Fifteen years is a pretty big milestone for a brewery, and Evil Genius Beer Company is celebrating it in true Evil Genius fashion.
Founded in 2011 by Luke Bowen and Trevor Hayward, the Philadelphia brewery will celebrate its 15th anniversary on Saturday, October 3, with a free block party in Fishtown featuring 10 hours of live music, including popular band Wheatus performing “Teenage Dirtbag”, local vendors, food, and drinks.
We spoke with co-owner Luke Bowen about the anniversary, the brewery’s history, its recent acquisition of 21st Amendment, and what comes next.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that we would be here 15 years later. 1000 thank yous to everyone who’s ever bought our beer. We’re so grateful for you.” – Luke Bowen, co-owner of Evil Genius.
Celebrating 15 Years
Evil Genius will celebrate its 15th anniversary on Saturday, October 3, with a free music festival running from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at its brewery on Front Street. The brewery will close the street down, with nearly 50 vendors joining the celebration.
The music begins at noon with Philly’s Kat Rivers & The Second Sight (recently named WMMR’s July Local Shots Band of the Month). The lineup also includes Tell All Your Friends, Bethlehem’s Lunar Pools, Philly’s Madska, Wilkes-Barre’s every7years, Disterbenz, and headliner Wheatus.
Wheatus will take the stage from 8 to 10 p.m., giving the celebration another anniversary connection. The band’s “Teenage Dirtbag” is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and has enjoyed a major resurgence in recent years.
Evil Genius is also marking the occasion with two special beer releases!
Get In My Belly is an 11% ABV maple chili barleywine released September 25 in 500ml bottles and on draft. The beer was split between two barrels, with one half resting in a maple syrup barrel and the other in a hot sauce barrel for three years before being blended back together.
Look At This Photograph is a 6.5% hazy IPA brewed with 15 different hop varieties and conditioned on actual birthday cake. It will be a draft-only release, tapping at the anniversary festival on October 3.
Bringing Back 21st Amendment
The anniversary comes during an especially busy year for Evil Genius. In April, the brewery acquired the 21st Amendment brand, including its recipes, intellectual property, and distribution rights.
The deal does not include 21st Amendment’s former California production facilities. Instead, Evil Genius is using its existing production and distribution network to bring the brand’s beers back to market.
Bowen told us the two brands are a natural fit, and the plan is to maintain the identity and recipes that made 21st Amendment recognizable to longtime fans while expanding its reach.
Several familiar beers have already returned, including Hell or High Watermelon, Brew Free! or Die IPA, Brew Free! or Die Blood Orange IPA, and Amendment Lager. Variety packs are already out in the market, with more beer releases planned.
What’s Next For Evil Genius?
With the 21st Amendment acquisition now underway, Evil Genius is focused on growing both brands, particularly on the distribution side.
Bowen said there are plenty of possibilities for the future, including additional markets and potentially future locations. Nothing is set yet, but the brewery is exploring all its options as it moves into 2027.
Evil Genius is also continuing to work with other breweries and businesses on collaborations. Upcoming projects include a collaboration with Helium Comedy Club and a pickle beer being made with Fishtown Pickle Project for Philadelphia’s Big Dill Pickle Festival in November.
