Finally a Philly Beer Week Recap: Day 1 at Alla Spina

Yeah so Philly Beer Week was like two weeks ago at this point and I haven't written a word. Part of that was I didn't go to that many events but really I just haven't quite had the time. I wonder how long I can milk having a child as the reason I don't write. I'm thinking, like, a few months. Sounds reasonable, right? What do you all think?

But, yeah, whatever, I'm finally writing something today at least. The first night we were all going to go to Alla Spina and sit outside and it would have been super fun. Unfortunately, it was nearly 95 degrees and we decided having a two week old out in that heat probably wasn't a good idea. Don't bring your kid to the bar on a super hot day is probably parenting 101. So, instead I went by myself and bothered the bartender and Steve Wildy, the manager of Alla Spina and beverage guy (he probably has a far fancier title but this describes it just fine) for the Vetri group. Steve's the super skinny guy that's at Alla Spina a lot so say hi if you see him. Here's a picture of the taps and also Steve's back.

He's the one not in Alla Spina blue in the middle.

Ithaca White Gold at Kite & Key

The best thing about going to Kite & Key the Tuesday after Savage Sixtel Sunday is that a lot of the sixtels are still available. With this in mind, decisions are made easier on Sunday since I'll have another chance to try the more common beers in the group. This time, I left Ithaca White Gold, a wheat beer with brett, for Tuesday.

Slightly spicy nose, reminded me of a saison. Possibly a result of the yeast. Slight bit of mustiness, bit of earthy brett, bit of wheat. Interesting mix of flavors. Develops into a sort of wheaty earthiness. It's an interesting beer, but nothing really jumped out at me to bring it to the next level. Worth a try just to form your own opinion though.

San Francisco - Lagunitas

On the third day of our "totally not a beer trip" trip we went to our third brew pub, Lagunitas.  This one is in Petaluma, CA halfway between Moylan's and Russian River and also right off 101.  Very convenient place although it's located in what seemed to be an office park.  Lucky offices.  The sign is easy to miss as it's small, but we managed to find it.  As you walk in there are tables outside and then a tented area in front of you.