Memphis Taproom Does My Pittsburgh Heart Proud

There is certainly no love lost between Philadelphians and Pittsburghers.  With the exception of when their sports teams are butting heads one corner of PA couldn't care less about what's happening in the other.  However, since Pittsburgh is my hometown and the Philly area is were I reside I have a love of both cities.  Therefore, when I have the chance to experience a little Pittsburgh flavor at this end of the state it makes me all warm and fuzzy.  Tonight is the chance to experience a taste of Pittsburgh.  Memphis Taproom has brought back Pittsburgh Nights and they're doing it in the Beer Garden.

Pittsburgh Night in the Beer Garden

Wednesday, August 3 :: 6-9pm
Pittsburgh Nights are back! We'll be stocking the truck with cans of IC Light and whatever goodies we can get our hands on from Penn Brewery, all for $3! AND for one night only get your 'Ode to a Primanti Brothers HOT DOG' for just $4. Alfresco dining, the Pittsburgh way!

I'll vouch for the Primanti style dog and beers from Penn Brewery but you're on your own when it comes to IC Light. Just because I call it home doesn't mean I have to like everything from Pittsburgh.

Beer Raid Hits the Tube

What the big beer guys are saying:

Lew Bryson Why The PLCB Should Be Abolished

Jack Curtin Liquid Diet

Don Russell Beer Radar

Tomme, Lost Abbey, Port Brewing @ Memphis

Ok it's official Philadelphia is a great place for beer. How did I come up with this grand revelation of the obvious? Looking back on last week's beer activity, realizing what's going on this week and focusing on the events for March makes it clearer than ever. I'll say it again; it not Beer Week and the wow factor is in effect.

Time to catch up. Last week started off with a visit to Memphis Taproom. Tomme Arthur, in town for a dinner event at Monks Cafe, took time for a Meet the Brewer Night. The taps had an impressive mix of Lost Abbey and Port Brewing offerings. Mongo DIPA, Shark Attack, Red Poppy, Serpent Stout, and Older Viscosity were just a few of the drafts available. At the bar we were even greeted by Brendan who offer up a complimentary bottle of Carnevale to share. A huge thanks for that one.

Even with so many draft options my mission for the evening was to finally have the Older Viscosity. For whatever reason I've always missed the chance to taste this massive barrel aged beer. In preparation I started my evening with the wonderfully bitter hop rush of Mongo, moved on to the perfectly balanced sour Red Poppy and once settled in moved on to the amazing Older V.

As much as I love a big bitter DIPA and have learned the ways of the sours, right now my beer soaked heart belongs to barrel aged beers. The Older Viscosity had me from first sniff. Wow, a boozy blend of molasses, coffee, bourbon and even hints of chocolate. This easily falls into my category of beers I'd happily smell for hours. However why just smell something this wonderful? The taste matches the aroma for intensity. Think bourbon soaked raisins and toffee. The booze factor is there creating some warmth but it never became overpowering or unpleasant. Smooth all the way. The only thing stopping me from having another was understanding the drive in front of me. This beer is not to be missed.

Just so you know

If this post has tempted you in any way to seek out the beers mentioned you're in luck. Teresa's Next Door is holding a Tomme Arthur Day Saturday March 6th. 11:00-11:00pm, PAYG.

Planned Drafts

Angel's Share

Older Viscosity

Red Barn

Devotion

Ten Commandments

Santa's Helper

Gift of Magi

Hop15,

Wipeout

Serpent Stout

Moonlight Lager

Tomme, Sam and Beer Oh Yeah!

Next week Brett Packers Tomme Arthur of Lost Abbey/Port Brewing and Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewery roll into Philly to remind us all how good we have it. Hmmm, are we sure that Philly Beer Week doesn't start until June? Each brewer is hosting a special night of tasting and conversation.

Meet the Brewer Night: Tomme Arthur

Memphis Taproom

Monday Feb 22, 6-8PM

This one is close to my heart. One look at my profile pic and you know that I share the shaved dome and glasses look (along with a serious love for great beer) with Mr. Arthur and Memphis owner Brendan Hartranft. What's the big deal? $1.00 of all Port Brewing and Lost Abbey drafts for the follically and optically challenged. Bald dudes with glasses unite!

