Beer Knowledge - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com Central PA beer enthusiasts and beer bloggers. Homebrewers, brewery workers, and all around beer lovers. Thu, 20 Mar 2025 19:35:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://i0.wp.com/thebeerthrillers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-The-Beer-Thrillers-December-2022-Logo.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Beer Knowledge - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com 32 32 187558884 What Makes Oktoberfest Beer Special? A Complete Guide to Bavarian Brewing Tradition https://thebeerthrillers.com/2025/02/11/what-makes-oktoberfest-beer-special-a-complete-guide-to-bavarian-brewing-tradition/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-makes-oktoberfest-beer-special-a-complete-guide-to-bavarian-brewing-tradition Tue, 11 Feb 2025 20:36:46 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=16131 What Makes Oktoberfest Beer Special? A Complete Guide to Bavarian Brewing Tradition

Thinking about Oktoberfest? Massive amounts of beer first come to mind—and for good reason! This world-famous festival is all about tradition, celebration, and, of course, raising a Maß (liter-sized mug) of specially brewed drink. But Oktoberfest beer isn’t just any lager you can grab at your local store. It follows strict brewing rules, has a unique taste, and comes in two main styles: the classic Märzen and the lighter Festbier. Only six Munich breweries have the honor of producing this special brewery and calling their beer “ Oktoberfest official” served at the festival.

Revelers drinking at Oktoberfest in Munich

Do You Know? 6.7 million attendees visited and consumed 7 million liters of beer during Oktoberfest 2024. 

 

Each sip of German-style beer captures a distinct taste. Whether you take at the vibrant festivities or enjoy it at home, what makes Oktoberfest beer so special is its key ingredients and definitive features.

Oktoberfest Beer History – How a Maltier Brew Became an Iconic Tradition

Oktoberfest beer traces back to the early 19th century to celebrate Prince Ludwig’s and Princess Therese’s wedding. Their celebrations lasted for days and resulted in the popularity of a lot from the Bavarian culture, such as the traditional lederhosen and dirndl dress, along with plenty of beer.

 

The Oktoberfest, which is now called the world’s largest beer festivity, didn’t always feature the brews you associate it with today.  The wedding celebration was such a success that it was repeated the following year and eventually became an annual tradition of what we now know as Oktoberfest, and with it came a beer style that remains iconic.

 

Initially, the drink served was a darker, maltier brew known as Märzen. It was named after the month of March, when it was traditionally brewed and stored in cool caves over the summer. Märzen remained the official beer for Oktoberfest in Germany for around 100 years due to its amber color and toasty malt profile. But as the celebration grew into an international sensation, festival-goers wanted something even more palatable. Munich’s breweries responded with malt-forward lager with a beautiful light golden to copper color (Festbier). This modern Oktoberfest beer style with a clean finish is served at the festival today.

A woman models German attire for Oktoberfest

American vs. German Styles — What’s the Difference

Same name, Different Beer! If you have picked up an Oktoberfest beer outside of Munich, you might have noticed something different—it won’t taste the same. Many people think Oktoberfest brew is just one style, but it’s not. You may find American and German approaches to this special beer tradition. U.S. breweries took the inspiration from the original Märzen, while in Germany, you taste the modern Festbier. Both styles, however, share a malt-forward character.

  • Märzen – The Original Oktoberfest Beer

American Oktoberfest Beers are often Märzen-style. It features an amber color and a slightly sweet taste with notes of toffee, biscuit, and bread. They typically have a medium body and a light toasted malt character. Märzen contains 5.8–6.3% alcohol by volume and is slightly heavier than a German Festbier.

  • Festbier – More Refreshing Lager

When you think of Oktoberfest beer in Germany, you’re talking about Festbier—the golden, crisp lager that fills massive mugs in Munich’s beer tents. It tends to be paler and more similar to a Dortmunder-style brewer with a balanced flavor profile. Festbier has a clean fermentation character and provides a toasty-doughy aromatic with an impression of sweetness. This makes it easier to drink in liters at festivities. The color varies, but you will find German versions mostly in golden, like a strong Pils-dominated Helles.

 

When buying any of the above beer styles, read the label. Märzen is always mentioned in the bottle, but if it displays Oktoberfest, you are drinking Festbier.

What Defines the Oktoberfest Beer— A Representative of Bavarian Heritage

Not just any beer can call itself an Oktoberfest beer. It has a unique character and brewing process that sets it apart from your everyday lagers. The drink served at festivities reflects German centuries-old brewing traditions and makes it a symbol of true celebrations.

It Must Be Brewed in Munich

Only six breweries—Augustiner, Paulaner, Spaten, Hofbräu, Hacker-Pschorr, and Löwenbräu—are allowed to serve “official” Oktoberfest beer at the celebration. Other than these are strictly forbidden at the festivities. These breweries operate large and small beer tents at the Theresienwiese to serve millions of people during the festival. Also, the beer must be brewed within the city limits of Munich to ensure authenticity.

It Follows the Reinheitsgebot (German Purity Law)

The beer must meet specific criteria of Bavarian law to be officially recognized as an Oktoberfest brew. This means it only contains

  • Water
  • Malted barley
  • Hops
  • Yeast

No additives or shortcuts!

It Has a Balanced, Malty Flavor

Oktoberfest beer is known for its smooth maltiness. Whether it’s the traditional Märzen or the modern Festbier, the flavor profile is malty, smooth, and highly drinkable, with a good balance of sweetness and hop bitterness.

It Has a Higher Alcohol Content

To give it a strong kick, Oktoberfest beers generally have a higher alcohol content compared to typical lagers. The permitted ABV typically ranges from 5.8% to 6.3%, which can vary by brewery. Hofbräuzelt beer is the strongest, with 6.3% alcohol. This gives it a bit more body and warmth, making it perfect for cool autumn celebrations.

It’s a Lager, Not an Ale

Oktoberfest beer is a bottom-fermented lager. This means it ferments at cooler temperatures for a longer time. The lagering results in a refreshing, smooth taste with fewer fruity or spicy flavors compared to ales. It also adds a crisp and clean finish to Oktoberfest beers.

It’s Made for Drinking by the Liter

One of the key features of Oktoberfest beer is its high drinkability. As you don’t just sip it— you celebrate it every few minutes. The beer is brewed to be enjoyed by the liter (Maßkrug) without feeling too heavy. That’s why modern Festbier is lighter than Märzen—so festival-goers can keep drinking all day long!l

Pairs Perfectly with Traditional Bavarian Cuisine to Enhance the Taste 

Drinking Oktoberfest beer is only half the experience—the other half is savoring it with the perfect Bavarian feast. Whether you’re in a lively beer tent in Munich or hosting your Oktoberfest celebration at home, the right food pairing elevates the flavors of your brew. It makes each sip and bite more satisfying.

 

If you have Märzen-style, try its malty sweetness and yeasty flavor with

 

  • Roasted Meats—A browned, crisp skin of roast chicken or sausage
  • Hearty Dishes— The heat of hearty chili, stews, or schweinshaxe (roast ham hock or pork knuckle with gravy).
  • Pretzels — Soft, salty, and chewy baked pretzels dip in Obatzda.
  • Desserts — Waffles with syrup, pancakes with jam, or cookies and cake.
  • Cheese: Gruyere and Emmental or flavor notes found in accompaniments like jam, nuts, toasted bread, or crackers.

