We have talked a lot about Philly Beer Week here on uwish, giving you tips for finding the best events, specials, tastings and contests America’s best beer city has to offer. But now, we would like to bring you a Beer Week event that totally blows.

The Hudson Beach Glass Studio in Olde City is offering you the chance to design your own pint glass and have it blown for you by owner Sean Gilvey. Guests can choose from tons of great designs.

First, select a color. Then, choose from any one of 4 signature badges. There is the Liberty Bell, an eagle, some barley or a waffle pattern. Once you have built the perfect pint, watch as Sean Gilvey brings your design to life.

You will also get a tour of the facility and see how Philadelphia’s best designer glasswear is made. The glasses need a day to cool so guests can come pick up the pints or Hudson Beach will have them shipped to you.

There is no better time to have a pint glass to call your own. Bring it out to the bars, show it off, and most importantly, fill it with your new favorite beer.

Hudson Beach Glass Studio
26 S. Strawberry St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 279-7118
www.hudsonbeachglass.com

Philadelphia band Black Landlord are a true collaboration. Formed out of the travel stories of Maxx from the Goats and a diverse group of producers and artists, the band uses their facebook page to call on graphic designers, musicians, photographers and producers to collaborate with the band; anything to add to their diverse blend of jazz, funk and hip-hop.

But of all the collaborative efforts that might come from such a pronouncement, the band probably never thought of a brewery. As perhaps the most unique pairing of Philly Beer Week, Philadelphia Brewing Company’s Kensinger presents Black Landlord’s CD release party at Johnny Brenda’s

The band will be celebrating the release of their new EP Monf Ta Monf Lease, a collection that shows off the band’s everything-and-the-kitchen-sink approach to creating ass-shakin grooves.

As with any pairing, the Kensinger should bring out the flavors Black Landlord brings to the stage. A light, crisp but still slightly hoppy and majorly drinkable beer, Kensinger could become your new favorite.

So come see the greatest pairing of Beer Week in action at Johnny Brenda’s this Saturday, March 14th at 9pm. Tickets are $12 but pay just $15 to get your ticket and the new EP.

Johnny Brenda’s
1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com

Looking at Paul Bunyan, America’s most iconic lumberjack, you could tell he liked things big. His sidekick was equally as giant as he and if that weren’t enough to stand out, Babe the Blue Ox was bright blue. Paul carried the biggest axe in the forest and left massive boot prints in his wake. One imagines if Bunyan were a beer drinker, he would have gone for a big, bold taste to accommodate his character.

That’s why Left Hand Brewery is hosting Lumberjack Night to promote their new Big Mo series. This group of big ol’ beers only does things one way. Coming in 22oz bomber bottles, the flavors range from the big and bold to the downright irresponsible. Think Oak Aged Imperial Stout, Strong Spiced Ale and Widdershins Barleywine. Think 10+ ABV. Think of these beers as getting your tough guy on.

Don’t have the tolerance to drink like a woodsman? Fair enough, but you should still dress like one and take advantage of a Left Hand Brewery Tasting, a special lumberjack menu and $3 glasses.

And since this shindig goes down at the South Philly Tap Room, you will have no shortage of beer options. The Southwest’s jewel boasts 13 constantly revolving drafts and countless bottles.

So break out the flannel, dust off your best ax, leave your ox out in the snow til he turns blue and bring him along as well. And get ready to get your tough guy on.

South Philly Tap Room
1509 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA‎
(215) 271-7787
www.southphiladelphiataproom.com

Monk’s Cafe - Photo by Jason Smith for GPTMC

Everyone knows that when it comes to beer, two heads are always better than one (get it?). That’s why Monks is offering a tasting of the best brewery collaborations. These are some of the greatest beer minds in the world. So when they collaborate, watch out.

The first beer offered is fittingly called Collaboration Not Litigation, from Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing and Adam Avery of Avery Brewing. This strong, dark Belgian, as its name suggests, is the result of a collaboration instead of a litigation. When the two brewers realized that they each had a beer called Salvation in their line-up, the showdown could have gone one of two ways. Lucky for us, these two were able to combine the flavors of their respective Salvations and create an even more complex libation.

Created, as the best collaborations usually are, completely out of mutual respect, the second beer of the night, Brooklyner-Schneider Hopfen-Weisse, is a mashup of tastes from Brooklyn’s East India Pale Ale and Schneider’s Weisse beer. Brewmasters Garrett Oliver and Hans-Peter Drexler decided to brew the same beer but swap breweries and use the hops inside…

More after the jump!

