So who benefits from a ‘Beer Week’ in your area? Christina Dowd of Philly Loves Beers says probably everyone.
“Breweries are selling kegs, so are distributors and bars are seeing a big increase in beer sales not only because of events but beer drinking is top of mind,” Dowd explained. “Consumers are willing to try new beers and new styles and will remember what they like and seek it out in the future. Overall it’s a win-win.”
And, of course, consumers win because locals get a chance to try beers from breweries locally while those that don’t get a chance to try the beers as much can plan a day or two in the area and make it a destination/vacation stop.
Since it started in 2008, Philly Beer Week has always had a focus on the beer, Dowd said.
“Brewers from local to national wanted to get involved with regional players as the big stars,” she said. “As it grew and attracted a wider audience, more events were added at more bars/restaurants ranging from tap takeovers to brewers’ dinners and everything in between.”
Now there are dozens of beer week events happening each night at locations all across Philly, which happens May 29 through June 8 this year.
Dowd says as the Philly Beer Week has grown, now national breweries send in teams of people to attend events and make sure they have a strong presence not only for consumers but among the industry.
Another factor associated with Philly Beer Week has been the collaboration with an international brewery — often historic and/or Belgian.
This year, however, is the first time that the collaboration beer is national, working with California’s Russian River.
Also, a separate group of Philly-area brewers are collaborating to make Brotherly Suds and taking turns brewing at different locations to create the beer.
There are several positives to a beer week, especially financially and for bars and breweries to focus on the collaborative nature of the industry.
“Philly Beer Week feels like GABF or CBC,” Dowd said. “Sales are way up for everyone breweries, distributors and bars.
“Consumers get to try all sorts of beer. If they like one style, they may have the opportunity to try 10 other beers in that same style that probably weren’t on the draft list before. For the bars, they get feedback on sales and can determine what’s popular and to who.”
Photo Courtesy: Philly Loves Beer
Coming Monday, learn more about the effort it takes to create a local beer week.
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