Bidda-Bump-Bump-Bump, Another One Joins "The Club"

The "hook" from 1980 rock anthem from Queen gets paraphrased in this title, and only far-out-of-touch millennials chasing Pokemon might not know how it goes. I even remember playing it at weddings in honor of the groom. But its driving beat was and is familiar to millions.

Just like the driving beat of a PubScout Approved Pub Seal is becoming more and more familiar around the state's best craft beer bars. Yesterday, five pubs joined the elite circle (among them the #1 Dive Bar in NJ) and today, the Number 1 Craft beer bar in Jersey did the same.

The PubScout paid a special visit to the legendary Cloverleaf Tavern in Caldwell, having just recently been there and marveling at what is offered there. You can read that story here. But today's story was about owner Ryan Dorchak receiving the Official P.A.P Seal and affixing it to the front door of his fabled pub.

And apparently my visit was serendipitous, because while there, Ryan was paid a visit by Hunterdon Brewing's Aaron Kesselman, who, like yours truly, came bearing gifts and good news. His good news was drinkable--very drinkable--and was even more unique. He had a bottle of Rogue's Dead Guy Whiskey.

I know, I know, Rogue's John Maier is a brewer, and his Rogue's Dead Guy Maibock is a wonderful beer. But apparently the folks in Oregon are not content to rest on their laurels. So they are now distilling a special whiskey, and--get this--it's made from the wort of Dead Guy Ale.

Now The PubScout will be the first to admit the uisge (the derivative of whiskey) is not his bailiwick. I leave that to folks like Alex Costa or Noa Sylum. But this is some incredible-tasting stuff for a newbie like me. A very wee tad on the sweet side, this sipping whiskey could easily find its way into my cabinet to serve as my personal cockle-warmer during Old Man Winter's cold, dark days.

Ryan will put some in the Cloverleaf to see how it does. I'm no uisge analyst, but I'm betting even the ladies will dig this big time (which may explain why I liked it so much...).

The Cloverleaf was a natural for the P.A.P. Seal even before the Dead Guy appeared because of its incredible beer selection, its beer-savvy personnel and its outstanding food. Today, for example, I had an OMG BLT (that's its real name) minus the avocado, and it was so thick, I had to squash it with my hand to get it to fit in my mouth. And tasty? To borrow an acronym-- OMG.

I washed it down with Sierra Nevada's Oktoberfest, brewed in collaboration with Mahrs Brau, and it was an excellent match. But at The Cloverleaf, anyone can make a good pairing, considering the available beers and the extensive menu. And if you can't, a beer-knowledgeable server will be happy to help you.

That just happens to be the third of the three criteria a pub needs to get into "The Club." Good Pubs, Good Beer, Good People. Good Food is definitely a plus, too.

Does your favorite pub have a P.A.P. Seal of Approval?

If not, have them contact me. I'll check it out and decide.

Because, bidda-bump-bump-bump- the beat goes on. And a pub must be PAP-worthy.