Philly Beer Week

By Pat Tanner

Philly Beer “Week” is in reality a ten-day extravaganza with events to delight every kind of beer drinker in and around what is arguably the nation’s “best beer drinking” city. Over 500 events at dozens of venues are planned from Friday, March 6 through Sunday, March 15, among them five major festivals, an awards ceremony, beer and food dinners at restaurants, and, of course, walk-around tastings.

Eastern Pennsylvania really is a hub of excellent beer making, although at last count the 58 breweries slated to participate hail from all around the country and the world – including four Garden State representatives: Cricket Hill (Fairfield) Flying Fish (Cherry Hill), Riverhorse (Lambertville), and Triumph (Princeton, as well as New Hope and Philadelphia).

Beer Week kicks off with Opening Tap, a celebration and awards ceremony honoring 30-some regional breweries (including our own).

Each event over the ten days has its own ticketing and prices. The Craft Beer Fest is already sold out but here are highlights of others:

BREWER’S PLATE: This walk-around at the U PENN Museum on Sunday, 3/8 includes unlimited tastings of gourmet food and beverages proffered by some of the region’s most well known chefs and brewers. Proceeds support the nonprofit Fair Foods.

REAL ALE INVITATIONAL: Both Sundays at Yards Brewing Company, ale lovers will enjoy light food, music, and incredible beers. Co-sponsored by Triumph.

ZYTHOS AMERICA: Belgium’s premiere beer festival comes to America with 8 brewers from Belgium and Italy at the U PENN Museum on 3/15.
RESTAURANT BEER-PAIRING MEALS: Among the hundreds are a collaboration between Jose Garces’ Amada and rare brews from Sly Fox (Saturday, 3/14) and on both Saturdays at City Tavern, “Revolution Was Brewing! Ales and Recipes of Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin.

SEPTA is offering special “Sip Safely” passes and some events include discounts for designated drivers. For information on these and ever-expanding info on Philly Beer Week visit phillybeerweek.org.