Happy Anniversary Craft Ale House

Wow it's been a year since the doors flew open and good beer started pouring in Limerick. Tonight the Craft Ale House celebrates the big 1 year Anniversary. I made it in on opening day and wrote a little something about the experience. Tonight I plan on raising a pint or two to celebrate Gary and Melissa's grand success. If you are out at that end of 422 I suggest you stop by to take part in the festivities. No flashy presents or card are required for this anniversary party. I'm sure stopping in for a bite, a few drinks and a good time are thanks enough.

(From CAH website)
GOING ON TAP DURING THE COURSE OF THE DAY:SLY FOX-- KELLER PILS AND FREE SAMPLES OF BOTTLE NUMBER 12 OF RENARD D OR DOGFISH HEAD-- WORLD WIDE STOUT
BRUERY--TWO TURTLE DOVES
LANCASTER BREWING--FIRKIN OF BOSS HOG AT 6 PM
CANTILLION--LOU PEPE
SPRING HOUSE--BEYOND THE GATES DIPA
FOUNDERS--BLACK BISCUIT
PRISM--BIT O HONEY IPA
RUSSIAN RIVER PLINY THE ELDER
MAYBE A GUEST APPEARANCE BY OSCAR BLUES--TEN FIDY 08 AND WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE.
The fun starts as early as Monday night, because as kegs kick, well, these little gems above you will start going on for your enjoyment. Then the craziness starts up again Tuesday morning and last all day and night. Happy First Anniversary to the CAH and all it's great custom

Simply mention anniversary and this is what pops into my TV warped mind.

Brooklyn Black Ops: Show Me the Money

A few years back if you would have told me I'd spend close to $30.00 for a bottle of beer I would have called you crazy. Oh how things have changed. After a quick stop at TJ's (only had one beer during the tap special) on Wednesday I walked out with a $29.00 bottle of Brooklyn Black Ops (750ml). This eclipsed my previous most-money-spent-on-a-beer purchase, The Bruery's Papier (750ml), by $4.00. That beer is currently in my cellar aging nicely. I'm sure some of you think all this financial belly aching over beer is silly. Wine connoisseurs don't think twice about spending much, much more on a great bottle. I understand that ounce for ounce when stacked against wine and taking into consideration the time and effort to produce the finished product, the value is obvious. Still my old school miserly self cringes with sticker shock wondering if the expected mega hype instead of the quality is what really drives the price.

Overall is it worth it? For me, hell yeah! It was during Philly Beer Week 08 I first had the deliciously smooth bourbon aged stout and it was love at first taste. Thanks again Ed for picking up the bottle. I need to make sure you're around when I open this one. Hands down it is one of my favorite bourbon aged beers. After sharing that bottle at Tria, later the same night I ended up meeting Garrett Oliver during a Brooklyn Brewing event at London Grill. After gushing about my love for all-things-Brooklyn and trying to sound knowledgeable about beer I jumped at the chance to have the bottle signed. Yes, I became that beer geek guy. I have no shame. Hey, we all have our rock stars.

Next year I'm sure I'll again seek out the Ops, bitch about it being even more expensive, grumble under my breath and hand over the cash. Hmmmm, sounds like a new warm and fuzzy holiday tradition. Cheers!

Kickn' Before Christmas and Happenings After

What's the easiest way to clear draft lines of great beer next to giving it away for free? Serve it cheap to happy, appreciative customers. That's the plan at Local 44 and Memphis Taproom on Wednesday night (Dec 23). Starting at 9pm all drafts are just 3 bucks until it kicks. Perfect price for all those pockets that have been hit hard by the holiday shopping bug.

Once Saint Nick is resting and the gifts are opened!

Christmas is over and you didn't get that incredible holiday beer you wanted. What do you do?

Celebrate Boxing Day Dec 26 (What's Boxing Day?) at Memphis Taproom.

December 26, 2009

Extend the holiday cheer for one extra day!
All day STARTING AT 8AM December 26th Memphis Taproom will be serving some of the best Holiday & Seasonal Ales from around the world.

