Finally back in Philly. The DC trip although short and rushed was a great time. Bouncing around town I made stops at some amazing beer places and have the pictures to prove it. During the journey I even managed a few non beer related destination. Somehow it didn't feel right going to our nation's capital and only focusing on the beer scene. I'll spare all of you the overly historical and political stories and photos. Most of it I'm sure you've experienced on class field trip back in the day. Just know that I'm a proud American who in the shadow of good craft beer still managed to fulfill his patriotic duty as a tourist.
Before I lay out the good, the bad, and the ugly that is DC I need to cover a few things on the home front. Last Saturday (8/21) the slightly mysterious Kelleigh and I made our way up to Allentown Brew Works for Bourbon, Beer and Bryson. Originally when I received the opportunity to attend the event from Michael Fegley I thought I had been to ABW but soon realized that wasn't the case. I've been to Bethlehem Brewing Company multiple times so I guess my brain twisted one of those wonderful memories and moved it over to Allentown. No harm. For a first time physical trip the triple B was a winner. The night showcased the overall beauty of bourbon: as a stand alone spirit, a culinary ingredient and a compliment to beer with barrel aging. Walking into the brewery the size of the place is impressive. The layout is over four floors: a first floor bar/dining area with an outside beer garten, a basement club/lounge, second floor bar/lounge and a third floor banquet area. Oh and I almost forgot the brewing area. Thankfully there's an elevator. The event was on the second and third floors. Bourbon tasting, and Mr. Bryson's lectures on the 3rd floor. Beer, food and various vendors on the second.
As much as I enjoy bourbon and know what I like that's where the knowledge ends. Having the opportunity to listen to Lew give some history, discuss distilling and cover the who's who of Kentucky took away the mystery. Samples from Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare single barrel, 1792 Ridgemont Reserve and Blanton's single barrel provided the chance to compare styles. The perfect opportunity for anyone who wanted to know more about what goes in the glass. Tables were also set up with approximately 8 bourbons from various distillers (Woodford Reserve, Makers Mark, Jack Daniel's, Four Roses, Knob Creek and Wild Turkey). All were available for tasting. 
On the second floor aged beer was the major player. They included: Weyerbacer (Insanity), Yards (Barrel aged Thomas Jefferson ale), Stoudt's (Bourbon Aged Scarlet Lady), Brew Works (Bourbon Barrel Porter & Apple Lambic). Since all that imbibing requires nourishment southern specialties were provided. Bourbon pulled pork, brisket, collard greens and corn bread were all part of the menu. My favorites were the appetizer of fried plantains topped with smoked mozzarella and bourbon pulled pork. The perfect blend of sweet, sticky and spicy in one tasty bite. The other hit was vanilla ice cream topped with Apples Foster drizzled with bourbon raisins and pecan caramel. The bourbons, beers and Bryson were all top notch. I hope we get to see more events like this one soon.
