Beer Reviews - The Beer Thrillers

ZeroDay Brewing Has Just Announced Closure of Their Taproom on 3rd Street in Harrisburg

B. Kline — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 01:24:22 +0000

ZeroDay Brewing Has Just Announced Closure of Their Taproom on 3rd Street in Harrisburg

In shocking news, just moments ago (at 8:00 PM), ZeroDay Brewing announced that they will be closing their taproom on 3rd street in Harrisburg, PA. Located at 925 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA, United States, Pennsylvania, they stated that the taproom will be closing, but their brewery production will continue, and they will still maintain their outposts at the Broad Street Market and MidTown Cinema.

ZeroDay’s Announcement – Moving Forward with Gratitude

The Announcement

Just moments ago, at 8:00 PM on December 3rd, 2025, ZeroDay Brewing posted the following on their social media accounts:

Zeroday Brewing Company has made the very difficult decision to close the Zeroday Taproom on 3rd Street. Our final day of service will be Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Our brewing facility remains fully operational, and our Outposts at the @broadstreetmarket and @midtowncinema will continue serving the craft beer you know and love.

We are incredibly grateful for the community that gathered in our Taproom, for the celebrations, collaborations, concerts, dinners, and conversations that made the space so special. Thank you to our extraordinary staff and to every guest who walked through our doors.

Zeroday began with a belief that everyone deserves a moment to pause and find their own “zeroday.” That belief continues. We look forward to welcoming you at the Broad Street Market, Midtown Cinema, and events around town — and to sharing more moments with you at the Taproom through December 28.

#zerodaybrewing #ZerodayTaproom #findyourzerøday #craftbeer #supportlocal

– ZeroDay Brewing Facebook Post

While this is good that they will be maintaining their outposts. It is a rough look to see them closing the main taproom. This follows on the heels of The Vegan Hunter announcing their closure (also in Harrisburg) and HiJinx Brewing announcing their closure (though looking to stay open going forward via new partnership). The end of 2025, specifically the end of December, may see more of these sorts of stories as leases and rents come up and breweries take a hard look at the profits versus losses.

For More Information on ZeroDay Brewing

The following comes via Untappd.

ZeroDay Brewing is a micro brewery from Harrisburg, PA. They have 475 unique beers and over 71,000 ratings. Their global average rating is 3.71 (as of 12.3.25). Their Untappd description reads: “Zeroday Brewing Co. is an award winning microbrewery located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania established in 2015. Taproom 925 N. 3rd Street Harrisburg Outpost at the Historic Broad Street Market 1233 N. 3rd Street Harrisburg Outpost + Hot Dog Bar at The Midtown Cinema 250 Reily St Harrisburg“.

You can follow them at these social media platforms:

ZeroDay Brewing – Official Website
ZeroDay Brewing – Facebook
ZeroDay Brewing – Instagram
ZeroDay Brewing – Untappd

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Black Friday Weekend Trip Day 2

B. Kline — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 11:20:27 +0000

Black Friday Weekend Trip Day 2

So day two of found me waking up just outside of Washington PA and beginning my day with a trip to Oglebay park to hike the Driehorst Trail.

The route for Black Friday Trip Day 2, starting at Oglebay Park

As with the previous day’s route and itinerary – Black Friday Weekend Trip – be sure to take a look at our Instagram account, where it shows the beers and each of the places I visited. (And while you’re there, be sure to follow us. We’d really appreciate it.)

Oglebay Park – Driehorst Trail

My first stop for the day took me just outside of Wheeling, West Virginia for a beautiful little hiking trail as part of the Oglebay Park. There I hiked the Driehorst Trail, as well as walked around the Falls Vista trail, the junction, and around the education center. Absolutely beautiful area and it looked like there was still so much more to see and do there especially for families with children.

Brewkeepers

My first brewery stop of the day was inside Wheeling, WV itself. In a quaint little area filled with antique markets and all kinds of things was a spot called Brewkeepers. People were watching the game on the TV at the bar and had it filled up, so I grabbed a Rauchbier – Scut Farkas – and sat in the back corner and read.

Wheeling Island Casino and Racetrack

On my way to get into Ohio, I crossed off Wheeling Island. Which is pretty much like what City Island is to Harrisburg. And with a casino there, I had to stop. As a former table games dealers any time I see a new casino, I always have to poke my nose in there and just take a look around. While inside I enjoyed an IPA by Big Timer. (And yes, thats the beer name – IPA.)

