Recently, PA State Senator John Rafferty has become the latest to challenge Pennsylvania’s strange and arcane beer sales laws in attempt to allow six-pack sales at beer distributors, grocery and convenience stores (read more about that here). In addition, it’s been just about a year since Wegman’s made a splash in the PA scene when it was announced they would be selling beer. Beer in the supermarket? In Pennsylvania? Amazing! The catch, of course, is that they got a “pizza place” license to sell up to 12 beers (or the equivalent) for takeout. Sales are only allowed in the food court area, not the main checkout aisle. Still, the fact that you can grab a sixer on a trip to the grocery store is certainly a big plus for PA residents (and a Wegman’s should open in Malvern in 2010).

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One of the great things about Fall is the arrival of all kinds of pumpkin beers. Brewed with real pumpkin (usually) and the spices associated with pumpkin pie, these beers are best enjoyed on a chilly October or November day.

Shipyard's Pumpkinhead Ale

Of course, living in Pennsylvania, where it is required to purchase a case of beer at the distributor, it can be intimidating shilling out $40 for a case of pumpkin beer you’ve never tried. A few years ago, I purchased a case of Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale, the first commercial pumpkin beer brewed, only to come home and find that I didn’t particularly care for it. So, in attempt to prevent you from having a similar experience, here’s a little bit of information about many of the pumpkin beers we’ve tried recently (updated for 2011!):

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About a year ago, I came across an article about four friends who traveled to Texas with in search of great wine and great barbecue. It was an entertaining article, but I couldn’t help but wonder: Why I don’t have a job that allows me to to take wine and food tours?

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Looking for a malty beer to enjoy as the weather turns hot, we picked up a case ($38) of this at the Beer Yard in Wayne.

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Box wine has quite a terrible reputation, and rightfully so. Franzia is consistently at the top of the “best selling wine in the US” list yet tastes like absolute garbage.

A new trend, however, is emerging in box wine, as several brands of quaffable wine are now available in boxes. In addition, these wines are greener (less waste) and last longer (3-4 weeks) once open — perfect for a glass or two during the week.

Have we peaked your interest? Well, now is the time to try them as “Black Box” is on sale at PLCB for $19.99 (for 3 liters) through May 2nd. Try the Shiraz.

Also, a recent visit showed “Killer Juice” also on sale for $18.99 — try the Cabernet or Pinot Grigio.

Interesting article on Philly.com that mentions TJs, The Drafting Room and more.

Some neat news for WC folks — the folks at Kreutz Creek are opening a tasting room in the heart of downtown West Chester. According to the folks over at WC Dish, it is opening this weekend!

Great news for winos like us…

Details here

Dock Street Brewery is now open in West Philadelphia, a short ride down Haverford Ave. for those of you on the Eastern Main Line. Aside from the beer, rumors abound about how great the wood-fired pizzas are.

701 S. 50th St.
215-726-2337

Just a few years ago, having Lager and Guinness on draft in this area was considered to be a solid beer selection. Now, however, the Main Line boasts three of the best beer bars we’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.

The great beer bars are, in no particular order: Teresa’s Next Door (TND) in Wayne, The Flying Pig in Malvern and TJ’s Everyday in Paoli. We started this post with the intention of crowning one the “best area beer bar”, but as we write we wonder what purpose this would serve. If you love the Belgians and other imports, TND is the place for you… but “The Pig” probably represents the American craft brewers a bit better. TJ’s, on the other hand, uses craft and specialty beers to cook virtually everything on the menu. Does this make one better than the other? Who cares! Any visit to one of these bars will result in the enjoyment of great, varied beer, and, perhaps more importantly, something new on each visit.

Get out and enjoy!

P.S. The Drafting Room in Exton deserves mention here as well; though perhaps not “on the Main Line”, it is a short drive away and boasts a phenomenal variety of brews.

The annual Main Line Brew Festival will take place on Saturday March 3, 2007 at the Desmond Hotel in Great Valley from noon to 3:45 pm. It will feature Beer Tasting, Tutored Beer Tastings, Food and other special events.

Breweries include: Appalachian, Bethlehem, Dogfish Head, Legacy, McKenzie Brew House, Sly Fox, Spaten & Franziskaner, Triumph, Victory and Weyerbacher.

A free shuttle will run from the Paoli Train Station to the hotel for those who wish to take AMTRAK.

Purchase tickets here.