Joe Sixpack - Reporting and drinking beer in Philly and beyond

Sorry, for that malware warning, folks - my WordPress blog has been hacked. I'm trying to fix it.

Business Week picks up on a theme I explored two weeks ago on the InBev acquisition of Anheuser-Busch. While many in the U.S. are in an uproar about the so-called loss of American institution, it’s important to remember that A-B is not just an American corporation. It’s a world player with investments around the globe.

Thus, while InBev obviously wanted the Bud brands in its portfolio, it was also undoubtedly eyeing A-B’s overseas business. Especially in China, the world’s largest beer consumer.

Before the merger, according to BW, InBev had been lagging as the No. 5 brewer in China. It was faring so poorly, it couldn’t even work up a sponsorship in next month’s Olympic games. By acquiring A-B, - which, in addition to its own Chinese breweries, also owns the giant Harbin brewery plus a 27% stake in Tsingtao - InBev leaps to top of the pile.

Royal Stumble

This just in - this year’s winner at the annual Nodding Head kegfest: Triumph Saison.

Amazing tap list

Spent an hour or so at the Khyber (2nd and Chestnut, Old City) Friday afternoon and it occured to me I could’ve spent all day there. Check out this taplist:

O’Reilly Stout
Sprecher Black Bavarian
Weyerbacher Slam Dunkel
Southern Tier IPA
Cricket Hill Lager
Troegs Sunshine Pils
Ithaca Cascazilla
Climax Cream Ale
River Horse Hop Hazard
Franziskaner Hefe
Legacy Fat Boy
PBC Walt Wit

Wow. Honestly, if you went into a bar and found just ONE of these beers on tap, you’d be happy.

On the off-chance that a couple of these are kicked by the time you read this, the on-deck list includes Middles Ages Beast Bitter, Victory 10 Year Alt, Brooklyn Summer and Long Trail Double Bag.

This week’s column

Having taken a shot at the Jersey beer scene a few weeks ago, this week’s column also points out the savings on the other side of the Tacony-Palmyra. It may be a beer bar wasteland, but South Jersey is the place to go for cheap singles and sixpacks. Here’s some of my favorite takeout stores:

Joe Canal’s (many locations, including Hammonton, Marlton, Wiliamstown, Delran, Hamilton Twp.)
Monster Beverage, 1299 N. Delsea Dr., Glassboro.
Red White and Brew, 33 High St., Mount Holly.
Total Wine, 2100 Rt. 38 (Cherry Hill Mall).
Super Saver, 222 Rt. 31 N, Pennington.
Circle Liquors, Somers Point.

Chops and hops

The World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut St., University City) is hosting a pretty cool series of beer dinners in August. It’s three shows featuring the jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter and his trio, along with dinner by chef Matt Babbage and beer. Dinner is $40 and tix to the show are $18. Or you can go a la carte and enjoy free beer samplings from 7-8 p.m. each night.

Define craft beer in 50 words or less

“There is a spiritual side to craft brewing which is difficult to define but I think you know it when you see it.” - Hugh Sisson, Clipper City.

Amen. That’s Hugh speaking about big beer incursions into craft brewing, a la Miller Brewing’s so-called Lite Craft line. In his latest newsletter, Hugh notes that the Brewers Association has attempted to define craft brewing, basically by saying you can’t make authentic craft beer if you’re a megabrewer. There was a lot of harrumphing over that, with some suggesting that size doesn’t matter. If A-B can make, say, a pale ale that is as good as Sierra Nevada’s, shouldn’t it qualify as a craft?

I don’t think so, and neither does Hugh: ”I believe that much of what has happened to US beer in the last 25 years has more to do with entrepreneurs reacting against the ‘beer status quo,’ as well as a passion for fuller flavor, than it does with technical definitions.”

Craft beer implies craftsmanship. There is a big difference between a rocking chair made by Thos. Moser and the knockoff you can buy at Pier One. For me, it’s not just about the end product, it’s about the motivation and, yeah, spirituality.

Just chatted with Ryan Michaels, the ecstatic brewer at McKenzie Brew House (240 Lancaster Ave., Malvern) following his 2-medal showing at the GABF. His Saison Vautour, which won as the best Belgian-style Saison, is pouring at the brewpub as we speak. To answer the big question: It's his own recipe, not predecessor Scott Morrison's. Michaels also won bronze for Wee Heavy (10.5%). Both will be bottled and available in time for the Christmas holidays. This is a huge win for this talented, young brewer.

Philly-area brewers scooped up 13 GABF medals, the most ever. Notables included two each for McKenzie, Sly Fox, Victory and Stoudt's. The Brew Works nailed the pro-am competition with area homebrewer Chris Bowen. And Philly beer writers continued their dominance with Philly Mag's Marnie Old winning the beer fest's journalism award. Look for details in Friday's column.

Allentown/Bethlehem Brew Works (with homebrewer Chris Bowen) - English-style IPA, Pro-Am competition, gold.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Media - Kriek de Hill, Belgian-style sour ale, bronze.
McKenzie Brew House, Chadds Ford/Malvern - Saison Vautour, French/Belgian saison, gold; and Wee Heavy, strong Scotch ale, bronze.
Rock Bottom, King of Prussia - Broad Street Barleywine, aged beer, gold.
Sly Fox, Phoenixville/Royersford - Pikeland Pils, German-style pilsner, gold; and Instigator, German-style strong bock, bronze.
Stoudt’s Brewing, Adamstown - Stoudt's Ofest, Vienna lager, bronze; and Stoudt's Weizen, South German-style hefeweizen, silver.
Troegs Brewing, Harrisburg - Troegenator Double Bock, bock, gold.
Victory Brewing, Downingtown - Victory Festbier, German-style Marzen, gold; and Prima Pils, German-style pilsner, silver.
Dogfish Head Brewing, Milton, Del. - Midas Touch, specialty honey lager/ale, silver.
Stewart’s Brewing, Bear, Del. - Stewart's Oktoberfest, German-style Marzen, silver.

I didn't take very many cogent notes last night at the first night of the GABF. All I can make out is "Elysian: An ungodly pumpkin ale. Sweet, like a pie you'd want to bury a body part into."

Locals are using the GABF as an opportunity to spread the word about Philly's huge bash. We brought out Iron Hill, Dogfish Head and Nodding Head (and Tastykakes) for a press conference today. Out-of-towners are getting excited about hoisting mugs the Best Beer Drinking City in America, March 7-16.

