Just as the title says- Iron Abbey in Horsham has been doing first Wednesday firkin tappings for Happy Hour.
This week's tapper is Brian O'Reilly and the tappee (does this even make sense??) is one of my personal favorites- The Gang Aft Agley- scotch ale. The only other time this will be poured cask-conditioned again until next year is at YARDS Real Ale Invitational.
See you at 5?
February 25, 2011
Hey Suburbs- Sly Fox firkin night at Iron Abbey with Brian O'Reilly next Wed
Watch this Now: "Celeb" round at Johnny Goodtimes Quizzo Bowl last Saturday--Fergie, Geater with the Heater, Schooly D and others
This is definitely worth a watch- some Philadelphia personalities like Jose Garces, Tony Luke, Dan Gross, Fergie (myself by association with quizzmaster Johnny Goodtimes) and others... present a trivia question regarding their specialty/industry.
February 24, 2011
Barrels, Bourbon, and Bugs at Iron Hill Maple Shade this Saturday
BARRELS BOURBON and BUGS at Iron Hill in Maple Shade from 12 till 5.
There are 2 different samplers of 4 oz each offered $12.
THE POURS
THE WILD BEERS
Heywood – Strong Belgian Golden Ale fermented in oak with 100% Brett L. Tart, dry, sour, phenolic and funky. 7.5% abv
Eddy - Strong Belgian Golden Ale fermented with the Duvel strain in stainless, then spiked with Brett L and aged in oak. Dry, fruity and phenolic with a refreshing tartness. 7.5% abv
Brett Quad - Strong Belgian Dark Ale fermented in stainless then spiked with Brett L and aged in oak. Rich, malty and complex with just a hint of fruitiness and mild phenols. 10.0 % abv
Brett Pete’s Celebration – Strong Belgian Dark Ale fermented in stainless, then spiked with Brett L and aged in oak. Malt complexity mingles with a touch of spiciness and pie cherry aroma from the Brett and a warming alcohol character. 11.0% abv
Wine Barrel Wee Heavy – Strong Scotch Ale fermented in stainless then aged in a freshly emptied Pinot Noir barrel spiked with Brett L. Rich malt character and a touch of roast complimented by a subtle but distinct red wine character and spicy phenolic notes. 8.8% abv
F.red Flemish Red Ale - Malty reddish-brown ale fermented in stainless with the Roselare blend then aged in used Pinot Noir barrels for 9 months. Malt sweetness and toastiness followed by an assertive but pleasant sourness. 5.3% abv
THE BOURBON BEERS
Porter – Our award-winning Pig Iron Porter aged in bourbon barrels with whole vanilla beans. Roasty malt and pronounced bourbon flavors with a nice vanilla aroma, served on nitrogen. 6.0% abv
Eisenhugel – Imperial Weizenbock aged in bourbon barrels. Rich and complex due to a huge percentage of specialty malts and Bavarian ale yeast with the added character of wood and bourbon. 11.0% abv
Wee Heavy – Our Strong Scotch Ale, aged in Four Roses bourbon barrels. A distinct sweet malt character entwines with bourbon and vanilla flavors. 9.0% abv
Imperial Pumpkin Ale – Big notes of bourbon and vanilla layered with pumpkin pie spices backed by a firm caramel malt body. 10.0% abv
Winter Warmer – Strong dark ale finished with winter spices and aged in a bourbon barrel. Christmas in February. 8.0% abv
Pete’s Celebration – As if this beer weren’t already rich enough… Big, chewy Belgian Strong Ale aged in used Bourbon barrels. 10.3% abv
Cheese!!!
Scheduling soo many events in the year- there's a constant anxiety about bodies in bars and butts in seats. The more the merrier is definitely applicable when it comes to planning an event with a few different people, be it breweries, galleries, or in our case last night- a Grocer.
With Kite and Key, Whole Foods, Sly Fox and Dogfish promoting our group beer and cheese happy hour- we had a packed bar. The mongers came up with awesome pairings.
I posted the pairings yesterday. Perhaps you could take a look and recreate it in your very own home.
In other cheese news---my buddies at Dibruno Bros have reinstated their Wednesday Craft Beer Happy Hours.
Stay tuned for who's pouring what when.
Hope everyone's having a great day.
The Younger is coming, the Younger is coming...Monks Cafe and Khyber Pass Procure a Sixtel but Pass On the Profits
Russian River's Pliny the Younger (triple IPA) has arrived in Philadelphia. And the events are starting to be planned.
Monks will host one of their Mad Mondays featuring the 4th annual Russian River day.
From Tom Peters:
As always, things kick off at 11:30AM. You really need to be here early for the event. Yes, we do have one sixtle of Pliney The Younger. We figure that there will be around 50 glasses of Younger available.
Monks will host one of their Mad Mondays featuring the 4th annual Russian River day.
From Tom Peters:
As always, things kick off at 11:30AM. You really need to be here early for the event. Yes, we do have one sixtle of Pliney The Younger. We figure that there will be around 50 glasses of Younger available.
