Mellody Brewing

Get out of that state

Sing along, 

"You're living in your own Private Idaho, where do I go from here to a better state than this.
Well, don't be blind to the big surprise swimming round and round like the deadly hand
of a radium clock, at the bottom, of the pool."

I've been sick for the last five days and today is the first day I'm feeling "normal" again.  I spent the better part of these few days sleeping and when not sleeping in front of the computer researching how to properly bottle ferment the session beer by re-yeasting the beer when bottling.  The trick is to attempt to not create bottle bombs and over carbonation.  Fun equations. Good times.

Things are moving along, albeit slowly after the motivation that was beer week.  I'll espouse more on that later once the head is clear from cold medication.  If you haven't guess the hidden meaning of the song yet, just watch again and listen to the lyrics.  My "Private Idaho" is definitely where I've been living this week.

Philly Beer Week Inspired Brew: The Smellody Session Ale

I'll write more about this beer when I'm not drenched in sweat, it was a warm brew day here at the brewery (aka my kitchen). This beer is my version of the Trappist Monk "pater" beer, or low alcohol beer brewed only for the working monks. After a week of beer drinking I felt it was time for a flavorful lighter beer. We'll see how it goes.

Philly Beer Week Day 5 Recap: Keeping it local

After four days of Beer Week, my brain, wallet and body were telling me to take it easy.  I listened and went to one event and one only, the Rare Saison event at Hawthorne's Cafe.  I again wanted to show up in support of St. Somewhere, but was looking forward to trying a collaboration between Voodoo and Stillwater that I had read about.  It was a dark saison, almost a cross between a brown ale but with belgian undertones.  It was very good.  After dinner and drinks with a friend at Hawthornes, I was going to head to Devil's Den for the Flyers game and more Bruery beers.  I decided however to hit my local establishment, For Pete's Sake, to hang with the neighbors and root for our Flyers.  By surprise they still had many great beers on draft from some of their earlier events.  I got to enjoy some Weyerbacher and more Bells.  I limited myself to two beers, and left before the Flyers tied it up to then loose in Overtime.  Ah well...back to baseball.

In honor of beer week I will be brewing this weekend as well.  More to come on the recipe selection and the decision to bottle this beer in place of keg this time around.

Philly Beer Week Day 4 Recap: Catching up with old friends

I spent Tuesday of beer week seeking out an old friend, Bob Sylvester of St. Somewhere.  I've written about my love of his beer, and admiration for what he is doing in his one man brewery.  It was nice to see him, hear that business is good, that they are getting the acclaim they deserve and that they are enjoying their stay in Philadelphia.  I caught up with Bob at the Foodery where he was doing samples, then again at an event at The Institute.  This was also with Patrick Rue of The Bruery.  The crowd was, well, us.  Selfishly, I enjoyed it.  I got to sit at the bar, talk to Bob's wonderful wife Anne and talk to Bob and Patrick a bit about their beers, the industry all while enjoying some wonderful beers.  Bob sent up a firkin of Saison Athene that was dry hopped with chamomile, and The Bruery had Coton on tap, as well as Mischief.  Heather the owner of the Institute was rightfully upset that I was the only person there for the event.  We all discussed the over saturation of Beer Week, and how the events are overwhelming - this event most likely suffering from this.  It didn't help that the event was apparently listed on the Philly Beer Website with the wrong time.  

It makes me sad that these smaller more intimate events are apparently not getting the attendance or attention they deserve.  These brewers are taking their time to come here for days at a time, and it is too bad that they aren't getting to spend it with more of their customers.  I'm over stating a problem with this year's Beer Week possibly, but I get the feeling next year we won't see as many of the small, meet the brewer lunches or specials and bars will go for more of the big blow out rare events or bashes.  I'm not saying there is anything wrong with those events, I attended one Monday night.  I do think though that if what I experienced last night is a trend at the those types of events, not only are beer enthusiasts missing out on great beer and the chance to meet great people, but Beer Week is becoming less about beer and more about flash. I hope this was a one off occurrence.

Philly Beer Week Day 3 Recap: Hammered

I finally found the Hammer, or did the Hammer find me?  Which ever it was, it was a fun night at City Tap House where as you can see above I was able to finally grasp the Hammer of Glory.  At least one goal for Beer Week complete. Cheesy? Sure, but fun.   

I ventured back to University City last night to meet a friend and sample the 31 flavors of Bells at City Tap House. City Tap House seemed a bit overwhelmed by the crowd and tried to start a formalized line to get beer, and set a two beer limit for those at the bar.  They are new, so I'm giving them a pass on the logistical screw-ups, but really the bartenders could have been faster, more attentive and smarter about how they took care of the crowd.  That all being said, I had some amazing rare beers from Bells, including Batch 6000 & 9000, Bourbon Aged Hell Hath no Fury, Black Note Bourbon Ale and Kal-Haven Rye Ale.  Some of the best Bells has to offer, and I didn't touch any Oberon or Expedition Stout like I normally would in lieu of the specials.  Another great event with beers we may never see again and it's only Tuesday.