Everybody's buzzing about the Miller/Coors merger. Here's my take an in interview I did with the Wall Street Journal online.

My fantastic web guy, Nathan, and I are gearing up for some great additions to JoeSixpack.Net, including better coverage of new beers and (gasp!) a blog. Stay tuned.

Oct. 5th is the 165th anniversary of one of the world's greatest beers. Drink up!

Sun. (9/30) - Ambler Oktoberfest. Joe Sixpack guzzling & talking beer on the boro sidewalks. Noon-5 p.m.

Sat (10/6) - Kennett Brew Fest. One of the best annual beer festivals in the region. 2-6 p.m.

The Belgian Cafe (2047 Green St., Fairmount) opened Monday (9/10) night to a packed house. For those who thought it would be easier to park here than near Monk's Cafe in Center City, forget about it. Your best bet at night is either Spring Garden St. or Fairmount Ave. I didn't get a chance to eat, but the mussels looked damn fine. I'll report later on Philly's newest Belgian joint.

Look for the Belgian Cafe (2047 Green St., Fairmount) to open next week. The official date is Wednesday (9/12), but I'm hearing you might find a cold one a day or two earlier. The joint, in the former Tavern on Green, is from the folks behind Monk's Cafe in Center City.

Had a chance for two short Labor Day visits to relatively new joints on the Main Line. TJ's Everyday in Paoli features 25 drafts and a very nice takeout selection. Try the clams in Victory HopDevil and please don't ask how they manage to feature Alaskan Smoked Porter and Bear Republic in the cooler... Only got a look, not at a taste, at the very stylish Teresa's Next Door (126 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne). Yet another extensive list with Cantillon on tap! Make sure you check out the cheese plates.

Michael Jackson, the Beer Hunter, has passed away. I'm deeply saddened - he was a newsman at heart and a huge influence on my career. I've written a short obituary. I'm sure I'll have more to write in the near future.

The bitter 18-month contract dispute that pitted Shangy’s, the Emmaus specialty beer distributor, against the giant InBev beer conglomerate over the right to distribute Hoegaarden in eastern Pennsylvania is over.

Shangy’s has agreed to sell its licensing rights for the popular Belgian ale, ending a battle that had threatened Pennsylvania’s so-called three-tier system of beer distribution.

In an agreement expected to be finalized shortly, those rights will be transferred to Anheuser Busch wholesalers in the region, including Penn Distributors in Philadelphia.

Shangy’s had held exclusive right to distribute Hoegaarden to retailers since 1996. According to court records, the brand accounted for about 45 percent of its sales.

InBev’s former American importer, InBev USA, had sought to terminate those rights, claiming Shangy’s had overstated its sales of Hoegaarden. Shangy’s countered that it was the No. 1 Hoegaarden distributor in America and that its promotion was responsible for the brand’s appeal.

At one point, InBev USA charged that a Pennsylvania rule requiring out-of-state breweries to sell their beer through a wholesaler (the middleman in the “three-tier” system of distribution) before it reaches the retailer was a violation of the fedeal interstate commerce clause because in-state breweries are permitted to sell directly to retailers.

The agreement is part of a seismic shift in distribution rights throughout the region and beyond. Last year, A-B signed a deal to import InBev’s European brands (also including Stella Artois and Leffe) in America. A-B has since sought to obtain regional distribution rights for those brands, especially Hoegaarden, which it sees as a vital brand in its competition with the Coors-owned Blue Moon brand.

While the agreement ends costly litigation for his company, Shangy’s Nima Hadian said he’s saddened to lose the brand.

“It’s like losing your horse,” Hadian said. “When you have rights to a brand like Hoegaarden, it opens a lot of accounts that may not have any interest in craft beer. Once they see a brand like Hoegaarden sells and makes them money, they want to know what’s next. It piques their interest and we’re able to put in a lot of other little brands they might never had had.”

“In the end, we did think we could win the case, yes,” Hadian said. “But do you want a partner who hates you? No. Overall it was the right decision.”

Royersford's Sly Fox O'Reilly's Stout has conquered yet another local Guinness tap handle. This one's at Dawson Street Pub in Manayunk, where Guinness had poured for more than a decade.

Watch out, you'll step in pumpkin. Look for gourds from Southampton, Blue Moon, Dogfish Head, Shipyard, Weyerbacher, Saranac. Oktoberfest is here, too: Left Hand, Sam Adams, Victory, Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner, Stegmaier, Flying Fish and more. Also: Run up to Capone's Restaurant takeout (224 W Germantown Pike, Norristown ) for the extremely rare Bell's Batch 8000. Meanwhile the Beer Yard is stocked with Picobrouwerij Alvinne Podge Imperial Stout, a 10 percenter from Belgium.

Happy birthday
Gen. Lafayette Inn & Brewery celebrates the 275th anniversary of its historic building on Sept. 1. I'll be writing about the event in next week's column, but here's a heads up for those who'd like to attend: Tix are going fast. It's $40 and features all kinds of cask ales. Plus, you'll be first in line for the General's special anniversary ale, a 13% barleywine.

Just got back from the new Dock Street Brewpub (50th & Baltimore, West Philly), and it's got a real good feel. It's a big, funky garage-like joint (a former firehouse) with a casual menu (wood-over pizza, panini, salads) and fresh beer. On tap: wit, stock lager and rye IPA. I wouldn't call it a destination, but I think this will be one of those neighborhood gems that make the Philly beer scene so vibrant. It's worthy of your support.

You lose one, you gain one. Just days after Indy closed, Foobooz is reporting the new Dock Street Brewpub (50th & Baltimore, West Philly) is slated to open on Monday (8/20) at 11 a.m. First beers on tap: Rye IPA, wit, kolsch and imperial stout.

River Horse sold
A Philly investment group has purchased the Lambertville, N.J., brewery from its founders, Tim & Jim Bryan, for an undisclosed figure. The press release promises a major expansion. The Bryans will remain with the company.

Sixpack on TV
CBS3 consumer reporter Jim Donovan and I run through the results of my highly scientific examination of cold technology, direct from the bar at Chickie's & Pete's in South Philly. Here's the video.

Independence Brew Pub in Center City was shut down on Friday (8/10). No details yet, but employees, including brewer Tim Roberts (who was in the middle of a brew at the time), were evicted with no notice. Signs on the door say the closure is temporary. This does not look good.

