For Auld Lang Syne, My Dear

Can you believe that 2013 is here?  As you prepare your numerous apps and dips, you can't forget about the beverages!  I do not really love the traditional cocktail.  Why?  High alcohol content and harsh flavors.  I have been researching and trying different beer cocktail (bocktail, maybe?) recipes for about 6 months and found a few that I would like to share.

Sunburnt Arnold Palmer is a cocktail I wrote about over the summer.

• 1 can of Arnold Palmer Iced Tea/Lemonade
• 1/4 cup of Rascal Wild Red raspberry beer
• Garnish with thin slice of lemon

Fruit Punch Beer is the name my other half uses to describe anything with Framboise. This is a flashback our welcome of 2012.

• 1 cup of sparkling grape juice
• 1/8-1/4 cup of Lindemans Framboise
• Garnish with berries

The Cure is an easy and cheap way to brighten up your evening (original recipe on Epicurious)

• 2 tablespoons of ginger ale
• ~1/2 bottle of a light lager (Miller/Bud Light)
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
• Garnish with 3-4 matchsticks of ginger

In addition to these recipes, a fun and easy way to keep your drinks cold without diluting the flavors is to freeze grapes until rock hard and drop them in your glasses!  These concoctions are based on the size of a pint glass.  If you are going to use flutes or even wine glasses, you will need to severely cut down the proportions.  You could even adjust the recipes for guests to self serve like a punch.  If you try the bocktail (I'm trying to make it a thing) this coming New Year's celebration, please share your successes and photos in comments or tweets!  As always, please enjoy responsibly and do not drink and drive.  Slainte and Happy New Year!

Bottle Up Your Holiday Cheer!

I love this time of year.  The colors, the sounds, the smells, and, of course, the festive decorations.  I know that I have done a terrible job keeping up with my blog over the fall/winter months but I found a fantastic and fun addition to your holiday trimmings while paging through Pinterest.  Whether you are home brewing or planning holiday soirees, these Ellinee labels will really jazz up your bottles and truly make your days merry and bright.  All you need is a stack of Avery labels, stock #5265, and a color printer.  To read more and print the PDF, visit HERE.  Happy holidays!

Taste the Rainbow?

I found this amazing picture on Ellen Degeneres's Facebook fan page.  Her caption read, "That's my kinda rainbow."  See more of her amazing photos and funny comments at her show's fan page!

Obama Shares His Secrets

Okay, maybe not the kind of secrets that you see in InTouch  or The National Enquirer but it's still a long-awaited secret that has finally been revealed. In a previous post, I shared that President Obama enjoyed a true home brew - straight from the White House itself!  Mark McDermott recently posted a piece for the Examiner with the recipes for the White House Honey Ale and the White House Honey Porter.  Below is the recipe for the Honey Ale, as I have a slight preference for this style of beer.

White House Honey Ale

Ingredients

• 2 (3.3 lb) cans light malt extract
• 1 lb light dried malt extract
• 12 oz crushed amber crystal malt
• 8 oz Bisquit Malt
• 1 lb White House Honey
• 1 1/2 oz Kent Goldings Hop Pellets
• 1 1/2 oz Fuggles Hop pellets
• 2 tsp gypsum
• 1 pkg Windsor dry ale yeast
• 3/4 cup corn sugar for priming

Directions

1. In an 12 qt pot, steep the grains in a hop bag in 1 1/2 gallons of sterile water at 155 degrees F for half an hour. Remove the grains.
2. Add the 2 cans of the malt extract and the dried extract and bring to a boil.
3. For the first flavoring, add the 1 1/2 oz Kent Goldings and 2 tsp of gypsum. Boil for 45 minutes.
4. For the second flavoring, add the 1/2 oz Fuggles hop pellets at the last minute of the boil.
5. Add the honey and boil for 5 more minutes.
6. Add 2 gallons chilled sterile water into the primary fermenter and add the hot wort into it. Top with more water to total 5 gallons. There is no need to strain.
7. Pitch yeast when wort temperature is between 70-80˚F. Fill airlock halfway with water.
8. Ferment at 68-72˚F for about seven days.
9. Rack to a secondary fermenter after five days and ferment for 14 more days.
10. To bottle, dissolve the corn sugar into 2 pints of boiling water for 15 minutes. Pour the mixture into an empty bottling bucket. Siphon the beer from the fermenter over it. Distribute priming sugar evenly. Siphon into bottles and cap. Let sit for 2 to 3 weeks at 75˚F.

Sneak Peak at Victory's New Facility!

I am incredibly proud to know that Downingtown, a small place where I have spent many of my years, is the home of Victory Brewing Company.  In fact, VBC first exposed me to quality craft beer and was a huge inspiration for my first entry. With their amazing success and contributions to the Chester County community (and beyond), they are needing to open a second facility in Parkesburg, PA.  Below is a short YouTube video of the project's progress.  You can read more about the new facility on their website also.  Slainte!

Throw Fresh Fruit in a Cold One

With Labor Day upon us, I thought it would a great idea to have fun and playful ideas for your celebration.  Well, it's a shame we are all shacked up indoors because of this lousy weather.  Anyhow, perhaps you can take these ideas with you for another occasion!

I have been playing with some different combinations of beer with fruit. I figured out the key is using fruit that either slightly under ripened or fruit that has just crossed the ripe threshold. The other night I threw some peach wedges into a glass of Walt Wit by Philadelphia Brewing Co. for some added summer freshness. The carbonation of the beer helped disperse the peach's flavors. Meanwhile, the beer was softening the fruit ever so slightly (key point in using slightly under ripened fruit). When I finished the glass, I had a little fruity treat to finish it off. I am thinking about other fruit additions to use.  Berries?  Apples? What do you think?  Slainte!

