Chesapeake Real Ale Festival

[spbwpresident]

I'm new to this forum and was reading some old posts tonight. As Pres. of the Chesapeake Bay Branch of the SPBW, we definitely want to further the enlightenment and enjoyment of real ale in this area and beyond. Our branch was founded in 1997 by Joe Gold and the main organization in 1963. www.spbw.com

Joe and I go back to the mid to late 80's when Youngs Army was in force. Our present group now has over 155 members and promotes real ale troughout the mid-Atlantic with monthly meetings, bus trips and festivals. Here's the skinny on this year's real ale fest. I hope the word can spread amongst the cognicenti.

The SPBW presents the
Chesapeake Real Ale Festival
October 22, 2005 1-6m
Hosted by The Wharf Rat @ Camden Yards
206 W. Pratt Street, Batimore, Md. 21201

Featuring 20 plus unique firkins from ths region and beyond
Great food available, music and giveaways

$20 in advance (unlimited sampling)
$25 at the door " "

Go to www.spbw.org or contact Dominic Cantalupo at
dominiccantalupo@championrealty.com

[MeridianFC]

MeridianFC, hold for delivery!

Let me be the first to welcome you aboard. There are a few cask fans that inhabit this forum. There are at least two new SPBW members (myself and Chazwicke) who I'm sure will attend.

Do you have a list of breweries/beers being represented? Any actual British casks? There going to be any brews under 8%? ;)

[chazwicke]

Yep! Welcome!

[spbwpresident]

As you know it's quite a feat getting firkins, but we have Brooklyn, Victory, Flying Fish, Smuttynose, Dogfish, Troegs, Yards, Lancaster, Heavyweight?, Brewers Alley, Clay Pipe,Clipper City, White Marsh, Old Dominion, DuClaw, Brewers Art, Ellicott Mills, Cap City, Olivers, District Chop House. Of course these could change when show time comes. I'm working with Shelton for anything British coming in or hanging around. I've put the word out for some lighter offerings. I think Garrett from Brooklyn is trying to get us some Pennant Ale and Steve from the Wharf Rat will offer a best bitter and something else lighter. Pass the word. We're hoping to get the message out to DC Beer ithe next couple of days. I'l be at GABF next week, so maybe we can get some others.

Cheers,
Dominic

[MeridianFC]

Cheers.

Whilst I like many of the heartier ales I've found at a lot of these events in the past brewers tend to bring their barleybombs making it difficult to make it through as many pints as one would like. It's understandable of course as these strong beers stand out, are more bulletproof, and given that it's usually a one off it allows the brewer to really make an impression. IIRC at the Racer's Real Ale Challenge last year of the dozen casks there was one of 5% one of 6% and the rest went through the roof from there. It was still a good fest mind. This is part of an ongoing discussion here about the relative merits of the session brew (my opinion I think is obvious).

The Wharf Rat Best Bitter is an excellent brew (though 5% is pretty high for that designation). I'll be there regardless with my drinking shoes on. Er drinking glass in hand.

K.

[HogieWan]

So when can I expect the Lafayette, LA Real Ale fest. Based on the beer attitude in the area, you could just bring 3 or 4 casks over to my house.

Which breweries do you think would be interested?

[Insidious Rex]

Dominic good to see you in the house. The crabs were great the other week. Im still stuffed. And I enjoyed the hop hog.

[spbwpresident]

Thanks for the input guys. Call your friends who may be interested in going to the fest. Don't forget tomorrow's Katrina auction/charity benefit at Sean Bolans. I hear one of the items is an unlimited all you can eat and drink for two at Brewers Art with no restrictions other than you can't take it with you and they won't serve you if you're falling over, plus some incredible beers, 87' Goudenand, vertical collections of JW Lees Harvest Ale, Snow Goose, Thomas Hardy's, etc. 3 Litre Duvel, Ommegang weekend trip, plus tons more. Starts at 1pm tomorrow. Anyone going to GABF?

[chazwicke]

I'm intregued with what Shelton Bros can come up with. They had a cask or two at Bru Rm last January for the real Ale fest in New Haven. I'll be at the fest for sure. Meridian, How are you getting there? Train? Maybe we could travel together. Other local folks going. I mean we're talking CASKS here!

[HogieWan]

$20 and unlimited sampling!!!!!

Road trip? Is anyone on my way to dc and want to split gas?

