"Beer is Living Proof that God Loves Us"

Joe Sixpack (aka Don Russell) is an old friend and former colleague from my days as an ink-stained wretch in Philadelphia. He's also an award winning beer reporter and commentator. (Yeah, I know. Some people have all the luck.)

Anyhow, he's hosting a toast to that beer lover extraordinaire, Benjamin Franklin, on the occasion of his 300th birthday.

The toast will be held on Thursday evening, January 19, from 6-8p.m. at McGillin's Olde Ale House at 1310 Drury Street in downtown Philly and will feature a tribute to Franklin’s long-lasting impact on Philadelphia and its beer.

The highlight of the event will be a toast with two special beers made by area brewers in Franklin’s honor. Joe Sixpack says it's the only Franklin tercentenary event where both locally brewed ales will be served. Hearty appetizers paired with a selection of craft beers will be served.

Franklin was, of course, an inventor, publisher, diplomat and signer of the Declaration of Independence. He also was a well known man about town in Colonial Philadelphia who loved his beer. In fact, one of his best-known aphorisms is the slogan of many a beer aficionado:

Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

The special beers are based on a Franklin recipe written sometime in the 18^th century that includes molasses and “essence of spruce,” as in the spruce tree. Joe Sixpack says they produce an unusual but tasty and refreshing ale. They are Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce by Yards Brewing in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, and Poor Richard's Ale by Iron Hill Brewery in North Wales, Pa.

For more info and to order tickets ($25 in advance, $27 at the door), drop by Joe Sixpack's website:

http://joesixpack.net/index.html