 

If you have Festbier in Munich, complement its light and crips finish with

 

  • Schnitzel — Veal, pork, or chicken when served with lemon or red berry jam.
  • Richer Dishes — Creamier recipies like cheesy noodles (käsespätzle), currywurst, or German potato salad.
  • Weisswurst — White sausage presented with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
  • Traditional Pairings — Roast chicken or pork, sauerkraut, and potato pancakes.

 

These pairings complement perfectly with the beers’ flavors and add to the overall enjoyment. The caramelized malt in Märzen doubles the taste of savory, slow-roasted meats. Similarly, the sharper and hoppier notes of Oktoberfestbier cut through the richness of creamy and saucy meals.

Wrapping Up

The rich and unique flavor, traditional roots, and the main brewery crafting procedure make Oktoberfest beer special. It is served in two main forms at different geographical locations. If you are in Munich and purchase a beer, it is most likely a light and smooth-textured Festbier. While outside Germany, breweries love to sell the traditional Märzen. The specific rules regulated to serve beer at Oktoberfest make it a unique experience for millions of visitors and set it apart from regular alcoholic drinks.

German Dancers at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest and German Beer Related Articles

 

Note

(Editor note: This was an unpaid guest post by Sophia Tyler.)

 

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:

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 ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, 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’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

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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 January 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.)

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The Most Popular Brewery in Each State as per Perplexity AI https://thebeerthrillers.com/2025/02/01/the-most-popular-brewery-in-each-state-as-per-perplexity-ai/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-popular-brewery-in-each-state-as-per-perplexity-ai Sat, 01 Feb 2025 20:32:48 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15990 The Most Popular Brewery in Each State as per Perplexity AI

Most Popular Breweries by State as per Perplexity

Taking a look at the most popular brewery in each state can be a bit difficult. But thankfully with AI, we can quick pin down things a bit more succinctly. So I fired up the old Perplexity AI machine, and threw it the commands of “what is the most popular brewery in each state” and then gave it the caveats of using Untappd data, sales data, online mentions, and variables such as website recommendations and such.

And here’s what it gave us:

Most Popular Brewery in Each State as of February 2025

STATE BREWERY
Alabama TrimTab Brewing Co.
Alaska Alaskan Brewing Company
Arizona Mother Road Brewing Company
Arkansas Lost Forty Brewing Company
California Russian River Brewing Company
Colorado Breckenridge Brewery
Delaware Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Florida Cigar City Brewing
Georgia Creature Comforts Brewing
Hawaii Maui Brewing
Idaho Mother Earth Brewing Company
Illinois Revolution Brewing Company
Indiana 3 Floyds Brewing
Iowa Toppling Goliath Brewing
Kansas Boulevard Brewing
Kentucky West Sixth Brewing
Louisiana Gnarly Barley Brewing Company
Maine Bissell Brothers Brewing Company
Maryland Heavy Seas Beer
Massachusetts Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Michigan Bell’s Brewery
Minnesota Surly Brewing Company
Mississippi Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company
Missouri Side Project Brewing
Montana Big Sky Brewing Company
Nebraska Kros Strain Brewing
Nevada Able Baker Brewing Company
New Hampshire Smuttynose Brewing Company
New Jersey Kane Brewing
New Mexico Santa Fe Brewing Company
New York Sloop Brewing
North Carolina Wicked Weed Brewing Company
North Dakota Drekker Brewing Company
Ohio Great Lakes Brewing Company
Oklahoma Roughtail Brewing Company
Oregon Fort George Brewing
Pennsylvania Tröegs Independent Brewing
Rhode Island Whalers Brewing Company
South Carolina Wicked Weed Brewing Company
South Dakota Crow Peak Brewing Company
Tennessee Bearded Iris Brewing
Texas Yuengling Brewery
Utah Squatters Craft Beers
Vermont The Alchemist
Virginia 3 Floyds Brewing
Washington Georgetown Brewing Company
West Virginia Big Timber Brewing Company
Wisconsin New Glarus Brewing
Wyoming Snake River Brewing Company

Notes: A few notes I’d like to point out. Wicked Weed Brewing is listed twice – North and South Carolina. Yuengling Brewery is listed for Texas; where they do technically have a brewery production center. And 3 Floyds is also listed twice – Indiana and Virginia.

Sources

Our Related Articles

 

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:

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 ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, 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’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 January 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.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Craft Breweries in Central Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide (2025) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2025/01/14/craft-breweries-in-central-pennsylvania-a-comprehensive-guide-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=craft-breweries-in-central-pennsylvania-a-comprehensive-guide-2025 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:27:55 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15870

Craft Breweries in Central Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide (2025)

Craft Breweries in Central Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide Central Pennsylvania has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts, boasting a rich tapestry of breweries that blend tradition with innovation. From historic establishments to cutting-edge microbreweries, the region offers a diverse and exciting craft beer scene that continues to evolve and expand. This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through Central PA’s craft brewing landscape, exploring its history, notable breweries, unique flavors, and the culture that surrounds this thriving industry.

Breweries in Central PA: Craft Breweries in Central Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide

Historical Context

The brewing tradition in Central Pennsylvania dates back to the early days of American history. Perhaps the most iconic example of this rich heritage is D.G. Yuengling & Son, established in 1829 in Pottsville. As America’s oldest operating brewing company, Yuengling set the stage for a region that would become deeply intertwined with beer culture. However, the modern craft beer movement in Central PA truly gained momentum in the 1990s. This period saw the establishment of several breweries that would become cornerstones of the local craft beer scene. Notably, Appalachian Brewing Company, founded in 1994 in Harrisburg, was among the pioneers that helped revitalize the region’s brewing tradition.

(See our article: Unearthing the History of Harrisburg Brewing: From Barnitz to Troegs)

The Craft Beer Boom

In recent years, Central Pennsylvania has experienced a significant surge in craft brewery openings, mirroring a national trend. This growth has been particularly noticeable since the mid-2010s, with new breweries popping up in cities, small towns, and even rural areas across the region. The increase in craft breweries has been driven by several factors:

  1. Consumer Demand: A growing appreciation for unique, locally-produced beers has fueled the expansion of the craft beer market.
  2. Legislative Changes: Pennsylvania’s laws regarding brewery operations and distribution have become more favorable to small-scale producers.
  3. Tourism: The rise of beer tourism has encouraged the development of brewery trails and tasting experiences.
  4. Community Focus: Many breweries have positioned themselves as community gathering spaces, offering more than just beer.

Notable Breweries in Central PA

Central Pennsylvania boasts a diverse array of breweries, each with its own unique character and specialties. Here are some standout establishments:

Tröegs Brewing Company (Hershey)

Troegs’ Brewery located in Hershey, PA

Founded in 1996, Tröegs has become one of the most recognized names in Pennsylvania craft beer. Known for their innovative approach and quality brews, Tröegs offers a range of year-round and seasonal beers. Their Nugget Nectar, an Imperial Amber Ale, has gained cult status among craft beer aficionados.

