I just got into craft beer just after christmas, so I'm real excited about visiting Philidelphia. I got 2 questions. Where can I buy a couple bottles or a case of Pliny the Elder. I found philltapfinder.com, but I don't think I'll have much time to sit down and enjoy it, let alone hunt down the bar. Also what are some must tries only in Philly, places or beer. I'm from Pittsburgh so I get most east coast beer. I'll be staying in Bristol so I'd like to stay close but we will probably do touristy things like see the liberty bell so a cool bar near there would be awesome. Thanks in advance. Brian
Do a forum search for a zillion similar inquiries and answers. Pliny only makes it on tap in Philly though, you'll have to drink it in a bar if you want to try it. The sours and Belgian style beers can be found in bottles though (Supplication, Sanctification, Damnation, etc.).
Check the recent "philly this weekend" thread. I was just there this past weekend, staying in the historical district (just a couple blocks from the Liberty Bell Exhibit). There are a lot of good recommendations in that thread from helpful locals. Suffice it to say, you will have plenty of options. Good luck!
As mentioned above, no bottles of RR hoppy beers are distributed here. Most of the historical stuff is in Old(e) City, where you'll find the following places among a few others: Khyber, Irish Pol, Eulogy, Triumph, Beneluxx, and Bierstube. As for "must try" I would say that depends on what each place has on tap.
Thanks for the info. I'm guessing tap finder will come in handy then. I'm not as excited about the Pliny as in trying a new beer scene, especially phillys. I'm going for my nieces gruduation so I can't make it all about beer but will squeeze in a pub or two. In Pittsburgh magazines and the Internet does not do our beer scene justice. I apologize if I asked questions that have been answered many times. I seen a lot about downtown but was hoping for something cool in or around Bristol. The Liberty Bell is not 100% in our plans. I'm trying not to push it, since I'm planning some stuff in harrisburg and the following week Southern tier. My fiancé won't play DD all the time.
Around Bristol, Hulmeville Inn is your best bet- great tap selection and good bottle list (which you can also buy to-go). Trenton Rd Takeout is also worth hitting up for bottles/six packs
2 sleeper spots near Bristol - Dog and Bull in Croydon. Transformed from a macro-beer dive bar with no kitchen into a craft beer bar a couple years, and now with a kitchen! Good bottle selection, fair prices - http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/26423 http://www.dogandbullhouse.com/ Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. in Croydon. Probably the newest brewery in Bucks County that'll be open for business when you're in town. They'll be open for the first time this weekend (tasting room/growlers fills) and their beer will be hitting the market for the first time during Philly Beer Week. For a start-up, pretty big spot too (see the facebook pics) - http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/29021 http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122119061183389.17284.109385585790070&type=3
ShanePB, I think I know those guys. They are everywhere. I'm not even that geeked up about it. But when I said I was going to Philly everyone said Hey Sell your soul to get Pliny. Toberone said "Pliny only makes it on tap in Philly though, you'll have to drink it in a bar if you want to try it." OMG the humanity of being forced to sit and enjoy a beer. LOL I didnt know that, thanks. I meant I'd rather go to some really cool bars then spend all day looking for Pliny. I'm limited on time. My niece not only graduates next weekend she joins the army soon after so she is more important. Thanks NJR19056 and hhkal17 thats more what I was looking for. From all this hype i would love to try pliny, I'm sure if it doesnt pan out this trip i'll get it eventually. Every once in a while it shows up in the burgh behing the bar. I get to know the right people someday.
True, but "sold" here is not an absolute impossibility. I most definitely purchased a bottle of Pliny at Hawthornes shortly after it opened in 2010. Last time I've seen it though so as others have said, don't waste your time searching it out. NJR19056 and hhkal17 have you covered otherwise.
I recall the Hawthorne's Elder bottles thing. Of course, that was obviously a one-off thing and it certainly didn't come through regular distribution channels. Those bottles were a few months old IIRC. A guy once got a keg of Pliny, too, but I wouldn't want to give a visitor false hopes about either of those things happening based on two isolated incidents.
Thanks for the info. We just left Via Marconi. I had Pliny the Elder. It was good. The owner was super friendly. All and all it was a great experience. Even took a bottle or RR home amongst others. We had to change plans so my free time ended up being before the visit. Still hoping to try some of the mentioned establishments.
