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

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

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

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

Scotland’s Tartan Army Creates a Beer Shortage in Boston

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

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

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

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

Samuel Adams Boston Lager.

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

It’s Not Just Samuel Adams Feeling the Demand

The surge wasn’t limited to one brewery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scotland’s Victory Keeps the Celebration Going

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

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

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

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

Why This Matters for Craft Beer

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Samuel Adams really run out of Boston Lager?

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

Why were there so many Scottish fans in Boston?

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

Did other Boston bars experience record sales?

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

What does this mean for local breweries?

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

All of Our Nerd Content

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

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

Star Wars:

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

Futurama

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

Lord of the Rings:

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

Magic the Gathering:

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

Heroes of Barcadia:

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

Zelda:

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

Rick and Morty:

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

Space Balls:

• Beer Review: Moon of Vega (Equilibrium Brewery)

Game of Thrones:

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

The Simpsons:

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

Back to the Future:

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

Scrooged:

• Beer Review: Scrooge IPA (Iron Hill Brewing)

Groundhog Day:

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

A Christmas Story:

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

The Peanuts:

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

Pro Wrestling:

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

Soccer:

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

World Cup:

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

Phillies:

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

Philadelphia Eagles:

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

Matrix:

• Matrix Monday

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

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

Mario:

• Beer Review: Level Up (Idiom Brewing)

HP Lovecraft / Cthulhu:

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

Seinfeld:

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

The Muppets:

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

Jason Voorhees / Friday the 13th:

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

Other:

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

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

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

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

Inspiration Brewing Company Expanding to Elizabethtown, PA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Inspiration Brewing – Facebook Post (June 4th)

A Brewed Up Building

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

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

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

See other articles on Funk Brewing:

• Beer Review: Royal Rumble 
• Beer Review: Griddle

See also:

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

For More Information on Inspiration Brewing Company

Inspiration Brewing logo

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

You can find them at these social media platforms:

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

By B. Kline | The Beer Thrillers

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

What Is a Cold IPA?

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

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

In simple terms:

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

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

Quick Answer

If you’re looking for the short answer:

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

Who Invented the Cold IPA?

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

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

What Makes a Cold IPA Different?

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

Cold IPA vs West Coast IPA

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

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

Cold IPA vs Hazy IPA

Hazy IPAs focus on:

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

Cold IPAs focus on:

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

Cold IPA vs IPL (India Pale Lager)

This comparison causes the most confusion.

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

What Does a Cold IPA Taste Like?

Most Cold IPAs showcase flavors and aromas such as:

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

The finish is often:

• Crisp
• Dry
• Refreshing
• Clean

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

Why Are Brewers Making Cold IPAs?

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

Cold IPA allows breweries to:

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

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

Best Cold IPA Examples

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

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

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

Should You Try a Cold IPA?

If you enjoy:

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

Then a Cold IPA is absolutely worth trying.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Cold IPA served colder?

No. The name does not refer to serving temperature.

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

Is a Cold IPA a lager?

Not exactly.

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

Are Cold IPAs bitter?

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

What alcohol percentage is a Cold IPA?

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

For a beer that once proudly claimed “the beer that made Milwaukee famous,” the idea of Schlitz disappearing feels almost surreal. Yet with news of its discontinuation, one of America’s most iconic brewing names quietly exits the stage—less with a bang and more with a nostalgic sigh. (source: WGN – Schlitz Beer Discontinued after 177 Years)

Schlitz Beer Discontinued After 177 Years

A Giant of Its Time

Schlitz wasn’t just another macro lager. At its peak in the mid-20th century, it was the American beer. By the 1950s and 60s, Schlitz had climbed to the top of the U.S. beer market, thanks to aggressive marketing, wide distribution, and a reputation for consistency.

For many drinkers, it was the default—what you grabbed at a ballgame, a backyard cookout, or after a long shift. It represented a kind of blue-collar reliability that defined American beer before the craft revolution rewrote the script.

The Long Decline

The fall of Schlitz has been studied almost as much as its rise. A series of cost-cutting decisions in the 1970s—most notably changes to brewing processes intended to speed up production—damaged the beer’s flavor and reputation. Loyal drinkers noticed, and they didn’t forgive easily.

Add in increased competition from Budweiser, Miller, and Coors, and Schlitz quickly lost ground. By the 1980s, it had fallen from the top spot to an afterthought, eventually being sold off and folded into larger brewing portfolios.

A Brand That Never Quite Came Back

Over the years, Schlitz made attempts at revival. Retro branding, “original formula” releases, and nostalgia-driven marketing campaigns all tried to tap into its former glory. For a while, it even found a niche among craft-curious drinkers interested in “heritage” lagers.

But in an era dominated by hazy IPAs, pastry stouts, and hyper-local brewery taprooms, Schlitz struggled to find a lasting identity. It was too old-school for trend-driven craft drinkers, yet no longer dominant enough to compete with modern macro giants.

Why This Matters

Schlitz disappearing isn’t just about one beer—it’s a reflection of how dramatically the beer landscape has changed.

• Drinkers now prioritize flavor diversity and local identity over national dominance.

• Craft breweries have reshaped expectations around freshness, experimentation, and storytelling.

• Legacy brands without strong differentiation are increasingly squeezed out.

In a way, Schlitz becomes a cautionary tale. Brewing shortcuts, loss of quality, and failure to adapt can erase even the biggest names.

A Toast to History

For craft beer enthusiasts, Schlitz may not have been a go-to pour. But its place in brewing history is undeniable. It helped define what American beer looked like for decades—and its rise and fall paved the way for the diversity we enjoy today.

If anything, its disappearance is a reminder: today’s giants are never guaranteed tomorrow.

So whether you ever cracked one open or just recognize the name from vintage signs and bar memorabilia, Schlitz deserves at least a final nod.

Raise a glass—preferably something local—and toast to the beer that once made Milwaukee famous.

By B. Kline | The Beer Thrillers

What Is Craft Beer?

Craft beer is beer produced by small, independent breweries that prioritize flavor, quality, creativity, and traditional brewing methods over mass production.

Unlike large macro-breweries that focus on consistency and volume, craft breweries often experiment with unique ingredients, brewing techniques, and beer styles. The result is a diverse range of flavors that can include everything from citrus-forward IPAs to rich imperial stouts and tart barrel-aged sours.

The modern craft beer movement has transformed the American beer landscape, giving consumers more choices than ever before.

What is Craft Beer in 2026

The Official Definition of Craft Beer

According to the Brewers Association, a craft brewer is:

• Small (producing less than 6 million barrels annually)
• Independent (less than 25% owned by a non-craft beverage company)
• Traditional (focused on brewing beer rather than primarily producing alternative beverages)

While many beer drinkers simply think of craft beer as “beer made by a local brewery,” the industry maintains specific guidelines to distinguish craft brewers from large multinational corporations.

How Is Craft Beer Different From Regular Beer?

The biggest difference is not necessarily quality—it’s philosophy.

Most large breweries focus on creating a consistent product that tastes identical whether you buy it in Pennsylvania, California, or Florida.

Craft breweries often focus on:

Innovation

Craft brewers regularly experiment with:

• New hop varieties
• Fruit additions
• Barrel aging
• Wild fermentation
• Specialty malts
• Locally sourced ingredients

Variety

A macro brewery may release a handful of beers each year.

Many craft breweries release dozens—or even hundreds—of different beers annually.

Community

Craft breweries frequently serve as community gathering spaces, hosting events, fundraisers, live music, trivia nights, and collaborations with local organizations.

The Most Popular Craft Beer Styles

India Pale Ale (IPA)

IPAs remain the dominant force in American craft beer.

Common IPA variations include:

• West Coast IPA
• New England IPA (Hazy IPA)
• Double IPA
• Triple IPA
• Cold IPA
• Session IPA

Most IPAs emphasize hop character, delivering flavors ranging from citrus and tropical fruit to pine, resin, and stone fruit.

Stout

Stouts are dark beers known for flavors of:

• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Roasted malt
• Caramel
• Dark fruit

Imperial stouts often reach higher alcohol levels and may be aged in bourbon, rum, or whiskey barrels.

Pilsner

Pilsners have experienced a major resurgence in craft beer.

These crisp, refreshing lagers showcase subtle malt sweetness balanced by floral or spicy hop notes.

Sour Beer

Sour beers intentionally incorporate acidity.

Popular examples include:

• Berliner Weisse
• Gose
• Lambic-inspired ales
• Fruited kettle sours

Lager

While once overshadowed by hop-heavy styles, lagers have become one of the fastest-growing segments of craft beer.

Many brewers view lagers as the ultimate test of brewing skill due to their simplicity and lack of flaws to hide behind.