Appalachian Brewing Company (Harrisburg)

Appalachian Brewing Company (Harrisburg)

As one of the oldest craft breweries in the region, Appalachian Brewing Company (ABC) has played a significant role in shaping Central PA’s beer scene. With multiple locations across the area, ABC offers a wide variety of beers, including their popular Hoppy Trails IPA and Susquehanna Stout. They also produce their own line of craft sodas, appealing to non-alcoholic beverage enthusiasts.

Otto’s Pub and Brewery (State College)

Otto’s Pub and Restaurant, in State College PA

Established in 2002, Otto’s has become a staple of the State College community. Known for their diverse beer selection and quality pub fare, Otto’s embodies the brewpub concept, offering a full dining experience alongside their craft brews.

(See our article: Otto’s Pub and Brewery Review)

Axemann Brewery (Bellefonte)

Axemann Brewery in Bellefonte, PA

One of the newer additions to the Central PA brewing scene, Axemann opened its doors in 2020. Despite its recent establishment, Axemann has quickly gained recognition for its well-crafted beers and unique location in a former axe factory.

Victory Brewing Company (Downingtown)

Victory Brewing in Downington, PA

While technically on the eastern edge of Central PA, Victory’s influence on the region’s beer culture is undeniable. Founded in 1996, Victory has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in Pennsylvania, known for beers like Prima Pils and Golden Monkey.

Emerging Breweries and Trends

The craft beer scene in Central PA continues to evolve, with new breweries regularly entering the market. Some emerging trends include:

  1. Farm Breweries: Establishments like Hop Hill Brewing in Bethlehem are incorporating locally-sourced ingredients and embracing a farm-to-glass ethos.
  2. Nanobreweries: Smaller operations like Cartel Brewing & Blending in Lancaster are focusing on limited batch, experimental brews.
  3. Sour and Wild Ales: Following national trends, many Central PA breweries are exploring sour beer styles and wild fermentation techniques.
  4. Craft Lagers: There’s a growing appreciation for well-crafted lagers, with breweries dedicating more resources to these traditionally challenging styles.

Brew Trails and Beer Tourism

Central Pennsylvania has capitalized on its brewing heritage by developing several beer trails that encourage visitors to explore the region’s craft beer offerings. These trails not only promote local breweries but also contribute significantly to the area’s tourism industry.

Cumberland Valley Beer Trail

This trail features a diverse selection of breweries, wineries, and distilleries across the Cumberland Valley region. Participants can collect stamps in a passport, earning prizes as they explore different establishments. Notable stops include Molly Pitcher Brewing Company in Carlisle and Ever Grain Brewing Co. in Camp Hill.

Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail

Offering a broader beverage experience, this trail includes breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries. It showcases the diverse craft beverage scene in the Happy Valley area, allowing visitors to sample a wide range of locally-produced drinks.

Brew Barons Beer Trail

Focused on the Hershey and Harrisburg area, the Brew Barons Beer Trail is an interactive experience featuring over 25 breweries and tasting locations. This trail uses modern technology, allowing participants to check in via GPS on their phones and earn prizes as they visit different locations.

(See our article: Brew Barons Beer Trail Beer App Launches)

Lancaster Ale Trail

Stretching from Bird-In-Hand to Hershey, this trail highlights 22 breweries and distilleries, offering a mix of urban and rural brewing experiences. It captures the essence of Lancaster County’s craft beer scene, from downtown microbreweries to farmhouse ales.

The Culture of Craft Beer in Central PA

The craft beer scene in Central Pennsylvania is more than just about the beverages; it’s a culture that has become deeply ingrained in the local community. This culture is characterized by several key aspects:

Community Engagement

Many breweries in Central PA serve as community hubs, hosting events, supporting local causes, and collaborating with other local businesses. For example, Desperate Times Brewery in Carlisle often partners with local food trucks and artists, creating a vibrant local ecosystem.

Educational Initiatives

Breweries like Appalachian Brewing Company offer tours and tasting sessions, educating visitors about the brewing process and beer styles. This focus on education helps cultivate a more knowledgeable and appreciative consumer base. Troegs Independent Brewing also offers tours and has won “Best Tour in the Country” four years in a row, via USA Today.

Seasonal Celebrations

Central PA breweries often align their offerings with the seasons, creating special brews for events like Oktoberfest or releasing summer ales and winter stouts. These seasonal offerings have become eagerly anticipated events for local beer enthusiasts.

Collaboration and Innovation

The spirit of collaboration is strong among Central PA breweries. It’s not uncommon to see breweries working together on special release beers or supporting each other’s events. This collaborative atmosphere fosters innovation and helps elevate the overall quality of craft beer in the region.

Economic Impact

The growth of the craft beer industry has had a significant economic impact on Central Pennsylvania. Breweries have become important employers, often revitalizing abandoned industrial spaces or bringing new life to small town main streets. The industry also supports a network of suppliers, from local farmers growing hops and barley to graphic designers creating eye-catching labels. Moreover, craft beer tourism has become a notable economic driver. Events like beer festivals and the popularity of brewery tours bring visitors to the region, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its growth and success, the craft beer industry in Central Pennsylvania faces several challenges:

  1. Market Saturation: With the rapid increase in the number of breweries, some worry about market saturation and increased competition.
  2. Distribution Hurdles: Pennsylvania’s complex alcohol distribution laws can make it challenging for smaller breweries to get their products to market.
  3. Quality Control: As the number of breweries increases, maintaining consistent quality across the industry becomes more challenging.
  4. Changing Consumer Preferences: The rise of hard seltzers and other alternative alcoholic beverages presents a potential threat to craft beer’s market share.

However, the outlook for Central PA’s craft beer scene remains largely positive. The industry has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, particularly in the face of recent global challenges. Many breweries successfully pivoted to takeout and delivery models during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating their ability to innovate in difficult circumstances. Looking ahead, several trends are likely to shape the future of craft beer in Central Pennsylvania:

  1. Sustainability: More breweries are likely to focus on sustainable practices, from sourcing ingredients to packaging and distribution.
  2. Diversity and Inclusion: There’s a growing awareness of the need for greater diversity in brewery ownership and employment, which could lead to new perspectives and innovations in the industry.
  3. Hyper-Local Focus: As consumers increasingly value local products, breweries may double down on using local ingredients and catering to local tastes.
  4. Technology Integration: From online ordering systems to augmented reality experiences, technology is likely to play an increasing role in how breweries operate and interact with customers.

(See our article: Beer Analysts Opinion: What is Wrong with the Craft Beer Industry?)

Conclusion

Central Pennsylvania’s craft beer scene is a vibrant, dynamic industry that reflects the region’s rich history and innovative spirit. From long-established breweries that have shaped the local beer culture for decades to exciting new ventures pushing the boundaries of what craft beer can be, Central PA offers a diverse and exciting landscape for beer enthusiasts. The industry’s focus on quality, community engagement, and local identity has created a unique beer culture that goes beyond just the beverages themselves. Craft breweries have become integral parts of their communities, driving economic growth, fostering tourism, and creating spaces for people to come together. As the industry continues to evolve, facing both challenges and opportunities, one thing remains clear: craft beer has become an essential part of Central Pennsylvania’s cultural and economic fabric. Whether you’re a longtime local or a visitor exploring the region for the first time, the craft breweries of Central PA offer a taste experience that is both deeply rooted in tradition and excitingly innovative. From the historic streets of Harrisburg to the rolling farmlands of Lancaster County, there’s always another unique brew waiting to be discovered in the heart of Pennsylvania.

