While Philadelphia may have one of the best and biggest local beer weeks in all the land, you don’t have to wait until June for an extended celebration of great brew. May 14–20 is American Craft Beer Week, a nationwide happening organized by the Brewers Association. Here in Philly, we at Drink Philly have lined up drink deals and special events across the city to toast and celebrate independent U.S. brewers, including an advanced beer tasting class with Dock Street at our Old City world headquarters.

All week long you’ll find 5–7 PM happy hour specials of $3 American craft drafts at more than 15 bars across town (check the list below). This is your chance to taste the best beer this country has to offer at seriously discounted prices. Additionally, read on to find out about three very special events.

Troegs Tap Takeover at Perch Pub
Tuesday, May 15, 7–10 PM
Perch Pub will host a Troegs tap takeover, featuring a keg of the beloved Nugget Nectar (not easily found this late in the season) plus several unique brews from Troegs “scratch series,” which are one-offs that may never be seen again. Head to the pub to enjoy these specialties along with a complimentary tapas pairing at the bar, and chat with Nick Johnson, Troegs regional sales manager and a serious craft beer aficionado.

Brew & Chew at Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse
Wednesday, May 16, 7–9 PM
Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse will dedicate its monthly Brew & Chew to the beers of Left Hand Brewing Co. For $20 (along with an RSVP here), you’ll sample as much as you want of four different labels from this Colorado-based brewery, including Sawtooth ale on nitro, 400 Pound Monkey on draft and Milk Stout and Polestar Pils in bottles. Plus, the drinks will be paired with four different hors d’oeuvres and the sips and eats will flow for the entire two-hour event.

Beer 601: Advanced Beer Studies with Dock Street Brewing at Drink Philly World Headquarters

Thursday, May 16, 7–9 PM
Led by the knowledgeable crew at Dock Street, this tasting session featuring several rare beers from the West Philly brewery will provide high-level beer education to interested drinkers. Learn about pouring techniques (how much head is right?), which hops lead to which flavors, how to identify bottle-conditioning vs. forced carbonation, how storing your beer affects it, and a whole lot more. Tickets for the class, which takes place at our studio/office in Old City, are $20, and include the wealth of information, light snacks, and pours from several limited release labels, including Caliente Golden, Royal Bohemian Pilsner, Satellite Espresso Stout, and Rye IPA. Space is limited (and a sellout is expected), so reserve your spot now.

And here's a little endorsement from a past student at our beer tasting class: "[V]ery informative and relaxed (as a beer class should be). I recommend this class to any person who has enjoyed any beer, ever.”

American Craft Beer Week Specials
Monday, May 14–Sunday, May 20
$3 craft drafts from 5–7 PM (unless otherwise noted)

Beneluxx (open on weekends)
Bierstube
Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse (Monday–Friday only; $2 off craft drafts)
Devil’s Den (half-off drafts – expect many $2 and $3 pours)
Eulogy Belgian Tavern
Good Dog (4–6 on Sat, 10 PM–midnight on Sunday)
Grey Lodge Pub
Irish Pol
Khyber Pass Pub ($2 off drafts from 4-6 PM)
Mac's Tavern
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
Old Eagle Tavern (half-off drafts – expect many $2 and $3 pours)
Perch Pub (half-off drafts)
Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant
Q BBQ & Tequila
Sassafras
Smokin’ Betty’s
South Philly Bar & Grill
The Trestle Inn (specials from 5–8 PM)
Triumph Brewing Company

Would your bar like to participate in American Craft Beer Week? Contact us to get involved.

Event Date: 05/14,05/15,05/16,05/17,05/18,05/19,05/20
Event Time: All Week
Location: Various Locations
Price: Special discounts