Pale ales and India pale ales are closely related, hop-forward beer styles, but they are not interchangeable. In broad terms, a pale ale aims for balance between malt and hops, while an IPA usually places greater emphasis on hop aroma, hop flavor, bitterness, and—often—alcohol strength.

That simple distinction is useful, but it does not tell the whole story. Modern brewing has produced such a wide range of pale ales and IPAs that the styles frequently overlap. A heavily hopped pale ale can resemble a low-intensity IPA, while a hazy or milkshake IPA may taste very different from the classic bitter, clear beers that originally defined the category.

The Pale Ale vs. IPA

A Brief History

Pale ale came first.

In eighteenth-century Britain, improvements in malt kilning allowed brewers to produce lighter-colored malt. This created beers that appeared “pale” compared with the darker ales common at the time. English pale ales developed a range of malt and hop profiles, including the beers later known as bitters.

IPA evolved from this pale ale tradition. British brewers and exporters produced stronger, more heavily hopped pale ales for shipment to India. Hops contributed bitterness and possessed preservative qualities, making them useful in beers intended for long journeys. The term “India Pale Ale” appeared in the nineteenth century, although the historical beers associated with the name were stronger, more mature, and generally less explosively aromatic than many modern IPAs.

The modern American IPA is a later interpretation. American craft brewers emphasized bold New World hop varieties, including hops capable of producing citrus, pine, resin, tropical fruit, floral, and stone-fruit character. The result became one of the defining styles of the American craft beer movement.

The Beer Judge Certification Program now generally uses “IPA” rather than spelling out “India Pale Ale.” This reflects the fact that contemporary IPAs are not necessarily brewed for India, and some are not even pale in color. In its American IPA guideline, the BJCP describes the style as a decidedly hoppy and bitter, moderately strong American pale ale with a dryish finish and clean supporting malt. (bjcp)

The Core Difference

The most useful way to distinguish a pale ale from an IPA is not color. It is intensity and balance.

These are tendencies rather than strict laws. Beer styles are descriptive categories, not legal definitions. A brewery may produce a pale ale with more bitterness than another brewery’s IPA, or an IPA with relatively low perceived bitterness because of a soft, hazy formulation.

Still, if two beers use similar ingredients and brewing methods, the IPA will generally be the more forceful beer.

Pale Ale Explained

Pale Ale vs. IPA – Round 1

Pale ale is best understood as a family of beers rather than one narrowly defined recipe.

English pale ale

English pale ales are commonly associated with:

• Bready, biscuity, or lightly toasted malt.

• Earthy, herbal, floral, or spicy English hops.

• Moderate bitterness.

• Moderate carbonation.

• A balanced and approachable finish.

• Alcohol levels often in the mid-4% to mid-5% range.

Some English pale ales overlap with bitters, especially when served from a cask. They may be copper-colored rather than extremely pale and can show considerable malt character without becoming sweet or heavy.

American pale ale

American pale ale generally pushes the hops further than its English counterpart. American and other New World varieties may contribute notes of grapefruit, orange, lemon, pine, resin, flowers, melon, or tropical fruit.

A typical American pale ale often has:

• A pale gold to light amber appearance.

• A medium-light to medium body.

• Moderate bitterness.

• Noticeable hop aroma and flavor.

• A clean fermentation profile.

• A malt backbone that remains present.

• Moderate alcohol, commonly around 5% to 6%, though examples can fall outside that range.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a classic reference point for the American interpretation. Sierra Nevada describes its pale ale as combining Cascade hop character—particularly citrus and pine—with a caramel malt foundation. The brewery contrasts it with its Celebration IPA, which is stronger and more bitter.sierranevada

How pale ale tastes

A well-made pale ale often begins with a modest malt impression before moving into hop flavor. The beer might taste:

• Crisp and citrusy.

• Floral and lightly resinous.

• Toasty and biscuity.

• Fruity but not intensely tropical.

• Bitter enough to be interesting without dominating the entire palate.

For casual drinkers, pale ale is often an effective introduction to hop-forward beer. It can demonstrate what hops contribute without presenting the full bitterness or alcohol intensity of a strong IPA.

For experienced drinkers, pale ale offers a useful test of brewing balance. Because the hops are not expected to overwhelm the malt, flaws in sweetness, fermentation, water chemistry, or bitterness are often easier to identify.

IPA Explained

Pale Ale vs. IPA – Round 2

IPA is a broad family that includes traditional English examples, American IPAs, hazy IPAs, session IPAs, Double IPAs, and numerous specialty variations.

Traditional English IPA

English IPA is historically connected to the export beers that inspired the name. Modern examples commonly feature:

• Earthy, herbal, floral, or spicy hop character.

