Tag: Harrisburg Breweries

  • The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non-Alcoholic Brews in 2025

    The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non-Alcoholic Brews in 2025

    The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non-Alcoholic Brews in 2025

    Back in 2023 we covered the rise of Non-Alcoholic beers (The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews) and in the time since then, the non-alcoholic craft beer (and beer and other drinks as well) market has only boomed. So I felt like it was time to expand the original article and show how the trends have changed (or mostly in this case just exploded) and just how popular this market has become.

    Non-alcoholic beer has continued its meteoric rise, with the market expected to expand by 4% volume CAGR through 2028. This growth is driven by increasing health consciousness, changing social norms, and significant improvements in taste and variety. Let’s explore the latest trends and top picks for non-alcoholic beers in 2025.

    A non-alcoholic soda that Amy got while we were at Forbes Trail Brewing Company

    Market Trends

    Expanding Availability

    Non-alcoholic beer is becoming increasingly accessible. In the UK, 86% of pubs now offer a no-or-low beer option, with draught options expected to grow significantly. Major airlines have also started carrying NA beer, expanding its reach to new consumers.

    Non Alcoholic Beer Growth in the Market (graph courtesy of The Business Research Company)

    The trend of expanding availability is particularly evident in the airline industry, with multiple carriers introducing non-alcoholic beer options. JetBlue became the first major U.S. airline to offer non-alcoholic beer on domestic flights, partnering with Athletic Brewing to serve their Upside Dawn Golden ale. Similarly, Alaska Airlines has introduced Best Day Brewing’s Kölsch as a complimentary option in premium classes. The growth extends beyond airlines and pubs, with retail sales showing significant momentum. According to recent data, dollar sales for non-alcoholic beer increased by 29.2%, reaching nearly $368.7 million, while case sales were up 20.3%. This expansion is driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier beverage alternatives and more inclusive drinking options, signaling a broader cultural shift towards non-alcoholic alternatives.

    Non Alcoholic Projections (graph courtesy of 360iReport)

    Technological Advancements

    Brewing technology has made significant strides, addressing previous issues with bland or off-flavors. Innovations in yeast strains, vacuum distillation, and membrane filtration have allowed brewers to create non-alcoholic beers that closely mimic their alcoholic counterparts.

    Mainstream Acceptance

    Amy enjoying a non-alcoholic Saison while I got the flight at RAR

    Non-alcoholic beer is no longer viewed as a niche product. Large breweries and craft players alike are expanding their non-alcoholic offerings, with some even creating zero-proof versions of their flagship beers. Social acceptance has grown, with surveys indicating that consumers increasingly view non-alcoholic beer as “cool” or “respectable”.

    Top Non-Alcoholic Beer Brands to Try in 2025

    1. Go Brewing’s New School Sour
    2. Sober Carpenter’s IPA lineup
    3. Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
    4. Heineken 0.0
    5. Leffe 0.0 (AB InBev)
    6. Coors Edge (Molson Coors)
    7. Guinness 0.0
    8. Brooklyn Special Effects
    9. Clausthaler Classic
    10. Erdinger Alkoholfrei

    (See our beer review: Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA)

    If you would like to see Let Us Drink Beer’s List of Top 2021 Non-Alcoholic Beers, you can go here:

    Craft Breweries Embracing Non-Alcoholic Beer

    Craft breweries have finally embraced the non-alcoholic trend, leveraging new brewing and de-alcoholizing technologies to create flavorful options. This shift has expanded the variety and quality of non-alcoholic craft beers available to consumers.

    Health and Wellness Focus

    The non-alcoholic beer market is benefiting from the growing focus on fitness and wellness. These beers offer a way for health-conscious individuals to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative effects of alcohol. Many brands are also developing lower-calorie and “better-for-you” options to cater to this demographic.

    Sustainability in Non-Alcoholic Brewing

    Sustainability has become a crucial aspect of the beer industry, including non-alcoholic options. Consumers increasingly favor brands that demonstrate responsible brewing practices, such as using solar power, adopting local sourcing, or implementing “farm-to-glass” ingredient strategies.

    The Future of Non-Alcoholic Beer

    As we move through 2025, the non-alcoholic beer market is poised for continued growth and innovation. With improving taste profiles, expanding distribution, and changing consumer preferences, non-alcoholic beer is cementing its place as a mainstream beverage option. Whether you’re participating in Dry January, looking for healthier alternatives, or simply enjoy the taste without the alcohol, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of non-alcoholic beer.

    Non-alcoholic beer is a great option for those who are looking to cut back on their alcohol consumption or simply want to try something new. With a wide variety of flavors and brands available, there’s a non-alcoholic beer out there for everyone. Consider trying one of our top picks to experience the flavor and refreshment of beer without the alcohol. Cheers to healthier drinking habits!

    See our previous article written in 2023 – The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews (2023).

    Take a look at non-alcoholic beers and craft sodas from Amy’s perspective from her nearly year long hiatus from drinking (due to being pregnant with Scarlet) here: I’ve Missed Drinking (A Look at Non Alcoholic Beers).

