Even though Christmas was a couple months ago, my family and I got to cash in a Christmas gift last weekend. My cousin, Shaina, bought me, her, my parents and my brothers tickets to the Philly Winter Beer Fest at The Armory.

When we got to The Armory, there was a little bit of a line to get in, but it went by quickly. Inside, we were given mini beer glasses and set off on our way to start tasting beers. There were probably about 40 booths, each with two or three different beer options to sample. We decided to tackle them one by one going down the line tasting different ones. I am a little picky with the beer I drink, but I was interested in at least tasting one beer from the different breweries.

Most of the breweries were local and included breweries such as Conshohocken Brewery, Wissahickon Brewing Co., Ship Bottom Brewery, Broad Street Brewing, Yards Brewing Company, Lost Time Brew Co., Urban Village Brew Co., Evil Genius Beer Company, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, Blake’s Hard Cider, Fishtown Iced Tea and more. My favorite beer came from Ship Bottom; I can’t remember the exact name, but it was a Hazy IPA, but I also loved the Blake’s Hard Cider.

The event also featured a live DJ, food trucks, pickle stands, merchandise and a vibrant atmosphere. We love going to beer festivals, and this one definitely lived up to the other ones we’ve attended.

— Mary Melnick, social media and editorial coordinator