We are charging a ridiculous amount ($15) for a glass of the Younger, but 100% of those sales goes to charity. We will pour the Younger at 11:20AM so it is ready to serve when you walk in the door. Please have your $15 in cash ready - exact change will be very helpful. We want everyone to be able to relax and not go crazy about whether you will get a glass of Pliney The Younger.
We figure to raise $750 from the sale of the Younger and Monk's will add $250 to bring the donation to $1,000. ***THIS JUST IN: Natalie & Vinnie just told me they are going to kick in an extra $250 to the charity, so feel free to pay $20 for the Younger - it will ALL go to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Let's try to raise some serious cash for this worthy charity.
Khyber Pass Pub has figured out a way to do away with lines and crowds while draining their sixtel in a philanthropic manner as well.
They will be pre-selling $15 tickets for the pleasure of partaking in a tasty 10 oz coveted glass. There is a limit to one per customer during the window of 5 pm-8 pm this Sunday, February 27th. Tickets are no longer valid after that time.
From the Khyber:
To honor Pliny The Younger's contribution to literature and history we are donating 100% of the profits from the keg to our friends at The Free Library Of Philadelphia Foundation to aid them in their advocacy of youth literacy.
Pliny the Younger's 11% ABV is skillfully concealed by copious amounts of hops. Dry hopped four different times in the brewing process, the Younger is incredibly bold yet balanced.
Tickets are on sale now at the bar while supplies last.
Khyber Pass Pub is located at 56 S. 2nd St.
Phone 215 238 5888
February 22, 2011
And here's the lineup for Kite and Key's Whole Foods "Cheese Makes Me Happy Hour" with Sly Fox and Dogfish
The beers will be served at happy hour prices- quite reasonable. some for $2.50 and $3. Beers like the Red and White only $5.50/gls and 750 ML Bottles of Ichor for only $11. The Cheese will be at stations and all complimentary thanks for our friends at Whole FOODS.
see you at 6 pm
THE PAIRINGS
Uniekaas Reserve
An aged gouda with sharp and sweet notes; perfumey and reminiscent of butterscotch.Pair with a brown ale or dark lager • Slyfox Ichor & Dogfish Indian Brown
Jasper Hill Cabot Clothbound
A handsome natural rinded traditional cheddar. Bandaged with muslin and aged a minimum of 10 months at the Cellars at Jasper Hill, as part of an artisan cheese partnership. It has all the characteristic texture of English-style cheddar w/ the sweet caramel & milky flavors that sets it apart on the counter • Slyfox Odyssey & Dogfish 75min
Cypress Grove Purple Haze
Lavender buds mixed with wild harvested fennel pollen lend an addictive, sweet flavor. Wonderful as a dessert with honey and almonds, or in a main dish with lamb. • Goat’s Milk • Pasteurized • Slyfox Saison VOS
Stilton This delicious blue has great balance and complexity. Try crumbled in a salad or as a dessert with Port wine. • Cow’s Milk • Pasteurized • Slyfox Ichor & Dogfish Indian Brown
Bruder Basil
A semi soft German smoked cheese made with cow’s milk. Great melting cheese adds a natural smoked flavor to any dish. Great for potato gratin • Slyfox Dunkel
Frateli Medoro
Sheep’s milk cheese similar to Pecorino, but dryer with a mineral finish. From Sardinia • Slyfox DunkelAged Mahon
While the firm consistency and sharp flavor of an aged Mahon are ideal for grating, it is traditionally served as an appetizer with a sprig of fresh rosemary and brushed with olive oil. • Cow's Milk • Pasteurized • Slyfox Odyssey & Ichor
Rogue River Blue Wrapped in Grape Leaves
Rogue River Blue cheese is handmade only during the autumnal equinox and winter solstice from Brown Swiss and Holstein cows. They are wrapped in Syrah and Merlot grape leaves previously macerated in Clear Creek pear brandy • Dogfish Midas Touch
St. Agur
A medium strong creamy blue cheese, made from cow's milk in Auvergne. It is excellent with full bodied red wines, great on bread for a snack or in a salad. Hard to find and extremely likable. Could be used as substitute for Gorgonzola in sauces when Dolcelatte is out of season or too strong. The cheese has a very strong and spicy taste when ripens • Dogfish 75min
Suzaru poor Suzaru- Victim of a Trash Truck Hit and Run
There's a long list of repairs and mechanics. I could scan in all the maintenance reciepts but that would take too long. There was South Philly Mike (who of course called me Susan) Chinese Don, Pinto Eddie..
Last time I had to take her in was 8 days before Christmas when the check engine light (which had of course been on for two months) started pulsing. Orange and pulsing.That alarmed me just a bit more. Pinto Eddie smiled as I paid him another $278 and said- "kiddo this car was operating on 3 cylinders= now I got you on 3.5. Hopefully it makes it through the winter kid- but 2011 you're gonna get yourself a new car" (who's buying?).
The passenger side mirror has been drilled in twice. Once by Casey Hughes of Flying Fish. That lasted several months- then Ricky- one of our talented brewers noticed it while I was at the brewery one day and put three more screws in it. That thing wasn't moving.
The car is all but falling apart. I think Pinto Eddie is right. But apparently she's not going away with out a few more dinks.
