Looking like Beer Week at Jose Pistolas

Their busy drinking bees over at Joses this week...
It almost looks like a beer week lineup.
Maybe they're getting ready for next June.

Choose one or all, but get there if you can.

I think my pick is for Wednesday, but we'll see.

June 2nd - A night with HE'BREW
On tap the bourbon barrel aged version of the Lenny R.I.P.A., The Rejewvenator Dopplebock, The Origin - Come drink the chosen beer. We will be offering flights of the three beers and featuring food specials. 5 - 10

June 3rd at 7:30 - The Dogfish Head Festina Fiesta
Festina Peche on tap paired with Hawaiian Butterfish Tacos with grilled peaches, poblano mint and lime

June 4th - The Artisan Ale Experience with Sierra Nevada
On draft we will Debut the Sierra Kellerweis, A rare appearance of the Chico I.P.A., Sierra Summer, Brown Saison, and Pale. Flights available - all drafts at discounted prices with prizes and giveaways. 5-10

June 9th - Keep The Pint Night with Stoudts Brewery
On draft Stoudts Pilsner, Double IPA, and the Hefeir in Wheat*. There is a rumor of a firkin of Scarlet Lady - flights available - 5-10

* The hefeir in Wheat is tasting great.

Beer @ the Big House- Mt. Holly Beer Fest

Yesterday, while many of my beer buds were pairing food and beer at SAVOR in D.C. I was in Mt. Holly, NJ.

The Big House Beer Fest was held in the prison yard of the Burlington Co. prison.

This wasn't your typical fest.
Organized by John and Nancy Mcdevitt of the High Street Grill.
There was a ton of good sippin' to be had. I poured our maibock and our Sovereign Hop Project
A few surprises was the Troegs mad elf aged in a bourbon barrel- a bit sweet for me- sorry Nick.
Dennis from Stone had a vertical epic 7-7-07 aged in wine barrels. Bob Gera was there with some North Coast Old Stock and Allagash Curieux.

I finally met Christian Ryan of Riverhorse. He had a golden ale with coffee. Very interesting.
Usually when I say that its a way of covertly saying I don't care for it. But I liked this.
I actually wish I had some right now.

Beer Advocates were floating around with some of their cellars best. I had a li'l 2000 Samichlaus and an 2003 DFH Au Courant.
I got to stand next to Megan Mcguire all day watching her Ommegang shit show. She had her cooler propped with a brick. Her beer wasn't pouring right. Or should I say 4 of her six beers weren't pouring right. She had to take pitchers from Clipper City. Then she couldn't find them to return them...It was a disaster.

I ran into a few folks I knew. Mark Haynie was about.The music was fun but I was right by the band as usual. Not a bad thing though as they kept singing about Sly Fox (and about how they were enjoying the view).

I can't find my sunglasses (shocking, I know...at least I lasted a month) so I squinted in the mt. holly sun all day. As you can see in this picture >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

We then headed to High St. with the Hunterdon Guys.
I had a delicious seared duck with israeli cous cous and wilted spinach.
I like israeli (larger) more than the Moroccan style.

We return to the city and hit up South Philly.
Today I ran and biked it all off.
Now it's 10:35 and I am starving. But I'll wait till tomorrow.

Beer Blast

Sunday night.
A beautiful day, but not too eventful. I did get a present though.
Lance became a member of the Philadelphia Public Library.
He stopped by their bookstore and got me "Beer Blast" by Philip Van Munching

Sly Fox brewer, Brian O'Reilly has told me about this book a few times- a 12 year old precursor to the "Beer Wars" movie.

From the sleeve
"He dissects in colorful fashion all the brewing fads and follies of the past two decades. Including the overhyped (and sometimes downright silly) product claims like "Beechwood Aging" and "Rocky Mountain Water, The would be fads that fizzled (dry beer, ice beer, clear beer) and the weird ad gimmicks from Spuds Mackenzie to the Swedish Bikini Team."

It appears to be a rather entertaining read, but one that's difficult to find.
If anyone wants to borrow it when I'm done let me know.

