Mark your calendar for Thursday, Aug. 23, for this year’s Meeting of the Malts at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. This event brings together the brightest minds in the Pennsylvania craft beer world — plus a few notable guests — for a night of good food, great beer and lively discussion on the current state of the brewing business. Hosted by craft beer industry expert Bump Williams, the night will be engaging conversation for beer veterans, newcomers and enthusiasts.
Tickets are available now. Here are our top reasons you need to be there!
1. Beer 411
Obviously! Meeting of the Malts pairs a panel discussion (from 6 to 7:15 p.m.) with a four-course beer dinner (from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m.), followed by a beer festival (from 9:30 to 11 p.m.). News flash: You don’t have to be a brewer to participate in the entire event! Beer-obsessed consumers are welcome — what better way to rub elbows with the movers and shakers of today’s beer scene?
After the opening toast and panel discussion, each dinner course will be paired with a beer selected by a panel member. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction to win one-of-a-kind items from Pennsylvania breweries.
2. Brewfest
More cheers to beers! The Pennsylvania BrewPub Festival showcasing the commonwealth’s best beers is a must-attend. And you don’t have to be a Meeting of the Malts attendee to get in on the fun. Tickets for the fest are sold separately; your $35 ticket gets you 4-oz. sips of 20+ brews, light appetizers and entertainment. Expect to see:
- 2nd Story Brewing Co.
- Barley Creek Brewing Company
- Berwick Brewing Company
- Black Monk Brewery
- Boneshire Brew Works
- Collusion Tap Works
- Covered Bridge Brewhaus
- D.G. Yuengling & Son
- Elk Creek Café & Aleworks
- Hop Hill Brewing Co.
- HiJinx Brewing Company
- Levity Brewing Company
- North Country Brewing Company
- Recon Brewing
- Round Guys Brewing Company
- Roy-Pitz Brewing Company
- Saucony Creek Brewing Company
- Shy Bear Brewing
- Spring Gate Brewery
- The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey
- Wolf Brewing Company
- Weyerbacher Brewing Company
- Yards Brewing Company
3. Insider Access
Meeting of the Malts provides visitors with an inside peek into the industry. Consumers are given a glimpse into the world of craft beer as experts speak about their craft and break bread with their peers.
Victory Brewing Company founder and owner Bill Covaleski said, “It’s always uplifting to see the visionaries behind America’s two largest, independent breweries, Jim Koch and Dick Yuengling, sharing candidly with the audience and thoroughly enjoying their time together. This is clear evidence that our industry is like no other. Though we compete for consumers’ attention, we respect one another and the conditions within our industry.”
Meeting of the Malts provides producers and beer lovers alike the opportunity to spend time among industry leaders and experience what discourse in the craft beer business looks like.
4. Fun
Bill says we can expect “freewheeling fun. We’re in a business that is entirely social, so expect a party.” And we mean more than at the beer fest. Not only are leaders like Jim and Dick speaking at length about their craft, but they’re typically imbibing themselves. Enjoying craft beer responsibly leads to some great candid conversations. Beer drinkers who attend the panel discussion will get a real glimpse into just how fun behind-the-scenes craft beer can be.
5. Insight
After a welcome by Weyerbacher Brewing Company’s Chris Lampe and the BOP Growler Awards, Jim and Dick will kick off the panel with opening remarks. Industry icon Bump Williams, president of Bump Williams Consulting, will lead the panel discussion of other beer giants, including Founders Brewing Co.’s Mike Stevens, Yards Brewing Company’s Tom Kehoe, Cigar City Brewing’s Joey Redner, Yuengling’s Wendy Yuengling and Bill Covaleski. Bill notes, “Mr. Williams has an insider view of our industry like no one else, and also and an ear for what intrigues the audience.”
Mike added, “Founders has been a part of the industry now for 21 years, and when I first got into the business, breweries like Sam Adams and Yuengling inspired me to follow my passion. I’m truly honored to be a part of this event and share the stage with such accomplished brewers … I look forward to a spirited conversation.”
Beer lovers can expect to learn, but not be worried about getting lost in technical jargon, during what will be the seminal Pennsylvania beer industry gathering for 2018. See you there!
The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
Photos: John Wilchek Photography