Things change
The breakup at Yards Brewing got me thinking about how much the landscape has changed in the 11 years I've been writing Joe Sixpack. I was going through my card file and found a few oldies. Oddly enough, I couldn't find any cards from Red Bell or Independence.

"I just got here three hours ago." - Some guy sucking down a Miller Lite on ice at Capone's in Norristown.

Breaking news
Yards Brewing, the city’s only production brewery, is breaking up.

Founder and co-owner Tom Kehoe is splitting with his partners, Bill and Nancy Barton, and will move the 13-year-old brewery to a new, to-be-chosen location. No interruption in production is expected.

The Bartons will keep Yards’ brewing facility in Kensintgon and begin producing a new brand.

Look for these new bottles around town: Haand Norwegian Wood (made with juniper berries) and Double Extreme Imperial Wheat Stout, Weyerbacher Twelve rye barleywine, Taras Boulba (Belgium) and New Holland Lucid.

Calendar
Philly enjoys a spectacular weekend with two of the city's best beer-drinking events, back to back.

July 13 – Friday the Firkinteenth, the real ale fest at the Grey Lodge Pub (6235 Frankford Ave., Mayfair). The establishment is expecting 19 different firkins, including: Appalachian Bourbon Barrel Irish Red, Brewers Art Beacon Ale and Clipper City Hang Ten Weizen Dopplebock (a massive 10 percent alcohol that I coincidentally enjoyed last night at Max's Taphouse in Baltimore).

July 14 – Royal Stumble at Nodding Head Brewery (1516 Sansom St., Center City). Every local brewer shows up with a keg; first to kick wins the belt. This year's theme: The Running of the Bulls.

Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA is Zymurgy magazine's "Commercial beer of the year," as voted by its readers... Word is draft Longtrail from Vermont is headed back to the Philly market... New on local shelves: Founders Rubaeus raspberry ale, Otter Head and Butternuts from New York, in cans

June 21 - Tom Kehoe of Yards Brewing examines "The Sweet Life," a look at sugar in beer, at Tria Fermentation School.

June 21 - 13th Anniversary party at the Drafting Room (Exton), with a special ale from Troegs.

June 19 – Victory Brewing at McGillin's Old Ale House's Extreme Beer Month.
June 21 - Legacy Brewing at McGillin's.

Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast Stout, Arcadia Cocoa Local Triple Chocolate Stout, De La Sene Tarras Boulba IPA, Southampton Abbot 12 quadruppel, Lancaster Rare Rooster rye, Summit Scandia Wit.

Allentown Brew Works (812-816 W. Hamilton St., Allentown) opens Friday (6/15). The brewpub is the brother of Bethlehem Brew Works.

The recently opened Triumph Brewing (117 Chestnut St., Old City) is serving an excellent German Pils right now... Teresa's Next Door (124 N. Wayne Ave, Wayne) the new Belgian place I mentioned a couple weeks ago, is now open with 24 taps...

The Sunday (6/10) race is an excellent excuse for drinking beer. Listen to Joe Sixpack on Philly Feed.

If you haven’t signed up for my bus trip out to Stoudt’s and Sly Fox on June 16, sorry, it’s sold out. But there are plenty of other events throughout the month; you’ll have a chance to meet the area’s finest brewers at McGillin's Old Ale House (1310 Drury St., Center City), the city’s oldest tavern.

June 5 - Dock Street. Grab a pint of Illuminator Double Bock and get the inside word on when the revived brewery is going to open its new West Philly brewpub.
June 7 – Troegs. If the Trogner brothers don’t bring along some Mad Elf, the super Christmas beer, I’m going to be super disappointed.
June 12 - Flying Fish. The Jersey guys aren’t widely known for its extreme beer, but every once in a while they’ll pop you with a one-off blend. Will brewer Casey Hughes bring one along?
June 14 – Sly Fox. You might be familiar with O’Reilly’s Stout, is the exclusive Irish-style stout at McGillin’s, but the Chesco brewery produces a huge range of other styles that rarely make it out of its brewpub.
June 19 – Victory. You could make a case that the Downingtown brewery’s HopDevil was an extreme beer when it was released more 10 years ago. Today this exceptionally balanced brew is the standard bearer of American IPAs.
June 21 - Legacy. Tavern owner Chris Mullins believes it’s the region’s “most extreme” brewery. Personally, I think that distinction goes to Dogfish Head, but here’s a chance to prove me wrong.
June 22 - Stoudt's. Now it its 20th year, the Adamstown brewery proved it can still push the envelope with its Cool Hoperator, an excessively hopped bock.

June 26 - Yards. Grab an authentic ESA, dry-hopped in its ol' Hoff-Stevens keg. Then find out when they're going to make that crazy Pynk again.
June 28 - Weyerbacher. This Easton-based brewer will showcase its recently released Blasphemy, a big-time (11.8 percent alcohol) version of its Quad that’s been aged in used bourbon barrels.

Just got word that Vince Rapinesi passed away over the weekend at 82. That name may not be familiar to you, but it's safe to say that without Vince, Philadelphia wouldn't know what good, fresh draft beer tastes like. His Springfield Beer Parts fixed most of the kegs and tap lines in the city. Brewers, bartenders, fraternity houses and home brewers all knew Vince. Remarkably, he never tasted a sip of beer!

Services are 7-9 p.m. Thursday (5/31) at Donohue Funeral Home (8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby) with an 11 a.m. mass on Friday (6/1) at St. Katherine of Sienna (9700 Frankford Ave., Northeast).

I enjoyed a very nice pulled pork sandwich and a glass of Rock Art Magnumus this week at the new Yello'Bar (2425 Grays Ferry Ave., Grays Ferry). It's a smart-looking corner bar with a decent menu, a dozen taps (Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, La Chouffe) and about 50 bottles. Along with Grace (2229 Grays Ferry Ave.) and the Sidecar Bar & Grill (2201 Christian St.), you could put together a pretty decent pub crawl in this suddenly revitalized 'hood.

Congrats to Linda Carpenter, wife of Yards Brewing's Tom Kehoe, who was the top vote-getter among Democratic nominees to Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. She'll run for election in November.

No, General Lafayette brewpub isn't getting into the bottle biz. This is a for a one-off marking the colonial tavern's upcoming 275th anniversary in September. Brewer Chris Leonard says it's a H-U-G-E barleywine, and he'll be packing just 275 bottes... Speaking of the General, assistant brewer Russ Czajka has realized a longtime dream: he's retiring from his government job and will brew fulltime. Congrats!

