Philly D's Beer-Drinking Adventure: A Fun Recap

Beer is a big part of Philadelphia's history and culture. In the run-up to the American Revolution, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, that he drunk no cider, but feast [ed] on Philadelphia beer. The city's first brewer was William Frampton, a New York merchant, who set up a brewery, bakehouse, and tavern in the city in the late 17th century. Beer was so important to the earliest Philadelphians that it was considered more of a food than a beverage. Philadelphia's rich brewing history is celebrated annually with Beer Week, and the city is also home to the Philly Beer Fest, which showcases the best beers, beverages, and eats from Pennsylvania's top breweries.

Philly Beer Fest

Beer has a long history in Philadelphia, dating back to the city's earliest days in the 17th century. William Penn, the founder of Philadelphia, reported that most beer brewed in the city at the time was homemade from molasses infused with pine or sassafras. The wealthy, on the other hand, brewed their beer with malt. As the city grew, so did its beer culture, with Brewerytown becoming a hub for beer-making due to its abundant water sources and proximity to the Schuylkill River, which provided ice for refrigeration.

Today, Philadelphia continues to celebrate its beer heritage with events like the Philly Beer Fest. This unique event showcases the best of Pennsylvania's beer scene, with specially curated exhibitors, including the state's top breweries. The festival offers beer tastings, with each session including last call 15 minutes prior to the end. Food is also available for purchase. The event is for adults only, and while pets are not allowed inside the building, qualified service animals are permitted.

The Philly Beer Fest is held multiple times a year, with different seasons as themes. For example, there is a Philly Beer Fest: Winter, held in February or March, and a Philly Beer Fest: Fall, held in September. The event is organized by Craft Hospitality LLC and takes place indoors, regardless of weather conditions.

Philadelphia's rich beer history and ongoing celebrations, such as the Philly Beer Fest, showcase the city's longstanding appreciation for the beverage and its role in shaping the culture and community of the region.

Beer in Philly history

Beer has a long history in Philadelphia, dating back to the city's earliest days in the 17th century. In the 1680s, William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, reported that most beer in Philadelphia was homemade from molasses infused with pine or sassafras. The wealthy, however, brewed their beer with malt. By 1685, Penn noted the presence of a brewer in the city, who was later identified as William Frampton, a New York merchant.

As Philadelphia grew, breweries became established along Dock Street, with British ales being the most common style of beer. The arrival of lager yeast in 1840 marked a shift in beer styles and led to the development of Brewerytown, as lager beer required larger facilities and space for maturation in cold storage. The neighborhood offered an abundance of water sources for beer-making and easy access to the Schuylkill River for refrigeration. German immigrants settled in Brewerytown, and by 1900, the area was responsible for half of the city's beer production.

One notable brewery in Philadelphia's history is Bergner & Engel, which won multiple awards for its draught and lager beer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Another prominent brewer was Louis Bergdoll, who built a brewhouse in Logan Circle, becoming one of the city's richest brewers.

The advent of Prohibition in 1918 dealt a significant blow to the brewing industry, forcing many breweries to close. However, some breweries found creative ways to continue operating, such as producing "near beer" and injecting it with alcohol or hiding barrels in secret locations. With the onset of the Great Depression, Prohibition was repealed in 1933, and Philadelphia celebrated the return of beer with enthusiasm, marking the end of a 13-year dry spell.

Tired Hands' reckoning

Tired Hands Brewing is Pennsylvania's most loved, hated, and puzzled-over beer company of the past decade. Opened in 2012 by Jean Broillet IV, the brewery took a hold-my-beer experimentalism approach and hazy-IPA hype from cult status to the pinnacle of beer fame in America. James Beard, Bon Appétit, and Philadelphia Magazine all took notice.

In May 2021, however, the company came under fire after a talented brewer in Maine named Brienne Allan asked on Instagram about others' experiences of sexism in the brewing industry. The result was a reckoning. After a torrent of responses, her Instagram account became a conduit for hundreds of stories of abuse and unequal treatment in the industry, including accusations against Tired Hands and its co-founders, Broillet and Julie Foster.

Subsequent reporting centred on Broillet's volatility, an environment where employees felt intimidated, and a "dude-bro culture" that led to perceived inequality in hiring and treatment. Within days, Broillet agreed to step back from leadership in a now-deleted public apology. Tired Hands staff declared on Instagram that they would "search for new leadership to build a stronger culture".

Tired Hands beer taps disappeared from bars and restaurants across Philadelphia. An exodus of staff that had begun before the allegations accelerated. However, as brewers who had left Tired Hands found new opportunities, the Philly beer scene improved. The most important players who made the most famous Tired Hands beers are still making some of the best beer in the area. They are now at breweries like Carbon Copy in West Philly, Meetinghouse in Kensington, and Second District Brewing in South Philly.