• Firm but relatively restrained bitterness.

• More prominent malt than many American IPAs.

• Moderate alcohol strength.

• A relatively dry finish.

• A less explosive aroma profile than contemporary American versions.

The term “IPA” therefore does not automatically mean citrus, tropical fruit, or extreme bitterness. Those qualities are especially associated with particular American and New World hop varieties.

American IPA

The American IPA is the reference style most drinkers probably picture when they hear “IPA.” The BJCP describes it as hop-forward, bitter, moderately strong, cleanly fermented, and dryish, with American or New World hop character. Its expected hop flavors can include citrus, floral, pine, resin, tropical fruit, stone fruit, berries, melon, and spice.bjcp

A standard American IPA commonly features:

• Prominent hop aroma.

• Medium to very high hop flavor.

• Medium-high to very high bitterness.

• Low to medium-low malt flavor.

• A dry or medium-dry finish.

• Moderate alcohol, often around 5.5% to 7.5%.

• A medium-light to medium body.

The BJCP lists American IPA at 40–70 IBUs and 5.5%–7.5% ABV, although commercial beers and modern variations can fall well outside those figures.bjcp

Hazy IPA

Hazy IPA changes the relationship between bitterness and hop intensity.

A hazy IPA may contain enormous quantities of hops while presenting relatively soft perceived bitterness. The beer can be saturated with mango, pineapple, peach, citrus, passion fruit, or other juicy flavors. Oats, wheat, chloride-forward water profiles, specialized yeast, and extensive dry hopping may contribute to a soft, rounded mouthfeel.

This is an important reminder: measured bitterness and perceived bitterness are not the same thing. A beer may have a high IBU value but taste less harsh than a clearer, more sharply bitter beer.

Double IPA

A Double IPA, sometimes called an Imperial IPA, increases both strength and intensity. It commonly contains:

• More alcohol.

• More extract and malt.

• Greater hop concentration.

• A fuller body.

• More noticeable alcohol warmth.

• A longer and more forceful finish.

The BJCP places standard Double IPAs roughly in the 7.5%–10% ABV range within its specialty classification. A Double IPA is not simply a regular IPA with more bitterness; it must balance the additional alcohol, malt, and hop material well enough to remain coherent.bjcp

Hops: The Biggest Brewing Difference

Pale ales and IPAs can use the same four fundamental ingredients:

• Water.

• Malted grain.

• Hops.

• Yeast.

The distinction usually comes from how brewers use those ingredients, especially the hops.

Hop quantity

IPAs generally receive a greater hop load than pale ales. More hops can contribute more bitterness, but quantity alone does not determine the final experience. Hop variety, timing, wort gravity, yeast, water chemistry, and fermentation all matter.

Hop timing

Early-boil hops contribute more bitterness because heat extracts alpha acids. Later additions contribute more aroma and flavor. Whirlpool additions and dry hopping can intensify hop character without adding bitterness in precisely the same way as early-boil additions.

Pale ales may use a combination of bittering and late hops. IPAs often devote a larger portion of the recipe to late-kettle, whirlpool, and dry-hop additions.

Hop varieties

English pale ales and IPAs may use varieties such as East Kent Goldings, Fuggles, or similar hops that produce earthy, herbal, floral, or spicy notes.

American pale ales and IPAs may use Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, Simcoe, Amarillo, Citra, Mosaic, and many newer varieties. These can produce flavors ranging from grapefruit and pine to mango, passion fruit, peach, berry, and dank resin.

Hop freshness

Hop aroma is volatile. Freshness and packaging have a major effect on heavily hopped beer. An IPA that was vibrant when packaged may become muted, papery, or oxidized if stored warm or for too long. Pale ales can also suffer from age, but the decline is often less dramatic because their hop intensity is lower.

Malt, Body, and Balance

Malt is not merely present to provide alcohol. It creates the structure that supports hops.

Pale ale balance

Pale ales commonly retain more malt flavor. That malt may resemble:

• Fresh bread.

• Crackers.

• Biscuits.

• Toast.

• Light caramel.

• Honeyed grain.

This does not mean a pale ale should taste sweet. The best examples use malt to soften and frame the hops while still finishing cleanly.

IPA balance

Many IPAs use a leaner malt profile so that the hops remain prominent. Excessive crystal malt can create a sweet, heavy beer in which bitterness and residual sugar compete unpleasantly. Modern American IPAs often favor high attenuation, restrained caramel malt, and a dry finish.

However, not every IPA is lean. English IPAs, Red IPAs, Brown IPAs, and Double IPAs may include more malt complexity. The key is that an IPA still generally maintains a hop-forward balance rather than becoming primarily a malt beer.

