Philly Beer Week Takes Off

Philly Beer Week is off and running. I am trying not to go too crazy about getting to places and have somewhat come to grips with the fact that I can't go to every event I want.  I'm not a iphone person so I've been tracking the grand festivities through the site and the old school way on paper.  At this point everything has been circled, asterisked and highlighted to death.  So far the plan is to hit favorites, see old friends and check out the new guys, both bars and breweries. 

My week kicked off at Capone's with Old Dominion.  Thanks Scott and Dave for the beer selection you guys were great.  On Sunday it was off to Smoke 'Em if Yous Got 'Em.   Loved it last year and this year's gathering didn't disappoint. It was also my first visit to Yards since the arrival of the new bar and I understand why the place is so damn popular.  It's the best place on Del Ave to grab a pint. Yards just doesn't stop improving.  On the new side, the Philly debut of Deschutes at City Tap House. The beer and the bar were equally amazing.  60 taps is impressive. With The Abyss and Hop Henge on, it's draft paradise.  If you haven't had any of their beers just trust me, you want Deschutes to keep pouring in Philly.  My only regret so far is missing Lew and Scoats at the Grey Lodge for Upstate Brewery Haul. In past years I've missed it and I knew after Smoke 'Em and Deschutes there was no way I was getting to the Grey Lodge.  Ya gotta know when to say when.

I'll toss some pics up soon.  Until then keep enjoying the week.  Cheers!

Imitation from Coast to Coast

Is New York following Philadelphia's lead when it comes to the appreciation of craft beer? Yes that would seem to be the case. NYC is having New York Craft Beer Week September 12-21, 2008. If you're counting it's a little over a week, 10 days, of beer merriment around the Big Apple. The week kicks off with the third annual NY Brewfest on the 12th at the South Street Seaport. The event is presented by Heartland Brewery and sponsored by Ale Street News along with the New York State Brewers Association and several other supporters. Over the 10 day period people are encouraged to explore New York's neighborhood bars, restaurants, and brew pubs/breweries for great beer, food and beer related activities. Hmmm...this sounds very similar to a little festival held this past March in the City of Brotherly Love.

The west coast is also jumping into the game with the recent announcement of San Francisco Beer Week. The ten day event will take place February 6th-15th, 2009 and will feature 100-150 beer activities around the bay area. Three festivals already planned are the Bistro DIPA Fest, the Toronado Barleywine Fest and the new Bay Area Beer Festival. Expect meet the brewer nights, beer and wine tastings, foodie events, seminars and more. In a direct nod to Philly being deemed "The Best Beer-Drinking City in America" the creators are calling San Francisco, "America's Original Craft-Beer Drinking City". Sounds like the challenge has been set. I have no doubt that Philly Beer Week 2009 will rise to the friendly challenge of the festivals following in it's footsteps.