The Brew Lounge

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150638142009-11-22T07:35:02.404-05:00The Brew Lounge<hr><i>Promoting Better Beer since 2005.</i>Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.comBlogger1899125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-4691738454362495202009-11-19T10:00:00.003-05:002009-11-21T08:31:14.791-05:00Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 19th-November 25th

Stressful holidays are right around the corner. Take some time for yourself now by checking out one (or more!) of the many local Philadelphia beer events over the next week.Check out the entire November 2009 calendar over here.Some tastings, some free, some PAYG@Bridgid's, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu. 11/19 - Exit Night (8:00pm-10:00pm; PAYG to try all three Flying Fish Exit Series beers in the same

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-37823159358098693402009-11-18T09:00:00.005-05:002009-11-18T09:22:16.836-05:00Sierra Nevada Beer Dinner at The Drafting Room: 11/11/09

In a recession, people still have to eat. I just was not so sure that with a $69.99 price tag that the dining room at The Drafting Room would be full. Apparently I was more wrong than I was sure. (I suppose that this is where I should disclose that my meal was 'on the house' as a guest of TDR. I'm not real good about these things, since I believe either naively or arrogantly that my writing

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-83737533284060279762009-11-16T23:00:00.000-05:002009-11-16T23:03:22.258-05:00Me and My Marathon

It can be a lonely road out there, even with 20,000 other runners, perfectly built for plenty of introspection. This will be my fifth marathon I've run in the last 4 years. Even though it may not be true, I somehow feel less prepared physically and psychologically than ever before.Sunday's Philadelphia Marathon will tell. Until then, I need a pick-me-up.So, if you've got any shouts of

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-42753436082429938162009-11-15T21:30:00.000-05:002009-11-15T21:38:11.537-05:00Artisan Homebrewing Opens in Grand Fashion

When you show up as late as I do, you get pictures of a party near its end; so close to its end that most people are already gone and the host is packing things up. Well, it wasn't quite that late, but I did miss the cake, the music, and the cheesemonger. I did get a chance to taste some great homebrewed beer and mead, local wine, and catch up with some old friends.So, I took a few pictures of

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-72712233100581068262009-11-14T13:00:00.001-05:002009-11-14T13:00:02.875-05:00Looking forward to Sunday night on The Brewing Network

Tomorrow night I'll be one week away from celebrating the ending of Fall 2009 marathon training after Philly's marathon. Tomorrow night I'll also be listening The Brewing Network's Sunday Session, where the Bay Area's Jay Brooks will be a guest talking about the industry and his role in documenting it.Should be a great way to spend a cool autumn Sunday evening listening to a great bunch of people

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-81502128754818409312009-11-13T17:00:00.002-05:002009-11-13T17:00:00.303-05:00Blind Tiger VSK---For the thrill-seeking beer geek in all of us

One might argue that there are VSKs (very special kegs) on tap day in and day out at Blind Tiger Ale House. Once a year, David, Alan, and company pull out all the stops they can possibly get their tap handles on and do a very special kleanout. Impressive indeed. Now if I can finagle a way to NYC next Wednesday (event starts at 4pm on the 18th and goes, and goes, and.....)---or catch some dregs

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-66281576202365252592009-11-13T07:00:00.001-05:002009-11-16T09:34:07.842-05:00Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 12th-November 18th

The weather's beginning to turn and it looks like a bunch of upcoming events start to roll out the bigger beers and bravado. Check 'em out and be safe out there.Check out the entire November 2009 calendar over here.Some tastings, some free, some PAYG@Devil's Den, Philadelphia, PA--- Wed. 11/18 - Cigar City Brewery Night (7:00pm; PAYG for drafts of Jai Alai IPA, Maduro Oatmeal Brown, & Marshal

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-15836060827587319042009-11-12T23:30:00.002-05:002009-11-12T23:30:00.309-05:00San Francisco Brewing Company soon to be a memory

San Francisco Brewing Company is preparing to close for good. It was never a first stop or the most memorable stop, but always a stop as part of San Francisco's (more specifically, North Beach's) brewing history. A good stopping point on a walk from 21st Amendment/Thirsty Bear to Rogue Public Ale House/Church Key/La Trappe.Here was my initial review back in 2006. Most recently, during San

