Trump, Tariffs, and Beer

In a move sending shockwaves through the craft brewing world, President Donald Trump has announced plans to double tariffs on aluminum and steel from 25% to 50%, effective Wednesday, June 4. While the legal basis for this increase rests on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows tariff hikes for reasons of national security, the real-world impact is poised to hit one of the most iconic and homegrown American industries: craft beer.

Aluminum and the Lifeblood of Cans

Aluminum cans are no longer just the realm of mass-market lagers. Today, approximately 76% of all U.S. packaged beer is sold in aluminum cans, according to the Brewers Association. That number is even higher among newer and mobile-friendly breweries who prefer cans for their portability, recyclability, and faster chilling times.

The challenge? Much of the raw aluminum used in U.S. can production is imported, particularly from Canada, even though the final rolling and manufacturing of cans often happens domestically. With the proposed increase in aluminum tariffs, brewers could soon face a steep hike in canning costs.

(See our article: Tariffs and Taps: How Trump’s Trade Policies Would Impact Craft Breweries)

What Is the Midwest Premium?

The “Midwest Premium” is the benchmark pricing metric for aluminum in the U.S. and has already seen notable spikes following the tariff announcement. As of June 2025:

• The Midwest Premium is hovering around 32 cents per pound, up from 26 cents in early May.

• That increase translates into several cents more per can, which may sound small — but for breweries producing tens of thousands of cases, the extra costs can stack up fast.

Steel Tariffs and the Price of Brewing

While aluminum affects packaging, steel tariffs hit the brewhouse. Most stainless steel kegs used by American breweries come from Europe — particularly Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic — and brewing equipment is frequently sourced from China and the EU.

With tariffs on steel doubling, breweries looking to expand, replace aging tanks, or even just keep up with maintenance are looking at some painful math. Some estimated impacts:

• New fermenter or brite tank costs could jump by 15–30%.

• Imported kegs could rise from $120 to over $160 per unit.

• Shipping container delays and tariffs could extend wait times on equipment by months.

(See our article: Trouble Brewing: How Trump’s Liberation Day Tariffs Are Impacting Craft Beer)

A Delicate Balance for Small and Independent Breweries

Unlike global macrobreweries, most of the 9,500+ small and independent breweries in the United States operate on tight margins and rely on a complex supply chain. With slim profit windows and rising labor, ingredient, and utility costs, another shock to the system — like spiking materials tariffs — could spell disaster for the most vulnerable producers.

“We source American-made cans, but the aluminum still comes from Canada. This kind of increase puts a big dent in our already-tight packaging budget,” says one Pennsylvania-based brewery owner. “We’re not sure if we’ll need to raise prices, shrink can sizes, or move to bottles. None of those are ideal.”

Domestic Production: A Long-Term Solution?

The Brewers Association has expressed hope that tariff pressure might eventually lead to increased domestic production of steel kegs and brewing equipment. But that shift won’t happen overnight. It requires:

• New factories outfitted for food-grade steel.

• Specialized labor trained in beverage equipment.

• Incentives or subsidies to compete with cheaper foreign alternatives.

Until that infrastructure is in place — likely years from now — brewers will continue to rely heavily on imports.

(See our article: When Canada Attacked Yuengling!)

Could There Be a Reprieve?

There’s still uncertainty. President Trump has delayed or reversed some recent tariffs after backlash. But there’s no guarantee this time. That means:

• Breweries should immediately consult with suppliers to understand cost impacts.

• Strategic changes, like buying in bulk or diversifying suppliers, may soften the blow.

• Advocacy groups like the Brewers Association are actively lobbying for exemptions or policy reversals.

The Bigger Picture: Craft Beer in an Uncertain Economy

With inflation still looming, interest rates high, and operating costs climbing across the board, this tariff announcement adds another pressure point to an already-stressed industry.

Craft beer sales dipped slightly in 2024, with the Brewers Association reporting a 2% decline in volume, though dollar sales remained relatively flat due to price adjustments. But if input costs rise sharply, consumers could soon see higher six-pack prices, or worse, a thinning out of local options as small breweries fold under economic strain.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Support Local

Craft beer isn’t just an industry — it’s a culture, a movement, and a community. Whether you’re a brewer, a beer drinker, or a retailer, now is the time to stay informed and support local.

We at The Beer Thrillers will continue monitoring these tariff changes and their impact on our beloved beer scene. Expect updates, interviews, and breakdowns in the weeks to come.

🍻 Have thoughts on the tariff hikes? Are you a brewer affected by these changes? Drop us a comment below or reach out — we’d love to share your story.

