LVcraftbeer

The MINT - Bethlehem's Shiny New Gastropub

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:27:00 -0400

Before the MINT opened, we heard a lot of rumors that it was going to be yet another Italian joint in B-Town (yawn). But then - the sign went up: “The Mint Gastropub.” Woohoo! A gastropub next to our favorite bottle shop? Yes please!

For those of you who are not yet aware of this recently-opened gastropub in Bethlehem, The MINT is located at 1223 West Broad Street - right next to Abe’s in a former Bank of America branch (Get it now? The MINT? A bank? Clever stuff.) The vault of the bank remains, there’s money-themed art on the walls, and the napkin rings are repurposed currency bands. The style and atmosphere of the place isn’t like anything we’ve seen in this area - it’s reminiscent of Philly’s Continental, but with it’s own special vibe.

The food is an extremely eclectic mix with very unique and interesting combinations and a focus on presentation. The bits and bobs (apps) will run you $9 a piece and the entrees go for $17. If you don’t want to break the bank (pun intended), you can always stick with the “hands on” section of the menu with items like lobster roll with sweet potato fries for ten bucks.

Now on to the important stuff - the beer. The current draft list includes 4 Victory beers, including Donnybrook Stout which is all but impossible to find on draft. The bottle list features about 70 beers - Dogfish Head World Wide Stout, Lost Abbey Carnevale, Mikeller Not Just Another Wit, Liefman’s Goudenband, and old favorites like Bell’s Two Hearted, Rogue Shakespere Oatmeal Stout, and Brooklyn Brown Ale, just to name a few. They plan to increase the bottle list to upwards of 200 beers, incorporate beer cocktails into the menu, and have already started cellaring beers to provide vintage selections in the future. There’s even a rumor circulating that there may be a MINT/Victory signature beer in the works.

The MINT also plans to have monthly beer dinners, the first of which will take place on Thursday, June 30 and will be hosted by Victory Brewing’s VP, Steve German. This intimate affair with only 25 spots will include five courses including dessert, paired with Victory’s V-12, Summer Love, Donnybrook Stout, Golden Monkey and Hop Devil. Click here for the event page and a peek at the menu. Book your reservation now to be sure to get in on this event. Give them a call at 610-419-3810 for more info and to reserve your seat, or better yet, stop in for a beer and ask for details. You’re likely to see a few familiar faces - the MINT’s staff are no strangers to good beer, coming from craft beer establishments like Tap and Table and The Brew Works.

The MINT is still in it’s soft opening phase, so things may change a bit down the line as they get into the flow of things, but we think they are off to a great start. We raise our glasses and welcome them to the Lehigh Valley’s craft beer scene!

HiJinx Brewing Company: Allentown's New Nano Brewery Startup

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:53:00 -0400

We’re always happy to hear about new places opening in the Lehigh Valley that will help to develop our growing craft beer scene. So you can imagine our excitement to learn about HiJinx Brewing Company, a new nano brewery which is set to open in Allentown later this year.

Curt Keck, founder of HiJinx Brewing Company, is no stranger to the world of brewing. He began brewing back in 1995 to satisfy his passion for great beer. After a stint as Assistant to the Brewmaster with the now defunct Allentown-based Old Lehigh Brewing Company (remember Bust A Nut Brown Ale? We do!), Curt served as Senior Brewer at Weyerbacher Brewing Company in Easton until his departure from professional brewing in 1999. In fact, he tells us that Weyerbacher’s Blithering Idiot is a scaled-up version of one of his homebrew recipes.

Curt’s Porter recipe earned him first place at the Drunk Monk Challenge in Chicago in 2009, making it eligible for the Masters Championship of Amateur Brewing where it received a gold medal. More recently, it won first place and was runner-up for Best in Show at the 2011 War of the Worts competition in Montgomeryville, PA. But Curt is no one trick pony, and his Porter is surely not his only award-winning beer. He has also won gold medals at various competitions for his Imperial Stout, ESB, Wit, Brown Ale, Belgian Dark Strong Ale and American Lager. These craft beers will soon be available to the masses through the HiJinx Brewing Company.

HiJinx has obtained local approval and is now pending federal approval with the hopes of opening in November 2011. The HiJinx Brewery will be based in Allentown, near the intersection of Route 22 and Cedar Crest Boulevard. Though now brewing on a 1/2 barrel system (not unlike the system that Sam Calagione used to start Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales), HiJinx will be brewing on a custom 1.5 BBL system once it is operational, with an expected capacity of 100 BBL. (As a side note - a BBL is a barrel of beer equaling 31 gallons, so we’re talking about a lot of beer!) Curt is trying to complete funding of his new system through a kickstarter.com campaign that will begin sometime in mid June.

HiJinx with be self-distributing at first, with 22oz bottles and sixtels, and will focus on getting accounts at craft beer-friendly establishments like The Liberty Street Tavern. Look for his award-winning Porter, ESB, Wit, Stout, Belgian Strong Ale, American Session Ale and IPA to be his first offerings, but keep in mind that Curt is a ‘no limits’ brewer who doesn’t mind taking chances. Recent experiments with new ingredients, new twists on classic styles, and brewing with herbs and spices means there will be a constant rotation of unique beers from HiJinx. Curt’s brewing philosophy is to think of beer like food: “The best food is prepared by a chef in a restaurant and not in a factory,” he says. He is a hands-on brewer and intends to remain that way with HiJinx. Taking pride in every batch and care in every step of the brewing experience in order to produce a quality product is Curt’s goal in brewing.