    You can also read back on Let Us Drink Beer‘s guest post where he details The Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021 by going here: Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021.

    More Articles on Non-Alcoholic Beverages

    Some Popular Articles

    Thank You For Reading

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

    Cheers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of 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.)

     

  • Unearthing the History of Harrisburg Brewing: From Barnitz to Troegs

    Unearthing the History of Harrisburg Brewing: From Barnitz to Troegs

    Unearthing the History of Harrisburg Brewing: From Barnitz to Troegs

    Harrisburg’s beer history is rich, spanning centuries, from its early brewing days to the modern craft beer renaissance. As I wandered through the stories and places that shaped the city’s brewing legacy, I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the brewmasters who laid the foundation for the thriving scene we enjoy today.

    The Early Days: Barnitz Brewery and Beyond

    Barnitz Brewery (photo courtesy of Historical Societies)

    It’s often said that brewing in Harrisburg dates back to the 18th century. While that might be true in legend, the earliest documented brewery I could trace is the Barnitz Brewery, established in 1831. This was no small operation—Barnitz would later transform into Fink’s Brewery, a name that would outlast most others in the city’s brewing history.

    Barnitz was a common name in brewing circles back then. The Barnitz family had breweries all over—Baltimore, York, Lancaster, and even Chambersburg. But it was here in Harrisburg where they left a lasting legacy. By 1862, a young journeyman named Henry Fink was working in the Barnitz Brewery. With a modest $600 investment, Fink and his brother-in-law, Christian Boyer, leased the brewery, producing fourteen barrels of ale and porter a day during the cooler months. By 1865, their output had surged to 4,000 barrels, a testament to the city’s thirst for their “pure unadulterated malt liquors.”

    As I walked along Chestnut Street, imagining the bustling brew houses that once lined these roads, I was reminded of the transience of success. Breweries like those of Mary E. German, Leon Cramer, and Philip Gorman had their moment but faded as quickly as they appeared, leaving only faint traces in the annals of Harrisburg’s history.

    The Rise of Fink and the Brewing Boom

    An antique beer tray with Henry Fink on it. (photo courtesy of Historical Societies)

    By the late 19th century, Harrisburg’s brewing scene was alive and kicking. Henry Fink, now the sole proprietor of what had become the Keystone Brewery, was one of the city’s biggest names. His brewery was at the center of Harrisburg’s brewing community, producing lager beer in a new facility he built in 1881.

    The 1880s were a time of transformation, not just for Fink but for Harrisburg’s brewing industry as a whole. In 1887, Fink played a crucial role in uniting Pennsylvania brewers against the Brooks High License Law, a state legislature act that threatened their livelihood. His leadership at that meeting solidified his status as a key figure in Harrisburg’s beer history.

    Sadly, like many great breweries, Fink’s story ended with Prohibition. Despite a brief revival after the ban on alcohol was lifted, the Keystone Brewery couldn’t withstand the pressures of the Great Depression. By 1934, the brewery had closed its doors, leaving behind only memories and the faint scent of hops that once filled the air.

    The Forgotten Breweries: Doehne’s and Graupner’s

    While Fink’s Brewery is a name many in Harrisburg might still recognize, others have faded into near obscurity. Take Doehne’s Brewery, for instance. Established in 1862 by George Doehne, this brewery was known for its small but quality production. At its peak, Doehne’s was churning out over 3,000 barrels of beer annually, with innovations like a refrigerated storage house designed by Otto C. Wolf, a renowned brewery architect.

    Doehne Brewery (courtesy of Dauphin Historical Society)

    Doehne’s story is a classic tale of a family-run operation, with George’s sons taking over after his death. They adapted to the times, even surviving Prohibition by relying on income from rental properties. But as with many small brewers, the pressure to modernize and compete with larger breweries eventually led to their closure in 1939. Today, little remains of Doehne’s, other than the memories and a few rare pieces of breweriana that collectors covet.

    Graupner Brewery (Harrisburg Historical Society)

    Graupner’s Brewery, another giant in Harrisburg’s brewing history, followed a similar path. Founded by Robert H. Graupner in 1893, it was Harrisburg’s largest brewery at the time, with a capacity to produce 25,000 barrels annually. The brewery’s Elfenweiss and Export beers were local favorites, and the Graupner family remained influential in the city for decades. Yet, even with its success, Graupner’s couldn’t escape the fate that befell so many others. After Prohibition, they struggled to regain their footing, and by 1951, the brewery was sold off and liquidated, closing a significant chapter in Harrisburg’s brewing history.

    The Modern Renaissance: Appalachian Brewing Company and Troegs

    Appalachian Brewing Company (Harrisburg)

    Fast forward to the late 20th century, and Harrisburg saw a resurgence in its brewing tradition. In 1997, Appalachian Brewing Company opened its doors, bringing brewing back to the city after decades of dormancy. Located in a repurposed 19th-century building, Appalachian Brewing Co. (ABC) became a beloved institution, known for its Trail Blaze Organic Brown Ale and Mountain Lager. The brewpub’s success led to expansions in Gettysburg, Camp Hill, and Collegeville, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Central Pennsylvania’s craft beer scene.