Philly Beer Week Day 2 Recap: One of these things

 is not like the other...my day included the Phillies Game (lost) Deschutes Beer at City Tap House (Winner) and Flyers Game (lost).  Obviously, I can't be doing beer events all day every day, even if I want to.  Today's choice event was to get my hands on some Deschutes Beer.  After spending some time at what seemed like the longest Phillies game in history, my friends and I decided to jump ship and head to the City Tap House to sample some Deschutes.  Sample we did.  The flight of beers were only $13 and very generous pours.  I personally had the Black Butte Porter, Hop Henge, Hop in the Dark Black IPA, and The Abyss.  Oh yes, the Abyss.  

The Abyss is a beer I have tried to trade for in the past with no luck.  Between the Abyss and other beers, this was a great event, to try some beers that we'll not see in Philadelphia again any time soon. City Tap House is a great place too, only a month old and with what looks like a killer location.  This bar should be a hit in no time.

 

The kegs lining the hall to the bathroom made me crazy...I snapped the above picture.  As I walked by I saw kegs from Russian River, Ballast Point and other rarities.  Lots of Bells I never heard of, then I heard of the following event:

PHILLY BEER WEEK- BELL'S 31 FLAVORS
DATE: Mon. June 7, 2010

THE event that has us BUZZING

Bell's Brewing comes to Philly's newest craft beer bar to set a World Record for Bell's beers tapped at one time. Favorites, rarities,and oddities from the brewpub will be tapped for this one-of-a-kind event. Bell's is pulling out all the stops! 

Here's the list---- try not to drool!

Bell's Oberon, Bell's Double Cream Stout, Bell's Raspberry Ale, Bell's Porter, Bell's Lager Beer, Bell's Consecrator Double Bock, Bell's Two Hearted Ale, Bell's 3rd Coast Ale, Bell's Cherry Stout, Bell's Expedition Stout, Bell's Kalamazoo Stout, Bell's Pale Ale, Bell's Oarsmen Ale....this is where it starts to get good- Bell's Batch 9000 (hey now), Bell's Le Pianiste Ale, Bell's Le Contrebassiste, Bell's Batch 6000, Bell's Golden Funk, Bell's Kal-Haven Rye Ale, Bell's Wheat Two Ale, Bell's Bourbon Barrel Hell, Bell's Black Note Bourbon Ale, Bell's Deb's Red Ale, Bell's Harry Magill's Ale, Bell's Le Batteur Ale, Bell's Quinannan Falls, Bell's Smoked Lager, Bell's Sparkling Ale, Bell's Oracle Double IPA, Bell's Wedding Ale, and Bell's Wheat Love. 

Thirsty? See you at 7pm on the 7th.

Holy...it seems I might have to go back...I might not make it home.

Philly Beer Week Day 1 Recap: Walking, Waiting and Winning (GO FLYERS!)

Day One of Beer Week did not disappoint.  It started off inocently enough with a stop at Johnny's Hots which is across from Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown.  It seemed to make sense to pad the stomach with some hot sausage before an early afternoon of drinking and trying to catch the Hammer of Glory.  Since Johnny's is so close to Northern Liberties, we decided to leave there and attempt to catch the Hammer of Glory on it's zipline cruise from Standard Tap to The Foodery.  We arrived at 2:30pm, 30 minutes before my iPhone Beer App said the hammer would be here, but alas we missed it by 10 minutes.  Seems they updated the schedule. No worries, there was beer there.  We began beer week by drinking Troegs Hopback off handpump, followed by the firs tapping of a special beer brewed by Standard Tap just for Beer Week, Standard Porter.  We were there to witness the tapping, and received a free round for being there, yes - this made us quite happy.  Filled with tube steak and beer, we moved on to check out The Foodery before heading home.  

At the Foodery I was pleased to again see bottles of one of my favorites, St. Somewhere, back in Philadelphia - along with bottles of their third beer, Pays du Soleil.  I've been hearing about this beer since I was in Tampa and am glad to see it hitting the shelfs here in PA.  I bought a bottle, plus a few others from The Bruery and Weyerbacher (A Riserva) for the cellar.  

Since we missed the Hammer of Glory at Standard Tap, we decided to try to see it as it travelled on hand truck between Bella Vista Distributor and Hawethorne's Cafe.  We walked over there in the heat and humidity of the afternoon, and sat outside with Barley the wonder dog enjoying some beers waiting for the hammer.  It was quiet, relaxing and as cool place to hang out, then we saw the hammer making its way down 11th street.

Accompanying the hammer, I was surprised to see Joey Redner and Doug (sorry Doug I don't know your last name) from Cigar City Brewing in Tampa, FL.  Joey and Doug are in town for five days for beer week, guests of Bella Vista, and seemed to be enjoying the beginning of the week as well.  I caught up with Joey and while doing so missed my chance to get my picture taken with the hammer.  Oh well...maybe another time.