Dock Street is moving along with its new brewpub in West Philly. The brewing kettles and fermenters were delivered this week... There's a new patio at Gen. Lafayette Inn & Brewery, perfect for enjoying an IPA in the fresh air... Rum Bar on Rittenhouse Square is hosting Red Stripe Tuesdays: $3.50 bottles and free wings... Look for Weyerbacher's latest -- it's Muse, a farmhouse ale made with wheat and oats.

Founders Red Rye & Dirty Bastard (Michigan).
Fort Collins Major Tom's Pommegranate Wheat (Colorado).
Rogue Batch 10,000 Imperial IPA (Oregon).
Bloesem Bink (Belgium), made with honey and pear.

Look for Troegs Brewery’s Scratch Beer Series of beers based on forgotten recipes from the brewers’ old scratch pads. The first one, a steam beer, should be available on tap before the end of the month… Twin Lakes Brewing in Greenville, Del., celebrates its first anniversary with its new Caesar Rodney Golden Ale, served in northern Delaware taprooms… Good news out of Latrobe, Pa., where the old Rolling Rock plant will once again brew beer. Boston Beer says it will make some of its Samuel Adams varieties at the brewery, now owned by City Brewing Co.

When the home team takes the field on Monday, look for baseball's best beer selection to get even stronger. The Citz is adding Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA and Stoudt's American Pale Ale to the draft lines.

Other newbies: Otter Creek Copper Ale; Wolaver's Pale Ale; Summer Ale and Boston Lager from Samuel Adams; Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat; Grolsch, and A-B's Red Bridge, the gluten-free lager.

I knew I'd forget a couple beer splashers in this week's column, and readers were quick to fill in the blanks. I do confess, though, I'm not a Harry Potter reader, so I never heard of Madam Rosmerta, publican at the Three Broomsticks.

How could you leave Buck the Bartender out of your top 20????? What Bartender could speak more to the heart of Philadelphia sports than our good friend Buck???? I am hoping for an addition to your list!

As I told him, Buck -- a dearly missed oldtimer who poured suds at the Daily News for many years -- was hardly a fictional bartender. Believe me, he was the real thing! But I probably should've given him a nod.

Ethel, bartender at the Crow's Nest in Gloucester, Mass. and mother of one of the doomed fishermen in "The Perfect Storm." To patrons, she's the universal mom and no matter what, she administers soup and drinks. The real Ethel Shatford Preston died in 1999, a few years after son Bobby Shatford (Mark Wahlberg in the movie).

Eddie (Frank Stallone), the bartender from the movie Barfly. Another knucklehead who is like so many bartenders I’ve seen in life, not a bad guy, but thinks way too much about his own toughness and knowledge base. He’s another one who would be entertaining to watch him interact and share his ‘vast knowledge’ of life.

Great list, but the best of all is Mike Callahan, the owner of Callahan's Place, introduced in Spider Robinson's CALLAHAN'S CROSSTIME SALOON.

Donald the Bartender in the flick “ 10 ” , played wonderfully by Brian Dennehy.

I also seem to remember a bartender in the Officer's Club from the early episodes of "Mash". I think his name was "Mr. Kwang." Despite his nation being torn apart by war, he was always impeccibly dressed in a white coat and served a great martini. (Not that I'm a martini fan.) In later episodes Klinger took over the bar and also Igor.

Must disagree with your rankings.....Brian Flanagan at #20 way too low, he'd be in my top 5... I think if you check out some of the episodes of MASH that did flag the Marines from time to time.

Hey Joe, if you think Kitty poured drinks for Matt for 20 years and never offered him a trip upstairs...well... if you ever watched the show you would see that there was a lot more going on there than met the eye....lol

Plans are in the works for the city's biggest beer celebration since the end of Prohibition. It's Philly Beer Week, 10 days of festivals and special events focusing on craft beer, home brewing, Belgians, Germans and more in the Best Beer Drinking City in America. March 2008

I moderated a casual panel discussion on Philly beer and other matters at Saturday's Philly Craft Beer Festival. Tom Kehoe (Yards), Gene Muller (Flying Fish), Bill Moore (Lancaster), Bill Covaleski (Victory) and Mark Edelson (Iron Hill) all shared some interesting insight on topics ranging from creative inspiration to extreme beer. Bryan Kolesar taped the event and it's posted at his blog, The Brew Lounge.

And here's another podcast, this one from the Daily News, with my take on the local beer scene.

The Manayunk beer bar hoss a night of music to benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation on Sunday (3/4). Tom Gillam, Ben ARnold, Chris Kasper, Electric Sex Power and Jeremy Hollis will appear. Look for drink specials and other goodies. Dawson Street Pub (100 Dawson St., Manayunk). Info: 215-482-5677.

Maureen Ogle's "Ambitious Brew: The Story of American Beer" questions Philadelphia's claim as home of the first American lager. Beer historian Rich Wagner will rip her a new one (OK, I made that up) Saturday in his lecture, "Lager Origins in Philadelphia." It's at Yards Brewing (2439 Amber St., Kensington) at 2 p.m. Free. Info: 215-634-2600.

Sharp-eyed beer lovers will notice that Dogfish Head Shelter Pale Ale makes a cameo appearance in "Reno 911!: Miami." How'd it get into the movie? The details are sketchy, but it sounds like brewer Sam Calagione once had a run-in with Lt. Dangle and company.

Thomas Lennon, Richard Ben Garant and Niecy Nash - actually their uniformed alter-egos, Lt. Jim Dangle, Deputy Travis Junior and Deputy Raineesha Williams - stopped by the Fraternal Order of Police lodge on Spring Garden Street last month to promote their movie. In a Q & A for the Daily News, I grilled them with predictably laughable results.

Once the gunplay ended, the Reno Sheriff's department started spinning some nonsense about Calagione, claiming he was never an official "suspect." Other sources claim he's pals with Lennon and Garant. Stay tuned, this could get ugly.

By the way, the movie is a gas. The full interview is here, and my review is here.

The Black Door on Bainbridge Street, only marginally a Belgian cafe, is closed. But Zot is opening nearby at the former Lombard Street home of Le Champignon. And there's word of a new Belgian joint opening in Wayne, next to Teresa's Cafe.

