Philly Columnist 'Joe Sixpack' Pens Beer Book

By: Joe Strupp A reporter knowing something about beer is not exactly a far-fetched idea. Newspapermen, and women, for decades have blown off daily deadline pressures with a barstool throwback or two.

But, a few years ago, Don Russell took his interest and fondness for the foaming substance and turned it into one of the Philadelphia Daily News' most popular columns, "Joe Sixpack."

Since then, he has taken the nom de plume and used it for both humorous takes on the city's brewery best, as well as actual research: such as the time he proved that beer cups at Veterans Stadium were ripping off Eagles and Phillies fans by giving them less beer than the ounces advertised.

Now Russell, er, Mr. Sixpack, has turned his penchant for pilsner prose into a book. "Joe Sixpack?s Philly Beer Guide: A Reporter?s Notes on the Best Beer?Drinking City in America" (Camino Books, 2008) is due out in April.

"If you?ve ever wanted to explore the 'hopping' beer scene in Philadelphia, now is the time. Fun and full of 'attytood,' Joe Sixpack?s Philly Beer Guide... is the perfect companion for this city?s thirsty visitors and locals alike," Russell claims in a press release.