I Love the Smell of Goats and Beer in the Morning @ Sly Fox Bock Fest & Goat Race

Yes it is time again for the traditional running of the goats at Sly Fox Brewhouse in Phoenixville.  The Kentucky Derby can keep it's hoity toity horses, mint juleps and fancy hats.  Give me farm animals, bock beer and t shirts anytime. This years Sly Fox Bock Festval and Goat Race takes place on Sunday (5/2) at the beautiful new brewery across rt 113 from the old digs. The bonus this year, unlike last years soggy grey day, is an amazing forecast.   Expect upper 80's and nothing but sun.  Don't forget the sunblock and shades to go along with that Doppelbock. Cheers!

(From Sly Fox newsletter)

The Sly Fox Bock Festival & Goat Race begins at 11am on May 2 and the races start at 2pm. It's a day to enjoy great beer, German food and music, featuring what may be the most extensive lineup of bock beers poured at any brewpub in the nation on a single day. The To-Be-Named-Later Maibock will be tapped immediately after the championship heat is completed and the winner determined, but on tap from the time the doors open will be Slacker Bock, Instigator Doppelbock and two Eisbocks--Maibock and Instigator this year (missing from the usual offering is Helles Bock, which just could not be fit into the very tight brewing schedule). Of course, an array of other Sly Fox beers will also be on tap, including 10 other German styles, and there will be a location selling cans for your convenience in case the lines for draught beers get a little long.

Because it's a lazy Friday and the wonderful SF newsletter does it so well check out all the details here.

AleSmith Hits Philly

The wait is over AleSmith Brewing makes it's debut in Philly.  Tonight Hawthornes ( Corner of 11th & Fitzwater) is home to the offical region wide release.  Six bottled beers will be available: IPA, Horny Devil, Grand Cru, Wee Heavy, Old Numbskull Barley Wine and Speadway Stout. To prevent the all too common mad rush and quick sell out of a limited supply Hawthornes is staggering the release.  Two beers will go on sale each hour and the style will be determined by a lottery system. To make the wait time between beers less daunting the draft list is amped up for the occasion. Ballast Point Sculpin, Lost Abbey Devotion, Pliney the Elder and Brooklyn Blast on special should help to sooth the inner beer beast.  If you are a must-have-it-first person the rush is on 6-9pm.

Anchor Brewing Sold

Wow, like a ton of bricks to the skull this story has sent a huge shock through the beer world.  If you haven't already, take the time to read the press release for all the details.

THE GRIFFIN GROUP ACQUIRES ANCHOR BREWING COMPANY AND ESTABLISHES ANCHOR BREWERS & DISTILLERS, LLC

Acquisition Continues the Legacy of a San Francisco Icon

(San Francisco, CA) – April 27, 2010 – The Griffin Group, an investment and consulting company focused on beverage alcohol brands, announced its acquisition of Anchor Brewing Company which includes its portfolio of craft beers and artisan spirits, including the award winning Anchor Steam Beer.
The Griffin Group is led by beverage alcohol veterans, Keith Greggor and Tony Foglio, two longtime San Francisco residents who have been working with Anchor Brewing Company’s owner, Fritz Maytag to maintain the iconic brewery and distillery in San Francisco.

“Anchor Brewing Company has a long history in San Francisco and The Griffin Group is ushering in an exciting era while maintaining our proud, time-honored history,” said Fritz Maytag. “Combining Keith and Tony’s passion for the Anchor Brewing Company, their industry experience and expertise only means that Anchor will be enjoyed in San Francisco for generations to come.”

“Since 1896, Anchor Brewing Company has been an icon of San Francisco’s history and culture,” stated Griffin’s Founding Partner, Keith Greggor, “I am honored to bring Anchor Brewing Company into our family of craft beers and artisanal spirits through establishing Anchor Brewers & Distillers, LLC.”

Anchor Brewers & Distillers intends to establish a “Center of Excellence” in San Francisco for craft brewers and artisan distillers from around the world. An epicenter of development, education, entertainment and innovation, all designed to further contribute to the culture and heritage of craft beer and artisan spirits.

