Pennsylvania's Best Craft Beer: Where To Buy

Pennsylvania has a long history of brewing beer, dating back to the 1600s. Today, the state is home to more than 400 craft breweries, serving up a wide variety of unique and innovative craft beers. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Some well-known craft breweries in Pennsylvania include Tröegs Brewing Company, Weyerbacher Brewing Company, and Victory Brewing Company. For those looking to sample a range of craft beers, places like Smoking Joe's Saloon in Pittsburgh and Bulls Head Public House in Lititz offer a wide selection of regional and local craft beers. So, whether you're a hop head or a stout enthusiast, Pennsylvania's craft beer scene has something for everyone.

Craft beer in Pennsylvania: History and development

Pennsylvania has a long history of brewing beer, with some sources claiming that the state has been brewing beer since the 1600s. The state's brewing history is closely tied to its German immigrant population, who introduced lager to North America. The first brewery west of the Allegheny Mountains was established in 1765 at Fort Pitt, and the first lager in America was brewed in Philadelphia by John Wagner in 1840.

By the 1990s and early 2000s, as craft breweries surged in popularity, some of the biggest and best-known breweries were in Pennsylvania. The state is now home to more than 500 craft breweries, with at least 250 breweries in total. Pennsylvania's breweries offer a wide range of beers, from classic European styles to modern, Americanised beers.

One of the earliest craft breweries in Pennsylvania was Weyerbacher, founded in 1995 in a horse stable. Weyerbacher is known for its aggressive beers, such as Insanity, an English barley wine, and Sunday Morning Stout, a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout. Another well-known Pennsylvania brewery is Yards, founded in 1994 by friends Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit, who had previously found success selling their homebrews at Grateful Dead shows.

Today, there are several notable craft breweries in Pennsylvania, including Tröegs, which has been in business for almost 30 years and offers a seasonal beer called Mad Elf; Yuengling, which is the oldest brewery in Pennsylvania and the United States, established in 1829; and Dock Street Brewing Co., which first brewed its Bohemian Pilsner in 1986. Other notable breweries include Erie Brewing Company, Penn Brewery, Benny Brewing Co., Hitchhiker Brewing, Susquehanna Brewing, and many more.

Best craft breweries in Pennsylvania

With over 500 craft breweries across the state, Pennsylvania has a lot to offer when it comes to craft beer. Here are some of the best craft breweries to visit:

Tröegs Brewing Company

Tröegs Brewing Company has been in the business for almost 30 years and is located in the heart of Hershey. They offer an award-winning tour and are known for their delicious drinks and food.

Yuengling

Yuengling is America's oldest brewery, established in 1829. Their beer is sold throughout the country, but the brewery is located an hour northeast of Harrisburg.

Erie Brewing Company

When in Pennsylvania's Great Lakes region, the Erie Brewing Company is a must-visit. They offer a welcoming atmosphere and a variety of unique seasonal flavors.

Penn Brewery

With over 100 years of brewing history, Penn Brewery has perfected the craft. They offer a variety of seasonal and small-batch beers and are located in Pittsburgh.

2SP Brewing Company

A Delaware County brewery, 2SP Brewing Company was founded by Bob Barrar, a 19-time Great American Beer Festival (GABF) winner. They combine the expertise of the team behind the popular Two Stones Pub gastropub chain.

Weyerbacher Brewing

Founded in 1995 in a horse stable, Weyerbacher is now a major force in Pennsylvania beer. They are known for their big, aggressive beers like Insanity, an English barleywine, and Sunday Morning Stout, a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout. Their tap room, The Jester's Court, offers a unique experience with weekend craft fairs and yoga classes.

Iron Hill

With nine of its thirteen locations in Pennsylvania, Iron Hill is a well-known chain brewpub. Each location has its own equipment and brewmasters who brew on-site, and they have won GABF medals for twenty straight years.

Sly Fox

Sly Fox is a cutting-edge brewery that initially offered updated takes on classic European styles. They were one of the first craft breweries to can beer and have since expanded to keep up with American state-of-the-art trends.

Pet-friendly craft breweries in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to over 440 craft breweries, many of which are pet-friendly. Here is a list of some of the top pet-friendly craft breweries in the state:

East End Brewing

Located in Pittsburgh, East End Brewing is a dog-friendly brewery that offers cold craft beers. This is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with your furry friend.

Full Pint Brewing

Just outside Pittsburgh in North Versaille, Full Pint Brewing is another dog-friendly option. Grab a pint and enjoy the company of your pup in this welcoming brewery.

Evil Genius Beer Co.

Evil Genius Beer Co. in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood offers a dog-friendly beer garden with picnic-style seating, lawn games, and an outdoor bar. They have a wide range of year-round and seasonal brew flavors, such as a guava IPA and a chocolate peanut butter porter. They also host Yappy Hours, breed meet-ups, and other dog-friendly events.

