Not a bad lunch, right?

On Monday I had a Festivus from Full Pint.  It's a pleasant brown ale but nothing to write home about.  I had this at Ron's Original in Lionville.  While there I had a "Ron's Choice" which is a cheese steak with Provolone, tomatoes, lettuce and mayo.  It was awesome.

Today (Thursday) I went to TJ's in Paoli for lunch.  I had a great Buffalo Chicken wrap with a cask-conditioned Rogue Brutal IPA.  I thought it was excellent but if I had to complain, the cask-conditioned beer was kept way too cool.  I also had a Pliny the Elder from Russian River.  So all in all, not a bad lunch, right?

Lagunita''s Sucks

Last night at TJ's in Paoli I had a Lagunita's Sucks.  That's not an opinion, but rather the name of the beer.  This is a very good IPA (borderline DIPA).  I also couldn't resist having a Breakfast Stout from Founder's, especially since it was a kegkicker special at $3 a pint.  What a deal!

Playing Catchup Again

I can't believe it was before Thanksgiving when I last posted and now it is December 5th.  Where does the time go?  I had too many beers to remember since last post but here are a couple that I remember (I'll skip the ones I have well-documented like Russian River Blind Pig...awesome).  I had a Bell's Expedition Stout which I thought was pretty good and a Lagunitas IPA I thought was good as well.  At Craft Ale House one night I had a Babayaga which is a very nice smokey stout from Pretty Things.  At Appalachian I had a Keller Pils that I didn't care for that much and an ESB that was not that great either.    I had a Two Threads from McKenzie's which I've talked about before but is worth mentioning again because it is so good.  I think I'm going to score a sixtel of this.  The IPA I had at McKenzie's was not the best but as I got to the bottom of it I started to enjoy it more.  At the Lucky Lab in Royersford I had an awesome Oyster Po Boy sandwich and an even more awesome Racer 5.  The Smuttynose Old Brown Dog that followed was kind of ordinary.  Finally, I went to Victory and had some wings and a Prima Pils followed by a Yakima Glory.  I decided to bring a sixtel of Yakima Glory home with me.

A Variety of Beers

Last Friday I had to watch 2 of the kids while my wife had the 3rd at a Girl Scout meeting.  Since we all needed dinner I decided to take them to Appalachian Brewing Company in Collegeville.  I had a Grinnin' Grizzly first.  This is a Christmas beer and although I'm not usually a fan of spiced beers this one was OK.  But...the Fresh Hop IPA I had after it was much better.  Very nice indeed.

On Saturday, we had lunch at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown.  I had a Helios which tasted different than what I remembered it to taste like.  Rather than an easy-drinking Saison, this was almost like a stronger Belgian-style ale.  I followed that with a Yakima Glory.  Ahhh, that's more like it.  This is a nice, darker-yet-hoppy beer. 

Later in the day on Saturday, I found myself at Rock Bottom in King of Prussia.  I had a cask-conditioned IPA which was actually better than I expected.

Today I had lunch at TJ's Restaurant and Drinkery in Paoli.  I had an IPA from Nebraska Brewing Company.  I enjoyed the heck out of this one.  But...it was $6.50 which I thought was a little steep.  My TJ's Burger was pretty awesome though.

It's That Time of Year Again

Tonight I tapped a Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale in my basement.  It is just one of the reasons why this is my favorite time of the year.  This is a really solid IPA and maybe it's just me but it seems especially good this year.

Iron Hill in Phoenixville

I went to Iron Hill in Phoenixville yesterday afternoon for a couple of beers.  I started with their Pumpkin Ale.  It was a pleasant beer with a mild pumpkin flavor.  Then I had a Roggenbier.  This is a rye beer the describe as "Traditional German dark, rye beer with a huge fruity nose from Bavarian ale yeast. Hints of unsweetened chocolate and caramel from the specialty malts mix with a touch of spiciness from the rye".  It's hard to believe that I actually like this malty beer but I did.  I then had a Hoppopotamus.  OK, this one is changing my opinion about Iron Hill.  They call this a Red Ale but I would call it an IPA.  Either way, it is one good beer.

While sitting at the bar, I noticed that Johnnie Walker Red Label not only has a red label but the words "Red Label" written on the red label.  Ditto for the Black Label.  Seems a little redundant to me although I suppose there could be color-blind bartenders out there.

A Fine Thursday

I had lunch at TJ's in Paoli yesterday.  Along with my wonderful Cajun Chicken sandwich (thanks for bringing back the Le Bus rolls TJ's) I had a cask-conditioned Brutal IPA from Rogue.  This was awesome.  I don't know how much I paid for it but now I see it on their Kegkicker specials for $3 during happy hour.  Maybe later today???  I also had a So Fresh & So Green Green IPA.  The name is puzzling but the beer is OK...not great but OK.

After work I stopped in at the Flying Pig in Malvern.  I started with a Mach 10 from Bear Republic.  This was good as usual.  So was the Stone 15th Anniversary that followed.  This is a nice Black IPA.  I also had a Rogue Mocha Porter.  It had a nice flavor but seemed very weak (watery) to me.  Maybe it was the big alcohol from the earlier beers.

Joboy's Inaugural Visit

First, to catch up on some ancient history, I had the following beers at TJ's last Friday night and forgot to write about them.  Red Rocket Ale from Bear Republic Brewing Company.  This is a great red ale.  Then I had a Victory Village Ale from Victory Brewing Company.  This is a very good brown ale with a definite coffee taste.  Then I had a Indie Pale Ale from Cisco Brewers.  This is a very good IPA.  Finally I had a cask conditioned IPA from Climax Brewing Company.  I am not a big fan of this one.  I guess cask conditioning brings out the flavor of beer so if it's a good beer then it becomes a very good beer but if it's not such a good beer...

This past Saturday I had a really good beer day.  I went to a cask conditioned festival at General Sutter's Inn in Lititz, PA.  All of the beers were cask conditioned and all of them were from the UK.  First up was Dissolution IPA from Kirkstall Brewery.  This was a fantastic IPA.  I followed with a Meantime London IPA from Meantime Brewing Company.  I didn't care for this one at all.  I drank that one quickly and moved on to a Out Of Step IPA from Offbeat Brewery.  Again, I was not particularly fond of  this one.  I ended with an Old Speckled Hen.  I've had this in a can before and have always enjoyed this beer.  I had high expectations coming from a cask but it was just OK.  About as good as when I have a can (which is pretty good) so my expectations may have been unrealistic.

Afterwards, I went for my inaugural visit to Joboy's Brewpub in Manheim.  This is a friendly place and owner Jeff did everything he could to make me comfortable.  I started with the red ale which was pretty darn good.  Then I had the IPA which was fantastic.  I ended with a porter which was an enjoyable end to my visit.  But in between I had one of the finest meals I've had in a long time.  I had a pork sandwich with a Memphis-style BBQ sauce that was out of this world.  Along with my sandwich I had collard greens and a heaping helping of fried okra.  Man, was that good eatin'.  I can't wait to get back out there again.  Next time I'll take my family.  I saw plenty of families coming in and I asked Maria Jo (the Jo in Joboy's) about it.  She said they were definitely family friendly.  I need to find a good excuse to get out to Lancaster County again...and soon.

Sadly, on the way home I stopped in at the Drafting Room in Exton for a quick one.  I chose the ESB from St. Boniface.  I really like this brewer but this one didn't sit right with me this night.  It may have been the other beers I had before it...I don't know.  I'm still a big fan of St. Boniface.

Life is Good

While watching the Penn State game yesterday I decided to have a couple of bottles rather than draughts.  I opened a Perpetual IPA from Tröegs Brewing Company.  This was my first beer of the day and it tasted extra good.  I then picked a bottle out of the refrigerator that I've had for a while.  It was Hoppy Feet from Clown Shoes.  This is a very good Black IPA.  These two beers and a 10-7 victory for Penn State...life is good.

Getting Around This Weekend

Friday after work I went to the Flying Pig in Malvern for a couple of beers.  First up was Scrimshaw Pilsner from North Coast Brewing Company.  This was a pretty unremarkable pilsner.  Perhaps because our local pilsners from Victory and Sly Fox are so good my expectations are skewed.  I followed that with a Cape of Good Hope Imperial IPA from Yards Brewing Company.  Again, I found this to be an unremarkable beer.  Later that night I made it to the Craft Ale House in Limerick.  I started there with a Mongo DIPA from Port Brewing Company.  Now that's more like it.  This is a very good DIPA.  Finally I had a Founder's Breakfast Stout.  I have said before that this is the best Stout I've ever had but tonight for some reason it was just very good.

On Saturday I went to Appalachian Brewing Company in Collegeville.  I started with Batch 666 which they told me was a "stout-like" beer.  This was a nice enough beer but doesn't compare to that Breakfast Stout I had last night.  I followed with a pumpkin ale which was very good.  Not over the top with pumpkin but just right.  It looks like this...

On the way  home I had to pass right by Iron Hill in Phoenixville so I stopped in there to see what was going on.  I started with a Saison which was good.  I followed that with a Hoppopotamus which is an American Amber Ale.  This is a very very good beer.  I enjoyed the heck out of that one.  But, $6 for the Saison and $7 for the Hoppopotamus seems a little high to me.



Duh

I just saw this article on MSN and had to laugh.  Big Beer still doesn't get it.  People don't want yellow fizzy water.  Here's an idea Big Beer.  You have all of the resources (brewmasters, facilities, money) to make really good beer...every bit as good as the best craft beers.  And with those resources, you could produce it more cheaply than the little guy.  When you do, I will buy your product.  And don't worry about those phonies who say they are in it to support the little guy.  When you produce a better product and offer it for a lower price...we will come.