Photo by author.

Sunday Sips: Purist Pale Ale

Beer Name:  Purist Pale Ale

Brewed By/In:  Appalachian Brewing Co. / Harrisburg, PA (original facility)

Beer Type:  American Pale Ale

Best Served In: Stein, Pint

ABV:  4.9%

Characteristics:  Clear penny-like copper color.  Smells piney or grassy.  Pours with thick white head.  Malt forward taste finishing hoppy and dry.  Little carbonation but medium-light mouthfeel.

Food-pairing:  Robust beef dishes, spicy foods

Overall:  7.0 - Purist Pale Ale is available year-round and is brewed true to style.  Tonight, I'll be honest, I did not make a good choice is trying to drink this with salmon with spices and floral herbs like rosemary.  My palate was numb to those flavors by the end of my meal.  Perhaps if I had chosen a different entree to eat with this, I would have been more excited.

Yikes, it has been almost 3 weeks since my last post!  What has consumed my time?  Well, my better half and I have been feverishly running here and there...well, Rehoboth Beach, DE and Williamsburg, VA.  In one, we had a quick getaway and in the other we traveled down the historical Memory Lane and visited Busch Gardens.  The summer running around is winding down.  Fortunately or unfortunately, I can't decide yet.  But here's to the ever-approaching fall season.  Slainte!

Sunday Sips: Festina Peche

Beer Name:  Festina Peche

Brewed By/In:  Dogfish Head Brewing Co. / Milton, DE

Beer Type:  Berliner Weisse

Best Served In:  Pint glass

ABV:  4.5%

Characteristics:  Smells of sweet, ripe peaches.  Pours with vibrant carbonation, golden star color, and topped with pure white foam.  There is a slight tartness that balances the sweet peach sugars.  Extremely low bitterness allows you to simply enjoy the light fruit-forward flavors.  Finishes bready, dry and crisp.  Light mouthfeel.

Food-pairing:  Salad, grilled poultry or seafood

Overall: 9.5 - what an amazing seasonal beer.  Dogfish Head never ceases to amaze me with what they brew up.  Perfectly built for summer nights, Peche has a refreshing finish.  With such low alcohol and bitterness, you can happily have another glass.  As Dogfish Head recommends, just open and enjoy!  Slainte!

(Always please enjoy responsibly; photos provided by dogfish.com)

So I pretended I was on Next Food Network Star

If you will recall, back in December, I wrote about my use of Strongbow Cider as a featured ingredient when making chicken and onions.  Since then, I have contemplated how else I can incorporate beer into the meal experience, besides letting it sit at the corner of my placemat.  So Tuesday night, amidst doing laundry, cleaning my bathroom and kitchen, I figured I would add one more project - make my own sauce.

I reviewed the options - Abita Purple Haze, Philadelphia Brewing Co's Walt Wit and Victory's Prima Pils.  Thinking of each of their flavor profiles, Victory won.  I poured about 4-5 ounces into my pan to deglaze from the chicken I just finished.  As a point of reference, that was all of the beer in the neck and some change.  Once the beer was warmed up, I started whisking to get all of the flavor off of the pan.  After about  a minute, I added a spoonful of grey poupon mustard to the pan.  Prima Pils has a clean but hoppy finish so I figured the mustard would help cut the concentrated hops taste.  I let all of those flavors meld together for about another minute.  I dipped my pinkie.  It tasted great.  The chicken had been resting for a few minutes at this point.  As you can see from the photos, I placed the chicken on a bed of greens and then used the sauce more as a dressing for the whole dish.  I tried to be crafty and place the sauce in a shot glass for added effect in the presentation.  How did it taste?  Not half bad!  The chicken had a nice peppery crust.  As for the sauce, I think it complemented the meal well.  The mustard helped cut the floral flavors of the beer but there was a slight bitter aftertaste.

What would I do differently next time?  I probably could have even used a little more mustard or perhaps a squeeze of lemon for added acidity.  Prima Pils was my best choice among the selection in my fridge, but a beer high with malts and low in hops may have yielded a better sauce.  I am thinking maybe Yard's Brawler or Philadelphia's Kenzinger could be interesting choices.

Slainte!

Sunday Sips: Crisp Apple

Beer Name:  Crisp Apple

Brewed By/In:  Angry Orchard / Cincinnati, OH

Beer Type:  Cider

Best Served In:  Stein glass, Pint glass, 

ABV:  5%

Characteristics:  Upon twisting the cap, the sweet and tart notes come flying out.  Pours clear and amber with bouncing effervescence that does not settle throughout.  The white head quickly falls.  It tastes like a perfectly ripe Fall apple reworked to hydrate and refresh for Summer.  With every sip, a new apples flavor comes flowing over your palate-from sweet Red Delicious  to the lip puckering Granny Smith.  After the intense flavor experience, a candencial crisp, dry finish. 

Food-pairing:  This is tough to pair because of the sweet and sour dynamic.  I would suggest sticking to this as an after-dinner sip while chatting on the porch. 

Overall:  9.0 - my other half just put it best as he sipped my glass, "It tastes like apple juice.  It's awesome."  So, yeah, it's awesome.  I have always loved apples and apple juice so this just feels like an adult version of my favorite lunchbox inserts.  Ciders are a great vehicle for cocktails.  Add a few drops of a fruit juice and you will have a lovely treat.  It's even gluten-free!  Here's to a craft brewed sensation to change up your usual routine.  Slainte!

