philly beer scene december 2009 / january 2010
DESCRIPTION
The Beer Lover's Gift Guide, 150 Years of McGillin's, Coffee & Beer, Flying Fish's Casey Hughes, The Tasting Room with Suzanne Woods, Hunting the Yeti + More...TRANSCRIPT
december/january 2009/2010 1
Gifts for beer Lovers Holiday Gift Guide
™
Issue 4 | december/january 2009/2010 | www.beerscenemag.com
casey Hughes | beers with suzanne Woods | The yeti
+
celebrate the annIversary of PhIladelPhIa’s oldest ale house
the tasty merger of two of our favorIte brews: coffee and beer
150 years of mcGillin’s
brewing up your morning cup of ale
free! take one
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/20102
HOPPY
HOLIDAYS
Dec 15thLancaster Brewing Tasting
Jan 19thUnibroue Beer Dinner
Best Slow-Style Southern BBQ
you’ve ever tasted…
Ribs Pulled Pork BrisketWhole Smoked Chicken
Cajun Seared CatfishStreet Tacos Burgers
Wings
7 DAYS LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR 11pm -1am
$15 Margarita PitchersDraft Beers from $2
74 Tequilas Margaritas 10 Rotating Craft Beers on Tap
Book Your Holiday Party Now!
207 Chestnut Street 215-625-8605 Qoldcity.com
Best Slow-Style Southern BBQ
you’ve ever tasted…
Ribs Pulled Pork BrisketWhole Smoked Chicken
Cajun Seared CatfishStreet Tacos Burgers
Wings
7 DAYS LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR 11pm -1am
$15 Margarita PitchersDraft Beers from $2
74 Tequilas Margaritas 10 Rotating Craft Beers on Tap
Book Your Holiday Party Now!
207 Chestnut Street 215-625-8605 Qoldcity.com
Best Slow-Style Southern BBQ
you’ve ever tasted…
Ribs Pulled Pork BrisketWhole Smoked Chicken
Cajun Seared CatfishStreet Tacos Burgers
Wings
7 DAYS LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR 11pm -1am
$15 Margarita PitchersDraft Beers from $2
74 Tequilas Margaritas 10 Rotating Craft Beers on Tap
Book Your Holiday Party Now!
207 Chestnut Street 215-625-8605 Qoldcity.com
Best Slow-Style Southern BBQ
you’ve ever tasted…
Ribs Pulled Pork BrisketWhole Smoked Chicken
Cajun Seared CatfishStreet Tacos Burgers
Wings
7 DAYS LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR 11pm -1am
$15 Margarita PitchersDraft Beers from $2
74 Tequilas Margaritas 10 Rotating Craft Beers on Tap
Book Your Holiday Party Now!
207 Chestnut Street 215-625-8605 Qoldcity.com
Best Slow-Style Southern BBQ
you’ve ever tasted…
Ribs Pulled Pork BrisketWhole Smoked Chicken
Cajun Seared CatfishStreet Tacos Burgers
Wings
7 DAYS LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR 11pm -1am
$15 Margarita PitchersDraft Beers from $2
74 Tequilas Margaritas 10 Rotating Craft Beers on Tap
Book Your Holiday Party Now!
207 Chestnut Street 215-625-8605 Qoldcity.com
Best Brunch Citysearch 2008
Traditional Irish Music Session 5- 9pm
Sunday
Friday & SaturdayLive Music 6- 9pm
Great Food. Great Beer.
Great Music. Great Scene!
2nd & Chestnut St Philadelphia,(215) 733-0300
www.ploughstars.com
december/january 2009/2010 3
Blue DogChalfont
www.bluedog.cc
Candlewyck InnBuckingham
215-794-8233
McStews Irish Sports PubLevittown
www.mcsteesirishsportspub.com
Mesquito GrillDoylestown
215-230-7427
Muggs On Maint StreetDoylestown
215-489-7795
Newportville InnNewportville
www.newportvilleinn.com
Tony’s PlaceIvyland
www.tonysplaceivyland.com
Trenton Road Take OutFallsington
www.trentonroadtakeout.com
Bill’s Take Out BeerBristol
215-785-5290
Blue Dog PubChalfont
www.bluedog.cc
Candlewyck InnBuckingham
215-794-8233
McStews Irish Sports PubLevittown
www.mcstewsirishsportspub.com
Mesquito GrilleDoylestown
215-230-7427
Muggs On Main StreetDoylestown
215-489-7795
Newportville InnNewportville
www.newportvilleinn.net
Stephanie’sDoylestown
www.stephaniesrl.com
Tony’s PlaceIvyland
www.tonysplaceivyland.com
Trenton Road Take OutFallsington
www.trentonroadtakeout.com
Boccella’sHavertown
610-789-2228
Brothers Pizza & RestaurantDrexel Hill
www.brotherspizzarestaurant.com
Civera’s DeliDrexel Hill
610-259-9138
Cocco’sAston
www.coccospizzeriapub.com
Frontier SaloonFolsom
www.frontiersaloon.com
Pappous Pizza PubMorton
610-544-0142
Pinocchio’s PizzaMedia
www.pinpizza.com
Trio Cold CutsWoodlyn
www.triocoldcut.com
Blue Dog PubLansdale
www.bluedog.cc
Capone’s RestarantNorristown
www.caponesdraftlist.blogspot.com
Giuliano’s DeliGlenside
215-572-1447
Michael’s DeliKing Of Prussia
www.michaelsdeli.com
The NorthsideZieglersville
www.ortinos.com
Pumpernick’sNorth Wales
www.pumpernicksdeli.com
THE PERFECT ALTERNATIVE TO WINE AS A HOSTESS GIFT, HOLIDAY GIFTS AND HOUSEWARMING GIFTS!
ASK FOR YOUR FREE BOTTLE GIFT BAG
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
VISIT THE FOLLOWING TAKE-OUT STORES FOR THE BEST SELECTION OF CRAFTS AND IMPORTS
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/20104
Contents December/January 2009/2010
speciaLs
on the sceneBeer events in Philly’s beer scene.
the variety packBy John Galster, andrew loder, neil harner, & alicia eichelman
woman on the sceneBYO-Beer Restaurants.By suzanne woods
fun with beerBrewing beer in your coffee pot.By Bill drew
homebrewer’s cornerPhilly BeerCamp 2009.
cooking with beerMad Elf cherry beer bread.By neil harner
tapping into technologyGBPS: Global Beer Positioning System By zeke diaz
beer travelIstanbul, Turkey’s beer scene.By renata certo-ware
bar & restaurant reviewsUnique beer destinations for a pint and a meal in and out of the city. By John Galster
42
24
holiday gift guideUnique gifts for every beer lover.
mcgillin’s olde ale house150 Beers... 150 Years.By alicia eichelman
8
10
14
16
17
secTions
18
19
20
40
fish out of waterFlying Fish Brewing Company’s New
Jersey Exit SeriesBy kevin romer
30a brewtiful thing...A new twist on the daily grind.By scott willey
24
22
34
the tasting room15 Beers reviewed by our panel with special guest: Suzanne Woods.
directoryLocal listings of places to drink a great beer, take home a great beer, or make your own (great) beer.
beer eventsLocal happenings throughout the Philly beer scene. By alicia eichelman
42
46
50
december/january 2009/2010 5
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/20106
Philly Beer Scene is Designed & Printed in the USA. Philly Beer Scene is an Inverse Paradox Publication. Copyright © 2009 Inverse Paradox, LLC. Philly Beer Scene is published bi-monthly by Inverse Paradox, LLC. 4432 Bristol Road, Suite 1B, Oakford, PA 19053 | 215-478-6586
For subscription inquires please visit us on the web at www.beerscenemag.com/subscribe.html
founders
Scott Willey, Mat Falco, Neil Harner & John Galster
arT direcTor
Melissa Levenduski
execuTive ediTor
Shannon McLaughlin
associaTe arT direcTor
Brandi Kerekes
conTribuTinG ediTors
Renata Certo-Ware, Bill Drew Zeke Diaz, Kevin Romer
& Suzanne Woods
conTribuTinG arTisT
Andrew Loder
ediToriaL assisTanT &
subscripTions manaGer
Alicia Eichelman
evenT coordinaTor
Rachel Bech
pHoToGrapHy
Steve Brown, Adam Taylor & Pete Schuster
Web desiGner
Amanda Mitchell
accounT execuTives
Matt Cherepanya,Marta Leja & Kevin Puls
Scott >> [email protected] Drinking: Holiday beers from Philly Style of the Moment: Porter Best Beer-Moment Since the Last Issue: Brews for Boobies 2 First Craft Beer and When: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in 1999. Other Vices: Fine tobaccos. Very complex flavors that can be matched well with beers. Random Likes: Independent music. Random Dislikes: Tomatoes
Mat >> [email protected] Drinking: Founders Breakfast Stout Style of the Moment: Anything dark, great time for stouts and porters Best Beer-Moment Since the Last Issue: Breakfast with Pat Conway First Craft Beer and When: Magic Hat #9 Other vices: Finding great unknown dining spots in Philly Random likes: Cooking Random dislikes: Good beer in plastic cups
Neil >> [email protected] Drinking: Troegs Mad Elf Style of the Moment: Spiced Beers Best Beer-Moment Since the Last Issue: Having a Rogue Dead Guy at the Spectrum for the last concert with Pearl Jam First Craft Beer and When: Weyerebacher’s Blithering Idiot. Other vices: Is working too much a vice? Random likes: peopleofwalmart.com Random dislikes: People who get smashed at beer festivals
John >> [email protected] Drinking: Dogfish Head Punkin Ale Style of the Moment: Imperial Chocolate Stout Best Beer-Moment Since the Last Issue: Winter Beer Fest at the Navy Yard. I love winter beers! First Craft Beer and When: Hell if I remember Other vices: Any type of electronic entertainment Random likes: Reel lawnmowers Random dislikes: People dressed up in mascot outfits
meet the founders
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december/january 2009/2010 7
Letter from the Founder
Memories.There’s a photo of me sitting on my Grandfather’s knee as a
young boy and he is giving me sips of his beer. As I remember it, it was my first beer; Gibbons brewed in Wilkes-Barre, PA. For those of you who have been fortunate enough to know this now defunct beer, you know it is nothing special and far from the exquisite beers that comprise the Philly beer scene. Yet, that beer for me is still always my first. It is a beer that represents a very close bond between me and my Grandfather who passed away last year.
Then I think about my son, Cael, named after my grandfather. He was born the Saturday before this magazine went to print, November 21st. I think about Lindsay, his mother. I proposed to her the day after he arrived with Lindsay in a hospital bed and me on one knee. She said yes. And with many things to celebrate that weekend, we toasted his birth and our engagement from Room 205 at St. Mary’s, in Langhorne, PA with a glass of Dogfish Head Sahtea; a beer that Lindsay had been anxious to taste for many months and had been denied due to the pregnancy. It was everything she expected.
We always think about those “little things in life” and one of them for me is beer. Beer is not just about a drink in a glass. It isn’t just about ingredients or the craftsmanship of the brewer who brought those ingredients together. It is about what that beer represents. It is about the people that beer brought closer together.
In this holiday issue, we’ve got some great festive things any beer lover will enjoy. In particular, our Gift Guide (page 24), where you’re sure to find the perfect present for the beer enthusiast on your list. Whether it’s The Chuggler, Draft Shafts for the pool lover, or The Beer Buckle for a place to hold your Founder’s Porter (rated in the Tasting Room page 42) during holiday parties. Also, be sure to mark your calendar for McGillin’s Olde Ale House’s 150th Anniversary (page 34) which kicks off on New Year’s Day. 150 beers in 150 days; can’t beat that!
And as the holidays approach, think about your own memories. Think about the relationships you have with friends and family and the experiences you can share. Then consider the beers you can pair with those moments. If you do this, you’ll find a whole new level of appreciation for brewing and the beers you drink every day.
Cheers and Happy Holidays, Neil HarnerFounder, Philly Beer Scene Magazine
Named“Best Place to Buy Beer”
(Philadelphia Magazine)Joe Sixpacks
“Best Places for Six Packs”
Named One of 79“Remarkable Retailers”
(in the world)
Check out our Gift Baskets on pgs: 27& 29
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/20108
On the Scene
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Philly Beer Scene’s Candid Photos from the Fun and Exciting World of Craft Beer
1. Beer-loving folks enjoying a break from the rain at the Newtown Brewfest. 2. Saranac was lucky to be stationed next to Philly Beer Scene at the Kennett Brewfest as they let people sample their Pumpkin Ale. 3. Hanging out at the Kennett Square Brewfest on October 10, having fun and enjoying great beers. 4. BrewStudio’s Brews For Boobies 2 Pub Crawl was a huge success with nearly 200 attendees in Old City and Center City. 5. Happy wing lovers at the Fingers Wings and Other Things’ FWOToberfest. 6. Great Lakes Brewing pouring at the Winter Beer Festival, located at the Philadelphia Naval Yard. 7. Philly Beer Scene fans had the opportunity to see if John really knows best one on one at the 2009 Winter Beer Festival.
december/january 2009/2010 9
Bring Your CRAFT BEER To Club Champagne
1102 Crown Point West Deptford, NJ 08093Club Champagne is conveniently located within 5 minutes of the Walt Whitman Bridge.
BRING THIS AD AND RECEIVE
The Area’s Newest
Gentlemen’s Club
For directions and more information visit: www.iloveclubchampagne.com
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201010
The Variety Pack
John knows best ...or does he? Is something stumping you about beer? Email your questions to [email protected].