Just My Luck

I went to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny on Sunday and as luck would have it they were having an event (actually I think the event was Saturday but continued on Sunday).  However, it is MY luck that we are talking about so this didn't have a happy ending.  It was all Dogfish Head...all taps, almost.  Now I've never met a Dogfish Head beer that I liked so I knew I was in trouble.  I couldn't even bring myself around to picking one so I just asked the bartender to pick for me.  He poured a Theobroma.  It was about as good as any other Dogfish Head beer I have had in the past.  I didn't stick around for a second beer.

Tonight I tapped a Blue Point Hoptical Illusion at my house.  I had a keg of this before at the house and didn't care for it but every time I have one at a bar I love it.  I only had one tonight but I'm not loving it.  I hope it is just my mood and tomorrow this will be as good as when I have one out.

We Like The Funk

Stopped in TJ's today and had a Full Pint Chinookie IPA.  It was OK.  Not a great IPA but OK.  Then I had a Little Sumpin' Wild from Lagunitas.  Yeah, I like this one.  You gotta like the funk or you won't like this beer.  Well done Lagunitas.

Speaking of funk, I had the opportunity to stop in McKenzie's in Frazer for a couple.  Both were Two Threads.  This funky beer is awesome as far as I'm concerned.  Maybe not as good as their Houblonette but pretty darn good.

Friday Night Delights

So I went to The Flying Pig in Malvern for lunch and had a cask-conditioned Racer 5 from Bear Republic.  Yeah, it was awesome.  Then I had a Firestone Walker IPA and it was awesome too!  I guess my weekend was starting out pretty good.  The grilled chicken sandwich I had was pretty good as well.  Fresh mozzarella, grilled chicken, roasted peppers in a nice wrap.

After work I stopped in at McKenzie's in Frazer.  I had a couple of Two Threads which is a nice sour ale (Saison) similar to their Houblonette which I have raved about.  I also had their Bertha which is a big malty beer and pretty good if you like that style.

Now I'm home having a couple of Storm Kings and life is good.

Victory and more Victory

I finally did it.  I got a keg of Victory Storm King for the house.  It's such a big beer I have resisted getting a keg of it...until now.  I always thought it would take me forever to get through a keg of it.  Now that I'm having a pint I'm starting to think this is going to kick way too quickly.  Time will tell.  I took my 5 and 7 year olds to Victory for lunch last Saturday and had a Storm King from the hand pump.  I think that probably influenced my decision this evening.  Truth be told, the cask conditioned is better but I ain't complaining.  Also on Saturday I had a Moonglow Weizenbach.  That's a great beer if you like malty beers.  I always look forward to having one or two in the fall and then I've had my fill.

Also recently I was to TJ's in Paoli and had a Summit Silver Anniversary Ale.  This is a pleasant IPA that might be improved with a little more hops, but a solid IPA.  I followed with a Pliny the Elder from Russian River.  Need I say more?

I also recently went to the Drafting Room in Exton and had a Chipotle Ale from Rogue.  I had to ask the server if he actually poured me the Chipotle because I was getting smoke but no heat and there was a Rogue Smoke beer on the tap right next to the Chipotle.  Confident that he poured the correct beer he gave me a taste of the smoke beer and sure enough he was right.  The Chipotle Ale was smokey from the Chipotle peppers which makes sense but I would have hoped for a little more heat.  Maybe I've burned out my taste buds.  I ended with a Chatoe Rogue Oregasmic Ale.  This is a very good pale ale.  Nice and creamy.  Can't wait to have another.

Saisons or Pliny The Elder

I made it to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny Saturday for their event, "Saisons In The Sun" but I was toting my 3 daughters along so I knew I couldn't stay long.  My first was Saison By The Sea from Coronado Brewing Company.  I love Saisons but this one was only average.  In fact, for my second beer I didn't even have another Saison but opted for a Double IPA instead.  How could I go to a Saison event and not drink Saisons?  Well, the DIPA on tap was Pliny the Elder.  Case closed.  We still had one more playground visit before the day was through so Pliny seemed like a fitting closer.

Another TJ's Friday Night

I stopped into TJ's in Paoli last night after work and started with an Oskar Blues G'Knight (formerly Gordon).  This is a pretty good DIPA.  I followed with a Brew Free or Die IPA from 21st Ammendment.  This was another nice beer.  Not the best IPA I've ever had but certainly a beer that I would buy again.

Dock St. Rye IPA on Tap

I forgot to mention that I just tapped a Rye IPA from Dock Street and I'm enjoying the first one.  This beer is excellent.  At this time I'm wishing I had more than a sixtel.  I guess they'll brew more.

Has it been a month already?

So it's been about a month since my last post.  I've had many good beers since then but time does not allow me to post about them all.  Here are the highlights.

TJ's - Lost Abbey Witch's Wit was pretty good, kind of earthy.  Flying Dog Single Hop (Centennial) Imperial IPA was OK.  Jolly Pumpkin Weizen BAM was a real nice one.  Sierra Nevada Jack and Ken's was a very good Barleywine.

Appalachian Brewing Company, Collegeville - Kipona Marzen was OK but not my style.  They also had three (that's 3) DIPA's using 3 different hops.  Three 8 oz glasses for $9.  The Nugget was the best, I would say excellent.  The Cascade was a close second and the Summit...not so much.

Craft Ale House - Dogtown Pale Ale from Lagunitas was awesome as usual.  I'll go on record and say it is the best Pale Ale I've ever had.  Pretty Things Hedgerow Bitter was not my thing. 

Joe's All American - I really want this bar to succeed in Phoenixville but, I don't know.  The best they had on was Flying Fish Farmhouse Summer Ale which is ironic because I would like to get a Flying Fish beer that I like and I keep trying but it was not to be.

The Trapp Door - Furthermore Knot Stock was a nice enough pale ale but not worth the $6.  The cask-conditioned Blue Point Toxic Sludge is an excellent black ale.  I don't know if it was worth the $7 I paid but it was excellent.  I've said it before...this place has some really great beer but they are priced about $2 more than they should be.  I did have a tomato salad with peach salsa and goat cheese that was excellent.

The Drafting Room - Russian River Blind Pig was great as usual as was the Green Flash West Coast IPA.

I took a trip to Dallas, TX and had dinner at a place called Shellfish.  Dinner was good but the best beer they had on tap was Fat Tire.  I only had one.  It's an OK beer.  After dinner we went to a place down the street called Ginger Man.  The bartender suggested a 512 IPA.  He said it was a local (Austin) brewer.  Don't call it "five-twelve".  It is "five-one-two".  Names after the area code apparently.  Regardless, this was a most excellent IPA.  I like it so much I got a Pecan Porter from 512 also.  OK, this one wasn't as good as the IPA.  But man, if I get back to Texas I'm looking for that 512 IPA again.  Ye haw!

Back home (actually on the way home) from Texas I stopped in at TJ's.  I had a Matacabras from Dave's Brewfarm.  I never heard of this brewer before.  This beer was a Belgian Strong Dark Ale.  Not really my thing.  Then I had a Souther Tier Harvest Ale which is a nice-enough pale ale. 

Back to the Craft Ale House for a Great Divide 17th Anniversary DIPA which was OK.  Then a Founder's Breakfast Stout.  You know that was awesome.  Still the best Stout I've ever had.  Then I had an Insanity from Weyerbacher.  This is a pretty good beer but you have to like the taste of Bourbon because you are going to get it.  And coconut and vanilla now that I think about it.

Victory Brewing Company - Took the family for lunch.  I had a Hickory Prime sandwich that was pretty good but doesn't compare to my usual Deitrich.  To go along with it I had a Mad King (great), then a Yakima cask-conditioned (great) and then a Storm King (great).

That's about all I can remember since the last post. 

Another Belated Posting

Still catching up from the weekend so here goes.
Friday at the Flying Pig in Malvern to go along with a great cheesesteak I had a Le Merle from North Coast Brewing Company.  This is a very good Saison but I needed something a little darker to go with my cheesesteak.  I got a cask conditioned Midnight Sun Porter from Williams Brothers Brewing Company out of Scotland.  It went well with my sandwich.

For dinner my wife and I went out to Daddy Mim's in Phoenixville.  I had a most awesome Seafood Court-Bouillon (COO-B-YOON).  Shrimp, crabmeat, crawfish and scallops in a Creole sauce.  It was excellent.  We had 2 bottles of wine with dinner.  The first was a 2006 Roar Santa Lucia Highland Pinot Noir which I thought was very good and my wife thought was excellent.  The second was a 2006 Seasmoke Botella which I thought was equally good but my wife...not so much.  After dinner we enjoyed the festivities that are Phoenixville on a first Friday of the month during a summer month.  Which includes outdoor concerts and plenty of people watching.  We stopped in at the Iron Hill where I had a cask-conditioned Hoppopotamus.  This big red ale is probably the best Iron Hill has ever had.

On Saturday I made it to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny for a quick two.  Up first was a Union Jack IPA from Firestone Walker Brewing Company.  This is a most excellent IPA.  I followed with a quick Mongo IPA from Port Brewing Company.  This is an excellent Imperial IPA but I don't recommend having a "quick" one of these.  I didn't have the time to savor it and frankly it went straight to my head.  No complaints.