Today I got out to my car assuming a ticket will be on the snowy window underneath the just replaced windshield wiper that's frozen to the glass. No ticket. Phew. I walk around to the other side of the car and see my right front mirror dangling. Curious. I don't get that upset because I've been here before and I will just get some apoxy from friend Wendy or some screws from Casey and it should last me for the remaining months with my car. I have to take care of it by tomorrow because I have to drive to Hunterdon Co. for a VIM (very imp meeting). Then I see someone has left me a love letter. I just assumed it was from the crasher. But-no -An eye witness!!!
"I saw your car get hit by a trash truck. And take off"
This nice citizen Rich- included the truck number, license plate, and Company-Allied Waste Management.
I called and the director of Operations at AWM but he had left for the day. So then Lance romance instructed me to call 911. "Vigilappy" as we liked to call him says, "This is a crime,and it needs to be reported." I agreed-after all it is a city vehicle to boot. It takes the cops an hour to get there. I was freeeeeeeeeeeezing.
We fill out the report and I move on with my night. I will call back tomorrow and share an update.
Look how happy this guy is? Does he not know of his faulty drivers? Oh- he's probably still smiling from the 5.5 million dollar stimulus Allied Waste was awarded in 2010.
And the MOST curious thing-It's not even TRASH day...
Lew Bryson at Devil's Den for a Pennsylvania brewery brunch this SUNDAY
12:30 this Sunday- Lew Bryson will be at Devil's Den showing some love for the Keystone State breweries. He'll be signing copies of his 4th edition of Pennsylvania Breweries.
The Pours
Beer Engine - Victory Uncle Teddy's Bitter - Bitter
Philly Brewing Shackamaxium - Imperial Stout
Lancaster Strawberry Wheat - Fruit Wheat
Brew Works Hop'soultely - Triple IPA
Bavarian Barbarian Square Feet Wheat - Dunkel Weisse
Nitro - Voodoo Cowbell - Imperial Oatmeal Milk Stout
Roy Pitz Lay Down Stay Down - Belgian Strong Ale
Erie Brewing Railbender - Scottish Ale
Yard's Philly Pale Ale - Pale Ale
Troegs' Troegenator - Doppelbock
Weyerbacher Verboten - Belgian Pale Ale
Sly Fox Helles Golden Lager - Helles Lager
Penn Pilsner - Vienna Lager
Copper Crow Raspberry Meade - Fruit Meade
Stoudt's Scarlet Lady - ESB
Prism Bitto Honey - IPA
Boxcar Brown - Brown Ale
4th Annual Trip to Max's Belgian Beer Fest- Recapped to the Best of My Ability.
Starting in 2008- Lance and I would venture down to Charm city every Valentine's for the Max's Belgian Beer Fest. Through the years we've found some of our favorite spots to include Todd Conner's for Crab Cakes and One-Eyed Mikes, where Lance and I are part of the World's Largest (Only?) Grand Marnier Club. We always try to make it to Brewer's Art and the OWL bar at the historical Belvedere Hotel.
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| ALEWIFE Baltimore, MD |
This year we were joined by a bunch of our best buds and ventured outside our usual suspects to some of Fells point essential watering holes like Cat's Eye, the Wharf Rat, and Leadbetters (this would not include me).
We also made a trip across town to the new AleWife (opened Oct. 2010).
This is one dramatic space with lots of Cuisine de la biere and food and beer pairing. The night before we left Tom Peters advised I must make it there. He was very impressed with the entire operation. There are 40 beers on tap and artisan cocktails as well.
Daniel Lanigan is behind it (also behind the famed Lord Hobo outside of Boston in Cambridge, The moan and Dove (Amherst, MA), and the Dirty Truth (Northhampton, MA). It's got a nice story too- the actual gentleman running the show down there is his friend Brian- who was the carpenter behind some of this other locations. Him and his wife were a delight. Unfortunately our visit was after drinking Belgian Beer for 10 hours so I have no photos of our eats. This is the space from their website.
*************
Here are a few photos. One of the higlights of the two day get-a-way was meeting Bob Shorts. Quick story--Lance and I were at Todd Conners introducing our friend Megan (often seen on Beerlass.com as the local Ommegang Marketing manager) to our favorite crab cake while the tweets were coming in from pal Wendy that this fellow was talking about me (and Lance!)at the Cat's Eye referencing the blog and how I used to have a picture of me on it that said "This dress makes me look like a pea." I thought it was just our Wendy's way of trying to get us to leave TC's and join them. I mean we're in Baltimore-no one knows us outside TC's, Brewer's Art, and One-Eye Mike's... But once we got there- we learned they were telling the truth. A great couple was there- Bob and Pat Shorts. We had a Dogfish 60 minute together and he had the nicest things to say. I'll look forward to taking Bob and Pat to One-Eyed Mikes for a shot of Grand Marnier next year.
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| Leadbetters where Lance and Curt were the only straight guys in the spot |
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| We're the newest member of Todd Conners Wine Club. This is the best crab cake! |
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| 400 People waited in line outside Max's on Friday |
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| Lance makes this face in most photos |
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| I don't even like Grand Marnier that much |
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| Vintage Cans in the backroom of Max's upstairs |
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| New addition to our annual B-more trip: a gelato place right across from MAXs! |
On the way home- we cheated on Amtrak and took our Wendy up on her offer to drive us back.