I must thank an amazing wine blogger for opening me up to Angry Orchard!

(Photos by author.  Please, as always, enjoy responsibly.)

The Big Apple Crafts its Packs

I spent all of this last weekend in the city that never sleeps - New York City.  More specifically, on the island of Manhattan.  I visited friends of old and new, schlepped up and down blocks where anything goes and crafted my own pack.  Thanks to some of my favorite Manhattanites, I was opened up to City Swiggers.  What an awesome concept.  They have a vast selection of craft brews and ciders both cold and room temperature.  They even supply the cardboard carrier!  They feature many New York state brews - Brooklyn, Ithaca, Blue Point - but have a great choice of others libations such as Victory, Abita and Riverhorse.  Additionally, they have a 5-6 seat bar in the center of the establishment so you can sample what's on tap or to wash down your recent purchases.  This penny pincher over here even loved the prices.  I couldn't believe that in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, these bottles were less than $3/bottle.  I was amazed and pleased.  For all my New Yorkers, here is a great stop if you are looking to buy only a few specific bottles for the right price.

In my opinion, every beer store should run like this.  Just sayin'.  Slainte!

Diana on the hunt for the perfect beverage.

(Photos by author)

Sunday Sips: Beer Cocktail

Happy July!  With the beginning of a new month, I figured I would make a slight to this week's Sunday Sips entry.  It has been on my list all summer to put my own spin a Beer Cocktail.  Many recipes use a combination of beer, juice, and stirred with either wine or liquor.  Unfortunately, my body cannot handle that kind of loaded alcohol content.  So I thought, How can I twist a seemingly normal summer drink?  Got it - Arnold Palmer Iced Tea Lemonade.  Here is a clever way to jazz up your glass, save on alcohol content and stretch the life of your beer.  


Take a whole can of Arnold Palmer Iced Tea Lemonade (AP) and pour into a glass that will leave you with some wiggle room.  Take a bottle of Blue Dawg Brewing's Rascal Wild Red Raspberry Lager*.  

For every can of AP, I would suggest somewhere between 1/4-1/2 cup of lager added to your glass.  Wild Red is tart and pungent so a little goes a long way.

The zip of carbonation and perfect ruby color bring new life to your AP.  

Next time I make this, I want to garnish the glass with a few pieces of fruit - perhaps a mix of lemon slices, raspberries and blueberries.  Please try and let me know what you think and how it goes.  Slainte!


*This link will lead you to Blue Dawg's other featured fruit lager - Wild Blue.  There is no specific website available for only Wild Red.  


(Photos by author)

Custom Coasters and More!

After hours of nonsense internet browsing, what finally caught my attention long enough to peruse?  Labels on the Fly.  If you are homebrewing, designing a snazzy label will bring your story together.  Create your own coasters to remember a special occasion at a low cost.  Each label is about 39 cents each.  They even offer discounted bulk purchase prices for those of you with frequent output.  Coasters cost about $2.38 each - so cheap!  The website allows you to customize colors and fonts after selecting a basic template.  In general, it seems easy to use.  When you want to offer a unique party favor for any celebration or want to finish off a long session of homebrewing, consider Labels on the Fly.  If these are not what you're looking for, they offer a variety of other food and home label creations.  Slainte!

My attempt at a bottle label.  

Sunday Sips: Water Gap Wheat

Beer Name:  Water Gap Wheat

Brewed By / In:  Appalachian Brewing Co. / Harrisburg, PA (now with satellite locations)

Beer Type:  Belgian Pale Ale

Best Served In:  Over-sized Wine Glass, Tulip, Snifter

ABV:  4.5%

Characteristics:  Smells of citrus and wheat.  Pours hazy and cloudy, true to standard of the unfiltered.  Golden orange color topped with short-lasting (about 30 seconds) but pearly white foam.  Light mouthfeel with mild carbonation.     Once it flows over your palate, the citrus wakes up your tastebuds and then the wheat smooths it out.

Food-pairing:  Grilled fruit

Overall:  8.0 - With such low alcohol content you could easily enjoy another and not feel completely bloated.  Although traditionally served with a lemon at the brewpub, I thought an orange slice would suffice on this sunny day.  I squeezed and dropped the sliver in about three-quarters of the way through my sipping. Wow, the citrus taste heightened!  Perhaps if there was more beer in the glass, the citrus would have spread throughout the glass, but I sure did enjoy it! Slainte!


I dedicate this bright and summery post to all of the engagements that occurred this week, best wishes to all of you!


As always, please enjoy alcohol responsibly.  

Las Vegas: A Brew Review

Happy official first day of Summer!  Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Las Vegas, NV.  I thought I knew exactly what to expect from Sin City - bright lights, wild nights, loud crowds.  Although I found them all without strife, Las Vegas certainly surprised me.  For one thing, calling it just "dry heat" does not help deter my discomfort with the 108 degree weather.  On a lighter note, the Strip is an architectural wonder.  The Eiffel Tower  and hot air balloon of Paris, the Space Needle of the Stratosphere and the ceiling of the Bellagio all struck me as dazzling.  Another major surprise to me - the lack of good beer.  It absolutely shocked me that as I walked the streets, weaving through the sea of characters (in costume and not), that everyone carried two cans of Coors Light, or a pounder of Fosters or a bottle of Corona.  I figured that surely everyone was as price conscious as I am so they must be saving money on beer to see the shows or eat at nice restaurants.  Maybe I could let it slide if that was the case.  In a word...nah.  Las Vegas just does not have the craft beer following as I expected from a town that has a little bit of everything and seems to be on the cutting edge to attract all demographics.  I luckily found a small branch of the Sin City Brewing Co. in the Miracle Mile (a mall-like environment found in Planet Hollywood).  This branch was small - more like a twig.  With about five or six seats in the whole place, there were four beers on tap - a Weisse, a Blonde, an Amber and a Stout.  I sampled the Weisse, named Weisse is Nice.  And it was just that - nice, nothing that threw me out of my chair but, y'know, nice.  Who knows?  Maybe I wasn't looking hard enough for the right beer.

