Bud making a move against local brewers?

The Inquirer runs a story this morning on Budweiser encrouching on local brewers:

Philadelphians are buying more craft beer than ever, but the region's brewmasters are bracing for the biggest name in beer to move into town.

Anheuser-Busch InBev, maker of Budweiser products and the world's largest brewer, trademarked the name "215" this spring, along with the area codes for 14 other U.S. cities.

The filing is the first public step toward creating a new beer by the same name.

"We're being attacked," said Bill Covaleski, brewmaster and president of Victory Brewing Co., a craft brewery in Downingtown. "Philadelphia's craft brewers are going to be forced to defend our status, but I'd rather be in this position than be the attacker."

Anheuser-Busch declined comment on the filing, but Covaleski said he expected to see a regionalized "215" beer on tap in six to eight months.

Local brewers aren't stunned by the beer giant's latest move.

Anheuser-Busch acquired Goose Island Beer Co. in March, along with its "312 Urban Wheat" beer, named after its hometown Chicago area code.

So Bud buys Goose Island and now is going to push that 312 beer into each market but with regional area code names? I don't think Victory and the boys should be that worried. While Goose Island has always been a favorite of mine, I don't think people will be moving from Hop Devil or Prima Pils to this new Bud product in droves.

Craft beer customers are for the most part a discerning crowd who are better educated about what they are drinking. Thats why they flock to Yards or Flyish Fish and avoid the thin, flavorless mega-beers.

However, if they are producing a different beer in each market, and making an effort to create a brew that is more in line with what craft beer fans enjoy, then that could be a small dent in local brewers sales. It is hard to believe that someone who works on such a massive scale as Budweiser would go small scale like that, but it would be a worry for a local competitor.

Iron Hill's Rising Sun IPA

Stopped into Iron Hill West Chester last night to catch the sports tripleheader we had going on TV and sample what was new at the brewery. You almost never go wrong at IH. The Stout was strong, the Saison just spicy enough to be interesting but the Rising Sun IPA made my night. The beer is brewed with Sorachi Ace hops, originally grown by Sapporo in Japan, and it gives the taste quite a lemony kick.

It pours a golden oranage with a small white head but that lemon aroma hits you almost immediately. The taste is bitter and zesty on the front end with the lemon and other citrus notes pushing through, then a dry almost peppery feel at the finish. Pretty smooth and creamy for an IPA checking in at 7.5%.

Overall perhaps the best IH brew I have had in awhile. Definitely worth a trip. B

UNO Chicago Grill has good beer?

For a chain restaurant, I have to say UNO Chicago Grill has an
impressive tap selection. Stopped in to the fairly new Newtown Square
location and was shocked to find enough choices to appeal to this beer
geek and my Budweiser loving companion (I know I know). From the
standards like Hoegaarden and Stella to specialty domestics like Bells
Oberon and Rogue Chocolate Stout to classic imports like Palm and St.
Bernardus. The usual big beer suspects are there as well but the
breadth of selection makes this a great choice for dragging those
mixed groups of beer friends, from basic to advanced.

Orlando is a beer wasteland

Day three in Orlando and I have yet to find a decent beer bar anywhere. Yes I know this is tourist central but even some tourists must want something beyond a Bud or Blue Moon. And what about the locals? Don't you people need a good beer after dealing with us all day? Even the big local chain, Miller's Ale House, is lame. Seriously Orlando - get your act together!

Avery Maharaja

This Imperial IPA from Avery is Colorado is a serious beer. It weighs in at 10% ABV to start. It pours with a huge fluffy head and an enticing dark amber color. The aroma is intoxicating. It may be the best smelling beer I have ever had. The malt and alcohol mix with some wonderful citrus scents, namely graprefruit, to create an overwhelming musk.

The taste begins with a hop explosion on the tongue. Not only does this beer smell strong but damn it tastes strong. The piney bitterness is strong and lingering, only giving way at the end to some malty sweetness. Amazing.

Considering the ABV this brew is fairly smooth with a good level of carbonation. This is one terrific beer and may be the best thing I have tasted so far this year.

A

Kiss-off for wine kiosks

No this column in today's Inquirer is not beer related but I love when simple common sense is used like a machete against the PLCB.

Two Months and Counting....

Tick.....tick....tick

Lehigh Valley Brewfest

Coming up this Saturday is the Lehigh Valley Brewfest in Easton. Two dozens breweries (including local favorites Victiry, River Horse, Weyerbacher, Stoudts and Troegs) will be on hand this year and the weather looks like it is going to cooperate. Tickets are $35 or $40 at the door.

Flying Fish Exit 13

I was excited to hear that Flying Fish's 6th release in the Exit Berr Series is going to be a chocolate stout for Exit #13 (not sure what the connection is there but I love a mocha stout). The new brew should be available by Christmas.

