Since Philly Beer week has been moved from March to June, it seems some places are going to hold some events anyway - to ease our pain of having to wait till June to celebrate all things beer. So, as we wait out yet another snow storm, I am trying to plan which events I'll try to get to.
It all starts with my volunteering at the Philly Craft Beer Festival at the Naval Ship Yard on March 6th. I'll be working the night session so if you're going to be there, look for me lifting heavy kegs and cases behind the tables. If I get lucky, maybe I'll get to pour a little too. I do this for multiple reasons; 1. I get to meet a bunch of brewers, and network - while helping them out; 2. I get a free ticket to a beer festival during Philly Beer Week in June; and 3. I get to drink for free at the end of the night. Last year I left with some bottles too, so hopefully I get lucky again this year.
The following weekend there are three events, all of which I'd like to attend. Realistically, I'll only do one. The leader right now is the Craft Beer Express. $15 dollars gets you bused transport between seven local beer bars. There are drink specials at each bar, and food too. Sunday, the 14th is a Bell's Beer Brunch at Devil's Den featuring Bell's Brewery. The final event, the same day as the brunch is The Brewer's Plate. This is the ultimate event, from what I hear, and something I really don't want to miss. I'm still on the fence on getting tickets since it's a Sunday, but I'm not sure I want to not go - then read all about the event that I missed. This also supports Fair Food, an organization I think needs all the help it can get - so the price tag of this event while high, at least some of it goes to a good movement. Decisions, decisions. If someone were to say, come with me to The Brewer's Plate, it might make the decision easier.
After two weeks of beer events, I'll be heading to Phillies Spring Training Camp in Tampa, FL. While there, I'll be hitting the first of my 2010 Brewery Tours - Cigar City Brewing. They have a new tasting room, new beers and growlers for me to fill and smuggle home with me. Maybe Joey will remember me, and give me and my brother a behind the scene's tour. I am also looking forward to going back to one of my favorite bars of all time, Oldsmar Tap House. I'm getting excited just thinking about it. I'm also going to write my old part-time volunteer spot, St. Somewhere Brewery to see if while I'm in town I can stop in and help out.
I'm tired just thinking about it all. Just wait till the real Philly Beer Week in June. I've already put in for the vacation time.
