Success In The Rain: DuClaw Real Ale Fest A Great Time During The Storm

As the spin-off from Hanna came through Maryland, many had their outdoor plans ruined. But at DuClaw Brewing Co. in Bel Air, the good times rolled on regardless. Originally scheduled to be outdoors, the Real Ale Fest, put on by DuClaw and 11 other breweries, merely moved inside as not a single person seemed to mind the rain. Surely all the beer helped.

Each of the 11 visiting breweries brought two casks of beer, while DuClaw provided six casks of their own specially conditioned ales. All attendees flowed through the building from table to table enjoying the brews and were provided with an extensive spread of beer-friendly food, provided by DuClaw’s kitchen staff. As with most beer festivals there were some highlights and some lowlights.

At the lower end of the satisfaction spectrum, Pub Dog provided a pale ale I could only describe as disgusting. I immediately dumped it out. Not far behind that was Brewer’s Art’s pale ale, which tasted severely funky, although I could choke it down. But enough about the poorly crafted beers, because there were many outstanding brews on tap. DuClaw led the charge with a double dry hopped Hellrazer (American pale ale) that was to die for, an Alchemy (oatmeal stout) infused with molasses and a satisfyingly fruity Misfit Red (amber ale) with raspberry.

Flying Dog also brought some good flavor with its 2008 Beer World Cup gold medal winning Gonzo Porter. This beer was so rich and smooth that it was easy to see why it got the gold. Franklins raised some eyebrows with its imperial stout that was like a meal in a glass and Clipper City rounded out the impressive handful with its Loose Cannon Hop3 Ale which assaulted you, in a good way, with hops galore. The citrusy kick and floral aromas made an experience of the sample.

Even though the event only lasted four hours and cost $45 for admission, the all you can eat buffet and all you can drink beer made it worth it. Not to mention the fact that a portion of the proceeds went to the Fallston Animal Rescue Movement (FARM), which showed up to the event with some dogs in need of good homes.

Real Ale Festival 2008 to be held at DuClaw’s in Bel Air this weekend

On Saturday September 6th, from 12-4 pm, DuClaw Brewing Company in Bel Air will feature ales from 12 local breweries, along with live music, all for a good cause. A portion of the proceeds from The Real Ale Festival 2008 will benefit FARM (Fallston Animal Rescue Movement).

Tickets are $45, and may still be available online at http://www.duclaw.com/marketing/realalefest/tickets.aspx.

Participating breweries will include Barley and Hops, The Brewer’s Art, Clay Pipe, Clipper City, Pub Dog, DuClaw Brewing Company, Flying Dog Brewery, Franklins, Growlers, Oliver Breweries Ltd., The Raven, and Red Brick Station. Continue reading Real Ale Festival 2008 to be held at DuClaw’s in Bel Air this weekend

The Chew Review: Roy’s Restaurant, An Excellent Choice For Baltimore Restaurant Week

Baltimore Restaurant Week is supposed to provide common folk like myself with the rare opportunity to dine like those in a higher tax bracket. Every time it rolls around, my girlfriend and I attempt to taste something expensive and new for a more reasonable price. Last time didn’t work out so well when we tried to go to Ruth’s Chris and there was a carbon monoxide leak. The way the establishment handled the cancellation of our reservations was less than satisfactory and to make a long story short, we will never attempt to dine there again. But this time around, Baltimore Restaurant Week was good to us. Why? Because we went to Roy’s Restaurant, and this establishment delivered with amazing service and delectable food. Continue reading The Chew Review: Roy’s Restaurant, An Excellent Choice For Baltimore Restaurant Week