Brewer Brian O'Reilly kicked off his annual varietal brews this week with an IPA made only Galena hops. Each year, O'Reilly brews 11 different IPAs with a single hop variety, then combines them all for his annual Odyssey IPA. Look for them on tap at Sly Fox in Royersford & Phoenixville, as well as the Exton Drafting Room, Conshy Boathouse, Union Jack's on the Manatawny and the Grey Lodge Pub.

Your sweetheart's not into fruit beer? For Valentine's Day, try a chocolate stout. Most of these rich, hearty brews get their flavor from dark-roasted malt. But some, like Rogue Chocolate Stout (that's my pal, Sebbe Buhler, on the label), contain a bit of real chocolate, too. Look also for Young's Double Chocolate Stout and Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout.

Lost Abbey, the new California brewery, is in town. Look for Red Barn, a saison, and Avant Garde, a biere de garde. Troegs Nugget Nectar is also back for another go-round. And look for Dogfish Head Burton Baton (a hoppy wood-aged ale),

Two locals made the Top 10 list at Playboy.Com's 10 Best Microbrews in America: Troegenator Doublebock and Victory Prima Pils. Yours truly was on the selection panel, but I haven't actually read this linked item. Like most guys, I only read Playboy for the photos.

Friday's column will have more details, but here's an event you won't want to miss: Brewer's Reserve at Iron Hill West Chester (3 W. Gay St.) on Saturday (1/27) features Belgian ales from more than a dozen area craft brewers. This is an excellent opportunity to taste some imaginative brews and see for yourself why they're calling Philly, "Brussels, U.S.A." Info: 610-738-9600.

Look for Chateau Kenso '07, a bronze-colored Belgian-style ale brewed with spices and honey, the first in promised series of one-offs. At 9 percent alcohol, it's the Kensington brewery's strongest beer. It's on tap in the city at the Khyber, Devil's Alley, Race Street Cafe, Grey Lodge Pub, Brownies (Old City), the Pub on Passyunk East, South Philadelphia Taproom and The Abbaye, and Isaac Newton's in Newtown, Buxco.

Raise a pint in honor of New Brunswick hero fireman James D'Heron on Sunday (1/21) at Harvest Moon Brewery. A portion of the sales of its Jimmy D's Firehouse Red goes to the Childrens Burn Camp at the Connecticut Burns Care Foundation. D'Heron lost his life in an explosion while saving 15 people in 2004. Info: 732-349-6666.

Here's a beer-tasting fit for Wallace & Grommet: DiBruno Bros. (1730 Chestnut St., Center City west) pairs Sly Fox brews with a selection of its fine cheeses. 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. Tix: $45. Info: 215-665-1659.

Jersey jaunt
High Street Grill (64 High St., Mt. Holly) hosts a Belgian beer lunch on Saturday, Jan. 20. The menu looks pretty decent: Saison Dupont, Chimay White, Corsendonk Brown, Lindemanns Framboise. Oh, and there's actual food. Info: 609-265-9199.

The January edition of Bon Appetit calls American pub food the top trend of the year. And what's the premiere example of the so-called gastropub in America? Philly's Standard Tap (2nd and Poplar, Northern Liberties). The mag shares recipes from tavern chef Carolyn Angle. Also getting a mention: Grace Tavern (2229 Grays Ferry Ave.).

Gift idea
Here's a nice twofer: While you're shopping this weekend, stop in at an your friendly brewpub for lunch. Then remember to pick up a big bottle to go. A number of area joints, including Iron Hill and Sly Fox, offer take-home tastes of their specialty flavors. Buy two, they make great gifts.

Those wondering what Anheuser-Busch was going to do with Rolling Rock, look no further than this.

Last week I reported on plans for a new brewpub in the Northern Liberties vicinity. Much closer on the horizon is the new Triumph Brewing at 117 Chestnut St., Old City. Brewing equipment showed up this week, and plans are to open in January. Patrick Jones, a big winner at the GABF in '05, will be moving down from his current post at Triumph-New Hope.

Former Fancy Pants/Yards brewer Joe Beddia is moving forward on plans to open Brasseries des Mars on Front Street just north of Girard (technically Kensington, but right on the border of Northern Liberties). He recently purchased the Red Bell brewing equipment from the Wachovia Center, and he's near closing on a property right below the Frankford El. Beddia told me he wants to brew mainly farmhouse-style ales, like Saison Dupont, and serve a limited menu of specialty cheese and cured meats. Wisely, he's not announcing any time table for opening. "We've got a whole lot of work ahead of us," he said.

Barley Creek says it’s making another go at wider distribution. Got a tavern where you’d like to see this Pocono brewery’s beers? Drop a line to louie@barleycreek.com… Leinenkugel is making a full frontal splash in Philly with its Sunset Wheat, a very citrusy Belgian-style wit. Expect to see more tap handles in coming weeks… Forget Starbucks, McGillin’s Old Ale House (1310 Drury St.) has gone WiFi. So is the Fox and Hound Smokehouse & Tavern (1501 Spruce St.)… Friday (11/10) is the 231st birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps (they were founded right here in town). Celebrate down the shore at the Tun Tavern (200 Kirkman Blvd., A.C.) with $2 pints and Marine favorites like "S.O.S."

I’ll be appearing with George Hummel from Home Sweet Homebrew at Tria’s Fermentation School on Nov. 27th. We’ll be chatting about Philadelphia’s craft beer scene and why we think this is the best beer-drinking city in America.

River Horse is packaging its two Belgian-styles in a single case. Look for the Belgian Block at your distrib...Stuck with the family at Appleby's? Now, look for Flying Fish on tap...Troegs Mad Elf to hit the streets Nov. 1. Yes, it'll be available in special 3-liter bottles again... The new Iron Hill-Phoenixville (130 E. Bridge St.) is up and running and brewer Tim Stumpf is already producing a helluva Lodestone Lager...Looking for a job in the brewing biz? Check out Careers in Beer.

Here's a quick rundown of Philly-area award winners at the Great American Beer Festival:

Yours truly won the print journalism award from the Brewers Association for a series of my Joe Sixpack columns.

