Instead of Orange, Add a Lemon

It's not often I get to watch the Phil's play and drink a beer all in the comforts of my condo. I mentioned it before, but I love when the Phillies play on the west coast, especially when the game is played on a Thirsty Thursday or  Friday night. I got home about a hour ago and I've been chilling drinking a Leinenkugel Summer Shandy. I drank several Leinenkugels this weekend as I purchased a summer sampler pack, but as I mentioned drinking several, I couldn't tell you really what it tasted like. The one I'm drinking tonight does read there is a lemonade flavor added to the beer. I've expressed my love to an Arnold Palmer and surprisingly a lemon flavor in a beer does work. It isn't too overwhelming but I can absolutely see myself drinking these out in the sun. Unlike lemonade this beer isn't too sweet and doesn't taste sugary. I did manage to cut up an orange to add to my beer which is not typical considering it's not often I have oranges in my fridge. A lemon would pair much better with this beer than an orange.

Mid Afternoon Baseball and Sunset Wheat

The reason why so many people enjoy day baseball games is that they have an option to play "hookie" from work. For most there is nothing better than sitting in the sun during a Phillies game, and drinking a cold beer. To my credit, I previously scheduled a day off for Thursday instead of calling in "sick." Earlier that week I went to the Tuesday night game which was humid, but wasn't hot. Thursday's afternoon game was not only humid but HOT! With the sun out, and no clouds in sight I knew I needed a cold beer to beat the summer heat. Because I was sitting in the sun, my first choice of beer would need to be a refreshing and light in taste. I went with a beer that I never had before, and was actually surprised I liked it. Both me and Lauren ended up getting a draft of leinenkugel sunset wheat, which to my surprise Lauren even liked! All I will say is that if she enjoyed it, I am certain anyone would because she is not a beer drinker, at all. I imagined the Sunset Wheat being similar to the Sam Adam's Summer Ale, which was the case in the color of the beer, but not the taste. The taste had a ligther taste that I could have sworn was mixed with a slight taste of fruit. I'm not sure of the fruit, but it kind of reminded me of raspberries. I was quite impressed with this beer, and would recommend it to any beer drinking just from the fact Lauren liked it.

A View from the Diamond Club

Last Tuesday was the start of an important and possible World Series match for the Phillies. With the Red Sox in town, and Cliff Lee matching up against Josh Beckett you knew it was going to be a great game (or should I say "Wicked" game for those Boston fans). I originally planned on watching the game from the comforts of my couch until I got a phone call at 7:00, just a few minutes before first pitch. It was my dad asking, "How fast can you get down to the stadium. I have an extra ticket in the Diamond Club."

Within 30 minutes I was down at the sports complex meeting my Dad. After getting seated right behind home plate, I was quick to enjoy Flying Fish Extra Pale Ale on a hot summer night. The best part of drinking one of my favorite beers was I did not have to wait in the long beer line. Although CBP does a good job at moving the beer lines, when your looking to get a cold beer your still required to wait in line which could possibly cause you to miss an important play. The one benefit of sitting in the Diamond Club was we had a server who brought me delicious and cold Flying Fish Drafts. Once the game ended, I joined my Dad at the Diamond Club bar, and enjoyed an additional Flying Fish. I considered a Blue Moon after seeing my Dad order one, however I consider the Flying Fish Pale Ale, an awesome brew.

Two Brews at the Ballpark

Earlier this week I decided I would sell my Phillies tickets for Friday, June 24. With my furniture being delivered Saturday, and attending this upcoming Thursday game against Boston, I figured I could use the night to get my place set up. This season, I've sold a lot more of my Phillies tickets than I've done in years past. I guess this is the sacrifice that many say you have to make when you become a homeowner. For games I've listed for sale this season, I never had an issue unloading the tickets. But somehow I had a difficult time selling these tickets. Once 2 PM Friday hit, and I still had the tickets I decided to would go to the game regardless of what I originally planned. I got down to the stadium, and wanted to limit the amount of beer I would drink considering I would be driving home. I ended up drinking two beers: Shocktop without an Orange, and Bud Light Wheat. I've had the shocktop at the game before and mentioned this is a great beer to drink on a hot summer night, however I never had the Bud Wheat. One of the things I enjoy about the Phillies games is the large aluminum cans Bud and Miller products are sold in. These bottles are kept in ice and keep the beer so cold. My only complaint would be that I wish they sold some of my favorite microbeers in these bottles. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the bud wheat, but there's not much to say than this is an average wheat beer. I've had better, but it was solid and enjoyable. It was extremely cold and had more taste than a Bud Light. I was surprised I went with this beer choice, however this was served in one of the shorter beer lines, which factored into my decision.