Another Weekend

Another weekend will soon be here and I didn't post about last weekend yet.  Here goes:

Friday at the Victory in Downingtown I started with a Helios.  What a great Saison.  Then I moved on to a  Yakima Glory to have with my Reuben Deitrich sandwich.  Both were excellent.  Friday night at TJ's in Paoli I started with a Belgian Independence Day Saison from Brewery Ommegang.  I was a little turned off when I heard the word "spice" in the description but fear not.  This is a very good Saison.  I didn't get the spice.  I got a nice, dry Saison.  I followed with a #500 DIPA from Nogne-O (Norway).  It had a nice floral nose and a nice mouthfeel but the taste...not my thing.  Next I sampled a Tongue Buckler from Ballast Point Brewing Company.  This is an Imperial Red Ale but I didn't care for it at all.  That's surprising considering I usually love this brewer.  I "settled" for a Double Jack DIPA from Firestone Walker.  The "settled" in parenthesis is because there is no settling here.  This is a great DIPA.  On the way home I started to get thirsty so I stopped at the Pickering Creek Inn.  I had an unremarkable Laughing Dog Alpha Dog.  I was expecting an awesome Imperial IPA but it was not to be.  I moved on to Iron Hill (Phoenixville) where my expectations were low.  To my surprise I had a quite enjoyable Hoppopotamus Red IPA.  It was even better when I got the happy hour price of $4 instead of the usual $7.  I wanted another happy hour beer but nothing else on the menu got my attention.  Time to go home but on the way I got thirsty so I stopped in for a quick one at the Sly Fox.  That Saison Vos is a fine beer, isn't it?  Then I had the Route 113 IPA.  I'm still not a fan of this beer but a lot of folks are.

Saturday at the Craft Ale House in Limerick I started with a 18th Anniversary from Avery which is a Rye Saison?  What the heck is that?  It was an OK.  Then I went back for another Lucky 13 from Lagunitas.  Ahhh, that's more like it.  This big red ale is a nice hoppy red. 

The Trapp Door and Beyond

I've had a couple of beers the past week I have been meaning to post about so here goes.

At TJ's in Paoli I had (from a firkin) a Black Strap from Voodoo Brewing Company in Meadville, PA.  This was a nice, dark American Strong Ale...not overdone.

I went to the place that used to be the Tap and Table in Emmaus.  It is now called The Trapp Door.  I started with a Mönchshof Kellerbier from Kulmbacher Brauerie in Germany.  This is a good Keller Bier.  More malty than I normally like but very enjoyable.  To make up for the lack of hops, I had a cask-conditioned Snake Dog IPA from Flying Dog Brewery.  It was very good.  I ended with a Sublimely Self Righteous from Stone.  This is an excellent Black Ale.  The hops come through all that darkness with ease.  I never complain about beer prices because I am happy to pay a premium for the fine beers that I enjoy but...my general feeling is that the beers at The Trapp Door were all priced about $2 more than they should have been.  I mean, $7 for a cask conditioned Sly Fox Chester County Bitter?  Come on!

I made it back to Appalachian Brewing Company in Collegeville and had a cask-conditioned Hoppy Trails IPA along with my reuben sandwich.  Both were excellent.  Then I had the Outta Focus DIPA.  I'm not a big fan of this one.  There was just something in the taste that I just didn't care for and I normally love my DIPA's.

Sly Fox for Dinner

We went to the Sly Fox in Phoenixville for dinner tonight.  I started with an Oysterfest Red Ale.  This is a new one and it was OK.  Nothing extraordinary but OK.  I had it with a pulled pork BBQ sandwich which I enjoyed the heck out of but I was jealous of the meatloaf sandwich my wife had.  It looked really good.  I followed the red with a Saison Vos which was great as usual.  On the way out I picked up a keg of Royal Weisse to take home with me.

Another Fine Weekend

So here's the run down on last weekend. 

Friday, I started at the Flying Pig with a pizza steak and a Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA...both were awesome.  Then I had a Sneaky Pete Imperial IPA.  I asked who the brewer was and they didn't seem to know.  If I could ever figure out the internet I'd do a search and find out but so far all I can do is guess that it is Laughing Dog (possibly in collaboration with another brewer I never heard of).  The alcohol was right there, right up front.  No attempt to hide the 10% abv.  Otherwise, it was a nice enough beer.

Later at the Drafting Room I had a Ryevalry Belgian IPA from Bear Republic Brewing Company.  My first Ryevalry a couple of weeks ago was fantastic.  This one not so much.  It was still very good but I had built it up in my head and my expectations were quite high.  This time I got the Belgian taste but it came off as kind of perfumey for my taste.  Next up was a Sierra Nevada Exportation "barrel aged" beer camp beer.  Apparently the owner of Exton Beverage attended beer camp and this was the result.  It smelled like wine and was quite sour (in a good way).  I would love to have this again but will probably never get the chance.  I believe this is a one-off.  Only time for one more so I have to make it a good one.  It's Angel's Share Brandy Barrel-Aged from The Lost Abbey.  This 12% abv behemoth was the perfect end to the night.  It smelled like wine (not surprisingly) and tasted like caramel and at the end had a fruity (prune) taste.  Very nice and complex.

On Saturday it was a quick trip into Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny.  I had another Lost Abbey beer.  This time it was Devotion Belgian-style Ale.  This is a nice enough ale, especially for a hot day like it was.  But, it was not extraordinary.

On Sunday I had dinner at Appalachian Brewing Company in Collegeville.  I started with a Purist Pale Ale and a grilled Caesar salad with blackened tuna.  The pale ale was nice enough but the salad was interesting.  They actually grille the lettuce quickly, thus the "grilled Caesar".  It was very good and the tuna was rare, just as ordered.  I followed with a cask-conditioned Hoppy Trails IPA.  As compared to the draft version, this one had a big floral aroma and a creamier mouthfeel.  It was a very good beer indeed.  I had a sample of the draft IPA for comparison and they were like two different beers.  The draft version is a good IPA but that cask-conditioned version...NICE.

Saint's Come Marching In

I was in Ephrata, PA on business today.  I knew there was a brewery in town that I was just becoming aware of.  It is St. Boniface.  I have had one of their beers, Libation and thought it was a very good DIPA.  So I decided to see if I could find the brewery.  My co-worker was kind enough to oblige.  We saw a sign that directed us to a parking lot in an industrial section.  Then another sign on the wall and we knew we were close.  Unable to find the brewery, we asked a passer-by on the parking lot.  As luck would have it, that passer-by was the brewer and co-owner Jon Northup.  He invited us in for a look.  They have a nice little set-up there.  John asked Dan to pour us some samples and Jon went back to doing what brewers/owners must do to pay the bills.  Dan is the kind of guy you just want to hang out with.  He knows good beer and he knows the places that serve it even if they are a good distance from Ephrata.  He was familiar with all of my hangouts.  Dan started us off with a Wheat beer.  It was clean and true to the style.  Then we moved on to the ESB.  Another fine beer.  After that was a Tattoo's Ink Black Currant Stout.  Very nice.  Then it was the Hegemony Imperial Stout.  I'm not sure why they have two very nice stouts on at the same time but I'm not complaining.  Finally, after those big stouts, we had the Libation DIPA.  Some DIPA's would have had a problem following those stouts but not Libation.  This is a very nice tasting, well balanced DIPA.  I could drink it all day long if not for the alcohol.  I was sad to leave but I will look for and drink St. Boniface beers at every chance.

On the way home we stopped for lunch at Union Barrel Works in Reamstown.  Some things never change.  The food is very good.  The beers are well made but there is this aversion to using hops aggressively.  Hey, it's your brewery.  Anyway, I had a nice Buffalo Chicken Wrap with a clean pilsner.  I also sampled the Hefe Weizen which was actually kind of good.

About Last Weekend

Last Friday I stopped at the Flying Pig in Malvern for lunch.  I had a great cheesesteak and started with a Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA.  Yeah, this is a really good IPA.  Then I had a Hop Crisis DIPA from 21st Ammendment.  They call this an Imperial IPA?  To me it was more like a Barleywine.  It was good though.

On Saturday I made the trip to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny and enjoyed a Lucky 13 from Lagunitas Brewing Company.  This is a big Red Ale with plenty of hops.  Very enjoyable.  Then I had a Gatlin Damnosis Bourbon Barrel Aged Sour Barleywine from Anderson Valley Brewing Company.  It was only mildly sour, not overdone.  What a fantastic beer.  I was tasting wild cherries and prunes.

Later in the day we stopped in to Appalachian Brewing Company in Collegeville.  I started with a Mad Cameron Belgian Wit.  I thought this was a pretty good Wit.  Definitely refreshing on a 90 degree day like Saturday was.  Then I ordered a rack of ribs and a Hinterland Hefe Weizen.  This is another refreshing beer.  Very nice.  The best part...my first beer was free thanks to my newly minted membership in ABC's Mug Club.  Like is good.

I Said it Was a Long Holiday Weekend

Over the course of the last weekend or so I made it to the following:

TJ's in Paoli for a Laughing Dog Rocket Dog Rye PA.  This is a pretty good beer but not quite as good as the Wipeout IPA from Port Brewing that followed it.

The Flying Pig in Malvern for a couple of beers starting with an Inversion IPA from Deschutes Brewery.  This was a very good IPA.  Next up was a Seven Giraffes Scottish Ale cask-conditioned.  This was OK but not as good as I expected partly because it is not my style of beer.  After that was a Cuvee Des Jacobins Rouge from Brouwerij Bockor N.V.  This is a very good Flanders red sour.  Maybe a little too tart for my taste but I'd get it again.  Finally I had an Extra Sour Quad from Gaverhopke.  This is a dark, big alcohol sour.  Very nice but you wouldn't want a second one in the same sitting. 

Later in the weekend it was up to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny for a Sculpin IPA from Ballast Point which was excellent as usual.  I also finally opened a bomber of Black Jack Stout from DuClaw Brewing Company.  This is a nice Russian Imperial Stout although I suspect it is even better on draught. 