[MeridianFC]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Meridian, How are you getting there? Train? Maybe we could travel together. Other local folks going. I mean we're talking CASKS here!

If I go myself it'll be the train. If my wife decides to go it'll be the car, though in that event we'd probably stay the night. I'll let you know.

[chazwicke]

Actually staying the night is a good idea. I'd drive myself if that is the case. I'm going to look into that option.

[gallowd7]

ARGH!
Last sailing race of the season on the 22nd. Must come up with mystery ailment. Or do I feel a cold coming on?

[MeridianFC]

You're looking rather peaked.

[fretlessman71]

You don't look so hot yourself, "tootz..."

[MeridianFC]

Just sent off my request for tickets. Megan and I are giving the baby to the grandparents and are going to spend the night up there.

[chazwicke]

I'm doing the same. Dominic Sent me a list of the hotels that are close. Need it?

[MeridianFC]

We're sorted.

[MeridianFC]

Chaz, I'm meeting Dominic at the Chophouse on Saturday night to pick up tickets. He's going to the McCartney concert and I thought you were too. If you've got the time you should contact him to get your tix. Maybe we could all share a brew

[chazwicke]

Yep I am going to McCartney. I'm betting Chophouse will be very busy tomorrow evening. Not quite certain of my agenda before and after the show but I'll be coming from the Shirlington Fest earlier in the afternoon. I'm thinking we will take the Metro but then again we may drive. If I can, I'll stop by Chophouse before and hopefully run into you guys. Do you have a time frame set?

[MeridianFC]

6pm-ish. I'm going to the DC United game (k.o. 7:30).

[chazwicke]

I'll see if I can make it.

[chazwicke]

Sorry I missed you guys. I got there about 6:30ish and the place was packed. I did walk through the upstairs and downstairs bar areas looking for you but I guess I was too late. I did however receive my tickets from Dominic yesterday. :D

[MeridianFC]

I didn't make it either. Wife and child down with stomach bug which I came down with on Sunday. I'm only now getting back to normal.

I'm mailing out my check today.

[lordkenpo]

Man, that's a relief. I just sent my check out today as well. Was a little concerned with using snail mail this late in the game, but unfortunately I don't have much of a choice. At least I know if I miss out, I won't be the only one. ;)

[MeridianFC]

I think if you shoot Dominic an E-mail you should be ok.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by lordkenpo
Man, that's a relief. I just sent my check out today as well. Was a little concerned with using snail mail this late in the game, but unfortunately I don't have much of a choice. At least I know if I miss out, I won't be the only one. ;)

I have 4 tickets two of which are spoken for so far. I Think you'll be OK with mailing out now but let him know via email like Meridian said. If it turns out you are too late let me know as I do have two extra tickets at this point.

[lordkenpo]

Yeah, already did. He said he'd get them out "right away," which, I hope means, "I'm trusting you not to be a jerk, and they're on their way." If I'd had the foresight to get moving on this two weeks ago, I could've picked them up directly while I was visiting my folks in Annapolis (Pasadena's all of 20 minutes away).

[lordkenpo]

Chaz, I may be able to take one of those tickets off your hands if you're looking for takers. A friend couldn't decide at zero hour, and I couldn't wait for her to make up her mind. I'm almost positive she wants to go; I'll hopefully know something definite by tonight.

[chazwicke]

OK

[spbwpresident]

Since the date is rapidly approaching for the festival, we will hold the $20 price for those who reserve tickets via email to me at dominiccantalupo@champiorealty.com
Your name will be on a will call list. You can still get tickets at the door for $25, but there are a limited number available

[lordkenpo]

Sorry Chaz, just reserved an additional ticket through Dominic via Will Call. They're actually going to hold all 3 of my tickets at Will Call, so I'm completely covered. Thanks very much for the offer, though; hope those tickets find their way into appreciative hands.

[chazwicke]

They will go to good use, I'm certain.

[TedE]

Dominic,

What is the latest date we can email you to hold tickets at will call? There is a good chance that I'll be up in Baltimore that morning and would love to stick around for the festival. It will most likely depends on my travel partners' plans though.

[gallowd7]

I'm still fighting for this one. I won't have to come down with bird flu to get out of sailing, but now I'm being strong-armed into an "old boys" rugby match. Jeesh, I'm only 35. I'm trying hard to make it up there and meet some of you guys, but if I can't, just know that I'll be crying into my plastic cup of Miller Lite after the match. Tears of longing and most likely pain.