    Troegs’ Harrisburg Brewery location (before they moved to Hershey PA)

    Just a stone’s throw away, Troegs Brewing Co. also got its start in 1997, founded by brothers John and Chris Trogner. Initially, it was tough to convince locals to switch from mainstream beers, but persistence paid off. Troegs’ HopBack Amber Ale and Troegenator Double Bock quickly became staples, not just in Harrisburg but across the Mid-Atlantic region.

    The brothers’ success led to a big move in 2011, when they relocated the brewery to Hershey. This new facility allowed them to scale up production and continue experimenting with their beloved Scratch Beer Series. Though Troegs left the city, their roots remain deeply intertwined with Harrisburg’s brewing history.

    A City’s Legacy, A Brewer’s Dream

    Panoramic photograph of the Harrisburg Pennsylvania skyline along the Susquehanna River

    Harrisburg’s brewing history is a story of passion, perseverance, and the ever-changing tides of fortune. From the early days of Barnitz and Fink to the modern craft beer movement led by ABC and Troegs, the city’s love affair with beer continues to thrive. As I sip on a pint of Appalachian’s Jolly Scot Scottish Ale, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to the brewers who came before, those who laid the foundation for the vibrant scene we enjoy today.

    The next time you’re enjoying a local brew, take a moment to toast the brewers of Harrisburg’s past. Their stories, much like their beers, are worth savoring.

    (Source: Olde Breweries – Harrisburg)

    Articles on the History of Beer

    Thank You For Reading

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

    Cheers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews

    A craft soda Amy had at Forbes Trail Brewing Company

    Non Alcoholic Beers

    Non alcoholic beers have been on the rise. As Amy’s article – I’ve Missed Drinking (A Look at Non Alcoholic Beers) – examines the non alcoholic beers and craft sodas she had while pregnant and unable to drink; more and more breweries have non alcoholic options or at least craft soda options. Which is great for pregnant ladies, non drinkers, and designated drivers (DDs).

    So let’s take a look at the rise of non alcoholic beers and craft sodas.

    What is Non Alcoholic Beer?

    A non alcoholic Saison Amy got at RAR Brewing (pictured with Ben’s craft beer flight from RAR Brewing).

    Non – alcoholic beer, also known as “near beer” or “alcohol-free beer,” is a type of beer that has had its alcohol content removed or reduced to a negligible level. This type of beer is gaining popularity among those who are health – conscious, pregnant women, designated drivers, and those who want to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative effects of alcohol.

    Non-alcoholic beer is brewed just like regular beer, but the alcohol is removed through a process called reverse osmosis, vacuum distillation, or by stopping fermentation before the alcohol level gets too high. The end result is a beer that looks and tastes like regular beer, but contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).

    One of the benefits of non-alcoholic beer is that it can be enjoyed at any time without the risk of becoming intoxicated. This makes it a popular choice for those who are driving or operating machinery, as well as for those who are trying to reduce their alcohol consumption for health or personal reasons. It is also a good option for those who are pregnant or nursing, as well as those who are recovering from alcohol addiction.

    In terms of taste, non-alcoholic beer can vary depending on the brand and brewing process. Some brands have been successful in replicating the taste of traditional beer, while others may have a slightly different flavor due to the removal of alcohol. However, many people find that non-alcoholic beer still satisfies their craving for the taste of beer.

    Non-alcoholic beer also has some health benefits. It is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a good choice for those who are watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is also high in B vitamins, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Some studies have even shown that non-alcoholic beer may help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve circulation.

    Despite its benefits, non-alcoholic beer is not without its drawbacks. Some people may not enjoy the taste or find it too different from traditional beer. It can also be more expensive than regular beer due to the additional processing required to remove the alcohol.

    In conclusion, non-alcoholic beer is a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative effects of alcohol. It can be a good choice for designated drivers, pregnant women, and those who are trying to reduce their alcohol consumption. While it may not be for everyone, it is worth trying to see if it satisfies your craving for beer without the negative effects of alcohol.

    Top Ten Non Alcoholic Beers of 2023

    An assortment of non alcoholic beers

    Here is a top ten list of non alcoholic beers based on current trends (different publications, Untappd check ins, sales, etc.):

    1. Heineken 0.0
    2. Guinness Open Gate Pure Brew
    3. Clausthaler Classic
    4. Bitburger Drive
    5. Beck’s Blue
    6. Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
    7. St. Pauli Non-Alcoholic
    8. Erdinger Alkoholfrei
    9. Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects
    10. Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher

    There are a lot of options out there, but based on sites like VinePair, Untappd, Drizly, UpRoxx, and others, this is a curated list of “Top Ten Non-Alcoholic Beers for 2023”.

