Downington - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com Central PA beer enthusiasts and beer bloggers. Homebrewers, brewery workers, and all around beer lovers. Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:48:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://i0.wp.com/thebeerthrillers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-The-Beer-Thrillers-December-2022-Logo.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Downington - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com 32 32 187558884 Craft Breweries in Central Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide (2025) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2025/01/14/craft-breweries-in-central-pennsylvania-a-comprehensive-guide-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=craft-breweries-in-central-pennsylvania-a-comprehensive-guide-2025 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:27:55 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15870

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

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

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

Historical Context

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

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

The Craft Beer Boom

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

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

Notable Breweries in Central PA

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

Tröegs Brewing Company (Hershey)

Troegs’ Brewery located in Hershey, PA

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

Appalachian Brewing Company (Harrisburg)

Appalachian Brewing Company (Harrisburg)

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

Otto’s Pub and Brewery (State College)

Otto’s Pub and Restaurant, in State College PA

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

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

Axemann Brewery (Bellefonte)

Axemann Brewery in Bellefonte, PA

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

Victory Brewing Company (Downingtown)

Victory Brewing in Downington, PA

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

Emerging Breweries and Trends

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

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

Brew Trails and Beer Tourism

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

Cumberland Valley Beer Trail

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

Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail

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

Brew Barons Beer Trail

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

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

Lancaster Ale Trail

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

The Culture of Craft Beer in Central PA

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

Community Engagement

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

Educational Initiatives

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

Seasonal Celebrations

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

Collaboration and Innovation

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

Economic Impact

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

Challenges and Future Outlook

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

Brewery News

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

Thank You For Reading

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

Cheers.

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

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

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

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

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

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

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

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

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

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

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of August 2024.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

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

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

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

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Victory Brewing Is Hosting A Tastykake Takeover https://thebeerthrillers.com/2024/01/17/victory-brewing-is-hosting-a-tastykake-takeover/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=victory-brewing-is-hosting-a-tastykake-takeover Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:30:00 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=13590 Victory Brewing Is Hosting A Tastykake Takeover on January 20th

Now this is a food pairing! Move aside “steak and beer” or “five course dinner and beer pairings” — this is the pairing we all want and deserve! Victory Brewing Is Hosting A Tastykake Takeover on January 20th, 2024!

On January 20th, 2024 Victory Brewing Company is hosting a TastyKake takeover that is unlike any other. Pairing up delicious TastyKake offerings with delicious Victory Beer is a sure fire winner in our books!

Perhaps Victory Brewing summed it up best: Tastykake. Pairing. Menu.

And what perfect timing too? We just posted our Beer Review of the Koffee Kake Ale (read that here: Beer Review: Koffee Kake Ale by Victory Brewing) just under an hour or so ago, so this is wonderful and perfect timing by Victory Brewing!

To celebrate their Koffee Kake Ale – Victory Brewing’s Latest Collaboration with TastyKake – Victory Brewing is hosting this tasty takeover at their brewery’s taproom. They first released it at their brewery on December 22nd to a lot of wonderful feedback and a ton of social media responses.

TastyKake Takeover

TastyKake Takeover Food and Beer Pairing Menu

Three words: Tastykake. Pairing. Menu. We’re ready to celebrate this locally brewed, locally loved collab with you, Philly. Join us this Saturday, 1/20/24, for Tastykake’s Takeover of our Philadelphia Taproom. Saddle up for an exclusive Tastykake Pairing Menu featuring 5 of your favorite Tastykakes and Victory Beers. Why stop at just one Tastykake when you can have 5?

Victory Beer – Facebook Post

This Saturday, on January 20th, 2024 you can try at this Tastykake and beer pairing. The beer and treats pairing includes:

  • Koffee Kake Ale and Koffee Kake Cupcakes
  • Prima Pils and Krimpets
  • Golden Monkey and Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes
  • Brotherly Love and Tasty Klair Pie
  • Juicy Monkey and Coconut Juniors

Sounds like a fantastic lineup to me! (Personally, my favorite is krimpets, I can’t get enough of them.)

