Video #54: Tales from the Dockside, Allagash Black!

The Allagash Brewing Company has risen from its humble, 'one-man operation' beginnings to become one of the most respected breweries operating today in the U.S.: Founder Rob Tod identified that the Belgian style of brewing was under-represented in the states and well, he did something about it. Today, Allagash combines traditional Belgian brewing techniques with American creativity to produce some of the most distinctive beers on the market, many bottled using the méthode champenoise (look it up). Combine all of that with a commitment to local philanthropy through their Tribute series and their location in the picturesque city of Portland, Maine, and you can see why we chose one of their brews for our first tasting in this series.

Enjoy! Its the next best thing to drinking it yourself!

Video #52: The Happy Hour Guys look back on 2008!

The Happy Hour Guys say a fond farewell to 2008 with this retrospective of our video journeys throughout the year. We posted 49 videos this year, covering properties in 9 different states; and that is just the beginning! 2009 promises to go to a whole new level, with upgrades and surprises all around. So join us in ringing in the New Year with this look back at the Places, the Drinks and the People that lit up our screens in 2008. Our thanks to you all: You graced us with your stories, inspired us, and sent us on our way full of humor and more than a little bit of a buzz. And you'll pardon the pun, but we're thirsty for more; so email us, stay in touch, pass us on to your friends, and look for us with our feet on the rail somewhere special (maybe near you!) very soon.

A very Happy New Year to you all!      Cheers,  Jimmy and Mark

Video #51: Cratchit's Crawl part 2: The Alchemist & Barrister.

The A&B, at 28 Witherspoon Street in Princeton, New Jersey has seen its share of interesting events since it first was built in the 19th century. It's been a barn, a courthouse, a poolroom and for the last 50 plus years it's been a restaurant and pub, 35 of them as today's Alchemist and Barrister. When the smart folk from the nearby university wander over to bend an elbow next to the rest of us, we're sharing a drink amongst yesterday's stables and quite possibly the holding area for the former courthouse. Rumor has it that not all of the past visitors have taken their leave, either, if the ghost stories are to be believed. For a quaint journey back to a simpler time, the A&B can't be beat. their website says it well: 

"The Pub is a classic throwback to the days when congregating in the local pub meant socializing, meeting people and conversing in a pleasant and friendly manner."  Cheers!

Video #50: Cratchit's Crawl part 1: Triumph Brewing.

The Guys make their way (thanks to the McCarter Theatre and A Christmas Carol) to Princeton, NJ, and engage in Cratchit's Crawl, a visit to two of the most remarkable bars in downtown Princeton. Triumph has only been in existence since 1994, but they are making some fantastic beers and the space and the staff are first rate. Special thanks to Tom Stevenson, Christine Mitchell, Nikki Walker, Annie O'Sullivan and Brittany Beatty for their help in creating a great evening and a memorable episode. Happy Holidays, Happy Hour Guys-ers!  Cheers!

Video #49: The Great Lost Bear!

The Guys make another stop in Portland, Maine, where folks are VERY serious about their craft brews. This is a Third Place of the finest order. The Great Lost Bear features 65 different taps, a focus on Maine microbrews, and a cribbage board. (Okay, there are a few other things to enjoy as well.) Top ten ratings from folks all over the world, and Gourmet magazine says it's "One of the greatest bars on earth"! AND, Bumper stickers are free! Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: 

Bumper Sticker, Great Lost Bear

540 Forest Ave

Portland, ME 04101          Cheers!

Video #48: Farewell P&G Cafe'.

The Guys make their way to the Upper West Side of Manhattan to say goodbye to a gem of a bar, family owned since 1942. Rising rents are forcing the P&G to move uptown. Will their patrons follow? We can only hope so. But in the process, the owners will have to take down the oldest neon sign in New York City. Join us for yet another goodbye.

Fair winds and following seas.