That Settled Matters in His Mind

Continuing back on the Civil War theme from late last week, which has been known to make a few appearances on this blog once in a while. I usually plan on making a week's worth of posts relating beer/drinking to Gettysburg when we get closer to the anniversary each year, but I had a slight epiphany over the weekend and that was once again on the topic of Pennsylvania heroes and whether or not they should have a beer named after them today.

A lot of people don't know it, but John F. Reynolds is one of the more important Pennsylvanians to ever call the Commonwealth home. Born in Lancaster in 1820 and rose to the commander of the First Corps of the Federal Army before falling on the first day at Gettysburg at the age of 42.

Historians argue that he was one of the main people that saw the value of the Gettysburg terrain and was integral in the armies meeting there for one of the most epic clashes on North American soil. One of the most recent books I've read claimed that Reynolds is pretty much the one that decided the field. I've mentioned Allen Guelzo's book The Last Invasion a number of times on this blog. Here's one of my favorite passages around the time of the supposed meeting at the Seminary Cupola on the morning of the first day's fighting.

"That settled matters in Reynolds' mind, and he delivered to his aides a short volley of orders and messages that put the final seal on the battle. First, to Meade at Taneytown, a verbal notice to be carried by Capt. Stephen Weld: "Ride at once at your utmost speed" - even if it killed his horse - "to General Meade; tell him the enemy are advancing in strong force and that I fear they will get to the heights beyond the town before I can. I will fight them inch by inch and if driven into town, I will barricade the streets and hold them back as long as possible." He then added for Meade, almost as an afterthought, While I am aware that it is not your desire to force an engagement at that point, still I feel at liberty to advance and develop the strength of the enemy. Then, to Abner Doubleday: "I will hold on to the Chambersburg Road," while "you must hold on to the Millersville Road." Third, to Otis Howard. "he had encountered the enemy in force" and Howard was "to bring your corps forward as rapidly as possible." And finally to Dan Sickles and the III Corps, even more concisely, "Tell General Sickles I think he had better come up." This would leave Meade with no choice. Once Reynolds had committed three of Meade's seven infantry corps to Gettysburg, Meade could not refuse to support him with the other four."

I mentioned earlier about the "supposed meeting" meaning that it's more likely that in the fury of the opening battles and with time of the essence that the meeting between Reynolds and John Buford didn't play out the way it's been dramatized over the years. I've always been told that Reynolds aides swore that it all transpired somewhere in the vicinity of McPherson's Ridge.

I've got goosebumps and chills upon listening to a moving piece of music or certain movies, but it's been rare to encounter such a case when it comes to reading. Well, it happened the first time I took that excerpt in. The great sons and daughters of Pennsylvania are already honored in other unique ways. William Penn is on the Quaker Oats label, Andy Warhol is one everything and Fred Rogers is still a role model to families everywhere even though he's no longer with us.

The Reynolds monument just inside the gate of the Soldiers' Cemetery.

I know we have monuments to pay homage to historical figures. Reynolds is on at least three monuments prominently at Gettysburg alone that I know of. My point here today is why not a beer?  That also brings me to another point - Shipyard brews Chamberlain Pale ale named for Joshua Chamberlain who conveniently, for my argument, was also a hero at Gettysburg and is arguably Maine's biggest hero in the war.

Why the hell not? As far as I know, there isn't one named for Reynolds among the Pennsylvania brewers as of yet. I feel that Lancaster Brewing should get first dibs. Hear me out!

All's Common in the Commonwealth

In the quietest way ever, I've accumulated plenty of beer brewed within Pennsylvania's state lines. Cases of Rivertowne Babbling Blonde, Hala Kahiki Pineapple and RT Lager are currently being worked on. I still have half a case of Troegs Sunshine Pils hanging around as well.

This all has led me to one conclusion when I take into account my big-time birthday trip next weekend. As work ends on Thursday night next week a Pennsylvania beer only weekend shall commence.