[chazwicke]

I've made my reservations at the Marriott Inner Harbor

[MeridianFC]

I think we're at the Lord Baltimore.

[spbwpresident]

Anyone interested in going can e-mail me up through the 20th and I will put them aside. Although sales are doing well, we should be fine for any late attendees. BTW, there's a good chance you'll exceed .01 BAC at this event.

[chazwicke]

LOL! Any idea which real English beers you be having?

[spbwpresident]

The timing for English cask beer is bad. I've been trying for quite awhile, but shipments from Shelton, B. United and Legends won't come in until later in November. We should have at least 20 different offerings, including Brooklyn, Dogfish, the new Brewers Art Annversary and a rare Blue Ridge Snow Goose as well as some traditional British type offerings from Olivers. It should be an impressive lineup.

[MeridianFC]

Got the tickets D. They got here so quick I can only assume you used psychic powers when mailing them out.

As far as the fest, I'm blowing a .08 just thinking about it.

[chazwicke]

Who all from Real Beer will be there? Once again, I'd like to get a group picture to post here.

The line up sounds good.

[gallowd7]

I am installing a parental control block on this thread so I don't have to read it anymore. You are killing me!

[lordkenpo]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Who all from Real Beer will be there? Once again, I'd like to get a group picture to post here.

This guy. And as I'll likely be the only one at the event that still can't rent a car legally (i.e., the only guy getting carded), I should stick out like a sore thumb.

[fretlessman71]

Can't rent a car? Is there a higher age limit on that than drinking? It was 21 for me, back when I turned 21...

[threecb]

Most places have a rental policy that requires the driver to be 25.

[chazwicke]

I am looking forward to this event. I'm still not festivaled out.

[lordkenpo]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Can't rent a car? Is there a higher age limit on that than drinking? It was 21 for me, back when I turned 21...

Fret, I'm sorry, I just can't take anything you say seriously with that avatar. And yes, the limit is 25 (unless it's a business/gov't rental), though some places will rent out to anyone 21+, with a little additional "insurance." Had to find that out the hard way.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by lordkenpo
Fret, I'm sorry, I just can't take anything you say seriously with that avatar. You were taking me seriously before? Curious...

[Insidious Rex]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I am looking forward to this event. I'm still not festivaled out.

I should be there too. Festivaled out? I just went to the MD State Brewers Festival and the MD Renaissance Festival AND the St. Marys Oyster Festival all in the same weekend!

I should really get some kind of reward... at least a cookie...

[chazwicke]

How were the oysters? And the Brewers festival? I almost was able to squeek the oyster fest in but it didn't work out.:mad:

[MeridianFC]

I was at the Renfest this past weekend. Having the Fordham beers there makes all the difference.

[Insidious Rex]

The oysters werent bad but at $15 a dozen and $25 a quart I didnt buy too many. The brewfest was fun but very small. Maybe at most 10-12 local breweries/pubs showing off their wares (the usuals: Clay Pipe, Raven, Brewers Art, Clipper, Fordham, DuClaw, Red Brick, etc.). Brewer's Alley brought a fresh cask of their rarely brewed New Moon Ale (which apparently is only brewed for the new moon this time of year) and it was stunning. Otherwise nothing to write home about.

[chazwicke]

All these years and I have never been to the Ren. fest. Is it worth it? I had heard before that the beers were just macroswill.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Insidious Rex
Brewer's Alley brought a fresh cask of their rarely brewed New Moon Ale (which apparently is only brewed for the new moon this time of year) and it was stunning. .

Hmmmm Makes me thirsty for Saturday. I think I'm gonna do a little brew tour beginning Thursday evening up in PA somewhere and work my way back down to the fest in Baltimore on Saturday. Currently planning / strategizing. Probably hit some of those in the Philly suburbs. Maybe even getting as far as Ship Inn in NJ. I love that place. Any suggested routes?
Must hit pubs? I think I'll start a new thread.

[MeridianFC]

Actually if anything the macros are relatively under represented. The only macro is Coors (and it's related products like Blue Moon) at a few stands. Fordham is at several, most importantly at the White Hart Tavern, which is the best at the fest. There's also two stands that have a variety of bottled imports and such. The White Hart, which I assume is run by Fordham, has Oktoberfest, Copperhead, Light, Tavern Ale, Oyster Stout, and something else I think. You can find the Black and Tan at several stands. I spend most of my time at the White Hart or the Dragon both of which have the Fordham (the stand behind the Dragon has more Fordham and some imports & bottles too).

