Someday, there will be one big brewery, and it will be called Borgweiser.
Well, maybe not. But globalization of the brewing industry is heating up.
Colorado’s Coors hooked up with the U.K.’s Carling last year in an attempt to spread its germ to Europe. And analysts say Belgium-based Interbrew, the world’s second-largest brewer after its acquisition of Whitbread, Bass and Beck’s, is looking for more victims.
On the horizon
Miller is said to be headed for a new corporate partnership with Scottish & Newcastle (Courage, Newcastle Brown) and South African Breweries (Pilsner Urquell, Castle). That merger would make it the world’s largest brewer. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal says Miller is also talking to Coors.
Molson of Canada, which recently bought into Mexico, is looking for a new partner.
Heineken just picked up Bravo International of Russia.
Nothing new at Anheuser-Busch, the world’s biggest brewer. But the year is young.
Calendar
Tonight: Local Flavors, a tutored tasting of the area’s finest new ales and lagers, with Beer Philadelphia’s Jim Anderson. At the Restaurant School, 4207 Walnut St., 6:30-9 p.m. Tix: $55, includes beer, hors d’oeuvres and course materials.
Tomorrow: Home Brew night at the Grey Lodge Pub (6235 Frankford Ave., Mayfair), featuring a smoked porter from Home Sweet Homebrew. The tap opens at 8 p.m. Info: 215-624-2969.
Feb. 12: Mardi Gras, a daylong alcoholic binge featuring underage drinking, public urination and widespread drunkenness, with a special guest appearance by the Philadelphia Police Department. On South Street, between Front and 6th streets. Fine: $300, includes disorderly conduct citation and complimentary night in jail.
Feb. 15: Love Fish at the Grey Lodge. Brewed just once a year by Flying Fish, it’s Abbey Dubbel mixed with cherries. Only two barrels were kegged this year; the other one’s going to Andy’s Corner Tavern in North Jersey.
Feb. 19: Silent Stills Whisky Tasting, featuring whisky no longer in production, hosted by Malt Advocate publisher John Hansell. At Monk’s Cafe, 15th and Spruce streets, 7 p.m. Tix: $35. Info: 215-545-7005.
Beer radar
The area’s newest brew pub is up and running in Glen Mills, Delco. It’s McKenzie Brew House on Route 202, a mile south of Route 1 in the old Coyote Loco Restaurant. Head brewer is local guy Scott Morrison, a Garnett Valley High grad who formerly ran the show at Elm City Brewing in New Haven, Conn. His regulars include light lager, American-style pale ale, alt beer and a 90 shilling-type amber ale; when I spoke with him this week, Morrison had just finished off a batch of Belgian pale ale . . .
Further up the Delaware, Weyerbacher’s new brewery is open in Easton, Pa. Sorry, no brewpub, but there are tasty tours. Info: 610-559-5561 . . . The last keg of Yards Imperial Stout (circa 2000) is pouring on the second floor of Standard Tap (2nd and Poplar streets, Northern Liberties). Two years of cellaring and a blend of four dark malts gives it a distinct roasty, currant-like flavor . . .
Bored at work? Test your beer bottle knowledge www.chilliman.com/beer_labels_frame
.htm . . . A Beck’s survey released this week reveals men rank beer as their No. 3 favorite Valentine’s Day gift – ahead of flowers or chocolates. No. 1 was dinner, No. 2 was a card . . . Bet against the German ice hockey team in the winter Olympics. Its coach has banned beer. Watch out for the Austrians. They brought 3,557 liters of Bavarian brew to buzz-deprived Salt Lake City. Utah laws prohibit beer over 3.2 percent alcohol.
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