Pennsylvania has a rich and storied brewing history, but nestled in the Conewago Mountains of south-central Pennsylvania lies a unique and world-renowned testament to that legacy. Brewhouse Mountain, the home of collector Jeff Lebo, holds the distinction of housing the world's largest collection of beer cans, with an astonishing 99,000 different cans and counting. This massive collection is more than a hobby; it's a museum of breweriana and a fascinating journey through the history of beer packaging and advertising.
The Collection: A Lifetime of Cans
Jeff Lebo began his incredible collection in 1975 at the age of thirteen, a hobby that grew into a lifelong passion. The collection, valued at over $1.6 million, is a comprehensive archive of beer cans from around the world, including:
- Historic Cans: The collection features rare and historic flat tops and cone tops from the earliest days of canned beer, including a can from the very first year of production in 1935.
- Global Variety: Cans from nearly every country that has ever produced them are represented, with dedicated rooms in the house for different geographical regions.
- Unique and Rare Finds: The collection includes rare cans from small regional breweries, special commemorative series (like the famous Tennent's "Lager Lovelies"), and other unique breweriana.
Brewhouse Mountain: A House Built for Beer Cans
To house this massive and ever-growing collection, Lebo and his family built Brewhouse Mountain, a 6,000-square-foot house designed specifically to display the cans. Nearly every inch of wall space is covered with shelves of vintage cans, antique bottles, neon signs, and every imaginable type of antique advertising.
In a unique twist, Brewhouse Mountain also operates as a vacation rental, allowing fellow collectors, beer enthusiasts, and curious travelers to stay overnight, completely immersed in this one-of-a-kind collection.
A Central Pennsylvania Destination:
Located midway between Harrisburg and York, Brewhouse Mountain has become a destination for visitors from all over the world. Its location in the heart of Pennsylvania also places it conveniently near other top attractions like Gettysburg, Hersheypark, and a thriving craft beer scene with over forty breweries within a half-hour drive.
Brewhouse Mountain is a remarkable and unique Pennsylvania landmark, a testament to one man's passion and a fascinating archive of brewing history. It stands as the undisputed world's largest collection of beer cans, offering a colorful and nostalgic journey through the history of one of the world's most beloved beverages, right here in the Keystone State.
Sources:
- CanSmart Beer Cans & Breweriana (Official Website for Brewhouse Mountain)
- Guinness World Records
- Various media features (e.g., The Travel Channel's "Extreme Collections," Playboy Magazine, Beer Advocate)
- Local and regional news outlets