Curt also acknowledges the growing appreciation for craft beer in the Lehigh Valley and feels the establishments that serve quality beer here will continue to enjoy a steady growth. “There are a few groups in the area that are helping to expand the beer consumers palate through education and exposure,” explains Kurt. “The Lehigh Valley Homebrewers, who have given a number of seminars at various events around the Valley, take various examples of classic styles brewed by their membership, and explain what makes them what they are.” He also mentions other local beer groups such as the Lehigh Valley Beer Society. “These groups will only help to increase the demand for craft beers in this area,” says Curt.

Curt will be representing HiJinx at the PBS39 Microbrew Festival this Saturday. Expected to be available for sampling are Prankster’s Porter, HiJinx ESB, AsA (an American Session Ale), Hop Havoc IPA, Earth, Wit, & Fire, Java Porter, and he may slip Steal Your Face Stout into the mix for a limited tasting. Be sure to stop by the HiJinx booth, say hello to Curt, and tell him you where you heard about HiJinx!

Learn more about HiJinx:

HiJinxbrewing website

Follow HiJinx Brewing Company on Twitter

Like HiJinx Brewing Company on Facebook

Meet Alexander Clare

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:56:41 -0400

If you’re in tune with either the Lehigh Valley craft beer scene or art scene (or both), chances are you know the name Alexander Clare. If you don’t, you should.

Alex is, quite simply, a very cool and talented guy who who is making his mark in both the art world and the world of craft beer. Most of you have undoubtedly been to the Brew Works or sipped a Brew Works beer at some point in your life, which means Alex has made his mark on you too. He is responsible for most of the Brew Works beer label illustrations, including Space Monkey, Insidious, Monkey Wrench, and Blueberry Belch. You’ll also see his work on the majority of the brewery chalkboards. His work on the Brew Works’ labels has helped them gain nominations for Best Label Art in Best of Philly Beer Scene 2010, as well as honors at the Design, Drink, and Be Merry exhibit at the Reading Goggle Works.

Alex has also recently been competing in the Lehigh Valley Art Wars, a live art event in which artists are given a two hour timeframe to complete a work of art on the spot based on a broad theme. The art is voted on by both audience and jury, and two artists from each event move on to the next round. Sixteen artists have been narrowed down to four for the final event. Alex is one of the finalists who will be competing tonight at Mayfair for the grand prize.

Alex has only lived in the Lehigh Valley for a few years, but he recognizes the same thing here that we do - the potential for remarkable growth on many levels. “I love living in the Lehigh Valley,” explains Alex. “I feel like I’m a part of an exploding scene for both art and craft beer here - like I got in at the ground level and it will just keep growing. It’s exciting to be involved in that.”

We met Alex about a year ago on one of our Molly’s Micro Monday excursions, where you’ll often find him, craft beer in hand, chatting with various folks about beer and art. He’s been a supporter of our website and what we are doing since the beginning. And now, he’ll be playing an active role in it. We’re happy to announce that, in addition to his many other endeavors, Alex has recently joined the LVcraftbeer team!

Check out Alex’s work on his website at www.alexandertheart.com, or better yet, come out to the Art Wars Finale tonight from 8-10 pm at Mayfair and see Alex in action. We’ll be there cheering him on, and we hope you’ll join us!

Art Wars photos courtesy of Elaine Zelker Photography.

Beers for the Rapture

Fri, 20 May 2011 19:34:44 -0400

Since the rapture is upon us, we figured we’d better swing by Abe’s for one “final” visit and pick up some goodies to share with our friends and loved ones as the end draws near.

As we say our goodbyes and send everyone off with well-wishes (wherever they may be going) we’ll be toasting our memories with a Pretty Things Field Mouse’s Farewell, a 7% ABV Golden Ale brewed with barley, wheat, oats, and rye.

We’ll follow our Farewell with a Nogne O Dark Horizon 3rd Edition, while we look ahead and ponder the mystery of our unknown fate. This Russian Imperial Stout with a whopping 15.5% ABV is sure to either ease our worries or lead us into a steady spiral of self-doubt.

Next, as we come to accept the impending doom that is soon to follow, we’ll be sipping on a Brouwerij Het Alternatief Bitter Truth, a 10% ABV Belgian Ale.

Once the sky turns dark and lightning crackles in the distance or whatever is supposed to happen, we will move on to an 7.8% ABV Left Hand Fade to Black Smoked Baltic Porter. After all these high ABV beers, I don’t know if we’d even notice a hurricane or swarms of locusts.

When everyone starts being taken one by one, we’ll send them off with a nice pint of Rogue Dead Guy Ale. This 6.5% maibock should take the edge off for those who are afraid of heights. And I mean, they’re going to be dead in like a couple minutes, right? Might as well have one last beer.

