Another Delco Guy In South Jersey

Iron Hill Maple Shade's Barrels Event

A couple of Saturdays ago I braved what passes for a storm this winter and headed over to the Maple Shade outpost of the Iron Hill empire for their annual Barrels event.  This year, brewemaster Chris LaPierre's theme was 'Bourbon and Bugs,' or beers aged in used bourbon barrels and beers brewed with wild yeasts.

 

For most, both sets of beers are a bit of a stretch. But you're a true beer aficionado if you enjoy the 'bugs' or beers brewed with the wild yeasts.  Generally tangy and often sour, these beers have an astringent mounthfeel and take some serious getting used to. With many qualities of good wines, these complex brews offer some amazing flavor profiles for those willing to stretch beyond the standard offerings of the local microbrew.

 

LaPierre had 5 wilds to choose from and I went with the tasting round of four ounce pours for $10.  The most interesting to me was the Heywood, a Belgian golden ale that was fermented in an oak barrel with a lambic yeast.  It was dry and sour and had a surprising blue cheese-like finish.  Fascinating!

While I thought all five of the wilds were excellent, the other real winner of the round was the Wine Barrel Wee Heavy, a souped-up version of Iron Hill's standard Scotch Ale.  Aged in a wet Pinot Noir barrel, with the same lambic yeast, this 11% ABV monster was all fruit up front and spice on the finish. If I had not been driving, I would have had a pint of this!

The Bourbons came next and were actually a bit disappointing.  While each had some good points, the bourbon characteristics of the barrel aging were pretty overwhelming.  I love LaPierre, and I had eagerly awaited this portion of the tasting, but these beers were generally a disappointment. 

I've been a fan of bourbon-aged versions of the Iron Hill Porter for years, since convincing the guys in Media it was OK to sell me growlers of it to take home back in the mid-90s. The Maple Shade Bourbon Porter was served on a nitrogen push and was the clear winner of the round, smooth and full with heavy vanilla notes from the whole beans in the aging barrel. I would have had a pint of this one as well. 

The other winner of the round was the Bourbon Bock, which tasted of marshmallow and biscuit and was reminiscent of a summertime s'more.  Sadly, the collaborative Bourbon Cherry Iron Fish I was really looking forward to was a real mess, tasting strongly of cherry cough syrup that overwhelmed the hops and the malt.

All in all this was a great afternoon of beer and conversation.  I had at least 10 different great conversations about the South Jersey beer scene with the folks I chatted with between sips.  There were plenty of knowledgeable home brewers in attendance as well, and  and learned a ton from them. I got to talk at length to the Iron Hill brewmaster Chris LaPierre as well as the owner, Kevin Finn.  I appreciated their insights into owning a main-stream craft brewpub and what it takes to compete in this market.

This was a once a year event at Iron Hill Maple Shade, but if you're looking for solid food and a great beer selection, they're open 7 days!

And That's The Ballgame - Andy Musser Passes

The three voices that I most associate with my youth have all left us now.  First 'His Whiteness,' Richie Ashburn stepped out of the announcer's booth in New York City and passed into the night after calling a Phillies - Mets game in the Phils' dreadful 1997 last-place season.

Fresh off calling the 2008 World Series win for the Phils, Harry Kalas died preparing for a game in Washington, DC.  I cried that day, and again a few days later when thousands welcomed Harry home to Philly one last time.  While we still get to hear him sing 'High Hopes' every time the Phillies win at CBP, I still tune in sometimes and expect to hear him calling the game.

And today we lost Andy Musser, the third member of the Phillies broadcasting crew of my youth.  He was always the quietest of the three, the most generally reserved, but I really think he only paled in comparison because of the two Hall of Famers he worked with.  His double play calls were as smooth as Bowa, Trillo and Rose were on the field.

Some would argue Musser's voice went silent years ago when the Phillies management pushed him aside to give Chris Wheeler a larger role.  I still heard a bit of a bit of it in my mind though until Harry passed a few years ago. Wheeler and Tim McCarver were a part of those broadcasting teams as well, but never really seemed to be as big a part.  McCarver went on to make it big in broadcasting.  Against all odds, Wheels is still here, over-analyzing every pitch.

I grew up lisetening to the Phils on the radio on my grandfather's porch, and on TV on Sunday afternoons at my other grandfather's in Essington.  The silences were as important as the things that were said.

Today, we lost my last link to the soundtrack of my summer afternoons and evenings. I'm sad, but I remember seeing Musser a few years ago at a beer event he was working.  Someone inevitably asked him if he missed the games.  He looked wistful for just a moment and said something like, 'I'd be crazy if I didn't, but I've got a good life.'

Andy, thanks for all the great memories and say hello to Whitey and Harry for me.  I'll have an Anchor Steam for you!

Pirate Boys!

John had a great time yesterday with his buddies Stevie and Dev at La Campagnola's Octoberfest. The fun continued at the Duffs' house last night and today the hits were plentiful as John and Stevie's War Eagles team beat up on the Marlton Reds 17-7.

We are on the way to Delco to watch he Birds with the family. Everyone have a great day!