“San Francisco is the perfect place to establish this center,” stated Tony Foglio, “Through our extensive portfolio of craft beers and fine spirits our focus will be to educate and satisfy the increasing consumer demand for authentic, quality and natural products that reflect the passion of their creators.”

Continuing the Anchor heritage, Mr. Maytag has been named Chairman Emeritus of Anchor Brewers & Distillers.

The Griffin Group operates as both boutique merchant and investment bank for premiere craft beers and artisan spirits. In addition to the Anchor Beers, The Griffin Group will assume control of the spirits brands including Old Potrero Whiskey, Junipero Gin and Genevieve Gin through the acquisition of Anchor Brewing Company. Additional affiliated companies to be held under Anchor Brewers & Distillers include Preiss Imports, a leading US specialist spirits and beer importer, and BrewDog USA, LLC, the US division of the leading UK craft beer.

The Griffin Group is headquartered in Novato, Marin County, California.

We Want the Funk

When it comes to beer I tend to lean more towards the extreme than the subtile.  A well made pils is ok but give me a tongue lashing DIPA, a Stout aged in bourbon barrels or a rauchbier that is the equivalent of bacon in a glass and I am in heaven.  Within the past few years I have also become a lover of the funk.  Those barnyard smelling, Brett dominated, bacteria (Pediococcus, Lactobacillus, etc) laden sour beers that have the ability to create twisted facial expressions on the recently initiated.  A big part of Belgian brewing for eons sours have been gaining in popularity in the US.  Since the craft beer masses seem to always want an extreme fix it figures that sours would have their big day. Breweries such as Russian River and Jolly Pumpkin are fully invested in the sour styles. Fortunately it looks like it's no gimmicky, flash in the pan trend. 

If you are sour curious or, like me, already love the funky stuff  then journey to Triumph Brewing in Old City on Sunday for Funk Fest 2. Many local breweries are bringing out their sour best. It's a great way to test your tolerance for all things funky. April 25th, 12-8pm, PAYG

Some P Funk for your freaky soul.

Happy Earth Day

It's Earth Day and even I have managed to do a little something in support of a better planet. I already do the obvious, putting out the recycling, as we all should.  Normally I'll also plant shrubs, flowers, get the veggie garden ready then head to an earth friendly brewery such as Yards for a pint or two and call it a day.  This year I've stepped up my game and decided to start composting.  We have a small composter at the back of our property and it is ready for use. No more egg shells, orange rinds and coffee grounds in the garbage.  It all goes back to the soil. The cool thing is my garden will benefit and I save cash.  Cash that will now go towards a beer at an earth friendly bar. Cheers to the blue dot*!

Come on what place is obviously earth friendly?  Earth, Bread + Brewery of course.  In Mt. Airy it's been Earth Week @ Earth Bread April 20-25th.

'Vintage' Earth beers on tap

Earth pint glasses for sale

Art contest for the kids. Color one of our earth-themed coloring pages and you will be eligible to win an Earth gift certificate for the family.

Have a pint and know that they have made some good green choices. 

 

Yard's Brewery is doing it's part for the planet.  The winner of the Phiily Chamber of Commerce Green Business of the Year (09) and PA's first 100% Wind-Powered Brewery has a plan for the day that's environmentally conscience and saves you cash.

 

Yards Earth Day Empty Case Extravaganza

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

In honor of Earth Day, Yards Brewing Company - Pennsylvania's Greenest Brewery - is inviting you to bring your empty cases or six-packs to Yards, fill them up with your favorites and go home a few bucks richer. That's right, you can come to Yards, reuse your cases and six-packs and we can all be greener together. Six-packs save you $1. Cases save you $3. We'd prefer that both are Yards, but really any brand will do. So stop by, say hi and we'll say thanks for helping to reduce waste.

Limit four six-packs per customer and two cases per customer.

You can combine the two, but you can't exceed $10 in discounted value.

Offer only available from noon to 7 PM on April 22.