Believe you me if it was only macro I'd never have gone back. I wrote the Renfest management company and thanked them for carrying good beer.

[Insidious Rex]

Agreed. Nothing better then an outdoor festival where you can walk around drinking good beer and watching people in armor falling off of horses. :D And the prices are amazing for a closed in event. $3 for a good beer! $2 for a bad beer. Im always impressed with that event. I go a couple times a year usually.

[chazwicke]

And it is open Sunday? Might make a nice stop on the way home from Baltimore?

[MeridianFC]

It is. This is the last weekend acutally.

[lordkenpo]

Be sure to hit the bottle stand way at the back of Renn Fest (next to Shakespeare Stage, I think). Pint bottles of Old Speckled Hen and 12 oz. bottles of Hoegaarden for $3 a piece. No joke; it's like they don't know what they're selling!

Also, being a local, I concur that Oyster Fest was "blah." I've been 3 times now, and every time I've been underimpressed. Not just with the crap beer, but $9 for a small cup of fried oysters and $15 for a dozen raw?!?! Give me a break. Still good to see old college friends and whatnot, maybe watch the shucking competitions, but the prices are absurd.

[chazwicke]

I'm hoping to get a photo of the real beer folks at this fest. I guess I'll wear my orange polo again so that I can be recognized by those of you whom I have not yet met in person. Look for the fat guy with short blonde hair in the bright orange shirt. Doing my great pumpkin impression again.

[lordkenpo]

Best. Event. Ever.

Thank you so, so, so much Dominic. I would've paid $20 every hour on the hour just for the Bourbon Stout. Okay, and maybe the Troeg's Pale. And definitely the 2002 Pursuit. And the Hot Monkey Love...

Wow. I'm still in shock.

Oh, and to those that made it out to Max's afterward, my apologies. Next time I'll be sure to bring stronger livers for myself and my friends. :cool:

[MeridianFC]

It really was a top notch event. Unbeatable for the price too. I was going to post the beer list but I left it at home. The winner of the night was the Oliver's Harvest Ale, which I think most of my crew agree with.

I'll just say I should not have gone to the Idle Hour and Sean Bolan's afterwards. Sunday was McGruff.

Well done to Dominic and the SPBW mob. Can't wait for the 2006.

[chazwicke]

We made it to Max's about 8:00 to 9:00. But I was beat so we had dinner and headed back to the Marriott.

I have to say that this was an excellent event that I will never miss in the future. Dominic - Thanks very much! It was top flight. There was a great mix of geeks and brewers. I've been to plenty of Real Ale events From Fabfest and BruRM to England and GBBF. This one was really good and I enjoyed myself emensely. Was nice meeting Lordkenpo in person and also seeing Meridian and Insidious Rex again. And your respective entourages as well.

I'll post some pictures later.

My favorite beers were the aforementioned Harvest Ale from Olivers / Wharf Rat. The pale from Troegs, The IPA from Brewers Alley and honorable mention to The Four Grain from Lancaster. I never got to several of the beers. I kept going back mainly to the Harvest. I never sampled the Bourbon Stout from Chophouse but I have had it on numerous other occasions. And it too is a fine beer.

Again, Thanks for doing an all real ale event. I would also encourage anyone here who is not a member to join the Society for the Preservation of Beer from Wood.

[Insidious Rex]

What did people think of the Winter Warmer?

[lordkenpo]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Was nice meeting Lordkenpo in person and also seeing Meridian and Insidious Rex again. And your respective entourages as well.


My sentiments exactly. Already looking forward to exceeding the .01 with you guys again in the near future. Thanks for making a newb feel welcome!

And did you say Four Grain?!?! :::Drool:::

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Insidious Rex
What did people think of the Winter Warmer?

I only had a small taste from my buddy's glass. I never got one for myself.:(

[lordkenpo]

Originally posted by lordkenpo
:::Drool:::

Wow; unintentional, but certainly more accurate.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by lordkenpo
My sentiments exactly. Already looking forward to exceeding the .01 with you guys again in the near future. Thanks for making a newb feel welcome!