H Loves Beer: Zoo with Roy Edition

Since I started this blog I've made it clear that I love beer. One of my favorite places to drink is the Iron Hill Brewery. As much as I love beer I also love sports. More specifically, I love baseball and the Philadelphia Phillies. You can say I have a man crush on the team, and most certainly Chase Utley. To keep up with the Phillies, I read different Phillies blogs, and one blog in particular I read is I want to go to the zoo with Roy Halladay (www.zoowithroy.com). As an avid reader I was aware that the Iron Hill Brewery in North Whales reached out to the writer of the blog and asked if they can brew a beer in honor of his blog ( I know awesome, right!). If someone offered me to the opportunity to brew a beer after H Love Beer I could never turn it down, so how could he.

Because I love beer, and think his blog (or should I say bolg) is awesome I decided to make the trek out to North Whales. Honestly, it wasn't that far from Jersey considering I left from work in Conshohocken. Before going, I knew Zoo with Roy was holding a tailgate party down at the stadium for today's Phils game and they tapped a keg of his beer last night at the brewery, but due to work, I couldn't attend either. Instead, I decided I would visit the North Whales brewery Saturday night. I decided to call ahead and make sure they had this beer on tap. The person who answered the phone assured me that I will have no problem getting this beer tonight. This was my drive during work.

I made reservations for 7:30, assuming the Phillies game would be over, and got there a few minutes before. As we got seated the Phillies were still playing but unfortunately I didn't get a seat by the bar to watch the outcome (just like the Maple Shade location, the bar is first come first serve). The server came over, and I ordered a draft of the So Cuttered Hoppy Wheat without even opening the beer list.  I knew what I wanted to drink.

The server brought my first beer in a Iron Hill mug (I am a mug club member) so I couldn't see the color of the beer. Reading the description I knew it was a hefeweizen , and after my first sip it reminded of the Magic Hat Circus Boy with a punch, a big punch. When I first drank my beer I was greeted by sweet burst of flavor, and was soon after hit by the hops its brewed with as an after taste. My kind of beer! I guess you can say it was a Circus Boy on that Jason Giambi - Steroids.

Because I was drinking from a mug, I couldn't see the color of the beer. As a weird question proposed to the server, I asked if I can get a sample, which was no problem. The sample came in one of their flight glasses and the color reminded me of an orange; I could consider it to a darker Blue Moon. There was no way you could see through this beer, but it wasn't as dark as a stout of porter.


I'm not 100% sure, but I can only assume this beer is on limited  availability considering it is only on tap at the Iron Hill in North Whales. Normally, I don't venture far from Jersey to drink, but I knew this was one beer that I could pass on. I don't think this is one beer you should pass on either as it was enjoyable to drink. Heck, I had three. Do yourself favor and take a drive out to the brewery and try this beer prior to the keg being kicked.

If you need directions - Let me know. I'll go with you.

Phillies Tailgating and a Birthday Celebration

Yesterday was my birthday. For the first time in a few years the Phillies were playing at home on my actual birthday. To make it an even better birthday, it also happened to be Roy Oswalt Bobblehead giveaway. Aside from Dannys Baez, Roy Oswalt is one of my favorite Phillies. With the combination of a home Phillies game, and a great promotion, I knew what I wanted to do to celebrate my birthday.

