More Than Iron City

Whenever I head back to my hometown, Pittsburgh, I am always reminded that it is no longer just the home of Iron City beer. Over the years the selection of good beer places has greatly improved. I stop short of saying that it is as good as Philadelphia but there are definitely some fantastic bars and breweries offering world class beers. When I visit I get wrapped up in activities with family and friends but I make an extra effort to stop at these four places.

Fat Heads South Side Saloon

I have been hitting this place for beer since it opened in the mid 90's. Fat Heads is a staple on Pittsburgh's South Side. The South Side area of Pittsburgh is a strip running along the southern shore of the city that is filled with bars, clubs, shopping, restaurants, coffee houses and lounges. Fat Heads is heaven for anyone who loves craft beer and mind blowing bar food. Thirty-nine beers on tap including three Lindemans Lambics (labeled humorously as house wine), sandwiches with names like Artery Clogger and Bay of Pigs, burgers, steaks and 14 varieties of wings makes this place the ultimate gastropub. To top it all off there is a six pack shop so that you can take your favorites home. If you love to eat and drink plan on stopping here.

Church Brew Works

Going to church was never like this. The Church Brew Works has been brewing beer in the restored St. John's the Baptist church in Lawrenceville since 1996. The first thing everyone notices when they enter the building is that the place is huge. Think 30 foot ceilings, a completely open floor plan and oh yeah a gorgeous brewery front and center on the alter. The brewers creates four standard house beers plus seasonal and specialty beers. The restaurant offers slightly upscale American pub fare and regional favorites. Pizza, lunch and dinner entree are served daily. If you need beer to go grab a growler, bottles, or a mini keg. Just remember to be on your best behavior; after all you are in church.

Sharp Edge Bistro

The Sharp Edge lays claim to the title "Best Belgian Beer Bar in the USA". I am sure that a few places here in Philly would have a thing or two to say about that. There are four locations around Pittsburgh and each has it's own distinct layout. I always head to the Bistro location in Sewickley. It's fourteen miles west of the city and best of all it's easy walking distance from my parents' house. The food isn't very Belgian but the beer is. There are 16 on tap including their own house beer, Over the Edge, a triple Belgian IPA. If that's not enough there are four rotating craft and import taps, a bottle list and a bottle shop so you can always grab and go. If you need a little mystery in your life have fun and choose the $3.00 mystery beer. The secret is that the tap is unlabeled, only the bartender knows what is pouring and he isn't talking. Are you smart enough to figure out what you are drinking? Don't fear the mystery draft is a quality beer. There are no thin fizzy macros here. No matter which location you choose the Bistro, the Creekhouse, the Beer Emporium, or the Brasserie Sharp Edge is Pittsburgh's true Belgian connection.

D's Six Pax and Dogz

Hot dogs and beer. This place is fairly straight forward but it is far from ordinary. Located east of the city in Regent Square D's Six Pax and Dogz has the best bottle shop in town. The back room tagged, The Beer Cave, is filled with hundreds of the best craft and imports available. If you are in search of a hard to find bottle in Pittsburgh this place gives you the best chance at finding it. If that weren't enough they have a self serve walk in beer cooler. No not the walk in grab a six and leave kind of cooler. Instead walk in, choose from hundreds of bottles then sit down an enjoy your beer with your meal. The waitresses are happy to open any bottle and provide a glass. Six drafts are also available. The menu offers sandwiches and sides but the hot dogs are the standouts. Pick from a variety of dogs including the loaded "Chicago Style" and the "Big Ben" which is a deliciously sloppy combination of fries, slaw and cheddar all on a 100% beef Vienna dog. If you go on the weekend expect to hit a crowd. Don't let that deter you; the wait is more than worth it.

I want to mention Penn Brewing Company, Bocktown Beer and Grill and Smokin' Joe's Saloon. These places are also great stops during a trip to Pittsburgh.

More Pliny, Oh Yeah!!!

Keeping up with this beer is almost a job. I nailed some, I missed some, I got tips and I got lucky but either way I have tried to let everyone know where this Russian River favorite is headed next. Searching the web as I always do on a Sunday night I stumbled across one of my favorite sites, the Beer Yard, and they are reporting that on Monday not only is Pliny on tap but also four other Russian River brews will flow at Monk's Cafe starting at 11:30 am. If you are lucky enough to be in the city think about hitting Monks for some mussels, pommes frites and a few glasses of Russian River's finest. If you can't make it in for a mid day round jump in before the Eagles and Cowboys clash on Monday Night Football. Either way Russian River Night at Monk's Cafe is a must. Don't miss it.

