Jubelale- A Festive Winter Ale

So summer is over boys and girls, but fear not, our good friends at Deschutes have you covered. Just in time for for late fall and early winter, Jubelale is released. Jubelale is a Silver medal winner for the "other beer category" at the 2007 Australian International Beer Awards and Gold Medal winner of the 2006 World Beer championship. Jubelale is a spicy, yet hoppy winter warmer designed to put a smile on your face anytime of year, but is really nice for those nights where you need to throw another log on the fire. Tipping in at 60 ibu's and 6.7% abv this silky smooth dark beer goes down nice and easy. Outfitted with Dark Crystal malt and enough hops to appease hopheads this beer warrants your attention and your glass. This year Deschutes proudly decorates Jubelale with a cool new label this year with some wonderful artwork from local Oregon artist Natasha Bacca. Be sure to put some of these in your fridge this as soon as you can!

Available wherever Deshutes beer is sold.

3rd Anual Oktoberfest at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia

The wonderful folks at World Cafe Live are eagerly preparing for their Oktoberfest on Sunday October 24th. The Event starts at noon. Over 30 different breweries from Germany will be poured. The event also will feature stellar food and live music.

World Cafe live is located 3025 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Conveniently located on University of Pennsylvania's campus.

This is a beerfest , so please take public transportation if possible. World Cafe Live is located less than two blocks from 30th street station

For more info and to purchase tickets, click here . World Cafe's beer events always seem to sell out, so grab tickets soon. I hope to see you there!

Only German breweries will be featured, including:
Aktien,Becks,Bischoff,Einbecker,Flensburger,Franziskaner,Hacker-Schorr Klosterbrauerei,Paulaner,Schneider,Spaten,Warsteiner,Weihenstephan,Weltenburger, and many more!

2010 World Beer Cup Results

Backed by the Brewers Association, the results from the 2010 World Beer Cup have been revealed. Originating in 2004, The World Beer cup has weeded through tons and breweries to find the best beers produced in the world. This year's contest featured entries from 642 different breweries bringing 3,300 different to be judged. 44 countries entered the contest, hoping to win an award for 90 different styles of beer. The winners of this year's World Beer cup should be extra proud this year, since its inception the amount of breweries and beers entered has more than doubled.

In the Award most pertinent to US Craft beer, Ballast point was the big winner. Ballast point took the Gold for "World Beer Cup 2010 Champion Brewery and Brewmaster
Small Brewing Company". Ballast point's "Sculpin" and "Big Eye" are two stellar IPAs that surely contributed to their award.

Philadelphia area breweries earned several awards. Newark Delaware based "Iron Hill" were crowned "Best Large Brewpub". Iron Hill currently runs 8 stellar Brewpubs in the immediate Philadelphia area. The pride of Samson street, "Nodding Head" took home the silver in the "German-Style Sour Ale" category with their flagship beer, "Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse". Yards Brewing Company took the Bronze medal in the "Extra Special Bitter or Strong Bitter" with their killer session beer "ESA".

In addition to some amazing beers, lots of the beers also had very clever names. Some of my favorite beer names from this year's competition were "Dude! Where's My Vespa?" from Rock Bottom in Arlington, Va, "Bourbon Barrel Aged Piper Down Scottish Ale" from Ballast Point, and "Thor's Hammer" from Central City Brewing from Surrey, Canada

Experimentation and deviation from the norm seemed to be a refreshing aspect of this year's World Beer Cup. The categories for "Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer" and "Herb and Spice Beer or Chocolate Beer" were the categories with the largest entries. These two categories each received more entries than the "American-Style India Pale Ale" and the "American-Style Imperial Stout" category.

Click here for a complete list of winners.

Congrats to all the winners and a big thanks to all the 642 breweries who made this happen and the Brewers Association for hosting a wonderful contest.


picture and results compiled from the official World Beer Cup 2010 web page

Lots of Wonderful Beer related events coming this Spring at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's premier live music venue is also one of Philadelphia's premier beer destinations. Every February, World Cafe organizes and hosts the "Beats, Brews, and BBQ" festival. An event which sells out shortly after tickets goes on sale and


features some amazing beer from the US and other parts of the world.

While World Cafe is planning to throw Philly Beer Week events , April is also going to be very special and have several days and nights focused around beer. In collaboration with Dibrunno cheeses, every weekend will feature food and beer pairings. Each week will feature different beer and cheeses, carefully picked to compliment each other.


Here are the dates for the Food and beer pairings:
Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 | Tasting begins at 5:00pm | Upstairs Live
Sunday, April 11th, 2010 | Tasting begins at 5:00pm | Upstairs Live
Saturday, April 17th, 2010 - SOLD OUT
Sunday, April 25th, 2010 | Tasting begins at 5:00pm | Upstairs Live (on sale soon...)