1. Went to the Colorado-LAs game and watched some guy I never heard of knock in 9 runs for the Dodgers, the most RBIs in one game for the team since Gil Hodges. That, along with the Phils’ loss to the Nats later in the day, pretty much knocked us out of us the wild card. Beer: Sandlot Stout, from the Coors Field brewpub
2. Stopped in at Falling Rock and argued with Brian Van Zandbergen, Merchant du Vin’s Illinois rep, over who has the best beer-drinking city. He says Chicago, which is preposterous if only because the Second City's best beer is Old Style. In researchng my upcoming book (more details later), I’ve already compiled a list of more than 250 joints where you can get a quality beer within 30 minutes of City Hall. Beer: Full Sail Vesuvius.
3. Commiserated with former Phillies announcer Andy Musser, who reps for Anchor, over the Phils’ dwindling hopes. Beer: Anchor Old Foghorn.
4. Finally grabbed a copy of Draft, the new beer mag I’m writing for. And they put my mug shot in the contributors’ column! I wrote a fun piece about beer geeks. Beer: New Belgium 2 Below.
5. Bumped into a bunch of Philly guys: Scott Morrison (McKenzie), Tom Kehoe (Yards), Brandon Greenwood (High Falls), Tom Peters (Monk’s), Curt Decker & Gordon Grubb (Nodding Head), George Hummel (Home Sweet Homebrew), Bill Covaleski (Victory), Jenny Hatton (my book publicist), Jack Curtin (Liquid Diet), Brian O’Reilly (Sly Fox), Ric Hoffman (Stewart’s). Beer: Alaskan Smoked Porter ’94.
6. Picked a bone with author/historian Maureen Ogle (“Ambitious Brew: The Story of American Beer”). Terrific book, but I questioned her focus on Milwaukee when it’s Philly where American beer was invented. Look for a review in coming weeks. Beer: 25th Anniversary Ale.

I didn't see it, but I heard there was a wedding at the GABF session last night. Stacy Ross, a brewer at Grizzly Peak Brewing Company in Ann Arbor, Michigan, got hitched to a fella named Tom Block. Instead of rice, malted barley were tossed over the married couple. Oskar Bluesman Marty Jones, who gave me the heads up on the ceremony, cracks that triends can purchase wedding gifts for the couple through their bridal registries at Brewers Supply Group and Hop Union.

McNabb & company aren't the only ones who have to get their act together down at the Linc. Hundreds of angry customers waited 20 minutes or more in relatively shallow lines at one of the few stands offering local craft beers (Victory, Flying Fish, Yards) on the lower level. The clueless workers had no idea what they were selling, didn't know the prices and - worst of all - had no proper bottle openers! At one point, they were sharing one of those emergency plastic key-ring openers. I gave them my trusty brass Sam Adams opener to speed things up. But when I checked back in the second half, it was still taking them an average of 6 minutes per customer. One reason for the slow pace: they carded every (and I do mean every) customer, including a certain gray-haired 50-year-old beer reporter.

Just got back from the Tun Tavern in A.C., where brewer Ted Briggs has released his latest barleywine, called - fittingly enough on this day - Freedom Ale. It's 11.5% alcohol, aged in Jack Daniels kegs. Beware: it's served way too cold, so order this with a pale ale to start, then gawk at the gorgeous barmaids while you wait for it to warm to a suitable temp. Very strong vanilla notes with a nice spicy kick. Delicious.

Actually, reaction to my Guide to Freshman Beer-Drinking was mostly positive. Most of the negative comments, I'm guessing, were a result of a Drudge Report link, which incorrectly reported the Daily News was advocating binge drinking. Here's a handful of the comments (I've removed names).

I just hope that every kid who reads your column clips it out and puts it in a drawer somewhere, so when he gets killed in a drinking-related accident his parents will find it in his personal effects and know EXACTLY whom to sue. You have advocated the commission of crimes, sir, and should be fired.
+++

Your column on college drinking rules and especially the call out to Newman's day was great. I'm sure the Princeton deans will hear about that one and you might expect a call from Paul Newman's lawyers.

I politely and strongly disagree with your article. It will cost lives. Sincerely, A Recovering Alcoholic

Great job! It is all useful advice. As a long time college prof, what I find makes it even better is that it is also honest... I will certainly recommend it to my students next week. The longer I teach - and travel to Europe - the more US pseudo-prohibition laws look stupid. The Germans have it right. Legal beer at 14 and no auto licenses before 18. Those kids learn what alcohol can do for and to them before they ever take a driving lesson. The norm in the rest of Europe seems to be 16. If I were in charge, that's what it would be here. It is also good of you to point out the propaganda that is used against drinking here. I used to ask my students on Day One what percent of high school students drink. The minimum is 70%. I hope your editors don't cave to any pressure if you get negative feedback. You are performing a public service.

I grew up with a family who didn't hide the alcohol and for that matter
didn't hide anything from me. It's amazing, it works wonders. So many
kids get to college and its like a drinking frenzy.

Dickhead- telling 17 and 18 year-olds that getting “drunk” is a proper form of socializing is pathetic and so are you.

One of the most compelling indicators as to the fact that current policy is so completely wrong is the transformation that European students made over the course of the freshman year -- that from moderate drinkers able to do so socially while maintaining humor and common sense, to completely belligerent binge drinkers. Rather drinking socially as they are used to, like other students under the "zero tolerance" policy they feel they have to binge off site rather than risk being caught drinking in moderation. In other words, the behavior we hope that co-eds magically adopt the moment they turn 21, is already present in these students but is otherwise rooted out within a semester's time by the misguided policies found on every college campus.

Personally I don't exactly argue with your argument but the antialcohol lobbies want to consistantly slam any argument... If alcohol's age going to 18, yes there'd be a increase in a few things, but it would taper off.

Beer historian Rich Wagner sends along this link to video from his 1987 tour of the old Schmidt's plant in Philly. Gone but not forgotten.

How would you like to watch the Dallas-Eagles game in your home with former Eagles Seth Joyner and Keith Byars? What would you say if I told you that you had to invite ex-Cowboy Jay Novacek, too? That's the trio that will show up if you're the winning bidder in the Oct. 8th segment of Miller Lite's Man Laws debate. Each week during the season , Miller will send a crew of manly men to the winning bidder's home to watch a featured NFL game. And they bring the food and beer. The bidding begins soon on eBay.

Last week's Sixpack of the Week, Widmer Hefeweizen, goes to John Rosborough of Boothwyn, Delco. Congrats! I already kicked my supply of Erdinger, so this week's freebie is a past Sixpack of the Week, Moretti. Tune into Joe Sixpack's Happy Hour for details on how you can win.