Tomme Arthur of Port Brewing and Lost Abbey fame is a brewer without a country. Currently, his beers can only be obtained by traveling to Texas. So if you want to try this highly lauded brewer’s work, you can head for the Lonestar State or just head around the corner to Monks. Because Tomme’s collaboration with Belgian masters De Proef, known simply as Signature Ale is also pouring this weekend. A fruity, well-hopped and complex Belgian-style ale, the Signature is sure to leave its mark.

If you are still hooked on Tomme Arthur, you can also try his collaboration with Hildegard van Ostaden of Urthel. The result is a California-style Saison.

De Proef has also not stopped with Tomme. They also collaborated with Jason Perkins of Allagash to create Les Deux Brasseurs (The Two Brewers), a strong Belgian Pale Ale with a lot of fruit notes and a little hoppy bitterness.

This event is chock full of rare and limited edition beers you are not likely to see anywhere else this week. So come out and see why two heads are always better than one.

Monks Belgian Cafe
264 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 545-7005
www.monkscafe.com

Beer week is almost over, and there are still plenty of chance to try new brews from all over the world. This year, get a taste of French beer at Le Bec Fin. Wine may be king in France, but beer is just as much, if not more, the every day alcoholic beverage of the French.

The famous restaurant is breaking out, specifically for the occasion, 3 of the best boutique breweries in France. For $15 each, you’ll be able to taste the 100% certified organic Orge du Bouffay (Brasserie du Bouffay), the Au Sapin (Bieres Mandrin) or the Grand Cru Triple (Brasserie Saint-Rieul).

And to complete the experience, tonight Le Bec Fin has invited Jocelyn Cambier, the famous importer to lead a beer discussion. That evening the restaurant will feature a special tasting, for $35 per person, from 7-9pm.

Le Bec Fin
1523 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 567-1000
www.lebecfin.com

Carnivorous as I am, I would have to be drunk to eat from a vegan menu. Good thing the folks at the Belgian Café have been pairing beer and vegan foods for years now. And on Wednesday, March 11th, their skills will be on display as the Belgian presents the Vegan Beer Dinner.

As a Philly Beer Week Special Event, High and Mighty Brewing Company will be hosting a beer tasting and discussion, informing attendees about the full High and Mighty lineup. And as an added bonus, Chef Evan will be creating a vegan menu to go along with this craft collection.

The Belgian Café, sister bar to famous beer bar Monks, is known for its well-versed staff, versatile beer selection and great food pairings.

High and Mighty brewer Will Shelton, formerly of Shelton Brothers, will be on hand showing off his prolific selection of beers from all over the spectrum. While this is the Belgian Café, High and Mighty are not usually known for their Belgian style brews. More, they produce a lot of different American takes on foreign recipes.

Beer Advocate recommends their Sono Distrutto (American stout), their Boot Knockin’ Sock Rocker (flanders dark ale) and their Coffee Two- Headed Beast (foreign stout). These complex, smokey brews will create a lot of interesting pairings, especially for meat-eaters like myself used to beer-and-burger combinations.

This should be an eye-opening event for both veg-heads and meat-lovers alike. Because although our diets differ, we can all agree that there is nothing like a great beer.

The Belgian Cafe
2047 Green St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 235-3500
www.thebelgiancafe.com

Monk’s Cafe - Photo by Jason Smith for GPTMC

It’s here! Beer Week is here! I’ve got a couple hot picks for you Center City and Rittenhouse folks, some great events hitting the pubs this week. Have a better suggestion? Leave it in the comments.

1. Yuengling Bock Sneak Peak and Tasting - It is easy for Philadelphia’s Yuengling drinkers to take America’s Oldest Brewery for granted. After all, the stuff is everywhere. Their traditional lager has become a staple, even a given, in taprooms across the city. The company has a few different varieties, but one of the reasons we love them is because they don’t release new varieties willy nilly. When Yuengling releases a new beer, you can be sure it is the product of extensive testing and tasting.

So when we heard that Yuengling was premiering its newest, Yuengling Bock, at a tasting during Philly Beer Week, we felt like we had found Wonka’s Golden Ticket. Miss this event at your own risk. Yuengling brewers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, pass out free samples and run numerous prize giveaways. But if you are like us, you are going for one reason and one reason only: to try the new Bock from the most dependable of Philadelphia institutions. This is event is tonight at 8PM! Don’t miss it!