Dear John, What is the reason for keeping head on a beer? -Jonathan C., Philadelphia, PA
Achieving a proper pour with a nice head is important to ensure that the aromas of your beer are released for maximum enjoyment. While I don’t believe that it is really necessary to have a thick foamy head on every glass of beer (in fact much of the beer I drink won’t foam too much) the main argument for head retention is that it also improves the body and mouthfeel of a beer.
Dear John, I remember on the Drew Carey show they used to sell beer that had caffeine in it. What is the caffeine content for beers brewed with coffee or caffeinated beers? -Matt C., Florence, NJ
Coffee-flavored beers usually have very small caffeine content, much less than a cup of coffee - so you won’t have to worry about it if you are on a strict decaf diet. On the other hand, if you are looking to get a nice coffee buzz while drinking, you should probably stick to alternating beer and real coffee. Caffeinated beers usually contain about half the caffeine you would find in an 8 oz. coffee in a 12 oz. beer.
Dear John, What is the best craft beer to drink if you are watching calories? -Maggie H., Bucks County, PA
Well, the important thing with craft beer is to enjoy the flavor. I’m not going to recommend a beer that is light on flavor just to avoid calories. Instead, I think the better option is to just drink less beer. With a good plan of moderation and good pacing, just cut out the calories of those extra beers you would be drinking by having one or two less.
Cheers! To All Things BeerShare some pints with professional actor and drinker George Wendt. By alicia eichelman
George Wendt with Johnathan Grotenstein“Drinking With George”New York, NY: Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2009225pp. $24.99 978-1-4391-4958-4
One of the classic and iconic beer drink-ing, bar loving television characters of all time has written a book about beer. Well, at least the actor who played Norm Peterson on Cheers did. George Wendt’s “Drinking with George -A Barstool Profes-sional’s Guide to Beer,” is a relatively easy read full of fun nuances from the beer drinking world. Interesting and random facts (in ancient Egypt, it was considered a marriage proposal if you offered a woman a sip of beer) and stories (drinking with U2’s Bono) are dispersed throughout “Drinking
With George” that will make you look like a beer pro and give you plenty of conversation pieces the next time you are out en-joying pints with friends.
What makes “Drinking With George” so unique is that it is more than a beer guide book, it’s a testament to Wendt’s almost lifelong love affair with beer. From memo-ries of fetching beer for his grandfather to drunk-en antics with college friends, there are stories
in here every beer lover can relate to. Through comical experiences and a deep
rooted passion for all things brew, Wendt offers entertaining tips on how to survive a bar fight, barstool workouts, why beer is actually healthy for you, over one hundred ways to say you’re drunk, and of course how to say “cheers” in seventy-seven languages.
There is no snobbery here; this book can be appreciated by novice and experienced beer drinkers alike, even both macro and microbrew fans. “Drinking With George” is both witty and well written. It would make a great gift for any beer lover and is a perfect coffee table piece or reading material to pour over while drinking your favorite brew.
What makes “Drinking
With George” so
unique is that it is
more than a beer
guide book, it’s a
testament to Wendt’s
almost lifelong love
affair with beer.
december/january 2009/2010 11
The Variety Pack
hey bartender, I’LL HAVE A
NEWCASTLE, PLEASE.
Aren’t you d-liteman? D-LIte’s on
special tonight, buyone, get one.
Geez, Sorry, newcastle it is.
i hate this job.
you could’vechanged, y’know.
D-LITE By Andrew Loder
Vertical ChristmasWhen picking a year isn’t just for wine… By neil harner
The holiday season is upon us again and there is no better way, in my opinion, to experience a vertical tasting than with the amazing selection of annual spiced ales and winter warmers that are released.
What’s a vertical tasting you ask?
It’s a way of drinking different annual variations of the same beer by the same brewer in order to appreciate how past beers change and evolve and how the brewers may change current versions.
Here are a few that I’ve recently had the pleasure of tasting and would recommend.
2007, 2008 & 2009 Troegs Mad Elf
Mad Elf has always been one of my holiday favorites. I generally don’t like super sweet beers but for some reason, maybe it’s the high ABV, I always enjoy this around the holidays. If you have the opportunity to taste any of the years prior, the largest noticeable distinction I capture is that the sweetness mellows out.
2008 & 2009 Anchor Christmas
I’ve had many of their past itera-tions aside from trying these two together and they make one of the spiciest beers. Having these side by side you can smell the difference right up front. Aside from a mellowing
sweetness in the 2008, you can also detect an entirely different range of spice. This is due to a distinct change in the recipe.
2008 & 2009 Fuller’s Vintage Ale
What’s unique about this beer is that the brewers recommend holding off 3 to 4 years before drinking so that it can mature. Even though these aren’t up to the proper age before drinking you can understand immediately why they need aging. The 2009 is sweet with in-your-face notes of bourbon and dried fruits. Whereas in 2008 the flavors seem much more blended and they become more balanced.
It may be difficult to seek out beers from years prior. You may be lucky to come across one at a takeout store but also, keep an eye out for our calendar where you may see a vertical tasting event pop-up. If you are really anxious to try some aged holiday beers, be sure to cellar a few bottles from this year’s case for the next holiday season.
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201012
The Variety Pack
Congratulations to GABF Winners in the Philly Beer Scene!
Every year in late September a huge festival takes place in Denver, CO known as the Great American Beer Festival. This festival is not only hugely successful due to the tens of thousands of people worldwide that sample beers from every brewery and brewpub across the U.S.; but also it holds one of the most ceremonious U.S. beer competitions.
Professional brewers enter their best beers into 1 of 75 appropriate categories based on the style of the beer. A panel of judges then determines which beers are the best through a rigorous scoring process and awards the top beers with bronze, silver, and gold medals.
The Philly Beer Scene has much to be proud of as there were many winners from the 2009 Great American Beer Festival throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
brewery beer medal category
Erie Brewing Co. Railbender Ale Gold Scottish Style Ale
Fegley’s Allentown &
Bethlehem Brew Works
McKenzie Brew House Saison Vautour Gold French-and Belgian Style Saison
Nodding Head Brewing Co. George’s Fault Silver Specialty Honey Beer
Phruit Phunk Bronze Wood-and-Barrel Aged Sour Beer
Stoudt Brewing Co. Stoudts Kolsch Bronze German Style Kölsch
Triumph Brewing Co. (New Hope) Hefeweizen Gold German-Style Wheat Ale
Triumph Brewing Co. (Philadelphia) KinderPils Gold Session Beer
Troegs Brewing Co. Troegenator Gold Bock
Troegs Dead Reckoning Silver American-Style Stout
Troegs Sunshine Pils Bronze German-Style Pilsner
BagPiper’s Scotch Ale Silver Scotch Ale
Rude Elf’s Reserve Bronze Herb and Spice or Chocolate Beer
Pennsylvania
brewery beer medal category
Flying Fish Brewing Co. Exit 4 Gold American-Belgo-Style Ale
Hopfish Bronze Classic English Style Pale Ale
Long Valley Pub and Brewery Lazy Jake Porter Silver Brown Porter
new Jersey
brewery beer medal category
Dogfish Head Brewery Chateau Jiahu Gold Specialty Beer
Palo Santo Marron Silver Specialty Beer
Midas Touch Bronze Specialty Honey Beer
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Schwarzbier Gold German Style Schwarzbier
Raspberry Torte Silver American-Style Sour Ale
delaware
december/january 2009/2010 13
The Variety Pack
During the winter season there is nothing better than sitting by the fireplace with a glass of a nice, dark, roasty stout. There are so many options available but none with the vision or grandeur of the Yeti Series of offerings by Great Divide. “It’s all about creating an image of something huge. It’s kind of funny that we picked a Himalayan folklore creature but it’s what we picked.” Brian Dunn, owner of Great Divide, explains where the name of one of their brewery’s best offerings came from.
In recent years not only has Great Divide become more dominant in the Philadelphia market but so has its incredible, award winning series of Yeti beers. When talking about the origins of the Yeti, Dunn notes, “It was about 8 years ago we wanted to come out with an imperial stout and IPA. The beer was another name in a series called ‘Maverick.’ We had trademark issues and the IPA became Titan IPA and the stout became the Yeti.” Dunn also noted that along with the Yeti, the Titan IPA and Hercules have been some of their bestsellers in the East Coast market.
The Yeti started with the original stout, but through a process of slightly modifying the original recipe and adding other ingredients to enhance the flavors, an entire clan of Yeti was born. The Oak Aged Yeti is aged for 5 weeks on oak, while the Espresso Oak Aged Yeti added a layer of coffee. The Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti tones down the hops and adds cocoa nibs to create a dramatic, chocolaty aroma. Finally, there is a very limited release of a Barrel Aged Yeti which will likely only be found throughout the West Coast and Colorado. With exception to the original Yeti, all the other offerings are seasonal with various release periods throughout the year. It is also worth mentioning that the Yeti recently won its third medal at the 2009 Great American Beer Festival bringing in the silver medal.
Hunting the YetiDefinitely not the Abominable Snowman. By neil harner
Yeti Release scHeduleYeti – Year Round
Oak Aged Yeti – October-January
Espresso Oak Aged Yeti – February-March
Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti – June-July
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201014
Woman on the Scene
BYO-BEER Local BYOBs to pair your favorite food & brews. By suzanne woods
I remember my first 750 ml. It was 2001. I was visiting a college friend for the first time in Boston. Denise had graduated a semester earlier than I. Craft beer on almost every corner in State College kept me as a Nittany for a semester longer than most of my peers. Thus, it had been some time since our last outing. She had already settled into her first post-grad job as a dietician in Beantown. She had an apartment in the city, and her new Boston friends. I felt intimidated or inferior somehow. But Denise knew I liked beer, and I was immediately comforted by her suggestion of going to Bukowskis, a divey beer bar. She said, “We’re going to drink a bottle of La Fin du Monde.” La what? We sit at a table and the server comes over to us with a big bottle that appeared to be wine. My-oh-my, what do we have here? She tells me the translation means “end of the world.” I appreciated the fun fact, but it was the beginning of a whole new one for me. Sharing a bottle of beer with her and her new companions that day imparted a sense of immediate community and kinship.
In the years to follow, I would crack open countless big bottles. I recall having the Sam Adams Chocolate Bock when it was first released for Valentine’s Day 2004 complemented by chocolate banana bread pudding at Chloe in Old City. I sent a glass back to the chef. He came into the dining room, thanked me, and told me what a big “beer guy” he was. That was my Eureka pairing; the golden banana, chocolate-laced, carb-laden decadence paired with a Scharffenberger Chocolate Bock.
I would then bring a bottle of beer and wine with me whenever I went to a BYO. I would make a decision whether it would be
grapes or grain after I looked at the menu. More often than not the corkscrew need not preset itself.
The presence of beer emporiums like the Foodery, Hawthornes, Candlewyck, TJs, Capone’s, Blue Dog, and the upcoming Brew, allow us the opportunity to grab a big bottle or two before heading to a BYO. Sushi, Indian and Mexican are just a few examples of cuisine that would be better off-dare I say- single- than married to wine. I recently visited a few BYOs in the Philadelphia area in pursuit of perfect pairings.
TAkO
I started off bringing my own in Bensalem at Tako. Yes it’s in a strip mall, and yes it’s worth making the 25 minute trek.
I was there on a Tuesday night, thus the dining room was a smidge sparse. The restaurant has small rooms on the side of the main dining area that look like they seat 8 to 10 people. Shoe removal is mandatory. The communal setting is perfect for sharing a few big bottles of beer. A common misconception is that sake is the beverage of choice. I was surprised to learn that according to centuries of Japanese thinking, sake actually clashes with the rolls that contain rice because the flavors of rice and rice liquor are too similar.
When going to Tako- go for North Coast Le Merle, or as Sam Calagione suggests in “He Said Beer She Said Wine,” Avery White Rascal. “I would recommend a wheat beer since it has a malty backbone that will stand up to wasabi, but it’s also subtle enough that it won’t overwhelm the delicate varied flavors of the sushi rolls themselves.”
My dining companion and I shared a Leelanau Whaleback White, contract brewed by Ron Jeffries, of the well-respected Jolly Pumpkin. Whaleback is a Belgian White with a yeasty, lemon curd character. It’s dry and funky and it was lovely on its own or with the sushi rolls we ordered. We enjoyed the “Dinosaur Roll” with shrimp tempura and mango topped with eel and avocado and the “Christmas Tree Roll” with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and scallion topped with colorful flying fish roe, thus the name.
AVRIL
Avril is a new kid on the Bala Cynwyd block. Husband and wife team, Christian Gatti and April Lisante run the show at the BYO across the street from the Bala Movie Theater. Gatti says, “It’s a French bistro with Northern Italian and German influences.” That is no shocker considering Gatti spent years by the side of the esteemed Walter Staib, proprietor of City Tavern, whom originally hails from the Black Forest.
Savory, rustic tarts, links of boudin blanc, and seared duck with lentil demi-glace and roasted pears are sure bets at this charming 48 seat restaurant.
The idea of the Mussels in a brandy cream sauce paired with Lost Abbey’s Angel’s Share completely beguiled me, yet that would be an intense way to start things off. I went the way of the Artichoke, Spinach and Goat Cheese Tart paired with a Southampton Saison Deluxe.
But the dish that most beckons beer is the Braised Brisket Vol au Vent. It is a tender beef brisket braised in red wine with sundried
december/january 2009/2010 15
cherries in a house-made puff pastry cup- one that stays true to its translation “light as wind.” I didn’t bring a Russian River Supplication that night, but I wish I would have. There’s a great range of styles that would’ve complemented the dish. Perhaps, Voodoo’s Wynona’s Big Brown Ale, or play on the dried fruits and malt sweetness of a Belgian brown, such as McChouffe or Achel Extra.