Or at least that's how I'm planning it as of now. It's certainly not out of the question to visit the Blue Dust coolers and create my own Pennsylvania six pack. Maybe grab some Full Pint, Troegs, Stoudt's or Voodoo? I'd love to get a hold of another bottle of Wynona's Big Brown Ale as well as some White Lightning.

This is all in order to celebrate one of this state's (rather Commonwealth's) greatest and most important historic events as I try to do annually by trudging through woods, creeks, high grass and over rocks to study topography and troop movements. There's even more Pennsylvania beer where I'm going. Some I've had and look to rekindle with. Others are a source untapped. More on that next week.

Only in Pennsylvania.

Better Than That

I got an email yesterday morning from a reporter/blogger with the Lebanon Daily News in the central part of Pennsylvania who was taking a survey of the top beers brewed here in Pennsylvania. apparently Zymurgy magazine published the Brewers Association's top-50 beers and only one Pennsylvania beer found its way on to the list.

That lone Pennsylvania beer you ask? It was Troegs Nugget Nectar. Part of me isn't surprised that it was that beer, but what does surprise me is that only one Pennsylvania beer made it. I thought we did a lot better here in this state with our beer. Either that or I'm just biased since I live here.

The survey that's being taken of what it looks to be several beer writers and bloggers throughout the state of Pennsylvania and asks for our top ten beers brewed here in the state.

Speaking of geographical biases, there's no doubt that I'll throw in the local Monkey Boy from East End Brewing. The problem is that when a beer is pretty much only available here in the Pittsburgh area like Monkey Boy is, those closer to the other side of Pennsylvania most likely haven't had it.

Off the top of my head I think my list will even out in terms of West vs. East. I've always spoken highly of Yards brewing in Philadelphia. I'm pretty sure at least three of its beers will make my list. I've had my fair share of unhappiness when having one of the Victory Brewing Golden Monkey. Still, part of me feels this should make a Pennsylvania top-10 list. Now, to only find the time to get started with this next project.

Brewsylvania

Nothing stirs intense debate within the blogosphere like a top-whatever list. An article via CNN this week ranked the top eight beer cities in the United States. I must admit that I thought I'd see Pittsburgh on there. Unfortunately I didn't, but Philadelphia did make the list.

Almost a year ago I wrote something about how this side of Pennsylvania knew how to drink and the Philadelphia side knew how to eat. I remember a few people close to the Philly area not being too happy about that. Maybe things have changed on my end.

I certainly have my favorite beers and brewing companies here in Pittsburgh. East End Brewing always has an awesome selection. Full Pint Brewing Company in North Versailles has an interesting group of people at the brewery and has an awesome lineup as well. Is there a neater brewery in Pittsburgh to have a great beer and an awesome meal than Church Brew Works in Lawrenceville?

Despite my obvious bias, I've grown closer to a few beers/breweries from Philadelphia. One of my favorite breweries in all of Pennsylvania has been Troegs in Hershey. I must admit that Yards Brewing in Philadelphia has quickly climbed my charts. That has been evident in my musings on this blog on multiple occasions.

Even Mr. Penn would be proud.

The thought of Philadelphia Pale Ale makes my mouth water. Can I speak about the the Ales of the Revolution any more without people thinking I'm in love with them? The Love Stout is something I'm curious about trying. Still, I'm not yet sure my tongue is ready for a oyster stout (at least it's an oyster stout according to a friend that visited the brewery).

I honestly don't have a problem with the list. Maybe I'm just sparking some debate? I think both cities do an amazing job in terms of craft beer. Keep brewing and drinking, Pennsylvania. I still have one request. I want a beer with William Penn on the label.

Pottsville/Pottstown - 56 miles Apart

I'm sure if you're coming back the reason is to say "Hey, this doofus doesn't know the difference between Pottstown, Pa. and Pottsville, Pa.!" Other than that, I must thank a reader for actually pointing out the fact that in today's original post I had John R.Brooke being from the same town where Yuengling Brewery is. When in fact the two are about an hour apart.

