Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Philadelphia's Top Ten Dive Bars

_ Ray's Happy Birthday Bar, 1200 E. Passyunk Ave., South Philadelphia.

_ Friendly Lounge, 1039 S. 8th St., South Philadelphia.

_ Jack's Famous Bar, Kensington and Allegheny avenues, Kensington.

_ McGlinchey's, 259 S. 15th St., Center City.

_ Dolphin Tavern, 1539 S. Broad St., South Philadelphia.

_ Bob & Barbara's, 1509 South St., Center City.

_ Jerry's Bar, 129 Laurel St., Northern Liberties.

_ Krupa's Tavern, 27th and Brown streets, Fairmount.

_ Dirty Frank's, 13th and Pine streets, Center City.

_ Oscar's Tavern, 1524 Sansom St., Center City.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Modelo Especial Review #9

Modelo Especial Review #9

Modelo Especial
ABV: 4.4%
Introduced In 1966
Pilsner Style Beer
Grupo Modelo Brewery-1922
12oz Can Poured Into A Pint Glass

Appearance:
No Head To The Beer Whatsoever 
Beer Looks To Have A Stale Appearance 
Apple Juice Like Color
No Belgian Lace
Clear Mirror Like Clarity

Aroma:
Corn Note
Skunky Nose
Metallica Note
Hint Of Malt
No Identity To This Beer 

Taste: Like all Mexican beer I knew what to expect. Even though I rank this better than corona, it's still a glass of Mexican piss. It is a very weak and flavorless beer.

Mouthfeel:
High Carbonation Content
Light Bodied Beer, Doesn't Pack A Taste Punch
Watered Down Lager
Definitely A Beer For A Warmer Climate
Sour/Skunky Balance
Refreshing Beer On A Hot Summer Day But At What Cost To Your Taste Buds.

Rating:
1out of 6
Don't Want A Sixer

     Like most Mexican beers that invaded America it is offensive to the taste buds. Still I rank this beer better than corona. If u like the taste of piss drink this beer. The only way I could see myself actually enjoying this beer is if I was already drunk and it was the only thing in my fridge. All I have to say is thank god I don't live in Mexico.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale Review #8

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
1980 Ken Grossman/Paul Camusi
Chico, California
ABV: 5.6%
12oz Bottle Poured Into Pint Glass

Appearance:
Golden/Orange Color
Pours A Nice Healthy White Head
Nice Head Retention
Belgian Lace Appears On Glass

Aroma: 
Intense Hop Note
Fresh Floral Nose
Citrus Note
Malt Note
Piny/Grassy Note
Caramel Note

Taste: 
A Very Tasty Beer, That Is Refreshing With A Intense Hop Flavor And A Nice Clean Aftertaste That Lingers.

Mouth feel:
Lively Carbonated Beer
Full Bodied Beer
Clean And Refreshing
Balanced Beer Standard-Starts Out With A Bitter Hop Punch, Hits You With A Sweet/Dry Undertone.

5 Out Of 6
Want A Sixer

Sierra Nevada is a solid brewery with a great selection of brews in its arsenal. Sierra Nevada is a solid beer that can stand by itself or enjoyed with a meal. Sierra Nevada is a refreshing beer that can and should be enjoyed with all outdoor activities on a hot summer day. California is known for it's numerous vineyards and it's excellent wines, but this beer needs to be put into their hands.


Thursday, May 26, 2011

Philly Beer Week Events June 3rd-June 12th

The guide:

• With Love Beer Garden: This is going to be awesome. And it’s going to be Beer Week central! We’ve teamed up with Philly Beer Week and The Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia to launch a brand new pop-up With Love Beer Garden in the Four Seasons Hotel’s awesome outdoor courtyard exclusively for Philly Beer Week 2011.

Each day, a different local brewery will be on hand with some of their featured beers. Beer Garden patrons will be able to “Meet the Brewer” and enjoy the featured brewery’s beers. The brewer lineup includes Victory, Weyerbacher, Dock Street, Sly Fox, Yards and Stoudt’s. The With Love Beer Garden will offer beer, food, music, some special programming and more. Start your Beer Week evenings here and then move on to the other events around town. June 6-10, 4-8 p.m. Four Seasons Philadelphia. Pay as you go.