Sources:

• Brewers Association: 2024 Industry Review

• U.S. Department of Commerce – Section 232 Investigations

• Aluminum Association Reports

• Trading Economics: Midwest Premium Aluminum Price Data

• Washington Post (Instagram Collection)
• WallStreetLogyc (Instagram Reel)

See Our Related Articles

• Tariffs and Taps: How Trump’s Trade Policies Would Impact Craft Breweries
• Trouble Brewing: How Trump’s Liberation Day Tariffs Are Impacting Craft Beer
• When Canada Attacked Yuengling!

Thank You For Reading

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

Cheers.

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

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

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

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

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The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of May 2025.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

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(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.)

The craft beer industry, long celebrated for its creativity and community-driven ethos, is facing a new challenge in 2025: President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. These sweeping trade measures, including a universal 10% tariff on imports and targeted levies of up to 25% on steel, aluminum, and goods from Canada and Mexico, have sent shockwaves through the brewing world. For an industry already grappling with shifting consumer preferences and post-pandemic recovery, the tariffs could reshape the landscape of American craft beer. (See our previous article – Trump’s Tariffs, posted November 2024.)

Trump’s Tariffs and How They Might Impact Craft Brewing

The Tariffs Explained

President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs aim to protect domestic industries by imposing broad import taxes. However, their impact on craft brewing is particularly severe due to the industry’s reliance on imported materials:

• Aluminum Cans: A 25% tariff on imported aluminum directly affects breweries that use cans for packaging. Nearly all cans used by U.S. brewers are sourced internationally, making this tariff a major cost driver

• Steel Kegs: Most steel kegs used in American breweries are manufactured in Germany. The 25% tariff on finished steel products raises keg prices significantly

• Key Ingredients: Canadian barley and malt—essential for many craft beer recipes—are now subject to tariffs. Similarly, fruits like raspberries sourced from Mexico face increased costs

These tariffs come at a time when imports of beer and brewing materials are substantial. In 2024 alone, beer imports to the U.S. totaled $7.5 billion, with Mexico accounting for $6.3 billion of that figure. The ripple effects of these measures are being felt across the supply chain.

Economic Impact on Craft Brewers

The financial strain imposed by these tariffs is already apparent:

1. Rising Costs:

   • Breweries like Port City Brewing in Virginia report that their pilsner malt from Canada—essential to their recipes—is subject to a 25% tariff. Founder Bill Butcher estimates this could raise the price of a six-pack from $12.99 to $18.99

   • Monument City Brewing in Baltimore predicts similar price hikes for their beers due to increased costs for aluminum cans and imported barley

• Profit Margins Under Pressure:

  • Small breweries often operate with tight margins, leaving little room to absorb cost increases. Decisions such as passing costs onto consumers or cutting profitability are becoming unavoidable

  • Some brewers are stockpiling cans or switching packaging methods (e.g., painted cans instead of shrink-wrapped sleeves) to mitigate immediate impacts

• Export Challenges:

  • Canada, the largest foreign market for U.S. craft beer (accounting for 38% of exports), has retaliated with its own tariffs on American goods. Canadian consumers are boycotting U.S. beers, leading importers to cancel order.

  • 

    An Instagram post by Pints and Panels about Tariffs and Alcohol (courtesy of Em Sauter, of Pints and Panels)

Pennsylvania’s Brewing Scene: A Case Study

Pennsylvania has one of the largest craft brewing industries in the U.S., with over 400 breweries contributing significantly to local economies and communities. The state’s brewers are uniquely vulnerable to these tariffs due to their reliance on imported materials.

1. Material Costs:

   • Breweries in Pennsylvania often use imported aluminum cans and Canadian malt, both subject to tariffs. These cost increases could force smaller brewers to raise prices or reduce offerings.

2. Competitive Pressure:

   • Larger breweries like Molson Coors, which source materials domestically, may weather the tariffs better than smaller operations reliant on international supply chain.  Pennsylvania’s independent brewers must innovate or risk losing market share.

• Community Impact:

  • With higher beer prices looming, consumers may opt for cheaper alternatives like hard seltzers or cocktails—a trend already encroaching on craft beer sales. This could hurt local breweries that rely heavily on loyal customer bases.

Broader Industry Challenges

The Liberation Day tariffs exacerbate existing issues within the craft beer sector:

• Changing Consumer Preferences: Millennials and Gen Z are drinking less beer overall, favoring hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails instead

• Post-Pandemic Recovery: Many brewpubs are still struggling to rebound from COVID-19 closures and reduced foot traffic

• Market Saturation: The number of breweries in the U.S. has grown rapidly over the past decade, leading to fierce competition for shelf space and consumer attention

A fun meme about Trump’s Liberation Day Tariffs and IPAs

What Lies Ahead?