@burghbeersnob @yuengling_beer Dude, Yuengling is from PottsVILLE.
— Nate Stimmel (@OneDropSoup) March 5, 2013

@burghbeersnob It's ok. Both cities are in eastern PA, so you were close (ish).
— Yuengling Brewery(@Yuengling_Beer) March 5, 2013

I guess it's easy to screw the two up? Kudos to the commonwealth for having two eerily similar town names. Maybe I was caught up in the excitement that I almost had a big historical connection. Hey, Wikipedia is editable.

It's either that or this incident stems from the time last September when my girlfriend and I were on our way  to someones wedding in the eastern side of the commonwealth. I was deathly sick with some form of strep throat. Almost to the point where I had to give up driving for the day. During my sickly delusions I remember going under a highway exit sign for either Pottsville or Pottstown. As of right now, I can honestly say I have no idea which. I was very ill.

I do remember my first inclination was that I was close to the brewery or at least I was in delusional sick land. Hilariously, I still don't know which town I was closest to. Irony is a beautiful part of life. A good thing is that I don't have to feel bad about missing out on visiting Yuengling because there's a 50 percent chance I was nowhere near it.

I'm still not devoid of ideas! John F. Reynolds was from Lancaster. Lancaster Brewing Company should have first priority on that, but Yuengling could get away with that as well. Last I checked, Lancaster doesn't have a brew in its lineup named for Reynolds. There's only one Lancaster in Pennsylvania! Geez I need a Black and Tan.

Holy Pennsylvania, Batman!

I remember when my family used to spend summer vacations in Virginia Beach, Va. That first evening always marked a trip to the grocery store so that we could stock up for the week ahead. I always remember noticing that we also would stock up the drinking fridge as well. The best part was that what we bought for that fridge was all purchased at the same market in which we got the food. It baffled me because we couldn't ever do the same back home in Pennsylvania.

The course for change took a bigger step in the right direction yesterday afternoon when Gov. Tom Corbett announced his plan on liquor privatization throughout the commonwealth. I've found an article from WTAE for you to get all the details you need.


The only problem with this plan thus far is the fact Corbett wants to entirely shut down the state store. I'm not so sure that will fly with other government officials since that would leave a good number of state employees without jobs. Keep in mind that all of this still has to be passed and could change by the time it would.

One would think there has to be a middle ground on this issue at least for the time being. Make it convenient for those of us purchasing something to drink and still find a way for the state employees to keep their jobs. The most entertaining part of that article is the source that's quoted as saying that Pennsylvania's system is already so much better than the rest of the country. What planet does this guy live on?

The last I checked, monopolies were illegal and I believe that's what Pennsylvania has when it comes to liquor. I've never drawn a political line on this blog and I'm not trying do it here either. I just think it makes sense to enable consumers to have more of a choice when it comes to what they buy.

Monday Rant: Feels Like Progress

It wasn't that long ago in Pennsylvania that I couldn't have solved my predicament on Sunday prior to heading downtown for the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers game. There were times that some local beer distributors weren't open at all nor could you get beer at a place that wasn't a six pack shop or a distributor.

I know this state isn't yet at where we all wish it was in terms of liquor laws, but it certainly feels like progress. It was my responsibility to grab a small pack of beer to enable our tailgate to have a beer or two each before heading into the stadium.

My predicament was that I was planning on being on my way downtown by around 9:30 a.m. This would be before most distributors and six pack shops are open in the morning. At least, the ones to my knowledge wouldn't have been open for business by that time. Thankfully, we now sell an assortment of beers in select Giant Eagles throughout state.

I'm not sure Pennsylvania will ever me on par with many other states in the union in the distant future, but this is certainly a few steps forward from what it used to be.

Beer Review: Yuengling Oktoberfest

Serving Type: Bottle

ABV: 5.4 percent

Appearance: Yuengling Oktoberfest pours a deep amber, which isn't typical of most Oktoberfests I've had the past few years. It reminds me of the amber color that Yuengling Traditional Lager has. It also features the bubbly white head we love with Yuengling's flagship beer. Already, we can see homage paid to one of the great beers of Pennsylvania. The only qualm I have is that you can somewhat see through the beer (If you look closely I have this in a Coors Light pint glass (Apologies, but it was a long day prior to drinking this) I prefer a darker color in this style.

