This is one of the flagship beers at The Beerded Goat Brewing Company. So let’s dive in and take a good look at it. Firstly, its a Czech Pilsner – Bohemian style, and it weighs in at 5.3% ABV.

(See our article about our sneak preview of The Beerded Goat Brewery: A Sneak Peek at the Beerded Goat Brewery.)

The Standard by Beerded Goat

Beerded Goat Brewing Co. (now operating under the broader “The Goat” sports-bar identity in Lower Paxton Township) opened in 2023 in the former Newfangled Brew Works space. Head brewer Brian Keeney leans toward traditional, well-executed styles, and The Standard is a clear expression of that approach—a clean, classic Czech-style pilsner that serves as one of the brewery’s reliable house pours.

Appearance Crystal clear pale gold with a bright, persistent white head that leaves fine lacing. The spunding (natural carbonation) shows in the lively, tight bead.

Aroma Soft grain and light honey-like malt sweetness up front, followed by classic Czech Saaz character: mild herbal, floral, and grassy notes with a hint of spice. Nothing aggressive or fruity—just clean and inviting.

Taste Crisp and balanced. Mild bready/grainy malt with a soft honey edge gives way to an assertive but refreshing Saaz bitterness that stays dry and clean rather than harsh. The finish is snappy and lingering without any residual sweetness or off-flavors. It drinks true to style: straightforward, sessionable, and focused on drinkability.

Mouthfeel Light-to-medium body with lively, natural carbonation from the spunding process. It feels crisp and refreshing on the palate—exactly what you want in a pilsner meant for multiple rounds or game-day sipping.

Overall The Standard lives up to its name. It’s a well-made, no-frills Czech pilsner that prioritizes clarity, balance, and refreshment over trends or gimmicks. At 5.3% it’s highly sessionable and pairs easily with the brewery’s food (pizza, wings, burgers) or simply stands alone as an easy, reliable pour. Keeney has called it one of his favorites, and the brewery itself positions it as a go-to first-round choice.

If you like classic European pilsners that emphasize clean malt and noble hops over modern hop bombs or haze, this is a solid local example worth seeking out on draft at the brewery. Cheers.

My Untappd Rating: ****
Global Untappd Rating: 3.66 (as of 8.1.26).

Untappd Description:

Brewed with 100% Weyermann floor malted Pilsner and hopped with 100% Check saaz. Spunded for natural carbonation. Crisp, clean, and crystal clear. Mild grainy notes of soft honey balanced by an assertive and refreshing bitterness. This is the Standard

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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.

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 (past) weekly columns, book reviews, board game reviews, hike reviews, and so much more. We have several writers to check out: B. Kline, Josh, Paul R. Kan, Drunk Duck; and past writers like Amy.

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 are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. 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 also now have a SLACK channel – which acts as a hybrid chat room, message board, Reddit style; workspace and posting area for us. You can hang out with us there and chat about all kinds of things – not just beer, but “off topic” things like movies, TV, books, podcasts, hiking, sports, and more! Join us at: The Beer Thrillers on SLACK.

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 #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of May 2025.) 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.)

]]> 16950 https://thebeerthrillers.com/2026/07/27/pennsylvania-liquor-control-board-responsible-alcohol-management-program-or-pulling-back-the-curtain-on-serving-alcohol-in-pennsylvania/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pennsylvania-liquor-control-board-responsible-alcohol-management-program-or-pulling-back-the-curtain-on-serving-alcohol-in-pennsylvania Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:48:06 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=16944 Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Responsible Alcohol Management Program

(or Pulling Back the Curtain on Serving Alcohol in Pennsylvania)

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board requires at least 50% of servers at most establishments that serve alcohol in Pennsylvania to complete and pass the Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) in order for the establishment to be certified to legally serve alcohol in the state. This training program has a number of purposes behind it:

1. Inform servers of their responsibilities under PLCB rules and regulations as well as under the Pennsylvania State Legal Code, and the potential repercussions of violating those rules, regulations, and laws.
2. Educate them on methods of detecting intoxicated patrons through visual or other means not involving breathalyzer or blood test.
3. Ways to deescalate confrontation with intoxicated patrons  and methods of delaying patrons becoming intoxicated.
4. Educate servers on the effects of alcohol on the body and methods of delaying those effects.

The RAMP Certification Training logo (courtesy of https://www.ramptraining.com/ )

RAMP certification is offered both in person and online, certain situations require in person classes, but generally most employees serving alcohol can take the course online as I did. The PLCB contracts a number of sites to offer this course and test at a wide variety of prices, the quality and value of each offering widely varies, but the certification does not. The class I took was one of the cheaper ones, but the associated education and training left something to be desired, I’ll refrain from naming the training site I used out of better discretion. In any case, the test administered is the same in all cases and I was able to pass the 80% correct answers on the associated test to be RAMP certified.

All in all, the test, and the training, are not that difficult. Most of us in the craft beer community, have probably already had experiences with the course teaches. One method of delaying intoxication is offering food; substituting non – alcoholic beverages is another. Detection methods include slurring speech and swaying or unsteady walking. This program is pretty general in it’s approach, and that makes it, perhaps, of value to not only those working in the industry, but also to those of us who enjoy craft beer and breweries. If we, as patrons, can help staff because we have this sort of education, keep our wits about us (or in other words, apply this training to ourselves as we are out enjoying this community) this is a positive to keep the good reputation of  the craft beer community. As mentioned, cost and quality vary, the PLCB website provides both information on the program and a list of approved providers with links to their websites.

Remember, enjoy responsibly, be aware of your individual limits, and be cognizant of your friends’ conditions. Education can make you a more responsible consumer and community member.

As always, the best beer is the one in your class, enjoy it for what it is. Cheers!

Drunk Duck

Drunk Duck is a craft beer appreciating rubber duck, along with his Posse and Matt Leiby, he visits breweries and samples various craft beers. The Beerventures started when Drunk Duck and Matt met in Staunton, Va. while Matt and some friends stopped on the way to Asheville, NC for a Beercation. What started as just Drunk Duck and Matt enjoying beers together has grown into an entire Posse of Ducks to accompany Drunk Duck. You can follow Drunk Duck and Matt’s Beerventures, and get their insights and beer reviews on Instagram @drunkduckposse and Facebook @MattLeiby (Drunk Duck).

Drunk Duck is our newest writer here at The Beer Thrillers and this is his first article. All future articles will link to each of his other articles as we build his author portfolio on the site. (All articles will link to the other articles so you can read his work, just like we have done with our other writers like Amy and Paul R. Kan.)

Drunk Duck Articles

• Welcome to Our Newest Writer: Drunk Duck
• Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Responsible Alcohol Management Program (or Pulling Back the Curtain on Serving Alcohol in Pennsylvania)

Follow The Beer Thrillers

For more updates on Pennsylvania brewery news, closures, openings, and expansions, follow The Beer Thrillers on social media and subscribe for the latest articles on the state’s ever-evolving craft beer scene.

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 (past) weekly columns, book reviews, board game reviews, hike reviews, and so much more. We have several writers to check out: B. Kline, Josh, Paul R. Kan, Drunk Duck; and past writers like Amy.

