Best of the Philly Beer Scene Awards

Philadelphia’s brewing community, both old and new, were in full force tonight at the annual Best of the Philly Beer Scene awards at World Cafe Live. With the return of “Joan Rivers” and a 60′ red carpet, the event, put together by Philly Beer Scene Magazine Publisher Mat Falco and Creative Director John Clark, was a joyous celebration of all things brew in the greater Philadelphia area.

Hosted by Mike Lawrence, the producer of the film “Beeradelphia,” the Best of the Philly Beer Scene Awards show was a homage to representatives from breweries, brewpubs, bars, restaurants, wholesalers, distributors and all other aspects of the brewing industry in the Philadelphia area. In addition to Philly Beer Scene icons Tom Peters, Fergus Carey, Jim Meiers, and Lew Bryson, up and coming stars like 2014 Brewer of the Year Jeremy Myers of Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, Gerard Olson and Dan Endicott of Forest & Main Brewing Company, and Jean Broillet IV of Tired Hands Brewing were also in attendance.

A few highlights of the night:

– A hilarious short film about the decision to make Mike Lawrence the host of the event, including previous year host Joe Gunn and Band of Brewers 2014 host Curt Decker, was unfortunately cut shorter due to technical issues. (Stand by for the post on YouTube!)

– Freewill Brewing Company’s “Whit” beer, a Belgian white ale fermented with white cranberries created specially for the event. Guests were treated to a draft of the brew in a commemorative glass as they entered, and received a corked, caged, and wax-sealed bottle as they left.

– Firkins of brew were available, including:

Iron Hill Ironbound Ale – American Pale Ale

Tired Hands Hop Hands – dry hopped with nelson sauvin

Nodding Head 60 Shilling – Scottish Ale

Earth + Bread Brewery Tweed – Scottish Ale

Dock Street Pimp My Rye – American Double/Imperial IPA

Forest & Main Wojtek – English Porter

As it does every year, the Best of the Philly Beer Scene Awards again proved that the craft beer industry in Philadelphia is not only strong, but cohesive. The true friendships within the Philly Beer Scene shone through on stage; it has been those relationships that have bolstered not just craft brewing in general, but specifically Philadelphia craft brewing. Congratulations and thank you to all the nominees and winners!

Cheers!

The Brewholder