Smell: This beer's aroma consisted of strong roasted grain. This is something I've come to adore in the Traditional Lager as well. Notes of sweet caramel dance in your nostrils too.

Taste: The caramel is sweet and spicy on the front of the tongue. The strong roasted grain helps out with a smooth finish. The grain taste is very similar to the Traditional Lager taste when it's consumed from the bottle. It's very close to a strong roast in a cup of coffee. It's slight, but you notice that it's there. (Yuengling on draft tastes different to me). I didn't get a good amount of hop character on the back of the tongue when drinking this one. The flavor was just a tad weaker than I prefer.

Overall Rating: 

Overall, not a bad beer. I'm happy I have a case of this. I love that Yuengling decided to brew an Oktoberfest. Looked everywhere for it last year in pubs, but couldn't get a drop. I like that this beer is similar to the flagship, but would have preferred it set itself apart. The flavors need to come together a little bit more.

Monday Rant: Let Yuengling Be

When I first became interested in beer, Yuengling Traditional Lager was that first beer other than the Natural Light and Coors Light you could find in the pubs around your college campus that you drank and reminded yourself that it's a damn good beer.

The bottle has a classic look to it. I don't see many with that green tint anymore. The beautiful brown liquid that houses itself inside that bottle is even better once it hits your tongue. Making it that much better was the fact that this product was made in Pennsylvania. There was always a sense of pride when it came up in conversation. Having family and friends just down the road in West Virginia, I witnessed some of the rejoicing when Yuengling was finally sold in that state.

Dick Yuengling caused a few ripples a few weeks ago when he said that Pennsylvania wasn't the best business climate in the world. He could be right for all we know. I'm not typing this to argue whether or not Pennsylvania (even a spot closer to Pittsburgh) is the best spot for Yuengling to expand. I'm just writing this to bring up the point that Yuengling has earned his and his brewery's right to do whatever he sees fit for his company.

Come on. Yuengling has provided the country with a nationally-recognized product. That beer bottle is pretty much a trademark, isn't it?

Yuengling has done enough. That brewery has done just about everything and more for Pennsylvania. If this supposed expansion occurs in another state, so be it. That's how the cookie crumbles. Yes, it could hurt jobs somewhat in this state, but I don't feel that it's Yuengling's obligation anymore. The brewery can do what it so chooses. I'm still going to be proud the next time I open a bottle of it. It will always be Pennsylvania's beer.

Monday Rant: Clash of the Liquor Laws

I'm not a lawyer (although I have a cousin that's one). So, it's not like I'm one that knows every in and out of the liquor laws in the state of Pennsylvania. What I do know is that they're severely outdated. Aside from that, there has been recent progress. We can now purchase beer in some of our local Giant Eagles. That's one step in the right direction. There's only about 3,472 steps to go.

Being a citizen of Pennsylvania I've become used to having a plethora of beers in certain beer distributors across the area. Having a beer distributor makes it simple when searching for beer. You can look for a certain beer and if that distributor doesn't have it in stock at the very least you're going home with something of the very same style that you set out for.

If you're not one to settle very often, then there's a cog in your scheme. What I mean by that is that not every brewery distributes to every state. In essence, we sometimes have to try a bit harder to get some of the beers that aren't in our market.

This is where my girlfriend comes in. She lives outside of the Washington DC area. I know that a certain beer I've been looking for has been sold in that market.

Unfortunately, a Google search for "Washington DC beer distributors" doesn't turn up much. It looks as if most alcohol in the District of Columbia is sold from grocery store chains. I obviously didn't realize this because I'm so used to buying my beer in Pennsylvania.

I'm hoping she can seek out this beer for me in time for when we see each other next.