Now I am not one for bringing back a ton of souvenirs or knickknacks (frankly, I am working on breaking my pack rat tendencies), but I do love to pick up one thing - a growler.  Thankfully, this small mall bar had some to offer so that I could continue growing my collection.  I will say that I like the playfulness of their label.  All in all, Las Vegas is a city like none other and I am happy to check it off the list.

Slainte and viva Las Vegas!

Philadelphia Beer Week is Here!

Oh joy, oh rapture, Philly Beer Week is under way!  Until June 10, throughout the city and portions of the Main Line ("portions" because the Main Line will host its own Beer Week), you will be able to explore new places and new flavors with the amazing deals.  To find more information visit any of the below!

Philly Beer Week's Website

Philly Beer Week's Twitter

Philly Beer Event's Website

Philly Mag (Incredible article of Philly's love of craft beer)

As always, with these beer events, I know it may seem appealing to go wild and enjoy everything in one night, but it is quite the opposite.  Please respect employees and other patrons of where you visit and always enjoy responsibly. Slainte!

Summer Barbecue & Brews

Who doesn't love a good barbecue?  Sitting outside with the warmth of the sunshine, tasting the char from the grill, and the chatter of friends gathered near.  We are quickly approaching the summer solstice.  As the mercury rises, we can keep our internal temperatures down.  In lieu of my weekly Sunday Sips, here is a whole list of ideas to stay cool while munching on all kinds of summer mealtime favorites.  (Note: the Examples below are respectively placed to the Beer Pairings listed above. E.g. Magic Hat Elder Betty is a specific Hefeweizen, and Lindemans Framboise is a specific Fruit Lambic.)

Fruit Salad

Beer Pairing:  Hefeweizen, Fruit Lambics

Examples:  Magic Hat Elder Betty, Lindemans Framboise

Beef

Beer Pairing:  Brown Ale, Amber Ale

Examples:  Brooklyn Brown Ale, Troegs Nugget Nectar

Poultry

Beer Pairing:  Brown Ale, Golden Ale

Examples:  Brooklyn Brown Ale, Philadelphia Fleur de Lehigh

Seafood

Beer Pairing:  Wit

Examples:  Allagash White

Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt

Beer Pairing:  Sweet Stout, Porter

Examples:  Lancaster Milk Stout, Sierra Nevada Porter

So kick off the flip flops and pull down the aviators - it's summertime!  As always, please enjoy your picnics, beach trips, and barbecues responsibly.  Slainte!

Sunday Sips: Saison

Beer Name:  Saison

Brewed By/In:  Yard's Brewing Co. / Philadelphia, PA

Beer Type:  Saison/Farmhouse Ale

Best Served In:  Tulip, Pint, Oversized wine glass

ABV:  6.5%

Characterstics:  Stunning hazy amber-orange color, topped with a brilliant white foam.  Slight carbonation.  Smells of yeast and sweet bread.  Tastes of orange, sweetened with honey and sugar, but warmed with (what tastes like) clove.  Finishes dry.  Sticky lacing throughout.

Foods-pairing: Spicy foods

Overall:  9.0 - Historically, Saisons were brewed to keep Belgian farm workers happy and hydrated during the long, hot summer days.  Although I am not working hard on the farm, or really working hard at all right now sitting on my porch, I am feeling both hydrated and happy with this local choice.  YBC's Saison is high in alcohol content but the citrus and sugar lend themselves to a crisp and light drinking experience.  If you enjoy a Belgian-style Pale Ale, you may also enjoy this Saison as well.  Besides the labels features on of my favorite symbols, the fleur de lis.  This is one of YBC's few beers on their seasonal line, you have until July to give it a go.  Let's a raise to lazy days on the porch and appreciating the slow down of the ever-approaching summer time.  Slainte!

American Craft Beer Week is Here!

From May 14th through the 20th, the city of Philadelphia will partake in the nationwide American Craft Beer Week.  Enjoy $3 craft beer drafts from 5pm-7pm.  Below you will find the list of participants by neighborhood.  Don't forget about Philadelphia Beer Week coming in June!

Old City

Beneluxx

Bierstube

Eulogy Belgian Tavern

Irish Pol

Khyber Pass Pub*

Mac's Tavern

Philadelphia Bar & Restaurant

Q: Barbecue & Tequila

Sassafras

Triumph Brewing Co.

Center City

McGillin's

Perch Pub*

Manayunk

Old Eagle Tavern*

Rittenhouse

Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse*

Good Dog Bar

South Philly

Devil's Den*

South Philly Bar & Grill

Northeast

Grey Lodge Pub

Washington Square

Smokin' Betty's

Spring Garden

Trestle Inn

*Exceptions / variations to specials apply. 

