore area. It's always good to know what's happening a couple hours south and it's especially helpful if you are planing a quick beer adventure from Philly down 95.

Since BBG is a Raven's fan I figured why not put up a bottle or two of something from Philly that he can't get in Baltimore up against beer from one of my favorite Baltimore brew pubs, The Brewer's Art, or another Baltimore brewery. Simple enough. So today a Steelers victory not only satisfies my football side but also nets some good beer. What could be better?

GO STEELERS !!!

The End for Penn

Sad news out of Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports on the closing of the Penn Brewery. An increase in the lease is forcing the owners to seek out a new home in the city for the brewery and restaurant. The last batch of beer was brewed this week and the restaurant is scheduled to close at the end of February. Penn will contract brew its beers at the Lion Brewery in Wilkes-Barre.

IPA Project Day 2008

If the words Amarillo, Cascade, Fuggle and Styrian make your ears perk up and your mouth water then you need to head to Sly Fox Brewhouse in Phoenixville for IPA Project Day 2008. This year 13 IPAs were brewed including 11 different single hop variations, Rt. 113 and Odyssey Imperial IPA; which uses all 11 varietal hops. 3 different flights are offered in 12oz or 16oz pours. The hop fantasy kicks off today at 10am and goes until 11pm.

Thursday is a Big Big Beer Night

Free beer, exotic soup, holiday cheer, hoppy firkins and more make this Thursday a unique beer night.

Philadelphia

Capone's
Matt is giving all his patrons an early holiday gift to say thanks for making Capone's one of the best beer bars in Philly. FREE samples from 15 different bottled Belgian and Belgian style beers. 6:30-9:30. Call your favorite designated driver for this one.

Earth, Bread + Brewery
SLY FOX NIGHT. Chat it up and have a few with the Sly Fox crew. Join Brian O'Reilly, Tim Ohst and Suzanne "The Beer Lass" Woods for an evening of fun and glassware giveaways.

Teresa's Next Door
Mad Elf Celebration. 2007 and 2008 Mad Elf will pour and Reindeer stew will be served. Try not to think about the little guy with the ...nose so bright.

The Drafting Room
East End Brewing Big Hop Harvest Ale firkins. Both Spring House and Exton hoist the firkins on to the bar starting at 5:30pm. Pay as you go.

Pittsburgh

Harvard Yale Princeton Club (HYP)/Three Rivers Beer Club
Holiday Cheer and Beer. Winter beers, gourmet appetizers, food pairings and a winter beer presentation. You don't have to be a member. Just pay $15.00 and you're in. 6-8:00pm.

3 Sons Dogs and Suds
North Coast Brewing Co. Tasting. Sample Old Stock Ale, Brother Thelonious, Red Seal and Old Rasputin. Don't leave without munching a couple Vienna dogs. 6-8pm.

Bock to Pittsburgh

My last trip to the other end of the state was for a fanastic Thanksgiving with my parents. As much as I enjoy the family moments I always manage to set aside some time to explore the growing beer scene in Pittsburgh. Bocktown Beer and Grill is one of those places I wish I could get to more often. For whatever reason the few times I've been I never took the time to write about the experience. This last trip back I made sure to take notes and a few photos between beers.

On the way to Bocktown the first thing you notice is the odd location. This privately owned beer haven is located at The Point in North Fayette smack in the middle of corporate retail hell (or heaven if shopping is your thing). Tucked among Target, Panera Bread, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Lone Star and swarms of other well know eating and shopping establishments is a refuge from the consumer madness.

The glow of the craft beer signs in the window is the first clue to what is waiting inside. Any doubt that this is a beer destination is completely erased once you enter the glass doors. The front lobby area is dedicated to the sale of big bottles, six packs and clothing but it's the 22 foot-long 8 foot deep "Beer Library" that is truly eye catching. The huge multi door glass cooler showcases more than 400 craft and import bottles.

