Over a month ago I married the most wonderful woman in the world. We had a beautiful ceremony on the shore of Owasco Lake (in the Finger Lakes region of New York) and had a fun party for family and friends afterwards. One of the responsibilities I had for the wedding planning was selecting the beer for the bar. Tough job.
Fortunately the park we were married in did not require you to have a specific caterer, so we were free to pick whoever we wanted. For the beer the choice was clear, me. Being responsible for the bar was fairly easy. I had to apply for a NYS Liquor license, find a bartender and select the beer. Choosing the right beers was tough. There are family members who are not very adventurous with their tastes. So I had to make sure I was not forgetting them. Another factor limiting the number of choices so not to overwhelm the guests and to keep the beer tab down. What to pick, what to pick!
The final beer list included:
Labatt Blue
Labatt Blue Light
Ommegang Abbey Ale
Yards Love Stout
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Allagash White
To my delight (and dismay) most of the beer was gone at the end of the night. I purchased 12 cases of beer and came home with 1.5 cases. Not bad, guess an open bar helps. We got many comments from our guests about the excellent variety of beers, instead of the usual Corona, Bud, Coors. At the end of the night it was a good feeling to have shared some of my favorites and for it to be appreciated.
The beer-wedding connection did not stop there. For the honeymoon the wife and I went to Montreal for a close to home getaway, but a million miles away feeling. During our stay I found two brewpubs (thanks to Beer Advocate) to visit. They were Le Cheval Blanc and Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel. The brewpubs offered were different atmospheres, but brewed great beer.
We first visited Le Cheval Blanc. Had a very strong hipster feel and décor, not to mention the crazy band that played and sang in French. I had no clue what they were talking about, but the stage presence was enough. Also ordering beer was tough because I did not what they different types were on tap, and I could not pronounce them. While we were there we sampled 3 of their beers: Le Cheval Blanc India Noire (an IPA that was dark), Le Cheval Blanc Érable (maple syrup sweetened beer), Le Cheval Blanc Ambrée (Amber Ale).
On our last night we took the subway from our bed and breakfast to Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel. When we got there the place was packed. There was an extensive beer menu on a chalk board on the wall (in French). With so many choices, and not knowing what they were, it took some time to order. But we settled on a few beers to cap our honeymoon. I had the Double Triple (a strong Belgian ale) and I can't remember what my wife ordered. If one of us remembers I'll post it.
I have to say that I was very impressed with the beers at both places. Can't wait to visit again and have more time to explore.
A votre sante
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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....
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.
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.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Christmas 2 months late
Over the weekend I picked up Joe Sixpack's "Christmas Beer" book. It was a late Christmas present to myself to cap off my 2008 Christmas beers experiment. With inspiration from a series of articles about Christmas beers by Joe Sixpack I set out to celebrate the holidays with my fiancee and friends. Many thanks to the Foodery (Center City), the Best House (West Philadelphia) and Beers of the World (Rochester, NY) for offering a wide selection of holiday beers to start a new holiday tradition.
To kick off my new Christmas tradition I invited a few friends to my apartment for a sampling of my first round of Christmas beers.
Anchor Our Special Ale.
Sierra Nevada Celebration.
Flying Fish Grand Cru Winter Reserve.
Corsendonk Christmas Ale.
Bells's Brewery Winter White Ale.
Allagash Grand Cru.
My fiancee and I celebrated the 12 days of Christmas by enjoying a Christmas beer each day before we left for Thailand.
Samichlaus.
Scaldis Noel.
Affligem Noel.
Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome.
Troegs Mad Elf.
Stoudt's Winter Ale.
Sly Fox Christmas Ale.
Weyerbacher Winter Ale.
Delirium Noel.
Gouden Carolus Noel
Lancaster Winter Warmer.
Stegmaier Holiday Warmer.
Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza.
Heavy Seas Winter Storm.
After all our beer drinking merriment we decided that the top beer this season was Troeg's Mad Elf followed by Anchor, Corsendonk, and Goulden Carolus. To honor the top Christmas beer we drank a round of Mad Elf. What else would you expect?
Next year I'll have a new reason to get excited for a visit from Ol' Saint Nick.
To kick off my new Christmas tradition I invited a few friends to my apartment for a sampling of my first round of Christmas beers.
Anchor Our Special Ale.
Sierra Nevada Celebration.
Flying Fish Grand Cru Winter Reserve.
Corsendonk Christmas Ale.
Bells's Brewery Winter White Ale.
Allagash Grand Cru.
My fiancee and I celebrated the 12 days of Christmas by enjoying a Christmas beer each day before we left for Thailand.
Samichlaus.
Scaldis Noel.
Affligem Noel.
Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome.
Troegs Mad Elf.
Stoudt's Winter Ale.
Sly Fox Christmas Ale.
Weyerbacher Winter Ale.
Delirium Noel.
Gouden Carolus Noel
Lancaster Winter Warmer.
Stegmaier Holiday Warmer.
Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza.
Heavy Seas Winter Storm.
After all our beer drinking merriment we decided that the top beer this season was Troeg's Mad Elf followed by Anchor, Corsendonk, and Goulden Carolus. To honor the top Christmas beer we drank a round of Mad Elf. What else would you expect?
Next year I'll have a new reason to get excited for a visit from Ol' Saint Nick.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Valentine's Day
Starting a blog about my love for beer with a post about my drinking adventures on Valentine's Day could not be more perfect. So let me begin by raising my glass to everyone with a passion and a sweetheart.
My fiancee and I spent cupid's day preparing for our wedding in May. This seemed appropriate and welcomed because finding free time to focus on wedding planning has been difficult. So we spent the day discussing music, food, drinks (for a another post) and driving to Jeweler's Row to check out wedding rings. After all the talking and running around we headed to the Foodery in Northern Liberties to buy our Valentine's drinks for the evening. When we returned home and had our homemade V-Day dinner, we relaxed with our drinks.
The 4 beer selection for Valentine's Day was an experiment. Earlier in the week we were inspired by a pamphlet from The Best House in West Philly called "Love & Beer" from Origlio the beverage distributer. It listed a variety of beers for sharing with your valentine, chocolate and beer- the perfect couple, and the most romantic beers. It concluded with the suggestion of 2 beer cocktails; Chocolate Covered Cherry and Black & Cherry.
For those who are interest about the other listings let me share...
"Beers Perfect for Sharing with Your Valentine" according to Origlio are:
Scaldis Prestige
Chimay (Red) Premiere
Young's Double Chocolate Stout
"Most Romantic Beers" according to Origlio are:
Lindeman's Framboise
Cherish Framboise
Kasteel Rouge
St. Louis Kriek
Verdi Sparkletini
Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat
The first beer cocktail was the Chocolate Covered Cherry. It is equal parts Lindeman's Kriek and Young's Double Chocolate Stout. It reminded me of a beer I had a few weeks earlier in Buffalo with my fiancee, brother and some friends, the Obamagang from the Ommegang Brewery. Which was heavenly. Our experiment was not heavenly, but tasty. The only thing was that the Kriek dominated my taste buds.
The second beer cocktail was the Black & Cherry. It is half a pint of Sam Adams Cherry Wheat with Guinness Draught gently poured over a spoon on top. I'm always amazed with the sweetness of the Cherry Wheat (and this from a guy with a major sweet tooth), its like a cherry lollipop beer. Visually it was beautiful, the golden Cherry Wheat on the bottom half and the Guinness on top. I don't know if I'd repeat this experiment, some things are left better on their own.
For Valentine's Day next year I'll hold off on experimenting with the beer cocktails and settle down with a bottle of Chimay with my wife.
My fiancee and I spent cupid's day preparing for our wedding in May. This seemed appropriate and welcomed because finding free time to focus on wedding planning has been difficult. So we spent the day discussing music, food, drinks (for a another post) and driving to Jeweler's Row to check out wedding rings. After all the talking and running around we headed to the Foodery in Northern Liberties to buy our Valentine's drinks for the evening. When we returned home and had our homemade V-Day dinner, we relaxed with our drinks.
The 4 beer selection for Valentine's Day was an experiment. Earlier in the week we were inspired by a pamphlet from The Best House in West Philly called "Love & Beer" from Origlio the beverage distributer. It listed a variety of beers for sharing with your valentine, chocolate and beer- the perfect couple, and the most romantic beers. It concluded with the suggestion of 2 beer cocktails; Chocolate Covered Cherry and Black & Cherry.
For those who are interest about the other listings let me share...
"Beers Perfect for Sharing with Your Valentine" according to Origlio are:
Scaldis Prestige
Chimay (Red) Premiere
Young's Double Chocolate Stout
"Most Romantic Beers" according to Origlio are:
Lindeman's Framboise
Cherish Framboise
Kasteel Rouge
St. Louis Kriek
Verdi Sparkletini
Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat
The first beer cocktail was the Chocolate Covered Cherry. It is equal parts Lindeman's Kriek and Young's Double Chocolate Stout. It reminded me of a beer I had a few weeks earlier in Buffalo with my fiancee, brother and some friends, the Obamagang from the Ommegang Brewery. Which was heavenly. Our experiment was not heavenly, but tasty. The only thing was that the Kriek dominated my taste buds.
The second beer cocktail was the Black & Cherry. It is half a pint of Sam Adams Cherry Wheat with Guinness Draught gently poured over a spoon on top. I'm always amazed with the sweetness of the Cherry Wheat (and this from a guy with a major sweet tooth), its like a cherry lollipop beer. Visually it was beautiful, the golden Cherry Wheat on the bottom half and the Guinness on top. I don't know if I'd repeat this experiment, some things are left better on their own.
For Valentine's Day next year I'll hold off on experimenting with the beer cocktails and settle down with a bottle of Chimay with my wife.
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