Hitchhiker Brewing Company

With two locations in Pittsburgh, Hitchhiker Brewing Company offers delicious brews and pub fare. Each site has an outdoor space with a rotating selection of food trucks. Your furry friend is welcome to join you at this dog-friendly brewery.

Appalachian Brewing Company

Appalachian Brewing Company in Gettysburg offers small plates, appetizers, soups, salads, handhelds, burgers, quesadillas, and entrees. Dogs are welcome to join their owners at the pet-friendly outdoor tables.

Love City Brewing

Love City Brewing, also in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood, features a spacious outdoor patio where you can enjoy a cold lager, pilsner, or stout with your furry friend. They have weekday happy hours, bingo, trivia, and live music, ensuring there's always something going on.

With so many craft breweries to choose from in Pennsylvania, you'll never have to leave your furry friend behind when enjoying a craft beer! Remember to check the policies and leash requirements before visiting.

Craft beer bars in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a long history of brewing beer, dating back to the 1600s. The state is home to more than 440 craft breweries, with some sources claiming the number to be over 500, and the number is growing. Many of these breweries have craft beer bars attached, offering a wide range of beers. So, where should you go to enjoy a craft beer in Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is known as the beer capital of the greater Philly area and, according to Dan LaBert, executive director of Brewers of Pennsylvania, the "heart of the craft beer movement for the entire East Coast". The city has a portfolio of successful breweries, including long-standing favourites like Yards, Victory, and Dock Street, as well as newer spots like Tired Hands. Monk's Café, a craft beer bar in the city, was instrumental in introducing Belgian-style beers to the Philly market. Other notable craft beer bars in Philadelphia include the Grey Lodge Pub, which became famous for its Friday the Firkinteenth event held every Friday the 13th, and the unique Church Brew Works, located in a restored Roman Catholic Church.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is home to several craft breweries and bars, including Hitchhiker Brewing, which has two locations in the city, each with outdoor spaces and rotating food trucks. Smoking Joe's Saloon offers a wide selection of regional craft beers, with 60 on draft and over 350 in bottles. The Ship Bottom Beer Garden at Linvilla Orchards in Philadelphia's countryside is also worth a visit, offering yard games and bonfires in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Other Notable Craft Beer Bars

• Bulls Head Public House in Lititz, modelled after a traditional British pub, was named the best beer bar in Pennsylvania in 2017 by CraftBeer.com readers. It offers 14 draught beers, two cask-conditioned ales, and 80 bottles.
• Holy Hound Taproom in York, known as the "hipster beer bar of York", offers three dozen rotating craft beers on tap, as well as bottles of beer, single malt scotch, and small-batch bourbon.
• Boxers Café in Huntingdon, recommended by Weyerbacher Brewing’s production manager, Christian T. Lampe, offers a long tap list of Pennsylvania beers.

Pennsylvania's craft beer industry: Tips for aspiring brewers

Pennsylvania's craft beer industry is thriving, with over 500 breweries spread across the state. The state is a leader in brewing, generating billions in economic activity annually. For aspiring brewers, the state offers a wealth of opportunities to learn and grow. Here are some tips to help you get started in Pennsylvania's craft beer industry:

Understand the Market Dynamics: The craft beer industry in Pennsylvania is highly competitive, with a constant need to evolve and stay ahead of the curve. Brewers must balance production with consumer interests, meeting demand without overproducing. Stay updated with consumer trends, such as hazy IPAs, sours, and low-alcohol beers, and be willing to adapt your brewing techniques and ingredient sourcing.

Focus on Quality and Consistency: With numerous options available, consumers seek out high-quality craft beers. Maintaining quality and consistency in your brewing processes is crucial to building a loyal customer base. Ensure you have the necessary equipment and expertise to deliver a superior product consistently.

Explore Distribution Channels: Decide on your distribution strategy early on. Will you focus on local taproom sales, expand regionally, or aim for national distribution? Each approach has its economic considerations, such as wholesale contracts, packaging costs, and transportation logistics. Choose the model that aligns best with your business goals and resources.

Gain Hands-on Experience: Brewery internships are an excellent way to gain practical knowledge and skills. Working alongside seasoned brewers, you'll learn the art and science of brewing, including ingredient selection, fermentation, quality control, and recipe development. These internships offer a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and provide valuable connections and insights into the industry.

Manage Finances Wisely: Craft brewing requires significant financial investment, especially in equipment and operational costs. Understand the economics of brewing, including production costs and pricing strategies. Explore funding options such as loans, investors, or public funds to support your startup and running costs. Maintain profitability by carefully managing expenses and pricing your products appropriately for the market.

Pennsylvania's craft beer industry is an exciting and dynamic environment for aspiring brewers. By staying adaptable, focused on quality, and financially savvy, you can find success in this thriving market.

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