A History of Lager. From Germany to PA

This lively and entertaining lager history seminar will be led by Philly’s favorite drinks author Marnie Old on the topic of “500 Years of Lager Brewing: The German Tradition & the American Dream”. It will feature a guided sampling of 8 beers from both Germany and Pennsylvania as an exploration of the origins of lager, from the style’s 15th century Bavarian orgins up through to today, where our state leads the nation in craft lager brewing! (Please note: This presentation and tasting is identical in beers and content to the sold-out VIP Plus seminar taking place at the main 2/28 event, just on 2/21 and in a larger space.)

After the seminar, guests will head downstairs to the German Society’s Ratskeller Tavern for “Bierfest Pre-Fest Happy Hour” sponsored by Bitburger and My Local Brew Works, where their ticket includes their first beer and a Bavarian soft pretzel. See below for complete Bierfest Pre-Fest Happy Hour details. This Bierfest-themed social event is sponsored by two of our biggest beer sponsors: Bitburger and My Local Brew Works. It will incorporate some of the best elements of the event we all know and love, including delectable lagers from PA and Germany, tasty wursts, and fun activities like Roller-Derby Quizzo, hosted by local roller-derby maven turned author Erica “Double H” Vanstone. Meet the brewers of the newest incarnation of old-time Philly fave Gretz Brewing Company and sample Declaration lager, the official beer of America250PA – our state’s semiquincentenial celebration organizers.