And did you say Four Grain?!?! :::Drool:::

Yes, It was the cask on the end as you came out the door. A very nice effort from Lancaster. I have had it at the brewpub but never on cask before. Good Stuff.

[lordkenpo]

Unfortunately, I believe I may have hit the Winter Warmer too late in the game. It was one of the last on my rounds, and by that point, anything that didn't immediately stand out was just another tick mark. Which is unfortunate, because given a single cask of any of the beers at the fest on any given day of the week, I'd happily proclaim in the greatest beer I'd ever had. I've never been much for commitment. ;)

But that Bourbon Stout...I'll come calling again shortly, I'm sure.

[chazwicke]

Left to Right: Lordkenpo, Meridian, Chaz, Rex

[chazwicke]

Oops here is the pict.:o

[chazwicke]

Firkins!

[chazwicke]

Another picture:

[MeridianFC]

I was actually vertical. Well I'll be.

Before I forget, I popped down to Fells Point just to see what was on cask at Max's and I happened in to Bertha's on the opposite side of the street. They have one cask on there (made by Whaf Rat/Oliver's). Thought this might be of interest to some.

[lordkenpo]

Man, do I ever photograph like a champ. Remind me to cut my head off next time. The entourages shot should be retitled, "The Sucker Punch."

[chazwicke]

I hope the JW Lees pubworker survived the trip home. All of you have have nice friends and spouses that I met. I enjoyed the day greatly. I'm even gonna re-up with Burp. I was a member for a long time but had let my membership lapse the last several years. I enjoyed chatting with Wendy and Bill. I think they are going to host a real ale fest from the local homebrewer scene in a couple of weeks.:D

http://burp.org/

[lordkenpo]

Hahaha. No worries; our little rockstar managed just fine. A long walk, a couple slices of pizza, and a nap work wonders after a killer set.

[Thetz]

I have to say that I like the "happiness" beer...forget the whole name...can you help me out here? that was by far my favorite on Saturday..

[lordkenpo]

Clay Pipe's Pursuit of Happiness - one of my favorite beers of all time, even young. To up the anty further, that cask was 3 years old. :eek: Liquid gold!

[Thetz]

that was the name of it....that was my favorite on Saturday....very very good.....

I am sitting here now drinking a "OAKAGED YETI" I am in heaven....now why wasnt there anything like that there on Saturday...

[fretlessman71]

Oops - I forgot about that one from my area! Great Divide does a good job, don't they? :)

[MeridianFC]

Here's the list but the info on the program is incomplete. Amend/correct as necessary:

Real Ales:

Oliver's Winter Warmer
Oliver's Strong Pale Ale
Oliver's Hot Monkey Love
Oliver's Harvest Ale
Clipper City ? (was it Winter Storm?)
Clipper City Gold Ale
Capitol City ?
Du Claw Venom Pale Ale
Brooklyn Smoked (something or other)
Clay Pipe Pursuit of Happiness 2002
Old Dominion Smoked Ale
Victory Storm King (was supposed to be Hop Devil)
Red Brick Station Porter
Lancaster Amish Four Grain Ale
Yards Love Stout
Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale
Brewers Alley India Pale Ale
Troegs Nugget Nectar (dry hopped as I recall)
Brewers Art Reserrection
Brewers Art Nein Kolsch

Food:

British Bangers
Wild Boar Susage
Bratwurst
Hot Spicy Italian Susage
Polish Sausage
Venison Sausage
Shrimp Skewers
Veggie Skewers
BBQ Shrimp

My best of show:

Oliver's Harvest Ale
Brewers Alley IPA
Brewers Art Resurrecution
Troegs Nugget Nectar

Not a bad beer in the lot (everything tasty and in excellent condition). There were a couple of so sos, but nothing I'd complain about.

[fretlessman71]

I'd have a really hard time eating anything called "bangers". I mean, I know they're sausages, but YEEEEEESHHH... :(

[lordkenpo]

District Chophouse Bourbon Stout!!!!!!!

Also:

- The Troeg's Nugget Nectar was labeled "Troeg's Pale Ale (dry-hopped w/Simcoe)"

- Brooklyn Smoked Porter

- DuClaw's Venom Pale Ale (w/Apricot)

[lordkenpo]

Oh, and brainfart. The other Clipper City offering was the Peg Leg Imperial Stout.

