PHILADELPHIA, PA(August 30, 2016) - McGillin's Olde Ale House, Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating tavern, is joining forces with Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company to launch its own Oktoberfest beer. The malty-flavored märzen will be served during McGillin's annual Oktoberfest celebration, which despite its name begins today. In addition to the McGillin's Oktoberfest, the historic bar will offer a rotating list of German beers and German foods from now through the Midtown Village Fall Festival on Saturday, October 1.
The McGillin's Oktoberfest created by Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company has a generous portion of Vienna malts balanced by German and Czech Republic noble hops for dryness and a long, cold maturation process which creates an exceptionally drinkable beer. In addition to it's own beer, which is made in Dover, DE, McGillin's six week Octoberfest celebration will feature a rotating list Oktoberfest beers brewed by Sly Fox Brewing Company, Lancaster, Stoudt's Brewing Company, Beck's and Warsteiner Brewing, as well as the large selection of local and regional beers always on tap. Pumpkin beers will also be available.
These German-style Oktoberfest beers pair perfectly with McGillin's rotating list of German food specials. The tavern will serve such Old World favorites as Mussels steamed in Octoberfest Lager and served over hay and straw noodles with German-style toasted cheese bread; Grilled Pork Loin served with Sweet and Sour Cherry Sauce, Braised Cabbage, Apples and Potato Dumpling; and German Style Grilled Sausage Platter with Bratwurst and Knockwurst with Red Cabbage and Warm German Potato Salad served with German-style Cheese Toast and Dark Mustard; and Kasebrotchen Chicken, a Chicken Breast topped with German style Spread (Ale, Brown Mustard, Sharp Cheddar Cheese) baked to a bubbly finish and served with Heaven and Earth (Himmel Und Erde), Potatoes sautéed with Apples and Bacon, served also with Red cabbage and German-style cheese toast.
The first Octoberfest was part of the wedding of Princess Theresa von Sachsen-Hildurghausen to Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig in 1810. The celebration evolved into an annual event and over the years, horse races, performances and beer were added to the celebration. Eventually it was moved to September to avoid chilly Bavarian Octobers. Today, the celebration marking Ludwig's wedding day falls during harvest time and features large German beer festivals.
McGillin's Oktoberfest observance will culminate on Saturday, October 1 at the Midtown Village Fall Festival. The tavern will transform tiny Drury Street into a Beer Garden, complete with live entertainment, German beers and foods. Outdoor performers, face painting, a street fair featuring neighborhood restaurants, galleries, boutiques and bookstores and entertainment will enliven Midtown Village, from Walnut Street to Chestnut Street and 12th to Juniper.
McGillin's Olde Ale House opened in 1860, the year Lincoln was elected president. It is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia and one of the oldest in the country. The tavern that opened around the time the Liberty Bell cracked and long before anyone ever tasted a cheesesteak, is a stone's throw from City Hall, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Holiday Inn Express Midtown, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, the Philadelphia Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton and other Center City hotels. A private upstairs room for 90 plus guests is available for beer tastings, bus groups, fundraisers, and more. Tavern hours: Mondays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. Sundays 11 a.m. - midnight.
McGillin's, 1310 Drury Street, between Chestnut & Sansom, 13th & Juniper 215/735-5562. www.mcgillins.com.
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