Philly Craft Beer Fest

On March 3rd, we attended the Philly Craft Beer Fest. There were over 50 Breweries and over 120 Beers from the US. A special tribute goes out to Sebbie from Rogue, pictured to the left. She is the character featured on Rogue Chocolate Stout! I learned that was her 10th Anniversary present from Rogue! I tried all the Rogues including Morimoto Soba Ale, and the Morimoto Black Obi Soba Ale. In addition, in time for St. Patrick's Day Kell's Irish Style Lager. The best was meeting Sebbie, a true Rogue advocate.

The second highlight was LOCAL 1 from Brooklyn Brewery. It's Brooklyn's first 100% bottle conditioned Belgian-inspired ale and as Garret Oliver has been quoted saying, it's produced using "Methode Brooklynnasie." I hear it's paired well with spicy seafood and fine cheeses. Brooklyn Brewery celebrated this past Friday night, and bottles sell for $10.

I would recommend the HopBack Amber Ale, from Troegs, Harrisburg, PA. It received Philadelphia Mag's Best Local Beer of 2006. From Cherry Hill, NJ, Flying Fish Brewing Co. Hopfish IPA wasn't bad. I read it's dry-hopped for two weeks with 22lbs of Nugget whole leaf hops.

Kudos to Black Dog Ale from Montana making it's way east. They work with local humane societies across the country and a portion of their sales go to local groups across the country. Honey Raspberry is a good one for usually non-beer drinkers. Last beer of the day was from Dogfish, and I am starting to become a Dogfish Head for sure... the Dogfish Aprihop, is a "serious IPA." Cheers!