Screwtops

My Kind of Sunday School

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Now this is my kind of Sunday event. Over the holidays a friend of mine put me on to TRIA (http://triacafe.com/sunday_school/). It's a local Philly based beer/wine friendly restaurant. The link, which references their Sunday School events, also shows a 50% discount in the wine tasted. What a great idea! I'll have to check it out.

Philly Beer Fest

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

For those interested in a local beerfest... this one (http://www.phillybeerfests.com/) is supposed to be quite good. Where? University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology & Anthropology 33rd & Spruce Streets • Philadelphia, PA When? Saturday December 27, 2008 1 - 4 p.m.

Beer Tap Event on December 6th

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

TJs Everyday (http://www.tjseveryday.com/) is hosting a beer enjoyment event the evening of December 6th. Follow the link for more, but rumor has it massive numbers of kegs will be tapped and enjoyed. It's a Saturday evening.... so all can come and enjoy!

Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Last night I enjoyed a glass or two from this bottle. The flavors where... bold, strong a little spicy... but all in all, a fantastic session drinker. Cost in DE, about 18 dollars/bottle. I must admit, however that it was soon replaced by some Johnny Walker Blue .... wow.. what a whisky. (test for charles) 99bb3fc2487d5ec00928ac9092cc932d

Lancaster Milk Stout

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

I tried this beer on a couple of occasions recently and was quite pleased. It reminded me of the Mackeson's XXX Stout that we loved so much on show 17. It's a smooth, creamy, dark stout that's paired well with my recent choices for lunch. Always a good thing. If you like this type of beer, the heavy stout, and like a little extra creaminess added in, you should definitely try this beer if it's available in your areas. Look for a review coming soon.

Budweiser American Ale

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Okay... so I'm quite beside myself writing this... but I have to admit, the Budweiser American Ale (http://www.budamericanale.com) is not that bad. Is it my new every day drinker, no... is it my new session drinker, no... but it does provide a nice change of pace, when all you have available at your local watering hole is Bud and Miller products. Look for a review coming soon.... Perhaps Bud is finally aware that beer tastes are maturing. As far as we can tell, tastes are growing more sophisticated. People demand more of their beers now than in the 80s and 90s... and it's a good thing. This could be the beginning of a new move for some of the mass market breweries.

Flying Fish Octoberfish (30 Points)

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Once again, we find ourselves at TJ's Everyday. This local establishment continues to impress us with it's overall beer selection, clean taps and decent food. We're speaking with them about recording some Podcasts there. On tap today was an always rewarding Flying Fish (http://www.flyingfish.com) Oktoberfest brew. Aptly named Octoberfish, this brew certainly didn't disappoint.

Ayinger Oktoberfest (27 Points)

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Once again we find ourselves at TJs (http://www.tjseveryday.com/) in Paoli, PA. These guys have a decent number of taps that they keep well stocked with beers from Microbreweries all over the north east. Today's selection was Ayinger's Oktoberfest. We reviewed this beer in previous podcast... after making that statement I could not find the entry in our archives... so it might be in the lost episodes... We'll keep you posted ... and here is a text based review of this fine beer.

Bell's Oktoberfest (27 points)

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Over the past several months, we've ventured out to new places in search of great micro-brews that are available on tap at some local establishments. Recently, we found TJs (http://www.tjseveryday.com/) in Paoli, PA. While enjoying a nice lunch over there, I could not help but try the Bell's Oktoberfest. I was pleasantly surprised by this beer. It held up to a spicy chicken sandwich quite well.

A quick note...

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Hey all.. yep we're still alive... and getting ready to revive somethings. In particular, we're looking at starting a brewing club in the Delaware area. That will surely give us plenty to talk about.. so stay tuned... We've also been sampling lots of beer and wine... as Charles and I are again making money like grownups. It's a good thing. Geeze, did I just say that?

Why do they fill the glasses?

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

The age old practice of the server filling the wine glass has "finally" comes into question. Here's (http://www.slate.com/id/2191912/) a great article on the subject. A stern, yet polite action can save all of the good wine from waste.

John Harvard's - West Coast Stout (26 points)

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

John Harvard's is a semi local, east coast brew pub. They've been around in my area for several years. Recently I was in the Wayne, PA pub and enjoyed several beers. Of note, the West Coast Stout. The beer was consumed straight from a tap right there at the brewery. Brew pubs have the advantage of perfect storage and transportation (none) of the beer. Personally, I've always felt beer was best in this environment.

