Monday, January 31, 2011

Documentary worth checking out?

While at dinner last night I noticed several people on facebook reference a documentary that the Discovery Channel aired called How Beer Saved the World. See I told you beer was really really GREAT! I even got a facebook message from my college roommate thinking this might be something that would interest me. Not sure how many of you saw this last night, but if you did let me know how it was and if it's worth checking out. If it was aired on Discovery I'm sure they will reair it something this week, or I'll just On Demand it.

UK bar in Philly

The last Stephen Starr restaurant I went to was Jones Restaurant. I ended up going after a Phillies game after hearing from a coworker they had excellent food and it was less costly then most of Starr's other restaurants. After walking out of the restaurant, I felt neither were true. The food was OK but lacked that Starr "WOW" factor; the lunch bill for two people was around $80.

Tonight I went with Lauren to the newest Starr restaurant, The Dandelion, which opened this past New Years Eve in the Rittenhouse Square section of Philadelphia. I've read many positive reviews, and when we learned they offer a Sunday Roast dinner (common in the UK) every week we quickly set reservations. From the second I walked into the restaurant I instantly felt transported to a bar in England. After being seated at a table in front of windows that overlooked the street, I couldn't help but notice how extensive the beer menu was. What made me even happier was that I could not find any Bud or Miller products on the menu. Not that I hate those beer, but I feel they don't belong in an English Pub setting. Perhaps if I asked for Miller light or Budweiser they could have given me either, but I didn't bother. Deciding to go with a choice I knew I would enjoy, I selected the Yards India Pale Ale which is brewed in Philadelphia. The beer was served in a traditional pint class but was a bit pricy as each draft ordered cost $8. Despite the cost I still managed to throw down a few brews.

I was impressed that The Dandelion offered patrons the opportunity to order beers from their Cask Collections. For those not familar, Cask beers are poured into your glass by a hand pump and are less carbonated than those of American beers, and are served at cellar temperature. After inquiring about the cask beer collection, our server did bring me a sample of the Pale Ale which was okay, but wasn't something I would order.

After our delicious Sunday roast dinner and Stout Chocolate cake pot desert (had the "WOW" factor) we headed to the downstairs bar to enjoy after dinner drinks. For me I ended up drinking another IPA, but was taken back by the decor of the bar and the knowledge each bartender had. Sitting at the bar, I noticed that before each beer was poured the pint glass was rinsed with an automatic washer. This was something I have only seen at the Sam Adams Brewery Tour.

I did have to laugh when I went into the bathroom and saw a chalk board where someone wrote " Beer is proof God Loves us," especially after having mentioned this in a previous blog. For beers lovers, The Dandelion is a Philadelphia hot spot, and if anyone would need company to go please let me know.

*The lighting was dim, so many of my pictures were dark








Sunday, January 30, 2011

A HomeBrew: Ginger Kid Stout

While in College, my parents got me a Mr Brew Home Beer Kit for Christmas. After reading the directions that included pictures, I thought brewing beer would be easy and attempted my first batch. I don't think I have ever been so wrong about something. My beer, if you could even call it that, was disguisting. I learned very quickly that the art of brewing beer is a difficult process especially if you don't know what you're doing.

I learned last week from Home Brewer Jay Mignogna that he brewed a batch of his Ginger Kid Stout. To be honest, Stout beers are not my favorite so when he asked me if I would want to sample and review his beer, I wasn't sure if I would actually enjoy it. I remembered my experience with brewing beer, but as I'm not one to turn down beers I gladly excepted. After my first sip, my impression on Stout beer changed and I realized that Jay has a talent and love for brewing beer.

Jay dropped off two bottles last night and after I got home from dinner I cracked open the first one and poured it into a Sam Adams mug; Hey, these mugs are engineered for beer. The smell of the beer wasn't overwhelming but I was greeted by the typical Stout Beer smell. If I wasn't aware before that this was a Stout beer, I definately could tell once it was poured in front of me. The color was dark in appearance, which I could compare to a coca cola/Pepsi without the ice.

