"Noble carrier, we entrust you with The Hammer of Glory, the omnipotent symbol of our beloved Philly Beer Week. May your journey be safe. Work ye up a thirst, for there shall be a beer waiting for you at your destination. Godspeed!"

At 7 AM on Friday, June 1, the journey begins. The fifth annual Philly Beer Week officially launches Friday evening at Opening Tap, where Mayor Michael Nutter will tap the first keg of Brotherly Suds 3. But before the Hammer of Glory is placed in the Mayor’s hands, it will make its way around Philadelphia on a triumphant tour.

Devil’s Den in South Philly is where the HOG will start, making its way to more than 20 different locations throughout every corner of the city, including Grey Lodge Pub in the Northeast (10:18 AM), The Belgian Cafe in Fairmount (1:56 PM) and Dock Street Brewery in West Philly (4:37 PM).

This is no ordinary relay, however, as the HOG is transported by unique and sometimes wacky means — think forklift, pogo stick, bicycle taxi and even in the arms of the Philly Roller Girls. This year, Sugar House Casino is providing a free bus that you can hop on to follow the HOG on its rounds, or check out the full schedule here to plan your meetup.

At 6:30 PM, the HOG will finally make it to Independence Mall, where the Mayor will join Philly Beer Week executive director Don Russell on stage and launch the 10-day celebration. Immediately following the tapping is the Opening Tap beerfest, held in the Independence Visitors Center. A $40 ticket scores admission and "ample samples" of all the beer you care to taste, along with live music and a keepsake cup.

Check out our video from last year’s relay and Opening Tap festival below; it's sure to get you in the mood for some great Philly beer.

Event Date: 06/01
Event Time: 7-10:30 PM
Location: Independence Visitor Center
Price: $40
Type: Beer
Website: www.phillybeerweek.org/opening_tap.cfm