Belmont Brewerks

My first brewery into Ohio for the year and its near the very end of the year. In Martins Ferry, Ohio, is Belmont Brewerks, and from the sounds of the nearby people its more known for its food than its beer, but both were quite good. I had the Italian Sausage Sandwich for food, and for beer I had their Belmont Stout.

Hightower Brewing Company

Up a winding road in Rayland, OH, after crossing train tracks and death defying turns, you’ll reach Hightower Brewing Company, which had possibly the happiest and nicest brewer / bartender I’ve seen all trip. There I had The Great Punkin Charlie Brown Ale and Stumpdweller English Brown Ale.

Squids Brewery LLC

After this I reached Toronto, OH. Already on my list, but also recommended by the brewer at Hightower Brewing Company, Squids Brewery LLC was a rocking jamming frat party place and atmosphere at 5 PM on a Saturday night at the end of November. I had the Knotty But Nice stout and made my way back into Pennsylvania.

Coal Tipple Brewing

Back into Pennsylvania, I reached Burgettestown. At the Kramer Farms is a little brewery called Coal Tipple Brewery. Inside what looks like it could pass as an Amish road-side greenhouse and novelty shop (ok… not Amish, but maybe Mennonite), was a fabulously delicious Peanut Butter Porter.

Helicon Brewing

Planning on making the brand new Grist House Command Station my last spot I made my way there, but just before reaching there I found Helicon Brewing. Who am I to pass up the chance at trying another brewery? Inside I found myself chatting up sports with a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and another local who seemed to foster the complete Philadelphian style attitude for his Steelers. They also had a delicious Dunkel Lager.

Grist House Brewery – Command Station

Just recently opened (Grist House Brewery Command Station Opening), the Grist House Brewery’s Command Station used to be a missile command site. And boom (see what I did there?) they had me instantly with a Black IPA – Hops of Darkness. And damn was it explosively good. (Ok…. I’ll stop there.) I also got a thing of fries and made my way to my hotel for the night.

Tomorrow will be my last day on the trip and the last day in the area before heading back home. No plans and not quite sure where I’ll end up tomorrow. Planning on possibly Lincoln Avenue Brewery, and maybe the new(ish) Allusion Brewing Taproom. Especially since they won our 2025 Battle of the Breweries championship. But who knows, weather also doesn’t look the greatest, and it is a four some hour drive home.

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Black Friday Weekend Trip

B. Kline — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 13:42:12 +0000

Black Friday Weekend Trip

Always love waking up the next day in the hotel and writing out about the previous day’s trip. (The Trip – Day 1 recap) (Big Three Day Weekend Trip) I kind of decided on the whim of doing the trip and just pretty much set the compass for West Virginia and then let myself be taken by the whims to get there.

From Sworn Brewing to Washington Brewing

I decided I needed to be away from the area for a bit. Recent stuff just made me not want to be at home anymore and so I figured a trip out for some breweries would help the mood a lot better. I had told Jesse and Amanda I would pop into Sworn on Black Friday so I went there for when they opened, had one of their delicious new stouts, and then I was on my way. Original plan was to make it to Wheeling, but of course, as plans often go with me… they didn’t quite work out. Luckily, this time it was nothing bad, it was just me not quite getting to Wheeling by the end of the time. I made it out to Washington Brewing by 10 PM and figured that was good enough.

You can follow our Instagram to keep up with all of the pictures here – The Beer Thrillers on Instagram.

Sworn Brewing

Started the day at Sworn Brewing in Mechanicsburg, PA. There I had the Conviction of Ignorance (Coconut and Cacao) and I Shoveled Snow for Air Jordans.

Berg Brewing

The next stop on the trip, or I suppose technically the first stop on the trip, was Berg Brewing in Chambersburg, PA. I had the St. Festivus Belgian there.

Cushwa

The route was having me go very near Williamsport…. and well, I can’t go near Williamsport MD without stopping in at Cushwa. I got the Wishing Chair nitro stout and the Bock Lesnar. I also grabbed the meat pizza from Rad Pizzas.

Locust Post Brewery

The next stop was Locust Post Brewery in Little Orleans, MD. I had a nitro stout there as well and then their White Belgium.

Short Story Brewing

Finally got to Short Story Brewing. I originally tried getting there in 2020, but unfortunately the Google Maps hours at the time didn’t have them listed correctly and I was getting there just as they were closing. Glad to have gotten to rectify that problem. The Morgantown location was beautiful, and I had two delicious stouts – Fell Asleep Like This and Broad Shoulders.

