Bells Hopslam - thumbs up
 

After participating in the Jersey Surfcaster show on Saturday I went to visit the daughter in Philly. Plan was to hit The City Tap House Pub to try some Russian River Pliney but they were all out of all Russian River brews - i was not a happy camper. Second choice was a chance to try Bells Hopslam - a DIPA with a very smooth taste - easy to drink but scary at 10% ABV as you can drink a bunch. My wife loved it but luckily for her they ran out before she could have her 3rd. Very good!! But found out its not available in New England...yet. Seek it out when on a road trip.

Also had the Yuengling Ice Cream for dessert which was very good!

I've heard good things but the distribution challenges you mention have prevented me from getting to try it. Supposedly fishing PA for trout this spring so I'll put this on my list.

Just came into NY a couple of weeks ago in limited quantities.
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When in Philly, head to Monk's.

Was going to go to Monks but they didn't have the Pliney. Tap House had the pliney on the beer list but was out when I got there. I think half these places advertise they have a rare beer just to get you in the door then tell you its all gone. The Tap House has an online listing each day - with a few different varieties labeld "On Deck".
When they told me the Russian River varieties were out I said give me a Lagunitas Sucks which was a variety listed on deck. They wouldn't tap it. "What the hell does on deck mean", I said. To me when you run out of something you tap what's on deck - pissed me off - won't go back there.

Monks is more than just a bar,you go there to say you have been.Put it on your list DZ and you will not regret it regardless of what is on tap. Get the mussels....is the Taphouse the bar next to UPenn on the second floor? If so that was a fun spot and walking distance from the frat house!
Will I see you at the little man's Bday party in a couple weeks?

Wow Chris - you get around. Yes, the same place near Upenn. Food was good. I'll get to Monks next time I visit my daughter who's a first year Med student at Thomas Jefferson.

Little mans birthday? - hopefully!

DZ

I had the best cheese steak in my life at monks last month. The best part.. It was made with seitan. Yes.. Vegetarian.
Monks is pretty much as Chris has described. Much like going to the black pearl in Newport for chowder and a burger. They do have a killer Belgian list. Eulogy actually had more of a list than monks but the food isn't as good.
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Oxymoron......:hihi:

Things are looking good when you have a valid "excuse" to go to Monk's from up here! Blind Pig on tap last time I was in town. Plus you can easily make your way over to Exton and do a tasting at Victory.