Philly Beer Week Top 5: Festivals
Sometimes, you don’t want to have to run all over the city to get your beer and it’s often better to hang out in one place where the suds are easily accessible. There will be plenty of opportunities for this throughout the week, so don’t worry about missing one—there are plenty of folks like yourself who would rather mingle and drink in the same area for six hours than run to eight different bars. Check these out if you want to relax a bit. All events are pay as you go, unless otherwise noted.
Cirque du Saison at Tapestry
Saturday, June 2 & Sunday, June 3 | 12:00n – 9:00pm
Make it a point to swing by this opening weekend blast, which will feature over 30 saisons as well as live music and entertainment, classic cocktails and Rubb Mobile BBQ. The list of saisons is impressive to say the least, and even if it’s not your favorite style it will be an event worth checking out for the music and BBQ alone.
Theresa’s, Troegs, and the Main Line Jazz & Food Fest at Theresa’s Next Door
Saturday, June 2 | 12:00n – 9:00pm
This fest won’t only include live jazz and plenty of food, but it will also celebrate one of Philly’s favorite suburban bars’ 5th anniversary. Be sure to get out to the ‘burbs to check it out, as they will be pouring plenty of Troegs kegs and firkins throughout the day.
Craft Beer Day on East Passyunk at East Passyunk Ave.
Sunday, June 3 | 11:00am – 1:00am
Almost 10 bars and restaurants along East Passyunk Ave. will be holding staggered beer-themed events all day and night. An official list is yet to be released, but with some of the great restaurants and bars on the street (including ones that have participated in the past), you will not be disappointed to spend the entire day in one of Philadelphia’s hippest neighborhoods.
Sansom Street Soiree at Baby Blues BBQ
Thursday, June 7 | 3:00pm – 12:00m | $10
This blowout in West Philly will be well worth the $10 fee to get in (half of which will go to local charities). The three establishments participating—Baby Blues BBQ, White Dog Café and New Deck Tavern—will all offer specials and beer pairings throughout the day and evening. Baby Blues BBQ will also have their huge smoker out and be smoking meat the entire time, which makes the event that much sweeter. All this while sampling beers from around the US, and $10 is quite the bargain.
Fishtown FestivALE at Johnny Brenda’s & Frankford Hall
Saturday, June 9 | 12:00n – 8:00pm
Johnny Brenda’s and Frankford Hall are closing down a block of Frankford Avenue to hold a joint outdoor beer party in one of the best beer neighborhoods in Philly. Stop by for DJs, a dunk tank, and plenty more while you party your day away. Knowing these two, there is sure to be great food and even better beer, so make it a point to swing out to Fishtown for this one. It’s just two blocks from the Girard El stop, so you can stumble there and home safely!
Philly Beer Week Top 5: Homebrew Events
Let’s face it: no matter what kind of rarities all these bars and breweries are pulling out for their Beer Week events, many of us have tried them at some point. Aside from a few breweries making their Philadelphia debut for Philly Beer Week, there is minimal beer that is 100% brand new to the drinkers of the city—which is why a homebrew event is so great. Want to try a bunch of different beers you’re sure to have never had before, and probably never will again? Check out one—or all—of these events.
Home Brew Beer Fest at Memphis Taproom
Saturday, June 9 | 12:00 – 4:00pm | $30
What would make the perfect Philly Beer Week Event? Drinking outside in a sunny beer garden: check. All-you-can-drink homebrew from about 15 brewers: check. All-you-can-eat gourmet hotdogs from Memphis’s hotdog truck: double check. There’s no way you can go wrong with this event, especially for only $30 a ticket. But tickets will go fast, as only 80 people will get into this event. They are available at the bar at Memphis, at Barry’s Homebrew, or via e-mail at tickets@memphistaproom.com. Added bonus: our very own Canadian Bacon Smoked IPA will be pouring!
2nd Annual Homebrew Competition at Triumph Brewing Company
Saturday, June 2 | 1:00 – 4:00pm | PAYG
About 100 homebrewers will be competing in five categories for cash prizes, gift cards, and a chance to have their beer served on tap at Triumph. Available amidst the festivities will be last year’s winner on tap, and there will be a special barrel tapping as well.