She insisted that we stop at this place called Chaps Pit Beef as seen on TFN's "Diner's, Drive-ins and Dives." Considering that three of my favorite Philly joints were featured on the program this year- I do have respect for the places Guy picks out (or has picked out for him) and decided that we should give it a shot.
It was about three miles outside the city on the highway. It was the sort of place you stand in line and give your order- pick it up at another window where get your life-saving fountain soda as well then find your seats. Wen described it as what you always wished Arby's could be growing up.
A great roast beef/turkey sandwich it was.
You can even see from a distance in this here photo-I can barely stand up straight. Belgium comes to Baltimore had taken its toll on me. Although Lance who was carousing in the Admiral Fell's Inn Lobby till the wee hours with company looks just fine.
Too bad we didn't make it to Mahaffey's or Brewer's Art this time around- two must hits.
One last quick note- next time you're in the Washington DC area- There's a new bar/restaurant called
"Smith Commons." We enjoyed a a few beers with one of the owners while we were at Max's and can't wait to visit ourselves. Take a looksie here.
Two options for your Tuesday night
TRIA is having a Bitches Brew night at their Rittenhouse Square.
The Dogfish Head rarity is on tap, and Miles Davis's album will be pouring out of the speakers.
It all starts flowing at 5 pm.
AND
It's Ommegang Flight Night at Misconduct starting at 5 pm
THE POURS
Witte Ale, White Ale (Whitbier
Adoration Ale, Winter Ale
Chocolate Indulgence, Chocolate Stout
Hennepin, Farmhouse Saison
AND
Three Philosophers by the Bottle.
The bars are less than four blocks from each other - you could do both.
DON'T FORGET FREE Cheese and Sly Fox and Dogfish Head beer (at Happy Hour prices) could be in your future TOMORROW night at Kite and the Key 6 pm till 8 pm.
8 different beers and pairings.
February 21, 2011
Fishtown's Fathom Seafood opens today 4 pm
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| Photo credit: Thrillist.com |
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| Photo Credit: Thillist |
Opening taps include some local favorites like Troegs, Yards, and Flying Fish (but of course).
I'll be happy to throw back some Pikeland Pils cans while enjoying some raw bar offerings.
Dan Bisigno- better known as Jersey Dan. consulted Chef Stollenwerk on the taps/cans/bottles.
Hours are 4 till 2 Sunday through Friday and 12 till 2 on the weekends.
It's a hop jump and a skip away from the under-rated Murph's Tavern right on Girard, and then just thirty more feet to rock and roll beer bar Johnny Brendas.
Fathom's website is still under construction but the MENU is posted.
February 20, 2011
Monday: new Food and Drink Quiz at Bridgids 8 pm hosted by Moi
For the next month of Mondays-
I will be hosting a food and drink quizzo at 8 pm at Bridgids.
All American craft pints are $4 from 9 till 11. Kitchen is open till 10 pm.
There will be three rounds and prizes.
If any brewery would be interested in sponsoring- let a lady know.
Hope to see you out.
I know parking can be tricky-hopefully that doesn't deter you.
February 17, 2011
A few options for TONIGHT- Fork and Barrel, Devils Den, Fergies, Joses
La Douze; Alex le Rouge; La Meule Abbey de St. Bon Chien;
and the hard-to-get- Abbey de St. Bon Chien Grand Cru Vin Jaune!
Pay as you go- and go time is 6:30.
Food pairings include:
Oyster with Green Curry Salad (with La Douze);
Black Pepper Pound Cake with vanilla tea ganache and pink pepper brittle (Alex le Rouge);
Pan Seared Black Cod with fresh tarragon, preserved lemons and shallots (Le Meule); *This beer is actually brewed with sage. Should be a great pairing.
and Bitter Chocolate Tuile with sour cherry marmalade (Abbey de St. Bon Chien.)
I'm really bummed I am missing this because the pairings are making my tummy grumble. I can't wait till spring arrives and Lance Romance and I can ride our bikes out there.
******************************************** Those guys over at the Devil's Den keep busy. I think they host more events than any other bar.
Tonight- is Ommegang night.
THE POURSHennepin, Witte, Three Philosophers & Chocolate Indulgence.
Choose from a Cheese Pairing with Beer Flights featuring DiBruno Bros. Cheeses for $20 or the 4 course chefs tasting/beer pairing menu for $35 which includes:
· Chipotle Shrimp Tacos - Hennepin· Baby Arugula, dried cranberry crumbled Gorgonzola - Witte
· Braised Short-ribs - Three Philosophers
· Pistachio Cheesecake - Chocolate Indulgence
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| This is the face Rob makes when he has to leave Philly |
Lastly- don't forget KRAFTWORK is hosting Bill Covaleski with a massive amount of Victory beer on tap to celebrate the brewery's 15 years.
February 16, 2011
The Profitability of Craft Beer by Greg Koch, Stone Brewing
Greg Koch of Stone Brewing took some time to produce this 5 minute video on the profitability of craft beer. I encourage all publicans/distributors to take a break and watch it.