Personal faves:

1. Chophouse Bourbon Stout
2. Pursuit of Happiness 2002
3. Troeg's Pale Ale DH'ed w/Simcoe
4. Lancaster Amish Four Grain
5. Brooklyn Smoked Porter
6. DuClaw's Venom Pale Ale w/Apricot (which, coincidentally, I liked significantly more than Dogfish's ApriHop; DuClaw should look into making this a staple or seasonal)

And agreed, not a bad one in the bunch. Just ones that didn't stand out as much as others. But you could probably guess that based on my rankings. I'm such a newb.

[fretlessman71]

A smoked porter on cask.... MMMM... bet I'd love that. Had a Vanilla Porter at Odell Brewing the other day; sorry to say it was just so-so.

[lordkenpo]

Fret, it was fantastic. I had to go back to it twice just to try and figure the flavor out. Having never had a smoked porter before, it was slightly off-putting on the first sample, but by the third go-round, oh man. The smokiness contributed a richness that I don't usually find in porters (and, coincidentally, why I often go in more for stouts), and a sweetness that I can't really describe. Almost dark, but unlike dark chocolate. Definitely not "rauchbier" smokey, like I expected, but nowhere near as bland as the Old Dominion Smoked Ale (smoke? where?!). Mmmmmm. I'm way too thirsty for 9 AM.

[chazwicke]

I never got to the Smoked porter but I did try the Old Dominion smoked beer. It was lacking all but a hint of smoke. I think that one could have been better. I have two growlers of smoked beer from Sly Fox in Pheonixville, PA. Both beers are Excellent! One is a porter the other a traditional rauch. Made with smoked malts from Bamberg of course. I can't wait to open them.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by MeridianFC
I was actually vertical. Well I'll be.

Before I forget, I popped down to Fells Point just to see what was on cask at Max's and I happened in to Bertha's on the opposite side of the street. They have one cask on there (made by Whaf Rat/Oliver's). Thought this might be of interest to some.

Bertha's is a great place to drink although usually not a huge selection. and the Mussels with the anchovie sauce are supreme. I should have thought of going over for brunch there before heading home from Baltimore on Sunday. I have gone driven up for the brunch before. Charm City is such a great beer town.

[gallowd7]

For all you lucky ones it sounded like a great event!
For all of the unlucky ones or out of staters, follow the cask link at http://www.ukbrewing.com/

or go right to it: http://www.cask-ale.co.uk/us/statemenu.html

[spbwpresident]

Thanks to everyone on Realbeer for attending the Ches. Real Ale Fest last week. After reading all of the comments, I'm glad you all enjoyed yourselves. I wish the weather had been a little better, but we managed just fine. I agree with a lot of your favorite selections and although our impromptu judging came away with the Storm King and Brooklyn Smoked Porter at the top, they were all very good. What's cool is satisfying over 200 people with such varied tastes. With so many new members and a growing DC and Virginia membership, it behooves us to do a little more in that area. We will probably have a meeting at Franklins next year as well as any other ideas you all may have. If you're an SPBW member, look for new emails coming soon about the November meeting, the Christmas party and next year events. Lastly, it was good to see so many interested in Real Ale. We hope to encourage you to attend future meetings. In Balto., Mahaffeys in Canton is picking up the slack from Sean Bolans and will have a new firkin every Thursday as well as a beer engine going and Maxs will be doing the same on Thursdays as well. You could have a mini Ale Fest every week with Maxs, The Wharf Rat in Fells Point and Mahaffeys being within a fifteen minute walk of each other. Until the next time, life is short, so drink something good.

Cheers,
Dominic

[MeridianFC]

Well done Mr. President. Franklins on Friday will be quite nice. Be aware that it's not very public transpot accessible. Also Pete @ Cap City Union Station has been doing firkins, and doing quite well I might add. The Reef will be starting Firkin Thursdays within the nex month or so. Brian gave me a list of what's coming down the line (hint Harviestoun......).

[chazwicke]

Yum! I'll make the Reef when that happens.

Have any of you guys been getting DCBeer posts lately? I've gotten none in a week or so and someone else has asked me because they have not either. Is the site down?

[lordkenpo]

Chaz, same deal here. I'm used to sifting through 3-4 a day, and I haven't seen any in quite a few days now.

[chazwicke]

Good. I feel better that it just is not me. Wonder what is up?