Yards Brewing Company - Pennsylvania's 1st 100% Wind-Powered Brewery.

Long Trail Brewing from Vermont takes over Bridgid's in Fairmount for an evening of beer and environmental good will. Who would know better than a brewery that operates under Cow Power?

 

Earth Day with Longtrail Brewing Co

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 5pm

Longtrail IPA, Longtrail Coffee Stout and Longtrail Belgian White all on draft while representatives promote environmental practices.

Belgian Cafe host Sierra Nevada’s Patrick Mullin.

Join Sierra Nevada’s Patrick Mullin on Earth Day for an evening of fine draft beers and casual conversation about the brewery’s sustainability practices and commitment to the environment. Featured on tap will be the first offering in the Sierra 30 Anniversary Series, Fritz and Ken’s Ale, brewed with Fritz Maytag of Anchor Brewing Co. Also pouring: Summerfest Lager, Belgian Trippel and the classic Pale Ale.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. was founded in 1980 as one of America’s first microbreweries. Since its inception, the brewery has pioneered many innovations to conserve resources and focus on sustainable business practices. The majority of the brewery’s electrical energy needs are produced on-site through the use of hydrogen fuel cells and one of the nation’s largest private solar installations.

* Hair of the Dog Blue Dot DIPA
“Blue Dot is named after our planet: we are only a pale blue dot in this universe. A Double India Pale Ale made with Rye malt and a combination of intense hop varieties.” Hair of the Dog
Pouring at Capone's

Head to the Roof and Have a Beer @ Whole Foods

As part of the day long grand opening celebration for the Rooftop Cafe, Whole Foods Market (Plymouth) is hosting a beer and food tasting. The beer and food festivities run 6-9pm and feature beers from the store's Cold Point Pub.  Reps will be on hand to answer questions and listen to your kind words. Oh yeah, did I mention it's free.  See you there. Cheers!

6 - 9: Beer and food sampling for adults 21+. Now is your chance to try that seasonal brew you've been eyeing in our Cold Point Pub. Make sure to have your ID ready, and pick up a punch card at our Whole Foods Market table so you can keep track of all the beers you have tried. Turn in your card at the end of the evening to receive a souvenir Plymouth Meeting mini beer mug.

I Bet My Brewing Company is Bigger Than Yours

The numbers are in from the Brewers Association (BA) on the top brewing companies in the country.  The two lists are, Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies and Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies. All numbers are based on beer sales volume from 2009. Below are the top 20 for each catagory.  Locally Dogfish Head (16/craft, 24/overall), Yuengling (4/overall) and Victory (30/ craft, 40/overall) made the lists. Iron City Brewing Co. (25/overall) and Straub (46/overall) were also ranked. The complete rundown is here.

(from BA website)
Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies

(Based on 2009 beer sales volume)
Rank, Brewing Company, City, State

1 Boston Beer Co. Boston MA
2 Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Chico CA
3 New Belgium Brewing Co. Fort Collins CO
4 Spoetzl Brewery Shiner TX
5 Pyramid Breweries Inc. Seattle WA
6 Deschutes Brewery Bend OR
7 Matt Brewing Co. Utica NY
8 Magic Hat Brewing Co. Burlington VT
9 Boulevard Brewing Co. Kansas City MO
10 Harpoon Brewery Boston MA
11 Alaskan Brewing Co. Juneau AK
12 Bell’s Brewery, Inc. Galesburg MI
13 Kona Brewing Co. Kailua-Kona HI
14 Full Sail Brewing Co. Hood River OR
15 Stone Brewing Co. Escondido CA
16 Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Milton DE
17 The Brooklyn Brewery Brooklyn NY
18 Abita Brewing Co. Abita Springs LA
19 Summit Brewing Co. Saint Paul MN
20 Anchor Brewing Co. San Francisco CA

Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies

(Based on 2009 beer sales volume)
Rank, Brewing Company, City, State

1 Anheuser-Busch InBev St. Louis MO
2 MillerCoors Brewing Co. Chicago IL
3 Pabst Brewing Co. Woodridge IL
4 D. G. Yuengling and Son Inc. Pottsville PA
5 Boston Beer Co. Boston MA
6 Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Chico CA
7 New Belgium Brewing Co. Fort Collins CO
8 Craft Brewers Alliance, Inc. Portland OR
9 Spoetzl Brewery (part of Gambrinus) Shiner TX
10 High Falls Brewing Co. Rochester NY
11 Minhas Craft Brewery Monroe WI
12 Pyramid Breweries (part of IBU) Seattle WA
13 Deschutes Brewery Bend OR
14 F.X. Matt Brewing Co. Utica NY
15 Magic Hat Brewing Co. (part of IBU) Burlington VT
16 Boulevard Brewing Co. Kansas City MO
17 Harpoon Brewery Boston MA
18 Alaskan Brewing Co. Juneau AK
19 Bell's Brewery, Inc. Galesburg MI
20 Goose Island Beer Co. Chicago IL

Munch a Bunch at Brunch @ Capone's & Drafting Room

Just when I had become comfortable with the idea of spending Sunday morning with Kelleigh in Spring House at the Drafting Room Post Hopfest Beer Brunch I get word of Capone's brunch plans.  Darn, can't a man even have a Sunday to relax and not have diffucult choices to deal with? Ok, the beer list at Capone's is impressive but the brunch menu at Drafting Room is causing me to salivate. Both places are pouring Hair of the Dog Blue Dot.  D.R. is rolling out Nugget Nectar on cask which appeases my internal hop beast and Russian River Supplication. However Capone's is unleashing Bullfrog's hop dominate Deaune  and  Brooklyn's Dark Matter which tempts my bourbon barrel aged side. Oh yeah, almost forgot, Sculpin also makes the draft list.  Ahhhhh, choices, choices, choices!  This is a true game time decision.

Capone's Draft List (Sunday Brunch)

Bear Republic Apex

Bullfrog Deaune

Bullfrog Double Espresso Stout

Cigar City Coffee Cuban

Ballast Point Victory at Sea

Ballast Point Sculpin

Emelisse Double IPA

Mikkeller Simcoe

Hair Of The Dog Blue Dot IPA

Duvel Green

Still Water Saison

Nogne #100 Double IPA

DeCieul Approdite on Nitrogen !!

Ommegang Rouge

St Louis Gueuze

Founders Backwoods Bastard

Voodoo Cow Bell

Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree Double IPA

Brooklyn Brew Master Reserve Black Matter

Magic Hat Odd Notion Single Chair

South Hampton Biere de Mars

Southern Tier Choklat

Sirra Nevada Summerfest

Philadelphia Fluer De Lehigh

As the Beer World Turns

I'm slacking, it's been a week since I've posted.  Sure, I've tossed in a few changes to my daily routine, more on that soon, but nothing that should have prevented me from hitting a couple events.  The wonderful fact is the beer world stops for no man, especially little old me. Lets see what I've missed

April 8th
Berwick Brewing at Earth, Bread + Brewing.   Damn wanted to go and didn't.
April 10th
Beer Gone A-Rye @ The Institute.  Missed it. Strike 2.
April 11th
2010 World Beer Cup. Largest commercial beer competition ever. Congratulations Iron Hill (winner of Large Brew Pub of the Year).  Oops a touch late on that one.
April 13th
Meet & Greet with Hans Peter Drexler (G. Schneider and Sohn Brewery Brewmaster) @ Brauhaus Schmitz. Strike 3 I'm officially slacking.

Also reports here and here on new breweries, which is always fantastic news. Thank you Mr. Curtin and Mr. Bryson.  Topping it off Scoats is a man with a Hop Angel on his shoulder.

Maybe now my slacker self can get back in the game and find a way to go to the following.