Rogue Beer, Spirits, Chocolate and Cheese TONIGHT at VARGA
Rogue Creamery cheeses
Artisan chocolates from Marcie Blaine
AND Rogues fine ales AND now liquors as well.
The will be pouring:
spruce gin
pink gin
dark run
hazelnut spiced rum
dead guy whiskey
chatoe single malt whiskey
BEER CLUB ladies you are encouraged to attend!
February 15, 2011
15 candles on the cake for Victory tomorrow night @ Resurrection
Resurrection Ale House and Kraftwork will be hosting two of the 15 yr anniversary parties for the Downingtown brewery (another was at brewery on Sunday).
Tomorrow-February 16 from 6-10pm Headwaters Pale Ale (their newest year-round offering) will be launched at Resurrection.
The celebration draft list includes Helios Ale, V Twelve, Baltic Thunder, St. Victorious, Victory Lager, Hop Wallop on cask, and more-=
On Thursday- the party will move to Fishtown's Kraftwork.
Bill Covaleski will be there as will all these beers....
Victory Headwaters Pale Ale
Victory (Bottles) Dark Intrigue
Victory Mad King Weiss
Victory Yakima Glory
Victory Baltic Thunder
Victory Pursuit Pale Ale El Dorado
Victory Braumeister Pils - Schwarz Pils
Victory Smokin' Oats Porter
Victory Helios
Victory ESB
Victory V-12
Victory Donnybrook (Nitro)
Victory Golden Monkey
Victory Saison Du Buff
Victory Prima Pils
Victory Hop Wallop
Victory Storm King
Victory Lager
Victory Hop Devil (Cask)
All sipped to a 90s soundtrack!
A Whole Lotta Love- a few of my favorite Mushy Gushy Jams for Valentines Day
In honor of Valentine's day- here are a few sweet songs through the decades.
At least one is about unrequited love.
Oh How Happy
Shades of Blue 1966
The Book Of Love
Magnetic Fields 1999
Catch the Wind
Donovan 1965
I Want You
Tom Waits 1971
Never Let Go
Tom Waits 2006
Harvest Moon
Neil Young 1992
Can't help falling in love
Elvis Presley
Video version with the Eels
Crazy Love
Van Morrison 1970
Mark Knopfler
All that Matters
Alexi Murdoch
Ally of My Days 2006
Bob Dylan
To Make you feel my Love
No decent video for this one
and
You're the One
Shane McGowan and Maire Brennan
This is an old school cheesy duet. From the movie Circle of Friends (I think as the credits roll.) I once worked a wedding where this was the couple's song- and it was one of the sweetest things I've ever seen.
February 14, 2011
BEER CLUB alert: Chocolate and Cheese with Rogue beers this Wednesday at VARGA bar
This Wednesday- Varga is hosting Rogue brewing.
'Tis the 1st annual South East Pennsylvania Rogue Brewery Cotillion Cheese and Chocolate Social Mixer...
What's that mean?
"A high brow event scheduled at Varga Bar featuring Rogue Brewery beers, Rogue Creamery Cheeses and chocolate from Marcie Blaine Chocolates"
THEN
On WED the 23rd -MORE cheese for the
Cheese makes me Happy HOUR
at Kite and Key.
* different Sly Fox and Dogfish Beers will be pouring from 6 on.
How I fell in LOVE with CRAFT beer #3: Melissa Ward
"There was this guy I liked. I really, really liked. Liked enough to choke down a rocks glass of Scotch one night. Liked enough to check out "Battlestar Galactica." And liked enough to check out the Brandywine Craft Brewer's Festival at Iron Hill Media in 2007.
I honestly wanted to learn more about beer, and figured it would be a good thing to have in common with the guy if my interest took off. It would add to our shared delights in music by Jonathan Coulton, cooking, Homestar Runner and general geekdom.
It was a pleasant Saturday. We arrived with our tickets, got our map, and I marched us systematically from booth to booth (because I like having a system and I didn't want to miss ANYTHING). I described the flavors I was tasting to the best of my ability, and he explained further when I had my "je ne sais quoi" moments. I drew smiley faces next to the beers I liked (there were a fair bit of smileys on that piece of paper) and only poured out my sample glass once.
Rain began drizzling, but no one at the festival noticed. We were all having a great time, sampling, laughing, grooving to the band. The fest came to a close, but I knew there was a lot more about craft beer I wanted to learn about. I was in love—with craft beer and the guy.
A year later, I brewed my first homebrew with the guy, and a year and a half after that, I married him.
Melissa is also co-author of the blog, Bathtub Brewery and a contributor to Ladies of Craft Beer.
Happy Valensteins!
My Pops calls it "Valenstein's" so now I do as well. After all relationships can be frightful.
Growing up - this was a big deal day in the house.
We always got our red foil wrapped Russell Stover Chocolate heart. The heart increased in size as we did. (much more enjoyable than St. Patricks's when our whole lunch consisted of green items).
Modern day- it's significant for me -because it's how Lance Romance got his name.