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 are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. 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 also now have a SLACK channel – which acts as a hybrid chat room, message board, Reddit style; workspace and posting area for us. You can hang out with us there and chat about all kinds of things – not just beer, but “off topic” things like movies, TV, books, podcasts, hiking, sports, and more! Join us at: The Beer Thrillers on SLACK.

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 #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of May 2025.) 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.)

We have a brand new writer joining the team of The Beer Thrillers! So lets everyone get a glass, pour it high with a good craft beer (may I suggest a fine beverage from Moo-Duck Brewery?), and toast our newest writer — DRUNK DUCK.

Drunk Duck and Posse

(You can go to his author page here: Drunk Duck – Author Page)

Bio

For a quick bio on Drunk Duck:

Drunk Duck is a craft beer appreciating rubber duck, along with his Posse and Matt Leiby, he visits breweries and samples various craft beers. The Beerventures started when Drunk Duck and Matt met in Staunton, Va. while Matt and some friends stopped on the way to Asheville, NC for a Beercation. What started as just Drunk Duck and Matt enjoying beers together has grown into an entire Posse of Ducks to accompany Drunk Duck. You can follow Drunk Duck and Matt’s Beerventures, and get their insights and beer reviews on Instagram @drunkduckposse and Facebook @MattLeiby (Drunk Duck).

Can’t Wait

We can’t wait to read all the great articles that Drunk Duck will be bringing to The Beer Thrillers. He is fast at work on his first article which we should soon see (about RAMP training). So be on the lookout for his articles!

Thanks for joining the team Drunk Duck! And cheers for following us all these years and joining us!

Pennsylvania Breweries Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

Lehigh Valley: Beer, Industry, and History

The National Museum of Industrial History 250 Celebration (photo courtesy of The National Museum of Industrial History)

The National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem is currently hosting Cheers to 250: Brewing in America, a special exhibition running through July that explores how beer production helped shape American industry, transportation, and culture from the colonial era through the modern craft renaissance. To deepen the experience, the museum is partnering with regional staples—including Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild, Lehigh Valley Homebrewers, Hijinx Brewing, and Lost Tavern Brewing—to present community history programs that connect local beer culture to the wider national story.

Celebrate shared history and community spirit at the 250th All-American Picnic in Downtown East Stroudsburg, along Crystal Street and Miller Park, on July 4th from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This family-friendly festival offers live music from classic rock and country acts, plus performances by Lilly Moss, Sick Whiskey, and Clodagh Conboy, along with local vendors and refreshing drinks from ShawneeCraft Brewing Company and Bovino’s Brewery.

Western PA: Concerts, Drones, and Local Pours

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, Allegheny County is hosting an official America’s 250th Anniversary Concert and Drone Show at Hartwood Acres Amphitheater. Gates open at 3:00 PM, and local favorite Hop Farm Brewing Company will anchor the on-site beverage offerings alongside Black Dog Winery, setting the stage for an evening that ends with a Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performance synchronized to a 200+ drone light show.

In Downtown Grove City on July 3rd, the town is throwing an open-to-the-public celebration for America’s 250th birthday, with local bands, kids’ activities, food trucks, and shopping. Local breweries such as Allusion Brewery will be pouring, giving attendees a chance to toast the holiday with hometown craft beer while exploring the downtown businesses.

Northeastern PA: Rails, Lagers, and Railroad Heritage

Photo courtesy of Runaway Train Brewery

Honesdale, known as the birthplace of the American railroad thanks to the historic Stourbridge Lion’s first commercial run on August 8, 1829, will host a historic beer tasting train ride aboard the Stourbridge Line. The train will feature Declaration Lager, Pennsylvania’s official beer for America250PA, with representatives from Runaway Train Brewery on board to walk riders through tasting notes and flavor profiles as they enjoy the scenic ride and the state’s railroading legacy.

Southeast and Philly Region: Orchards, Gardens, and Biergartens

Photo courtesy of Aristaeus Craft Brewing

Aristaeus Craft Brewing will be the official featured brewery at the America 250 Celebration at Styer Orchard on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This ticketed, family-friendly orchard bash pairs Aristaeus’s locally poured craft beers with food trucks, classic lawn games, and live music, all building toward a fireworks display to cap off the evening.

Photo courtesy of Love City Brewing

Love City Brewing is marking Independence Day in its garden and taproom with an event that blends holiday fun and civic values. Highlights include an annual water balloon toss benefiting immigrant and refugee rights organizations, plus cornhole and ladder ball throughout the day, alongside $2 hot dogs and free water ice while supplies last. The celebration emphasizes democratic values, diversity, and inclusion as part of Philadelphia’s 250th anniversary, while offering space for critical engagement with current political issues.

Photo and logo courtesy of Brothers Kershner

Brothers Kershner Brewing in Skippack is again the hub for the town’s 4th of July festivities, hosting the annual Skippack 4th of July Parade after-party on Saturday, July 4th. They’ll open early for front-row parade views from the porch and parking lot, with live music starting as soon as the parade ends. To mark America 250, Brothers Kershner is releasing a special American Light Lager in 12oz six-packs and on draft. Then on Sunday, July 5th, the celebration moves to the Brothers on the Brandywine Biergarten Independence Day event, with the park opening at 1:00 PM and featuring a beer and wine bar, live music, food trucks, vendors, a bounce house, and laid-back creekside vibes.

Just a little bit ago (at about 7:30 PM) Sobel’s Obscure Brewery out of Jeannette PA, has made the difficult decision — that they will be putting their brewery up for sale. They are currently located at 500 Clay Ave, Jeannette, PA 15644, and have listed their property and business as up for sale. The father and daughter duo have painstakingly agonized over the decision but made their announcement today (tonight).

Sobel’s Obscure Brewery Announcement via Instagram

Their Announcement

Sobel’s Obscure Brewery took to their social media to make the announcement, today – June 25th, 2026 – around 7 – 7:30 PM.

Their announcement:

oday, we’re sharing some bittersweet news with our community.

After 10 incredible years, our family has made the decision to officially place the brewery up for sale.

Ten years ago, this journey began with a passion for craft beer. What followed was a decade of growth, from brewing and distributing our beer, to a pop-up beer garden, and eventually opening the taproom four years ago.

This was never meant to be just about beer. It was about building a place where people could gather, support one another, and create lasting memories. Thanks to all of you, that’s exactly what it became.

From our S.O.B. Society mug club, to trivia nights, Concert & Food Truck Thursdays, and local musicians and food vendors who helped bring this space to life every weekend, we are endlessly grateful for this community.

Jeannette has been such an important part of our story. Watching the city continue to grow and revitalize has been incredible, and we’re proud to have played a small part in that journey.

While this has always been our family’s business, the decision to sell comes down to one thing: Dave is ready to retire after a lifetime of hard work. He has more than earned it.

We are NOT closing. We will remain open and operating throughout this process, and we don’t know what the timeline looks like.

We’ve chosen to offer the brewery as a complete turnkey business because we believe in what we’ve built and want to see it continue in Jeannette. Our hope is that someone carries it forward and keeps this space alive for the community.

