Phlicker
also know as @PhillyBeerGuy
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2007
- Messages
- 884
So...Philly Beer Week kicks off tonight and out of the 150+ events over 10 days, I chose to start the week off with our own Joe Sixpack, who will be hosting a party tonight showcasing his favorite local beers
Just in case I die of consumption before I get a chance to post, here are my final entries for the "What did you drink tonight?" thread:
(comments courtesy of Don Russell, aka "Joe Sixpack")
Bethlehem Brew Works Cassis. It never ceases to amaze me how small brewpubs can produce fine lambic-style beers comparable to the very best imported from Belgium. Intentionally soured with wild yeast, then sweetened with currants.
Dock Street Illuminator. Dock Street was a pioneer in the city's microbrewery movement, and when it disappeared briefly I mourned the loss of this double bock. Now, it's back in West Philly, and this primo lager is pouring again.
Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre. Among the Delaware brewery's exotic brews, this brown ale flavored with raisins is the one I come back to all year because it pairs well with so many dishes.
Flying Fish Farmhouse Summer Ale. If someone tells you they don't like craft beer because it's too heavy, point them to this one from Cherry Hill. Full of spicy flavor, but light and superbly refreshing.
Gen. Lafayette Chocolate Thunder. Any beer named after Daryl Dawkins has gotta be a slam dunk. Every time I visit "the General" in Lafayette Hill, I order a pint of this rich and smooth porter.
Iron Hill Russian Imperial Stout. You might notice a tendency toward big, strong beers on this list. This is one of the biggest, at more than 8 percent alcohol. But it goes down dangerously easy.
Lancaster Double Bock. Here's a local rule of thumb: Find out where Bill Moore is brewing (he's done duty at Stoudt's, Independence, Ortlieb's, Sly Fox and now Lancaster), and enjoy his lager. This one is rich, malty and superb.
Legacy Hoptimus Prime. My inner hophead goes dizzy from this double India pale ale. If you're drinking with me, save this bitter baby till near the end — your palate will thank you.
Manayunk Guest Alt. Brewer Chris Firey asked me to name a favorite style. I told him alt, and he brewed up a lightly hopped Northern German version. The growler he filled from the tank nailed the style beautifully.
McKenzie Biere D'Hiver. That's winter beer for you non-Francophiles. Ryan Michaels has turned out a light, Belgian-style farmhouse brew with a sweetened finish.
Nodding Head George's Fault. A collaboration between brewer Gordon Grubb and homebrew guru George Hummel, this is a very strong Belgian-style ale flavored with coriander. If you fall over, it's George's fault.
Philadelphia Brewing Rowhouse Red. OK, I confess, I haven't actually tasted this one from the city's newest brewery (formed when Yard's original partners split off on their own). But you've got to love a beer that toasts one of the city's most recognizable assets, its rowhomes.
River Horse Belgian Double White. The Lambertville, N.J., brewery is amping things up these days under new owners, and this white beer is part of its new Brewer's Reserve.
Rock Bottom Nevermore Lager. I think brewer Brian McConnell named this after all the weary guys who, upon being dragged through King of Prussia mall by their spouses, ordered a cold one at his brewpub, muttering, "Nevermore."
Sly Fox Pikeland Pils. To me, this beer defines great Philly beer on so many levels: It's a world-class, award-winning pils, packaged in cans and available on tap at Citizens Bank Park. A phenomenal lager.
Stewart's McBride's Strong Ale. The Delaware brewpub's Ric Hoffman is bringing a cask-conditioned version of his brute. Be prepared to be suitably impressed by its smooth body and hoppy kick.
Stoudt's Gold. I will always love this beer because it was the first Pennsylvania craft beer I tasted, back in the late '80s. It defines simplicity and balance.
Triumph Rauchbock. Patrick Jones has been wowing the city with his lagers ever since setting up shop last year at Triumph's Old City brewpub. A smoked bock will go well with any full-flavored dish.
Troeg's Troegenator Double Bock. It was hard for me to pick just one from this Harrisburg brewery (Mad Elf, Dreamweaver, Nugget Nectar ...) But it's the season for double bocks, and Troegenator is one of the best in America.
Victory St. Victorious. What I said about Troeg's above? The same goes for Victory (HopDevil, Golden Monkey...) The Downingtown brewery, though, is really at its best with its German-style lagers.
*** Justin & Jonas Alert!!! ***
Weyerbacher Heresy. The Easton, PA brewery is famed for its B-I-G beers, especially those aged in wood. Heresy is its Old Heathen imperial stout conditioned in oak bourbon casks.
Yards Extra Special Ale. Whenever I see this served on a traditional hand pump, I've got to grab a pint. Smooth, malty and beautifully hopped, it is a classic English-style bitter.
Yuengling Lord Chesterfield Ale. This one's a bit of a surprise for this event because Yuengling stopped kegging it years ago. But it's back for this festival because how could you toast Philly's beer without the very best from America's oldest brewery?