    If you would like to see Let Us Drink Beer’s List of Top 2021 Non-Alcoholic Beers, you can go here:

    Top Selling Non-Alcoholic Beers

    Heineken 0.0 by Heineken

    This is a list of ten of the best selling non-alcoholic beers. According to various industry reports and market analysis, some of the highest selling non-alcoholic beer brands in recent years include:

    1. Heineken 0.0
    2. Budweiser Prohibition Brew
    3. Beck’s Blue
    4. Clausthaler Classic
    5. Bitburger Drive
    6. Erdinger Alkoholfrei
    7. St. Pauli Non-Alcoholic
    8. Carlsberg Nordic
    9. Kaliber
    10. O’Doul’s

    It’s worth noting that sales figures can vary depending on factors such as region, market trends, and consumer preferences.

    Craft Breweries in Pennsylvania That Make Non-Alcoholic Beer

    There are several craft breweries in Pennsylvania that make non-alcoholic beers. Here are a few examples:

    1. Athletic Brewing Company – This brewery, originally based in Connecticut, has opened a second location in Pennsylvania and specializes in non-alcoholic craft beer. Their offerings include IPA, Golden Ale, and Stout.
    2. Evil Genius Beer Company – This Philadelphia-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic version of their popular beer “I Love Lamp”, which is a Belgian-style white ale.
    3. Free Will Brewing Company – This Perkasie-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Non-Stop Hef Hop”, which is a hefeweizen-style beer.
    4. Victory Brewing Company – This Downingtown-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Twisted Monkey”, which is a Belgian-style blonde ale.

    It’s worth noting that availability of non-alcoholic beer options may vary depending on the brewery and the season, so it’s always a good idea to check with the brewery directly or with local retailers to see what options are currently available.

    In the Harrisburg Area

    With The Beer Thrillers being primarily based in Central PA, felt we would do a deeper dive into the Harrisburg area for non-alcoholic beers.

    Here are a few examples:

    1. Appalachian Brewing Company – This Harrisburg-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Root Beer”, which is a sweet and creamy soda that is made with natural ingredients.
    2. Troegs Independent Brewing – This Hershey-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Scratch-Made Ginger Beer”, which is a spicy and refreshing soda that is made with fresh ginger, honey, and lime juice.
    3. The Millworks – This Harrisburg-based brewery and restaurant offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Raspberry Lemonade Shandy”, which is a fruity and refreshing beer that is made with raspberry puree, lemon juice, and honey.
    4. ZeroDay Brewing Company – This Harrisburg-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Craft Soda”, which is a rotating selection of artisanal sodas that are made with natural ingredients and creative flavor combinations.

    It’s worth noting that availability of non-alcoholic beer options may vary depending on the brewery and the season, so it’s always a good idea to check with the brewery directly or with local retailers to see what options are currently available.

    The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Low-ABV and Non-Alcoholic Brews

    Amy enjoying a Shirley Temple at Lydian Stone Brewing Company (with Ben’s flight of beers)

    In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards healthier and more mindful drinking habits. This has led to an increase in the popularity of non-alcoholic beer, which provides all the flavor and refreshment of traditional beer without the negative effects of alcohol.

    If you’re looking to cut back on your alcohol consumption or simply want to try something new, non-alcoholic beer is a great option. In this article, we’ll explore the rise of non-alcoholic beer and share our top picks for the best low-ABV brews on the market.

    Why Choose Non-Alcoholic Beer?

    There are several reasons why you might choose to drink non-alcoholic beer. Here are just a few:

    1. Health: Non-alcoholic beer is a healthier alternative to traditional beer, as it contains fewer calories and zero alcohol. This makes it a great choice for those who are watching their weight or looking to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
    2. Sobriety: For those who are sober or recovering from addiction, non-alcoholic beer provides a way to enjoy the taste and social aspects of drinking without the risk of relapse.
    3. Convenience: Non-alcoholic beer is widely available and can be purchased in most grocery stores and online retailers. This makes it a convenient option for those who want to enjoy a beer without leaving the house or going to a bar.

    Top Non-Alcoholic Beer Brands

    Now that you know why non-alcoholic beer is a great option, let’s take a look at some of the top brands on the market.