Body and mouthfeel

Pale ales often feel medium-light to medium-bodied, with a smooth and refreshing texture.

American IPAs are frequently medium-light to medium-bodied as well, but their dryness and bitterness can make them seem sharper. Hazy IPAs may feel fuller, softer, and creamier because of grain choices and brewing methods. Double IPAs can feel heavier because of higher alcohol and residual extract.

Bitterness: Important but Frequently Misunderstood

Bitterness is one of the most obvious differences between many pale ales and IPAs, but it should not be treated as the only measurement of style.

IBU stands for International Bitterness Units. It estimates the concentration of isomerized alpha acids in beer. It does not measure every factor that determines how bitter a beer tastes.

Perceived bitterness is affected by:

• Residual sweetness.

• Alcohol.

• Carbonation.

• Water chemistry.

• Body.

• Hop-derived compounds.

• Roast or other malt flavors.

• Yeast character.

• The drinker’s sensitivity.

A dry, lean pale ale may taste more bitter than a sweeter IPA with a larger nominal IBU value. Likewise, a hazy IPA can contain substantial hop material but taste soft because its body and fruit-forward hop profile reduce the impression of sharp bitterness.

For casual drinkers, the practical takeaway is simple: do not choose a beer solely by its IBU number. For dedicated craft drinkers, IBU is useful context but not a complete description of sensory experience.

Similarities Between Pale Ales and IPAs

Despite their differences, pale ales and IPAs share a substantial foundation.

They are often hop-forward

Both styles showcase hops more clearly than many traditional lagers, wheat beers, porters, or sweet stouts. Even a balanced pale ale may present citrus, pine, floral, herbal, resinous, or fruity notes.

They commonly use pale malt

Both styles typically rely on pale ale malt, two-row malt, or another lightly kilned base malt. This produces a relatively light color and allows hop expression to remain prominent.

They are usually top-fermented ales

Pale ales and IPAs are generally fermented with ale yeast, although yeast selection varies. A clean American strain can emphasize hops, while an English strain may add fruity or earthy complexity.

They occupy overlapping color ranges

Color is not a reliable separator. Both may range from pale gold through amber. Some IPAs are very light, while some pale ales are copper-colored. Specialty IPAs can even be brown or black.

They can share hop flavors

A pale ale and an IPA may both show:

• Grapefruit.

• Orange.

• Lemon.

• Pine.

• Resin.

• Tropical fruit.

• Floral notes.

• Stone fruit.

• Herbal or spicy character.

The principal difference is usually the concentration and prominence of those flavors, not the complete absence of one set of flavors.

They can both be highly drinkable

Strength does not automatically determine drinkability. A crisp 7% IPA may feel easier to drink than a sweet 5% pale ale. Conversely, a heavily bitter IPA may be tiring while a well-balanced pale ale remains refreshing over several servings.

Drinkability depends on fermentation quality, attenuation, sweetness, carbonation, alcohol integration, bitterness, and the drinker’s preferences.

Common Misconceptions

“All IPAs are extremely bitter”

Not necessarily. West Coast IPAs tend to emphasize bitterness, while hazy IPAs may emphasize saturated fruit character and a soft mouthfeel. Session IPAs reduce alcohol strength, and English IPAs may be more balanced and earthy.

“Pale ales are not very hoppy”

Some pale ales are gently hopped, but American pale ales can be intensely aromatic. The difference is often that their malt foundation remains more visible and the overall strength is lower.

“IPA always means India Pale Ale historically”

The name has historical connections to British export beer, but modern IPA is a worldwide category. Many contemporary examples never traveled to India, and some are not pale. The BJCP explicitly treats “IPA” as a modern style descriptor rather than insisting on the literal historical expansion of the acronym.bjcp

“A darker beer cannot be an IPA”

Black IPA, Brown IPA, and Red IPA examples exist. These beers retain an IPA-like hop-forward balance while adding darker malt flavors or color. They demonstrate why color alone cannot define the category.

“More hops always means a better beer”

More hops can create intensity, but intensity is not the same as quality. A successful beer needs integration. Harsh bitterness, grassy dry-hop character, alcohol heat, oxidation, or excessive sweetness can overwhelm otherwise excellent ingredients.

How to Choose Between Them

Pale Ale vs. IPA – Round 3

Choose a pale ale when you want:

• A balanced introduction to hop-forward beer.

• Moderate alcohol.

• Noticeable but controlled bitterness.

• A clearer malt contribution.

• A beer suitable for longer sessions or casual meals.

• A bridge between traditional ales and more aggressive IPAs.

Choose an IPA when you want:

• Stronger hop aroma and flavor.

• More pronounced bitterness or hop saturation.

• A drier finish.

• Greater alcohol intensity.