Yards - Philadelphia Pale Ale (22 points)

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Yards Brewing Company is a fine brewery in the Philadelphia area. Spending as much time as I do here, it's often that I enjoy some of their products. Who doesn't like a fresh, local brewed beer. This review entails a single bottle of the Yards Brewing Company's Philadelhpia Pale Ale. It's a beer I had many times. Check out the review below.

#24: Around the World!

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Charles and JT issue this long overdue episode with JT sitting in Beijing, China and Charles in Eastern PA, USA. Skype cuts in and out, of course, yet there is great conversation about whatever came to mind. Yep, that's right folks, we're up to new content or at least old content that you have not yet heard. JT goes off on Chinese Beer. It's not bad, but it's not all good either. All in all, this seems to work. Credit to Skype for being able to handle this conversation over 8,000 miles or so, as the planes fly, anyway. Beers Discussed: Yanjing Beer (Premium) (Beijing Local Beer) Yards Brewing Company: Philadelphia Pale Ale, Love Stout

Turnbull: 2003 Merlot

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

While dining with a friend at an Italian restaurant, we enjoyed this bottle of wine. From the famed Napa region in California, Turnbull usually turns out great wines. This 2003 merlot was solid but not amazing, as I'm accustomed to.

Ayinger: Oktober Fest-Märzen

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Again, unfortunately, I am not prepared to review this very fine beer. It should suffice to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this beer and it matched very well with a dish of tortellini in a sun dried tomato cream sauce. It's color was rich, it's flavor solid with a touch of sweetness on the tongue with minimal after taste. An excellent brew. If you have it available, give it a try.

Whale Tail Pale Ale

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

While not enough for a full review, I thought I'd mention this fine beer. While dining with a friend this evening at an Italian restaurant in Norwalk, CT this beer caught my eye.

Iron Hill: Anniversary Ale (28 points)

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

The 10 Year Anniversary Brew from Iron Hill is now available, at least in the Media, PA location. For those across the country, Iron Hill is a small chain of Brew-Pubs that offers solid beer for the beer enjoying public in the brew pub model. They describe it as a "dark Belgian style abbey ale." Admittedly, this review is a bit rushed, and I'd like to get back to re-taste the beer. When that happens, an updated review will be published.

Update

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

To all our listeners... Sorry about the recent outage. We experienced a server error that's been difficult to recover from. We're on our way however, so look for content to come back up soon. We're going to have to rebuild our RSS feeds so there may be some downloading of old content. We're also going to add forums and a community environment so we can host and enjoy open chats and communications with you all about some of our "hobbies". Also, our user list has been lost. If you had an account or would like one, please feel free to go ahead and get setup. You're going to need one to participate in the forums anyway. "We appreciate your continued support.."

#23: When 2 is enough...

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Charles and JT pick up with a review of Duvel as well as the Highland Brewing Black Mocha Stout. Of course, they argue about stemware and glasses to be used with the Duvel. Learn more about “keyboard horses”... Again we ask, where is Jeff Nemcher? On this weeks show: Duvel, Highland Brewing Company – Black Mocha Stout

#22: Nuggets of Wisdom

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Some of the best burps to be heard yet. Not that Charles outdoes himself, but there are some great ones on this show. JT and Charles’ normal banter continues including brief updates on our home brew. We finish by revisiting a mocha porter that we reviewed on an earlier show. There is no particular reason for this, it just happened. By the way, where is Jeff Nemcher? On this weeks show: Yards – Saison Homebrew Revisited Rogue’s – Mocha Porter

#21: Three Solid North-Eastern Brews

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Once again, we’re late publishing… but hey.. it was the holidays. Enjoy! and Happy New year to all! As a note, this show was recorded before New Years. On this weeks show: Booklyn Brewery – Oktoberfest Allagash – Dubbel Otter Creek – Stovetop Porter

#20: A Threesome (Two Seasonals and a Dark One)

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

We’re a little late on this one.. but we review three beers from the just past fall season. Hopefully, we’re back into old form… but who knows. Perhaps a new form is better. On this weeks show: FlyingFish – Octoberfish Becks – Dark Troegs – Winter Oatmeal Stout

#19: The Return Conversation

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

In one of our longest shows, JT and Charles pick up where they left off with conversation about beer in China… a Chimay as well as a quadruple fermented brew. We want to apologize up front for being off topic so much on this show, but, hey… we had a good time talking about more than just beer for a change. There is a bit of post-production work that did not make it in. For that we apologize. Additionally, we discuss China and it’s beers, not to mention the liquor control movements regarding wine sales across the country.