Why Has Craft Beer Become So Popular?

Several factors have fueled craft beer’s growth.

Consumers Want Flavor

Modern drinkers increasingly seek unique experiences and stronger flavor profiles.

Craft beer provides endless opportunities for exploration.

Local Businesses Matter

Many consumers intentionally support local breweries because they contribute directly to local economies.

Brewery Tourism Is Growing

Breweries have become destinations.

Beer enthusiasts frequently travel specifically to visit renowned breweries, attend festivals, and collect unique beer experiences.

Is Craft Beer More Expensive?

Generally, yes.

Craft breweries operate on a much smaller scale than multinational brewing corporations.

Factors that increase costs include:

• Higher-quality ingredients
• Smaller production runs
• Specialized equipment
• Labor-intensive brewing methods
• Barrel-aging programs

However, many consumers view craft beer similarly to specialty coffee or artisan food products: a premium experience worth paying for.

How Should Beginners Start Exploring Craft Beer?

For newcomers, the best approach is simple:

Start Broad

Try:

• A pilsner
• A pale ale
• A hazy IPA
• A stout
• A sour beer

This provides a foundation for understanding personal preferences.

Visit Local Breweries

Nothing accelerates beer education like talking directly with brewers and brewery staff.

Most breweries offer flights, allowing visitors to sample multiple styles in a single visit.

Take Notes

Many enthusiasts eventually realize they cannot remember every beer they’ve tried.

Keeping a simple log can help identify favorite styles, breweries, and flavor profiles.

Is Craft Beer Still Growing?

The craft beer industry has matured considerably.

While the explosive growth of the 2010s has slowed, craft beer continues evolving.

Current trends include:

• Craft lagers
• Non-alcoholic craft beer
• Low-alcohol offerings
• Italian pilsners
• Hop water
• Mixed-culture fermentation
• Hyper-local brewery experiences

The future of craft beer appears less focused on chasing trends and more focused on producing exceptional beer while building strong local communities.

Final Thoughts

Craft beer is ultimately about exploration.

Whether you’re enjoying your first brewery visit or searching for the next great barrel-aged stout, craft beer offers a nearly endless world of flavors, stories, and experiences.

The best craft beer isn’t necessarily the rarest, highest-rated, or most expensive.

It’s the one that creates a memorable experience—shared with friends, discovered on a road trip, or enjoyed after a long day.

And that’s something worth raising a glass to.

For beer lovers, the notion of a federal government shutdown might seem distant—something about national parks, IRS forms, and Congress fighting over budgets. But for breweries—especially craft breweries with narrow margins, seasonal releases, and regulatory dependencies—a shutdown can become existential. In October 2025, as federal funding lapsed and agencies began furloughing non-essential staff, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) effectively ground to a halt in its regulatory functions.

This post is a deep dive into how the shutdown ripples through the craft brewing world, nationally and in Pennsylvania, how breweries can respond, which ones may weather the storm best, and what the future might hold.

The Government Shut Down and Pennsylvania Breweries (2025 Edition)

1. Overview: The 2025 Shutdown and What’s Actually “Off the Shelf”

What triggered it

On October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to pass appropriation bills or a continuing resolution. The lapse in funding forced many federal agencies to suspend non-essential operations.

The TTB, a critical agency for breweries (and wineries, distilleries), publicly posted its shutdown plan: out of approximately 459 staffers, 398 would be furloughed, leaving only around 61 “excepted” employees to maintain legally required and essential operations.

What functions continue (and why)

The TTB’s “excepted” functions are narrowly defined. Among the tasks that will continue:

• Processing excise tax returns that include remittance (i.e. payments)

• Maintaining minimal computer / IT operations to avoid data loss or system collapse

• Protecting statute expirations, liens, seizures, federal property — i.e. safeguarding legal and financial infrastructures

• Criminal enforcement, to the extent required by statute, and operations that cannot legally pause

However, most of what breweries rely on will be suspended or delayed:

• Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) reviews and approvals

• Formula approvals

• Brewer’s permit application or modification

• Laboratory services and testing

• Non-criminal investigations, audits, inspections

• Administrative support, customer service, and non-statutory tasks

In effect, if you had a label to approve or a change in formula to submit, it’s on ice. You can submit electronically, but nothing moves until TTB is fully funded again.

Trade associations are already warning of a backlog when operations resume.

2. National Impact: The Shockwaves through the Craft Beer Industry

It’s easy to imagine that a government shutdown is a “Washington problem,” but the brewing sector is one of the less obvious industries hit hard and fast. Let’s trace the national picture before we localize to Pennsylvania.

Why breweries are uniquely vulnerable

• Regulatory dependency: Breweries must interact with TTB for label approvals, permit changes, formula permissions, and compliance oversight. When TTB pauses, breweries cannot legally launch new products or adjust existing ones.

• Seasonal and specialty beer timing: Many breweries operate on tight windows: spring IPAs, summer sours, fall pumpkins, winter stouts. Any delay in approval can push a beer’s launch past its season, undermining marketing and sales.

• Supply chain interlocking: Ingredient imports, yeast procurement, packaging changes (if new label art or recipes), and logistics are often timed to regulatory clearance. Delays there cascade into production and distribution.

• Margin sensitivity: Craft breweries typically run lean. A few weeks of delay can jeopardize cash flow, especially for smaller operations without deep reserves.

• Three-tier distribution pressures: Because craft brewers often must move through distributors and retailers, downstream partners expect timely delivery. A delay in one link (label approval) can stall the entire path.

Recent shutdowns as precedent

In the 2019 federal shutdown, breweries found their seasonal releases held up. In the Philadelphia region, for example, breweries that had planned winter or spring launches were forced to delay or cancel new beers because labels couldn’t be approved.

Industry analysts note that during shutdowns, many breweries end up with “tanks full of beer they can’t release.”

The Brewers Association, reacting to the current shutdown, is advising brewers to expect immediate disruptions to labeling, formula, permitting, and that the pause may last for some time.

Distillers, winemakers, and crossover impacts

While this post is beer-centric, the parallels in the wine and spirits world help underscore how universal the regulatory risk is:

• Distillers see the same freeze on label and formula approvals during shutdowns.

• The wine industry notes that permit and label processing stops entirely, though excise payment functions remain.

• The broader hospitality sector feels the ripple: delayed new product releases, fewer SKUs entering the market, and slowed innovation.

In short: The shutdown isn’t a minor inconvenience. It threatens growth, planning, and the very operations of craft beer producers across the country.

3. Pennsylvania Breweries: Facing the Shutdown in the Keystone State

Now let’s zoom in. Pennsylvania is one of the heavyweight states in craft beer. The stakes are high—and uneven across breweries.

The state’s brewing landscape (pre-shutdown)

To understand who’s most vulnerable, we need to recap how Pennsylvania’s beer economy stands:

• Pennsylvania ranks among the top states in craft beer production and economic impact.

• As of 2023/2024, the craft beer industry in PA contributed billions to state economies, with strong volumes.

• However, 2024 saw some contraction: some of PA’s larger craft breweries reported sales declines, and at least 18 breweries closed in the state.

• The craft boom in PA has also been tempered by saturation, competition, and broader market pressures.

• Additionally, in 2025, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (a multi-location brewpub chain that included ten in PA) abruptly closed all locations, citing financial challenges.

Given this backdrop, a shutdown may push already marginal players dangerously close to the edge.

Local precedents: how past shutdowns affected PA brewers

In 2019, when the federal shutdown paused TTB approvals, breweries in the Philadelphia region reported that seasonal launches were delayed or canceled. WHYY covered how Dock Street Brewery, for example, had new beer plans halted midstream.

Ted Zeller, General Counsel to the Pennsylvania Brewers Association, warned that without label approvals, beers can’t reach shelf or tapline.

These episodes show that PA brewers are not new to this risk—but this shutdown may be deeper, longer, and more consequential.

What’s different in 2025

• Larger scale and more sophistication: Some PA breweries now operate regionally or nationally and often have tighter supply chains, making delays more damaging.

• Slimming margins: With recent sales declines and closures, many breweries may not have much buffer.

• Distribution complexity: Breweries supplying interstate markets will be directly hit if TTB doesn’t approve labels for out-of-state distribution.

• Connected local networks: PA breweries often collaborate, co-brew, or share resources. Therefore, a shock to one node can affect others.

• Media attention and local demand: As beer tourism picks up, local reputation matters. Delays or canceled launches may erode consumer trust.

Who in Pennsylvania may handle this better (and who’s vulnerable)

Best positioned:

• Large, vertically integrated breweries
  For example, D.G. Yuengling & Son, with deep reserves, long operating history, and diversified operations, is better able to weather temporary disruptions. (Though even they are not immune—2024 saw an 8% sales drop for Yuengling.)