Miller's Brew Blog reports that A-B appears ready to drop its weird B(e) label. The apparent new name for the caffeinated brew: Bud Extra. Does anyone actually drink this stuff?.

Men's Journal picks the top 25 this month. Two Philly-area beers nail No. 2 & 3, behind the superb Firestone Walker Pale Ale. Here's the complete list, locals in bold:

Firestone Walker Pale Ale
Dogfish Head 60 Min IPA
Stoudt's Pils
Russian River Temptation
Avery Mephistopheles
Anderson Valley Boont Amber
Great Lakes Holy Moses White Ale
Full Sail Session Lager
Rogue Brutal Bitter
Bell's Expedition Stout
Southampton Double White
Smuttynose Big A IPA
Penn Weizen
Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale
Hennepin
Samuel Adams Black Lager
Sprecher Hefe-Weiss
Alaskan Amber
Deschutes Broken Top Bock
Lost Abbey Avant Garde
Jolly Pumpkin Bam Bier
Victory St. Victoriouis
Allagash Interlude
Alesmith Speedway Stout
New Glarus Yokel

Looking at that list, I count 7 that I've never tasted (Nos. 7, 8, 14, 19, 20, 24 & 25). How about you? Drop an email and tell me YOUR favorite.

(FYI, Firestone Walker is NOT available in Pennsylvania. But you can slip down I-95 to State Line Liquors in Maryland and pick it up!)

After polishing off Friday's column, I realized I hadn't used most of the material from my interview with two members of the Broken Lizard cast. I met director/writer Jay Chandrasekhar (he plays Barry, the beer-pong expert-turned-male prostitute) and Paul Soter (one of the Wolfhouse brothers) over beers at McGillin's Old Ale House. Or, I should say, I drank the house ale while they sucked on ginger ale.

Paul Soter: I'm taking a bit of a break. This whole [media tour] has been such a haze.

PS: When we decided to make the movie, we said, 'Of course we're going to drink!' God, we can't fake it. But then we realized we'd be doing 20 takes on some scenes. So we ended up supplementing the beer with an occasional O'Doul's.

PS: Yeah, the O'Doul's made us sicker than real beer, I think. We were supposed to be drinking dark German beer, so we had to mix the O'Doul's with caramel coloring. It was disgusting. It got pretty nasty.

PS: I used to drink Coors when I was younger. I like Fat Tire [from New Belgium].

Jay Chandrasekhar: I'm from Chicago, so I used to drink Old Style. But I love Bud in a bottle. I can drink it all day.

PS: Part of what we wanted to do was to write a love letter to beer. The inspiration came when we were working on "Super Troopers." When we were promoting the movie in Australia, we thought, "We've gotta do something different." So one time we were up on a stage and we challenged everyone to a chugging contest... One of the funny things we discovered is when you challenge somebody's national pride, every country steps up and says they've got the best drinkers.

JC: In the movie, the Germans are our archrivals. They're extremely disdainful of American beer. They make fun of us for drinking Zima. They think so little of American beer, the Americans aren't even allowed into the Fest.

JS: BeerFest features a good bit of debauchery - weren't you a little worried about making a movie about excessive beer drinking in an age when there are so many tight-asses wagging their finger at boozing?

JC: Funny thing, comedy tends to be easier to make when you have Republicans in power. They spend so much time moralizing, it's fun poke your finger in their eye... When people talk about alcohol and beer, it's universally negative. It's about wife-beating and driving while intoxicated. But the reality is a great portion of the country goes out and drinks beer... By the way, beer-drinking is fun!

JS: I'm surprised there's no product-placement in the movie - you'd think brewers would be lining up to have their beer featured in a movie about beer.

PS: None of the American beermakers wanted their beer in the movie. They've perpetuated this sham of drinking responsibly, and they couldn't support a movie about drinking irresponsibly.

JC: They didn't know what we were going to do. No one wanted to see us go over the line with a Miller in our hands... Our characters do not drink responsibly.

JC: Will Forte, from "Saturday Night Live." [He plays one of the Germans.] He is a fast chugger. He went to UCLA, that's where he got his training. The guy can just throw them back.

JC: This movie has been a death wish for us. Now, every time we walk into a bar, people are challenging us to chugging contests. Pints and shots, everyone wants to challenge you.

The new comedy from the Broken Lizard comedy troupe is mostly about excessive beer consumption, but there is a back story about a lost German beer recipe. Now, you'd figure an authentic Bavarian beer would be made only with classic ingredients as laid out in the Gerrman Beer Purity law, namely: malted grain, yeast, hops and water. But the knuckleheads are seen brewing with malt extract, which almost certainly would've been outlawed. (In fact, one of the film's stars, Paul Soter, told me that the actors drank O'Doul's spiked with caramel coloring.) See my review on Friday.

The Easton micro is back with its Imperial Pumpkin Ale, first released in '05. I missed this monster (8% alcohol) last year, but Weyerbacher describes it as "incredible carmelly [with] malty notes on the palate and a strong, spicy presence that never fails to satisfy." Look also for AutumnFest, a 5.4% alcohol harvest ale.

Philadelphia is finally getting its hands on Bard's Tale Dragon's Gold, which is good news for beer drinkers with celiac disease. This gluten-free beer is now available at the Beer Outlet, 77 Franklin Mills Blvd., in the Northeast.

Sly Fox unveils its new bottled Oktoberfest on Thursday (8/17) at the Foodery (2nd & Poplar, Northern Liberties). There will be a sampling featuring ladies from IPA (In Pursuit of Ale). Afterwards, slide over to Standard Tap for some $3 pints of Sly Fox.

Meanwhile, Oktoberfest is already underway at McGillin's Old Ale House (1310 Drury St., Center City). The city’s oldest continuously operating tavern will expand its selection of German beers and add German foods to the menu, through September 30. In addition to the large selection of local and regional beers always on tap, McGillin’s will serve Stoudt’s Fest, Sam Adams Octoberfest, Flying Fish Octoberphish and Paulaner Octoberfest.

I've been out of town, visiting friends and tracking down sixpacks for the past week. Mostly, I scarfed up a bunch of out-of-state beers that haven't made their way to Philly, yet.

I also stopped in at the Capital Ale House in Richmond, Va., and enjoyed a pint of possibly the best brown ale I've ever had, from St. George Brewing. The tavern has this cool "ice rail" down the middle of the bar - basically a 60-foot long, 6-inch wide block of ice inlaid in the bar where you can set your glass to keep it cold.

