My best beer moments of 2012

Let me start off by saying I had a lot of great beer in 2012. A lot of it. But since I don't feel prepared to write about all of my favorites, instead I'll write about my favorite beer moments from throughout the year.

1) Not being hungover on New Years Day. Okay, so technically this is kind of like the absence of beer, but as someone who has spent many a New Years Day feeling hungover, it was really refreshing to wake up feeling great. I credit friends of mine for getting married on New Years Eve, and for not having a good beer selection at the reception. Thanks also to John for being a dancer and keeping me on the dance floor most of the night.

2) One of the rites of passage every February is the release of Pliny the Younger. I've had it the past 2 years, but this year I got to have it with John who has never had it before. It was nice to share the experience with him, since I know he had tried to get it in the past but wasn't able to.

3) Having Pliny the Younger (on a separate night than the one mentioned above) as well as Hopslam and Nugget Nectar. Talk about a good night of drinking!

At Closed For Business (SC)

4) In April, John and I went on a road trip. We drove as far south as Charleston, SC, and along the way we made many stops that included great beers. The Churchkey in DC is an amazing beer bar that I can't wait to get to again. We also stopped at the bar in Charlottesville where the Dave Matthews Band got its start. Afterward, we headed to Asheville -- which anyone who knows anything about beer will know it's a beer city. And finally on to Charleston, where we had lots of delicious food and some great local beers. It was an unforgettable trip, and proved that we can travel very well together -- even when driving for hours at a stretch.

Beer Scene Awards at WCL

5) In May, Philly Beer Scene had their first annual Philly Beer Scene Awards. It was a red carpet event held at World Cafe Live and one fun night. I can't wait for it to happen again this year!

Me and the HOG during Beer Week!

6) Philly Beer Week. Enough said.

7) I celebrated a big birthday this past summer. We chose to have a party at City Tap House, and couldn't have picked a better spot. Huge space, beautiful outdoor seating, so much great beer! Best of all, Lee Marren of Stone Brewing provided a keg of Ruination 10th Anniversary as part of the celebration, and Andy, City Tap House manager, opened a magnum of Blue Chimay (!) so that everyone could toast a birthday cheers. Now that's turning 40 in style!

8) The premiere of "Beeradelphia -- The City of Brewery Love." This event was right up there with the Philly Beer Scene Awards. A fun night of beer people getting together to watch a great movie was made even better by all the familiar faces on the screen (including a few unexpected spottings of my own!).  I wonder if everyone claps, whistles, and cheers at Hollywood viewing parties when they see someone they know? Regardless, I'm sure we had them beat with all the brews being served that night.

At Lagunitas

At Bear Republic

9) In October John and I went to San Francisco for 8 days. It was a wonderful trip that included lots of wine and beer. We had a memorable night at Russian River, where a $15 beer flight allowed us to sample EVERY beer they had on draft! We also went to Bear Republic, and had a fun afternoon trying out some of the beers we can't get here. But the best night was at Lagunitas, where we were able to crash a private event after we told the guys who worked there that we were visiting from Philly and wouldn't be able to come back another night. As always, the saying "beer people are good people" proves true.

Our flight at Russian River

10) And finally --  the Stone Epic vertical tasting at City Tap House. This one just took place a couple of weeks ago and it was truly epic! We tasted all of the Stone Epics, except for the '02. Can you even imagine? As if that wasn't enough, each one was paired with a perfect food accompaniment.


So there you go. My best beer moments of the last year. What were yours?

New Years Eve eve

It's the night before New Years Eve and I'm with friends in Minneapolis. I feel like I need more time to come up with my resolutions (because 364 days haven't been enough, apparently). I don't really have the time to alone to reflect on this past year, but I'm hoping tomorrow will allow some "me time" for reflection. I need to do that in order to better see where I've been and where I want to go next year. Again, I'm sure I could have done this earlier than now, so maybe I'll work on not procrastinating next year. Anyway, one thing is for sure. I'll be looking forward to many more good times - and good beers - with friends and family. As always, this year has had it's shares of ups and downs but I'm once again lucky enough to have had more ups than downs. I hope that you can say the same and if not, then I'm wishing you a better 2013. Hopefully I'll be more consistent with writing next year (not strongly worded enough for that to be a resolution, but I can change that).
Cheers!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Why I Love Philly

Recently, the Travel Channel featured the episode of Anthony Bourdain's The Layover in Philadelphia. I know there were were a lot of viewing parties throughout the city in places that were featured on the show. While I didn't make it out to view with my fellow Philadelphians, I had a great time watching it at home. I was proud of the city I love so much; Anthony showed the real diversity that exists in the city, proved that our food scene is far more than just cheese steaks (as someone on the show rightly pointed out, people who live here really don't eat them all that often), and made us look like we're more than just an angry group of people (minus the woman who gave the finger to the cameraman at opening of the show, of course) who throw snowballs at Santa Claus and beat up on tourists.