• Breweries with stable, ongoing SKUs
  Brewers whose core lineup dominates their sales are less reliant on frequent label tweaks or seasonal launches.

• Breweries with local focus
  Breweries that sell primarily within Pennsylvania and whose distribution doesn’t cross state lines may be less exposed to label/distribution bottlenecks.

• Those with compliance and regulatory foresight
  Breweries that preemptively processed label changes, modular formula options, or prepared alternate versions may be more resilient.

• Cash-rich or well-funded operations
  The ones with financial reserves to absorb a few weeks (or even months) of stalled product launches.

Most vulnerable:

• Small startups and taproom-centric breweries
  New breweries relying on label and permit approval to launch or move beyond taproom sales could face crippling delays.

• Breweries with heavy seasonal catalogs
  Those whose revenue depends heavily on limited releases (e.g. fall pumpkin ales) are in the crosshairs.

• Breweries with narrow margins
  Those already struggling with rising costs, labor pressure, or debt burden will feel immediate financial strain.

• Operators with heavy interstate distribution
  If their label approvals are stalled, they can’t ship new beers out of state, which may suppress growth or demand.

While I did not find credible published quotes yet from specific Pennsylvania breweries making statements about the 2025 shutdown, the patterns and warnings are consistent from breweries in other states and in prior shutdowns. The Brewers Association, American Craft Beer, and LibationLaw provide strong industry frameworks.

4. Historical Context: Shutdowns, Precedents, & Lessons Learned

To truly appreciate the severity of the current landscape, it helps to look back at how prior shutdowns have hit breweries—and what lessons can shape responses.

2019–2020 shutdowns and craft beer

The 2019 federal shutdown (Dec 2018 – Jan 2019) was one of the longer interruptions in memory. During that time:

• The TTB essentially stopped approving new labels, formulas, and permits. Breweries were left waiting.

• In the Philadelphia region, breweries canceled or delayed seasonal launches.

• Some breweries reportedly had beer languishing in tanks because they couldn’t legally bring it to market.

The takeaway: even a few weeks of delay can derail a brewery’s schedule, cash flow, and consumer momentum.

Shutdowns during the Trump era & industry behavior

While not always explicitly tied to breweries, shutdowns under the Trump administration repeatedly spotlighted delays in regulatory agencies—a pattern breweries grew accustomed to treating as “business risk.”

Some breweries adopted strategies like:

• Pre-submitting all anticipated label filings before seasonal cycles

• Buffering product inventory before expected shutdown windows

• Avoiding reliance on narrow release windows near the edges of regulatory cycles

These behavioral adaptations are relevant now as well.

Broader regulatory and enforcement shutdown history

Historically, during government shutdowns, many federal oversight functions roll back to bare minimums — public health, safety, and financial protection are prioritized, while discretionary functions halt. This has ripple effects in food, environmental, and industrial sectors. Breweries often live in that discretionary space (e.g. labeling, new product approvals).

Additionally, during shutdowns, the backlog and pent-up demand can swamp agencies when they reopen—leading to long delays even after funding is restored. That “catch-up hangover” is part of the real cost.

5. What Breweries Can Do: Mitigation Strategies & Prepared Moves

Even as the shutdown looms, breweries aren’t powerless. Below are actionable strategies to reduce risks and improve resilience.

Pre-shutdown preparedness (ideally before the lapse)

1. File early and often
   Submit label changes, formula modifications, and permit adjustments before the funding cutoff—if possible.

2. Submit “scalable” or modular label/ formula alternatives
   If your process allows, pre-file alternate labels or versions that require minimal changes so that small tweaks may sail through or avoid major rejections later.

3. Stock up buffer inventory
   For key seasonal or high-margin beers, produce extra in advance so you have something to market while new releases are stalled.

4. Reserve critical raw materials
   If import or customs delays might arise, have extra hops, yeast, adjuncts, or packaging materials in hand.

5. Tighten compliance and audits now
   Make sure all existing labels, formulations, ingredients, and documentation are in order to minimize risk of regulatory flags when oversight resumes.

6. Stress test cash flow
   Model scenarios: what if launches are delayed two months? What if some SKUs are stuck? Understand worst-case margins.

7. Engage with trade organizations
   The Brewers Association, state brewer groups, and regional alliances can lobby, share intelligence, and amplify impact.

During the shutdown: defensive operations

1. Pause new launches
   Don’t start marketing or production of new SKUs intended for release until the regulatory path clears.

2. Pivot focus to core SKUs and taproom sales
   Double down on what you already can sell legally without needing new approvals.

3. Communicate carefully
   Let distributors, retailers, and customers know there may be delays—maintaining goodwill is crucial.

4. Monitor federal announcements
   Stay abreast of TTB, Treasury, and Congressional developments via official portals and trade newsletters.

5. Document everything
   Track submission dates, label versions, formula data, correspondence—so when the agency reopens, you have clear records.

6. Plan for extended backlog
   Anticipate that even after funding returns, approvals may be slow. Prioritize essential filings first and consider triaging less critical ones.

7. Explore intra-state sales or local channels
   If possible under state law, sell more directly to local consumers or use taproom strength to offset distribution delays.

Post-shutdown: recovery & catch-up

1. Push prioritized filings immediately
   As soon as TTB reopens, move critical filings (seasonal releases, revenue drivers) to the head of the queue.

2. Reconfirm submissions
   Sometimes, during the pause, systems or databases may lose synchronization—confirm that your filings are intact.

3. Negotiate with distributors/retailers
   Get buy-in for staggered delivery or alternate SKUs while the label queue clears.

4. Leverage marketing flexibility
   Use the delay period to ramp up pre-launch hype so that once you’re cleared, demand is ready.

5. Learn and adapt
   Use the shutdown experience to revise your regulatory strategy for future cycles.

6. Pennsylvania Breweries Best Equipped (and What They Bring to the Table)

Some Pennsylvania breweries are better positioned to survive (or even thrive) during a regulatory freeze. Below are illustrative types and examples, along with traits to emulate.

D.G. Yuengling & Son (Pottsville, PA)

• Legacy scale & capital reserves: As the oldest brewery in America, Yuengling has operational depth and financial strength.

• Core SKU dominance: They rely heavily on flagship beers, less frequent branding shifts, and have strong name recognition.

• Vertical infrastructure: Large operations, distribution networks, and buffer capacity give flexibility.

• Community and brand loyalty: Their historic brand status gives them a cushion when marketing or new SKUs stall.

While not immune to shutdown pressures—they saw an 8% sales drop in 2024—Yuengling is in a relatively advantaged position.

Tröegs Independent Brewing (Hershey, PA)

As one of Pennsylvania’s well-known craft names, Tröegs has a diversified portfolio, regional distribution, and a stable market presence. Their size and brand equity give them room to absorb delays. (Cited among PA’s top producers in recent rankings.)

Pittsburgh Brewing / Iron City

Pittsburgh has a storied brewing heritage. Pittsburgh Brewing (and legacy brands tied with it) can tap into legacy branding and local loyalty.

Mid-sized regional brewers

Brewers who have scaled somewhat—enough to maintain reserves, but still nimble—are in a sweet spot. If they primarily serve Pennsylvania or neighboring states, so long as label and permit issues are handled prudently, they may endure better than small startups.

Taproom / direct-sales centric brewers

Breweries whose revenue and brand come largely from on-site sales, community events, and local customers can sidestep some distribution and label pressures. While they still need regulatory compliance, their reliance on novelty SKUs is lower.

Traits to emulate (beyond names)

• Advance filing discipline

• Modular product planning

• Cash buffer and financial flexibility

• Strong local consumer support

• Robust taproom and direct-to-consumer channels

• Agile marketing and pipeline coordination

These traits help create a buffer against the sudden regulatory blackout.

7. Closing Thoughts

This shutdown is more than a bureaucratic freeze — it’s a stress test on how deeply entwined craft beer is with federal infrastructure. I’ve seen breweries born in garages and grow into regional legends; I’ve watched label art get revised, formulas rebalanced, and seasonal beers become brand inflection points. The TTB, often unseen by drinkers, is a silent gatekeeper. When it pauses, the gates slam shut.

Pennsylvania, with its brewing heritage rooted in Yuengling and vibrant craft corridors in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and beyond, is front and center in this fight. Some breweries will grit their way through with lean operations and agile pivots. Others may stagger. A few may not survive. That’s not alarmism — it’s acknowledging the unexpected: months of delays, a backlog of approvals, and consumer impatience.