The Washington Brewing Company

My final stop of the day was The Washington Brewing Company. Got there with about 40 minutes to spare, and had their PB&J stout which was a perfect night cap before finding my hotel for the night.

Today

Now starts off Saturday and my second day of the trip. Waking up and heading to Oglebay Park to hike and check out some waterfalls, and then to see what breweries are in Wheeling and then travel into Ohio for a bit to hit up a brewery or two there as well. Stay tuned to our Instagram and Facebook to keep updated on the travels!

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If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server).

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

A Pennsylvania Craft Beer Thanksgiving: Maple-Brown Ale Glazed Turkey (Featuring Troegs, Victory, and More)

B. Kline — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:14:12 +0000

A Pennsylvania Craft Beer Thanksgiving: Maple-Brown Ale Glazed Turkey (Featuring Troegs, Victory, and More)

Thanksgiving at The Beer Thrillers household usually means one thing: yes, the kids are arguing over who gets the wishbone, the pies are cooling on the counter, and the Macy’s parade is droning in the background — but most importantly, a Pennsylvania craft beer is getting cracked and poured into whatever dish I’m cooking. Because if you’re not using local beer in your holiday feast… what are you doing?

This year, we’re going with a full-on PA-powered centerpiece: a Maple–Brown Ale Glazed Turkey, roasted low and slow, basted in a malty, caramel-rich glaze made with one of Pennsylvania’s best fall beers: Troegs’ Troegenator Doppelbock or Victory’s Festbier (both work beautifully and are easy to find statewide). The result is a turkey that’s juicy, glossy, sweet, savory, and unapologetically Pennsylvanian.

Below is the complete recipe, along with a few craft-beer-pairing side suggestions to turn your Thanksgiving table into a full flight of PA brew goodness.

Maple–Brown Ale Glazed Turkey Recipe Card

For More Thanksgiving Themed Articles

See our other Thanksgiving themed articles:

What Did the Pilgrims Really Drink at the First Thanksgiving?
Munching on Some Thanksgiving Leftovers (Amy’s Column Series)
Recipe: Crispy Beer Roast Turkey (using Troegenator)

Maple–Brown Ale Glazed Turkey (Made with Pennsylvania Craft Beer)

Beer Recommendation

Pick one of these PA craft beers depending on your flavor goals:

Troegs Troegenator Doppelbock – Dark fruit, caramel, toffee; slightly sweet.
Perfect for a deep, rich, almost BBQ-like glaze.
Victory Festbier – Clean, bready, slightly sweet malt.
Lighter, more delicate, but still beautifully malty.
Weyerbacher Merry Monks – If you want a more Belgian, fruity twist.

For the recipe below, I’ll assume Troegenator, because very little says “Pennsylvania in November” more than that purple-labeled doppelbock.

Ingredients

The Turkey

1 whole turkey (12–16 lbs), thawed
2 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried sage
Olive oil or melted butter (2–3 tbsp)

Aromatics (for inside the turkey)

1 orange, quartered
1 small onion, halved
3–4 garlic cloves
Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage

The Beer–Maple Glaze

1 ½ cups Troegenator Doppelbock (or your PA beer of choice)
½ cup pure Pennsylvania maple syrup
¼ cup apple cider
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp butter
Pinch of salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Prep the Turkey

Remove giblets and pat the turkey dry.
Mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and sage.
Rub the turkey generously with olive oil or butter, then coat with the seasoning blend.
Stuff the cavity with the orange, onion, garlic, and herbs.
Place on a roasting rack in a large pan.

2. Make the Beer Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine Troegenator, maple syrup, cider, soy sauce, Dijon, and brown sugar.
Bring to a simmer and reduce by roughly one-third (about 15–20 minutes).
Whisk in the butter until glossy.
Remove from heat and set aside — it will thicken slightly as it cools.

This stuff smells like caramelized heaven. Resist the urge to drink it.

3. Roast the Turkey

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Roast the turkey uncovered for 1 hour.
Start basting with the beer glaze every 20–30 minutes.
Continue roasting until the internal temperature hits 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh (usually about 3–3.5 more hours).
If the bird is browning too quickly, tent with foil.

Your kitchen will smell like a brewery decided to host Thanksgiving. This is a good thing.

4. Finish & Rest

When the turkey reaches temp, remove from oven and let it rest 20–30 minutes before carving. Brush once more with warmed glaze for that Instagram-ready shine.

