REVIEW · PHILADELPHIA
Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by City Brew Tours - Philly · Bookable on Viator
Three breweries, zero driving stress. This three-brewery ride is built for people who want real access—like behind-the-scenes looks at how beer gets made—plus plenty of pours at stops that locals actually go to.
I love the small group size (max 14) and the way it rolls up to 12 craft beers (with snacks) into a single evening plan. One thing to consider: it’s a 21+ tour with strict pre-game rules, so you’ll want to start sober and be on time.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you go
- Why this Philly brewery tour is such an easy win
- Starting at 1227 Filbert St: logistics that actually matter
- The included ride: what you don’t have to think about
- Stop 1: Flying Fish Brewing Company and the sustainability angle
- Stop 2: Double Nickel Brewing Co and the 22,000-square-foot transformation
- Stop 3: Yards Brewing Company by the Delaware River
- What you’re actually tasting: up to 12 beers, plus snacks
- The guide makes the day: Sam, Dave, and Allie energy
- Safety and comfort rules you should not ignore
- How to get the most out of a three-stop beer day
- Price and value: where this tour makes sense
- Should you book this Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour?
- How many breweries do you visit, and how long is each stop?
- What’s included in the tour?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- What’s the meeting point for the tour?
- Do you need to be 21 or older to join?
- What ID do I need to bring?
- What should I wear to the breweries?
- What if the tour is canceled because of weather or not enough passengers?
Key points to know before you go

- Small-group pacing (max 14): You get real time at each brewery without feeling herded.
- Round-trip transportation included: You focus on beer and conversation, not parking and traffic.
- Up to 12 samples + snacks: The day is built around tasting, not just touring.
- Behind-the-scenes brewery access: You’ll see how ingredients and process turn into what’s in your glass.
- Three stops, about 50 minutes each: A tight, fun schedule that still leaves time to ask questions.
- Rules matter (21+, closed-toe shoes, no pre-gaming): They keep the experience safe and smooth.
Why this Philly brewery tour is such an easy win

If you like beer but don’t love the planning part, this tour makes life simple. You get a set route through Philly-area favorites, and you’re not stuck thinking about who’s driving or where the next stop is.
The feel is friendly and efficient. Three breweries in one outing means you can taste a range of styles and brewing approaches in a short window, without wasting your day hopping between bars. And because it’s a small group, the guide can actually manage questions and keep the pace moving.
Starting at 1227 Filbert St: logistics that actually matter
You meet at 1227 Filbert St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, and the tour ends back near the same spot. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan how you’ll reach Filbert Street.
Because it’s described as near public transportation, this is usually a workable option whether you’re staying downtown or just arriving in the city. Still, I’d treat it like a “be early” plan: arrive at least 10 minutes before the start so the group can roll on time.
The day runs about 3 hours 30 minutes. That timing isn’t random—it lines up with roughly 50 minutes per brewery, plus time for the ride between stops and settling in.
The included ride: what you don’t have to think about

One of the best parts is the transportation. The tour includes round-trip transportation, which matters more than it sounds in a city with stop-and-go traffic and limited parking luck.
Add in snacks and a local beer guide, and you get a day that feels organized from start to finish. Instead of building your own route, you’re showing up, tasting, and learning while someone else handles the driving and timing.
Stop 1: Flying Fish Brewing Company and the sustainability angle

The first stop is Flying Fish Brewing Company. It’s an award-winning brewery and the largest producer in South Jersey, and it’s also close enough to Philadelphia landmarks that it fits well into a city-focused day.
I like this start because it comes with a strong story and a clear focus on how beer gets made. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process—from ingredients to your glass—plus a tour of the operations, including the brewery’s canning and bottling setup.
Here are a couple of details that make Flying Fish feel especially interesting for beer nerds and casual sippers alike:
- It was the FIRST virtual brewery in 1995, with its own website.
- The brand emphasizes balance and sustainability, aiming for full-flavored beers that still stay drinkable.
If you’re the type who likes to understand what you’re tasting, this is a great opener. You’ll get the “why” early, so the rest of the tour makes more sense.
Stop 2: Double Nickel Brewing Co and the 22,000-square-foot transformation
Next up is Double Nickel Brewing Co. Unlike the breweries that seem like they were born the same way—same family, same location, decades of continuity—Double Nickel’s story is about building from a single person’s long brewing career into a real production powerhouse.
Head Brewer and Co-Founder Drew Perry is part of the reason the stop feels personal. He worked his way through the process for years, going from the packaging line to head brewer, then turning that lifelong dream into reality when he returned to New Jersey to start his own brewery.
What you’ll see here is scale. The brewery operates in a 22,000-square-foot production space that was transformed from a defunct fitness and spa center. That kind of repurposing gives the place a clear “we built this” vibe, and it helps explain why their output looks designed for growth.
Timing note: you’ll be at this stop for about 50 minutes, so you’ll want to keep questions concise and let the guide lead the tasting flow.
Stop 3: Yards Brewing Company by the Delaware River