    1. Heineken 0.0: Heineken 0.0 is a non-alcoholic lager that has all the classic Heineken flavor without the alcohol. It’s refreshing and easy to drink, making it a great choice for any occasion.
    2. Clausthaler Classic: Clausthaler Classic is a German-style pilsner that is crisp and clean, with a subtle hop flavor. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a lighter beer.
    3. Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA: If you’re a fan of IPAs, you’ll love Athletic Brewing’s Run Wild IPA. It’s hoppy and flavorful, with a smooth finish.
    4. Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects: Brooklyn Brewery’s Special Effects is a non-alcoholic IPA that is full of flavor, with a citrusy hop profile and a refreshing finish.
    5. Bitburger Drive: Bitburger Drive is a non-alcoholic lager that is smooth and easy to drink, with a mild hop flavor and a crisp finish.
    6. St. Pauli Non-Alcoholic: St. Pauli Non-Alcoholic is a German-style lager that is light and refreshing, with a clean finish. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a classic beer flavor.
    7. Beck’s Blue: Beck’s Blue is a non-alcoholic lager that is light and refreshing, with a mild hop flavor and a crisp finish. It’s a great choice for any occasion.
    8. Guinness Open Gate Pure Brew: Guinness Open Gate Pure Brew is a non-alcoholic stout that has all the classic Guinness flavor without the alcohol. It’s rich and flavorful, with a smooth finish.
    9. Erdinger Alkoholfrei: Erdinger Alkoholfrei is a German-style wheat beer that is refreshing and flavorful, with a citrusy finish. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter beer.
    10. Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher: Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is a non-alcoholic sparkling water that is infused with hops. It has a hoppy flavor and refreshing carbonation, making it a great choice for those who want the taste of beer without the alcohol.

    How to Choose the Right Non-Alcoholic Beer

    When choosing a non-alcoholic beer, there are a few factors to consider:

    1. Flavor: Non-alcoholic beer comes in a variety of flavors, from classic lagers to hoppy IPAs to fruity shandies. Consider what flavor profile you prefer and choose a beer that suits your taste.
    2. ABV: Non-alcoholic beers can have varying levels of alcohol content, with some containing up to 0.5% ABV. If you’re looking for a completely alcohol-free option, be sure to choose a beer that is labeled “0.0% ABV.”
    3. Brand: Different brands of non-alcoholic beer have different brewing processes and flavor profiles. Consider trying a few different brands to find one that you enjoy.

    Conclusion

    Almond Cream Soda by Red Ribbon Soda Works

    Non-alcoholic beer is a great option for those who are looking to cut back on their alcohol consumption or simply want to try something new. With a wide variety of flavors and brands available, there’s a non-alcoholic beer out there for everyone. Consider trying one of our top picks to experience the flavor and refreshment of beer without the alcohol. Cheers to healthier drinking habits!

    Take a look at non-alcoholic beers and craft sodas from Amy’s perspective from her nearly year long hiatus from drinking (due to being pregnant with Scarlet) here: I’ve Missed Drinking (A Look at Non Alcoholic Beers).

    You can also read back on Let Us Drink Beer‘s guest post where he details The Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021 by going here: Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021.

    Ending Notes

    2023 looks to be a good year for non-alcoholic beers, and the sales are rising. I’m not a huge non-alcoholic beer drinker, but they are perfect for pregnant women, non-drinkers, sobers, and designated drivers and helps everyone feel included, respected, and to have fun together. Its great to see local craft breweries jump on the idea and trend and run with it.

    I hope this primer will help many people learn more about non-alcoholic beers and get them interested in trying some out.

    Thank You For Reading

    Thank you for everyone who read the article and made it to our blog. We pride ourselves on writing good content and to helping people learn about craft beer, breweries, non-alcoholic craft beer, and all things brewing related.

    If you enjoyed this article please like, subscribe, and follow us. Share the content if you find it relevant and want to show it off. Leave a comment if you have any questions, concerns, comments, suggestions, or anything to say. We love hearing from our readers. Let us know what your favorite non-alcoholic beers are in the comments!

    Currently right now we are in the Finals of our Battle of the Breweries (2023). You can check out the final four breweries left in the Finals Fatal Four Way here and vote:

    In the upcoming two weeks I am going to do a more thorough look at the full tournament, breaking down the votes and how well each conference winner did. I will also do a full write up on each of the breweries in the Finals Fatal Four Way too, where I will list what articles we’ve done about them, and my visits to each of those places.

    We are currently starting to work on creating maps of all the breweries in each state, starting geographically with Maine. So be on the lookout for these great resources to soon be popping up on the blog. Hoping to get a state done every 2 – 4 days. (Some will be quicker and easier than others, but 50 states, plus Washington D.C., will certainly take some time!)

    Here is a list of some of our most recent articles:

    And here is some of our more popular articles:

    Thank you all for visiting. I hope you enjoy the site and the blog. And I hope you have fun voting in the tournament.

    As always, once again, thank you all so very much for reading. If you’ve enjoyed this article – please click the like button, please subscribe and follow our page, and please share our content. It really helps us and means so much to us!

    Every like, share, subscribe, follow, comment, etc helps us with the algorithm and also helps us to know what you – our readers – enjoy and want to see more of. So let us know in the comments what you want to see and read. We love hearing from you all!

    Cheers Everyone!

    -B. Kline

    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.

    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. 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.

    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.

  • Brewery Hopping – 12.27.19

    The 2019 Holiday Reserve by Boneshire Brew Works, our first stop on our brewery hopping journey.

    Want to take a trip with us? A journey along Harrisburg? C’mon, it’ll be fun. You get to hang out with me, and my buddy, and we basically do nothing but chat about Star Wars, The Mandalorian, Coen Brothers movies, how we were so disappointed by the sequel trilogy, about the blog, about the podcasts, we run into other friends, chat with bar patrons, and generally have a good time.

