The Gathering of the Gourds @ Iron Hill West Chester

For those of you, like me, who go full speed ahead into fall consuming everything pumpkin (especially beer) West Chester is where you'll want to venture next weekend (10/29) for the annual Gathering of the Gourds. The folks at Iron Hill Brewery West Chester will be pouring a variety of their well crafted and creative pumpkin beers along with guest brews from Elysian Brewing Co. and Cambridge Brewing Co. To accompany the pumpkin pours special pumpkin and squash inspired dishes. It all starts at 2:00 with the tapping of one seriously sizable pumpkin.

Here a little pumpkin tapping blast from the past to hold ya over until next week. Iron Hill North Wales Pumpkin Fest 2008. Hmmm, those guys in the video look familiar.

It's On: Great American Beer Festival 2011

Philly represented at GABF 2010 @ the Cheeky Monk

 Ooohhh Haaa! It's time for a little beer gathering in Denver.  Today is the kick off of the Great American Beer Festival.  A three day (Sept 29-Oct1) extravaganza dedicated to the world's best beverage. Last year I experienced it first hand and it's a trip that should be made by anyone who suffers from good beer lust. There is no need to go into all the many reasons why the pilgrimage is a must. It's already been done here.  Simply trust me on this and make plans to attend next year. There's obviously a reason why all the people above are smiling. Cheers!

Yard's: Smoke 'Em If Yous Got 'Em

This is the 3rd Annual Smoke 'Em If Yous Got 'Em at Yard's Brewing Company.  I've had the chance to attend the last two and if you are a smoke beer fan with a fondness for BBQ then don't miss this. Unfortunately do to prior engagements (hanging with Ava) my attendance streak will come to an end. However, that should be good news to everyone in attendence. Since I ate a criminal amount of BBQ last year I gaurentee there will be more food available this time around. Cheers!

4:30-8:00pm
Tickets
$50.00 in advance
$60.00 at the door
Designated driver $25.00

Pictures from Smoke Em 2010 and Smoke 'Em 2009

Dogfish Head Celebrates Pearl Jam



Looks like Dogfish Head is continuing it's blending of beer and music. Following in the path of last year's Bitches Brew (Miles Davis) and the release of Hellhound Ale (Robert Johnson) earlier this year, Faithfull Ale will celebrate Pearl Jam's twentieth anniversary and the album TEN. A release date has not been announced.

(Label)

Faithfull Ale is a celebration of Pearl Jam’s 20th anniversary and their seminal album Ten – In recognition of these milestones this Belgian-style golden ale is delicately hopped to 20 IBUs and fruit-forward from 10 incremental additions of black currants over the course of the one hour boil. 7% ABV.

The Cameron Crowe film Pearl Jam 20 was released in theaters September 20th on a limited run.  The film will be shown on American Masters (PBS) on October 21st.  

This is a blatant opportunity for me to post a Pearl Jam Video. So be it.

YIKES, The Invasion of the Pumpkin Beers!!!

Beer people tend to have either a love it or hate it relationship with pumpkin beers. While I lean heavy on the love side, seeing pumpkin beers in late July (finger pointed at you Smuttynose) had me grimacing and screaming foul. However now that the weather is turning, a slight chill is in the night air and the last days of summer are upon us, it's time for the flavors of Fall. Unleash the pumpkin brews!

The abundance of pumpkin offerings this year is staggering. More breweries than ever are making it their big fall seasonal. Sorry, Oktoberfest lovers the squeeze for shelf space is on. Some companies like Elysian offer multiple styles: Night Owl (pumpkin ale), The Great Pumpkin (imperial pumpkin) and Dark-o-the-Moon (pumpkin stout). With so many options I stuck with a few tried and true beers and then mixed in several bottles that were new to me.

When it comes to pumpkin beer they tend fall on a sliding scale. At one end there are the pumpkin pie wannabe's. All the spices of pumpkin pie coveniently in liquid form. The over used, "pie in a glass" applies here. On the other side are beers with less of a sweet pie complex. The pumpkin is there with spice but the hops and malt are more pronounced. The following beers are all judged on the Pie-In-a-Glass scale (aka P.I.G scale). 1 denotes it's less pie like, while 5 means breakout the whip cream.