Flavor Notes (Because This Is The Beer Thrillers)

A Troegenator glaze gives you:

Deep caramelized sugar from the doppelbock malt
Notes of date, fig, and dark fruit
Rich mahogany color
A slightly sticky, sweet–savory crust
Incredible drippings for gravy

If you go with Victory Festbier instead, the turkey comes out lighter and more bready-malt forward — still spectacular, just less intense.

Suggested Pennsylvania Craft Beer Pairings

Serve your turkey with any of these PA craft beer gems:

Troegs Blizzard of Hops – juicy, bright, seasonal, balances the turkey’s sweetness
Neshaminy Creek Shape of Hops to Come – for hopheads who want bitterness with the rich glaze
Rotunda Cran-Gose (Annville) – tart, salty, and the sleeper hit of the meal
Imprint’s Schmoojee Cranberry variants – dessert in a glass, but pairs amazingly well

Bonus: “Beer in Every Side” Pairing Ideas

Because why stop at the turkey?

Hop-Infused Mashed Potatoes

Stir ½ cup of slightly warmed Troegs Sunshine Pilsner into your mashed potatoes with butter and cream — it adds a grassy, herbal brightness.

Brown Ale Stuffing

Use Lancaster Brewing’s Winter Warmer or Yards Brawler in your stuffing liquid. Absolute game-changer.

Stout Sweet Potatoes

Glaze roasted sweet potatoes with Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter (still PA! still craft-adjacent enough!). Chocolate + sweet potato = chef’s kiss. (If you have any left. They stopped making this two years ago. A good new substitute would be Troegs Chocolate Elf.)

Final Thoughts: A Thanksgiving Made the PA Way

If you’re a regular reader of The Beer Thrillers, you know that Pennsylvania isn’t just a craft beer state — it’s the craft beer state. From the giants (Tröegs, Victory, Yuengling) to the small-town killers (Boneshire Brew Workst, Rotunda, YAH Brew, Sworn Brewing, Sterling Pig, Forest & Main), the Commonwealth knows how to brew something for every season.

And Thanksgiving — with all its comfort, nostalgia, chaos, and warmth — is the perfect canvas to show off what Pennsylvania beer can do in the kitchen.

If you end up making this recipe, send pictures or tag us on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter. And let me know which PA beer you picked — I’m always curious what everyone’s pouring and cooking with.

Happy Thanksgiving, and cheers from The Beer Thrillers!

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Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server).

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

Haunted Hops: Five Pennsylvania Craft Beers to Sip This Halloween

B. Kline — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 21:03:36 +0000

Haunted Hops: Five Pennsylvania Craft Beers to Sip This Halloween

As the leaves fall and the nights grow longer, it’s time to dive into the seasonal brews that bring all the thrills of October to your glass. For fans of craft beer and the spooky season, there’s no better time to explore Pennsylvania’s haunted-hops landscape. Below are five beers brewed by PA breweries that lean into Halloween vibes—names, labels, stories and all.

Pennsylvania Halloween Themed Beers (can art is our creation, for their labels see below)

1. Master of Pumpkins (2025) — Tröegs Independent Brewing (Hershey, PA)

Master of Pumpkins by Troegs Independent Brewing

One of Pennsylvania’s most iconic fall-season beers, Master of Pumpkins returns for 2025 with all its harvest-pumpkin glory. The Hershey-based Tröegs brewers source 3,000 lbs of Pennsylvania-grown longneck pumpkins every year, roast and purée them, then brew a rich, spiced ale that leans deep into autumn.

Abram-style: Sweet caramel malt backbone, pumpkin depth, spices (cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg) and at 7.5 % ABV, hearty enough for a brisk October night.

2. Young Pumpkinstein — Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company (Croydon, PA)

Young Pumpkinstein

A fun twist on the pumpkin-beer tradition: Young Pumpkinstein is described as a Märzen-style lager brewed with allspice, candied ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg, finishing dry yet spiced.
Specs: 5.2 % ABV, 23 IBU.

3. Michael Meyer’s Lemon IPA — Pizza Boy Brewing Co. (Enola, PA)

Pizza Boy’s Michael Myers Lemon IPA

Here’s a wild card on the Halloween list: a lemon-hazy IPA that uses horror theme branding to good effect. According to its description:

“Brewed with predacious amounts of oat and pilsner malt, fresh meyer lemon zest and a maniacal amount of Amarillo, Mosaic and NZ Motueka hops … Notes of supernatural citrus, blood stained everything, sharp knives and inside-out William Shatner masks.”
It clocks in at 6.66 % ABV.

