Beer Week 50 Word Special: Capone's Restaurant

The following beers were consumed at Norristown's Capone's Restaurant during a Philly Beer Week visit.

Weyerbacher Last Chance IPA
A beer befitting the winner of Beer Scene Magazine's brewer of the year (even if I don't like them because they picked Lew Bryson over me for Writer of the Year). Citrusy. Subtly hopped. Pleasingly crisp. Dry, piney notes. Thick, persistent head. Simulates the West Coast style well.

Avery Brewing Company Maharaja Double IPA
An amber, almost brown color. Features a powerful hop scent and taste. There's a bit of caramel in there, a nice helping of grapefruit. There's a bit of an aftertaste, but not a bad one, one you don't mind sticking around. Smoothly textured, it's another winner from the Colorado masters.

The Lost Abbey Carnevale
Had once sampled this Saison on not one, but two consecutive trips to Fairmount's St. Stephen's Green. Was that good. Make it a third time. Despite alarmingly quick head dissipation, Belgian-style spicing pops. Has an easy-drinking summer feel and a bit of minty flavor in the finish.

Nebraska Brewing Company Hop God
Was listed as a combination Belgian Tripel and West Coast IPA, a description that grabbed my attention immediately. Ended up being a bit of a letdown to me. Pickled up more Tripel than IPA. Spicing registers, but it wasn't potent enough to live up to the hype.

Best of the Bunch: Avery Maharaja
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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: Weyerbacher Winter Ale

Weyerbacher Winter Ale
While it probably helped that this was the first thing that touched my lips after two hours of full-court basketball, I think I would have enjoyed this beer no matter the conditions. It's supremely malted with a smoky character. Traces of cherry jumped out at first sip.
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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/

Almost better than pumpkin beer ... Harvest Days at Merrymead Farm

In my younger days, before the turning of leaves and brisk mornings meant the arrival of pumpkin beer and Oktoberfest celebrations, fall was marked by the start of the cross country season and a sore right arm. You might be wondering what a sore arm has to do with the fall. The beginning of Harvest Days at my place of employment, Merrymead Farm, meant I'd be scooping pumpkin ice cream non-stop for at least four straight weekends.

Yes, the ice cream line is long. And you need to park a half mile away. But experiencing Harvest Days with the nibble this past weekend ... and that delicious pumpkin ice cream ... made it all worth it.

Merrymead is a great place to take the little ones any time of the year, as they can check out the cows, bunnies, donkeys, goats, a giant hog and other assorted small animals. And they can even watch a milking demonstration. The nibble asked us which cow was producing the chocolate milk.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Weyerbacher Brewing Company Merry Monks

Weyerbacher Brewing Company Merry Monks
The Belgian-style golden ale compares nicely to Chimay with its spicy, citrusy kick. It's got a strong feel to it but it isn't hard to drink. While you will experience an immediate spike of flavor, there is no discernable aftertaste to worry about. Another winner from the Easton brewery.

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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: River Horse Hipp-O-Lantern

This is THE pumpkin beer for any Belgian lovers out there. Nose and taste are only slightly pumpkiny compared to Weyerbacher or Smuttynose. At 9% ABV, I can definitely only handle one of these in a sitting. Reddish copper, slightly cloudy, quite smooth and very warming.

Growler Wars: Sixpoint vs. Weyerbacher

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

Sixpoint Bengali Tiger IPA
A very hoppy IPA with a floral - almost citrusy - scent. A crystal-clear, golden appearance leads to an easy finish with no hint of an aftertaste. The rare beer that would be just as suitable either with the leaves falling or the sun shining brightly. Simply a sterling selection by the "other brewery" from Brooklyn.

Booze ... in 50 Words or Less: Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale

http://weyerbacher.com/blog/2010/02/imperial-pumpkin-ale/

Now this is what a pumpkin beer should taste like. Strong golden brown ale with a spicy pumpkin flavor that's not too sweet and not too overwhelming. Cinnamon, nutmeg and a few other spices, but luckily no sweet 'n low.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Weyerbacher Brewing Company Blanche

Weyerbacher Brewing Company Blanche

I'm a fan of many beers by this Easton, Pa. brewery. Verboten is a very solid Belgian-style pale ale. My brother is a major advocate of Merry Monks tripel. Therefore, I was very disappointed to discover that this witbier is quite weak. Light on flavor. You can do better!