Schlafly Pumpkin Ale

Thank you Dave for putting this in my hands. This is getting high praise over on that advocate site so my interest was peaked going into the first sip. This screams pumpkin pie spice as soon as it's poured in the glass. Cinnamon is the muscle spice here with a nutmeg back-up. The clove barely creeps in. The pumpkin is all pie quality. Think Grandma baking on Thanksgiving. This one will have you forgetting it's beer. With an 8% abv this could make for a dangerous dessert. If you dig the pie this is for you.

P.I.G scale 5 (Did my Grandma make this?)

Dogfish Head Punkin
Hello old vampire shark friend (see the label). It's been awhile.  This may of been my first pumpkin beer and remains a beer I purchase every year. The pumpkin pie spices are there but don't call it pie. The brown ale base is very noticeable with nutmeg and allspice mixing in well with the hops. It's a treat but not an overly sweet candied one. It happily maintains it's beer bite.
P.I.G scale 2 (Yum, I can tell I'm drinking a beer)

O' Fallon Pumpkin Beer

This is where things get interesting. Real pumpkin comes forward in the aroma, not just pie spice. However the same isn't true when it comes to the flavor. The pumpkin fades and spices come forward with cloves running the show. There's even a slight cider flavor detectable. The P.I.G is there but only if your grandma's pies were covered in dry clove buds.  Finally, this was also the thinnest of all the beers which didn't make for the best drinking experience.
P.I.G scale 4 (only if you love cloves)

River Horse Hipp-O-Lantern Imperial Pumpkin Ale

This is the non offensive pumpkin beer out of the bunch. Somewhat of a surprise since it has the "Imperial" tag. Everything here leans to the light side. There's pumpkin and pie spices but they don't strike big. Sweet, malty cinnamon and nutmeg balance out the bitterness. The booziness that lags at the end is the only hint that this wants to be known as an imperial ale.
P.I.G scale 3 (Imperial ?)

South Hampton Pumpkin Ale
This is another middle of the road offering. The aroma is light roasted pumpkin and pie spice. The flavor is pumpkin bread upfront with a good balance of cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar appearing later. Sweetness is under control and nothing over powers so you know there is an ale under the spice.
P.I.G scale 3 (Middle of the road pumpkin)


This is only the begining of the season. Prepare for more beers from the cellar. The Invasion of the Pumpkin Beers Part Deux........ coming soon!

Wow, Those Are Some Seriously Big Beers My Dear: Oktoberfest is On

With such a focus on what's happening in and around Philadelphia sometimes I forget to widen the lense for a bigger view of the beer world. Last week I managed to miss the start of Oktoberfest in Munich Germany.  The world's largest festival, at 5 million plus attendies, launched on Sept 17 and runs until October 3.

As much as I'd love to attend this mondo beer fest that day will have to wait. If you plan on keeping it local here are two options that will put a twist in your dirndls and lederhosen. PROST!

Brauhaus Schmitz 3rd Annual Oktoberfest

Saturday Sept 24. Noon-? PAYG

This is the real deal. Skip the flight and stay in Philly for German food, music and of course the beer. Anytime you can shut down a block on South Street for your party it's gotta be good.

6th Annual Midtown Village Fall Festival
Saturday October 1st, Noon-8pm
So what if it's not offically an Oktoberfest. It's a "five block block party". Have a beer and enjoy!

Tailgating Bastard





Last week I the started the 2011 NFL season tailgating at Met Life stadium for the Jets/Cowboys game. In a massive sea of green clad Jets fans, sparking up grills to prepare various forms of seasoned meats, the beers most often seen were of the fizzy yellow variety. However, one cooler held a secret. Mixed in with the chilled cans of Miller Light was a bottle of true relevance.  An old micro friend. Something a tad tastier than the common mans micro muck, a bomber of Stone Arrogant Bastard.