The girls and Duff had a good time yesterday too, enjoying the moonbounce, face painting, and assorted other parking lot fun.

Beer in CT!

We've stopped for lunch in Hartford at a pretty cool place called City Steam Brewery Café. It's a amazing set of rooms, spread over nine levels. The beer? Let's give it a C+. My Blonde on Blonde stock ale lacke flavr and finish. The Belgian White had some spice but no body.

A good half way stop but nothing special in terms of beer.

Strip Mall Shipyard

We're continuing the brewpub lunch vacation today at the southern-most outpost of the Shipyard Brewing Empire. Incongruously located in what looks to have been a strip mall in Eloit, Maine, the place is brand-new and spotless. No cask-conditioned ales here, but the Export is malty and has the classic Shipyard yeast strain clearly evident.

It's not very busy, but the service has been attentive and ESPN is on the flat screens!

Continuing the Brewpub Lunches

Frankly it's a frigging miracle that I've been in Maine for four days and I am just now getting to Shipyard Brewing's Federal Jack's Brewpub.

We're on the deck overlooking the boatyard. I am sipping a cask-conditioned IPA that's both silky smooth and has a nice dry finish. The GF has a summer wheat and clam chowder. We're both wating on the best lobster rolls in the area.

Perfect!

It's Lunchtime In Maine

So Another Delco Guy must be at a brewpub. Today it's John's favorite, Gritty McDuff's on Fore Street in Portland's Old Port.

It's crowded and the service is slow, but the Best Bitter is amazing as always and they have triangular crayons that don't roll off the table for the kids.

Brilliant!

Portsmith Brewery

We've explored New Castle Island and looked at some forts infested with giant, aggressive mosquitoes. Now we are replenishing our fluids at a favorite Portsmouth stop, the Portsmouth Brewery. I'm a big fan of the brown, while the GF is enjoying a sweet, banana-scented hefeweizen. The kids are having Sprite.

We are also having food.

Ahhh!

It's hot here in DC, so we stopped our trek for some refreshments! Cap City Brewing has good summer stuff on tap including my tasty Kolsch and my GF's hefewiesen, but the urban hip hop music is a bit much!

A Prettier View of Maine

  Camden Harbor 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

Another Delco Guy spent the day driving up the coast of Maine from Portland as far as Camden.  It was a gray and rainy day north of Portland, but the sun broke through on the way back south. 

The highlight of the day was getting to photograph the harbors of Rockport and Camden as well as wandering along Route 1.  We had a few good brews from Sheepscot Valley Brewing at Sarah's in Wiscasset.  I particularly liked the Pemaquid Ale, which the bartender described as being "made by some guy in the next town in his barn."  Best barn-made beer I've had in a while.

We're resting up watching Casino Royale right now, and then may see if there is any nightlife to be had in The Old Port.

Is this picture prettier, Matt?

Rest for the Weary

There is nothing better following an afternoon of planting and gutter cleaning than having a good beer. In this case is an Ommegang Witte that has been cellaring for two years. Thanks to Mark McFadden for the gift!  Not a bad way to end a good day!

Great American Pub - Wayne

 

I spent a few hours in Downtown Wayne, PA catching up with Cabrini buds Matt Hodlofski and Lou Monaco.  In between ripping the Mets and discussing our hatred of both Superbowl teams, I enjoyed a few beers and some  grub at The Great American Pub.

The food wasnt bad and the company was excellent.  I had a Blue Moon and a Seafood Gumbo to start.  The gumbo had great flavors, small Gulf Shrimp and nicely done sausage bites.   Matty H recommended it and I appreciate the good work.  After an hour or so, a few Yuenglings and a $10 parking ticket, I had a Spinach, Crab and Artichoke dip that had no discernible crab and TONS of gooey excellent melted cheese. 

The food was pretty good for afternoon bar fare.  The staff was pleasant and kept the food and drinks coming.  The space has been improved greatly in the 14 years since the Wayne Tavern and DQ closed.  The door and the bathrooms are still in the same place, but everything else has changed.  The beer selection and bathrooms aren't as amazing as Teresa's Next Door Bar up the street, but the food and room are better on balance.

Great Place In Wayne

Thanksgiving Food and Drink Reviews

As I bloatedly recline on the couch and prepare for a busy day of watching college football and encouraging my kids to be quiet, I reflect on the bounty that crossed the tables yesterday.

First, thanks to Wawa for getting the day started with a 20 ounce cup of java yesterday.  While it wasn't up to the usual standards, Roy of the Moorestown store served it up and got me moving after my Wednesday night out with the boys.  Not a bad way to start the day.

The GF served up a tasty mid-day snack of a very basic ham and cheese on multi-grain bread with sliced tomato sprinkled with fresh ground pepper and sea salt.  Sounds simple, but the execution was perfect and it got me though until dinner.

Late in the afternoon, it was time for the turkey feast at the GF's mom's house.  The Company was great as always, and the food was top notch.  A few specific items deserve note.  The perfectly prepared dark meat of the bird hit the spot for me.  I just wish I had some more now for a cold turkey sandwich.  The GF's cousin made an amazing macaroni and cheese that was EASILY the best I have ever had.  Need to find out how she does it.