After I took my first sip, I instantly blurted out "Damn, thats good!" As previously said, I wasn't expecting to really enjoy this beer, but I did and that's what makes beer so great. I finished the first one last night, and had a hard time not drinking the second. As I wasn't writing the review last night, I didn't want to drink the second one because I wanted to review the beer while I drank it. Although Jay's beer is considered a Stout, I didn't feel it was as heavy as some Stouts such as Guiness. For me, I felt it was lighter than most Stouts beers I've had, and I easily could throw down several, and not feel full or bloated. After finishing my second just a few moments ago, I really could go for another and would definately consider purchasing this beer if it was on tap at a local bar or sold at a beer store.

I'ld like to again thank Jay for allowing me the opportunity to try his beer, and blog about it. I'm just keeping my fingers cross that he'll allow me to review his next batch of beer as he actually understands how to brew beer.






Saturday, January 29, 2011

The mall makes me drink at Iron Hill Brewery

I hate the mall. Actually I REALLY hate the mall. The only time I'll agree to go to the mall is if I need to, and I have to know exactly what I need to buy. I ended up at the Cherry Hill mall tonight, and could have sworn Christmas was only a few days away. The mall was so packed with all forms of life. When I first woke today I decided I would drink, but after the mall I REALLY needed a drink.
All day I've been craving beer, and not just any beer, I wanted fresh brewery beer.  I ended up at the Iron Hill Brewery in Maple Shade after my stressful evening at the mall. I'm going to be honest, I've had a few issue with this place regarding customer service and feel most of the time it's unorganized. Tonights service was fine, but I feel the service and restaurant at other Iron Hills in the Philadelphia area run much smoother. Despite the service the beer and food is excellent.

I ended up drinking two of their Inbound Ales, and although they quenched my beer thirst, I wouldn't consider it my favorite. I've drank many of their beers, and the one that sticks out most was their seasonal beer, Rising Sun. It was an IPA (go figure) that was brewed with California Hops, and had an awesome flavor. Unfortunately it's no longer on tap.

I do need to point out their beer menu is extensive and they take a massive amount of pride brewing their beer. I can't think of a time that I felt their beer was unsatisfactory.


Back to work means no drinking

After having off Thursday due to the snowstorm, Friday was an extremely long and busy day at work. By the time I got home from work I was exhausted and passed out. I'm sadden to say that I have no news on the beer front, as I didn't even take a sip of beer. I thought about stopping at one of the bars in Conshohocken after work, but I was so tired and I suppose work didn't stress me out too much. I do plan to drink today and can't wait to try out my sweet new beer mugs I got for Christmas. If your wondering, yes, they do have my initial H on them.


Friday, January 28, 2011

State of the Blog

This past year I've had a strong desire to work for a beer company. However with many companies using the economy as an excuse and with most people getting hired based on who they know rather than what you know, I haven't had much luck. A few months back I thought I had a chance when I wrote an odd/different/out of the box cover letter to Flying Fish Brewing Company, unfortunately for me I'm still waiting for that return call. Growing up your told that you should pursue a career that you would enjoy. Jim Koch of Sam Adams Brewery got into brewing because it was what he loves. For me, I've always had a desire to write. But what surprised me was that I never knew I had a desire to blog. More importantly, I never knew I had the desire blog about beer and life.

Before I continue, I must admit I'm having an awesome time with this blog. Before I began blogging, I was questioned by many why I no longer wrote outside of work. I found myself making excuses but could never provide a good answer. As the new year rolled in I officially challenged myself to become a blogger as part of my New Years resolution.

As much as I love blogging about delicious beer, I also hope you're enjoying it. Without you, my blog would be nothing. I've been VERY suprised by the amount of hits and feedback I've received, and can honestly say I never expected this positive of an outcome. As I continue blogging and begin developing the website portion, I hope ALL of you will continue to read, and become followers. For those brave enough, please feel free to comment as I would love to hear from you.

At this time, I am currently working on expanding my blog and making it more reader and beer lover friendly. Please be sure to visit back often as I have many ideas planned for the next upcoming months. This is an exciting time for my website.

In the meantime, stay thirsty, continue drinking beer, and keep reading.

Yours Truly,
H

Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Day After

I woke up this morning not knowing if I was going to have work. When I woke at 4AM and called work there was no message about the offices having a delay or being closed. I went back to bed and woke up around 7AM to find out that there was a 2 hour delay, but the message said to to call back around 9AM as they might reconsider. Luckily when I called at 9 the updated message stated they were closed.

