Philadelphia’s many microbrews

Balance and power meet in these heavy-hitting beers crafted by local brewers.

Seven of us recently convened a “comprehensive tasting of the fresh flavors being crafted” by local brewers, said Craig LeBan in The Philadelphia Inquirer. Blind-tasting 28 beers from 18 breweries, we found that “the best of the tasting’s heavy-hitting brews were as much about balance as power.” These three stood out.

McKenzie Brew House Bière de Garde

A unanimous choice for best brew, this “rustic amber farmhouse ale” was inspired by brews of the French-Belgian border. An “ethereally balanced cola-colored brew,” it’s full of complex flavors that are “lightly sour and yeasty, earthy but well-rounded, with a hint of dark and fruity sweetness.”

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Flying Fish Exit 16

This double IPA is “made with three kinds of rice,” giving it a surprisingly light body that contrasts with its rich, complex taste.

Tröegs Flying Mouflan

At 9.3 percent alcohol content, this barley-wine-style brew was the most powerful of the three. It boasts “two personalities.” As a young brew, it is “vibrant with citrusy hops,” but when it ages it becomes “something profoundly mellow.”