• Tropical, citrusy, piney, resinous, or dank hop character.

• A beer where hops are the primary event.

If you are unsure, a pale ale is often the safer starting point. If you already enjoy pale ales and want more intensity, try a standard American IPA. If bitterness concerns you but you enjoy fruit-forward beer, a hazy IPA may be a better choice than a classic West Coast IPA.

A Practical Tasting Exercise

To compare the styles, taste a pale ale and IPA side by side at similar serving temperatures.

First, compare the aroma. Does the IPA produce a stronger burst of citrus, pine, tropical fruit, or resin? Then taste both beers and focus on the transition from malt to hops.

Ask:

1. Which beer shows more bread, biscuit, toast, or caramel?

2. Which beer has the sharper bitterness?

3. Which beer leaves a drier finish?

4. Does the IPA taste more alcoholic?

5. Does the pale ale seem more balanced or simply less intense?

6. Are the hop flavors different, or is the IPA mainly a stronger version of the same profile?

7. Does bitterness linger pleasantly, or does it become harsh?

A useful example would be comparing an American pale ale around 5.5% ABV with an American IPA around 6.5% ABV. The pale ale may feature citrus and pine alongside a lightly caramelized malt base. The IPA may use similar hops but deliver a larger aroma, stronger bitterness, leaner malt character, and a longer, drier finish.

Final Verdict

Pale ale and IPA are best viewed as neighboring points on a broad hop-forward spectrum. Pale ale generally prioritizes balance, moderate strength, and approachable hop character, while IPA typically increases hop intensity, bitterness, dryness, and sometimes alcohol.

The boundary is not absolute. Brewing traditions, brewery naming choices, and modern substyles create considerable overlap. A pale ale can be remarkably hoppy, and an IPA can be soft, fruity, balanced, or surprisingly easy to drink.

For casual drinkers, the distinction comes down to choosing between balance and intensity. For craft beer enthusiasts, the more interesting question is how each beer achieves its balance: which hops were used, when they were added, how the malt supports them, how bitterness is perceived, and whether the final beer feels integrated rather than merely powerful.

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• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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The Homebrewer’s Garden: How to Easily Grow, Prepare, and Use Your Own Hops, Malts, Brewing Herbs by Joe Fisher and Dennis Fisher

Homebrewing

Homebrewing is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that allows beer enthusiasts to create their own unique brews from the comfort of their homes. The process involves combining basic ingredients—malted grains, hops, yeast, and water—in specific ways to produce a wide variety of beer styles. Homebrewing offers an incredible amount of creative freedom, as brewers can experiment with different ingredients and techniques to craft beers that match their personal tastes and preferences. This DIY approach not only deepens one’s appreciation for the art and science of brewing but also provides a sense of accomplishment with each successful batch.

The journey of homebrewing typically begins with selecting a recipe and gathering the necessary equipment and ingredients. Beginner brewers often start with extract brewing, which uses malt extract to simplify the process. This method requires less equipment and shorter brew times, making it accessible for newcomers. As brewers gain experience and confidence, many transition to all-grain brewing, which involves mashing malted grains to extract fermentable sugars. All-grain brewing offers greater control over the beer’s flavor and body, allowing for more nuanced and complex brews. Essential equipment for homebrewing includes a large kettle, fermenter, airlock, thermometer, hydrometer, and bottling supplies.

The brewing process itself is a blend of science and art. It begins with mashing, where crushed grains are soaked in hot water to convert starches into sugars. The resulting liquid, called wort, is then boiled, and hops are added at various stages to impart bitterness, flavor, and aroma. After boiling, the wort is rapidly cooled and transferred to a fermenter, where yeast is added to begin fermentation. During this stage, which can last from a few days to several weeks, the yeast consumes the sugars in the wort, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. Monitoring and maintaining proper fermentation temperatures is crucial for ensuring the desired characteristics of the final beer.

After fermentation, the beer is typically conditioned for a period to develop its flavors and carbonation. This can be done in bottles or kegs, with the addition of a small amount of sugar or pressurized CO2 to create carbonation. Patience is key during this phase, as conditioning can take several weeks, but the wait is usually well worth it. Once conditioning is complete, the beer is ready to be enjoyed. Homebrewers often take pride in sharing their creations with friends and family, and the feedback received can be invaluable for refining future batches.

One of the most exciting aspects of homebrewing is the community that comes with it. Homebrewers are a passionate and supportive group, often eager to share tips, recipes, and experiences. Many cities have homebrew clubs where members can exchange knowledge and sample each other’s beers. Online forums and social media groups also provide a wealth of information and camaraderie. Whether brewing solo or with a group, homebrewing is a hobby that fosters creativity, learning, and a deeper appreciation for the craft of beer making. It’s a journey filled with experimentation, occasional challenges, and the ultimate reward of enjoying a beer that’s truly your own.

