Sixpack Sez

Apr. 25, 2008 | Now that the primary is over, we can focus on beer

GOOD RIDDANCE, Barack, Hillary and that dopey CNN bus. Now it's time for Philly to get back to the business of beer consumption.

(And by the way, Obama, here in Philadelphia, "bitter" is not a bad word. It's a style of English ale, and we drink it while clinging to our guns.)

Anyway, grab your bottle openers. There's a lot of new stuff headed our way.

New beer

We should be seeing fresh suds from Yards, the city's oldest production brewery, by the beginning of summer. The brewery is moving into new digs at Poplar and Delaware avenues in Northern Liberties. (That bottle of Philadelphia Pale Ale and other Yards flavors you've been sucking down over the past four months were contract-brewed up in Wilkes-Barre at the Lion Brewery.)

"Realistically," said Yards founder Tom Kehoe, "we definitely should be brewing by the beginning of June."

When Yards is finally up and running, look for the return of Brawler, a malty, ruby-colored mild ale (4.3 percent alcohol) that will be added to the mix of regulars. Kehoe said he's also hoping to bring back Trubbel de Yards (Belgian-style dubbel) and Old Ale.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia Brewing's full line (Kenzinger, Newbold IPA, Walt Wit and Rowhouse Red) is now available in bottles.

And new out-of-town brands keep showing up in the 'hood. The latest: Tommyknocker, a favorite from the Rockies. Look for its superb Butthead Doppelbock and Maple Nut Brown Ale.

New joints

The Philly gastropub scene, with an emphasis on craft beer and local food, continues to expand beyond Center City.

Memphis Taproom (2331 E. Cumberland, at Memphis, Port Richmond) opened this week with a dozen taps, including a beer engine that's pumping Nodding Head 60 Shilling. Chef Jesse Kimball (ex-Matyson and Lacroix) features steak frites, spicy BBQ seitan and, in a nod to the neighborhood's ethnic roots, a Port Richmond Platter with pierogies, potato pancakes and kielbasa from Czerw's.

Devil's Den (1148 S. 11th St., at Ellsworth, South Philly), from the same folks behind the Old Eagle in Manayunk, opened earlier this month with a big splash of the taps and a big-time menu from chef Joe Turissi (ex-Union League, Caribou Cafe).

The Tiedhouse (2001 Hamilton St., at Spring Garden) expects to open in July. The upscale gastropub's 20 or so taps will feature fresh beer from Montco's General Lafayette Inn & Brewery. Meanwhile, the General will begin bottling its ales shortly for distribution around the city and 'burbs. Look for Abbey Blonde, Abbey Brune and Chocolate Thunder porter in 12-ouncers.

On other fronts:

Food & Friends Neighborhood Market (1933 Spruce St., Center City) opened this week with a big takeout beer section.

Victory's old brewpub (420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown) is being transformed into a restaurant with an opening in May.

And Earth Bread + Brewery, a new brewpub on Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy, is hoping to open in June.

New excuses to drink

Get out your calendars and clear the date for:

10th Annual Manayunk Brew Fest Extravaganza at Manayunk Brewery (4120 Main St., Manayunk). More than two dozen breweries, plus perfect spring drinking conditions along the canal. Taps open: Noon-4 p.m. tomorrow, $30/$35 at the door, 215-482-8220.

Bock Festival and Goat Race at Sly Fox Brewery (519 Kimberton Road, Route 113, Phoenixville). One of the region's stranger (and, not coincidentally, most fun) beer events features a bunch of sprinting farm animals and a tap lineup of assorted bocks. Taps open: 11 a.m. May 4, 610-935-4540.

Trappist dinner at Chick's Cafe (614 S. 7th St., Bella Vista). Details are still being hashed out for this dinner featuring beer and wine made by monks. May 12, 215-625-3700.

Philly Beer 101 at the Trolley Car Diner (7619 Germantown Ave., Mt. Airy). It's adult education on tap, with an overview of the city's great beer scene, led by Joe Sixpack. 7 p.m. May 13 and June 10, $24 plus $15 for materials, mtairylearningtree.org.

Dinner with Boston Beer's Jim Koch at Monk's Cafe (626 S. 16th St., Center City). 6 p.m. May 15, $55, 215-545-7005.

SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience in Washington, D.C. From the same folks who produce the annual Great American Beer Festival, the event matches classic beer styles from 48 American breweries with a menu chosen by the brewers. May 16-17, $85, www.savorcraftbeer.com.

Brandywine Valley Craft Brewers' Festival on State Street in downtown Media. Enjoy samples from more than two dozen local breweries, including host Iron Hill. Taps open: 1 p.m. May 17, $30/$35 door, 610-627-9000.

Belgian Bierfeesten: A Celebration of Belgian Beers at World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut St., University City). Got a kid graduating from Penn? Skip the ceremony and spend the afternoon with dozens of Belgium's best, including Malheur, Val-Dieu, Moinette and Drie Fonteinen. First in what's planned as an annual event. Taps open: 1 p.m. May 18, $55, 215-222-1400.

Radical Beer at Tria Fermentation School (1601 Walnut St., Center City). Author Randy Mosher leads a tasting of unusual styles. 6:30 p.m. May 20, $50, 215-972-7076.

Chef's Table at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (3 W. Gay St., West Chester). Enjoy a special menu matching fresh beer from brewer Chris LaPierre with four courses from executive chef Dan Bethard. 7 p.m. every other Wednesday (April 30, May 14 and May 28 are the next three dates), $40, 610-738-9600.

-30-