Northeast
Voodoo Brewery | Vivrant Thing
April 3, 2017 | Gregory Acero
Style: American Pale Ale | ABV: 7.1%
This past Saturday I took a drive to Voodoo Brewery in Homestead to pick up some fresh cans of Vivrant Thing. The first thing that popped into my head was that song “Vivrant Thing” by Q-tip from his album, Amplified. Some of you may remember this song or this is the first time you have heard of it, but seriously search it on iTunes and give it a listen; the song is as good as Voodoo’s beer.
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PorchDrinking Playlist | Stickman Brews
March 28, 2017 | Dan Bortz
Featured photo credit: Stickman Brews
It’s no secret that Ethan Buckman of Stickman Brews is one of my favorite figures in Pennsylvania beer. His open fermented, style-defying beers are delicious and inventive, and Ethan himself is an all around good dude. When I bothered him in the middle of a work day to ask about his brewhouse music selections, he responded quickly and enthusiastically.
Event Preview | Meeting of the Malts VI
March 28, 2017 | Samantha Story
Featured photo credit: www.brewersofpa.org
In its next installation, The Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP), the state’s official brewers guild, is hosting Meeting of the Malts VI, the association’s popular annual event that gathers the most acclaimed breweries to discuss the state of the craft beer industry.
Foolproof Brewing Co. | Shuckolate Chocolate Oyster Stout
March 22, 2017 | Carly Mento
ABV: 6%
Tucked way up the East Coast in Pawtucket, RI is Foolproof Brewing Company, an awesome group of brewers who recently released their 2017 limited edition of Shuckolate, a chocolate oyster stout!
Conshohocken Brewing Company | Tripel Deke Belgian-Style Tripel Ale
March 14, 2017 | Samantha Story
Featured photo credit: Conshohocken Brewing
ABV: 8.5%
Philadelphia suburban towns that fall along the Schuylkill River have seen quite a revitalization of both business and community in the past decade. Multi-use recreational trails are being created and communities are investing in the areas through the spawning of local businesses. With the beloved Schuylkill River Trail at their back door (literally, the trail is right through the backdoor), Conshohocken Brewing Company‘s slogan “Go where the path takes you” has been taken quite literally. The path seems to be leading people and well-garnered praise right to their front steps. Read More
Funk Brewing Co. | Silent Disco IPA
March 8, 2017 | Lora Kormos
Cover Credit: Funk Brewing Co.
ABV: 6.8% | IBU: 62
We all know that the craft beer trend is booming, but who would have guessed it was so hopping in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania? Lehigh Valley recently played host to their 4th annual Lehigh Valley Beer Week in February. Events included beer and brunch with specialty firkins, a beer can derby, a 5k race, tap takeovers, Mario Kart tournament and the Krewe de Brew Mardi Crawl, along with tons of beer specials at both local breweries and bars. Read More
Rhinegeist Is Expanding to Pittsburgh | Launch Parties March 20 – 25
March 6, 2017 | Mathew Powers
Rhinegeist had a great 2016: The Cincinnati brewery was part of the New Belgium Fat Tire and Friends Colla-beer-ation, expanded to Massachusetts and Cleveland, increased production by 80%, from 31,470 bbl in 2015 to 56,500 bbl in 2016 and grew from roughly 50 employees in 2015 to more than 200. Rhinegeist also opened a rooftop deck, the Annex and — the best part — married more than 100 couples in the new brewery.
It appears that 2017 might include the same success story. The first step involves an expansion to Pittsburgh. Folks in the Steel City can enjoy brews as early as March 6, but Rhinegeist will arrive on the 20th to help kick-off the a week’s worth of launch parties to help make it official.
Ultimate 6er | The BIG Belgian-Style Beers of Weyerbacher
March 2, 2017 | Samantha Story
Weyerbacher Brewing, located in Easton, Pennsylvania, is approximately a 90-minute drive north of Philadelphia. Known for its “big beers”, Weyerbacher has made a name for itself producing full-flavored, high-quality brews. If your taste buds are ready, this brewery is worth the drive. Read More
Blue Point Brewing Begins Distribution in Chicago
March 2, 2017 | Mike Zoller
From Long Island to the Windy City, Blue Point Brewing Company has docked in Chicago and is now available throughout the city. Illinois is the 22nd state Blue Point is now available in and is the furthest west the beer is distributed.
Southern Tier Brewing Co. | Nu Skool IPA
February 23, 2017 | Mike Zoller
ABV: 6% | IBU: 55
As fruitier and juicier IPAs crowd the market, the debate has ensued as to whether this is the best route for the beer style. Personally, I think both can coincide, and I hope that we continue to see the classic more bitter IPAs, as well as the NE-style IPAs, flourish. One excellent example of a fruity (but not over the top) IPA is Nu Skool IPA from Southern Tier Brewing Company.