In addition to Saison being the “back pocket” beer that will go with almost any main course, you best save some for dessert. Gatti’s Lavender Crème Brule is a mandatory trip to the city of herbaceous sublimity.
kANELLA
It was time to venture to South East Europe with my first trip to kanella. The boutique, Cypriotic restaurant on the corner of 10th and Spruce has been the recipient of much praise over the last year and a half. Inky critic Craig LaBan even gave it rare 3 bells.
I went mid-day- thus I didn’t get to delve into Chef/Owner Constantine Pitsillides’ dinner menu. Our server mentioned that there was only one “Lamb kofta” left. I quickly assumed that must mean it’s a popular dish, and I should order it. In layman’s terms, they’re pan-fried Greek meatballs, but they aren’t shaped as balls, as much as they take the shape of mini sausages. kofta is a traditional snack often paired with a Greek yogurt for dipping. This was served with a white bean stew. Add a little house smoked paprika, coriander seed, and cumin and you have the best $10 I spent in 2009.
In “Tasting Beer,” Randy Mosher says, “When in doubt, go Belgian.”
I had no doubt I wanted something dark and spicy- an Aventinus would have been splendid, but I followed the author’s approach and paired the Lamb kofta with Ommegang Abbey Ale. It can be picked up at the Foodery on Pine-which is a block away- for $9.95.
COCHON
Cochon, translates to “pig” in French. Gene and Amy Giuffi run the “Best of Philly 2008” BYO on the corner of Passyunk and Christian. It’s fitting that the location was a one-time butcher shop. They’ve garnered a nice reputation during the last two years for serving up a variety of delectable pork dishes. Giuffi cures all his own bacon and sausage in house-which makes his brunch one of the best in the city. He likes his ham and he also likes his beer.
I cheated on beer at Cochon in favor of another fermentable, cider. I got a 16.9 oz bottle of JK’s Scrumpy (Michigan). I’m usually not a cider gal, but there are a few out there that remind me of yesteryear, picking apples at the orchard. Clos Normand and Etienne Dupont, both funky, farmhouse ciders can share the bill here. I ordered the Berkshire Pork Rack Chop with herbed spaetzle, apples, bacon and cider reduction. It was as good as it sounds.
Pairing beer and food is one of the joys of my day-to-day. Pairings can complement or contrast. Mosher’s guiding principle is to match up the strength of beer with the strength of the dish. If you follow that, you should be good. Have fun out there- and hopefully you’ll never bring Merlot to Mexican again.
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Brewing Beer in a Coffee PotBill Drew of Craggie Brewing Co. shows us the process of brewing coffee is very similar to
brewing beer. To see the original article in it’s entirety, visit www.allaboutbeer.com. By Bill drew
Fun With Beer
Step 1: Measure 1 1/4 cups of malted barley. Using the rolling pin, gently apply just enough pressure to the grains to crack them.
Step 2: Place the cracked grains into the coffee pot. Place 2 cups of filtered water into the coffee machine and turn it on. Let the coffee maker do its thing; it will keep the water/grain mix at a constant temperature for about an hour before it shuts off.
Step 3: Strain the liquid through the coffee filter, and place the filter full of grain into the filter basket. Pour the strained liquid back into the water-heating chamber. Add 1 cup of water to the strained liquid in the chamber and turn the machine back on. After the liquid flows into the coffee pot, turn off the machine and pour the liquid back into heating chamber. Repeat five times, adding another cup of water each time. Keep a close eye to make sure it does not overflow.
Step 4: Now you have a sugar-rich liquid called “wort” (pronounced “wert”), or sweet liquor. Place the wort into the saucepan and get it to a rolling boil. After 20 minutes of boiling, add 5 to 7 pellets of hops, boil for an additional 30 minutes, then turn off the burner.
the steps Before you begin: SANITIZE everything as best you can!
(This article originally appeared in All About Beer Magazine, Vol. 23, #5 in November, 2002. Special Thanks to Bill Drew of Craggie Brewing Co., and Julie Johnson, Editor of All About Beer Magazine)
Step 5: Stir until you have a whirlpool. This will pull leftover sediment into the center of the pot. Carefully pour the wort into the canning jar, pouring down the side of the jar without splashing. Splashing hot wort would allow unwanted airborne organisms to get established.
Step 6: Next, you need to bring the temperature of the wort down to a level where yeast-the organisms you want in your wort-will thrive. The brewery uses a wort chiller or heat exchanger; you just place the jar into a sink filled with cold water.
Step 7: Let it cool until the liquid reaches between 60 and 70 degrees F. Screw the top on the jar and shake vigorously; this aerates the wort. Take the top off the jar and add yeast.
Step 8: The jar is now your fermentation tank. Place a piece of cheesecloth over the top of the jar and secure it with a rubber band; the cheesecloth will keep stuff from falling in your wort, and the carbon dioxide produced by fermentation should keep out other contaminants.
Step 9: Place the jar in a cool, dark place. The sweet liquor will become beer in five to seven days.
what you’ll need
(1) electric drip coffee maker with a water-heating compartment and a hot plate
(1) wooden rolling pin (marble is too heavy)
(1) coffee filter
(1) saucepan, larger than 2 quarts
(2) 1-quart canning jars with lids
(2) 6-inch squares of cheesecloth
(2) rubber bands
(1/2 gallon) filtered-not distilled-water
BRewinG inGRedients 1 1/4 cups malted barley • You can use all “base malt,” such as 2-row or pilsner. Base malt provides the sugar content for fermentation. Or use 1 cup of base malt and 1/4 cup specialty malt(s), such as crystal or chocolate malt, which will provide added color and flavor.
5 to 7 hop pellets • Which are the cones of the hop plant compressed into little nuggets.
1/2 packet of Champagne yeast • You can even use baker’s yeast
december/january 2009/2010 17
The event featured 10 local homebrewers pouring their homegrown brews and serving them up to nearly 200 guests at Independents Hall (“IndyHall”) in Old City. Attendees got to learn about ingredients, equipment, and the best-kept secrets behind Philly’s kick-ass DIY brews. Not to mention, there was fantastic complimentary food and craft beers.
By the end of the night, the judges and the people made their decisions as to who brought the best beers…
People’s ChoiceJon Gross and Jason Marziani
Pumpkin Wheat
Jon Gross and Jason Marziani totally almost kinda sorta completely just about know what they’re doing when it comes to brewing beer. They completed a combined 12 batches of extract-based brews from dark ales, porters, and stouts to lighter reds, hefes, and wheats. As they continue to refine their process in Jason’s South Philly, Italian Market basement, equipped with a 1940’s stove and a double basin utility sink they have yet to have a major explosion, knock on wood.
Pumpkin Wheat Ingredients
2 cans of Wheat Malt Extract1oz bittering hops1 tube of Wyeast Belgian white yeast1oz Coriander1oz Orange Peel1oz Pumpkin Spice put in a large steeping bag during the boil process.
Homebrewer’s Corner
Philly BeerCamp 2009
Judges’ ChoiceHoward “Howie” Ross
Cherry Wood Smoked Maple Porter
Howard has been brewing with his friends Ari and Mike for the past 5 years. After just a few extract kits in the kitchen they were hooked. They immediately started looking for ways to take it to the next level and haven’t stopped since. Howard does 3-10 gal extract batches in his kitchen in Philly and 15 gal all-grain batches at their “brewery” in South Jersey.
Cherry Wood Smoked Maple
Porter Ingredients
1/2lb American Aromatic Malt1/2lb German Crystal Malt1/4lb German Roasted Malt1lb Cherry Wood Smoked Malt2 oz fuggles hops (3.6% a.a.)16oz maple syrup6.6lbs Light Malt ExtractSafbrew S-33 Dry Ale Yeast
Brewing Instructions
Mill and steep all the specialty grains as you normally would. Add the hops at the beginning of boil along with 1/4 of your malt extract. The remainder of the malt extract and the maple syrup should be added during the last 15 minutes of boil.
On Friday, November 13, 2009, Neil and Mat had the honor of being two of the
five judges of the first annual Philly BeerCamp. Philly BeerCamp is a DIY beer
event hosted by Philly’s favorite beer drinkers, Johnny Bilotta and Dave Martorana
of Two Guys on Beer.
Everything Web.
Everything Print.
Everything Beer.
BrewStudio is an Inverse Paradox Project.
Philadelphia based web & graphic design for Restaurants, Brew Pubs, Breweries,
and Craft Beverage producers.
www.brewstudio.net • (215) 478-6586
ADVERTISEHERE
TODAY!
Call 215-478-6586 to get more information
or download our media kit at www.beerscenemag.com.
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201018
Cooking With Beer
Mad Elf Cherry Beer Bread By neil harner
Have you ever heard the old expression, “third time’s the charm?” This is how I felt creating this delicious recipe for a holiday beer bread that can be served up at your next holiday gathering. The first attempt was a bit too dry and not sweet enough. The second attempt was sweet enough, but there was just the lingering feeling of something missing. Finally, I thought to add some spice and a little extra dried cherry and I cracked it. Of course, this recipe is so simple and quick to prepare that if you give it a shot, you may find your tastes to be a little different than mine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the honey, cinnamon, or cherry.
I recommend making this beer bread the night before your festivities. Make sure to wrap tight. Cut the bread into small squares and serve with honey to spread. And of course make sure to pair it with a nice glass of Mad Elf.
Ingredients
3 cups all purpose flour3 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon salt2 teaspoons cinnamon1/4 cup sugar1/2 cup honey3/4 cup dried cherries10 ounces Troegs Mad Elf1 ounce water2 tablespoons melted butterShortening
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.Grease loaf pan with shortening and set aside. In a large bowl, sift flour and combine all ingredients with exception to the beer and butter. Slowly mix beer. Continue to mix until batter becomes a thick and sticky. Pour into the loaf pan. Pour melted butter over batter. Bake for 1 hour. Let stand for 15 minutes then remove from pan. Let cool and serve.
Mad Elf Cherry Beer Bread Recipe
208 Sanhican Drive (RT.29)Trenton, NJ 08618
(609) 393-9399(609) 252-1800
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I promised to give you a bit of a primer on making a custom Point of Interest (POI) file to avoid losing all those great places to get a beer and a sandwich, a hoagie or the best (fill in the blank). Making a POI file is almost like stuffing yourself during the holidays, there ain’t nothing to it. You can have up to four different sets of data:
• Latitude: Decimal format, positive for North, negative for South• Longitude: Decimal format, Positive for North, negative for South• Name: 1 to 2 lines of text (optional), but it helps to know where
you’re going. • Description: 1 to 4 lines of text (optional), but I want to know
why I’m going. Getting latitude and longitude for an individual address is surprisingly
simple... Use Geocoder.US, Google Earth, do a Google search or just go to www.findlatitudeandlongitude.com.
Input the data into a software package (e.g. Excel or Notepad) that can save a comma-separated values (CSV) file. Find the appropriate software to upload the file (for a Garmin unit, use Garmin’s POILoader) and just follow the instructions. I created a restaurant file to keep track of places I want to visit but the uses for a POI file are only limited by your imagination.
Of course, if this seems like a bit of work, go to www.poi-factory.com and search for whatever category interests you. I found some ready-made files of breweries and brewpubs in our neck of the woods.
These are the ones that I tend to frequent on a semi-regular basis. Best House Pizzeria (Baltimore Ave and 43rd Street) – Found
this place by accident. I was at Clark Park Farmers’ Market and walked across the street. The pizza was good and they have a couple of coolers of very decent beer. There is a trolley stop literally at the front door. Septa can’t get much better than that.
The Six-Pack Store (Roosevelt Blvd and Tyson, Philadelphia) They have a couple of coolers of solid beer. I never know what they have but I always find something interesting. I picked up a growler of Russian River’s Pliny the Younger there.
Trenton Road Take-Out. (1024 Trenton Road, Levittown) A wall of coolers with a big selection of beer, good prices and hoagies to go. A bit out of the way but worth the drive if you’re anywhere in the general area.
Hulmeville Inn Take-Out (4 Trenton Rd, Hulmeville) A small take-out shop but they consistently have a good selection and prices that are very reasonable. Stop in for dinner.
Tapping into Technology
GBPS: Global Beer Positioning System (part 2)Finding you the nearest beer on the road. By zeke diaz
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201020
which is a narrow alley packed with pubs. At almost any hour of the day or night, the outdoor patios of these pubs are filled with a pretty even mix of young locals and tourists alike, nursing giant glass mugs of beer and enjoying the typically fair weather Istanbul enjoys year round.
Balans is simple, clean, and cozy – wood-beamed ceilings and pale stone walls make the perfect backdrop for the two large fermentation tanks in the middle of the main foyer, which feed directly to the taps at the copper-topped bar. There were three beers on tap, all unfiltered– a Pilsner, which was wonderfully toasty and malty, a nice crisp, sour Weiss that left a beautiful lace on my glass, and a Caramel Weiss, a dark, sweet and sour wheat that was light bodied and rather gently hopped. The beers, which are brewed on location and rotate several times a year, really reflect brewer and co-owner, Jost Wachsmann’s German background and training.
With a fantastic location and enough space for 350 guests, plus a full bar and a nice pub fare, it’s a great place to cool off with a few pints of fresh beer, listen to live music on weekends, and make a few new friends.
