Philadelphia, PA - One hundred years ago, Philadelphia was known as the most fantastic beer-brewing city in the Western Hemisphere, or the "Cradle of American Libation," according to food critic Craig LaBan of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Local taverns were arguably the true birthplace of the American Revolution, providing the well-stocked gathering spaces needed for our Founding Fathers and ordinary men alike to execute the American Revolution.
History of Philadelphia Beer
From the mid-19th through the early 20th century, more than 90 breweries thrived in Philadelphia proper, with another 100 operating around the region. An area northwest of what's now Center City, located on the banks of the Schuylkill River near the Girard Avenue Bridge, became known as Brewerytown. As this neighborhood grew, area producers of German-style pilsners and American lagers expanded into nearby Kensington, Fishtown, and beyond.
The brewery boom ended in 1920 when Prohibition brought on the decline—and near demise—of virtually all of Philadelphia's beer producers. Most of these remained shuttered beyond repealing the "Noble Experiment" in 1933.
Today, innovative craft breweries have proudly reclaimed the region's reputation by brewing some of the country's best beer. Well-earned designations from national press include Philadelphia's appearance in Wine Enthusiast's "Five Best Beer Cities," GQ's "The 5 Best Beer Cities in America", and Frommer's "World's Best Cities for Beer."
Also, See... Philly \'s Craft Breweries and Brewpubs Beer Trail
