Beer Birthday: Mark Edelson

March 11, 2014 By Jay Brooks 3 Comments

Today is the 50th birthday of Mark Edelson, a co-founder and the managing partner of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, a small brewpub chain that operates ten brewpubs in the tri-state area of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Mark’s been a vocal and active member of the brewing community, especially around his mid-Atlantic home but also through the BA, too. Join me in wishing Mark a very happy birthday.

Toasting the Class of ’96: Greg Koch, Mark, Bill Covaleski, Tom Kehoe, Gene Muller & Sam Calagione at the “Older Bud No Weiser” event during Philly Beer Week several years ago.

Carol and Ed Stoudt with Mark at the opening event for the first Philly Beer Week.

Mark on stage with Bob Barrar and Charlie Papazaian at the 2007 GABF.

A great night For Mark during GABF week in the basement of the Falling Rock near the end of a very good evening.

Beer In Film #67: American Beer Blogger

March 8, 2014 By Jay Brooks Leave a Comment

Today’s beer video is the short version of the pilot for Lew Bryson’s American Beer Blogger, which had its television debut on this day two years ago. The Green Leaf Productions show won an a regional Emmy in 2012 in the Mid-Atlantic Emmys’ Entertainment Program/Special category.

Beer Birthday: Lew Bryson

February 14, 2014 By Jay Brooks 11 Comments

Today is my friend and fellow beer writer Lew Bryson’s 55th birthday. You can read his writings at his website, lewbryson.com, and these days more often his blog, Seen Through a Glass. Then there’s also his Session Beer Project and his political Why the PLCB Should Be Abolished. Lew is my favorite big galoot and the brother I never had. More recently he’s left the beer world behind, professionally at least, to become the managing editor of Whiskey Advocate. Join me is raising a glass and wishing Lew a very happy birthday.

Award-winning beer writer Lew with Pete Slosberg at GABF a couple of years ago.

Lew and Rick Lyke at the World Beer Festival in Durham in 2008.

Birthday boy Lew (middle) flanked by fellow Pennsylvanians Don Russell (a.k.a. Joe Sixpack) and Jack Curtin. I’m originally from Pennsylvania, too. What is it about the Commonwealth and beer writers?

Me and Lew at Triple Rock three years ago.

The Brewhog Saw His Shadow, 6 More Weeks Of Winter Beers

February 2, 2014 By Jay Brooks Leave a Comment

Over in Gobbler’s Knob, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Phil the Groundhog — a.k.a. Brewhog — raised up his head this morning and looked around, and this year saw his shadow everywhere he looked. You know what that means. It’s six more weeks of drinking winter beers this year. Or something about a late spring, I can’t keep it straight. You can see a video of Punxsutawney Phil here. And there’s more information about Groundhog Day at the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

Beer Birthday: Jaime Jurado

January 15, 2014 By Jay Brooks 4 Comments

Today is the birthday of Jaime Jurado, who for many years was the Director of Brewing Operations for the Gambrinus Company, which included several beer brands and breweries, such as Shiner, BridgePort, Pete’s Wicked and Trumer. A couple of years ago, he moved to Pennsylvania, where he was the brewmaster at Susquehanna Brewing Co. in Pittston, but at the beginning of this year he moved once again, this time to Louisiana, to become Director of Brewing Operations at Abita Brewing. He’s an incredibly talented brewer. More importantly, Jaime is one of the nicest people I know in the business. Join me wishing Jaime a very happy birthday.

A blushing Jamie at OBF in 2006.

Jamie with Lars Larson, brewmaster of Trumer Brauerei, at the Celebrator 18th anniversary party.

Jamie (far left) with some NBWA luminaries at the 2008 NBWA welcome reception. From left, Jamie, Lucy Saunders (the Beer Cook), Charlie Papazian (President of the Brewers Association), Kim Jordan (from New Belgium Brewing) and Tom Dalldorf (from the Celebrator Beer News).

Jamie with Todd and Jason Alström, founder of Beer Advocate, at the 2008 GABF.

