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.

Still A Beautiful Day If Only Average Beers

It's Saturday afternoon and we are out for a ride hoping the kids will fall asleep.  As we pass by the Craft Ale House in Limerick I have two sleepers and one wide awake.  I continue down the road and as we approach Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny things get worse.  Only one sleeper.  I went in anyway because at this point I am pretty thirsty.  I finally tried the Wheat Wine from Founders Brewing Company.  It was an interesting spicey beer but not really my style (with the exception of the 10% abv).  Union Jack's also had a California Dreamin' IPA from Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant.  Manayunk beers have disappointed me in the past but it is usually my practice to continue going back to give disappointing brewers a second, third, fourth...shot at redemption.  I must admit this beer was better than I expected...from Manayunk.  Still though, it is not one which I will go out of my way for.

Later in the evening I slipped out to pick up some fast food to bring home for dinner.  But first...a stop at the Sly Fox in Phoenixville.  I had a Route 113 IPA.  It was unremarkable (i.e. not great but not bad either).  I also had a sample of the Gang Aft Agley that was pouring from the hand pump.  This was a sweet and malty Scottish wee heavy.  It would be a really nice beer if that is your style.