Beer Board of the Week



Dogfish Head rules at Craft Ale House. The 75 min is outta here!



World Wide Stout vertical. Cab please!

It's almost silly to announce when good beer is flowing around the Philly area. When can't you find a bar that has a killer line-up? The deep western burbs beyond King of Prussia were rich in offerings this week with the kick off of Suburban Beer Week 19468. One of the better  events was Dogfish's impressive appearance at Craft Ale House. No Sam C in the house but there were 21 DFH beers on tap including a firkin of 75 Minute and 4 years of World Wide Stout: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. Obviously not a night for the session minded. 

A few courteous tweets also filled me in on Kite & Key and their Savage Sixtel Sunday (Rich on Beer has the details). A Randallized version of World Wide Stout infused with coffee and Vanilla beans along with a couple Russian River beers, Alesmith Speedway Stout and few others rounded out the draft list.  As much as I would of loved to cruise down to my old stomping grounds for an evening with Randall and the others, I stuck to the burbs. I'll have to wait to experience my first Savage Sixte at Kite & Key. For now Craft Ale House's DFH board is my winner of the week.

Night of the Hatters @ Craft Ale House

The ever wise Dr. Joel (New Holland Beer Ambassador and Grain Bill blogger) slows his traveling ways for an evening close to home at the Craft Ale House. Never one to show empty handed he brings along 5 special Mad Hatters surely to bring joy and wonderment to all those in attendance. Start time is 5pm. Let the madness ensue.

All the Hatter Goodness

Black Hatter

Farmhouse Hatter

Oak Aged Hatter

Rye Hatter

Plus a special Hatter firkin??????

Night of the Bastards @ Craft Ale House

For any major event it's always good to prepare.  It's key for survival. With Philly Beer Week only a couple days away what better way to gear up than to shock the system with a few heavy hitting bastards?  Tonight (6/1) Craft Ale House in Limerick (or is it Royersford?) unleashes Night of the Bastards.  All things bastard from Stone Brewing and others. Let the prep work begin!  Start time is 6pm.

Draft List

Stone Arrogant Bastard

Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard

Stone Lukcy Basartd (yes, that's how you spell it)

Stone Double Bastard

With a few special guest Bastards.

Founders Dirty Bastard

Founders Backwoods Bastard (yum)

Blue Point Old Howling Bastard

Get Bastardized!!!

Founders Night @ Craft Ale House

"She Was Lost But Now We Founder".  That clever phrase/title/little diddy came from the whimsically creative Mr. Dan Bengel announcing this event weeks ago over here.  I love the word play, which Dan is always good for, and really appreciate his knowledge on the liquid action at Craft Ale House. 

That action ramps up this Wednesday night (3/30) when Founders Brewing takes over the taps.  The lineup is going to make for one serious midweek gathering. Bernie from Stockertown Beverage will be on hand to spread even more evening cheer. To paraphrase Mr. Bengel, "Prepare for much evilness".

Start time: 6pm, PAYG

We will be tapping:

Centennial Ipa

Double Trouble

Devil Dancer Triple Ipa

Harvest Ale

Red’s Rye

Nemesis ‘10

Dirty Bastard

Backwoods Bastard

Imperial Stout

Breakfast Stout ‘09

Kentucky Breakfast Stout ‘10

Wheat Wine ‘09

Maybe more!!!

SLAM @ CAH

I dig Craft Ale House.

I love what Gary and Melissa do with beer and food.

I have a Pavlovian response when I hear about fresh HOPSLAM. On TONIGHT at CAH, 6pm.

However, Im 90% certain the true reason for mentioning this tapping is to have an excuse to post this video.

SLAM!!!

Happy Groundhog Day

This morning that furry prognosticator from Punxsutawney looked out of his hallowed hole and didn't see his shadow. Guess that means we will all benefit from an early spring.  Regardless of the positive prediction a wintery mix is preventing the true Groundhog Day celebration from happening.  Tonight's Dogfish Head event at Craft Ale House has been postponed until next Wednesday (Feb 9, 6pm).  So for now be content to gaze upon the list of upcoming draft goodies and plan accordingly.  Spring might not get here by next week but I predict one hell of a good time happening in Limerick.

60 Minute Ipa

75 Minute Ipa - firkin
90 Minute Ipa
120 Minute Ipa '09
Red & White
Black & Blue
Sahtea
Theobroma
Midas Touch
Indian Brown Ale
World Wide Stout
Raison D'Etre being poured through Randall the Enamel Animal filled with ...
and maybe more.