PorchDrinking Playlist | Levante Brewing Company
February 21, 2017 | Dan Bortz
Featured image courtesy of Levante Brewing Company
Located in West Chester, Pennslyvania (the western suburbs of Philadelphia), Levante Brewing Company has developed a great local following. True to their founders’ Italian and Mediterranean roots, the brewers of Levante believe that high-quality ingredients are one of the keys to great beer. Brewing on a 15bbl production system and a smaller pilot system, they create a great variety of beers with a focus on very high quality. Read More
Starr Hill Brewing Expands, Yet Keeps Focus on Home in Virginia
February 20, 2017 | Stacey Goers
The largest independent craft brewery in Virginia is expanding swiftly, but doing so with intent. Starr Hill Brewery has doubled its Virginia sales team within the past year, and from July 2015 to now, has increased Virginia sales by 16 percent — and packaging in particular by 20 percent.
Event Recap | Extreme Beer Festival 2017
February 15, 2017 | Miguel Rivas
For the past 14 years, BeerAdvocate has been hosting Extreme Beer Fest. It is the ultimate throwdown of craft beer creativity. This comes as no surprise with Dogfish Head Brewery as its sponsor.
Samuel Adams | Fresh As Helles
February 15, 2017 | Mathew Powers
ABV: 5.4% | IBU: 18
Do you have a propensity to get a little fresh with blondes? If you do, go to Helles… Samuel Adams Fresh as Helles Lager, that is.
Ahh, the Munich classic provides familiar tastes that comforts one like a blanket on a cold winter’s night, and when the beer is constructed by a modern craft brewer there is the added bonus of exquisite quality and innovation. Sam Adams Fresh as Helles is that combination of classic comfort with a modern craft-beer spin.
The Ultimate Roundup | 50 Chocolate Beers for Valentine’s Day
February 13, 2017 | Danele Bova
Beer is a love language all on its own. This Valentine’s Day, show your love language by indulging in one of these chocolate-infused craft beers oozing with rich, sweet chocolate goodness. This Ultimate Round Up will help you find the ultimate chocolate beers. You can forgo the chocolates and roses this year. We won’t judge.
Spoonwood Brewing Company | 2 Minutes To Midnight
February 10, 2017 | Gregory Acero
ABV: 10.3% | IBU: 61
This past weekend my wife and I were able to make a trip to meet a few friends at Spoonwood Brewing Company. I absolutely love this brewery because of the great atmosphere for everyone, especially families with children, the entertainment, the food and, of course, the beer! I arrived and quickly grabbed their draft list and instantly my eyes picked out the words “Imperial Stout”—along side those glorious words was 2 Minutes To Midnight. Along with being a huge IPA fan, I am also big on imperial stouts and Spoonwood’s Imperial Stout was an absolute hit that night!
BREAKING | Guinness Opening First U.S. Brewery in 63 Years
February 1, 2017 | Dan Bortz
Featured Image Credit: Guinness via Diageo.com
Lovers of Guinness will soon be able to make a pilgrimage that does not involve their passport or a transatlantic flight. Guinness’ parent company, Diageo, … Read More
SweetWater and Sam Adams Bet on the Big Game
January 31, 2017 | Sarah Duffy 2
As Atlanta heats up in advance of this Sunday’s big match-up in Houston, everyone in the city is catching Falcons Fever. The affectionately nicknamed Dirty Birds head to the game for only the second time in the storied 51-year history of the Big Game and the city is convinced this is the year the Falcons will bring the iconic Lombardi Trophy home. Read More
Starr Hill Brewery | Warm Up Winter Ale
January 17, 2017 | Stacey Goers
ABV: 6.1% | IBU: 15
If a brewery says its beer pairs well with gouda and snickerdoodle cookies, you know you’re drinking the right thing.
Søle Artisan Ales | Pineapple Smoosh
January 16, 2017 | Lora Kormos 1
Style: American Double/Imperial IPA
ABV: 7.80% | IBU: 35
I glanced at my phone, bleary-eyed to see a time of 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2016. Unlike my typical weekend morning, I found myself standing outside of the Susquehanna Brewing Company building in a long line, waiting for the latest can release from their contract brewer, Søle Artisan Ales. The release was being held at noon and I had several long hours ahead of me for my first ever specialty release. Bundled up in layers upon layers of clothing and blankets, I anxiously waited in the cold Pennsylvania weather to get my gloved hands on a case of Pineapple Smoosh, one of the latest milkshake style beers.
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