4. Reaper’s Revenge Blood Orange & Pomegranate Ale — Wallenpaupack Brewing Company (PA)

Reaper’s Revenge by Wallenpaupack Brewing

Lending a hint of theatricality, this beer is tied to a haunted‐attraction experience and embraces the spooky side of fall. While I couldn’t find full specs, its marketing says:

“Just in time for the Halloween season … a beer that not only captures the essence of the season but … embodies the thrilling, hair-raising experience.” (via the brewery)
This beer joins the list to highlight a more theatrical style of Halloween craft brew—bold names, fruit twist (blood orange & pomegranate), an event tie-in. Great content for a blog segment like “Not just pumpkin: Halloween beers that think outside the Jack-O-lantern.”

5. Batch No. 666 — Appalachian Brewing Company (Harrisburg area, PA)

Batch 666 by Appalachian Brewing Company

Bringing classic Halloween flair: devilish name, dark-bronze hue, and a clear “in the spirit of Halloween” tagline. The brewery describes it as:

“Produced with 1,666 lbs of malt along with three 6 lb hop additions. The result is a dark bronze colored brew with tons of flavor, and a delightfully clean finish! Be careful, this one can sneak up on you and take you to the dark side. We’re sorry, the devil made us do it!”
Vintage/specs: Strong Ale / American style, 7.7 % ABV.

Other Fall Lists

Check out our other fall lists:

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If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server).

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

Mahalo Aleworks and Kohola Brewery Come Together as One Family: Lahaina Brewing Co.

B. Kline — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:37:43 +0000

Mahalo Aleworks and Kohola Brewery Come Together as One Family: Lahaina Brewing Co.

September 19th, 2025 Maui, Hawaiʻi — A new chapter is unfolding in Hawaiʻiʻs craft beer story as two beloved breweries — Mahalo Aleworks and Kohola Brewery — come together under one united family brand: Lahaina Brewing Co. (LBC) on September 19th, 2025. This union celebrates the legacy, resilience, and community spirit born in Lahaina and now shared across our islands.

As part of this transformation:

• Mahalo Aleworks will become LBC Upcountry Taproom in Makawao, Maui.
• Kohola Brewery will become LBC Wailea Craft Kitchen in Wailea, Maui.

Lahaina Brewing Company

Both locations will remain deeply rooted in their sense of place — embracing the distinct culture, flavor, and community that define their upcountry and coastal homes. Guests can continue to expect locally brewed craft beers, live music, community events, and philanthropic collaborations that give back to the island and its people. Lahaina Brewing Co. has always been the parent company behind Kohola Brewery— whose original brewery was tragically lost in the Lahaina fires of 2023. While the brewery names are now uniting under LBC, our five flagship canned beers- Lahaina Haze IPA, Talk Story Pale Ale, Lokahi Pilsner, Red Sand Amber Ale, and Waterman IPA- will continue to be released as the Kohola Series throughout Hawaiʻi, ensuring its story and spirit live on.

“This isn’t just a rebrand — it’s a reunion,” said Mary Anderson, Owner of Lahaina
Brewing Co. “We’ve always been connected by our love for this island and its people.
Now, by coming together as one family, we can celebrate our roots while expanding our
ability to brew incredible beer, create memorable experiences, and uplift our community
together.”

Lahaina Brewing Co. honors the original home in Lahaina while building a strong future across Hawaiʻi, united by craft, culture, and community.

Visit us:

• LBC Upcountry Taproom — Makawao TownOpen Daily: 12 PM – 10 PM
• LBC Wailea Taproom — Wailea VillageOpen Daily: 12 PM – 9 PM

Follow @lahainabrewingco on Instagram for updates, upcoming events, and new beer releases. For immediate press questions or digital assets, please contact melissa@Koholabrewery.com or call 808-344-7569.

Brewery News

Interested in finding out about many other brewery openings, new locations, closings, movings, auctions, and in general brewery news? You can check out our links below:

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Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

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The End of an Era for Three Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Locations

B. Kline — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:22:06 +0000

Farewell Beer-Heads: The End of an Era for Three Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Locations

Iron Hill has abruptly shuttered three of its brewpub locations — an unexpected shift in what was once a stable regional brand. While sixteen of its venues remain active for now, today’s announcement speaks to the larger challenges facing scaled brewpub chains in a changing marketplace.

