The Next Big Thing in PA...Sculpin?

People get paid big money for knowing what's going to be the next thing. As far as beer goes I am sure that bar owners, distributors and beer fanatics all have their eye on what is going to send people running for the taps and lining up at bottle shops and distributors. Several beers wield the power to put people into a frenzy. The release of Three Floyds, Dark Lord is a massive festival event and Lost Abbey, Angel's Share is nationally lusted after. In Philadelphia when Russian River, Pliny the Elder and Younger are released they sweep through the area like a whirl wind causing beer geeks to wet their panties in anticipation of a taste. Founders, Kentucky Breakfast Stout often draws people from hundreds of miles away. Troegs, Nugget Nectar and Mad Elf had people planning for the release and snatching bottles and cases off shelves as soon as they hit.

Many of these popular beers that made their way around Philly did so with varying levels of fanfare. In some cases the stir isn't what it was. Though still hugely popular Pliny the Elder's draw has ever so slightly slipped. Of course since more of it makes its way into the market than it did a few years ago and more places are selling it the mystique fades a bit. So, then in steps the rarer Pliny the Younger to take over the popularity high ground. People are fickle and as much as we love anything we tend to look for something new. So what's the next big thing?

The next highly sought after beer will share some of the qualities of those that came before it. Chances are it's a limited/special release, it's new to the market, BAers have hyped the hell out of it, it's praised for its style and the most obvious, it has to wow the taste buds. If rumblings are a sign of things to come Ballast Point Brewing Company out of San Diego might have the golden ticket. Two of their beers Sculpin IPA and Dorado DIPA are flowing into the Philly area via Bella Vista Beer Distributors. While Ballast Point Brewing already has brands distributed in the area Sculpin and Dorado are new and rare. Sculpin already has a huge following across the country and from the looks of it TJ's, Capone's, The Grey Lodge, Craft Ale House, Teresa's and other Philly beer spots are planing to add to the popularity with promotions for the draft release.

I was lucky to purchase a bottle of Sculpin from Capone's and Matt let me know that people have been anxiously reserving bottles. The rush for the sought after brew has kept it off the bottle shop's shelves and behind the counter to help regulate purchases from the limited supply. Since this is my first I'm curious to see if it lives up to all the acclaim. Fellow bloggers, Summer of Beer and The Full Pint along with others have already lavished praise on the beer. As much as I would love to pour a pint right now I'm holding off on my first sip. I'll wait to fight the crowds and take in all the pomp and circumstance once it's officially released on draft. Meanwhile, I'll sit back, stare at my bomber, be thankful for where I live and enjoy the cresting wave of craft beer hype as it prepares to hit Philly yet again.