Weekend Beer PA & NJ

Tonight The Drafting Room in Spring House is having Maredsous Night with Megan Maguire from Duvel Moortgaat. Blonde, Brune and Triple will pour. 5:30 start.

Saturday is the 1st Annual High Street Grill Winter Brew Festival. 12 breweries including, Stone, River Horse, Lagunitas, Founders, Victory, Smuttynose and many more will take part in this Mt. Holly fest. Join reps, brewers and beer lovers to toast some of the best winter beers available in New Jersey . Tickets are $20 and tasting sessions are an hour each (1-2:00pm, 2:15-3:15pm and 3:30-4:30pm). Stay warm.

Saturday. Go take a hike and enjoy a bit of stew and brew. Venture Outdoors in Pittsburgh is having a Stews and Microbrews Hike.

Stews and Microbrews Hike - Saturday, January 31
Do you want to know our recipe for the perfect winter day? How about hiking for a couple of hours through North Park's winter landscape and then rendezvousing at the trip leader's house for some hearty hot stews and seasonal brews! Sounds good, doesn’t it? We’ll have two types of delicious stews (one vegetarian) on hand. The beer and stew tasting will be inside, so we can warm up while socializing. Minimum age 21.

Location: North Park

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Cost: $44.00 non-member / $27.50 member

Organization: Venture Outdoors

Call Him Mr. Inspiration or Mr. Promo

Does this guy love beer or what? Hot off Thursday's big Lancaster Brewing Night and celebrating the inspiration of Shoefly Porter Matt Capone is bringing in Brian Boaks the owner/brewer of Boak's Beer for a Saturday promo. Brian will be at Capone's from 6:00-10:00pm with 3 beers on draft and one bottled: Monster Mash Russian Imperial Stout (aged 1 year), Monster Mash, Abbey Brown (Belgian Strong Dark Ale) and Three Blind Monks (12oz bottle).

British Beer Pain

While here in Philly we've enjoyed the opening of several new beer spots and look forward to good beer news in the coming months, the same isn't true over in Great Britain. The combination of economic woes and a nasty beer tax are taking its toll on British beer sales. The UK Quarterly Beer Barometer put out by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) reported that beer sales in the final quarter of 2008 were down 8.3% from the same period in 2007. The BBPA states that this has caused the closing of 6 pubs a day.

Lancaster @ Capone's

Matt Capone continually brings us great beer now he has inspired one.

The inspirational Matt brings a bit of Lancaster to Norristown. Thursday Capone's hosts Lancaster Brewing Company. The promo starts @ 11:30 am and features the opening release of Shoefly Porter.

Shoo-Fly PorterLancaster Brewing Company’s newest release is their limited series of Shoo-Fly Porter. From the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country comes a delicious porter made with Lancaster County molasses, eight different malts and grains, and four different styles of hops. This beer has a deep, rich, brown color, medium to full body, and finishes with a smooth mouth feel.

Hop Hog, Limited Release Triple and Strawberry Wheat will be on draft along with Milk Stout on Nitrogen.

Ozzy is a Hell of a Beer

Last weekend while the Steelers were dominating the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game I uncorked a bottle of The Brewer's Art Ozzy Ale. I received the bottle from Brian The Baltimore Beer Guy, along with a bottle of Resurrection Ale, after winning a wager on the last regular season meeting of the Ravens and Steelers. I figured it was appropriate to celebrate with Ozzy since this win over the Ravens meant a trip to the Super Bowl.

The Ozzy is a Belgian Strong Pale Ale, has an abv 7.25% and comes in a caged and corked 750 mL bottle. Poured into a Duvel tulip glass the light golden ale created a huge fluffy white head. I didn't get as much aroma as I expected but a peppery spiciness and some sweetness was detectable. The taste is crisp with Belgian yeasty character, citrus fruits, coriander and hints of pepper. A mild bitterness even comes through from the Styrian hops. There is plenty of carbonation but it doesn't interfere with the drinkability. In fact it is almost too easy to drink. I found myself going through the bottle rather quickly. Overall Ozzy isn't quiet up there with Duvel but it is a very satisfying Belgian style ale. Unfortunately It will probably be the last bottle I open any time soon. Although Ozzy Ale is contract brewed and bottled by Sly Fox in Royersford, Brewer's Art doesn't distribute in PA. All the more reason for a quick trip to Maryland.