Craft brewers are exploring strategies to adapt:

• Localization: Emphasizing local ingredients and branding could help breweries differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

• Innovation: Experimenting with new packaging methods or alternative ingredients may mitigate some tariff-related costs.

• Advocacy: Industry groups like the Brewers Association are lobbying for clarity on tariff rules and potential exemptions for critical brewing materials

For Pennsylvania’s brewers—and craft beer makers nationwide—the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether they can weather this storm or whether these tariffs will fundamentally alter the industry.

Conclusion

Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs have introduced unprecedented challenges for America’s craft beer industry, threatening its affordability and accessibility while squeezing small businesses already operating on razor-thin margins. As brewers grapple with rising costs and shifting consumer dynamics, their resilience will be tested like never before.

For beer lovers across the country—and especially in Pennsylvania—the question remains: How much are we willing to pay for our favorite pint?

There is definitely a lot more to all of this, and it will be unfolding. The Brewer’s Association covered much of this here: Trump Administration Slapping 25% Tariffs on Canned Beer Imports and Empty Can Imports from Across the Globe.

From Perplexity

The “Liberation Day” tariffs announced by President Trump, which include a universal 10% tariff on all imports and additional targeted tariffs on specific goods and countries, are expected to have significant implications for the U.S. craft brewing industry, particularly in states like Pennsylvania.

Impact on Craft Brewing Industry

• Increased Material Costs:

  • The tariffs include a 25% levy on imported steel and aluminum, which are critical for the production of cans and kegs used by breweries. Many craft brewers rely on aluminum cans and steel kegs imported from countries like Germany, meaning these tariffs will raise production costs significantly

• • Breweries that source ingredients such as barley, malt, or fruits from countries subject to reciprocal tariffs (e.g., Mexico) will face higher expenses, further straining their budgets

• Market Challenges:

  • With rising costs, some breweries may reduce their product offerings or shift packaging strategies, such as moving away from aluminum cans altogether. This could limit consumer choices and hurt smaller breweries that lack the resources to adapt quickly

  • Export markets for U.S. beer may also shrink due to retaliatory tariffs from other nations, particularly Canada, which is a major importer of American craft beer. Losing access to this market could be devastating for breweries in Pennsylvania that rely on exports

• Consumer Sentiment:

  • Economic uncertainty stemming from these tariffs may lead to reduced consumer spending on discretionary items like craft beer. This is especially concerning as the industry is already facing challenges from shifting consumer preferences toward hard seltzers and cocktails.

Final Thoughts

The brewing industry is already in trouble, I don’t want to say ‘dire straits’, but it is getting there. Breweries are closing somewhat regularly (some recent examples: Butler Brew Works, IMBib, Bucket Brigade, Gateway, and Little Mutants). The ever growing costs of doing business, let alone a business with so many different and varying costs – such as restaurant costs, brewing costs, distribution costs, etc, etc, etc. The brewing business is also heavily regulated in all aspects, which also have costs. All of these are major factors. Add this to a declining market, and as we’ve been saying “the bubble has definitely burst” on the craft brewing industry. This almost feels like a death knell to many. And I think is why we saw an increase of closures in the past months, in anticipation of it all. With the next generation of drinkers not completely on board with the craft beer industry, the older and tiring out generation settling for hop water, non alcoholics, and other form of alcohols, the industry is certainly shrinking.

One hopes this won’t be a final nail, the coffin being closed. But unfortunately we can’t do anything but ride it out, and find out, and see what time shows us.

Thank You For Reading

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

Cheers.

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

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

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

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

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

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

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We 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 April 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.)

If you are in the Point Pleasant area of Pennsylvania, its time to check out a brand new brewery! Boo’s Brewing in Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania, is having their Open House today – March 15th, 2025.

Boo’s Brewing Co

Boo’s Brewing Open House

Our Open House has begun!!!