To our incredible brewer and bartenders — thank you. You’ve become family, and none of this would exist without you.

To everyone who has stopped in, supported events, joined the mug club, laughed with us, or shared a beer—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

And hey… if you know someone looking for a late-1800s department store turned brewery in downtown Jeannette, we’d love an introduction. We hope someone continues what we’ve built and carries it forward.

With heartfelt gratitude,�Dave & Jackie

– Sobel’s Obscure Brewery (Instagram Post)

Sobel’s Obscure Brewery

Known for their Facebook and social media posts with the father and daughter who run the company (Dave and Jackie) with their dad jokes and great media posts, the brewery has had a faithful following over the years, even expanding to grow into the larger current venue that they own. As of right now there is no end – sight for the brewery, as they are looking to sell, and in the meantime stay open. Hopefully they are able to find a good, respectful buyer, but until that happens, the brewery will still be operating.

For More Information on Sobel’s Obscure Brewery

The following comes via Untappd. Sobel’s Obscure Brewery is a micro brewery from Jeannette, PA . They have 82 unique beers and over 15,000 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.56 (as of 6.25.26). Their Untappd description reads: “Like many other brewers, we started out with a passion for drinking beer. Which grew into a passion for home-brewing and creating new, exciting, and oftentimes obscure recipes. Born out of our garage, we set out to create exciting new and different recipes. After gifting some brews to our friends and family, and being awarded at competitions, we decided to give it a try on the big stage! Founded officially in 2012, Sobel’s Obscure Brewery is a family endeavor run by David Sobel and his two children, Gordon and Jackie. Always ready for fun and laughter, we endeavored to create not only a great product, but a quirky brand that would spur consumers to try us and follow our progress! Get to know our beer gnomes! Keep on the lookout for the funny antics they get up to! Download our app (coming soon!) and play some games! 

You can find them on the following social media platforms:

• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery – Official Website
• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery – Facebook
• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery – Instagram
• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery – Twitter
• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery –Untappd

If you ever needed proof that soccer fans know how to support a brewery, look no further than Boston this past weekend.

Scotland’s Tartan Army march toward Fenway Park. Bob Dechiara-Imagn Images

Thousands of supporters from Scotland’s legendary Tartan Army descended on Boston for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and in the process managed to accomplish something that few beer drinkers ever have—they temporarily drank the Samuel Adams Boston Taproom out of its flagship Boston Lager.

According to Boston Beer Company, demand for Boston Lager was so overwhelming that the brewery had to arrange an emergency beer delivery after sales reached roughly four times the volume of a typical holiday weekend, including busy stretches like the Fourth of July.

Scotland’s Tartan Army Creates a Beer Shortage in Boston

The Scottish national team’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years has brought an incredible wave of supporters across the Atlantic, and Boston has quickly become one of the tournament’s biggest party destinations.

From Thursday through Sunday, fans packed bars, pubs, restaurants, and the Samuel Adams Boston Taproom, creating one of the busiest weekends the brewery has ever experienced.

“We’ve never seen anything like it,” said Billy DeCain of the Sam Adams Boston Taproom during an interview with NBC Boston.

Rather than sampling the brewery’s extensive draft lineup—which features around twenty beers, including numerous taproom-exclusive releases—most visitors overwhelmingly chose one beer:

Samuel Adams Boston Lager.

Boston Beer Company said it has already increased beer deliveries throughout the week to ensure the taproom remains stocked for the remainder of Scotland’s stay.

It’s Not Just Samuel Adams Feeling the Demand

The surge wasn’t limited to one brewery.

Boston-area bars also reported record-breaking beer sales as Scotland supporters packed nearly every establishment within walking distance of the city’s major attractions.

At The White Bull Tavern, staff reported running through nearly everything they had available.

“Pretty much everything. We ran out of everything,” said Paul Morris of the tavern. “Tennent’s being number one.”

Scottish supporter Dave Orr joked that when one pub finally ran dry, the only remaining option was Bud Light after the Scottish fans had emptied the taps.

Meanwhile, Hennessy’s Bar experienced what may have been one of the biggest weekends in its history.

Chief Operating Officer Noelle Somers told the Boston Globe that beer sales actually tripled what the bar typically sees on St. Patrick’s Day—a remarkable benchmark considering Boston’s reputation for celebrating the Irish holiday.

“We’ve been here for over 30 years, and we’ve never seen anything like it,” Somers said.

Scotland’s Victory Keeps the Celebration Going

The celebrations only intensified after Scotland earned a 1-0 victory over Haiti at Gillette Stadium on Saturday evening.

Fans flooded back into downtown Boston after the match, filling bars well into the early morning hours before turning their attention to another uniquely Boston tradition.

Less than 24 hours later, thousands attended Scotland Day at Fenway Park, where the Boston Red Sox welcomed international visitors with a celebration of Scottish culture.

The festivities included a fan march led by bagpipe players from Evans Way Park to Fenway, with estimates suggesting at least 5,000 supporters participated before thousands more entered the ballpark for the Red Sox matchup against the Texas Rangers.

Why This Matters for Craft Beer

Large sporting events have long been a boost for local breweries, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup is demonstrating just how significant that impact can be.

While many breweries prepare for concerts, holiday weekends, or playoff games, international soccer tournaments bring thousands of thirsty visitors into a city over several consecutive days. For breweries, taprooms, and neighborhood pubs, that can translate into record-breaking draft sales, increased tourism, and valuable exposure to drinkers from around the world.

For Samuel Adams, the unexpected popularity of Boston Lager serves as a reminder that sometimes the classic flagship beer is exactly what visitors want. Despite having an extensive draft list filled with seasonal and taproom-exclusive offerings, Scotland supporters overwhelmingly chose the beer that helped define Boston’s craft beer scene decades ago.

With Scotland scheduled to return to Gillette Stadium later this week to face Morocco, Boston Beer Company has already increased deliveries in anticipation of another wave of thirsty supporters.

If last weekend is any indication, Boston Lager may once again become one of the hottest pours in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Samuel Adams really run out of Boston Lager?

Yes. Boston Beer Company confirmed that the Samuel Adams Boston Taproom temporarily ran out of Boston Lager after Scotland supporters purchased roughly four times the beer the brewery normally sells during a comparable four-day holiday weekend.

Why were there so many Scottish fans in Boston?

Scotland qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the nation’s first appearance in the tournament in 28 years. Thousands of members of the famous Tartan Army traveled to Boston to support the national team.

Did other Boston bars experience record sales?

Yes. Several Boston-area pubs reported unprecedented demand. Hennessy’s Bar said sales exceeded even St. Patrick’s Day, while other establishments reported running out of multiple beer brands due to the influx of fans.

What does this mean for local breweries?

Major international sporting events like the FIFA World Cup can significantly increase taproom traffic, draft beer sales, tourism, and brand exposure for breweries located in host cities, making them some of the most impactful events for the hospitality and craft beer industries.

All of Our Nerd Content

Here’s all of our nerd content, served up best in one single place. Enjoy!