If Congress and the White House manage to restore funding soon, we’ll see a mad sprint at TTB headquarters to clear the backlog. But that won’t erase the weeks lost. Breweries that had planned, built buffer, and stayed lean will have a head start. Those caught flat-footed will be scrambling.

To brewers in Pennsylvania: move carefully, prioritize your essential SKUs, protect your cash, and plan as though this shutdown could last weeks — or even stretch long enough to undermine your seasonal wheels. Trade groups, local MLA’s, and the Pennsylvania Brewers Association must be your ally. Use them. Stay vocal in public forums, media, and with congressional offices — your local voice counts.

I believe in the resilience of this community. Beer thrives on risk, on experimentation, and on the tenacity of people who wake daily to mash, boil, ferment, package, and sell. But risk without hedges is needless and preventable. Use this as a wake-up call: regulatory risk is real. Build for it. And when the breweries in Pennsylvania emerge from this shutdown, let the stories of adaptation, survival, and ingenuity be part of what defines the next chapter in American craft beer.

Raise one — cautiously, but optimistically — to better days ahead.

8. Sources

• Libation Law Blog — “TTB Publishes Shutdown Plan: What It Means for the Beverage Industry”
  https://libationlawblog.com/2025/09/30/ttb-shutdown-plan-2025/
• Treasury / TTB — “TTB Shutdown Plan (Lapse Plan PDF)”
  https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/266/Treasury_TTB_Lapse_Plan.pdf
• TTB — “Funding Lapse Information for TTB Employees”
  https://www.ttb.gov/funding-lapse-information-ttb-employees
• Brewers Association — “Government Shutdown Now in Effect: What Brewers Should Know”
  https://www.brewersassociation.org/government-affairs-updates/government-shutdown-now-in-effect-what-brewers-should-know/
• Brewers Association — “Government Shutdown Now in Effect (alternate)”
  https://www.brewersassociation.org/current-issues/government-shutdown-now-in-effect-what-brewers-should-know-2/
• Wine Institute — “U.S. Government Shuts Down: TTB Services Suspended”
  https://wineinstitute.org/news-alerts/u-s-government-shuts-down-ttb-services-suspended/
• Spirits & Distilling — “What the TTB Shutdown Means for Distillers”
  https://www.spiritsanddistilling.com/what-the-ttb-shutdown-means-for-distillers
• Fox43 — “Pa. breweries step up after Iron Hill closure”
  https://www.fox43.com/article/life/food/pa-breweries-step-up-after-iron-hill-closure-customers-staff-gift-cards-rewards/521-3cf68293-94ba-4c2f-bc02-bed1bb968ca8
• Axios — “Pennsylvania’s largest breweries see sales drop in 2024”
  https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/01/pennsylvania-breweries-sales-drop-beer
• Axios — “Pa. breweries hold strong in 2024 beer rankings”
  https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/23/pennsylvania-2024-craft-brewery-rankings

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

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

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

The Top 5 Oktoberfest Beers in Pensnylvania Are….

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

1. Tröegs Oktoberfest Lager (Hershey, PA)

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

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

2. Human Robot Festbier (Philadelphia, PA)

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

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

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

3. Victory Festbier (Downingtown, PA)

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

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

4. Boneshire Brew Works Pigtoberfest (Harrisburg, PA)

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

5. Penn Brewery Oktoberfest (Pittsburgh, PA)

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

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

Honorable Mentions 🍂

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

• Love City Brewing – Love Fest (Philadelphia): Weyermann malts give it a nutty, bready character with a kiss of caramel sweetness.

• Neshaminy Creek – Creekfestbier (Croydon): Toasty, crisp, and bone-dry—a Festbier lover’s dream.

• Sly Fox Brewing – Oktoberfest Lager (Malvern): Caramel and spice on the nose, crisp and malty on the palate. A yearly favorite.

• Yuengling Oktoberfest (Pottsville, PA): Crisp large scale Oktoberfest

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

See More Articles About Fall and Pumpkin Beers

• Fall Beers
• Beer Review: Hocktoberfest
• It’s Pumpkin Time! (Grandma SueAnn and Amy Review Zombies and Double Zombies are People Too and Braaaiins!)
• Pumpkin Patch Noir – Chocolate Pumpkin Stout (Homebrew Recipe)
• Grandma SueAnn Helps Review More Pumpkin Beers: 2 out of 3 Ain’t So Bad
• Pumpkin Beer Review with Grandma SueAnn – Abomination Brewing: Forbidden Pumpkin, Greater Good Brewing: Giant Pumpkin, and Pizza Boy Brewing: Sunny Side Up Double Coffee Pumpkin
• Beer Review: Pumpkin Stout (Newfangled Brew Works)
• Grandma SueAnn and More Beer: Beer Reviews of: Zaktoberfest (KCBC – Kings County Brewers Collective) and Devious Imperial Pumpkin (Fegley Brew Works)
• Master of Pumpkins, Cupcakes, Cookies, and Bacon Cheeseburgers
• Beer Review: How Now Brown Cow (With Pumpkin Spice) (Aslin Beer Co)
• LAKEFRONT RELEASES LATEST BREWERS’ RESERVE: IMPERIAL PUMPKIN ALE
• Embracing the Season: The Return of Fall Beers

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

We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written. The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

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

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

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

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

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

In an early morning social media post today, Michael Clements, owner and founder of Idiom Brewing announced his intentions of stepping down and leaving the business. He reiterated how Idiom Brewing is open and active, but is for sale. (See our article: Idiom Brewing Listed For Sale.)

The brewery is located in Frederick Maryland along the canal at 340 E Patrick St #104, Frederick, MD 21701. One of our personal favorites here at The Beer Thrillers, we’ve covered their Star Wars beers, their Mario themed beer, as well as some of their events (like their World MS Day beer) on the blog.

Michael Clements of Idiom Brewing (photo courtesy of Michael Clements and Idiom Brewing as of their post this morning)

IDIOM REMAINS OPEN BUT IS FOR SALE!

Michael Clements post on Idiom Brewing’s Facebook account this morning:

IDIOM REMAINS OPEN BUT IS FOR SALE!

Here is a message from our founder:

Idiom Brewing Friends and Fans,

A few months ago I announced that I was listing our production brewery for sale in an effort to downsize, streamline and focus our efforts on our taproom and our overall customer experience. While that effort was the main goal at that time, I also did some soul-searching regarding my personal life, what I’ve accomplished as the owner of Idiom, with the help of the many wonderful staff who currently work at Idiom (and those who have come before), and where the path in this life leads.

After much thought and many long nights of deliberation, I have decided that it’s time for me to move on and to allow new ownership an opportunity to take the Idiom brand to the next level. As such, last week I listed Idiom for sale, including its two locations (the taproom and production brewery) as well as all rights to the brand.

This was by no means an easy decision. I poured (pardon the pun) my life into Idiom. I spent many sleepless nights running draft lines, writing recipes and responding to customer comments / concerns. I worked a full-time job while still brewing every day and pouring beer at night. I lived and breathed it. It was and still is my baby. However, just like all children, you must let them go at some point. Because they can be so much more without you. Now is that time.

While I will miss Idiom and will always look back on it fondly, I am hopeful that new ownership, whoever they may be, will take up the Idiom name and continue its legacy. I hope they continue to provide a welcoming place where people from all walks of life can gather to enjoy a beer and each other. I hope they continue to be a hub in the Frederick brewery scene, and they continue to innovate and provide unique experiences and unique flavors for you – my family and friends.

This isn’t goodbye. This is a cheers and well-wishes to each of you!

May you all have happy and full lives and may we cross paths again and share in good food and good drink!

