Always a favorite of mine, it was so nice to be back at the Valley Forge Beer & Cider Festival, after a year off due to COVID. Of course this should come as no surprise, the Valley Forge Beer & Cider Festival was also rated one of the Top Beer Festivals Coming to Philly by VisitPhilly.com.
The event itself was a great time – jolly, festive, and fun. We had a blast getting our samples in, and clearly, so did everyone else. Located in Hall C of the Philadelphia Expo Center, we were able to try some of the best beer and cider from around the country.
It really was great to have this event back – people tend to go all out with their costumes and they really bring that early holiday cheer. Ugly sweaters, dirty sweaters, pretzel Christmas tree sweaters, and even, a DOUBLE sweater. That being said, I’m pretty sure I found them tangled around another festival goer when their dance move went awry. One person per sweater next time! I kid, everyone had a blast.
Some of us soaked up the beer with some awesome food from the food trucks at the event, I of course grabbed some food from Roasted Liberties of Philadelphia, PA. Others probably should have had a bite to eat before sampling. They may have taken that sweater literally.
Of course, what you came here for – the beers. I was so happy with these finds, I have to jump right in.
My Favorite Beers
Just Tap It In
1940s Brewing Company
A gloriously hazy, juicy IPA with orange notes. Hazy yellow with aromas of citrus and fresh cut grass. The beer itself is incredibly tasty, creamy with pine, grasses, herbs, with the citrus layered in. This got even better as it warmed in my hand. 7.5% ABV
Plain Chicken Nuggets
Stickman Brews
‘Plain Chicken Nuggets’ is another winner from Stickman Brews, another one of my local favorites. A hazy American Pale Ale with a soft body, pineapple, mango and citrus flavors. Incredibly refreshing and well-balanced. At 5.5% ABV this is a great year-round fridge staple to drink with dinner.
We All Need A Friend
Anchorage Brewing Company
Another standout. I find myself loving absolutely anything I find from Anchorage Brewing Company. This is a double dry hopped DIPA with Phantasm powder, Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and Talus hops. Hazy orange-yellow, sweet citrusy and grapefruit scent, notes of honey dew melon. Cantaloupe, grapefruit, lemon, with the honeydew and a sweet grain back, with a light pine throughout. Medium-bodied with a lightly sweet finish. I’ll have another, please.
Honorable Mentions
These are beers (and a cider company) that also deserve some appreciation.
- Levante Brewing – Cloudy and Cumbersome
- Levante Brewing – Purple Pine Drops
- Three 3’s Brewing Company – Escape From Reality
- Three 3’s Brewing Company – Back To Reality
- Sloop Brewing – Peaks & Valleys
- Thomas Hooker Brewery – #NoFilter
- Thomas Hooker Brewery – Super Duper Double Citra
- Helltown Brewing – Buffy
- Free Will Brewing – Special Cookie
- Mispillion River – War Goose
- Stickman Brews – Table Beer
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