Finally, we figure good beer might be allowed in the afterlife, so we wanted to be personally prepared. So what better or more appropriate beer to be packing on a journey up to the clouds than Stone Levitation Ale? It’s a 4.4% amber ale, nice and tame - so just in case we get in trouble for bringing in outside beverages, at least we didn’t have that 15.5% Dark Horizon on us. Although, what if we’re in that group that doesn’t float up to the sky? Crap. Maybe we should’ve picked up some Russian River Damnation.

Weyerbacher Beerscool Dinner Tonight at Starters Riverport in Bethlehem

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:30 -0400

It’s the third Wednesday of the month and that means it’s time for Beerscool at Starters Riverport! Tonight they’ll be featuring a Weyerbacher Beer Dinner and a rep from the brewery will be on hand to tell you all about their delicious locally brewed beer while you enjoy it! Beer selections include Double Simcoe IPA, Verboten, Blanche, Merry Monks and Blithering Idiot. The menu, prepared by Starters chef Dan Adams, includes some amazing creations: Cheddar-Stilton with peaches and crustini, shrimp and grits, southern fried chicken, yukon gold mashed potatoes, cheddar-stilton mac ‘n cheese, smokey collard greens, and black raspberry ice cream and watermelon ice with whipped cream and mint. YUM!

The dinner starts at 7pm tonight and will run you $30 per person, but it’s well worth it for all of that awesome beer, food, and knowledge! Call 610-625-2300 to reserve your seats.

Philadelphia Brewing Co. comes to the Liberty Street Tavern in Allentown - tonight!

Thu, 12 May 2011 13:31:37 -0400

For the first time locally, Philadelphia Brewing Company’s great selection of beers will be on tap at the Liberty Street Tavern in Allentown. You can stop by tonight from 7:00pm - 11:00 pm for an $8 flight that includes Kennzinger (a Philly favorite!), Pennsylvania Pale Ale, Rowhouse Red, and Fleur de Lehigh. There will also be giveaways - and you know you can always use another beer-branded t-shirt or pint glass.

The Liberty Street Tavern, located at 2246 W Liberty St in Allentown, also has hundreds of bottles to choose from and some great food (try the boardwalk-style fries), so even if you can’t make it tonight, be sure to get in there soon!

CRAFT BEER EVENTS IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

Mon, 09 May 2011 19:59:35 -0400

There’s always something to do in the Lehigh Valley if you like craft beer! Our events page can help you plan your week around the craft beer scene. Check it out for special events as well as ongoing weekly and monthly events. We update this page as frequently as possible, but if you see something that we’re missing, be sure to let us know!

Craft Beer Conversion

Sun, 08 May 2011 14:21:11 -0400

Despite the exploding craft beer scene throughout the country and the never ending variety of beer styles that now exist, there are still those people out there who claim they “don’t like the taste of beer” or swear by only the standard macros. We know you’ve got at least one of these in your entourage, be it your Appletini-swilling girlfriend or your buddy who doesn’t leave the house without a case of Miller Lite by his side. Chances are, most of these people are simply uneducated about the vast variety of styles and flavors that exist in the beer spectrum. So we’ve compiled a list of a few brews that are most likely to convert even the biggest non-believers to fellow appreciators of the most versatile beverage in the world - BEER.

1. Lindeman’s Framboise (raspberry), Cassis (black currant), Pecheresse (peach), Pomme (apple), Kriek (cherry), or Faro: The fruit varieties are very mild and sweet, and are a great way to introduce non-beery beers to someone who tends to prefer fruity martinis or wine. Each of the varieties listed above are lambic beers with fruit or other infusions added. The Faro is a wild-fermented wheat beer using new and old lambics and candied sugar with a taste similar to a sweet sparkling wine. To learn more about the brewing process for this special variety of beer, click here.

2. Blanche De Bruxelles: Though there are many different witbiers out there, we suggest avoiding the most commercially available - Blue Moon. Blanche De Bruxelles is our favorite witbier, and is unintimidating enough to serve to your friend who typically sticks with Miller Light or Michelob Ultra. This light, refreshing, 4.5% ABV witbier is made with coriander and orange peel which gives it a unique taste without an overpowering fruit flavor. Plus the peeing cherub on the label is a great conversation-starter.

3. Southern Tier Creme Brulee Imperial Milk Stout: This beer’s ABV is up there at 9.6%, but it tastes like a decadent milkshake laced with caramel, vanilla, and coffee flavors. Quite tasty but certainly not a session beer, so if you’re serving this to someone who’s not into beer, don’t expect them to want a whole pint of this stuff. Still, a great way to give a non-beer drinker a taste of the variety of craft beers that are out there.

4. Duchesse De Bourgogne: This Flemish Red Ale has a fruity taste and moderate ABV (6%), but also a bit of complexity and a sour end. Some folks with less tolerant tastebuds may be turned off by the sour finish, but we’ve served this beer to friends and moms who don’t like beer at all, and received a great response. If this beer proves to be a hit for you, we also recommend Monk’s Cafe Flemish Red or Jolly Pumpkin La Roja.

5. Brew Works Valley Golden Ale: This American Blonde Ale has been called a “gateway beer” by some. It cannot be purchased in bottles but you can find it on tap at any of the 3 Brew Works locations. Those with a taste for complex beers full of character may find this beer a little boring, but for those who are used to swilling macros this is a great stepping stone. It’s very mild and drinkable, has a low ABV of 4.7%, and is often recommended to new Brew Works customers who come into the brewpub asking the bartender for a light beer.