Monday Rant: Please Save the Pumpkin for the Fall

You wouldn't want this now, right? (Image via Wikipedia)

Towards the beginning of July, there were reports of some pumpkin ales being stocked and/or released in some parts of Pennsylvania. Over the weekend, I came across another news link saying that Harpoon has released it's new Pumpkin Cider.

The fact that seasonal releases have seemed to start appearing way before they're expected isn't a secret to many of us in the craft beer world anymore. It's my opinion that the last thing any of us want after a hot and sticky day in July or August is a thick and spicy pumpkin ale.

I can understand the situation breweries like Weyerbacher are placed in when it comes to having to meet enough demand. If you read the quote (in the first link I provided) by Weyerbacher's president and founder, you can see that the problem at hand is the fact that wholesalers don't always have the room to keep the seasonal brews until the time of release and thus began to sell some of the supply.

I'm pretty sure I summed most of that up correctly. I haven't seen any actual numbers to back it up, but I'd find it hard to believe that these seasonal beers even sell when they're offered so early. Now, there might be a few hard-core fans that want that case of Nugget Nectar, which seems like it can be devoured at any point of the year, but what about for my thick pumpkin beer plight in the heat of summer?

This is the earliest I recall any of the fall beers/ciders ever coming out? Will enough even be sold to give wholesalers a reason to do the same next year and maybe to sell even more?

To me, the bottom line is that a few seasonal beers might fit in with other seasons if they're released early, but pumpkin ales and other strong seasonals of the same type aren't meant to be consumed at this time of the year. I don't even start to think about anything with pumpkin in it until at least the end of September.

Celebrate Freedom: Drink Local

To many, the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July is to invite over some friends, fire up the grill and pop a few beers. So, if you're a fan of craft beer it's a good idea tomorrow to try and drink good beer from your local brewers.

I know that some of the liquor laws here in Pennsylvania are among the most ancient in all of America, but there has appeared to be a light at the end of some of those tunnels over the past two years. We aren't there yet, but for this state it's definitely progress.

Your local brewers exemplify what freedom and independence is all about. They put more into their products than what the American majors do. Despite what your television will tell you during commercial breaks all day, knocking back an ice cold Budweiser or Coors Light isn't exactly the American way anymore.

Other than that, there's nothing more American than watching the Ghostbusters make the Statue of Liberty walk through New York Harbor

 

In My Book, Troegs Is the Best.

Troegs has some awesome labels, too.

Before you start to hammer away at me, I'm going to say it now. This isn't a post to hate on other breweries. After all, isn't the beautiful thing about loving beer is that many of us have our own preferences?

I've slowly settled upon the opinion I'm about to bestow upon you very soon over the last month or so. I've mentioned how this brewer has one of the best variety packs that is on the market. I've also never seen people flock to some of its seasonal beers like they have over the past year and a half.

Yuengling might be the private brewer that brings in the most, but in my opinion Troegs Brewing Company is the best I've come across. I can't name another brewer with a beer lineup that's as popular as what Troegs puts out.

When people painstakingly awaited the release of Nugget Nectar this spring, it was eerily similar to what electronics geeks to when a new iPhone comes out. Mad Elf also keeps us beer geeks coming back every year around Christmas.

HopBack Amber Ale is one of the best beers out there. Sunshine Pils is an exciting and hoppy take on a European Pilsner. People also rant and rave about both Java Head Stout and Troegenator Double Bock.

I can't forget about the Scratch Series. I can't think of another brewer off of the top of my head that does something like this, or at least has a series that's so deep. I haven't had the chance to have many of them, but just by reading about some of the brews I think the variety found in the Scratch Series rivals the creativity of a certain brewer in Delaware.

If there is another brewer with such a popular variety of beers, I'd sure like to know. There's no doubt that Pennsylvania has some awesome beer running through its taps and casks. I'm not here to put down any other brewery. Everyone has a favorite or two. I'm also certainly open to hearing some of yours as well.