Just in case I die of consumption before I get a chance to post, here are my final entries for the "What did you drink tonight?" thread:
(comments courtesy of Don Russell, aka "Joe Sixpack")
Bethlehem Brew Works Cassis. It never ceases to amaze me how small brewpubs can produce fine lambic-style beers comparable to the very best imported from Belgium. Intentionally soured with wild yeast, then sweetened with currants.
Dock Street Illuminator. Dock Street was a pioneer in the city's microbrewery movement, and when it disappeared briefly I mourned the loss of this double bock. Now, it's back in West Philly, and this primo lager is pouring again.
Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre. Among the Delaware brewery's exotic brews, this brown ale flavored with raisins is the one I come back to all year because it pairs well with so many dishes.
Flying Fish Farmhouse Summer Ale. If someone tells you they don't like craft beer because it's too heavy, point them to this one from Cherry Hill. Full of spicy flavor, but light and superbly refreshing.
Gen. Lafayette Chocolate Thunder. Any beer named after Daryl Dawkins has gotta be a slam dunk. Every time I visit "the General" in Lafayette Hill, I order a pint of this rich and smooth porter.
Iron Hill Russian Imperial Stout. You might notice a tendency toward big, strong beers on this list. This is one of the biggest, at more than 8 percent alcohol. But it goes down dangerously easy.
Lancaster Double Bock. Here's a local rule of thumb: Find out where Bill Moore is brewing (he's done duty at Stoudt's, Independence, Ortlieb's, Sly Fox and now Lancaster), and enjoy his lager. This one is rich, malty and superb.
Legacy Hoptimus Prime. My inner hophead goes dizzy from this double India pale ale. If you're drinking with me, save this bitter baby till near the end — your palate will thank you.
Manayunk Guest Alt. Brewer Chris Firey asked me to name a favorite style. I told him alt, and he brewed up a lightly hopped Northern German version. The growler he filled from the tank nailed the style beautifully.
McKenzie Biere D'Hiver. That's winter beer for you non-Francophiles. Ryan Michaels has turned out a light, Belgian-style farmhouse brew with a sweetened finish.
Nodding Head George's Fault. A collaboration between brewer Gordon Grubb and homebrew guru George Hummel, this is a very strong Belgian-style ale flavored with coriander. If you fall over, it's George's fault.
Philadelphia Brewing Rowhouse Red. OK, I confess, I haven't actually tasted this one from the city's newest brewery (formed when Yard's original partners split off on their own). But you've got to love a beer that toasts one of the city's most recognizable assets, its rowhomes.
River Horse Belgian Double White. The Lambertville, N.J., brewery is amping things up these days under new owners, and this white beer is part of its new Brewer's Reserve.
Rock Bottom Nevermore Lager. I think brewer Brian McConnell named this after all the weary guys who, upon being dragged through King of Prussia mall by their spouses, ordered a cold one at his brewpub, muttering, "Nevermore."
Sly Fox Pikeland Pils. To me, this beer defines great Philly beer on so many levels: It's a world-class, award-winning pils, packaged in cans and available on tap at Citizens Bank Park. A phenomenal lager.
Stewart's McBride's Strong Ale. The Delaware brewpub's Ric Hoffman is bringing a cask-conditioned version of his brute. Be prepared to be suitably impressed by its smooth body and hoppy kick.
Stoudt's Gold. I will always love this beer because it was the first Pennsylvania craft beer I tasted, back in the late '80s. It defines simplicity and balance.
Triumph Rauchbock. Patrick Jones has been wowing the city with his lagers ever since setting up shop last year at Triumph's Old City brewpub. A smoked bock will go well with any full-flavored dish.
Troeg's Troegenator Double Bock. It was hard for me to pick just one from this Harrisburg brewery (Mad Elf, Dreamweaver, Nugget Nectar ...) But it's the season for double bocks, and Troegenator is one of the best in America.
Victory St. Victorious. What I said about Troeg's above? The same goes for Victory (HopDevil, Golden Monkey...) The Downingtown brewery, though, is really at its best with its German-style lagers.
*** Justin & Jonas Alert!!! ***
Weyerbacher Heresy. The Easton, PA brewery is famed for its B-I-G beers, especially those aged in wood. Heresy is its Old Heathen imperial stout conditioned in oak bourbon casks.
Yards Extra Special Ale. Whenever I see this served on a traditional hand pump, I've got to grab a pint. Smooth, malty and beautifully hopped, it is a classic English-style bitter.
Yuengling Lord Chesterfield Ale. This one's a bit of a surprise for this event because Yuengling stopped kegging it years ago. But it's back for this festival because how could you toast Philly's beer without the very best from America's oldest brewery?
All-in-all a great event at a wonderful venue. With some tweaks it could be darn-near perfect. I hope Don continues to do it next year. Hopefully some of you in the area could join me!