Drafting Room Hopfest
Spring House
Saturday, April 17th
Tap time: 12:00pm

Drafts Pouring
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
Founders Double Trouble
Rock Art Belvedire
Port Brewing Wipeout
Bear Republic
Spring House Beyond the Gates
Southern Tier
Ithaca Ground Break
Lilja’s Hop Nest Monster
Flying Fish Exit 16 WE
Duvel Green
Brooklyn Blast
Green Flash Imperial IPA
Flying Dog Raging Bitch
Tröegs Nugget Nectar
Elysian Avatar – Jasmine
Brew Works Hop’Solutely
Victory Yakima Twilight “Cask”
Manayunk “The Hive”
Manayunk California Dreamin “Firkin”
Green Flash West Coast IPA

Drafting Room Beer Brunch
Spring House
Sunday, April 18th
Tap time: 11:00am

Drafts Pouring
Hair of the Dog Blue Dot
Ithaca Flower Power
Terrapin Big Hoppy Monster
Russian River Supplication
Tröegs Nugget Nectar “Cask Condition”

Victory Prohibition Secret Gathering

Victory over Prohibition.  Get involved here

Going Public in NYC with Australian Beer

This past weekend besides the traditional gathering with family and eating far more than I should Kelleigh and I made our way up to NYC Saturday night. We were in the city for an engagement party held for our friends Mike and Lauren at Public (restaurant/bar). A huge CONGRATULATIONS to you guys!!!

The setting was what you'd expect from a trendy upscale bar/restaurant in SoHo. Well dressed 30 & 40 somethings mingling through dimly lit rooms accented in dark wood and brick.  The surroudings had a warm blend of classic and modern design. And you thought I only talked hops and malt. The party cuisine was a colorful collection of petite, delectable, artsy h'ordevours that I managed to consume more than my fair share of and still remain hungry.  A problem solved later in the evening *. Overall everything came together perfectly for the occasion. 

What I didn't expect was the Australian twist to the food and drink menus. The owners describe the cuisine as "free spirited-fusion" so no Outback Burgers, Koala Fries and Bloomin' Onions served under blazing yellow Kangaroo crossing signs.  Think specialty lamb, New Zealand venison and Kangaroo.  For beer?  Skip the over played tinnies of  Fosters Lager.  Instead there were bottles of Coopers Sparkling Ale and James Boag's Premium Lager.

The Cooper's wasn't much of a surprise. It's fairly well known and I've had it on one other occasion.  It's what you would get if a Pale Ale got into a fight with a seltzer bottle and lost.  Over carbonated, citrusy and light with a bready taste that leads to a slightly bitter hop finish.  Not bad, just not very interesting. A Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale would of been a better fit to the evening.

The James Boag Lager also fell into the catagory of so-so. Calling it a green-bottled-straw-colored-euro-lager is probably enough explanation.  This easily goes into my Heineken catagory.  Simply meaning, if I'm somewhere and the choice is Bud/Miller/Coors and Heineken I'm  going little green bottle and praying it's not light struck. Of the two beers the Coopers came out on top.

The final score of the evening: Public food and atmosphere 4 stars and Australian beer 1.5 stars out of 5. *Grabbing 2 huge slices of  NY pepperoni pizza at 1:00am on the way back to Philly, priceless.

Happy Anniversary Devil's Den

The Devil's Den celebrates year number two this Saturday (4/03).  The party starts with  a complimetary buffet from 2:00-5:00pm, drink specials and specialty drafts.  The party rolls all weekend.

Final Draft List TBA but look for Bruery Mischief, Russian River Supplication, Kasteel Cuvee Chateau, Dogfish Head Black & Blue, Allagash Burnham Road, BrewDog Tokyo, Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree & Sixpoint Gorilla Warfare.

April Foolin @ Craft Ale House & Sidecar Bar

It's only 11:00 am and I am already second guessing everything I've read this morning.  Mr. Curtin got us all off to a good start with some serious news here. Such is the joy of April Fools Day. This evening after avoiding all the trickery of the day head out among all us fools for some serious beer.

In the city

The Sidecar Bar welcomes St. Feuillien Brewery.  The Friart family have been brewing beer since 1873 and tonight the owner of this award winning Belgian brewery offers up 5 great drafts.

3pm start, PAYG.

