An Awesome Gift!

From my girlfriend Lauren!

#9 was a bit off

With the Phillies in prime time Saturday night I was looking to drink some beers, and ended going to PJs in Maple Shade. For my first draft I went with a safe bet: Magic Hat #9. However, after my first sip, something seemed off. I'm not 100% sure I had the correct beer, as the beer didn't taste exactly as I remembered. Even the color seemed ligther than most #9 drafts I've had. Regardless I drank the beer, and enjoyed it. I am aware that if you try the same beer from different batches the taste can differ. For my second draft I ordered a Seirra Nevada Pale Ale, which is a dark amber color. I prefer the Magic Hat beer over the Pale ale, but being thrown off by the taste of the #9 I choose another beer. Looking at the beer list, PJs is going to be offering three beers that I would drink. Out of the three I've never had the Lagunitas IPA, but am excited about the Brooklyn IPA. I consider this one of the better IPAs, and consider Brooklyn Brewery to be one of my favorite breweries.

A Cool Pint Glass for a Cool Beer

This upcoming weekend I won't be in town as I will be visiting Lauren's family and friends in Connecticut. Before committing to head north, my previous plans revolved around the Phillies as I had tickets to both Saturday and Sunday's game. Because of this I had to get rid of both pairs, and planned to sell the one pair Sunday night. After working Sunday afternoon, I headed up to the Pottstown area with Lauren, and we thought we could drop the tickets off and get back on the road considering it was late. However, as we were driving through the area we passed The Brick House, and because we had not eaten dinner, we decided to stop. Heck, I figured I could at least grab a beer. As I walked in, I immediately began thinking what beer I would order as I noticed several of my favorites on tap at the bar. The Brick House, which reminded me of an old bank from the 1920s had TVs set up throughout the bar area, and I was thrilled to see the Red Sox/Yankees game on considering some of those players are on my fantasy team. After looking at their beer choices, I decided to select a favorite of mine: Magic Hat #9. While I watched the game, I drank not one #9 but two #9s. It was a great feeling just relaxing and watching Sunday night baseball at an awesome bar. What impressed me even more was the pint glasses both beers were served in. Both beers were poured in a Magic Hat glass, which I don't think I've ever seen. As unique as Magic Hat beers are, the glasses were even cooler. I couldn't help but get excited about moving into my house, and geting some cool beer mugs to serve beer at my home bar. If I end back in the area I will absolutely visit this bar as the glasses alone told me this place takes pride in the beer they serve.

Magic Hat #9 and College Memories

Some of the best college memories I have involve the snow. Before a major snowstorm would begin my roommates and I would venture out and get a keg of Natty or Beast. Hey - we were poor college kids. Assuming classes would be cancelled we would drink our faces off. Although college is over and I no longer get snow kegs (I now live in the real world) I still enjoy beer when it snows.

Last night I braved the storm and headed to the Whistlers Inn, mainly because this was the only place still open at 9PM. I came to the realization that there's nothing better than going to a place that has an extensive draft beer menu. After taking a few minutes to decide what beer I wanted, I decided to go with Magic Hat #9. I don't know how many of you have had this beer or have had any Magic Hat beers, but these brewers make some terrific beer. If I ever make the trek to Vermont the Magic Hat brewery would be my first stop. If it wasn't for me having to drive home through the snowstorm I would have drank #9 till the keg was kicked.