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

FYI Angel's Share Still Flowin' @ Tria

As of 4:43 p.m. Thursday November 5th the elusive Lost Abbey Angel's Share is still on at TRIA. Catch it if you can!

Port Brewing/Lost Abbey @ Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny

It was a perfect fall day for Saturday's Port Brewing/Lost Abbey event at Union Jack's on the Manatawny. The event officially started at 3:00PM although some true beer heads arrived earlier in the day to kick off the festivities. This was my first trip to Union Jack's and the drive through the PA countryside was just long enough that Kelleigh started to question if I knew where I was going. Just as she finished her sentence Jack's popped up on the left.

Sample flights of 5 beers or 10oz individual servings were available. A total of 10 Port Brewing/Lost Abbey beers were on draft.

Flight 1: Santa's Little Helper Imperial Stout 9.5%, Hop 15 DIPA 10%, High Tide Fresh Hop IPA 6.5%, Shark Attack Double Red Ale 9%, Old Viscosity Strong Ale 10%

Flight 2: Wipeout IPA 7%, Gift of the Magi 9.5%, 10 Commandments 9%, Witch's Wit 4.8%, Judgement Day 10.5%

From the abv listings it easy to understand why everyone had a great afternoon. It was good seeing Big Dan making the rounds. We talked before I got too deep into the sampler so I believe most of what I said was coherent.

Besides the fantastic beers I discovered Union Jack's also knows how to do wings right. Crispy not slimy, meaty but not over sized and great sauces. Their bourbon BBQ had the perfect touch of sweet and tangy and worked well with the maltier ales. The high octane hoppiness of the IPAs matched the spiciness of the hotter sauces. It was all good.

It took a little extra effort to get there but Union Jack's Inn is more than worth a few extra miles on the odometer. Now that I have made the trip I am looking forward to my next afternoon of sipping beer on the Manatawny.

California on the Manatawny: Port Brewing/Lost Abbey

If you want a true taste of Southern California head to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny in Boyertown on Saturday for the Port Brewing/Lost Abbey draft event. Look for 10 beers on draft from the award winning California brewer. The event begins at 3:00Pm and goes until 12AM. Many of these beers are rarely found in the area on draft so get there early.

Port Brewing
Wipeout IPA

Hop 15

Shark Attack

Old Viscosity

High Tide IPA

Santas Little Helper

Lost Abbey

Gift of the Magi

Witch's Wit

Judgment Day

10 Commandments