What's pouring

Tripel

Brune

Saison

Blanche

Cuvee Noel

Out in the burbs

Need to get your firkin fix? Craft Ale House has the solution.  Weyerbacher is in house with a dry hopped firkin of Double Simcoe.  Also on draft 09 & 10 Heresy and Insanity, Merry Monks Belgian Triple and Slamdunkle

6:00-11:0pm, PAYG

Stillwater Artisanal Ales Flow into Philly

What's the natural life progression for someone who has spent past years bouncing around Europe as a music producer and techno DJ? Naturally you head back to Baltimore, start homebrewing and then launch your own brewing venture.  Duh! Brian "Stillwater"  Strumke is living that hard working dream.  He is head of Stillwater Artisanal Ales in Baltimore and is debuting Stateside Saison, an "American Farmhouse Ale", in Philladelphia tomorrow night (3/30) at Devil's Den.  The following discription is from the Stillwater site.

"Stateside Saison pays homage to old world tradition while celebrating new world innovation. Naturally brewed with the finest European malts & fresh aromatic hops from the United States & New Zealand. It’s then fermented using a classic farmhouse ale yeast and bottle conditioned to enhance stability. The outcome is a beer of unique design and exquisite taste, showcasing some of the best attributes of modern-day craft brewing."

Product info: Stateside Saison

Style: Saison, refermentation in bottle

Alcohol Content: 6.8%/vol

Format: 75cl bottle, 20L & ½ bbl kegs

Color: hazy gold; creamy white head

Tasting Notes: white wine, citrus, passionfruit, mild funk, dry, delicate bitterness

Brian launched his Saison in Baltimore last month at Max's Taphouse during their 6th Annual Belgian Fest and earlier this month it hit D.C.. Now we get our chance here in Philly. Next up, NYC along with 750ml bottles hitting the market. From the reviews it seems wise to seek out Stateside Saison. 

Hey amazing things have to come from a guy who took the time to focus on beer while making the rounds in Europe, won the Sam Adams Holiday Homebrew Competition and was smart enough to hang out at The Brewer's Art (so ya know he'll be there for Meet the Brewer/Pint Night 4/1/10) in Baltimore. Whether it's here in Philly or elsewhere make sure to take the time to have a beer from this up and coming brewer.

March 30 Tuesday 

Stillwater @ the Devils Den

7pm-9pm

April 3rd Saturday 

Stillwater @ Isaac Newtons

3-5pm

Hulmeville Inn

7pm-9pm

April 9 Friday

Stillwater @ Craft beer outlet

(time tba)

Grey Lodge Pub

9pm

The Oakquinox @ Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

Being here in Philly, knowing we are blessed with a remarkable beer scene it's not too often that I get jealous of other cities. Even if something great isn't happening here there is easy access to the northeast.  New York, Baltimore and DC are all close enough for a weekend roadtrip.  Even a jump up to Boston isn't out of the question.That puts a lot of great beer in easy reach.  However when I look at what Stone Brewing is doing next month I'm irritated that I can't just drop everything and head to So Cal.

Check out Stone's Oakquinox: a celebration of barrel aged and wood-infused beers. The draft lineup has me frothing at the mouth. Then to make it even better the bottle list knocks it out of the park. This is the type of  wood head's fantasy day I'd love to see more of here. I know Standard Tap just had Big Wood Weekend during Philly Beer Weekend and a short while back Capone's unleashed some serious barrel aged drafts but the Stone event is at another level. 

For now unless someone is willing to send me to Escondido, CA on April 18th (come on Lee hook a brother up) I'll have to be satisfied lounging on the deck, sipping on something bourbon aged and dreaming of the grand Oakquinox. Cheers!

Buffalo Trace's Warehouse C

Bohemians in the Burbs. Dock Street @ Craft Ale House

Tomorrow night (3/25) some city flavor takes over one of the best beer bars in the burbs.  Craft Ale House welcomes Dock Street Brewing.  Head Brewer Ben Potts and owner Rosemarie Certo will be in house with beer and giveaways.  The bohemian life starts at 6pm.