• Philly Beer Week Opening Tap: This is the official opening festival of the week, taking place within a few steps of America’s birthplace, at the Independence Visitor Center. Witness the arrival of the legendary Hammer of Glory; raise a toast with your favorite beer from one of 30+ local breweries; rub elbows with special guests including Mayor Nutter, Ben Franklin and Joe Sixpack; all to the tune of live music. Friday, June 3, 7:30 p.m. Independence Visitor Center. $41 ($15 designated drivers).

• Philadelphia Night Market: 30+ food carts and restaurants serving the best of American street eats; The Blockley Beer Garden, with top local beers from brewers like Victory, Rogue, Troegs and Yards; local bands, fire performers and crafts; say no more. We’re there. So will you be. Thursday, June 9, 6–10 p.m. 39th and Market Streets. Pay as you go.

• Craft Beer Day On East Passyunk: Eight East Passyunk bars are hosting events all day, from beer brunch to home brew demos to beer-bucket-and-pizza-deals to “Meet the Brewer” happy hours. Sunday, June 5, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Along East Passyunk Avenue. Pay as you go.

Below, we’ve got some more highlights.


• International Great Beer Expo: 50+ breweries from across the globe (Belgium, Germany, Japan and more) return to the Navy Yard for the 3rd Annual International Great Beer Expo. There will be plenty of water and food available for purchase as well. Saturday, June 4, 12:30-4 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m. Philadelphia Cruise Terminal. $45.

• PBC Fried Chicken Run: Join SPTR, Philadelphia Brewing Company and the Fishtown Beer Runners for a brisk run from PBC in Kensington to the Taproom followed by a fried chicken cookout. Non-runners aee welcome at the festitivies at SPTR, too. There will be an $8 fried chicken special and a full lineup of specially priced PBC beer. Saturday, June 11, 4-8 p.m. South Philly Taproom. $25.

• Dock Street to Dock Street Philly Beer Week Run: Run for great beer and prizes at the 4th Annual Philly Beer Run. The course returns to the site of 2009′s with a Dock Street (that’s an actual street in Old City) to Dock Street (the brewpub in West Philly) run. Along the run, runners “collect” clues that can help them win great prizes donated by local bars and breweries. After, stick around for Dock Street’s 3rd Annual Music Festival. Sunday, June 12, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dock Street Brewery. Pay as you go.

• Dock Street Philly Beer Week Music Festival: Wood-fired pizza, Buttercream Cupcakes, live local music and lots of craft beer make kicking back easy at this indoor-outdoor annual festival. Sunday, June 12, 2-6 p.m. Dock Street Brewery. Free.

• Varga Bar Pin Up Block Party: Varga starts its 2012 Varga Bar Calendar girl search with the help of a variety of craft breweries, outdoor grilling, hotdog and wing-eating contests, water balloons, music, games and much more. Saturday, June 4. 11:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Varga Bar. Pay as you go.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Beck's Dark Review #7

Beck's Dark Review #7
Founder Louder Rutenberg 
1873 Bremen Germany

ABV: 4.8%

Appearance:
Soda Type Color
Dark Mahogany Clarity
No Belgian Lace
Creamy Off White Head

Aroma:
Smoky Hop Note
Caramel Hop Note
Grassy Aroma
Hint Of Toasted Malts
Corn Note

Taste:
Burnt Coffee Bean Flavor
Slightly Roasted Flavor
Hints Of Molasses 
Sour Taste

Mouthfeel:
Medium Carbonation
Bitter Aftertaste
Medium Bodied Beer
Bitter/Sour Beer Standard
Clean Finish Aftertaste

2 1/2 out of 6
Don't Want A Sixer

Becks is a German beer so you expect a certain kind of quality for my money I would stick with the original becks and stay away from this one. I just did not feel like I was drinking a German quality beer.