(From Memphis Taproom site)

Join Memphis Taproom on Monday, February 22 from 6-8pm as we host Port Brewing and Lost Abbey brewer Tomme Arthur for a night of chitchat and world class beer. The draft lineup will include Mongo Double IPA, Older Viscosity, Hop 15, Wipeout IPA, Gift of the Magi ('08) and Carnivale in addition to some super limited edition surprises.

Calagione is Down to Earth/Keep the Pint Night

Earth Bread + Brewery

Thursday Feb 25, 6-8PM

Interested in meeting an off-centered brewing rock star, drink his beer and take away some nifty glassware? Then this is your big night. Sam Calagione takes over Earth Bread + Brewery to chat it up and mingling with the beer people. Expect Dogfish influenced food and of course a fine selection of drafts.

Another Brett Packer Cometh.

Rob Todd founder of Allagash Brewing hits town Thursday March 11th for his whirlwind area tour. More info here.

The Tour

Jose Pistola's

The BeerYard

Teresa's Next Door

Craft Ale House

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

Memphis Taproom Mystery Beer Weekend Take 2

If you are in Philly this weekend, unfortunately I am headed in the opposite direction, stop by Memphis Taproom for Mystery Beer Weekend. Ballots are here

Mystery Beer Weekend

Friday + Saturday + Sunday

September 4-5-6, 2009

33 Beers in 3 Days.(How will your liver stand the suspense?)

Just like last year, we’re tapping 33 beers that we’ve never poured before in just 3 days. It’s up to you to tell us what they are. Sure, there will be clues...every good mystery has clues

Solving the Mystery

Ballots must be turned in by 4pm on Sunday, September 6th. The winning ballot (the one with the most correct answers filled in) will win a beer-filled prize package and bar-wide fame.

Beer Happenings

First, a huge Happy Anniversary to Brendan and crew at Memphis Taproom. Today (4/22) they are celebrating their big 1 year of providing us with wonderful comfort food and a solid beer selection. The party starts at 5pm and the beer list is stellar. Come on, would you expect anything less?

Join us to celebrate this milestone! In addition to complimentary snacks butlered throughout the evening, we will be tapping some very special beers...the line up includes: De Dolle Dulle Teve, Bear Republic Racer X, Schlenkerla Fastenbier, Taras Boulba, Cantillon Vignerrone, North Coast Brother Thenlonious, PBC Fleur De Lehigh, Fuller's ESB, Uerige Doppelsticke, Sly Fox Instigator and Stone Russian Imperial Stout.
*Please note our kitchen and dining room will NOT be open for regular dining on this night.

Congratulations to Brewers/Owners Chris Miller & Mark Lehman on the draft debut of Breaker Brewing Company. I first heard about Breaker months ago here and now the beers (Anthracite Ale, Goldies, Malty Maguire Scotch Ale, and Old King Coal Stout) will pour on Thursday (4/23) at Kelsey's in Ashley, PA.

Another Saturday is almost here and yet again we have a decision to make. Do ya do the festival thing or hit the pay-as-you-go event? The 11th Annual Brew Fest Extravaganda at the Manayunk Brewery and HopFest V at The Drafting Room in Spring House. The full on festival is sold out so that may make your decision a bit easier.

#6

Now that my heart is back in my chest and my breathing is back to normal I am loving the victory. I don't know how many times a person can watch the same ESPN highlights over and over before being considered insane but I am on my way to crazyville. The win gets a little bit sweeter with every replay. Last night's game was fantastic. The competition was good; the Steelers took an early lead and built on it just before the half with an improbable interception and 100 yard lumbering dash to the end zone by James Harrison. The Cardinals held it together, worked the middle of the field and although I like Larry Fitzgerald I dropped a few F-bombs when he trotted across the goal line for the go ahead TD. If I were going to script the ending of a big game this is the way I would of written it. Big Ben did what he had to do with under 3 minutes left in the game and Santonio Holmes made arguably the greatest catch in SB history. It all came to a close with the Steeler's D knocking the ball from Kurt Warner's hands and recovering it with seconds left to secure their 6th Super Bowl win. Whether you cheer for the black and gold or not you have to appreciate how they won.

Would I have loved to see a PA Super Bowl? YES, YES, YES and I will wish for it every year. Would I like to see the Eagles win a Super Bowl? Yes as long as it's not against the Steelers. For now I will enjoy the hometown victory and wait yet another year for the celebration here in Philly.

