Fear not; Spring WILL arrive...eventually

Brewfest Set for May 11

It may seem like the nicer weather is a long way off, but it will arrive, and that means outdoor activities for normal humans can resume. One of the best for The PubScout last year was the 2nd Annual Brewfest in historic Washington's Crossing State Park, PA, just south of New Hope. The Motorcycle Men and Mamas of the CJMRG went down in a caravan on an absolutely sparkling May day to sample the wares of 65 brewers from across the country. Food, fun, re-enactors and a chap who looked very much like the most revered of the Founding Fathers made the day a great success. The good news is that they're doing it again. The bad news is that, as you might expect, tickets go fast. Use the links below to gather info and make your plans. This is a PubScout Recommended trip, whether on two wheels or four. Or two legs or four. See you there!

WASHINGTON CROSSING, Pa. – The 3^rd Annual Washington Crossing Brewfest will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Washington Crossing Historic Park. The brewfest – which sells out each year – will feature beer sampling from more than 60 national and regional breweries, live bands and food. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Washington Crossing Park.

General admission tickets are now on sale for $40 (designated driver tickets are $10). Tickets are available at www.washingtoncrossingbrewfest.com and the following locations: Isaac Newton’s in Newtown; Continental Tavern in Yardley; Bucks Ship & Print in Yardley; and the temporary Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor’s Center at the corner of Rts. 32 and 532. The brewfest will be held on the river in the upper part of Washington Crossing Historic Park, behind the Thompson Neely House and across the street from Bowman’s Wildflower Preserve.

To keep up-to-date on the latest news about the brewfest, including bands, food vendors, and attending breweries, “like” it at www.facebook.com/washingtoncrossingbrewfest.   

Since its founding, the Friends of Washington Crossing Park has helped reopen the park for guided interpretive tours and educational programming. The group’s mission is to pursue and create fundraising, membership and volunteer opportunities. 

Boak's Magnificent Seven

Brian Boak is not only an excellent brewer, he's a helluva nice guy. His Monster Mash has been knocking them dead since its inception. So when he sends word that he and his beers will be in the area, the PubScout takes notice--and, as his is wont, shares it with you. If you make it to any of these, be sure to chat Brian up and tell him The PubScout sent you.

Cheers!

Join Brian Boak Celebrate BOAKS 5^th Anniversary, Feb. 28 at Bistro 55 on Rt 17 in Rochelle Park. 7pm till….

This is a One Time Opportunity to have 7 BOAKS Beers on Tap. It is also the only time in NJ you will be able to taste Vintage Monster Mash.

We will bring 2008, 2009 and 2013 Monster Mash, Wooden Beanie, Abbey Brown, Two Blind Monks and Double BW

Come Join us for a Beer or Seven!!

DOWNLOAD the BOAKS iPhone App

Cheers!!

Brian Boak

View Events @ www.boaks.com/boaks-events 

February 22nd 5th Anniv Party, Grey Lodge Pub, Philly, PA 7pm

February 28^th 5^th Anniv Party, Bistro 55, Rochelle Park, NJ 7pm

March 2nd Philly Craft Beer Fest @ The Navy Yard, Philly http://www.phillycraftbeerfest.com/

April 5th & 6th AC Beer and Music Festival www.acbeerfest.com

May 11th Mt Hope Brewfest Two Sessions: 11AM - 3PM & 4:30PM - 8:30PM Mt Hope Estate Manheim PA http://www.parenfaire.com/brewfest/main.php

June 15^th Crystal Springs Resort Brew Fest Hamburg NJ

Can Koch Can? Can Due!

Filmmaker Rob Dickerson and Jim Koch

After years of resistance to a beer industry trend towards canning craft beer, none other than Jim Koch has decided to take another look.
But true to his purist form--and  the dedication that made his beer company successful-- he will do so on his terms--and with his own can. read the link above.

It's a fascinating story, as well as a credit to the guy who many believe to be the catalyst of the American Craft Beer Movement. The PubScout dubs him "The Cartographer" simply because, in my humble estimation, he did nothing less than put American Craft Beer on the map. But, more than that, I have found that every SA product I have sampled in the years since I helped Koch sign The Beer Drinker's Bill of Rights in Philadelphia, whether it's on my favorite list or not, is true to style. And master brewers have shared that sentiment with me. That kind of commitment deserves kudos. (Hint: pick up some of his outstanding Double Agent IPL.)

Koch, however, would not have even made the attempt if he weren't convinced the beer could retain its authentic taste in its new digs, which is why he resisted for so long. Recent developments may soon find him a supporter of cans, but an interesting note from the article highlighting the importance of olfaction and retro-olfaction deserves mention here:

• The big discovery: Conventional cans don’t allow enough air into people’s mouths as they drink. Turns out, much of what consumers believe they taste is actually smell — that’s why food tastes so bland when people are congested. Increasing exposure to the beer’s aromas of hops and fruit can make a big difference in taste, said Roy Desrochers, a professional beer taster at GEI Consultants in Woburn.