One great way to introduce different styles of beer to friends who are not really into the craft beer culture (yet) is to take them to a beer and food pairing or a sampling event. Wegmans Bethlehem and Allentown locations are both hosting a FREE beer and food pairing on Saturday, May 21 from 11am-3pm. Take your friends and show them how great beer can complement any meal. Or - stop by the Weyerbacher Brewery in Easton any Saturday between 12noon and 3pm for a FREE tour and tastings of all their beers. The Brew Works Allentown also holds FREE tours and tastings every Saturday from 12noon - 1:30pm, but you’ll have to contact them in advance to schedule your tour.

The Elusive Search for Craft Beer in Mexico City

Thu, 05 May 2011 09:30:00 -0400

Guest Post by Laura Nazimiec of gomexicoguide.com

Craft beer can be a lot harder to come by in Mexico City than it is in the Lehigh Valley, especially if you’re not sure where to look. If you’re a craft beer connoisseur, one of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in Mexico is the limited choice of brews. Restaurants, bars and corner stores all seem to offer the same small selection of beers produced by one of Mexico’s two major beer companies - Mexico City-based Grupo Modelo (Corona, Negra Modelo, Victoria) and Monterrey-based Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma (Tecate, Dos Equis, Bohemia) - the only question that remains is which company’s brands they’ll carry.

Finding a beer in Mexico that isn’t produced by one of the two big companies is often a daunting task. Having lived in Philadelphia for years before moving to Mexico, I became accustomed to quality bottle shops like the Foodery and the endless variety of craft beer at world-renowned spots like Monk’s Cafe and Eulogy. Fortunately, here in Mexico City, a Mexican craft beer revolution has begun - welcome news for those of us craving a choice of brews. Some restaurants and bars in the more central neighborhoods of Mexico City are beginning to offer a small selection of craft beers on their menu and a couple craft beer corner stores are popping up as well. The most recent of these is El Deposito, which opened its doors several months ago.

Still, the selection of Mexican independent, non-monopoly produced brews is small and most continue to be produced in Guadalajara or here in Mexico City. Primus Brewery, the producer of Tempus beers, is helping to lead the fight to introduce more artisinal Mexican beers into the marketplace and many of the small local producers are banding together to share importing costs and encourage the growth of a craft beer culture. In addition to Tempus, other Mexican artisinal brews that you’re likely to find include Cucapá, Malverde and Minerva.

When you travel to Mexico City, be sure to stop at El Deposito in Condesa and La Belga in Roma Norte, two of the best places in the city to check out the Mexican craft beer scene. The beer at La Belga is only available for take-out, so if you’re planning to be out all day exploring the city then El Deposito is your best bet. El Deposito carries over 100 craft beers from around the world including eight artisinal Mexican brews, including a few on tap. At El Deposito you can grab a seat at the open-air bar and watch the action on the avenue as you relax and sip your brew. If you happen to be here during the summer rainy season, it’s a great place to wait out the daily afternoon rainstorm.

I recently made a trip to El Deposito to sample my first Mexican craft beer. At MX$50 ($4) a bottle, my Minerva Viena cost more than twice the price of any of the beers produced by the big two companies. This price tag is typical of Mexican craft beer, but well worth it if you’re after a little variety. Part corner store, part craft beer bar, the atmosphere at El Deposito is casual and relaxed with a friendly and knowledgeable staff who even speak a bit of English - great news if you don’t speak a lot of Spanish but still want to understand where the beers are originating from. I’m already planning my next visit back to El Deposito to sample more Mexican artisinal beers - maybe I’ll see you there!

El Deposito is located at Baja California 375 in the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City and is easily reached by Metro - the closest station is Patriotismo.

Laura Nazimiec is a freelance travel writer based in Mexico City. Originally from Philadelphia, she recently spent a year backpacking in Latin America. Visit her website, gomexcicoguide.com, to learn about Mexican travel destinations, culture and cuisine.

CHEDDAR BUFFALO MONSTER CHILI - A Tribute to Bethlehem's Chili Festival

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 06:30:06 -0400

In honor of today’s annual Bethlehem Chili Fest (also known as Spring on Fourth, What’s on Third?), we thought we’d hand over our favorite homemade chili recipe, which of course, includes beer. No messin’ around here folks, this is one big-ass bowl of beer and bison deliciousness. So about 3 weeks from now when you’ve recovered from the gastrointestinal duress you are sure to endure today, try this on for size. For now, let it whet your whistle for the chili feast at hand.

CHEDDAR BUFFALO MONSTER CHILI

Serves 4
Time to prepare: approx. 15 min prep, 5 hours to cook

2 lbs ground bison meat (we use Great Range all-natural bison meat, which can be found at Wegmans)
2 - 8oz. cans cannellini beans (other beans may be substituted)
4 Roma plum tomatoes, diced
2 white onions, diced
3 cloves garlic
2 tbsp. sea salt
dash of pepper
1 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. fresh cilantro (dried cilantro may be used)
Cayenne red pepper to taste
Louisiana Red Chile Hot Sauce to taste
1/2 lb. Adams Reserve white sharp cheddar, cubed
1 cup Terrapin Brewery Big Hoppy Monster Imperial Red Ale

There is no need to cook the meat in advance in this recipe. Rinse beans. Add all ingredients, including cheese, to a crock pot and cook on high for 1 hour. If mixture seems too watery, add 1 tsp. of masa harina to thicken. Switch to the low setting and cook an additional 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

We'll be back - and better than ever!