    So why not join us? We hit several stops in the Harrisburg area. Not as many as originally wanted, and not all of the places we wanted, but we jumped around, had some fun, and called it a day and were happy. So no complaints there! Can never be upset with a day out with friends, beer, and no stress. Plus…. we got to pet a baby corgi… so there’s that too!

    I have written a bit, here on this blog, and for Breweries in PA, as well as the Let Us Drink Beer blog about the breweries around Hershey and Harrisburg and Hummelstown Pennsylvania. Mostly recap articles on the locations, taps, places, atmosphere, beers, etc. The bigger – main article can be found here: “Breweries Around the Outskirts of Harrisburg“. The blog post that is primarily a link to the Breweries in PA article with a few bits of new information can be found here: “Touring Through the Breweries that Surround Harrisburg“. The actual Breweries in PA article is here: “Breweries Around Harrisburg (BiPA)“. And of course, the last article of the series, the larger one yet – that also delves into the breweries of Hershey PA can be found here on the blog Let Us Drink Beer: “Breweries Around Hershey and Harrisburg PA.” I do guest work and contribute to the Let Us Drink Beer blog, so make sure you check them out and my other articles there, like my review of the Pretoria Fields Collective Walker Station Stout. (I also did a review of it here for my blog: Walker Station Stout. For more information on Let Us Drink Beer’s Blog and to just check them out, their blog home page can be found here: “Let Us Drink Beer“.)

    Lets start off with the pre-adventure details. First off, the events of this day occurred on December 27th, 2019. A Friday – and my day off (my days off are Thursdays and Fridays for now, before they change soon after the new year). Having worked the week, including Christmas, and spending the night of Christmas with family, and then spending Thursday with more family, Friday was a day for me and friends. I still got some crucial stuff done pre-noon, I finished reading a chapter book with my youngest daughter, I got the Autumn beer review blog up, did some minor editing on the Sap Beer Review and The Hog beer review (website formatting changes) and I walked my dog. So, noontime, dog home, I shower up, and head out to Boneshire Brew Works to meet up with Drew for the first leg of our trip.

    (A final in-line, late note, just before publishing this, instead of listing the beers with the brewery we had them at, I decided to put them at the end, categorized by brewery / location and gave bare-bones information from Untappd on them. I’ll leave my rating with them as well, but not go into a full break-down beer review of them. So if you wish just to see what Drew and I drank, you can jump to the end of the article.)

    Boneshire Brew Works – stop number one.

    As anyone who knows me and has read this blog, Boneshire Brew Works is typically home base of operations. Its about three-five minutes from my house, right by Rutter’s, right off of Nye’s Road and on Derry Street. Close enough for my friend Drew to meet us there, and its also not too far out from where Dan lives (near Breski’s Beverage). A lot of other friends are close by too, from the Hummelstown, Middletown, and Harrisburg areas. Even from Hershey – its not a stretch of a drive. So its always a great place to meet up; plus the beer is superb, the atmosphere is nice, the bartenders and beertenders all know us, and its just a great place to hang out.

    I got there about five minutes before Drew, and ordered the newest beer on the menu – The 2019 Holiday Reserve. A tradition now, at Boneshire, its always a glorious beer to end the year on. One of a handful of great NE-IPA style beers in the area, its usually one of the best, and always fantastic straight from the tap. And this year’s was no exception. After Drew gets there he orders the same, and we spend a good twenty minutes nursing our first beer of the day at lunch-time while discussing the intricacies of Star Wars; including The Mandalorian’s season finale (which had just dropped that morning), as well as how bad Rise of Skywalker was and the sequel trilogy as a whole, how bad the prequel trilogy was, how there’s now more bad to good movies in the Star Wars canon, how some of the books fit into the movies, etc.

    We also talked about the next jump on the tour – The Vegetable Hunter, about them teaming up with the Harris Family, and other things beer related in the area. We discussed maybe checking out the BBQ place that is home to Pizza Boy’s secondary location; but decided to skip it, and decided to skip Newfangled Brew Works since with Drew, thats basically home number two. I’ve been to The Vegetable Hunter one time, but quite a long time ago, soon after they added the mini-micro-nano-brewery part to it. So I settle up the tab with James behind the bar, talk a bit about heading on some brewery jumping, and then we’re off to the city proper.

    Now, it should be noted, number one, I am horrible at getting to any place. I’ll get there. No doubt about it, but it won’t be right, will consist of wrong turns, driving on one way roads, and being a bit late…. but I’ll get us there. And case in point was getting here. Next thing we know, we’re crossing the bridge and the river and turning around on Erford Road and heading back, finally finding a parking spot in front of the restaurant turned brewery.

