Growler Wars: Sly Fox vs. Uinta

Two growlers. Two beers. Two frosted glasses. One winner.

Sly Fox Royal Weisse
This beer, which is available in cans (which kind of rules), features a cloudy golden color and a head that dissipates alarmingly quickly, which makes you fear that the beer could be a little flat. But don't be alarmed! Unless you are buying from a rather shady distributor, it should be fine. It's got a fragrant, spicy scent and all the earmarks of a classic Belgian. There's also a hint of orange. Smooth without being overly light.

Uinta Hop Notch IPA
Pours a persistent head and features a subtle hoppy scent. The color lands somewhere between a golden and an amber. The hops are perhaps a bit understated and the finish isn't as clean as would be desired. Can taste notes of grapefruit underneath, but overall the effect is a bit murky. While it isn't watered down, it's missing something that would make it pop.

The Winner
When I do these things, the IPA is always going to have a leg up. I am simply an IPA man. However, the Sly Fox offering was clearly the better beer in this case. With the brewery's goat race event coming up quick, it's a good reminder of how effective their product can be. I will certainly make it a priority to taste one on May 6.
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Sly Fox Phoenix Pale Ale

Sly Fox Phoenix Pale Ale
Bought a six-pack of these cans after playing basketball on Tuesday night. Truthfully, it pales in comparison to excellent pale ales I've had recently, like Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale and Lagunitas Pale. Still, it soothed my aching ankles. And I drank three in 30 minutes. Good enough for me.

--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Sly Fox Oktoberfest

With Sly Fox closing its doors at the Royersford location my brother and I had to say goodbye properly. Choosing the seasonal Oktoberfest during a dismal Eagles game was a smart choice. The medium bodied lager with a malty taste was good enough for me to pick up a growler on the way out. We'll miss you Sly Fox Rofo!

--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

New Jersey's Pour House is Enjoyable, not Award-Worthy

In the June/July edition of the very entertaining magazine, Beer Scene, the publication named Westmont's The Pour House as the "Best Classic Bar" in the states of New Jersey and Delaware. Being that I was in the area yesterday, I decided to stop by and find out if their choice held water. The answer unfortunately was both "Yes" and "No."

First, the Yes. There is simply no denying that this place has a very impressive beer list. The following is just a sample of some of the luminaries they are featuring in bottles: Avery. Hitachino. Stone. North Coast. Ommegang. I imagine you could sit here for days and you wouldn't run out of interesting beers to sample. You would probably have to get your stomach pumped, but that is another matter altogether. The draft list also has plenty to savor. As of this writing, they have, among others, Anderson Valley Bootlinger Weiss, Green Flash West Coast IPA, and Stone Ruination IPA. You get the idea: It's a quality lineup. In the interest of full disclosure, the beers I had during my stay were a stellar Weyerbacher Verboten, a Sly Fox Chester County Brown Ale (more on that later), and bottles of Lagunitas Dogtown Pale Ale and Yards Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale (both wonderful).

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Sly Fox Rt. 113 IPA

Sly Fox Rt. 113 IPA
I often find canned beers aren't able to pull off the flavor that bottled beers (let alone drafts) bring to the table. However, Royersford, Pennsylvania's Sly Fox must be doing something to preserve their beverages when they fill up the aluminum. Rt. 113 has hoppiness to spare and exceptional flavor!

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Sly Fox Pikeland Pils

Sly Fox Pikeland Pils

After I play basketball, I need something to rehydrate me and restore all of my essential proteins and minerals and stuff. Yes, I need to have a beer. And it needs to be in a can. Less effort to open. This smooth pilsner is my sports drink of choice.