October 25, 2010

Philly Tap Finder

If you're anything like me, there are days that you just have to have one particular beer. Maybe it's something you've read about. Maybe it's something you've heard about. Or maybe it's something you've had before and want to have again. Whatever the cause for the object of your obsession, if you live in Philadelphia, it just got a whole lot easier to find what you're looking for.

The recently-launched PhillyTapFinder helps you find your favorite brews by searching on name, bar, characteristic, or style. You can also pull up a list of bars in a particular neighborhood to view their entire draft list.

The site, brought to the lucky denizens of Philadelphia by husband-and-wife team Jared and Kristy, focuses on pre-selected craft beer bars around the city. This helps the two ensure that they can keep up with the often-changing tap handles in our beer-loving city and give beer-seekers an accurate tap list. Users of the site are encouraged to share their Tap Tips (updated draft lists, pictures of draft boards, etc) via email, text, or a form on the site. Tipsters will be rewarded with one point per update; 5 points earns you a bottle opener, while 30 points will get you a PhillyTapFinder t-shirt.

Don't worry if you're out on the go when a craving strikes; the site is browser friendly for the iPhone and BlackBerry.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy all that Philly has to offer (at least when it comes to quenching your thirst). Cheers!

October 20, 2010

Prism is brewing!


I'm excited to say that our first batch of beer - our fall seasonal, Red Zone - was brewed in the brewery almost 2 weeks ago and will be kegged this coming weekend. It's based on a red ale, and is done with pumpkin pie spices and maple syrup. I actually haven't had the chance to try it yet, but am looking forward to tasting it early next week.

We also brewed our porter last weekend. It's hopless and done with star anise. We'll be kegging that in the next couple of weeks, too.

Many good things to look forward to, and I'm excited to see more of our beers on tap. If you see our beer somewhere (or have somewhere you'd like to see it!) feel free to leave me a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

October 18, 2010

Red October

It's October and - for the past few years, at least - that means one thing here in Philly: The Phillies are looking to make it to the World Series.

Now, I'm not going to lie. I'm not the biggest sports fan out there. I don't know all the stats, or histories, or even - at times - the names of the players on the team. To be honest, I sometimes forget who we just beat in the NLDS (without looking, right now I know it's the Reds. Ask me tomorrow and I may forget again). But that doesn't mean that I don't love watching the games. I really, really do. Especially out at bars with all the other fans. I even have some key phrases I like to shout at the TV as I'm watching the games to make it sound like I know what I'm talking about: "Wait for your pitch!" "Shake it off!" "Good eye! Good eye!" (Okay, I'm not so sure about that last one, but I know I sometimes say it when a player gets walked.)

The point is this, it's a great time of year. And not just because of baseball. The weather is cooler. The leaves are really starting to put on their show. Maybe best of all - the beers are terrific. I'll always love my IPAs, but I love the heartier beers (and foods) that are making their way on to local menus.

So even if your team isn't still in the hunt, get out there and enjoy yourselves.

Cheers!

October 15, 2010

Farmhouse Ale Dinner at South Philadelphia Tap Room

This Sunday, the good folks at the South Philadelphia Tap Room are bringing you a Farmhouse Ale Dinner. Only $50 gets you all-you-can-eat (!!) dishes from Chef Scott Schroeder, Nick Marci and Sheri Wade (Southwark), and Gene Giuffi (Cochon). Even better, you get all-you-can drink (!!!) Farmhouse ales from Ommegang, Sly Fox, Saison Dupont, St. Feuillien, and more!

You can buy your tickets online, in person, or by calling 215.271.7787.