In addition to celebrating great beer, we'll be celebrating the true spirit of Boxing Day by collecting canned food and gently used winter coats and warm blankets for donation to two local organizations that distribute to families in need. Earn $1 OFF EACH BEER you have by bringing in a coat, a blanket, or 3 cans* of food!
(*The goal is to collect cans of food that is nourishing, not just any old can of water chestnuts from the back of your cupboard, please.)

Christmas and Winter beers will rotate steadily throughout the day and will include:

De Dolle Stille Nacht

Sly Fox Christmas

Aventinus Eisbock

Weissenohe Monk's Christmas

Scaldis Noel

Corsendonk Christmas

St. Bernardus Christmas

Lost Abbey Angel's Share

Port Older Viscosity

Lost Abbey Gift of the Maji

Ommegang Adoration

Victory Old Horizontal

Elysian Bi-Frost

BBBourgondier

Tsmisje Kerstbier

Troegs Mad Elf

Port Santa's Little Helper
...and English Cask Ales galore
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned food will be delivered to two local charities. Details being worked out now, stay tuned!

OR

How Heather Helped The Grinch Pour Christmas 2.0! Rescheduled for Dec 26 at 12pm! At The Institute

We're having a holiday beer festival. Its no secret Heather gets grumpy around the holidays. What better way to find some spirit than with some great holiday brews and fellow beer lovers? Drafts so far include Mad Elf, Sly Fox Christmas Ale, some special imports, and a few surprises. Keep checking for updates. We'll be showing holiday movies all day. Free Sugar Cookies flowing from the ovens all day!

Draft List:
LaRulles Cuvee Mieullere Vieux(Orvall yeast, amarillo hops)
St. Bernardas Noel
DuPont Avec Les Bons Vieux
Sly Fox Christmas Ale
Sierra Nevada Celebration
Spaten Holiday Bock
Steamworks Spruce Goose
Two Turtle Doves by The Bruery
South Hampton Christmas Ale
Stevens Point Winter Ale
Wyerbacher Winter Ale
He'Brew Jewbilliation 13
Troegs Mad Elf
Dock St. Prisoner from Hell(spiced Belgian Triple)
Thomas Hooker Nor'Easter(Dark Lager brewed with spices)
Portion of food sales donated to Project HOME

Secret Beer Lust for NYC

Philadelphia is too cool for many reasons, beer being one of them. Since I spend most of my free time drifting through the Philly beer universe and writing about my experiences my beer love for this town is obvious. However, recently I've caught a little NYC fever. It's not love, no, no, no that's reserved only for Philadelphia (adopted hometown) and Pittsburgh (actual hometown). It's more of a steamy lust thing.

It all started innocently enough during a day in the city before a Yankees game. After a few great beer stops my eyes were reopened to what she had to offer. I was no stranger to the ways of the big city, but it had been awhile since I had taken in her liquid offerings. With a few sips my lust grew. Now I regularly check the latest Big Apple draft lists (Beer Menus rules) with wanting mouth. Oh to take in a Goose Island Bourbon County Stout or a Dark Star on cask. A boy can dream. The seven year beer itch is strong. A tad late since I've been enjoying great beer in Philly for the past 12 years. Oh mistress to the north out of all of your sweet spots: Ginger Man, Blind Tiger, Mugs Alehouse, Hop Devil Grill, Barcade, Burp Castle, Spuyten Duyvil, yadda, yadda, yadda, the one that gets me all hot and bothered is Rattle-N-Hum. What can I say I am swayed by that amazing draft list, a dedication to cask ales, the laid back atmosphere and oh so easy walk from Penn Station? Before you call foul, Philly beer bars don't worry. I totally agree with Mr. Sixpack's, "Best Beer Drinking City in America", chant. I'm not running off with another. I'll always be true. I simply have wandering taste buds. Hey, no harm done. There is nothing wrong with noticing the sexy little beer scene just up the pike.