Thanks again Brian.

Odd fact from the label

A portion of the proceeds will benefit bat conservation programs.

Keep on flappin'

Friday Night Beer Highlights.... Sat & Sun in the City

Beer guy extraordinaire Lew Bryson is city bound. Lew's "Strong & Soul-Warming" Tria Fermentation School class is sold out but you're still in luck. Tria (Washington Square) has put together a special pre-class tasting with special sample pour pricing. 4PM-7PM and Mr. Bryson will be there from 5PM-6PM. The big beers are De Dolle Stille Nacht, Gouden Carolus Grand Cru, Victory Old Horizontal, Pennichuck Pozharnik Imperial Stout and Adventinus Eisbock. Prepare to be warmed.

Feeling a bit Scottish? Celebrate at Sly Fox Phoenixville, 6PM-11PM
Robbie Burns Birthday Bash The Seventh Annual Robbie Burns Birthday Bash means bagpipers and kilts, customers reciting the great Scottish poet's verses, and the traditional piping in of the Haggis, as well as the release of Sly Fox Gang Aft Agley Scotch Ale 2009.
In addition to the debut of Gang Aft Agley and Burns Scottish Ale on draft, the special beer lineup for 2009 will include two-year old Gang Aft Agley on draft and cask versions of Gang Aft Agley and Burns Scottish Ale poured via the handpumps.
The Burns birthday celebration has become one of the most anticipated Sly Fox annual events. Mark your calendars now!For more information regarding this event contact: Sly Fox Phoenixville 610.935.4540

Robert Burns website

Stay Young. Head to The Grey Lodge Pub for Hook and Ladder Chutes and Ladders Night.
Fri 23 Jan Hook and Ladder Chutes and Ladders Night. Prizes for Chutes and Ladders winners. Tasty Hook and Ladder beer will be on tap and in bottles. It's like kindergarten but with beer. 6pm to 9pm

SAT & SUN in the city

These are a few of my favorite things. The Institute "Beer, Bourbon & Cheese Happy Hour w/ Yards"

Join us on Saturday, January 24th starting at 4pm for a beer, boubon, and cheese happy hour with Yards Brewing! We'll have a firkin of something special (we don't even know yet) along with some great cheeses. Cash bar. Added bonus? Play games in our wii booths for free while you enjoy some great beer, bourbon, and cheese!

Mmmmmm Beef and Beer. The South Philadelphia Tap Room is having a Beef & Beer

Sun, January 25, 3pm – 6pm South Phila Tap Room, (15th & Mifflin Sts, Souph Philly) Join us for a kickass Beef and Beer. There will be featured firkins from SlyFox, Nodding Head, and Philadelphia Brewing with more to be announced. Chef Scott Schroeder is brewing up a nice slow roasted sirloin and delicious short rib tacos with all the fixins. The party starts at 3 and goes till 6. The cost is $40. Contact South Philly Tap Room for reservations.

PLUS HopSlam is on at TJ's. Get it while it lasts!!!!

Quest for the Nectar

It has begun; the madness that goes with the release of Troeg's Nugget Nectar. Just like Russian River's Pliny the Elder, Nectar is a hop lovers dream and people have been anticipating this beer for months. Now that it's out it is flying off the shelves around Philly. Two days ago stops at three six pack shops yielded nothing but the words, "I am sorry we are all out". Since then I have found a nice stash and a fresh six sits in the beer fridge. Now local taps are about to begin flowing with the dream draft.

Tonight Standard Tap is the place to be if you want it first and on cask. 6:00PM

The Drafting Room in Exton, PA. Jan 29th a firkin pours at 5:30PM

Teresa's Next Door. More Nectar flows Feb 5th @ 6PM.

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

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.)"