The one thing I never understood was why someone would spend time grilling up big flavorful pieces of meat cover them in big bold spicy sauces then wash them down with flavorless swill. It's the equivalent of picking off a pass, running it down the field, avoiding multiple defenders, reaching the 1 yard line only to sit down and not score. What the hell? If you start strong finish strong. 

Arrogant Bastard's strong abrasive hop profile matched perfectly with the charcoal cooked meats. From brats to dogs, burgers and grilled chicken the beer flavor never got lost. Overall, the best combo was Bastard and marinated steak.  The garlic, onion, season salt and lines of black char from the steak melding with the roastiness and bitter hops of AB was an intoxicating flavor marriage. Not that Bastard is the only beer suited for a big grilling occasion, it's simply a damn good one. The bonus of the day was that there was even enough to enjoy once we broke out the cigars. Consider Arrogant Bastard a true tailgate necessity.

For the Love of Dogs and Beer: The Beer Yard/Troegs/Teresa's

The Murph

This one is for Murphy (any reason to get my dog's photo up) and all those who love dogs and beer. Troegs, the Beer Yard and Teresa's are combining forces for the Delco SPCA on Sat (9/3).  Since Mr Curtin's words over at the Beer Yard site say it best I'll just copy and paste them below.

Labor Day Weekend Tröegs/Teresa's/Beer Yard Event for Delco SPCA September 03, 2011 - September 05, 2011 - The Beer Yard


Saturday, Sept. 3: 1-4 pm, in front of the Beer Yard. Award-winning beers from Tröegs Brewing Company will be available for sampling and accompanied by a variety of tasty food treats from Teresa's Next Door. Every case of Tröegs beer sold during the event will benefit the Delco SPCA to the tune of $5.00 and all profits from the food menu, which will feature $2 hot dogs as a specialty, will also go to that worthy cause. Sales Rep Nick Johnson will be selling Tröegs do collars with proceeds going to SPCA. Additionally, every customer buying a case of Tröegs will receive a free logo-ed pint glass.

All Weekend & Labor Day: $5 goes to Delco SPCA for any case of Tröegs beer purchased; write SPCA on your bill at Teresa's and 10% will also go the Delco SPCA.

Firestone Walker Abacus with a Kicker

Lately I've been on a Firestone Walker journey.  A few roll backs on the mouse wheel and you'll see a review of Parabola. Before that, although not reviewed, I poured a bottle Double Jack . This past weekend I yanked a bottle of Abacus from the cellar and rode out the hurricane.

David Walker @ Capone's

The first time I experienced Abacus was during the Philly launch of FW back in April. David Walker was doing his best Sam Calagione impersonation by making the proper promotional rounds and explaining the magic behind his beers.  Since most of what he was showcasing packed a serious abv punch the extreme beer heads (myself included) were happy with Philly's newest offerings. Abacus made enough of an impression that I have three two bottles collecting dust in the beer cellar.

With the first drops hitting the glass it's obvious this is a big beer.  The aroma is all telling; Sweet bourbon, dark fruit, vanilla and toffee with some roastiness.  I feared an overly sweet first sip but thankfully this barley wine's sweet malty side isn't over the top. The taste is in line with the aroma. Cherry, fig and chocolate flavors mixing great with the soft bourbon background. The booze is there but more warm than burning. Very well done and so far my favorite from Firestone Walker.

Abacus with cherries added, SWEET!

Looking at the photo your eyes are not deceiving you there are some serious floaters in the glass. Those globs are fresh Bing cherries I added to my second glass of the evening.  The sweet cherries were a nice little kicker and worked even better than expected. They obviously pumped up the dark fruit flavors and the bourbon combined with fresh cherry juice created an ultimate evening sipper. The bonus was all those Abacus soaked cherries once the beer was finished. A glass just keeps on giving. No better way to spend a stormy evening.

Beer is My Breakfast: Rogue Bacon Maple Porter



Bacon Maple Bars



Rogue Ales and Voodoo Doughnuts are putting their creative Pacific Northwest minds together and unleashing what sounds like a wickedly delicious breakfast beer. Bacon Maple Porter will be made with apple smoked bacon, vanilla beans and maple syrup. Mmmmm bacon!  The release will be in 750ml bottles.