Kelleigh and I grabbed a seat just beyond the "Beer Library" at a table that gave us a good view of the bar and the impressive draft lineup. Two basic things I love in a good beer place (other than a solid beer) are a beer menu and a chalkboard with a current draft list. Many places neglect one or both of these. This place had both so it made picking a beer very convenient. Even though the bottle choices were numerous I stuck to the draft list and had a Great Divide Hercules DIPA and a Penn Brewing Weizenbock. Kelleigh ordered a Lindemans Peche for her one beer of the evening. All were served at the correct temperature and in appropriate glassware.

Since we were both in a snacking mood and knew about Bocktown's fries we ordered the small basket (The Fat Belly) with garlic parmesan sauce and ketchup on the side. The fries are double fried and come with a choice of 2 toppings. How many total toppings are available? It's a bit crazy but there are four types of toppings (meat, veggie, sauce and cheese) with 30 plus options. The garlic parm covered fries were crisp, flavorful and stood up to my vigorous ketchup dunking.

Overall the staff was friendly. Our main waiter checked on us several times but not to the point of annoyance. I also noticed the manager working the floor to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. I didn't ask our servers any beer questions and no one made suggestions so I am not sure of the staff's beer knowledge.

The Bocktown Beer and Grill experience was great. The night we were there the place was packed; it seems that Pittsburghers are discovering this beer gem. Bocktown holds weekly tastings, brewery promos and hosts live music every Tuesday night. I hope that they continue to give even the most dedicated shopper a reason to relax, drop their bags and pick up a pint.

Upcoming Bocktown Tastings

Dec 10
Church Brew Works Tasting. Meet Head Brewer Brant Dubovick, Assistant Brewer Matt Moninger and sample Biere de Noel, Haldert's Saison and Ichabod's Revenge. 6-8pm.

Dec 17
Christmas Beer Showcase. Enjoy some of the season's best holiday beers. The event is hosted by Jessica Lydon and Tony Savatt, Inc. 6-8pm.

Cheese and Beer East to West

Today both sides of the state are offering the opportunity to taste a bit of cheese with your beer.

Philadelphia
Tria Washington Square (12th & Spruce) is hosting beer importer, Matthias Neidhart of B. United International for a special beer sampling. Matthias will have five beers including 2 beer and cheese pairings. Tonight's beers are from Germany, Italy and Denmark. Specially priced tasting portions from 4-6pm and chat with Matthias from 5-6pm.

Pittsburgh
Crate, a cooking school and housewares store, is offering the class, Holiday Beers & Holiday Cheeses. The instructors are Tony Knipling (Craft Brand Manager for Vecenie Distributing Co.) and Carol Pascuzzi ( Cheese expert at Pennsylvania Macaroni Co.). The event is 6:30-8:30pm. Cost $50.00.

Reach for the Summit

On Tuesday the 9th a bit of the Midwest heads to Philly. Capone's is having an early week promo featuring Summit Brewing Company. The St. Paul Minnesota brewery was founded by Mark Stutrud in 1986 before most people even heard the term craft beer. Currently they are listed as the 16th largest craft brewery by sales volume in the U.S. according to the Brewer's Association. The promo runs 11am-1am, brewery reps will be on hand 5-8pm and Summit bottles (ESA, IPA, ESB and Extra Pale Ale) and drafts (Great Northern Porter) are $1.00 off.

Also
Check out Capone's on Thursday for a complimentary Belgian beer sampling from 6:30-9pm.

Anniversary View

Happy 5th TJ's

I mentioned this a few posts back but it deserves mentioning again. Today is TJ's Restaurant and Drinkery's 5th Anniversary. If you live anywhere around Philadelphia, enjoy great food and amazing beer and have not been to TJ's then you should hang your head in shame. This is one of the Main Line's best beer destinations. For me it is part of the perfect suburban beer triad. TJ's, Teresa's Next Door and The Flying Pig all make the suburbs more bearable. The draft list for tonight's event at TJ's will surely satisfy any beer aficionado's cravings. So if you are still hanging your head for not finding this beer gem sooner stop your sulking and head to Paoli for what is sure to be a great celebration. Raise your glass and wish them a happy 5th and look forward to many more.