Brewery News

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

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:

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 ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, 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’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 August 2024.) 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.)

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The Ultimate Guide to Craft Beer Tasting: Unlocking Flavor Profiles in 2025 https://thebeerthrillers.com/2025/01/14/the-ultimate-guide-to-craft-beer-tasting-unlocking-flavor-profiles-in-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ultimate-guide-to-craft-beer-tasting-unlocking-flavor-profiles-in-2025 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:13:42 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=16099 The Ultimate Guide to Craft Beer Tasting: Unlocking Flavor Profiles in 2025

Craft beer enthusiasts, rejoice! As we dive into the exciting world of beer in 2025, it’s time to elevate your tasting experience and discover new flavor horizons. This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through the art of beer tasting, helping you appreciate the nuances of your favorite brews like never before.

An IPA with hops at a craft brewery’s bar

Understanding Beer Styles

Before we delve into tasting techniques, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with various beer styles. From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts, each style offers a unique flavor profile. In 2025, we’re seeing a resurgence of traditional styles alongside innovative hybrid creations.

The Five Steps of Beer Tasting

1. Appearance

Examine the beer’s color, clarity, and head retention. Is it golden, amber, or pitch black? Is the foam thick and creamy or thin and dissipating?

2. Aroma

Swirl the beer gently and take a deep sniff. Identify notes of hops, malt, yeast, and any additional ingredients like fruit or spices.

3. Taste

Take a sip and let it coat your entire palate. Notice the initial flavors, how they evolve, and the aftertaste.

4. Mouthfeel

Pay attention to the beer’s body. Is it light and crisp or full and creamy? Does it have high carbonation or a smooth, velvety texture?

5. Overall Impression

Reflect on how all these elements come together. Does the beer meet your expectations for its style? Is it balanced and enjoyable?

Enhancing Your Tasting Skills

To truly master the art of beer tasting, consider these tips:

  • Use proper glassware: Different glass shapes can enhance specific beer styles.

  • Serve at the right temperature: Too cold can mute flavors, while too warm can overemphasize certain notes.

  • Cleanse your palate: Use water or crackers between tastings to reset your taste buds.

  • Take notes: Keep a tasting journal to track your experiences and preferences.

Exploring Beer and Food Pairings

In 2025, the art of pairing beer with food has reached new heights. Experiment with these classic combinations:

  • IPA with spicy cuisine

  • Stout with chocolate desserts

  • Wheat beer with light salads and seafood

  • Belgian ales with rich, creamy cheeses

The Future of Craft Beer

As we look ahead, the craft beer scene continues to evolve. Keep an eye out for these trends:

  • Sustainable brewing practices

  • Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic craft options

  • Locally-sourced ingredients and terroir-driven beers

  • Innovative aging techniques and barrel programs

By honing your tasting skills and staying informed about the latest trends, you’ll be well-equipped to fully appreciate the diverse and exciting world of craft beer in 2025 and beyond. Cheers to your tasting adventures!

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A History of Pour Man’s Brewing Company https://thebeerthrillers.com/2025/01/06/a-history-of-pour-mans-brewing-company/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-history-of-pour-mans-brewing-company Mon, 06 Jan 2025 14:45:00 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15903 A History of Pour Man’s Brewing Company

Pour Man’s Brewing Company has become a notable player in the Pennsylvania craft beer scene since its inception in 2018. Founded by business partners Sam Son and Ryan Foltz, the brewery emerged from their shared passion for homebrewing, which eventually led them to take the leap into commercial beer production.

Pour Man’s Brewing Company’s logo

Humble Beginnings

Pour Man’s opened its doors in August 2018 at 284 S Reading Road in Ephrata, PA. The original location, a former butcher shop, became the birthplace of their brewing operations and taproom. From the start, Pour Man’s focused on creating a diverse range of beer styles, with a particular emphasis on producing high-quality lagers.

Pour Man’s Brewing Company’s beer at their original location. (photo courtesy of Pour Man’s Brewing Company)

Growth and Recognition

The brewery quickly gained a following for its commitment to quality and innovation. In 2022, Pour Man’s achieved a significant milestone by winning the Breweries In PA 2022 PA Beer Bracket Championship, solidifying its position as a fan favorite in the state. They also won in 2023 under the new “Malt Madness” tournament.

Expansion and Relocation

As Pour Man’s popularity grew, so did the need for more space. In late 2022, the brewery announced plans for a major expansion. This expansion included moving the taproom to a new location at 24 E Main Street in downtown Ephrata, while retaining the original building to expand brewing operations. The new taproom, which opened in 2023, is housed in a historic building dating back to 1912. Formerly home to Sprecher’s Hardware for 88 years, the 8,000 square foot space has been transformed into a modern craft beer destination. The new location features:

  • Two bars on the first floor
  • Seating for over 100 guests
  • A beer garden in the back
  • A second-floor event space with a sky-view bar overlooking downtown Ephrata
  • 20 house-made beers on tap
  • An expanded cocktail, wine, and cider list
  • A redesigned food menu focusing on locally sourced ingredients

Pour Man’s Brewery (photo courtesy of Pour Man’s Brewing Company)

Brewing Philosophy

Pour Man’s has built its reputation on a lager-focused brewing approach while still offering a wide range of styles to cater to various tastes. Their commitment to quality and innovation has helped them cultivate a passionate following of craft beer enthusiasts.

Community Involvement

The brewery has shown a strong commitment to community engagement. They always have a charity tap available, demonstrating their dedication to giving back to the local community. Additionally, Pour Man’s has been one of the main driving forces behind the creation of the Lancaster County Brewers Guild, further cementing their role in the local brewing scene.

Pour Man’s Brewing Company (photo courtesy of Pour Man’s Brewing Company)

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company’s logo.

Recent Developments

In a significant turn of events, Pour Man’s Brewing Company purchased St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. in 2024. Since then, they have continued to produce Boniface beers and operate the Ephrata taproom, expanding their influence in the local craft beer market. As of 2025, Pour Man’s Brewing Company continues to thrive in its new location, offering a welcoming atmosphere for craft beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

(See: Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company)

Recent developments for Pour Man’s Brewing Company include:

  • Acquisition of St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co.: In April 2024, Pour Man’s Brewing Company purchased St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co., another Ephrata-based brewery. This acquisition has allowed Pour Man’s to expand its production and distribution capabilities in central Pennsylvania
  • Continued operation of St. Boniface: Since the acquisition, Pour Man’s has continued to produce Boniface beers and operate the Ephrata taproom. They have maintained the existing beer lineup while introducing some rotating new beers and potentially bringing back some past favorites.
  • Expanded distribution: With the combined production of Pour Man’s and St. Boniface, the company now plans to deliver more beer throughout central Pennsylvania4.
  • New Year’s Eve 2025 celebration: Pour Man’s participated in Ephrata’s downtown New Year’s Eve festivities to ring in 2025, showcasing their continued community involvement.
  • New beer release: Pour Man’s recently introduced a new beer called “Foltzenator,” which they promoted using the traditional German beer-heating technique known as Bierstacheln.