    Brother of Thor! by The Vegetable Hunter

    I don’t know much about The Vegetable Hunter unfortunately. I do know its a super tiny micro / nano – brewery, and I know that Tim Myers is the head brewer. He is also the head brewer for River Bend Hop Farm – you can check out a review of their Dry Irish Stout I did. I was there at their brewery a year ago (on the 28th, it came up in my ‘memories’). Fantastic brewery and facility and the beers were great. Tim definitely produces some great beers.

    I’m not vegan or vegetarian, and neither is Drew. So we didn’t order anything to eat. (Not saying you HAVE to be vegan or vegetarian to eat there, but its more likely to appeal to those who are.) Not sure if they do flights of beer there or not, I think they might, but the two kids behind the food counter who were finishing up an order for the family that was in the place eating (six or seven people with a small child) and doing a lot of cleaning (dishes / glasses) didn’t mention it. We each ordered a pint. I ordered the Brother of Thor! and Drew ordered Today’s Tom Sawyer. Their on-screen board listed only four beers. But their Untappd app lists six. I have also heard (after the fact) that they have an upstairs. Not sure if that was open when we got there or not, but they probably have more taps up there.

    Brother of Thor! was tasty and delicious. Drew also said the Today’s Tom Sawyer was also good. Both are IPAs and were neither super hoppy or super bitter, but also not NE-IPAs. We would both recommend them to anyone traveling in the area. Can’t say anything about the food (sorry), but we both enjoyed our beers, the relaxed, hipster, like atmosphere, and overall thought it was a pleasant time there. We didn’t stay long, (not long enough to use our full hour of parking meter time – 3$, right in front of the restaurant), but we enjoyed our beer, and chatting, and stayed for probably twenty – thirty minutes.

    After leaving, we decided the next stop would be The Millworks, since its close by. Did a few turns here and there and parked next to the Market. And went inside to the Millworks, which even at 2:30-3PM was pretty full with the bar nearly packed (luckily found two seats together) with lots of people eating.

    A beer flight from The Millworks; stop number three on our trip.

    Sidled ourselves up to the bar and plopped down. Ordered myself a flight, Drew ordered a pint, and got himself the brisket pizza. Drew typically always does pints rather than flights, and I typically will do flights whenever possible – to try as much as I can. Especially if its a venue I’m not likely to get to all that often.

    My flight consisted of Winter Saison, Cherrywood Rauchbier, Kiwi Berry Gose, Triple IPA. Drew ordered the Market Day Session IPA.

    Once we ordered and he ordered his food, the pizza arrived pretty quickly. I enjoyed the Saison, the Rauchbier was a nice, smokey, malty tasty drink, the Gose was a little bland, and not quite as interesting as I’d hope, but the Triple IPA made up for it and was very tasty, juicy, and hoppy. Drew enjoyed his Market Day IPA (I had it once before and found it enjoyable myself).

    Drew said the brisket pizza was delicious. While here, we discussed various ongoing TV shows that we are still watching and looking forward to of upcoming seasons, like Fargo, HBO’s Righteous Gems, and of course still The Mandalorian. We broke down Coen Brothers movies, like A Serious Man, The Big Lebowski, Fargo, and talked about how interesting it was for that show to be made (the Fargo show). We also talked about upcoming podcasts including me and Esteban doing one about LOST, a show which Drew had never watched.

    While closing out and debating how far to stray from Harrisburg and getting texts from Dan Arndt that he’s getting off work and wants to jump in on the festivities, the bartender pointed out that it was 4:15PM and that The Sturgis Speakeasy was doing their happy hour from 4-6. So since Dan usually likes to meet up at ZeroDay when in the city, we figured we’d stay local, hit up Sturgis, then meet him over there. So off we were to a “pit stop” on the brewery tour.

    Goggles by New Trail Brewing Co. at The Sturgis Speakeasy, our pit stop before hitting up ZeroDay Brewing.

    A hop skip away from The Millworks we found ourselves good parking beside The Sturgis Speakeasy and headed in. They had a nice tap list including several noticeably good beers, quite a few New Trail Brewing Co. beers on tap, and a pretty good bottle and can listing. Drew asked for one of the bottles on the list and was told they just sold out, and so he then settled on the New Trail Porter – Sunset. I ordered the NE IPA Goggles from New Trail which everyone has been raving about in various Facebook beer groups I’m in.

    You can’t go wrong with New Trail, they seemingly haven’t made a bad or even mediocre beer yet (at least that I’ve had). I’ve had several from them before – Broken Heels, Double Broken Heels, Corvus, and I believe a sour of theirs that name eludes me at the moment. Goggles was another fantastic New England style IPA, this time a Double Imperial New England IPA. At 8.8% ABV it does give you a good punch and with the large pour at Sturgis it was really good. For my second beer I got the Porter, which was a very nice chocolate porter. Not too overpowering, not too heavy chocolate, pretty much just the right amount. A nice mixture of flavors and complexities to keep it tasty.