We will be offering a flight with 60, 75, 90 and 120.

Wendy, our Dogfish Head rep will be showing up to do some giveaways sometime around 6'ish. If she comes in and sees her shadow, we will have 6 more hours of partying. Yeah!

A Russian River Will Sweep Me Away Yet Again

At some point I may stop shouting every time some place rolls out a few Russian River beers.  That isn't happening anytime soon an especially not when the great beer location is Craft Ale House.  Not to play favorites but anyone who pops in on this site with any regularity knows that CAH is one of the places that manages to keep me sane.  Gary and Melissa offer a refuge from the unimaginative and tasteless sea of suburban chain restaurants. Besides where else am I going for my late night seasoned popcorn fix? Thus Craft Ale House has a special spot in my beer soaked heart. Alright enough gushing more about the beer. 

Wednesday at CAH is Rolling Down the Russian River Night.  The Vinnie creations on draft are Registration Ale, Blind Pig IPA, Consecration and Damnation.  A couple hop hits, a touch of the sour and a Belgian interpretation. A perfect mid week lineup. PAYG

Craft Ale House, Habitat for Humanity and Beer & Food Bliss

Kelleigh and I did a rare Monday night out to support Habitat for Humanity at Craft Ale House.  All the usual suspects were in house for the charitable cause, to cheer on guest bar tender Matt Guyer and of course to imbibe on the special beers of the evening.

Being Christmas in July the evening was full of giving.  First I gave unto myself a magical pint of Troegs Barrel Aged Citra (Citra of Brotherly Love).  Lucky that I did since the firkin kicked about 20 minutes after I arrived. Serves me right for showing up late.  A few weeks back at TJ's I tasted the standard variety Citra during a tribute to PBW but this oaked out version was definitely a different animal.  It started fruity and hoppy but as it warmed the oak and vanilla took over in a big way. Nice flavor change going on. The hops rebounded in the end for a touch of bitterness that stayed on the tongue.  This is the kind of beer that makes you understand why cask ale is so good. 

After an amazing meal. I'd kill for the muscles with bacon anytime.  Kelleigh and I dove into the peanut butter pie and discovered the secret to wedded bliss.  Simply pair the pie with a glass of Great Divide Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti then vadda boom, instant happiness! It's combinations like this one, even as obvious as it is, that have me believing I've got a handle on food and beer match ups. My jumbled words won't do it justice but think sweet, rich, creamy chocolate and peanut blending with the smooth dark chocolate, malt and oak of the beer.  The right amount of sweet and bitter were present.  This was the perfect way to cap off a great Monday night.

Matt Guyer @ CAH Tonight

After trolling around my blogosphere I am following the lead of Last Bottle on the Left and Liquid Diet and recommending a stop at Craft Ale House for a good cause and good beer. Tonight the Beer Yard's Matt Guyer will guest bar tend 6-9pm with 30% of the sales going to Habitat for Humanity. 

When it comes to the beer look for a mingling of Philly and Xmas spirit in July. St. Feuillien Cuvee de Noel and Troegs Mad Elf for those who need a holiday fix.  The hometown collaborative touch is provided by Brotherly Suds 1 and Ex Porter. The evening's yummy bonus is a firkin of Troegs Oak Aged Citra (Scratch 31).  Go, enjoy and know that you are doing it for a good cause.  Cheers!!!

Still Catchin' Up: New Holland & Calkins Creamery @ CAH

A little over a week ago the perfect storm of beer and cheese took over Craft Ale House in Limerick.  Dr. Joel Beer Ambassador for New Holland Brewing and Jay Montgomery of Calkins Creamery brought together some of their best offerings for the evening.  The tasting included 5 cheeses paired with appropriate beers and bread. What else does one really need to survive?  All were great but for me there were two standouts. The Noble Road w/The Poet and Udderly Hot Havarti (infused with chilies, super chilies & habanero) w/El Mole Ocho.