For those not in the know Voodoo Doughnuts out of Portland Oregon is famous for their ultra creative sugary fried treats. The Bacon Maple Bar with actual strips of bacon and a maple glaze is one of their biggest sellers. This is definitely the type of food and beer collaboration I live for.

Welcome to the World Ava

In the past my lapses in posting have mainly been due to surges in work or laziness. Now I have an even better excuse for my recent hiatus. On August 7th little Ava Grace Parker entered the world.  Our first child is now delightfully taking up anything that could be called free time.  Everyone at this end is healthy, happy and working with all the new twist and turns of the day.  My beer life has slowed but still exists between diaper changes, feedings and doctor visits. Cheers!

Happy IPA Day

I'm not sure how I feel about International IPA Day. Is it just another silly made up celebratory day in the mold of National Raspberry Cream Pie Day, National Tooth Fairy Day and National S'mores Day? Or is it another great way to get the word of craft beer flowing. Realistically the only people talking about IPA Day are those of us who are already enjoying craft beer.  I know this for a fact because my mother has yet to send me a holiday card filled with XOXOXOs and a $10.00 check. Take it for what its worth, it's another reason to enjoy a beer.  Round up a few friends, pick your favorite pub and hoist a glass of IPA.  The day is yours hop heads, rejoice. It all ends soon, but no worries National Mustard Day (Aug 6th) is just around the corner.

Memphis Taproom Does My Pittsburgh Heart Proud

There is certainly no love lost between Philadelphians and Pittsburghers.  With the exception of when their sports teams are butting heads one corner of PA couldn't care less about what's happening in the other.  However, since Pittsburgh is my hometown and the Philly area is were I reside I have a love of both cities.  Therefore, when I have the chance to experience a little Pittsburgh flavor at this end of the state it makes me all warm and fuzzy.  Tonight is the chance to experience a taste of Pittsburgh.  Memphis Taproom has brought back Pittsburgh Nights and they're doing it in the Beer Garden.

Pittsburgh Night in the Beer Garden

Wednesday, August 3 :: 6-9pm
Pittsburgh Nights are back! We'll be stocking the truck with cans of IC Light and whatever goodies we can get our hands on from Penn Brewery, all for $3! AND for one night only get your 'Ode to a Primanti Brothers HOT DOG' for just $4. Alfresco dining, the Pittsburgh way!

I'll vouch for the Primanti style dog and beers from Penn Brewery but you're on your own when it comes to IC Light. Just because I call it home doesn't mean I have to like everything from Pittsburgh.

Parabola: the Darkness in the Glass

IN THE DARKNESS

In the darkness of my doubts

I know not what to say.

In the darkness of my jealousies

I know not what to feel.

In the darkness of my insecurities

I know not what to become.

-Sri Chinmoy

In the darkness of my glass I know not what I'll taste. The darkness in the glass is 2011 Firestone Walker Parabola. It's a high octane (13% abv) bourbon barrel aged imperial stout.  I had debated on whether or not to pull this from my cellar or to let it sit on the shelf, get dusty and age.  Originally I had only one bottle.  A HUGE thanks to Rich Isaacs (richonbeer.blogspot.com) who stepped up when I thought I missed my chance to find it in store. Then, not too long after, during a trip through South Jersey I got lucky and came across two bottles. Score! So quickly none turned to three. Now the best of both worlds: drink one and age two.

On the first pour of Parabola the bourbon shows big in the aroma. There is no denying its bourbon aged. Chocolate, hints of cherry/dark fruit, coffee and caramel all fall in line. The taste is sweet bourbon mixed with chocolate, vanilla and roasted malt flavors. With small sips it's perfectly smooth at first. However, the booziness catches up in the end and it becomes hot. Not horrible, but age should do good things to this beer. Even now it's still a pretty amazing.

If you're lucky enough to have a bottle or find it on draft two things are a must.  First, enjoy it in the proper glass. Get your nose into a snifter and have fun with the aroma while you drink. Yes it makes a difference! Second, taste it cool but wait to really enjoy it once it warms up. Well worth it.