Of course, neither do long neck bottles, which is why beer tastes best in the proper glassware.
We'll see if "better beer" can stay that way, but I wouldn't bet against  "Can-Can Koch."

Trackside Switches

I stopped in to the Rail House Pub in Rahway the other night to take in the first of their “Guest Tap” series. That’s a program initiated by Alan Maslo in which  a different brewery is invited into the pub to take command of some of the taps. The program occurs on the first Tuesday of every month. Since the first guest brewery was one of my favorites—Yard’s—I figured to grab some of my favorite Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale or two and a big juicy burger. The TJ, to my great disappointment, was unavailable. Still, my other favorite, George Washington’s Tavern Porter was up, along with the very unique Ben Franklin’s Spruce, and Yard’s Brawler, a very solid session beer.

During my visit, I learned that Maslo, who “gave birth” to the Rail House Pub concept and who has been its constant caregiver, will be picking up stakes and heading south—way south, as in Georgia—to pursue a new career opportunity.

“It’s very painful,” said Maslo. “My heart is here, and I often have debates with myself about whether I’m making the right move, but I have to do what’s best for my family.”

Taking Maslo’s place will be Jennifer Orlando, an amiable brunette stunner who takes the train to her new place of employment. “It’s so convenient,” said Orlando. “No driving or parking hassles, and a fifteen minute ride drops me right off at the Rail House front door.”

She, at least, knows where to go. In discussing ways to make the relatively new pub more visible, owner Larry Fishman, Subscout Gonzo, Maslo and I put our non-beer heads together to brainstorm about signage. With no handsome “Rail House Pub” sign hanging perpendicular to the building to attract passersby on the sidewalk, the only things that indicate there’s a pub are some of the neon signs in the window. And by the time a passerby sees them and the pub, he may be past it.

Gonzo and Larry Fishman

That’s a shame, because this intimate, brick-lined, friendly place should be—could be—a real destination, and not only because NJ Transit riders can hop off to enjoy a pint (or two) with a scrumptious burger and still have change from their 20-spot.

And with more guest breweries on tap in the coming months, the beer offerings will proliferate even further. Troeg’s from Hershey (formerly Harrisburg) will be up in march, with Six-Point and River Horse following respectively in April and May.

Here’s hoping that Jennifer and Larry can find the right formula to put the Rail House Pub on the map for more than just the locals.

And me.

Waste not; want not!

It takes grain to make beer, and once it's served its main purpose, it's usually sent to farmers as feed for livestock, where a small profit can be made, and responsible recycling can be effected. But as it turns out, shipping that spent grain costs money, and if your brewery is in Alaska, that can get to be an expensive proposition. What to do?

Apparently, the folks at the Alaskan Brewing Company have solved the problem, using their spent grains to actually power their brewery. In effect they have what they claim is now "beer-powered beer." Check out the story here.

I can recall a visit to one of the first "green breweries," New Belgium Brewing in Ft. Collins, CO during a GABF; and I thought their operation was cutting edge, importing their power from wind turbines far away, and encouraging their employees to pedal to work on company-provided bicycles.  When Fat Tire is your flagship beer, that makes marketing sense, too. Their beer was excellent, and it was comforting to know that it was being produced responsibly.

But making your beer with spent grains is another step entirely, and just another reason to like Alaska Brewing, besides its incredible seasonal Alaskan Smoked Porter.

Cheers to the Alaskan Brewing Company!

The Battle of NY and Boston: A Personal Perspective

The beer musings of Beer-Nut John Gonzalez have appeared here before. But this time, SubScout Gonzo shares his own unique perspective of the recent Battle of The Beers: NY and Boston held recently at the Edison Fox and Hound, at which he and his lovely wife JulieAnne were paying guests. One look at her, and it's easy to see he married "up." 
Herewith his offering:

What a blast my wife, JulieAnne, and I had at the Fox and Hound Monday night for the Brooklyn vs Boston Beer Bash…our first, and for sure not our last, beer dinner. For those who have never been to the Fox and Hound, this fine establishment comes dutifully equipped with plenty of large TVs, an abundance of fine dark wood, prime seating throughout, and an excellent array of beers on tap and in bottle.

Arriving early, I couldn’t wait for the dinner to start, so on the suggestion of the Pub Scout – I had 2 bottles of Founder’s Arrogant Bastard – a fine Scotch Style Ale of 8.5% ABV). The Fox and Hound looks to be real homerun location for any and all occasions when you want to turn a long day into a good night!

Pitting the Brooklyn Brewery vs. Sam Adam’s Boston Beer dynasty in a beer dinner was a most creative and inspiring concept, and both breweries gained at least one new loyal customer.

The Bash begins with a Shrimp Toast/Bruschetta combo which was very nice, served with Brooklyn Sorachi Ace and Sam Adams Tripel. Round One goes to Brooklyn on my scoreboard, hands down! I begin to understand what I’m actually doing here! Chef Michael has done his homework – matching the right beer with the right food so that your taste buds say thank you instead of…well, you know.