Come & stop by today, we will be serving drinks and light snacks until 11pm – we are SO excited to see everyone today! Bring your friends and family for some fun

Photo Credit: @michelechaddon

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#boosbrew #craftbrewery #pointpleasantPA #supportlocal #buckscountrypa #buckslifestyle #pennsylvania #beer #smallbiz #wegotthis #buckscounty #boosbrewingcompany #buckscounty #openhouse #brewpub #supportsmalbusinesses #craftbeer #breweryvibes

– Boo’s Brewing Company – Facebook Post

Boo’s Brewing is hosting their Open House today, March 15th, 2025. They are located at 4961 River Rd, Point Pleasant, PA 18950 (listed on Google Maps as Boo’s Firehouse Tavern). They are, as the Google Maps show, originally a tavern (or pub). They have received their brewing license this year, and have started up their own brewing. Their beers will be on tap in the upcoming weeks (hopefully by month’s end). You can follow their Facebook Page for more information on when they will have their own beers on tap.

There is not a whole lot to go on yet with them, and they don’t have a strong or huge social media presence. We will keep things updated as anything new or informative come up.

For More Information on Boo’s Brewing Co.

The following comes via Untappd.

(There is not a lot of information, even updating this page on April 5th, there is not much to add.)

They are listed as a nano brewery from Point Pleasant, PA. They have 1 unique beer listed, and just 1 rating (as of 4.5.25, updated). The rating was a 4 out of 5, and the beer was “Boo’s Big Head” a New England IPA. Their Untappd description reads: “Boo’s Brewing Co. is a gathering place for the local community, and all those who have a love for the beauty and excitement found in the natural surroundings along the banks of the Delaware River. Boo’s Brewing Co. manufactures high-quality beer onsite and sells other Pennsylvania-produced beers, wines, and distilled spirits alongside a seasonal, diverse menu. ”

You can follow them at these social media platforms:

• Boo’s Brewing Company – Official Website
• Boo’s Brewing Company – Facebook
• Boo’s Brewing Company – Instagram
• Boo’s Brewing Company – Untappd

Unfortunately, it seems like another brewery will be closing in 2025 – this time it’ll be IMBĪB Custom Brews out of Reno, Nevada. Located at 785 E 2nd St, Reno, NV – the brewery and taproom’s last day will be at the end of February, 2025.

IMBĪB Custom Brews Closing End of February

IMBĪB Custom Brews Closing

The brewery and taproom, located at 785 E 2nd St, Reno, NV 89502 will be closing at the end of February.

Following a hard 2024, in which we saw a lot of breweries closing, 2025 isn’t letting up, with even more breweries closing, and what will probably be a record year for brewery closings across the United States (and internationally).

They made this announcement about their closing:

We are sad to share that it’s last call for IMBĪB. We will be closing our doors by the end of February as we wind down the company. It’s been a lot of fun being part of this community and industry, but our model is no longer viable.

We did what we set out to do. We made world-class, award-winning beer. We pushed the boundaries of beer, and we nailed some traditional styles. We shared our passion and knowledge with the community. We helped put the Nevada beer scene on the map. We gave to as many organizations as we could and tried to say yes as often as possible. We collaborated. We learned a lot. We started with nothing and made something out of it. We will pass the torch to our fellow breweries and let them carry on making the good stuff.

For the next few weeks, we will be offering some killer deals on our beer as we’d like to see it get appreciated and savored rather than dumped. Starting today all bottles and to-go crowlers are 50% off until we close the doors. Most of these beers will age gracefully for years to come. Next week we will have a killer deal on cases of cans as soon as we finish packaging the last few batches.

We will be throwing one last party on February 1…because we are going to go out with style. Stay tuned for details, but we sure hope to see many of you in the coming weeks. Please stop in and say goodbye and imbibe a few beers with us before we lock the doors for the last time. If you are feeling generous, tip your beertender as all of our employees will be looking for new opportunities.

In the words of Woody Guthrie – “Take it easy, but take it.”

-IMBIB Custom Brews – Facebook Post: January 13th, 2025

Dancing on the Coffin of ImBIB

Dancing on the Coffin at IMBIB Custom Brews

They made this announcement for February 1st:

Join us on February 1 from Noon-6pm for one final blowout beer party as we dance on the ruins of IMBĪB and say goodbye (even though we will be open for a few more weeks in Feb). The party is at our Reno brewery. We will be scouring our archives for some special beer and all of our current discounts will still be valid that day.

Lets hug, lets cry, lets fucking dance!

If you are one of the few who complains about not getting the discount you want or not getting enough free shit….please do not join us…scavengers not welcome!

@northernenvy food truck will be here!

#diverseandauthenticbeer

-IMBIB Custom Brews Facebook Post

For More Information on IMBĪB Custom Brews

The following comes via Untappd.