What Just Happened

On September 10, 2025, Iron Hill revealed the closure of three distinct sites:

Newark, Delaware (147 E Main Street)
Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA (8400 Germantown Ave)
Voorhees, New Jersey (13107 Town Center Blvd)

The Voorhees Iron Hill location

According to the chain’s press release, the decision was made “as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to adapt to a changing business landscape while focusing on strengthening its long-term growth and success.”

The remaining 16 locations are still open — for now — but the tone of the announcement suggests a pivot rather than maintenance of status quo.

Why This Matters

For craft-beer lovers in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Iron Hill was more than a restaurant that brewed; it was a regional anchor. Founded in 1996 in Newark, DE, it held a reputation for blending scratch-kitchen fare with in-house beer, earning a string of medals at the Great American Beer Festival over more than two decades.

But the business model that served well when Craft Beer was still niche now confronts intense competition, rising overhead, and shifting consumer habits. As one Reddit commenter put it:

“They over-extended. A lot of these breweries think opening all these locations increases synergies… But once it tips, you’d be better off with a few locations that you have to turn people away at.”

And though the announcement didn’t use the words “bankruptcy” or “chain restructure” directly, the suddenness of the closures speaks volumes.

What’s Next (and What to Do)

If you frequented the shuttered venues, here are a few take-aways:

If you had gift cards, frequent-visitor punches or beer club credits at the closed sites, check with Iron Hill’s corporate office for redemption options.
Visit one of the still-open 16 locations to support the brand while it’s still around.
Follow developments closely: this may be the leading edge of a broader contraction, not just a localized correction.

And for those tracking this story, we at The Beer Thrillers will continue to watch for whether this is a “closing of chapters” or a harbinger of more closures. For context, you may want to revisit our earlier coverage of Iron Hill’s Phoenixville location shuttering, in “Iron Hill Brewery Closes Phoenixville Location, Marking End of an Era…”

Sixteen locations remain. They are (Center City, Exton, Huntingdon Valley, Maple Shade, Media, Newtown, North Wales, West Chester, Wilmington, Rehoboth Beach, Ardmore, Lancaster, Hershey, Lehigh Valley, Greenville, Columbia, Dunwoody) after the Sept. 10, 2025 closures.

Final Tap

When a regional brewpub chain like Iron Hill pulls the plug on multiple sites in one fell swoop, it sends waves. In the craft-beer universe, where place, community and memory matter, these closures are more than square footage—they’re social geography. Whether Iron Hill can recalibrate and survive with its remaining locations remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: for the Newark, Chestnut Hill and Voorhees communities, something beloved has ended.

Brewery News

Interested in finding out about many other brewery openings, new locations, closings, movings, auctions, and in general brewery news? You can check out our links below:

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The Top 5 Oktoberfest Beers in Pennsylvania

B. Kline — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 15:11:56 +0000

The Top 5 Oktoberfest Beers in Pennsylvania

As the air turns crisp, leaves shift to fiery reds and golds, and pretzels, bratwurst, and lederhosen begin appearing across Pennsylvania, one thing is certain: Oktoberfest season is here. And with it comes a flood of Märzens and Festbiers—those malty, toasty, smooth lagers that define the season.

Pennsylvania, with its deep German brewing roots, doesn’t just celebrate Oktoberfest—it owns it. From Philly to Pittsburgh, Hershey to Pottsville, PA breweries churn out some of the best seasonal lagers you’ll find anywhere in the country. Whether you’re a malt-forward Märzen loyalist or a fan of the lighter, crisp Festbier, the Keystone State has you covered.

So, grab your stein, dust off your dirndl, and let’s dive into the Top 5 Oktoberfest Beers in Pennsylvania (plus a few honorable mentions).

The Top 5 Oktoberfest Beers in Pensnylvania Are….

(See our recent article: Embracing the Season: The Return of Fall Beers)

1. Tröegs Oktoberfest Lager (Hershey, PA)

Tröegs doesn’t do anything halfway, and their Oktoberfest Lager proves it. Brewed with a traditional decoction mash (a rarity in American brewing), this Märzen glows copper in the glass and bursts with notes of caramel, toasted bread, and gentle floral hops. At 6.1% ABV, it’s rich without being heavy, making it dangerously drinkable by the liter.

This one isn’t just a local favorite—it consistently earns national praise as one of the best American Oktoberfest-style lagers brewed today. If you’re hitting Tröegs’ beer hall this fall, a stein of this paired with their pretzels and beer cheese is mandatory.