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:30:00 -0500

OK Lehigh Valley, we heard you. Thanks to our loyal fans and supporters of the Valley’s craft beer scene, we will be expanding our staff and will continue to bring you all the best craft beer news the area has to offer.

We’ll be going through some transitions in the upcoming months, so hang in there and please check back often as we update and improve our site, Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare pages.

In the mean time, please continue your support of our local beer scene. Below are some links to some other Lehigh Valley craft beer resources and friends of LVcraftbeer.

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

Arctic Alchemy www.arcticalchemy.com A truly unique and awesome adventure/movie/beer that all started with a 157-year old bottle of beer and local award-winning brewer and beer historian, Chris Bowen.

The ElVee www.theelvee.com News and reviews of local food, drink, events and venues.

CLUBS AND EVENTS

Lehigh Valley Beer Society click here for facebook page Informal club that meets at various times throughout the year to discuss and discover craft beer.

Starters Beerscool click here for facebook page Monthly educational beer dinner/pairings at Starters Riverport.

Lehigh Valley Homebrewers Society www.lehighvalleyhomebrewers.org Brewing club for all levels of homebrewers.

BREWERIES AND BREWPUBS

Weyerbacher Brewing Co www.weyerbacher.com 15-year old craft beer brewery with a 20,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility located in Easton, PA. Offers free walk-in tours and tastings every Saturday from 12-3.

The Brew Works www.thebrewworks.com Brew pub and restaurant with 3 locations in Bethlehem and Allentown. Many weekly, monthly, and special craft beer events at each location. Free tours of the Allentown brewery every Saturday from 12-2 with appointment.

RESTAURANTS AND PUBS

Molly’s Irish Grille www.mollysbethehem.com South Side Bethlehem Pub and Restaurant offering a vast selection of $3 microbrews every Monday.

Keystone Pub www.keystonepub.comBethlehem PA pub and restaurant offering microbrew specials every Saturday.

Liberty Street Tavern www.libertystreettavern.com Beer-only pub in Allentown PA with incredible draft selections, beer events, and amazing bottle list featuring over 300 beers.

Starfish Brasserie www.starfishbrasserie.com Restaurant and bar in Bethlehem, PA featuring craft beer on tap and in bottles. Hosts various beer/food events.

The Farmhouse www.thefarmhouse.com Restaurant in Emmaus, PA featuring farm-to-table seasonal menus and an impressive craft beer selection on tap and in bottles, including vintage beers. Hosts various beer events and pairings.

The Bookstore www.thebookstorespeakeasy.com Unique bar and restaurant on Bethlehem’s South Side with a speakeasy-style atmosphere and live music. Features delicious food, incredible cocktails and a selection of craft beer on draft and in bottles.

Porter’s Pub www.porterspubeaston.comPub in Easton with a sizable list of craft beers in bottles and on draft. Tasty pub fare and live music. Hosts Meet the Brewer events and organizes guided international adventures.

Pearly Bakers www.pearlybakers.netAle house and restaurant in Easton with a nice rotating craft beer draft list, live music and good food.

The Pub on Main www.thepubonmain.comHistoric pub in Macungie featuring large microbrew bottle list.

The Spinnerstown Hotel www.spinnerstownhotel.comA bit outside the Lehigh Valley, but certainly worth the drive. Extensive bottle and draft list, hosts events and flight specials. And they have an enormous stained glass Chimay sign in their window - always a good sign.

DISTRIBUTORS, BOTTLE SHOPS, AND SUPPLIES

Abe’s Cold Beer www.abescoldbeer.com Craft beer heaven. Out of this world variety of craft beers from across the globe, available by the bottle.

Keystone Homebrew Supply www.keystonehomebrew.com Supplies for all your homebrewing needs, located on the lower level of the Main Street Commons in Bethlehem.

Shangy’s click here for facebook page Beer distributor in Emmaus, PA with the most incredible selection around. You’ll find almost anything you’re looking for here.

Stockertown Beverage www.stockertownbeverage.com Specialty Beer Distributor located in Stockertown, PA.

Tanczos www.tanczos.com Beer distributor with locations in Bethlehem and Northampton. Good variety of craft beers and often holds events and tastings.

Reader Poll: What are Your Favorite Winter Seasonals?

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 15:59:42 -0500

As the holidays draw nearer and the days get colder, the pumpkin and harvest beers start to fade from the shelves and we welcome the warming, hearty brews of the holiday season. Winter and holiday beers are some of our favorites - indulgent barleywines and spicy ales that tickle the tastebuds as we celebrate the season with friends and loved ones. Before we give you our opinion on what we think are the most enticing beers of the season, we’d like to know your thoughts. What are your favorite winter and holiday beers? CLICK HERE to tell us.

OctoberPreneurFest - Meet and Mingle with Beer Entrepreneurs!