Extreme Homebrew Challenge at Jose Pistola’s
Monday, June 4 | 7:00 – 10:00pm | $15-20
Now in its fifth year, this challenge offers all the homebrew you can drink from about 15 contestants as well as a buffet for the low price of $15 in advance or $20 at the door. This is one of the best deals you’re going to find all week—in any category—especially since you’ll get to rub shoulders with George and Nancy of Home Sweet Homebrew, Joe and Casey of Jose Pistolas, and the one and only Sam Calagione from Dogfish Head.
Battle of the Homebrew Shops Final at Perch Pub
Sunday, June 10 | 5:00 – 8:00pm | PAYG
Philly Beer Scene and One Village Coffee will be hosting the final judging of the Battle of the Homebrew Shops challenge. This event required the brewers to brew with coffee, but they could not make a porter or a stout. See what kind of interesting concoctions these guys came up with!
Brewing Classes at Keystone Homebrew
Various
If all the beer throughout the week whetted your appetite to start brewing, Keystone Homebrew has your back all week. They’re offering classes—which include homebrew tasting—three times throughout the week to get you started in the craft. On Sunday, June 3, they will host their “Sour Power” class for $75 from 1-4:30pm. One Tuesday, June 4 is their “Next Step” class for those with a little brewing experience who are ready to take it to the next level, and on Wednesday, June 6 they will host an “Introduction to Brewing” class for all the novices. These last two classes are each $40 and take place from 6:30-9:30pm.
Photo courtesy of Stephen Lyford.
Philly Beer Week Top 5: Real Ale
There is no ignoring Philadelphia’s love affair with cask beer, or “real ale.” So, instead of trying to ignore it, embrace the cask and check out some events that feature beer in the form it was meant to be served. Sure, it’s a little warmer than you’re used to and a little less carbonated, but that makes it oh so smooth and refreshing, so dive in and get as much as you can during Beer Week. These will all be special treats! All events are pay as you go.
It’s A Firkin Riot at Johnny Brenda’s
Saturday, June 2 | 11:00am – 12:00m
For the third year, Johnny Brenda’s will be setting their specially-welded cask rack on the bar and pouring six casks at a time all day long. The firkins will all be local and will be switched out as soon as they kick for a full day of no-repeat beer excitement. To go along with the real ale feel, the kitchen will be serving fish and chips and meat pies while a DJ spins British rock records.
Cask and Ye Shall Receive at Resurrection Ale House
Saturday, June 2 | 12:00n – 2:00am
A major cask-tapping from Resurrection, they will have firkins pouring right off the bar all day long. They’ll have plenty of local offerings, but also look for heavy-hitters like Dogfish Head, Stone, Port Brewing, and Green Flash. A full cask list will be coming soon, but I wouldn’t wait until then to book the time to swing by.
Roll Out the Barrels at Monk’s Café
Saturday, June 9 | 11:30am – 9:00pm
This one is going to be nuts. Monk’s is putting out four cellar-aged barrels of JW Lee’s Vintage Harvest Ale to pour via gravity off the bar. Monk’s has been cellaring these casks for at least four years each, and each is a different kind of barrel, so you’ll be able to try this delicious barleywine in port, sherry, whisky, and calvados casks. Get there early!
2nd Annual Yards Firkin Faceoff at Prohibition Tap Room
Friday, June 1 | 6:00pm – 2:00am
Even though the event says it’s six hours, get there early as it is a contest that pits three members of the Prohibition team with Yards brewers, and then they each see whose firkin kicks the fastest. Last year, the firkins were gone in 30 and 45 minutes, respectively, but things should last a little longer this year with the added cask.
Kingpin at Standard Tap
Saturday, June 2 | 3:00 – 7:00pm
Stop by Standard Tap the first Saturday of beer week to help kick your favorite local brewery’s firkin! The first brewery to kick will get the coveted title of Kingpin until next year. The event is sure to be a hit, so don’t miss it—especially when a title for your favorite brewery is on the line.
Photo courtesy of Stephen Lyford.
Philly Beer Week Top 5: Brunches
We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but when you throw in a burger, some beer, and not having to roll out of bed until noon, it gets infinitely better. Besides, you’re going to need all the filling food you can get if you’re going to survive Philly Beer Week, so make it a point to get brunch whenever you can. Not only can you get pancakes and a burger, but it’s also perfectly acceptable to drink beer. The best part of any day! All events are pay as you go unless otherwise noted.