Martin Luther King Day of Service

Monday is MLK Day. We should all make an effort to donate our time and volunteer in the community. Whether it's helping at a school, assisting at a senior center or working on a community project there are many ways to dedicate your time. Make it “a day on, not a day off”.

Philadelphia
14th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service

Pittsburgh
MLK Events

Nationally
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Thursday is Beer Night CA Style

When I saw what was planed for Thursday at Capone's this Soundgarden tune immediately came to mind and it couldn't be more appropriate. Capone's will be "Looking California" while the predicted arctic express will have us all "Feeling Minnesota".

Starting at 11:30 am on the 15th Matt rolls out drafts from 15 different California Brewers.

Anchor Liberty Ale

Anderson Valley Winter Solistice

Ballast Point Big Eye IPA

Bear Republic Double Rocket

Coranodo Stupid Stout

EEL River Black Ravens Eye Imperial Stout

Green Flash West Coast IPA

Left Coast "Oggis" Hop Juice

Lost Coast Double Trouble Pilsner

Moylans Hopsickle Triple IPA

North Coast Old Rasputin on Nitrogen

Sierra Nevada Torpedo

Speak Easy Big Daddy IPA

Stone Double Bastard

Russian River Pliny the Elder

Weed IPA

Some of these are rare in PA so fight the cold weather and head to Capone's for a California warm up. PAYG.

Just down Germantown Pike in Mt. Airy Earth Bread + Brewery is being taken over by Philadelphia Brewing Company. 7 PBC beers on draft, Chris Morris and Nancy Barton guest bartending and keep the pint glass.

Out in Pittsburgh Three Rivers Beer Club is hosting Winter Warmers Tasting and Food Pairing. Free beer samples, gourmet appetizers and a presentation on winter beer. 6-8pm, $15 @ Allegheny HYP Club

Mid Week Beer Fix

Pick your brewery/bar combo or better yet make time for a stop at both. Tonight get your mid week beer fix on with Yards @ Kite & Key and Weyerbacher @ Devil's Den.

Kite and Key kicks off the night with Yards and a firkin of George Washington Porter w/cocoa. 7:30 until close. PAYG.

It's Holy Smoke Weyerbacher Night at Devil's Den. Weyerbacher premiers its new smoke beer, Fireside Ale and Merry Monks, Thirteen and Double Simcoe are all on draft. 7-9:00pm. PAYG.

2008, Its a Wrap

It's six days into the new year and everybody seems to have already put out a "Best of 2008" list. Well, in these busy times I am yet again late to the party. However that doesn't mean that I can't follow in the footsteps of all those people who have poetically gushed about the past year. Here's my version of 08 favorites and wishes for 09.

Although it started late in 2007, I Am Beer Wise Really Took Shape in 2008. It started as a way to keep track of my beer journeys through Pennsylvania and to gain some knowledge of the brewing world. A little more than a year has passed and this experiment is running at full speed. I've been motivated by many; thank you Mr. Bryson, Ms. Woods, Mr. Kolesar, Mr. Bearer and Mr. Weiss. All of you continue to educate my beer centric mind.

2008 was a big year in beer and life for me. Kelleigh and I moved from Philadelphia to the burbs, got married and bought a house. The best thing is good beer is still closer than ever. Everyone Needs A Neighborhood Bar (Best Old School Place). My spot is Capone's in Norristown. Matt Capone always has a great draft list, frequently puts together beer promos and events and has one of the best bottleshops in Philly. The bar is low key and has craft beer drinkers rubbing elbows with the macro crowd. It's great there is a place where we can all get along.

The Best Week Ever (other than my honeymoon) of course was Philly Beer Week. More events, seminars, dinners, history lessons, tastings, festivals and beer, beer, beer than anyone could totally take in. The week truly showed everyone what an amazing beer town Philadelphia is. Just think it all happens again in a few months.

The Best Day Ever (other than my wedding day) July 13, 2008. My first Friday the Firkenteenth at The Grey Lodge was a thing of beauty. Firkins lining the bar, a cheering crowd, a seat at the bar; score!!! Scoats knows how to make the unlucky lucky; just get some of the best beer available in firkins and serve it to the thirsty masses.

