If you've ever wondered just how far Philadelphia has come, or howrespected our fair city is -- in the pantheon of craft beer, considerthis: Chris LaPierre, the head brewer at local Iron Hill, traveled allthe way to Belgium to develop a special brew for the city's fifth-annualPhilly Beer Week celebration."Philadelphia is the best Belgian beertown in America," said PBW Executive Director Don Russell. "We valuebeer here as much as we do the Declaration of Independence."Theresult of LaPierre's beer comes from the first collaboration for the167-year-old Belgian brewery Brasserie Dupont. The smoked ale ispleasantly smooth with a slight caramel after-taste that provides somesurprising pop at 5.75-percent ABV.The Dupont Speciale Belge wasone of a variety of handcrafted beers on display yesterday for a PhillyBeer Week preview at the Four Seasons Hotel on Logan Square. Joiningthem at the event were Victory Brewing Company, SlyFox, PhiladelphiaBrewing Company, Dock Street and up-and-comer Prism Brewing Company."PhillyBeer Week has developed a well-deserved national buzz," Mayor MichaelNutter said. "Philadelphia has one of the most respected celebrationsanywhere, spotlighting our brewers, great bars and restaurantsthroughout the region."Philadelphia Beer Week opens June 1 with"Opening Tap" at the Independence Visitor Center and ends June 10 withan outdoor concert at Dock Street in West Philadelphia. Generaladmission for first tap costs $40 per person. There is also a VIPSession on sale for $200.NO. 1Caliente Golden AleABV: 9.5%Brewery: Dock StreetThis is Dock Street Brewing Co. and the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia's second collaboration in their "A Beer Four All Seasons" series. The beer debuted on April 16 and is sold exclusively at the Four Season's Swann Lounge.The spicy ale draws on blue Agave nectar, Ancho and Guajillo chiles, in the brewing process to give it a signature edge. The brew boasts a toasty malt profile with notes of tropical fruit and a robust, tangy finish. Or, in a less snobbier tone, think of those delicious spiced mango chunks from Trader Joe's -- and it packs a wallop with its high ABV.NO. 2Bubbly WitABV: 7.4%Brewery: Dock StreetBrewed with actual champagne yeast, the Bubbly Wit is strong in spice and citrus hops, yet comes across smooth and refreshing. It reminded us of a poor man's Hoegaarden, but that's not a knock. Its slight carbonation is very noticeable and pleasing to the tongue. Just give it a minute to settle, as the frothy white head needs time to relax.NO. 3Summer Love ABV: 5.2%Brewery: VictoryCake. Cake. Cake. Sorry, we had Rihanna on our minds. But this offering from Victory combines earthy tones (think Pillsbury poppin' fresh dough) with pale malt flavors. It's a classic American Blonde that was born to drink while watching Hunter Pence smack home runs around Citizens Bank Park. Seasonal and delicious.
