Hombrewers BPA: Behind the Scenes at Al’s of Hampden
At the early time of 8 AM on a Saturday, a dozen local homebrewing enthusiasts showed up to a quiet Al’s of Hampden, ready to help contribute to a brew day. The beer, aptly called Homebrewers Belgian Pale Ale, is slated to be tapped on National Homebrew Day on May 3. I was one of the homebrewers eager to attend and help out. We started out by learning how automated the system is compared to what … Read entire article »
Filed under: Al's of Hampden, Belgian Pale Ale, Pizza Boy Brewing Co.
Oktoberfest @ J. Gilbert’s
Last night, I had the opportunity to be the beer expert at J. Gilbert’s version of Oktoberfest. J. Gilbert’s is a steakhouse located in McLean, Virginia, and puts on various alcohol and food pairings each month. With Oktoberfest starting this weekend, the theme was set. I had never been the emcee of a beer tasting–I’ve more just partaken and occasionally only salivated at the menus–so this was a unique chance to test my knowledge of Germany’s … Read entire article »
Filed under: Bars, J. Gilberts, Tastings
Tuesday Night: Oktoberfest @ J. Gilberts Tysons Corner, Moderated by Us!
We at The Beer Circle have a special announcement to make: we will provide our beer expertise to J. Gilbert’s in Tysons Corner, VA for their Oktoberfest beer and food pairing. The event will feature J. Gilbert’s take on traditional Oktoberfest appetizers with a collection of German Oktoberfest beers. It is taking place on Tuesday, 17 Sept at 6:30pm and costs $40 per person (+ tax & gratuity). View Larger Map We look forward to seeing you … Read entire article »
Filed under: J. Gilberts, Tastings, The Beer Circle
Mekong Vietnamese Restaurant – Beer Lovers’ Heaven
A few weeks ago I visited Hardwood Craft Brewing for the release of their Barrel Aged IPA, Hoplar. My wife and I really enjoyed hanging out there but we didn’t stay long because many different people recommended that I absolutely needed to visit Mekong, a Vietnamese restaurant, in Richmond. Their website name is “Mekong is for Beer Lovers,” which was a great indication of what I was in store for when I stopped by. First, the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Blue Mountain Brewery, Mekong, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Brouwerij Van Steenberge – Monk’s Café Flemish Sour Ale
Sours just aren’t my thing yet. This is something I’m actively working to change, broadening my horizons to include this remarkably diverse style of beer. We all started somewhere, in fact, our own Russ Beck didn’t always care for the style. Weird faces aside, I’m always glad when someone offers to share something to better introduce me to the style. This, much like the North Coast Pranqster I recently reviewed, was shared with me by a … Read entire article »
Filed under: Beer, Belgian, Brouwerij Van Steenberge, Monk's Cafe
Abita Brewpub – Abita Springs, Louisiana
I visited New Orleans, Louisiana for the first time in my life at the beginning of August 2012. As with every trip I go on, I researched local craft beers, beer bars, and breweries for places to visit and eat. Naturally, when one thinks of New Orleans, Abita comes to mind since their beers see a wide distribution. There are two choices for an Abita experience: the brewery and the brewpub. My fiancée and I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Abita Beer, Breweries, Restaurants
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
I recently went to Ocean City, Maryland, for a family vacation. I couldn’t let the opportunity of visiting the Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, pass, so I dragged the family 45 minutes up Coastal Highway.I have visited the restaurant twice previously and have never been disappointed. Even if you take beer out of the equation it is a great place to visit. The food is combination of beach fare (fish tacos, fish … Read entire article »
Filed under: Dogfish Head, Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats
My Brew Day at Pizza Boy Brewing
My fiancée and I are regular customers at Al’s of Hampden and when I told Al that I was engaged, he said that I needed to brew a beer for the wedding at the brewery in the basement of his pizza shop, Pizza Boy Brewing. We had several discussions back and forth on what type of beer I wanted to brew, and finally I settled on a Belgian Tripel aged in Apple Brandy Barrels with … Read entire article »
Filed under: Al's of Hampden, Brandy, Brew It Yourself, Pizza Boy Brewing Co., Tripel
Flannery’s Tavern on the Square in Mercersburg, PA
“Never Graduate.” More than a simple catchphrase – it represents a mindset. A state of being. It’s not an inability to let go – it’s a celebration of the good times had during one’s undergraduate career. After graduating from The Pennsylvania State University and starting their careers in Washington DC, Garrett and Russ often find themselves using nearly any excuse they can find to take a trip back to State College, PA. Easily bored by … Read entire article »
Filed under: Bars, Restaurants
Event: Monk’s Cafe Beers of the Cellar
At our Eclipse tasting, Jeff’s friend Matt informed me of a rare “Beers of the Cellar” event at Monk’s Cafe in Philadelphia, on April 10, 2012. Considering I could only dream of what they sell at the bar, getting a taste of Tom’s cellar was too good to pass up–even at $95 a ticket. The dinner featured beers older than I am, sours of many vintages, and a six-course meal. I rolled into Monks a bit … Read entire article »
Filed under: Barleywine, Bars, Brauerei Schloss Eggenberg, Cantillon, Cider, Domaine Familial Louis Dupont, Dopplebock, Gueuze, J.W. Lees & Co., Kriek, Monk's Cafe, Port Brewing Co., Quad, Victory Brewing Co.
Recent Comments