We had just started secretly dating before V-day- so he turbo-boosted the charm with some jazz and Rochefort 10. I used to write "Ginger Thursdays" for the Johnny Goodtimes website and first mentioned the chap after Valentines Day-that's when Johnny nicknamed the brewer Lance Romance. I wrote:
"At least things are on the up and up in the co-ed department as I have had not one, but two "dates" in the last week. And, get this, they're with the same lad! Perhaps me being forced to sit down and think of what I want in a perspective valentine put me on the radar for cupid's arrow. I'll keep you up to date on that situation. But his recently revealed affinity for Sublime and Violent Femmes just might halt the "love connection" before date number three. "
Four years later- tonight we were scheduled to dine at MeMe then take in the Hoots and Hellmouth at the Tin Angel. I didn't realize we had to be at Tin Angel at 7. So our 6:30 ressie on the opposite side of the city wouldn't work. So I just had to cancel it. Pretty bummed. Now we will try to find some romance on 2nd st closer to the show. I'm thinking a beer at City Tavern then Sassafrass??
If you're headed to a BYO- consider pairing dessert with Sly Fox Black Raspberry Reserve.
If you're still looking for ideas- I saw this on CBS-looks fun- and the weather should be just dandy-
Sweetheart Skate
Blue Cross RiverRink
Columbus Blvd. at Market St.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Feb. 14 6 – 9 p.m.
$20 per person (includes skate rental)
215-923-6533 or email riverrink@delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com for tickets
www.riverrink.com
Brush up your pairs-skating skills and head to the RiverRink’s Sweatheart Skate. Ladies get a complimentary red flower, and with a DJ, photo “keepsakes,” and prizes handed out by the CW Philly crew and B 101, it’s almost like the prom all over again. Without the bad hair and ugly dress. And on ice.
February 11, 2011
Happy Birthday Casey Parker!
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| Casey still standing. Sort of. Thinkin' late night Beer Week of '09 |
He makes "Steak in a glass" bloody mary's.
He will sing on command.
He will wear his hair how he pleases. (I've seen at least three stages.)
He loves the Eagles.
He is the essential entertainer of Philly bartenders. No one sits at his bar just once.
He taught me how to bartend.
A li'l history.
Casey started washing dishes at Fergies while he was at the University of the Arts.
He kept moving up the rungs till he was a head bartender and ran the Open Mic night.
He would move on to Khyber where I would meet him.
First time I met his acquaintance- he was charming the whole bar, blasting the Beatles "Got to get you into my life."
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| Down for the count moments later. Hopefully he finds these funny. |
It was a real treat watching him and his bestman Joe Gunn open Jose Pistolas in August of 2007. They opened with a few credos-- no red bull, no car bombs, treat your staff like they're the world's greatest.
They've built up such a regular crowd since then. People love sipping on a good beer while watching a game, but they really love the man that's pouring it for them.
And that man is expecting a baby boy mid-spring with his kick-ass wife Kerri.
A Happy Birthday to Casey Freakin' Parker.
Art in the Age Dinner at N. 3rd
A couple weeks ago- I got a call from Origlio's Key Account manager, Jim Wiggins that N.3rd would need a new tapmarker. Bartender Dave Marx went a little "Incredible Hulk" on the O'Reilly's Stout handle and they would need a replacement. So Lance and I headed there for a Sunday night dinner. During our visit, Dave was working on recipe development for a Root/Snap dinner N. 3rd was hosting in the coming weeks. Although I was refraining from alcohol consumption that night- It was fun to see him try and figure out what beers on tap would compliment the flavors of Root and Snap.
Then yesterday I got the e-flyer that said dinner was scheduled for Monday, Feb. 28th- so of course I can't go. But you should. Only $35 (plus plus)
February 9, 2011
Nodding Head presents "Wood'ja" this Saturday
Wood’ja Barrel-Age your Saturday Afternoon?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
3-6 pm
3-6 pm
THE POURS
(Cask Two-Year-Old) Wee Heavier, (9.5%ABV) which is a strong, Scottish-style ale that has been aged in a wooden cask that once held Calvados brandy, and more recently JW Lees Harvest Ale. This ale is very dark in color, and full-bodied with a ‘roasty’ character and sweet malt flavors. It’ll make your belly happy.
(Disclaimer: the two-year-old barrel aged beer could possibly be volatile or magnificent. Either way, we have plenty of great back up beers – it’s all part of the fun).
(Disclaimer: the two-year-old barrel aged beer could possibly be volatile or magnificent. Either way, we have plenty of great back up beers – it’s all part of the fun).
Pho-Tay, (7%ABV) which is our O-Tay aged in the Phunk Barrel. This beer started off as a golden ale brewed with eighty-four pounds of organic buckwheat and Belgian yeast, giving it a unique spicy character. It then, of course, picked up oak and brett characteristics.
Saison De La Tete, (6%ABV) which is a blend of a young saison, and a sour barrel aged, low alcohol, hoppy pale ale. Then, we added flavors of brettanomyceys and oak to the slightly funky saison character.
ALSO: SPECIAL GUEST BEER FROM FRIENDS AT RUSSIAN RIVER
Consecration, (10%ABV) which was aged in American oak Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. They not only use Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus, but also add currants to the beer while it is aging in the barrels.