I put it up there with The Abyss, Bourbon County Brand Stout and Black Magick. The curiosity of how this is going to taste in a year or two is the only thing that stops me from opening the remaining bottles and enjoying them now.

Thanks Big Dan for Bringing Us Beersgiving

Mr. Dan Bengel, aka Big Dan, has officially made the announcement of BEERSGIVING.  A grand beerfest to be held at Sunnybrook in Pottstown on Sat November 19th.  Yes, that's the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Hence the name of the fest.  Those of you who know Dan are probably aware that his first attempt at a beerfest unfortunately fizzled fast.  That's why this announcement is even sweeter.  I've known about it for awhile but was sworn to secrecy. A wise man, especially a beerwise man, knows it's best to follow Big Dan's wishes. You know he hangs with those TNSC hooligans. Anyway I kept quiet and now that the news is out we can all cheer for the big day.  If you haven't done so already click on the above link for more information and start counting the days until our first BEERSGIVING.

Traveling for Burgers and Beer



Craft Ale House Burger
w/ fried onions & blue cheese

Some of my recent posts have focused on food along with beer options around Philly.  This started me thinking about my favorite beer and food combo. What do I tend to order more than anything else?  Either locally or out on the road the burger is king.  For great beer and burgers around Philly Standard Tap, Craft Ale House , Monk's and Capone's get my nod.  Since my grand traveling days are on hold for awhile (little Miss. Iambeerwise is arriving soon) I'm depending on these local favorites for my fix. However, when I dream of sizzling ground beef away from Philly there are two places that satisfy my beer and burger fantasies. One is a plane ride west and the other is a simple day trip down 95.
 

Duffy's Cherry Cricket Burger
w/green chilies & cream cheese



First up is Duffy's Cherry Cricket in Denver Colorado. Their mouth watering Cricket Burger topped with mild Green Chilies and Cream Cheese is outrageously good. It may sound odd but it's an incredible mix of flavors that really work well together. The beer list is heavy on Colorodo breweries which should be no surprise. I wrote more about it here in my ramblings on last year's GABF.

RFD  Breakfast Burger



However as good as that burger and beer choices were at Cherry Cricket top spot goes to RFD in Washington D.C. This beer utopia is home to the appropriately named  Breakfast Burger. I discovered this miracle on a plate last year during D.C. Beer Week. It's a 1/2lb of ground beef marinated in Kostritzer Black Lager, cooked to order, topped with a fried egg, bacon, American cheese and a choice of toppings.  It's all served with a side of fries.  As good as that was what pushed it to number one was the accompanying glass of Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout.   A damn a finer meal has not been had in all the land! Although I enjoyed it for dinner it's easy to picture putting this away on a weekend morning or better yet after a night out with the clock striking 3am. All that breakfast goodness between two buns washed down with the maple, coffee, bourbon flavors of the palate bashing CBS. The bonus is RFD is one of the best beer bars anywhere. If a monstrous Imperial Stout doesn't work something from the impressive bottle selection or 35 taps is sure to please. The perfect gluttonous burger along with a bevy of beer choices is the reason RFD has my top spot.

 

TJ's "The Scraps"

The notion of getting scraps isn't typically anything to write home about.  That's unless those scraps come from Philly Beer Week 2011. Today (7/16) TJ Restaurant and Drinkery breaks out a full lineup the good stuff for a PBW flashback.  Sure it wasn't that long ago but I'm sure no one will complain about an early nod to this years mondo event.  The official start time is 4pm PAYG.