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-10267454722521391912009-11-10T09:00:00.002-05:002009-11-10T09:00:08.336-05:00Tidbits from around the craft brew-niverse

Cleaning out my to-read list of the past week or so, I have a few good reads to share with you here, that if I don't they will quickly wind up in the dustbin. Plus, it passes the time while I'm in Columbus.Scoats shares a revealing story of meat and how it gets from field to your dinner plate at The Grey Lodge.Cathedral Hill closes in San Francisco with a song from Allagash and so does a chapter

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-81516851853175741682009-11-09T21:00:00.002-05:002009-11-09T21:10:31.640-05:00The Brew Lounge does not tolerate the word that rhymes with, but does not taste as good as, ham

Nor will I allow it to alter the way we do business around here. Lately, spam has picked up in the comments to levels never seen before around these parts. Such is the way of the web I'm sure; still, I don't pretend to understand the point of it, regardless of whether it's human or robot sending out this value-less crap.I will not turn on "comment moderation"...which for those uninitiated means

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-76288145346645291922009-11-06T14:30:00.004-05:002009-11-07T20:02:28.865-05:00Women, Beer, and Food

How many of you perked up reading the title above? Well, that's the point. There's a whole heck of a lot of great stuff going on in the world of better beer...much of it in the last couple of years has rightfully worked food into the mix. And, until the last five years or so, finding women excelling in both the business and the brewing end of the industry was fairly rare.My how times have changed

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-80927190882836500412009-11-05T11:00:00.005-05:002009-11-05T21:47:47.540-05:00Weekly Beer Calendar Update: November 5th-November 11th

I know many of you spent a lot of time out at bars to watch the Phillies postseason run. It's finally over, but let's pick the pieces and settle back into some great beer and food events this next week. As usual, there's no shortage of good stuff to choose from.Check out the entire November 2009 calendar over here.Some tastings, some free, some PAYG@Earth Bread + Brewery, Philadelphia, PA--- Thu.

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-12106572046289902292009-11-04T12:00:00.000-05:002009-11-04T12:00:06.042-05:00Beer Dates in History: November Anniversaries

162 yearsCarlsberg25 yearsBridgeport Brewing20 yearsBoulevard BrewingCooperSmith’s Pub & BrewingLong TrailOdell Brewing15 yearsErie BrewingGreat Dane Pub & BrewingMagic Hat10 yearsAlpine Beer Company

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-60837339329711806282009-11-02T18:00:00.005-05:002009-11-02T18:00:02.065-05:00Two Great Reasons to Visit Bethlehem this week

Nestled in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains and halfway between Philadelphia and New York City, Bethlehem has a lot of good stuff going for it. I won't turn this into a promotional advertisement for the city, but do want to point out two great reasons to stop in the city this or any upcoming week during the next month.Patty and I visited there this past weekend to see her brother Bernard

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-78215068820190893912009-11-01T13:00:00.001-05:002009-11-01T13:00:12.189-05:00An Event Cancellation and One Possible Reschedule

Their website only says so once you attempt to buy tickets, but the Pennsylvania Farm Show Food and Beer Expo has been cancelled.Phillies World Series action this coming Wednesday (11/4) has Donny Syracuse considering a reschedule of the the Yards dinner at High Street Caffe. Stay tuned for a possible makeup date of 11/11...

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-49949815655777502472009-10-30T12:00:00.004-04:002009-10-30T12:00:04.845-04:00It's Michief Night: Do you know where the lovely ladies of lascivious libations are?

Well, they might be with Mr. Casey Hughes, celebrating his 32nd birthday tonight...they might be in South Philly at Devil's Den...or both of these might occur together.Check 'em out tonight in South Philly. Plenty of beer from all 3 breweries (Sly Fox, Dogfish, Ommegang) and a firkin of Chester County Bitter from Sly Fox. Certainly has all of the makings of mischief!