Rattle-N-Hum

Cask List

(from Beer Menus)
Dark Star Best Bitter (20 oz. Cask)
Dark Star Festival (20 oz. Cask)
Dark Star Hophead (20 oz. Cask)
Dark Star Old Chestnut (20 oz. Cask)

Draft List

(From Beer Menus)

21st Amendment Monk's Blood (14 oz. Draft)
Arcadia Cereal Killer Barleywine (14 oz. Draft)
Bear Republic Racer 5 (16 oz. Draft)
BrewDog Stone Bashah (14 oz. Draft)
Brooklyn Winter Ale (20 oz. Draft)
Captain Lawrence Captain's Reserve Double IPA (14 oz. Draft)
Captain Lawrence Nor-Easter (14 oz. Draft)
Cigar City Jai Alai IPA (16 oz. Draft)
Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale Espresso-Aged (14 oz. Draft)
Elysian Bifrost Winter (14 oz. Draft)
Geary's Winter Ale (20 oz. Draft)
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout (12 oz. Draft)
Goose Island Pere Jacques (14 oz. Draft)
Guinness (20 oz. Draft)
Jenlain Biere de Mars (14 oz. Draft)
Keegan Ales Super Kitty (12 oz. Draft)
Kelso Chocolate Lager (20 oz. Draft)
Kelso Pilsner (20 oz. Draft)
Kulmbacher Eisbock (14 oz. Draft)
La Moneuse Speciale Noel (14 oz. Draft)
Magic Hat Circus Boy (20 oz. Draft)
Magic Hat Howl (20 oz. Draft)
Nogne O Winter Ale (14 oz. Draft)
Pretty Things Babayaga Stout (14 oz. Draft)
Ridgeway Bad Elf (20 oz. Draft)
Ridgeway Santa's Butt Winter Porter (20 oz. Draft)
Ridgeway Warm Welcome (20 oz. Draft)
Rodenbach Grand Cru (14 oz. Draft)
Sixpoint Otis Stout (20 oz. Draft)
Slaapmutske Christmas Nightcap (14 oz. Draft)
Smuttynose Winter Ale (20 oz. Draft)
Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale (20 oz. Draft)
Speakeasy Old Godfather Oak Aged (12 oz. Draft)
Stone IPA (20 oz. Draft)
Stone Smoked Porter (20 oz. Draft)
Stoudt's Winter (20 oz. Draft)
Troegs Mad Elf (14 oz. Draft)
Two Brothers Northwind Imperial Stout (14 oz. Draft)
Weissenohe Monk's Christmas Ale (20 oz. Draft)
Weyerbacher Winter Ale (20 oz. Draft)

Stone Cold Winner

I'm a winner! There is nothing like a little gloating. You have to expect that from someone whose biggest win is 5 bucks from a lottery scratch off. This recent victory came from this year's A Good Beer Blog Yuletide Photo Contest. The photo battle allows anyone with a camera and a love for beer the opportunity to put their best shots up for a chance at some great beer swag. In this 4th year of the contest a total of 45 participants entered 185 photos for judging. Out of the five photos I entered the above shot from a Stone event at Firewaters in Glen Mills came out on top. Of course mine was just one of several smaller winners chosen along with the grand prize winner.

A huge thanks goes to Lee Marren, Stone Brewing rep extraordinaire and the tattooed guy (sorry, I don't have your name) for making my little win possible. Without the big smile, wicked tat and scary-as-hell snarl, the photo would of been just another picture taken at a bar. I now take my place along side past Philly winners and far better photographers Dr. Joel and Bryan Kolesar (2008). I don't believe they entered this year's contest, which is probably a good thing for me. For the photo victory I net a year subscription to All About Beer Magazine. Yeah!!! Not bad for a hack photographer who typically points the lens at a glass of beer, shoots and calls it art.

