Woo-HOO! for Voodoo

Nearly a year ago, while visiting Dark Horse Brewing Company in Michigan, I got the closest thing to first hand information that I could get that Voodoo Brewing Company would be coming soon to Meadville, PA.

I’ve been to Venango County multiple times in the last year, and each time disappointed that Voodoo hasn’t opened (especially with the closing of Four Suns and a downhill slide we’ve noticed in North Country‘s quality and service.)  Matt Allyn has a history of great beermaking, and his influence on the area, as well as PA brewing in general, is anticipated.

Thanks to Lew Bryson, who is always up on these things, and also Matt, who updated his website, we know that Voodoo has been licenced and will begin distributing this month.  I’m looking forward to seeing Voodoo products soon, even if it means a road trip to the other side of the state!

PA Senate Bill 674

On June 6, a Pennsylvania Senate committee gave a 9-2 endorsement to a bill that would permit beer distributors to sell ales, malts and lagers by the six-pack.  Now the bill moves to the full Senate, where it may not see a vote until fall.  But I wrote to my Senator today, and encourage you to do the same!  (Find your Senator’s contact info)

As with any legislation, it is complex, so make sure you know what you’re talking about before putting it in writing, and as with any advocacy message, keep it short and simple. 

Major newspapers are providing coverage, Keystone Politics dedicated coverage, and of course, you can go right to the source.  Keep your eyes on this one – it isn’t offering the convenience of grocery store sales, but it does allow enthusists new options for the purchase of smaller quantities.

Kriek at the ‘Grove

Just a little note to let everyone know Kriek is back on at Selins Grove Brewing.  This ruby red, tart and delicious summer treat won’t last long (D picked up a growler last weekend for about $25.) so get it while you can!

CREF Defined

kClinger’s REFugees – those who choose to gather for the enjoyment of craft brewed beers despite the demise of KClinger’s in Etters; those who join in this fellowship denounce the “k”, and represent the “C”.

Blogging from John’s House

Okay…okay…I’m a month behind.  I totally missed blogging about Dark Lord Day (but really, do you know how much beer I drank that day?)  So, now (yes, RIGHT now) I’m at John’s fabulous CREF Annual Beer Tasting.

Appropriate beer treats are being served, purchased at the West Shore Farmer’s Market, and including Chimay Cheese, Porter Cheese and Irish Cheddar cheese, and a lovely tray of stuffed peppers, dolmades, feta cheese, crackers….and of course, a wide variety of wonderful beers (as I write, I’m drinking Meantime London Porter!)

Attendees provided an excellent selection of beers including:

• Millie the Mad Russian Imperial Stout (the last bottle?)
• Troeg’s Scratch Beer Number One
• Kolster Athel Curator Doppelbock
• Goose Island IPA
• Avery Collaboration
• Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin
• Xingu
• Chimay Grand Cruz
• Victory Whirlwind Wit
• Allagash Curieux
• Duck-Rabbit Brown Ale
• Meantime London Porter
• Alesmith Wee Heavy
• Three Floyds Dark Lord Imperial Stout (2007)
• Bluegrass Brewing Co. Bearded Pat’s Barleywine (bottle #236; March 2000)
• Attack of the Killer Amarillo (homebrew by Brutal Deluxe Brewing)
• Stoudt’s  Bourbon-aged Fat Dog Stout
• Tripel (which I know has a name…) from Brutal Deluxe Brewing (our own label!)

I’ll have to edit this tomorrow (maybe…given my track record, maybe now!) with additional beers we drink, and photos of our time together (and as Steve says, a list of quotes from Deuane!)

For now, I’m going back to the tasting : )