Melt Your Winter Blues Away with Winter’s Warmers

It’s no secret that the beginning of this weekend isn’t going to be pleasant—wind, rain, ice and snow are never a good mix unless your plans revolve around improving the indentations in your couch cushion.  But, while things start to warm up slightly on Sunday, you can jumpstart your way out of the brief winter funk by heading to the Crane Arts Building (1400 N. American St) for Winter’s Warmers: Chili and Holiday Ales, a chili cook-off and winter ale competition.

The event, which will cost you a scant $15, is being hosted by the Philadelphia Homebrew Club and will run from noon to 6pm.  For your money, you’ll find yourself in the midst of 25 gallons of chili and 75 gallons of homebrewed beer, which you’ll be able to drink in your very own 10oz keepsake mug.  A setup like this, with the added bonus of four bands that will be playing throughout the day, should keep you warm for the rest of the winter.

The judging of the chili cook-off will take place throughout the event as five judges sample the wares of 25 master home cooks.  Judges include chef Robert Legget of the Guerrilla Ultima food truck, Dean Brown of Philadelphia Brewing Company, and Liz Peterson and Anthony Scavuzzo of the forthcoming Cedar Point Bar & Kitchen (which will also be providing cornbread for the day).  The 32 beer entries will be judged by eight BJCP-certified beer judges.  Some of the entries include a mint chocolate chip stout, a rye IPA with hops from Australia and New Zealand, a Belgian Christmas ale using dried cherries, a lemongrass pale ale, a bourbon barrel aged IPA, and a roggenbier style ale brewed with chai tea.  You, the humble attendee, will be able to participate in the Peoples’ Choice Award.

Whether you’re more into the chili or the beer, there will be plenty of variety to keep you satisfied long into the afternoon.  Come hungry—and thirsty—because the measly $15 ticket price is going to get you nice and full.  We can’t think of a better bang for your buck this weekend, so be sure to enjoy the fruits of homemade labor and support the Philadelphia Homebrew Club at the same time. Unless you’re allergic to chili, beer, or overall awesomeness, there really is no excuse.