On Sunday, June 28th, World Cafe Live in Philadelphia hosted the magazine launch party for Philly Beer Scene, welcoming through its doors many craft beer enthusiasts from all over the Philadelphia region.

Taking a look at British craft brewing.

Sean Franklin, head brewer at Rooster’s in North Yorkshire speaks passionately about hops. Hops are at the heart of Rooster’s ales with varieties used from Europe, the US and New Zealand and Sean’s enthusiasm captures the spirit of the UK craft brewing scene. It’s a scene that grows more and more exciting each year. Micro breweries are opening at the rate of one a week while others expand to meet demand.

I love my iPhone! By Zeke Diaz

After holding out for a year or so (actually, being too cheap to buy it) I finally splurged and bought one. There were several reasons I had for this purchase; I was tired of my old phone, a company discount made the price attractive, and Christmas was coming. I also wanted access to my BeerAdvocate account since I try and pick up beers on my friend’s want lists.

The old man at the end of the bar was exactly the sort of old man you’d expect to see at the end of a bar in mid-afternoon. He looked at the pint in front of me and said, “You’re drinkin’ one-a them fancy beers, ain’t ya?” When I nodded my confirmation he raised his own glass and said, “I’m drinkin’ Bud. I always drink Bud.” He paused for a sip from his mug. “They’re gonna get rid of Bud here, they say. You know what I’m gonna do? The last day they have Bud on tap, I’m coming in and drinking every drop of it…and then I’m never coming back.”

Life was full of joy on a July day in 2008 during my first “Beer of the Bike” ride out to the General Lafayette Inn. By Suzanne Woods

“Beer of the Bike” is a group of craft beer-loving cyclists that ride to different beer destinations. Jesse Keenan, the BOTB organizer agreed, “it was a perfect ride with a perfect welcome at the Inn. We were greeted by friendly servers, packed the private courtyard; picked fresh hops off the vine and steeped them in our beers.” Could life get any better?