If you wish to go, it is best to purchase tickets soon. The event on April 17th is already sold out.

tickets and more info can be purchased here :

On April 6th, World Cafe is having another music themed music event. Local Philadelphia band, Agent Moosehead will play music from original Nintendo music as World Cafe screens the classic film "The Wizard". Prizes include A K2 snowboard, A Sam Adams 25th anniversary mini fridge , plug and play games and many more. Tetris, Mike Tyson's Punch Out, Duck Hunt, Contra, Excitebike, and Super Mario Brothers 3, with the grand prize going to the winner of the Super Mario Brothers 3 Challenge.

Tickets are are only $5 and World Cafe will be slaking its participants from their always stellar beer selection.

Movie begins at 7:00pm
Gaming competition at 9:00pm
Live Nintendo Music Concert at 10:00pm

Tickets and more info can be found here

Last but not least, on Sunday April 18th World Cafe is hosting its fantastic Belgian equivalent of their "Beats , Brews, and BBQ festival. World Cafe Manager Ryan Starr informs us that, " Our 3rd Annual Belgian Bierfeesten. A Belgian only beer festival (not even American craft Belgian styles are allowed) featuring the newest and most sought after products coming from over seas. In addition our festivals always include live entertainment, give-a-ways, and a price inclusive buffet prepared by our Executive Chef Mike Breslin complete with Belgian food favorites made with Belgian beers. Partners this year will include Wetten Imports, Merchan Devin, Global Beer, and 12% imports to name a few."

This years "Bierfeesten", promises not to disappoint. Some of the breweries being poured include Van Steenberge, Brasserie De Brunehaut, Brasserie Val de Sambre, Brewery Gaverhopke, Brasserie De Cazeau Brewery Het Alternatief Brewery Contreras, Brasserie Bottresse, Shelton, Mikeller, De Ranke, Brasserie des Geants, Beersel, Blaugies, De Graal , De La Senne, De Proef, Duyster, Ecaussinnes, Ellezelloise, Houfbrouwerijke, Kerkom, Serafijn , Slaapmutske, Achel- Trappist, Cantillon, Drie Fontinen, De Ranke, Fantome, Orval - Trappist, Chimay - Trappist, Rochefort - Trappist , Westmalle - Trappist

Tickets will sell out so grab them while you can.

More info and tickets for The "3rd Annual Belgian Bierfeesten" can be found here.


World Cafe is located at 3025 Walnut Street In Philadelphia, Pa. World Cafe is always open for lunch , and serves fantastic food and beer during all of their concerts. World Cafe's constantly updated web page can be viewed here

Flying Dog's "Raging Bitch", a Belgian style IPA

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their brewpub. Formerly of Aspen, Co, now residing in Fredrick, MD has released a wonderful Belgian style IPa. I have had several IPA's from Belgiam, and several domestic versions of the style Raging Bitch is a fantastic version of the style. Raging Bitch is hands down better than all the domestic versions I have tried, and even runs circles around the IPA's that I have had from Belgium as well. I was shocked when I learned Raging Bitch's ABV was 8.3%, it is masked very well and drinks like a 5.5 % beer. The price of the beer is also extremely reasonable, especially considering the high gravity of the beer.

Artist Raph Steadman does all of the artwork for flying Dog's labels. Steadman , who was a long time friend of Hunter S. Thompson is very serious about his artwork and his beer. The phrase, "Good Beer, No Shit" which Steadman went to court for 4 years with the Colorado Liquor Control Board to get onto A Flying Dog label.

Edward "Eddie" Edwards, who runs the New Hampshire State Liquor control board has banned Raging Bitch. He does not care for the name. Not only will Flying Dog lose the revenue loss from the beer not being distributed in New Hampshire, but more importantly people in New Hampshire will have a harder time trying this wonderful beer.

Specs (From Flying Dog's official web page) :

ABV: 8.3%
IBU's: 60
Plato: 18
Specialty Malts: 60L Crystal
Hops: Warrior, Columbus, Amarillo
Process: El Diablo yeast used to give Raging Bitch a trademark Belgian-style taste, dry hopped with Amarillos


Drink up. The wonderful people at Flying Dog have really produced a unique and special beer. It is currently on draft and in 12 oz bottles. Flying Dog continues to make a fantastic product, with some of the fairest prices on the craft beer market.

read here if you with to learn more about Raging Bitch being banned in New hampshire

Clever Jab To Buweiser Care Of "The Onion"

America's premier fake newspaper, The Onion published a short, but amusing story about a man drinking several Budweisers. The Patron analyzes the Budweiser label and reads it aloud. The tale pokes fun at giant brewery's marketing, flagship product and their bragging of using rice in their beer. Check out the rest of the article, The Onion is way funnier than I am.

