Philly Beer Week’s Opening Tap Celebrates History of Brewing

Philly Beer Week kicked off in grand fashion on Friday night, June 1st with an Opening Tap event at the Independence Visitors Center at 6th and Market Streets.

As we climbed the stairs to the second floor for the VIP session, our eyes fell on the two special brews created just for the event. The Belge Special was a very smoky beer, with more than a hint of bacon in it. The second brew was named Brewvolution! This Belgian Black IPA was a collaboration by three of the newest breweries to hit the scene – Prism, Evil Genius, and Round Guys Brewing. This was a nice coffee-like brew with slight hints of chocolate.

With Independence Hall in full glorious view, we seemed to be reminded that brewing quality beer is a hallowed tradition in the city. One of the tables at the entrance featured author Rich Wagner, who wrote Philadelphia Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Cradle of Liberty. Richard stated passionately, “Philadelphia is America’s Best beer drinking city,” and we couldn’t agree more.

In the main room on the second floor, the VIP crowd was tightly packed, literally overflowing onto the outside patio overlooking Market Street. The festive spirit was on full display with beer lovers wearing their favorite beer t-shirts, some were dressed as Revolutionary War soldiers and even one notable bar and restaurant owner of Philadelphia, Will Reed, dressed as the Pope–although we’re unsure why. The brewers were packed tightly along the walls, each offering samples of their beers. Some breweries served their standards (Victory Brewing had their hit Summer Love), while others created beers in honor of the festive week (Yards Brewing offered the Karma Factory, a brand new well-balanced pale ale with rye and citrusy hops).

Let’s jump right to the find of the night. I’d not heard of ShawneeCraft Brewery, but was truly delighted by their Bourbon Barrel Porter. This was smooth drinking – one of the best bourbon aged beers I’ve ever tasted. My friend Lou was just as thrilled with the beer, stating “they are a small brewery that really nailed it,” and pronouncing, “this would be great with a cigar.”

I chatted with Peter Kirkwood, the founder of ShawneeCraft. He’s a down to earth guy who stressed they are dedicated to the traditions of brewing. “Our beer is defined by our motto, which is ‘true to nature, true to the craft.’ We strive to make beers that honor the tradition of centuries of brewing and we try to make beers that honor our physical environment.” Peter explained they use water from the Delaware River, and are based in the valley below Shawnee Mountain. “We’re not trying to making new fangled beers, we’re making old fangled beers, he said with a smile. ShawneeCraft has been brewing for four years, but has just broken out of the Poconos with distribution along the eastern edge of Pennsylvania. Right now, their beer is only available in sixtels, so look for it at your local watering hole.

While sampling beer is fun, it’s also a blast to meet the local brewers who have painstakingly crafted such fine brews. We had a chance to drink with Bob Barrar, Iron Hill Media’s master brewer, who told us about a new brew they are experimenting with that includes blueberries. Bill Young, the brewmaster at Lancaster Brewing, was pouring his ever-popular Kolsch and survey the scene.

We also ran into a group of guys who were dressed in t-shirts that resembled faux tuxes for a weekend-long bachelor party. It turns out they were starting with the Opening Tap celebration, and then continuing their “lost weekend” by heading to Atlantic City the morning after. We just hope Jeff gets safely returned in time for his December wedding.

Over at Evil Genius Brewing, Luke Bowen introduced us to his partner Trevor Hayward and poured us their delectable new Blind Eye PA. This special release proved to be a citrusy summer beer that goes down really easy – an excellent summer brew. Luke also told us how they’ve changed their contracted brewery, moving brewing operations from South Bend, Indiana to Cooperstown, New York.

Over at Round Guys Brewing, Scott Rudich was mixing things up–literally. Behind the table, Scott poured samples of Berlinerweisse into a cup, then topped it off with a shot of raspberry syrup, creating a himbeer before our eyes.

We had a chance to chat with folks from several fine breweries, including Straub, Appalachian Brewing, Sly Fox, Nodding Head, Stoudt’s, Weyerbacher and many more. The selection of beer was astounding and we were fortunate that Market East was conveniently only three blocks away, and the train ride home was quick and efficient.

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