Best Beer I Used to Struggle to Find. Pliny the Elder used to be a rare find but in 08 it made multiple appearances around Philly. It was almost like living on the West Coast. Currently it's on at the new Craft Ale House in Limerick. Get it while you can. Runner up: Founders Breakfast Stout. As much as I love Pliny, Russian River's other hop bomb Blind Pig IPA is my Beer of the Year.

Favorite Beer Trend. Sure you can put more hops in it but that's so 07. Instead put mine in a barrel and age it. I hooked onto the barrel aged craze and still haven't let go. Just make sure it's bourbon. Founders Backwoods Bastard and Kentucky Breakfast Stout, Weyerbacher Insanity, Schlafly's Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout and Sprecher Dopple Bock (Bourbon Aged), I'll take them all.

So Sad to See it Go. Vadalia Marketplace in Lansdale closed it doors after a short run. Marty and Rebecca Reeser put together a unique gourmet market that had something that most PA grocery stores don't, a beer section. Six packs, bombers, 750's and singles, Vadalia conveniently provided an amazing selection of beer. It's unfortunate that they didn't get the support they needed to succeed. Also Gone Ludwig's Garten and Which Brew in Easton, PA. So Glad to See it Open. The Fetfatzes family's new digs. Bella Vista Beer and Soda Distributor moved into a new 38,000 sq ft building across the street from their old location. The new place offers around 1200 varieties of beer plus glassware, homebrew kits and breweriana. Beer heaven in South Philly.

You Meet the Darnedest People in Bars (Best bar talk). Writing the blog has me bouncing around the area and striking up conversation from bar stool to bar stool. Among the many BA'ers and craft beer fans I swap stories with I always cross paths with Cask Kevin and Dan Bengel. Since I spend more time out in the suburbs around KoP than I do in the city I guess its inevitable that our beer worlds would overlap. I look forward to more conversation over many pints. Still Looking Forward to Running Into. Even though I try to journey out to many of the area's beer happenings obviously I haven't been to enough. I still haven't had the chance to bend the ear of these beer folk; Suzanne Woods, Jack Curtin and Bryan Kolesar. Hope to meet you guys in 09.

Damn There is Something Special About that Place (Favorite new bar). Memphis Taproom had me saying that over and over again in the past year. Brendan Hartranft, Paula Decker and Ken Correll put together an inviting corner bar with a cool neighborhood vibe. They seem to take real pride in the Port Fishington (Port Richmond, Kensington, Fishtown) area. I am embarrassed to say that I still haven't made it to a Pittsburgh Transplant Happy Hour. The 1st Tuesday in February is already marked on my calender.

Final 08 quick hits.

Best Reason to Head to Pittsburgh Other Than to See Family. (Tie) D'z Six Pack and Dogz and Sharp Edge
Best Brewery Visited East Side: East End Brewing Co.
Best Brewery Visited West Side: (Tie) Russian River Brewing Co. and Bear Republic.
Best Brewery Visited Way West Side: Maui Brewing Company. The beaches in Hawaii and Coconut Porter that's livin'.
Best Beer Ambassador:: Dr. Joel (New Holland Brewing)
Best New Local Brew Pub: Earth,Bread + Brewery.
Best Time Drinking Beer in the Streets: Midtown Village Fall Festival.
Best Time with Farm Animals: Sly Fox Bock Fest and Goat Race.
Best Bartender: Scott at TJ's. Somehow the guy always knows what I want to drink.

08 is done so it's time to journey into the New Year. Here's to enjoying amazing beer in 09. Cheers!!!

The Numbers are Right for New Year's Day

Does 20 + 44 = 64 chances at great beer? New Years Day is a true numbers game with 2 big beer events taking place.

Darkness takes over Monk's Cafe with their New Year's Day 20 Stouts on tap. If the darker the beer the better then be there starting at noon.