Growing Hops

Growing hops is a rewarding endeavor for homebrewers looking to infuse their beer with fresh, homegrown ingredients. Hops are the flowers of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), and they play a crucial role in brewing by adding bitterness, flavor, and aroma to beer. The first step in growing hops is selecting the right variety based on your climate and the flavor profile you desire. Popular varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook are favored by many brewers for their versatility and distinctive characteristics. Hops require a sunny location with well-drained soil, and they thrive in temperate climates with long days during the growing season.

Once you’ve chosen your hop varieties, the next step is planting. Hops are typically grown from rhizomes, which are root cuttings taken from mature plants. Plant the rhizomes in early spring, about 4-6 inches deep, and space them about 3 feet apart to give each plant plenty of room to grow. As hops are vigorous climbers, it’s essential to provide a sturdy trellis or support system for the bines (the stems of the hop plant) to climb. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, and mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Caring for hops involves regular maintenance to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Hops can grow up to 20 feet in a single season, so training the bines to climb the trellis is crucial. Pruning the lower leaves and shoots encourages airflow and reduces the risk of disease. Hops are susceptible to pests such as aphids and spider mites, as well as diseases like powdery mildew. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with appropriate organic or chemical controls can help manage these issues. By late summer, the hop cones will begin to ripen, and you’ll know they are ready to harvest when they feel dry and papery, and the lupulin glands inside the cones are a vibrant yellow. After harvesting, the hops should be dried and stored properly to preserve their qualities for brewing.

Book Review: The Homebrewer’s Garden: How to Easily Grow, Prepare, and Use Your Own Hops, Malts, Brewing Herbs by Joe Fisher and Dennis Fisher

GoodReads Blurb:

Grow a beer garden! Enhance the flavor, aroma, and personality of your homebrew by cultivating your own hops, herbs, and malt grains. With expert advice on choosing and maintaining the best plants for your needs, Joe Fisher and Dennis Fisher show you how to turn a small patch of backyard, or even a few window boxes, into a renewable brewing supply store. Discover the satisfaction that comes from brewing tasty beers using fresh homegrown ingredients.

GoodReads – The Homebrewer’s Garden

The Homebrewer’s Garden by Joe Fisher and Dennis Fisher is an essential guide for any homebrewer looking to elevate their craft by cultivating their own ingredients. This comprehensive manual covers the entire process of growing, preparing, and utilizing hops, malts, and brewing herbs, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced brewers who wish to take a hands-on approach to their beer-making.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its detailed and practical advice on gardening techniques tailored specifically for brewing ingredients. The Fishers draw from their extensive experience to provide step-by-step instructions on planting, nurturing, and harvesting hops and other plants. They also include information on soil preparation, pest management, and seasonal care, ensuring that readers have all the tools they need to successfully grow high-quality ingredients. The authors’ passion for homebrewing and gardening shines through, making the text engaging and accessible.

Beyond gardening, The Homebrewer’s Garden delves into the preparation and use of these homegrown ingredients in brewing. The book offers a wealth of recipes and brewing tips, demonstrating how to incorporate fresh hops, malted grains, and herbs into a variety of beer styles. The inclusion of unique brewing herbs like yarrow, juniper, and coriander adds an exciting dimension for brewers looking to experiment with flavors and create distinctive brews. This holistic approach, from garden to glass, empowers homebrewers to craft beers that are truly their own, imbued with the flavors and aromas of their own gardens.

In conclusion, The Homebrewer’s Garden is an invaluable resource that combines practical gardening advice with creative brewing techniques. Joe and Dennis Fisher have crafted a guide that is not only informative but also inspiring, encouraging homebrewers to explore the full potential of their craft. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your brewing process with homegrown ingredients, this book is a must-have addition to your brewing library.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
My LibraryThing Rating: ***1/2
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.75 (as of 4.30.24)

Homebrewing Recipes

We are circling back to include more homebrew articles. We have gotten some requests for recipes, so we have decided to write them up and post them here. Be sure to check for other Homebrew articles and recipes as well!

• Brewing a Traditional Lithuanian Farmhouse Beer – Keptinis (Karl Larson)

• Nebula Nectar Hazy IPA (Homebrew Recipe)

• Titan’s Tribute Barleywine (Homebrew Recipe)

• Mad Elf Inspired Clone (Homebrew Recipe)

• Dark Souls Schwarzbier (Homebrew Recipe)

• Quadruple Hopocalypse – Quad IPA (Homebrew Recipe)

Homebrewing Articles

• The Ultimate Guide to Homebrewing: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices for 2024

Other Book Reviews

• Book Review: The Greatest Beer Run Ever (John Chick Donohue and J.T. Molloy)

• Book Review: Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors (Amber Share)

• Book Review: Courage is Calling (Ryan Holiday)

• Book Review: The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity (Carlo M. Cipolla)

• Book Review: Brewed in Japan (Jeffrey Alexander)

• Book Review: The Question of God: C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life (Armand M. Nicholi Jr.)

