With over 10 days of events at 200 different venues throughout Philadelphia, the suburbs, and New Jersey, it comes as no surprise that Philly Beer Week can be an overwhelming experience. Where to go, when to go there, and what to drink should not be stressful questions! To help you maximize your drinking experience, we’ve put together top-five lists in five different event categories that you absolutely should not miss. Hopefully, these will help you keep your glass full and maximize your Philly Beer Week experience.
It should be noted that all times and events are subject to change and nothing is set in stone. Double-check the Philly Beer Week website, phillybeerweek.org, to make sure.
TOP FIVE TAP-TAKEOVERS
We begin with the tap takeover. Other than going to the actual brewery or brew pub, there is no better way to get a full spectrum of a brewery’s beers, and they usually include a handful of special or rare beers. Brewers and/or reps from the brewery will be present at many of these takeovers, which is an even better way to get the inside scoop on the particular beers on tap. It is worth noting, as well, that many of these events will be repeated at other bars on other days, so if you can’t make one of the listed events, check the Philly Beer Week website to see the next place a brewery will pop up in the city.
Duvel Moortgat at Eulogy Belgian Tavern
Friday, June 10 | 7:00pm – 12:00am
Usually tap-takeovers are from one brewery, but here you will luck out with multiple breweries under the Duvel Moortgat umbrella, all of which offer top-notch beer. Representatives from the breweries will be at the event to talk beer and give away prizes, and beer will be available from Duvel, Maredsous, Brasserie D’Achouffe, Ommegang and Liefmans.
Great Divide
at Kraftwork
Wednesday, June 8 | 12:00pm – 2:00am
An all-day event, Kraftwork will be featuring beer from the highly-touted Colorado brewery—over 15 taps worth! Get there early to be sure to get the good stuff, or meander in throughout the day to check out the exciting selection.
Founders at Kite and Key
Monday, June 6 | 5:00pm – 12:00am
With an event named “F*CK Monday” – as in “Founders Unites Canada and Kentucky,” their two famous breakfast stouts, you can’t possibly go wrong. Be sure to stop by for some heavy-hitting selections from Founders, including the venerable Kentucky Breakfast Stout, the Canadian Breakfast Stout, Double Trouble, Backwoods Bastard, Red Rye, and many more.
(Hell’s) Bell’s Brewing Co. at Pub on Passyunk East
Monday, June 6 | 7:00pm – 1:00am
The P.O.P.E. will not only be hosting Bell’s only appearance during Philly Beer Week, but they will also be welcoming Laura Bell herself to the bar. She will be bringing with her plenty of beer, including several firkins—one being the first-time-in-Philly Oracle—as well as a bunch of rare and unique kegs. To keep with the AC/DC theme, bartender Matt Summers will also be dressed as Angus Young!
Mikkeller at The Farmer’s Cabinet
Friday, June 3 & Saturday, June 4 | 3:00pm – 2:00am
What a way to kick off Beer Week! It’s a good thing they’re spreading this over two days, because this is going to be a high-demand kind of event. Mikkeller is quickly becoming known as one of the better breweries in the world, and their beers seldom disappoint. To have 25 at the same place is unheard of, and will be quite the special treat for anyone who swings in.
Local Bonus:
Victory at City Tap House
Thursday, June 9 | 7:00pm – 2:00am
If you can’t get enough Victory, you will not want to miss this event, which will give them 35 taps on the night, with plenty of one-off and vintage offerings. Head brewer Bill Covaleski and crew will be in attendance to share their plethora of beer with you