4th Annual Vintage Beer Brunch at Memphis Taproom
Sunday, June 10 | 12:00 – 3:00pm | $75
As in years past, this is an event not to miss. Not only are you getting a five-course meal from superb chef Jesse Kimball (and trust me—this guy knows brunch), but you’re also going to get to experience what it’s like when Memphis raids their cellars to pull out some vintage beer for you to sip while you eat. The beers being pulled out this year include Boon Mariage Parfait Kriek (’07), Allagash Victor (’11), Sly Fox/DeProef Broederlijke Liefde (’11), Struise Tsjeeses Reserva (’10) and J.W. Lees Harvest Ale — Lagavulin (’10).
Saison-athon Brunch at Devil’s Den
Sunday, June 10 | 10:30am – 3:00pm
If you’re a fan of one of the most-loved beer styles, this will be the brunch for you. Devil’s Den is pulling out some of the world’s best and pairing them with a variety of brunch specials. If you want some sinful saisons and bangin’ brunch fare, this is a must-attend event.
2nd Annual Big Badass Craft Beer Brunch at Varga Bar
Saturday, June 9 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
For their second year in a row, Varga is pulling out all the stops with a “badass” brunch menu as well as all the big beers from the week. “Big” and “Badass” is a hell of a way to start the day, and sure to prepare you for what’s to come at your next event!
Sour Brunch at Standard Tap
Saturday, June 9 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
It’s no secret that Standard Tap has some of the best brunch in the city. Now, you’ll get to pair that with sour beers from local breweries for a one-of-a-kind meal that hits on everything Philadelphia loves: brunch, sour beer, and eating and drinking local.
Semi-Annual Clearance Sale at The Institute
Saturday, June 9 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Take advantage of the end of Philly Beer Week by hitting up the Institute for brunch on the second Saturday of Philly Beer Week. While they try to get rid of all the extra beer they’ve stockpiled for the week so things can get back to normal, they’ll be serving all of their beer 50% off with brunch. Any event where you can eat brunch while drinking two beers for the price of one is a win in my book!
Photo courtesy of Stephen Lyford.
Philly Beer Week Top 5: Beer Dinners
Like it or not, you’re going to have to eat during Philly Beer Week, and just getting brunch isn’t going to cut it. But, you will be able to continue to enjoy your beer as you eat with a variety of beer dinners that will pair your favorite fermented beverage with what is sure to be delicious food. With the events listed below, you’re going to have a hard time going wrong with these best-of-both-worlds options.
Local Draft Beer vs Local Draft Wine at London Grill
Sunday, June 3 | 5:00 – 10:00pm | $45
In their 2nd year pitting beer vs. wine, London Grill will offer a three course menu for $45, which includes beer pairings from Weyerbacher as well as wine pairings from Galen Glen. Diners will receive a scorecard with which to vote for who they like better. Weyerbacher will have some specialty beers available (including a black sour aged in Chaddsford Pinot Noir barrels) and Galen Glen will offer two wines on draft as well as specialty bottles. Brewer Chris Wilson will be in attendance, as will Sarah and Galen from the winery. The perfect opportunity to pit your favorite beverages against each other, talk about them, and meet the people who make them.
Iron Hill Beer Dinner at Good Dog
Sunday, June 3 | 6:00 – 9:00pm | $TBA
Not much has been announced from Good Dog yet, but this dinner is sure to be a hit. There will be five brewers from five different Iron Hills, who will each bring a beer to pair with a course. Revel in your glorious dinner as you get five brewers, five beers, and five courses. Iron Hill has great beer and Good Dog has solid food, so this is a great match.
Philly Brewers Beer Dinner at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant – Chestnut Hill
Monday, June 4 | 7:00 – 9:00pm | $75
In what appears to be an opposite event of the one Good Dog is putting on, Iron Hill is also doing a five-course meal, but inviting in five brewers from around American’s Best Beer Drinking City to pair with each course. Each brewery—Dock Street, Manayunk, Nodding Head, Triumph and Yards—will be represented by a brewer to present their beer at the beginning of each course. Reservations are required and seats will go fast.
Cooking with Beer Bootcamp at Kennett Restaurant
Tuesday, June 5 | 7:00 – 10:00pm | $60
Not only will you be treated to a three-course dinner from talented chef Brian Ricci paired with Yards brews, you’ll also be treated to a 90-minute instructional session on how to cook with beer. That’s right! You’ll learn how to brine cuts of meat, deglaze sautéed veggies, prepare a dressing for oysters, and make a dessert—all with beer. Seating is limited and reservations are necessary, so don’t hesitate to sign up.