Sly Fox at the Hulmeville Tomorrow Night
Tomorrow night-=
We will be pouring the following at Hulmeville Inn. Join us if you can.
Gang Aft Agley Wee Heavy
Incubus,
London Porter on the hand pump
Black Raspberry
PLUS- a methuselah of Saison Vos (complimentary)
As you probably already know this is not a Sly Fox blog- but since I've been happily employed by them for over four and a half years-I will always mention promotions and events we are involved with- just as I mention everything else out there.
February 8, 2011
A rare firkin of Odyssey at Standard Tap tomorrow night 6 pm
What's the only thing that can make Sly Fox's Imperial IPA more delicious?
Perhaps put it in a firkin, dry hop it and throw it on top of the old school fridge at Standard Tap.
tomorrow night.
This is your only chance to try it all year until we brew 2011's and tap it at our Anniversary party the second week of December.
Do you really want to wait till then?
Tapping at 6 pm.
February 7, 2011
Bottom's Up?
Philly's Wells Fargo stadium has launched the fastest beer dispenser in the world.
It fills two cups at one time from the bottom. A magnet (sounds frightening) is pushed up then set back in place when you move the cup away from the system. Unless the imbiber pushes up on the small circular magnet, the beer will stay in place. Of course the cups have Budweiser logos on them (other breweries will have sponsorship opportunities.) Wells Fargo has a huge exclusivity contract with the King of Beers for the majority of the stadium if not the entire stadium.
Check it out. Nice how the spokesperson says "no foam" as in thinking a headless beer is attractive.
If you care to learn more....
The website lists the following as benefits:
- Improves speed-of-service increases customer satisfaction and sales
- World’s fastest beer dispensing system
- Reduces draft beer waste, saving money and time
- Improves operational efficiency
- Product consistency
- Grow sales in good times, reduce labor costs and inventory in slow times
- Reduces the stress and cost of “foamy beer problems” to management through GrinOn’s rapid education system that conveys valuable steps for volunteer and service labor to take without calling management for solutions
- Novelty that won’t wear off
Food and Beer Pairing: Dunkel and Sliders at Varga Bar
If you know me- you know I love pairing food and beer. I am always thinking about what I want to drink with my dish. One of my favorite "food beers" is Dunkel Lager. I was really happy when NY Times Eric Asimov wrote about the style (and even happier that he included Sly Fox at #9) last month. And he makes a good point-they're hard to market to the public. I love dunkels=they're not too heavy with roasted notes that go perfectly all things once walking and/or smoked. It could even complement a chocolate souffle.
I think these dark beers might need sexier names in marketing. If something has a catchy name (or taphandle) people will order it regardless of style.
I make my meatballs with them. My red sauce with them. I even made a dunkel lager ice cream over the summer for an event at the Institute with Ferrero Rocher Hazlenut Chocolates.
Next time you're in the east of Center City area- head to Varga Bar and get the sliders and order a can of Sly Fox Dunkel.
A flask for the ladies.... or dudes that dig pink
My friend Bethany makes great flasks, coasters, and compacts on etsy.com
She's got this nifty vintage-inspired pink vine flask for $23.
Maybe get it for your favorite whiskey woman this Valentines Day...
You can click on the link and add it to your etsy cart. You may have to set up an account.
Cheers!
February 4, 2011
"Soul and Suds" tomorrow night
Tomorrow night @KRAFTWORK bar Girard and Montgomery
8 pm the soul starts
The most New Holland on tap ever in Philadelphia.
NH's Head Brewer, John Haggerty, Beer Evangelist Fred Bueltman, and DJ's Dr. Joel, AD Rock, and DenJams will be spinning soul long past the midnight hour.
Here's one Joel is definitely throwing on (1971)
A little further back in time ('66)- A l'il Motown
Welcome to my Face-World Cafe Live Feb. 11th
If you didn't know Casey Wayne Parker, Co- hecho of Jose Pistolas, moonlights in a glam-rock cover band, Welcome to my Face, now you know.
This 2005 CityPaper Article does a pretty thorough piece on them.
I'm giving you a one week notice to cancel whatever plans you may have made, and get yourself to World Cafe Live for their next show. It's also Casey's birthday. Heard a firkin of YARDS will enter the building as well.
Get tickets here.
And here's a video I poorly filmed and uploaded of them doing a little number at Johnny Brenda's during Philly Beer Week last year...you might have heard it a time or two.
February 3, 2011
A Few Superbowl Options...UPDATED 2/4
We always head to the same awesome private bar party for superbowl, at which I participate in a pool that I think I will win and pay next month's rent with and it never happens. I think a lot of people go to house parties (for which SLY FOX cans are perfect), but here are a few options if you wanna catch the championship out and about.
1) Just got word that London Grill's Terry McNally pulled a Matt Capone. She went on a beer run across the Keystone state and got a keg filled at East End Brewing co. She's also picking up Iron City cans (which you can't get in Eastern PA anymore) and they will have a Pittsburgh-centric food menu. They will throw in some Wisconsin stuff too.