Yet again, later in the weekend (after all it was a long holiday weekend) I was back at TJ's for a Saison Erbe from Dock Street.  I love my Saisons and if I had to complain it was maybe a little spicy for my taste.  Then I had another Saison.  This was a Sly Fox - DeProef collaboration Broederlijke Liefde.  This is a very nice Saison.  You definitely taste the Brett.  For some odd reason I followed this with a Love and Hoppiness from Rogue.  Bad choice on my part.  I didn't care for the beer but again, probably because of the order I drank them.  I followed that with a Firestone Walker Union Jack which is a nice, grassy IPA and then finally another Port Wipeout.  That Wipeout may be the perfect IPA. 

Next I went to McKenzie's in Malvern for dinner.  To my great surprise they still had the Houblonette on.  This is my favorite Saison of all time.  I had a couple with dinner not even considering trying something else at McKenzie's.  Come on guy's...make this a year-round offering!

 

New Hang Outs and New Beers (to me)

Since my last post on Friday I've managed to have several really good beers so here goes.

I went to the Craft Ale House in Limerick and had my first beer from St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company.  They are out of Ephrata, PA.  The beer I had was called Libation...a DIPA.  This was a pleasant surprise.  A very nice tasting beer but if they didn't tell me it was a DIPA I would not have guessed.  It was not that hoppy or bitter.  I don't know if I would even call it an IPA...maybe a Pale Ale.  Regardless, I liked it a lot.  I also had something called a Bitchin' Camaro from Voodoo Brewing Company.  It was described on the menu as a golden Saison but this was not golden.  It was more of a red-ish amber.  It was a nice beer but I've had much better Saisons recently. 

I went to Appalachian Brewing Company in Collegeville.  I enjoyed a Hinterland Hefe Weizen.  This is a very good, dry Hefe.  I then had a great Reuben sandwich and an ESB which I was told was a "one-off" beer (i.e. they only had 1 keg of it).  It was OK.  I don't know why they call these beers bitter though.  There was nothing bitter about it.

I went to Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown.  I had a Braumeister Pils (Saaz) which was very good.  In fact, I pick up a sixtel of it while I was there.  I followed that with a cask-conditioned Storm King which was awesome as usual.  While in Downingtown, I decided to make my first visit to the Station Taproom.  I was not happy about the metered parking and I suspect it would be hard to find a parking spot at a busy time of the day but it was late Saturday afternoon so I was OK.  It is a small place with a great line-up of beers.  I started with a Sierra Nevada Exportation.  This is a sour ale and it was fantastic.  Not unlike a Rodenbach Grand Cru.  The best part...it was served in a pint glass.  Not one of those sissy tulip glasses or anything.  I got the last pint of it and it was gone.  I next had a Hill Farmstead Double Citra IPA which is another DIPA.  It was pretty good but following that Exportation I'm not sure I gave it a chance.  I hope I can get another one of these to see how really good it is.  I never even heard of this brewer before stepping into the Station Taproom.  I can't wait to visit again.

I stopped in Ron's Original in Exton and had a Golden Cap Saison from New Holland.  I am not a big fan.  I stopped in the Epicurean in Phoenixville and had an HP Striker from Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub.  It was alright.
 

So Far So Good

Today I managed to get to TJ's in Paoli, The Drafting Room in Exton, and the Sly Fox in Phoenixville and the night is young.  At TJ's, I started with a 5th Anniversary DIPA from Port Brewing.  It was great.  I followed with another DIPA.  This time it was the Brewmaster's Series DIPA from Long Trail.  Again a very good DIPA.  Later at the Drafting Room, I had a cask-conditioned Racer 5 from Bear Republic.  You know this was a good one.  Then finally at the Sly Fox I had a Pikeland Pils which was as good as always.

Better Late Than Never

Well it's been a while since I've posted but I did have a couple of interesting beers last weekend and I thought I should post them before another weekend begins.  Last Friday I started off at TJ's Restaurant and Drinkery in Paoli.  I had the great Cajun Chicken sandwich and an Alpine Black IPA from Otter Creek.  This was a pretty tasty beer but I probably could have made a better choice to go along with my sandwich.  But it was a very good beer.  Later on Friday I went to the Drafting Room in Exton.  I started with a Mirror Pond Pale Ale from Deschutes Brewery.  This is a pleasant pale ale.  Then I had a Weyerbacher 16.  Apparently the "16" is for their 16th anniversary. This is a dark Braggot.  What is a dark Braggot?  I hadn't heard of it before either.  It turns out a Braggot is a mixture of beer and mead or something of that sort.  This was a weird beer but I mean that in a good way.  Hard to describe but it was darker and drier than I expected.  I ended the night with a Hop In The Dark Cascadian Dark Ale also from Deschutes.  You know Cascadian Dark Ale is really the same as a Black IPA.  Well, this one is really good.  I can't wait to get another one. 

On Saturday I went to the Craft Ale House in Limerick for a quick beer or two.  Up first was a Ryevalry from Bear Republic.  They call this a "American-Belgo-Style Double IPA.  I am always leary about the "Belgo" when it comes to IPA's but this beer was fantastic.  Bear Republic does it again.  Makes me want to move to California...OK, not really but they have great beer don't they?  Next up was Cellar Door Saison from Stillwater Artisanal Ales.  Yeah, I should have had this before that IPA but I could still taste it (sort of) and what I tasted was good.  I need to find it again and make it my first beer of the day.

Three New (to me) Beers That Are Really Good

So I had a couple of interesting beers this past weekend.  I started off at TJ's in Paoli with a Rye of the Tiger from Great Lakes Brewing Company.  This is a very good beer.  Then I had an Engine 20, another Great Lakes beer.  It was a smokey pale ale.  It was an interesting beer.  It doesn't fit any classification, just an unusual smokey pale ale.  Nice.

I also made it up to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny for a quick one.  It was a 215 Pale Ale from Southern Tier.  I don't know if it is true but I hear it was brewed for Philly Beer Week and thus the 215.  Well, it's hard for me to get excited about a pale ale but this one is excellent.  It's about the color of Budweiser but don't let that discourage you.  Now I have 2 pale ales that I think are excellent.  Southern Tier 215 and Lagunitas Dogtown Pale Ale.  I only hope that Southern Tier decides to make this one a year-round offering.

Iron Abbey Finally and a Victory

On Tuesday I found myself out on the Turnpike near Horsham so I thought it would be a good time to finally try going to the Iron Abbey.  As it turns out, it is right on North Easton Road and there is plenty of parking out back.  I would say it is only about 5 minutes from the Turnpike exit.

Once inside I liked the place already.  It has a nice comfortable feeling to it.  Not too dark, not too light.  Friendly and helpful bartender.  I started with a Snake Dog IPA from Flying Dog Brewery.  It was a tastey IPA.  Not extraordinary but I'd get it again.  I was only going to have one but Boris the bartender gave me a sample of Green Gold IPA from Mikkeller.  This is an American-style IPA from Denmark.  I thought it was pretty good and asked for a pint.  This was a great first visit to a pub I hope to return to every chance I get.

On Wednesday I had two of my daughters with me for a visit to the doctors out in the Exton area.  After the doctors everyone was ready for dinner so we went to Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown.  Along with the kiddie hamburger (which wasn't "kiddie" at all from the looks of it) we had an order of their wonderful smokey chipotle wings.  I started with a Sunrise Weissbier which was perfect for this 98 degree day.  Then I couldn't resist a cask-conditioned Storm King Imperial Stout.  Once you've had the Storm King you know it's time to go home...and that's exactly what we did.

Need More Time for Beer

This past Memorial Day weekend I worked like a dog out in the yard so there wasn't much time for beer.  However, I did manage to stop into TJ's in Paoli on Friday after work.  I had a Saison from Nogne O - Det Kompromisslose Bryggeri A/S.  This is a very nice, dry saison from Norway.  Then I had a White Ale from Williamsburg AleWerks.  This is a very nice witbier.  I then had a Commodore Perry IPA from Great Lakes Brewing Company.  I remember having this out of a bottle and not caring for it much but this one on draught was very good. 

On Saturday I did manage to get a break and have a quick dinner at the new Appalachian Brewpub in Collegeville.  I had the Mile High meatloaf which is served just as shown in the picture on the menu.  It tasted great too.  If I have to complain it may have been a little overcooked (dry) but not much.  I'll get it again.  I got the beer sampler which is a pretty good way to have a taste of all of their beers for $10.  And it's not just a sip but a nice size taste of each.  I had Water Gap Wheat (not great), Mountain Lager (not great), Purist Pale Ale (very good), Jolly Scot Scottish Ale (OK, not remarkable), Trail Blaze Organic Brown Ale (nice), Hoppy Trails IPA (very good), Susquehanna Stout (good) and their May specialty beer Maibock (OK, just not my style).

On Sunday I didn't stop working in the yard until it got dark.  I had just enough time to shower and get to the Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown for a couple of beers before bed.  I had the Summer Love which gets a lot of good press but I'm not that impressed.  Then I had the Sunrise Weissbier which was excellent.  I was about to order a cask-conditioned Storm King when the bartender came over and said "Last Call".  I was shocked for a couple of reasons.  Firstly, it was 10:00pm and I thought they would have been open later (although admittedly the holiday had thrown my days off), and secondly because I never shut down the Victory before.  I'm usually the guy there in the afternoons, not late night.  Anyway, I was not willing to rush downing a cask-conditioned Storm King so I decided to call it a night.  Wow, how I've grown.

Stupid 1/2 Acre of Lawn. What was I thinking?