Check out the article, here

Half Lambic , Half kombucha

Yes its true boys and girls, Lambrucha a a beer that is a blend of Lambic and Kombucha( a fermented tea beverage) now exists. Like lots of popular beers kombucha is often made with Brettanomyces (often refered to as Brett). The recent popularity of "sour" beers, fans of the quasi orphan style should be ready to embrace Lambrucha with open arms. Like guezes, lambics, brett. beers and all other "sour beers", kombucha is very tart.

Lambrucha is the brainchild of Beer Gods, Don Feinberg and Wendy Littlefield of Vanberg and Dewulf. Feingold and Littlefield were the first importers of Duvel, first slaking the US in 1982. After trying kombucha in 2008, Feinberg enlisted the help of some professionals to help create Lambrucha. Feinberg worked with a Belgian Lambic brewer, an engineer, and brewer of kombucha(also organic), the result being the groundbreaking Lambrucha. The beer is currently available in 750 ml bottles. Lambrucha pours a "fiercely bubbly, bone-dry, rose-color liquid that greets the palate with a burst of lemon, then softens into flowery, herbaceous notes as it goes down." (from Tasting Table Chicago). Fans of session beers will be very excited to hear that Lambrucha weighs in at 3.5% abv, perfect for your lunch break. Breweries are always pushing the limits, and blurring the lines of what is "beer" but Feingold and his crew have created something worthy of massive accolades.



Lambrucha was brewed last summer, and is currently available in Chicago with a nationwide release starting in may.

Click here to read more about kombucha, which is largely believed to be a very healthy drink.


From Tasting Table Chicago

Philly Beer Weekend this weekend (March 12th through 14th)

Its march, baseball is coming, the birds are chirping and you pray that you can find both of you're favorite sandals. Over the last few years this has also been the time of year for Philly Beer Week , an imperial week containing hundreds of beer related events, diners, gatherings, contests, speaking engagements and whatever else the organizers and breweries can cook up. Philadelphia Beer Week is not defunct, it has just been moved to June 4th through 13th.

The Organizers of the event have planned a fun filled Weekend to help fill that March Beer geekery void that many are currently facing. There are currently over 2 dozen events planned for this weekend. Some of the highlights include a lunch with Stone Brewing at Jose Pistola's on Friday March 12th at 11:30 am, A Dogfish Head night at The Belgian Cafe on March 12th at 7pm, a Scandinavian beer tasting at the Belgian Cafe Saturday the 14th at 4pm , a Founders Brewery Night at South Philly Tap room, and a series of "IPA's Greatest Hits " at sidecar starting Friday at 3pm.

Full a full listings of this weekends events check out Philly Beer Week's official web page, here.

I hope to see everyone out this weekend, let me know which events you can make it to.

More Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Insanity

As many of you have heard, The Pennsylvania liquor Control Board raided three bars in Philadelphia last week. The Memphis Taproom, Local 44 and The Resurrection Ale House were visited by PLCB employees and armed State Troopers. The restaurants are all owned by the hard working husband and wife duo of Leigh Maida and Brendan Hartranft. What prompted the PLCB to pay them a visit? The PLCB were tipped of that Maida and Hartranft were selling beer not registered by the PLCB. All three bars promoted and sold kegs of Russian River's highly coveted Imperial IPA ,"Pliny the Younger". Beeradvocate.com recently voted "Pliny the Younger" to be "The Number One Beer In The World", overturning Westvleteren 12. The few bars in the Philadelphia area which received this beer carefully distributed the beer to lucky patrons who went out of their way even they were just able to purchase and drink one glass.
It is largely believed that a local bar owner who was not allotted any "Pliny the Younger" for purchase checked the PLCB's list of registered beer and realized that "Pliny The Younger" was not registered for Sale in Pennsylvania. This informant then contacted the PLCB. Here is the list that is in question .

In addition to "Piny The Younger" not being registered, lots of other beers were confiscated from Maida and Hartranft. Some of the beers confiscated were Duvel and Monks Cafe Sour Flemish Ale. Duvel was confiscated on the ground that the Duvel's label has a different name than the name listed on the PLCB's list of registered beers. On the PLCB list, "Duvel" is registered as "Duvel Beer" but "Duvel Belgian Golden Ale" is written on the label. It is also worth noting that lots beer stores and bars in the state sell "Duvel", and were not intruded by armed state police. For the time being, shipments of "Duvel" are currently not being sent to Philadelphia.