2) VARGA will be hosting it's first "SuperFowl" an amateur wing contest. Think you've got the best way with the bird? Email Rich@vargabar to compete by today THURSDAY the 3rd.
*Bring your chicken wing version sauce and all*VARGA will provide chafing dishes
There will be judging by other patrons and semi-pro tasters. The winner will compete against the confit wing master, Evan Turney two weeks later on 2/20. for a Five-course dinner for two.
It's $5 to taste all the wings.
3. Steelers-crazed Jeff Keel will feature Sly Pikeland Pils at $3 all day and you'll catch him in his "lucky spot" in between the juke and the mega-touch. A few Fairmount blocks away- St. Stephens is well-known throughout the regular season as a Pittsburgh-friendly joint.
4. P.o.p.e. is having its 3rd annual "stupor bowl" pitting Pennsy's Troegs against Wisconsin's Central Waters.
5. Jose Pistolas welcomes you to secure your seat early and take in the "Puppy Bowl" at 3:00. The cocina will give a nod to Pittsburgh's old-tyme sub shop, Peppi's, and offer their take on the famous #7, aka the Roethlisburger- ground beef and sausage, american cheese, fried egg, and grilled onions on a hoagie roll. They'll also offer a grilled aged Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Sandwich. Beer wise-When the Packers are up- Central Waters Pale will be half off, and when the Steelers are up Penn Brewing's Pils will be half off. So all bowl- you might be rooting for one team, but you're wallet might not be as faithful.
OR
If you wanna really impress your house party with no effort other than driving your car to the closest Iron Hill and giving them merely $25- you can bring two artisan pizzas and a growler from the award-winning brewpub. You can call in your order at one of the following locations until 10 pm.
Newark, DE (147 East Main Street, 302-266-9000)
· Wilmington, DE (710 South Madison Street, 302-472-2739)
· Media, PA (30 East State Street, 610-627-9000)
· West Chester, PA (3 West Gay Street, 610-738-9600)
· North Wales, PA (1460 Bethlehem Pike, 267-708-2000)
· Phoenixville, PA (130 East Bridge Street, 610-983-9333)
· Lancaster, PA (781 Harrisburg Pike, 717-291-9800)
· Maple Shade, NJ (124 East Kings Highway, 856-273-0300)
February 2, 2011
Live the Good Life at VARGA tomorrow night (and all week) with NEW HOLLAND
Wow-between the Ballast Point lineup at Devil's Den I shared yesterday and now this-I picked the wrong month to 86 the sauce.
New Holland night at VARGA tomorrow night 8 pm.
Also a quick glance at their website let me in the know that it appears to almost be the New Holland Tour of the Good Life in Philly this week.
Having taken a departure from draft for a while-I'm sure this is a nice welcome back for the Michigan craft brewery. VARGA pours to follow but first their week in Philly...
2/3 Tomorrow happy hour- WASHINGTON SQ TRIA
then VARGA
SATURDAY- Soul and SUDS at KRAFTWORK with DJS Dr. Joel, Denjams of P.o.p.e proprietorship and DJ AD rock aka Adam Ritter.
SUNDAY- recover from that mess on the opposite side of the city and enjoy brunch with The New Holland Crew at SOUTH PHILLY TAP ROOM
THE POURS @ VARGA
cask night tripper,
the poet
full circle
charkoota rye
mad hatter
imperial hatter
sun dog
dragons milk
and btls of blue sunday sour-
for which I will post a video of the Doors for the first and last time ever.
You will never see Jeff Slick this animated again...
Or Ground Hogs day.
February 1, 2011
Devils Den reaches a Ballast Point Thursday 2/3
Devil's Den will run 8 Ballast Point drafts and 2 bottles during a tap takeover this Thursday 7-10.
all beers will be $1 off.
Keep this fun fact in mind- at the 2010 World Beer Cup-
Ballast Point won Small brewery of the World
And there's a lot of small breweries out there...
THE POURS
Barmy Ale (from Paul Havelin -=an apricot honey sour ale (first time in this market!)
Big Eye IPA,
Black Marlin Porter Bourbon Barrel Aged,
Piper Down- aged in Heaven Hill barrels (2010 WBC Gold)
Even Keel,
Sculpin IPA,
Victory at Sea
and Yellowtail Pale Ale (Kolsch)
P.M.A. sponsored by Jonathan Richman
My 7th grade teacher- Mrs. Magnavita was a stern one. Granted-it was parochial school- which is synonymous with detention, rear-smacking rulers (though before my time) and an overall knack for discipline and manners.
One of her "things" was the PMA jar.
I've heard of swear jars before, and dunce caps and things of that sort but P.M.A. jar?
It stood for Postive Mental Attitude- and every time a student said something negative-they were out .25 cents. I know I must have missed a couple of days of the pretzel bag because of my own contributions.
This morning I was thinking -I would have made a few recently. I think the winter gets us all down. I've been sick for a few days and feeling overall kind of cruddy. So I turned to Jonathan Richman for a little lamp-lighting. And maybe he'll illuminate this doldrum February 1st for you too. If you're a JR fan- he's coming to Philly-First Unitarian Church- March 1st. $17.50.
Morning of Our Lives
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