Sunday Sips: Dreamweaver Wheat

Beer Name:  Dreamweaver Wheat

Brewed By/In:  Troeg's Brewing Co. / Hershey, PA

Beer Type:  Hefeweizen

Best Served In:  Weizen glass

ABV:  4.8%

Characteristics:  Hazy but beautiful golden color.  I took the website's advice and poured three-quarters of the bottle, swirled the remaining quarter and then poured it into the glass.  This resulted in some seriously tick and long-lasting foam.  The carbonation of this light libation enhances the clove flavors that are balanced by smooth banana-like notes.  Finishes clean and dry with no hop aftertaste.

Food-pairing:  Seafood, sushi, corn-on-the-cob


Overall:  8.0 - tasty, fruity, and sits well on warm afternoons like these.  Although my palate shies away from the flavors of a hefeweizen normally, Troeg's does it right.  Jazz it up with a chilled lemon slice to add an acidic dimension.  Dreamweaver Wheat is available year-round but is certainly most enjoyed on warmer days like these.  So let's raise a glass to chatting with your mom on the porch and honoring their impact on lives.  Slainte!

Apps on Tap

At this moment, my friends from college and I are participating in what seems to be an endless GMail thread.  The goal - to decide a date and location for us to titter and toast.  Although we are struggling to come to a conclusion, I have found an iOS application that should help you find the best place to gather - Happy Hours.  You can filter by day of the week, time, various specials, features like outdoor seating, private rooms, WiFi.  My personal favorite filtering option?  People Watching.  Below you will find some screenshots taken on my iPod Touch.  You will also love to know that Happy Hours is free!  Whether you enjoy the occasional pint or travel regularly, Happy Hours will help you find the best landing point.  Interested in downloading this to your iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad?  Find more information HERE.  As always, please enjoy responsibly and never drink and drive.

Sunday Sips: Whirlwind Witbier

Beer Name:  Whirlwind Witbier

Brewed By/In:  Victory Brewing Co. / Downingtown, PA

Beer Type:  Witbier

Best Served In:  Pilsner, Stein, or Pint glasses

ABV:  5%

Characteristics:  Smells wheaty and sweet.  Pours with the characteristic unfiltered haziness, sunglow yellow and is topped with a thin layer of foam.  Soft tastes of honey, coriander, citrus and mashed wheat enhanced by the carbonation.  Clean but spiced finish balances

Food-pairing:  Shellfish, Salads topped with vinaigrette, Fruit, Popcorn

Overall:  8.9 - Whirlwind Witbier has a special place in my heart.  It was one of the first craft beers that I tried that inspired my interest and enthusiasm and ultimately this blog.  In fact, one of my first entries for Beer Taste on a Beer Budget was rooted in this incredible Victory delight.  Although my palate has changed and evolved, I have fond memories of sitting on the porch of my parents' house in late April chatting and cackling as the sun set.

Let's a raise to the return of beautiful Spring days and to the arrival of my new role - unclehood.  Slainte!

Sunday Sips: Pollenator

Beer Name:  Pollenator

Brewed By / In:  Long Trail Brewing Co. / Bridgewater Corners, VT

Beer Type:  American Pale Ale (APA)

Best Served In:  Stein, Pint glass

ABV:  4.6%
Characteristics:  Golden straw color pours with firm tan head.  Crisp carbonation.  Sparing lacing clings to the sides of the stein throughout.  Medium-light mouthfeel.  Smells and tastes sweet and bready.  Clean, warm hoppy finish.

Food-pairing:  Pub grub like pizza or nachos

Overall:  7.0 - simple flavors with zips of carbonation allow for easy drinkability.  My low ranking stems from a lack of complexity and depth but certainly enjoyable.  The honey sweetens sunny days and the hops warm the cool nights.  Long Trail's brews are easily identified with their fun and vibrant labels.  Let's raise a glass to these soothing April showers.  Slainte!

(Photos taken by author)

Sunday Sips: Fleur de Lehigh

Beer Name:  Fleur de Lehigh

Brewed By / In:  Philadelphia Brewing Co. / Philadelphia, PA

Beer Type:  Belgian-style Golden Ale

Best Served In:  Over-sized Wine Glass, Tulip, Snifter

ABV:  4.75%

Characteristics:  Upon removing the cap, the sweet, citrusy notes immediately alerted my olfactory bulb.  Pours a hazy, golden amber color - certainly holding up its "Unfiltered Golden Ale" tagline.  Decent head and lacing throughout.  As it ebbs and and flows on my tongue and palate, I taste everything this local brew has to offer.  There is a vibrancy of floral and herbal offerings, perkiness of lemongrass, an intensity of ginger and a smoothness of honey.  

Food-pairing:  Grilled chicken, Crab cakes

Overall:  9.5 - I am afraid of committing to a 10, but this beer surpassed my expectations immensely and has shot towards the top of my favorites list.  The smells and flavors buckled my seat belt for Spring.  These complex flavors somehow allow for simple enjoyment.  Only since beginning this blog have I realized the significance of glassware on the craft brew experience (I promise, I will figure out a way to write more about glassware in future posts).  Drinking out of a wine glass concentrated the aromas, which enhanced the tasting experience.  Also, the label features the original Philadelphia baseball stadium, Shibe Park - who doesn't love a good historical reference?  Hurry, this PBC seasonal only has a few more weeks left!

Here's to an amazing 25th birthday and another year of happiness, health, and prosperity.  Slainte!

I apologize, yet again, for going on hiatus.  I have had much celebrating to do these last few weeks with some very special people.  Tonight, I am back on track both here and on Twitter @JamesLDuffy.  