Meet the Brewer: Allagash & Pretty Things

Get the weekend started early and meet the people who put the good stuff in the bottle. Tonight there are a couple opportunities to rub elbows with the brewers and it's possible to hit both events, no problem. First up is Rob Allagash founder of Allagash Brewing (duh!). He'll be talking beer at Tria (Rittenhouse Sq.) before his beer school class (Allagash Gotta Have That Funk/ sold out). Taps open at 4pm and meet Rob 4:30-6:00pm. PAYG

Hang with rock star Rob Tod, founder of Allagash Brewing Company in Maine and hear stories from his latest trip to Belgium. Enjoy the awesome Allagash Curieux, Interlude and White on draft plus tasting portions of Allagash Four.

Next up, head down to the Devil's Den for some Pretty Things. Dann Paquette and Martha Holley from Pretty Things Brewing are meeting and greeting. 7pm start. PAYG

Meet the brewers. Food specials paired up & made with Pretty Things beers. On Draft: Jack D'Or, saison & St Botolph's Town, rustic brown ale. Bottles: Baby Tree, quadruple, American Darling, lager & their new seasonal Babayaga, stout

Holy Shittelload of Dogfish

Six sixtels

Six sixtels

Six sixtels

Saying it 3 times fast is no simple task but finding six rare sixtels of Dogfish Head comes easy if you're at The Grey Lodge tomorow night (Dec 16). Shittelload of Sixtels with Founder/Prez of Dogfish Head Sam Caligione in the house along with six of his, "cool and rarely found in draft", creations. 5-7pm, PAYG.

Palo Santo Marron

Black and Blue

Midas Touch

Pangaea

Burton Baton

plus a Rehobeth Beach brewpub exclusive

More Blackness: Back in Black Stout Fest @ Union Jack's on the Manatawny

As the winter season rolls in so comes the focus on dark beers. This is one of the few times of the year I am not all about the biggy hoppy IPAs. For those of you who also dive into the blackness of the winter months Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny is the destination of the day. Starting at 9:00 am (12/12) it's the second annual Back in Black Stout Fest. 15 dark beers to satisfy your roasty, toasty, coffee, chewy, chocolaty, high abv. side. Also look for a certain vision impaired pig and poisonous fish to keep hop fans happy. PAYG

Draft List
Stone Vertical Epic 9-9-09

Southern Tier Mokah

Terrapin Wake n Bake

Stone I.R.S. 06'

Terrapin/Left Hand Depth Charge

Troegs Java Head

Founders Breakfast Stout

Pennichuck Pozharnik 07'

Dogfish Head World Wide Stout

Dark Horse Fore!

Smoked Stout 08'

Eel River Ravens Eye Imperial Stout

New Holland Dragons Milk

Le Saint Bock Brasserie Malediction (Super rare in U.S.)

Port Santas Little Helper

A pin of Left Hand Fade to Black

For the hopheads: Russian River Blind PigBallast Point Sculpin

Sweet and Sour @ Capone's

So are you feeling sweet or sour? Today at Capone's it doesn't matter it's the best of both worlds. Starting at 11:30 6 sweet and 12 sours will pour. Fast math tells you that's 18 taps for the event but remember Matt now has 30 lines at his disposal so expect some other great offerings. More reason to sneak off to Capone's for a liquid lunch. Like you weren't already considering it

Sweet:

Southern Tier Cuvee Series #2

Southern Tier Mokah

Founders Cerise

DFH Midas Touch

Fruli Strawberry

08 Mad Elf

Sour:

Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi 07

Allagash Victor 07

Allagash Interlude 08

DFH Red and White 08

Cantillon Fou Foune 06

Cantillon St. Lamvinus!

Ithaca Brute

Russian River Temptation

Russian River Consecration

Ommegang Rouge

Bockor Cuvee des Jacobins Rouge

Rodenbach Grand Cru

Prohibition's 76th

If history can repeat itself so can I. I did a post last year on Prohibition and other than adjusting the anniversary number from 75th to 76th it's the same. Who am I to rewrite history?

Happy Repeal of Prohibition Day!!! Today is the 76th 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".

