Daily Archives: April 17, 2011

#30: The Stumbling Monk (#124)

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I recently traveled to Seattle and was able to find the time to visit #124 on the All About Beer’s Growler List … The Stumbling Monk. 

Don’t be fooled — this place is about Belgian Beer (or Belgian-style Beer).  That’s it … and that’s enough, isn’t it??  Food … no.  Chips … yes.  It is quite eclectic … and although the selection is not large (around 50 beers, 9-10 taps) … it is quality …

An interesting feature at this place is the collection of coaster art (see photo above).  I (obviously) had to add to the collection … and so I did! Oh, and no TV … you could actually hold a conversation.  Wow.  Great place … worth a visit if you are in Seattle.

What did I drink there?  Oh, just the St Bernardus 12 … happy as usual … if you can’t get Westvleteren … go for the St Bernardus!

Enjoy!

Beer Mentor

#29: Bier Baron (Brickskeller) (#12)

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After living near Washington, DC, I finally made it to the “Brickskeller.”  My 29th place on the All About Beer Growler list … #12 on the list.

I know, I know, it is now called “Bier Baron.”  However, at least I’ve made it to the actual location. I know some of the charm of the original Brickskeller were events hosted by Bob Tupper.  If you recall from an earlier post, I’ve been there done that.

Let’s talk about the Bier Baron then.  The venue was great … hole in the wall cellar … all the beer can paraphernalia was still there.

One of the complaints about Brickskeller was that, although they list over 1,000 beers on their menu, it was very hit-or-miss if you could get them.  Bier Baron claims around 500 beers … and if you look at their coolers you can tell they are definitely stocking a lot!

(sorry about my pictures — had to use my camera phone!)

I was there with about 7 people and, as we went through the list, there was only one beer we asked for that wasn’t available.  I can’t remember which one it was … however, I do remember the last one I drank … 21st Amendments Bitter American … an excellent beer.  Worth a trip if you are in DC …

Enjoy!

Beer Mentor

“Near” Beerdrinker of the Year – 2011

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Sorry for the delay in my “blogging.”  I’ve been busy experiencing life (smile).

Ok, as you may (or may not) know, I was one of the 3 finalists for Wynkoop Brewery’s Beerdrinker of the Year competition for 2011.  I was up against some tough competition and, unfortunately, I came out on the short end of the stick … my congratulations to Phil for winning this year!

Wynkoop hosted a wonderful event.  Friday night was a Beer/Food-pairing dinner … will post that soon.  Saturday was the actual competition.  After a 3-hour grilling by 7 judges I was ready to just sit back and enjoy a couple of cold ones!  I think my downfall started during the blind taste-testing when I mistakenly identified Duvel as a Colt 45.  Oh well, win some and lose some!

Here’s a few random pics from the activities…

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Of course, my wife stated that I can accurately call myself Near Beerdrinker of the Year!

Watch out next year!

Beer Mentor

Summary Update: All About Beers Growler List

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I’ve been busy (and will post soon) visiting more locations on the All About Beer Magazine’s “Growler List.”  This is a list of 125 best places in the world to have a beer.  Here’s a quick update on places visited since my last update:

From the summary — see my earlier post for explanation:

Total (actual) places visited: 31.  Those I’ve visited since my last post:

12) The Brickskeller (now Bier Baron) (Washington, DC)
25) World Beer Festival (Raleigh, NC)
33) The Wynkoop Brewery (Denver, CO)
45) Selin’s Grove Brewing (Selinsgrove, PA)
54) Falling Rock Tap House (Denver, CO)
118) Top of the Hill Brewery & Restaurant (Chapel Hill, NC)
124) Stumbling Monk (Seattle, WA)

Place substitutions: 5

Substituting for a place no longer open: 1

That gives me a total of 37 “visited.” Some of the next ones on my list:

9) Monk’s Cafe (Philadelphia, PA)
42) SandLot Brewery, Coors Field (Denver, CO)
71) Brewer’s Art (Baltimore, MD)
76) City Tavern (Philadelphia, PA)
101) Cooter Brown’s (New Orleans, LA)
106) Brick Store Pub (Decatur, GA)
122) 5 Seasons Brewing (Atlanta, GA)

That will get me to 44.  I have a couple of more on my stretch goals list, but they are dependent on some big variables … so I won’t list them yet! <smile>

Beer Mentor