I had lunch at the Flying Pig in Malvern today.  The cheesesteak was awesome as usual.  My first beer was a Hop Hog IPA from Lancaster Brewing Company.  My co-worker buddy had the same thing.  It was OK.  I've had this before at the brewery and it's probably the best beer Lancaster makes.  I was all set to have a Rodenbach next.  But a funny thing happened.  The server asked my buddy if he was ready for another and he said "yes, the same".  I thought it unusual that she didn't as me as my beer was just as empty as his.  The next thing I knew she brought over another Hop Hog for him and another for me.  I'm not sure why she thought he was ordering for me but...whatever.  It was an honest mistake so I didn't even tell her but I sure wish I had that Rodenbach instead.

After work I went to TJ's in Paoli.  I started with a Nogne O Saison.  This might be my first Norwegian beer.  It was pretty good.  Of course, I love Saisons.  I followed that with a White Ale from Williamsburg Alewerks.  This is a really good whitbier.  Crisp and clean.  Then I moved on to a Commodore Perry IPA from Great Lakes Brewing Company.  I thought this was pretty good also.  I wouldn't travel for one of these but if it's on the chalkboard I'll get one again.

I made a quick stop into the Sly Fox in Phoenixville as I waited for my pizza (Bravo) to cook.  I had a Royal Weisse which was excellent as usual.  I had to call it quits for the night so I could get the lawn mowed.  Two hours of pushing the lawn mower and I was ready for a beer when I finally got that done.  This Tall Grass Oasis is sure a fine beer. 

Almost Forgot Sam Adams

I almost forgot I tried a Rustic Saison from Sam Adams the other day while at Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny.  I guess I almost forgot because this beer is kind of forgettable.  I love Saison's.  This one was what you would expect from Samuel Adams.  It was well made, clean and not extraordinary.  Sure I be happy to drink several of these on a hot summer day but I'd be happier drinking that Houblonette from McKenzie's.

Only Time For One

I made a quick stop in the Drafting Room in Exton today.  I only had time for one and I chose Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A. from Shmaltz Brewing Company (He' Brew).  This is a good DIPA.  Not the best but pretty good.  At 10% abv I only had one.

Afterwards, I went to Exton Beverage and picked up a sixtel of Oasis from Tall Grass Brewing Company.  According to the company, "Oasis is a Double ESB/IPAish beer".  That sounds about right to me.  I've had a couple of these while out and about.  I hope they taste just as good at home.

 

Manayunk (Brewery) Revival

I went to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny yesterday and had a California Dreamin' from Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant.  It's was part of my experiment to determine if it is my imagination or have Manayunk beers improved as of late.  After finishing this very nice DIPA I have to conclude "YES".  I don't know what they did but they seem to be brewing a lot better now than in the past.  It wasn't long ago I had their Hop Phanatic and thought that was pretty good too, but the California Dreamin' is a different story.  I never had the Hop Phanatic before that tasting but I have had California Dreamin' before yesterday and was never impressed.  So something has changed in the brewery that would change (improve) an existing recipe.  I am pleased to witness a Manayunk Revival.

Netherlands Close to Belgium

Last night after work I went to TJ's in Paoli for a couple.  Up first was a very safe choice...Stone Sublimely Self Righteous.  Safe because I've had this on many occasions and it is always an excellent choice.  I guess you would call it a Black IPA if you tried to put it into a category.  I followed that with a Storm & Averij from Brouwerij De Molen in the Netherlands.  I wasn't particularly fond of this DIPA.  I guess I feel like the Dutch (and Belgians for that matter) shouldn't try to brew DIPA's (which I consider an American style) just like American's shouldn't try to beat the Belgians at their own game.  Have you ever had a Belgian-style beer brewed in America that compares to the finest Belgium has to offer?  Me either.

That's A Lot Of Beer

I went to the Grand Opening of Appalachian Brewing Company’s brewpub in Collegeville last Thursday night. Yes, it was their first day of operation and I couldn’t wait to check out the place. I haven’t been in that space since it was the New Road brewpub. I can’t remember exactly what it looked like when it was New Road but it mustn’t have looked a lot different as I wasn’t shocked by what I saw when I got there. The opening wasn’t advertised so I guess they wanted a soft opening. It looked like that is what they got. It was me and 5 or 6 other middle-aged men sitting at the bar. Of course I didn’t get there until after 10:00pm so what’s to expect?
First up was a Hoppy Trails IPA. This was really good but I couldn’t wait for my next beer. I have been craving a Broad Street Barley Wine for a couple of years now. That’s because it has been a couple of years since I’ve been to ABC’s brewpub in Harrisburg. I always loved their barley wine and I loved the fact that they have it year-round. I must have built this up in my head over the years because I didn’t enjoy it the way I expected. Sure, it was good. But in my mind, I had remembered this awesome, none better, barley wine. I’ll have to try one again real soon.
Friday night I stopped at the Drafting Room in Exton. I started with a Field Mouse’s Farewell from Pretty Things. This is a very good saison. I followed with a Belvidere Big IPA from Rock Art. It was a pretty good IPA. Pretty bitter especially following that saison.
Saturday I went to the Craft Ale House in Limerick. I started there with a E.S. Bam from Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. This is a nice earthy saison. I am beginning to enjoy the heck out of these. I followed with a Hop Head Red from Green Flash Brewing Company. This is a very good red ale. I ended my stay at Craft Ale House with a Mongo IPA from Port Brewing Company. This is actually a DIPA and a very good one.
Later Saturday night I went to Pickering Creek Inn in Phoenixville. I started with a St. Botolph’s Rustic Dark Ale from Pretty Things. This is a very good brown ale. I ended with a Blind Faith IPA from Magic Hat. I have tried different beers from Magic Hat over the years and never understood their popularity. I generally don’t care for their beers. But I keep trying them periodically as is my normal practice. I must admit that I enjoyed the heck out of this one. I’m sure I’ve had the Blind Faith before but this time it was actually very good.
On Sunday I took the wife and Kids to Union Jack’s Inn on the Manatawny for dinner. I only had one beer. It was Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema from Anderson Valley. I normally like this brewer but I didn’t care for this one. It was OK but kind of ordinary.

A Victory???

I went to Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown tonight after work to pick up another keg.  While there I had a Braumeister Pils at the bar.  Then I sampled a Bayrisch Pale Ale.  Then I went to the retail store and picked up a keg of Bayrisch Pale Ale.  This is actually a steam beer (California Common).  It's not like any other Victory beer I've ever had.  I won't say it's their best but I'll give it some time.  I've only had a pint so far.

Another Weekend Came and Went

Another weekend came and went even more quickly than the last.  So here's is a recap...quickly.

Friday lunch was at TJ's in Paoli.  I had a DeMolen Vuur Vlam.  This is an American IPA brewed in the Netherlands.  I was not a big van.  It was OK.  I followed that with a very safe Belgian Pale Ale from Brewery Ommegang.  Safe because anything from this brewer is going to be great.  After work I made my way to the Drafting Room in Exton.  Up first was a Daddy Fat Sacs IPA from Roy Pitz.  It was OK.  Then I took a chance on a Manayunk Hop Phanatic.  I haven't had a beer from Manayunk that I liked...until now.  This is actually a very good red ale and hides the 8.2% abv well.

Saturday I went to the Craft Ale House in Limerick (or is it Royersford).  Up first was "Love is Evol" from Prism Brewing Company out of North Wales, PA.  This is a brown ale apparently made with strawberries and Jalapeno's.  It sounded horrible so I had to try it.  I could not detect any strawberry nose or flavor.  But the Jalapeno's came through loud and clear, but not over the top.  I enjoyed the heck out of this beer.  Next up was a Mission IPA from Mission Brewery from Chula Vista, CA.  It was OK. Not great, but OK.  I ended with an Oak Aged Unearthly Imperial IPA from Southern Tier Brewing Company.  I've had this one before and though it was great...before.  This time not so much.  I'm not sure what's going on.  Maybe it's me.  Then it was a quick stop at the Sly Fox in Phoenixville for an Abbey Extra.  They now serve it in a pint glass if you like.  Purists would be horrified pouring this Belgian-style ale into a pint glass.  I'm no purist.  I ended my night at McKenzie's Brewhouse in Frazer, PA.  I had the Houblonette (Saison) again.  This beer is awesome.  Then I had a Shipwrecked which is their red ale.  This was actually very good as well.  Can't wait to have another.

A Weekend of Hops

On Friday night I went to TJ's Restaurant and Drinkery in Paoli for a couple of beers.  Up first was an Oasis from Tallgrass.  This is the second time I've had this beer and I enjoyed it just as much this time as last.  I followed with a Hoptical Illusion from Bluepoint Brewing Company.  Actually, it was from a firkin and it was pretty darned good.  I have had a love/hate relationship with this beer.  I have had many cases of this beer and they were always great.  Then one day I got a keg to take home and it was horrible.  I actually returned it to the distributor.  It was the only keg I have ever returned.  So for the past couple of years I have shied away from giving it another try.  Maybe I will give it another shot.

On Saturday, after a beautiful afternoon of playgrounds and bicycling, I took my 3 kids to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny to quench our thirsts.  I started with a Mongo DIPA from Port Brewing Company.  Yeah, this is a good DIPA.  The kids were well-behaved.  So much so that I dared to order another beer.  This time it was Double Trouble from Founder's Brewing Company.  Ah yes, another fine DIPA.  I must admit that I enjoyed the Port a little better.  This may or may not have something to do with the order in which I drank these.  I guess another experiment is in order.

Peak and Victory

A friend brought me a bottle of Pale Ale from Peak Organic Brewing Company out of Maine.  I think I liked this beer but I'm not sure.  It was refreshing enough but I was at the bottom of it before I knew it.  I have a bottle of their IPA as well but haven't tried it yet.  I'll look forward to it.  Meanwhile, I tapped my new keg of Mad King's Weiss from Victory Brewing Company.  This Hefeweizen is better than I remembered it.  What a nice start to the warm weather season.

