Michael Jackson Tutored Tasting is On for the 20th Year

I am more than a little beer geeked up over the news that the University of Pennsylvania is hosting the Michael Jackson Tutored Beer Tasting on March 13. This is the 20th year for the event and beer author Randy Mosher will conduct the tastings. I first read the good news on Mr. Sixpack's site and tripped across it again while perusing Mr. Curtin's Liquid Diet.

If you are a beer fan (being here I assume you are) and have not had the opportunity to attend in the past make it a point to go this year. This is not the overly packed, fight for your beer and then wait, wait, wait type of beer event. It's very well run. Three start times during the day and a limited amount of tickets help to lessen the crowds. The first hour is a tutored tasting which is followed by a 2 hour general tasting session of over 100 additional beers in the Chinese Rotunda. Even with the large number of people who attend there's not much of a wait when trying to get a beer. Since the event takes place in the University of Pennsylvania's Archaeology & Anthropology Museum there's sort of a grand feel to the whole affair. A good mix of beer culture and history.

I've made it to the tasting 4 times and it's one of my favorite beer events. The first time I attended was still the most memorable. I met Michael Jackson and amazingly I wasn't even aware of the general tasting. After the tutored tasting a friend and I were preparing to leave when they announced the start of the general tasting. To my surprise I had two more hours to sample more amazing beer and managed to have a few words with Michael Jackson. Picture telling a kid who has opened all his Christmas gifts that there is a second room of gifts and Santa is handing them out. That was my excitement level. Still one of my best beer days ever.

The details of this year's tasting are still hard to come by. Hopefully in the upcoming weeks ticket information will become available on the Penn Museum website or a sponsor's site. I'll post it when I get it.

Papier for the New Year

As January rolls to a close someone asked me what beer I had to kick off 2010? I've never made it a point to start the new year with a particular beer. Typically on Dec 31st at 11:59 I'm tossing back something good but ask me a month later what it was and I'll have no idea. However this year since I knew I wasn't doing the usual suburban couch surfing for New Years Eve I went to the cellar for something out of the ordinary.

Kelleigh and I spent the early part of the evening having dinner in Center City then headed off to the party. A huge thanks to Adelle and Ed for the invite. Since Ed has managed to surprise me with several great bottles I figured it was only fair to return the favor. Along with a sixer of Racer 5 I unveiled a bottle of The Bruery's Papier.

At the strike of midnight we clanked glasses of champagne with everyone then quickly switched from the bubbly grape to the bourbon aged old ale. According to the label this version of Papier is a blending of 75% Oak Aged Old Ale and 25% ale aged in bourbon barrels and has an abv of 14.5%. For such a big beer brandy snifters were appropriate however we made do with larger glasses.

With very little carbonation Papier's appearance was more liquor than beer. What head existed at the start quickly faded. A swirl of the glass brought out sweet aromas of figs, raisins and lots of bourbon. It reminded me somewhat of a port. The shock came with the taste. Along with the sweet maltiness, big raisin flavor and oak came an odd vinegar like sourness that stood out from the other flavors. Although the vinegar surprise wasn't enough to completely spoil the enjoyment it did lessen the appeal. Luckily, the sourness became less noticeable as the beer warmed. Although the 14.5% may of had a lot to do with forgetting about the odd flavor. I only wish the bourbon and oak had been what I remembered most about this beer.

The lack of carbonation, slightly off putting sourness and a hefty price tag are a few of the reasons why some will knock this beer. I found it interesting and decent for the style. However it's not a bottle I plan to invest in again. As for a way to bring in 2010 the Racer 5 and Live Free or Die we had later were a better way to celebrate the New Year.

Robbie Burns B-Day Bash @ Sly Fox Tonight

Start Time: 5:00 PM

End Time: 12:00 AM

Location: Phoenixville

Robbie Burns Birthday Bash

The Eighth Annual Robbie Burns Birthday Bash means bagpipers and kilts, customers reciting the great Scottish poet's verses, and the traditional piping in of the Haggis, as well as the release of Sly Fox Gang Aft Agley Scotch Ale 2010.

Soundgarden is Back

Soundgarden have reunited. I know this has nothing to do with beer other than showing me that I need to pull my face out of the pint and catch up on current events. The announcement was made back on the 1st and I just got word yesterday. For you non grunge fans, sorry for my excitement but I bleed 90s music. The news of one of the best hard rock acts of that decade making a comeback puts a huge smile on my face. Now I need to know when they're making it to Philly?

Warm Up @ Capone's with the Big Beer Event

The temperature may of warmed slightly but the real heat is on at Capone's. Matt Capone has unleashed the big beers for a three day event (1/21-1/23). Expect Barleywines, Scotch Ales, Barrel Aged brews, monster IPAs, vintage kegs and more. Each day will feature a tapping of a special keg. Kick-off is today at 11:30. PAYG.