My day consisted of the following (not in any particular order):

1. Shoveling
2. Napping
3. Eating
4. Going to Penn Queen
5. Watching TV
6. Playing Wii
7. Drinking Stoudts Winter Ale

I didn't drink too many, however I felt it was only right to drink Winter Ale with the type of weather we had.

I did get some exciting news from home brewer Jay Mignogna about providing me samples of his freshly brewed Stout beer. I'm thrilled to try his brew as the picture he posted on facebook looked awesome. I'll keep you guys posted.


Drinking on the job

I first want to apologize that I didn't blog last night as promised. I was drained from my mid afternoon drinking and fell asleep after American Idol. I did manage to stay awake for the Fox29 special investigations on the 3 mailworkers who were drinking while on the clock. After taping these men putting a load on they watched them getting into their mail vehicles and driving off likely intoxicated. At one point, the journalist confronted the one mailman about to get into his mail vehicle and told him he should not drive as they watched him drink 7 beers. The guy looked hammered, but he was smart enough not to drive. One summer when I was home from college, I worked as a mailmen and seemed to remember hearing similar stories. Working as a postal worker is a tough job, but these guys are just idiots. The report did say that all three men have been let go by the postal service. If you don't have anything to watch tonight, turn on the the news as they are having the second part of the investigation. For those that didn't see Part One, check out the link below.

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/fox-29-investigates%3A-drinking-postmen-

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

I took more pictures than normal



I originally planned to write about these books I got for Christmas today.


Before my commute to Conshohocken, I took a picture

I had no idea it would snow this much

I was only 1hr and 30 minutes late to work. The commute was awful. Thankfully I wasn't on 422

1PM EARLY DISMISSAL! Went to lunch at the Jug Handle Inn

Craft Beers on Tap, I will be back. I complained the other night how I was craving a Fall Seasonal beer. GOD heard my prayers, the server recomended Southern Tier Brewing Company Pumpking Beer. Even Lauren loved it, "It tastes like a pumpkin pie," she said.

Nuff said

My first gulp

Definately a beer I would highly sugest. Ended up having 3. Hopefully I can get back to the Jug before it's taken off draft.

3 beers, 2 soups, 20 wings for there, 10 wings for home, only $45; felt it was a fair.


The finished product


Finally home before the second storm. Will write later tonight. Fox29 news is on.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Proof GOD loves to drink beer

Joe Six Pack from Philly.com and on Good Day Philadelphia there was mention about a new beer dispenser. From what I read, this dispenser is suppose to cut down the wait for beer at sportings events, which is awesome. Since I'm not planning to attend any Sixers or Flyers games in the next few weeks if anyone heads down to the Wells Fargo Center try to get some pictures for me and let me know your opinion on it. Any feedback and help would be greatly appreciated. The person who invented this dispenser is going to become VERY VERY rich.

http://www.bottomsupbeer.com/videos.php

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/joe_sixpack/20110121_Joe_Sixpack__Another_giant_leap_forward_for_beer_drinkers.html

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/video/video%3A-world%27s-fastest-beer-machine



Monday, January 24, 2011

Beer Man at the Movies

I was watching TV the other night and the Travel Channel had a show about the future of movie theaters. The program showed many new features theaters are offering their guest such as full course dinners, new and improved seating and some are now serving beer! When they mentioned beer, the first thing that came to mind was the scene from Pulp Fiction where John Travolta's character is telling Samuel L Jackson's character about his experience in France. Travolta talked about ordering a Le Royale with Cheese, and how he was able to drink beer durring a show. I know it sounds like a great idea, but I'm not really a fan. When I go to the movies, the last thing on my mind is slugging brewskis. As much as I love beer, I much rather munch on popcorn and a large cherry ICEE. My issue with beer is that I enjoy the taste so much that I can't just drink one. I'm certain I speak for many that when I drink a decent amount of booze it leads me having to to frequent the bathroom. This is the last thing I want to do when I'm watching a movie for the first time, espcially when I'm paying over $10 a ticket and don't have the option to pause the movie. Besides you never want to be that asshole who has to climb over people during the movie. With theater prices becoming more expensive I'm sure beer wouldn't be cheap, and prices would rival those you pay at the stadium. I also worry that I would have to deal with drunks at the movies. Don't get me wrong I love drunks as I find them hysterical, but I don't think I would enjoy them at the movies.