ATTENTION

02/03/09
All Pittsburgh transplants and those who love and tolerate them it's Pittsburgh Transplant Happy Hour at Memphis Taproom.

Celebrate the Steelers for one more night at tomorrow's Pittsburgh Ex-Pat (and now Super Bowl Champs!) Happy Hour. From 5-7pm we'll offer up Iron City Beer specials and ode-to-Primanti-Brothers-Sandwiches. This month we'll also feature Penn Brewery bottles for just $3!

Give Me A Theme for My Beer Night

When I was in a frat back in my college days the most interesting parties were the ones wrapped around a theme. Heaven and Hell Night was one of the best (sorry the details will remain withheld). Now a days bars have embarrassed the theme idea to pull in valuable patrons. With so many great places to grab a good beer around Philly a creative twist to draw attention isn't a bad idea. Now I have never needed a reason to head into a bar and have a beer. "Hey, the work day is done, time for a beer". "Hmmmm, that place looks interesting, lets stop and have a beer". "I am still breathing and my legs function lets go in and have a beer". All have been reason enough to indulge in a pint or two. However I do like it when an establishment puts a little extra thought into it to create an interesting event. This can be as simple as a creative Happy Hour special or a detailed weekend extravaganza. Many times brewery reps or distributors work with bars to create cool beer promos. Something more stimulating than the mundane $2.00 Bud Light Pint Night. Many bars around Philadelphia have fun with specials maybe none better than the creative wizards over at Memphis Taproom. Brendan's Mystery Beer Weekend in August was one of the most unique. Over three days a total of 30 beers covering 11 styles were tapped. A few small clues were given and the goal was to list the beers on a ballot. The winner, Jim Keaveney, named an incredible 28 and second went to The Beer Lass, Sly Fox's Suzanne Woods. Other beer adventures at Memphis Taproom are the Me and Mom Happy Hour, the Pittsburgh Transplant Happy Hour (love the idea of that one) and the upcoming Boxing Day Beer Festival. The creativity is great, it creates atmosphere, it's a cool twist to grabbing a beer and it draws attention to the bar. There is nothing wrong with bringing in the business. I am sure more places will stir the creative fluids and develop unique ideas for great beer gatherings. It just so happens that there are two beer events tonight. One on the soulful side the other more seasonal.

Thursday is Beer Night

In the City
I've already mentioned this one but it deserves another shout out. Join Dr. Joel from New Holland Brewing at the Sidecar Bar and Grille for Soul Power, an evening of beer, soul music and soul food. Joel will pour The Poet, Mad Hatter, Dragons Milk and Cabin Fever and the DJ will spin the soulful sounds. The groove starts at 5pm and goes until whenever.

In the Burbs
For an evening filled with holiday cheer join Brian O' Reilly, Tim Ohst and Suzanne Woods at Teresa's Next Door for the Sly Fox Christmas Party. Enjoy Sly Fox's Christmas Ale and other specialty beers during the evening. The party starts at 6:00. Bonus from 6-8pm Don "Joe Sixpack" Russell will have copies of his Christmas Beer book for sale. Buy it, get it signed and chat about this season's best Xmas beers with the author.

Just One More

Tonight everyone here in Philadelphia is obviously feeling the excitement of the World Series. One more win and the Phillies are champs. By now most people probably have a good idea of where they are watching the game and several beer blogging folk around the city have offered up great suggestions. One place that is offering a great way to toast a Phillies victory is the Memphis Taproom. Check out what's happening there tonight If (when) the Phillies win.

[Phillies Fever (or) How the Westvleteren Was Won] The Phillies are coming home to WIN! Join us for all of the upcoming World Series action, but especially on the night the Phils WIN the the whole thing. We'll be toasting our World Series Champions in high style, with a couple of six-packs of Westvleteren 6 and 8 for fans in attendance. Westvleteren beers are some of the hardest beers to find in the world, made by the clergy at the St. Sixtus Monastary in Belgium. What better way to combine your love of the Phillies and your raging beer-geekdom?

Seeing Red

I just got this info in my email and figured I would pass it along. Tonight Memphis Taproom is having a Redhead Happy Hour from 6-9PM. They will tap two fantastic red ales; Ommegang Rouge, a Flemish Red Ale and Lagunitas Imperial Red, an American Strong Ale. Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale is also available. All redheads at the bar will get a dollar off of the aforementioned beers. So if you're a redhead, or want to meet a redhead, or simply love red ale make your way to Memphis Taproom tonight.

