The Beers of Philadelphia

Beer. Delicious and sudsy. While it's probably a favorite of yours, did you know that the founding fathers also loved to drink beer? Some of the first meetings about our nation's independence occurred over a beer in Philadelphia's taverns. With that, it's no surprise that Philadelphians have become some of the biggest consumers of beer. Tossing aside the mass-produced, beer flavored water that is so prevalent in our country, we gravitate more towards flavorful and craft beers, many of which are made in or around Philly. Next time you're in our fair city, or even at the beer store, here are some tasty brewers close to this beer-loving city's heart.

Yuengling
If there is one thing we citizens of Philadelphia love, it's a good lager. Walk in to any bar and in Philly and simply ask for a lager: nine times out of ten, your going to get a draft of Yuengling. Brewed nearby in Pottsville, PA, this delicious beer is our favorite, and a must try for any visitor without the pleasure. Luckily for you, Yuengling is available throughout most of the United States, so head on down to the deli and look for it. You won't be disappointed.

Triumph
Triumph is one of the Greater Philadelphia area's best craft breweries. With three brewpubs, one located right downtown near the historic district, where tourists can leave the hustle and bustle behind and curl up with pint or two. Try the Kinder Pils for a lighter, refreshing palate cleanser, or substitute that Bloody Mary for a delicious Brunch Stout with your Eggs Benedict.

Victory Beer
Victory makes some of the most interesting craft beers you will ever taste from this area. While many hoppy beer connoisseurs love the taste of Victory's Hop Devil, many a drinker has also fallen prey to the 10% alcohol content in the breweries Golden Monkey. While a trip out to Downingtown, PA will get you a brewery tour and some delicious grub from the adjoining restaurant, Victory's beers are available in most Philadelphia bars, as well as most deli's here.

Philadelphia Brewing Company
Somewhat new to the scene, the PBC has stolen the hearts of many Philly beer enthusiasts. Available in many bars and restaurants, the Kenzinger is a flavorful beer named after one of our more....er, flavorful neighborhoods. While it is the easiest to find on tap, there are many varieties, all of which can be found in bars and bottles. My personal favorite is the Walt Wit, a fantastic, fruity, aromatic wheat beer. And if you are looking for a fun, free Saturday activity, tours and tastings are available from 12 to 3 at the brewery, in the heart of the city.

Dock Street
Dock Street is a small brewery and restaurant in West Philadelphia's relaxed and hippy-ish Cedar Park neighborhood. A favorite among locals, this place combines and classes up one of God's greatest combinations: beer and pizza. Their delicious brick oven pizzas and calzones are an excellent foil for their rotating list of brews. While their beers change with the season, both the light Royal Bohemian Pilsner and the flavorful Rye IPA are almost always present. If available, try the dark Man Full of Trouble Porter, a local favorite, or the cidery Sudan Grass, based on traditional African sorguhm beverages, celebrating the neighborhoods diverse African immigrant population.

Yards Brewing Company
No visit to Philadelphia would be complete without Yards. A Philadelphia legend, the company's Philadelphia Pale Ale can be found in nearly every bar in the city. But don't stop there. Pop in to a store or head to City Tavern to try one of the "Ales of the Revolution." Based on recipes from the estates of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, these beers transport you back to the origins of our ale love; the revolutionary spirit that enjoyed a pint while dissing the British.

These are just some of the great beers available to you on your Philadelphia trip. For more info, check out Philly beer legend Joe Sixpack (way cooler than Sarah Palin co-opted his name to be), or the blog of our city's awesome Beer Lass.