It got me thinking about why I love Philly as much as I do. Sure, there are problems. Our transit system isn't that great, regardless of what Anthony said. Our public schools are mostly failing. There are a lot of homeless people and panhandlers. But I don't want to focus on what's wrong. I want to focus on what's right.

My boyfriend grew up in Iowa and moved to the east coast about 13 years ago. He was the first person, but not the last, that I heard call Philadelphia "the biggest little city". It's true. It's one of the things that I love most about the city. Because I grew up in the suburbs of Philly, then worked in one of the largest ad agencies here, and because of my involvement in the beer scene, there's rarely a time that we go out and I don't run in to someone I know. It doesn't matter what part of the city we're in - chances are I'll know someone. Now, that might sound like my ego talking, but it's not. It's what makes Philadelphia feel like a community to me. The whole damn city is really just one big community! It's so easy to get to know the people who are interested in the same things you are, if you're willing to make the effort.

Also, it's an extremely approachable city. It's not as big, or as busy, as New York, which makes you feel like you can come in and really get to know the different neighborhoods and the people who live there. As much as I feel that there's a lot of community in Philly, there are distinct neighborhoods. Each one has it's own vibe and offers something to the people living there. I was lucky enough to live Fairmount for 5 years. It was quiet, tree-lined, and full of great culture and restaurants. Then I was even luckier to move to Bella Vista and live there for two years. It was hip, cool, and eclectic. Lots of amazing things going on in that neighborhood to this day, as the restaurants and stores continue to come in to that vibrant area.

Of course, nothing is perfect and Philly most certainly isn't. But to me, it's perfect in it's imperfection.

Prohibition Taproom Events

Celebrate the Repeal of Prohibition at Prohibition Taproom!

This Wednesday, December 5 marks the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. Many bars will be doing something to celebrate, and you should take advantage! I know I will.

Prohibition Taproom is celebrating with Founders Brewing Co. beginning at 5 pm. They'll be serving up beer cocktails that were co-created by Jonathan McIntire of Founders and are made with each of the beers on tap. If you can guess the ingredients in your cocktail, you'll receive 2 free tickets to the American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition at the National Constitution Center.

They'll also have Curmudgeon and Backwoods Bastard (which I had the other night and can tell you alone is worth the visit!) in bottles, and you'll have the chance to hang with Mike Stevens, Founders co-founder, Michael Bell, and Bob Kaiser.

Best of all, there will be a toast at 9 pm with Bolt Cutter, a 15% ABV barely wine that was brewed to celebrate Founders 15th anniversary. Tickets are required for a pour, and go on sale at 5 pm on the 5th.

2nd Annual Holiday Roast with Don Russell, aka Joe Sixpack

Most beer drinkers in the city know Don Russell, aka Joe Sixpack, either through his weekly column in the Philadelphia Daily News, as an Executive Director of Philly Beer Week, from his blog or one of his 3 books, or just from having run in to him at any one of the many events he can be found at.

Don has agreed to be the guest of honor for Prohibition Taproom's 2nd annual holiday roast (last year it was Steve Mashington, and from all accounts, was a crazy good time).

Come join the fun on Tuesday, December 18th at 8 pm as Don is roasted (think Comedy Central-style roast) by Glen Macnow, Bob Warner, Tom Peters (via satellite), Tom Kehoe, Curt Decker, Ron Goldwyn, and more!!

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Philabundance. Can't make the event but still want to donate to Philabundance? Prohibition Taproom is an official drop off point for food donations from December 1st to the 22nd.

Into the Black

Last Friday was Black Friday and many bars in the area easily used this as an excuse to have dark beer events, many with clever names. The only one I went to was at City Taphouse and the event was called Into the Black. I thought this was an apt name not only for the event, but also for where my tastebuds have been going lately. Not satisfied anymore with just dark beers - stouts and porters - my tastebuds suddenly seem to be wanting bourbon-barrel aged dark beers. I hardly recognize myself! Just a couple of years ago I tried a Lost Abbey Angel's Share. I even wrote about it here. I didn't love it. The taste of the bourbon was too overwhelming. Well, I'm happy to report that no longer seems to be the case. Now, I can't seem to get enough of the taste. Next thing you know, I'll be loving bourbon on its own. Or sour beers. Who knows how far the madness will go.

I've tried a number of fantastic beers over the last week or so. Without further ado, some of my very favorites.

Avery Brewing Uncle Jacob's Stout. This big 17.4% ABV beauty is aged in first-use bourbon barrels for 6 months. Yes, it's boozy but not as much as one might expect. While definitely a sipper, it's still supremely drinkable. Be careful with this one. It will knock you out.

Founder's Kentucky Breakfast Stout. I said to someone at the bar that it was the first time I was enjoying the KBS. They were surprised that I'd never had it before. Me, too! But I can tell you it won't be my last. So delicious! It's aged in oak bourbon barrels for over a year, but you would never know it.