You can read our beer review of the Koffee Kake Ale here – Beer Review: Koffee Kake Ale (Victory Brewing and TastyKake collaboration).

Related Koffee Kake Ale Articles and More Information

The Koffee Kake Ale is a “classic ale” style beer thats everything but classic. Its 6.0% ABV, and it has notes of cinnamon and pound cake. A Blonde Ale (or Golden Style Ale), clocks in at just 6% ABV and 35 IBU. You can find it in most distributors in six pack 12oz bottles.

How to Find It

Find Victory’s new Tastykake Koffee Kake Ale at retailers near you after launch by exploring the Beer Finder at VictoryBeer.com/BeerFinder. Follow Victory on social media at @VictoryBeer and Tastykake @Tastykake for updates and more on co-branded events behind this tasty collaboration.

More Information on Victory Brewing Company

The following comes from Untappd. Victory Brewing Company is a regional brewery from Downingtown PA. They have 911 unique beers, and over 2.8 Million reviews, with a global average rating of 3.67 (as of 1.17.24). Their Untappd description reads: Co-founders Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet The story of Victory Brewing Company starts on a school bus in 1973 when fifth-graders Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski stepped aboard, on their way to a new school. The two became fast friends and remained so, even as they grew up and went to college on opposite coasts. Just months out of college, Bill’s appreciation of good beer and access to his father’s home brewing equipment inspired him to explore the hobby. That same year (1985), Bill gave Ron a home brewing kit as a Christmas gift. With that, both Bill and Ron developed their love of the craft, and a friendly rivalry grew between the two. The good-natured competition pushed Bill and Ron to become accomplished.

They have the following social media pages:

Tastykake – Koffee Kakes

Looking for more information about Tastykake and Koffee Kakes? Check out this link here:

Some Articles About Victory Brewing Company

Thank You For Reading

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

Cheers.

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

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

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

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

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

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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Beer Review: Koffee Kake Ale (Victory Brewing) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2024/01/17/beer-review-koffee-kake-ale-victory-brewing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beer-review-koffee-kake-ale-victory-brewing Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:45:37 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=13584 All the Hype

All aboard the hype train! Choo Choo! C’mon everyone, get on board! So does this live up to the hype? Is it just a novelty beer? Should it be made again? Is it TASTY? Does it taste like coffee cake (or “koffee kake”)? So many questions! Hold on, we’ll get to all of them, settle down! I suggest you grab a beer, relax, and enjoy the review.

I first reported about Victory Brewing and TastyKake setting this up, collaborating, and announcing that it would be upcoming back in October 2023 – Victory Brewing Company and Tastykake Company Team Up for Koffee Kake Ale (October 5th, 2023) – and then, before its actual released, we discussed the upcoming special release at the brewery and its distribution here – Victory Brewing and Tastykake Collab Koffee Kake Ale to be Released on December 22nd.

Immediately the response was pretty overwhelming – “OMG” “whens it coming out” “how can we get it” “that looks amazing” “the Philly in me wants it so bad”, etc. I know Josh of MasterMindX Studios was jonesing for it.

So let’s dive into this and see if it lives up to the hype, shall we?

Beer Review

Beer: Koffee Kake Ale
Brewery: Victory Brewing Company
In Collaboration With: TastyKake
Style: Blonde Ale
ABV: 6%
IBU: 35
Untappd Description: This very tasty collaboration between Victory Brewing Company and Tastykake takes the delicious flavors of Tastykake’s Koffee Kake into a sweet ale with notes of pound cake & cinnamon

 

First, a quick recap of the beer: the Koffee Kake Ale by Victory Brewing Company is a unique collaboration with Tastykake, inspired by the flavors of Tastykake’s Koffee Kake Cupcakes. This blonde ale has a 6% ABV and 35 IBU. The beer has received mixed reviews, with some praising its distinct coffee flavor and its ability to provide a different beer-drinking experience. However, others have noted a bitter or less expected flavor.