Another Victory

Well, it was time for a new keg of Victory since I recently kicked the Prima Pils (the Hop Rod Rye is still going).  I headed off to Victory after work today.  While there I had a Whirlwind Wit which was a little light for my taste and then I had something simply called Saison.  I assume it is different from the V-Saison they used to have.  It was a nice beer...really nice.  I would have loved to bring home a sixtel but the pickin's were pretty slim at the retail shop tonight.  I ended up taking home a Mad King.  This beer is no slouch either but it would have been nice to score a Braumeister Pils or Helios or something a little harder to come by.  Once I got home I didn't feel like tapping the Mad King and instead opened a bottle of In-heat Wheat from Flying Dog Brewery.  I had these bottles in my fridge since Christmas.  To my surprise it turned out to be a really nice Hefeweizen.  I'm glad I have a couple more waiting for me.

Nice Long Weekend

I managed to get a couple of good beers this weekend. The family went to Uno's Chicago Grille in Exton for dinner.  Along with really good pizzas I had Big Erns West Coast IPA form Weyerbacher.  Apparently Weyerbacher makes this as Uno's house beer.  It is really good with a nice floral nose and grassy flavor.  On Saturday I made the trek to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny with my 2-year-old.  They were having their Easter Hopfest event with an amazing line-up.  Apparently everyone agreed it was an awesome line-up as I never even parked the car.  The lot was full.  The neighboring roads were full.  I left without stopping and headed to the Craft Ale House in Limerick.  I had a Jack D'Or from Pretty Things.  This Saison is starting to grow on me.  I thought it was really good.  Later in the day I made it to Ron's Original in Exton.  I started with a Lost Abbey Carnivale.  Another very good Saison.  I followed that with a Walker's Reserve Robust Porter from Firestone Walker Brewing Company.  This is a nice porter.  Nothing extraordinary but nicely done.  I ended with a Sextant Stout from Ballast Point.  I might have had something to eat but just getting a drink was a challenge and I'm not sure why.  I have seen it a lot busier there at other times and the bartenders usually keep up.  My Sextant Stout was a nice tasting stout but kind of light and no mouthfeel or noticeable alcohol but good tasting nonetheless. 

Finally on Sunday I went to McKenzie's in Malvern for a Tuna Caesar salad and a couple of Houblonettes.  I hope they keep this one on forever.  This is a very, very good saison.

First Taste of Tall Grass

I stopped in at Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny yesterday afternoon.  I had my first taste of beer from Tall Grass Brewing Company out of Manhattan, KS.  It's called Oasis and they describe it as "a Double ESB/IPAish beer...".  I thought this was fantastic.  It had a nice grassy flavor with a big floral nose.  This one really hit the spot.  I can't wait to have another one.

Prisoner of Hell

I made a quick stop in at the Flying Pig in Malvern tonight after work.  I had a Prisoner of Hell from Dock Street.  This is a Belgian style Strong Golden Ale.  It was OK if you like this style.  I am still a big fan of Dock Street.

I Must Be Getting Old

Yesterday I went to Union Jack's Congo Hotel in Barto for a beer because I was in the area.  I had a Stone IPA.  This is a nice IPA and it did the trick.  The day before I went to the Craft Ale House in Limerick to have a couple of cold ones.  I started with a Weyerbacher Oscar.  This is a "hoppy hef". That is, a hefeweizen with a little more hops than is traditional.  I thought it was pretty good.  I followed that with another Weyerbacher product.  It was their IPA Project #4743.  There was nothing wrong with it but it wasn't the greatest IPA I've ever had.  I ended with a Bell Ringer from RJ Rocker's Brewing Company.  They are out of Spartanburg, SC and this particular beer is an American Strong Ale.  I enjoyed it.  I also tried a Long Trail Triple Bag.  It was OK but not my style.

In the last week or so I had other beer adventures that I didn't have time to blog about so here is an abbreviated entry.  At TJ's in Paoli, I had a Double Jack (DIPA) from Firestone Walker.  This was my first taste of this brewer and based on Double Jack I think I am going to have many more experiences with this brewer.  At the Pickering Creek Inn in Phoenixville I had an Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout from North Coast Brewing Company.  This is a very good example of the style.  At the Flying Pig in Malvern, I had a Carneval from Lost Abbey.  This is like a dry Royal Weisse.  Very nice.  Back again to TJ's in Paoli for a cask conditioned Racer 5.  Awesome as usual.  And one day in the not so distant past I made my way to Teresa's Next Door in Wayne.  I had a Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing Company which is always fantastic.  I followed that with a USALive from Mikkeller.  This is a nice Belgian Strong Pale Ale with just a hint of funk from the brettanomyces.  This is a very interesting beer.

Road Trip - Texas

I went to Dallas, TX on a business trip this week.  I had dinner one evening at Red Lobster and had a Shiner Bock along with it.  Heck, I'm in Texas I have to have a Shiner Bock right?  It was OK.  The next night I had dinner at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen.  This is a chain but don't let that stop you from going.  We started with raw oysters and calamari.  For my entre I had a crawfish etouffee served with dirty rice.  It was awesome.  I drank a Samuel Adams Noble Pils.  This was a nice clean beer.  Nothing extraordinary but a nice, pleasant pilsner.  My last night in Texas I decided to go to the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in Plano.  This was a big place and located in a very trendy area.  I had a nice lobster bisque along with a Caesar salad with blackened tuna.  The tuna  was cooked just right (almost sushi).  I started with a Czech Pilsner.  It was similar to the Samuel Adams I had the night before.  Nice and clean but not extraordinary.  I then had a Hefeweizen.  This was very enjoyable and true to the style.  I ended with a Marzen, a style I don't particularly care for.  It too was true to the style.  It was sweet but definitely well-made.  So while in Texas, I had several beers that were enjoyable and well-made but I didn't get an extreme beer.  It's good to be back in Pennsylvania.

Out in the Country

I took a quick trip to Ortino's Northside this afternoon with my 2-year-old.  She had a root beer and I had an Anniversary Ale from Port Brewing Company.  I'm not sure what anniversary it was but the beer was a nice DIPA.  Not the best I ever had but very nice indeed.  I think part of the problem is my expectations are way high when I'm about to have a product from Port Brewing Company.  Regardless, it was a pleasant beer and I'm glad I got it.

AMEX Sucks and Slow Cookers Rock

It was a pretty good night tonight.  I found a gift card that I had long forgotten about and although AMEX devalued it from $100 to $47 because I didn't use it right away (they suck) it was still money found.  And by coincidence, it was set to expire today (the day I re-discovered it).  So I went to the Exton mall and set out to buy something fun...something exciting...something I really wanted for myself.  I brought home a new slow cooker.  I think this is about my 5th one now but who's counting.  Ain't she a beauty?

On the way home I decided to stop in at the Drafting Room to celebrate my new acquisition.  Not much on tonight so I got a Rogue Dead Guy Ale.  It was pretty good if you like Maibocks.  That's not my favorite style but it was a good beer.

Good Weekend After All

Well that was a pretty good weekend.  Friday night at TJ's Restaurant and Drinkery in Paoli to get the weekend started.  Up first was a Yellow Snow IPA from Rogue Brewery.  I thought this was a very good IPA, just the way I like it.  I followed that with a Monk's Blood from 21st Amendment Brewery.  This is a Belgian-style dark ale.  It was OK.  I got it for the Keg Kicker special price of $3.00 so it was fantastic.  I ended with an Ommegang Abbey Ale.  This was good as usual.

Saturday I took my 2 oldest daughters to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny for wings, french fries and a couple of beers.  I started with Fegley's Hop'solutely triple IPA.  This is an 11.5% abv bomb.  Unfortunately the taste was a little off for me.  I like big IPA's and alcohol has never been a problem for me but this one just didn't do it for me.  I ended with a Bell's Bourbon Hell Hath No Fury.  This is a Belgian dark ale but it's more like a stout.  It is fantastic.  I can't wait to get another one but that will have to be another day.

Friday Fun

Friday after work I ended up at the Drafting Room in Exton.  I had to have a cask-conditioned Racer 5.  Yeah, it was awesome.  Nothing else on the chalk board looked interesting but I noticed something called Fish Paralyzer Pale from someone called RJ Rockers Brewing Company out of Spartanburg, SC.  It is a Belgian-style pale and I didn't expect a lot as I am often disappointed by American brewers brewing Belgian-style ales.  This wasn't bad.  Not the best I ever had and definitely no Ommegang but not bad.  I'll give them another try in the future.  I had just enough time to stop in at the Sly Fox in Phoenixville and have a Saison Vos.  It was very good as always.  Also, it struck me that regardless of whether you care for a particular beer at Sly Fox (I happen to care a lot for Saison Vos) or not, one thing in certain.  The taste is consistent year over year.

Broken Rules...Twice

This weekend I broke one of my beer drinking rules and in fact, I broke the same rule twice.  That rule is that I won't have the same beer twice in a single sitting.  I started off the weekend a little early by having lunch on Friday at the Flying Pig in Malvern.  I ordered a Hop Angel Brauhaus Angel Fuel from Dock Street.  This is a very nice Black Ale.  I didn't see anything else on the menu that I wanted (except for a couple of big alcohol beers that I would rather not have at lunch time).  So, I got another Angel fuel to go along with a really awesome cheesesteak.

After work on Friday I stopped in at McKenzie's Brewhouse in Frazer.  I started with a Houblonette.  A nice, earthy farmhouse ale.  It only has 4.5% abv but more flavor than you would expect.  This was an awesome beer.  Then I moved on to a Saison Vautour which is another farmhouse ale.  This is one of their regular beers and it is a good one also but I'd take the Houblonette over this one.  There is something about that Houblonette.  So I ordered another one.  That is the second time I broke my one beer a day rule.  While there I also managed to try an Irma La Douce.  This darker saison was good but a little sweet for my taste.

