Fresh “Brotherly Suds 3” on the bar at Fergie’s
Just a quick recap of some of the Philly Beer Week 2013 experience by BeerAppreciation – before we forget.
Started out with a “beer tour” of the Christ Church graveyard at 6th and Arch. Featured were the graves of Thomas Hare (George Washington’s favorite brewer), a relation to the Heineken family and of course Ben Franklin – who supposedly said “Beer is proof that God loves us” – but actually said it about wine. We sipped some Yards Ben Franklin Spruce and moved on.
Stopped in to the relatively new “Red Owl Tavern” at 433 Chestnut, had Victory’s “Bell Ringer” Double IPA made specially for PBW. Tasted like a spicier more complex “Hop Wallop” to me, and it paired wonderfully with the house made sausages. The Manager Matt Kaplan plans on more beer related events in the future.
Swung by “Varga’s” at 10th and Spruce to check out their block party and enjoyed Firestone Walker’s great DBA. Finn McCools at 12th and Sansom was “all Allagash” making that an enjoyable stop.
So close to Fergie’s couldn’t walk past, and was pleased to find a firkin of the PBW collaboration brew “Brotherly Suds 3” on the bar. A delightful bright and light English bitter, this year’s batch was brewed at Yards with brewmasters from Flying Fish, Victory, Iron Hill and Nodding Head contributing.
Other notable PBW events included a visit to Teresa’s Next Door to talk beer with Bobo Van Mechelen – the well known “Brand Ambassador” for Chimay. He regaled me with tales of how the modern Chimay was reinvented after the war (“the Germans killed the yeast you know”) and why “Duvel Light” (Green) just didn’t make it. Not surprisingly owner Andy Dickerson and Beer Yard empresario Matt Guyer were there sharing their PBW experiences as well.
Of course, not to be missed were the two PBW events at the Oakmont Pub – hosted by BeerAppreciation. Wednesday night we had 10 teams competing in “Beer Quizzo” – judged by yours truly. Thursday was “The Oakmont Cup” 4th annual home brew contest, with over 70 guests participating in the judging – more on that in the next post.
And, while not an official PBW event, Tired Hands celebrated their one year anniversary with Jean pouring specials like his “Only Void” 11% imperial stout at just $4 a glass.
As much fun as it was, it’s time again for PBW to take that big sleep until May of next year.
Bobo shares Chimay and Chimay stories at TND