(Bryan Kolesar The Brew Lounge & Dr. Joel New Holland)

The Noble Road, a semi-soft raw milk cheese aged for 60 days, was mild and earthy which worked nicely with the roasted earthiness of the Poet Oatmeal Stout.  I'm still learning my beer and cheese combinations but it makes sense that the mushroom notes of the cheese would mix well with the semi-sweet, chocolate and wood flavors of the beer.  As good as it was my favorite match-up put the complex chili, cocoa and coffee convergence of  El Mole Ocho along side the Hot Pepper Havarti. With peppers as a common theme you might of expected big, big heat but it never went past pleasant warmth on the tongue. I heard a few people complain about the pepper bite of the cheese but for a spice fiend like myself it was heaven on a plate. I highly recommend you search out the El Mole Ocho and if you're in the Philly area head to Whole Foods (Plymouth Meeting) for Calkins cheese. Cheers!

The Dr. Will See You @ Craft Ale House

The always knowledgeable Dr.Joel Armato (New Holland Beer Ambassador) will steer his road show towards home with a night of beer and cheese at Craft Ale House.  On Wed night (5/19) he and Calkins Creamery owner Jay Montgomery will offer up delicious beer and cheese pairings. 

Calkins Creamery located in Honesdale, PA is where Jay and his wife Emily Bryant, "...specialize in fine, artisan cheeses, using only the freshest milk possible from our very own herd of registered Holstein cattle." Of course the good doctor is bringing in only the freshest from New Holland and promises to have a special, first time tapped in the area, beer. So expect nothing less than a tantalizing taste opportunity. PAYG, 6pm-???. Cheers!!!

April Foolin @ Craft Ale House & Sidecar Bar

It's only 11:00 am and I am already second guessing everything I've read this morning.  Mr. Curtin got us all off to a good start with some serious news here. Such is the joy of April Fools Day. This evening after avoiding all the trickery of the day head out among all us fools for some serious beer.

In the city

The Sidecar Bar welcomes St. Feuillien Brewery.  The Friart family have been brewing beer since 1873 and tonight the owner of this award winning Belgian brewery offers up 5 great drafts.

3pm start, PAYG.

What's pouring

Tripel

Brune

Saison

Blanche

Cuvee Noel

Out in the burbs

Need to get your firkin fix? Craft Ale House has the solution.  Weyerbacher is in house with a dry hopped firkin of Double Simcoe.  Also on draft 09 & 10 Heresy and Insanity, Merry Monks Belgian Triple and Slamdunkle

6:00-11:0pm, PAYG

Bohemians in the Burbs. Dock Street @ Craft Ale House

Tomorrow night (3/25) some city flavor takes over one of the best beer bars in the burbs.  Craft Ale House welcomes Dock Street Brewing.  Head Brewer Ben Potts and owner Rosemarie Certo will be in house with beer and giveaways.  The bohemian life starts at 6pm.

Dock Street Drafts

RyePA

West of Center Pale Ale

Bubbly Wit

Illuminator Dopplebock

Sexy Beast Belgian Chocolate Stout (Firkin)

Thanks Rob for Stopping In & Offering the Bourbon Black

(Craft Ale House, Rob between Gary and Melissa Fry)

Last week as a ramp up to Beer Week(end) Rob Tod took over the city for the day making the rounds at Jose Pistola's, The Beer Yard, Teresa's Next Door and The Craft Ale House. I managed a quick stop at Teresa's for the cask Curieux but waited for the evening gathering at the Craft Ale House to seriously explore the Allagash draft list.

By the time the Rob Tod caravan rolled in I was surrounded by the Thursday night crew (you know who you are) and well into my first glass of the Bourbon Black. Allagash's Belgian Stout, aged for 10 months in bourbon barrels.

The first thing I noticed about this beer was the balance. Typically I love over the top bourbon/oak aged beers. A solid, boozy smack of bourbon to the taste buds is always fine by me. This is exactly what I didn't get with the Black. The aroma had lead me to believe the bourbon would land front and center dominating everything. Instead it came in subtle showcasing the chocolate, vanilla, fig and biscuit qualities. The burn free, smooth as silk finish at over 9% abv made it a comfortable sipper and a good introduction to bourbon aged beers. If you have the chance I highly recommend slipping into the Bourbon Black.

A shameless excuse to drop in some Pearl Jam.

The Rob Tod Invasion is On!

Rob Tod Founder/Brewer of Allagash Brewery has landed in Philly and is spending his day taking over several of the area's best beer establishments.

It All Starts Here

Noon-2pm

The kick-off happens with brunch and Allagash beers at Jose Pistola's in Center City.

Movin' On

3-5pm

The caravan rolls into The Beer Yard in Wayne for an Allagash tasting.