Cavanaughs-Rittenhouse
1823 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19103

Couple more picks after the jump!

2. Beer Quizzo and Limerick Contest - This even takes place tonight at 9PM. Be there to… aw hell, why not…

There once was an Irish Pub bash
For Beer Week, thought they’d earn some cash
To see who Quizzos best
And a Limerick Contest
To see whose most poetic while smashed!

Tir Na Nog
1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19103

3. Meet Jim Koch: Sam Adams Imperial Series Release Party - By now, everyone has seen the Sam Adams commercials where brewmaster Jim Koch takes viewers through his brewery, sticking his nose in the beer, running his hands through the hops.

Well, he is coming to Philly, presumably to stick his nose in a few beers for Beer Week. And he is not coming alone. He is bringing with him the Imperial Series. This is a release party for the new line including an exclusive four course tasting. For more info, contact lmagee@publichouseusa.com. Takes place on Wednesday, March 11th at 6:30PM.

Field House
1150 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19107

4. Night of the Collaborators - Everyone knows two heads are better than one, especially when it comes to beer (get it?). Five collaborative beers will be offered for tasting. The Avery Collaboration, Not Litigation (Adam & Vinnie), Brooklyner Schneider Hopfen Wiesse (Garrett & Hans-Peter), De Proef Signature (Dirk & Tomme), De Proef Les Duex Brasseurs (Dirk & Jason), Port Ne Goein (Hildegard & Tomme) will all be available for your drinking pleasure.

And, as always, Monk’s knowledgeable staff is here to help with all your questions, comments, fears and peccadilloes. Come see for yourself that two heads are better than one. Kicks off on Thursday, March 12th at 7PM.

Monk’s Cafe
264 S 16th Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19102

You know what. There is so much going on at the Devil’s Den in South Philly for Philly Beer Week, that I decided to hightlight ‘em. Have a look, and enjoy one of South Philly’s best pubs.

1. Bella Vista Beer Bash - A local hophead’s dream, this crazy South Philly party comes with over 13 brewers and some rare bottles you won’t find anywhere. Come in from the cold, grab a seat by the fireplace and chat it up with brewers from Voodoo, Bruery, 12% Imports, Dark Horse and many more.

And best of all, no cover on March 6th! Just pay for what you drink!

2. Bell’s for Boobs - No this is not a strip joint event, all lousy with chicken wings, perfume and, worst of all Miller Light on tap (blech). This clever charity event brings together Larry Bell of Bell’s Brewery and all the well-meaning folks looking to get drunk for a cause. And who can’t get behind saving some boobs?

Bell’s for Boobs will donate $1 from every Bell’s beer sold to breast cancer research. Bell’s HopSlam will be on draft along with a special Bell’s firkin tapped that day. So come support great beers and great breasts on Saturday, March 7th.

More picks after the jump!

3. Celebrity Murals & Meals Tour with Joe Sixpack - Join Daily News Beer Reporter Joe Sixpack for a two-hour tour on wheels of spectacular Philadelphia murals painted by nationally renowned artists. Discover hidden gems, learn the story behind the beauty and discover why Philly has a worldwide reputation as America’s leading mural town.

The tour concludes with lunch at standout neighborhood pub Devil’s Den, one of the fine taverns that makes Philly America’s Best-Beer Drinking City. Reservations are required and space is limited. This tour will sell out fast! Call 215-685-0754 to book today.

Devil’s Den
1148 S. 11th Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19147
(215) 338-0855
www.devilsdenphilly.com

Bonus Pick: South Philly Beer Bus Tour - I know some of you scardy-cats in your Center City bubble think that there is nothing south of Washington but Mexican grocery stores and Cheesesteaks. But we also have some of the best bars in Philadelphia. The South Philly Tap Room, The P.O.P.E., For Pete’s Sake, and, of course, the Devil’s Den are all worth traveling a bit south for.

And while this event is a bit of a misnomer (participants Grace Tavern and the Sidecar are not south of Washington), this bus tour does give you a sample of some bars you may have never visited. And with free bus service until 1:00AM, you don’t have to be afraid of…whatever it is you are afraid of south of Washington.