The Maine Event at Memphis Taproom
Tuesday, June 5 | 7:00 – 10:00pm | $85
Special guest Rob Tod of Allagash Brewing will be visiting Memphis for this dinner, which will be held in their outdoor beer garden. There will be seven Allagash beers available while you enjoy a Maine family-style feast from native Mainer and excellent chef Jesse Kimball. The Allagash available will be Saison Mihm, Interlude, Victor, Victoria, Black, White and Odyssey. And did we mention you get to meet Rob Tod?
Photo courtesy of Stephen Lyford.
Why Philly Beer Week?
We can sit here all day and tell you why Philly is the best beer city in America or why you absolutely have to visit for Philly Beer Week. Don’t listen to us, though—check out what some beer luminaries from around the city have to say about Philly Beer Week. But if you’d really like to know what we think, stay tuned throughout the next two weeks, as we post our top five events in six categories (Homebrew, Beer Dinners, Brunches, Festivals, Tap Takeovers, Real Ale) and two special Philly Beer Trips to help you navigate the first weekend of Philly Beer Week.
“Most everyone really puts on their A-game. The friendly competition is great. We are each constantly looking how to up our own game. The result is not only a staggering quantity of events, but also a really high level of quality to a lot of them.” –Mike “Scoats” Scotese, owner, Grey Lodge & Hop Angel Brauhaus
“I can’t imagine that other cities have something similar to the Hammer of Glory relay, Forum of the Gods, the Beer Run and Music Fest, or countless others. It’s all about the number of events that are held and beers that come through Philly that week!” –Helene Golombek, PhillyBeerGirl
“If you’re a beer lover there is no way you should miss Beer Week. Beer Week is the largest celebration of its kind and helped spawn many other cities’ interpretations of their own beer week. Philly is the Founding Father of Beer Week.” –Mike Lubieski, Regional Sales Manager, Weyerbacher Brewing
“We invented it and all others just try to be us; a tough task because we are the best beer city in the country!” –Casey Hughes, head brewer, Flying Fish
“I’m always impressed by the number of events going on at any moment. Rare tastings, meet the brewer, beer dinners with amazing chefs, beer gardens, dunk booth fundraisers, they have it all. But two things bring me back every year: the Hammer of Glory and Late Night with Joe Gunn.” –Anne Marisic, Manager, ChurchKey (and Philly expat)
“The beauty of Philly Beer Week is its variety, from beer dinners to ‘meet the brewers’ to tap takeovers with rare one-offs, some made especially for PBW. But, also important is the showcasing of our local breweries, which I believe is an essential ingredient to a successful Philly Beer Week.” –Jared Littman, President, Philly Tap Finder
“The sheer density of events and unique opportunity to meet so many industry folks and sample so many different (and rarely seen) beers in one town for an entire week … This is an opportunity rarely available for most people.” –Teresa Clough, events coordinator, The Farmers’ Cabinet & Boilermaker
“As has been said many times over the years, Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, i.e. South Philly, Kensington, the Northeast, West Philly, etc.. Over the 10 day period that is Philly Beer Week, Philadelphia becomes a unified Craft Beer loving city. There are events all over town and throughout the surrounding suburbs, and breweries from around the world come here to show off their products and interact with their fans. Yes, there are big events like Opening Tap, the Forum of the Gods, the International Great Beer Expo, but the bulk of the events happen at local bars and restaurants throughout the area, and those are the events that I enjoy most. If you love craft beer, great food, and taking in all Philadelphia has to offer, I highly recommend a trip to Philly Beer Week.” –Angelo “G-LO”, Author, It’s Just the Booze Dancing
“Philly gets the people who make good beer happen. We get the brewery owners. We get the most respected brewers in the world to attend, to speak, to shake hands, to discuss beer, and most importantly share some of the best, rarest, most delicious beers anywhere. There is an event to satisfy every curious taste bud and style, from posh dinners to wacky events to simple tap takeovers. You can’t attend Philly Beer Week and NOT be satisfied.” –Stephen Lyford, unofficial photographer, Philly Beer Week
Photo courtesy of Stephen Lyford.