But beer isn’t the only or even most authentic fermented grain beverage on the Istanbul scene - if you think you are brave enough, one of the tastiest and most interesting fermented drinks has about 1% ABV, a thick but slight sandy texture not unlike porridge, and is topped off with a layer of cinnamon dotted with garbanzo beans. Still interested? Boza is a bewitchingly addictive drink first made popular over a thousand years ago by Central Asian Turks, and all the energy-boosting carbs and vitamins it packs made it the beverage of choice of the Ottoman Army – it was basically an old school energy drink. I think the best way to describe the taste is vanilla pudding with a sourness that gives it an apple-like twang, and it is thick – so thick that you almost, almost have to chew it.
Made by boiling millet or wheat, which is then cooled, drained, and mixed with yeast, water and sugar, and fermented for about three days before being served, it is very rich in Vitamins A, B, C and E, and also contains lactic acid, which aids in digestion. And if you are still not convinced to give it a try – many sources, like fermentarium.com, claim that a Bulgarian version of the drink can enhance breast size. There is no official word on whether that is just the beer goggles speaking, but chances are that the high calorie content (100 calories a liter) can be to blame for that one. But hey, it’s worth a try.
For a nice cold glass of boza, check out Vefa Bozacisi (www.vefa.com.tr).
I think the lesson to be learned here is that when beer is lacking, you’ve got to be creative. Beer exists here in Istanbul, you just have to look for it, whether it is hidden in a posh waterfront towns, a neighborhood brewery, or in an age-old, bust-enhancing fermented millet drink.
Beer Travel
Istanbul Beer SceneLocal brew pubs in one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the world. By renata certo-ware
Let me lay down the facts: In Turkey, an empire ruled by tea and Raki, good craft beers are hard to come by. A huge majority of the market – over 80% - is ruled by macro-brewing giant Efes Beverage Group, which aside from its own namesake beers also has contracts to brew Tuborg, Foster’s and Miller, to name a few. As a bartender told me, “Turks drink a lot of beer, but they don’t have a beer culture.” There are just a handful of microbreweries in Turkey, mostly based on an American or German brewpub model.
Taps, which is the first microbrewery in Turkey, was co-founded by American Will kemper, who also helped design and build Philly’s Dock Street Brewery in the ’90’s. Taps has six locations throughout Turkey, four in Istanbul alone, each with draft and bottled choices, as well as a full menu featuring Westernized pub fare. The location in the ultra-ritzy neighborhood Bebek is my favorite. From tables facing the windows on the second floor you can look out over the Bosphorus and watch ferries and cargo ships pass by lackadaisically as you sip your brews, which are produced in the main brewer facility in nearby Gebze, by South African Head Brewer Daniel Wambua. The beers we sampled were pleasant, like the Dunkel, which was rather light-bodied but with a nice caramel taste and color, and the equally light-bodied Marzen, which poured pale golden with a great malty nose. The beautiful view and the friendly staff, the professionalism and proficiency of the Taps Company, plus the tres-chic clientele will see me back for more. (www.tapsistanbul.com)
Another microbrewery, Balans Brau (www.balansbrau.com), is a German-influenced brewing company founded in 2001 by a German brewer and a Turkish business man. There are two locations in Istanbul- one on the Asian side, and one in Beyoglu, the more well-known and easily accessible of the two. It is tucked between the bustling Istiklal Caddessi, which gets an estimated 1 million people a day in foot traffic, and the more intimate but just as alive Nevizade Street,
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The Brewmaster
sSome people say that when you choose a job that you love, you will never work a day in your life. If this is true, Flying Fish Brewing Company’s Head Brewer, Casey Hughes, has not worked a day since he was 18.
When Casey graduated from high school in 1995, he and a few friends spent the summer in key West, Florida. It was on this vacation he took a job at a local brewery to make ends meet for the summer. Little did he know that this simple summer job would turn into a full time brewing gig within six months. Prior to this, he had only made wine with his parents as a child. He had never experimented with home brewed beer whatsoever. The job quickly grew into a passion and you guessed it, he stayed in key West and brewed for nearly seven years until he found his current home at Flying Fish in 2002.
It was at Flying Fish where Casey came into his own as a brewer. He continued to brew in the fashion that was laid by owner Gene
Muller, but he also created some of his own masterpieces. In 2008, they received a silver medal at The Great American Beer Festival for the Belgian Abbey Dubbel. This was their best beer until a new creation was formed.
“Why not make a beer for all of the exits on the New Jersey Turnpike?” This was the idea that Casey had conjured up after a night of drink-
ing with Gene, which plays off of an ongoing New Jersey greeting. “Oh, you’re from Jersey? What exit are you from?” The idea eventually turned into what is now known as The Exit Series. It all began in early 2009 with the Exit 4 American Trippel. This
exit was chosen to represent the first beer of the series, because Flying Fish is located right off of Exit 4 on the turnpike. It is a Belgian trippel by nature, but it is finished with American hops as opposed to Belgian hops. Exit 4 was the beer that took over the reigns at Flying Fish when it won a gold medal at The Great American Beer Festival earlier this year. However, once an Exit Series beer runs its
fish out of water
By Kevin romer
december/january 2009/2010 23
course, it will no longer be produced. So unlike the Belgian Abbey Dubbel, the Exit 4 will not be around long.
Exit 11 Hoppy American Wheat soon followed as the summer offering in the series. It is made with three different hops and an equal mix of Belgian pale malt and white wheat. This is how the name Hoppy Wheat was coined. As a summer beer, Exit 11 was chosen due to the fact that it is the exit from the turnpike that leads into the Garden State Parkway. It is one of the best known ways to get to the Jersey Shore points.
The third and current beer released in the series is the Exit 1 Bayside Oyster Stout. Casey was influenced by Tom kehoe, owner of Yards Brewing Company. Before Yards had moved to their current location, they used to brew their Love Stout with oysters. This intrigued Casey to read up on some style descriptions from Michael Jackson, no not the king of Pop, but the world renowned beer critic, who is also no longer with us. Casey took these ideas and decided to use oysters straight from the southwest bayshore area of New Jersey to brew this beer. It is a perfect marriage of English chocolate and roasted malts, Irish ale yeasts, and local flavor.
You will probably not see another addition to the series until late January or early February. Right now there are no ideas that Casey could elaborate on, but he did mention to keep your eyes open for a hoppy red ale and a cranberry Berliner Weisse for sometime in the future of the series. If there is anything that he is sure of right now, it is that you will never see a Wit or Pumpkin Exit beer. They are two of his least favorite beers.
With the Exit Series in full swing, things could not be better for Flying Fish. Despite this economy, they are actually growing and looking to expand in the near future. They are going to nearly double in size and bring in more tanks and packaging equipment to service more accounts throughout the U.S. Also, the Farmhouse Summer Ale, which is currently a contracted brew, will now be brewed in-house. There will also be more firkins available to distribute to local bars for events. This is something that makes Gene and Casey very proud. When asked about his job, Casey responded, “I love it. I make beer for a living. I make people happy!”
IN THE PURSUIT OF HOPPINESS
Dock Street Brewery & RestaurauntWest Philly - 701 S. 50th Street
(firehouse, corner 50th & Baltimore)www.dockstreetbeer.com
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2009
december/january 2009/2010 25
2009BEER LOVER’S GIFT GuIDE
For this issue’s “Not Beer” we thought it would be all too appropriate to give you our suggestions for all the great beer stuff you can
get for friends and family this holiday season.
bring the game anywherePort-O-PongPerfect for anyone looking to have a party. This inflatable beer pong table not only lets you have a game anywhere, but you can play in a pool too. www.portopong.com $50
you got gameThe Draft ShaftThe Draft Shaft is the perfect gift for the beer geek pool player. Not only can you customize it with any tap handle, but it makes a great shot! www.doubleenglish.com $25-$75
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wash up!Beer SoapNo, you won’t smell like a drunk when you are done with this soap. You’ll smell great and feel clean with these soaps that feature some of your favorite brews. www.thebeersoapco.com $5
drink fastBottle ThrottleCraft beer may not be intended to be drank fast for drinking games, but sometimes it’s just fun to show off anyway. There is no quicker way to kill a bottle than this cool little gizmo. www.bottlethrottle.ca $20
eco-friendly romantic nights
Recycled Glass Bottle CandlesWith all the bottles that end up in your recycling, these guys
are repurposing the empty glass into beautiful candles that can
brighten up any room. www.letsgetlitcandles.com $11-$20
wear it outThe Beer BuckleBluetooth makes it so that you can call hands free. The Beer Buckle makes it so that you can drink hands free. www.thebeerbuckle.com $25
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secret santa
The Beer Gift BasketPerfect for the boss, co-worker, or buddy, you can
get your own holiday beer basket at The Six Pack
Store located on the Roosevelt Blvd.
www.thesixpackstore.com $25-100
lady beer loverVintage Beer ShirtCelebrate the end of Prohibition with a vintage beer shirt. All shirts are 100% cotton and feature a distressed screen print look. www.yesterbeer.com $20
drink more, fasterThe ChugglerThis mug can hold 30oz of liquid to be consumed in 1.75 seconds using the attached hose. The Chuggler comes in assorted colors and makes an awesome Christmas gift for the beer lover on your list. www.chuggler.com $20
making some grubSingle Man’s Guide to Cooking with BeerWe featured this cook book in our last issue of Philly Beer Scene. The recipes are easy and delicious! Best of all, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book goes towards breast cancer research. www.thesinglemansguide.com $23
www.thesinglemansguide.com The Single Man’S guide
to Cooking WiTh Beer
by Streeter F. McClure
Th
e Sing
le M
an
’S gu
ide to C
oo
kin
g W
iTh
Beer
by Streeter F. McClure
self educationChristmas Beer
Philly’s own Don Russell introduces you to a world of holiday beers, most of which can be found throughout the Philadelphia region. This book can be
found at most book stores. www.joesixpack.net $10
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defunct breweriesGretz TeeBack in the day, Gretz was a staple brewery to the Philly beer scene. YesterBeer now lets you show your Philly pride by wearing this defunct brewery’s logo on your chest. www.yesterbeer.com $18
for the homebrewerBrew BallsThe picture says it all! Drop these balls into your carboy and monitor your beer as it ferments without the need of opening the carboy or extracting samples. www.brewballstore.com $20
hops cowboyThe Rockmount Hops ShirtMake an impression when you walk into a room by wearing this awesome hops patterned cowboy-style shirt. The shirt is available in black or khaki. www.beerheads.com $80
beer on tapLancaster’s GrowlersLancaster Brewing Co. has by far one of the most unique and artistic growlers available. When you pick up your fill, do it in style. Take a trip out to Lancaster or buy online. www.lancasterbrewing.com $26
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weird beer #4samuel adams utopias
Does a brew that holds the reputation of being
the world’s strongest beer classify as a weird beer?
Samuel Adams Utopias has been around for almost
eight years now and although only six editions have
been released, every one of them has pushed the
boundaries of extreme. The 2009 edition, released in
November, weighs in at an impressive 28% ABV.
Although it has been around for quite some time,
many have yet to hear the name Utopias, let alone
have had the opportunity to sample the brew since
it comes out bi-annually and in very limited quantity.
Not to mention, it has been unavailable in many
states due to legal restrictions. In the past, this has
been true of Pennsylvania and although it may not
be restricted in PA anymore, from our understanding
due to the tight regulation on beer sales, it is near
impossible for Utopias to be sold.
The beer itself is to be served at room temperature
and pours a beautiful dark amber color with no
carbonation. When taking small sips from a snifter,
the beer coats your entire palate in a way similar
to a fine cognac. The flavors range from a deep
and clear alcohol to cleaner distinctions of vanilla,
bourbon, caramel, toffee, and maple. There is truly
no experience like it.
If you can find one of the 9,000 bottles produced
it will cost you approximately $150 and you may
have to cross a bridge or state line to find it. Or,
if you are desperate for that perfect holiday gift,
you can seek a bottle on eBay which can cost you
anywhere up to $250.
4
get a good laughThe Ghetto Beer BasketIf you aren’t looking for a serious gift, The Six Pack Store has got the basket to get you the best laugh. This basket features a forty, pack of smokes, cigars, shot glass, a condom, and of course, it wouldn’t be ghetto without the paper bag. www.thesixpackstore.com $28
serve it rightThe Essential Beer Glass SetOne of the first things anyone should learn when getting into craft beer is how to best serve it. Start off with this six piece glass set to serve everything from pilsners to Belgians right. www.beerheads.com $37
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A Brewtiful Thing...
december/january 2009/2010 31
Craft beer lovers are just as passionate about their coffee as they are about their beer. More and more we are seeing breweries offering up coffee-flavored beers, and many anticipate beers brewed with coffee from their favorite breweries. It’s obvious that craft beer lovers, brewers included, have a passion for intense and unique flavors, adding the things we love about coffee to porters and stouts to create more complex flavors, and ultimately combining two of our favorite things. Just be sure you don’t confuse the two, as most would agree that a coffee stout probably wouldn’t be a good alternative for your daily commute. By Scott Willey | Photographed By Pete Schuster
Everybody knows that Philadelphia is die-hard about its sports, its craft beer and... um... its coffee? Yes, it’s true. We are crazy about the things we love, and we aren’t easily persuaded. We will fight tooth and nail about why our favorite athlete is superior to your favorite, why our favorite brewery is superior to your favorite brewery, and surprisingly, the coffee shop “I” go to is the best, and you can’t change my mind. Coffee connoisseur, Bill Walsh, author of purecoffeeblog.com, says, “Philly’s coffee scene only blossomed a few years ago. The first coffee houses in the area that really did something noteworthy were actually outside of the Philadelphia city center: Chestnut Hill Coffee Company west of the city, and a Southern Jersey roaster and coffee house right over the bridge called Crescent Moon Coffee & Tea.” It is apparent that Philadelphia is “brewing over” with great craft beer and coffee, and we see the marriage of this from our local breweries. Philadelphia Brewing Co.’s Joe, Triumph’s Coffee and Cream Stout, and Troegs’ Java Head are just a few of the local coffee beer favorites. Also, don’t forget popular US craft brews such as Founder’s Breakfast Stout,
Furthermore Oscura and Southern Tier’s Jah-va, and you can see that coffee is an exceptional ingredient for beer.
