5 Must Try Beers at Pinocchio's #FiveFriday

 

 

 

Since opening its doors in 1955, Pinocchio’s has been a staple in the borough of Media. Their fantastic selection on the menu makes it a must stop. What you might not know, this is also the place to be for the avid beer connoisseur or someone just looking to try something new. Having so much success selling mix-and-match six packs, Pinocchio’s manager, Tim Volikas, had the brilliant idea to create the first beer garden and bottle shop in the Delaware County area. With this decision, it sparked a new draw for Pinocchio’s and created a wonderful new Delco destination. Since Pinocchio’s Beer Garden celebrated its six year anniversary this past December, they have become a hot spot with their friendly atmosphere and highly knowledgeable staff.

With 1000 different beers to try it may be difficult to decide exactly where to start, so let Pinocchio’s beer guru or “Brew”ru, Alex Morris, list five must try beers at Pinocchio’s along with some tasty menu items to pair them with.

 

1.     Head Hunter (Fat Head’s Brewing Company)

This uncivilized and aggressive West Coast style IPA truly packs a punch and it is easily understood why this is one of their top seller’s at the garden. From the first pour, an aroma of hops overtakes you, while your first sip packs wicked hop flavors with just a note of pine and citrus. If you are a fan of IPA’s than this is what you have been looking for and let this big bitter IPA crush your pallet. With such a bold flavor, it may be hard to pair anything to go along with this beer, but Morris recommends Pinocchio’s Upside Down Pizza. With the complexity and boldness of the sharp cheddar, fight big with big enjoying this pair.

 

2.    Allagash White (Allagash Brewing Company)

 

This new take on a Belgian-style witbeir is brewed with their special blend of spices and is incredibly refreshing and full of flavor. Let this smooth brew allow you to taste the blend of spices and cloves, with hints of fruit to refresh the pallet. This easy drinking “American Classic” is the perfect fit for someone who is new to IPA’s, and would like to sample what Morris considers to be the “Best American Belgium White”. Since this beer is smooth and has an array of spices and flavors, it is suggested to pair this with a simpler taste like Pinocchio’s classic plain pizza.

 

3.    Perpetual IPA (Tröegs Brewing Company)

Artisanal meets mechanical in a state of IPA they call Perpetual. Cycling through their HopBack vessel and dry-hopping method, this bold American Double/ Imperial IPA emerges rife with sticky citrus rind, pine balm and tropical fruit. With its consistent flavor, this is a beer you can drink almost anywhere and be satisfied. Also Morris considers Perpetual IPA to be the best local IPA. Since this is another smooth beer with a variety of flavors, something simple is in order to eat with this craft. So for you vegetarian pizza lovers out there, mushroom is the way to go.

 

4.    Grapefruit Sculpin (Ballast Point Brewing Company)

Becoming the newest of the IPA’s available at Pinocchio’s, Sculpin’s unique flavor and the tart freshness of grapefruit perfectly complements their IPA’s citrusy hop character. Though grapefruit is a winter fruit, this easy-drinking ale tastes like summer. This ale started the fruit trend for IPA brewing, and with so much popularity Ballast Point recently sold for $1 billion. It is a must try to see what all the fuss is about. Being such a versatile beer, Morris recommends to sample it with a dessert. So for all you sweet tooth’s out there, why not enjoy Pinocchio’s “Brownie Delight” alongside this incredible ale.

 

5.    Standard Hard Cider (Big Hill Ciderworks)

For a cider to make the list alongside such great beers, you know there must be something special about it. This cider sets the standard with a bright, fruit forward flavor profile.  With no added sugars or flavors, just carefully selected apple varieties that are grown, pressed and fermented in Pennsylvania, it is the true standard for ciders surpassing all the competition. This super-clean cider is an easy transition for even the most stubborn beer drinker. Since this is such a lite and effervescent drink, Morris actually does not recommend any food to be paired with it, but rather be used as a pallet cleanser in between sampling the wide-variety of ales available.

 

Come to Pinocchio’s and fall in love with these five recommended brews, and let Alex Morris guide you through the array of different beers available. He could even introduce you to your new favorite. You can also enjoy half priced drafts at happy hour Monday through Thursday from 4-6pm. And if the beers are too good to leave, Pinocchio’s offers growlers and canned growlers, “Crowlers”, to take home with you. With such a fun enjoyable atmosphere and crowd, feel like “Norm” as you walk in and let everybody know your name.

 

 

Please Drink Responsibly

  

 

About the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce:

Founded in 1887, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce represents businesses' interests and issues affecting the community. We help Chamber members succeed through proactive outreach and partnering with all levels of government and community organizations through education, networking and collaboration to achieve a healthy economy to drive business forward. For more information on membership and how you can get involved, visit www.delcochamber.org