Cheers to Carlisle

Never would have thought that I would write about finding a pub in central Pennsylvania. Thanks to the recomendation of a Sierra Club co-worker a group of us topped off the night at the Market Cross Pub before the start of a work weekend. This great little pub in Carlisle offers beers they brew, and a surprising list of craft beers and international beers. For some reason I was indecisive, because I was spilt between Lancaster Amish 4 Grain Pale Ale and trying whatever beer from the cask hand pump. My fingers were crossed that the cask was pouring Troegs Nuggest Nectar, but it was no longer being offered. Still the novelty of the cask hand pump won me over and I order the Bessie's Brown Ale (the pubs brew). It was not that good (kind of watery), but it had one hell of a head!

My second round was not adventurous. But when the oldest brewery in America reintroduces its traditional seasonal Bock beer you are obliged to give it a try. All I have to say is that I would have had 2 (maybe 3), but my party was looking to go back to the hotel. Next time I'll find a seat at the bar and spend more time with the folks in Carlisle.

Minneapolis Beer Run

The North Star State, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, The Gopher State... Minnesota

This week I spent three days in Minneapolis for work. Not sure who schedules a work meeting in Minnesota during the winter, but we were lucky. A warm front went through keeping temperatures just above freezing.

Of course the first thing I thought about when the meeting was announced is trying out midwest beers that don't make it to the east coast. So I packed an empty suitcase with towels with the hopes to return to Philly with it full of tasty beers.
I was not disappointed.

On Tuesday evening I started my search for a beer store. Not knowing where to look a co-worker suggested that I go to the Zipp's Liquor for the simple reason that it was around the corner from the office. They had a pretty good selection for being the convenient choice. After walking through the snow and into the store I transformed into a kid in a candy store. I immediately sought out the New Belgium Brewing selections. After making that easy decision I tracked down one of the beer guides because I had no clue what else to bring home. I wanted a good representation of beers from Minneapolis and the midwest. They thought it was funny that I was bringing beer home in a suitcase, but they were very helpful with their suggestions. They were IPA guys so I had to remind them to suggest other styles. In the end I walked away with a total of 13 beers and am excited to try them all.

Surly Furious (an IPA with no relation to the bike company)
Goose Island Bourbon Stout (its 13% APV)
Dark Horse Brewing Company Scotty Karate Scotch Ale
Lakfront Brewery Eastside Dark (Lager)
Rush River "The Unforgiven" (Amber Ale)
New Holland Brewing Company Dragon's Milk
Two Brothers Bonfire (Dunkle Weiss)
New Belgium Brewing Sunshine (Wheat)
New Belgium Brewing Tripple
New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire (Amber Ale)
New Belgium Brewing 1554 (Black Ale)


I've returned home and laid out my beer bounty on the kitchen table. The dilemma is when to drink them. The bottle opener is in hand but I'm torn between exploring new beers and knowing that when the bottles are empty there are no seconds...in Philadelphia. What to do, what to do....

Birthday celebration

This week my sweetheart came one year closer to thirty. We celebrated last weekend with a birthday dinner at Horizons and buying our wedding rings, a once in a lifetime combination. The trip to Horizons is our birthday tradition that we look forward to every year.

Our dinner was amazing. We usually order separate dishes and share to tryout the different menu options, but this time we were both drawn to the Winter Plate. A wonderful mixture of dijon seitan and cauliflower terrine, grilled royal trumpet mushrooms, sauteed brussel sprouts, baby turnips and lettuce, roasted rutabaga salad. Its a tall order to compliment this meal.


My drink choice was something new and different. I ordered a Kostritzer Black Lager. It was pitch black in color, but light and tasted like tasting a Yuengling. While the comparison between Kostritzer and Yuengling may not be fair, but you get the idea. Then I capped off the night with an Eel River Organic Porter. I wasn’t a big fan, but I think that's because I don't care for porters

Throughout the night we were talking about our wedding. Until we are married on May 23rd this will be front and center in our lives. There are many important wedding decisions to make, one of them being the selection of beer and wine. We split up this reponsibility and she is selecting the wine and I’m selecting the beer. My challenge is satisfing the unadventurous beer drinkers but being true to my love of craft beer. The first decision was to narrow down the style of beers...they are lager, wheat, Belgian, IPA, and maybe a stout. The wedding beer challenge will be a 3 part series. So stay tuned (and give me your suggestions).

All in all in was an unforgettable evening.