Big Ole Beer Week

I usually don't post an events list for the week but I looked at the calender for October 5TH-11TH and realized that it's a big beer week. Events of all sizes are happening and this list doesn't include everything around Philly just some of the interesting happenings that caught my eye.

Sun 10/5
Bella Vista Beer Distributors Grand Re-opening Party
12-5PM
This party celebrates the move across the street to the new location. An interesting mix of beers are pouring all afternoon. The list from BA: Ballast Point Sculpin IPA, Russian River Pliny the Elder, Voodoo Black Magick, Beer Valley Liefer Madness (Oregon), Boulder, Sprecher, Coronado...also Gritty McDuff's, Schewlmer Imports (German beers), Rogue, Victory, Sly Fox, Stoudt's, Erie, Widmer, Dock St., etc.

Tue 10/7
Pittsburgh Happy Hour @ Memphis Taproom
5-7PM
This one is close to the heart since I am a Pittsburgh native. Memphis does this one every 1st Tuesday of the month. Look for the 'Ode to the Primanti Bros., Sandwich' and Pittsburgh beer, including Iron City (yikes) specials.

Wed 10/8
Chimay 25TH Anniversary Party @ Teresa's Next Door
It's Chimay's Anniversary but you get the gifts. The first 100 Chimay drinkers get a glass. The rep will be there from 7-10PM to answer all your red, white and blue questions.

Thur 10/9
Great American Beer Festival
5:30-10PM
I am jealous of everyone who is able to go this year. I thought that I would make the trip, unfortunately it's not happening for me. Although tix are sold out all is not lost. If you want to go head over to Ebay for the tickets, then find a flight to Denver. Not cheap, but doable.

Opening of The General Lafayette Tiedhouse
Foobooz put this info out earlier in the week. Hopefully everything is still on track. The Tiedhouse will have 19 taps, 14 with beer from the General Lafayette Inn and Brewery.

Fri 10/10
GABF
5:30-10PM

Italian Beer @ Di Bruno Bros.,
6:00-8:00PM
If you think Italy is just about the wine think again. Head to 1700 Chestnut St and discover the pairing of Italian beer with specialty cheese.

Sat 10/11
GABF
12:30-4:30PM & 5:30-10:00PM

GABF Live Party @ Iron Hill Brewery North Wales
2:00PM
If you can't make it to Denver (like me) do the next best thing, check out a simulcast and drink some of Iron Hill's nominated beers. The simulcast starts at 3:30PM.

Blue Ox Bistro Oktoberfest
You know the drill, expect music, lots of German food and beer. The festivities continue on Sunday.

Oktoberfest @ Issac Newton's
12:00-4:00PM
Yes, Oktoberfest continues around Philly. Besides German food and beer a ticket to this event gets you an Oktoberfest glass mug, a shirt and two draft beer tickets. Event tickets are limited and only available at Issac Newton's.

Waffles & Puppets @ Ommegang Brewery
12:00-5:00PM
I love the name of this event. If you don't know the background the name will make you say, "Huh" with an odd facial expression. This is Ommegang's big Birthday Party celebrating their 11TH year. There will be 12 beers served. Besides Ommegang brew expect Duvel import brands, 400 cases of cave-aged beers and the introduction of a new fall seasonal.

Now that is a serious week.

Russian River Rules

If Pliny the Elder continues to appear on any more draft lists it will soon be like reporting who is carrying Yuengling Lager. OK that's a bit dramatic but anyone around Philadelphia who is seeking this Russian River favorite has had many chances to get a taste. The Russian River event at Monk's on Monday was great. The beer started pouring early in the day so by the time I arrived at 4:30 it wasn't long before some of the line up started to kick. It's not a mystery why; every beer order around me was for Russian River. The Pliny invasion moved back to the burbs to Teresa's Next Door and they also have Damnation on tap.

Also:

The Memphis Taproom has been pouring R.R's Blind Pig and are reporting they will have Pliny. Keep an eye on their draft list.

World Debut and Pliny Too

There is nothing like a beer debut to solidify Philadelphia's status as beer central. O.K. it is the debut of a PA beer but it is still a big deal. Yuengling's Lord Chesterfield Ale makes it's world draft debut tonight at The Grey Lodge Pub. There will be giveaways to go along with the beer so get there early. The festivities go from 6-9pm.