More Extreme

I walk the line of being tired of extreme beers and loving them. As soon as I try to expand my beer education, develop my taste buds for the mild and head toward the beauty of session brews something comes along to draw me back into the wonderful world of the extreme.

Sam Adams the craft brewery that for many provides the first step into the craft beer landscape is coming out with a new imperial series. No stranger to extreme beers with Utopias (25.6% abv) and Hallertau Imperial Pilsner (8.8% abv) Sam Adams looks to expand it's heavy hitting line up with the introduction of Imperial White (8.3% abv) and Double Bock (8.8% abv) under the new Imperial Series label. The packaging for the 12oz bottles is still undetermined.

Extreme Collaboration

As reported on Beer Advocate.com the Alstrom brothers, Jason and Todd, are collaborating with Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione and head brewer Bryan Selders to brew an extreme beer for the 6th Annual Extreme Beer Fest held in Boston on February 20th & 21st. The beer will be brewed at the Dogfish Head brew pub in Rehoboth Beach, DE on December 9th. Beer Advocate is holding a contest for it's members to name the specialty beer. Details on the beer, the contest and the festival here.

Celebrate Repeal

Happy Repeal of Prohibition Day!!! Today is the 75th Anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. Called the "nobel experiment" by President Herbert Hoover Prohibition was proposed by the U.S. Senate in 1917, certified and ratified in 1919 and went into effect January 16, 1920.

Amendment XVIII
[The Prohibition Amendment] Passed by Congress December 18, 1917. Ratified January 16, 1919. Repealed by amendment 21.
Section 1. After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.
Section 2. The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by Congress.

Congress through the Volsteed Act put the maximum alcohol content of beverages at 0.005 percent. Law enforcement officials across the country were then in charge of stopping the manufacture, transportation, import/export and sale of all alcoholic beverages. The result was a rise in organized crime, underground speakeasies, experimental bathtub gin and unstable drinking habits. Not all outcomes of the Amendment were negative. The rise in popularity of jazz happened during those dry years. However, Prohibition was seen as largely ineffective and deemed a failure. What started as a way to increase health, decrease crime and strengthen moral fiber had an almost opposite effect on society. The passage of the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933 re-legalized alcohol an brought an end to the "noble experiment".

To celebrate this historic day raise a glass at your local establishment and proclaim your alcohol rights. Here are a few spirited ways to celebrate the day.

• Head to Memphis Taproom from 3-4pm for $1.00 drafts and celebratory toasts.
• If you haven't tried Prohibition Taproom (501 N. 15th) what better day than today.
• Even though you don't need to find a speakeasy to enjoy a drink you can still head underground at the corner of Broad and Walnut at J.L. Sullivan's Speakeasy.
• If plans take you to San Francisco go to 21st Amendment brewery and restaurant for their Repealebration Celebration.
• Head to The Foodery and mix-a-six of Speakeasy Ales and Lagers.
• Watch the clock and be at The Institute at 19:33 (7:33pm). Get it? Drafts are 10 cents for 19 minutes and 30 seconds. Try not to hurt yourself.

Out of Pittsburgh and Into the Holiday Season

I spent the big turkey holiday out in Pittsburgh and have never felt so out of touch. I had limited access to a computer or Blackberry so there were several days of no email or posting. It has been awhile since I truly felt out of touch and while many welcome the occasional disconnect it felt odd not to have easy access to the web. Now that I am back I am swimming through email and trying to figure out all the upcoming beer activity for December.