Whether you’re behind the bar or bellying up to it, Philly Beer Week requires more preparation than your average beer festival; mostly because it isn’t your average beer festival. Once a year, Philadelphia celebrates its favorite fermented beverage with a 10-day blowout of thousands of events from hundreds of venues spread throughout the cities, suburbs, and even neighboring states. It’s no wonder Philadelphia is called America’s Best Beer Drinking City, but it is also no small task. “Beer Week is something we are constantly working on,” says Teresa Clough, event coordinator for The Farmers’ Cabinet and Boilermaker. “It takes a year-round effort.”
That effort isn’t confined only to the bars and restaurants hosting Beer Week events, either. Karen Noonan, communications manager of Victory Brewing, says the brewery mentally prepares for Beer Week all year long. Mike Lubieski, regional sales manager for Weyerbacher, agrees: “Some thought goes into the next beer week as soon as the current one ends.”
While ideas are tossed around and people wonder what they could change or make better all year, things start to really get serious in the three to six months before Beer Week. “I try to schedule [the events] about three months in advance,” says Mike Scotese—better known as Scoats, the iconic owner of The Grey Lodge and Hop Angel Brauhaus. But, there is a caveat to that: “You never know what brewery will decide to be in town at the last minute, so some events get plugged in just a week or two before.”
For all of these events, the consensus is almost unanimous on who to team up with: stick with your friends. “We concentrate on the bars and restaurants who have supported us and our beer 365 days out of the year, and not just during Philly Beer Week,” says Noonan. Scoats adds, “We work together all year, so it’s natural to work together during Philly Beer Week.” But it’s not all about working with your neighbors, either. “If we really love a brewer or brewery, we sometimes will fly them in for a very special event,” says Clough, who will be hosting Bob Sylvester from Saint Somewhere, Thomas Shoen from Mikkeller, Brian Strumke from Stillwater and Jeppe from Evil Twin, amongst others.
Unfortunately, all the planning doesn’t leave much time for experiencing Beer Week as an average attendee would. “I have something like 26 events this year,” says Lubieski. “It doesn’t leave much time.” There is a light at the end of the tunnel, however, as Flying Fish’s head brewer Casey Hughes points out: “Getting to other events is really tough. In the past, we have had a brewers’ pub crawl in Center City so a bunch of us can actually see each other once during Beer Week.”
Luckily for the hordes of attendees to Philly Beer Week, they have the option of the 10-day marathon only being as hectic as they make it—but planning ahead is still a must. Stephen Lyford, who has been attending since year one, says, “With the insane volume of events, I think you have to plan it out. To be in the right place at the right time for events you really want to attend, planning for me is a must.” Helene Golombek, also known as Philly Beer Girl, plays things a little more loosely: “If something comes up that I really need to be a part of, I’ll make sure it happens. But I may not decide until the day of the event.”
There will, no doubt, be plenty of must-see events. Even among local breweries, there will be rare specialties available for this week only. Flying Fish plans to bring back a beer from their Exit series as well as a few barrel-aged brews and some “special hopped-up firkins.” Weyerbacher will be releasing their new IPA, a 17th anniversary beer, and 10 special firkins as well. And while Victory doesn’t brew any beer specifically for Philly Beer Week, they do plan on highlighting one or two specialties from their portfolio.
With all of this going on, there are sure to be recurring favorites. “At the Grey Lodge, Lew and Scoats’s Upstate Pennsylvania Beer Trek is my favorite,” says Scoats—an event where he and beer blogger Lew Bryson travel around upstate PA to pick up beer that doesn’t usually make it to Philadelphia and then get together at Grey Lodge to talk about the trip, the beer, and the breweries. “This year we are shaking things up a little by doing New Jersey.” And while many pointed to Opening Tap as a yearly recurring must, many also mentioned the infamous Hammer of Glory relay that marks the official opening of Beer Week. “The last three years or so I’ve followed the Hammer of Glory around on the first Friday with varying degrees of success and obsession,” says Lyford.
It is easy to daydream now, with Philly Beer Week still a half a month away. The ten days of Beer Week may seem like a short period of time, but it’s not usually so after living through the hectic pace of packed events and non-stop drinking. By the end of the extended week, most attendees end up agreeing with Karen Noonan at Victory: “We are especially fond of the last event of Beer Week!”
Photos courtesy of Stephen Lyford.