IMBĪB Custom Brews is a brew pub located in Reno, NV. They have 259 unique beers and over 29,000 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.88 (as of 1.30.25). Their Untappd description reads: “Imbibe means to receive into the mind and retain and we invite you to imbibe our beer by joining us in our taproom for tasters, pints, or growlers. We create the most diverse and authentic lineup of beer in Northern Nevada. We both embrace tradition and push the boundaries of beer. There is always a beer on our taplist that will please every palate. While we are known for our award winning old-world barrel aged beers, we also have a variety of malty, hoppy, and easy drinking brews to meet the expectations of every beer lover. Although we don’t serve food, we host local food trucks and offer several excellent food delivery options so you can enjoy your brew with food. You can imbibe in our taproom every day except Wednesday.“

You can find them at these social media platforms:

• ImBib Custom Brews – Official Website
• ImBib Custom Brews – Facebook
• ImBiB Custom Brews – Instagram
• ImBib Custom Brews – Twitter
• ImBib Custom Brews – Untappd

Starting tomorrow – January 30th, 2025 – the Drunken Smithy will be having their soft opening at their “Mead Hall” at the Lebanon Valley Mall. Located inside the Lebanon Valley Mall, at 2236 Lebanon Valley Mall, Lebanon, PA, United States, Pennsylvania the Drunken Smithy calls their section the “Mead Hall”.

Drunken Smithy in their Mead Hall at the Lebanon Valley Mall

Drunken Smithy Soft Opening January 30th

Starting January 30th, 2025, the Drunken Smithy will be having their soft opening at the Mead Hall in the Lebanon Valley Mall.

Their Facebook announcement they made at 10:00 AM today reads:

Have you heard?? Drunken Smithy will have a soft opening for our Mead Hall on Thursday, January 30.

Plus we’ll have live music in the Mead Hall this Friday and Saturday evening! Come have a drink and celebrate with us!

Stop by during hours of operation anytime on or after January 30 and we’ll be happy to serve you while we ramp up for our grand opening on March 15.

#winery #meadery #cidery #wine #mead #cider #CentralPA #LebanonPA #DrunkenSmithy

-Drunken Smithy Facebook Post

For More Information

Since they are a meadery, and because their new, they are not yet on Untappd. But you can follow them at these social media platforms:

• Drunken Smithy – Official Website
• Drunken Smithy – Facebook
• Drunken Smithy – Instagram

VK Brewing is expanding and growing, entering a partnership with The Golf Zone in Honey Brook, PA. The Golf Zone is listed as a ‘family fun center’, with their brief info being: “The Golf Zone is a “fun center” perfect for any age! We offer a Grass Tee Driving Range, Indoor Practice Facility, Go Karting, Mini Golf & lots more!” Located at 1839 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA 19344.

VK Brewing is located at 693 Lincoln Hwy E, Exton, PA 19341 in the Historical Ship Inn.

See these VK Articles:

• VK Brewing Officially Opens at the Historic Ship Inn
• VK Brewing Celebrates Their First Anniversary

VK Brewing Is Expanding with the VK Brewing Fairway Taphouse

VK Brewing is Expanding with Partnership with The Golf Zone

As their post reads:

We are so excited to announce our expanded partnership with The Golf Zone in Honey Brook, PA to announce the opening of VK Brewing Co’s Fairway Taphouse! Coming March 2025

Follow along to stay updated for our official grand opening!

Web: www.vkbrewing.com/fairway-taphouse

FB: VK Brewing Fairway Taphouse

IG: instagram.com/vkfairwaytaphouse

VK Brewing – Facebook Post

For More Information on VK Brewing

The following comes via Untappd.

VK Brewing is a brewpub and micro brewery from Exton, PA. They have 27 unique beers and over 2,700 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.68 (as of 1.10.25). Their Untappd description reads: “VK Brewing Co. & Eatery is a veteran-owned brewery, taproom, and restaurant located at the historic Ship Inn building in Exton, PA. We are committed to making great drinks and great food so you can have a great time! ”

You can follow them at these social media platforms:

• VK Brewing – Official Website
• VK Brewing – Facebook
• VK Brewing – Instagram
• VK Brewing – Twitter
• VK Brewing – Untappd

Little Mutants brewing equipment will be up for auction on January 6th by H.K. Keller. As we previously posted – Little Mutants Brewery Has Closed – and with that closure, it seems the equipment will be sold. H.K. Keller will be in charge of the auction, and has posted a Facebook video detailing the equipment. Little Mutants Brewery was located at 841 N Prince Street, Lancaster PA, 17603.

Little Mutants

Little Mutants Brewing Equipment Up for Auction

H.K. Keller has a Facebook post and video detailing the auction and showcasing the equipment. You can click here for the video: Little Mutants Brewery Auction.