The post was from last year but the ideas for the day are new.

Head to Memphis Taproom for cheap drinks.

Celebrate Repeal Day December 5 :: Noon-3pm
December 5th is the 76th Anniversary of Repeal Day! On December 5, 1933 the Volstead Act was repealed and the 21st Ammendment to the US Constituion was ratified, re-legalizing alcohol and ending Prohibition. Make plans to be at Memphis Taproom to celebrate this momentus occasion as we roll back prices and pour all beer on draft for just ONE BUCK from Noon-3pm! Join us in raising a glass in celebration of our inalienable rights!

Check out the Prohibition Taproom

No better day than today for obvious reasons.

If your lucky enough to be in San Fran the 21st Amendment Brewery is the spot.

Wherever you spend the day raise a glass and toast to your right to legally toss a few back. Cheers!

BIG #6 for TJ's

Happy Anniversary to all over at TJ's. They have been doing it for 6 years and it is only getting better. As you may have figured there are a few good beers pouring today for the celebration. The festivities start at noon.

(Noon Tapping)

Lost Abbey 10 Commandments

Oskar Blues Ten FidyPort

Brewing Hop 15

Rogue I2PA

Russian River Pliny the Elder

Russian River Blind Pig

Stone Sublimely Self Righteous

Ballast Point Barrel Aged Sea Monster

BrewDog Bashah (Stone Collaboration)

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

Dogfish Head 120 Minute

Duck Rabbit Rabid Duck

Great Divide 15th Anniversary

Heavy Seas Loose Cannon (Firkin)

Meantime London Stout

Moylan's Double Kiltlifter

Terrapin Gamma Ray

(5pm Tapping)

Ballast Point Sculpin

Cigar City Jai Alai IPA

Ithaca Brute

Limb & Life

Russian River Temptation

The Bruery Two Turtle Doves (Firkin)

BLACKENED by BROOKLYN

Wow what a week it has been. Sorry for the little hiatus from my, so called beer life but work and family life took over the drivers seat. I'm sure all of you happily survived the turkey holiday and the Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping madness. I survived by stuffing my fat face and not going anywhere near a store or shopping website. If history is a guide I probably won't start knocking people off my shopping list until the weekend before Christmas. Call me Mr. Procrastination.

While sugar plum fairies invade the sweet, cheerful dreams of many my thought are on things roasty, malty and bold. With a chill in the air tis' the season to go dark (even black). Put down the IPAs and wheat beers and pick up the Stouts, Porters, Barleywines and seasonal ales. Even a hop head like me can't resist. Two beers I look forward this time of year are Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout and Black Ops. While we all have to wait until Dec 10th (or so) for Black Ops, Mr. Oliver promisses the same recipe as last year and a slightly higher abv (11.7%). I've already experienced my first bottle of Black Chocolate Stout.

Years ago Black Chocolate Stout was my introduction to Brooklyn Brewery. This year's version of the Imperial Stout as expected offers a good flavor combination of roasted malt, coffee and bitter chocolate. The look is black, black, black in the glass with a thick mocha head. It seemed a little sweeter than in past years and was best once it hit room temperature. If you have never had this 10% + abv black delight don't expect a smooth chocolate milk shake effect, e.g., Young's Double Chocolate Stout. Mr. Oliver has harmed no chocolate pieces to make his beer. The chocolate refers to the specially roasted malts. Now all I have to do is happily sit back in my big leather chair, sip on a few more of these and patiently wait for the Ops to arrive.

A GREAT BLACKENED PERFORMANCE

Penn Brewing Comeback

The comeback is officially on for Pittsburgh's Penn Brewing. Tom Pasturious who founded Penn in 1986, and later sold all but a small share, has lead a group of investors to purchase the brewery. The full story is on Penn's website and the video is from a KDKA TV report.