Cheers-=-=

Thank God its Thursday....Bockin' it at Bridgids....plus scrips spelling bee.

Good Thursday Morning.
I listened to a fella's advice and put my soy milk in my coffee cup before my coffee and it worked.
Curdle free. We're off to a good start.

Tonight is a big, big night at Bridgids. It's brimming with fun.
They start their Bockfest. (to last all weekend).

THE POURS

Instigator, Ramstein MaiBock, troegs troegenator, HeBrew Rejewvenator, Anchor Bock, Sam Adams Double Bock, Atwater Voodoovator....

from Andy Farrel:
"Staring tonight at 6pm, we'll tap Ramstein, Sly Instigator and Anchor and they'll replace one as they kick....."

And if that wasn't enough excitement...
It is the Scripps National Spelling Bee viewing party.

8 pm.
Spelling beer here -live, during commercials.

prizes and beer.

Come by if you can.

Lance should make it to the second round. I will probably get stuck with a word like "disquietous" which I can't hear properly with mic feedback and get out in the first round. (if history repeats itself).

What is he doing? The faces and socks of Steve mashington

Steve Mashington provides all of us with so much material. I was going through my photos tonight...When I found this...
and this...
then there's his chicken wing Tara "lush" She's got her own faces...
But I do want to thank him for taking me to the Philly's game last night. Thanks Steve.

The week in eats: vol 4. Devil's Den, South Philly Tap Room and back to the piazza

Friday night was South Philly.

I had a sampling at Bella Vista which wrapped up around 8. It was super. We sold a ton of beer. It was refreshing that customers actually wanted to talk to me.

Afterward, I was way too close to Devil's Den to not stop in and say Hi to Erin and Scott.

I was beyond hungry, not quite famished but needed a little layer of lard before my layer of lager consumed during my south philly pub crawl.

Softshelled crabs are in season and they are popping up on pub menus all over the city.

This was a ss crab poboy with a mango slaw. It was good but a whole lotta roll.
I snagged some mussels from my friend too. They were pleasantly plump.
The maibock was on tap and tasting as yummy as it did yesterday.

Later that night I would swing by the Pope, visit Clark over at Lucky 13 then swing through the Cantina on my way home. It's five days later and I am still dehydrated. (or is that because the Phils game last night) Collin said it best, "This was like Beer Week Part two."

Saturday brought me to South Philly Tap room to try the most elusive Canadian Breakfast Stout.
It was a hot one, but I walked my city in pursuit of the maple syrup barreled beer. Just to find that I was wrong about the 5:00 tapping. It was 9. Oh no. Is this really my life right now?
But the good folks of sptr tapped it a bit early. I do get a little spoiled sometimes.

While waiting for it, I ordered a Sly Fox standard ale and ate a squid and watermelon salad. I really needed the refreshment of a salad but also something with little sustenance. This was straight out of my dreams. I got over fried calamari about 5 years ago...but I still enjoyed this.

Lance selected the grilled cheese and tomato soup. Cheesey enough to appease any friend of the fromage.
After this I went to the Varga Bar to meet up with my sister, Kathy. Haven't seen her in a few weeks. She did that "Katie Holmes thing" with her hair and she looked very good. She even had a beer or two (she's a winelover). THEN I even got her to go to Local 44 with me. It was all locals weekend. Lance was already there (his eddy was on tap) and I kept him waiting for me a bit. Yes, this is a sore subject. The prometheus wasn't on tap yet, but the Sly Fox placebo (second runnings of our barleywine, panacea- british mild) was...and that's exactly what I was in the mood for.