These developments demonstrate Pour Man’s Brewing Company’s growth, community engagement, and commitment to expanding their presence in the Pennsylvania craft beer scene.

With its rich history, commitment to quality, and strong community ties, Pour Man’s has established itself as a cornerstone of the Ephrata and broader Pennsylvania craft beer scene.

See Also

Articles on the History of Beer

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:

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 ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, 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’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 January 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.)

 

 

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A History of St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company https://thebeerthrillers.com/2025/01/05/a-history-of-st-boniface-craft-brewing-company/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-history-of-st-boniface-craft-brewing-company Sun, 05 Jan 2025 22:12:36 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15897 A History of St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co., located in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, has been a staple of the local craft beer scene since its inception in 2010. The brewery’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved establishment in Lancaster County is a testament to its commitment to quality and community.

The St. Boniface Craft Brewery

The Early Days

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. opened its doors on February 2, 2011, in the Donecker Artworks building on North State Street in Ephrata. Despite initially offering only one beer, Hegemony Stout, the brewery quickly gained popularity among craft beer enthusiasts as Lancaster County’s first production nano brewery.

St. Boniface quickly gained popularity among craft beer enthusiasts despite initially offering only one beer, Hegemony Stout.

The brewery’s humble beginnings can be traced back to 2010 when the business plan was first conceived. Within months, the founders had navigated through planning, construction, and regulatory hurdles to bring their vision to life.

In these early days, St. Boniface operated on a small scale, offering samples and growler fills to eager customers. The Hegemony Stout, which remains a staple of their lineup, was described as an imperial stout with a chocolatey sweetness balanced by roasty notes from dark malts and a slight bitterness from centennial hops.

Despite the limited offerings, craft beer fans flocked to the new establishment, setting the stage for St. Boniface’s future growth and expansion in the vibrant Pennsylvania craft beer scene.

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company’s logo.

Expansion and Growth

In January 2013, St. Boniface took a significant step forward by moving to its current location on West Main Street in Ephrata1. The new space allowed for growler fills, and by June 2013, the brewery began selling its first pints on-site. This expansion marked the beginning of a new era for St. Boniface, as it could now offer a full taproom experience to its patrons.

Milestones and Innovations

As the brewery grew, so did its offerings and capabilities:

  • June 2014: Inaugural Bonifest, celebrating St. Boniface’s feast day with beer, food trucks, and music.
  • Fall 2014: Upgraded from a 3-barrel system to a 15-barrel Premier Stainless Brew system and commissioned their first canning line.
  • October 2016: Added a kitchen to provide food service alongside their beers.

Political Controversies

In June 2022, St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. found itself at the center of a heated political debate that significantly impacted its public image and business operations:

  • The brewery’s Tied House location in Lititz planned to host an event titled “Should We Want An Explicitly Christian State” organized by The Mid Atlantic Reformation Society1.
  • This decision sparked outrage among community members who accused the organization of being tied to white nationalist and hate speech, particularly concerning their derogatory language towards the LGBTQI+ community1.
  • Initially, St. Boniface defended their decision, citing Pennsylvania’s Christian roots and arguing for inclusivity of all groups, including Christians.
  • The brewery later deleted their social media post defending the event, but maintained their stance on hosting it.
  • This controversy had lasting effects on the business:
    • The Tied House location in Lititz closed permanently in July 2024, with some attributing its failure partly to the political backlash.
    • Local residents reported avoiding the establishment due to its political associations.
  • The incident highlighted the challenges businesses face when navigating political issues in a polarized social climate.

This controversy marked a significant turning point for St. Boniface, affecting its reputation and potentially contributing to the eventual sale of the brewery to Pour Man’s Brewing Company in April 2024.

(See: Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company)

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Logo Etched Into a Barrel

Award-Winning Brews

St. Boniface’s commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, their Hegemony Anniversary Reserve won 3rd Place in the Barrel-Aged category at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Beer Competition.

Recent Developments

In a significant turn of events, St. Boniface was acquired by Pour Man’s Brewing Company in May 2024. This acquisition aimed to continue providing the beloved Boniface beers while expanding distribution and establishing the brands deeper in the central PA area. May of 2024 we covered the purchase with the article – Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company.

The Legacy Continues

Today, St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. remains a cornerstone of the Ephrata community, offering a range of year-round, seasonal, and limited edition beers crafted and served on site5. The brewery continues to honor its namesake, Saint Boniface, the patron saint of brewers, by “laying the axe at the root of the tree of bland beer”. St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co.’s journey from a small storefront to a well-established brewery showcases the power of passion, quality, and community in the craft beer industry. As it moves forward under new ownership, the brewery remains committed to its roots while embracing opportunities for growth and innovation in the vibrant world of craft beer.

As of January 2025, St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. continues to be a cornerstone of the Ephrata community, now under the ownership of Pour Man’s Brewing Company. The acquisition, which took place in May 2024, has ushered in a new era for the beloved brewery while maintaining its core identity.

Preserving Tradition

Pour Man’s Brewing has committed to preserving the essence of St. Boniface:

  • The majority of St. Boniface’s popular beers remain in production, with plans to revive some past favorites.
  • The food menu, praised for its quality, has been retained, with potential for rotating specials in the future.
  • The Ephrata taproom continues to operate under the St. Boniface name, maintaining its distinct identity.

Expanding Horizons

The acquisition has brought new opportunities for growth:

  • Combined production capabilities of Pour Man’s and St. Boniface have led to increased distribution across central Pennsylvania.
  • The merger has allowed for more efficient operations, reducing overhead costs.
  • New rotating beers are being introduced, adding variety to the existing lineup.

Community Focus

St. Boniface’s deep roots in the community remain a priority:

  • The brewery continues to host events, carrying on traditions like Bonifest, which began in June 2014.
  • Both Pour Man’s and St. Boniface taprooms in Ephrata continue to operate, offering distinct experiences to craft beer enthusiasts.

The Future

As St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. moves forward under new ownership, it remains committed to its founding principles of quality, creativity, and community engagement. The legacy of St. Boniface, the patron saint of brewers, lives on as the brewery continues to “lay the axe at the root of the tree of bland beer”, now with the added resources and vision of Pour Man’s Brewing Company.

See Also

Articles on the History of Beer

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:

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 ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, 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’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 January 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.)

 

 

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How to Pour a Bavarian Beer the Oktoberfest Way https://thebeerthrillers.com/2024/12/16/how-to-pour-a-bavarian-beer-the-oktoberfest-way/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-pour-a-bavarian-beer-the-oktoberfest-way Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:16:03 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15806 How to Pour a Bavarian Beer the Oktoberfest Way

Oktoberfest (photo courtesy of Amber Julie)

By: Amber Julie

Wanna experience the magic of Oktoberfest in your own backyard? But wondering how? Here is a treat for beer lovers. Pouring a Bavarian beer just like the way Germans do or you see at Oktoberfest tents brings the true essence of their culture to your table. This art involves the exact foaming length or three-finger rule used at Oktoberfest beer tents. You must follow the traditional methods to ensure the perfect experience. Otherwise, it won’t be more like an ordinary drink.

