McGillin's Olde Ale House

My friends at McGillin's (nee The Bell in Hand) are celebrating a special anniversary--a 75th--in honor of the repeal of Prohibition. While you never need an excuse to go to this classic pub, keep in mind that your taxes are due a week later....

 

McGillin’s Olde Ale House threw open its doors the year Lincoln was elected president. That’s shortly after the Liberty Bell cracked and long before ground was broken for Philadelphia City Hall. The beer taps have been flowing since 1860 -- making it the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia. It has outlasted Strawbridge’s, the Civil War and even Prohibition.
What’s the secret? McGillin’s has become just like the fictional “Cheers”- with comraderie, good food at a reasonable price and the best selection of local & regional beers on tap.

Prohibition Repealed -- Join us for 75th Anniversary party on Mon, April 7.

Trip to Ireland - Join us for a 7-day adventure in the Emerald Isle. Our longest road trip ever!

McGillin's Olde Ale House

Beer Trivia: Test your Beer Knowledge - AOL Food

Think you know your beer facts? Many answers may surprise you!

Click the link below!  Happy Easter! Cheers!

 

Beer Trivia: Test your Beer Knowledge - AOL Food

KBC IPA--No Blueberries...

Well, beyond the bluish-purple coloring of the label, there was nothing blueberry about Kennebunkport Brewing's IPA. But it was a darned good IPA as far as style goes. Hoppy, but not blow-your-eyes-out hoppy, very nice in the nose and easy on the eyes with an absolutely beautiful color (almost looked like it had a tinge of blueberries in it)this IPA will not disappoint fanciers of the style. And the price is surely right--$5.49 a six. On my next trip to Trader Joe's, I'll definitely stock up.

Have you had a good craft brew lately? Let The PubScout know!

Cheers!

Trader Joe's Surprise

The missus dragged me to this place in Westfield, NJ named Trader Joe's. It's difficult to describe this place as anything but a mini-Wegmans--and that's high praise from me because I enjoy going to Wegman's..

But unlike Wegman's, this place sells beer and wine. I sauntered over to the beer corner and saw Sierra Nevada and some other decent commercial beers. There's also a house brand called HofBrau, which looked appealing. Trader Joe also has his own beer, a brown bag, no-frills sixer of what may be a decent session beer, but I haven't tried it --yet.

What I did try was a six of something called JosephsBrau Brewing Co. (San Jose, CA) Winterfest. Billed as a "dark double bock lager" it looked like it might be interesting. What the hey, sez I. Winter's coming to a close, and if I don't like it, I always have Mike Sella's Scotch Ale to fall down--er--back on. And at $5.49 a sixer, the price was right.

I wasn't expecting much, but JB's Winterfest was surprisingly good--malty, smooth and well-balanced, and at 7.5% ABV, it packed a decent enough kick to warm most anyone's cockles. Really nice looking beer, too, with a superb nose.

Makes me look forward to the other sixer I picked up--we beer guys have to sample these suds in the interest of the craft, you know--called simply IPA by Kennebunkport Brewing Co. I seem to recall a suggestion on the sixer  pack that hinted that this was a Blueberry IPA, but I'll fill you beer lovers in more after I try it. Also just $5.49 a sixpack, it seemed worth a leap.

What I didn't try was the "Mystery Bag" for $4.99 proffered by the salesman, who was plying his pitch on a stunning, buxom and leggy blonde of about 24 who already had two cases of mix-n-match wine in her cart. (Hey, can't blame him for trying.) But when I heard him say that you could wind up with some good beers like Corona in the bag, I decided it wasn't my, um, bag. And I knew the missus would be looking askance at me if I decided to give this innocent young lady an instant primer in beer appreciation. She was still mad at me because in Newark Airport a skycap asked if he could carry my bag, I said, "Nah. Let her walk." My trip to Trader Joe's was part penance.

Anyway, Trader Joe's in Westfield. Check it out. Be back with the IPA report later.

TavernTax.com

Get your taxes done in the pub? Get out.

I'm not connected to this outfit in any way, but I thought it was a neat idea---neat enough to share it with you. Warning: this is not an endorsement of their services or ability. You decide that on your own.

Unless, of course, they get you a huge refund. Then remember the guy who steered you their way...click the link.

Drink responsibly...especially when a few pints might color your opinion of the government that's taking your beer bucks.

TavernTax.com

What beer will you choose to toast the Super Bowl? - New York Giants Football Fan Center - NJ.com

Go here and tell The Star Ledger what beer you'll be drinking on Super Bowl Sunday!

What beer will you choose to toast the Super Bowl? - New York Giants Football Fan Center - NJ.com

Burn Awareness Week

This post is about burns, not beer. Piggy-backing off my last entry, and being fortunate enough to have Erin Varga (Hero Jimmy D'Heron's daughter) send me the information, I thought I'd share it.

Makes sense.

Read and learn.

Burn Awareness Week
February 3 - 9, 2008
Preventing Gasoline Burns

www.burnawarenessweek.org
www.ameriburn.org
www.burnsurvivor.com

"Burns and fires are the leading cause of accidental death in the home for children 14 and under and the third leading cause of accidental death for adults."
www.burnsurvivor.com

"Burns are one of the most expensive catastrophic injuries to treat. For example, a burn of 30% of total body area can cost as much as $200,000 in initial hospitalization costs and for physicians fees. For extensive burns, there are additional significant costs which will include costs for repeat admission for reconstruction and for rehabilitation."
www.burnsurvivor.com

Let's all learn more so we can help prevent burn injuries, & please feel free to share with your address book! Remember, burns can happen to anyone at any time.

In good health,
Erin