All of the beer that Maida and Hartranft purchased for their bar were legally purchased from a wholesaler. Maida further elaborates, "Personally, two of my many concerns during all of this has been that our employees and guests might now feel like we’re up to something shady (we’re not, swearsies) and, well, perhaps obviously, that there’s someone out there with enough of a grudge against us that things took this course. My goal is to make this whole experience as un-drama-filled as possible. Our bottle lists haven’t been depleted all that severely, though there are a few favorites that we’ll just consider 86′d for a little while." The PLCB left all three restaraunts with over $7,000 worth of beer that they confiscated from Maida and Hartranft.

Russian River Brewery owner Vinnie Cilurzo stated to the Daily News in regards to the unregistered beer sent to Philadelphia from his brewery, "It was a simple mistake on our part that we forgot to register some brands with the state of PA. We are a small mom and pop brewery and every once in a while something slips through the cracks."

In addition to Maida and Hartranft's restaurants being raided for possessing unregistered beer, the PLCB also paid a visit to the local wholesaler of Russian River, Origlio beverage. The PLCB only confiscated Russian River Suplication from Origlio on account that they supposedly would have needed a whole tractor trailer to confiscate the rest of what was not registered with the PLCB.

Maida and Hartranft and Origlio Beverage are only guilty of trying to provide consumers with a highly sought after and quality product.

Show your support to Maida Hartranft by stopping by one of their 3 fabulous restraunts for some wonderful food, people, and beer that hasn't been confiscated by armed men.

Are you outraged with what the PLCB is doing?


There are several steps you can take to change PA beer laws for the better:

you can email the PLCB at RA-LBconsumer@state.pa.us

Contact State Representative Robert Donatucci

Also, contact your'e favorite breweries via their web pages to make sure all the beer you love to drink is registered with the PLCB.

and of course feel free to email me at brewsdayblog@gmail.com with any ideas or suggestions you have to help us all enjoy our favorite beverage, beer.

Check Out Lew Brison's blog to read further, and join his Facebook group "Abolish the PLCB"

compiled from Joe Sixpack's blog ,Jack Curtin's Blog : Liquid Diet ,The Philadelphia Daily News and Local 44's web page.

Southampton to release "Biere De Mars" in 12 oz. bottles

The award winning Long Island Brewery Southampton has decided to bottle their popular spring seasonal "Beire De Mars" in smaller bottles. The beer had previously been available in 750 ml bottles and on draft. Until this year, Southampton has released the beer in very small amounts. This year's release of "Beire De Mars" will be in a larger amount in addition to the different packaging.

Beire De Mars is also a style of beer, the French Translation being "March Beer". The style of brewing a "Beire De Mars" originated in Northern France during winter when the cellars were at the coolest to give the beer a more refreshing taste. Biere De Mars's were designed be quench thirsting in the summer months much like a Saison.

Southampton Brewmaster Phil Markowski elaborates, "Our version is brewed with a blend of wheat and barley malts and a generous amount of continental hops. It is cool fermented and aged to give it a clean, smooth, lager-like character,”

Southampton "Biere De Mars" weighs in at 6.5 % abv, 22 ibu's and contains Saaz, Magnum and Goldings hops. Two types of Yeast are used in the making of this beer, I was unable to determine which kind were used but it is very plausible that one of them is Brettanonmyces. Brettanomyces or "brett" is a wild yeast strand which has become very popular in the last few years. Several breweries have made beer in this style using brett.

Southampton's Beire De Mars should be available very shortly wherever Southampton beers are sold. The beer will be available on draft, 6 packs and a spring seasonal 12 packs.

from BeerConnisseuronline

Lagunitas to Release "Wilco Tango Foxtrot"(WTF)

In the next few weeks Lagunitas, the eccentric brewery from Petaluma, California will release a new beer. "Wilco Tango Foxtrot", an imperial brown ale is described on Lagunitas's webpage as "A big Ol' Imperial Brown Ale to help you with your slipperly slide on into springtime. Rich, smooth, dangerous & chocolatey". The name of this beer is partly a reference to Wilco, and their critically acclaimed 2002 album "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot". As a big Wilco and Lagunitas fan I hope this beer can be fully distributed and enjoyed without any legal hassle. Lagunitas has released several beers in a tribute to Frank Zappa (Reuben and the Jets,We're only in it for the Money , Freak Out, and a few others) Frank's widow, Gail was not at all happy about Lagunitas selling beer referencing her late husband. The Zappa series of beer from Lagunitas was put to a halt prematurely by Gail and her lawyers.

