On Tap is a regular column featuring our recommendations on the most unique new draft beer offerings from local pubs.
Our Recommendation: Mongo Double IPA, Port Brewing Company
Where: Pinocchio’s Beer Garden To Go, 131 East Baltimore Pike, Media, PA
Sometimes, you need to show up at a kid’s birthday party with a growler of beer. I’d told my brother-in-law I’d pick up some adult libations, and since I was traveling through Media, there was no better place to stop than Pinocchio’s Beer Garden.
Known for their huge selection of takeout beer in single bottles, people sometimes forget Pinocchio’s offers growler fills from a rotating selection of craft beers. And yes, they will fill a growler you purchased somewhere else—I had my Victory growler with me. I read through the list of drafts, trying to choose something that would work for my taste and quench the thirst of a few beer drinking relatives. Not an easy task, as the beer garden offers twenty-three draft choices.
After a sampling, I opted for Mongo Double IPA by San Diego’s Port Brewing Company. This is one hopped up brew. At the party, I poured a beer glass and let the billowy, frothy head settle.
The IPA was a copper color, not as light as one might expect. The first taste brought a bitterness, but the fruity citrus notes soon took hold. I wouldn’t recommend a single person drinking this growler of 8.5% ABV brew, but we were sharing amongst a few. It proved to be a good choice enjoyed by all who imbibed.
The only other Port Brewing beer I’ve had was Older Viscosity, which is a bourbon barrel-aged American Dark Strong Ale. If you enjoy sitting back with a stogie and strong ale, pick up a bottle of this. It’s not cheap, but it’s an enjoyable specialty beer.
Check out Pinocchio’s beer menu, including their list of 23 rotating draft beers, at pinbeer.com.