As seen in our “Fun With Beer” column in this issue, the process of brewing beer can be closely related to the process of brewing coffee. From roasting coffee beans to roasting malted barley, the processes are so similar in fact, one of our favorite local breweries pondered the idea of going into the coffee business before ultimately deciding to join the craft beer market. Chris and John Trogner, natives of Mechanicsburg, PA and owners of Troegs Brewery, conceptualized their idea of a brewery over the miles between Philadelphia and Colorado. John was working in real estate in the Philadelphia area, while Chris was lured by the skiing in Colorado and quickly fell in love with the many craft breweries Colo-rado has to offer. John moved to Colorado, and the brothers educated themselves on the craft beer scene and the processes of brewing. Somewhere along the line in their quest to further educate themselves on the brewing process of beer, they considered the idea of going into the coffee business. “Our concept art for the coffee business was the Nugget Nectar logo, except
A Brewtiful Thing...as Picked By Our
Readers – some of their Favorite coffee Houses:
ROcket cat caFe’2001 Frankford Ave.
therocketcat.com
lamBeRtville tRadinG cO.43 Bridge StreetLambertville, NJ
lambertvilletrading.com
muG sHOtsFairmount & Manayunk
mugshotscoffeehouse.com
cannOli cOFFee BaR & GelateRia
129 Radcliffe St.Bristol, PA
cannolicoffeebarandgelateria.com
lOveRs & madmen40th & Ludlow
loversandmadmencoffee.com
cROOked FRame2545 Brown St.215.235.5282
Black n BRew1523 E. Passyunk Ave.
blackbrew.net
sPRuce stReet esPRessO1101 Spruce St.
sprucestespresso.wordpress.com
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201032
for a hand crushing a coffee bean into a coffee cup,” John Trogner recently told me. “Ultimately, beer was a stronger passion. It’s like night and day. The diversity in the flavors of beer far outweighed those in coffee.” The Trogner brothers love for coffee hasn’t been lost in their pursuit of brewing beer. John is an avid home roaster, roasting half-pound batches at a time. Nick Johnson, Troegs street team rep serving Eastern PA, New Jersey, and Delaware, said, “John is always roasting. He loves espresso. He even roasts in the office at the brewery.” John’s love for coffee is evident in the beers that Troegs brews. Their experimental “Scratch” series, specifically Scratch #15, was the basis of their widely popular Java Head stout, which was morphed from their retired oatmeal stout recipe. If you were lucky enough, you got your hands on Scratch #19, an imperial version weighing in at roughly 9% ABV. The coffee flavors you get from Java Head are provided by St. Thomas Roasters in Linglestown, PA. “The coffee we use is a locally roasted blend of espresso beans, and kenyan coffee beans. The bold, bitter, citrusy flavors of the kenyan coffee greatly compliment the beer,” John told me. The savory, bitter flavors of coffee combined with the many variations of serving it- from cappuccino, to espresso, to a latte macchiato, can be compared to brewing different styles of beer. From milk, sugar, cinnamon, to caramel- these can be compared to the different spices, hops, yeast, or fruit added to beer to give them more complex flavors. The possibilities for creativity are endless, and the ones that do it to our liking end up being our favorite coffee houses and breweries.
Coincidentally enough, your new favorite coffee house might end up being your new favorite bottle shop as well. In the rejuvenated
neighborhood of Newbold, home of the South Philadelphia Tap Room (SPTR), we now have Brew. Conveniently situated one block down on the corner diagonally opposite from the SPTR, John Longacre has placed the best of coffee and beer under one roof. John originally didn’t have much of an interest in coffee, telling me that he was happy with a cardboard cup filled with joe from the closest gas station. John, the owner of the aforementioned SPTR, said, “I was hearing that people in this neighborhood were starving for a coffee shop, and after giving it considerable thought, I realized that the people that frequented privately owned coffee shops were the same people seeking out craft beer. They are essentially the same consumer.” Through a mutual friend, local musician Denison Witmer, Longacre was introduced to Aaron Ultimo. At the time, Aaron was the Director of Quality for Murky Coffee in Washington, D.C., and John argues that Aaron is the premier coffee connoisseur on the east coast. “I approached Aaron with the concept, I had to convince him to move to Philadelphia,” John told me. “He has taught me so much about coffee. He has an amazing palate. He can taste a beer, and tell you every ingredient in it. The flavors of coffee are less distinct, so his palate is able to pick up the wide variety of subtle flavors in a beer.” Brew features individual hand-dripped coffees for their customers from some of the rarest and most unique beans from around the world. The take-out bottle selection will feature roughly 600 varieties available for individual or mix-six purchases. I say “will,” because they are currently tied up with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board finalizing the details of the license. If you know craft beer and live in Pennsylvania, you know how tough
december/january 2009/2010 33
Pennsylvania’s LCB is for bar owners, and getting new products to the market. Regardless, the combined effort of Longacre and Ultimo will result in a unique experience for their consumers, sharing what they have learned from each other and passing that education on to their consumers. They plan on featuring beer tastings and cuppings- the coffee equivalent to a beer tasting. For the holidays, Brew will offer gift baskets featuring coffee and beer. While the beer coolers remain dormant, hopefully to be filled after their hearing on December 11th, the coffee end of the business has been very successful, and exactly what the neighborhood of Newbold was looking for. “The rare and unique coffees we are offering have been a huge success,” said Longacre. “We are already considering a second location.” For the beer and coffee connoisseur, this one block utopia provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy a meal and some great beers at STPR, while having an extraordinary cup of coffee and dessert at Brew. You can finish off your evening by selecting from the take-out selection and enjoying a night cap at home. The suburb equivalent to this can be found in Lambertville, NJ, across the bridge from New Hope. In Lambertville, you can stop by Walker’s Liquor Store, pick up some great craft beers, and take them to Lilly’s on the Canal, possibly one of the best BYOB restaurants you have never heard about. From there, finish off your evening across the street at the Lambertville Trading Co., hands-down my favorite coffee shop. I frequently take the relaxing, scenic drive on River Road just to pick up my favorite, the Roca Mocha, which is excellent hot or iced.
People are very particular about how they like their coffee; black, extra cream, no sugar, and every combination in between. The same goes for coffee beers- this one is too sweet, that one’s too bitter, and so on. I think that’s why there are so many variet-ies of coffee stouts and porters on the market. The brewer is partial to how he likes his coffee, and it reflects in his beer. I can’t think of a better city than Philadelphia for people who love beer and coffee. From our local breweries brewing with coffee, to coffee shops that sell beer, and the many craft beer offerings from across the states sending us awesome coffee-tinged brews, Philadelphia is an eclectic and flavorful city speckled with great beer bars and coffee houses. The real irony of it all is that the average beer drinker thought that the concept of Drew Carey’s Buzz Beer was a joke. “Who would ever combine beer and coffee? That’s so gross, it’s funny!” Well, it’s obvious to us beer lovers that truly enjoy the complex and robust flavors of coffee paired with high quality craft beers, that the joke has always been on them.
II was hearing that people in this neighborhood were starving for a coffee shop, and after giving it considerable thought, I realized that the people that frequented privately owned coffee shops, were the same people seeking out craft beer.
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december/january 2009/2010 35
150 Years... On the Biggest Little Street
By Alicia Eichelman | Photography By Adam Taylor
It’s a Sunday night in Center City, Philadelphia. McGillin’s Olde Ale House, one of the oldest operating taverns in
the country is lined wall to wall with people. Two-top tables have now become eight-top tables, and standing room
no longer exists. It’s approaching nine o’clock and its game four of the 2009 World Series; McGillin’s is bound to
become increasingly crowded as the night progresses. The dimly lit bar casts shadows that bounce off of the walls
that are adorned with a mix of signs both old and new; from Gimbels, the iconic American department store, to
2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies memorabilia.
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Bar manager, Chris Mullins, Jr. looks around, eyes adjusting to the lack of light, and gazes at the patrons surrounding him. Not missing a beat, he weaves through the crowd, stopping only when greeting the regulars or to briefly chat with one of his servers. Mullins, Jr. knows that he has a special establishment on his hands, one rich in history that has grown with Philadelphia and through his family. He lives for the nights like these and takes nothing for granted.
“It’s so rare to be able to come to a place that people have been going to for a 150 years and still have a quality experience. We definitely do not ever take anything we do for granted,” he explains.
“In fact it probably puts more pressure on us because we want to make sure that though people will still want to come visit because we are 150 years old, they are still going to see interesting and unique cocktails and we are still going to make upgrades to this room, we’re never going to sit back and let our age, or reputation carry us.”
The year is 1860; Abraham Lincoln has just been elected 16th President of the United States, the Philadelphia Phillies are about twenty-three years away from becoming a franchise and City Hall, the epicenter of our city has not even come to fruition. However, in a little alley not far from where City Hall would eventually stand, a Philadelphiainstitution was opened. “The Bell in Hand” as it was originally called, officially opened its doors for business in 1860. Established
by William “Pa” McGillin and Catherine “Ma” McGillin, McGillin’s Olde Ale House on Drury Lane in the heart of Philadelphia would prove to be a timely addition to the city of Brotherly Love.
Initially a small row home, McGillin’s grew to encompass three buildings, including an oyster house, and would eventually find itself to not only be a stomping ground for laborers and millionaires alike who we’re looking for a place unwind and enjoy a pint, but also to Ma and Pa’s thirteen children, who we’re all raised in the upstairs area of the building
which functioned as the McGillin’s home. Pa McGillin’s life was dedicated to his ale
house which provided a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere for the most dignitary of politicians to Civil War soldiers who were perhaps enjoying their last beer before battle. A stickler for traditional and simplistic things, he turned down many offers to spruce up the existing interior and façade of his beloved building. One thing he took pride in almost as much as his quality beers which he aged in the cellar were his floors. He would never replace them; instead continue to layer new floor after new floor on top of each other. On August 31, 1901, while cleaning these beloved floors, William McGillin passed away.
This was not an insignificant moment in Philadelphia history as Pa McGillin had created an establishment that served beers beyond it’s time to a large range of characters. He had created a space that brought all walks of life together in the city. However, his death ushered in a new era of McGillin’s where it proved its sustainability through innovation as it would time and time again.
After Pa McGillin’s death, Ma McGillin took over the ale house which at this time was famous throughout the city. Ma McGillin herself was no stranger to fame.
“On her birthday, every November, she would hand out Carnations to every customer and would be serenaded down the street,
“It’s so rare to be able to come to a place that people have been going to for a 150 years and still have a quality experience. We definitely do not ever take anything we do for granted.”
McGillin’s will be celebrating
its 150th Anniversary this year on
December 31, 2009 with the 150
Beers in 150 Years event.
december/january 2009/2010 37
happy birthday, by crowds of people each year,” explains Mullins, Jr.
Once she took over the bar, she made all of the renovations that were previously ignored by Pa McGillin. This includes the facade and arch ways that currently frame the McGillin’s building. Ma McGillin took it upon herself to transform McGillin’s Olde Ale House with the times. When Prohibition hit in 1920, Ma symbolically locked the front doors of McGillin’s and vowed to not re-open them until the Prohibition had ended. During this time McGillin’s remained open and began to function as a restaurant while potentially, though unproven, also operate as a speakeasy. In 1937, at the age of 90, Ma McGillin passed away, leaving the city of Philadelphia reeling in her absence.
“She was very much loved, when she died, that was a very big deal for the city,” says Mullins, Jr.
This left the ale house in the hands of the youngest McGillin, Mercedes. Mercedes eventually sold McGillin’s to bartenders and brothers, Henry Spaniak and Joe Szczepaniak in 1958.
In keeping with the family tradition that has become so deeply rooted and such an integral part of McGillin’s history, Spaniak’s daughter Mary-Ellen Mullins and his son-in- law Chris Mullins, Sr. became owners of this landmark in 1993, with Mullins, Jr. and his aunt, Mary Ellen’s sister, kate Newcomer, serving as bar managers.
McGillin’s deep rooted connection to Philadelphia runs deeper than the history, right through its tap lines. There you will find one of the most extensive arrays of local craft beers. Always following the theme of innovation and changing before the times, long before it became so widely popular,
Top Left: The downstairs bar area of
McGillin’s where you can enjoy a pint
of their 1860 IPA.
Left: Ma & Pa McGillin with the
family they raised upstairs, including
one grandchild.
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201038
Above: McGillin’s has a large selection
of local craft beers, and claims to
be one of the pioneers that brought
craft beer into the Philly beer scene.
McGillin’s prides itself in supporting
local breweries.
Chris Mullins was one of the first to begin serving microbeers. “It was a way for me to differentiate my product. I thought it added a unique aspect to the business,” he says.
“My dad really was one of the first pioneers of offering local craft beers. He really tried
to support the local breweries and help them by putting it on tap, and we do that today. When we hear a new guy is cominginto the market, we always try to support them as best we can and help keeping them going,” Mullins, Jr. explains.
“We are very committed to local craft brews,” Mullins elaborates. “We have our feet in both sides of the beer debate. We’re not beer snobs though,” he is quick to
point out. To kick off their 150th Anniversary
celebration, they took their love of craft brews one step further and commissioned Stoudt’s Brewing Company to make them an unfiltered IPA, just as it would have
been when McGillin’s first opened. McGillin’s 1860 IPA is now available exclusively on tap at McGillin’s and in limited bottle quantity around the city.