Round 2, the salad (What did Homer Simpson say about Salad?), was accompanied by Brooklyn’s Local One and Sam’s Tripel. I felt that the Local One HAMMERED the Tripel this round and now leaves the venerable New England juggernaut on the ropes. But not for long, rounds 3 & 4 – the pasta and entrée rounds – Sam rallies back with a great one-two punch of their own serving the Mr. Consistent Sam Adams Lager and their flavorful Griffins Bow barley wine compared to Brooklyn’s own lager and their barley wine, Monster. At this point my taste buds are doing double duty and loving it! Chef Michael has gone above and beyond pairing the right foods with the right beers. Each serving came across seamlessly and made for a great dining experience.

So it’s tied up two rounds apiece – the overtime tie breaker round comes up next! The delicate dance of pairing beer and dessert reminds me of a time in my life where I felt any and all beer goes with any and all dessert! Now that I am so much more mature, stately and well-rounded (…thanks to my dear wife), I know better.

 Brooklyn’s Black Ops versus Sam’s American Kreik turned out to be a such a tremendous battle, I had to ask for more samples! The Kreik’s light body, great aromatics, and fruitiness was superb, but it could not withstand the perfect balance the Black Ops brought to the table. A great dark color, mild sweetness and with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and a hint of citrus made it an ideal beer for dessert. A dessert itself, It could easily help me end an evening with a cigar or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

On my score card , I have Brooklyn ahead on rounds winning 3 to 2 versus Sam Adams and company. Overall it was an exceptional night and JulieAnne and I look to repeat. Hopefully soon!

Boston vs. Brooklyn--A Night to Remember

Rich Stapleton: One Happy Camper at the Fox and Hound!

After a week of bone-chilling temps--and with no football on the screen--who wants to come out to a pub on a rainy Monday night?

Well, if the pub is the Fox and Hound in Edison, and if the Chef is Michael Scofield, and if the beers are some of the finest in the country, apparently “only” 107 people.

“We’ve come a long way since our first beer dinner which welcomed just 25 guests, “ said Scofield, who is a management partner at the Fox and Hound by day, but a SuperChef by night. “What pleases me is that those same 25 are still coming out and are now part of a growing base of beer dinner fans here at The Fox and Hound.”

By utilizing an ever-more imaginative approach to his dinners, Scofield, who shows a deft hand in the kitchen, keeps packing them in. Adding a new wrinkle to this--his fourth dinner, he concocted a Battle of the Beers between Boston and Brooklyn, and for the first time in the PubScout’s extensive experience, the various courses were accompanied by two different beers instead of just one. The guests were asked to evaluate which beer went better with each dish, and their scores were tallied at the end. Even the giveaway glassware (with fancy bottle opener included) was arranged in the shape of  “B.” Sam Adams glasses on one side of the table; Brooklyn glasses on the other. And that was, unsurprisingly, another Scofield idea.

Playing on the lasting rivalry between New York and Boston, Scofield and his Shore Point point man, Gary Rosen, came up with exceptional offerings from Sam Adams (Boston) and Brooklyn Brewing. You can follow this link to see which beers accompanied which dishes.

His Fox and Hound serving gals were kept hopping delivering beers and food to the 107 guests who occupied two large rooms and packed the place. A little trivia with some very nice giveaways from the beer guys and a few (new!) jokes from yours truly kept the mood light. Because they were all supplied with pens and a scoring sheet, my personal visits to a various tables to show them the “2nd Grade Teacher Joke” seemed to bear healthy humor fruit.

Chef Michael Scofield, C.

But Scofield did not stop there. Seeking to make his next dinner even more interactive, he distributed “Build Your Own Beer Dinner” sheets, inviting guests to select the beers and the food menu for his next one. The winning entry will win two free passes to that dinner, and at $50 a pop, that’s some serious incentive.

But enough already with the blather. Who won? Boston or Brooklyn? Giants/Patriots, Knicks/Celtics or Yanks/Sox?

As the night progressed, I visited many tables to assess, in an admittedly unscientific way, how the guests were evaluating the beers. I discovered a prominent theme at many tables, and that was that the Brooklyn beers got the nod over Sams when drunk alone. But the Sams seemed to outshine the Brooklyns when paired with each dish. And that, after all, was the basis of the contest.

Indeed, the finally tally reflected that trend, as Sam Adams won every dish. To Brooklyn’s credit, the scores were close (kind of like those New York/Patriot Super Bowls) in every category except one--dessert. There Sam Adams American Kriek totally dominated Brooklyn’s exceptional Russian Imperial Stout known as “Black Ops.”

But the real winners on the night? Everyone who came out to see Scofield and his dedicated staff work their magic at his fourth Fox and Hound beer dinner.

When he announces his next one, mark your calendars.

Check out more pics here.