The post reads:

BREWERY EQUIPMENT AUCTION: This auction features an extensive selection of brewery, bar, and restaurant equipment, ideal for craft brewers, beverage producers, hospitality businesses and restaurants.

The brewery lineup includes professional-grade stainless steel fermenters, a mash tun with mixing paddles, and tanks from trusted brands like Albrigi Tecnologie and Stout Tanks.

An external glycol chiller, nitrogen draft system, and large storage tanks are also available, along with more of what you need for your business or hobby brewing setup.

Bidding Ends: Monday, January 6 at 7:00pm

Preview Time: Friday, January 3 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm

Preview and Pickup Location: 841 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA

Pickup Time: Wednesday, January 8 from 9:00am to 3:00pm and Thursday, January 9 from 9:00am to 3:00pm

–H.K. Keller Facebook Post

Little Mutants Brewery Closing

For more information on their closing, you can see our article here: Little Mutants Brewing Has Closed.

The long and short of it though, is that Little Mutants Brewery was being quite shady near the end, underpaying (or not even paying bartenders at all), failing to provide the things they guaranteed for performers at their venue, ghosting performers on upcoming events, and much more. The above article goes into detail a bit more.

More Information on Little Mutants

The following comes via Untappd.

Little Mutants is listed as a cidery from Lancaster, PA. They have 51 unique beers, and just 813 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.72 (as of 12.27.24). Their Untappd description reads: “World class fermented offerings. Specializing in local apples and fruits along with traditional and experimental beer varieties. Based in Lancaster, PA”

You can follow them at these social media platforms:

• Little Mutants – Official Website
• Little Mutants – Facebook
• Little Mutants – Instagram
• Little Mutants – Untappd

It appears that Little Mutants, from Lancaster PA, has gone the (newly popular route) of ‘silent closing’. Or ‘ghost closing’. Which basically just means they’ve closed, but without a big to-do about it, or a big announcement, or even any announcement at all. If you look at their Facebook and Instagram accounts, and even their website, they all just show recent events being that of their ‘upcoming’ Oktoberfest, and all posts end around September 21st-28th. Located at 841 N Prince Street, Lancaster PA, 17603 Little Mutants considered itself a brewery, but listed as a ‘cidery’ on Untappd, and viewed as a venue and entertainment location by most in Lancaster.

Little Mutants

Little Mutants is Closed

Add Little Mutants to the list of breweries that have closed in 2024. (An ever increasingly growing number.) By all appearances they had closed before the end of October; though they did so silently, and without alerting anyone. Their Facebook, Instagram, and Website, still had events listed past October, but no posts past September 28th.

Digging into things, all I’ve really been able to locate about reasons for closing is this thread on Lancaster’s sub-reddit:

• Little Mutants (Lancaster /r/)

In it they discuss multiple reasons for the the venue and brewery closing. Some things, like bartenders not being paid, people who were running shows at the venue not getting the guarantees that they had asked for, and even more salacious rumors of the ownership and employees. (Note some of these are rumors, but some have also been verified as true.)

One quote from the post reads:

This is a pattern for them. And a big reason why everything is imploding so quickly. It has gotten really messy but here’s what I know –

Apparently one of the day-1 bartenders/creative partners who really put a lot of effort into elevating the experiences there and invested personal money (nearly 10k) into it with the promise of reimbursement (not ideal, but apparently finances are a disaster over there), eventually left after trying to get paid not just for the business expenses, but his actual wages too. The bartender had to screenshot the very avoidant and blamey text conversation they had with the owner and post it on their IG story before he was paid back, but not before being blamed for causing emotional distress and a bunch of other weaponized therapy-speak.

There have been long-standing concerns about harm reduction, given the culture there (and Stygian, the Shadowlands DJ/organizer, posted a very well-articulated response to everything going on on their IG story on Friday or Saturday). The “creative director” there has been having a long-standing affair with the owner and that whole situation has resulted in some rather poor choices being made both internally and some downright absurdly disrespectful treatment of artists who worked with them, and its just all blowing up in pretty spectacular fashion.

Little Mutants (Lancaster /r/) – mstoltzfus97

Another quote from the post reads:

Hi, I was a main bartender there. It’s all a huge mess and I am owed thousands of dollars from my credit card tips being stolen without my knowledge. The only other bartender noticed and did the math, and I eventually did too to figure out how large the difference was. It’s like it all crumbled within a matter of weeks, and the stress of it all has been making me sick. I received a text from the one owner (who is in the spotlight) on 10/4 saying I was no longer able to work there due to lack of funds. It was really devastating for me financially to be cut off like that.