Why the Perfect Pour Matters?

The way beer is poured can influence its taste, aroma and even a beer’s appearance. Germans won’t wait for a late tram, even for 2 minutes, but they will wait for 7 minutes while beer is being poured (viewers comment). This signifies the beer culture in Bavaria. You notice the Bavarian beer always has that thick, creamy foam on top. That’s not the accident. The perfect pour makes the beer look amazing, flavorful and fresh for longer. Plus, drinking beer like this makes you feel like you are at a German festival.

For customers wanting a logical answer, the right pouring methods help activate the beer’s carbonation. When you pour a beer, especially from the bottle or can, you are releasing the carbon dioxide which forms bubbles and creates foam. The proper foam head is not just for show. It offers wonderful aromas that allow you to smell the beer’s unique characteristics before you take a sip.

First, Understand the German Beer Types

In Bavaria, the main varieties are lager, pilsner, and wheat beer (that’s weissbier if you want to sound fancy). Each of these brews has its own unique taste and is different in its pouring style.

  • Lager – This is your classic beer that is less carbonated. You can pour it quickly without worry.
  • Pilsner – A bit more carbonated than lager, but still pretty straightforward to handle.
  • Wheat Beer – This one is more explosive and it comes with yeast sitting at the bottom. You will need to take extra care with this one to keep that flavour intact.

Don’t Overlook the Foam!

In Germany, especially at Oktoberfest, beer is not just about the liquid; it is about how you present it. If there is a slight difference in pouring time or style, like you pour a 7-minute Pilsner in 3 minutes, the locals won’t accept it. The foaming length also matters. At Oktoberfest, about 1.5 inches of solid foam is preferable. Little than or no foam is literally not a Bavarian style. This enhances the visual appeal and retains aromas, making the experience more enjoyable.

Fun Little Trick of Oktoberfest Beer Tents — Three Finger Rule

It is a traditional guideline for pouring a beer during the world’s largest volkfest. The three-finger rule suggests that the ideal foam head should occupy the top up to three fingers width. Then, followed by three fingers of beer. Lastly, three fingers should be discarded if drinking from a large 1-litre stein. This measurement ensures that the beer remains cold and enjoyable until you take the last sip.

Don’t Spoil Your Bavarian Beer Taste with Silly Thing

  • Many people are tempted to do this, but you should never pour leftover beer from an old glass into a fresh one or vice versa. It would ruin the flavour. Always finish your glass before grabbing another.
  • There is one more rule for Bavarian beer. Pairing it with fruit or lemon is not a common practice for traditional styles in Germany, but you can ask it with only Kristallweizen. It is lighter and can enjoyed with some sort of fruit.

Master the Pouring Techniques for Each Beer Type

As said, first impressions matter. There is no exception for beer, too. A well-poured beer in an Oktoberfest way looks inviting, with rich foam and a clear body. It helps keep the beer carbonated for a long time. If you pour too aggressively, you can cause a massive explosion and end up with an awkward mess. Conversely, pouring too slowly results in little or no foam.

Wheat Beer

  1. Grab your glass and tilt it more than 45 angles. In simple words, almost horizontally.
  2. Stick the bottleneck deep into the glass.
  3. Start pouring slowly to fill the two-thirds of the glass without creating a mountain of foam.
  4. Gradually straighten the glass and pour the remaining beer directly into the centre, but a bit quickly. This will create a nice, thick head of foam.
  5. Leave a little beer in the bottle. Swirl it gently to mix in the yeast, then pour it into the glass for added flavour.

Pilsner

  1. Start with the same glass tilted, but it should be at the exact 45 degrees this time.
  2. Pour the beer a little faster than the Weissbier until you’ve filled half of the glass.
  3. Chill for a minute to let the foam settle.
  4. Repeat this procedure until the bottle gets empty–pour a little and wait for a minute.
  5. Germans say good pilsner takes seven minutes to pour (the patience of a saint).

Lager

  1. Hold the glass at 45 degrees with the tip of the bottle inside.
  2. Let it flow quickly, and once you reach about 2/3rd full, straighten the glass.
  3. Wait for a few seconds for the foam to settle before serving.
  4. This is quite easy to pour Lager than the other two.

Get ready to Cheers!

So you have poured a perfect beer, and now what? It's time to toast! At Oktoberfest, people donning traditional attire like Lederhosen and Dirndl say, “Prost!” So, while grabbing the beer stain with the exact Bavarian-style beer, don’t forget to cheer out loud in the same way with your friends. This will add fun, no matter whether you are partying at home or capturing the essence at a place other than Oktoberfest.

Other Articles by Amber Julie

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:

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 ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, 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’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 August 2024.) 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.)

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What Did the Pilgrims Really Drink at the First Thanksgiving? https://thebeerthrillers.com/2024/11/28/what-did-the-pilgrims-really-drink-at-the-first-thanksgiving/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-did-the-pilgrims-really-drink-at-the-first-thanksgiving Thu, 28 Nov 2024 15:38:48 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15743 What Did the Pilgrims Really Drink at the First Thanksgiving?

As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, raising glasses filled with craft beer, wine, or cider, it’s natural to wonder: what did the Pilgrims drink at the first Thanksgiving? The answer might surprise you, and it’s not as straightforward as you might think.

The First Thanksgiving Dinner and Drinks (photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Magazine)

The Myth of the Pilgrim’s Beer

Contrary to popular belief, the Pilgrims likely didn’t have beer at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. This misconception stems from clever marketing campaigns by beer companies in the early 20th century, particularly after the repeal of Prohibition. The United States Brewers Association even claimed, “It was beer, not turkey, that lured the Pilgrims to Plymouth Rock” – a statement that’s more fiction than fact.

(See Also: Recipe: Crispy Beer Roast Turkey [using Troegenator])

What They Actually Drank

The Pilgrims and Their Drinks

Water: The Simple Staple

Believe it or not, water was likely the primary beverage at the first Thanksgiving. The Plymouth area had abundant clean water from freshwater streams and springs, making it a reliable and safe option for the Pilgrims.

(See Also: Munching on some Thanksgiving leftovers?)

Hard Cider: A Possible Treat

While not certain, there’s a chance that hard cider made an appearance at the feast. The Pilgrims were familiar with cider from England, and they may have used wild apples found in the New World to ferment a small batch.

(See Also: Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving)

Why No Beer?

Several factors contributed to the absence of beer at the first Thanksgiving:

  1. Lack of Ingredients: The Pilgrims hadn’t yet established crops for brewing, particularly barley.
  2. Time Constraints: Brewing takes time, and survival was the priority in those early days.
  3. No Brewery: The first recorded brewery license in Massachusetts wasn’t issued until 1637, a full 16 years after the first Thanksgiving.