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.

WOW, Cool!

Is it bad that I bought this beer primarily because of the bottle? It's not even Rogue's best design. The 750ml, ceramic, swing top, series has better style. Even so the striking new red bottle looks pretty sweet in that bloody, death, pirate, skull kind of way. There is no doubt that it stands out from just about every other bottle on the shelf. To do that in a bottle shop or distributor with hundreds of beers on display is impressive. Regular Dead Guy Ale and I have a history. It was one of the first micros I regularly enjoyed. I remember buying cases of the stuff with friends years ago when Rogue wasn't as well known in the east. Today I still occasionally order one for old times. So, for me Rogue creates a bit of nostalgia. Seeing the Double Dead Guy tapped into that. The idea of a stronger, maltier, hoppier Dead Guy seems like a great idea. Seeing Double Dead on the shelf and knowing next to nothing about it I still figured I would get a pretty good beer. However, if I am honest with myself it's the flashy blood red bottle that got it from the shelf, to the register and then to my fridge. The label was that oomph that gave me reason to pull out the wallet. Once it caught my eye my mind instantly slipped into kid mode. Wow that's cool looking!!! I want it, NOW!!! The visual works. No doubt, for good or bad, Rogue will sell plenty of Double Dead Guy Ale because of a great package not just because of the product inside. We all know many lesser beers that talk taste and quality but live by the visual. I just hope that someday I don't find myself reaching for those cold blue mountains. Who am I kidding? No amount of marketing is that good.

Smoke Free Thursday and Beer Night

The Smoke Free Pennsylvania Act was signed into law on June 13 and now goes into effect on September 11th. The ban covers work places and public spaces such as bars, restaurants and office buildings. The law does have some loop holes. Smoking may still be allowed in some private clubs, hotels, and casinos. There is also an exception for bars where food accounts for no more than 20% of their annual sales. The law is not as restrictive as the Philadelphia smoking ban.

When the idea of a smoking ban was first announced in Philly I leaned towards the argument that we all had the right to enjoy lighting up, especially in a bar. I don't smoke cigarettes however I like an occasional cigar. I had grown use to stepping outside to light up even before any ban was set in place. I always found it funny when a table of cigarette smokers would complain about my cigar smoke. My point of view changed once the Philadelphia ban went into effect. I started to appreciate a smoke free room. My clothes didn't drag the stale smell of smoke home, my eyes didn't water and the taste of smoke didn't mix in with every sip of beer or bite of food. This new ban will allow all of us to use all of our senses to enjoy that next great pint. Sure this law will upset a few die hard smokers but they can always join me outside if they need to take that puff. I just hope that my cigar smoke doesn't bother them too much.

Thusday is Beer Night

Capone's is hosting a big night of beer. What better way to celebrate smoke free than to drink free? Yes FREE BEER!!! Sample pours start at 7pm and go to 10pm. Second, Matt is also running an Ithaca Brewing draft promo from 11:30am to 1am. These two specials should help sooth the savage smoking beast in anyone. If you need to drown your nonsmoking sorrow head to Capone's for your Thursday beer night.

Free Sample list

Grimbergen: Blonde Ale, Dubbel

Rogue: Smoke Ale, Double Dead Guy

Uinta: Geland Amber, Pumpkin Ale

Victory: Golden Monkey, V-12

Ithaca: Old Habbit, Brute

Ithaca Brewing Company Draft List

Cascazilla

Apricot Wheat

Excelsior Ten (DIPA)

Excelsior White Gold

Flower Power

Plus Uinta, Wild Fire and Rogue, John Locker Stock Brewer 2008.

Festival Weekend in PA

This is a big beer festival weekend across Pennsylvania. Whether it's the northeast, northwest, central or southwest part of the state finding great beer to sample won't be a problem. All the beer flows on Saturday so simply pick the festival that works best for you and enjoy.


Lehigh Valley Beer Festival

2pm-6pm, Easton, PA. Benefits Equi-libriums Therapeutic Riding Program

Tickets: $30 in advance and $35 at the gate.





11th Annual Capital City Invitational Beer Festival

Appalachian Brewing Company Harrisburg. Three sessions, noon-3pm, 4pm-7pm and 8pm-11pm. Food buffet and live entertainment.

Tickets: $30 in advance and$35 at the door.