I got down to lot K around 3 and began setting up to tailgate. Prior to heading to the stadium I stopped at the local market and got plently of food, and of course beer. Because I wouldn't be the only one drinking the beer, I knew I couldn't get a case of IPAs or some heavy beer. I went with a safe tailgating/summer beer, and picked up a case of Blue Moon Honey Ale. A few months back I picked up a case of Miller light, which I never opened so I also brought that. If you follow my blog, you've read my guide to beer choosing. In that blog, I noted that when selecting a beer you need to consider what you will be doing while drinking. To increase the selection, I threw in some yeunglings and a few beers from my beer of the month club. The beers from my beer club were IPAs, as how could I possibly celebrate my birthday without an IPA.

With the game on a Tuesday night, when I sent out the inivtation I didn't expect to have a good turnout. Although I'm a workaholic, I do have a belief that no one should ever work on their birthday. Because of my strong belief of this I had taken off of work months in advance. I was taken back by the turnout I had, and must say I had a great time. I got to drink plenty of beer, and of course was given a birthday shot (or two). Thank you to everyone that showed up.

Once I got into the stadium I decided to visit the local brewery town where I got a flying fish and a prism brewery draft. I think the flying fish was their pale ale, but I'm not sure what kind of beer the prism brewery was. I've never seen or heard of this beer, and think this is the first time I've seen this beer served at the stadium. The color and taste reminded me of a pale ale, which a bit of a hoppy taste. I wouldn't consider this an IPA though, however the beer wasn't bad but I would probaly go with another draft over this one.

After the game, I ended up at Mcfaddens where I switched to Bud and Miller light in the aluminum cans which get this beer so cold. Sometimes these beers are so cold that my hands begin to freeze. I planned on writing some more, but I was watching this Phillies game tonight, and with it going into the 19th inning I just realized it's now like 1:30 and time for bed.

Reality Tomorrow

It's been a few days since my last blog as my last few days I've done nothing but chill, drink, and eat. I haven't been this relaxed in some time, which is an awesome feeling. Unfortunately tonight is my last night in Aruba, and with the rapture/end of times not occuring today I will be flying back north tomorrow and will have work on Monday. Thankfully I'm going to the Phillies game on Tuesday for my birthday celebration/Roy Oswalt Bobblehead day. For those in the area, you are welcome to join me as I will be in lot K, and I will be grilling. I already took off work and should be down there sometime around mid afternoon.

Most of my days were spent on the beach or pool bar just straight chilling. I now understand how people can come to an island and decide to make a permanent move to a place like this. While at the beach today I did enjoy a Balashi, as what would the beach/ocean be without beer. The other night I did visit one of the local beach bars, Mooba. This bar, which is located right on the beach is under a giant hut that reminds me of a bar you would see out of the movies. Although there were people from the surrounding hotels, this seemed to be a place a lot of the locals hang out. I was surprised to see how friendly they were to us "shoobies." I ended up drinking Balashi Chill, which again is like a corona, and is served with a piece of lime.

The restaurants down here have been amazing, and if any one ever visits Aruba please ask me where to eat as I had some outstanding meals. I've eaten fresh seafood at places that had remarkable views on right on the water. The past few nights I've been cheating on beer as I did have a margarita on the rocks, and a mango mojito. Although I do enjoy the balashi, there is only so much of this island beer that I can drink. Perhaps my next venture would be to open a beach bar and import craft beer from the states. I'm not sure if it's too expensive to do so or if the country regulates the beer coming in, however the beer menus are limited.

I didn't get too many pictures this trip, but once I do get home I will be posting a few pictures of the trip.

I happen to like Fruit in my Beer

Yesterday was May 5th, or for those that like to celebrate holidays, Cinco De Mayo. I've made it clear that I love everything about the Mexican culture, and especially love the food and drinks. Because of the holiday you would assume I would have gone to a Mexican bar to celebrate. Perhaps I could have ended up at the Tent Party at The Tortilla Press; I heard last years party was a blast. Instead I was at the Phillies game drinking Shock Top beer.

Although I had tickets from my season package, I didn't plan to go. A few weeks back I gave Lauren the tickets and suggested she take a friend and have a good time. After she thought it over, she loves me so much that she invited me because she knew she would have the best time with me! When I got asked to go, I immediately accepted the invite as I love Lauren and I love the Phillies (You can barf now).

