Why You Can’t Miss Chill the Firk Out! 2.0 at The Gables at Chadds Ford

Beer lovers, rejoice: In My ExBEERience’s Kerry Watson has teamed up with The Gables at Chadds Ford for the second annual Chill the Firk Out! beer fest. With a brag-worthy participating brewery list, an arsenal of highly regarded local artisans slinging their culinary wares and even live music, this June 27 event is one that should immediately be planted in your beer-drinking calendar.

Armstrong Ales

But, why should you really chill the firk out at Watson’s next event? We tapped the local beer expert and event planner (and Town Dish beer writer!) for the full scoop.

PA Eats: You’re gearing up to host the second-ever Chill the Firk Out! on June 27; why should we be excited to attend this firkin circus?

Kerry Watson: I think it is a can’t-miss event for beer enthusiasts in SEPA. There will be over 20 local/regional breweries pouring (full pours!) limited or unique beers (full brewery list here), food samplings from a number of local artisans, great food from the Gables and live music from West Chester’s own MasterFaders. All of this is included with a very affordable ticket.

Why firkins? What’s the appeal (for you) to host a cask-specific event?

Firkins are a great opportunity for brewers to create a unique or experimental batch of beer for a specific event. It is very easy for them to fill a firkin with one of their brews and then dry-hop it or add new ingredients.

Kerry Watson and Amy Strauss

Why is The Gables at Chadds Ford the ultimate location for a beer fest?      

The Gables has a great banquet facility and an attention to detail and quality that truly shows to event attendees. From the aesthetic to the presentation, the staff at The Gables does an excellent job. And they know how to have a great time.

Of the 20 breweries participating, who are you most excited to be catching on-site and sampling?      

Picking just one or two is a tall order. The participating breweries are quite distinguished and the field features former GABF medal winners, Philly Beer Scene awards winners and nominees, and a great mix of crafty veteran brewers as well as skilled newcomers. I plan to enjoy as many as I can and I’m excited about all of them!

Give us a beer tease. Name one or two specific beers that are on the tap list and you can’t get anywhere else—but this event!   

Many of the firkins are a surprise right down to the last minute, but I do know that the firkin from McKenzie’s Brew House in Malvern is one of a kind. Brewer Nate Walter and I filled a firkin with his awesome Barrel Aged Grisette (bottle release in the near future) and then we added ginger and orange peel. He is calling this Firque du Soleil.

Brew Event The Gables at Chadds Ford

Chill the Firk Out isn’t just all about beer either. There are a lot of amazing local producers and artisans flocking to the site to share their goods for this fest. Who can we expect to catch in June, and why are you excited to round out your event with their participation?   

I’m getting to be a bit of a cheese enthusiast so I’m excited for the samplings from Birchrun Hills Farm and The Farm at Doe Run. They never disappoint. Uncle Harold’s Barn Good Chips is a local snack producer that makes a number of chips, nuts and seeds. Their blue corn tortilla chips are awesome. Swarmbustin’ Honey out of West Grove just recently came on board, so those of us with a sweet tooth are sure to enjoy their delicious local honey. We may yet add a few more vendors—stay tuned.

Final event plug: why should attending Chill the Firk Out 2.0 be the only thing we do on June 27?            

If you like great food and beer, live music and a good time then this event was made for you. If you support eating and drinking local, support small businesses, and love exploring what your community has to offer then you simply can’t miss this event. It is the perfect event to attend with a group of friends and family. And did I mention there will be beer?

Tickets are available for $65 per person; $20 for designated drivers. Snag your spot by grabbing your tickets online. Chill the Firk Out! takes place at The Gables at Chadds Ford, located at 423 Baltimore Pike in Chadds Ford; phone: (610) 388-7700.

2 Comments