The Steel City Big Pour 2

Two sessions, 12-3pm and 5-8pm. Music, art and food from 20 local restaurants.

Hope you have your tickets this one is sold out.







Slippery Rock Beer and Wine Festival

Three sessions 11:00-1pm, 2-4pm and 5-7pm. North Country Brewing Company Slippery Rock, PA.

Tickets: $15


It is also the start of New York Craft Beer Week, Sept 12th-21st. The activities kick off with the NY Brewfest 5-10pm at the South Street Seaport.

The Last Leg from Long Island

After enjoying downtown Patchogue N.Y. we hit the road to make our way back to Philly. Everyone had made sure to warn us of the horrible traffic we would encounter as thousands of NYC residents headed back to their lives in Manhattan. This scary exodus didn't sway us from continuing the beer quest along the Southern Parkway. The next stop, the Black Forest Brew Haus in Farmingdale.

As we pulled into the parking lot we were greeted by rousing rock tunes from the band in the beer garden. This wasn't going to be a quiet afternoon on the deck. Normally I am up for good tunes on a lazy Sunday, but after a late night and an early rise we opted to hang at the quieter inside bar. The square bar is a few steps up from the main floor and takes up one side of the large restaurant. If you didn't catch the German theme from the name of the place one look around the room and at the beer list confirms this brewery's roots. The German style beer rules in this brew haus. I ordered a sampler to get a good taste of all their current beers. Pilsner, Chocolate Double Bock, Amber, Hefeweizen and Jahrestag (10th Anniversary Barleywine) were all served in tall 5oz tasters. The two standouts, for different reasons, were the hefeweizen and the barleywine. The hefeweizen from go was odd. I am not completely knowledgeable on all off aromas and flavors (I am learning) but this beer had a strong sour yeast smell. The taste had the typical banana, clove, spicy flavor but finished slightly sour. On the other hand the jahrestag (barleywine) turned out to be the surprise beer of the weekend. This beer is brewed with 20% rye malt, Amarillo hops and is aged a year in oak. The combination of alcoholic sweetness with a smooth oak finish made it the perfect afternoon sipper. I regret not leaving Black Forest with a growler of this barleywine. I didn't expect the best beer of the weekend to come from Farmingdale but it did. The Black Forest Brew Haus offers a good line up of solid German style beers in a warm brew hall atmosphere.

The final stop of the day didn't happen until we were outside the NY border. Kelleigh manned the wheel so it took some coaxing but I got her to jump off the Turnpike and stop at J.J. Bitting Brewing Company. The only problem was that after a day of drinking I started fading. I wasn't a bumbling mess but my head was less than clear. Such is the way of the weary beer traveler. Sad but true. This was the quickest of all our stops. I sat for one pint, tipped the bartender and we were gone. So no beer, food or pub comments. How can I review a place when I don't even remember the name of the beer I had? My notes didn't even offer any help. I guess all comments will have to wait until my next NY/NJ road trip.

Overall the trip was a success. The engagement party (the reason for the trip) on the Long Island Sound was perfect. Congratulations again Dara and Ari. There were some eye opening brewery and beer stops. Best of all we never got caught up in the horrible island traffic. I didn't get to every place I wanted to but that gives me more reason to plan another beer trip north very soon. Manhattan and Brooklyn have far too many great beer stops that I haven't explored.

Back to School

No not grad school or even Sunday school at Tria but rather homebrewing class at Keystone Home Brew Supply. I am finally taking that step to crafting my own beer. I have been thinking about doing this for many years and for one reason or another it has always been pushed back on the to do list. My interest was rekindled while at the Brew at the Zoo event at the Philadelphia Zoo this past July. I had the chance to talk with a few of the homebrewers and to sample several of their award winning creations. After discussing what classes were offered and learning how easy it is to get started I was hooked. I knew this time the big beer home experiment wouldn't simply fade to black. I am now ready to actually make the step towards brewing. The first thing I did was a grab a book on the subject just to get a better idea of what is expected. There are quite a few books on the subject and I know that Charlie Papazian's The Complete Joy of Homebrewing is the homebrewer's bible but I purchased Homebrewing for Dummies, by Marty Nachel. I preferred the layout and detail given along with it's current updates. However from looking at both either one seems like a great starting point. Now that I have read the book it's time for Keystone's, Intro to Brewing class on Wednesday. Who knows where this will lead but it should soon turn my home into beer brewing central. I just hope that I end up creating something that comes close to resembling real beer.

