Philadelphia, PA—If you're looking for a craft brewery to drink in Pennsylvania, you have several options. Some top choices include the East End Brewing Company, the Appalachian Brewing Company, and the Yards Brewing Company.
Pennsylvania's Premier Craft Breweries: A Beer Lover's Guide
Pennsylvania boasts a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries offering diverse styles and experiences. Here's a guide to some of the state's top breweries:
Yards Brewing Company: Philadelphia's English-Style Ale Pioneer
Yards Brewing Company, one of Pennsylvania's largest and most successful craft breweries, specializes in traditional English-style ales. These malty beers, often featuring floral, caramel, or toasty aromas, have earned Yards numerous national and local awards. Located in Philadelphia's Northern Liberties neighborhood, Yards offers:
- Signature Ales, IPAs, Lagers, and Stouts: A diverse range of beer styles.
- Seasonal and Limited-Release Beers: Exciting new brews throughout the year.
- Tasting Room: A welcoming space to sample their offerings.
Troegs Brewing Company: Adventurous and Bold Brews
Troegs Brewing Company, another of Pennsylvania's largest craft breweries, is known for its adventurous and bold beers, brewing nearly 60 styles. They offer:
- Seasonal, Specialty, and "Scratch Beers": Various brews, including experimental recipes.
- Popular Mad Elf Ale: A winter seasonal featuring honey and spices.
- Chocolate Stouts: Rich and decadent stout offerings.
- Two Locations: Breweries in Hershey, PA, and Downingtown, PA.
Victory Brewing Company: Sour, Full-Flavored, and Innovative Beers
Victory Brewing Company is a leading craft brewery known for its sour, full-flavored, and innovative beers. With three locations in Chester County, Victory offers:
- Wide Distribution: Beers sold in Pennsylvania and 35 other states and exported to 10 countries.
- HopDevil IPA: A popular IPA with citrus and caramel notes.
- Golden Monkey: A Belgian-style Tripel aged in barrels with apricot and pear flavors.
- Brewpubs: Three locations in Chester County offering exclusive beers and food.
- Expanded Production: A second brewery in Parkesburg to meet growing demand.
Stoudts Brewing Company: A Pioneer in Pennsylvania Craft Brewing
Founded in 1987 by Carol and Ed Stoudt in Adamstown, PA, Stoudts Brewing Company pioneered Pennsylvania's craft beer scene. They offer:
- Commitment to Craft and Quality: A long-standing dedication to brewing excellent beer.
- Variety of Brews: Including "extreme brews" like ESB.
- Tasting Sessions and Free Tours: Opportunities to learn about their brewing process.
- On-Site Restaurant and Beer Garden: A comprehensive brewery experience.
Appalachian Brewing Company: Handcrafted Beers, Spirits, and Sodas
Appalachian Brewing Company, a Harrisburg staple since 1997, is a brewpub offering:
- Wide Variety of Craft Beers: A diverse selection of handcrafted beers.
- Handcrafted Sodas: Unique and flavorful soda offerings.
- Craft Spirits: Including vodka, gin, bourbon, and rum.
- Soda Works and Bottling Facility Tours: Educational tours with soda souvenirs.
- Flagship Beers: Aero-Head Bock and Trail Blaze Brown Ale.
Lancaster Brewing Company: A Brewmaster's Dream with Locally Sourced Ingredients
Lancaster Brewing Company offers a unique experience with:
- Diverse Beer Selection: Producing 20 different beers throughout the year.
- Locally Sourced Menu: Featuring fresh meats, cheeses, and produce from the Lancaster area.
- Weekend Beer Sampling: Free sampling of innovative beers.
Voodoo Brewery: A Cult-Favorite with National Recognition
Voodoo Brewery, founded in Pennsylvania, has gained national recognition for its unique beers. They are known for:
- "Good Vibes" Flagship Beer: Their first packaged beer for distribution.
- State-of-the-Art Facility: Located in Meadville, PA.
- Small-Town Feel: Maintaining a friendly and welcoming atmosphere despite rapid growth.
East End Brewing Company: Pittsburgh's Home for Fresh, Local Beer
East End Brewing Company has been a Pittsburgh favorite since 2004, offering:
- Variety of Beers: A diverse selection of brews.
- Growlers and Big Bottles: Options for taking beer to go.
- New Restaurant: Expanding their offerings with a new restaurant.
- Outdoor Patio: A great space to socialize.
- Pennsylvania-Made Spirits: Including hard seltzers, cocktails, and wines.
- In-House Pizza Kitchen: Delicious food to complement their beers.
- Keg Distribution: Making their beers available to other establishments.