"Wilco Tango Foxtrot" should be available to purchase very soon. As of now it will only be sold in 22 oz bombers. The beer weighs in at 7.83% abv and approximately 64 IBU's. "Rich, smooth, dangerous and choclatey", sounds like a lyric written by Wilco Front-man, Jeff Tweedy. Lagunitas has once again combined two of my favorite things, beer and music. I am rooting for a Ween beer next, I would love to crack open a "Joppa Road" this summer. Just as Wilco has been making fantastic, innovative, and creative music , Lagunitas continues to brew and invent interesting and quality beer. The initials of the beer spell out WTF, brilliant.

complied from Lagunitas's official web page

click here if you want to read more about Lagunitas's legal battle with the Zappa trust

pictures from Fred Abercrombie's blog, click here

Ballast Point night and $1 Tacos at Dos Segundas on March 2nd

Tonight, Tuesday March 2nd Dos Segundos at 931 North 2nd Street in Philadelphia is having several beers Ballast Point on draft.

The popular Mexican bar, is located just north of Poplar street in the Northern Liberties part of the city has stellar food and a constantly changing rotating draft list. They are pouring "Big Eye", a very tasty west coast IPA which weighs in at a well hidden 7% abv and the "Black Marlin Porter", a wonderful and robust domestic interpretation of the dark style of beer first made popular in London. In addition to the two that were announced, I would not be surprised if some other goodies from Ballast Point are going to be poured throughout the night. If several great beers from Ballast Point isn't enough to get you down to Dos Segundos, they are also serving $1 tacos made with the "Black Marlin Porter." Food will be served until 1 am, and the beer will flow till the bar closes an hour later.

The event starts at 6pm. Dos Segundos always has a fantastic beer selection, good food, and a very friendly and helpful staff. I hope to see you there.

Canadian Women's Hockey Team celebrates winning Gold Medal by drinking beer on ice

On Thursday February 25th the Canadian Woman's Hockey Team defeated the US Woman's Hockey team 2-0. The hard working lasses from the Great White North won The Gold Medal and celebrated with a few beers. In Kevin Smith's movie Mallrats Jason Lee states that, "I've got a weird thing for girls who say, abooooot". I now understand his tastes in women.

Shortly after their win the Canadian Woman's Hockey team issued an apology, "The members of Team Canada apologize if their on-ice celebrations, after fans had left the building, have offended anyone...Our players and team vow to uphold the values of the Olympics moving forward and view this situation as a learning experience." As a hockey lover and a beer enthusiast I see no problem with the ladies enjoying some beer in celebration. I found the apology to be totally unnecessary. If the Men's team had celebrated in this fashion it would have not been a media worthy issue.

I view the 2010 Canadian's Woman Hockey team not as troublemakers but as trailblazers, for choosing to celebrate with beer over champagne. Keep up the good work ladies. If the trend of drinking beer over champaine to celebrate a victory caries over to other sports maybe we will see Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol say no to Kristal and pry open a Sierra Nevada after their next NBA championship victory.


If you wish to read more : http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/blogs/postblog/2010/02/canadian-womens-on-ice-beer-and-cigar-party-raises-ioc-ire.html, http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=842966&catid=14

Weyerbacher takes "Zotten" off the market

Weyerbacher Brewing Company from Easton, PA has halted producing their Belgian style pale ale, "Zotten" and is removing it from the market. Weyerbacher has been in a legal battle with Bierbrouwerij De Halve Moon. Bierbouwerij De Halve Moon claims that Weyerbacher's labeling, the name, and other aspects of Zotten are similar to their beer, Brugse Zot. Weyerbacher president David A. Weirback comments, "Weyerbacher was unaware of the US trademark of De Halve Maan and had no intention to infringe on the rights of De Halve Maan. We are particularly respectful of the part of small Belgian breweries in the world beer scene and hereby officially apologize to the family owners of De Halve Maan." If you have purchased Zotten you can return it for a full refund through March 18th, 2010.

Zotten fans fear not, the beer will resurface in the next few months under a different name with a new label as well. Weirback further states , "The new name will have no connection whatsoever to fools, jester or any imagery like that. We have a name in mind, but are checking very carefully (for obvious reasons) to see that its OK to use. We should know within 2 weeks and will announce it then." While it is a shame to see two breweries involved in such a sticky legal battle, it is pleasant to see that beer beer formerly know as "Zotten" will survive the litigious hassle that Weyerbacher has been made the target of. I am very curious to see what the new name is, I hope it is sarcastic.


the official press release from Weyerbacher.com

Bottled and draft beer now being poured at the new Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting, PA

Whole Foods, a supermarket which prides its self on having healthy high quality and healthy food has opened a new store in Plymouth Meeting, PA. In addition to having a vast array of high quality, organic food, and prepared food, this location sells beer and wine.





