The Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP), the state’s official brewers guild, hosted MEETING OF THE MALTS V on March 24 at the Artsquest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pa. The event, presented by Wegmans, delivered as promised with a record turnout of over 500 people including representatives from the industry’s most acclaimed breweries, consumers, as well as state legislators.
Attendees experienced an unforgettable panel discussion, which included brewing icons Dick Yuengling (D.G. Yuengling & Son), Jim Koch (Boston Beer Company, producers of Samuel Adams) and Ken Grossman (Sierra Nevada Brewing Company), each sharing his thoughts on the craft beer industry as it exists now, and what is on the horizon. Meeting of the Malts V was the first time the three industry stalwarts shared a stage together.
“Each year, Meeting of the Malts has grown, and is now considered one of the top industry events to attend,” said Dan LaBert, Executive Director of the Brewers of Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania continues to develop into the Bavaria of the West. The Commonwealth is number-one in barrels of craft beer produced, number-two in economic impact, and number-seven in the number of craft breweries. Pennsylvania breweries have generated in excess of a $1.2 billion impact on the state economy. To be able to offer up such a star-studded panel indicates just how important Meeting of the Malts has become, and just how prominent Pennsylvania is in the brewing industry.”
Draft Magazine named Meeting of the Malts V as the #12 (out of 101) rated beer experiences on the industry bucket list for 2016.
While the panel discussion with Mr. Yuengling, Mr. Koch, and Mr. Grossman, and emceed by industry guru Bump Williams was the highlight of the evening, there was far more for attendees to experience. The BREWPUB FESTIVAL drew dozens of participating Brewers of Pennsylvania Members from across the state, including: Penn Brewery, ZerOday Brewing, Susquehanna Brewing Co, Berwick Brewing Co, The Lion Brewery, Old Forge Brewing Co., The Brew Gentlemen Beer Co., Voodoo Brewery, Stoudt’s Brewing Co., Barley Creek Brewing, Yards Brewing, Rusty Rail Brewing, Fegley’s Brew Works, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.
Attendees also experienced a Beer Silent Auction, which was an opportunity to bid on unique and collectible items from a variety of breweries including autographed, one-of-a-kind items from the country’s finest breweries. A portion of proceeds will be applied to the ongoing BOP campaign to help restore the Frederick Lauer statue in Reading, Pa. Mr. Lauer was the first president of the Brewers Association, and a proud Pennsylvania brewer.
The Meeting of the Malts V after-hours PROHIBITION PARTY allowed attendees to experience beers with the brewers. Light appetizers, desserts, and drinks were served, and the final event of the evening also included a special appearance from the Yuengling Girls.
The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a strong and influential organization that brings together Pennsylvania-based breweries. BOP members employ an estimated 10,000 employees earning $296 million in wages and generating $1.2 billion in direct economic benefits to communities throughout the state. Its signature event is Meeting of the Malts (#supportPAbeer), and plans for Meeting of the Malts VI have already begun.
More About the Brewers of Pennsylvania – The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a 501c6 trade association that brings together leaders of Pa.-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 Pa. by encouraging brand diversity in the market.