Philly Beer Week: Day 2

Because I was lazy I didn't order tickets early enough they were all sold out and I missed the opportunity to participate in the great american craft fest. Instead, I ended up at the Isaac Newton's Brewer Luncheon with the lads of Left Hand Brewing Co. A pretty good substitute.

The Bar: Isaac's is, in my opinion, one of the best bars in the burbs. I have reserved any extensive review of the place because, as a regular, I am completely "too close to the subject" to evaluate it. I also don't want to say anything could rub the owners the wrong way and/or prompt hoards of people to start packing into my favorite spot. This barn-like building (which burnt down a few years back and was rebuilt) is a sacred convocation of people who truly appreciate the good things in life. As a way to unwind after a good day's work, the perfect way to spice up an afternoon break, or a place celebrate life with friends and family, Isaac's couldn't be better. It is a relaxed and inviting place where you can do some beer-tasting while hanging out with friends and getting a good meal and I can't say enough about the knowledgeable and amiable bartenders who are themselves true ambassadors for beer.


The Boys: I have to admit, I was already wobbly before I got up to talk with the guys (well, more wobbly than I am normally) after drinking IPAs for 2 hours. I approached the small crowd of admirers and they almost immediately brought me into the conversation. Eric and the other lads couldn't have been nicer.

I went right for the red meat (as it is my nature to bypass BS) and asked what was pissing them off policy-wise in Colorado. Chris Lennert and Dan (their PA sales rep) wandered off—probably sick of hearing about the subject, but Eric Wallace took the time to explain to me how the proposed liquor law change in Colorado would hurt small brewers in the state. House Bill 1192 would allow the sale of full-strength beer in grocery stores. Wallace explained why craft brewers are opposing the bill. I will have a more in-depth post on this issue soon. While I understand the precarious state-of-business for smaller brewers and the independent liquor stores that have agreed to carry their product, I am thoroughly for the liberalization of liquor laws; and action I see as the government correcting “sins of the past”.

I think, no matter what changes in the beer distributing legislation in CO that Left Hand will be able to find distribution and continue serving their loyal consumers who will demand their products in grocery stores based on their high-quality product and their extensive community involvement. Check out just a few of the organizations they work with in the Longmont-area community:

Big City Mountaineers

Longmont Humane Society

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Community Food Share

Longmont Symphony Orchestra

Differing opinions aside, I found the guys very down-to-earth and I hope to run into the lads from Longmont at other Beer Week Events.

The Brew: I tried Left Hand's Twin Sister's IPA and was pleasantly surprised. I should note that I am pretty far from being a hop head. The hop profile on this one was pretty high, but the bitter bite wasn't sustained and the citrus and malt tones balanced the drink fairly well and gave it enough back bone that the drink was more refreshing than painful. See the following post for a description of IPA.