WILK Friday BeerBuzz – 17 May 2013 – Philly Beer Week w/Don Russell aka Joe Sixpack

Every year in May & June the city of Philadelphia goes wild for craft beer.    In an event billed as the largest beer celebration of its kind, the city of Philadelphia becomes a destination for craft beer lovers from around the world, as well as some fairly famous brewers.  As if that’s not enough, I’m not going way out on a limb to say some of the most special and unique beers you’ll ever get to try are brewed and imported specifically for Philly Beer Week. 

Needless to say, this is a beer event you don’t want to miss, especially since it’s right in your back yard!  And in case you’re worried, the festival itself includes literally 1000+ separate festivals, beer dinners, tastings, brewery tours and educational events.  From bars to breweries, Philly Beer Week is loaded with events.  Also, in fine Philly tradition, Philly Beer “Week” actually lasts for 10-days…so there’s something for everyone.  If you’re looking for a schedule of events, check out phillybeerweek.org.

What better way to celebrate Philly Beer Week 2013 than to invite our pal Don Russell, aka Joe Sixpack on to the show.  Don is the Founder and Executive Director of Philly Beer Week, so who better to talk about all of the great events.  Don is a beer writer and has written three beer books, including my favorite, “What The Hell Am I Drinking?”  Don is also known by his Byline “Joe Sixpack” as he writes a weekly beer column for the Philadelphia Daily News where he won GABF Beer Writer of the Year in 2006.

We sampled a really special and rare beer today…the Dock St / Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia co brewed OP Yum.  This beer uses Oats, Pomegranate and obviously tastes yummy, but put them all together and you get a little play on the word Opium.  OP Yum is a 5% ABV 30 IBU slightly tart and dry finish and a really refreshing beer.  This beer is the 2nd brew in a series of four beers brewed by Dock St to be exclusively served at the Four Seasons Philadelphia.  On June 6th (at Four Seasons Beer Garden, 5-8pm) as part of Philly Beer Week, Dock ST & Four Seasons will release the next beer in the series, Crackle & Squeeze–a farmhouse beer using Sicilian pink peppercorns, black pepper and Meyer Lemon juice.

We had a great time talking with Don about the history of Philly Beer Week, and it was cool to hear how it all got started.  It was also a lot of fun getting Don’s insight on Philly Beer Week events…and be SURE to check into Opening Tap as tickets ARE still available!

Thank you to Don Russell (aka Joe Sixpack), Nancy, John & Jake for yet another

fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together. As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.