On January 1st, 2010, the famous New Year’s ball will drop and “Auld Lang Syne” will be heard throughout the county, but on the biggest little street between Chestnut and Sansom Street in Philadelphia, a new milestone will be reached, McGillin’s will
“We are very committed to local craft brews...We have our feet in both sides of the beer debate. We’re not beer snobs though.”
be celebrating its 150th anniversary, no small feat in this day and age. In McGillin’s time there have been twenty-six Presidents, Prohibition started and ended, and the city skyline has grown to greater heights, but McGillin’s Olde Ale House has withstood the test of time. The Mullin’s family will be able to be satisfied in knowing that they have had a hand in establishing what is and will undoubtedly remain one of the most important landmarks in the history of this city. So, cheers to 150 more years of The Bell in Hand and McGillin’s Olde Ale House; long may it ring!
december/january 2009/2010 39©2008 Michelob Brewing Co. Michelob® Family of Beers, St. Louis, MOMichelob.com
Ad Name: Any 1 of theseItem #: PAM20099566
Job/Order #: 609292-209307
Trim: 8.375x10.875Bleed: 8.625x11.125Live: 7.875x10.375
Closing Date: 9.21.9QC: SMPub: Philly Beer Scene
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201040
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CorkWhy a GPS is a good investment.By John Galster
Normally, I don’t make it a top priority to venture over the other side of the Ben Franklin Bridge. My trip to Cork, in Westmont, NJ, was one of the exceptions. I realized about fifteen minutes after I was supposed to meet Mat there why I don’t; New Jersey roads are confusing! So, after receiving some updated directions via phone, I safely made it to Cork with everything but my sanity intact. The moral of the story here is not to trust Google Maps. Or maybe that if you need your sanity restored, Cork is the place to go. By the way, Mat made it there in 10 minutes with no wrong turns. Go figure.
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when I got to Cork. I’m the kind of guy who never looks at the menu on a restaurant’s website because I like to be surprised and I will enjoy pretty much anything. The first thing I thought when I heard the name Cork on a beer joint was “Irish.” I was pretty wrong. Turns out that Cork is a casual wine and beer restaurant with a focus on Belgian styles. Oh, I get it now, as in the cork in the bottle. Mat and I enjoyed a good variety of beer from Unibroue Maudite to La Chouffe McChouffe to Boulder Beer’s Hazed and Infused.
This trip out also worked a little differently than the ones I’m used to because we were expected. Owner kevin Meeker introduced us to the pride of the restaurant, Chef Sae An. We ordered a few of the recommended items like the korean Tacos, Sae’s Poke Flatbread, and the Pan
Seared Day Boat Scallops. All were amazing. The tacos come individually which was probably a good thing as I could have filled up on them alone. Sae’s flatbread came with rare tuna, cucumbers, seaweed, sauce, and a few more ingredients; there was so much amazing flavor going around on this thing we were upset when it was gone. The scallops were cooked to perfection with a small side of noodles and a sauce that brought the whole dish together. This probably would have been the early end of a great meal but we were not allowed to stop there. They wouldn’t let us leave without trying a few more of their dishes. Next came the Salt & Pepper Calamari. This dish was fried with large pieces of battered sweet pepper intermixed with the calamari and both were seasoned to perfection with sea salt. All served with honey vinegar. Next came the Peking Duck Flatbread. While we did like the first flatbread a bit better, this was also excellent. Last, we were treated to fresh lamb pappardelle. This was my first experience with such a dish and it was delicious. Noodles covered in a delicious lamb meat sauce, this was a bit different than the other dishes that we had to this point, but not unwelcomed.
Now normally, I avoid dessert at all costs - I’ve already got one vice - but one in particular caught our attention- honey jalapeño crème brulée. Mat and I each ordered one and it was great. Very sweet with a strong pepper flavor and just a bit of spiciness. This dessert just perfectly topped off all the deliciousness we enjoyed. The food, hospitality, and good beer at Cork make it an easy recommendation for anyone with a car. Just make sure you have good directions. Cork is located at 90 Haddon Avenue in Westmont, NJ. Call 856-833-9800 or visit www.corknj.com
december/january 2009/2010 41
salads. The two of us split the Grilled BBQ Meatloaf and the Steak, Gorgonzola, and Belgian Endive Salad over the sounds of a Dave Matthews’ song being butchered. Both meals were enjoyable with the slight advantage going to the meatloaf - it tastes just like Mom’s. The steak on the salad was not the little pre-chopped bits you might find in other restaurants; it was cooked to order and sliced fine across the top. I had another beer while we ate, but this time I had the Black Lab Stout which was very smooth with just the right hint of chocolate flavor.
In the end, I think we actually enjoyed the off-key singing, the service was excellent and I only regret that we didn’t have time to check out the Underground Pub - a downstairs bar complete with pool and foosball tables. I only have one complaint to lodge against the Mckenzie and that is that my beer was served ice cold! I suppose when your only complaint is that your beer is too cold, that is a good thing. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a fun dinner. Mckenzie Brew House is located at 240 Lancaster Avenue in Malvern, PA. Call 610-296-2222 or visit www.mckenziebrewhouse.com
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McKenzie Brew House in MalvernEnjoyable dining and Great American Beer Fest winning beer.
By John Galster
As it turned out, I decided to have a quick dinner at the Mckenzie Brew House in Malvern on karaoke Night. I could have known if I had just checked their website before I left - there is a calendar of nightly events or music posted there. There are actually two Mckenzie locations with the other being in Chadds Ford, Delaware County. As I ordered my Charlie’s Bitter, a sweet tasting ale from their seasonal and limited brew selections menu, my girlfriend made a comment to the waitress about the music from the bar sounding a little strange. It was then that we learned it was because of the “interesting” singing.
We started out our meal with the Smoked BBQ Chicken Quesadillas and the Asian Lettuce Wraps. The BBQ ‘dillas were amazing - the chicken is so moist and tender it almost tastes like a pulled chicken BBQ sandwich in quesadilla form. With the lettuce wraps, I broke one of my old-est dining rules. I have always vowed that I would never order something in a restaurant that I had to put together myself. They turned out to be worth it, something I would definitely order again. The menu is certainly varied enough to provide something for everyone and I was happy to see that there was a large section dedicated to entree sized
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201042
how philly beer scene reviews beer
Every issue the four founders of Philly Beer Scene, Scott, Neil, Mat and John get together with a notable guest for a small, private, tasting session called the “The Tasting Room.” Approximately a dozen beers are chosen that are new, seasonal or just interesting.
Rather than presenting an overly-detailed single perspective review, “The Tasting Room” serves to be a brief written account of key points made between the tasters. Each taster designates a rating from zero to five stars, justifying it in their own way. The scores are then averaged and always rounded to the nearest half star for a final rating.
star gazing
Stay Away From This Beer
A Drinkable Beer But Not Worth Seeking Out
An Average Beer
A Pretty Decent Beer Worth Drinking Anytime
If You See This Beer, Order It
You Better Go Out And Find This Beer Now
This month, we decided to take the Tasting Room to one of the classic Philadelphia bars: the South Philadelphia Tap Room (SPTR).
Located on Mifflin St. between 15th and 16th, SPTR is home to one of the best beer selections in the city and an outstanding food menu. SPTR is also one of the very few homes to limited one-off beers from Founders Brewery, which made a big hit in this Tasting Room. It should also be noted that Brew from a “Brewtiful Thing” (page 30) is located directly across the street.
The Tasting Room
our notable guestLocal Sly Fox rep and beer connoisseur, suzanne woods, was our choice for this month’s guest reviewer. Suzanne has been huge in the local beer scene for years now, and has shown great beer knowledge in winning this years mystery beer contest at Memphis Tap Room. She is also at the forefront of the local women’s beer movement and is the founder of In Pursuit of Ale (IPA), a local all-female beer club.
december/january 2009/2010 43
Flying Fish Exit 1
“Exit 1, an “export style” stout brewed with oysters,
celebrates this tasty combination. The creamy flavor
of English chocolate and roasted malts harmonizes
with minerals from the oyster shells. Irish ale yeast
adds a bit of fruitiness and a dry crispness. This rich
stout is perfect for cool weather” ABV: 7.5%
Weyerbacher Quad
Weyerbacher QUAD was the first quadrupel style beer
to be commercially brewed and bottled in the United
States. Massively big and delicious, QUAD is an elegant
and dark ale. Rich with complexity and flavor, it is rec-
ommended to age for at least 12 months. ABV: 11.8%
Boaks Two Blind Monks
Two blind monks is one of the flagship beers from a
very small craft brewery in Pompton Lakes, NJ. It’s a
belgian dubbel, a style that originated in the monastaries
in the Middle Ages. This beer is rich, malty and
raisiny with a touch of caramel flavor. ABV: 7%
Victory Yakima Twilight
Made as a seasonal replacement to Hop Wallop
which is now available year round. Dark malts and
juicy hop aroma give this brew a complex satisfying
taste with a “warming edge.” Enjoy it for the hops!
ABV: 8.7%
Yards Poor Richard’s Tavern Spruce
Brewed in honor of Ben Franklin’s 300th birthday. As
homage to his love of ales, Yards recreated Franklin’s
original recipe which called for spruce essence and
molasses, since barley and hops were not readily avail-
able at the time. The outcome became one of three in
the Yards series “Ales of the Revolution.” ABV: 5%
Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald
Named after the ship that frequently docked in
Cleveland and sunk in Lake Superior on November
10, 1975 with many Northeast Ohioans on board. It is
a traditional porter with a complex, roasty aroma and
a bittersweet, chocolate-coffee taste along with a bold
hop presence. ABV: 5.8%
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
One for those that like their palates assaulted. Would have liked to see more of a caramel malt profile.
Finishes a little milder than I would have liked, but another solid offering from Victory.
Very piney scent with a hoppy tone.
Nice and hoppy with a nutty malt flavor.
A little over-hopped and sticky. Would have liked a little more malt balance.
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
The spruce seems subdued from earlier versions. It’s an ideal holiday beer for the season.
Much less of a piney taste than in the past, but the mel-lowing has really helped to make this very approachable
Very metallic aroma, but has a nice spiced sweetness. Easy drinker despite being a little over carbonated.
Good sweet aroma, almost spicy, a bit too plain for me but not bad.
Nice sweetness. Makes for a great introductory craft beer for the holidays.
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
My favorite offering from one of the newest breweries in the region.
Really great, traditional porter. Probably the best of the Great Lakes flagship beers.
Great porter with mild hope aroma with a toasty, caramel malty taste and a slight hop finish.
Sweet and caramely without a lot of hop flavor. Solid all around and very drinkable.
Great nutty taste with light coffee notes and a sweet nose.
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
In Weyerbacher style it’s an “explosion” of flavor. A banana blew up in a rum barrel but it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Banana’s dominant in the aroma and taste. Really smooth and easy to drink.
Super banana nose and banana throughout. Perfect sweetness in the finish. Alcohol at 12% well masked.
Smells like a fruit snack.
A lot of banana, very sweet and smooth.
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
A nice beer from New Jersey brewing but not what I look for in a dubbel.
Worth a try, nothing really special though.
Nose consists of malt, caramel and hop and has a thin body with a tart lingering finish. Not what I would expect.
Some interesting tropical fruit flavors.
A nice Belgian style. Sweet and filmy.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
4
4
3
3
3
3
2
3
2
3
4
4
4
3
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
I’ve now had this in 3 different versions and none have disappointed. Dry as hell, as delicious as heaven.
A great addition to a phenomenal series. Dry and roasty goodness.
Light, foamy mouthfeel. Light sweetness up front, spicy/smoky finish. Not bad, but least favorite of the series.
Burnt aroma right off the bat. Light bodied, well balanced. Sweet and dark manages to be thin and still taste creamy.
Great mouthfeel. Not smooth, which isn’t bad. Great roastiness.
4
4
3
5
4
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Nøgne Ø Dugges Sahti
“A cooperation between Norewgian brewery
Nøgne Ø and Swedish brewery Dugges, this is their
interpretation of the traditional Finnish style. Brewed
with malt, hops, rye, wheat, sea wormwood, juniper
twigs, honey and yeast from Belgium, Germany and
Britain.” ABV: 11%
Bavarian Barbarian Steel Driving Stout
“A roasty, dark oatmeal stout with hints of dark choco-
late supported by a toasty caramel. This smooth, quaf-
fable stout is a perfect match for the onset of chilly air,
warm fall aromas, and college football.” ABV: 6%
Ithaca Excelsior! Old Habit
A Robust American Ale brewed with four different
rye malts, fresh centennial and crystal hops and our
proprietary ale yeast. It is partly fermented in
Tennessee rye whiskey barrels, then carefully
blended. ABV: 9%
Redhook Treblehook
An American barley wine. Considered both smooth
and complex, this partially aged, hopped brew consists
of aromatic malt and spicy hop notes. Treblehook
is brewed by hand with subtle caramel, toffee and
chocolate notes. ABV: 10.1%
Southampton Double White
This beer is particularly stronger than the classic
Belgian white ale style. Brewed by Phil Markowski to
honor the original Belgian white ale style, but with
a little more of everything including; orange and
citrusy fruitiness, a slightly fuller body, more alcohol
and a more satisfying finish. More intense than the
old style, but every bit as refreshing. ABV: 6.6%
Founders Porter
Silky-smooth with a tan creamy head. The strong
chocolate and caramel malt presence is evident
throughout. The abundance of hops gives this porter
the full flavor you are looking for. ABV: 6.5%
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
I love it. But I love honey. Not to be compared with Dog-fish Head. This is its own animal. A mead lover’s beer.
