Go to my even NEWER site! Click here!

Go to my NEW site!

You have arrived at The PubScout Page--actually, the OLD PubScout Page. And there's a new one, with new stories, new pictures and new features right here! Just click the link to be magically transported to my new page.

And if you have been at a recent event with me, don't forget to check the Gallery Page to see if your mug shot made it!

Cheers!
The PubScout

Hello, Goodbye, Hello!

After seven very successful years using blogger, I have made a new website here. And clicking on that link will take you to the very first post I've created. It will also tell you why I made the move if you care to know. But I raise a glass to this wonderful site and what it has enabled me to do.

There's a link on the New Page called "The Old Site" that will bring you back here if you need to go through the archives on the right side of this page. After seven years there were far too many to transfer, and I felt it would be easier to just come back here, where they are organized by date.

In addition to a page where you can read my blogs as they are posted, the new site features a Gallery of My Beer Buddies, past and present, and yours may be in there. It also has a page where you can recommend new pubs, beer bars, brewpubs or microbreweries to visit. 

Additionally, there's an Instagram feed where you can check out my quick reviews of whatever beer I'm drinking "at the moment," and an Events page where you can quickly reference where Beer Dinners and Festivals will be taking place. If you are not on my blast email list and want to be notified of new posts, there's a section that will allow you to contact me to be included.

I hope you visit often and enjoy The PubScout as you have always done. See you at my new place!

Cheers!
The PubScout

Good News, Bad News By George!

General George Washington (out of costume)

It's that time of year again, when the Friends of Washington's Crossing Park hold one of the best BrewFests in the area--The Washington's Crossing Brewfest.

In the past, this baby has had 65 quality brewers in attendance, as well as some of the finest food vendors anywhere. It's always heavily attended, and, unsurprisingly, it is sold out.

It's also an event that is Rain or Shine. The organizers provide excellent cover in the event of the first condition, and a beautiful locale in the event of the second.

I know what you're asking. "PubScout, if it's already sold out, why are you telling us?"

Two reasons. 

Number 1 is that sometimes people with tickets don't show, and they might let you in.

Number 2 is that you pay attention for next year. Because this is one fest you really don't want to miss.

But fear not. I shall sacrifice myself and report on the event, in case you can't get there or can't get in if you do.
I may even bring you out a sample as you peer through the gates with the look of a waif.

That's just the kind of guy I am.

Cheers!
The PubScout

Trap Rock Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Trap Rock Brewer Charlie Schroeder's Cake

Reservations Now Open!
Cinco De Mayo Beer Dinner on May 3

Join us for our next Beer Dinner on Tuesday, May 3.

Guests will enjoy a five-course Cinco de Mayo inspired dinner paired with hand-crafted beers from guest brewer Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company from Croydon, PA.

Seats are $85 per guest including tax and gratuity. Seating will be set for a family style, communal experience.

Reservations are now open and seating is limited. To make your reservation, please call and speak to our host at (908) 665-1755.

The PubScout will see you there!

Cheers!

The PubScout

Raising a Few to The Bard

Uno's Brewmaster Mike Sella

There were some outstanding beers flowing from the casks yesterday at Uno's on Rt. 1 in Metuchen. Of course, if you'd been reading this space in the past week, you'd have been duly alerted.

But in case you weren't, or worse, missed the event, here's just a sample of what you missed.

Dave Hoffman's Maibock...malty, balanced and dead-on style, and at 6.7% close enough for me to have been a session beer. This German kid knows how to make German beers.

Mike Sella's IPA with Azacca Hops from the hand pump. A mouth and cheek puckerer's delight, infused with that special intense citrus profile only the Azacca hop provides. The Haitian God of Agriculture would have approved. Dark City had an offering, somewhat lighter in color and mouthfeel, that was dry-hopped with Azacca as well.

Kane's Evening Bell

Kane's Evening Bell, a really top-flight American porter, at least in this reviewer's opinion, laced with notes of toffee, chocolate, vanilla and coffee. You can enjoy it any time of day, not just in the evening.

Demented's Greed, a smooth and tasty Oatmeal Stout using cinnamon (noticeable, yet not overpowering) and raisins. You'll get more pleasure from this beer by using olfaction/retro-olfaction techniques for sure, but even if you don't, it's a solid brew.

The Pubscout didn't get to enjoy Kane's Head High hopped with Galaxy, or Cypress's 17 Mile IPA with Mango and Habanero, but others in my bar vicinity expressed very positive opinions about them.

Wm. Shakespeare

It appears that this semi-annual event (begun by Mike Sella sometime in 1564 after Shakespeare's birthday) is a crowd favorite, as beer drinkers and brewers from around the area were on hand to sample beers from other breweries as well as their own.

I will be sure to apprise you of the next one. 

To be [there] or not to be [there]...that is the question. 
Guess which answer I choose...

Cheers!
The PubScout

This Just In! Beers for Uno's Cask Fest Announced

Emily

As reported here days ago, Mike Sella's hosting a Cask Ale Fest at Uno's tomorrow. I'd like to think it's in honor of Shakespeare's birthday, but, alas, poor Yorick, I'm a realist.

Anyway, here are the brews that will be available:

Uno's Ikes IPA dry hopped with Azacca

Kane Evening Bell

Kane Head High dry hopped with Galaxy

Little Dog Macaroon.....porter with chocolate and coconuts

Climax Maibock

Demented Greed  Oatmeal stout with cinnamon and raisins

Cypress 17 Mile IPA with mango and habanero

Dark City One Way Street  Session IPA dry hopped with Azacca

I don't know about you, but those Azacca hops ring my bell. And Dave Hoffman's Maibock, along with Gretchen Schmidhausler's Macaroon? Are you serious?

And Kane? And Cypress? And Demented? And Dark City? Get outta town!

Especially if your town isn't on Rt. 1 in Metuchen from noon till whenever tomorrow.

I'll be waiting for you.

We'll hoist a pint to Shakespeare.

Cheers!

The PubScout