The final brewery is Yards Brewing Company, a spot with roots going back to 1995. It started in a 900-square-foot facility in Manayunk and has since relocated three times, ending up with views over the Delaware River near Penn’s Landing.
This stop leans into tradition while still sounding very current. Yards has a strong nod to English ales, tied to older styles, then blended with modern flavors. The result is a tour ending that feels like a mix of old-school and present-day craft.
One specific detail I’d plan around: there’s mention of presidential flights in a city tied to America’s founding stories. Even if you’re not a flight person, this format helps you compare beers side by side instead of taking random sips.
Also, since it’s the last stop, it’s smart to pace yourself. You’ve got tasting samples waiting, and you’ll enjoy them more if you finish the day steady instead of rushed.
What you’re actually tasting: up to 12 beers, plus snacks
Here’s the practical part that makes this tour feel like value. It includes alcoholic beverages up to 12 craft beers to try, plus snacks. So you’re not just paying for transportation and a walking tour—you’re paying for the chance to taste a lot in one sitting.
The breweries also support that tasting format with behind-the-scenes access, so the samples connect to what you’re seeing. That’s what turns the day from “three stops where you drink” into a guided experience where you understand the process and the style choices.
Vegetarian options are available, as long as you mention it at booking. If food matters to you on a beer tour, do that ahead of time so you’re not figuring it out on the spot.
The guide makes the day: Sam, Dave, and Allie energy
A brewery tour lives or dies on the guide, and this one has a strong track record. Guides named Sam, Dave, Allie, and Ally are specifically mentioned for being friendly, funny, and ready with good info.
What I like about the way these guides are described is the balance: they keep things enjoyable without turning the day into a lecture. You get explanations that help you taste better—plus a real sense they’ll take care of group needs during the tour.
There’s also a useful real-world tip from the guide chatter: the tour provider does special-occasion setups like anniversaries and wedding gifts. If you’re celebrating, it’s worth asking about options early so the timing and vibe match your plans.
Safety and comfort rules you should not ignore
This tour has a few non-negotiables, and they’re there for a reason.
- Minimum age is 21 (no exceptions).
- Bring a non-expired state ID if you’re a US citizen, or your passport if you’re not.
- Open-toed shoes aren’t allowed. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety in brewery settings.
Also, there’s a clear rule on alcohol behavior: pre-gaming is strictly prohibited. If someone is visibly intoxicated before the tour starts, they won’t be allowed to attend, and a refund won’t be provided. Translation: start with water and food first, and let the tastings be the tastings.
Because the tour operates in all weather, dress for Philadelphia conditions. If it’s chilly or rainy, wear layers you can move in, since you’ll be walking and transitioning between sites.
How to get the most out of a three-stop beer day
You’ll enjoy this tour more if you treat it like a tasting itinerary, not a bar crawl.
- Eat a real meal before you arrive. The tour includes snacks, but you’ll feel better starting fed.
- Keep your pace steady at each stop. You’ll taste up to a dozen beers, so small sips and focused comparisons work better than big swings.
- Bring comfortable closed-toe shoes that you can stand in.
- If you have dietary needs, request the vegetarian option at booking.
If you’re the type who likes learning while you drink, this format is built for that: process at each brewery, then tasting right after. If you’re more laid-back, the structure still helps you avoid decision fatigue.
Price and value: where this tour makes sense
No price was provided here, so I can’t tell you what it costs. But I can tell you what you get for the time and effort.
You’re covering:
- Round-trip transportation
- Snacks
- A local beer guide
- Up to 12 craft beers
- Access to behind-the-scenes brewery looks at each stop
Also, the stops include admission tickets as part of the experience flow, which matters because some brewery visits can add up when you go solo. Even without a stated price, the included elements are the reason this tour is often a smarter use of time than doing three separate self-guided stops.
Should you book this Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour?
Book it if you want a simple plan with real structure. This is a strong choice if you like the idea of three breweries, small-group energy, and a tasting experience that includes process details—not just pouring beer and calling it a day.
Skip it (or at least think twice) if you’re hoping for maximum flexibility. The schedule is built around set stops and set timing, and the rules around alcohol before the tour are strict. If you want a free-form night where you can wander, this likely won’t feel that way.
If you do decide to go, you’ll probably get the best experience when you show up early, wear closed-toe shoes, and keep your day calm before the tastings begin.
FAQ
How long is the Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour?
The tour runs about 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.).
How many breweries do you visit, and how long is each stop?
You visit three breweries, with about 50 minutes at each stop.
What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation, snacks, a local expert beer guide, and alcoholic beverages up to 12 craft beers to try.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
What’s the meeting point for the tour?
The tour starts at 1227 Filbert St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, and ends back at the meeting point.
Do you need to be 21 or older to join?
Yes. The minimum age is 21, with no exceptions.
What ID do I need to bring?
For US citizens, bring a non-expired state ID. If you’re not from the US, bring your passport.
What should I wear to the breweries?
Open-toed shoes are not allowed. You must wear closed-toe shoes due to safety concerns.
What if the tour is canceled because of weather or not enough passengers?
If it’s canceled due to poor weather or minimum traveler requirements, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.