Monday Rant: Pennsylvania - West vs. East

I think that if I can conclude one thing after my trip to the eastern part of Pennsylvania it's that we know how to drink beer in the western part and they know how to eat in the eastern part of the state.

My post last Wednesday described how the town of Gettysburg, its roads and its location were all conducive to great beer and food being all over the town's establishments.

What I proposed is true. There's food ranging from seafood from Maryland, cheesesteaks from Philadelphia and recipes from the Pennsylvania Dutch. There are also numerous craft breweries that have their product around Gettysburg as well. Troegs is just to the north, Roy Pitz out of Chambersburg and Lancaster Brewing isn't too far off either.

The problem is that it looks as if that side of the state hasn't yet caught up with the craft beer revolution that we are currently experiencing here around Pittsburgh. Not to say that our friends out east have no idea what craft beer is, but in the rural areas outside of Philadelphia it looks as if they're not yet ready for it.

This was evident to me by the lack of taps in a few of the restaurants I dined in this past weekend. Yes, of course some of those companies have a presence there. It's just when I head to the Dobbin House Tavern I expect a bigger selection of Troegs other than just the Pale Ale. I honestly expected to find Sunshine Pils all over the place since it's an excellent summer beer and it usually gets hot as hell east of the Blue Ridge.

For the record, numerous beers from these companies are present in bottle. I'm just disappointed in the lack of tap presence.

Aside from that, another thing I've learned is that if they don't have a wide as selection of beer as we do here, they sure as hell know how to eat better than us. After having a cheesesteak made the right way out there, I'll be damned if I ever get one in Pittsburgh again. A cheesesteak with the cheese melted on the grill with the meat as it cooks will always overcome the overrated Primanti's Pittsburgher sandwich.

Where the hell else can you find Shepherd's Pie Potato Skins?

We can't forget about the Dutch cooking either. Where around here can you find anything that resembles the Game Pie or spoon bread at the Farnsworth House Inn? While eating breakfast at the local diner, I ordered pancakes with chocolate and peanut butter chips one morning and cheese danish the next. If you order a danish at Eat n' Park or another similar place around here, the odds are that you're getting an Entenmann's picked up at your local super market.

All Roads Lead to Gettysburg

Tomorrow marks yet another one of my annual trips to Gettysburg National Military Park. Being the history buff that I am, I know that the saying "all roads lead to Gettysburg" held true on those three epic days in 1863. As easy as it was to fully concentrate an army in that day and age, it also appears that the town is also an excellent convergence point of fine beer and food.

McPherson barn along McPherson Ridge on the first day's field.

It gets pretty hot when you're east of the Blue Ridge and after a day of touring/studying some of America's most hallowed ground, you definitely want something refreshing towards the evening.

The town features some of the best period dining in all of Pennsylvania at both the Dobbin House Tavern, which features colonial-style items on its menu, and the Farnsworth House Inn, which gives patrons an 1863 dinner experience.

In terms of food, Gettysburg is in perfect position to dish out recipes from the Pennsylvania Dutch in the north as well as some Chesapeake seafood in the South.

As for beer, Troegs Brewing Company is right up the road in Harrisburg/Hershey. Troegs is arguably Pennsylvania's second most popular brewer, as well as my personal favorite, behind Yuengling & Son and will surely have most of the local bars stocked with many of my favorite brews.

Flying Dog Brewery is just to the South, out of Frederick. We also can't forget that just up Route 30 (or the Chambersburg Pike as we history buffs call it) is Hauser Estate Winery which provides the world with the infamous Jack's Hard Cider.

Appalachian Brewing Company has one of it's microbrewery/restaurants just off of Buford Avenue and right next to the house that General Robert E. Lee designated as his headquarters. There's plenty to eat and drink in Gettysburg.

This week might be somewhat abbreviated in terms of posts since I'm embarking on this trip. I will try to have a beer review for tomorrow's post and will try to document as much as possible the food and drink I come across while out east. Make sure you're tuning into my Twitter feed this weekend while I'm there. I'll also try to incorporate some of what I experience into a post or two for next week.