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.

Beer Review: Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale

Serving Type: Bottle

ABV: 4.6 percent

Appearance: Philadelphia Pale Ale pours a golden straw color with a pretty active head. It was white and very fluffy. It was thick enough that I could actually take a finger, make an indentation in it and still not touch the beer's body. Thankfully, this wasn't a case where the head was so explosive that it takes 20 minutes just to pour the beer. This was a perfect instance. The retention was only average, but it was made up for by the layers of lacing that were left inside the glass. The golden body is somewhat clear (as you can obviously see the label of glass I poured this into), but the head presence let's you know this beer isn't watered-down.

Smell: This was very sweet and malty, but at the same time had a lovely mix of hop and citrus aromas. This was an interesting thing I noticed. You don't usually pick up citrus in pale ales.

Taste: The way this beer tasted reminded me of Troegs Sunshine Pils, but with a citrusy twist. I got the hop notes, and the pale aftertaste. The zing from the citrus and the sweet malt just go on to compliment the two traditional aspects of this style. The hop presence of this beer is also up to par with the above-average hopped Sunshine Pils. It works out perfectly. The hops compliment the finer aspects of the brew, and aren't the dominant ingredient. Overall, the taste was crisp and refreshing.

Overall Rating: 

The first sentence of the Philadelphia Pale Ale page on Yards' website says that they believe that all other beers of this style compare to this one in particular. I wholeheartedly agree. This was a fantastic drink. The fact that there was a nice floral hop presence and some citrus zest present vaults this pale ale over any other that I've had.

Ales of the Revolution: Best Case Ever?

Being a huge fan of both craft beer and history, I never thought that the two could be combined so finely. I learned I was wrong when I was told about the Ales of the Revolution by Yards Brewing out of Philadelphia.

According to the Yards brewing website, as well as on the bottles of each of the beers in the case, the three beers featured are based on recipes by Benjamin Franklin (Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce), Thomas Jefferson (Tavern Ale) and George Washington (Tavern Porter).

This case of beer caused me to have one of the bigger geek-outs in my lifetime and I can get excited about some history. All three beers are among the best I've ever had. The Tavern Spruce is sweet and syrupy, the Tavern Ale has strong hints of honey in the aftertaste and the Tavern Porter is brewed with molasses and it is truly evident.

If you could choose the personal beer recipes of any three men in American history, would you venture any farther than Yards did? I certainly would've chose both Benjamin Franklin for his multiple innovations and Thomas Jefferson since he's the greatest president we've had, in my opinion.

This case is among the greatest variety cases I've ever come across. I' not entirely sure about putting it past the Troegs Anthology No. 1, but as of right now it's pretty close.