I know ya’ll here for the nerd reviews. So check out our other nerd reviews below:

Star Wars:

• Beer Review: The Pandalorian (Tattered Flag)
• Beer Review: Wookie Monster (Fourscore Beer Co)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Blue Milk (RAR Brewing) (Batch 1)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Tatooine Tart (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: RAWRGWAWGGR (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Droid Juice (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Wookies and Cream (Tall Tales Brewing)
• Revenge of the Fifth / Cinco de Mayo
• May the Fourth Be With You
• Beer Review: This is Nut the Fluff You’re Looking For (Fourscore Beer Co)
• Beer Review: This is the Way (Broken Goblet Brewing)
• Beer Review: This is the Whey (Bolero Snort Brewery)
• Beer Review: Java the Stout (Jackie O’s Brewery)
• Beer Review: The Mangolorian (Brewery Fire)
• Beer Review: BoBull Fett (Bolero Snort Brewery)
• Mead Review: The Meadalorian (Space Time Mead and Cider Works)
• Beer Review: Let the Haze Flow Through You (Black Flag Brewing Co)
• Book Review: The Jedi Path and The Book of the Sith (Daniel Wallace)
• Book Review: Guardians of the Whills (Greg Rucka)
• May the Fourth Be With You (2022)
• RAR Out of Order Star Wars Drop!
• Beer Review: Vader (Mispillion River Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Green Milk (RAR Brewing Company) (Batch 1)
• Beer Review: The Phantasm Menace (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• RAR Brewing – Out of Order – Star Wars Can Drop (2023)
• May the Fourth Be With You (2023)
• Brewery Fire Celebrates Their Fourth Anniversary: The Power of the Fourth
• Crooked Crab – May the Fourth Be With You (2024)
• Book Review: Star Wars – Most Wanted (Rae Carlson)
• Beer Review: Admiral (J Henry Barrel Aged Grand Stout) (Delta Beer Lab)
• Beer Review: Chewbacca (Rotunda Brewing Company)
• May the Fourth Be With You – From a Non a Star Wars Lover at RAR Brewing’s Star Wars Fest (Amy’s Column)

Futurama

• Good News Everyone, Futurama is Back: Exploring Futurama – Inspired Craft Beers
• Book Review: Futurama and Philosophy (edited by Courtland Lewis)
• Futurama Episode Review – The Impossible Stream and Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (SpaceTime Meadery)
• Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (Space Time Mead and Cider Works)
• Futurama Episode Review – Children of a Lesser Bog and Beer Review: Stay on Target (Allusion Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: I Apologize For Nothing (Fourscore Beer Co.)
• Beer Review: Fing-Longer (Turning Point Beer)
• Futurama Episode Review – How the West was 1010001 (and Beer Review: The Shining by Foam Brewers)
• Futurama Episode Review – Parasites Regained
• Beer Review: Hop Bender (Local Craft Beer)
• Futurama Episode Review – I Know What You Did Next XMas and Beer Review: Bo Katan Red IPA (Brewery Fire)
• 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰 on Draft and Cans at Intermission Beer Company
• Beer Review: I’m 40% Galaxy (Local Craft Beer)

Lord of the Rings:

• Book Review: An Atlas of Tolkien (David Day)
• Book Review: The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun (J.R.R. Tolkien)

Magic the Gathering:

• New Belgium Teams Up with Magic the Gathering for Vastwood Seer IPA

Heroes of Barcadia:

• Rollacrit Partners with Voodoo Ranger IPA for New Kickstarter, Heroes of Barcadia: Heroes for Hire Tabletop Game

Zelda:

• Zelda and Craft Beer
• Beer Review: Motueka’s Mask (Black Flag Brewing Company)
• Book Review: The Psychology of Zelda (edited by Anthony M. Bean)
• Book Review: The Legend of Zelda and Theology (edited by Jonathan L. Walls)
• Beer Review: Triforce Hazy IPA (Black Flag Brewing Company)

Rick and Morty:

• Beer Review: Peace Among Worlds (Cushwa Brewing Company)

Space Balls:

• Beer Review: Moon of Vega (Equilibrium Brewery)

Game of Thrones:

• Beer Review: Game of Thrones: My Watch Has Ended (Omnegang Brewery)
• Book Review: The Wit and Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister (George R.R. Martin)

The Simpsons:

• Beer Review: I Voted for Kodos (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: I Voted for Kang (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Ned Flanders Red (AleCraft Brewery)

Back to the Future:

• Beer Review: Back to Reality (Three 3s Brewing Co)

Scrooged:

• Beer Review: Scrooge IPA (Iron Hill Brewing)

Groundhog Day:

• Beer Review: Prognosticator Pils (Logyard Brewing Company)
• Logyard Brewing’s Prognosticator Pils is the Official Beer of Groundhog Day (2022)

A Christmas Story:

• Beer Review: The Soft Electric Glow of Sex (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out! (Eight and Sand Beer Co)

The Peanuts:

• Book Review: The Philosophy of Snoopy (Charles M. Schulz)
• Book Review: You Don’t Look 35, Charlie Brown! (Charles M. Schulz)

Pro Wrestling:

• Beer Review: Broken Skull – Stone Cold Steve Austin’s IPA (El Segundo Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Macho Man (Couch Brewery)
• Beer Review: Royal Rumble (Funk Brewing)
• Stone Cold Steve Austin and the WWE Are Celebrating 3:16 Day
• Human Robot and The Full Pint Are Hosting RoboMania
• Brawl in the Beer Hall at Lakefront Brewery
• Hulk Hogan Announces Real American Beer
• Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Negligence at Promotional Event

Soccer:

• Beer Review: Pulisic Pilsner (Jackass Brewing Company)
• Book Review: Pulisic – My Journey So Far (Christian Pulisic)

World Cup:

• Qatar Bans Alcohol Sales at World Cup in Last Second Decision
• Breweries Opening Early For the USA vs Netherlands World Cup Game
• Scotland Fans Drink Boston Lager Dry During 2026 FIFA World Cup, Forcing Emergency Beer Deliveries

Phillies:

• Drunk Phils Fans and Rotunda Brewing Company Collaborate Together on Jam the Batter sWheat Tart
• Mystery Phillies fan buys rounds of beer for people in Section 103

Philadelphia Eagles:

• The Philadelphia Eagles Running Back – D’Andre Swift – Visits Bald Bird Brewing Company

Matrix:

• Matrix Monday

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

• Beer Review: Terpenes in Time (BAREBottle Brewing Co)

Mario:

• Beer Review: Level Up (Idiom Brewing)

HP Lovecraft / Cthulhu:

• Beer Review: Azathoth (Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company)

Seinfeld:

• Beer Review: Jon Voight’s Car (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Airing of Grievances (Black Flag Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Treats of Strength (Icarus Brewing)

The Muppets:

• RAR Brewing – Out of Order – Muppet Series Can Release
• RAR Brewing Brings the Nostalgia with Muppets Out of Order Series

Jason Voorhees / Friday the 13th:

• Beer Review: Juicin’ Voorhees (Pariah Brewing Company)
• Haunted Hops

Other:

• Beer Review: Super Villain (Urban Village Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Pixels (Seminar Brewing)
• Beer Review: Villeinage (Elder Pine Brewing and Blending)
• Beer Review: Intergalactic Deals (Levante Brewing)
• Beer Review: Galactic Space Circus (Creature Comforts Brewing Co)
• Beer Review: The Death of Civilization in Slow Motion I (Ghost 907) (Adroit Theory)

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: yes, this is a book about toilets.