TheScraps on Tap

Ballast Point Navigator

Ballast Point Tongue Buckler

Ballast Point Sculpin

Boulder Bourbon Barrel Aged Mojo Risin

Bruery Mischief

Cigar City Hillsborough Dry Stout

Central Waters Illumination DIPA

Coronado Hoppy Lager

Coronado Black Pearle

Dark Horse Raspberry Black Ice

Dark Horse Shake Mocha Porter

Evil Twin Yang

Hill Farmstead Double Citra

Hill Farmstead Abner

Hill Farmstead Edward

Sixpoint Bill's Burger Bar Beer

Stillwater/Brewer's Art Debutante

Stillwater Existent

Stillwater Jaded

St. Somewhere Lectio Davina

Sprecher Black IPA

't Gaverhopke Extra

Voodoo Bitchin' Camaro

Voodoo Pilzilla

Voodoo Black Strap (FIRKIN)

Williamsburg Bourbon Barrel Porter

Get Your Saison On @ Capone's

Need a lesson on Saisons/Farmhouse ale?  Then Capone's is the place to go and get schooled.  Matt has gathered 14 Saisons and is making this a three day event 7/14-7/16. For those who need more styles no worries the other taps are always flowing.

The Saisons are on
Voodoo Bitchin' Camaro Saison

Bullfrog Saison Nouveau
Bullfrog Somnus Viduata Saison
Southampton Cuvee Des Fleurs "Brewed at The Publick House"
De Proef Sly Fox Collaboration Broederlijke Liefde ( Brotherly Love) "Sour"
KleinBrouwerij De Glazen Toren Saison D'Erpe-Mere
Stillwater Stateside Saison
Cigar City Table Saison
Victory CBC Saison
Lost Abbey Carnevale Saison
Dock Street Erbe Saison
Dock Street Brun Saison
New Holland Golden Cap Saison
McKenzie's Saison Vatour-Gold Medal Winner at The Great American Beer Fest

The other stuff
Jolly Pumpkin Luciernaga w/Brett

Firestone Walker Double Jack Double IPA
East End Firkin of Obsticle Delusion FIRKIN
Port Brewing Mongo DIPA
Great Lakes Erie Monster DIPA
Ithaca Flower Power IPA
Weyerbacher Steel IPA Project #4 A West Coast Style IPA
Bear Republic APEX DOUBLE IPA
Ithaca Dark Humor Sour Porter
Lagunitas LUCKY 13
Fruli Strawberry
North Coast Old Rasputin on Nitrogen
Geants Goliath Tripel
Urban Chestnut Winged Nut
Koning Ludwig Weissbier

Night of the Hatters @ Craft Ale House

The ever wise Dr. Joel (New Holland Beer Ambassador and Grain Bill blogger) slows his traveling ways for an evening close to home at the Craft Ale House. Never one to show empty handed he brings along 5 special Mad Hatters surely to bring joy and wonderment to all those in attendance. Start time is 5pm. Let the madness ensue.

All the Hatter Goodness

Black Hatter

Farmhouse Hatter

Oak Aged Hatter

Rye Hatter

Plus a special Hatter firkin??????

Blue Route Tacos: Love for Tacos and Beer

Recently after exploring the chilly beer room at Cold Point Pub in the Plymouth Meeting Whole Foods I trekked up to the rooftop of  for some south of the boarder grub.  If you're unfamiliar with Whole Foods the roof is home to the Blue Route Taco Truck. Yes a revamped food truck sits on the roof and it's putting out some serious soft shell tacos for the lunch and dinner crowd.

The concept is simple, fill out an order form, pay, wait for your name to be called, pick-up your meal and munch. There's a choice of 5 tacos: Carne Asada w/Quesso Fresco, Tecate Fish (fried) w/Chipotle Mayo, Spiced Chicken w/Pico de Gallo, Grilled Veggie w/Black Beans and Jicama and Pork Carnits w/Tomatillo. A single taco is $2.50 or 3 for $6.00. Out of the three tacos I ordered: pork, carne asada and chicken, the pork was the most flavorful and spicy. Chips and  drinks are also available including a selection of canned beer.  Since I stopped in for lunch I opted for a water but the craft selection fit well with the food offered.

At the time six, beers all in cans, were available: Breckenridge Avalanche, Avery White Rascal, Lancaster Rumspringa, Caldera IPA, Dave's Brewfarm Select and Sly Fox Phoenix Plae Ale. At only $2.99 each not a bad way to counter the spicy ride.  With creative taco options and an affordable menu the Blue Route Taco Truck gives Whole Foods patrons yet another great choice when it comes to finding a quick bite to eat.