TONIGHT

If your like me and for whatever reason just stepping back into the real world start the holiday season off right with a bit of winter brew. Since it is sold out most of you already know about the Ho Ho Ho Holiday Brews class at Tria's Fermentation School with Don "Joe Sixpack" Russell. If you couldn't score a ticket you still have the chance to taste a little holiday cheer. Head down to Tria (12th & Spruce) to meet Prof. Sixpack for a pre-class drink (sounds like my college days). Sample pours of several holiday beers and chat it up with the Prof. 4-6PM. More details.

FRIDAY

Memphis Taproom, Repeal Day bash. Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the end of Prohibition. All beer on draft $1.00 from 3-4PM.
The Grey Lodge Pub, Mad Elf Night. The 2007 and 2008 on draft. 6-9PM
The Blue Dog Pub, New Holland Beer Tasting. Expect 7 New Holland beers on draft. 7-9PM.

Drafting Room Spring House, Holiday Tapping. One lucky winner takes home a Jeraboam of 07 Mad Elf. 5:30-11:30PM.

SATURDAY

Cliveden Winter Beer Fest. VIP 1-6PM and Gen Admission 2-6PM.
TJ's Restaurant and Drinkery, 5th Anniversary Party. 7PM-1AM
Iron Hill Wilmington DE, Bottled Lambics Release Party. 2-5PM.

Zeno's, Sleigh Bells Ring. A Winter & Holiday Ale Tasting. 3-8PM.

Weyerbacher Brewing Co., Delta Release Party. Sample the Brewer's Select Spiced Stout. Noon-3PM.

Turkey Day Brew

I've read a couple blogs about what people are planning on drinking with Thanksgiving dinner. Lew does a great beer to wine breakdown and Beer Babe has her picks. Since I wont have time to shop for beer while at my parents place I need to figure out what to fly out with. Everyone who will be at the table on Turkey Day already knows me as the relative who doesn't drink "normal Beer". I've heard, "Oh that's one of Brian's strange beers." too many times to count. Understand I grew up in a house where at any given time the beer in the basement was Black Label, Rolling Rock, Genesee Cream Ale or Schlitz. Certainly not the most intriguing of beer lineups. Recently my mother has pushed aside the Cream Ale for Corona and has even opened her eyes slightly to the world of good beer. I managed to get a Sam Adams into her hands and she and Kelleigh have both enjoyed Lindeman's Lambics. Knowing my mom enjoys good rum and bourbon the time may be right for a bourbon aged beer. A bit of Backwoods Bastard and Curieux after the holiday meal is the plan. If all goes well around the table this may lead my family to someday thinking that the Genesse and Rolling Rock are the "strange beers" in the fridge.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Beer Congregation

This past weekend Kelleigh and I broke away from chasing down beer events to get together with a few old friends. As much as I love zipping around Philadelphia from place to place it's great to kick back and chill on a comfortable couch with a beer and a big plate of food. The problem is the older that we get the fewer opportunities there are for all of us to hang out. Life always seems to step in and alter plans. Who knew that kids, marriage, new homes and careers would interfere with friendly social gatherings? Since these congregations don't happen that often I made sure to sufficiently overeat and fill my glass as often as possible. Sorry no deep detailed discussion on food and beer pairings. This is just a quick break down of what poured through the evening.

The beer choices on Saturday covered a wide range of styles. The early part of the evening kicked off with Newbold IPA from Philadelphia Brewing Company. This was sort of the, "Hello, welcome to the party!!!” starter beer. Newbold was a good launching point. Where some IPAs lean almost into DIPA territory this one remains fairly mild in comparison. The, "bold", in the name might suggest an eventual hop assault but it never happened. However citrus, along with a nice bitterness, did come out in the finish. If we weren't headed to other beers it would be easy to toss back a few of these.

The evening really started with the opening of the big bottles. The first was Cuvée Van De Keizer Rood Belgian Strong Pale Ale from Brouwerij Het Anker. Before anyone makes comment on the picture I already know that this beer shouldn't be served in a pint glass. Don't worry we switched the glassware. This was a very carbonated beer with a huge billowy white head. The aroma was complex. Mild funk and flowers mixed with candy sugar, tropical fruit and apples. Honey and fruit came through in the taste with crisp champagne like quality. The slight warmth at the end reminds you that the abv is 10%. This was one of the best Belgian Pales I’ve tasted.