Not at all what I expected. Very tart on the nose but tastes more malty sweet. Great honey after taste.
Being unfiltered, it didn’t have the Juniper flavor I was expecting. Very sweet honey finish.
Smells very sweet, very spicy, warm and malty. Lots of honey.
Nothing like Dogfish Head. It has a lot of Belgian char-acteristics and heavy honey and juniper berry finish.
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
Burnt sugar and bitter chocolate. I like it--but- I couldn’t pronounce the brewery name after one.
I love big roasty stouts. This one is a staple kind of beer anyone can drink if they’re just getting into darker beers.
Very well balanced. Notes of oatmeal, chocolate, roasted malts all come through dramatically. The aroma is awesome.
The perfect beer for a barbarian. I like it.
An extremely solid stout. There’s great body and texture and has an overall big feel.
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
Wouldn’t want to kick this habit. I’d rather have it kick me. Another contemplative treat from Jeff O’Neil.
A lot going on with the initial sweetness, the tart sour finish and the whiskey barrel aging throughout.
Coppery scent with a sweet upfront taste that opens up to an orange zest bitterness the more you drink.
If it is trying to be a barley wine, it’s not too bad considering it taste like licking used pennies.
Great sweetness and wood notes. Very earthy. Great for a whiskey brew.
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
The slimmer sister of the barley wine. The booze bath has been drawn, but kinda want the heavier sis- more body.
Not a very complex barley wine but easy drinking and all around nice.
At 10% you can smell the heat. Kinda sour finish on this one, but not a barley wine fan in general.
Really mellow for a barley wine. Pretty good. A little too simple though.
Very fruity and not the most overwhelming of barley wines which is nice.
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
Very clean and refreshing with great yeast and banana qualities.
A good, drinkable beer. I could drink a lot more of these.
Mild banana flavor with a very clean finish. Very drinkable.
Very sweet and light. One of my more appreciated white beers.
A great white ale. Banana and yeasty.
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
One of Grand Rapids greatest treasures. Roasty, toasty motor oil that I’d like to have all winter long.
Awesome roastiness. Not often am I this impressed by a generic style.
Exactly what a porter should be: toasty with a slight burnt molasses flavor and a clean, sweet finish.
For a “plain” beer, this is as good as it gets.
Very, very roasty, coffee notes, nice texture.
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december/january 2009/2010 45
Sly Fox Christmas ’09
A malty, full-bodied red ale made with traditional
mulling spices: ginger, clove, all spice, cinnamon &
nutmeg. ABV: 6.5%
Stone Smoke Porter
“Stone Smoked Porter is dark, rich and complicated.
A porter is substantially darker than a pale ale, but not
as black or opaque as a stout. Our Smoked porter has
a captivatingly deep mahogany color, complimented
by silky dark tan head. Rich, full bodied and robust.
Smooth, with chocolate and coffee-like flavors balanced
by the subtle “smoky” character of just the right amount
of peat-smoked specialty malt.” ABV: 5.9%
Sierra Nevada Estate
This American IPA is one of the world’s only estate-
made beers, brewed with 100% all-natural, hops and
barley grown on-site at the Sierra Nevada brewery in
Chico, CA. ABV: 6.7%
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
Find a good burger, possibly with bacon and all will be right in your world.
Not nearly as smoky as expected, but is a good easy drinking porter.
Rich, full porter with a mild smoky aroma, has a perfectly balanced sweetness.
Disappointing. The smoke is nearly absent. Otherwise a good porter.
Great smoked scent- not as smoky as expected. Very solid and good intro to smoked beer.
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
A fine offering from Sierra Nevada. It’s clean for those that want to take a step up from that lovely green label.
Strange initial sweetness and odd aroma of a bad old women’s perfume.
Surprising honeysuckle sweetness up front, finishes with the signature Chico hops Sierra is known for. Solid.
Sweet and hoppy bitter. The sweetness really makes the beer better than just a simple ordinary IPA.
Very light, refreshing, with floral notes. I expected big bold hops but it’s very approachable.
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The Final PicksAfter some long discussion and debate over the fifteen craft beers that
were sampled, our panel and Suzanne Woods are ready to reveal each of
their favorite picks for December and January.
Suzanne Woods Final Pick: I’m 75% Irish. When making a choice between 15 beers, the one aged in wet whiskey barrels is almost always going to win.
Mat’s Final Pick: Founders Porter: Another example of why they are one of the greatest breweries out there. Never been let down by any of their brews and this is a top notch year round beer.
Scott’s Final Pick: Ithaca Old Habit: Great heat on this beer for a chilly winter. Well balanced with spice characteristics, sweetness and a hint of orange zest bitterness. Really enjoyable and more depth is present as it warms.
John’s Final Pick: Founders Porter: I think this is just a great beer that I could drink all the time. Usually my picks are extreme beers, but this one stands out among the “standard” beers.
Neil’s Final Pick: Sly Fox Christmas ’09: I love the heavy holiday spicing. This year’s is exceptional.
Suz
Mat
Scott
John
Neil
A bit boozy on the nose, but I’m impressed and kinda wanting a ginger crème brulee.
Despite being young, still has a great flavor.
A lot of caramel and malt in the nose. Surprisingly mild spice considering the ingredients. Definitely one to age.
Very sweet, lots of ginger. Even though it will mellow out, I would enjoy it just as it is.
Really sweet, great Christmas beer despite being re-viewed a few weeks too early. Aging would do wonders.
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beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201046
Directory
PhiladelphiaBars & Restaurants12 steps down 831 Christian St. www.12stepsdown.com
700700 N. 2nd Street www.the700.org
1601 café1601 S. 10th Streetwww.1601cafe.com
the abbaye637 N. 3rd Street
aspen747 N. 25th Streettheaspenrestaurant.com
atlantis: the lost Bar2442 Frankford Ave.
Bar Ferdinand1030 N. 2nd Street www.barferdinand.com
the Belgian café2047 Green Streetwww.thebelgiancafe.com
Beneluxx tasting Room33 S. 3rd Streetwww.beneluxx.com
the Bishop’s collar2349 Fairmont Ave.
the Black sheep247 S. 17th Streettheblacksheeppub.com
the Blockley38th & Ludlow Streets www.theblockley.com
Brauhaus schmitz718 South St.brauhausschmitz.com
Brew1900 S. 15th Street
Bridgid’s726 N. 24th Streetwww.bridgids.com
Bridget Foy’s200 South Streetwww.bridgetfoys.com
Brownie’s irish Pub46 S. 2nd Streetbrowniesirishpub.com
the Budapest café11th and Fitzwater Streets
cantina dos segundos931 N 2nd Streetcantinadossegundos.com
cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse1823 Sansom Streetwww.cavsrittenhouse.com
cherry street tavern129 N. 22nd Street
chris’s Jazz café1421 Samson Street www.chrisjazzcafe.com
city tavern138 S. 2nd Streetwww.citytavern.com
coos sports Bar822 N Broad Stwww.coossportsbar.com
dawson street Pub100 Dawson Streetdawsonstreetpub.com
devil’s alley1907 Chestnut Streetwww.devilsalleybarand-grill.com
devil’s den1148 S. 11th Street www.devilsdenphilly.com
the dive947 E. Passyunk Ave www.myspace.com/thedivebar
doobies2201 Lombard Street
the draught Horse1431 Cecil B. Moore Ave. www.draughthorse.com
druid’s keep149 Brown Street
eulogy Belgian tavern136 Chestnut Streeteulogybar.server101.com
Fergie’s Pub1214 Sansom Streetwww.fergies.com
Flat Rock saloon4301 Main Street
For Pete’s sake900 S. Front Streetforpetessakepub.com
Good dog224 S. 15th Streetwww.gooddogbar.com
Grace tavern2229 Grays Ferrywww.gracetavern.com
the Grey lodge Pub6235 Frankford Ave.www.greylodge.com
Hawthornes738 S. 11th Stwww.hawthornecafe.com
the institute549 N. 12th Streetwww.institutebar.com
the irish Pol45 S. 3rd Streetwww.theirishpol.com
Jack’s Firehouse2130 Fairmount Avewww.jacksfirehouse.com
Johnny Brenda’s1201 Frankford Ave.www.johnnybrendas.com
Jose Pistolas263 S. 15th Streetwww.josepistolas.com
the khyber56 S. Second Streetwww.thekhyber.com
kite and key1836 Callowhill Streetwww.thekiteandkey.com
kong702-704 North 2nd stwww.eatatkong.com
ladder 151528 Sansom Streetwww.ladder15philly.com
las vegas lounge704 Chestnut Streetwww.lasvegaslounge.com
local 444333 Spruce Streetwww.local44beerbar.com
london Grill2301 Fairmount Ave.www.londongrill.com
mad mex3401 Walnut Streetwww.madmex.com
manny Brown’s512 South Streetwww.manny-browns.com
mary Oaks3801 Chestnut St.www.maryoaks.com
mcGillin’s Old ale House1310 Drury Lanewww.mcgillins.com
mcGlinchey’s259 S 15th Street
mcmenamin’s tavern7170 Germantown Ave.
memphis taproom2331 E. Cumberland St.memphistaproom.com
misconduct tavern1511 Locust Street misconduct-tavern.com
monk’s café264 S. 16th Streetwww.monkscafe.com
moriarty’s Pub1116 Walnut Streetwww.moriartyspub.com
national mechanics22 S. 3rd Streetnationalmechanics.com
new wave café784 S 3rd Streetwww.newwavecafe.com
north Bowl909 N 2nd Streetwww.northbowlphilly.com
north star Bar2639 Poplar Streetwww.northstarrocks.com
north third801 N. 3rd Streetwww.norththird.com
O’neals Pub611 S. 3rd Streetwww.onealspub.com
Old eagle tavern177 Markle Streetwww.oldeagletavern.com
Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus847 N. 3rd Streetortliebsjazzhaus.com
Percy street Barbecue600 S. 9th Stwww.percystreet.com
Plough and the stars123 Chestnut Streetwww.ploughstars.com
Prohibition taproom501 N. 13th Streettheprohibitiontaproom.com
Pub and kitchen1946 Lombard Stthepubandkitchen.com
Pub On Passyunk east (POPe)1501 E. Passyunk Ave.
Race street café208 Race Streetwww.racestreetcafe.net
Raw dawgs 1700 S. 2nd St. rawdawgssaloon.com
Rembrandt’s 741 N. 23rd Streetwww.rembrandts.com
Resurrection ale House2425 Grays Ferry Ave.resurrectionalehouse.com
Royal tavern937 East Passyunk Ave. www.royaltavern.com
sassafras café48 S. 2nd Streetwww.sassafrasbar.com
silk city435 Spring Garden Street www.silkcityphilly.com
sansom street Oyster House1516 Sansom Street oysterhousephilly.com
smokin’ Bettys 116 S. 11th Street
society Hill Hotel301 Chestnut Street
south Philadelphia tap Room1509 Mifflin Street southphiladelphiataproom.com
southwark701 S. 4th Street southwarkrestaurant.com
standard tap901 N. 2nd Street www.standardtap.com
st. stephen’s Green1701 Green Street saintstephensgreen.com
sugar mom’s church street lounge225 Church Streetmyspace.com/sugarmoms
swift Half1001 N. 2nd Streetswifthalfpub.com
tangier1801 Lombard Sttangier.thekalon.com
tattooed mom530 South Streetwww.myspace.com/ tattooed_mom
ten stone2063 South Streetwww.tenstone.com
three monkeys9645 James Streetwww.3monkeyscafe.com
time1315 Sansom Streetwww.timerestaurant.net
tria123 S. 18th Street1137 Spruce Streetwww.triacafe.com
the ugly american1100 S. Front Streetuglyamericanphilly.com
union Jack’s4801 Umbria Street
valanni1229 Spruce Street www.valanni.com
december/january 2009/2010 47
Directory
varga Bar941 Spruce Streetwww.vargabar.com
the wishing well (coming soon)9th and Catharinewishingwellphilly.com
world cafe live3025 Walnut Streetwww.worldcafelive.com
Zot122 Lombard Streetwww.zotrestaurant.com
Brewpubsdock street Brewing company701 S. 50th Streetwww.dockstreetbeer.com
earth Bread + Brewery7136 Germantown Ave.earthbreadbrewery.com
manayunk Brewery and Restaurant4120 Main Streetmanayunkbrewery.com
nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant1516 Sansom Streetwww.noddinghead.com
triumph Brewing company117-121 Chestnut Streettriumphbrewing.com
Breweriesdock street Brewing company701 S. 50th Streetwww.dockstreetbeer.com
Philadelphia Brewing co.2439 Amber Streetphiladelphiabrewing.com
Yards Brewing co.901 N. Delaware Avenuewww.yardsbrewing.com
Retail Beerthe Beer Outlet77 Franklin Mills Blvd.