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:28:20 -0400

This Monday, October 18th, the Lehigh Entrepreneurs Network brings you OctoberPreneurFest, giving you the opportunity to meet and mingle with entrepreneurs in the beer industry. If you like to homebrew, are thinking about starting a brewery, or just enjoy talking about beer, come out and meet others who share your passion. The event will take place in the Steelgarden Lounge in the Bethlehem Brew Works from 6-8pm, and will include tastings, light refreshments, and prizes.Click here to register for the event (the password is beer). The first 50 registrants receive free tastings. We hope to see you there!

Craft Beer at the Keystone Pub

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:29:48 -0400

If you haven’t been to the Keystone Pub lately (or ever), it’s about time for you to stop by. Keystone is one more great place to go to check out the Lehigh Valley craft beer scene. Located on Easton Avenue in Bethlehem, they’ve got a quality craft beer selection and offer a $3.50 all-day Saturday microbrew special.

Just to wet your whistle, below is what you’ll find currently at the Keystone to satisfy your craft beer thirst.

Draft:
Dogfish Head 60 Minute
Stoudt’s Gold
Stoudt’s Oktoberfest
Victory Hop Devil
Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale
Yard’s Pale Ale

Bottles:
Abita Purple Haze
Atwater Dirty Blonde
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
Brooklyn Lager
Buffalo Bill’s Blueberry
Buffalo Bill’s Orange Blossom
Dogfish Head Raison D’Etre
Founders Breakfast Stout
Flying Dog Raging Bitch
Flying Fish Exit 4
Flying Fish Exit 6 (25oz)
Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale
Lancaster Hop Hog
Lancaster Strawberry Wheat
Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat
Magic Hat #9
Magic Hat Hex
Magic Hat HI.P.A.
Magic Hat Odd Notion
Rogue Dead Guy Ale
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Terrapin Brown India Pale Ale

Tomorrow’s Saturday, so what better time to check out the Keystone and have some $3.50 craft brews? Maybe we’ll see you there!

Bethlehem Brewer Chris Bowen Travels to Britian as Guest Speaker for CAMRA

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 19:55:00 -0400

Guest Post by LauraLynne Burtner

Bethlehem beer historian, award-winning home brewer, and extreme brewing enthusiast Christopher Bowen traveled to Burton-on-Trent, England, at the invitation of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) to be their guest speaker at an event taking place today, October 1, 2010. Bowen’s address to CAMRA recounts his travel experience and the inspiration behind his mission “Arctic Alchemy: Discoveries of the Red Hand,” an extreme brewing and motorcycling expedition that was completed this summer and is set to become a documentary film next year. “I am honored that CAMRA is interested in my work,” Chris explained. “Going to Burton-on-Trent brings this adventure full circle - this is where the story of Arctic Alchemy begins.”

Located 2½ hours northeast of London, Burton-on-Trent grew to become one of England’s most prolific beer producing towns by the mid-19th century. It is the headquarters of world-renowned Bass Ale, and is also where Allsopp’s Arctic Ale was produced in the 1850’s. Queen Victoria commissioned the manufacture of Allsopp’s Arctic Ale to fortify sailors who undertook dangerous explorations in search of the Northwest Passage to the Orient. It is this fabled ale that Bowen recreated from the original historic recipe using glacial waters of Northern Quebec on the Banks of the Hudson and James Bay using his handcrafted portable brewing system. Bowen brought Fegley’s Arctic Ale, a beer he made with Bethlehem BrewWorks from the same recipe, to share with CAMRA members.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is a UK-based, independent, voluntary, consumer organization, which campaigns for real ale, real pubs, and consumer rights. Corporate entities, such as breweries and pubs are not members. There are over 100,000 individual members.

Christopher Bowen made news in the Summer of 2010 with his extreme brewing adventure, “Arctic Alchemy: Discoveries of the Red Hand,” which was featured in Forbes Magazine, Philadelphia Daily News, The Morning Call and on Lehigh Valley’s WDIY radio.

Previously he made news as the first reenactor of Johannes Sebastian Goundie, celebrated 19^th century personality, civic leader, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania’s first official brew master. Bowen has made appearances and recreated a historic brewery for several outdoor festivals and his research was the basis for Historic Bethlehem Partnership’s 2009 - 2010 “Roll Out the Barrel” exhibit at the Goundie House.

Bowen’s first crowning achievement was a 2007 Gold Medal award in partnership with Bethlehem BrewWorks’ Beau Baden in the Pro-Am competition at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO. after only one year of amateur brewing.

For more information about Bowen’s Arctic Adventure, visit www.arcticalchemy.com.

A Note to Our Tipsters - Who are you?

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:24:23 -0400

We love getting any and all new tips about craft beer events, news, and current craft beers on tap! However, we don’t always know who is sending them. We don’t post tips or updates that are sent anonymously and cannot be verified through a bar/brewery/restaurant website, because we want to be sure we are posting accurate information. So for all you anonymous tipsters out there, keep the tips coming but please give us a little info about who you are or where you are getting your info when you submit through our “Contact Us” link. Your contact information/title/affiliation will not be shared or made public (unless you want it to be). You can also feel free to contact us directly at info@LVcraftbeer.com or 484-893-0693. Thanks for your support, and cheers!