We got down to the stadium before the start of the game. Amazing, right?!? To celebrate the holiday I thought about ordering a Corona or maybe a Bud light lime, yet when it was time to order my first beer I knew those beers wouldn't satisfy me. My last time at the stadium I ordered a Shock Top draft for Lauren and found myself drinking her beer. Because I didn't want to drink to her beer again, I decided to order a draft for myself. I mentioned in a previous blog that when deciding on a beer your decision should be based on what your doing. When your at a ballgame, and its not freezing, you should order a lighter beer with great taste. The taste of the Shock Top goes down smooth, and I was again impressed that Citizens Bank Park offered oranges for the beer.

I remember a beer commercial about the Man Laws; a group that passes laws that men should life by when drinking beer. In the one commercial, Jimmie Johnson suggests passing a law that you never fruit your beer, which passes. I couldn't disagree more. When I hear statements like that, I realize the disconnect these mega beer companies like Budweiser have with today's beer drinkers. It seems they have lost all touch with us. With all the microbreweries opening, and the thousands that brew their own beer at home, the beer community has grown tremendously. The selection of brands and types is truly amazing; beer is one thing I am glad that I discovered.

To make the day even better, the Phillies ended up winning and it looks like Raul Ibanez is out of his slump.

This time, The Weather at the Ballpark was Alright

Anytime your at a Phillies game when Ryan Howard hits a homerun you know your at a good game. So when Howard hits a 2 run shot and a Grand Slam I knew it was an excellent game. It's been a couple weeks since I've been to a ball game, as I previously promised myself that I will not attend anymore games with crappy weather. Driving from Conshohocken it took me over an hour to get to the the ballpark, and by the time I parked the game already started. With the way traffic was I was happy that I only missed a half inning.

Although the sun was out, I was smart enough this time to grab my northface. The last time I went to a game the temperature dropped, and I only had a short sleeve t-shirt to keep me warm. Because most games I go to are during the week, I have yet to park in Lot K, which is prime for drinking beer and tailgating. I ended up parking in the Phillies lot, and was able to enter through the left field gates which is close to my seats. I've previously mentioned that the Phillies do a great job at selecting craft beers to serve at the stadium. However, my one complaint would be that where my season tickets are located the majority of the beer vendors are Bud and Miller Products. I'm also tired of seeing the beer vendors serve these beers in the aisles. Bring down the craft beers!

To my surprise, as I walked into the game I saw a Brewytown that had Yards Brawler and Shock Top on tap. Wanting to warm up I went with the Brawler for myself as I consider it a winter beer. I'm actually surprised they have this on tap at a baseball park as I expect this to be served at a Football stadium. Philadelphia brewed Yards Brawler is a dark color beer that to me has a hint of red. I've had this beer previously, but wouldn't say this is one of my favorite Yards products as I prefer their Pale Ale. The one benefit of drinking darker beers during colder temperates is that you can quickly get your "beer coat" on.

Because Lauren isn't a beer drinker whenever I order her a beer I always try to get her lighter beer that would be brewed with fruit. I knew she wouldn't like the Brawler, so I ordered her a Shock Top which you could compare to a Blue Moon. I don't even know if I could tell the beers apart. The one benefit of buying your girlfriend beer at the stadium is that because you can't walk with two full beers you do get a chance to take a couple sips of their beer. In my case I took big gulps.

By the time I finished my first brew it was time for my second. Lauren had been hounding me to grab food so I gave in and we walked Ashburn Alley. While she waiting in the long line to get cheesesteaks I got in line and grabbed a Flying Fish Pale Ale and another Shock Top for her. This time they were able to put an orange in the beer! Once we got back to our seats I finished off my flying fish, and because Lauren doesn't drink beer I was able to drink hers.

 Friday night's Phillies game was one of the better games I've been too in a while. You could argue that seeing a walk off win on Opening Day was impressive, but seeing Howard slug two against the Mets is truly awesome, especially when the Phils put 10 runs on the board. The extra excitement is the fan interaction between the two fan bases. I've added below a picture of one the guys that snuck down to my section later in the game only to find himself get escorted out. The ironic part was this man did nothing wrong, expect cheer when the Mets hit a homerun to find the boot. On the flip slide a drunk underage kid wearing a Mickey Moridini Jersey was yelling at Victornio obnoxiously and was only told to quiet down. Go Figure.