Next up we flipped open the top on Sprecher’s Doppel Bock Aged in Oak Bourbon Barrels. The bourbon aroma jumped straight from the glass along with malt and hints of vanilla. The taste is malty with caramel, oak and an earthy quality which I am guessing comes from the oak aging. I expected the overall taste to be bigger but instead it’s warm and mellow. The sweetness and warmth of the bourbon is there until the end. As the beer had a chance to warm the bourbon character became even more predominate. This is a great after dinner beer. Put this one in a snifter; find a big leather chair in front of a toasty fire and kick back for the evening.

The suburban beer trail suddenly turned explosive and pitch-black. Jolly Pumpkin’s Madruga Obscura, Dark Dawn Stout, which sounds more like the title of an old Police album than a beer, flowed wildly as soon as the cap was removed. This Imperial Stout foamed out of the bottle before we were ready with the Chimay glasses. The pour was motor oil dark with a latte brown frothy head. The aroma was an interesting blend of chocolate, coffee and sour fruit. The sourness (thank you Brett) continued with the first sip then faded to reveal a more traditional roasted chocolate stout flavor. If your not use to sour beers it may take some time to adjust to the distinct taste. To my surprise the odd sour twist worked surprisingly well.

The fifth and final beer, Unibroue 17, really deserved better treatment than I gave it. I've had this beer before so I've experienced the flavors of dark fruit, cinnamon, brown sugar and roasted malts. This is one of my favorites from Unibroue. However by the time we poured it my beer comprehension had just about reached its limit. Anytime you forget you're actually drinking a beer or don’t remember how the beer got in the glass it's a sign to find the designated driver and bring the evening to a close. So, after finishing what was in my glass I called it an evening. My memory of 17 definitely didn't come from my most recent experience. Sorry Unibroue next time we will start the evening with the 17 instead of using it as our evening's swan song.

A Long Soulful Journey

I experienced the perfect traffic storm on my way to the Sidecar Bar and Grille Thursday night.

Take rush hour (4:45pm), add in routes 422 and 76, then mix in a flipped truck and you have a two and a half hour drive from Audubon to Philly. Serves me right for moving out of the city. Fortunately my spirits were high knowing that soulful music, food and some of my favorite Michigan beers were at the end of the journey.

The Sidecar Bar is one of those places I wish I went to more often. It has that great warm neighborhood feel. The place is fairly small, dimly lit and was filled with a nice mix of people listening to the smooth sounds of New Holland's Soul Power Night. Kelleigh and I grabbed a table ordered drinks, food and had the chance to talk with Dr. Joel for a few minutes before dinner arrived. If you have the opportunity to bend his ear, do it. He is passionate about beer, New Holland and offers up some choice stories. As my first beer arrived I promised myself (and Kelleigh) a three beer limit for the evening. With so many beers available this wasn't an easy promise to keep. Since it was a New Holland Beer promo I made sure to enjoy a Cabin Fever (my favorite seasonal brown), Mad Hatter IPA and for dessert Dragon's Milk. My only regret was not tasting The Poet. My word is bond and I stuck to my limit. I'll rectify missing The Poet by getting a mix case of New Holland this weekend. Once our dinner arrived I dove into the savory meal so quick that I forgot to get a shot of the plate. Trust me it looked incredible. We each had BBQ short ribs, greens w/bacon, cheese grits, steamed string beans and sweet potatoes w/pecans. My only gripe; the sweet potatoes were a bit bland. My preference is a little more brown sugar. Everything else passed the home style cooking test. Our empty plates were proof of that. The Sidecar Bar and Grille is an inviting neighborhood corner bar that knows zestful comfort food and quality beer. I just need to find a way to return more often.