Red Hook ESB Review #6

Red Hook ESB Review #6
1981 Seattle, Washington
Paul Shipman/Gordon Bowler
ABV: 5.8%
Brewed Since 1987

Appearance:
Light Cooper/Amber Color
Thin Head Retention Dissolves Quickly
Clear Mirror Like Clarity
No Belgian Lace Present

Aroma:
Lemon Note
Caramel Malty
Medium Hoppy Note
Light Piney Flavor
Bitter Hops

Mouthfeel:
High Carbonation When Opened But Thins Out 
Light Bodied Beer
Watery Tasting
Balanced Beer 
Bitter Punch/Sweetens Out
Refreshing Beer

4 out of 6
Want A Sixer
I'm not a big fan of ESB but Red Hook was a solid beer that cam be enjoyed. It's a beer that you can have in summer, with outdoor activities. This seems like a beer that would be well paired with grilled meats and bold cheeses.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

10 Signs You’re a Beer Snob

There’s a difference between being a beer lover and an elitist d-bag. Here are 10 signs to indicate that you may have crossed the line.
1. After mowing the lawn you consume an Arrogant Bastard because you have trouble admitting that a light beer is worthy
2. You’ve gone from simply critiquing other people's beer choices to critiquing the beer and their glassware choice
3. You don’t bother asking bartender(s) for recommendations because you assume you’re the one who should be schooling them
4. You won’t even consider purchasing a six-pack that costs less than $12
5. Your pets, boats and/or children have beer-related names
6. You can pronounce "Reinheitsgebot" and work it into everyday conversation whenever possible
7. You make unsolicited suggestions to others shopping in the beer aisle
8. You’ve left a party because the selection wasn’t up to your standards
9. You can’t seem to socialize at a bar without getting preachy
10. You’re feeling defensive after reading this list

Flying Fish ESB Amber Ale Review #4

Flying Fish ESB Amber Ale
Flying Fish Brewery
1996
Cherry Hill N.J.  08002
Light Amber Color
Honey Looking
Clear Clarity Mirror-Like Quality
Honey Note/Light Hop Note
Light Bubble Carbonation Flow
Medium Head Retention
Sweet Beer Standard
Thin Belgium Lace On The Glass
Light Bodied Beer/Wet Tasting
Refreshing Beer On A Hot Summer Day
4 out of 6
Would Drink A Sixer
Flying Fish Brewery is a small craft brewery but their rotation is solid. Flying Fish Belgian Dubbel is a favorite of mine so I would endorse flying fish products. Flying Fish now is producing a New Jersey Exit series which looks like a solid rotation. Flying Fish Exit 4 will be a beer that will be reviewed in the future.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Since Summer Is Coming Hefeweizen Food Pairing

Hefeweizen
This cloudy, unfiltered wheat beer is a great summertime brew with clove spiciness and the taste of banana. Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier is a prime example to start with (not to mention the oldest brewery in the world).

Suggested Food Pairings
Brinner, anyone? This style goes great with eggs and bacon. It's also a great match for hummus, sushi, salads, lobster and bratwurst. If you’re in the mood for sweet snacks or desserts, you might want to try this style with banana and melon.

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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Think it's appropriate Arnold Schwarzenegger:

"Milk Is For Babies, When You Grow Up You Have To Drink Beer"

The couple that drinks together stay happier

Came across this article and thought it was great considering I drink and my wife doesn't. Time for her to start drinking.

The Couple That Drinks Together Stays Happier?
At least that's the claim (I might call it a "projection" or "sound bite") being touted by media coverage of a study published November 29th by University of Buffalo and University of Missouri researchers (and getting a fresh publicity blast from reporting by Yahoo's Shine).

Edited excerpts:

Drinking plays an important and sometimes unexpected role from one day to the next in young couples' romantic relationships, according to a new study by University at Buffalo and University of Missouri researchers.
The study extends past research by showing that alcohol use can have both positive and negative effects, and documents the circumstances in which these effects are more likely to occur.
"We really can't make the blanket statements about drinking and romantic relationships that people have come to expect," according to Ash Levitt, PhD, lead author on the report and postdoctoral fellow at UB's Research Institute on Addictions. "For instance, it turns out that drinking together rather than apart is clearly good for relationships. Individuals who drink with their partner report feeling increased intimacy and decreased relationship problems the next day, compared to individuals who drink apart from their partner or do not drink at all."
The beneficial outcomes for relationships were associated with relatively lower levels of drinking, one to three drinks, whereas harmful outcomes – decreased intimacy and increased relationship problems – were associated with heavier levels of drinking, as in four or more drinks.
Interestingly, heavy alcohol consumption was not always harmful to relationships, according to Levitt. "The harmful effects of heavy drinking were buffered when partners drank together vs. apart," he explained. "Also, when both partners drank either heavy or light amounts, as long as they were similar amounts compared to their partner, it was better for the relationship than when one drank heavily and the other lightly."
Finally, the associations between drinking and relationships were stronger and more numerous for women than for men, suggesting that alcohol use plays a larger role in romantic relationships for women than it does for men. Women appeared to drink with their partner in response to relationship problems, feeling disconnected from him, or when they perceived that he had behaved negatively toward them the day before. Also, only women were protected from the harmful effects of heavier drinking when they drank with their partner; men did not benefit in the same situation. Women also drank significantly more on days following negative events with their partners than men did after negative events.
Clearly more study is needed.  Where's the sign-up for the lab?
Posted by Alexander D. Mitchell IV at 5/17/2011

Beer And Food Pairing

When suitably paired, delicious beers and incredible food really bring out the best in one another. As with wine, there are certain combinations that accentuate flavors and add depth and dimension to your meal. As you begin exploring which beer styles and flavors work well together, there are a few basic principles you should keep in mind.

1. Choose a beer that can stand up to the flavor of the food you're eating. If the beer will get lost completely, choose another style.

2. Don't necessarily try to pair beers with foods of the same flavor profile. Think of flavors that compliment rather than resemble one another.

3. Don't be afraid to try pairing styles with foods that other people might not recommend; at the end of the day, all that matters is which combinations taste good on your own palate.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Lockout Continues

Eagletarian: Appeals Court: Lockout Is a Wonderful Thing
Posted:05/16/2011 8:37 PM
By Les Bowen

Just when it looked like the eighth circuit appeals panel was just going to let its temporary stay of the injunction lifting the NFL lockout remain in effect without comment until the June 3 hearing of the NFL's appeal, the court decided to comment.

Here is the 24-page decision formalizing the stay, which includes both the majority ruling and Judge Kermit Bye's dissent. If you don't feel like reading 24 pages of parenthetical references to case law, I'll summarize the majority's point for you: Owners good. Players bad.

In fact, the two-judge majority (Steven Colloton and Duane Benton) didn't just affirm the stay, it pretty much told the players they can forget about winning June 3. It seems all but final that the majority will accept the owners' interpretation of the Norris-LaGuardia Act -- an interpretation, Judge Bye notes, that pretty much turns the intent of that act on its head -- and conclude that Judge Susan Nelson had no jurisdiction to intervene in the lockout. They don't say how they're going to get around the apparent fact that if the union legally decertified, the lockout violates antitrust law, but from reading what they do say, you get the idea they'll surely think of something.

"In sum, we have serious doubts that the district court had jurisdiction to enjoin the league's lockout, and accordingly conclude that the league has made a strong showing that it is likely to succeed on the merits," the majority wrote.

There are some real head-scratchers in the majority opinion, including how the majority concludes that management would suffer irreparable harm if the lockout were lifted between now and June 3. Contracts would be written that couldn't be undone. Well, yeah. Those contracts would be really, really different from postlockout contracts? This is irreparable harm?

Meanwhile, undrafted rookies, like Conestoga (and Boston College's) Mark Herzlich are missing the spring workouts where they make their case for being good enough to make a roster. If the lockout goes all summer, very few of these guys are going to get any shot at an NFL career this year at all. There also are veteran free agents, toward the end of their careers, who maybe have one or two good years left. They need to be signed and to get into somebody's training camp, in order to be worth signing this year. If they sit out a year, they're probably ex-players. THAT's irreparable harm.

Maybe this ruling is good news, if you take the view that a strong legal indication either way pushes the sides closer to the bargaining table. I hope that's right. But what I really think is that the owners feel they can crush the players if they can string this lockout into the season, when paychecks are being missed. I don't think the NFL is going to offer much that the players will find palatable before then. The appeals court is in the process of giving the owners a big hammer, and I think they can't wait to use it.