Sunday it was back to the piazza. We were annoyed with the union picketers so to spite them we went to the new wine bar Vino. Its really rather large. We split a panini and I yawned at their beer list. I think they could do well with big bottles. We'll see. Right now they only have lachouffe. They only locals getting any love our Dogfish Head, Yards and Flying Fish. they have over 20 others that are macros or cliche imports (with the exception of Westmalle).
I ran into Sean Hamel of harpoon with his family. That was nice. His son Nolan is c-u-t-e.
then off to Bar Ferdinand. WE had a great brunch here a few months back and we were hoping to duplicate it. An industry bud Kema was working the bar. I wanted to consume the lobster leek omlet (who wouldn't?) but it was 86'd so I got some "egg crepe" greenbeans, mahon cheese, ham, It was okay. I learned I don't like mahon cheese and I still don't like ham. The dates, bacon and cream cheese stuffed in puff pastry were welcomed to my hips. ( We were walking alot that day, so it's okay, right?). I even tried Rose wine. I'm no longer going to fear roses. I get annoyed when people don't want to try the cans, so I could only assume winemakers would want me to try the rose. This was a bubbly one, like chardonnay. I truly try to avoide being the gal with the pink drink next to the beer sipping guy. But it happened twice that day. Ugh.

So that's a wrap on the week in eats.
Four editions. I'm tired. and not the least bit hungry.

The week in eats: Swift Half @ the Piazza

Swift Half has been open for business for five days today. I checked out there soft opening on Thursday. It was a gorgeous night. a jazz band was playing on the main piazza stage. We had a table outside, some of my favorite Philadelphians were there. Life was good.

I was taking it easy on Thursday. I started with the "ghost of mary" a "deconstructed" bloody mary which has the essence of tomato. Their head bartender Bob concocted it. I know it involves a cheesecloth, but the rest of the process escapes me. I've known Bob for years and I knew him as a muddler. But this Bloody is bloody goodness. kudos to my ol' brit friend.

I ordered the duck proscuitto and fig salad. My what crisp greens! And a nice match up for the Sly Fox Maibock.

Wendy ordered Cucumber sandwiches....a simple summer snack. There was a lot of them. Like 8.

Main entrees were the Mole Ribs (which my company wanted spicier, but I dug em).
They share plate space with plantain chips and a jicama slaw.
or Fish and Chips. I am not one for the pesce potato platter, but I do think its a great beer food.
They are doing fudge plates and fairy cakes (cupcake trio) for dessert. The menu will continue to expand. foobooz has it on his site as well.

Lance and I headed back there this Sunday (we were going to the craft fair). So now I've had about 5 beers there...and I have yet to have a swift half. Not that I needed a reason to go back sooner than later.....

We were also celebrating Wendy from Dogfish's Birthday that night.
here's the birthday girl with Gordon Grubb.

Week in Eats part two: Iron Abbey Small Plates Dinner

I think I'm gonna hit the tums again. My stomach that once upon an afternoon was begging for spring rolls and chicken korma just wants antacids.

Let's continue onto Wednesday- Iron Abbey small plates beer dinner

We had a good ol' time in Horsham last Wednesday. The Iron Abbey is just a month of so old.
One side of the building is a Beer Bar with international selections and the other side is a braziliam steakhouse. A lot of money was spent. It's like the size of the convention center. well, not really, but close. There are a few owners, but I chat with Rui mostly. They love soccer too- so if you're out that way, its a good place to watch a match.

Guillermo (website guy for Iron Abbey) designed this great program to guide the guests through the night.
There was a space for Brian to sign autographs. There was information about our brewery, the iron abbey and comment space to write about all the beers.
We were to pair up five beers and five small plates for only $25. Que una ganga!

First up to be paired with saison vos was the duck with goat cheese mousse.
Pairing was perfect. The spritziness of the saison cut into the fat of the duck and the creaminess of the goat cheese. Chef John was off to a good start. (despite the fact that he wasn't a "beer guy.")

Next up was bacon wrapped filet with the maibock. I wasn't sure about this pairing up looking at the menu but it was good. I knew having the steakhouse next door, we were in for some good meat.


Who doesn't want to eat tuna tartare all summer? I do. And paired up with Royal Weisse -even betta.
The following was Brian's favorite pairing of the night-= a spicy, smokey sirloin with an fried onions on top. Rt 113 IPA. p-e-r-f-e-c-t.The last pairing was also spot on...a caramelized banana bathing in Chocolate Fondue.
This was paired with the Ichor. We've done banana and chocolate dishes with the Ichor in the past. It works- very well.Here's a group shot. This is after dinner and I look kinda chubby. ugh.