The Pliny Report

You probably already know that Pliny has left the building at The Grey Lodge and at McMenamin's (oops missed that one) but don't fear the Elder's reign continues in Philly. I got word from a Memphis Taproom email that they will soon pour Pliny as well as Blind Pig IPA. Make sure to check the Memphis Taproom website for their current draft list.

The Mysterious Beer Weekend Awaits

My favorite new bar I love but can't get to often enough, Memphis Taproom, is having fun this Labor Day weekend with a little beer mystery. Brendan and crew are holding a Mystery Beer Weekend on the 29th, 30th and 31st. Thirty three beers will be tapped in three days. Three beers each of eleven styles will pour. The goal is taste them all and identify via a ballot what you are drinking. The person with the most correct beers named wins an incredible beer prize basket. Some clues will be given and all ballots must be turned in by 4pm on the 31st. This event could truly determine if you are beer wise. The mystery starts at 5pm on Friday.

This mystery event sounds great but unfortunately I wont be able to make it. However I will have a report on what is happening at the other end of the state. Hmmmm...a trip to Pittsburgh? Look out Fat Heads here I come.

Missed Trip to Memphis

For the second time I have missed the Pittsburgh Happy Hour at the Memphis Taproom. In fact I am writing this as it is happening. Again a small curve ball messed up my early evening plans. Unfortunately the life twist always hits whenever I want to go to the Taproom. I just hope they continue to roll out this event every first Tuesday of the month. We ex-Pittsburghers all need a good place to congregate, throw back a cold one and chat it up about the hometown. If I dont make the next happy hour my official Pittsburgh citizens card will be revoked.

I was going to post this with my story on the happy hour but I didn't want to wait another month. Kelleigh and I did make it to the restaurant a couple of weekends ago. She and I were in the area having work done on the car so we figured why not stop by for dinner and drinks. I don't like the term gastropub but the Memphis Taproom fits the definition. This corner bar feels like a cool neighborhood hangout that has been here forever. It was a Tuesday night but the place was jumping. Our timing was good because not long after we sat down all the tables in the dinning room were filled. The waitress quickly took our drink orders and I started with the Southern Tier IPA. The beer list isn't the largest but it does have good diversity and frequently rotates. It's heavy on craft beers with a nice nod going to the local brewers. This is also one of the few bars in Philadelphia where you can get Milwaukee Wisconsin's Sprecher beers on draft. Grab a Black Bavarian or Special Amber and you will understand why this brewery has such a great following. If you don't see a favorite on draft remember to check the bottle selection. There are several Belgians, Germans, big bottles from CA brewer Port Brewing/Lost Abbey and other micros on the list. With beer in hand and food in mind we quickly scanned the menu.

Being a Pittsburgh native I am very familiar with Polish grub. I couldn't resist the Port Richmond Platter. The Polish fare consisted of kielbasi, potato pancakes, sauerkraut and pierogies. After waiting longer than expected our meals were served unfortunately on the cool side. The food was only so, so. The potato filled pierogies and kielbasi were flavorful but the sauerkraut was almost nonexistent and the potato pancakes were a bit over cooked. The grilled chicken on Kelleigh's salad was also dry and slightly charred. The dinning room was packed so I'll attribute the lackluster meal to a busy night and a kitchen working it's way through newness. This is a place I hate to say anything bad about. We only had a couple of items off the menu so I can't speak for all the food. The other times I've stopped in it was just for drinks. The atmosphere was always friendly and owner Brendan Hartranft seemed very hands on bouncing from bar, to kitchen, to patrons. I know I'll be back for the beer and to mingle with my fellow Pittsburghers. I am sure hunger pangs will have me searching the menu. My only hope is, that the next time the food is as impressive as the beer.

Feels Like the Burgh in Philly

This Pittsburgher has found an event to really get behind. The Memphis Taproom is having a Pittsburgh transplant happy hour from 5pm-7pm Tuesday July 1st. Look to enjoy all things Pittsburgh with beers from Penn Brewing and Iron City along side a version of the Primanti Brothers sandwich. I am not sure how that will turn out but hopefully they stay true to the slaw and fries on the sandwich. I will do everything possible to make it to this one. Something tells me that not too many other bars will attempt this type of gathering any time soon. See yinz guys there.

Photo of sandwich from Roadfoods.com