Draft Lineup

Rodenbach Grand Cru
Fruli Strawberry
Dark Horse Scottie Karatie
Cigar City Jai Lai IPA
Left Hand Milk Stout
Hopfenstark Ostalgia Blonde
South Hampton Double White
Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout
Boulder Killer Penguin 2007
Duck Rabbit Amber
Flying Dog Whiskey Barrel Aged Gonzo 2008
Dogfish Head Burton Baton
Stoudts Old Abominable Whiskey Barrel Aged 2008
Moylans Hopsickle IPA
Founders Backwoods Bastard
Allagash Interlude 2008
Tommyknocker Imperial Oak Aged Nut Brown
Bells Two Heated Ale
Dogfish Head 120 minute IPA 2008
Terrapin/Left Hand Depth Charge
Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron
Port Brewing Wipe Out IPA
Victory Old Horizontal 2008
Yards Old Batholomew
Weyerbacher Insanity 2007
Lost Abbey Angel's Share Brandy Barrel 2008
North Coast Old Stock 08

Special Kegs
Thursday: Founders Rye Whiskey Aged Porter
Friday: Founder Black Biscuit
Saturday: Ballast Point Victory at Sea and Dieu du Ciel Aphrodite

UPDATE

I had a chance to stop in at Capone's and experience a sampler of four amazing beers currently on tap. If you are a fan of barrel aged, whiskey or bourbon beer make your way to Norristown NOW!!! The only problem is you will need a designated driver if you plan on enjoying all the wonderful offerings. During my stop I had Founders Rye Whiskey Aged Porter (right), Flying Dog Whiskey Barrel Aged Gonzo 2008 (empty glass), Dark Horse Scotty Karate (left) and Lost Abbey Angel's Share Brandy Barrel 08 (front and center) Easily one of the best samplers I have ever had. Out of them all the Angel's Share was the true standout.

Angel's Share is one of those beers that is so hyped that you wonder if it can possibly stand up to all the good words. Are all those BAers right? Yes, yes they are. I've had Angel's Share, however not this version, so I was already familiar with the quality. As soon as I caught a whiff of this beer I knew to expect something amazing. The aroma was full of raisins, vanilla, a little butterscotch and even some nuttiness. There was a fruit cake quality in a very, very good way. This is the second time in the past two weeks that I've had a beer that I would happily spend the entire evening smelling. Most of what came out in the aroma showed in the taste. It's a big chewy raisin/plum smack to the mouth. Wow, amazing! The alcohol is pleasantly warm and not at all harsh which makes this dangerously easy to drink. As good as it is at a bar it deseves to be enjoyed at home while in a comfortable chair in front of a fire. It's worthy of sipping all night. Barrel aged beer fans do not pass on this opportunity to have one of the best.

120 for 1/20 @ The Grey Lodge Pub

To hell with caffeine! Start the day the right way at The Grey Lodge with the 10am tapping of a sixtel of Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA. The 20% behemoth will either put a kick in your step or lay you out depending on how many you plan on downing. 60 and 90 Minute IPA are also on to add to the big beer fun. PAYG

Sippin' with Sam

HopSlam Release in Northern Liberties

On Monday I succumb to the hop hype and made my way to Northern Liberties to experience the release of Bell's HopSlam. In the past I have been known to chase a beer or two to multiple locations around the city. Russian River beers tend to make me do strange things. However, it's been awhile since my hop cravings have taken me on a journey. Most recently I've been riding a stout, porter and barrel aged wave so the time was right to switch it up and track down a serious Double IPA.

I hit the Swift Half Pub for the first of two nightly stops. Not bad planning for my first trip to the pub. Like so many places that opened last year I swore I'd make it in ASAP then days turned to weeks, weeks to months and so on. On this night the action was definitely at the bar. I managed to slide into a seat near a freshly tapped firkin of Bell's Cherry Stout. Somehow, I resisted the gravitational pull of the firkin and stayed on course for the beer that brought me in. Good choice since unbeknownst to me along with the first Slam of the season came free h'ordeuvres. A little zesty cheesy accompaniment to the hop bomb. If they're a good indicator of the food served at the Swift Half I'm definitely returning when I have time to totally explore the menu. After a good 20 minutes of savoring my first pour (the verdict coming) I settled up and headed out on foot to North Bowl.

North Bowl is possibly the perfect recreational spot in the city. The combination of awesome bar grub, moderate prices, a too cool retro atmosphere, good beer and bowling makes for a great night out. I arrived well before the Bell's event started, got a seat at the bar and dove into a menu. The Chicken Cuban Sandwich with a side of tots spoke to me and satisfied a serious craving. I'm not the best at pairing food and beer but a bite of the spicy, loaded chicken followed by the crisp hoppy Brooklyn Lager created a heavenly taste experience.