On Saturday I had lunch at the Craft Ale House in Limerick.  I started with a Yard's IPA.  It was OK.  I then had an awesome Short Rib sandwich and a Cappuccino Stout.  This is a pretty good Imperial Stout and it went well with my sandwich.

Victory - Either Extreme

I went to the Victory in Downingtown tonight to return a keg and pick up a new one.  This time I got a Prima Pils.  While there I sat and the bar and nursed a Storm King from the hand pump.  It was awesome as usual.  I always forget to ask for a small so at 9.1% abv and a large glass almost equal to 2 bottles of beer it's like having the alcohol of 4 beers in one.

Almost Forgot About Sunday

I almost forgot about Sunday.  I was at the Exton Mall doing a little shopping by myself.  Naturally, on the way home I stopped in for a quick one at the Drafting Room.  Looking at the chalk board I was sure I was going to get a cask-conditioned Racer 5.  But then I noticed a firkin sitting on the bar.  "What is that?", I asked.  Troeg's Nugget Nectar was the response.  That did it.  Nugget Nectar it was and at cellar temperature this was a great choice indeed.  If you like Nugget Nectar, try one from a firkin.

The One Beer to Have...

Another gorgeous Saturday afternoon and I find myself at Union Jack's.  Of course I only have time for one so I make it a good one.  It is Allagash Odyssey.  This is a dark Belgian-style wheat beer.  At 10% abv it packs a wallop.  I found it to be a complex beer and enjoyed the fruity flavors (think prunes).  This is the one beer to have if your having only one.

Timing is Everything

I was off to TJ's in Paoli tonight after work.  I couldn't resist having a Devotion from Lost Abbey at $3.00 on the Kegkicker special.  This is a very nice, dry Belgian Pale Ale.  I followed that with a Hop Ottin' IPA from Anderson Valley.  Very nice but at $6.00 it was no bargain.  I really wanted a Gulden Draak.  How often do you see that on tap?  But the $7.00 price tag was too rich for my blood.  I then opted for the other Kegkicker special. Ommegang BPA.  This is a very, very nice Belgian Pale Ale.  Of course, technically I should call both of these Kegkicker specials "Belgian-style" pale ales as they are both products of the good ole USA.  As luck would have it, now that I'm at home checking out TJ's on-line tap list I see they put Gulden Draak on the Kegkicker special.  That's right.  The beer I almost bought for $7 is now on tap for $3.  So in a weird kind of way, I'm glad I didn't get one earlier this evening.  Now tomorrow is a different story.  Here's hoping it is still pouring tomorrow afternoon.

Pizza and a Beer...Must Be Friday

I had barely enough time to get a beer tonight after work.  The boss called right at quitting time so I was stuck there late.  On the way home, I called for a pizza and when they said it would be 30 minutes that gave me the time I needed to have a beer at the Sly Fox in Phoenixville.  It seems like just last night I was at the Sly Fox.  Anyway, I just had a quick Pikeland Pils to satisfy my thirst then it was off to the pizza joint and home in a flash.

Happy Birthday Daughter #2

It's hard to believe my second daughter is 5 years old today.  To celebrate I took the family to the Sly Fox in Phoenixville.  We all went in and had a nice dinner.  The girls behaved well and I got to try a new beer called TW Fearless Pale Ale.  It was a pleasant beer as far as pale ales go.  I also had a Greek Salad for dinner which was excellent.

Just Another Day

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny albeit windy day.  A perfect day to go to the Craft Ale House in Limerick and have lunch and a beer or two.  First up was a Saison Cazeau from Brasserie de Cazeau.  This is a very delicate white beer so have this one before enjoying something else.  This was a beer you could have several of on a hot Saturday afternoon.  You might say a lawnmowing beer (but a good one).  I then ordered a short rib sandwich (awesome as usual) and an Old Chub Scottish Ale from Oskar Blues to go along with it.  This was a good choice to enjoy with my sandwich.  I ended with a Maracaibo Especial from Jolly Pumpkin.  What a great ending.  This is a fine beer.  They call it a Belgian-style brown ale.  I thought it was more in the style of a Flemish Sour (only not as sour).  If you enjoy sour beers and would like to get a friend to enjoy them this would be a good starter beer.  That is nothing against this beer.  I thought this was an awesome beer.  It's just that there was a slight sourness to it (that I loved).  I had to stop at a couple of stores on the way home and get gas for the car and by that time I built up quite a thirst.  So a quick stop in at the Sly Fox in Phoenixville was in order.  I had a tall Royal Weisse.  That will cure a thirst.

Never Say Never (when it comes to Wipeout)

After work last night I was ready for a beer and the Flying Pig in Malvern seemed as good a place as any to get one.  It's always a crap shoot going in there (no on-line beer menu that I'm aware of).  As luck would have it they had Wipeout IPA from Port Brewing Company and so did I.  In my book this one is right up there with the best IPA's available.  Due to the fact that I wasn't that interested in anything else on the menu plus the fact that this is such an excellent beer I broke one of my beer drinking rules.  Never drink the same beer twice in one sitting.  Never say never.  I had a second Wipeout IPA.

Headwaters Pale Ale - Victory Does It Again

I needed to go to Victory Brewing Company tonight to exchange my empty keg for a full one.  I would have gone last night but they were having their 15th anniversary party and I hate crowds (not that Victory is ever without one).  They have a new beer on called Headwaters Pale Ale and they had a couple of sixtels in the retail store but rather than take a chance I made my way to the bar to try one first.  The bar was full of course.  I stood behind a guy seated at the bar trying to get the bartenders attention.  And then a funny thing happened.  The guy seated in front of me got up to leave.  I couldn't believe my luck.  This doesn't happen to me.  I took it as a good omen.  Seated comfortably at the bar I ordered a Headwaters.  It is a 5.2% abv "no frills" pale ale and it is really good.  Good enough that I left Victory tonight with a sixtel to enjoy at home.

A day in the Country

Another Saturday afternoon in the country and I stopped in at Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny.  All three kids were asleep so I was able to go in by myself.  I had a 2XIPA from Southern Tier which apparently is pronounced 2 "times" IPA.  What do I know?  This is a pretty good double IPA but you gotta like hops.  I followed that with a Bell's Rye Stout.  This was a nice roasty stout but a little more carbonated than I expected.  Regardless, it was a great day in the country.

Smoke 'em If You Got 'em

I stopped in at TJ's Restaurant and Drinkery in Paoli after work and had a quick Big Red from Southern Tier.  It was a nice enough Imperial Red Ale.  Problem is I have Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye on at the house so I'm a little spoiled at the moment.  I would have had a couple more beers but I was standing and I have this rule about standing...1 beer only.  There were some open seats at the bar but they were being "used" by folks outside having a smoke.  That problem will cure itself eventually.  Smoke 'em if you got 'em.

Stupid Pennsylvania Liquor Laws

I waited 3 years on a mailing list just for the privilege of being able to purchase wine from a certain winery in California.  I knew that because of the stupid liquor laws in Pennsylvania I wouldn't be able to have it shipped to my home but I had an address in Delaware that I expected to use.  After 3 years of waiting I finally was given an allotment.  When I went to place my order I discovered that Delaware apparently has stupid liquor laws as well.  Why is it that as an adult living in Pennsylvania I can't purchase a product from a legitimate business in California?  Who are these idiots we have representing us that allow this to continue?  I guess I need to find another address in one of the progressive states to have my wine delivered.  Here's a link to a pretty cool site to see if you live in a stupid state or a progressive state.  The stupid ones are in red on the map.   This site also makes it easy for you to send a message to these representatives, not that I would expect them to do anything about the current laws but it makes me feel a little better letting them know how I feel.

The Good Life...California Beers In PA

I was reminded of a Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs song today.  My sixtel of Dock Street Hop Garden kicked (Oh, that's bad).  Then I picked up a sixtel of Hop Rod Rye from Bear Republic (Oh, that's good).  It cost me a cool $125 (Oh, that's bad).  I poured myself one and had a long cool drink (Oh, that's good).  And so it goes.

I then stopped at the Drafting Room in Exton and had an Older Viscosity from Port Brewing Company.  I'm not sure how to categorize this beer but it ain't a stout and it ain't a barleywine either.  Imagine blending both and then carbonating the hell out of it.  It was very good with a nice woody taste (oak maybe?).  I'd get it again but I can't imagine having more than one at a single sitting.

So here I sit having a couple of Hop Rod Rye's in the comfort of my living room.  Life is good.

I Just Want to Taste Good Beer Again

When I started the day things were looking pretty good.  Number 1 daughter was going to a party.  So I expected Number 2 and 3 to sleep in the car.  That way, their mother would stay in the car and I could go enjoy a beer at the Craft Ale House in Limerick.  Well...Number 2 stayed awake so I had to take her in with me.  She had a lemonade while I enjoyed a Big Eye IPA from Ballast Point.   Actually I didn't enjoy it all that much because of the throat issue I've been dealing with.  Poor me.  Anyway, after killing some time and picking up daughter #1 I dropped them off at home and went to the Sly Fox in Phoenixville for a beer or two.  I started with a Pikeland Pils which was OK.  Then I moved on to a cask-conditioned Gang Aft Agley '10 which was OK.  I ended with an Ichor which was OK.  Did I mention I've been dealing with a throat infection?  Imagine putting about 20 pennies in your mouth and then trying to enjoy a beer.  That's what I've been dealing with.  Again, poor me.

