Good Beer Free

I hadn't been to TJ's Restaurant and Drinkery in what seems like a very long time.  I also noticed that they had a couple of good ones on tap so I decided it was time to visit.  I asked for a Jack D'or from Pretty Things.  This is a nice Saison.  I think it is interesting that  Pretty Things is a gypsy brewer.  Maybe I should be a gypsy brewer.  How do you go about getting a gig like that?  Anyway, the Jack D'or kicked but at least I got a little free beer...the half glass or so that was in my glass when the keg kicked.  Next I asked for a Little Sumpin' Sumpin' from Lagunitas.  It was awesome as usual.  Love that pine and grapefruit combo.  I had a quick taste of Newbold IPA from Philadelphia Brewing Company.  They need to work on that one a little bit.  I'll try it again within the next year or so to see how they are doing.  I finished with a Hop Head Red from Green Flash Brewing Company.  This is a very good American Red Ale.  Hoppy as you might expect with a name like that.  It was a great way to end the visit.

Friday at the Craft Ale House

My boss was kind enough to let me work from home today.  I am sure I gave him more than 8 hours of solid performance but this also allowed me to get to the Sly Fox in Phoenixville by about 5:00pm.  Last Friday I got there a little after 5:00pm and the place was mobbed.   This time not so bad.  I ordered a Jake's ESB which was OK.  I asked JP about the crowd last week and he said it was because they were having their grand opening.  That is typical of me.  I stumble into a grand opening and don't even realize it.  Of course the place opened several months ago but that is besides the point.  Anyway getting back to tonight, after a little disappointment with the Jake's I had a Chester County Bitter from the hand pump.  This is a really good session beer.  I followed that with a good old Pikeland Pils and everything was OK.

Later in the evening I made my way to the Craft Ale House in Limerick.  I started with a Pharmhouse Arrest from Philadelphia Brewing Company.  I must admit I was a little disappointed.  It wasn't bad but it was nothing to write home about.  Then I had a Black IPA from 21st Amendment Brewery.  This was a really nice beer.  And now I'll show my ignorance.  What is the difference between this style and a really good black and tan made from a nice IPA and porter?

Next up was a Big Eye IPA from Ballast Point.  It was not as good as I remembered. 

Let's go home and have a couple of good ones from the basement.