Rui says he will get Iron Abbey "perfect."
His hospitality is already there. After we finished our wonderful meal.... Rui had all the Brazilian "cowboys" come in from next door and cut a variety of meats for us. Lamb, Filet, Sausage...
Everything was delightfully seasoned. Once again, thank God it wasn't Lent.

Here's their website...
They're right on 611 before the Willow Grove Airforce Base
They'll also be hosting a beer fest in September.

ps: It should be noted that I had to go through this entire blog just now and change the spelling of "abbey." I guess I've got the northern libs watering hole on the mind. I'll have to stop in at the other Abbaye this week for lunch.

Week in Eats.

I just reached for tums for the first time in months. It's been a long week of eats and my stomach is not close to being right.

Sunday the brewer and I headed to Memphis Tap Room. I had some bacon and their "nest"
Which is challah bread with the center punched out and an egg fried in the hole's place. They then top it with a savory mushroom sauce. It was rich as hell. The bacon was perfectly washed down with a bear republic Heritage scotch ale. (haven't had a bad bp yet!)


Tuesday was lunch at Chifa. My friend Jessie is having a little girl this September. I hadn't seen her since October of 2007. Way, way overdue. We opted for the chef's tasting. Not at all a bad deal for $25 a person.

Salad

Empanadas


Shrimp

Vietnamese Pork Sandwich

Spare Ribs
Dessert (great texture play)

We're only on Tuesday but I'm gonna start a new post to chat about our Iron Abbey Small plates beer dinner....

-=-=-ommegang night @ the POPE tonight-=-=-=

It's ommegang night with the lovely megan mcguire @ the POPE.
They will be pouring Ommegang Abbey Ale, The Hennepin, and the Witte. You can catch the irish lass between 8 and 10. She's says she's not drinking, but she's doing a promo at the pope...I'll have to see how that worked out for her.

From their website:

'I DRINK THE BEER THAT GOD WOULD DRINK: HENNEPIN. I ACTUALLY BELIEVE IT WAS TOUCHED BY THE HAND OF GOD. IT'S RIDICULOUS - I COULD DRINK IT EVERY DAY.'
-Craig Samuals, The Smoke Joint -

Sneak preview of Mcgillins 1860 IPA tonight

There will be samples of the McGillin’s 1860 IPA Test Batch available tonight –at the oldest continuously operating tavern in philadelphia-
to the first 50 people who ask for it tonight. Tasters can share the opinion....perhaps have an impact on the final product to be unveiled in August when we Mcgillin's Old Ale House kicks off their 150th Anniversary.

1860 IPA will be brewed by Stoudts, whom already makes their house ale.


Cheers,

suz

Harpoon's 100 bl series Helles Blond Bock to be tapped

Mcglinchey's will be tapping a keg of their 100 barrel series Helles Blond Bock today around 11.

Harpoon's Sean Hamel will on the scene by 4 to toast you.
It was brewed by one of Lance's good friends, Jamie Schier.

From their website:
ABOUT Helles Blond Bock


The 27th offering of Harpoon’s 100 Barrel Series is Helles Blond Bock. This light amber beer has a bready aroma, creamy smooth mouthfeel, and a clean, lingering sweetness at the finish.

Brewer Jaime Schier set out to create a beer with a robust body that was light in color and delicate on the palate. Jaime combined Pale Ale malt, Munich malt, and Black malt to give the beer its intense malt flavor. A German Bock yeast accentuates the malt character, yielding a slightly sweet aroma. German Noble hops add a touch of bitterness to balance the malt.

LOCAL LOVE @ Local 44

Local 44 goes all Local all Weekend. As you have probably seen the list already around the interweb, here goes...Lots of rarities.

