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.

Monday Rant: Feeling Full

I'm on vacation. Well, at least I can call it a semi-vacation. I've planned this past weekend for about two months. Today marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Obviously one of my favorite historical events as I incessantly refer to it. Apologies.

I planned this entire weekend around drinking fabulous craft beer brewed here in Pennsylvania, watching Civil War movies and finally taking in the ranger programs that are to be broadcast on PCN starting today. Yea, I actually took today and tomorrow off do watch these.

One thing I'm experiencing so far this weekend is a feeling of extreme fullness. This can mostly be attributed to the consuming of much beer and food. I hate such a feeling. To be a bit more descriptive it's that feeling in which you feel a bit closer to dehydration, your mouth is dry and you feel like you need to up yourself to an entirely new pants size. Sadly, you might look at how small I am now and wonder whether or not I'm going to blow away in the wind and how I shouldn't worry about such things.

My God I hate feeling like that. Maybe I need to take everything in more moderation.

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.