Beer Me

This Weekend: Drink Saizanne, Run With the Goats and Get Firkined Up For Furry Friends

Suzanne Woods brewing beer at Iron Hill
Suzanne Woods brewing beer at Iron Hill Photo: Courtesy Iron Hill

If Philly’s beer scene were like high school, Suzanne Woods and Chris LaPierre would totally be the prom queen and king. She’s a Sly Fox rep and the founder of In Pursuit of Ale, Philly’s all women beer drinking club, and he’s, of course, the award winning brewer at Iron Hill’s Maple Shade location. Both have done their fare share to help make the city one of the world’s best beer drinking destinations. A couple weeks ago these two love birds brewed up their first beer together. It’s a Belgian-style farmhouse ale finished with pink and green peppercorns, which are Woods’ favorite ingredients. LaPierre is calling the beer Saizanne. Cute, huh? On Saturday the two will debut the beer at Iron Hill along with a wort caramel ice cream.

Also on Saturday, the Khyber holds its second annual Firkins For Our Furry Friends benefits. All proceeds will go to P.A.W.S. (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) to help them in their efforts to save Philadelphia’s homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. Like last year, the Khyber’s bar will be lined with a pretty amazing collection of cask conditioned bartop kegs from a bunch of different craft breweries, including Yards, Philadelphia Brewing Co., and Sly Fox. Sixpoint Brewery is bringing Philly’s first ever firkin of its Signal Smoked Ale for the benefit. It starts at 12 noon and $20 at the door gets you a bottomless cup.

Depending on whom you ask, Sly Fox has been hosting one the most amusing and oddball beer bashes for either 10 or 12 years with its annual Bock Festival and Goat Race. Brewer Brian O’Reilly and his crew tap an impressive selection of Bock beers and serve up traditional German food, while goats — yes real live goats! — race for the honor of naming the brewery’s annual Maibock release. This Sunday’s festival, which is the first one held at Sly Fox’s new home, could be the biggest yet. Last year’s festival and race drew almost 5,000 spectators. There are already more than 40 goats confirmed for Sunday’s races.

This Weekend: Drink Saizanne, Run With the Goats and Get Firkined Up For Furry