Dock Street Barrel Aged Prince Myshkin's Imperial Stout. Aged for 11 months in oak barrels that previously held pinot noir, the Prince Myshkin is wonderful. Creamy, smooth, and full of roasted chocolate, dark fruit, caramel flavors this is a must-try.

Were there others I enjoyed? You bet. But these were the standouts that I'm still thinking and talking about, and the ones I would encourage you to try if you have the chance.

Drinking during pregnancy

I'm not sure how this will make me sound, but one of the reasons, among many, that I've worried about the day that I get pregnant is the idea of not drinking for 9 months. Or however many months, since I understand it takes some time for most people to realize they're pregnant.

I have other, better reasons for pregnancy concerns but the not drinking definitely is on that list. It's been a big part of my life for about 20 years (yikes!!). I've always said that it's the perfect companion for any situation, helping to celebrate the good times and make easier the bad ones. Most importantly, I just love it. I love a refreshing beer on a hot summer day. Or a big, boozy one on a cold winter day. Or really, just a beer on any given day. So I was plenty excited about the latest news out of Denmark saying that moderate drinking during pregnancy may not affect a child's neurodevelopment.

Not one but five studies came out earlier this week suggesting that women who drink low (defined as one to four drinks per week) to moderate (defined as five to eight weekly drinks) levels of alcohol during early pregnancy may not risk neurological and psychological damage to their child. It's also important to note that in Denmark a drink is defined as 0.4 ounces of pure alcohol whereas in the U.S. an alcoholic drink is defined as 0.6 ounces.

The studies, which followed more than 1,600 pregnant women, looked at the effects alcohol had on children's IQ, attention span, and "executive function" skills- skills that relate to planning, organization and self-control.

 The studies found that low to moderate weekly drinking and binge drinking (defined as five or more drinks in a single setting, which most women said they did only once) had no significant effects on a child's neurological development. Women drank, on average, around 17 weeks (first trimester). There were no differences in IQ test scores or other tests that measure executive function in those children whose mothers drank low to moderately and those children whose mothers didn't drink at all. Interestingly, children whose mothers drank heavily (nine or more weekly drinks) did have lower attention spans when the child reached five years old.

Of course  there are many caveats, and the CDC stands by their recommendation that pregnant women not drink at all. Personally, I know friends who have drank - very moderately - during pregnancy and their children are fine. I'm not sure which side of the line I'll come down on, should the day come I'm pregnant, but I'm not going to lie and say I'm not relieved that there is some news out there that drinking moderately may not be the worst thing ever for an unborn child. If I do decide to have a drink at least I won't feel like a monster.

Where do you fall on this question? Would you drink, or have you, while pregnant?

Summertime and the beer is easy

Summer may not arrive officially until June 21, but don't tell that to the 90 degree weather and high humidity we're expecting over the next few days. I may be one of the few people alive who seriously dislikes summertime. The heat.  The humidity. The limp locks and constant sweating. Bleh! Give me a good snowstorm over those any day.

Lest I sound too curmudgeonly, there are a few things I do enjoy about summer. The long hours of sunshine. Beautiful blue skies. Baseball games. BBQs. And I definitely dig a lot of the beers that become available. Below are some of my favorites that have been popping up around the city.

Bell's Oberon: An American wheat beer brewed by Bell's Brewery out of Kalamazoo, MI. This is a summer classic. Light, refreshing with a fruity - orange - taste, and touch of spice coming through. Clocks in at 5.8% ABV, so nothing crazy.

Troeg's Sunshine Pils: This is one I've written about. You can read my review here.

Sierra Nevada Summerfest: I love hoppy beers, and this is a hoppier summer beer (even though it's a lager). There are tastes of orange and spiciness, as well as bready malts. Just a really good, really easy-to-drink brew, especially given it's just 5% ABV.

Evil Twin Bikini Beer: I'll admit that adding this one is almost unfair, since your chances of getting one are pretty limited. I bought this while I was road tripping down the east coast about a month ago and the closest I've been able to find it to Philly is at State Line in Elkton, MD. Having said that, it's totally worth the drive if you have the time and inclination to seek it out. To say that this is sessionable is almost an understatement; it comes in at just 2.7% ABV! Most amazingly, it's flavorful. A really nice balance of malts and citrusy hops. I could literally drink this all day long.

Victory Summer Love Ale: This crisp, refreshing blonde ale comes in at 5.2% ABV. It has a nice bite to it that is somewhat hoppier than you might expect from this type of beer, mixed with some nice toasty, breaded malts.

Sam Adams Summer: Another American wheat ale brewed by an original in the craft beer movement. This brew uses Grains of Paradise, a rare pepper from Africa, to impart a slightly spicy flavor in addition to the citrus and crisp wheat flavors that come through. Another day-long drinker, this one is just 5.3% ABV.

One thing these all have in common is the lower ABV (which I like, especially after the triple IPAs and Imperial stouts that get me through the colder winter months). They're also all crisp and refreshing, making them the perfect accompaniment to your summer activities. What are some beers that you enjoy during the dog days of summer?