Victory Uncle Teddy's Bitter (Cask)
Victory bags Packed Porter (Cask)
Victory St. Boisterous
Victory Sunrise Weisse
Victory Mad King Weisse
Victory 10 Year Alt
Triumph Brewing Kellerbier
Manayunk Brewing Co. Whistle Whetting Wheat
SlyFox Abbey Dubbel
SlyFox Panacea Barleywine
SlyFox Prometheus (i'm delicious)
SlyFox Placebo (Cask) (So am I)

SlyFox SlackerBock (me too)
SlyFox Ichor
SlyFox Seamus
Yards General Washington Tavern Porter (Cask)
Yards (Smoked Polish Wheat)
Stegmier Summer White
Stoudt's Kölsch
Stoudt's Fat Dog Stout
Stoudt's Double IPA
Stoudt's Belgian Triple
Weyerbacher Blanche
Weyerbacher Simcoe Double IPA
Legacy Brewing Hoptimus Prime
Legacy Brewing Hedonism
Legacy Brewing Euphoria
Dogfish Head Festina Peche
Iron Hill Heywood
Appalachain Broad Street Barleywine
General Lafayette Economizer
General Lafayette Pacific Pale Ale
Tröegs Mad Elf
Tröegs Trogenator

Sly Fox Sampling today @ Bella Vista Beer Distributors 5 till 7

Come by and say Hi at Bella vista today 5 till 7.
It's memorial day weekend!
Who needs the beach?
We'll be celebrating happy hour with Sf cans.

11th and Fitzwater

model: brownwyn perlee

Six Points at Jose Pistolas tomorrow noon. Plus its SUNNY with a high of 81. Come drink Brooklyn's Best!

I'll update you on the peddling by pedal soon.

Here's a quick advertisement for my friends at JOSE PISTOLAS.

You gotta get lunch at some point? So why don't you do it with Six Points?

Brewery folks will be there. It's all a la carte. Lunch Specials and pairings....and a cask of their rockin' Bengal IPA* will be available for your afternoon refreshment.

*I love this beer.

Paneers Please! National Bike to Work Month

For those of you who don't know...yesterday was National
"Ride your bike to work day." And this week was "ride your bike to work week, and this month is..... you guessed it.

So I'm going to try an experiment for the rest of the month. Wish I would've started it sooner, but I'm going to ride my bike to "work" everyday. Being in Sales- this will be a difficult task.
But the whole experience should provide me with many anecdotes, hopefully no accidents.
This gives a whole new meaning to "adventures in beer selling."

DAY 1
I went to meet the new bar manager at Roosevelts- Andrew. Nice guy. Roosevelt's has a reputation of penny drinks. Apparently people really like giving a quarter and getting 25 at one time. They are the largest selling bud bar in the city! 18 halves a week. But they want to have a few craft on. I don't think sly is going to get on the tower right away, but in time. right now he's pouring Troegs Sunshine pils, Victory Hop devil, and Kensinger. I think he's going to start with the Sly cans, and go from there. So what did I do to embarrass myself before leaving....
I threw my sales bag upon the counter, forgetting that I had 7 stout glasses in there. I heard that crack/crunch and immediatly think of John G's bank account. I only broke two, but two too many. At least he saw that I can help support them with pints down the road. ugh.

I left Andrew with 3 cans. off to the new Varga bar...

I still had a sleeve of coasters, five glasses, two books on beer, and a bottle of saison vos. My bags were incredibly awkward, and now a day later, my shoulders are killing me. I have two paneers for a back rack that lance has to hook up for me. I can do it myself, but he enjoys this stuff. My shoulders will thank him.

At the varga bar I was helping with a staff education. They're opening with a great lineup that includes, Flying Fish Belgian Mild, Founders Backwoods Bastard, Bells Oberon, Rogue Imperial Pilsner, Sly Fox Helles, Dogfish Head 90 and 120, and more.





Chef Evan Turney's food was delicious. This was the Friday happy hour of my dreams.
Note: The rootbeer float is made With Victory Root Beer!




Then off to Good Dog,Erin just got promoted to Friday bartender joining Zach. (Dave Mauro and Lisa are now managers only). The two made a good team. Zach played all the ub40 April Annie desired, The Sly Fox saison was on tap, and next thing I knew it was 9:30. Off to meet Lance and the Iron Hill gang at the Kite and the Key.
I stayed there for a bit, but biked home and was in bed by midnight.

Day two
I ride to Bishops Collar with coasters in hand. Might not ride home, though;)