Strolling Up the Road a Piece

5-7pm

Teresa's Next Door becomes Rob Tod/Allagash central. 14 beers from the brewery including firkins.

(From TND website)

Firkin of Black, Firkin of Curieux, same Curieux batch on Co2 also, Allagash White, Confluence, Double, Triple, FOUR, Interlude, Hugh Malone, Odyssey, Bourbon Black, Victor, and Fluxus '07 (Yarrow)

The Final Leg

8-10pm

The long haul straight out 422 to the Craft Ale House in Limerick. An evening gathering of the craft beer minded. Meet Rob and drink his beer. It's pretty simple. Cheers!

(From CAH website)

Join us tonight with one of America's best breweries, when Rob Tod of Allagash stops by for a visit. Rob will be stopping by around 8pm and we will start putting his following beers on tap around 6pm.White, Dubbel, Triple, Curieux, Interlude and Black aged in a bourbon barrel.We got some fine bottles from there just in case you need a few to take home.Hope to see you here tonight!

And you thought your day was long.

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

Happy Anniversary Craft Ale House

Wow it's been a year since the doors flew open and good beer started pouring in Limerick. Tonight the Craft Ale House celebrates the big 1 year Anniversary. I made it in on opening day and wrote a little something about the experience. Tonight I plan on raising a pint or two to celebrate Gary and Melissa's grand success. If you are out at that end of 422 I suggest you stop by to take part in the festivities. No flashy presents or card are required for this anniversary party. I'm sure stopping in for a bite, a few drinks and a good time are thanks enough.

(From CAH website)
GOING ON TAP DURING THE COURSE OF THE DAY:SLY FOX-- KELLER PILS AND FREE SAMPLES OF BOTTLE NUMBER 12 OF RENARD D OR DOGFISH HEAD-- WORLD WIDE STOUT
BRUERY--TWO TURTLE DOVES
LANCASTER BREWING--FIRKIN OF BOSS HOG AT 6 PM
CANTILLION--LOU PEPE
SPRING HOUSE--BEYOND THE GATES DIPA
FOUNDERS--BLACK BISCUIT
PRISM--BIT O HONEY IPA
RUSSIAN RIVER PLINY THE ELDER
MAYBE A GUEST APPEARANCE BY OSCAR BLUES--TEN FIDY 08 AND WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE.
The fun starts as early as Monday night, because as kegs kick, well, these little gems above you will start going on for your enjoyment. Then the craziness starts up again Tuesday morning and last all day and night. Happy First Anniversary to the CAH and all it's great custom

Simply mention anniversary and this is what pops into my TV warped mind.

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.

Quick Pours: Serious Ale?

Another torrid tale from my nightly suburban adventures. Last Thursday's tour de bar had me heading from Capone's to Craft Ale House for a visit with team G. Fry. I slid in an hour before closing and there was still a good size crowd around the bar. Wow who knew people drank on a weekday! After having one of my favorites, New Holland's Dragon's Milk (can't get enough of the barrel aging), I went straight for an unknown (to me); Serious Ale from Royersford Brewing Co. The handy beer list described it as a "unique-styled American ESB". The beer slides the line between an amber and a brown ale. Not overly bitter with nice hints of caramel and chocolate. I only had one but at 5% it's easy to envision settling into an evening with several more. I've already made sure to included this on my ever growing session list.

Some of the Royersford crew were in house promoting their creation, tossing out schwag and adding to the general mayhem of the night. I had the chance to chat it up with Levi Peiffer, Dave Shafer and Matt Shafer who filled me in on the company's short history and future plans. Serious Ale is Royersford's inaugural beer and it's contract brewed at Sly Fox by Brian O'Reilly who also helped with it's development. Better notes and a brain that actually retained information would of yielded a little more information in this post. Hey guys it looks like all your secrets are safe. This draft only brew is currently available at ten locations and it's well worth seeking out. For more information on Royersford Brewing Co. check out their website.

A Canadian in Limerick

Today head to the Craft Ale House in Limerick for the tapping of Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout.

Founders Breakfast Stout aged in Kentucky whiskey barrels that were also used by a small maple syrup maker. The beer is then aged underground in the town’s local mine. Maple & whiskey soaked wood, Sumatra and Kona coffee beans breakfast stout. Damn. What else can you say?

The bonus is the traditional Founders Breakfast Stout is also on draft so you can sit back, sip and compare. Expect both to go on for lunch.