You may remember that this time last year, FF released their first stour in the Exit Series, Exit 1 Bayshore Oyster Stout. This has been a wonderful line of beers that has left me anticipating each new release.

Baltimore Beer Week

For those of you not opposed to a short jaunt down 95, this weekend marks the beginning of Baltimore Beer Week. You can find a list of events and locations here.

Not as extensive as Philly Beer Week but still worthy of attention. It will help bide you over until June!

25 Best Beers in the World

Men's Journal magazine has published their list of the 25 Best Beers in the World.

It was impressive to see three local favorites make the list: Sly Fox Pikeland Pils, Victory Helios Ale and Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. Certainly I think we all have our own favorites and everyone's list would probably be different, but it was still good to see local breweries get the recognition!

The Ten Commandments of Craft Beer

This is utterly brilliant. WIsh I had thought of it.

Sierra Nevada Tumbler

I had this delicious new brew on tap the other day and decided to make it my first fall purchase of the year (since I am sure the remaining releases will be Oktoberfest or Pumpkin brews).

Described as an Autumn Brown Ale, this seasonal special relacing the Anniversary Ale on their release schedule. It pours a dark copper color with a deep malt and cocoa aroma and a big tan foamy head. The taste is lighter than expected with bread and caramel notes and a nice hoppy bite to it at the end. A smooth beer with great taste - just what I was looking for.

Well carbonated with a good balance this is a very sessionable fall beer which is no surprise. Sierra never steers us wrong.

B+

McGillin's Oktoberfest Celebration

Get out your lederhose & beer steins, McGillin's is throwing a month-long Oktoberfest celebration! McGillin's will be pouring German beers and serving German foods from Thursday, September 2 through the Midtown Village Fall Festival on Saturday, October 2.

McGillin's, Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating tavern, will serve Stoudt's Fest, Flying Fish's Octoberphish, Victory's Festbier, Ramstein's Oktoberfest and a multitude of local and international Octoberfest beers.

German cuisine will be added to McGillin's hearty menu of reasonably-priced comfort foods. German lunch and dinner specials will include Mussels Steamed in Oktoberfest Lager served over Hay & Straw Noodles with German-Style Toasted Cheese Bread; Grilled Pork Loin with Sweet & Sour Cherry Sauce, Braised Cabbage, Apples & Potato Dumpling; German Style Grilled Sausage Platter with Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Red Cabbage & Warm German Potato Salad; and Kasebrotchen (Chicken Breast topped with German Style Spread of Ale, Brown Mustard & Sharp Cheddar Cheese & baked to a bubbly finish) and served with Himmel Und Erde and more.

Beerfest at the Ballpark

Coming up at McFaddens at Citizens Bank Park this Sunday from 2-6pm is the 3rd Annual Beerfest at the Ballpark. There will be over 20 Breweries to sample with food, live music, games, & prizes. Phillies vs. Padres on the Big Screens beginning at 4:10 PM. Tickets are $40 in advance; $50 at the door (If Available). A portion of the tickets proceeds benefits the PSPCA.

Tickets and more info here.

Rumspringa Golden Bock

Got to sample Lancaster Brewing's Rumspringa Golden Bock. They name alot of their beers after Amish themes and this one is no exception. The namesake of this brew is the period of time in each young Amish man's life when he is allowed to head out into the world and sow his wild oats.

This beer pours a bright golden color with a thin head and a honey-laced aroma. It is slightly sweet and smooth tasting with a great balance and a surprisingly bitter finish. Pretty drinkable at 6.6%ABV although I would have guessed it was higher.

Overall a very nice maibock: B+

Yappy Hour!

Well now this is a pretty cool event, well at least for us dog owners. A happy hour at Sly Fox in Royersford for those of us with four legged friends. One Thursday each month they will welcome dogs and owners for some beers and doggy socilization.

I am looking forward to it!

Preparing for Oktoberfest

The Mercer and Fonthill Museums present their annual beer tasting event, Biergarten Evening (formerly known as Brewery Night) on Friday, Aug. 27, from 7 p.m. 10 p.m. The event offers Old

World charm with a modern twist in the spectacular outdoor setting of Fonthill.

Guests will add to their knowledge of brewing history courtesy of Dean Browne of Philly Beer School and Philadelphia Brewing Company, who will explain the main styles of German beer, detail the brewing process and discuss the history of brewing in Germany. After the talk, guests will sharpen their palates with a tutored beer tasting of German beer, including lagers, bocks, wheat beer pils and helles, sample German fare and listen tothe sounds of the Philadelphia German Brass Band. Keystone Homebrew Supply

will also be on-hand to offer samples of their beer and to give instructions on homebrewing.

Biergarten Evening is $40 per person and $34 for members. Registration is required. To register for the event, call 215-345-0210, ext. 123. Fonthill Museum is located on East Court Street & Route 313 in Doylestown.

