Attention to Detail the Key at Keystone Homebrew Supply

Photo courtesy Keystone Homebrew Supply.

When I’m not drinking beer or writing about beer or dreaming about beer, I try brewing beer. But let’s be clear: extract only (One of these days I’ll find the extra time to brew all grain).

At last count I’ve brewed 18 five gallon batches over the past 4 years (I’m not counting the two I brewed sometime in 1995/1996), with only 3 that were pretty much undrinkable – and those 3 failures were the result of simple process mistakes. Not too bad of a ratio for an amateur – but it’s the small mistakes that kill your beer, and paying attention to detail is extremely important.  I have to note – every single one of those Brewing kits have come from Keystone Homebrew Supply in Montgomeryville (even the 2 in 1995 & 1996, when they were located in a tiny little shop on Route 309)!

I was reminded of the importance of attention to detail in brewing the other day when I stopped in to Keystone Homebrew Supply in Montgomeryville to pick up my next kit. Usually I run in, get my prepackaged kit, grab the hops and yeast out of the fridge myself (because I can’t help myself – I usually tinker with the recipes), pay and leave. But the other day was different – I needed help because my favorite kit (called “Emperor Pale Patine”) wasn’t on the shelf.

So one of the Keystone employees named Alan put the kit together for me using the Emperor Pale Patine recipe that they keep in a three ring binder for just this kind of situation. When he brought me up to the counter to check out, he took the time to double check that all the ingredients of the kit were in the box (including my extra hop additions). As Alan went through the box, he scrutinized the recipe, and the first reaction in my head was “Come on man, I gotta go.”

But at each step in the recipe he asked “Do you do this?” Or “How do you do this step?” As Alan asked me these seemingly innocuous questions, he pointed out a few things that I could do (or not do!) to make my beer better. And those few simple things made so much sense that it blew my mind.

I’ve always heard that about Keystone homebrew Supply – in fact, they announce in their email newsletters – “If you have questions, feel free to ask anyone.” But I am usually on the run and don’t ask. So I’m glad Alan took the time to ask ME the questions! I’m stoked to try this next kit and just wanted to thank Alan and the Keystone staff!

And PS – if you are a Forest & Main fan, Keystone sells a kit of their “My Analog Brain,” an English bitter. That’s definitely on my list to brew – maybe it will be my 20th batch!

Cheers!

The Brewholder

Copyright 2017 – all rights reserved

Happy Belated 21st Birthday to River Horse!

 

Happy 21st Birthday! Photo courtesy of River Horse Brewing Company

It’s hard to believe that River Horse Brewing is 21 years old!  I remember the days (probably around 1999) of buying a variety case of River Horse and unfortunately each variety tasted like liquid pennies!   Things started to get better – I’ll never forget the  filtered Summer Ale and my first Belgian Freeze.  But in 2007 it definitely turned around – Processes were enhanced and the fun began!

River Horse has absolutely gotten better with age.   I’ve especially enjoyed their varieties I’ve tasted recently – like their tart but very drinkable Cranberry Sour.

So Cheers to River Horse!  Here’s to another 21 years!

Cheers!

The Brewholder

Copyright 2017 – all rights reserved

Iron Hill’s Long Time Favorite Vienna Red Lager to be Released in Cans

Vienna Red Lager now in cans! Photo courtesy of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant announced today that one of its flagship brews – “Vienna Red Lager” – will now be available in cans!  See the press release:

SEEING RED: IRON HILL TO RELEASE VIENNA RED LAGER IN CANS
The popular brewery’s latest beer release joins their growing line-up of canned beers,
and will be available in four-packs of 16-oz. cans to go while supplies last

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant released Vienna Red Lager in cans on June 1, making one of their best-selling and most-awarded beers available in conveniently portable packaging for the first time. Recently, Iron Hill committed to making more of their beers available to fans in cans, and this latest release is their latest in a growing series of top-notch canned craft beers.
· Vienna Red Lager is a European-style amber lager, medium-bodied with delicate malt aroma, slight sweetness and a clean, crisp finish
The popular palate-pleaser will be available in limited quantities, while supplies last, in four-packs of 16-oz. cans for take-out only
Vienna Red Lager will also be available on draft at all 12 Iron Hill locations
The beer earned bronze medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in 1999 and 2011; a gold medal at GABF in 2008; and a silver medal at the World Beer Cup in 2008
The can also features a fun new design from Pittsburgh, PA’s Smith Brothers Agency, the third in a series of collaborations between the brewery and the firm, including Rising Sun IPA and Mahalo, Apollo!

Now you’ll be able to enjoy that Iron Hill favorite next to the pool!

Cheers!

The Brewholder

Copyright 2017 – all rights reserved

Troegs “Nimble Giant” returns June 12

Troegs “Nimble Giant” returns! Photo courtesy Troegs Brewing Company.

We were excited to read in a press release from Troegs Brewing today that last year’s new release, “Nimble Giant” will be back on shelves on June 12!  Here’s what they had to say:

Nimble Giant Returns!
“Without sway, there can be no balance.” Beginning on Monday, June 12, Nimble Giant returns to beer shelves wherever you can buy Tröegs beer! You can also #findthegiant on draft at your favorite bar. Our Once-a-Year Double IPA gracefully boasts grapefruit rind, pineapple and honeysuckle notes with a hint of earthy forest floor. Behold the wonder! Visit troegs.com/nimble for more details including the release schedule.

Cheers!

The Brewholder

Copyright 2017 – all rights reserved

Philly Beer Week is here – Opening Tap tonight at the Fillmore

After much anticipation, Philly Beer Week is back!

Opening Tap is tonight at the Fillmore, with the first keg being tapped at 7:20!   But until after the special VIP hour from 6 – 7!   Here’s what Philly Loves Beer (www.phillylovesbeer.org) is saying about the VIP Session:

Check out a sampling from our list of VIP Beers, available EXCLUSIVELY to OT VIP guests:
Southern Tier Sapsquatch
Troegs Scratch 284
Weyerbacher Finally Legal
Yards Brewbik’s Cube [a collaboration with the Philadelphia Science Festival]
Free Will Funky Hoppy People
Captain Lawrence American Funk
Heavy Seas PartnerShips [a collaboration with Union Craft Brewing]
Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS)
2SP, Forest & Main, Crime & Punishment, Second District Velcro Fweak
Coppertail Purple Drink
Ploughman Cider Pinot N’Arlet
Evolution Lot 215
Levante 3D Hippo
..and plenty more to put in your special glass..

Hope to see you there tonight, and round the city all week long!

Cheers!

The Brewholder

Copyright 2017 – all rights reserved