Give Me A Theme for My Beer Night

When I was in a frat back in my college days the most interesting parties were the ones wrapped around a theme. Heaven and Hell Night was one of the best (sorry the details will remain withheld). Now a days bars have embarrassed the theme idea to pull in valuable patrons. With so many great places to grab a good beer around Philly a creative twist to draw attention isn't a bad idea. Now I have never needed a reason to head into a bar and have a beer. "Hey, the work day is done, time for a beer". "Hmmmm, that place looks interesting, lets stop and have a beer". "I am still breathing and my legs function lets go in and have a beer". All have been reason enough to indulge in a pint or two. However I do like it when an establishment puts a little extra thought into it to create an interesting event. This can be as simple as a creative Happy Hour special or a detailed weekend extravaganza. Many times brewery reps or distributors work with bars to create cool beer promos. Something more stimulating than the mundane $2.00 Bud Light Pint Night. Many bars around Philadelphia have fun with specials maybe none better than the creative wizards over at Memphis Taproom. Brendan's Mystery Beer Weekend in August was one of the most unique. Over three days a total of 30 beers covering 11 styles were tapped. A few small clues were given and the goal was to list the beers on a ballot. The winner, Jim Keaveney, named an incredible 28 and second went to The Beer Lass, Sly Fox's Suzanne Woods. Other beer adventures at Memphis Taproom are the Me and Mom Happy Hour, the Pittsburgh Transplant Happy Hour (love the idea of that one) and the upcoming Boxing Day Beer Festival. The creativity is great, it creates atmosphere, it's a cool twist to grabbing a beer and it draws attention to the bar. There is nothing wrong with bringing in the business. I am sure more places will stir the creative fluids and develop unique ideas for great beer gatherings. It just so happens that there are two beer events tonight. One on the soulful side the other more seasonal.

Thursday is Beer Night

In the City
I've already mentioned this one but it deserves another shout out. Join Dr. Joel from New Holland Brewing at the Sidecar Bar and Grille for Soul Power, an evening of beer, soul music and soul food. Joel will pour The Poet, Mad Hatter, Dragons Milk and Cabin Fever and the DJ will spin the soulful sounds. The groove starts at 5pm and goes until whenever.

In the Burbs
For an evening filled with holiday cheer join Brian O' Reilly, Tim Ohst and Suzanne Woods at Teresa's Next Door for the Sly Fox Christmas Party. Enjoy Sly Fox's Christmas Ale and other specialty beers during the evening. The party starts at 6:00. Bonus from 6-8pm Don "Joe Sixpack" Russell will have copies of his Christmas Beer book for sale. Buy it, get it signed and chat about this season's best Xmas beers with the author.

The New Yorker Knows Beer

If you are a fan of extreme beer and all things Dogfish check out the article on Sam Calagione in this month's New Yorker magazine.

"A Better Brew: The Rise of Extreme Beer", by Burkhard Bilger

'Tis the Season of the Elf

Tonight at the South Philadelphia Tap Room experience Philly's first keg of Troeg's Mad Elf 2008. The joyous 11% holiday brew starts pouring at 6:30pm.

Also:

I forgot to mention another New Holland event that happens this Friday the 21st. Head over to The Beer Yard in Wayne for the New Holland Variety Case Tasting. Taste the beer, chat about New Holland and then buy a case so you can enjoy your favorites at home.

Trekin' to Dogfish and Dr. Joel

My beer weekend officially started and ended on Thursday night. Because of a full weekend of running around dealing with the purchase of a new house, Thursday was the only day to catch any beer activity. This meant, unfortunately, I had to miss the Brewers' Reserve Black and Tan Cask event on Saturday at Iron Hill. I am sure I'll have to miss more events since the next few months are only going to get crazier with the big move fast approaching.