The Real Story Behind the Pilgrims and Beer

While beer wasn’t at the first Thanksgiving, it did play a crucial role in the Pilgrims’ journey:

  • Beer was a staple on the Mayflower, with each person allocated about a gallon per day.
  • The decision to land at Plymouth Rock was partly influenced by dwindling beer supplies.

(See Also: Fall Beers)

A Toast to Simplicity

As craft beer enthusiasts, we might feel a twinge of disappointment that our favorite beverage wasn’t part of the first Thanksgiving. However, the Pilgrims’ simple celebration, likely featuring water and possibly some hard cider, reminds us of the true spirit of the holiday – gratitude for survival and new beginnings. So this Thanksgiving, as you sip your carefully selected craft beer, take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come. And maybe, just maybe, raise a glass of water in honor of those resourceful Pilgrims who started it all.

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:

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 ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, 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’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 August 2024.) 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.)

 

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Why 19.2-Ounce Cans Are Becoming the New Craft Beer Staple https://thebeerthrillers.com/2024/11/12/why-19-2-ounce-cans-are-becoming-the-new-craft-beer-staple/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-19-2-ounce-cans-are-becoming-the-new-craft-beer-staple Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:15:07 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15696 Why 19.2-Ounce Cans Are Becoming the New Craft Beer Staple

Craft beer cans are growing up—literally! Next time you swing by your local convenience store, you might notice an impressive lineup of tall cans, typically packed with hoppy IPAs and clocking in at 19.2 ounces. But what’s behind this size choice, and why are more breweries turning to it? Let’s dig into the trend, what it means for craft beer lovers, and why it’s popping up everywhere.

New Trail Broken Heels and Double Broken Heels 19.2 oz Cans

The Magic of Convenience

One word explains the rise of the 19.2-ounce can: convenience. Firestone Walker Brewing, for instance, rolled out its Double Hopnosis IPA in this size to deliver, as they put it, “ultimate convenience.” It’s the go-to format in convenience stores, offering a simple grab-and-go option for people who want something substantial in a single serve.

As traditional beer venues face stiffer competition, gas stations and convenience stores are one bright spot. In fact, National Retail Solutions data reveals that beer sales in these stores rose 5.3% from January to March 2023, while overall beer sales in other retail outlets barely saw a 1.4% increase. Craft beer in particular jumped nearly 9% year-over-year, proving that convenience stores are a rising platform for craft brewers.

(See our other article here: Unlocking Flavor and Branding: The Rise of 19.2-Ounce Craft Beer Cans)

Who’s Buying the Tall Boys?

The 19.2-ounce “stovepipe” can appeals to a unique consumer—the on-the-go buyer who wants quality in a larger single serve, not a whole six-pack. Scott Powell, Marketing Director at Bell’s Brewery, which packages popular brews like Two Hearted Ale and Oberon in 19.2-ounce cans, points out that convenience store shoppers are often looking for a quick, satisfying grab to enjoy right away. And for many, that extra bit of beer makes all the difference when they’re in a rush.

With the tall cans driving dollar growth in craft beer sales, breweries are racing to join the trend. Joe Sepka from the consulting firm 3 Tier Beverages notes that 19.2-ounce cans are now the top driver of growth in craft beer, even outpacing 12-packs. NielsenIQ data confirms that sales of these cans surged 57% over the past year, a rise due partly to higher prices but mostly due to increased demand and wider availability.

Leading the Pack: The Skeleton in the Can

If you’re wondering what kicked off the trend, look no further than Voodoo Ranger. New Belgium’s Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA saw a stunning 20.9% sales increase from August 2021 to August 2022, with its eye-catching skeleton can dominating convenience store shelves. Voodoo Ranger has become synonymous with tall cans and has set the tone for other breweries wanting to capture a similar market.

But it wasn’t New Belgium that first took a chance on this size. Oskar Blues pioneered the 19.2-ounce format in 2012 with its beloved Dale’s Pale Ale, and other craft breweries soon followed suit. When Anchor Brewing decided to can its iconic Steam Beer, it also opted for the 19.2-ounce size, a move that matched shifting consumer habits as 22-ounce glass bombers lost popularity.

The 19.2 Ounce Story: Imperial Pints and ABVs

So why 19.2 ounces? This size, close to an imperial pint (20 British ounces), works well for craft brewers because it uses the same canning lines as a standard 16-ounce can. For many breweries, like Anchor, the switch was cost-effective and efficient, allowing them to deliver a larger serving without major equipment adjustments.

High ABV beers also dominate the 19.2-ounce format. A single tall can offers a satisfying drink with a stronger kick—perfect for park visits, BBQs, and other outings where lugging around a six-pack isn’t practical. As beverage journalist Kate Bernot points out, convenience store shoppers are often looking for a higher-ABV option that’s compact yet delivers the goods. In short, that 8% or 9% beer in one big can is ideal for these settings.

The Pros and Cons of Going Big

While this trend is booming, not every brewery can jump on board. Producing 19.2-ounce cans requires an investment in equipment and logistics. Only breweries with the resources to expand into convenience stores or gas stations—and the budgets to price competitively—are likely to take the plunge. Smaller craft brewers often face challenges keeping prices in the $3 to $4 range for single cans, a price point dominated by large-scale brewers with better cost efficiencies.

Despite the hurdles, breweries with larger distribution networks are finding ways to make this format pay off. As Great Lakes Brewing’s CEO Mark King notes, “While there is a slight hit on margins with the extra 3.2 ounces, the volume more than makes up for it.”

Terrapin 19.2 oz Cans

Tall Cans Are Here to Stay

With the growing popularity of stovepipe cans in convenience stores, music festivals, and sports venues, the 19.2-ounce can is here to stay. Its convenient size, appealing ABV options, and easy-to-carry nature make it perfect for consumers on the move. Whether more local breweries will join the trend remains to be seen, but as craft beer’s top growth driver, this extra-tall can has set a new standard in craft beer packaging.

On-the-Go Craft Beer: Pennsylvania’s Move to 19.2-Ounce Cans

Perpetual IPA by Troegs Independent Brewing is a popular 19.2 oz can choice

Pennsylvania breweries have increasingly embraced the 19.2-ounce can, adding a convenient single-serve option for fans of craft beer across the state. Notable breweries like Troegs Independent Brewing in Hershey have begun offering some of their popular IPAs in this larger format, making it easier for fans to grab a single can on the way to events or gatherings. Troegs’ Double Graffiti Highway, a high-ABV double IPA, is a great example, designed to pack a bold flavor punch that suits the stovepipe can format perfectly. They also have their flagship beer – Perpetual IPA as well as Sunshine Pilsner and the Troegenator Double Bock in 19.2 oz cans.

Another PA standout, Victory Brewing Company, has also adopted the 19.2-ounce can to make some of their flagship beers more accessible. Their Golden Monkey Belgian-Style Tripel, known for its robust 9.5% ABV and fruity, spicy notes, is available in this larger format, ideal for convenience store shoppers looking for something a bit more substantial. With these tall cans, Victory has tapped into a growing trend of higher-ABV brews that cater to the on-the-go drinker.