From Monk's Website
Thursday, January 01, 2009 all day cash bar
That's right...20 Stouts on tap. Last year we had six front bar taps pouring great stout and we decided to have all 20 taps pouring stouts to ring in the new year. Here's the lineup: Southern Tier Choklat Imperial Stout (NY), Pennichuck Pozharnik Espresso Russian Imperial Stout (NH), Hitachino Espresso Stout (Japan), Founders Breakfast Stout (MI), Hercule Stout (Belgium), Buffalo Stout (Belgium), Bear Republic Big Bear Stout (CA), Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout 2007 & 2008 (NY), Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout (CA), High & Mighty Two Headed Beast Chocolate Stout (MA), Arcadia Imperial Stout (MI), Bell's Cherry Stout (MI), Stoudt's Fat Dog Stout (PA), Boaks Monster Mash Imperial Stout (NJ), New Holland Dragon's Milk Stout (MI), Southampton Espresso Stout (NY), Oscar Blues Ten Fidy Imperial Stout (CO), North Coast Old Rasputin (CA), Legacy Nor'Easter Oatmeal Stout (PA). We open the doors around noon, maybe just a tad later & will serve these until 2AM. As we do every night, our kitchen will be serving our full menu until 1AM. Watch the parade on Broad Street, then come in to warm your innards!

Brendan & Leigh of Memphis Taproom fame open their second establishment, Local 44, located at 44th and Spruce in West Philadelphia. The doors open at 5pm and as you would expect the draft list is a good one. Normal hours, 11:30am-2:00am, start on Friday along with the full menu. The kitchen serves until midnight.

CASK
Yards Brawler
Lagunitas Hop Stoopid
DRAFT
Ayinger Celebrator
Allagash White
Sly Fox O’Reilly’s Irish Stout
Coniston Bluebird Bitter
Cantillon Lou Pepe Framboise (’06)
Franziskaner Dunkel Weisse
Russian River Blind Pig
De Ranke XX Bitter
Sprecher Black Bavarian
Harviestouns Old Engine Oil
Maredsous 6
Saison DuPont
St.Bernardus Abt 12
PBC Kenzinger
Dogfish Head Raison d’Etre
LaChouffe
Victory Prima Pils


Nurse your New Year's Eve hangover with a stop at both Monk's and Local 44. It adds up to a great way to start the New Year.

Craft Ale House: A View of Opening Night

Yesterday I managed to make it to the opening of the Craft Ale House on West Ridge Pike in Limerick. The place looks fantastic. Even in its newness it manages to give off that warm, worn in pub feel. The low lights, dark wood, neutral tones, and fireplace create an inviting environment. The large room is split by a partial wall. The bar area is to the left, the dining room on the right and a fireplace with an eye catching rustic mantel accents a sitting area near the front window. It's easy to envision planting yourself on the couch, relaxing and sipping on a pint of something malty in front of the fire.

A large chalkboard to the left of the bar lists the current drafts and from my seat I had the perfect view of 16 pristine taps and an impressive beer filled wall cooler. The draft lineup has some serious offerings. Dogfish 90 minute, Fantome Noel, Stoudt's Double IPA, Victory Old Horizontal, and Stone Arrogant Bastard to name a few. However everything wasn't high octane PBC's Kenzinger, Yard's Brawler and Sly Fox Keller Pils all come in under 5% for a more comfortable pint. I think you can get a good session in Mr. Bryson. Another cooler just beyond the bar allows customers to select from a wide variety of reasonably priced beers for take home. Soon growlers will also be available.

I had the chance to spend a few hours at the bar talking with the usual crew. Conversations seemed to be flowing around the bar, people were mixing and the overall feel was very comfortable. There is nothing better than going to a bar where you immediately feel welcome and can dive into good conversation. Along with the solid bar crowd families were enjoying meals at the surrounding tables and as time went on spots in the dining room filled.

With a need for food and a suggestion from the bartender I tried the peppery chicken tenders. I apologize for not remembering the name of the sauce but it was a good mix of spicy and sweet. The best thing was the tenders weren't the frozen, flat, bland, breaded tenders you get at most bars. These were fresh, well seasoned, flavorful and paired with a chunky blue cheese making them the perfect compliment to my Penn Brewing St. Niklaus Bock. I had heard that the owners really stressed fresh menu items and the tenders alone were proof of that.