2. Human Robot Festbier (Philadelphia, PA)

If Tröegs is about tradition-meets-accessibility, Human Robot is about absolute technical precision. Their Festbier, brewed with a double decoction mash and lagered cold and long, is a masterpiece of restraint and balance.

Think: buttered crackers, honey sweetness, and a touch of noble hop bitterness that keeps it endlessly refreshing. Beer geeks have been raving about it for years, and Untappd scores back that up—it’s one of the highest-rated Festbiers in the country.

Pro tip: If you’re in Philly this fall, don’t just drink it—drink it fresh at Human Robot’s biergarten.

3. Victory Festbier (Downingtown, PA)

Victory has been around long enough to be considered a Pennsylvania institution, and their Festbier is a shining example of why. It balances malt depth (think chocolate, caramel, and dried fruit) with an earthy hop character that makes it richer than most Oktoberfests.

Wine Enthusiast gave it a 90-point rating, and for good reason—it’s hearty, bold, and just different enough to stand out from the crowd. If you’re into darker, maltier lagers that still stay drinkable, this is your pick.

4. Boneshire Brew Works Pigtoberfest (Harrisburg, PA)

Harrisburg’s own Boneshire Brew Works has quietly built a reputation for balanced, flavorful lagers, and their Pigtoberfest is no exception. Malty and smooth, with just enough hop bitterness to keep it crisp, this beer captures the essence of the German Märzen style. It’s a perfect companion for bratwurst, pretzels, and festive gatherings.

5. Penn Brewery Oktoberfest (Pittsburgh, PA)

Over in the Steel City, Penn Brewery has been flying the German beer flag for decades. Their Oktoberfest has the pedigree to prove it, too—it’s a Great American Beer Festival medal winner.

Brewed with caramel and roasted malts, it’s a clean, medium-bodied lager that leans traditional. At 5.5% ABV, it’s smooth, approachable, and exactly the kind of beer you want in your stein while polka bands play and sausages hit the grill.

Honorable Mentions 🍂

Pennsylvania has so many stellar Oktoberfests, narrowing it to just five is almost unfair. A few more worth tracking down this fall:

Love City Brewing – Love Fest (Philadelphia): Weyermann malts give it a nutty, bready character with a kiss of caramel sweetness.
Neshaminy Creek – Creekfestbier (Croydon): Toasty, crisp, and bone-dry—a Festbier lover’s dream.
Sly Fox Brewing – Oktoberfest Lager (Malvern): Caramel and spice on the nose, crisp and malty on the palate. A yearly favorite.
Yuengling Oktoberfest (Pottsville, PA): Crisp large scale Oktoberfest

Final Thoughts

Oktoberfest season in Pennsylvania is something special. Between its rich German-American brewing heritage and its thriving modern craft beer scene, the state produces lagers that stand toe-to-toe with the best from Munich.

Whether you’re looking for tradition (Tröegs, Penn), precision (Human Robot), wide availability (Yuengling), or malt-forward richness (Victory), there’s an Oktoberfest beer here for you.

So, this September and October, skip the pumpkin spice latte and raise a stein of copper-colored lager instead. Prost!

See More Articles About Fall and Pumpkin Beers

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Embracing the Season: The Return of Fall Beers

B. Kline — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 03:45:56 +0000

Embracing the Season: The Return of Fall Beers

As August gives way to September, a familiar rhythm takes hold in the craft beer world. Shelves start filling with copper-colored bottles, pumpkin-spiced cans, and Märzens brewed for Oktoberfest. Whether you love them or groan at their arrival, fall beers signal one of the most exciting times of year for drinkers and brewers alike.

(See Amy’s column: Fall Beers)

Embracing the Fall Season: The Return of Fall Beers

The Tradition of Märzen and Oktoberfest

Before pumpkin ales ever hit the scene, autumn belonged to the Märzen. Originating in Bavaria, Märzen was traditionally brewed in March and lagered cool over the summer, ready to drink as the leaves began to turn. The style is smooth, malty, and built for steins and beer halls. Today, American breweries continue that tradition, putting their own spins on Oktoberfest lagers — from classic amber-hued versions to hoppier, modern takes.

The Pumpkin Beer Debate

Pumpkin beer remains one of the most divisive styles in craft beer. Some drinkers eagerly wait all year for the first taste of nutmeg, cinnamon, and roasted pumpkin in their pint glass. Others roll their eyes at what they see as gimmicky or over-saturated. But whether you’re team pumpkin or not, it’s impossible to deny its place in American fall beer culture. Breweries from Dogfish Head to Southern Tier — and countless smaller locals — have carved out seasonal favorites that pack taprooms every year.