I know I say I wouldn't purchase a beer at the movie now, but lets see what happens if the local AMC starts offering fresh Dogfish Head. Espcially their 60 minute IPA


Sunday, January 23, 2011

Frozen Yeungs

During the winter months most of my beer will be kept outside. It's a great way to keep your beer cold and as long as you keep it from being exposed to light your beer will not go bad. However, when you keep beer outside in the cold weather like we had this weekend, you'll get the below results.



Forget the flowers, bring me Growlers

I'm a huge fan of brew pubs. My favorites include the Lancaster Brewing Company and The Applachian Brewing Company (ABC). I first fell in love with brew pubs while attending college as it was then I turned 21, and because there are numerous brew pubs in South Eastern, PA. The quality of food, beer, and service are usually terrific. I also find when you go to these places the servers and bartender actually have knowledge about the beer they are serving. As much as I love drinking fresh beer, there is nothing better than drinking that fresh beer at your home. My favorite thing that brew pubs offer is the option to purchase a growler of fresh draft beer. The price to fill a growler can range, but most times it will cost you about $10.

The biggest complaint I have about growlers are that brew pubs require you to purchase their own growler which usually will have their brand name or label on it. Assuming you don't have a growler from that brewery or had forgotten it you would need to buy a growler which can be pricey. Depending on the place I have paid around $20 for the growler alone.

Over the years I have built a collection of growlers and do think they are worth considering. I love drinking fresh beer out of a growler and find it cool. Before purchasing you do need to consider when you will drink it. As the beer will not stay fresh if your not drinking that night you might be better off doing a 6 pack.

I once was drinking Magic Hat and underneath the cap it said "Forget the Flowers, Bring me Growlers."




Saturday, January 22, 2011

Friday Night At the Market

I usually don't cook dinner. It's not that I can't or hate to, its mostly because I'm lazy. With Lauren working late I decided to surprise her and cook. I checked out the Food Network website and saw a section listing the 5 best grilled cheese. I instantly knew what we were eating tonight.
The Shop Right on Route 130 that opened this past year has an AWESOME beer/liquor/wine section for a supermarket. I repeat: AWESOME. Their selection really impressed me. For those Micro Beer lovers (like me) they have shelves that have all different types of beer and you can do a mix and match 6 pack for $9.99. It's a little pricy thinking about it, but if you take a second you'll realize it's not too bad considering your buying micro brews. None of their other prices were outragous either.

A few NYE back, I partied with my college roommates in New York city. Since my roommates lived on Long Island, we rented a stretch navigator to take into the city. I've done this twice in my life time, and both times were insane. Getting back on subject, I remember getting beer at a supermarket; I also remember stopping at a Dunkin Donuts/gas station to pick up beer. It's nice that New Jersey finally joined the 21st century and allows the sale of alcohol in supermarkets. Now if only PA can make changes to some of their extreme laws.

Since I don't have work tomorrow I ended up throwing a few beers back. I started with heavier/winter seasonal beers and realized I needed something ligther. Don't get me wrong I love winter beers, however I'm not sure if it's the weather but I'm really looking forward to the upcoming seasonal beers. Lately, I've been sick of winter beers. Thankfully I had Stoudts OctoberFest. I'm sure many of you beer drinkers are excited for the upcoming seasonal beers. For me, I'm excited for Blue Moon Honey Ale and  Sam Adams Summer ale.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Mexican Beer at a Mexican Restaurant

One of my favorite types of food would have to be Mexican. Over the past 6 months my family has become regulars at one of the local establishments in Pennsauken: The Tortilla Press. Not sure how many of you reading are in South Jersey area, however if you have never tried this restaurant please do yourself a favor and try it out. Tell Chef Mark I sent you, and I promise you will not be disappointed.

After another late night at work I was in the mood for some Chef Mark's cooking and joined my two favorite ladies: Lauren and my Mom for dinner. Most times my drink of choice would be margaritas on the rocks with salt on the rim, but as I posted in my previous blog I was craving a cold brew or two. I decided to keep up with the Mexican theme and ordered two Negra Modela Dark Beers. Honestly, my love for Mexican food usually doesn't extend to their beers. Although I will drink these beer types, I don't think I have ever ordered a Corona or Dos Equis, except when I was in Mexico or at Disney's Epcot. The ony times I tend to drink these would be at a party or when its offered for free. The beer was good and paired well with my shrimp fajitas, but I don't plan on going to the beer store anytime soon to pick up a 6 pack.

