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!

2^nd 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.