#18: The Bon Voyage Episode

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

The last show we recorded before JT travels to China and Charles starts his new job. It’s an afternoon show, so if you listen closely, you can hear the action at the pool while Charles and I chose to record another show. Is that dedication or what?? On this weeks show: Brooklyn Brewing – Brown Ale Allagash – Triple Casco Bay Brewing Company – Summer Ale Rogue – Morimoto Hazelnut Signature Ale

#17: Drinking the Taddy Porter and Triple X Stout with Jeff Nemcher

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Putting back a couple of beers with Jeff Nemcher from Cooking on the Radio (http://www.cookingontheradio.com), we go into the decidedly dark world of porters and stouts. Samuel Smith’s Taddy Porter throws down the gauntlet in a challenge to all other porters. Complementary in quality, Mackeson’s Triple X Stout is an amazing beer for its price. On this weeks show: Samuel Smith – Taddy Porter Mackeson – Triple X Stout

#16: Three from Wild Goose and a Complement to Guinness

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

How often are dark beers enjoyed in the heat of summer? Not often. For certain, they are not the obvious choice when reaching into the cooler on a hot afternoon. But for Wild Goose’s Porter and Oatmeal Stout, an exception should be made—they are that good. And if the temperature is simply unbearable, Wild Goose’s India Pale Ale is a fine thirst quencher (it is a tasty IPA, too). Smithwick’s, a Guinness-brewed beer, is also mentioned. “Half and halfs” anybody? On this weeks show: Wild Goose (aka Frederick Brewing): India Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout, Porter Guinness – Smithwick’s

#15: A Quest for Amber (Part 2)

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Despite our local beer store’s dearth of “ambers,” we find and drink three more beers from North Coast, Red Hook and Rogue. North Coast Brewing Company – Reudrich’s Red Seal Ale Red Hook – ESB Rogue Brewing – American Amber Ale

#14: A Quest for Amber (Part 1)

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

In the first part of our two part series focusing on Ambers, we try three. Pete’s Wicked, Abita Brewing and Flying Fish get us started. Our selection was limited based upon the local store, of course.. right? Look for part two to be released on the 29th. On this weeks show: Pete’s Wicked Ale – Ruby Brown Ale Abita Beer – Amber Flying Dog – Old Scratch (Amber Lager) Of course, listener email.

#13: Dogfish Head[s]

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Sampling several beers from Dogfish Head, we find a broad spectrum of offerings that range from the hoppy to desert-like. This Milton, Delaware (U.S.)-based brewery puts out high quality product.

#12: Three Tasty Ales

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

We sample three ales from Wolaver’s, Sam Smith and Shipyard Brewing Co. While the first two beers were good - no surprise there - the last, Shipyard’s Old Thumper, turned out to be a wickedly good drink.

#11: Dead Guys, a Black Lager And Our Wit Showdown

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Tasting two of the premier belgian white-style brews of our time, we put Hoegaarden up against Celis White. One, crisp. One, more complex. Getting back into darker brews, we taste the “Black Lager” from Samuel Adams. Lastly, we get to a long-standing request from a listener: Rogue’s Dead Guy Ale.

#10: Flying Dogs and a Whole Bunch of Wheat.

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Somehow we managed to slip seven beers into this show. Five wheats and two miscellaneous brews from Flying Dog made for the perfect combination of cold brews and hot weather. Please Note: This is a big show, so please crack a cold one while downloading the MP3.

#9: Wit, White, Wheat. It's all good.

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Charles and JT drink a few light beers. Great for the summer.

#8: Yep. We're back with three summer brews

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

After an unplanned hiatus filled with too few drinking sessions and one too many technical snafu...

#7: Part Two of Two: A Porter and a Stout with a Guest

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

With our first guest on the show, Jeff Nemcher (Cooking on the Radio), we drink a porter among others.

#6: Part One of Two: Smuttynose's India Pale Ale, Young's Oatmeal Stout, What is "Mass Marke

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Here’s part one of our two part show. In part two, we will be tasting Young’s Double Chocolate Stout.

#5: Stouts and Weeks Past

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

After three weeks without a recording session, JT and I got our act together to discuss another group of beers. Stouts are on tap.

#4: Spit or Swallow

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Hunkering down for the first major Mid-Atlantic/Northeastern U.S. winter storm Charles and JT get together once again.

#3: Homebrew update and a Rosso

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

We review our recently birthed (and bottled) homebrew, an amber ale. JT elaborates on the benefits of decanting.

#2: Clipper City Brewing

podcast@screwtops.com (JT and Charles)

Following up on last week’s ‘cast, we touch on the origin of the term “black and tan” as well as on some other stuff.