Beyond Pumpkin: Other Fall Favorites

The fall season also brings a wave of creative limited releases. Brown ales, wet-hop IPAs (brewed with freshly harvested hops), and stronger stouts start making their seasonal appearances. Many brewers use the cooler months to experiment with barrel-aged versions of their beers, teasing drinkers with limited bottle drops and taproom-only specialties.

Pennsylvania Fall Beer Highlights

Here in Pennsylvania, we’re spoiled for choice. A few fall standouts to keep an eye out for this season:

Tröegs Brewing – Master of Pumpkins (Pumpkin Ale brewed with local PA pumpkins and pie spices)
Victory Brewing – Festbier (A clean, malt-forward Oktoberfest lager)
Sterling Pig – Hocktoberfest (A smooth Märzen that hits the malt/hop balance just right)
Wyndridge Farm – Pumpkin Cider (Not beer, but worth mentioning — crisp and autumn-ready)

Raising a Glass to the Season

Love them or not, fall beers embody the cozy, communal spirit of the season. They’re about more than just flavors — they’re about bonfires, football games, festivals, and gathering together as the weather cools. Whether you’re cracking open a can of hazy IPA fresh from the hop harvest or settling into a Märzen at your local Oktoberfest celebration, fall is the perfect excuse to slow down, savor, and sip something seasonal.

So, what’s in your glass this autumn?

See More Articles About Fall and Pumpkin Beers

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Beer Review: UltraCush Hazy IPA (Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co.)

B. Kline — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:48:30 +0000

Beer Review: UltraCush Hazy IPA (Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co.)

Hazy IPAs are kind of the craft beer world’s comfort food at this point. You know what you’re going to get—juicy hops, that signature hazy pour, and a soft body that’s made for summer evenings. For International Hazy IPA Day, I figured it’d be fitting to crack into something fresh from Pennsylvania. Neshaminy Creek’s UltraCush fits the bill perfectly.

The can itself pops—bright, eye-catching artwork that screams “drink me cold, drink me now.” And let’s be honest, when you’re reaching into the cooler at a cookout or tailgate, that’s half the battle right there.

For another recent Hazy IPA beer review, see our review of Tired Hands’ DDH Alien Church.

UltraCush Hazy IPA by Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co.

Brewery: Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company – Croydon, PA
Beer: UltraCush
Style: Hazy IPA (New England Style IPA)
ABV: 6.0%
IBU: 21

Appearance

Pouring it out into the glass, UltraCush is a glowing golden-orange haze bomb. It’s opaque, but not murky—there’s a difference between a well-crafted hazy and a muddy pour, and this is definitely the former. A nice pillowy head forms on top, sticking around just long enough to leave some clingy lacing on the glass.

Aroma

The nose is a citrus fruit salad. Loads of pineapple, orange zest, and a pop of mango hit right away. Mosaic and Citra are doing the heavy lifting here, and Sultana sneaks in with that distinct pineapple punch. There’s a slight floral undertone, but the fruit is front and center.

Taste

This is where UltraCush earns its name. Smooth, mellow, cushy even.

The first sip bursts with juicy pineapple and orange, followed by softer tropical fruit notes—mango, a touch of passionfruit. It’s not a tongue-scraper bitter IPA, which I know turns some folks off the style. Instead, the bitterness is dialed way down, leaving a soft sweetness and silky mouthfeel. The oats in the grain bill give it that pillowy texture that makes hazies so drinkable.

At 6%, it’s a sweet spot beer—light enough to have a couple, strong enough to keep you interested.

Mouthfeel

Soft, smooth, and medium-bodied. It’s got that “ultra cush” name for a reason. Not heavy, not cloying, and absolutely crushable. If you’re the kind of drinker who likes your hazies with a bit more heft, this might come across as light, but that’s also what makes it approachable.

Final Thoughts

UltraCush doesn’t try to reinvent the hazy IPA wheel—and that’s exactly why it works. It’s the kind of beer you can hand to a diehard craft drinker or someone just dipping their toes into the hazy waters and both will be happy. Neshaminy Creek has been around long enough to know their audience, and UltraCush feels like a crowd-pleaser designed for summer cookouts, backyard hangs, and, yes, celebrating International Hazy IPA Day.

My Untappd Rating: ****
Global Untappd Rating: 3.75 (as of 8.21.25)

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