Now That's a Six Pack

It has been almost a week since the Steelers won the Super Bowl and most people I know around here are sick of hearing about it. Being in the middle of Eagle Country I completely understand. So, this is my final word on the subject and the only reason I am posting this is because it does have a beer theme. Enjoy.

#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!

No Turnpike Bowl

It just isn't meant to be. Yet again my dreams of seeing Pittsburgh and Philadelphia face each other in the Super Bowl have been dashed. We have been down this same road a couple times in the past. Remember?

2001-2002 Conference Championships
January 27, 2002
(AFC ) New England Patriots 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
(NFC) St. Louis Rams 29, Philadelphia Eagles 24
Double disastrous day. Everyone in the Keystone state was pissed with these results.

2004-2005 Conference Championships
January 23, 2005
(AFC) New England Patriots 41, Pittsburgh Steelers 27
(NFC) Philadelphia Eagles 27, Atlanta Falcons 10
Philly holds up its end of the deal but Pittsburgh flounders. My dislike of the Patriots is at an all time high.

Now of course there is this year with the Steelers advancing to the Bowl and the Eagles getting thumped by the Cardinals. The rest of the world may not of cared but here the story line would of been great. The in state smack down would of given us some great promotions, excellent trash talk between the cities and a chance to see which fans are more crazed. Some people were already preparing for the match up. The dedication the fans have to their teams would of made Tampa a very interesting place on February 1st. Being a HUGE Steelers fan I was prepared to catch hell here in Philly and looking forward to it. However that fun won't come to fruition. I can only complain so much since Pittsburgh is Super Bowl bound. The overall experience would of been far better with the Eagles on the other side of the field. All we can do now is dream that the PA Turnpike will one day be the road to the Super Bowl.

GO STEELERS !!!

2008 AFC CONFERENCE CHAMPS

To the Victor Belong the Spoils

A few weeks back I had a friendly wager with Brian/ The Baltimore Beer Guy on the Steelers/Ravens game. The bet was simple; if the Steelers won I would get a couple bottles of fine craft beer from Baltimore. If Baltimore won I would make sure Brian received a couple bottles from Philly. I know that sending Pittsburgh beers would make more sense but living in Philadelphia obviously it's bit easier to search out unique beers from the area.

Ultimately I didn't have to ponder about what beers to pick out. As any football fan knows the Steelers came away with a hard fought victory. "To the victor belong the spoils...", so yesterday I received a box and inside were two fantastic bottles from The Brewer's Art. Resurrection Ale and Ozzy Ale are two of the Baltimore brewery's more well known and highly rated beers. From the Brewer's Art website:

Ozzy

Our answer to the Belgian «devil» beers (i.e. Lucifer, Duvel, etc.). Both rich and dry, this beer is all too easy to consume in large quantities. Hopped with Styrian Goldings.7.25%abv

Resurrection

During the fermentation of the first batch of this Abbey-style ale, the yeast «died» and was «resurrected» by brewer Chris Cashell. Made with five types of barley malt and lots of sugar, this beer is quite flavorful, without being too sweet.7%abv

At one time Brewer's Art beers could be found around Philadelphia and I remember spending evenings at North 3rd enjoying goblets of Ozzy. Or was it Resurrection? Either way those days are gone. Not long ago the brewery stopped distribution to Philly to better support the Maryland market. This makes me even more appreciative of the bottles that now reside in my beer fridge.

I want to give a huge thanks to Brian for the fantastic beer choice and if you haven't done it yet make sure to check out his site Baltimore Beer Guy. I plan on resisting the urge to open either bottle until the first Steelers playoff game. Since they have a bye it's going to be a painful couple of weeks.

A Sunday Wager

This Sunday I am preparing to watch the AFC North leading Pittsburgh Steelers take on the 2nd place Baltimore Ravens. I know here in the middle of Eagles country most of you are more focused on the Eagles/Browns Monday night game but being from Pittsburgh my focus is always on the Black and Gold. To kick up the excitement of watching today's AFC battle I have made a friendly wager with Baltimore Beer Guy.

Brian "Baltimore Beer Guy" does a great blog that focuses on beer happenings in and around the Baltimore area. It's always good to know what's happening a couple hours south and it's especially helpful if you are planing a quick beer adventure from Philly down 95.

Since BBG is a Raven's fan I figured why not put up a bottle or two of something from Philly that he can't get in Baltimore up against beer from one of my favorite Baltimore brew pubs, The Brewer's Art, or another Baltimore brewery. Simple enough. So today a Steelers victory not only satisfies my football side but also nets some good beer. What could be better?

GO STEELERS !!!

Cross State Smack Down

The battle of PA is almost upon us. The Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday, 4:15 at the Linc. I am from Pittsburgh and for the most part, out there, the Eagles are barely on the radar. Fan focus is on Cleveland, Cincinnati and Baltimore. Obviously Eagles fans care more about Dallas, New York and Washington. This weekend those conference rivals are put aside for the Turnpike rivalry. It's all PA but there is no love loss between the two cities. This game gives me the chance to dawn the black and gold, waive my Terrible Towel and walk into the belly of the green and silver beast. I expect to get my share of taunts, jeers and middle finger salutes. No problem I am used to it. The Fox and Hound at 15th and Spruce is always a black and gold hot spot so I should find comfort among my own. Besides providing a base for Steelers fans F & H has a decent beer list for a chain sports bar. There are enough choices to keep you away from the BudMillerCoors monster. No mater where your loyalties lie wear your colors, have a few beers and enjoy the game. If nothing else, this will determine who has bragging rights in the state. GO STEELERS!!!

STEELADELPHIA

For any Steelers fans out there who want to start the party early head over to the Field House in Reading Terminal for a Steelers rally on Saturday. Steeladelphia starts at noon with special guest Levon Kirkland, giveaways, food and drink specials, of course Iron City beer (yikes) and admission is free. I am not sure what other beers are on but hopefully we can do better than Iron City. Sorry my Pittsburgh brethren bad beer is bad beer.