• Book Review: Family Reins (Billy Busch)

• Book Review: The Last Days of the Dinosaurs: An Asteroid, Extinction, and the Beginning of Our World (Riley Black)

• Book Review: The Wit and Humor of Oscar Wilde (Oscar Wilde)

• Book Review: Create Dangerously (Albert Camus)
• Book Review: The Road (Cormac McCarthy)
• Book Review: The Donnie Darko Book (Richard Kelly)
• Book Review: How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator (André de Guillaume)
• Book Review: Here is New York (E.B. White)
• Book Review: Uncle John’s Beer Topia
• Book Review: I Drink For a Reason (David Cross)

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.

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As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

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

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

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.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

A single hop hanging on the vine.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Hops: The Heart and Soul of Craft Beer

In the vibrant world of craft beer, one ingredient often steals the spotlight for its pivotal role in brewing: hops. These green, cone-shaped flowers are not just a cornerstone of beer making; they’re the soulful artisans of the beverage, intricately weaving together the tapestry of flavor, aroma, and bitterness that defines many of our favorite brews. But what exactly are hops, and why do they play such a crucial role in the creation of craft beer? Let’s dive into the hoppy heart of the matter, exploring the technical nuances, varieties, and the art of hop utilization in craft brewing.

The Botanical Backdrop

Hops, scientifically known as Humulus lupulus, are perennial plants in the Cannabaceae family, which interestingly includes cannabis. These climbing bines (not vines) are cultivated for their female flowers, or hop cones, which are prized in brewing for their unique contributions. Hops have been an essential ingredient in beer for centuries, originally added for their preservative qualities, but their role has evolved significantly with the craft beer movement.

The Multifaceted Role of Hops in Brewing

Thompson Island Brewing visiting Troegs Brewery for a collaboration brew – adding the hops to the brew kettle.

The magic of hops lies in their complex chemical makeup, including alpha acids, beta acids, and essential oils. Each of these components plays a pivotal role in the brewing process:

• Bitterness: Alpha acids are responsible for the bitter flavor in beer, a counterbalance to the sweetness of the malt. Through the process of isomerization during boiling, these acids transform, imparting the quintessential bitterness that beer aficionados cherish.
• Aroma and Flavor: Essential oils in hops, such as myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene, are the architects of aroma and flavor. These oils are more delicate and are often added at later stages of brewing or during dry hopping to preserve their volatile profiles, contributing everything from floral and citrus notes to earthy and spicy undertones.
• Preservation: The antimicrobial properties of hops have been leveraged since ancient times to extend the shelf life of beer, making them an early and natural preservative.

Exploring the Hop Varieties

Hops growing on the arbor at The Beer Thrillers headquarters. (Centennial and Chinook hops growing together on the arbor.)

The craft beer renaissance has ushered in an era of hop exploration, with brewers and enthusiasts alike delving into the diverse world of hop varieties. Each type brings its own unique flavor and aroma profile to the table, influencing the character of the beer:

• Noble Hops: Traditional varieties such as Saaz, Tettnang, Hallertauer, and Spalt, known for their mild and balanced profiles, perfect for classic European-style beers.
• American Hops: Varieties like Cascade, Centennial, Citra, and Simcoe stand out for their bold, citrus, and piney characteristics, driving the American craft beer movement’s love for intensely aromatic and flavorful IPAs.
• New World Hops: From Australia and New Zealand, varieties such as Galaxy, Nelson Sauvin, and Motueka offer unique fruity, tropical, and sometimes vinous notes, expanding the palette of flavors available to brewers.

The Art and Science of Hop Utilization

Craft brewers wield hops with both precision and creativity, carefully selecting varieties and determining the timing of their addition to achieve the desired bitterness, flavor, and aroma. This can range from bittering hops added early in the boil to capture their alpha acid potential, to late addition and dry hopping methods aimed at maximizing the aromatic and flavorful essence of essential oils.

The exploration of hops in craft beer is a testament to the ingredient’s versatility and central role in brewing. From the bold and bitter to the subtle and aromatic, hops continue to inspire brewers to push the boundaries of beer, crafting unique and memorable experiences for enthusiasts around the globe.