Not metaphorically. Not symbolically. Literally toilets. Chamber pots, cesspits, Roman latrines, medieval privies, Victorian plumbing, modern flush toilets, and just about every unpleasant-yet-fascinating stop along humanity’s journey toward indoor sanitation.

And somehow…

It’s an absolute blast.

A Stinky History of Toilets: Flush with Fun Facts and Disgusting Discoveries by Olivia Meikle

Back of the Book Blurb

The back of the book blurb comes from GoodReads:

You sit on it every day, but how much do you really know about your toilet? Discover the history of pooping and peeing in this frankly disgusting nonfiction book.

Authors Katie Nelson and Olivia Meikle have scoured the toilet bowls and sewers of the world to find out how humans have done their business throughout history. It’s time to get to the bottom of toilets! Prepare to be revolted by:

• A fossilized Viking turd discovered by archaeologists
• The Mongol catapult used to fling smelly poop at their enemies
• The reason ancient Romans used pee to wash their clothes

Filled with poop facts and vomit-inducing stats, you will also learn how diseases like cholera spread through bad sanitation, why some of the earliest toilets had a tendency to explode, and how medieval kings and queens had special helpers to wipe their bums.

Featuring hilarious illustrations by Ella Kasperowicz, it’s a history book like no other!

– A Stinky History of Toilets by Olivia Meikle (GoodReads)

Book Review

A Stinky History of Toilets: Flush with Fun Facts and Disgusting Discoveries by Olivia Meikle takes a topic that most people spend their lives trying not to think about and transforms it into one of the most entertaining history books you’ll likely read this year. Marketed toward younger readers as part of the Wacky Histories series, don’t let the intended age range fool you. Like the best educational books, it understands that curiosity doesn’t come with an expiration date. Adults who enjoy quirky history, trivia, or simply learning about the strange corners of civilization will find plenty to appreciate here.

History Is Messy

One of the book’s greatest strengths is recognizing that history isn’t just kings, wars, and political revolutions.

History also smells.

Civilizations rise and fall, but every one of them had to solve the same universal problem: where does the poop go?

It’s a question that sounds juvenile until you realize it shaped cities, influenced architecture, spread (or prevented) disease, and literally determined how millions of people lived. Once you start viewing sanitation as an engineering challenge instead of an embarrassing topic, you begin to understand just how revolutionary plumbing really is.

The Romans often receive praise for their aqueducts and public baths, but Meikle reminds readers that communal toilets were equally impressive—and, admittedly, a little horrifying by today’s standards. Medieval Europe? Let’s just say sanitation wasn’t exactly experiencing a golden age. Victorian innovations begin steering society toward modern plumbing, while today’s toilets represent centuries of trial, error, innovation, and a remarkable willingness to improve upon some genuinely awful ideas.

It’s surprisingly educational without ever feeling like homework.

Equal Parts “Ew” and “Wow”

Children’s nonfiction often falls into one of two traps. It either becomes overly clinical and dry, or it leans so heavily into gross-out humor that education becomes secondary.

A Stinky History of Toilets manages to avoid both.

Yes, there are plenty of disgusting facts. That’s half the appeal. You’re almost guaranteed to find yourself saying, “People actually did that?”

But every revolting anecdote serves a purpose.

Rather than presenting gross history as shock value alone, Meikle uses these stories to explain how societies adapted to changing populations, disease outbreaks, technological advances, and urban development. Suddenly you’re not just reading about ancient bathrooms—you’re learning why sewer systems matter, why clean drinking water transformed public health, and why sanitation ranks among humanity’s greatest achievements.

It’s educational disguised as entertainment, and frankly, that’s one of the highest compliments you can give any nonfiction book.

Olivia Meikle Knows Her Audience

Writing for younger readers is deceptively difficult.

The language needs to be accessible without talking down to the audience. The pacing has to remain lively while conveying accurate information. Humor has to land without overwhelming the educational content.

Meikle strikes that balance remarkably well.

The chapters are concise, packed with interesting facts, and constantly moving. Just when you think you’ve learned everything there could possibly be about toilets, the book pivots toward another era, another invention, or another bizarre historical practice you’ve probably never encountered.

There’s an infectious enthusiasm throughout the writing. It never feels like someone reluctantly explaining history because they have to. Instead, it feels like someone excitedly saying, “Wait until you hear how weird this gets.”

That enthusiasm becomes contagious.

The Unsung Hero: Curiosity

Perhaps the book’s greatest accomplishment is encouraging readers to ask bigger questions.

Why were certain inventions adopted while others disappeared?

How did population growth force cities to rethink waste management?

What role did sanitation play in preventing epidemics?

Why do modern bathrooms look the way they do?

Books like this demonstrate that almost any topic becomes fascinating when approached with enough curiosity. It’s a reminder that history exists in every corner of daily life—even the rooms we spend the least amount of time thinking about.

In that sense, A Stinky History of Toilets isn’t really about toilets at all.

It’s about civilization.

It’s about engineering.

It’s about public health.

It’s about innovation.

It just happens to feature an awful lot of poop.

The Illustrations Keep Things Moving

A significant portion of the book’s charm comes from its presentation.

The illustrations, diagrams, sidebars, and humorous visual elements keep the pages lively without becoming distracting. Younger readers will likely appreciate how frequently the layout changes, while adults will enjoy the playful tone that accompanies the historical information.

The visual design complements the writing perfectly. Instead of interrupting the educational content, it reinforces it, making facts easier to remember and helping maintain a brisk pace.

Educational books sometimes forget that presentation matters.

This one doesn’t.

Not Every Joke Lands…

If there’s a minor criticism to make, it’s that some of the humor occasionally feels aimed squarely at its middle-grade audience. A handful of jokes are predictable, and adults may see certain punchlines coming long before they arrive.

But honestly?

That’s hardly a flaw.

The target audience isn’t literary critics searching for sophisticated satire. It’s readers discovering that learning can actually be fun. If a few extra toilet jokes encourage someone to finish an educational history book voluntarily, that’s probably a worthwhile trade.

Besides, a book with “stinky” in the title isn’t pretending to be highbrow literature.

It knows exactly what it wants to be.

Why This Book Works

There’s an old saying that civilization can often be judged by its sanitation.

Whether or not that’s entirely true, A Stinky History of Toilets makes a compelling case that toilets deserve far more historical attention than they usually receive.

It’s funny without being obnoxious.

Educational without becoming preachy.

Detailed without overwhelming younger readers.

Most importantly, it treats curiosity with respect.

Some books teach readers what happened.

The best books teach readers how to become interested in why things happened.

Olivia Meikle accomplishes both.

By the final chapter, you’ll almost certainly possess an alarming number of bathroom-related historical facts. You’ll probably annoy friends by casually mentioning Roman communal sponges or medieval sanitation practices over dinner. You may never look at your own bathroom quite the same way again.

