Mellody Brewing

Stalk much?

I know that you care, so here it is. I'll update as more events that I want to attend start to fall into place on my calendar with work, etc. Seriously, I know you really don't care what I want to do during beer week, but the purpose of the calendar is to really enable the stalkers I have out there to effortlessly find me and snap photos of me using the men's room without my knowledge. Zoom lens ladies, come prepared. (get it? I made a joke about me...sigh.) The only events you really need to know about, are Beer Camp and SSBCS.

We, we, we so excited...

 

It's been a long week here at the brewery. Planning for Beer Week, brewed another batch of beer for the SSBCS, and defending my day job in an end of year presentation that put me against five partners. The story ended well.

For those coming to the SSBSC, here's the beers to expect from myself and Saint Benjamin. 

Saint Benjamin:

Troubleshooter Pale Ale (dry hopped American pale)

Chocolate Brown Ale (English Brown)

Wit or Witout (Belgian wit)

 

Mellody Brewing:

Cask Conditioned pin of Ryeghteous Brown

Patersbier

Smellody Pale Ale (a new beer for this crowd, an oldie but goodie for long time fans of Mellody Brewing)

 

oh, and it's Friday! Enjoy.

Dear Lord I sincerely hope you're coming

 

Seemed appropriate since I saw Elvis Costello last night at the Tower.

My first unofficial event is this weekend. The South Street Mini Police Fundraiser. I'm bringing two kegs of my unnamed Patersbier. Which, by the way, I tasted last night before heading out to see Elvis and it's right where I thought it'd be. Still needs a bit more flavor, but I think it's getting there.

Interest in the Super Secret Concert Series is racketing up. Over 30 people RSVP'd so far, with almost 20 more on the fence via Facebook. Follow us on Facebook to learn more.

Beer Supper Clubs will resume after Beer Week. Also, I will be entering a contest at the Lansdale Beer Festival - so watch for that home peeps.

 

Make Some Noise

 

Beastie Boys - Make Some Noise - Free Music Videos - Top Songs

 

We're about a month out from Philly Beer Week (June 5-12) and we here at Mellody Brewing can't be more excited to be not only partaking this year in events, but participating as well. It's certainly time to MAKE SOME NOISE!

Philly BeerCamp, Saturday June 4th Time/Location TBD - come see over 20 home brewers brew with ingredients donated by Stoudts Brewing Company. At this event I'll be teaming up with New Proto Pico Brew's Chris D. to brew two beers on his home made HERMS System. Right now we're planning a Berliner Weiss and a cask of Ryeghteous Brown Ale. 

Super Secret Beer Concert Series #1 - that's right, it's happening. Monday, June 6th - 7pm at PhilaMOCA. This will be the first of hopefully many underground beer concerts. This event will feature beers from Saint Benjamin Brewing Company, myself and hopefully one other nano start up. Music will be by the rocking' TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb. There will be a $10 donation made to the PhilaMOCA to cover the cost of the space and the band. All proceeds go to PhilaMOCA. We are donating the beer for a tasting at this wonderful venue.

 

PhilaMOCA represents and exhibits works from a  hand picked collection of artists, musicians, photographers, writers, films, cinematographers, dancers, clowns, doctors, acrobats, comedians, conjurers, escapologists, matadors, strongmen, strongwomen, jugglers, strippers, martial artists, theatre folk, puppeteers, game show hosts, etc.

We are a socially responsible, "not just for profit" organization with a mission to provide a creative outlet for the local commnity, as well as bring new and interesting art and performance to Philadelphia.

 

That's it for right now...but there's a few more surprises in the works.  Details to come once we know them.

Now, get out there and MAKE SOME NOISE!!

 

 

Pick me, pick me!!

Tonight at McGillian's Ale House, Philly Beer Week is running a raffel to win a trip to Belgium with the local brewer of your choice to brew a collaboration porter for release during Philly Beer Week in June 2011.  Tickets are $5, 5 for $20, and I'm buying 1,000 tickets.  I kid, I kid, not really 2,000, I really want to go.

I am still trying to figure out what brewer I'd want to go with me, if in the rare event I were actually to win.  Picking the brewer is a big deal to me.  Do I go with a brewer I admire, or a brewery who's beers I love.  Those aren't always the same. Right now it's between Dogfish Head, Victory Brewing, Yards and Nodding Head.  I might mix it up and see what happens.  Either way, should be fun to run into some fellow beer geeks, and have a few drinks while I watch someone else win a dream trip of mine.

 

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.