For a long time, many have viewed Pennsylvania Blue Laws to be goofy and aggravating. But the availability of beer at supermarkets in PA is bound to put a smile on the faces of many beer enthusiasts.

Upon entering the supermarket I eagerly inquired as to how to get to "beer area" of store, a very polite employee escorted me to my destination. All of the wine and beer is partitioned from the rest of the store. There is a very nice seating area with 6 different beers on draft and several different wines. Not only do you have the option of enjoying a pint or a glass of wine on you're trip to the store you can also bring a growler of beer home with you. All of the draft beers are from local breweries and will constantly be rotated. The beer prices vary, but are all very fair. Some of the breweries featured on my visit were : Sly Fox, Victory, Lancaster, Flying Fish, and Troegs. Store manager Andrew McCormick commented, "local beer is very important to us. The quality is just too good not to sell." Whole Foods gives you the option to purchase a growler or bring you're own.

In addition to selling draft beer, Whole Foods also sells packaged beer. To match the trend of the very fair draft beer prices, the packaged beer features some of the best prices I have seen for takeout beer in the area. The packaged beer selection is very eclectic and current. Over a 100 different beers are available for purchase. Some beers are available in 6 packs, some are available in 12 packs and some are sold by the bottle. Local beers are heavily represented. Year round favorites and seasonals from Yards, Victory, Stoudts, and Sly Fox all vacate the shelf.

The collection of libations does not just stop at local beer. Whole Foods also sells beer from quality US breweries, Belgium breweries and breweries from other parts of the world. Beers from Bells, Russian River, Steamworks, Cigar City, Lost Abbey, Oskar Blues, Lakefront, Port, The Bruery, Founders, Orval, Chimay, Westmalle and many other world class breweries are available for purchase. The customers are not the only people excited about the stellar selection, McCormick comments "I am excited to bring in more beer, especially from German breweries." Even in such a short time of being open, the selection is very adroit and well done.


Whole Foods is located on 500 W. Germantown Pike in Plymouth Meeting, PA. They are open 7 days a week from 8 am to 9 pm. Here is a link to their web page. A rooftop deck, in which you can enjoy a beer outside is currently under construction.

Pretty Thing's Jack D'or

Pretty Things "Jack D'Or" is a wonderful domestic take on the Belgian Saison style. The beer was consumed from a Duvel goblet, poured from a 22 ounce brown bottle.

Jack D'or pours a very crisp light yellow with a small amount of white head and some lacing. The beer is very carbonated, with lots of bubbles crawling towards the top of the glass. The aroma of the beer is very inviting, with notes of lemon, yeast, more citrus and some faint pepper notes. The beer's taste is dominated by yeast, lemon, and some familiar North American hops. Jack D'or finishes very dry, pleasantly refreshing. The beer hides its alcohol very well. Overall, very well done. Jack D'or is true to the style , but possesses enough of its own character to set itself apart from other saisons.

Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project, is a brewery driven by head brewer and owner Dann Paquette. Dann, a 18 year brewing veteran has recently moved to New England from England. Pretty Things claim they brew "fun beer for fun people." Their beers are currently available for purchase in Boston, Philadelphia, and NYC. Pretty things has been receiving lots of buzz and praise as a result of their creative and delicious beers as well as their unique packaging.


Brewery: Pretty Things
Beer name : Jack D'or
Style: Saison
ABV: 6.40%

Score : A

Weirdest beer ever created ? Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch: Weasel edition

I was recently tipped off to a beer that left me with my jaw on the floor. There are plenty of weird and creative beers out there. Some of the stranger ones include a bacon beer from Front Street Ale house, Shorts has produced a peanut butter and jelly beer, and Magic hat has brewed a beer made with beets. I think Mikkeller now wears the crown for creating the weirdest beer concocted.

Mikkeller is the project of brewer Mikkel Borg Bjergs whose beer is created as a result of Bjergs traveling around the world. Bjergs collaborates beer with other breweries and also uses other brewery's facilities to create his own beer. Mikkeller's "Beer Geek Brunch" varies slightly from their "Beer Geek Breakfast". Beer Geek Breakfast is a 7.5% oatmeal coffee stout. The slight variations being a higher abv (10.9%) and a very interesting type of coffee bean. The coffee used in this beer are coffee berries that have been eaten and passed by a weasel like animal from southeast Asia called a Civet. That's right boys and girls, the coffee beans have already been made a tasty lunch by the Civet and then were collected to make beer. The Civet has a very discerning pallet and only chooses the highest quality coffee beans. The coffee is obviously very expensive, it sells for approximately $150 a pound. It is regarded by many as being the best coffee in the world.