Beer Birthday: Marc Worona

December 28, 2013 By Jay Brooks Leave a Comment

Today is the 46th birthday of fellow Pennsylvania transplant Marc Worona. Marc used to be the brewer at Stoudt’s Brewing in Adamstown, Pennsylvania but several years ago moved to California and currently works with Brewers Supply Group. Join me in wishing Marc a very happy birthday.

Marc goofing around at the CBC beer and chocolate event at TCHO chocolate that he co-sponsored.

Marc with Marin brewer Arne Johnson at the Anchor Christmas Party in 2007.

Marc (center) with Brendan Moylan and Denise Jones getting the top prize in the Chocolate Beer competition sponsored by Brewers Supply Group and TCHO chocolate company during CBC in San Francisco a few years ago.

Out in front of the Bistro at the Double IPA Festival in 2008. Rodger Davis’ wife Claudia (who nworks at 21st Amendment), brewster Melissa Myers (working on opening her own brewpub), Shane Aldridge (brewer at Marin & Moylan’s) and Marc.

Beer Birthday: Don Russell

November 13, 2013 By Jay Brooks 1 Comment

Today is fellow beer writer Don Russell’s 58th birthday. Don writes a beer column for the Philadelphia Daily News under the nom de plume Joe Sixpack. He also writes a blog online, Beer Radar, and is the Executive Director of Philly Beer Week. His most recent book, What the Hell Am I Drinking?, was published last year and can still be ordered directly from the author. Don is a fellow Pennsylvanian, a crack card player, and one of my very favorite people to share a beer and discuss the issues of the day with. Join me in wishing Don a very happy birthday.

Don (center) with me and Lisa Morrison at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich during a press junket to Bavaria a few years ago.

Don, with fellow Pennsylvanians Lew Bryson and Jack Curtin at GABF.

Me and Don at the kick-off for the first Philly Beer Week in 2008.

Don with Pete Slosberg, signing books at GABF a couple of years ago.

Beer Birthday: Jack Curtin

November 9, 2013 By Jay Brooks 2 Comments

Today is fellow Pennsylvania beer writer Jack Curtin’s birthday. You can read his writings and rantings on a variety of subjects at his Liquid Diet Online, Curtin’s Corner, I Have Heard the Mermaids Singing and The Great Disconnect. If you think I don’t know when to stop, check out Jack’s voluminous output. Plus Jack is one of my favorite people to kvetch about politics with, over a pint, of course. Join me wishing Jack a very happy birthday.

Jack, at right, with fellow Pennsylvanians Don Russell (a.k.a. Joe Sixpack) and Lew Bryson. I’m originally from Pennsylvania, too. What is it about the Commonwealth and beer writers?

Jack and me at Nodding Head during Philly Beer Week a few years back.

Tomme Arthur and Jack.

Jack with Sam Calagione, Ed Friedland and Nodding Head’s assistant brewer.

Beer In Ads #1013: There’s One Great Beer That Costs You Less

November 5, 2013 By Jay Brooks 2 Comments

Tuesday’s ad is for Reading Premium Beer, from 1972. Reading Premium was my hometown beer, but closed in 1976, when I was a junior in high school, more’s the pity. This ad was just four years before they closed their doors, and it must have been an ad of desperation, trying to compete on price against seven brands far more established then they ever were. But at last they were still using my hands down favorite slogan of all time: “the friendly beer for modern people.”

Beer Birthday: Carolyn Smagalski

August 28, 2013 By Jay Brooks Leave a Comment

Today is Carolyn Smagalski’s birthday. Carolyn’s a beer writer from Pennsylvania — not sure what it is about Pennsylvania and beer writing — who writes for BellaOnline. Her nickname is the Beer Fox and she does a terrific job spreading he gospel of great beer. Join me in wishing Carolyn a very happy birthday.

Carolyn with Michael Jackson at GABF in 2006.

Don Russell, Carolyn and Curt Decker, from Nodding Head.

Don Feinberg with Carolyn.

Ralph Olson, from HopUnion, the Alpha King and Carolyn.

NOTE: Last three photos purloined from Facebook.

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