Video #56: HOW TO Drink Winter Beer! (featuring Captain Lawrence!)

As the winter winds howl and the snow deepens, many thoughts turn to the seasonal beers, those winter brews; but how to solve the mysteries of Stouts, Porters and Warmers? The Happy Hour Guys are on the case, tracking down exactly what to expect from these cold weather quaffs. And being The Happy Hour Guys, we go straight to one of the best sources around: Scott Vaccaro, owner and head brewer at Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in NYC’s backyard. Scott’s beers have been winning awards and gaining attention since he started producing them in 2005. Captain Lawrence is now featured on most lists of the USA’s best breweries. We traveled to the brewery in Westchester (easily accessible via Metro North Railroad to Pleasantville) to demystify those dark and stormy winter brews. Do your ears perk up at the mention of chocolate, coffee, and toffee? Then you have to see this…

Video #55: Czech? Slovak? Club 21!

An empty stretch of Astoria, New York takes on a new life with the addition of Club 21, a new bar in an old building. What do a top-secret Czech liquor, a formerly illegal substance of French origin, a top-notch menu combining Old World fare with New World favorites, a beer garden, late night dancing, and some of the best Czech and German beers have in common? Well, watch and find out! Cheers!

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!