Giant Beer News for those in the 'Burgh

The PLCB said it's a go for 5 more Giant Eagle stores in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and one near Erie to sell beer. That's now a total of 8 G.E. grocery stores in PA given the power of the brew. Of course just like here in Philly the folks in western PA have to play by the rules. A restaurant setup is required, along with dedicated check-out lines for beer purchases and limits on how much you can walk out with at one time. Sure it's not perfect and other states have it better but it is a step forward. I hope my fellow Pittsburghers are lucky enough to have a store with a selection as good as the Wegmans in Collegeville. Heck I just love the fact that when I head back home I have yet another great place to grab beer. If this keeps up my parents are going to see me far more often.

Currently selling beer

-Robinson Township (Settlers Ridge) 6511 Steubenville Pike

-South Strabane, 331 Washington Road, Washington County(as of Nov 20th)

Scheduled six pack sales starting Dec 18th
-Homestead, 420 East Waterfront Drive, The Waterfront
-Monroeville, 4010 Monroeville Blvd
-Pine, 155 Towne Centre Drive
-West Mifflin, 9901 Mountain View Drive, Century Plaza

-West View, 1029 West View Park Drive

Erie, PA

-Harborcreek, Erie County, 4500 Buffalo Road

More on beer sales at Giant Eagle from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Attention Good Burp it's Dogfish for a Mad Monday @ Monk's

There are times when you know of an event that someone would kill to attend. When I first heard about Monk's Mad Monday featuring beers from Dogfish Head I immediately thought about a fellow beer blogger out in Arizona (hope that's right). I've been reading his blog, Good Burp for almost a year and it's always an interesting look at beer and life. Check it out when you can. It's not often that many posts go by before a mention of Sam Calagione or Dogfish beer. I'm sure that after reading about what is taking place this upcoming Monday (Nov 16) at Monk's he's going to want to pack his bags and head for the City of Brotherly Love. Mr. Good Burp if you need a place to stay just let me know. Cheers!

(From Monk's website)

Dogfish Head Monday
Monday, November 16, 2009

Cash bar

It's time for another Monk's Mad Monday! This time we're featuring the great beers from Dogfish Head. I haven't had time to thoroughly look through my basement, so I may find another gem or two. Arrive early - some of these are in very limited supply.
As always these crazy Mondays begin at 11:30AM. So come visit Jodi for an early lunch. Jodi is really looking forward to this event.

ON DRAFT:
Dogfish Head 75 Minute IPA - CASK
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head Chicory Stout
Dogfish Head Jiahu
Dogfish Head Midas Touch
Dogfish Head Palo Santo
Dogfish Head World Wide Stout - 2005 Vintage

IN BOTTLE:
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head Black & Blue
Dogfish Head Immort Ale
Dogfish Head Jiahu
Dogfish Head Old School Barleywine Ale
Dogfish Head Old School Barleywine Ale 2003 vintage (750ml)
Dogfish Head Pangea
Dogfish Head Raiso d'etre
Dogfish Head Raison d'EXTRA
Dogfish Head Theobroma
Dogfish Head World Wide Stout - various vintages

I almost hate to bring this to the attention of my friend at Good Burp but the Dogfish fun will continue next month at the Grey Lodge. Mr. Burp click here if you dare.

I'd feel bad about mentioning all these great events to a Dogfish fan on the Left Coast except that I know he has a hell of a great Kegerator (that he made) with a spiritually endless supply of 90 Minute IPA. It all balances out in the end.

A Surprise from the Wood

After 18 months of marriage I finally get a home cooked meal! More specifically it's been 18 months and Kelleigh and I have finally opened the slow cooker we got as a wedding present in an effort put it to good use. I'm not exactly sure what took us so long to drag it from the cellar but we should of been using this thing a long time ago. The whole idea of tossing meat, veggies, spices potatoes and whatever from the fridge into a cooker in the morning and having a meal by the end of the work day is brilliant. Our first official meal; pot roast, potatoes and carrots seasoned in a pepper and garlic sauce. Perfect. The beer for the evening Great Divide 15 Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA.