Sore Throat and Bad Choices

I went to TJ's Restaurant and Drinkery in Paoli today for lunch.  I have been working my way through a sore throat for the past week and have been drinking more Scotch than beer.  In fact, beer (and certain other drinks and foods) has tasted kind of funny lately and I'm not sure if it is the sore throat or the lozenges I've been consuming.  Regardless, it was time for a beer.  I started with an Avec Les Bons Voeux from Brasserie DuPont.  I think this was a pretty good Saison but again with the throat thing I'm not sure.  I thought I should try something dark to see if it would eliminate the off taste my malady was giving me.  I had a Cappuccino Stout from Lagunitas.  This was 9.2% abv in something you would never expect.  It actually tasted a little light to me.  The flavors were good but not intense and the mouthfeel was lighter than I expected.  Regardless, I did enjoy it.  It was a poor choice on my part to have an Imperial Stout with a Buffalo Chicken wrap but so be it.  The wrap was awesome as usual. 

A Victory for My Tastebuds

We had a party of 11 at the Victory Brewing Company for lunch yesterday.  We were seated at the big round table which is pretty cool.  It was easy hearing anyone seated at the table thanks to some weird acoustics that take a minute or two to get used to.  But the restaurant was loud and we could all hear each other using our normal speaking voices.  I had the Dietrich sandwich.  It's pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread.  If you like Reubens you will love this sandwich.  It was awesome.  I also had a couple of beers that were also awesome.  I started with the Prima Pils and then on to the Hop Wallop.  I ended my visit with a Storm King from the hand pump.  It doesn't get any better than this.

I Don't Like Coconut

I went to the Flying Pig Saloon in Malvern tonight after work.  I only had time for one and it was a Cuvée Series Three from Southern Tier Brewing Company.  This was a dark copper colored malty big beer.  It had a coconut flavor right out front.  I'm not a big fan of coconut and didn't really care for this beer.  The 11% abv was its salvation.

Still Learning How to Drink Beer

I had the opportunity to stop in at the Sly Fox in Phoenixville today for a beer.  I was in a mood to have something I haven't had in a while.  Ichor was on the menu so that's what I got.  Ichor is a Belgian-style quadruple.  Because of the alcohol (10%) I usually get these at the end of the night after having (probably) a lot of hoppy beers.  I was never a big fan of Ichor.  However, today it was my first beer of the day and I had time to drink it slowly.  For some reason it was a lot more enjoyable.  So I learned how I need to drink Ichor today.  First beer of the day...check.  Time to kill...check.

Not as Good as We Think?

So there I am reading travelandleisure.com and I'm looking at America's Favorite Cities 2010 in the category of "Microbrew Beer".  Considering all the hype those of us in the Philadelphia area give ourselves for great beer and beer events (Philly Beer Week etc) where do you think we ranked?  Well if you are from Philadelphia you probably said 12th.  That is where Philly residents ranked ourselves.  That surprises me.  I would have thought we would vote ourselves #1 whether deservedly or not.  Interestingly enough, visitors to Philadelphia voted us #17.  That's right, Portland, Maine and Portland, Oregon and a lot of cities in between all ranked higher than Philadelphia.  I'm thinking about moving.  Both Portlands seem a little cold.  I'm thinking somewhere warmer like Denver.

Unrealistic Expectations?

Saturday was a bit of a blur to me.  I made my way to Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny and I took my oldest daughter in with me as her sisters slept in the car under the watchful eye of their mother.  I had a Kentucky Breakfast Stout (the cool people call it KBS) from Founder's Brewing Company.  Yeah this is the real deal.  As I have said before, it is nothing like the regular Breakfast Stout but it is every bit as good.  Later in the evening my sister Gin and her husband Dave and my Mom all watched our kids so I could take my wife out to celebrate her birthday.  We went to Funky Lil' Kitchen in Pottstown.  I took a bottle of 2007 Pinot Noir from AP Vin (I can't remember which vineyard at the moment).  The wine was good but I had expected great.  Same can be said for the dinner.  Don't get me wrong, the dinner and the wine was very enjoyable it's just that I had higher expectations, perhaps unrealistic expectations.

After dinner we stopped in at the Craft Ale House since we were in the neighborhood.  I had a Rude Elf's Reserve from Fegley's Brew Works.  This is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale.  It is pretty good for an American brewer but the alcohol started to get to me.  We left to head back towards Phoenixville but there was one stop left.  Someone opened a bar in the Sly Fox's original location and they call it Joe's American Pub.  We had to go.  After all we have a million memories of the place including family get-togethers upstairs etc.  Once inside we didn't recognize the place.  That's OK.  Someone spent a lot of money to re-do the joint.  My problem was the beer.  They advertise 7 craft beer taps.  The best of the 7 was Sierra Nevada Celebration.  Not that it's a bad beer but come on!  I am pulling for them.  I'd love to have another great beer bar in town.  I'll check in with them every now and again to see how they are doing.  And if the folks at Joe's All American Pub need advice on what beers to serve I know a great resource for them to use.  The beer blog the whole world is talking about...kegchaser.blogspot.com.

Thanks to Mom, Gin and Dave for killing a Saturday night watching my kids.

A Dark Mood...Again

I had a quick beer at the Sly Fox tonight in Phoenixville.  I was in a dark mood and to my delight discovered that they had two different porters on.  I asked JP for a glass of their "finest porter".  He asked "Which one, the Kimberton Coffee Porter or the Prometheus"?  I repeated, "your finest porter".  He poured me a Prometheus.  This is a nice smokey, roasty porter.  I enjoyed it but I wish I had time to have a Kimberton Coffee Porter also.  Tomorrow is another day.

The Usual...for a Sunday Afternoon

On Sunday we went out for our normal ride in the country and ended up at Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny.  The 3 kids were asleep and I went in for a quick one...er...not so quick one.  I had a Victory at Sea from Ballast Point Brewing Company.  This is a Coffee Vanilla Imperial Porter and an excellent one at that.  It was worth the $7 price for an 11 oz glass.

Shoveling Snow and Drinking Beer

After shoveling the snow yesterday I worked up a thirst so I headed out to the Craft Ale House in Limerick.  I had an Angler's Pale Ale from Uinta Brewing Company.  I had never heard of this brewer before.  Apparently they are located in Utah.  This was a pretty good pale ale.  I then asked for a taste of Belgian Freeze from River Horse Brewing Company.  This is another brewer that I have never tried.  To my surprise I liked this Belgian Dark Ale.  I asked for a full glass and enjoyed it all the way down.  Finally I had a Broad Street Barleywind from Appalachian Brewing Company.  I haven't had one of these since the last time I visited the brewery in Harrisburg.  That had to be 5 or 6 years ago.  I always liked this barleywine.  And I really like the fact that it is one of their flagship beers.  That's right.  It's available year-round.  I have had these on 90 degree August afternoons.  As usual, when I got to the bar tonight there was only one seat at the bar and I felt lucky to get it.  When I left the bar was pretty much empty.  Go figure.

I amost forgot.  We were supposed to go to dinner to celebrate my wife's birthday but we cancelled due to the snow.  So when I got home I opened a bottle of 2006 Zepaltas La Cruz Pinot Noir.  It was a nice enough Pinot.

A Couple of Dogs

I had lunch at the Flying Pig in Malvern yesterday.  The cheesesteak was great as usual.  I also had an OMG Pale Ale from Dock Street Brewing Company.  It was a good example of a pale ale.  It took a while for the cheesesteak to come out so I had time for another beer.  Next up was a Flying Dog Fresh Hop IPA.  I'm not a big fan of this beer.  It was OK.  It was not hoppy and even if you called it a pale ale it would not have been a really good pale ale.

In the evening I stopped in at the Drafting Room in Exton.  First up was a Regal Pilsner from Breckenridge Brewery.  I didn't care for this Imperial Pilsner at all.  It may be because I am spoiled.  I live between Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown and Sly Fox Brewhouse and Eatery in Phoenixville.  These guys both brew great pilsners that I have routinely at their pubs and at my house.  Back at the Drafting Room I ordered another Imperial Pilsner.  This time it was Alpha Dog from Laughing Dog Brewing.  I thought this one tasted pretty good but the question is, 'Did it taste good in comparison to the one before it, or did it simply taste good'?  I'll need another one in the future to know for sure.

How Could I Forget?

Yesterday I posted a list of the kegs that I tapped at home for 2010 and it seemed to me that I must be forgetting some because 14 kegs seemed a little low for last year. Then, last night I returned to Victory to pick up a new keg. I was lucky enough to get a sixtel of Helios. This is a really good farmhouse ale. I knew I had a keg of this last year and enjoyed it quite well so it seemed like a good idea to get it again. Then I checked yesterdays post and saw that Helios was not on my list. I wonder what else I am forgetting from last year.

One Last Look Back at 2010

I made my way to Downingtown this evening to return an empty keg of Yakima Glory and hopefully get a full keg of something equally good.  Tonight was not my night.  I entered the parking lot steeling myself for that long cold walk from the outer reaches of the parking lot to the retail shop carrying my empty.  Then I rejoiced when the lot was virtually empty.  Then the reality set in.  Something is wrong.  The parking lot is never empty when the pub is open.  The lights were out and the depression set in.  I was not getting my replacement keg tonight.  As I found out later, they were having their staff party tonight.  Happy Holidays Victory folks.

I thought tonight would be a good opportunity to look at the kegs I tapped at my house in 2010.  Here they are in chronological order:

Victory - Prima Pils
Ithaca - Flower Power
Victory - Mad King
Terrapin - Rye Pale Ale
Founder's - Red's Rye
Victory - Hop Wallop
Dock St. - Saison DuPotts
Victory - Gassy Jack's
Founder's - Red's Rye (again)
Great Lakes - Burning River
Victory - Braumeister Pils
Sierra Nevada - Celebration
Victory - Yakima Glory
Dock St. - Hop Garden