Dock Street Drafts

RyePA

West of Center Pale Ale

Bubbly Wit

Illuminator Dopplebock

Sexy Beast Belgian Chocolate Stout (Firkin)

Home is Where the Two Hearted is

This past weekend Yards Brewing held it's 3rd annual Philadelphia Real Ale Invitational. While I had intended to make my way into the city work life altered my weekend plans. If anything I'm consistent since I've managed to find a way to miss all the previous years. Even though all didn't go as planned I managed to catch some sun on the deck, get the grill ready and rediscover a beer that I've neglected for far too long.

In my seasonal quest of hop monsters (ooohhh Pliny the Younger & Hop Slam) I've managed to overlook a beer that should never be pushed aside. From the back of the Beer Fridge I brought out a couple bottles of Bell's Two Hearted Ale.

One of my favorite beer experiences is aroma. That first big waft of hops when you pop the cap and pour it into the glass. Two Hearted didn't disappoint in this arena with it's big citrusy hops and floral aroma right from the start. I could spend my time just smelling this beer but we all know that's only half the fun. The upfront taste is a good balance of hop bite and sweetness. If I had never had this I may of expected a bitter rush from the start. Instead there is sweet mix of grapefruit, tangerine and pine then the bitter takes over leading to dry finish. The hop bite that does hit is sharp however not over the top. Overall a very good IPA.

I may not of had the chance to sample the unique cask conditioned ales at Yards but an afternoon in the sun with a couple Two Hearted Ales isn't a bad way to spend the day. This one easily makes it onto my list of favorite IPAs.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Thanks Rob for Stopping In & Offering the Bourbon Black

(Craft Ale House, Rob between Gary and Melissa Fry)

Last week as a ramp up to Beer Week(end) Rob Tod took over the city for the day making the rounds at Jose Pistola's, The Beer Yard, Teresa's Next Door and The Craft Ale House. I managed a quick stop at Teresa's for the cask Curieux but waited for the evening gathering at the Craft Ale House to seriously explore the Allagash draft list.

By the time the Rob Tod caravan rolled in I was surrounded by the Thursday night crew (you know who you are) and well into my first glass of the Bourbon Black. Allagash's Belgian Stout, aged for 10 months in bourbon barrels.

The first thing I noticed about this beer was the balance. Typically I love over the top bourbon/oak aged beers. A solid, boozy smack of bourbon to the taste buds is always fine by me. This is exactly what I didn't get with the Black. The aroma had lead me to believe the bourbon would land front and center dominating everything. Instead it came in subtle showcasing the chocolate, vanilla, fig and biscuit qualities. The burn free, smooth as silk finish at over 9% abv made it a comfortable sipper and a good introduction to bourbon aged beers. If you have the chance I highly recommend slipping into the Bourbon Black.

A shameless excuse to drop in some Pearl Jam.

Craft Beer Express & Erin Express. Lets All Get Along

Good morning. Looks like today we will all be dodging rain drops as we make are way around the city for Philly Beer Weekend. Having a ticket for the Craft Beer Express seems like a very smart investment. Just remember connoisseurs of all beer aged, heavy hopped, soured, barrel conditioned, smoked and made in small batches, you are sharing the city streets with those who find amusement in drinking large amounts of green colored macro junk. The Erin Express will also weave its way through the City of Brotherly Love.

Now if you should cross paths with those clad from head to toe in green resist your first urge to laugh and grumble over their choice in beer. Even if you're smacked with the words beer snob or craft beer geek take the high road. For someday they may journey from the dark side. Or is it the thin watery light side? Then they will realize that Bud Select isn't the pinnacle of American brewing. Hopefully that first taste of Guinness, Murphy's, Beamish, Harp or Bass is the launch pad to real beer appreciation.

Today in an act of solidarity I'll dust off my giant leprechaun hat, dawn the green beads and pour my Sculpin IPA into a colorful oversized plastic mug. I may drink good beer but never, never mistake me for a snob. Cheers!!!