A Cold Night in South Philadelphia

Last night was cold. Actually, it was freezing. I can honestly say I now know what Jack felt in Titanic as Rose was floating on the wood while they waited to be rescued in the middle of the ocean. I cut out of work at 6 and my drive down to the stadium took a little over a hour. Despite the traffic to the stadium my drive was relaxing and I rode with the windows down believing it not to be that cold. By the time I got to the stadium and parked the game was about 10 minutes in, and being stupid I didn't grab my jacket. Heck, I thought I could easily put a beer coat on.

It wasn't until I got inside the stadium that I realized how cold it was. I immediately knew I should have grabbed my jacket, and had to resort to the giveaway t shirt and my long sleeve phils shirt to keep warm. I needed a beer, so me and Rich ended at the first hometown brewery we saw to order a beer. Although there were 4 micro brew choices, I had to go with one of my favorites: Flying Fish Summer Ale. Unfortunately the beer didn't make me believe I was in the summer months. I think a better choice would have been Sam Adam's Winter Ale.

I got to my seats, and didn't worry about my beer becoming warm and unenjoyable. In fact, I thought the complete opposite and figured my beer would freeze. It was so cold that I didn't want to drink, and I couldn't even move. A few times I found myself going to the bathroom not because I had to use it, but because I thought I could get warm.

As cold as it was, and because of the poor performance the Phillies put on I only drank my one beer, and left by the 6th inning. The one benefit of that was I hit no traffic leaving. It was still early in the night, and because I had to drive Rich to Media we stopped at the Iron Hill Brewery in Media Square. Again, I feel like I should be a spokesperson for this place, but I love this brewery and they are everywhere. If anyone that works at Iron Hill reads this please consider me for a position that allows me to drink your beer and write for you guys.

I ended up drinking a Rising Sun, but noticed a beer on their list called Hopalicious. I can only assume this was a hoppy beer. I should have ordered this beer, but as I blogged previously I have a love affair with the Rising Sun.

There's two things I want to mention about Iron Hill: the Iron Hill in Maple Shade is holding a fundraiser this Friday to raise money for the people of Japan. For those that are going to this location, please order a draft (or two) of the rising sun as 100% of the proceeds are going to help the people of Japan. I do plan to work late that night, but I might have to stop by to support the cause. The second thing I want to mention is that the Iron Hill in Media is doing their annual brewfest on May 14. I went last year and drank beers from over over 25 breweries. Not to mention they serve food, and have live music. The weather was perfect last year, and it was a great time. I'm still undecided if I'm attending this year, but this is one event that's completely worth the money.

As for the Phillies, I determined today that any tickets (other than opening day) I have during the month of April I will end up selling.

Baseball is back and so is the beer

Yesterday was Feel Good Friday; I felt good that it was Opening Day for the Phillies.Through the course of the morning, and afternoon I crushed some brews and got to enjoy an awesome walk off win.

With Doc on the mound for game 1, it was only right to put him on the cover of the ticket. I believe this image is from his no hitter in the playoffs

My bookbag of beer since I took the train down

Trains Here! Time to head into the city

Or you can just follow the mass crowds of Phils fans

The Broad Street Station decorated with balloons. I wonder how long it took someone to make that balloon display

The block party is clearing out, and it's time to get to the seat.

I had to hit Mcfaddens for a drink before the game. With it being as cold as it was I needed the beer coat. I went with a Bud Light.

Ran into Pat and Christie, and talked Phils, life, and beer.

Ahhh, my favorite. Flying Fish - I ordered two

Looks so good

Had to do the "couple picture" at some point

I can see why it cost 10 million.

Maybe a late inning rally?

THEY WON! WHAT A COMEBACK!

I just realized the spectrum has been fully demolished

Everyone celebrating at Mcfaddens. Will I be going?

Of Course, I love this place. This place must have been over capacity as we waited in line for 30 minutes before letting us in. I don't think I've ever waited in line to get inside

One of the bartenders who did an awesome job at getting me beer.

Lauren spotted this local celebrity: Mike Jerrick.