Many of you are aware that I am riding the whole barrel aged, wood, oak, bourbon, brandy wave for all it's worth. Since I'm fond of scotch and bourbon its no wonder I love great beer aged in those barrels. Naturally some beers work better than others. So far I prefer Barleywines, Stouts, Doppelbocks and Old Ales taking on the qualities of barrel aging. The idea of a hoppy IPA or DIPA spending time in the wood just isn't as enticing. However I tipped back my glass of GD's 15th Anniv. with an open mind.

To my surprise it worked, and quite well. The malt is big and upfront, while the hop fruitiness is pushed to the back and more noticeable in the finish. There is a sweetness with touches of vanilla, orange and toffee mixed with the oak. With an abv of 10% and the barrel aging I expected more booziness. Instead the alcohol is pleasantly warm and not overwhelming. I now know not to look past a DIPA that's spent some time in the barrel. I only wish I had purchased more than one bottle.

Happy Friday 13th (Firkinteenth) @ The Grey Lodge

You all know the drill by now.

1. Head to the Grey Lodge

2. Find a favorable spot in the crowd

3. Check out the firkins on the bar

4. Get your beer

5. Drink

6. Be social

7. Repeat steps from #3

20+ Firkins tapped 7 at a time.

Noon-9pm (while they last)

Final step

Give a huge thanks to Scoats!

How 'Bout Them 7 Stones @ Capone's

Lee Marren is a mad man! This guy may be the rockingest rep in the beer biz. Take no offense Dr. Joel (New Holland), Ms.Woods (Sly Fox) and Ms. Mulligan (Victory) we love you and all those who make a living with the worlds greatest beverage. It just seems like it wasn't that long ago that I shared in a jeroboam of Double Bastard during Stone Night at Craft Ale House. Yes, there is a soft spot in my beer swollen liver for Stone Brewing and more specific Arrogant Bastard. I've been hooked since my first sip eons ago.

For today's event at Capone's Matt and Lee have pulled together 7 Stone treats. The highlight (oh yeah) is a 2006 keg of Brandy Barrel Aged Double Bastard Ale. The taps open at 11:30am just in time for your liquid lunch. To chat with Lee shoot to Capone's after 6pm.

"Your not worthy". PAYG

Stone Drafts

Indian Pale Ale

Ruination IPA

Arrogant Bastard Ale

Russian Imperial Stout 2008

Double Bastard Ale 2009

Vertical Epic 09.09.09

Stone Double Bastard Ale aged In Brandy Barrels

Walking with Stone CEO Greg Koch

FYI Angel's Share Still Flowin' @ Tria

As of 4:43 p.m. Thursday November 5th the elusive Lost Abbey Angel's Share is still on at TRIA. Catch it if you can!

Have a Cigar @ Capone's

No better day than the 5th of November for a draft promo and that's exactly what is happening at Capone's. Matt has put together a good mix of drafts with a focus on beers from Cigar City Brewing out of Tampa Florida. Oh yeah and there is also some beer called Sculpin.

(From Cigar City Brewing website)

Cigar City Brewing is comprised of a 15 barrel (one barrel is 31 gallons) brewhouse occupying 6,600 sq. ft. of warehouse space in the Carver City-Lincoln Gardens neighborhood of Tampa. Six fermenters, also 15 bbl, are used to ferment the beer for packaging and kegging. We package using a 6 head PPM filler which allows us to adjust to many bottle formats and we keg in 50 liter and 5 gallon kegs. We use the highest quality ingredients we can lay our hands on and that is not just marketing jargon. If it makes better beer, we use it. We also strive to use local ingredients when and where we can. Not only do fresh local ingredients help us to make better beer, it helps us to make beer that reflects the culture and heritage of Tampa Bay.

Head over and have a Cigar!