(Photos provided by author)

Sunday Sips: Aprihop

Beer Name  Aprihop

Brewed By/In:  Dogfish Head Craft Brewery / Milton, DE

Beer Type:  American IPA Fruit Beer

Best Served In:  Pint glass

ABV:  7.0%

Characteristics:  Smells bready and fruit.  Pours brown with orange tints.  As the brew rolls over your palate, you taste the sweetness of the apricots and finish with the slightly roasted malts.  Low carbonation allows for little distraction from the flavors.  As you sip, the lacing beautifully webs the sides of the glass.

Food-pairing:  Hummus with grilled pita (as found on the Dogfish Eats menu)

Overall:  9.0 - refreshing yet complex flavors.  The apricot is apparent but not overwhelming the flavor of the beer. The malts add a warmth to complement the sweetness of the fruit and the grassiness of the hops.  I was thrilled to have finally eaten in the Dogfish brewery - what an incredible experience.  I can check Aprihop off of my Spring season Brews To Do list - woohoo!  Let's raise a glass to weekend getaways.  Slainte!

Sunday Sips: Strawberry Wheat

Beer Name:  Strawberry Wheat

Brewed By/In:  Lancaster Brewing Company / Lancaster, PA

Beer Style:  Fruit Beer, Lager style (Not the same as Sour/Lambic style)

Best Served In:  Stein glass

ABV:  4.7%

Characteristics:  As soon as the cap was removed, I could smell the strawberry elements mixed with the malts.  Low bitterness in both smell and taste.  Pours with ruddy copper color.  The light, sweet strawberry helps soften the lager flavor to provide a complex flavor without feeling too heavy on the palate.  Not quite the intense effervescence of other fruit beers but is perky and crisp.  Usually these kind of flavors fade as you continue through the glass, but the strawberry essence kept kicking!

Food-pairing:  Milk chocolate, white chocolate, fruit-based desserts

Overall:  8.8 - Ultra refreshing even on this cool spring evening.  As their website reads, this is a must have for anyone who enjoys fruit beers.  I finished my stein of LBC's Strawberry Wheat in less than 20 minutes and I wasn't even trying to do so!  I hope that as you continue to enjoy your first sunburns of the year, that you pick up a pint of this specially brewed beer.  So let's raise our glass to some fruit-fused lagers.  Slainte!

(Photos provided by author)

Free? Sure, I'll Go!

 

In case you haven't seen or heard, some of our finest local breweries host free tours!  Philadelphia Brewing Company and Yard's Brewing Company both offer free-of-charge and reservation-free touring of their facilities.  As this early spring sunshine calls my name outdoors, I am looking forward to some more frequent visits to the city for some fun and my first tour of either of these establishments!
Philadelphia Brewing Company:
Tours on Saturdays, please arrive between 12pm and 3pm.  Located at 2439 Amber Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125.  For more details, call 215-427-2739 or click here.

Yard's Brewing Company:
Tours on Saturdays and Sundays, please arrive between12:30pm and 3:30pm.  Most tours will end to leave enough time to visit the tasting room!  Located at 901 N. Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123.  For more details, call 214-634-2600 or click here.

Slainte!



(Top right image provided by Google Images.  Bottom left image provided by yardsbrewing.com

Sunday Sips: Circus Boy

Beer Name:  Circus Boy

Brewed By/In:  Magic Hat Brewing Company / Burlington, VT

Beer Style:  Hefeweizen

Best Served In:  Weizen glass

ABV:  4.5%

Characteristics:  The label reads "Unfiltered and unfettered," and it is certainly a hazy hefe.  Intense carbonation that zips through each swig.  Pours with slight lemon/citrus aromatics.  Although there is light mouthfeel, it has an almost peppery-ness added to the flavors.  The wheat outweighs the hops so it finishes clean.

Food-pairing:  Sushi, Shrimp (with cocktail sauce), Fruit salad

Overall:  7.8 - light and refreshing, without a doubt.  I wish there was a little more zest from the lemons.  Perhaps if I had my own wedge to throw in, I could have heightened those flavors.  The carbonation makes this a perfect session beer for the late spring and summer. Here's to you, Keegan, as you wrap up the greatest years of your life.  Slainte!



(Photo by author)

St Patty's Day Recipe: Beef & Guinness Stew

Although I do not love the hype of St. Patrick's Day and the debauchery, it is a great reason to dip into the Irish cookbooks to find all of our delicious recipes.  Okay, we Irish do not possess many recipes but the ones we have are certainly hearty and earthy.  Here is an inventive use of Guinness.  This seems to be a palatable rib-sticking recipe that easily fits into one pot.  Slainte!

• 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 pounds boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 5 cups chopped onion (about 3 onions)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 cups fat-free, lower-sodium beef broth
• 1 (11.2-ounce) bottle Guinness Stout
• 1 tablespoon raisins
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (1/2-inch-thick) diagonal slices carrot (about 8 ounces)
• 1 1/2 cups (1/2-inch-thick) diagonal slices parsnip (about 8 ounces)
• 1 cup (1/2-inch) cubed peeled turnip (about 8 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 
• (Photo courtesy of MyRecipes.com)
• 
  
• 1. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place flour in a shallow dish. Sprinkle beef with 1/2 teaspoon salt; dredge beef in flour. Add half of beef to pan; cook 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove beef from pan with a slotted spoon. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and beef.
• 2. Add onion to pan; cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in broth and beer, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Return meat to pan. Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, raisins, caraway seeds, and pepper; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Uncover and bring to a boil. Cook 50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add carrot, parsnip, and turnip. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and bring to a boil; cook 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with parsley.