And honestly?

That’s part of the fun.

Final Thoughts

A Stinky History of Toilets succeeds because it embraces an idea many educators have long understood: no subject is boring if it’s presented with enough passion and perspective.

This isn’t simply a novelty book filled with gross facts.

It’s an engaging introduction to public health, engineering, urban planning, and the evolution of civilization, all wrapped inside a package that’s accessible, funny, and genuinely memorable.

Whether you’re buying it for a curious young reader, a history buff with an appreciation for the unusual, or someone who insists there are no new topics left to explore, this book proves there’s always another fascinating story hiding in plain sight—or, in this case, hiding behind the bathroom door.

Just maybe don’t read it while you’re eating lunch.

My GoodReads Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Global GoodReads Rating: 4.06 (as of 6.18.26)

Recommended For: History enthusiasts, curious middle-grade readers, teachers, parents looking for educational nonfiction, trivia lovers, and anyone who’s ever wondered how humanity managed before the invention of modern plumbing. Be warned: you’ll leave with more knowledge about toilets than you ever expected to have—and you’ll probably be glad you do.

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)
• Book Review: Something Wicked This Way Comes (Ray Bradbury)
• Book Review: Siddhartha’s Brain: Unlocking the Ancient Science of Enlightenment (James Kingsland)
• Book Review: Atomic Habits (James Clear) 
• Book Review: A Significant Life (Todd May)
• Book Review: A Short Guide to a Happy Life (Anna Quindlen)

World Cup and Beer – Breweries Bring People Together

June 11 marks the kickoff of the World Cup, one of the most globally unifying sporting events on the planet. Every four years, time zones blur, sleep schedules get wrecked, and entire nations rally behind ninety minutes of hope and heartbreak. But for craft beer fans—especially here in Pennsylvania—it’s also a perfect excuse to turn matches into full-on tasting events.

The World Cup isn’t just about soccer. It’s about culture. And few things represent culture more tangibly than beer.

A Global Tournament, A Global Tap List

One of the most fun ways to celebrate the World Cup is by drinking along with the teams. Each match becomes an opportunity to explore a country’s brewing traditions—or at least a craft interpretation of them.

• Watching Germany? Reach for a crisp helles lager or a hefeweizen from a local brewery putting their spin on Bavarian classics.

• Rooting for Belgium? Time to crack open a dubbel, tripel, or a Belgian-style golden ale—bonus points if it’s deceptively strong.

• England match on? A malt-forward ESB or a smooth pub ale fits the bill.

• Supporting Mexico? A light lager works, but craft versions with lime or salt twists elevate the experience.

Pennsylvania breweries have leaned heavily into global styles over the years, so there’s a good chance you can build a “World Cup flight” without leaving the state.

Pennsylvania Breweries Join the Party

Local breweries are no strangers to big-event energy, and the World Cup provides a built-in theme for taproom engagement. Expect to see:

• Early opening hours for morning matches

• International-themed tap takeovers or rotating drafts

• Soccer watch parties with projector screens and packed patios

• Limited releases tied to participating countries or teams

Some breweries even organize bracket-style competitions—not just for the games, but for beers. Think “IPA vs. Lager” showdowns running parallel to knockout rounds.

For beer bloggers and content creators, this is prime time. A simple “match + beer pairing” series can drive engagement, especially if you’re highlighting local breweries alongside international styles.

Beer Pairings by Match Intensity

Not all games are created equal, and your beer choice can match the energy:

• Early Group Stage Matches: Easy-drinking lagers, kölsches, or session IPAs. You’re pacing yourself.

• Rivalry Games: Go bold—double IPAs, imperial stouts, or barrel-aged offerings.

• Knockout Rounds: Something special. A rare bottle, a vertical tasting, or a brewery-exclusive release.

• The Final: Champagne of beers? Maybe. But a well-crafted saison or a celebratory wild ale feels more on brand.

The Social Side of Soccer and Beer

At its core, both soccer and craft beer thrive on community. Whether you’re packed into a brewery in Harrisburg, watching from a quiet taproom near Jersey Shore, or hosting friends at home, the shared experience is what makes it memorable.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about hearing a room erupt after a goal while holding a pint that was brewed just miles away. It grounds a global event in something local and tangible.

Final Whistle Thoughts

The World Cup only comes around every four years, but the creativity of craft beer is constant. Bringing the two together turns every match into more than just a game—it becomes an experience.

So as the tournament kicks off on June 11, consider planning your own beer lineup alongside the match schedule. Explore new styles, support local breweries, and maybe even discover a new favorite along the way.

Because in the end, whether your team lifts the trophy or crashes out early, at least your beer game can still be world class.

All of Our Nerd Content

Here’s all of our nerd content, served up best in one single place. Enjoy!

I know ya’ll here for the nerd reviews. So check out our other nerd reviews below:

Star Wars:

• Beer Review: The Pandalorian (Tattered Flag)
• Beer Review: Wookie Monster (Fourscore Beer Co)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Blue Milk (RAR Brewing) (Batch 1)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Tatooine Tart (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: RAWRGWAWGGR (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Droid Juice (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Wookies and Cream (Tall Tales Brewing)
• Revenge of the Fifth / Cinco de Mayo
• May the Fourth Be With You
• Beer Review: This is Nut the Fluff You’re Looking For (Fourscore Beer Co)
• Beer Review: This is the Way (Broken Goblet Brewing)
• Beer Review: This is the Whey (Bolero Snort Brewery)
• Beer Review: Java the Stout (Jackie O’s Brewery)
• Beer Review: The Mangolorian (Brewery Fire)
• Beer Review: BoBull Fett (Bolero Snort Brewery)
• Mead Review: The Meadalorian (Space Time Mead and Cider Works)
• Beer Review: Let the Haze Flow Through You (Black Flag Brewing Co)
• Book Review: The Jedi Path and The Book of the Sith (Daniel Wallace)
• Book Review: Guardians of the Whills (Greg Rucka)
• May the Fourth Be With You (2022)
• RAR Out of Order Star Wars Drop!
• Beer Review: Vader (Mispillion River Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Green Milk (RAR Brewing Company) (Batch 1)
• Beer Review: The Phantasm Menace (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• RAR Brewing – Out of Order – Star Wars Can Drop (2023)
• May the Fourth Be With You (2023)
• Brewery Fire Celebrates Their Fourth Anniversary: The Power of the Fourth
• Crooked Crab – May the Fourth Be With You (2024)
• Book Review: Star Wars – Most Wanted (Rae Carlson)
• Beer Review: Admiral (J Henry Barrel Aged Grand Stout) (Delta Beer Lab)
• Beer Review: Chewbacca (Rotunda Brewing Company)
• May the Fourth Be With You – From a Non a Star Wars Lover at RAR Brewing’s Star Wars Fest (Amy’s Column)