I always tried to be neutral, positive, and do well at my job but in the end I was too trusting and was burned badly. I loved that venue for hosting alternative electronic music, metal shows, and of course Shadowland but I am left really hurt by it all. I even feel embarrassed for believing in the cause and being associated with it. I am thankful for the people I met there and fun I had… but that place truly was set on fire, pissed on, and suplexed in a matter of weeks and unfortunately me, the other bartender, DJs, and (incredible) queens have suffered greatly over the terrible ownership decisions that were made by one particular owner.

I still haven’t been paid what I’m owed. The other bartender thankfully has, though. I will say the other owners and investors are fighting for me and have been absolutely amazing supporting me through this.

Edit to add: I’ve been quiet about this on my socials because I want to actually get paid what I’m owed, and it’s truly such a dumpster fire that I feel like I just want to move on with my life… I have so much other shit going on.

Little Mutants (Lancaster /r/) – User Post was listed as [deleted]

There is also an Instagram post on the situation (from the Reddit thread): Instagram – DJ Stygian.

One person on the thread even commenting that they had an upcoming show and just suddenly stopped receiving e-mails and replies from Little Mutants ownership. So it seems like it was a full ghosting on all people and to everyone involved. This speaks much more to the ownership, those running the business, than it does about the business in general; and sadly gives the craft beer industry and the brewing industry as a whole a bad name.While there has been several poor owners and bad managers and companies in the craft brewing industry (looks at Imprint) – generally speaking, the craft brewing industry is filled with hard working, dedicated, community forward individuals.

As we find out more on the story and about Little Mutants and their closing and whats in store for the business, we will be sure to post here, so stay tuned and keep checking back with us.

More Information on Little Mutants

The following comes via Untappd.

Little Mutants is listed as a cidery from Lancaster, PA. They have 51 unique beers, and just 813 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.72 (as of 12.27.24). Their Untappd description reads: “World class fermented offerings. Specializing in local apples and fruits along with traditional and experimental beer varieties. Based in Lancaster, PA”

You can follow them at these social media platforms:

• Little Mutants – Official Website
• Little Mutants – Facebook
• Little Mutants – Instagram
• Little Mutants – Untappd

Blind Cat Beer Co.

Blind Cat Beer Co, located in Pittston PA, will be hosting their grand opening this Saturday and Sunday – November 23rd and November 24th, 2024. The brewery will be located at 13 Kennedy St, Pittston, PA 18640. The brand new brewery considers itself “NEPA’s first Earth-friendly brewery and taproom located on Main St in Pittston PA.” (as per their Facebook page).

With a series of pictures posted to their Facebook along with their announcement, they outlined what will be going on this weekend for their grand opening.

Announcement:

Opening weekend hours and answers to all of the questions we’ve been getting asked! See you all so soon!

Blind Cat Beer Co. – Facebook Post

The announcement and information on Blind Cat Beer Co’s grand opening.

As per their announcement photos – they won’t be having food, but will partnering with their neighboring pizza joint – Althea; they are family friend as well as pet friendly; they will have beer to go – four packs; and no – Cricket won’t be the brewery cat, but will be the mascot.

Their operating hours for the grand opening will be:

• Saturday – November 23rd: 12 – 9 PM
• Sunday – November 24th: 12 – 6 PM

For More Information on Blind Cat Beer Co.

The following comes via Untappd.

Blind Cat Beer Co. is a nano brewery from Pittston, PA. They have 10 unique beers with 10 ratings (so no available global rating yet – as of 11.17.24). Their Untappd description reads: “Earth-friendly and community driven brewery in Pittston, PA.”

You can follow them at the following social media platforms:

• Blind Cat Beer Co. – Facebook
• Blind Cat Beer Co. – Instagram
• Blind Cat Beer Co. – Untappd

Tree House Brewing Co., the juggernaut of craft beer with a fiercely loyal fanbase, is about to shake up the Boston craft beer scene in a big way. Known for its hazy IPAs, luscious stouts, and now spirits, the Massachusetts-based brewery is planning a two-story taproom and brewery in the heart of Boston. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new chapter for Tree House—and why Boston beer lovers should be thrilled.

Tree House Brewing Company

From Curbside to Full Service at the Prudential Center

Tree House is moving beyond its current curbside pickup setup on Huntington Avenue at the Prudential Center. The new expansion will feature a full-service taproom, kitchen, and brewery. This isn’t just about enjoying Tree House beer on-site; the plan also includes serving their distilled spirits—marking a new dimension to the Tree House experience.