I am not a coffee enthusiast, especially in my beer but if someone poured me a glass I would not turn it down. Curiosity would get the best of me if I did not take a sip. I was very skeptical regarding the validity of "weasel coffee", which is what this style of coffee is commonly referred too but I have done some research and it is very real. Dave Barry has even wrote a very funny article about the coffee used by Mikkeller, which can be read here.

Barry remarks,"What kind of world is it when you worry that people might be ripping you off by selling you coffee that was NOT pooped out be a weasel."

"Beer Geek Brunch" has been very well received in the beer community. Mikkeller deserves massive accolades for going the extra mile with this beer.

Here is the link for the official webpage of the weasel edition of "Beer Geek Brunch"
and here is a link if you wish to purchase Civet Coffee

A six pack a day keeps the Dr. Away

This article published some very good news for beer lovers everywhere, especially men. Men who drank a glass of wine or one beer a day were at a 35% lower chance of a heart attack than men who did not drink any alcohol. It gets better folks, the same study revealed that men who drank a whole bottle of wine or a six pack were 54 % less likely to have a heart attack. The article further states that too much alcohol is harmful for men, but a moderate amount is encouraged.

full article can be read here

Spectacular draft list at Victory Brewpub

Victory usually has a pretty amazing draft list. But when I checked out their web page, I was blown away. In addition to the usual suspects, three new beers that I know of: Bottom's up Brown, abbey 5, and Strangeways Golden Ale. I am especially excited to try the brown ale. Sales of brown ales have been down in the last few years, and its nice to see a new one. On the handpump they have, Uncle Teddys's, Hopdevil, and Yakima Twilight. Uncle Teddy's and hopdevil really shine on the handpump. Yakima Twilight is an IPA/double IPA the likes of which I have never seen. Yakima Twilight weighs in at a well hidden 8.7 abv and is brewed using whole flower Yakima Valley hops and german malts. It pours a dark brown with tons of head and is pleasantly hoppy, pushing 90 ibu's. I have never had Yakima on the pump, but I cannot wait to try it. You will catch me at the victory brewpub very soon.

As of Monday here is what they have on the lines, from their site :

HOPDEVIL IPA
PRIMA PILS
VICTORY LAGER
GOLDEN MONKEY
STORM KING STOUT
HOP WALLOP
FESTBIER
MAD KING'S WEISS
DONNYBROOK STOUT
WILDDEVIL
OLD HORIZONTAL
ABBEY 5
ST. VICTORIOUS
BRAUMEISTER PILS
SCARLET FIRE
BOTTOM'S UP BROWN ALE
STRANGEWAYS GOLDEN ALE

and on the handpump:
HAND PUMP
HOPDEVIL IPA
UNCLE TEDDY'S BITTER
ESB
YAKIMA TWILIGHT

Some February happenings at Earth, Bread, and Brewery

I have been recently informed about some wonderful events happening at one of my favorite stomping grounds, Earth,Bread, and Brewery in the Mt Airy section of Philadelphia. The First event occurs on February 18th and will feature 7 different beers from Iron hill, and the second is brewery night is on February 25th, and will be attended by Dogfish Head Founder, Sam Calagione. The event will feature some very rare Dogfish Head beers. Free Dogfish head glasses will be dispersed, while supplies last.
Earth, Bread, and Brewery is a wonderful place to go try some amazing beers and enjoy some of the best flat bread pizza in the existence of mankind. The staff is knowledgeable and everything is very reasonably priced. I hope to see everyone out, I am very excited.

Here is some more info on The Iron Hill night on February 18th, from beeradvocate.com:
Visit all the Iron Hill brewpubs in one evening? Well not quite, but you may see more brewers in one place than you ever have. Earth - Bread + Brewery hosts an evening of beers from Iron Hill. All the pubs will provide us with a single sixtel of their best and the first to drain is the champ. Iron Hill has some of the best brewers in the land (evidenced by their vatful of medals). This will be fun.

Here is more info on the Dogfish Head night on February 25th, from beeradvocate.com:

Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head's founder and supreme leader of off-centeredness, proves he's down to earth by coming down to EARTH (Bread + Brewery, that is). He's sending us some tasty treats such as BLACK+BLUE and RED+WHITE and 4-5 other crazy-delicious drafts. We'll also prepare some Dogfish-infused food offerings and pairing suggestions. Free Dogfish pint glasses (one per while supplies last). Come meet Sam, shake his hand, drink his beer and steal his glass.

