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.