Harrisburg Beer Week started off with a bang at the Kick Off Party at the Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg, PA. The first ever Harrisburg area week of 140+ craft beer-centered events runs from April 24 through May 2, 2015.
The kick-off event featured the release of (717) Collaboration Ale. Local craft brew giants Appalachian Brewing Company, Tröegs Brewing Company and Pizza Boy Brewing Company teamed up to create this 7.17% ABV, 71.7 IBU amber colored India Pale Ale. The beer was available on tap and in 4 packs of 16-ounce cans to go.
The beer was dry hopped with Nugget-Zilla hops from Troegs. The slightly tart, yet hoppy brew featured Simcoe hops, local wildflower honey and fermented with a saison yeast. Brewed with 20% local Deer Creek Malt and blended with 20% warm sour fermentation, this beer features a unique flavor and a crisp finish.
Harrisburg Beer Week is the brainchild of Tierney Pomone, founder of Stouts and Stilettos, Sara Bozich of PennLive, and Stouts and Stilettos writers Colleen Nguyen and Chelsie Markel. Harrisburg Beer Week benefits the Harrisburg River Rescue and Emergency Services.
Local bands Manian and the Monumentals, The Plums and JT and the Mild Heat performed at the Kick Off Party. The night started off with a VIP party from 5 to 7 PM then opened to the public starting at 7 PM.
Artie Tafoya, Brewmaster and Director of Operations for Appalachian Brewing Company, was on hand to lead the opening toast to Harrisburg Beer Week and talk about the collaboration brew during the VIP event.
Representative Patty Kim was also on hand to present a Resolution designating April 25, 2015, as “Local Craft Beer Day” in Pennsylvania.
Harrisburg Beer Week has teamed up with Untappd to create the “Harrisburg Beer Week (2015)” badge. Check-in any two different craft beer within 20 miles of Harrisburg, PA during HBW to earn the badge.
Check out the complete list of Harrisburg Beer Week events here.