As we’ve journeyed through the hop fields and into the brewery, it’s clear that hops are much more than just an ingredient; they’re a bridge connecting science, art, and tradition in the craft beer community. Whether you’re a seasoned brewmaster, a homebrew hobbyist, or simply a curious beer lover, the world of hops offers endless possibilities for discovery and delight. Cheers to the humble hop, the heart and soul of craft beer’s boundless creativity!

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.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

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

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

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.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

Heavy Seas Brewing Company is releasing Altimore Ale – an Altbier that will be using the Maryland own varietal hop – Monocacy. This is a unique varietal hop that is Maryland own and was discovered in the 1960s by Dr. Ray Edgar.

From Heavy Seas press release:

 

A Genetically Unique Hop: Discovered in the late 1960s by Dr. Ray Edigar, the Monocacy hop remained a hidden gem until recently. Unaware of its rarity and Maryland origin, Dr. Edigar grew the hop in his garden for years. He recently partnered with researchers at the University of Maryland Extension to test the plant’s DNA-sequence, and when the results came back, they learned that the hop was completely genetically unique and native to Maryland. The Monocacy hop is distinguished by its distinct chemical profile & adaptability to Maryland’s hot, humid climate.

Heavy Seas Brewing Company

The target date for the beer’s release will be October 20th (2023) at the Heavy Seas Taproom. It will be available on draft, and to go in the form of crowlers and growlers. Heavy Seas Brewing Company is hoping to release more Monocacy hop beers in 2024.

Monocacy Hops

(See our article here on Monocacy Hops.)

The Monocacy Hop varietal has been growing in the Maryland and DC Area since the 1960s; originally on a farm by a retired veterinarian – who claimed he liked to grow them for the shade they provided.

The hop varietal is genetically distinct from wild hops – neomexicanus and other wild hop variants. It is also the only native and organic to Maryland grown hop that has achieved unique genetic distinction.

Typically most American grown hops come from the Yakima Valley area of Washington State; despite there being numerous other hop farms across the country – this is the most widely distributed and the ‘best growing’ region of the country.

 

The Monocacy hop offers spicy, herbaceous, floral aromatics. For our inaugural brew, we chose to craft an Altbier, a traditional German beer style, using whole-flower Monocacy hops for bittering and finishing, which should provide a really nice aroma to this beer.

Chris Leonard – Heavy Seas Brewmaster and Director of Operations

Last winter the first commercial batches of beer, about forty pounds of pelletized dried Monocacy hops harvested in the fall of 2022 from a rebuilt UMD hop yard, made their way to Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm where that same brewer, Tom Barse, owner of Milkhouse, made three beers with Monocacy: a light lager, a Vienna-style lager, and a pale ale. These were released in the on-site taproom as part of the annual “FeBREWary – Maryland Craft Beer Lovers Month” that is perhaps best known in DC for the Love Thy Beer festival in Silver Spring.

Monocacy, Maryland’s Hop At Heavy Seas Brewing

Brewing with Monocacy Hops

On September 21st 2023, Heavy Seas Beer visited the Western Maryland Research & Education Center, where the Maryland-native hop is currently growing, to witness the harvesting of the Monocacy hop. They then hand collected and hand-picked wet hops directly from the vine. Immediately after the harvest, the Heavy Seas Brewing team returned to Halethorpe to brew a batch of beer using this hop. This is referred to as “Fresh Hop Brewing” or “Wet Hopping” for brewing IPAs.

Release

The target date for the beer’s release will be October 20th (2023) at the Heavy Seas Taproom. It will be available on draft, and to go in the form of crowlers and growlers. Heavy Seas Brewing Company is hoping to release more Monocacy hop beers in 2024.

Heavy Seas Brewing

The following information comes from Untappd. Heavy Seas Brewing or Heavy Seas Beer is a regional brewery from Baltimore / Halethorpe, MD. They have 883 unique beers and over 1 Million ratings, with a global average rating of 3.66 (as of 10.10.23). Their Untappd description reads: Heavy Seas Beer began in 1995 and has grown to become one of the most respected and award winning craft breweries on the east coast. Captaining the helm is our founder Hugh Sisson with decades of experience in developing, producing and marketing fine beers. As the first pub brewer in Maryland, Hugh was responsible for the legislation that made brewpubs legal in the state. Fearless. Bold. Independent.

You can find them on the following social media:

• Heavy Seas Beer – Official Website
• Heavy Seas Beer – Facebook
• Heavy Seas Beer – Instagram
• Heavy Seas Beer – Twitter
• Heavy Seas Beer – Untappd

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.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

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

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

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.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

Hop Shoot Omelet

Who doesn’t love a yummy omelet to start their day? Are you needing new ideas for your omelets? Want something all vegan, all tasty, and can also even be all home grown? Then this is an omelet for you.