Futurama

• Good News Everyone, Futurama is Back: Exploring Futurama – Inspired Craft Beers
• Book Review: Futurama and Philosophy (edited by Courtland Lewis)
• Futurama Episode Review – The Impossible Stream and Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (SpaceTime Meadery)
• Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (Space Time Mead and Cider Works)
• Futurama Episode Review – Children of a Lesser Bog and Beer Review: Stay on Target (Allusion Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: I Apologize For Nothing (Fourscore Beer Co.)
• Beer Review: Fing-Longer (Turning Point Beer)
• Futurama Episode Review – How the West was 1010001 (and Beer Review: The Shining by Foam Brewers)
• Futurama Episode Review – Parasites Regained
• Beer Review: Hop Bender (Local Craft Beer)
• Futurama Episode Review – I Know What You Did Next XMas and Beer Review: Bo Katan Red IPA (Brewery Fire)
• 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰 on Draft and Cans at Intermission Beer Company
• Beer Review: I’m 40% Galaxy (Local Craft Beer)

Lord of the Rings:

• Book Review: An Atlas of Tolkien (David Day)
• Book Review: The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun (J.R.R. Tolkien)

Magic the Gathering:

• New Belgium Teams Up with Magic the Gathering for Vastwood Seer IPA

Heroes of Barcadia:

• Rollacrit Partners with Voodoo Ranger IPA for New Kickstarter, Heroes of Barcadia: Heroes for Hire Tabletop Game

Zelda:

• Zelda and Craft Beer
• Beer Review: Motueka’s Mask (Black Flag Brewing Company)
• Book Review: The Psychology of Zelda (edited by Anthony M. Bean)
• Book Review: The Legend of Zelda and Theology (edited by Jonathan L. Walls)
• Beer Review: Triforce Hazy IPA (Black Flag Brewing Company)

Rick and Morty:

• Beer Review: Peace Among Worlds (Cushwa Brewing Company)

Space Balls:

• Beer Review: Moon of Vega (Equilibrium Brewery)

Game of Thrones:

• Beer Review: Game of Thrones: My Watch Has Ended (Omnegang Brewery)
• Book Review: The Wit and Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister (George R.R. Martin)

The Simpsons:

• Beer Review: I Voted for Kodos (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: I Voted for Kang (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Ned Flanders Red (AleCraft Brewery)

Back to the Future:

• Beer Review: Back to Reality (Three 3s Brewing Co)

Scrooged:

• Beer Review: Scrooge IPA (Iron Hill Brewing)

Groundhog Day:

• Beer Review: Prognosticator Pils (Logyard Brewing Company)
• Logyard Brewing’s Prognosticator Pils is the Official Beer of Groundhog Day (2022)

A Christmas Story:

• Beer Review: The Soft Electric Glow of Sex (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out! (Eight and Sand Beer Co)

The Peanuts:

• Book Review: The Philosophy of Snoopy (Charles M. Schulz)
• Book Review: You Don’t Look 35, Charlie Brown! (Charles M. Schulz)

Pro Wrestling:

• Beer Review: Broken Skull – Stone Cold Steve Austin’s IPA (El Segundo Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Macho Man (Couch Brewery)
• Beer Review: Royal Rumble (Funk Brewing)
• Stone Cold Steve Austin and the WWE Are Celebrating 3:16 Day
• Human Robot and The Full Pint Are Hosting RoboMania
• Brawl in the Beer Hall at Lakefront Brewery
• Hulk Hogan Announces Real American Beer
• Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Negligence at Promotional Event

Soccer:

• Beer Review: Pulisic Pilsner (Jackass Brewing Company)
• Book Review: Pulisic – My Journey So Far (Christian Pulisic)

World Cup:

• Qatar Bans Alcohol Sales at World Cup in Last Second Decision
• Breweries Opening Early For the USA vs Netherlands World Cup Game
• World Cup Kickoff Meets Craft Beer Culture
• Scotland Fans Drink Boston Lager Dry During 2026 FIFA World Cup, Forcing Emergency Beer Deliveries

Phillies:

• Drunk Phils Fans and Rotunda Brewing Company Collaborate Together on Jam the Batter sWheat Tart
• Mystery Phillies fan buys rounds of beer for people in Section 103

Philadelphia Eagles:

• The Philadelphia Eagles Running Back – D’Andre Swift – Visits Bald Bird Brewing Company

Matrix:

• Matrix Monday

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

• Beer Review: Terpenes in Time (BAREBottle Brewing Co)

Mario:

• Beer Review: Level Up (Idiom Brewing)

HP Lovecraft / Cthulhu:

• Beer Review: Azathoth (Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company)

Seinfeld:

• Beer Review: Jon Voight’s Car (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Airing of Grievances (Black Flag Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Treats of Strength (Icarus Brewing)

The Muppets:

• RAR Brewing – Out of Order – Muppet Series Can Release
• RAR Brewing Brings the Nostalgia with Muppets Out of Order Series

Jason Voorhees / Friday the 13th:

• Beer Review: Juicin’ Voorhees (Pariah Brewing Company)
• Haunted Hops

Other:

• Beer Review: Super Villain (Urban Village Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Pixels (Seminar Brewing)
• Beer Review: Villeinage (Elder Pine Brewing and Blending)
• Beer Review: Intergalactic Deals (Levante Brewing)
• Beer Review: Galactic Space Circus (Creature Comforts Brewing Co)
• Beer Review: The Death of Civilization in Slow Motion I (Ghost 907) (Adroit Theory)

Looks like things are going to get Funky in Elizabethtown again…. This time with a bit of Inspiration. No, Funk Brewing is not coming back to their old location. But – Inspiration Brewing Company – headed by Brian Mills, is coming to the old Funk Brewing taproom spot. Located at 28 S Market St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 – which is the main way through Elizabethtown, the location was originally the Funk Brewing Taproom and then became the Pine Creek Spirits location until they also left leaving the space vacant until now.

First hints popped up with Inspiration Brewing announcing that they had some “Funky News” with the backdrop being an image (slightly blurred) of the Funk taproom.

Inspiration Brewing’s “Funky News Coming Soon” announcement (photo courtesy of Inspiration Brewing Company)

Inspiration Brewing Company Expanding to Elizabethtown, PA

The original brewery – the old Pour Man’s Brewing spot – in Ephrata isn’t going anywhere and will still be open. (You can read about our attending the soft opening at Inspiration Brewing Company.) This will be their second location. The current spot in Ephrata is located at 284 S Reading Rd. Ephrata, PA 17522. (You can see a map showing travel from Inspiration Brewing’s main location in Ephrata to their new taproom in Elizabethtown here: Inspiration to Inspiration.)

A few days ago Inspiration Brewing posted the vague news post:

“Funky News Coming Soon! Inspiration Brewing” with the backdrop being the Funk Brewery’s taproom building blurred.

We’re just going to leave this right here for you.

#inspirationbrewingco #craftbeer #breweriesinpa #craftbrewery #findyourinspiration #secondlocation

-Inspiration Brewing Company – Facebook Post (June 2nd)

They have now revealed the information, that they are taking over the original Elizabethtown Funk Brewing’s Taproom. Their announcement June 4th:

Welcome! Follow along as we work to open our new location in Elizabethtown.