With much love and admiration,

Michael Clements

– Michael Clements (Idiom Brewing Company’s Facebook Post)

Brewery News

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

• Crystal Ball Brewing Closing
• Stoudt’s Brewing Closing
• Full Pint Brewing Closing
• Night Shift Brewing Cancels Expansion
• ZX Ventures Fully Acquires RateBeer
• Imprint Beer Co. Doubles Production with New Tanks – What It Means for Craft Beer Fans
• Other Half Brewing Company Opening Friday 2.18.22 in Philadelphia
• Midwest Coast Brewery Opening
• Boulevard Presidents Steps Down Amidst Allegations
• Brewery Opening: Howling Henry’s (Hummelstown)
• Brewery Opening: Highway Manor (Camp Hill)
• Brewery Opening: Rotunda Brew Pub (Hershey)
• Is JB LoveDraft’s Opening a Brewery?
• Tattered Flag at Hollywood Casino – Grantville – Opening Their 5th Location
• JB LoveDraft’s Grand Opening (Mechanicsburg)
• ZeroDay Opens Their New Tap Room (Harrisburg)
• Victory Brewery Fire and Explosion (Kennett Square)
• Sign of the Horse Brewery is Expanding in Hanover (Taking Over the Old Miscreation Brewery)
• Brewery Tour: Couch Brewery (Pittsburgh)
• Brewery Visit: Mellow Mink (Mechanicsburg)
• A Sneak Peak at the new Rubber Soul Brewery (Hummelstown)
• Rubber Soul Grand Opening (Hummelstown)
• VooDoo Lancaster Closing
• River Bend Hop Farm and Brewery Closes
• Homaide Brewing Says Goodbye To Their First Home
• Grand Opening of Hemauer Brewing (Mechanicsburg)
• Rally Point Tap Room Opening – Cox Brewing Company – Elizabethtown
• Spigot Brewing Closes
• Full Pint Brewing Closes
• Night Shift Brewing Cancels Expansion
• Mikkeller Brewing NYC Closes Permanently
• Pilger Ruh Brewing Needs Your Help (Pottsville)
• Official BBQ (Pizza Boy Secondary Location) (Rutherford)
• Aslin Beer Co. Now Ships to Pennsylvania
• Boneshire Brew Works to Open Second Taproom in Harrisburg (Harrisburg)
• Aslin Beer Company Confirms Expanding to Pittsburgh
• Rural City Beer Company Coming to Beamstown PA
• Grand Opening of Forest and Main’s New Brewpub
• New Bells-gium – New Belgium Owned Company Buys Bell’s Brewery
• Human Robot Expanding to Jenkintown
• High Road Brewing Company Coming to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania in Summer 2022
• YAH Brewing’s First Can Drop
• RAR Brewing’s Star Wars Can Drop
• Arboretum Trail Brewing Company Opens Their Doors Tomorrow
• Macklin Brewing Company in Development
• Michaux Brewing Company Grand Opening
• Shy Bear Brewing Announces Two New Locations
• Newfangled Brew Works Announces Closure
• Fourscore Beer Company Celebrates Their 3rd Anniversary
• Penn Brewery Announces Sale and Owner’s Retirement
• Voodoo Brewing Company To Open Brewpub on North Shore of Pittsburgh – August 27th
• Truth Beer Company’s Grand Opening
• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery’s Grand New Location and Opening
• AleCraft Brewing Company Expands Into Pennsylvania
• Boneshire Brew Works Celebrates 6th Anniversary
• Funk Brewing Company – Elizabethtown Brewery – Fire
• Funk Brewing Company – Elizabethtown Brewery – Fire Update
• Voodoo Brewing Opening in Reno
• Victory Taproom in Kennett Square Re – Opens
• Pour Man’s Brewery Is Moving Their Tap Room
• Qatar Bans Alcohol Sales at World Cup 2022
• Second Sin Brewery Company Celebrates Third Anniversary
• Round Guys Brewing Company’s Brewpub in Lansdale is Getting a Revamp
• VK Brewing Officially Opens at Historic Ship Inn
• Rocket Frog Brewing Company Announces Closure on December 11th
• Co – Hops Brewery and Cannery Appears to be Closed
• Where to Watch the USA vs Netherlands World Cup Game – in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia
• Liquid Noise Brewing Company Announces the Show is Ending (Brewery Closure)
• Looks Like Homaide Brewing Company Might Be Done (January 2023)
• Beltway Brewing Closing at the End of the Month (January 2023)
• Old Soul Brewing Starting up in Waynesboro Pennsylvania
• Cox Brewing Company Returning to Their Roots
• Helping the Hemauer Family
• Cellar Works Brewing Closing Cooper Station
• Imprint Beer Company Unveils The GNARCADIUM
• Voodoo Brewing Co. Brings Craft Beer Magic to Reno
• Blueprint Brewing Company Announces Their Closing on March 31st
• Pilger Ruh Brewing is Expanding into Gettysburg
• Back Porch Brewing Grand Opening
• Jigsy’s Old Forge Pizza and Brewpub is Expanding into Hershey
• LoveDraft’s Brewery Sabotaged
• Homaide Brewing Company Resurfaces
• Sign of the Horse Brewery Announces Closure of Zeichen des Pferdes and Re – Branding
• Mount Gretna Craft Brewery in Palmyra Announces Closing Immediately
• The Englewood Announces Re – Opening
• AB InBev Closes Cleveland’s Platform Brewing Company
• Full Tit Brewing Closing
• Camp Hill Brewery – High Road Brewing – Plans Scrapped
• YAH Brew is Coming to Hershey in Spring 2023
• Bespoke Brewing Moving and Expanding
• BrewDog Pittsburgh Has Closed
• Isle of Que Brewing – The Que Brew Crew – Has Announced Their Closing
• Fermentery Form Announces Temporary Closure
• Separatist Beer Project Announces Temporary Closing of Both Locations
• Fermentery Form Cited for Failing Health Inspections
• Guinness Brewing is Closing Their Maryland Production Facility
• Cox Brewing Company Celebrates 8th Anniversary
• Human Robot Expands into the Schuylkill
• Despite Being Closed – Fermentery Form Selling Bottles Tomorrow
• Cape May Brewing Company Acquires Flying Fish Brewing Company
• Our Town Brewery Expanding into Philly
• Smoketown Creekside – Brewery Operations For Sale
• Founders Announce Closure of their Detroit Taproom
• The Bruery Store D.C. Is Closed
• Founders Brewing Company Sued for Racial Discrimination (Again) Just Before Detroit Taproom Shut Down
• Liquid Noise Brewing Company – New Ownership, New Beer, New Friends
• YAH Brew Grand Opening
• FX Matt Brewing Company Acquires Flying Dog Brewery
• The Beerded Goat Brewing Company Taking over the old NewFangled Brewery
• River Horse Brewing Company Acquires DuClaw Brewing Company
• Carbon Copy Brewing will be taking over Separatist Beer Project’s East Passyunk Location for the Summer
• Anchor Brewing Will No Longer Be Sold Nationally
• The First Hershey Beer and Music Festival Announced
• Cushwa Brewing Company Opening Second Location in Columbia Maryland
• Guinness Baltimore Blonde Beer Production Moving to New York
• Black Rock Brewing Company – Downtown Pottsville – Will Not Be Re – Opening
• Jim Thorpe Brewing Needs Your Support
• Cinderlands Foederhouse Temporary Closure
• Appalachian Brewing Company Coming Soon to Carlisle
• Tattered Flag Brewery and Distillery Is Up For Sale
• New Belgium Teams Up with Magic the Gathering for Vastwood Seer IPA
• Anchor Brewing Could Be Sold Tomorrow
• Anchor Brewing Company Ceasing Operations and Liquidating Business
• A Sneak Peek of The Beerded Goat Brewery
• Allusion Brewing Company Appreciation Party
• Allusion Brewing Company Expanding to the North Hills
• Sworn Brewing Company Opening in September
• With Heavy Hearts Tattered Flag Announces Last Day
• Appalachian Brewing Company Pairs with The Vegetable Hunter to Release Plant Based Beyond Beer Collaboration
• Getting Sworn In: A Sneak Peek at Sworn Brewing Company
• Arboretum Trail Brewing is Closing Their Taproom
• Mastic Trail Brewing Company Setting into the Sunset – Closing on September 2nd
• A Look at Local Time Brewery
• Second Sin Beer Announces Second Tap Room Location
• Rumor Mill: Snitz Creek Brewing To Take Over Mt. Gretna Brewing’s Old Location
• Howling Henry’s Not Looking to Finish Out the Year
• Brewery Fire Celebrates Their Fourth Anniversary: The Power of the Fourth
• Devil’s Eye Brewing Announces Closure on September 30th
• Walk to End ALZ at Lost in the Wilds Brewing – September 28th, 2023
• 12 Pennsylvania Breweries Collaborate on Buckeye Tears
• Stickman Brews Announces Immediate Closure
• Spring House Brewing to Open The Coffin Bar on Friday the 13th
• Cox Brewing Company Announces Closure at the End of 2023
• High Road Brewing Company Announces Grand Opening Celebration at High Road Taproom in Mechanicsburg
• Circle of Life – A Fond Farewell to North Austin’s Oldest Brewery
• BierHall Brewing Coming to Lancaster
• Smuttynose Brewing and Five Boroughs Brewing Joining Under the Ownership of Finestkind Brewing
• Highway Manor Brewing Has Seemingly Been Closed
• Tree House Opening a Saratoga Springs Location
• Cartel Brewing and Blending Announce Their Moving
• Cartel Brewing and Blending Grand Opening of Their New Location
• Wacker Brewing Announces Upcoming Closing