Sunday Sips: Spring Seasonal List

Happy Spring everyone!  Although not officially Spring by the standards of the Almanac, it sure as heck feels good to be outside once again.  This Irishman's milky skin can begin to soak in Vitamin D with that extra hour of daylight we received.  Inspired by the freshest beer choices, I have decided that we need to be ready for Spring.  This is my favorite season of the year, especially for beer.  The Belgian Blondes, the Wheats, the Wits/Whites, the Pale Ales, the joy!  Below you will find lists of some of my "Beer-peats" and "Brews To Do's" for these upcoming months of sunshine.  In the coming weeks, you will see Sunday Sips entries refer back to many of these fine libations.  So get out the aviators and the Rainbows once again, we have lots of Spring to enjoy!  (Disclaimer:  Lists are not ordered in any specific rank)

Beer-peats

1.  Long Trail Brewing Co.'s Pollenator - Available February-April.  This pale ale is easily enjoyed, low in alcohol and in bitterness.  A little VT shout out to my younger brother, Keegan.

2.  Victory Brewing Co.'s Whirlwind Witbier - Available March-April.  You don't get a lot of time to enjoy this bubbly brew, but it certainly is worth the wait.  Victory's Whirlwind was the topic was one of my first entries, oh the memories.

3.  Troegs Brewing Co.'s Nugget Nectar - Available February-March.  We're winding down on the availability of this hoppy delight already.  At least 5 different types of hops are in this batch.  Not for the faint of heart.

Brews To Do's
1.  Iron Hill Brewery's Do Wit - Available hopefully by the end of March.  Belgian-style with orange blossom honey.  Are you kidding me?

2.  Dogfish Head Brewery's Aprihop - Available March-May.  The tagline for this reads, "Our fruit beer for hopheads!"  I am quite intrigued to feel and taste the mix of high hops with sweet fruit.

3.  Yard Brewing Co.'s Saison - Available April-July.  The Saison's history is rooted in refreshing and hydrating the imbiber.  Sounds like a good enough reason for me to give it a try.

4.  Philadelphia Brewing Co.'s Fleur de Lehigh -  Available March-May.  The label says it all.  Honoring the 1900s home stadium of the original Philadelphia Athletics and Phillies, Shibe Park, this beer's ginger and lemongrass remind us that Spring notes the beginning of our nation's past time to begin.

Mmm, I cannot wait for the zings of citrus and the smoothness of wheat this season.  There are many stories to hear and laughs to exchange.  I have been blessed to have so many incredible people with whom to share all the seasons of the year.  Slainte!

Sunday Sips: Rye Pale Ale

Beer Name:  Rye Pale Ale

Brewed By / In:  Terrapin Beer Company / Athens, GA

Beer Style:  American Pale Ale (New category I am adding tonight!)

Best Served In:  Stein, Pint glasses

ABV:  5.5%

Characteristics:  Pours a hazy orange/golden color.  Smells of malts and fruits of pear or banana.  Starts with zips of hops pairs with the bubbly effervescence but as it crosses the palate the flavor sweetens.  Light mouthfeel with a fresh finish allows for another sip and even another mugful!

Food-pairing:  Chilies or other spicy foods

Overall:  8.8 - I was nervous to see "Rye" in the name with the banjo-playing turtle on the label.  For some reason I had premonitions that this beer would taste like intensely flavored grain alcohols of the South.  To my delight, this year-round brew's fruity afterthoughts allow this to be a great session beer.  The rye adds a sweeter character to the flavor profile.  I imagine there being great nights of conversation spent over this liquid Terp.

The Brewer's Plate - March 11, 2012

The most recent edition of Philly Weekly featured one the spring's first big beer events - The Brewer's Plate.  I am enamored by the concept of The Brewer's Plate.  They look to pair local gourmet foods and craft brewing.  The Brewer's Plate will take place at the National Constitution Center on March 11, 2012 from 5pm-9pm.  Tickets range from $65-125.  The general admission of a party smaller than 10 is $75.  Seems steep but still grants you access to Betty's Speakeasy, Philadelphia Distilling, and Cookie Confidential..  Pay for the VIP access and experience cooking with beer demonstrations, cooking with Philadelphia restaurateur and chef Jose Garces, and other vendor specials.   Some of my personal favorites on the list include:  Victory Brewing Company, Dogfish Head, and White Dog Cafe.  Victory will even be featuring an "ultra exclusive" tasting with VIP admission.  Read the full list of participants HERE, I am sure that one of your Philly favorites will be featured.  Still interested?  See more information and buy your tickets HERE.  Buy soon, they sell out quickly!

2012 marks The Brewer's Plate eighth year and this year is sponsored by the National Constitutional Center, Victory Brewing Company, Philadelphia Weekly, and Philly Beer Scene.  The Brewer's Plate is hosted by the 501(c)3 non-profit Fair Food Philly who promotes local, humane, sustainable agribusiness in the Philadelphia area.

Sunday Sips: Anchor Steam

Beer Name:  Anchor Steam

Brewed By / In:  Anchor Brewing Company / San Francisco, CA

Best Served In:  Stein, Pilsner, Pint glasses

ABV:  4.9%

Characteristics:  Pours a deep amber with faint bready aroma exuding from the glass.  Poor head yet playfully effervescent (a result of true steam brewing).  Although bubbly, the flavor underwhelms the palate.  A little bitterness but nothing really complex to appreciate, finishes a little flat.