Also of note at the first gathering of the evening was the marshmallow ambrosia that the GF's grandmother made.  It took me back to the holidays with my own grandmother.  It was darn near the same thing in my memory!  Marshmallow, cherries, coconut and mandarin oranges.  MMMMMMM-MMMMMM!  The Santa Margarita Pinot Grigio provided by GF's little sis was also excellent!

Then we packed everyone up and headed over to PA and my sister;s house for dessert.  We arrived at the perfect time, as they were finishing their meal and in time for dessert!  I headed right for the fridge, as my brother Matt had tipped me that he had a selection of great holiday beers for my sampling.  He did not disappoint.  The Anchor 2007 Christmas brew is their usual big, bold bottle of hoppy brown excellence.  But the beer of the night was Dogfish Head's Olde School barley wine.  Weighing in at 15% abv, Matt and I split this one.  Caramel, citrus and a bit of hops on the end.  Very nice!  My sister sure knows how to make a pumpkin pie.  The flavors were fresh and complex and it was one of the best in my memory.  I don't do crust, but many raved about it.  Kudos to the chef!

We all had a great day eating and drinking and enjoying each other's company.  I hope that you all did too! 

Friday Fantastic Four

I'm headed out on the road for a few days tomorrow, so in honor of that we have a travel-related list!

What four things do you do everywhere you travel?

1. Check out local beers and brewpubs
2. Buy a Christmas ornament
3. Compare the quality and quantity of bath products in the room
4. Take photos!

have a great weekend and I will talk to you from the road!

New Photo Sets

After much work trying to learn Photoshop CS3, I have posted three sets of photos from my recent vacation on my Flickr site.  The Boys Night at Fenway is memorialized, including shots of the rain, the Green Monster and us in the bar waiting.  One of my favorite places on earth, Cape Porpoise is caught in a photo shoot.  I got a chance to shoot one of the best sunsets I have ever seen in Newport, RI is recorded in another set.

There will be a bunch more pictures coming, as I have plenty more from that trip and several others I have taken recently.

Look, comment and Enjoy!

A Club That Seats 43,647

The folks down at Citizens Bank Park have been getting a bit of criticism lately for the the rowdy fans that fill the place, especially for Dollar Dog and College Nights.  There have certainly been some ugly incidents down in South Philly this spring, including hot dog throwing, fights, and general insanity.  I was in the house for the most recent Hatfield Dollar Dog Night, as well as a few other incident-filled evenings this season.  It's not like fights and rowdiness are unusual at Philly sporting events.

We're the guys who threw snowballs at Santa, remember?

But something is different at CBP.

I've had this thought a few other times, but what has happened in the last few years is that CBP has become a key place to go for the young fun crowd. Monday night, there were SCORES of young ladies who were out at the park as their evening recreation instead of going to a bar. That NEVER happened at the Vet.  Of course when the ladies are there, the boys are that much more uhhh ... testosterone-filled.

With cheap prices for the worst seats, good beer and food and a fun team, CPB has become a social destination. 

Basically you end up with a 40,000 seat nightclub. Stuff's gonna happen. The key here is that the CBP folks need to make sure that they have a fun place for the younger crowd, while ensuring that older folks and those of us who go with our kids are also able to enjoy the environment.  More stringent carding by the vendors?  Yes.  Stepped up security presence in the 300 level?  Check.  Family sections with no alcohol?  Probably a plan.

Whatever the solutions, the Phils have to act now or they risk having the crowds start to stay home if the ugliness escalates.

Hat tip to my brother Matt for the post over at TheLevel that got this post started for me.

Friday Fantastic Four

Our regular Friday feature continues today!

Commemorating the unofficial First Friday of summer and all of the traffic nightmares that come with it for those who are Jersey Shore bound, we have a special summer topic.

What are your four favorite summer beverages?

1. Shipyard Sirius Summer Wheat Ale (they've changed the name to Summer Ale, but I'm Old School)
2. Iced Tea - and here's how ya make it RIGHT - 1 quart of boiling water poured over 3 Lipton tea bags and 1/3 cup of sugar.  Steep 15 minutes.  Remove tea bags.  Add 1 quart of ice.  Serve with Lemon wedge over ice.
3. Chris's Special Pink Lemonade - 2 oz sour mix, 2 oz 7Up, 1.5 oz Bacardi Limon, .5 oz Chambord, shaken and poured over ice.  Top with 7Up
4. Genny Cream Ale

Honorable Mentions:

• Homemade margaritas
• Sangria
• Icewine
• Ice water (Gotta hydrate)

Hit me back with your favorites, either today, or from the distant past.  For all of you planning to battle the Blue Route, or the AC Expressway or who have found that secret way to the Shore no one knows about, please enjoy your weekend safely.  It's shaping up to be the best Memorial Day Weekend in years!  We'll see you at Dollar Dog Night on Monday vs. the Dbacks!!