Early Arrival

I was caught napping. SURPRISE, Pliny the Elder went on earlier than expected at the Grey Lodge. It was tapped on Saturday and with a Sunday full of football it should be interesting to see how long it will last. If the Ballast Point Big Eye IPA that kicked in three days is any gauge then you might want to get in your car and drive to the Northeast right now, if it's not already too late.

The Reign Continues

Looks like the reign of Pliny the Elder will continue. The Grey Lodge Pub hopes to tap Pliny around Monday. Thanks Scoats for that great info. No growlers please, this one is by the glass. That should give more people the opportunity to taste the elusive brew. Remember to check The Grey Lodge website or their blog to see exactly when the Pliny starts flowing. Time to adjust the schedule to fit in a quick trip to the Northeast.

Gone Baby Gone

Just as fast as it appears it is gone. Russian River's Pliny the Elder is down and out at both Capone's and TJ's. It really is amazing how fast you have to move to get this beer. Pliny lasted just a few days at TJ's and even more amazing it was gone in less than a day from Capone's. Can we expect to see another tapping anytime soon? Which of the area's best beer establishments will drag out the next Pliny keg? Maybe the rule of Pliny the Elder is over for Philadelphia. We will all wait and see.

Pliny Surrounded by Darkness

Two days ago I sat at TJ's Restaurant & Drinkery sipping a Pliny the Elder thinking, what an incredibly enjoyable rare beer find this is in Philly. My thoughts were reinforced as several people filtered in to enjoy this northern California treat. The bartender mentioned that he had received a few calls about growler fills (yes they are doing growlers) and didn't expect to see the beer make it through the weekend. Since I don't live at TJ's, my wife might not agree, because I do have other life activities besides drinking beer (really?) and I am trying not to do growlers, I am cutting back to loose weight, I thought that drink might be my last taste of the nectar of the hop gods. Oh how wrong I was. My local bar for great beer, Capone's, has given me a second chance at liquid pleasure. Today at 11:30 they will open up the taps on Pliny and several other highly rated beers. The line up isn't just a hop lovers dream come true. If you desire a dark, roasty, robust beer you will easily find satisfaction. There are three fantastic stouts and a top notch porter, East End Black Strap Stout, Church Brew Works Coconut Stout, Founders Breakfast Stout (no not the Kentucky breakfast) and Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. You have your choice of coconuts, molasses-brown sugar and oat-chocolate-coffee. How do you take your stout? The rest of Capone's list is equally impressive.

Bullfrog Bee Sting
Otto's Red Al
Rogue John Locker Stock "Brewer"
Weyerbacher Bravo
Dogfish Head Punkin

Stoudts Dunkel Weizen
Sly Fox IPA Project Cluster

Lakefront IPA
La Chouffe
Victory Fest Bier
Left Hand Twin Sister Double IPA

This isn't an official Thursday night event but with a draft list like that Capone's might be tonight's must stop destination for beer night. I know I'll stop in and I may need to fill a growler or two. So much for those diet plans.

Imitation from Coast to Coast

Is New York following Philadelphia's lead when it comes to the appreciation of craft beer? Yes that would seem to be the case. NYC is having New York Craft Beer Week September 12-21, 2008. If you're counting it's a little over a week, 10 days, of beer merriment around the Big Apple. The week kicks off with the third annual NY Brewfest on the 12th at the South Street Seaport. The event is presented by Heartland Brewery and sponsored by Ale Street News along with the New York State Brewers Association and several other supporters. Over the 10 day period people are encouraged to explore New York's neighborhood bars, restaurants, and brew pubs/breweries for great beer, food and beer related activities. Hmmm...this sounds very similar to a little festival held this past March in the City of Brotherly Love.

The west coast is also jumping into the game with the recent announcement of San Francisco Beer Week. The ten day event will take place February 6th-15th, 2009 and will feature 100-150 beer activities around the bay area. Three festivals already planned are the Bistro DIPA Fest, the Toronado Barleywine Fest and the new Bay Area Beer Festival. Expect meet the brewer nights, beer and wine tastings, foodie events, seminars and more. In a direct nod to Philly being deemed "The Best Beer-Drinking City in America" the creators are calling San Francisco, "America's Original Craft-Beer Drinking City". Sounds like the challenge has been set. I have no doubt that Philly Beer Week 2009 will rise to the friendly challenge of the festivals following in it's footsteps.

