Reach the Vertical Limit w/Stone @ Craft Ale House

Test your vertical limit tonight (2-24) at the Craft Ale House with three vertical flights from Stone. The hardest workin' rep in the land Lee Marren is in house stirring up the room and explaining all things Stone. This is a rare opportunity to sample so many vintages of great beer at one sitting. The journey starts at 6:00PM and goes til 11:00PM. Enjoy your flights.

Old Guardian Barley Wine: 06, 07, 08, 09

Double Bastard Ale: 06, 07, 08, 09

Imperial Russian Stout: 06, 07, 08, 09

Also on draft

09.09.09 Vertical Epic Ale

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

Stoned or a Resurrection?

Mr. Dan Bengel hit me with a Facebook invite that creates a slight biblical dilemma for Wednesday night. The Craft Ale House is having a Turn to Stone event with Stone Brewing rep extraordinaire Lee Marren supplying a fine mix of southern California goodies; Stone 13, Cali-Belgique, Sublimely Self Righteous, Ruination and Vertical Epic 9-9-9. Sounds perfect. Oops, Brendan and crew are opening the doors to Resurrection Ale House on the same night. Don't all you beer guys convene at a giant round table in a secret location so nights like this don't happen? Now a choice must be made. Do I head to the city for a resurrection or make my way to the country to get stoned? Decisions, decisions, decisions.




Big Dan's musical choice might be more spot on but I am feelin' this Black Crowes cover.

Firewaters: Stone Night

As much as I wish I could go to every beer related event around Philadelphia, until someone gives me a check at the end of each week for spouting my thoughts I have to pick and choose wisely. My time limits had me choosing between Stone @ Firewaters and Founders @ The Drafting Room. Although The Drafting Room was scheduled to have KBS, Cerese (still haven't had it on draft) and four other Founders brews on tap, a chance to chat with Lee and sample from 10 Stone drafts at one sitting won out.

When I first heard that the event was at Firewaters in Concord I was a bit shocked. I knew they had a nice beer selection (50 taps & 101 bottles)but I had never heard of them doing a big craft promo. If this was there first they are starting off strong. Lee Marren worked his magic and brought in old favorites and some hard to find drafts.

Pale Ale
IPA
Ruination IPA
Arrogant Bastard Ale
Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale
2007 Old Guardian Barley Wine
2007 Imperial Russian Stout
08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale
2006 Double Bastard Ale
2008 Old Guardian Barley Wine aged in red wine barrels

Just having the ability to dedicate that amount of space to one brewer and still have a huge selection was impressive. The guys at Firewaters, JJ and Jason (I'm terrible with names so I hope that's right. If I'm wrong let me know and I'll make the correction.) discussed how an encounter with Lee and his boss sparked the promotion idea and brought it to fruition. With that much space there was real motivation to put on some interesting choices. If this had been a weekend promo instead of a midweek the turnout may of been larger. Although, Pat (check below for the guy with the tattoo) had enough Stone enthusiasm to make up for any empty seats.

I hope this is a sign of things to come from Firewaters. My impression is that even though they advertise a great beer selection the proximity to Hooters and the party bar feel may deter some beer people. It shouldn't. I don't think every great beer bar has to be warm wood and low lights or have that classic corner bar feel. Mainly they need to have fresh beer, a good selection and people in charge who are passionate and know the business of beer. From the look of it they can check off all the above. More photos.