Philadelphia, our nation’s first capital. The City of Brotherly Love. The birthplace of our constitution. And, most importantly, the place to be if you want a really, really good beer.
Last Saturday, beer flowed through the Navy Yard of Philadelphia as thousands gathered for the Philly Craft Beer Festival. I attended the latter of two sold-out sessions, joining hundreds of people in a line just to get in the door. Once inside, though, my impatience melted away as I was handed a plastic sampling glass and headed to the first booth for a taste. With 50 breweries from around the country boasting an average of three beers each, there were plenty of options.
I’ve been asked several times about my favorite beers, and I must admit that I’m reluctant to come up with any answers. I tried some wonderful IPAs, a very good stout and even a quite interesting green apple ale, but by the end of the session, I couldn’t quite remember which beers I had loved, let alone tried, two hours prior. What I do remember is running into a horde of friends from West Chester and even some college acquaintances from New York and D.C. who had made the trek to Philly simply for the beer fest. I don’t think I’ll be able to forget the random guy who tackled me to the floor as he drunkenly passed out, either.
Luckily, I hope to redeem myself by trying (and remembering!) more craft brews next week during Philly Beer Week, March 7 – 16 (LINK: www.phillybeerweek.org). Tons of events are happening around Philadelphia and the suburbs, so make sure to check them out. Better yet, head to one of our local breweries, like Iron Hill, Victory or Sly Fox, and see what’s new on tap.
It’s beer week – raise a glass and celebrate!
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