Beer Week 50 Word Special: Via Marconi Sports Bar & Restaurant

The following beers were consumed at Via Marconi Sports Bar & Restaurant during a Beer Week visit.

Dogfish Head Robert Johnson's Hellhound on My Ale
Beer was named after the legendary blues musician who alledgedly sold his soul to the Devil for the ability to play a mean guitar. Awesome. Perfect balance of hops and malt. Love the glass it was served in! A heavy, freaking goblet! Type of simple, effective beer Dogfish frequently avoids.

Dogfish Head Pearl Jam Twenty Faithfull Ale
Wasn't a Pearl Jam man. Or, I should say, I didn't think they won the Pearl Jam vs. Nirvana battle that divided America in the early 90s until Cobain exited stage left. They were OK. Like this weak, slightly winish beer. Maybe if it had been named after Kurt's band.

Port Brewing Mongo Double IPA
As I was drinking, wondered if it was a double IPA. Hops seemed too understated if it was (it was). Pours color between golden and amber. While it's somewhat light for my linking, it has an interesting makeup: California citrus kick emerges in finish rather than on surface.

Best of the Bunch: Dogfish Head Robert Johnson's Hellhound on My Ale
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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 200 Words or Less: Victory Brewing Company Saison du BUFF

Victory Saison Du BUFF
Was at Whole Foods - near childrens' play area of all places - when I spied cases of this collaborative beer with Stone and Dogfish Head being stored. Asked personnel if they new when it would be available. They didn't. Checked website two days later. There it was, not only in bottles, but also ON DRAFT! Grabbing my growler, I headed out for a fill-up! The growler guy was a real winner. Here, I thought there was just one version of the beer, but it turns out that the esteemed breweries collaborated on the recipe, and then all three were able to go off and use the ingredients in the way they saw fit. After tasting this, I would be very excited to taste the Stone and Dogfish Head versions - Stone being a brewer that I would see as superior to Victory and Dogfish Head being one that I would probably describe as inferior by a slim margin. Victory's features some seriously dry, piney notes; a rustic, wheaty, almost flowery scent; and a picture-perfect golden color. Drinks like a light (yet complex), smooth specimen, but packs a fairly serious punch.
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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: Dogfish Head Burton Baton Imperial IPA

Dogfish Head Burton Baton Imperial IPA
I avoid buying four-packs. I'd rather pay more and get six than buy four for less. I get it. They're powerful. Give me six. I'll drink moderately. This oaked IPA's heavy. Hop taste and smell are pungent. Dogfish makes tremendous IPA. Wish I had two more to knock back.
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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: Dogfish Head Pangaea

Dogfish Head Pangaea
When I read that this "experimental" beer featured ingredients from all seven continents, I actually wasn't intrigued. More like concerned. Feared it might succumb to the Delaware brewery's reputation for extreme high-mindedness. Luckily, this one didn't shoot for bizarre. Classically strong Belgian with a bit of a minty kick.

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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: Dogfish Head Ta Henket

Dogfish Head Ta Henket
Waitress at bar didn't like us at first. We weren't ordering food. Got appetizers. She warmed up. So much so that she gave us samples of this one. And provided this nugget: "You know those urinal cakes they have in the men's room? It tastes like those smell." No joke.

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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: Dogfish Head Tweason'ale

Dogfish Head Tweason'ale
So I was at Pizzeria Uno in Maple Shade, N.J. Saw this on tap. Ordered it. Waitress said I should try sample. Discovered why. Thing tasted like mouthwash with pepper in it. Horrible. 'Cause it's gluten-free? Here's an idea: Can't have gluten? Don't drink beer. This thing was disgusting.

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

Looking Back at 2011: The Beers We Enjoyed Most (Haiku-Style)

10. Hitachino Nest White Ale
Intriguingly crisp.
Interesting spiced finish.
And world's best label.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Dogfish Head My Antonia Imperial Pils

Dogfish Head My Antonia Imperial Pilsner
The wife bought this 25.4-ouncer at Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting. I had no idea what an imperial pilsner would taste like. I do know that the label said "continually hopped," and sure enough the thing was extremely hoppy, close to the level of an IPA. Tremendous label art.

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

Poor Service Spoils a Fine Getaway to Cabanas in Cape May

This Labor Day, we shot down to Wildwood for a family get-together. On one particularly rainy day, the little guy simply did not want to take a nap. So we decided to go for a ride and see if that would help him slip off into Dreamland. To our satisfaction, the ploy worked and a drive around Wildwood quickly turned into an excursion to Cape May. The farthest shore point has always been a favorite of ours and one place where we have had a couple good experiences is Cabanas Beach Bar and Grill. On this day, we decided to stop in and get an appetizer and a couple of drinks before a dinner later that night.

While the vibe of Cabanas may be a bit on the kitschy side, I have always enjoyed it. I like the Caribbean feel of the decor. The Bob Marley tunes blaring out of the speakers really add to a relaxing atmosphere. For our appetizer, we decided to try the Mexican Nachos Grande, a plate of tortilla chips with pulled pork, refried beans, jalapenos, pico de gallo, and other pleasing toppings. I thought the dish worked very well, although I can admit to being a person who prefers a wet salsa to a pico de gallo. I think it works better for dipping and ensuring that your chips are never naked. This slight lack of ingredients was the main complaint of Spicy, who felt there were times when more toppings, especially the pulled pork, could have been in order. For myself, I can say that I did not think this was a major violation on their part. The toppings were a little tough to get to, what with some of them being under the chips, but I did not feel Cabanas was delinquent in their topping distribution. It just required the breaking out of forks and knives at times.

Growler Wars: Dogfish Head vs. Manayunk Brewing Company

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


Dogfish Head Raison D'etre
Very strong taste upon first sip. Has a bit of a Belgian feel to it, but not exactly as clear as a Chimay or an Ommegang. Has a little bit of a stale scent to it. Doesn't go down as easy as I would like. Almost seems a bit bitter. All in all, not my favorite Dogfish Head beer.

Booze...in 50 Words of Less: Dogfish Head Red & White

Dogfish Head Red & White
This orange-tinged Belgian has a citrus aroma and a slightly bitter taste due to its having been aged and fermented in Pinot Noir tanks. A heavy beer, it was surprisingly refreshing on a sweltering summer day. The Milton, Delaware brewery is a future must-visit for its adventurous concoctions.