• Mindful Brewing Company Temporarily Closing
• Highway Manor Brewing Temporarily Closed For Remainder of 2023
• Snitz Creek Brewing is Coming to the Old Mt. Gretna Craft Brewery
• Chatty Monks Brewing Company Has Exciting News
• Liquid Noise Announces Opening Soon
• Jackass Brewing Company Adding Williamsport Location in 2024
• Truth Beer Company Announce New Lancaster Taproom
• Truth Beer Company Opening a Taproom in Lancaster
• Moss Mill Brewing Company of Huntingdon Valley is Closing
• Liquid Noise Brewing Company Sets Grand Opening for December 29th
• Three Beards Brewing Announce Closure
• Ingenious Brewing Announces the Upcoming Closure of their Brewery
• Allusion Brewing is Opening a Second Spot in McCandless Township, Duncan Manor in Allison Park
• Breweries that Opened in Pennsylvania in 2023
• Cox Brewing Company Close Out Celebration
• A New Owner Takes Over Olde Bedford Brewing Company
• North Country Brewing is Closing the Corn Crib at Freedom Farms Farmers Market
• Compass Mill Tap House is Temporarily Closed Down for Cleaning and Maintenance
• Aldus Brewing’s Dolphin and Anchor Pub in Downtown Hanover Set for Grand Opening
• HiJinx Brewing Company Adding Second Location
• Truth Beer Company is Having Their Grand Opening on Saturday – January 20th
• Wissahickon Brewing Company to Add a Second Taproom
• Hell in a Bucket Brewery is Moving to Marietta
• Smuttynose Brewing to Acquire Wachusett Brewery
• Sign of the Horse Bierhaus is Closing
• Anheuser-Busch InBev Closes Two Craft Brewpubs
• Species X Beer Project Opening Soon in Columbus
• The Alementary Announces Their Closure
• Our Town Brewery Taproom Set to Open in Philadelphia
• Mount Hope Brewfest is Cancelled
• Hoppy Valley Brewfest Announced for Beaver Stadium
• Grist House Brewery Will Be Taking Over the Taproom at Freedom Farms Farmers Market
• Necromancer Brewing Temporarily Closing
• Hysteria Brewing Company For Sale
• The Mixing Room at Broken Goblet: A Brand-New Distillery and Taproom Are Here!
• AleCraft Brewery Bel Air to Close
• Necromancer Brewing Permanently Closing
• YAH Brew Looking to Expand
• Funk’s Brewery Taproom Closes and is Now Pine Creek Spirits
• Voodoo Brewing Company Names New CFO and Employee Owner, Reinforcing Its Dedication to a Diverse and Dynamic Community
• Country Trails Brewing To Open in April
• Voodoo Brewing – Seven Fields Coming Spring 2024
• Allusion Brewing Company’s Second Location is Having Their Grand Opening Saturday
• Kennett Brewing Company is Closing
• Dough Daddy Brewery Coming to Gibsonia
• Willow Creek Brewing Company to Close Permanently
• YAH Brew to Open YAH Brew’s Retro Bar in Mount Joy
• Twelve78 Brewing Company To Open Its Doors on May 17th In Phoenixville
• Ballast Point Shutting Down Production
• Wander Back Beerworks: Vineland’s Newest Brewery Gears Up to Join South Jersey’s Craft Beer Scene
• Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Brewing
• BrewDog’s James Watt Stepping Down as CEO
• Insurrection Ale Works Closing Saturday
• Hoppy Valley Brewersfest is Tomorrow
• Mindful Brewing is Transforming into Chimera Brewing
• Liquid Hero Brewery’s New Spot
• Voodoo Brewery in Reno Has Closed
• A Look at Lindgren Craft Brewery (Amy’s Column)
• Tattered Flag Brewery and Distillery is Up for Auction
• Ross Brewing Company is Closing Their Taproom in Port Monmouth
• Source Brewing Expanding to Manayunk
• Broken Chair Brewery Announces They Will Be Closing
• Rubber Soul Brewing to Open New Taproom Saturday
• Brew Monkey to Close Thursday
• Bissell Brothers Closing Their Three Rivers – Milo – Brewery
• Mellow Mink Brewery is Closing
• Mad Princes Brewing Announces Upcoming Closure
• Truth Beer Closes Akron and Moves Brewing to Lancaster
• Brink Brewing Co. Expands Production and Patio Space in Cincinnati’s College Hill
• Humble Monk Brewery Forced to Relocate Amidst Unforeseen Challenges
• Tied House Abruptly Closes
• 2 Dogz and a Guy Brewing Announces Closing
• Grand Illusion Cider’s Last Week of Operations
• Stony Run Brew House Sells to a Local Brewery
• Breckenridge Will Open Third Taproom
• Sign of the Horse Brewery Bought Stony Run Brew House
• Selin’s Grove Brewing Closing Until Further Notice
• Urban Artifact Brewery Files Federal Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Over Online Beer Sales Restrictions
• J. Wakefield Brewing Announces Closing of Wynwood Taproom
• When it Rains it Pours – ZeroDay Production Slowed Down by Flooding
• J. Wakefield Brewing is Moving
• McAllister Brewing Company Transitions Completely to The Carriage House Restaurant
• Böser Geist Brewing Announces Closure
• Vault Brewing Company Easton is Coming Fall of 2024
• Sworn Brewing a Year Later – A Sit Down with Jesse and Amanda
• Anderson Valley Brewing Company Listed for Sale at $7.9 Million
• Beer Wall on Penn Has Closed
• Species X Beer Project Announces Closing
• Englewood Brewing Temporarily Closes with Announced Rescheduled Opening in 2025
• Cellar Works Brewing Announces Closure for October 26th
• White Horse Brewing LLC Celebrates 12th Anniversary
• Boneshire Brew Works Celebrates 8th Anniversary
• Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works Sold to California-Based Tower Investments
• Berg Brewing Company to Open in Chambersburg PA
• Iron Hill Brewing Phoenixville PA Closes
• Aurochs Brewing Company Will Cease Operations by End of 2024
• Be Here Brewing Company Announces Closure at End of November
• Sign of the Horse Brewery (Hanover) Sustained Fire Damage
• Elysian Brewing’s Georgetown Brewery Closure: What It Means for Seattle’s Beer Scene
• Logyard Brewery Has Closed
• Tree House Brewing Co. Sets Its Sights on Boston Expansion
• Blind Cat Beer Co. Opening on November 23rd
• Emlenton Brew Haus Closes
• Iron Lion Brewery to Close in Hanover
• South County Brewing Expanding to Lancaster
• Sly Fox Brewing Ordered to Pay Nearly $200K for Withholding Tips
• Boom City Brewing Has Closed Brewing Operations and Moved the Restaurant
• Imprint Beer Co. Removes Brewing Staff and Halts Production in Hatfield PA
• RateBeer Will Be Shutting Down
• Iron Hill Brewing to Open Location at Temple University
• Little Mutants Has Closed
• Little Mutants Brewing Equipment Up for Auction
• Four Seasons Brewing is Currently Closed
• VK Brewing Is Expanding with a Partnership with The Golf Zone
• Gateway Craft Brewing Has Closed
• Beer Busters Podcast Has Wrapped Up: Beer Busters Podcast Are Ending Their Journey – An End of an Era and a Great Epic Journey: So Long and Thanks For All The Beer
• Bucket Brigade Brewery Has Closed
  Grist House Beer Market Launching at Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market in Saxonburg
• IMBĪB Custom Brews is Closing End of February
• Inspiration Brewing Set for Grand Opening
• Butler Brew Works Announces Taproom Closure
• Liquid Hero Brewing and Gift Horse Brewing Team Up
• Constellation Brands Faces Backlash and Shifts Strategy on DEI Initiatives
• Hoppy Valley Brewfest Returns for 2025
• Chimney Rustic Ales is Leaving Hammonton and Relocating to Philadelphia in June
• Bitchin’ Kitten Brewery Announces Closure
• Human Robot Shutting Down Schuylkill Banks and Opening New Taphouses
• Voodoo Brewing Announces Their North Shore Location is Closing
• Fox House Brewing Permanently Closing
• Ranch City Brewing to Bring Bold Brews and Artisan Fare to Easton’s Simon Silk Mill
• The Barrel by Brothers Kershner Grand Opening Upcoming
• Pine Creek Spirits Closing
• Appalachian Brewing Company Closes Appalachian Brewpub in Harrisburg
• YAH Brew to Turn the Old Tattered Flag Location Into an Event Space
• Yuengling 1829 Bar & Grill Set to Open at Harrisburg International Airport
• Ranch City Grand Opening
• Wiseacre Brewing Acquires Bearded Iris: A Major Shakeup in Tennessee’s Craft Beer Scene
• Something Wicked Brewing Company Announces Closing
• Two Rivers Brewing Announces Closing of Easton Location Retail Sales on August 17th
• What’s to Become of Two Rivers Brewing’s Quakertown Location
• Idiom Brewing’s Owner is Stepping Down – Michael Clements Bids Farewell to Idiom Brewing
• Brewery Closings – Archives
• Brewery Openings – Archives
• The Craft Beer Conundrum: Navigating the Troubled Waters of the Craft Beer Industry
• How to Start a Brewery: Essential Tips for Beer Enthusiasts
• How to Start a Brewery Without Upfront Capital: 4 Proven Strategies for Success
• The Rich History of Beer in Pennsylvania: From Colonial Times to the Craft Beer Revolution
• Craft Breweries in Central Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide (2025)