It is a pretty simple, straight forward recipe, not a ton of ingredients, and lots of room to add, change, or tweak the recipe to your particular likes.

The Hops

Hops are one of the main ingredients in beer (along with water and yeast). For the purposes of making a hop shoot omelet, any variety of hops will work, and so far as I can tell there’s no taste difference between variants in hops (as far as eating them goes). At The Beer Thrillers Headquarters (or Bender Braus Brewery) we have Cascade, Chinook, Centennial, Nugget, and Saaz. We had potted Walhalla, Willamette, and Magnum. Unfortunately over the winter the potted ones didn’t survive.

Harvesting the shoots is pretty easy. March – April the hops will begin to pop up out of the ground (depending on how the weather has been, but its usually end of March to beginning of April that you’ll see them popping up). For growing the hops (for use of the hop cones) you only want a few of the vines to grow, so you need to snip and cut the remainder away, which is perfect for making our meal.

When ready to make your meal (typically the morning of), go out to your hop vines and snip off the ‘heads’ of each vine. See image below for the ‘heads’ of the vines.

Only cut about 1 – 2″ from the top of each of the vines, this is the ‘hop heads’ and is the most tender and tasty part of the hop vines / hop shoots.

A quick rinse under the water before getting them on the skillet or pan is all you really need to do, and thats a cursory rinse just to remove any debris or dirt.

Reminder – Use Only the Tender Parts

Friendly reminder – use only the most tender part of the hop vines. This will probably be only the top head of the vine, or about 1″ to 1.5″ – 2″ of the vine. Anything more than that its going to get very fibrous and chewy and not very tasty. It’ll also have tiny little prickles.

Depending on when you find them, your hop shoots may be short or just a couple inches, or very long like vines – this is why I recommend early season for the hop shoot omelets. Right around Easter time is usually the perfect time to trim and clip off the unwanted vines before the hop plants grow into a massive tangled mass. Hop shoots can be harvested at any time of the year up, but its best to do it early in the year. As long as there is tender, young growth to harvest they’re fine to eat.

Early season works best because you are already pruning the hops back naturally anyway, so its kind of a “kill two birds with one stone” kind of scenario.

Ingredients and Equipment

This is a very simple and adjustable meal. You can decide how many eggs you want, you can decide what greens, meats, etc., you want in. Herbs, spices; pretty much everything is up to you.

But here is generally what I use when I make a hop shoots omelet at home:

• As much fresh hop shoot heads as you have (or want to use)
• 4 – 6 eggs
• 1 or 2 chopped bell peppers
• 1 / 2 chopped onion
• Optional meats: 2 oz of bacon, sausage, kielbasa, or your preferred meat
• salt (sea salt or kosher salt), oregano, thyme, lemon pepper seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic salt or powder

Serving size depends on number of eggs used; but generally serves 2 – 4 people.

Best as a breakfast, brunch, or as an appetizer before dinner.

Equipment and tools needed:

• Skillet or pan (preferably 10″ stove pan)
• Chopping boards for peppers, onions, meat
• Bowls for chopped vegetables before adding them to the pan
• container to beat the eggs in before adding them to the pan
• knives / utensils (for cutting up peppers, onion, meat, and for beating the eggs)

Instructions

1. Ready the stove, heating the pan, use butter or vegetable oil, or spray to prevent sticking
2. Prepare your eggs – beat them in the container until nice and fluffy
3. Prepare your vegetables and meat you are adding (chop them and put them in bowls)
4. Prepare your hop shoots (rinse them delicately, and keep them in a bowl)
5. Saute the hop shoots, the pepper, and onion
6. If you are using meat, add when necessary
7. Add in the eggs, stir, twirl, and keep the eggs properly distributed about the pan

Overall cooking time should take roughly 10 – 15 minutes (depending on how you like your eggs, meat, and vegetables).

Serving

Serving size depends on the amount of eggs and vegetables you added, but typically it should serve 2 – 4. You can top it with cheese or any other spices, herbs, or flavorings you wish. One thing you do certainly need to serve it with though is a beer!

You’ve worked hard now, grab a delicious craft beer, and chow down! Enjoy!

Beer Related Food Recipe Articles

(The making of a hop shoots omelet.)

This was our first beer / food related recipe or food pairing article. We would like to do more of these in the future – so let us know what you think of it, and if you would like to see more of these kinds of articles.

Thank You For Reading

Also, we just started our Discord server. Be sure to find that here: Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server), come in and hang out with us.

Like I always say at the end of these articles — thanks for reading. We appreciate all the views and visitors! Let us know what you think of the site and the blog, and how we could improve it!

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

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

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

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.