Ramsayings

Weyerbacher Fireside
Originally uploaded by J T. Ramsay

I met Keith Fitzgerald at Memphis Taproom last night to talk about blogs, apps, and all the other fun geek stuff our wives tell us “sounds fun” as we walk out the door.

Our wonderful conversation was aided and abetted by some delicious beer as the No Repeat Beer Week rolls on! I started the night with a smoky Weyerbacher Fireside (pictured) before delving into a bunch of beefy IPAs. Here’s last night’s list:

• Weyerbacher Fireside
• Anderson Valley 20th Anniversary Double IPA
• Ballast Point Big Eye IPA
• Moylan’s Moylander Double IPA
• Bell’s Pale Ale

I took it easy since it was a school night, but I can assure you I had no difficulty getting up this morning for a quick three-mile run.

Our conversation ended with an interesting discussion about how RSS is the blood coursing through the veins of the Internet, yet we still find ourselves joining every known social media platform that comes down the pike. Isn’t RSS supposed to make our lives really simple?

Speaking of which, we also chatted about Pitchfork’s headscratcher of a redesign. It reminded me of Paper Thin Walls after it was redesigned and made ready for a social network that never took off. Ouch. I told Keith that Pitchfork should’ve looked to ESPN.com’s redesign and focused on their video production. Why they’re still married to the concept of a music webzine escapes me.

Keith also shared his pet project with me: a running app for the 3G iPhone that should blow MapMyRun and its ilk out of the water. I’m considering buying a new iPhone just to beta test it against my Garmin watch. It sounds great for beginners and advanced runners alike. There’s a great opportunity for an iPhone app like this to meet the needs of Garmin customers who’re still waiting for Garmin to roll out their Mac features.

It was a great night for geeking out on beer and the Internet. I’m looking forward to working with Keith on tweaking and adding features to Kensington Blues over the next few weeks. To that end, can anyone recommend a clean, free, 2-column WordPress theme?

Elysian Avatar IPA

Originally uploaded by J T. Ramsay

Helen and I stopped in at the Abbaye for brunch this morning and I stumbled upon yet another interesting brew from the good people at Elysian.

What made this IPA stand out is its subtle flavors. Elysian’s Avatar IPA doesn’t bowl you over with high alcohol content or overpowering hops. A hint of jasmine makes this an insanely refreshing IPA and at just 5.6%, it’s practically eligible for session beer status!

This could be a staple at my house this summer, if I can find it locally.

Philly Beer Co. Birthday

Originally uploaded by J T. Ramsay

I was able to sneak over to celebrate Philadelphia Brewing Company’s first birthday this afternoon with a couple plastic cups of Kenzinger. It’s hard to believe that it’s only been a year since their brand of delicious brews flowed forth from the site that once housed the mighty Yards Brewery, which has since relocated to Delaware Avenue.

In that time, they’ve delivered some great local beers for a great price. If you’re looking for a session beer this summer, look no further than Kenzinger. For my money’s it has all the best aspects Yards Philly Pale Ale offered, but just a little more refreshing.

My personal favorite? Rowhouse Red! It goes with just about everything, while maintaining its own distinct personality.

Lest people start to think that this blog is going to focus exclusively on the issues facing the music industry, I’m writing today about another one of my passions: craft beer! In the past year or so I’ve gotten very serious about the beer I drink, thanks in no small part to Brendan, Leigh and everyone at my amazing local bar, Memphis Taproom. We Philadelphians are also fortunate to have Lew Bryson and Joe Sixpack, two of the country’s best beer critics, right in our own backyard! So while I’m not going to attend any of the official Philly Beer Week events, but I’m making the most of Memphis Taproom’s No Repeat Beer Week…and then stumbling home happy.

Last night Helen and I were joined by our friends — and new neighbors! — Rick and Grace for a nice dinner, which ultimately evolved into the girls going home and us boys geeking out to some new beers. I can’t think of a better way to welcome them to the neighborhood!

What did I drink? Jess was kind enough to loan me a pen and I used one of their handy beer menus as a checklist. I tried one of each of the following:

• Dogfish Head Red and White
• Fuller’s ESB
• Brooklyn Savoir Faire
• Avery IPA
• Elysian Loki Lager
• Ipswich Original Ale

What did I like? I’m partial to everything Elysian does. I enjoyed their Bifrost Winter Ale immensely and look forward to trying more of their stuff. My local distributor’s even stocking it now! The Loki Lager had an amazing finish that demands your attention.

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a sucker for an IPA, even though I’m trying to break the habit of defaulting to these sometimes overpowering beers. What can I say? I’m a total hops-head!

Dogfish Head makes some of the most nuanced beers I’ve ever tasted, and the Red and White was no exception. They’re always working on another level in my opinion.

My surprising favorite? The Ipswich Original Ale. I know! I’m shocked, too! Lew Bryson says it’s going to be a big year for session beers, and if they’re as satisfying as this one, who could deny him?

Let’s just say it was an amazing way to celebrate Philly Beer Week in my ‘hood! Be sure to stop by and sample some of the great stuff they’re tapping this week at Memphis and Cumberland!

One of the great things about meeting my folks halfway between Oley and Philly is having dinner at Sly Fox Brewery in Royersford. Sure, the food isn’t world-class, but I’m always eager to try their latest offering of draught beer.

I tried two new beers tonight. I got a  20 oz. glass of their oatmeal stout, which I thought was fantastic, and their Saison Vos, which seemed finely crafted, just not to my personal taste. (I wanted to try their Saison Vos because I’ve enjoyed the glasses of Ommegang’s Rare Vos at Memphis Taproom in the past few weeks.) No dice.

So what filled my growler before we headed back to Fishtown? Their tried-and-true Route 113 IPA. I had their award-winning Rauch Bier after my last visit, but wanted to spend some more time with their IPA before I treat myself to some monster holiday brews as Christmas nears. I’m eyeing up some Troegs Mad Elf already!

What have you been drinking this fall? What will you drink this winter? I’m always looking to try new beers, so share your favorites!