Food-pairing:  Coconut-breaded shrimp

Overall:  7.0 - the forefront of flavor is short-lived but allows to be sessioned; I finished before I realized it.  Although I appreciate the story of steam beers and Anchor's ability to brew the "California Common," I was not a huge fan of the overall flavor.  I will say, anyone who is beginning their quest into craft beer drinking, this is a fantastic segue from the mass-produced brews.  Slainte!

(Photos by Author)

Book Review: Artisan Beer

Gary Monterosso is an award-winning beer writer.  In his first book, the 148 page Artisan Beer, he provides guidance, tips and tricks for beer novices to beer aficionados.  As the cover reads, it is the "complete guide to savoring the world's finest beers."  As I travel this journey to learn more about craft beer, its history, its current place, and its future, I found this book to be a great "101" introduction.

Monterosso provides a thorough overview of ale and lager types.  Needless to say, my head was spinning with the amount of information but my tastebuds were awaiting all of the flavors he discussed.  Since starting this book, I hope my Sunday Sips entries paint a clearer picture, as I focus on feeling and tasting all that he describes.  One of my favorite readings of this book discusses beer and food pairings.  Monterosso charts food and its complementary beer.  As a man searching for the perfect pairings (well, even suitable pairings), I am better equipped to make those decisions.  I especially love his view in that beer can be a more affordable option than wine when making pairings (and I love a good deal).  He even includes a large section of "How do I..."-type questions.  There are beautiful glossy photos of hops, glassware, and Monterosso's "dream team" case of beer.  What I particularly love about this read is that the information can be reviewed and pulled in segments for my particular needs or questions.

Monterosso's book is informative and approachable with a clear enthusiasm for the art of craft brewing.  Coming from an education background, he assures the reader that he offers only one perspective and that there is more to discover.  I am sure that my appreciation of beer and breweries has only heightened after reading Artisan Beer.  Interested?  Buy it HERE.  Learn more about Gary Monterosso by visiting his website.  Thank you to my better half for such a great read!



(Image provided by Google Images)

Sunday Sips: Chicory Stout

Beer Name:  Chicory Stout

Brewed By / In:  Dogfish Head Craft Brewery / Milton, DE

Best Served In:  Stein

ABV:  5.2%

Characteristics:  Opaque, black stream from the bottle to the glass - I was in awe.  Roasted and robust flavors - the chicory, coffee, and oatmeal flavors fill the mouth but are smooth and even slightly sweet.  Zero head and lacing, zero carbonation.  The aromas leave much to be desired - one malty tone.  The velvety mouthfeel more than makes up for the lack of an olfactory experience.  Although my palate is overwhelmed (in the good way) with flavor, I am not feeling bloated.

Food-pairing:  Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt (I am currently eating this while drinking the beer and I can feel the chocolate and mint zing on my palate.  I am thoroughly enjoying what is happening over here.)

Overall:  9.0 - Without the dessert at its side, I am not sure if I could have as easily enjoyed this stout but it paired fantastically!  Having a dessert like mint and chocolate at its side kept my tastebuds wanting more.  Sadly, this is a winter creation of one of my favorite breweries so there is a limited time to enjoy this libation, but very much so worth the wait until next year in case you miss it.  I would gladly order this with a bright or cool dessert at the end of a hearty meal.

Here's to being a day late but not a dollar short.  Slainte!

Sunday Sips: Kenzinger

Beer Name:  Kenzinger

Brewed By/In:  Philadelphia Brewing Company / Philadelphia, PA

Best Served In:  Stange Glass from the tap

ABV:  4.5%

Characteristics:  Perfectly golden straw color, white head that lasted for a minute releasing some hoppy and floral aromatics.  Splashed with a slightly hoppy bite onto the palate and finished sweetly.  The light body was crisp and refreshing as you tasted hits of citrus.  

Food-pairing:  Tasty Kake Butterscotch Krimpet Tiramisu (I wish I had a photo to share)

Overall:  8.0 - For a beer whose name seems to refer to a frightening part of Philadelphia, this brew is certainly anything but that.  It sat well with my meal at Bridget Foy's of South Street.  By the way, this drink was included in the Restaurant Week menu.  Thankfully, this year-round beer can be enjoyed again - I have high hopes that sitting on my porch with this chilled will make for a great evening.  I am going to preemptively recommend this as a summer session.  I am proud to know that Philadelphia has a plethora of outstanding brewers - even if the water sources may be the Delaware or the Schuylkill.  I will continue to support the PBC and the many brewing companies of the City of Brotherly Love.    

If you have not gone out yet to enjoy Restaurant Week in Philadelphia, by all means, do it.  It is a great way to feel fancy without paying the full, fancy prices and many establishments like Bridget Foy's offer a complementary drink!  Today begins week 2 of the event for this season.  See all of the participating restaurants through OpenTable!  See what others are saying and join the conversation on Twitter.  

(Image provided by Google Images)

Treat Yo'self January 25th

My dinner tonight is dedicated to the few, the proud - beer and burrito lovers.  As I stood in line at the local Chipotle, I anxiously awaited my turn to the assembly line of fixings.  After my usual was loaded up - a burrito with brown rice, chicken, black beans, corn, hot salsa, and gauc (because I deserved it) - I hurried home to crack to open a Yard's Philadelphia Pale Ale and unwrap the foil.  On this January evening with a slight chill in the air, this burrito brew combo hit the spot without a doubt.  Slainte!