Then, back in Pa., I took a crew up to Shangy's on Saturday before my radio show and came back with 18 cases in the trunk. Was it worth the trip? You tell me:

Warsteiner Verum, my Sixpack of the Week, is one of the growing number of premium brews now available in cans. Don't worry, there's no tinny aftertaste. And if you wanna stick with the glass, there's a $6 rebate on Warsteiner cases.

I left Mrs. Sixpack at home last night and headed out to For Pete's Sake (2nd & Christian) with the girls from IPA (In Pursuit of Ale), Philly's female beer appreciation group. We chatted about Miller's "Man Laws" over Bell's Oberon Ale, but I had to bail when they switched to Delirium Nocturnum. Watch for an upcoming report in the Daily News. And here's a tip of the hat to IPA organizer Suzanne Woods for turning me onto the newest South Philly beer bar: The Pub on Passyunk East (Passyunk & Dickinson), with 12 mostly local taps.

Lost on the backroads of Berks County this weekend, I finally stumbled across Union Jack's on the Manatawny (546 Manatawny Road, Boyertown, Pa.). I'll be writing more about this joint in a couple weeks. For now, let's just say that the Belgian beer wave has truly swept the region when you can find a bottle of Cantillon Rosé de Gambrinus in a county where they're still driving horse and buggies

I grew up about two blocks from the old Iron Gate tavern in Havertown; it's one of the first places I tasted draft beer. These days it's completely remodeled and doing business as Oakmont National Pub (31 Eagle Road, Havertown). I stopped in for a quick one last night and discovered a gem: about 15 drafts, including some unusual specialties. (Sadly, the keg of Grotten cave-aged brown ale had just kicked.) Lots of TVs, outdoor patio, kitchen, friendly service - it's worth the visit.

Chesco's Sly Fox, which already produces two canned beers, says it'll add a third to its portfolio this autumn. Look for Dunkel Lager when the temps drop. Meanwhile, brewer Brian O'Reilly expects to release this year's Oktoberfest in mid-August.

Earlier this month, the courts struck down a state law giving giving City Council members the right to both cite and then shut down stop-and-go's. Last week, the Daily News ed board, which has supported a crackdown on nuisance bars, agreed with the ruling. But Hung Ngo of the Asian American Licensed Beverage Association says the tabloid still doesn't get it. Here's his well-reasoned rebuttal.

And that includes beer! The kick-off to this year's event is at Yards Brewery in Kensington on Sunday (7/16), from noon - 4:30PM. This 4th annual celebration will feature wonderful local food, Philly’s finest ales, local music and more! If you love local food and support sustainable agriculture in our region, come eat and drink like you mean it! Tix: kacie@whitedog.com, Info: 215-386-5211 x102.

As always, Nodding Head's first-to-kick keg blast was a suds-filled, jammed-pack affair. Tim Roberts of Independence Brewing ~~stole~~ won this year's hallowed belt, kicking his keg of Kolsh in just 40 minutes. It went so quickly, I didn't even get a taste before it bottomed out.

The theme of this year's Stumble was the hammer-and-sickle Brewletariat. And in line with the Soviet setting, there were backroom allegations of Kremlinesque shenanigans. I heard at least one brewer charge that Roberts' keg was already half empty before the contest began. Dissidents were hustled off to Siberia by thuggish security forces.

Unable to speak to the quality of Roberts' beer, I can only state that the, um, talent of Independence's distaff waitstaff may have had something to do with the quick pour. The evidence is below.

Commie brewers, Marx (Casey Hughes, Flying Fish)& Lennon (Chris LaPierre, Iron Hill).

Philadelphia's best take-out beer shop has finally opened its second location. The Foodery-Northern Liberties is now up and running at 2nd & Poplar with more than 600 different bottles-to-go. This one is less clutttered than the original at 10th & Pine, with even more fridge room for those Belgian bombers. The deli serves sandwiches (gelato soon) and there's seating. Owner Jack Lee told me he's planning to run regular tastings, possibly on the first Friday of each month. More info to come.

Grey Lodge public Mike (Scoats) Scotese says he's making plans for a weekend-long Friday the Eleventeenth 10th anniversary celebration in August at his Esquire-annointed Mayfair taproom. Flying Bison and Flying Fish are both brewing up special dunkels for the occasion. Stay tuned for more details.

Looks like Wisconsin's City Brewery has signed a letter of intent to purchase the former Rolling Rock brewery in Latrobe, Pa., City Brewing, based in Lacrosse, Wis., (home of the world's largest sixpack) is the nation's fifth-largest brewer, producing mainly lagers and some seasonals. Seems like a good fit at the medium-sized Rock plant - maybe a new challenger to Yuengling?

HARRISBURG - Governor Rendell issued the following statement after a conference call with officials at InBev USA, who signed a letter of intent today with City Brewery, a Wisconsin based brewer, to sell the Latrobe Brewing Company in Westmoreland County.

The Governor plans to discuss state incentives that may be available to the company as part of his ongoing efforts to help save more than 200 jobs at the Latrobe Brewing Company. InBev USA recently sold the rights to Rolling Rock Beer, which has been brewed at Latrobe since 1939.

"I am very encouraged and hope that our work to save the more than 200 jobs at Latrobe Brewing Company will be successful. I intend to speak with officials from City Brewery tomorrow to discuss our aggressive and innovative Pennsylvania Economic Stimulus program, which, I hope, will help them decide, like many other companies, that Pennsylvania is the right place to locate and expand their business.

"The hard working, highly skilled men and women at the Latrobe Brewing Company are the best reason for any brewing company to bring their product to Pennsylvania, and I am hopeful that this letter of intent will translate into a contract to purchase the company. I intend to work personally, along with my Governor's Action Team to ensure that this happens. This is not the final step, but it is a very good step in the right direction."

Miller Brewing's Brew Blog reports Anheuser-Busch has made a trademark application for "Pier 21" - an "alcholic tea-based beverage." Presumably, it'll be something like Sam Adams' Twisted Tea line.

According to the U.S. Trademark Office's online search engine, A-B currently has 1,864 registered trademarks for products and slogans, some of which never see the light of day. Among the more recent marks:

The new Bud Red

Royal Stumble

Amazing tap list

This week’s column

Chops and hops

Define craft beer in 50 words or less