6 Bars South of Washington
South Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA 19148

Johnny Brenda’s in Fishtown, Photo by G Widman for GPTMC

Ah, Beer Week. My lists continue. Today, I’ve highlighted some of the best events going down in Northern Libs and Fishtown. Don’t forget, there are over 300 events going on all over Philadelphia. If you know a better event in No Libs and Fishtown, well, leave it in the comments. Your tips and suggestions are more than welcome.

1. Le Philly Tour de Brew - Yeah, Lance Armstrong won the real one 7 times. But when he raced the Tour De France, did he stop to drink a beer and eat a meal every few miles? This event takes a different kind of stamina. Not for the faint of heart comes La Philly Tour De Brew, a strenuous yet scenic 60 mile ride through Philadelphia, Fairmount Park and Montgomery County to several breweries.

The fun starts bright and early, leaving NoLibs’ Yards Brewery by 10am sharp. With stops at General Lafayette Inn & Brewery, Iron Hill North Wales (lunch) and Manayunk Brewery, you will get your fill of different beers and cuisine options as you try to keep up. Helmets are required, please bring cash for lunch and a spare tube. Be prepared to ride 60 miles at a steady 14-15 mph pace with some rolling hills.

For more details and reservations, contact ride leader Jeff Appeltans: bicycleja@yahoo.com. Ride is limited to 25 riders. Takes place on Saturday, March 7th at 10AM. Rain date Sunday, 3/8.

Yards Brewing Company
901 North Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 634-2600
www.yardsbrewing.com

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2. King Pin of the Week - No one usually cares about the King Pin, with the exception of bowlers and comic book enthusiasts. But when it relates to beer, every brewer wants to wear the crown. So come help the Standard Tap crown the King Pin of Philly Beer Week! Pouring begins at 6:00pm, with all beers at the same price to make it fair.

The first brewery to kick their pin will be crowed the King Pin of Philly Beer Week. So far vying for the crown are Troegs, Yards, Philadelphia Brewing Company, Flying Fish, Sly Fox, Tun Tavern, and Southampton. Not sure how many will enter but one thing is for sure: heavy is the head who doesn’t wear this crown! Good luck brewers. Takes place on Saturday, March 7th.

Standard Tap
901 N. Second St, Philadelphia, Pa 19123
(215) 238-0630
www.standardtap.com

Check out the rest after the jump!

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3. No Repeat Beer Week - You gotta respect Fishtowners for keeping it simple. While everyone else is rushing around, dressing up their bars for beer week, running races or trivia contests, Fishtown’s Memphis Tap Room remembers that this is Philly Beer Week, not Philly Beer Game Week. Their offer is this: we will always have a new beer on tap, for the entire week.

Like any good radio station, Memphis offers Fishtowners and the rest of Philadelphia NO REPEATS! So try them early and try them often. And when you are done, try something else. Its what Philly Beer Week is all about.

Memphis Taproom
2331 East Cumberland Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19125
(215) 425-4460
www.memphistaproom.com

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4. Rogue Sampling - Every beer lover in Philadelphia should know about the Foodery. It’s got the best beer selection of any distributor in the city, and they have a make-your-own-six-pack carryout option that no hophead can live without. Now one of the best beers around, Rogue, is giving its loyal Foodery customers a treat.

Brewer John Maier will be on hand to answer any fan questions and, of course, give out plenty of free samples. The event is free and is a great stop on your NoLibs beer week tour. Stop in on your way to happy hour, a beer dinner or your next event destination. Takes place on Monday, March 9th at 3PM.

The Foodery
837 N. 2nd St, Philadelphia, Pa 19123
www.fooderybeer.com

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5. PBC’s Kenzinger Presents: Black Landlord’s CD Release - Out of all the great pairings on display this week, nothing goes with a beer better than some good music. Black Landlord is a musical collective started by MAxx from The Goats.

This party-time hip-hop/rock crossover is sure to get you dancing as you guzzle brews from Philadelphia Brewing Company on March 14th at 9PM. $12 to get in, add an extra $3 to score a CD from the band.

Johnny Brenda’s
1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, Pa 19125
(215) 739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com

The above video is from last year’s Opening Tap event, which was a small affair compared to what is planned for this year.

Expect hundreds of attendees to be cheering on the Mayor this year at the full-on festival that will be this year’s official Opening Tap event, to be held in the massive lobby of the glistening new Comcast Center. A few tickets still remain.

It’s great to see that Mayor Nutter will again be on hand to christen the festivities.

Oh, and this year, he’ll be using a slightly bigger hammer.

