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A photo series of some vintage beer cans found in a friend’s basement. Some rare ones. Olde Frothingslosh, indeed.
A French-style Country Ale, the Southampton Christmas Ale (out of New York), known commercially as the Southampton Biere de Garde (or “beer for keeping”), is a malty, mild-spiced ale with champagne notes on the finish. The French-style Caribou Cafe in Philadelphia serves this Christmas Ale on draft, on the warmer side, making it open up like a hand-pulled cask ale.
For those whose idea of a Christmas ale is the spicier Anchor Steam (consistently one of the best), Southampton will broaden your expectations for holiday brews.
Jess Ward (of Fries with that Shake) picked up a 6-pack of Walt Wits for her Christmas Eve feast. On the nippier end of Wits, and light on the citrus notes, the Walt Wit is an unfiltered Belgian White out of the recently established Philadelphia Brewing Company in the Kensington neighborhood on the north side of Philly.
An xmas eve Walt Wit
PBC is striking out on its own after the owner split off from his partnership with Yards. Yards took their brand to a new location and PBC kept the brewery, starting with a fresh name and new recipes in the old Weisbrod & Hess Brewery in Kensington.
The four main PBC brews, Kenzinger, Rowhouse Red, Walt Wit and NewBold IPA, as well as seasonal specialty brews can be found throughout the city, and especially at craft-focused bars like Johnny Brenda’s.
Located in Old City, Philadelphia, Eulogy is a Belgian that feels like a local. Over 300 beers on the menu, with many you rarely find on tap. Had my first-ever Duchess de Bourgogne on draft, which had a smoother, more open balsamic tone and less bite that the bottle. Was also happy to see a handful of Unibroues in Philly.
photo credit: Flickr - Gray Guitar
The food was typical, but uninspired for a Belgian. Seemed more popular for its location than appreciation of its offerings. Near Independence Hall, theaters, and opposite many overly-trendy clubs, most downtowns would do well to get a serious beer haven like Euology.
Nailed it.
from Failblog
In the meantime, enjoy the office holiday party season. Hopefully, you won’t be relegated to too many light beers.
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