Putting good use to the VHS.

One of my favorite parts of craft beer is the artistic aspect that goes into it.  Each beer is an interpretation of the brewer’s personality.  Whether it’s a crazy unique style beer from Sam Calagione at Dogfish Head or a traditional styled, well- crafted beer from Pat Conway of Great Lakes, you can see a lot in common between the beer and the man behind the beer. Dann and Martha Paquette are a perfect example of the art behind beer and the inspiration for a new column on the artwork of the beer label. Dann and Martha started Pretty Things brewery just over a year ago, but thanks to the great beers and the great branding, they are quickly making an impact on the beer scene. The artwork behind their beer has definitely benefitted this and is something the Paquette’s take a lot of pride in.

Dear John, beer Vegan?
-Carissa S. Philadelphia, PA

Well, I can't definitively say yes or no on this one – it depends on the brewery, the beer, and how strict you are in your definition of vegan.  Firstly, some breweries refine their beers with animal byproducts such as isinglass – a collagen found in fish swim-bladders. Secondly, some beers made by brewers that are mostly vegan, might not be vegan. Any beer brewed with honey would be an obvious example. The last thing is the hardest to pinpoint. Although most beers brewed by Anheuser-Busch InBev are brewed in vegan friendly processes without the use of any animal products, they used to own SeaWorld and also sponsor rodeos. If I had to say yes or no, I'd say yes, as the vegan friendly beers seem to be the rule rather than the exception.

960 Pages You Must Read Before You Hit The Bottle Shop.

General Editor Adrian Tierney-Jones' new book, 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die, is an amazing collection of beers from around the globe reviewed by a handful of leading international experts including Philly's own Don Russell (Joe Six Pack). It's great to see that in such a massive collection of some of the best beers in the world, eight Pennsylvania breweries made the cut, with a total of 13 beers in this massive volume. Lancaster, Sly Fox, Stoudt's, Troegs, Victory, Weyerbacher, Yards, and Yuengling represent PA in the eclectic mix of breweries in this hefty read.

It’s crazy for me to sit here and write this.  Every time I try and attempt it, all I can think about is how it’s been a whole year already and I can’t believe it.  So much has happened over the past 12 months, I don’t even know what to say.  The first and most important thing though is, I want to say thank you.  To all of our readers and supporters, I really can’t thank you guys enough. You have made this an incredible and crazy year that wouldn’t be possible without your support.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House, one of our favorite beer drinking destinations and all too appropriate for St. Patty’s Day, was the home of this issue’s Tasting Room. McGillin’s, Philadelphia’s oldest bar, is now celebrating its 150th anniversary.