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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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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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.)

(The following is a press release.)

Tröegs Independent Brewing announces the return of 717 Collaboration Beer, a joint endeavor among the Hershey-based brewery and six other popular local breweries.

717 Collaboration Team Up Photo (showcasing all of the people who worked on the 717 beer) (photo courtesy of Troegs Independent Brewing)

A collaborative effort between Appalachian Brewing, Boneshire Brew Works, Ever Grain Brewing, Pizza Boy Brewing, Wolf Brewing, Zeroday Brewing, and Troegs Independent Brewing, the beer serves as a reminder of the camaraderie that exists among breweries thanks to the thriving craft beer industry in Central Pennsylvania.

Some of the brightest ideas have been developed among sharing stories and laughs with friends over beer. Whether we’re Central PA natives or transplants, we’ve all come together in the 717 with one common goal – to brew great beer and cultivate great friendships.

– John Trogner, Co-founder of Troegs Independent Brewing, and head brewmaster for the 29 year old Central PA brewery – which opened in Harrisburg and then later moved to Hershey

The Resurrection of the 717 Collaboration Beer

As you can see from the team up photo above, the beer was created by Troegs Brewing, Appalachian Brewing, Boneshire Brew Works, Ever Grain Brewing, Pizza  Boy Brewing, Wolf Brewing, ZeroDay Brewing, and YAH Brew, created at the ZeroDay Brewing facility. Also in the picture includes various people from other breweries like Hemauer Brewing, YAH Brew, and helpers such as the Harris Family brewers, and more.

The 717 Collaboration label (photo courtesy of Troegs Independent Brewing, as seen on Untappd and the various websites and social medias of the breweries involved)

Brewed at Zeroday’s brewing facility in Harrisburg, the West Coast-style Pilsner weighs in at 6.3% ABV and highlights Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin, and Solero hops. The beer combines the light, malty and crisp attributes of a pilsner with the hop-forward aroma and dry bitterness of a West Coast-style IPA.

Collaboration brews are always fun. When you put seven breweries in the same place to come up with a recipe, you’re going to generate awesome conversation and ultimately come up with a great beer. It’s proof that beer brings people together, and this collaboration is a reminder of that spirit.

-Hannah Ison, Director of Brewing Operations at Zeroday

Distribution

All seven participating breweries will unveil the 717 Collaboration Beer on Thursday, July 17. The limited beer will be available exclusively on tap at each brewery’s tap room.

(Note: This is a press release. This beer’s release also comes on the heels of Appalachian Brewing Company announcing the closing of their Harrisburg Brewpub.)

Troegs Related Articles

Looking for more Troegs in your diet? Here’s some other Troegs Independent Craft Brewing related articles we’ve written:

• Troegs Brewing and Wigle Whiskey Team Up to Bring Peach Whiskey Back
• Troegs Independent Craft Brewing Adds 1,628 Solar Panels To Their Brewery
• Beer Review: Double Blizzard (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• The Mad Elf Gets a Face Lift – Troegs Independent Craft Brewing Changes The Mad Elf’s Look
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Cordial Elf
• Beer Review: Double Nugget Nectar (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Grand Cacao (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Scratch 417 (Orange Lemon Peel) (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Haze Charmer (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Scratch 400 (Pre – Prohibition Lager) (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Multiple Beer Review: Scratch 394, Scratch 395, Scratch 396, and Mad Elf (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Two Beer Review: Fresh Fest and Trail Day Pale Ale (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Multiple Beer Reviews: Fest Lager, Scratch 385 – Krausened Dunkel Lager, and Scratch 386 – Tangerine Passionfruit Guava Tart Ale (Troegs Independent Craft Brewery)
• Beer Review: Fuzzy Nudge (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Multiple Beer Reviews: Scratch 382 – Blackberry Lime Tart Ale, Scratch 383 – Hazy IPA (Citra, Galaxy & Simcoe), Dear Peter, and Naked Elf (Troegs Brewing Company)
• Multiple Beer Review – Brewery Flight (Troegs) – Beers – Scratch #379 – Krausened Keller Pilsner, Scratch #378 – DIPA, Scratch #377 – Oat IPA, and Scratch #376 – Passionfruit & Guava Tart Ale
• Beer Review: Scratch 375: Coco-Nator (Troegs Independent Brewing Company)
• From Philly to Pittsburgh: Pennsylvania’s Top Craft Breweries You Must Visit
• Hershey Bears Celebrate Calder Cup Championship at Troegs Brewery
• Troegs Brewing Company Adds Hopora IPA to Their Seasonal Hop Cycle Series
• Beer Review: Tropical Stout (Troegs Independent Brewing and Windy Bridges Brewing LLC)
• Oktoberfest Lager Returns to Troegs Independent Brewing (Troegs Independent Brewing’s Oktoberfest Lager Has Returned)
• Tröegs Hop Cyclone Releases Today
• Master of Pumpkins Returns for 2023 with Over 3,000 Pounds of Fresh Local Pumpkins
• The Naked Elf Returns for 2023
• Troegs Announces Gingerbread Cookie Stout
• Troegs Brewing Adding Graffiti Highway IPA and DIPA
• Bourbon Barrel Aged Triple Nator Releasing at Troegs Brewery
• Enchilada Stuffed Peppers and Sunshine Pilsner
• Troegs Brewing to Release Second Cut in Spring 2024
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Cyclops Teardrops This Thursday
• Hops and Vines for Hunger Kick-Off Event at Troegs Brewery
• Mad Elf Set to Release on October 9th
• Troegs Independent Brewing is Releasing Scratch 500 and Scratch 501 – Double Perpetual IPA and Triple Perpetual IPA
• Tröegs Independent Brewing Mad Elf Grand Cru Returns In Limited Cork and Cage Bottles
• Tröegs Brewing Releasing the Most Wonderful Beer of the Year Sampler on Monday
• Recipe: Crispy Beer Roast Turkey (using Troegenator)
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Night Gazer Stout
• Nugget Nectar Is Being Released the Day After Christmas
• Troegs Brewing to Release Sunshine Salt and Lime Lager in 2024
• Troegs and Patagonia Collaborate for Kernza Lager Release
• Troegs Brewing and Dewey Beer Releasing a Collaboration – Adventure Was Promised
• Troegs Brewing Releases Field Study Summer IPA
• First Cut – Mango IPA – Is Coming Out on Thursday February 22nd
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Leisure Cruise
• Troegs Brewing Teaming Up with Warwick Farm and Free Will For Releases
• Troegs Brewing, AntiFragile Brewing, Sworn Brewing, and Warwick Brewing Team Up for Storm the Field IPA
• Troegs Brewing and Tonewood Brewing Collaborate for Brothers Gotta Hug
• Troegs Brewing Creating Super Duper Juicer
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Second Cut Mango Double IPA
• Bikes and Brews Returns April 27th
• Troegs Brewing Releases 15 – Can Summer Variety Pack
• Hopora Returns for July 2024
• Troegs Brewing is Releasing Oktoberfest on August 5th
• Troegs Brewing to Release Double Perpetual IPA on August 19th
• Troegs Brewing and Sloop Brewing Collaborate on Sloop John T
• Unearthing the History of Harrisburg Brewing: From Barnitz to Troegs
• Troegs Brewing is Bringing Back a Fan Favorite – Java Head Stout
• Nimble Giant Set to Return on June 5th
• Seven Harrisburg – Hershey Area Breweries Come Together to Bring Back the 717 Collaboration 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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

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

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

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

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

We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written. The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

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

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

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

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

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

Tröegs Independent Brewing is excited to unveil its latest seasonal release: Leaf Seeker IPA. This West Coast-style IPA joins their esteemed rotating seasonal lineup, alongside fan favorites like Field Study and Blizzard of Hops.

