Thursday, May 31, 2012

Philly Beer Week 2012: Day 2 Preview

-->A link to the Philly Beer Week Index

At least a day prior to each day of Philly Beer Week 2012, I'll be posting up a small look into what to expect both in terms of the day's calendar of events as well as key/significant/interesting events as well as where you might likely spot me during the day and/or night.

Here's a look into the second day, June 2.

For the ravenous beer geeks
~ The daylight hours of Saturday have so much going on to pull out the hardcore beer geeks, that you'll be challenged to make it late into the evening. You can choose from Varga's Block Party, the Firkin Riot at Johnny Brenda's, more Mikkeller at Farmers' Cabinet, saisons at Tapestry, togas and lunacy at Kite & Key, and Kingpin at Standard Tap.

~ If you get past the afternoon's debachery, plenty more awaits at night like David Walker and his Firestone Walker beers at American Sardine, Vanberg & Dewulf at Tria Fermentation School, and west coast beers at Hulmeville Inn.

For the hungry
~ Prism makes some beers that call out for attention. Brunch may be the perfect venue for some of them, like the Chocolate Bacon Stout and Blood Orange Blond. Continental is hosting Prism for Saturday morning brunch. There are several other brunches, like a North Coast-themed one at Capone's, also taking place on this first Saturday of PBW '12.

~ a.kitchen has hosted a few beer events/dinners in the past. They're typically a la carte with suggested pairings, which works quite nicely. Here they're getting together with Brian Strumke and his Stillwater beers which should make for a fine dinner.

For the wild and wacky and downright different
~ Each year, Kite and Key files its share of wacky events on the calendar. This year is no different. Check out the Gladiator events beginning at 2 p.m.

~ A goat. Yup. A goat will be the center of attention at Bar. It's Peggy, the winner of this year's Sly Fox Goat Races. How much more wacky does it get than that?

Possibly under the radar
~ Just because the event is listed as a Main Line Jazz Fest, don't be fooled. The portion of the closed-street event that Teresa's Next Door is responsible for has traditionally been an over-the-top solid event put on in conjunction with Tröegs. Both Lew's Scratch and Jack's Scratch will be there. As will a firkin of Perpetual IPA. Oh yeah.

~ You've likely heard of Boxcar Brewing Company out of West Chester, Pa. They make a fair amount of beer, though I don't see it around the city or 'burbs as much as I'd expect. Here's a good chance to drink of their beer while riding the rails.

Learn something
~ Early in the day, local beer historian Rich Wagner will be talking about the old days of brewing in Philadelphia at Philadelphia Brewing Company.

~ Don Feinberg and Wendy Littlefield, owners of Vanberg & Dewulf, are teaching at Tria's Fermentation School. You'll like the subject matter.

~ And, Thomas Schon from Mikkeller is "teaching" his own class earlier in the day at Farmers' Cabinet.

And for The Brew Lounge
~ I believe that I'll follow last year's equation and hit up the city first and finish up in the 'burbs. Therefore, I'll begin with a bite to eat (they're advertising fish & chips and meat pies) and a few glasses of cask-conditioned beer at Johnny Brenda's.

~ Stopping by Philadelphia Bar & Restaurant for a couple of "locals" and some fun 'n' games sounds like, well, fun. Before heading off to....

~ Big time fun 'n' games at Kite & Key. You've heard the history and the reputation of this event, I trust. If not, just show up. Trust me. You won't regret it. If not for the craziness, then for the always-solid lineup of beers.

~ Then, I finish up at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, for reasons stated above.

That takes care of day number two. Philly Beer Week & it's on!

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