It's a New Day

Today is the inauguration of Barack Obama and hopefully the beginning of change for the better. I wont go into a huge political rant, good riddance Mr. Bush, but I am looking forward to the next four years. To celebrate the day head out to any of the inaugural gatherings and cheer the change.

The Institute
"Screw the man, I'm toasting the inauguration." Start the day early by telling your boss to screw off and head to The Institute for a 50 cent shot and a beer of your choice for 50 cents. How often can you feel warm and toasty for just a buck? The party goes 9:30am-1pm.

The Grey Lodge Pub
A sixtel of Dogfish Head 120 IPA taps at 10am. 120 on 1/20 how appropriate and at nearly 20% a potent start to the day.

London Grill
Ommegang's Obamagang, sorry oops I mean Inauguration Ale 2009 pours all day and all night starting at noon.

Dock Street Brewery
Watch the live broadcast of the inauguration and enjoy beer specials starting @ 1pm.

Several place around Philadelphia as well as DC, Baltimore, New York, Boston, Chicago and NYC will have Ommegang's Inauguration Ale 2009 (AKA Obamagang) on draft.

Mid-Atlantic list

Boston list

Chicago list

Ommegang's Inauguration Ale 2009 (aka Obamagang)
"The TTB won't let us call the beer Obamagang on the keg label. So it will be known legally as Inauguration Ale 2009, but the tap handles will be more...um...direct. The style lies between a porter and stout, with a bit of Kriek and a touch of chocolate blended in. It will be on draft only, beginning with the inauguration - in limited areas including DC, NYC, Syracuse, Philly, Chicago and Boston. We will donate a percentage of sales to charities in the respective cities where the beer is sold, and we've asked our distributors to match our donations and pick the local charities. (Also please note that the beer is not an endorsement of Obama.)"

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.