After a sweaty walk home, it was time to hit the Opening Tap.  The line to get in promised mayhem inside and we were not disappointed.  The venue, while nice, would not have been my first choice, but they made it work.  There was some logistical issues with getting everyone carded, banded, etc., but once through the doors the beer was flowing, the Flyers were winning (supported by raucous cheers in the hall after every goal) and a decent band was playing.  I made it our mission to hit the specialty beers before they ran out. We quickly weaved our way past a Flyers glad Ben Franklin surrounded by dirndl wearing waitresses, Lord Chesterfield from Yuengling yaking it up with George Washington, and throngs of people to get our samples of beer.  We were able to get all the beers on my list (see below) plus some great samples from Nodding Head and a surprise favorite of mine, a Apple Lambic from a brewery who I now can't remember.

The food ran out quickly at Opening Tap, and after an afternoon of beer drinking, we needed to eat.  We wandered over to our old stand by bar, The Race Street Cafe for a quiet dinner, more beers and more Flyers.  It rounded out a great afternoon and evening of Philly beer drinking with great friends.  

Beers I drank/sampled:

• Troegs Hopback
• Standard Porter
• Saison du Buff
• Slyfox Pils
• Brotherly Suds - Opening Tap Sample
• Troegs Scratch Series 3 - Opening Tap Sample
• Yuengling Lord Chesterfield Ale - Opening Tap Sample
• Yards Grodziski - Opening Tap Sample
• Evil Genuis Wild Session Ale - Opening Tap Sample
• Prism Britto Honey - Opening Tap Sample
• Dock Street Pimp my Rye - Opening Tap Sample
• Nodding Head Grog - Opening Tap Sample
• Sly Fox Renard D'or - Opening Tap Sample

I note the 4 oz samples just so you all don't think I drink 13 beers.  

 

Tapping of Standard Porter

Perfect beginning to Beer Werk, getting to Standard Tap for the first firkin of Standard Porter, brewed at Slyfox specifically for Philly Beer Week. It's a very nice, chocolatey malt drinkable porter. Even better off the firkin.

Cheers!

Philly Beer Week 2010: The Beginning

      Picture courtesy of www.phillybeerweek.org

The famed Hammer of Glory

That's right folks, it is finally here.  I have spent the last few days and hours mapping out my plan for the week.  There are so many events I want to go to, so many in fact that I had to make a schedule, then go back and weed out some things to ensure I don't die of liver failure next week.  I plan on updating every morning through out the week, giving you a recap of the events of the prior day, and what is on the agenda for that given day.  You can also follow the action on Twitter (@MellodyBrew).  If you are a Twitterer, you can also follow the Twitterverse at Beer Week via the hashtag #pbw2010. I'll try to update the What's Drinking page as much as possible as well.  

Now if you haven't checked out the Philly Beer Week website, do so - it's chock full of information, with links to their iPhone App, a customizable schedule, and links to buy tickets for ticketed events. Personally, the site is a bit overwhelming since there are so many breweries, events and venues - but if you take a moment to decide what it is you want to get out of beer week, then you can find what you are looking for.  

My goals for beer week are to network, drink some good beers and hopefully meet some new friends. Networkingwise, I am going to stalk, I mean to try to meet some of the "famous" brewers in town (resume in hand.) Kidding, maybe. That's why I've bought tickets to two events so far, the Trappist Beer Seminar with Dan Shelton at the new beer bar in my hood - The Headhouse, and the Olde Bud no Weiser event at World Cafe Live - featuring the brewers and founders of Dogfish Head, Iron Hill, Yards, Victory, and Flying Fish.  It should be an interesting session.  I'm also hoping to meet up with some old friends from Florida, Bob from St. Somewhere and Joey from Cigar City.  I know that their schedules are nuts, but it'd be fun to share a beer with them in my home town, and show them around town as well.  Beerwise, I want to try to focus my tastings on certain beer styles, Belgian to be specific - call it research.  I also want to find a few of the beers brought in just for the week, check out Deschutes as apparently they are launching in Philly this week, and seek out a few others that are being introduced or launched this week.  I'll be going to Opening Tap on Friday night, just to see what all the hubbub is about, also it's a decent price for lots of local beer and food.  I'm going alone to all these events as of today, if any dear reader is around and wants to meet up, please let me know.

Tomorrow starts the week by the passing of the Hammer of Glory from bar to bar, where it is finally used to tap the first keg at Opening Tap.  You can see it's route and modes of transport here.  I think I'll walk down to 11th and Fitzwater and watch it go from Bella Vista Distributors to Hawethorne's then Varga Bar.  I'll then head home to rest before heading to Opening Tap.  My goal tomorrow is to see if I can get my picture taken with the Hammer of Glory. I'll also try to post my tentative itinerary for the week, so if there's something you want to join me at, let me know.

Stay tuned for updates and ramblings.  Welcome to the best beer drinking city on the planet - I love Philadelphia!  

 

Inspiration

I've been reading about Epic Ales and their small, artisnal brewery.  Their brewer, Cody Morris, recently wrote an article for Beer Advocate Magazine, which if you have the most recent copy I'm quoted in regarding the recent trend of Nitro beers.  His article was inspiring, and exactly the sentiment I'm going after in my business plan.  Keep up the good work Epic. If you are in Seattle, which I think at least one fair reader is, check them out.