TJ's for Hops

If you are a hop fan then put down everything and head to TJ's Restaurant and Drinkery right now!!! This week the Paoli bar is hop central. There are no less than seven hop forward ales among the always strong draft list. The stand out of the bunch is the hard to find Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing. The double IPA rarely makes it to the Philly market and when it does beer fanatics tend to track it down and consume it quickly. However Pliny is not the only shinning star in this hop heaven. If it's DIPAs you are looking for Great Divide's Hercules also brings the hops hard and heavy. Besides the two doubles TJ's has, Green Flash Hophead Red, Ithaca Brewing Flower Power, Sly Fox IPA Project Cluster, Ballast Point Big Eye IPA, and Flying Dog Doggie Style IPA. The rest of TJ's draft list is also available. Check the website for a complete list of current beers. So if you need a serious pine and citrus fix get to TJ's while the hops flow in abundance.

Sunday on Long Island

Day two on Long Island started at noon with a trip to the Long Island Meadery. Who says you have to start your day with a health breakfast? Starting the day with a little mead tasting is the way to go. Mead is a wine made by fermenting honey instead of grapes. Often it is referred to as honey wine or nectar of the gods. The Long Island Meadery offers a wide variety of this honey beverage and owner/vintner Paul Holm gave us a quick education on mead and his meadery.

Paul started the meadery in 2004 after the success of his home brewing (mead not beer) business. When demand grew so did his need for a larger facility. He left his kitchen and created the Long Island Meadery in Holbrook New York. Paul creates several different types of mead, Traditional, Melomel (with fruit), Metheglin (with spices) and many others. Some of his flavors are, strawberry/raspberry, apricot, pineapple, pear, pumpkin, blueberry, chai, raisin-clove and vanilla. Meads can vary in sweetness from semi dry to very sweet and although they are usually considered still wines they can be sparkling. Paul attends both wine and beer events to pass along the virtues of mead and to educate everyone on the worlds oldest alcoholic beverage. The pear mead was slightly sweet and had a distinctive honey aroma and fresh pear taste. This was the bottle that made it to the trunk for the ride home.








The next stop was Brick House Brewery. The brewery/restaurant is located in a historic 150 year old building on West Main street in Patchogue New York. The copper kettles shine in the front window and upon walking into the entrance way you are surrounded by warm wood, brick and brass accents. The long bar is the focal point of the sizable main room. My favorite place to sample beer is sitting at the bar. I just get a better over all feel for a place propped up on a bar stool. Plus it's easier to bend the ear of the bartender. We were quickly told that because of a boat race on Saturday the brewery was extremely busy and most of their beers were kicked. Out of the five beers on draft they only had two and one was a light beer. They also carried bottles from Blue Point and Keegan Ales. I decided on the Boy's Red and followed it with a Keegan's Mothers Milk Stout. If we could of stopped by a day earlier we would of had a better taste of what Brick House puts out. The red ale was a fairly middle of the road amber, slightly hoppy and only mildly malty. It was drinkable just not memorable. It's a shame that the Keegan's in a bottle was a more enjoyable beer. Since the beer was limited at Brick House we headed across the street to check out a beer, BBQ, bourbon and blues restaurant.

I must have gone to heaven because I cant think of a better combination for a bar/restaurant. I love beer, I love BBQ, I love Bourbon and I dig the blues so Bobbique was the perfect lunch spot. My only regret was we were walking into this place on a Sunday afternoon instead of a Saturday night. Kelleigh and I were just two of four people in the entire restaurant. My guess is the atmosphere is a little different on a night with a full house. We certainly didn't need a great social scene to eat so we ordered a three meat (brisket, St. Louis ribs and pulled pork) combination platter with corn bread collard greens, fries and a pulled pork sandwich. Yeah I eat big after a night and early afternoon of drinking. Overall the food was done well. The meats were all flavorful and moist and the brisket just fell apart on the fork. The collards were oddly sugary sweet but the seasoned fries and corn bread both had good flavor. The beer that went with this feast was a Coney Island (Shmaltz Brewing) Human Block Head. The malty beer had flavors of brown sugar and plum that mixed well with the smokey platter. If we weren't heading to other beer stops I would of had another, explored the large beer list and experimented with a little bourbon. However we had to eat and then hit the road to continue the trip across the island. Bobbique is a perfect stop for anyone who loves good BBQ and wants to enjoy it with great beer choices. If you enjoy beer and find yourself in Patchogue NY make sure Brick House Brewery, Blue Point Brewing Company and Bobbique are on your must stop list.

The trip home continues.