The taps open at 11:30am. PAYG

Draft List

Cigar City Marshal Zhukov's Russian Imperial Stout

Cigar City Bolita Brown

Cigar City Jai Alai IPA

Brooklyn Manhattan Project

Dark Horse Perkulator Coffee Dopplebock

Dark Horse One Oatmeal Stout

Otto's Spruce Creek Ale

Prism Brewing Red October

Founders Double Trouble IPA

Stoudts Peppercorn Pumpkin Ale

Port High Tide Fresh Hop IPA

Victory Harvest Pils

Victory Harvest Ale

Sierra Nevada Wet Hop Harvest IPA

Southampton Double White

Ballast Point Sculpin IPA

Good Dog(fish)

Lots of happenings going on at this end and most of them have nothing to do with beer. The biggest and most enjoyable life twist is the addition of the fur ball pictured above. Murphy is our 12 week old black Labrador Retriever that became part of the family this past Saturday. I've wanted a dog for years and patiently waited until Kelleigh and I had a place with a substantial yard and a decent amount of indoor space. Now that we are with canine it means my days start a little earlier, the so called extra time in my schedule is dedicated to training and I continue to find creative ways to keep a 15 lb cat from filleting the dog. It all means I've missed a few beer events but it's more than worth it to hang with the little guy.

Since I haven't been out for a beer recently I decided to pull a bottle from The Beer Fridge to toast our new addition. Dogfish Head Punkin' Ale seemed an appropriate choice. He's a dog, at this point a bit of a punk, albeit a sweet punk, and it is pumpkin season. Ok, it's a stretch. Sure a bottle of Spanish Peaks Black Dog Ale would of been more fitting but I can only work with what I have. Besides I am still riding a pumpkin beer high that isn't fading anytime soon.

Dogfish Punkin' Ale has always been one of my favorites. Years ago when I first started drinking pumpkin beer it was my first. No wonder it holds a special place in my ale filled heart. A good pumpkin flavor leans this beer in the direction of pie-in-a-glass but doesn't over do it with in your face spice and over the top sweetness. You know you are drinking a beer not a pumpkin soda. The hop bitterness balances out the sweet and a touch of alcohol towards the end does nothing to prevent a smooth finish.

Here's to ya Murphy!!!

Big Boooozy Pumpkin Thursday and the Weekend too

Yeah I know I mentioned this just a few posts back but I've been slammed with work and the creative side of my brain is currently napping. Besides I am a sucker for pumpkin beers and there are a few more details on what will pour at the Devil's Den tonight and continue to pour through the upcoming weeks. Get your pumpkin on!!!

Southern Tier Pumpking
Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale (tapped once the Pumking is gone)
Bruery Autumn Maple
Lakefront Pumpkin
Terrapin Pumpkin Fest
South Hampton Pumpkin Ale
Cape Ann Pumpkin Stout

More pumpkin beer treats for the upcoming weeks
Saranac Pumpkin Ale
Shipyard Pumpkin Head
Elysan Night Owl Pumplin
Dogfish Head Pumpkin Ale
Steamworks Ale Diablo
Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale
Dock Street Great Pumpkin
Wild Goose Pumpkin Patch
New Holland Ichabod Ale
Heavy Seas Great Pumpkin
Gritty’s Ales BOO

Can't make it to the city tonight, then head to the burbs this weekend for your pumpkin fix. Iron Hill Brewery in West Chester is celebrating the Gathering of the Gourds.

Saturday, October 24
2:00 PM - Beer runs out
Featuring Pumpkin Beers from Iron Hill: Ichabod Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Boom Sticke Pumpkin Alt, Bruce Camp-ale and Punktoberfest
Guest Pumpkin Beers
Elysian Brewing Company, Cambridge Brewing Company and Stewart's Brewing Company
Special Tapping
Join us at 5:00 when we tap a ginormous pumpkin filled with ichabod Imperial Pumpkin Ale
"Guerilla" Costumes
Don a costume inspired by Guerilla Drive In's screening of Evil Dead: Army of Darkness, and receive a complementary beer and complementary pumpkin hors d'oeuvres

Here is a little video from last year's Pumpkin Fest at Iron Hill Brewery in North Wales. I am sure you know the guys doin' the tapping and if you don't just keep watching.