The NFLPA released a statement that read: "The NFL's request for a stay of the lockout that was granted today means no football. The players are in mediation and are working to try to save the 2011 season. The court will hear the full appeal on June 3."

"It is now time to devote all of our energy to reaching a comprehensive agreement that will improve the game for the benefit of current and retired players, teams, and, most importantly, the fans," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in a statement. "This litigation has taken the parties away from the negotiating table where these issues should be resolved. We remain confident that the appellate court will determine that this is a labor dispute that should be governed by federal labor law. But the league and players, without further delay, should control their own destiny and decide the future of the NFL together through negotiation."

Saturday, May 14, 2011

chachi4161's photostream

Cheersforbeer

What are your top five craft beers?

1. Victory Golden Monkey
2. Flying Dog Raging Bitch
3. Flying Fish Belgian Dubbel
4. Yards Brawler
5. Slyfox Pikeland Pils

Bad Readings Of Breathalyzer Tests In Philly

Legal halitosis! Bad Breathalyzer toll: 2,126 cases
Posted: 05/14/2011 3:01 AM
By MENSAH M. DEAN
deanm@phillynews.com 215-854-5949
The investigation into the police department's bad-data-spewing Breathalyzer machines has found that 2,126 drunken-driving cases were affected, with 1,459 of those defendants able to request new trials, the district attorney announced yesterday.

"This was an unfortunate case of human error," Philadelphia D.A. Seth Williams said in a statement.

"But we identified it and have started the process of correcting any mistakes that were made. And the hardworking members of my office . . . have put in countless hours to make sure this doesn't happen again," added Williams, whose office conducted a six-week investigation.

Breathalyzer machines, housed at police headquarters, are used to obtain the blood-alcohol content of people arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

When the problem was first made public in March, police and D.A. office officials said one miscalibrated machine and 416 drunken-driving cases was the scope of the blunder. A week later, they revised those numbers to four machines and 1,147 cases.

The final tally of affected cases now is 2,126, and 667 of those individuals are not eligible for new trials because they ultimately were not arrested, were found not guilty at trial or prosecutors dropped the cases, the D.A.'s office said.

On April 27, Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Marsha Neifield began hearing requests for new trials from the pool of 1,459 affected defendants who have either already pleaded guilty or were found guilty.

Tasha Jamerson, spokeswoman for the district attorney, said it was too early to determine the cost of retrying the cases because notices are still being mailed to defendants.

As of last week, Neifield had heard 20 requests for new trials, granting five and denying 15, Jamerson said.

A defense attorney first alerted city officials to the bad Breathalyzer readings in late February.

Four of the Police Department's eight machines were spitting out bad readings between September 2009 and November 2010, the investigation concluded.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey told reporters on March 23 that the problem boiled down to one officer who was responsible for calibrating the machines. "The error was human error," Ramsey said then. "It is inexcusable, period. Should not have happened."

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Real reason for parsley on the plate

Did you know? Parsley found on restaurant dinner plates is there to be eaten after the meal to freshen your breath.

Big Beer Festival

All 50 States to Toast American Craft Beer Week
05.09.11

Celebrations to Be Held Across the Country May 16-22
Boulder, CO • May 9, 2011—For the first time in its six year history, American Craft Beer Week will see official events hosted in all 50 states, making it the largest-ever celebration of U.S. craft brewers. From May 16-22,  new beer lovers and seasoned enthusiasts will raise glasses of their favorite IPA, amber, stout—or anything in-between—to honor the more than 1,700 small and independent craft brewers responsible for the vibrant American craft beer scene.

“There’s no doubt about it—nationally, appreciation for craft brewing has reached new heights of popularity,” said Julia Herz, a spokesperson for the Brewers Association. “With celebrations in all 50 states, American Craft Beer Week has truly earned the title ‘Mother of All Beer Weeks.’”