Thanks to the ever-thoughtful LeeAnne, who once again comes up with a gift guide to help you out with some last-minute gift ideas for your beer-loving loved ones.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner on Sunday, May 13. Your mom is cool, hip and loves beer, right? If that’s the case, you need to get her something just right that celebrates your love for her and her love for expertly crafted beer. If you have found yourself without a gift to impress the woman who has always been #1 in your life, worry not. Here at In Search of Beer, we have come up with a six-pack gift list of local gifts that are sure to make your mom feel like the special lady she is.
Photo credit: eclatchocolate.com
1. Most moms who are lovers of beer are also lovers of chocolate. Woo mom with a Beer Lover’s Box of truffles from local chocolatier Éclat Chocolate, containing three different varieties of chocolates. One truffle in the series is infused with Victory Brewing’s Hop Wallop and is sure to tickle your mom’s fancy. Other truffles in the box are infused with Calvados liquor and single malt whiskey. Éclat Chocolate can be found in West Chester, as well as represented in multiple specialty food shops around Philadelphia such as DiBruno Brothers. You can also purchase online.
Photo credit: thefullpint.com
2. Does mom love rubbing elbows with the in-crowd and being included in the best beer events? If so, make sure mom kicks off Philly Beer Week in style with a VIP ticket to PBW’s Opening Tap. Mom will be thrilled to welcome the Hammer of Glory to Independence Mall in America’s best beer drinking city. Your mother will be in on an early tasting session from the region’s top breweries. Plus she’ll score a souvenir drinking glass and a gift bag from the PBW folks. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! Tickets can be purchased online.
Photo credit: weheartphilly.com
3. Remind mom of your love for her every time she sits down to a cold brew. The adorable LOVE pint glass from Open House is sure to bring a smile to mom’s face as she relaxes this spring and summer over her favorite IPA. The logo is, of course, fashioned after the LOVE statue in its namesake park in downtown Philly. Pick up a few so she always has one on hand for guests or her own personal tasting sessions. Open House can be found at 107 South 13th Street in the city, or you can shop online.
Photo credit: triacafe.com
4. Give mom the gift of an exciting beer class—or, better yet, attend with her! Sure to please attendees of all ages and palates, the classes held at Tria Fermentation School are fun, informative and plenty boozy. You and mom can yuck it up while sipping some Belgians, pairing stouts with cheese or comparing some refreshing summery brews to crisp glasses of wine. The schedule is always changing so check it out online and sign up for your favorite. Some of the classes we have our eye on for the month of June—and they’re not sold out yet!—include (Really) Tired Hands led by Jean Broillet IV and The Gypsy Kings (Of Beer), which celebrates the exciting new trend of gypsy brewing. Located at 1601 Walnut Street, it’s an easy walk to Tria Rittenhouse afterward to treat mom to dinner if you’re looking to make her feel extra special.
Photo credit: 1arbeer.com
5. Are you looking for a hobby you can share with mom? What would be more “awwwww” inducing than starting up your own Mother-Son or Mother-Daughter home brewing team? Think of the fun you and your mom would have brewing together, coming up with recipes and sharing your creations with family and friends. Give mom something to brag about! But, first, give her a home brew kit. A Primary Fermentation Kit from Barry’s Homebrew Outlet includes almost everything she’ll need to make her first five gallons of beer. The only thing missing besides a big pot for boiling is about two cases of non-twist off empty beer bottles. Worry not—that’s something you and mom can obtain together while your beer is fermenting!
Photo credit: blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com
6. Perhaps what mom wants most for Mother’s Day is to be able to spend time with her kids, yourself included. Celebrate the day right by taking her out for brunch at a beer-centric restaurant you both love. Delight her with bacon pancakes and a seasonal Saison at Kennett. Soak up some strawberry challah French toast with a spring cider at Grey Lodge. Wash down a lamb sausage scramble with a house rustic ale from Cabinet Artisanal Brewhouse at The Farmer’s Cabinet. Follow up some fried chicken and waffles with a double IPA at Hawthornes Café. No matter where you go, mom is sure to be happy just to be in your company. And you in hers!
I hope this list helps you find the perfect gift—or celebration idea—for the beer loving mom this Mother’s Day. She deserves the best!