The details? Tree House’s proposed two-story, 35,000-square-foot space will include:

• First Floor: Brewing and distilling operations, storage space, and a commercial sales area.
• Second Floor: A sleek on-premise consumption area with seating for 121 guests, restrooms, and additional storage.
• Outdoor Patio: A perfect spot to enjoy a pint with views of the bustling Prudential Center area.

The Prudential Center is located at 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199.

A Glimpse at Tree House Brewing’s Growth

Tree House Brewing has come a long way from its original Charlton roots. With six operational locations across New England, including breweries in Monson, Deerfield, and Sandwich, Massachusetts, as well as a Farm Fermentory in Woodstock, Connecticut, and even a golf course taproom in Tewksbury, this brewery is a force to be reckoned with.

Their Saratoga Springs, New York, location is still under construction, but the Boston expansion signals their commitment to bringing their fan-favorite brews—and growing spirits program—closer to urban craft beer enthusiasts.

The company currently has five locations: Charlton, South Deerfield, Sandwich, Tewksbury and Woodstock, Connecticut, with Saratoga Springs under construction. The Saratoga Springs location is Tree House’s first location outside of New England and second outside of Massachusetts.

Why This Expansion Matters

Tree House isn’t just a brewery; it’s an experience. The brand has built its reputation as the largest direct-to-consumer on-premises brewer in the U.S., drawing more than 1 million visitors annually. Their move to Boston represents more than just a physical expansion—it’s about meeting their fans where they are while staying true to their ethos of delivering exceptional quality.

For Boston craft beer lovers, this means access to fresh Tree House beer and spirits without the road trip. And for the uninitiated, it’s a golden opportunity to discover why this brewery has such a cult following.

What’s Next for Tree House?

This isn’t Tree House’s first foray into Boston—their summer beer garden at the Prudential was a hit. Now, with a permanent space in the works, it’s clear Tree House is here to stay.

While the opening date hasn’t been confirmed, one thing is certain: this new location is poised to become a must-visit for craft beer fans in Boston and beyond.

For more information on their future plans, you can check out Tree House Brewing’s official website where they discuss that: Future Plans.

Final Thoughts

Tree House Brewing Co.’s Boston expansion is big news for the local craft beer community. With its signature beers, growing spirits line, and a prime location, this taproom promises to be an instant hit. Whether you’re a seasoned Tree House devotee or a first-time visitor, keep an eye on this space—it’s set to be a game-changer.

Have you visited any Tree House locations? What’s your go-to Tree House beer? Drop a comment and let’s talk craft beer! Cheers!

Some Articles We’ve Written About Tree House Brewing Company

• Tree House Brewing Company Announces the Hottest Beer of 2023 – Jalagreeño
• Tree House Opening a Saratoga Springs Location
• Tree House Brewing Releases Woodstock Pilsner
• Tree House Brewing Releases Woodstock DIPA
• Tree House Brewing Releasing Woodstock IPA, Haze, and Julius Cans
• Tree House Brewing Releases Plow Hero
• Tree House Brewing Co. Sets Its Sights on Boston Expansion

Beer Reviews We’ve Done

Looking for some beer reviews of Tree House Brewing Company that we’ve covered? Then check these out:

• Beer Review: Intemperance (Tree House Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Doppelgänger (Tree House Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Julius (Tree House Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Haze (Tree House Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Autumn (Tree House Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Sap (Tree House Brewing Company)

Other Related Articles

• The Top Ten Craft Breweries That Brewed the Most New Beers in the Year 2022
• The Top Ten Craft Beers with the Most Five Star Ratings of 2022

More Information on Tree House Brewing Company

The following information comes from Untappd.

Tree House Brewing Company is considered one of the best breweries in the country (United States). They are a bucket list brewery and a “must visit” for many people. Untappd has them listed as a regional brewery from Charlton Massachusetts. They have 1533 unique beers with over 5 Million ratings. They have a global average rating of 4.33 (as of 11.16.24). Their Untappd description reads: “Tree House Brewing Company brews a vast array of ales. The offerings vary based on the season, our moods, and innovations discovered in the midst of day in and day out brewing. Our artisan brewery knows no bounds and we are driven by an intense curiosity of ingredients and how they blend together to create something special.”

For more information on Tree House Brewing Company, check out their social media pages:

• Tree House Brewing Company (Untappd)
• Tree House Brewing Company (Official Website)
• Tree House Brewing Company (Instagram)
• Tree House Brewing Company (Twitter)
• Tree House Brewing Company (Facebook)