Bella vista specialty Beer distributors738 S. 11th Street
Bell’s Beverage2809 S. Front Street
craft Beer Outlet 9910 Frankford Ave.
doc’s world Of Beer701 E. Cathedral Road
the Foodery837 N. 2nd Street324 S. 10th Street www.fooderybeer.com
the six Pack store7015 Roosevelt Boulevardthesixpackstore.com
Home Brew SuppliesBarry’s Homebrew Outlet101 Snyder Ave.barryshomebrew.com
Home sweet Homebrew2008 Sansom St.homesweethomebrew.com
SuburbsBars & RestaurantsBlue dog Pub850 South Valley Forge RdLansdale, PA 19446www.bluedog.cc
Blue dog tavern4275 Country Line RoadChalfont, PA 18914www.bluedog.cc
Broad axe tavern901 W. Butler PikeAmbler, PA 19002broadaxetavern.com
Brady’s4700 Street RoadTrevose, PA 19053www.cpbuckscounty.com
the Buck Hotel1200 Buck RoadFeasterville, PA 19053www.thebuckhotel.com
candlewyck loungeRoutes 413 & 202Buckingham, PA 18912
capone’s Restaurant 224 W. Germantown PikeNorristown, PA 19401caponesdraftlist.blogspot.com
craft ale House708 W. Ridge PikeLimerick, PA 19468www.craftalehouse.com
the drafting Room635 N. Pottstown PikeExton, PA 19341
900 N. Bethlehem PikeSpring House, PA 19477www.draftingroom.com
epicurean Restaurant and Bar902 Village At ElandPhoenixville, PA 19460epicureanrestaurant.com
Fingers wings and Other things107 W. Ridge PikeConshohocken, PA 19428www.fwot.com
Firewaters1110 Baltimore PikeConcord, PA 19342www.firewatersbar.com
Flanigan’s Boathouse113 Fayette StreetConshohocken, PA 19428www.flanboathouse.com
16 Great Valley ParkwayMalvern, PA 19355www.flanboathouse.com
118 N. Wayne Ave.Wayne, PA 19087www.flanboathouse.com
Flying Pig saloon121 E. King StreetMalvern, PA 19149
Freight House194 W. Ashland Ave.Doylestown, PA 18901www.thefreighthouse.net
Frontier saloon336 Kedron Ave.Folsom, PA 19033www.frontiersaloon.com
Green Parrot Restaurant Pub & Patio240 N Sycamore St,Newtown, PA 18940greenparrotirishpub.com
Gullifty’s 1149 Lancaster Ave. Rosemont, PA 19010 www.gulliftys.com
Great Pubfare! Great Prices!
Serving Lunch, Dinner, & Late Night
www.manny-browns.com
Manny Brown's Neshaminy3900 Rockhill Drive
Neshaminy Mall #665Bensalem, PA 19020
(215) 357-9242
Manny Brown's South Street512 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147(215) 627-7427
Manny Brown's Newtown25 Doublewoods RoadLanghorne, PA 19047
(215) 860-9288
24 TapsOver 75 Bottles
Great Outdoor Patio!
20 TapsOver 50 Bottles
20 TapsOver 50 Bottles
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201048
Directory
Half moon Restaurant & saloon108 W. State StreetKennett Square, PA 19348halfmoonrestaurant.com
Holy smoke473 Leverington Ave.Roxborough, PA 19128holysmokephilly.com
Honey42 Shewell Ave.Doylestown, PA 18901honeyrestaurant.com
Hulmeville inn4 Trenton RoadHulmeville, PA 19047www.hulmevilleinn.com
iron abbey Gastro Pub680 N. Easton RoadHorsham, PA 19044www.ironabbey.com
isaac newton’s18 S. State StreetNewtown, PA 18940www.isaacnewtons.com
lucky dog saloon and Grille417 Germantown PikeLafayette Hill, PA 19106theluckydogsaloon.com
maggio’s Restaurant400 2nd Street PikeSouthampton, PA 18966maggiosrestaurant.com
manny Brown’s3900 Rockhill Dr.Bensalem, PA 19020www.manny-browns.com
25 Doublewoods RoadLanghorne, PA 19047www.manny-browns.com
mccloskey Restaurant & Bar17 Cricket AveArdmore, PA 19003
mesquito Grill128 W. State StreetDoylestown, PA 18901
newportville inn4120 Lower RoadNewportville, PA 19056www.newportvilleinn.net
Otto’s Brauhaus233 Easton RoadHorsham, Pa 19044ottosbrauhauspa.com
Patagonia59 Almshouse RoadRichboro, PA 18974
Pickering creek inn37 Bridge StreetPhoenixville, PA 19460pickeringcreekinn.com
Puck14 E. Court StreetDoylestown, PA 18901www.pucklive.com
Quotations37 E. State StreetMedia, PA 19063
Ron’s Original Bar & Grille74 E. Uwchlan Ave.Exton, PA 19341www.ronsoriginal.com
sly Fox Brewing company312 N. Lewis RoadRoyersford, PA 19468www.slyfoxbeer.com
spinnerstown Hotel2195 Spinnertown RoadSpinnerstown, PA 18968spinnerstownhotel.com
teresa’s next door126 N. Wayne Ave.Wayne, PA 19087www.teresas-cafe.com
tJ’s everday35 Paoli PlazaPaoli, PA 19301www.tjseveryday.com
tony’s Place Bar & Grill1297 Greeley AveIvyland, PA 18974tonysplaceivyland.com
union Jack’s2750 Limekiln PikeGlenside, PA 19038
BrewpubsGeneral lafayette inn & Brewery646 Germantown PikeLayayette Hill, PA 19444generallafayetteinn.com
iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant30 E. Slate StreetMedia, PA 19063www.ironhillbrewery.com
130-138 Bridge StreetPhoenixville, PA 19460www.ironhillbrewery.com
3 W. Gay StreetWest Chester, PA 19380www.ironhillbrewery.com
1460 Bethlehem PikeNorth Wales, PA 19454www.ironhillbrewery.com
mckenzie Brew HouseRt. 202Chadds Ford, PA 19342mckenziebrewhouse.com
240 Lancaster Ave.Malvern, PA 19355mckenziebrewhouse.com
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery1001 King of Prussia PlazaKing of Prussia, PA 19406www.rockbottom.com
sly Fox Brewing company519 Kimberton RoadPhoenixville, PA 19460www.slyfoxbeer.com
BreweriesRoyersford Brewing company 519 Main StreetRoyersford, PA 19468www.royersfordbrew.com
sly Fox Brewing company519 Kimberton RoadRoyersford, PA 19468www.slyfoxbeer.com
victory Brewing company420 Acorn LaneDowningtown, PA 19335www.victorybeer.com
Retail BeerB&B Beverage3670 Sawmill RoadDoylestown, PA 18902bandbbeverages.com
GREAT Gifts for Beer Geeks
We are gearing up for the Holidays....
We also offer Trays for Home or Office Parties!
GIFT CARD EXTRAVAGANZA!Buy $100 worth of gift cards receive
a $10 card for Free!Winner of Readers Choice Awards - 7-Years!
Make your “Holiday Party”Reservations Now!
Office, Family or FriendsWe can handle all of your needs!
718 West AveJenkintown, PA 215-886-1540
www.westavegrille.com
december/january 2009/2010 49
Beer Yard, inc.218 E. Lancaster Ave.Wayne, PA 19087www.beeryard.com
Bensalem Beer & soda1919 Street RoadBensalem, PA 19020www.bensalembeer.com
Bound Beverage2544 Bristol PikeBensalem, PA 19020
capone’s Restaurant (takeout)224 W. Germantown PikeNorristown, PA 19401caponesdraftlist.blogspot.com
domestic & imported Beverages485 Baltimore PikeGlen Mills, PA 19342
edgemont Beer & cigars5042-B West Chester PikeNewtown Sq, PA 19073edgemontbeerandcigars.com
epps Beverages79 W. Ridge PikeLimerick, PA 19468
exton Beverage center310 E. Lincoln HighwayExton, PA 19341www.extonbeverage.com
Frosty caps1745-47 Old York RoadAbington, PA 19001
Hatboro Beverage201 Jacksonville RoadHatboro, PA 19040www.hatbev.com
stephanie’s take-Out29 S. Main StreetDoylestown, PA 18901www.stephaniesrl.com
Richboro Beer & soda1041 2nd Street Pike Richboro, PA 18954 www.geocities.com/rich-borobeer
township line Beer & cigars5315 Township Line RoadDrexel Hill, PA 19026
trenton Road take Out1024 Trenton RoadLevittown, PA 19054trentonroadtakeout.com
trevose Beer & soda550 Andrews RdLanghorne, PA 19053
Home Brew SuppliesBrew Your Own Beer & winemaking too!2026 Darby RoadHavertown, PA 19083
keystone Homebrew supply779 Bethlehem PikeMontgomeryville, PA 18936keystonehomebrew.com
wine, Barley & Hops Homebrew supply248 Bustleton PikeFeasterville, PA 19053winebarleyandhops.com
the wine & Beer Barrel101 Ridge RoadChadds Ford, PA 19317
New Jersey / DelawareBars & Restaurants
Buckley’s tavern5821 Kennett PikeCenterville, DE 19807www.buckleystavern.org
cork90 Haddon AvenueWestmont, NJ 08108www.corknj.com
eclipse Restaurant 1020-B N. Union StreetWilmington, DE 19805
exchange on market 902 N. Market StreetWilmington, DE 19801
the Firkin tavern1400 Parkway Ave.Ewing, NJ 08628www.firkintavern.com
Geraghty’s Pub148 W. Broad StreetBurlington, NJ 08016www.geraghtyspub.com
Red white and Brew33 High StreetMount Holly, NJ 08060www.redwhitebrew.net
Brewpubsiron Hill Brewery & Restaurant710 S. Madison StreetWilmington, DE 19801www.ironhillbrewery.com
iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant124 E. Kings HighwayMaple Shade, NJ 08052www.ironhillbrewery.com
triumph Brewing company138 Nassau StreetPrinceton, NJ 08542triumphbrewing.com
BreweriesFlying Fish Brewing company1940 Olney AvenueCherry Hill, NJ 08003www.flyingfish.com
River Horse Brewing co.80 Lambert LaneLambertville, NJ 08530www.riverhorse.com
Retail Beercanals discount liquors2004 Mount Holly RoadBurlington, NJ 08016www.joecanals.com
If you would like to be added to our directory, please send your bar, res-taurant, brewpub, brewery, retail beer store, or home brew supply store’s name, address, and contact info to [email protected] or call 215.478.6586 and ask to be included in our next edition.
circle super saver222 Rt. 31 S.Pennington, NJ 08534www.sswines.com
Hops and Grapes810 N. Delsea DriveGlassboro, NJ 08028hopsandgrapesonline.com
monster Beverage1299 N. Delsea DriveGlassboro, NJ 08028www.wineaccess.com
walker’s liquor store86 Bridge Street Lambertville, NJ 08530
Home Brew SuppliesBeercrafters, inc.110A Greentree RoadTurnersville, NJ, 07728
Princeton Homebrew208 Sanhican DriveTrenton, NJ 08618
Philly Beer Scene Magazine Event
Holiday and Winter Beer Tasting
Wed December 16 @ 7:30 PMDetails:
FWOT.com click “Specials”
12 Beers on Tap 8 Rotating Craft Drafts
Featuring tasty beers from the area’s finest craft breweries
6 Packs & Growlers
And don’t forget to check out our
Award WinningChicken Fingers & Wings
Fingers Wings & Other Things107 W. Ridge Pike • Conshohocken, PA
610-828-6191 • www.FWOT.com
Craft Beer NightEvery Wednesday
from 7-9pmTry select craft beers at
a discounted price.
www.tonysplaceivyland.com
4-6pm Monday-Friday1/2 OFF
drinks & appetizersCertain exclusions apply
1297 Greeley Avenue . Ivyland, PA 18974
20 draft beers available
100 bottled beers
Featuring the best in Bucks County for
fall & winter beers
Always check out our website for upcoming events and specials
Featuring: Corsendonk Christmas, Delirium Noel, Bell’s Winter White, Rogue Santa’s Private Reserve, Troeg’s Mad Elf,
plus many more...
Visit Tony’s During theHolidaySeason
To try the best seasonal Belgian and American Beer
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201050
thursday, december 31stFull Mooner New Year’s Party The Ugly American 1100 S. Front St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
kick off McGillin’s 150th AnniversaryMcGillin’s Olde Ale House1310 Drury St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Januarytuesday, January 19thUnibroue Dinner Presented by Philly Beer SceneCork Restaurant90 Haddon Ave., Westmont, NJ 08108
Featured Lancaster BrewsMisconduct Tavern1511 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
wednesday, January 20th120 on 1/20The Grey Lodge Pub6235 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19135
Beer Events
Beer EventsFor more information about these
events, visit us on the web at
www.beerscenemag.com.
Decemberthursday, december 3rdWinter Warm Up with Lancaster Brewing Co.The Institute 549 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA 19123
Friday, december 4thMad Elf Happy You NightThe Grey Lodge Pub6235 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19135
saturday, december 5th Cliveden Winter Beer FestivalCliveden Museum6401 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144
tuesday, december 8th Tom’s 16th Annual Holiday Beer DinnerMonk’s Café264 S. 16th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
Friday, december 11thXFEST ‘09University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology & Anthropology3260 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
sunday, december 13thBrunch with Santa at VictoryVictory Brewing Company420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown, PA 19335
tuesday, december 15thLancaster Brewing Co. Tasting Presented by Philly Beer Scene Cork Restaurant90 Haddon Ave., Westmont, NJ 08108
wednesday, december 16thHoliday & Winter Beer TastingFingers Wings & Other Things107 W. Ridge Pk., Conshohocken, PA 19428
sunday, december 27thWinterfest ’09 Beer TastingWorld Café Live3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
726 N. 24th St. Philadelphia215-232-3232
www.bridgids.com
We’re going to be having events all through the week of Dec 4- Dec 12th for our 2nd Annual
Half Way to Philly Beer Week
Follow Bridgid’s on Twitter!
december/january 2009/2010 51
beerscenemaG.com december/january 2009/201052