Every one of these Semi Finalists had proven themselves worthy to stand as the lead beer geek, able to stand-up to the panel of judges who light-heartedly sported Mardi-gras beads and black top hats, decorated with glitter and bottlecaps.

This gallery of photographs is a third presentation of the events of Philly Beer Week 2009, with the purpose of detailing the myriad of events enjoyed by both novices and die-hard enthusiasts throughout the Philadelphia metro and suburban areas.

Philly Beer Week 2009 seems to be picking up steam - not like a mere locomotive, but like the blast from the Cape as the Space Shuttle takes flight. This gallery of photographs is a second sampling of the events of Philly Beer Week 2009

This gallery of photographs is a small sampling of the events of Philly Beer Week 2009, meant to illustrate the broad scope of events created by the enthusiastic beer lovers in the Philadelphia metro and suburban areas.

Philly Beer Week 2009 has softly drawn its curtain, despite our calls for Encore! that profusely rolled from our hop-drenched tongues. If we could split ourselves into clones, it would have served us little with so much choice to reward our spirits.

Don Russell, more widely known as author, reporter, and radio personality Joe Sixpack, took the stage on Opening Tap night at the Comcast Center to announce the Best of the Brews Awards, Philly style. In a city known for its cynical perspective, these brewers awards were in-line with the city’s sens

It is a celebration of joy, this Philly Beer Week that comes but once a year. For those unschooled in the Science of Beer Wisdom, let me explain that a Beer Week lasts 10 days, not the typical 7 that was established by Emperor Constantine in 321 CE.

When you hear the phrase Sierra Nevada, do you think of a mountain range located in California, or do you think of beer? Do phrases like Hop Wallop, Man Full of Trouble, and Arrogant Bastard bring forth fond memories of gustatory delight?

They are the kings of grain, the masters of yeast, the heralds of hops. They may be chemists, nuclear engineers, or warehouse workers, but all have found a common thread that binds them together.

Bill Brand was the kind of guy you never forgot. He reminded me of a character actor in a movie...an energetic, wiry man, with a lean crop of grey hair and a mustache that sat like a brush across his upper lip.