Farmers’ Cabinet To Take On Denmark
The Farmers’ Cabinet, the Center City bar and restaurant usually known for hosting some of Europe’s best and brightest beer persona, have had the tables turned on them for the coming weekend: they are now the ones being asked to attend a prestigious beer event. The Copenhagen Beer Celebration, a two-day beer festival, will offer food from some of Denmark’s best chefs, as well as a scant selection of 20 of the very best breweries from around the world – one of them being Philadelphia’s very own Farmer’s Cabinet.
The event, which is organized by world-renowned brewer Mikkel Borg Bjergsø of the eponymous brewery Mikkeller, promises exclusivity and only the top tier of breweries from around the world. The list includes such heavy hitters as Three Floyds, Lost Abbey, Jolly Pumpkin, Nøgne Ø, De Struise, Dieu Du Ciel! and, of course, local favorites Farmers’ Cabinet and their Cabinet Artisanal Brewhouse.
In addition to the Cabinet Artisanal Brewhouse pouring three different beers each day, the Farmers’ Cabinet crew has been asked to do an exclusive stand to showcase some of their exciting beer-inspired cocktails at the event. And no, these aren’t cocktails made with beer—they’re taking a step further. These are cocktails made to taste like various beer styles, all while not using a drop of the beer they’re made to taste like, a concept the bar and restaurant has been exploring for almost a year and which has been fine-tuned over the past two months.
Philly’s own will be featuring four different cocktails each day; some mirroring beer styles while others try to emulate specific beers. Styles available at the festival will be hefeweizen, gueuze, Flemish red ale, Russian imperial stout and milk stout. Specific beers being turned into cocktails will be De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis, Mikkeller 1000 IBU, and Stillwater Cellar Door. The crew has also been asked to conduct a seminar on their process and philosophy.
If you can’t make it to Denmark this weekend—we know it’s short notice—Farmer’s Cabinet will be serving these cocktails, along with many others, at their bar—and you can always find draft lines dedicated to their own Brewhouse. They’ll also be making two stops to brew while abroad, one at Fano Byrghus near Denmark and the other at De Struise, both of which will be available in bottles in the US in upcoming months. If you stop by before the event, be sure to wish the team luck, and if you stop by after, congratulate them. It truly is an honor to be invited to such an exclusive event, and one more reason to be proud of the outstanding beer scene that has been cultivated here in Philadelphia.
Photo courtesy of metro.us.
Tomorrow, The Baggataway Tavern in West Conshohocken will host its 6th annual Derby de Mayo, a fantastic event celebrating both Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby. A tent will go up in the Baggataway’s large parking lot to set the stage for a day of outdoor fun and festivities will take place from 3 – 11 p.m.
As in previous years, the event will feature authentic Mexican food such as well-crafted tacos and house-made salsa. Under the outdoor tent, which is cash only, the Mexican theme will carry over to the beer, with Dos Equis and possibly Corona Light making an appearance for the festivities. In keeping with the Cinco theme, there will be tequila shots and margaritas for all to enjoy. On the Kentucky Derby front, the Baggataway’s skilled staff will be slinging mint juleps to help refresh you in the early summer heat.
In addition to the great food and drinks outside, Derby de Mayo will have three bands playing throughout the day: Pawnshop Roses, Slidepiece, and Conshohocken’s own Boatloads. If the celebration outdoors isn’t quite up your alley, head inside to the bar where the Baggataway will be serving their regular selection of beer, liquor and wine—and they’ll even pour it in plastic cups to take outside if you change your mind. Servers will also be dishing up tasty bar bites from their regular menu like burgers and wings to satisfy hungry festival attendees.
The event will run you a $5 cover charge, which will be donated in its entirety to Cradles to Crayons, a charity based in West Conshohocken whose work directly benefits low income and homeless children in the Philadelphia region. “We wanted to focus our charitable giving to a local organization,” said Baggataway co-owner Julie Keener. “Cradles and Crayons was a natural choice. They do great work and it’s been a great partnership so far.” Such a great partnership, she says, that the Baggataway’s staff has spent time volunteering at Cradles to Crayons’ facilities.
If you can’t make it out for Derby de Mayo, the Baggataway has a great craft beer lineup and good food year-round. In June they will feature an Avery tap takeover. Be sure to follow the bar’s Facebook page, Twitter feed or website to stay up-to-date on special events and beer tappings.
Originally posted on Mainlinedish.com.