Not Good News

What is it with freaky accidents closing down Monks??

More Gluten Free Beer On Its Way

For a third year running, West Philadelphia's Dock Street Brewing Company ((701 South 50th Street, 215-726-2337) is brewing a small batch of the sought-after Sudan Grass Ale. This sorghum ale is inspired by the traditional fermented sorghum beverages found in Africa. Known as pombe in East Africa, bil-bil in Cameroon, or burukuto in Nigeria, these sorghum beers play an important role in African culture throughout the entire continent. They provide nutritional sustenance, help protect against disease and infection and are used in ceremonial practice.

Sorghum is a grass that is now produced commercially all over the world, but is believed to have been originally cultivated in Sub-Saharan Africa, and perhaps in Yemen and Sudan, around 100 C.E. This is the only area where it still grows wildly today and serves as the inspiration for the name of the beer.

Not only does sorghum have special importance to certain African cultures, but it can also satisfy the beer desires of anyone suffering from celiac disease. This grain is one of only a few that can be used to produce gluten-free beer.

Dock Street's take on the traditional African beer is fermented with gluten-free yeast, and was brewed with a combination of sorghum and wildflower honey (locally sourced from Pennsylvania). Sudan Grass Ale is spiced in the kettle with hibiscus, rose hips, rooibos and lemon grass. Like its traditional counterpart, Sudan Grass is served unfiltered, which explains its natural cloudy appearance. Slightly tart and fruity in flavor, it is reminiscent of a cider or mead.

Sudan Grass Ale will be available on tap at Dock Street for a limited time beginning in early September.

Victory Adds New Tanks

This week Victory Brewing Co. installed eight large fermentation tanks that will boost the brewers capacity by a third. The 8 join four that were installed just last year.

Its an amazing growth spurt in a marketplace that saw overall beer sales drop 2% last year. Victory's sales however are up sharply, 25% YTD over 2009.

The new tanks will up the capacity of the brewery to almost 100,000 barrels. That is tremendous when you consider they sold under 50,000 last year and are tracking to sell 60,000 this year. Obviously the growth is expected to continue.

Ommegang Zuur Sour Ale

Tried this new Ommegang brew on tap at Local 44. The brewery discribes it thusly:

“Zuur – or Sour – is our collaborative Flemish sour brown ale. A beer whose style arises from the mists of brewing history. It uses mixed fermentation, real fruit, significant aging, and master blending. All of these are ancient and revered Belgian techniques. This unique Flemish sour brown ale is complex, tart with a touch of sweetness, lightly malty and gently hopped. Zuur is a unique blend created in collaboration between Brewery Ommegang and Brouwerij Liefmans.”

It pours a golden brown with a small white head and a fairly strong fruity aroma. A decent amount of sour fruit flavor up front that fades fairly quickly. Not an overwhelming type of sour but more subtle with nice carbonation and a medium body that goes down smooth at 6%ABV. A little disappointing on my end but I am sure many more who are not big sour fans will find this beer much more approachable.

B

Monk's Mad Monday

Well well...looks like it's time for another Monk's Mad Monday. This week they will be highlighting some special kegs from Allagash. Better get there early because there is only one keg of most of these special beers. The doors will open at 11:30AM.

BLACK - Their Belgian-style stout aged in a bourbon barrel

CONFLUENCE - Their house strain of Belgian yeast and their Brettanomyces yeast.

INTERLUDE - 9.5%abv Saison-ish beer

ODYSSEY - 10% Wheat beer aged in American Oak

VICTOR - 9%abv ale made with local Red Chancellor grapes.

VICTORIA - same beer, but with Chardonnay grapes instead.

WHITE - their kick-ass Belgian-style wit.

Sly Fox Grand Opening

August 6-8 will be the Grand Opening Party for the relocated Sly Fox brewpub in Phoenixville and they will mark the occasion with 23 beers pouring all weekend (or as long as they last).

Things will get rolling on Friday with 23 beers pouring and specials on the food- menu--including a particularly appealing dessert--O'Reilly's Stout Ice Cream Floats--and continue throughout the weekend. The very popular local band Celtic Spirit will be filling the building with Irish music from 7-11 on Saturday night as an additional treat.

I have not made it out to the new place yet but plan to make some time this weekend!

Mann Music Center

I was quite impressed when arriving for my first show at the Mann in quite awhile to find a beer station right inside the gate that was pouring all local brews. Finding Victory, Sly Fox and Philadelphia Brewing was certainly a nice change from the Bud Light vendors.

We visited that station several times but I also noticed that the bar at the top of the hill also stocked a pretty wide variety of beers.

I am not sure if this is just a reaction to the types of crowds they get at the Mann, but I am hoping its a trend that will spread to other city venues!