Leaf Seeker is a nod to the bold, hop-forward beers that defined the early days of the craft beer revolution. No strangers to the style, Tröegs already boasts Pennsylvania’s best-selling craft brand with Perpetual IPA.

Leaf Seeker IPA by Troegs Brewing Company (photo courtesy of Troegs)

West Coast IPAs are experiencing a recent renaissance of sorts, with Leaf Seeker, we wanted to connect the dots between those big, hoppy IPAs from California and Colorado with our own East Coast culture.

– says John Trogner, co-founding brother and brewmaster at Tröegs.

As with many Tröegs brews, the journey of Leaf Seeker began in the hop-rich fields of the Yakima Valley in the Pacific Northwest. Leaf Seeker IPA started off as Scratch 508, then became Scratch 515, all on its way to becoming Leaf Seeker.

We go to the Yakima Valley every year to make sure we get the right hops. To me, it’s the most important ingredient selection we do. We have so many hop-forward beers, so the stakes are high.

– John Trogner

This year’s harvest brought an abundance of Citra, Chinook, and El Dorado hops, giving Leaf Seeker IPA its signature notes of sticky citrus, dank pine, and tropical fruit. Complemented by a backbone of pilsner and Vienna malts, this IPA strikes the perfect balance at 6.4% ABV, delivering just the right amount of bitterness to accompany fall’s changing leaves.

Leaf Seeker West Coast IPA (photo courtesy of Troegs Blog)

Availability

Leaf Seeker West Coast-style IPA is available on draft and in 12-oz. bottles and cans throughout Tröegs’ distribution network.

It also kicks off the brewery’s fall Perpetual Exploration rotating variety pack, featuring:

• Perpetual IPA

• Graffiti Highway IPA

• Leaf Seeker IPA

• Forthcoming Oktoberfest Lager

Want to find Tröegs beers near you?

Check out the Tröegs Brew Finder to locate Leaf Seeker and other seasonal favorites in your area.

Use our Brew Finder to locate Leaf Seeker right now on draft and in 12-oz. bottles and cans everywhere our beer is sold.

And heads up! Leaf Seeker precedes the release of our refreshed Perpetual Exploration variety pack for the fall season. Each 12-pack features three cans each of Perpetual IPA, Graffiti Highway IPA, Leaf Seeker, and our forthcoming Oktoberfest Lager.

– Troegs Blog: Leaf Seeker IPA Release

For More Information on Troegs Independent Craft Brewing

According to Untappd, Troegs Independent Craft Brewing is a regional brewery with 164 unique beers listed (despite their being over 500 Scratches). (A lot of vintage and variants get consolidated into single unique listings as well.) They have 2.4 Million ratings and a global average rating of 3.79 (as of 7.15.25). Their Untappd bio reads:

“Founded in Pennsylvania in 1997 by brothers John and Chris Trogner, Tröegs Independent Brewing is driven by a sense of adventure and curiosity. Our brewery has been built by family, friends and kindred spirits who share a love of great beer. Together, we all make Tröegs. You might know our Perpetual IPA, the best-selling IPA in Pennsylvania. Or the dark, malty and crisp Troegenator. You may have come across such iconic beers as Nugget Nectar or Mad Elf in your beer travels. Perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to try one or two of the hundreds of experimental Scratch Series beers we’ve brewed over the years. Whether you’re already a member of our extended family or you’re just getting to know our brewery, there’s always something new to discover with Tröegs.“

You can find them at the following social media pages:

• Troegs.com (Official Website)
• Troegs Independent Craft Brewing (Facebook)
• Troegs Independent Craft Brewing (Instagram)
• Troegs Independent Craft Brewing @ Twitter
• Troegs Independent Craft Brewing (Untappd)

More Troegs Independent Craft Brewing Related Articles

 

Troegs Independent Brewing logo

Looking for more Troegs in your diet? Here’s some other Troegs Independent Craft Brewing related articles we’ve written:

• Troegs Brewing and Wigle Whiskey Team Up to Bring Peach Whiskey Back
• Troegs Independent Craft Brewing Adds 1,628 Solar Panels To Their Brewery
• Beer Review: Double Blizzard (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• The Mad Elf Gets a Face Lift – Troegs Independent Craft Brewing Changes The Mad Elf’s Look
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Cordial Elf
• Beer Review: Double Nugget Nectar (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Grand Cacao (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Scratch 417 (Orange Lemon Peel) (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Haze Charmer (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Scratch 400 (Pre – Prohibition Lager) (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Multiple Beer Review: Scratch 394, Scratch 395, Scratch 396, and Mad Elf (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Two Beer Review: Fresh Fest and Trail Day Pale Ale (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Multiple Beer Reviews: Fest Lager, Scratch 385 – Krausened Dunkel Lager, and Scratch 386 – Tangerine Passionfruit Guava Tart Ale (Troegs Independent Craft Brewery)
• Beer Review: Fuzzy Nudge (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Multiple Beer Reviews: Scratch 382 – Blackberry Lime Tart Ale, Scratch 383 – Hazy IPA (Citra, Galaxy & Simcoe), Dear Peter, and Naked Elf (Troegs Brewing Company)
• Multiple Beer Review – Brewery Flight (Troegs) – Beers – Scratch #379 – Krausened Keller Pilsner, Scratch #378 – DIPA, Scratch #377 – Oat IPA, and Scratch #376 – Passionfruit & Guava Tart Ale
• Beer Review: Scratch 375: Coco-Nator (Troegs Independent Brewing Company)
• From Philly to Pittsburgh: Pennsylvania’s Top Craft Breweries You Must Visit
• Hershey Bears Celebrate Calder Cup Championship at Troegs Brewery
• Troegs Brewing Company Adds Hopora IPA to Their Seasonal Hop Cycle Series
• Beer Review: Tropical Stout (Troegs Independent Brewing and Windy Bridges Brewing LLC)
• Oktoberfest Lager Returns to Troegs Independent Brewing (Troegs Independent Brewing’s Oktoberfest Lager Has Returned)
• Tröegs Hop Cyclone Releases Today
• Master of Pumpkins Returns for 2023 with Over 3,000 Pounds of Fresh Local Pumpkins
• The Naked Elf Returns for 2023
• Troegs Announces Gingerbread Cookie Stout
• Troegs Brewing Adding Graffiti Highway IPA and DIPA
• Bourbon Barrel Aged Triple Nator Releasing at Troegs Brewery
• Enchilada Stuffed Peppers and Sunshine Pilsner
• Troegs Brewing to Release Second Cut in Spring 2024
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Cyclops Teardrops This Thursday
• Hops and Vines for Hunger Kick-Off Event at Troegs Brewery
• Mad Elf Set to Release on October 9th
• Troegs Independent Brewing is Releasing Scratch 500 and Scratch 501 – Double Perpetual IPA and Triple Perpetual IPA
• Tröegs Independent Brewing Mad Elf Grand Cru Returns In Limited Cork and Cage Bottles
• Tröegs Brewing Releasing the Most Wonderful Beer of the Year Sampler on Monday
• Recipe: Crispy Beer Roast Turkey (using Troegenator)
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Night Gazer Stout
• Nugget Nectar Is Being Released the Day After Christmas
• Troegs Brewing to Release Sunshine Salt and Lime Lager in 2024
• Troegs and Patagonia Collaborate for Kernza Lager Release
• Troegs Brewing and Dewey Beer Releasing a Collaboration – Adventure Was Promised
• Troegs Brewing Releases Field Study Summer IPA
• First Cut – Mango IPA – Is Coming Out on Thursday February 22nd
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Leisure Cruise
• Troegs Brewing Teaming Up with Warwick Farm and Free Will For Releases
• Troegs Brewing, AntiFragile Brewing, Sworn Brewing, and Warwick Brewing Team Up for Storm the Field IPA
• Troegs Brewing and Tonewood Brewing Collaborate for Brothers Gotta Hug
• Troegs Brewing Creating Super Duper Juicer
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Second Cut Mango Double IPA
• Bikes and Brews Returns April 27th
• Troegs Brewing Releases 15 – Can Summer Variety Pack
• Hopora Returns for July 2024
• Troegs Brewing is Releasing Oktoberfest on August 5th
• Troegs Brewing to Release Double Perpetual IPA on August 19th
• Troegs Brewing and Sloop Brewing Collaborate on Sloop John T
• Unearthing the History of Harrisburg Brewing: From Barnitz to Troegs
• Troegs Brewing is Bringing Back a Fan Favorite – Java Head Stout
• Nimble Giant Set to Return on June 5th
• Leaf Seeker IPA: Tröegs Brewing’s Bold New West Coast-Style Seasonal 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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

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

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

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

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

We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written. The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

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

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

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

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

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