Thinking about it, is Negra Modela even brewed in Mexico?


Thursday, January 20, 2011

Tough week for beer and me

This past week has been a bad week for drinking beer. The week started with me having a stomach bug, then continued with me working late each night. Because of this I have not been able to enjoy any type of beer. I had the urge to drink last night and was invited to Whistlers Inn for half priced pitchers of Coors light, but with a doctors appointment early this morning I was responsible. Knowing I had to get blood taken, I repeated to myself  "I'm not suppose to eat or drink the night before testing." Don't tell my doctor but I did enjoy an IPA with my dinner last night.

With today being Thursday and a pending snowstorm I do plan on drinking beer tonight. Although I would love to crush multiple beers I know I can't go too crazy as the timing of these snowstorms suck. From the weather reports, the storm will end before the morning commute. This means my company will not be closed, and I'll have a two hour delay. A two hour delay is nice, however I want a snow day! Besides I don't think theres no worse feeling than being hungover and at work.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

34 Year Old Billy Beer

Last Saturday I decided to stop at my Grandmothers for lunch. As she enjoys drinking Budweiser out of 6oz cans, I was excited to tell her how I started a blog on beer! While telling her the details of my blog she started laughing and told me, "That's stupid," which definately not an expected response. She did ask me if I wanted the 6 pack of Billy Beer in her basement, which I could remember being down since I was litte. The beer was named after Billy Carter (a known drinker), who was the brother of former president Jimmy Carter. Looking at the beer can and realizing this beer was brewed in 1976 I couldn't imagine it tasting good. Even if I were to get this beer ice cold, I doubt I would drink it. Then again, if I was drinking and ran out of beer I might have no choice.


Monday, January 17, 2011

No Beer Sunday

If you read my blog yesterday you would have realized I was feeling a little under the weather. I'm sorry to say but I didn't drink any beer Sunday night; instead I stuck with water and ice tea. I'm sure some of you may be upset or even disappointment, however I promise things will be ok.

Anyway... After getting some feedback about the beer mini van on 95 the other day I decided to do some research. Although the Dark Horse Brewing company is a microbrewery in Michigan they do have a distributor that sells this beer in the great city of Philadelphia. From their website Bella Vista Beer Distributors located at 755 S 11th St sells this beer and made the van that I saw. There's even a video on youtube that shows how this van was made which I uploaded in the previous post, and is definately worth checking out.

I'm figuring sometime within the next few weeks I'll pick up a case to try out this beer.

Bella Vista Beer Distributor Wrap- Brands Imaging

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Media Birthday Celebration

Last night I drank alot of beer; I drank alot of different types and brands. I thought about listing all the types I drank however I'm being lazy, and I don't think I can remember everyone as my night at one point got blurry. I ended up going out to Media, PA to celebrate my friend Rich's birthday. We started the night off pregaming at his apartment where I crushed Stoudts 1860 IPA which was delcious but definately not a type of brew you should pregame with. Thinking about it now, I should have picked up a case of miller light however being cheap I brought the beer I already had. After downing several brews we headed to the Iron Hill Brewery where I drank their Inbound Ale. For Rich birthday we had gotten him a membership for their mug club; not sure how many of you belong to this club but its definately worth joining if you enjoy beer. Plus you get to drink beer out of a cool mug at a decent price. I planned on taking many pictures through the course of the night, but as I continued to drink I forgot to do so. Thankfully, I did get one picture with Rich drinking at the brewery. Needing to drink more we headed to another establishment, Jocylns where this time I stuck with miller light products. I know this blog is about beer, however I do need to point out there were shots of sambucca which is my favorite non beer product. Anyone that has drank with me knows my love for Sambucca.

Anyway, I must have drank alot because I don't feel 100% right now. My head is groggy/pounding and my stomach has been uneasy all day. I know I left the blog hanging however I don't feel like blogging anymore. I had a tough time writing this blog, and hope you enjoyed it.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Dark Horse Beer Van

While driving 95 Northbound I saw a cool looking beer mini van for Dark Horse Brewing company. Never heard of of this brewery, but will definately have to try it sometime soon.