Three Floyds: Pride and Joy

So last night I was lucky enough to have been given a six pack of Three Floyds Pride and Joy. Three Floyds is an amazing brewery from Munster, Indiana. They used to sell Three Floyds in Philly but they do not distribute here anymore. The Philly beer scene is one of the best that I know, but 100% of my beer nerd friends are sad that Three Floyds is not available in Philly currently. People even drive from all over the states to attend Dark Lord Day, an event in which they sell bottles of their imperial stout, Dark Lord. They are my favorite brewery that I cannot purchase in Southeastern, PA. My favorite beer that they brew is Gumballhead. Not many things make me happier than finding Three Floyds's green and pink bottle caps in my pockets.

Pride and Joy pours a really nice copper color with a generous off white head and lacing that stays around as the contents of my glass empty. The beer is very carbonated with fruit, yeast and a pleasant hop notes. The beer goes down very smooth. I am very much into session beers, and this is one of the best I have ever had.

Overall another home run from Three Floyds. What an interesting concept, take a traditional British mild and add some hops. I was surprised when I learned this beer to be 6.5% abv. Pride and Joy goes down very like a 4% beer.


Like Three Floyds as much as I do? Contact them via their webpage: http://www.3floyds.com/contact-us/

Like I have done, write them and tell them how much you love them and wish you were able to purchase their beer.

Brittish Government Invents Shatterproof Pint Glass

Here is a link to the article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8495617.stm

I found this article to be very interesting. There are over 87,000 pub fights are year in England, which cost the National Health Service over $4 Billion a year. Basically the British government is saying, "Well Liam and Caleb are going to take the Manchester United's loss's a little too hard. They are going to get rowdy and belligerent, but lets keep the shards of glass from harming Cameron while he enjoys his fish and chips." I support this idea, I like the idea of people being able to drink out of glassware while cutting back on injuries in pubs. The shatterproof glasses borrow engineering principles derived from car windshields, which are also designed to keep people safer. The cost of not having to replace glassware so frequently will help more pubs save money as well.

Here is a link to the article from BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8495617.stm

Great article on Dogfish Head

Not my article, I am not that narcissistic. The article is almost a year old, but I think its a good one. I am still shocked about how hard the wood they use for Palo Santo Marron is. I have always been a big fan of DFH, and it is nice to see some really nice press about Sam Calagione.

here is a link to the article:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/11/24/081124fa_fact_bilger?currentPage=all

2010 Beeradvocate.com Stone soup party

Another year has passed. On Saturday January 30th, lots of brave souls left their warm houses to migrate to the General Lafayette Inn in Lafayette Hills,PA. It is a chance for all lovers of beer to meet and share some of their favorite beers. Ev, the organizer of event just wants everyone to have a good time. I arrived at the general with a few friends and could not have been happier. The rules are simple, bring a glass and whichever beer you would like to share put on one of the tables. After the bottles are empty they are placed on the mantle, by the end of the day over 100 bottles accumulated above the fireplace. There was beer from all over the states and the world. The beer was composed of super rare beers from years ago
, beers not distributed anywhere near suburban Philadelphia, and there were amazing home brewed beers. Some of the breweries that were present were: Bells, New Glarus, Dogfish Head, Yards, Deschutes, Three Floyds, Cantillon, Alesmith, Hair of the Dog, Captain Lawrence, Mikkeller, and many others that I am forgetting. The highlights for me were defiantly the 2004 Cantillon Iris, Captain Lawrence cuvee de castleton, Jolly Pumpkin Beer de Mars, 2006 Dogfish head World wide stout and a New Glarus Berliner Weiss from the unplugged series.

I was happy to see so many of my friends and I just waned to Thank Ev, Chris Leonard, and the rest of the General Lafayette Inn crew.

here are a few of my favorite beers I was lucky enough to try:

Ommegang to release 6 new beers this year!

Well this is wonderful. A new beer every few months. I cant wait to check them out, the highlights for me are the Belgian Pale ale and the old bruin. Not many Us breweries have tackled the old bruin, but I have faith that Ommegang will do the style justice.


from draftmag

"Jan-Feb 2010: Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence Stout. Very slightly revised for the 2010 edition. In release.

Mar-Apr: Ommegang BPA (Belgian-style Pale Ale). 5.8% abv. Five malts, two hops, and dry-hopped. Citrus & tropical fruit aromatics.

May-Jun: Ommegang Tripel (name not yet confirmed). Around 9%, spiced, we're in the test brew stages now.

Jul-Aug: Ommegang Sour Ale. Around 6% ABV. Oud Bruin style beer made in collaboration with Liefmans of Belgium. Name TBD.

Sep-Oct: Ommegang Scotch Ale. A new Belgo-Scotch mash up. ABV, name, and even recipe still to be confirmed.

Nov-Dec: Ommegang Adoration. Still 10% ABV, still malty, still big, and spicy. But may be tweaked a bit."