Thursday night's suburban beer trek started early at Capone's with Dogfish Head. The beer lineup brought out one of the largest crowds I've seen at the bar. Anytime it's just after 5:00, you do two laps of the parking lot and end up grabbing a spot next door you know there is something serious happening inside. Once I managed to swoop into a seat at the bar I heard someone refer to the evening as, "beer Christmas". In a way it was; you just don't see that many Dogfish high abv creations all on draft at the same time. Theobroma, 60, 90, 120, World Wide Stout, Raison D' Etre, Palo Santo Marron, Indian Brown and to top it off the 90 Minute flowing through Randall. The only beer under 6% abv was the Festina Peche. All those beers under the tree on Christmas morning would spark any beer fanatics Yule Log. As much as I wanted to kick back and try them all I refrained knowing I had a long drive ahead of me.

My long, dark, wet, winding drive took me to Ortino's Northside for a meeting with Dr. Joel and Cask Kev for a few of New Holland's finest. I have been reading The Grain Bill forever but this was the first time I had a chance to talk with Joel. It was great getting the chance to enjoy a Cabin Fever with the Northeast Ambassador of all things New Holland. From the sound of it he has a busy schedule of spreading the word about the brewery. Michigan brewers have been making a big push into PA, especially in Philadelphia, and New Holland offers up some excellent choices. If you want to enjoy a few and learn a little more about New Holland, Joel has two appearances this week you shouldn't miss. The first is Dragon's Milk Night at The Institute from 7-9:00pm and then on Thursday Sidecar Bar is hosting Soul Power. An evening of soul music, food and New Holland beer. The good times roll at 5:00pm. It looks like New Holland will make Thursday night another great early start to the weekend.

Full Mooner Thursday at The General Lafayette

The General Lafayette Inn and Brewery is hosting Full Mooner XI tonight from 6-9pm. Chris Depeppe from Total Bru Marketing and Beerheads.com specifically arranges the tasting event on the eve of a full moon. Tonight's attendees have the chance to sample beers from He'brew, New Holland and Weyerbacher. The $15 includes a buffet.


Check out the post and photos from an earlier Full Mooner event.

Thursday is Dogfish and New Holland Beer Night.

A couple posts ago I blah, blah, blahed about how much Capone's shows up on this blog. Well here I go again and for good reason. On Thursday Capone's is doing a HUGE Dogfish Head promo. Matt starts the afternoon off right and continues through the day pouring 9 Dogfish beers. I have never seen 60 (6%abv), 90 (9%abv),120 (20%abv), W.W. Stout (18%), Palo Santo (12%abv) and Theobroma (10%abv) all on at the same time. To top it all off Randall the Enamel Animal makes it's appearance on the 90 minute. As you can tell from those abv percentages this is not a session beer event (check below for that one). I suggest hiring a designated driver for the night.

Dogfish Head Drafts

60 Minute IPA

90 Minute DIPA on a Randle

120 Minute Triple IPA

Indian Brown Ale

Raison D'etre

Palo Santo Marron

2006 World Wide Stout

Theobroma

Festina Peche

also on draft

2007 Troegs Mad Elf
Stone 2007 Oak Aged Bastard
Founders Backwoods Bastard
Founders Old Curmudgeon

Wings .25 4:00 to 6:00pm
Mussels on Special 5:00 to 10pm.
Give aways for Dogfish Drinkers!!!

Not to be outdone Ortino's Northside is having a New Holland Release Party. Join Dr. Joel "Ambassador of Hand Crafted beers for the New Holland Brewing Company" and the man behind, The Grain Bill for a night of beer, fun and merriment. It all starts at 7pm.

New Holland Beers

Pilgrims Dole, Wheat Wine
Cabin Fever, American Brown Ale
Dragons Milk Oak Barrel Ale, American Strong Ale

If the high octane brews of Dogfish Head and New Holland are a bit much for your evening's consumption then head to Tria's Fermentation School for, "The Session Beer Project", with Lew Bryson. Lew spreads the knowledge of full flavor low alcohol beers. Sample some of his favorites and learn that great beer can come with an abv under 5%. Class runs 6:30-8:00pm and seats are $50.00.