(And Yards will once again be the first keg tapped.)

SOURCE:
Hizzoner returns for another swing [Beer Radar]
Philly Beer Week Opening Tap at the Comcast Center [Philly Beer Week Official Site]

The beer connoisseurs at Draft Magazine have gone through the 600+ Beer Week events and picked out each day’s top event.

Their schedule includes a Dogfish Head tasting, a Beer + Wii Sports championship and even a burlesque show. Only in Philadelphia!

Check out their picks here.

Philly Beer Week highlights [Draft Magazine]

 

Photo: Kite and Key, a great spot to watch the parade on March 15th

Beer Week is here, and I’ve got some picks for the Fairmount and Art Museum area. With over 300 events going on all over the city, you might know a better event that I’m missing out on. Leave your tips and suggestions in the comments.

1. Ladies Beer Tea - This ain’t the Queen Mum’s High Tea! This ladies-only traditional tea has one difference: all savories, tea sandwiches & sweets are paired with great beer. The popular event for all you lady lushes sold out quickly last year, so don’t delay. Head to www.thebelgiancafe.com to reserve your tickets. Takes place on Saturday, March 7th at 2:30PM. It’ll run you $30.

The Belgian Cafe
2047 Green St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 235-3500
www.thebelgiancafe.com

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2. Wrap Your PAWS Around a Doggone Good Beer - It is a common myth that a dog is a man’s best friend. Not so. A beer is a man’s best friend. But for all of you who still believe the old adage, here is an event that lets you have both. This event is for the dogs.

All 12 taps will be pouring dog-related beers. Dog walkers provided by PAWS, donations & dogs welcome. A Silent auction on doggie bags will be held to benefit PAWS. Takes place on Wednesday, March 11th at 5PM.

The Bishop’s Collar
2349 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 765-1616

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3. Magic Hat Brewing Company Pub Tour - Magic Hat is a mysterious brewer. Not only are they constantly releasing new beers, but they seem to have no particular style of brewing. And their flavors are always very mysterious and not what you expect. The same could be said for the Fairmount neighborhood. In many respects, one of the city’s most beautiful, but not the most popular for out of town visitors.

But now is your chance! Follow the zaniest brewer at beer week through Fairmount for this pub crawl. Takes place on Friday, March 13th at 6PM!

London Grill
2301 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, Pa 19130
(215) 978-4545
www.londongrill.com

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4. Sly Fox and The St. Patrick’s Day Parade - They say its important to get a good spot before a parade. What better spot than at the Kite and Key, right on the parade route? Sure, you can throw lawn chairs on the sidewalk or sit up on the roof but this parade spot has beer. Good beer.

Join Brian O’Reilly as Sly Fox gets Irish with all you fans of St. Patrick on Sunday, March 15th at 11AM.

Kite and Key
1836 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 568-1818
www.thekiteandkey.com

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5. Philly vs NY vs Boston Tailgate BeerBQ! - Grill, drink and play classic tailgate games outside or Wii games inside while brewers from rival cities compete to kick their kegs first!

The Urban Saloon will be featuring kegs from Yards, Brooklyn Brewing and Sam Adams on Sunday, March 15th at 3PM.

Urban Saloon
2120 Fairmount Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19130
www.theurbansaloon.com

Are you and your friends still arguing about who gets to be the designated driver during Philly Beer Week?

Do the right thing, let SEPTA chauffer you around the city with their special $9 Sip Safely with SEPTA pass, an all-day, unlimited bus/trolley/rail pass that guarantees nobody misses out on the fun. Forget driving and the hassles of parking, let SEPTA take you to Philly Beer Week’s five major festivals and nearly 300 events.

For more information about purchasing the Sip Safely with SEPTA pass, visit the SEPTA website at www.septa.org or the Philly Beer website at www.phillybeerweek.org

Suzanne Woods; Photo by J. Smith

Suzanne Woods is a great choice for a guide to Beer Week. She just made a few event picks for Philadelphia Weekly:

With over 50 breweries and 400 events [eds. note: now 650+], there’s no excuse to be bored during Philly Beer Week. There are plenty of “meet the brewer” events and an abundance of opportunities to tear into tenderloin with your favorite brewmaster.

But if your taste is a little funkier, here are some of the wackier events that you should be planning ahead for.

CLICK HERE to check out her first list of recommendations.

Ale Call [Philadelphia Weekly]