Color and Appearance

The Koffee Kake Ale’s golden hue, typical of a blonde ale, and its moderate white head presented an alluring appearance in the glass, setting the stage for the unique flavor journey that was to follow. As I explored this brew further, I couldn’t help but reflect on the diverse range of opinions it has garnered. Some have lauded its distinct coffee-infused taste, while others have found its flavor profile to be unexpected or slightly bitter. This dichotomy of reactions only added to the intrigue of this unconventional ale.

Aroma

The aroma of the Koffee Kake Ale is reminiscent of coffee and cinnamon, providing a sensory prelude to its distinctive flavor profile. This smells like cracking open a bag of Tastykake Koffee Kakes, it is on point, and absolutely nails what it says it is. One of the worst things about some beers is when the label and the smell don’t match up, one tells you they get notes of X and Y, but you smell Z. Thats certainly not the issue here.

Taste

Upon savoring the Koffee Kake Ale, one encounters a blend of flavors that includes prominent notes of coffee, subtle hints of maple, and a touch of sweetness. This unique combination offers a truly distinctive and unconventional drinking experience. This is a type of beer that is going to get a lot of interest and different thoughts, reviews, and comments from people. A lot of people I talked to wished this was a stout rather than a blonde ale to begin with; but personally I think this works well as a blonde ale. Some have lauded its distinct coffee-infused taste, while others have found its flavor profile to be unexpected or slightly bitter. This dichotomy of reactions only added to the intrigue of this unconventional ale. The reviews have a bit mixed to say the least, some finding it surprisingly tasty, while others have mentioned that it brings a different flavor profile than expected. Personally I enjoyed it. It makes for a nice, one off beer. I couldn’t sit and drink the six pack of it all at once, but as a novelty, every once and a while beer, its fun and tasty. You get the notes of cinnamon, coffee, its sweet but not too cloying, its generally a well rounded beer all things considered. Josh (of MasterMindX Studios) who isn’t a big beer person, went out and got it and said he ‘enjoyed it’, that it ‘lived up to its name’ but that he could tell its a ‘gimmicky beer, and a novelty beer, but its not bad’. I think that is probably going to be the summation of this beer for most people.

My Untappd Rating: ***.75
Global Untappd Rating: 3.61 (as of 1.17.24)

 

In conclusion, the Koffee Kake Ale by Victory Brewing Company is a beer that defies convention and offers a truly distinctive flavor experience. Its collaboration with Tastykake and the unconventional taste make it an intriguing option for beer enthusiasts looking to explore new and unique offerings. Whether you find yourself captivated by its coffee-infused notes or intrigued by its unexpected flavor profile, this ale is undoubtedly one that warrants consideration for those seeking a new, different, unique beer. All in all, its at least worth a shot. The six pack of this at West Connection Beer Vault was 14.99$, so its not an unreasonable price by any means.

 

Other Notable Collaborations

Looking for other Craft Brewery and Corporate World Team – Ups? Then check these out:

Some Articles About Victory Brewing Company

More Information on Victory Brewing Company

The following comes from Untappd. Victory Brewing Company is a regional brewery from Downingtown PA. They have 911 unique beers, and over 2.8 Million reviews, with a global average rating of 3.67 (as of 1.17.24). Their Untappd description reads: Co-founders Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet The story of Victory Brewing Company starts on a school bus in 1973 when fifth-graders Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski stepped aboard, on their way to a new school. The two became fast friends and remained so, even as they grew up and went to college on opposite coasts. Just months out of college, Bill’s appreciation of good beer and access to his father’s home brewing equipment inspired him to explore the hobby. That same year (1985), Bill gave Ron a home brewing kit as a Christmas gift. With that, both Bill and Ron developed their love of the craft, and a friendly rivalry grew between the two. The good-natured competition pushed Bill and Ron to become accomplished.

They have the following social media pages:

Tastykake – Koffee Kakes

Looking for more information about Tastykake and Koffee Kakes? Check out this link here:

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:

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