Yuengling, America’s oldest brewery based in Pottsville, has also tested the waters with 19.2-ounce cans. Their Traditional Lager, a Pennsylvania staple, is now available in this format at select locations, offering fans a familiar choice that’s ideal for a quick drink at outdoor events, concerts, and sporting venues. With the flexibility of the 19.2-ounce can, Pennsylvania breweries are giving craft beer enthusiasts the perfect mix of quality, convenience, and value. (You can even find the Yuengling Lager in 24 oz cans at select venues like Citizens Bank and other baseball stadiums.)

New Trail Brewing is also a popular local Pennsylvania choice with their Broken Heels series of 19.2 oz cans. This includes Broken Heels (IPA), Double Broken Heels (Double IPA), and different flavored variants of Broken Heels like Tropical Broken Heels.

The Ever Evolving Craft Beer Landscape

As the craft beer landscape evolves, the rise of 19.2-ounce cans shows how breweries are listening to consumer demand for convenience and variety. This taller can size has become an ideal format for Pennsylvania breweries aiming to serve on-the-go craft beer fans, with options suited for quick trips to the park, a backyard BBQ, or catching a concert. These stovepipe cans deliver just the right amount of high-quality craft beer in a size that’s easy to carry and perfect for single-serve enjoyment.

With breweries like Troegs, Victory, and even Yuengling leading the way in Pennsylvania, the 19.2-ounce trend is reshaping how and where craft beer lovers can enjoy their favorite brews. For fans, it’s all about getting a great beer in a larger single-serve format that fits their active, mobile lifestyles. And for the breweries, it’s an opportunity to broaden their reach and meet customers where they already shop—at convenience stores, gas stations, and event venues.

Whether it’s an IPA, a Belgian-style ale, or a classic lager, these big cans are here to stay. As more Pennsylvania breweries explore this trend, craft beer fans can expect to see more of their favorite brews available in 19.2-ounce sizes, making it easier than ever to enjoy quality beer anywhere, anytime.

A Series of Craft Beer Articles

This is just one of several in a series of over arching ‘craft beer’ related articles. Several alone in a ‘flagship’ series. In the next few weeks there will be some more that come out as well. I would like to have this general level of different ‘craft beer articles’ that everyone can kind of jump to and read and use for informative purposes, and give a better understanding for the other articles on the site.

Some of these articles are about definitions (like “What is Craft Beer?“) and others are about Craft Breweries in general like the Top 50 Producing Craft Breweries, etc.

Articles on the History of Beer

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:

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 ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, 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 #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of August 2024.) 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.)

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Perkiomen Valley Brewery: Crafting Inclusive Experiences One Beer at a Time https://thebeerthrillers.com/2024/11/09/perkiomen-valley-brewery-crafting-inclusive-experiences-one-beer-at-a-time/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=perkiomen-valley-brewery-crafting-inclusive-experiences-one-beer-at-a-time Sat, 09 Nov 2024 15:30:15 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15698 Perkiomen Valley Brewery: Crafting Inclusive Experiences One Beer at a Time

Nestled in the heart of Green Lane, Pennsylvania, Perkiomen Valley Brewery stands as a testament to the power of passion, inclusivity, and exceptional craft beer. This unique nano-brewery has quickly become a beloved fixture in the local community, offering not just artisanal brews but also a welcoming space for all. Located at 101 Walnut St, Green Lane, PA 18054, Perkiomen Valley Brewery is a staple, and mainstay of their community, as well as the online craft brewing community.

Perkiomen Valley Brewery

A Brewery with a Mission

Perkiomen Valley Brewery isn’t just about crafting great beer; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Founded by Kelly and Tom Weiss, this family-owned brewery was born out of a desire to make life more meaningful and easier for families like theirs, who navigate the challenges of autism.

The brewery’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in every aspect of its operation:

  • Fully accessible taproom: The space is designed to be both mobility and sensory-friendly.
  • ADA compliant: Features include push-button entry and exit, and a dual-height bar to accommodate wheelchair users.
  • Sensory considerations: The brewery includes a dedicated sensory room and uses LED daylight lighting to aid those with low vision.
  • Family-friendly facilities: A unisex family/companion bathroom with an adult-sized changing table is available.

Artisanal Beers with a Story

Perkiomen Valley Brewery prides itself on small-batch, handcrafted beers that taste like they’ve just come out of your grandparents’ kitchen. Their brewing philosophy combines traditional styles with innovative, foraged, and botanical ingredients, resulting in unique flavor profiles that captivate beer enthusiasts.

Some of their standout brews include:

  • Shagbark Old English Ale: A 7.6% ABV ale featuring foraged shagbark hickory, offering notes of toasted marshmallow.
  • Sadie’s Dandelion Amber Ale: A 6.5% ABV amber ale brewed with foraged dandelions, embodying the brewery’s creative use of local ingredients.
  • St. Dymphna Belgian Tripel: A traditional Belgian-style tripel brewed with Noble hops and candied sugars.

Perkiomen Valley Brewery logo (courtesy of Perkiomen Valley Brewery)

Community-Focused Brewing

Perkiomen Valley Brewery isn’t just about making great beer; it’s about fostering a sense of community. The brewery serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, encouraging patrons to bring their own food and enjoy the warm, inviting atmosphere. The owners’ background in supporting individuals with autism has also influenced their business model. The brewery actively supports jobs for individuals underrepresented in the workforce, particularly those on the autism spectrum.

A Unique Taproom Experience

Housed in a repurposed old bank building, the Perkiomen Valley Brewery taproom offers a charming blend of history and modernity. Visitors can enjoy their beers surrounded by antiques and artifacts from the original bank, including cash registers and repurposed desk items.

The taproom’s operating hours are:

  • Thursday: 4-10 PM
  • Friday: 3-10 PM
  • Saturday: 12-10 PM
  • Sunday: 12-6 PM

Brewing Success

Since its opening, Perkiomen Valley Brewery has garnered positive reviews from patrons and beer enthusiasts alike. Visitors praise the welcoming atmosphere, unique beer offerings, and the brewery’s commitment to inclusivity.

Perkiomen Valley Brewery represents the best of what craft brewing can be – innovative, community-focused, and inclusive. By combining exceptional beer with a mission to create a space where everyone feels welcome, this nano-brewery has carved out a special place in the hearts of locals and beer lovers alike.

Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or simply looking for a welcoming place to enjoy a pint, Perkiomen Valley Brewery offers an experience that goes beyond the glass. It’s a testament to the power of craft beer to bring people together and make a positive impact in the community.

For More Information

The following comes via Untappd.

Perkiomen Valley Brewery is a nano brewery from Green Lane, PA. They have 84 unique beers and over 5,500 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.76 (as of 11.9.24). Their Untappd description reads: “Small batched, artisanal beers served in a unique taproom. We’ll be serving traditional styled beers to unique foraged and botanical ales hand brewed on site for you. And we’ll be serving them in a fully accessible taproom that is sensory and mobility friendly. Why are we doing this? Because, as a family with autism along for the ride, we know the challenges. We also know that things that make life meaningful and easier for our family, also makes life a lot more fun and easier for others. Follow us as we build our nano-brewery! It will be an adventure! Join us for the ride!

You can follow them at these social media platforms:

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