Home Brews
Our area boasts some mighty fine craft beers
by Brian Freeman

Until fairly recently, beer in America was generally limited to either mass-produced, watery brews, or imports that really didn’t possess all that much more personality. Drinking beer, in general, was all about refreshment—flavor and nuance were secondary at best.

These days, however, we find ourselves in the middle of a craft-beer revolution, and the range and quality of beers that Americans are consuming now is growing. And believe it or not, the Philadelphia metro region is home to what is widely considered to be one of the great beer cultures in the entire country.

From standout beer bars to locally brewed gems, our little slice of America is leading the way toward a future far more full of delicious suds than anyone would have dared to dream a decade or two ago.

So now, as the weather turns warmer and we all (hopefully!) find ourselves with more time to crack open a bottle or three on a lazy afternoon, I cannot stress strongly enough the benefits and pleasures to be gained from exploring our locally produced beers.

Standout breweries include Phoenixville’s Sly Fox (their Pikeland Pils, in a bright orange can, is fantastic); Downingtown’s Victory Brewing Company; Philadelphia Brewing Company; Tröegs, which, while found in Harrisburg, is close enough to claim as our own; Flying Fish from right across the bridge in Cherry Hill, NJ; and Dogfish Head, south of here in Wilmington.

There are more, of course, but here’s the point: Explore the craft-beer options, and treat yourself to a locally brewed one. The complexity, nuance, and pure drinking pleasure are nothing short of remarkable.

Tasty, too. - BF