From the size of the crowd to the comments flowing around the bar the afternoon and early evening seemed to be a success. Anyone who appreciates fresh beer and great food should make it a point to take the ride out to Limerick. Once there find a table, have a seat at the bar or simply kick back by the fire and grab a pint. While you're there make sure to talk with Gary and Melissa, the owners, and thank them for putting together a location that should please any beer aficionado. I can already see many treks down Ridge Pike in my not to distant future.

Craft Ale House Opening Day

If you follow Philly beer sites no doubt you have heard about today's opening. Big Dan has been giving us all some great info and early photos of the place but now we get to experience it first hand. Today the Craft Ale House in Limerick opens it's doors for business. Yahooo!!! Like many I've been eagerly awaiting this one. Anytime a great beer spot is added to the burbs or in this case beyond the burbs it's time for celebration. Having Capone's, Northside, Sly Fox, Iron Hill (Phoenixville) and now Craft Ale House makes the out stretched area beyond 202 a very pleasant place to live if you're are a craft beer fan.

I know a few of the usual beer suspects will be there this afternoon and I hope to pop in an enjoy the excellent draft list along with a few items from kitchen. If you get the chance head out and check out what should be a great beer destination.

Draft List 12/29/07

LANCASTER MILK STOUT ON NITRO
PHILADELPHIA BREWING COMPANY KENSINGER PILSNER
FANTOME NOEL
OMMEGANG ABBEY ALE
STOUTS DOUBLE IPA
ROYERSFORD BREWING SERIOUS ALE ESB
YARDS BRAWLER
SOUTHAMPTON CHRISTMAS ALE
STONE ARROGANT BASTARD
DOGFISH HEAD 90 MINUTE
ST NICK BOCK
VICTORY OLD HORIZONTAL
LANCASTER BELGIAN TRIPLE
SLY FOX KELLER PILS
ALLAGASH WHITE
RIVER HORSE LAGER

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.

New Home Needs Beer

Last week I was feeling a bit out of touch as far as beer things go and figured that it couldn't get much worse. Well this past week I moved a bit further from the world of beer. Other than a quick stop at Capone's for a shopping break and one short evening at a friends place I've been really out of it. No beer events (How did I miss Boxing Day at Memphis?), no posts, a barren beer fridge and I haven't even checked my fellow beer blogger's sites. The holiday is only a small part of the reason for my lack of beer fun. The bigger reason is the purchase of a house. From a marathon closing day, trips to Lowes and Home Depot, tours of furniture stores, meeting with contractors, tearing up carpets and stripping wallpaper the house is taking most of my time. Now by no means am I seeking pity. I feel blessed having the ability to move into an incredible home I just wasn't prepared for the time it takes to work on the new suburban dwelling. I guess I've been watching too many home improvement shows where everything goes from disaster to perfection in a 1/2 hour. Now that I've had a chance to get my hands dirty in the unedited real world it's just a matter of organizing my time a bit better. There isn't a reason home construction, a little beer activity and the rest of life can't happily coexist in a normal week. BEER SHALL PREVAIL IN THE NEW YEAR along with a new family room to drink it in.

Every Philly beer blog has had this info up but today is finally the day for the Christmas Beer Fest at the University of Pennsylvania. The festival features some of the best Christmas beers and winter warmers. VIP session starts at 12:30 and regular session is 1-4pm.

Mugs for Mutts at Victory Brewing. Don't just drink because, drink for a cause. Victory is pouring oak barrel St. Victorious Doppelbock and oak barrel Hop Wallop. $2.00 from each purchase is going to the Chester County SPCA. Start drinking for a good reason at 5:00pm.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MORE BEER FOLLOWING THE HOLIDAY

HAPPY B-DAY SLY FOX

Celebrate 13 great years with 13 great beers. Tonight the Grey Lodge Pub is the place to party with the Sly Fox crew and drink a bit o Sly Fox Brew. Check it out here.