Featured Beer: Flying Fish Exit 6 Wallonian Rye Belgian Style Ale

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:14:57 -0400

Flying Fish Exit 6 Wallonian Rye Belgian Style Ale was created as a collaboration brew for Phialdelphia Beer Week 2010 with brewers from Stewart’s Brewing Company’s and Nodding Head Brewery. The beer uses locally grown New Jersey rye along with English East Kent Goldings, Slovenian Styrian Goldings and Japanese Sorachi Ace hops to create a unique flavor combination. Golden yellow in color with aroma of apples, pears, and mellow lemon with a bit of sweetness. Taste is sharp and yeasty, slightly chalky, with lemon and pepper. Very effervescent. Little rye flavor, sweet aftertaste. Definitely different from any rye we’ve ever tasted. 7.5% ABV.

Abe's = Love.

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 17:42:00 -0400

You’ve heard us mention Abe’s six pack shop many times on our website because well, to us, Abe’s = Love. And we love Abe’s. Yeah, sounds sappy. But who doesn’t love to walk into a room to discover rack after rack of rare beers available for purchase by the bottle? Craft beer lovers from near and far come to bask in the glow of the fluorescent lighting, stroll the aisles in amazement, and hear that elusive Imperial IPA whispering sweet nothings in their ear. Hell, we even know a married couple who met at Abe’s while browsing the mix-a-six cooler and lived happily ever after. Love is in the air at Abe’s.

Perhaps this is because there is more to Abe’s than just it’s reputation as craft beer heaven in the Lehigh Valley. We had a chance to talk with owner Abe Zegeye at length when we ran into him grabbing a cup of coffee in Bethlehem a few months back. In addition to being one of the most personable guys we know, he is a truly inspiring individual. He talked with us about the various ventures he has pursued since coming to America over 20 years ago. “If you want to be successful at something, all you have to do is apply yourself,” he told us. And he is living proof. Abe’s efforts have raised $15,000 to help build a school in his father’s native village in Ethiopia. The school will provide education for 250 children up to 8th grade in a building with a concrete floor and windows instead of a shack made of sticks and mud. Abe himself will travel to the school at the end of September to provide the students with supplies.

Just one more reason why Abe’s = Love.

Show some love for Abe’s cause. Send your donation, payable to the Ethiopian School Building fund, to:

Ethiopian School Building Fund
C/O Lafayette Ambassador Bank
2005 City Line Road
Bethlehem, PA 18017

CLICK HERE to read the article “Building Hope For Ethiopian Children” by Spencer Soper on mcall.com>

CLICK HERE to visit the Abe’s Cold Beer website>

The Best Places to Have a Beer After the Allentown Fair

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:57:00 -0400

The “Great” Allentown Fair. The Fair is the kind of event where you check out the carnies, the goats, rabbits and cows, the gut-busting food, and some of the most freakish people from all walks of life and leave asking yourself, “What the hell was that?” Unfortunately, unlike Bethlehem’s mega-fests, the Allentown Fair is pretty much a dry event, unless you want to drink Coors with a pack of cougars at the Main Gate, or whatever they call it now. That’s why after you’ve had your fill of the Fair, you’ll surely want to throw back a quality beer at one of the local drinking holes.

To find craft beer you’ll have to venture a block or two from the Fairgrounds, but that will give you the opportunity to walk off that funnel cake and pee where there isn’t a line that resembles the entrance to the gates of hell. For ideal access to all the places to get the good stuff, park North of Liberty Street near Gates 6, 7, or 8 and follow our guide below for the best post-Fair craft beer pub crawl on the West Side of Allentown. These are your sure bets for good beers and even better locals.
(Bars listed by proximity to The Fair)

RINGER’S ROOST

Located literally a stones throw from Gate 7 and 8, Ringers is a family-owned establishment that has been around as long as we can remember. Although their craft tap selection is pretty sparse (Sierra Nevada Pale ale, Magic Hat #9, and a few taps of Sam Adams), Ringers has a excellent variety of rotating bottles. Recent sightings include Chimay Blue, Stone IPA, Victory Golden Monkey, and Bell’s Two Hearted, as well as a mix of Stoudt’s, Yards, Smuttynose and Troegs. Although also known for their food, sadly the kitchen closes during the Fair and their normal Happy Hour specials temporarily cease to exist. Tons of locals hang here too, and if you stop back after the Fair we recommend their Taco Tuesdays.

GREG’S WEST END SALOON

Near the corner of 19th and Tilghman, Greg’s is not even a blip on the radar in the Allentown craft beer scene, though they made it into our list because we spotted Stoudt’s Oktoberfest on tap here a few days back. This smoking bar offers a large horseshoe bar and pool table, though we could do without the license plates and cow skull decor mixed with a splattering of Bud pinup posters (ok those weren’t that bad, except for the fact they had Bud in them). The place was dead when we stopped there except for a mix of a few hammered yocals chugging Busch Pounders or pondering life over a shot of Jim Beam. Might be worth a quick stop if you have to park on 19th street North of Tilghman.

