Finally, the time has come to enjoy what we have all been waiting for: Philly Beer Week!
With all of its events and locations, this week dedicated to the Nectar of the Gods can be hectic—even frantic—as beer fans scramble from event to event to meet their favorite brewer or get a sip of a rare beer. A perfect respite from the fray of exclusive suds and brewery dinners, the With Love Beer Garden, put on by the Greater Philadelphia Marketing and Tourism Corporation (GPTMC) in conjunction with the Four Seasons in Philadelphia, is the ideal getaway from the crowds and craziness that can get the best of beer week. GPTMC, known better as VisitPhilly, plays host in a gorgeous outdoor garden with a smattering of tables, plenty of both shade and sunshine and, of course, cold beers on hand.
The beer garden, which will feature a different brewery each day, officially debuted on Monday featuring Victory Brewing Company represented by head brewer Bill Covaleski. The event was also the public debut of Victory’s Summer Love, an ale first brewed as a one-off last year for VisitPhilly and brought back by popular demand.
The crisp, refreshing beer was an excellent accompaniment to the sunny outside space at the Four Seasons. The approachable and terribly friendly Covaleski was the right choice to start off the week at the With Love Beer Garden, welcoming guests and fans of his beer with a smile and a minute to chat. Combining these things with perfect weather, great food and excellent beer, Monday’s opening was everything anyone could ask from the new official headquarters of Philly Beer Week.
Along with a variety of Victory beer, attendees were able to partake in a selection of small plates prepared by Four Seasons Executive Chef Rafael Gonzalez as well as free samples of Franklin Fountain’s organic strawberry ice cream mixed with Victory’s Summer Love. Food choices included a Philly slider with pork roll and a Port Richmond kielbasa sandwich with Polish mustard. Throughout the week, there will be daily beer specials, additional dishes to sample and nightly entertainment for all beer-loving Philadelphians before heading out on the town for more Philly Beer Week specials.
Tonight, Weyerbacher’s Chris Wilson will be showcasing the brewery’s 750ml bottles of Merry Monks, Double Simcoe, Tiny and Blasphemy. On Wednesday evening, Dock Street will be pouring and debuting the first in their Summer Saison Series, a saison brewed with rosemary, basil, oregano and black pepper. On Thursday, Sly Fox’s Brian O’Reilly will be in attendance with canned beer and lawn games, as well as a collaboration beer with De Proef Brouweij called “Broederlijke Liefde,” which means “Brotherly Love.” Finally, for the last day of the beer garden, both Tom Kehoe of Yards and Carol Stoudt of Stoudt’s will be together to pour Brotherly Suds 2, the Philly Beer Week exclusive annual collaboration. Be sure to check out the With Love Beer Garden this week for good beer, delicious food, great specials and an easy, breezy springtime atmosphere.