– Inspiration Brewing Elizabethtown Brewpub – Facebook Post (June 4th)

On their original and main Facebook page, they also posted this on June 4th:

Well, @followers, we have some news. We are getting ready to open our second location! We will be working hard over the next few months to get the doors open. In the meantime, you can follow the page for the new Elizabethtown location here: https://www.facebook.com/ibcetownpub

As for our original taproom, that isn’t going anywhere. We love that location, but also wanted to bring our vision of a full food menu to life. The second location will give us that ability. We hope that you follow along on this journey and look forward to it as much as we are.

-Inspiration Brewing – Facebook Post (June 4th)

A Brewed Up Building

The future home of the Inspiration Brewing Company Elizabethtown Brewpub (photo courtesy of Inspiration Brewing Company)

The 28 S Market Street building has seen some beer in it’s day. It was the Funk Brewing Company’s Taproom for a while, even sustaining a fire in 2022. (Funk Brewing Taproom on Fire) (Funk Brewery Fire Update) Then in February of 2024 Funk Brewing shuttered it as their taproom and it became the Pine Creek Spirits.  Pine Creek Spirits stayed on in the building until they too closed their doors in June of 2025. It has since stayed vacant. (Nearly one full year until Inspiration Brewing Company’s announcement.)

Inspiration Brewing had their grand opening in Ephrata, in March of 2025. (Grand Opening of Inspiration Brewing Company) They took over the original spot of Pour Man’s Brewing who had moved to downtown Ephrata. Pour Man’s had just previously acquired St. Boniface Brewing expanding their brewing capacity, and needed much bigger space and a much bigger restaurant than the current (and now Inspiration) location.

See other articles on Funk Brewing:

• Beer Review: Royal Rumble 
• Beer Review: Griddle

See also:

• A History of Pour Man’s Brewing
• A History of St. Boniface Brewing
• Pour Man’s Brewing Releases Crisp and Crushable Variety Pack

For More Information on Inspiration Brewing Company

Inspiration Brewing logo

For more information on Inspiration Brewing, the following comes via Untappd. Inspiration Brewing is listed as a Brew Pub from Ephrata, PA. With 15 uique beers and over 2,200 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.84 (as of 6.9.26). Their Untappd description formerly read: “Coming soon to Lancaster County, PA
#findyourinspiration .” Now currently reads: “Ephrata, PA #findyourinspiration ”

You can find them at these social media platforms:

• Inspiration Brewing – Official website
• Inspiration Brewing – Facebook
• Inspiration Brewing – Instagram
• Inspiration Brewing – Untappd

By B. Kline | The Beer Thrillers

What Is Cold IPA? The Complete Guide to Craft Beer’s Most Confusing Style

What Is a Cold IPA?

A Cold IPA is a modern beer style that combines the hop-forward character of a West Coast IPA with the crisp, clean drinkability of a lager.

Unlike traditional India Pale Ales, Cold IPAs are typically fermented with lager yeast or a very clean ale yeast and often include adjunct grains such as rice or corn. The result is a beer that showcases hop aroma and bitterness while remaining lighter-bodied and exceptionally crisp.

In simple terms:

A Cold IPA drinks like a lager but tastes like an IPA.

This relatively new beer style has quickly become one of the most discussed innovations in the craft beer industry.

Quick Answer

If you’re looking for the short answer:

• Cold IPA is a hop-forward beer style.
• It uses lager-like fermentation techniques.
• It is drier and crisper than most IPAs.
• It is more bitter than a Hazy IPA.
• It is designed to highlight hop character without excessive malt sweetness.

Who Invented the Cold IPA?

The style is widely credited to brewer Kevin Davey of Wayfinder Beer in Portland, Oregon.

Davey developed the concept as a way to create a beer that showcased modern hop varieties while maintaining the crisp finish of a lager. The style quickly spread throughout the craft beer industry and can now be found in breweries across the United States.

What Makes a Cold IPA Different?

Many beer drinkers confuse Cold IPA with other popular IPA styles.

Cold IPA vs West Coast IPA

While both styles emphasize hop bitterness and aroma, Cold IPAs generally:

• Finish drier
• Have less malt character
• Feature a lighter body
• Often use lager fermentation methods

Cold IPA vs Hazy IPA

Hazy IPAs focus on:

• Juicy fruit flavors
• Soft mouthfeel
• Low bitterness
• Oat-heavy grain bills

Cold IPAs focus on:

• Crisp drinkability
• Higher bitterness
• Cleaner fermentation
• Sharper hop expression

Cold IPA vs IPL (India Pale Lager)

This comparison causes the most confusion.

While the two styles are similar, many brewers view Cold IPA as a distinct category because it was intentionally designed with specific brewing techniques and flavor goals rather than simply being an IPA brewed with lager yeast.

What Does a Cold IPA Taste Like?

Most Cold IPAs showcase flavors and aromas such as:

• Citrus
• Pine
• Tropical fruit
• White grape
• Berry
• Resinous hop character

The finish is often:

• Crisp
• Dry
• Refreshing
• Clean

Many drinkers describe Cold IPA as being more refreshing than a traditional IPA while still delivering plenty of hop intensity.

Why Are Brewers Making Cold IPAs?

Craft brewers are constantly searching for ways to innovate while maintaining drinkability.

Cold IPA allows breweries to:

• Showcase modern hop varieties
• Create highly drinkable beers
• Appeal to both IPA and lager drinkers
• Differentiate themselves in crowded taproom lineups

The style has become especially popular during warmer months when consumers often seek lighter-bodied beers without sacrificing flavor.

Best Cold IPA Examples

While availability varies by region, some highly regarded examples include:

• Relapse Cold IPA by Wayfinder Beer
• Various seasonal Cold IPAs from regional craft breweries
• Limited releases from innovative lager-focused breweries

Because the style remains relatively young, new interpretations continue to emerge every year.

Should You Try a Cold IPA?

If you enjoy:

• West Coast IPAs
• Pilsners
• India Pale Lagers
• Crisp, hop-forward beers

Then a Cold IPA is absolutely worth trying.

It offers many of the hop characteristics IPA fans love while delivering a cleaner and more refreshing drinking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Cold IPA served colder?

No. The name does not refer to serving temperature.

The term “Cold IPA” refers to the brewing process and fermentation approach used to create the style.

Is a Cold IPA a lager?

Not exactly.

Many Cold IPAs use lager yeast or lager-inspired techniques, but they are generally considered a separate style.

Are Cold IPAs bitter?

Yes. Most Cold IPAs feature moderate to high bitterness, especially compared to Hazy IPAs.

What alcohol percentage is a Cold IPA?

Most Cold IPAs range between 6% and 7.5% ABV, although examples outside that range exist.

Final Thoughts

The Cold IPA may have started as an experiment, but it has quickly become one of the most influential new styles in craft beer.

By combining the crisp refreshment of a lager with the hop intensity of an IPA, breweries have created a beer that appeals to a wide range of drinkers. Whether you’re a dedicated hophead or a lager enthusiast looking to explore something new, Cold IPA offers a unique bridge between two of craft beer’s most beloved categories.

As breweries continue refining and expanding the style, don’t be surprised if Cold IPA becomes a permanent fixture in taprooms across the country.