VOLPE’S SPORTS BAR

Don’t let the sports bar category fool you. Volpe’s, a long time family-owned bar located a half block west of 19th and Tilghman not only serves up every conceivable sports event on about 12 flat screens, but is also a hidden gem for craft beer. Though the draft selection is meager (#9 being the only craft beer currently on tap) Volpe’s has been known to get rare kegs such as Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA. Volpe’s bottle selection, on the other hand, is worth a stop. As of Monday, Avery Karma and White Rascal, Lefthand Good Juju, Southern Tier Phin and Matt’s Extraordinary Ale, Bell’s Oberon and Two Hearted Ale, Brooklyn Lager, Dogfish Head 60 and 90 Minute IPA, Anderson Valley Summer Solstice, and Smuttynose Weizen were available. Aside from the brew and sports, Volpe’s offers a decent menu that goes late night, in case that hot dog at the Fair leaves you wanting more. Be aware, however, that Volpe’s is a smoking bar that allows cigars, and people smoke em’ if they got em’ here.

JACK CALLAGHAN’S ALE HOUSE

On Tilghman Street between 20th and 21st, Callahan’s offers a large selection of craft beer drafts, daily food specials, and for those who would rather spend their hard earned cash on beer, FREE fresh popcorn. The food is decent, the bartenders are knowledgeable about what’s on draft, and kegs kick often so the supply of beer is generally fresh.

STOOGES

3 blocks West of Gate 6 is a bar we know little about. Our first and only visit here ended in failure as they were closed for renovations. They advertise $3.00 Victory drafts. Who knows what will be pouring when they reopen September 2nd, but it might be worth checking out on your walk to Liberty Street Tavern.

LIBERTY STREET TAVERN

Liberty Street Tavern may be last on this list, but it is surely our pick for the best craft beer bar on Allentown’s West Side. Located at 23rd and Liberty, this place is worth the walk. With 10 or more rotating craft beer drafts (some pretty damn rare) served in appropriate glassware, Liberty Street is the place to spend that $10.00 you almost used in an attempt win the enormous stuffed Stewie at the Fair. With decent pricing, superior craft beer selection, and knowledgeable staff, Liberty Street is perfect for a nightcap after the horrors you have surely witnessed at the Fair. Most of our visits here have been while Muhlenberg College was not in session, so we cannot say what the vibe is like during the school year, but so far we’ve come across interesting locals on our visits (many are fellow craft beer enthusiasts). In addition to the excellent draft selection, Liberty boasts a variety of 300 different bottles. We’ve never actually counted the selection in their 6+ coolers, but there seems to be something for everyone and they offer $1.00 off mix and match six packs on Fridays. Kegs kick quickly and are re-tapped almost immediately, so you never quite know what new treats will be available. Recent additions have included Troegs Mad Elf and Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Black Barleywine. The food menu includes everything from specialty pizza and house made chips with salsa to Muffeletta sandwiches. Liberty Street is also a smoking bar, but has one of the best ventilation systems we’ve ever come across.

Although the Fair may come and go, these local establishments are always pouring quality beer to West End locals. Support craft beer and local bars by stopping in for a pint or four during and after the Great Allentown Fair - and don’t forget to tell them who sent you!

Follow us on Foursquare and shout out what you’re drinking around the Lehigh Valley! We may be belly up at the seat next to you.

Molly's. Mondays. Microbrews.

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0400

Our ongoing quest for craft beer in the Lehigh Valley and a tip from one of our Twitter followers led us to Bethlehem’s South Side to check out a new venue in a familiar location. The former Lehigh Pub (also once known as the Bridgeworks) has become Molly’s Irish Grille. Now under new ownership, the facade of Molly’s still looks like your typical college pub. We admit, we were a little hesitant to enter after seeing the glow of multiple neon swill signs outside, but the rumor of a Microbrew Monday was enough to get us in the door. Once inside, we were pleasantly surprised by a variety of craft beer taps including Chimay White and Brew Works Hop Explosion (check our What’s On Draft page for the full craft beer draft list) as well as a cooler with as much micro bottle variety as one of the Mix a Six coolers at Abe’s.

Molly’s menu isn’t too shabby, either. If you’re looking for Kobe beef and oysters, head to the Bookstore instead, but if you’re in the mood for some hearty pub food, this is the place. Featured items include traditional Irish fare like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and bangers and mash. You can also find wraps, burgers, sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, salads, and over 20 appetizers - black and tan onion rings, fried zucchini sticks, and baked mac and cheese are just a few.

Microbrew Monday at Molly’s was enough to sell us on the place. Every Monday, Molly’s offers $3 micros until midnight as well as food specials (and we hear they have great Mexican Tuesday deals as well). We chose from an impressive variety of about 40 micro bottles and drafts, and even found a few we have never come across at Abe’s - Left Coast Tangerine and Torrey Pines IPA.

One more thing that made us feel at home at Molly’s - the people. We had a chance to chat with the General Manager, who was happy to answer all of our questions, take good care of us and make us feel welcome. A handful of the Molly’s staff (as well as a some of the patrons we saw there) are also previous or current employees at the Bethlehem Brew Works, and we were happy to see so many familiar faces in the few occasions we were there. We do realize that school is not currently in session and the vibe may change once the students are back, but we hope that the laid-back, friendly atmosphere remains.

Be sure to stop by Molly’s this upcoming Monday, August 30, for the Microbrew Monday deals as well as a Meet the Brewer event with Beau Baden of Fegley’s Brew Works.

Molly’s Irish Grille is located at 4th and New Street on Bethlehem’s South Side. Contact Molly’s at 610-868-1313 for more information.