Despite the allegations, Broillet quietly returned to the brewery in spring 2022. He claims that Tired Hands is doing as well as ever, with busy taprooms across the city and suburbs. However, beer writer Tara Nurin notes that it is unlikely that drinkers will order Tired Hands beers in Philly outside of Broillet's taprooms.

Philly's best breweries

Philly has a lot to offer when it comes to breweries. Here is a list of some of the best breweries in the city:

Yards Brewing Company

A spacious taproom with wooden tables, Yards Brewing Company is perfect for big groups. They offer a wide range of signature ales, small-batch options, flights, and even beers named after the founding fathers. It's a great spot to enjoy citrusy wheat beers and crunchy wings with friends.

Other Half Brewing Co.

Located in Fishtown, this brewery has a dog-friendly astroturf patio where people can play cornhole and enjoy fire pits. They offer a variety of options, including pulled pork sandwiches, wings, and Brussels sprouts coated in garlic-soy sauce. It's an ideal spot for groups with different preferences.

Chestnut Hill Brewing Company

While they brew excellent beers, including Belgian wheat ales, espresso-forward stouts, and citrusy IPAs, Chestnut Hill Brewing Company is also known for having the best pizza in the neighbourhood. Their fun outdoor patio and friendly atmosphere make it a great place to socialise and meet new people.

Wissahickon Brewing Company

This family-owned brewery in East Falls offers a lively setting with live music, bar games, beer yoga, and regular food trucks. They have a solid selection of beers, including the popular Kelpius Kave. Wissahickon Brewing Company is pet-friendly and provides a welcoming environment for all.

Philadelphia Brewing Company

Philadelphia Brewing Company, a Kensington mainstay since 2007, offers an excellent local beer experience. For only $10, you can enjoy a flight of five beers and take a free tour on Saturdays. They have a deck for outdoor seating and occasional live music. The friendly staff enhances the overall experience.

Love City Brewing Co.

Love City Brewing Co. boasts a large garden filled with plants and benches, providing a charming and spacious setting. They offer a variety of beers, including hazy double IPAs, oatmeal stouts, and golden lagers. Food trucks are also available in their garden area, making it a great spot for those who want to enjoy a drink and a bite in a relaxed atmosphere.

Human Robot

Human Robot is a beer expert's dream come true. With a focus on European lagers and an impressive 3-vessel German brewhouse, they blend old-world appeal with contemporary themes seamlessly. Their new taproom on the Schuylkill is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.

Crime and Punishment Brewing Company

Inspired by the Dostoevsky novel, this relaxed brewery offers a unique selection of beers and Russian-style fare. You can find rarities such as Polish Grodziskie, made with smoked wheat, alongside more mainstream options like a softly citrus-tinged pale ale. It's an excellent spot for those seeking a laid-back atmosphere and a diverse beer selection.

Second District Brewing Company

This hip and convivial bar and brewery is located in a rustic-chic warehouse space. They offer inventive beers and delicious vegetarian and vegan bar food, such as vegan pork rinds. With eight taps in regular rotation, Second District Brewing Company provides a dynamic and innovative drinking experience.

Dock Street Brewery

Dock Street Brewery is the original brewery in Philadelphia, and they continue to churn out some of the best brews in the city. They have expanded to multiple locations in South Philly and Fishtown, ensuring that their excellent beers and fine appetizers are accessible to a wide audience.

Philly's brewing history is rich and diverse, and these breweries continue to uphold the city's beer-drinking tradition, offering a range of unique and innovative drinking experiences.

Philly Beer Week

During Philly Beer Week, beer enthusiasts can enjoy a range of events, including beer fests, beer-pairing dinners and brunches, and spirited homebrew competitions. The festival provides an opportunity to sample beers from local brewing companies, such as Yards Brewing Company, Victory Brewing Company, and Sly Fox Brewing Company, as well as breweries from around the nation. With dozens of locations hosting events, attendees can explore Philly's diverse and lively neighbourhoods while enjoying a variety of brews.

The history of brewing in Philadelphia is a long and fascinating one. Beer was not just a beverage but also a food for the earliest Philadelphians. In the late 17th century, William Penn reported that most beer brewed in the city was homemade from molasses infused with pine or sassafras. The wealthy brewed their beer with malt. By 1685, a brewer named William Frampton had set up a brewery, along with a bake house and tavern, at the southwest corner of Front and Walnut streets. After his death in 1686, the business continued under different owners until 1709.

Another notable moment in Philadelphia's brewing history was the 1787 Constitution Day celebration, where the parade included 10 brewers proudly wearing stalks of barley in their hats and carrying hops poles, malt shovels, and mashing oars. Their banner proclaimed, "Home-brewed is best." The Brewerytown neighbourhood, settled largely by German immigrants, became a hub for beer-making due to its abundant water sources and proximity to the Schuylkill River, which provided ice for refrigeration. By 1900, Brewerytown was supplying half of the city's beer.

Today, Philly Beer Week carries on the city's proud brewing tradition, offering a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the diverse and vibrant beer culture that Philadelphia has to offer.

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