Beer lovers nationwide will have ample opportunity to discover a new brewed delight, with special beer releases, exclusive brewery tours, multi-course food and beer pairing dinners, collaboration beers and much more.  To find a local celebration visit the official American Craft Beer Week events calendar, hosted by CraftBeer.com.
2011 Celebrations Include:
Craft Breweries
Fredericksburg Brewing Company | Texas | Beers with Brewers, Photo Contest and Special Tours
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants | Across US | Special Releases, Beer Dinners and More
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery | New York | Vintage Monster Fogg Imperial Stout Tapping
Manzanita Brewing Company | California | Rustic Horizon Red Ale on Cask
Rock Bottom Breweries | Across US | Special Pairing Menus, Special Releases, Tours and More
Snake River Brewing Co., Wyoming | The Tetons on Tap
Vermont Pub & Brewery, Vermont | Cheers for Charity
Retailers
The Avenue Pub | New Orleans, LA | Numerous Events and Tappings
BrewGrrs | Vero Beach, FL | Special Tappings and Beer & Food Pairings
Old Chicago Restaurants | 96 Locations | Craft Beer Mini Tour
Julian's Providence | Providence, RI | Heavy Seas Beer Dinner
Palace Kitchen | Seattle, WA | Chuckanut Brewery Beer Dinner

Thursday, May 5, 2011

News: Craft Beer Increase

‘It’s worth it’: Retailer sees continued growth for craft beers
By Dave Woods

Posted: 05/04/2011 12:07 PM
Mark Lovelady had a plan when he opened Unique Liquors and Wine. He knew he needed a strong craft beer selection to capitalize on the fastest growing category of adult beverages. He thinks the trend will continue.
“That was my focus when I opened almost three years ago,” he said. “I think it starts with the younger people. Then, more and more beers get out there and the older people get a curiosity, also.”
Like some other area beer retailers, Unique, 2609 N. Range Line Road, offers an option that allows beer fans to try a variety of selections in a single purchase. During American Craft Beer Week in May, Lovelady hopes people’s craft beer curiosity will be heightened and they will look to craft beers for something new.
“That’s why we have build-your-own-six-packs,” he explained. “People want to try new beers and (build-your-own) gives them the opportunity to try several different beers at once.”
Instead of buying a six-pack of the same beer, the build-your-own-six-pack option allows customers to pick half a dozen different beers for the same price as a regular six-pack. Craft beers are more expensive than most domestic beers and customers don’t want to take a chance on a six-pack they might not like.
“It’s getting tough,” Lovelady said. “Especially with gasoline prices the way they are. There are some $6 craft beers, but most of the time you are talking up to $12 on craft beer. But, it’s worth it.”
Funny names, full flavored
Craft beers often have funny brand names, such as Dead Guy Ale, Sweaty Betty and Moose Drool Ale. They have unfamiliar flavors and are higher priced than better known beers, but once a customer finds one he likes, Lovelady said, he keeps coming back.
“Craft beer drinkers are kind of like a wine drinkers,” he said. “The craft beer guys don’t drink a lot of beer, but they sit around and savor the taste of it.”
Lovelady said he tries to add new beers to the lineup every week to satisfy his thirsty customers.
“I try to have whatever beers people want,” he said.
The beer and wine tasting bar inside the store is one way Lovelady educates customers and spreads the word about his craft selection.
“The tasting bar is a good tool,” he said. “Any time you can let a customer try a beer that’s new to them without spending the $8 or $9 on a six-pack, that’s definitely the way to go. People are a little scared to show their ignorance of craft beers. That’s a another good thing about the tasting bar. You can draw people over there who might not try a beer otherwise.”
Wheat beers, Lovelady explained, are his best selling category of craft beer. Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewery has a good local following, he said.
“Most people start with a wheat beer,” he said. “We’re noticing people are trying a lot of fruit flavored beers, now. There are a lot of raspberries and blueberries coming out.”
He cites Lienenkugel’s Berry Weiss and Woodchuck Ciders, including a new raspberry offering, as brands gaining in local appeal.
American Craft Beer Week’s theme and marketing encourages beer fans to “Visit your local brewery.” A local brewery, Lovelady suggested, would be good for growing Joplin’s beer culture.
“I’d love to see a local craft brewery,” he said. “Like Kansas City has Boulevard. It would be neat to go and tour and taste great local beers on tap. I’d love it.”