Once the Bell's went on I ordered a HopSlam (obviously) along with Bell's new draft Oarsman, a Berliner Weisse. The Oarsman was a nice surprise. It had a refreshing, crisp, lemon tartness. The kind of beer that works well around a pool on a sweltering summer day. I'll make sure to explore the Berliner stlyle more thoroughly when my tongue isn't being abused.

I briefly spoke with Bell's rep Derek Zomonski who had some great words about the Philly market. If we are lucky this guy will make it back to the area more often. Judging from the remarks overheard around the bar all the Bell's drafts were well received. There is nothing like visiting a city to support your beer and hearing good words. All the more reason to return.

Overall my beer chasing evening in Northern Liberties was a success. I spent time in one of my favorite areas in Philly, satisfied a serious need for liquid hops and checked a bar off my need-to-visit list. My only regret is I wish time would of allowed for a stop at Standard Tap. Being so close and not going in is a sin.

The HopSlam Verdict

Hops, hops, hops is what you want. Hops, hops, hops is what you get. I swear I could smell this beer before it was placed in front of me. Just an overactive imagination but the aroma is a mondo bouquet of fruity/citrus hops. As I've said I could spend all day smelling this beer. Hey why just smell when you can taste? It's sweet upfront with strong grapefruit and orange flavors. From there it quickly slides to the piney bitter side. If you're able to resist the urge to drink it quickly you're rewarded with an even bigger flavor bomb as it warms. The mystery of this beer is the 10% abv. Where the hell is it? The 10% hides nicely and is the only thing that stopped me from having several. This year's HopSlam is very good. It doesn't overthrow Pliny the Younger or Elder in my hop utopia but it is a true WOW beer for hop fanatics. Seek it out.

Whole Foods Plymouth Meeting Mall Opens Today

NBC news channel 10 reports on the opening of Whole Foods Market at Plymouth Meeting Mall. The 45,000 square-foot market opens with the appropriate fanfare today at 10 am. Similar to the recently opened Wegmans in Collegeville shoppers will not only have access to a wide variety of prepared foods, unique grocery items and organic products but also beer and wine. The 28 seat Cold Point pub will offer wine by the bottle and glass for consumption at the pub, six rotating taps of local beer, 32 and 64oz growlers for take-home and over 300 beers in the bottle room. Grocery shopping in PA, yet again, takes a step in the right direction.

Opening day draft list

Sly Fox 113 IPA
Yuengling Lager
Troegs Rugged Trail Brown Ale
Victory St. Victorious
Flying Fish Abbey Dubbel

Yards ESA

Slammed in the New Year

Happy New Year! A little late, I know, but this is my first post of 2010 and it seemed appropriate. Now that the year is under way it's time to get excited about the first big beer (literally a big beer) release of the year. Bell's HopSlam is moving in on Philadelphia starting this Sunday (1-10). Yes the mega hyped (which I am contributing to) and to some over hyped DIPA kicks off the week with multiple release parties around the city. If my fuzzy memory is correct the Slam is hitting the area earlier this year than last. I distinctly remember a competitive which-is-better vibe between HopSlam and Nugget Nectar happening at the beginning of last February. What I don't remember from last year is the release hype. Looks like Bell's is wise to the hop heads here in town who have proclaimed this the end all be all of DIPAs and they plan on riding the hype wave for all it's worth.

As I've mentioned before I am a big fan. I may actually enjoy smelling this beer more than drinking it. It's big sweet juicy hops all the way. It doesn't live up to the hype. Hell, how could it? However if your palate loves getting dominated by a monstrous grapefruit/citrus rush and you don't mind the sticky sting seek it out. I will.

1-10-10

Union Jack's Glenside

HopSlam Kick Off Party

HopSlam taps at 10pm also on draft from Bell's, Firkin Two Hearted (on at 8pm), Expidition Stout, Double Cream Stout, Winter White, Oarsman, Best Brown and Java Stout.

1-11-10

The Swift Half

HopSlam Release Party

6-9pm

HopSlam, Oarsman, Two Hearted and Amber Ale. Also a mystery firkin.

North Bowl

Gutter Balls for Bell's HopSlam Release Party

In January comes the release the Bells Hop Slam, and North Bowl and Bells beer are pairing up to celebrate its arrival! This delicious beer is a double IPA, meaning there’s a ton of hops, but it also has a nice malt foundation finished with a touch of honey. At 10% alcohol by volume you’ll get to where you want to go fast! $20 at the door includes bowling, shoe rental and one Bells beer. The highest individual cumulative score plus 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive prizes from Bells. All Bells beers will be $4 that evening and there will be four Bells Beers on draft that night.

1-12-10

Silk City

Slam-A-Rama

5-8pm Happy Hour event with specials on Bell's beers

Local 44

Bell's Hopslam Cometh...

Tuesday, January 12 ++ 4pm We've got a keg of Bell's Hopslam! This 10% Double IPA from kalamazoo, Michigan is not so easy to come by! We'll be tapping ours, along with a 'mystery firkin' from Bell's at 4pm next Tuesday!