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-43203473463690743802009-10-29T13:00:00.001-04:002009-11-01T12:50:12.758-05:00Weekly Beer Calendar Update: October 29th-November 4th

The beer events get bigger, hotter, and not just a bit scarier, just in time for the cooler weather settling in for November.Check out the entire November 2009 calendar over here.Some tastings, some free, some PAYG@General Sutter Inn, Lititz, PA--- Fri. 10/30 - Cask Ale Night (October selections: White Marsh Brewing's Daily Crisis IPA, Something Red, and EJ's Pumpkin Ale) (5:00pm; PAYG)@The

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-14403056749946484752009-10-28T19:30:00.001-04:002009-10-28T19:35:00.092-04:00Let's Go Phillies Love Tröegs

Gotta hand it to the good folks at Tröegs in Harrisburg, PA. The farther west from Philadelphia you go, the more likely you are to find fans of the Baltimore variety. Not at Tröegs. Or, at least they know who their most prized target market is. Way to go guys and represent. The only better picture that could have been used to scare the Yankees into submission might have been this picture. Imagine

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-74038657651647249882009-10-28T16:00:00.000-04:002009-10-28T16:00:01.960-04:00Philadelphia: Home of Great Beer and Great Baseball (this one's about the Baseball)

Other than occasional notes about running, traveling, and sports, I don't bother you with a whole lot else about me outside of beer. I figure, more often than not, that this is okay with you. Sometimes, I think it would be fair for you to know more about the person that's giving you all of this wonderful Brew Lounge material to sate your taste for great beer.Therein lies the motivation to tell

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-43256694462492765832009-10-28T14:00:00.001-04:002009-10-28T14:00:19.514-04:00Finding Exit 1 from New Jersey in Pennsylvania

It looks like my plans to get to the quasi-official pre-kickoff of Flying Fish's Exit 1 oyster stout tonight in Center City are about to have the Curtin dropped on them. Since Casey feels a bit shut out of The Brew Lounge's monthly calendar that was just published here earlier this morning, this one's a nod to the Big Man of Cherry Hill.There are sure to be many places where this new beer (

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-62428353661116114102009-10-28T07:00:00.022-04:002009-11-21T08:30:54.124-05:00Beer Calendar: What To Do in November 2009

And the drum beats on with incredible beer events in and around Philadelphia. 2009 has been a memorable year and these many establishments associated with great beer are bent on making a few last stamps on this calendar year before heading off to 2010 (unbelievable, eh?)If I'm missing any that you feel should be on here, let me know.$20 and under, down to and including FREE...Pay As You Go (PAYG)

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-27704953412541496892009-10-27T15:00:00.001-04:002009-10-27T15:00:00.804-04:00Quench your Thirst with Great Beer Dinners

Here are some menus that will help you decide between some of the best-looking beer dinners to come over the next couple of weeks. This should fulfill my beer dinner advertising quota for the next month. Don't take that the wrong way; I wouldn't post a menu (basically as free advertising) unless I would gladly put down greenbacks and attend myself. Of course, this is not always possible, so now I

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-3828592749538003612009-10-26T21:30:00.001-04:002009-10-26T21:37:11.218-04:00Iron Hill, Flying Fish, and New Jersey---Perfect Together?

And George Washington thought he had it tough. Crossing the Delaware River this past Saturday was no easy feat. Maybe I should have instead picked Iron Hill's West Chester event to attend. Eh, no matter, it became more of a challenge. Close to 90 minutes to get there and almost the same on the return. The way over was plagued by accidents on every major roadway imaginable. The return trip had us

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-11842661754669258272009-10-24T09:00:00.005-04:002009-10-27T21:01:51.443-04:00Will I be at Iron Hill today?

Will I cross the river to the Jersey side this afternoon (that'd be for the Iron Hill event in case you weren't sure)? Dunno. After the way in which this week has gone, I'm not making any bets. Though, my intention is to be there.It sounds like many of you will as well. If New Jersey is too far for you to travel, you could always try West Chester, whose Iron Hill location is having their Fall

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15063814.post-67021135720093265722009-10-22T07:00:00.013-04:002009-10-22T21:48:25.703-04:00Weekly Beer Calendar Update: October 22nd-October 28th

If I said October came in like a lion, then it's going out like killer whale devouring everything in its path. Okay, forget the stupid analogy and start figuring out where you're gonna spend your beer bucks over the next seven days.Check out the entire October 2009 calendar over here.Some tastings, some free, some PAYG@Craft Ale House, Royersford, PA--- Wed. 10/28 - Ommegang & Cheese (PAYG for

Bryan Kolesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13063224838193829628noreply@blogger.com2