    On the background TVs was an English Premier League soccer (or “football”) game. A roar went up at one point from the denizens of the bar as the one team scored, and me and Drew talked about my years playing and coaching soccer. Also discussed Christian Pulisic a bit and how I grew up knowing the family due to his father – Mark Pulisic – and his days playing for the Harrisburg Heat. Christian is a great kid, and Mark was a great player, coach, and all around guy. His wife (and Christian’s mom) Kelly is also a wonderful person. So its so great to see the family achieve so much success. Hopefully it also translates to the US Men’s Team finally getting better and possibly winning a World Cup some day (obviously not the next one…. ….since we didn’t even qualify….. ugh……). Side note here: if you ever want to discuss soccer – make sure you see Owen, bartender for Boneshire Brew Works, the men has forgotten more about soccer (due to concussions) than most people will ever know. Plus he’s a great dude, especially after a few.

    Nearing our end at the speakeasy a nearby bar patron started chatting us up about local Harrisburg politics, and all kinds of manner of other things. Now, me and Drew will often get chatty about politics, philosophy, religion, etc – but only with ourselves, and more quiet, …and usually when we’re a lot more drunk. We tend to not jump into these kind of conversations with people we don’t know, because well… you never know how the conversations are going to go, and typically we like to follow the bar rule of “No Religion. No Politics. No Gender.” discussions. But we allowed him to talk to us about it, and we stayed neutral and listened. (Always remain neutrality when listening, always the best case scenario.)

    We paid up, said goodbye to the friendly bartender lady who was very nice, and chatted to us a bit about The Mandalorian (noticing a theme with our day yet?), as well as Netflix and other TV in general, thanked her for the good beer, and we were on our way to ZeroDay.

    My beer flight at ZeroDay

    We park back behind Midtown Cinema and head into ZeroDay. Finding a spot at the bar we jump up, Drew orders the Financial Panther, and I get myself a flight. I also try their hard seltzer, one of the first craft brewery hard seltzers I’ve had. And I just have to say…. the style does nothing for me. No White Claws for me, no Truly Hard Seltzers, just… nope. White Claws mean no Laws is BS and I stand by it. I’ve never been a fan of carbonated water or seltzer to begin with, so making it slightly alcoholic doesn’t do enough for me. The first time I tried a hard seltzer was at Ffej of July this year from Karl Larson’s group. This was my first time trying it from a craft brewery.

    My flight consisted of: Accidental Fluffer, Grievance, Smooth Metal, Mister Bubz, North St. Stout, and ZeroDay Dunkel. With an additional taster of plain Automatic Refresher (the hard seltzer).

    We hung out inside for about fifteen minutes before our friend Youngblood and his girlfriend arrived. After about another five or so minutes Dan arrived, but had to stay outside because he had his corgi with him – Domino Thunderthighs. And yes, thats its actual name, and yes, the dog is totally a babe magnet and the most adorable thing since Baby Yoda – The Child. So we went outside and hung out at the picnic table, and watched the slow human avalanche of people finding out theres a nine month old corgi outside as they all came out to pet him and either go back in or head to their cars. Even the bartenders took turns coming outside to pet the dog.

    Outside was a nice brisk evening, and we stayed out there til 9PM. Youngblood does stand up comedy work for various places, so we chatted some about that, his upcoming shows, some bits, we talked with Dan about his work (lung respiratory nurse), talked about our jobs (Drew as bartender, me at the casino, etc.), we talked about dogs (my border collie Leela and my new pitbull / black lab mix – Tink), Dan’s two dogs the corgi Domino Thunderthighs and his other dog Indiana Bones. Dan talked about his latest trip with his fiance Kat at Tree House Brewing Company where he brought back the beers I’ve done reviews of – Sap and Autumn. Talked about the places we stopped at today – Boneshire Brew Works, The Vegetable Hunter, and The Millworks. Talked about local breweries in general, places like Iron Hill, Troegs, Moo-Duck, Cox Brewing, The Vineyard and Brewery at Middletown, and Spring Gate.

    We got into our normal shenanigans and revelry and had a good time hanging out together. Killing an afternoon / evening. At about 915 or so, we discussed evening plans, I had to take Drew back to Boneshire Brew Works for him to get his car and I was gonna head home, Dan, Youngblood, and Youngblood’s girlfriend were going back to their apartment after Dan dropped off his dog. As usual partings go, we cleaned up and took our glasses back in, gave our goodbyes to each other, walked to our cars and left. Knowing we’ll all be doing this again in a few days most likely, just chilling, relaxing, hanging out, having a good time, and drinking beers at places like ZeroDay or Boneshire or Troegs or at bars like Chick’s, Sturgis Speakeasy, The Manor, Gin Mill, The Boro, Warwick Hotel, etc. There is few things on this planet that are better than hanging out with friends, having fun, laughing, not being stressed by life or cares and just taking care of each other through communal friendship and just being with each other as we drink and bond. Its easily one of the best things about craft breweries is the communal nature of the small local craft breweries. The atmospheres and the venues and the way it brings people together to talk, hang out, have fun, and drink good delicious beers. Not even macro beers at big time bars can deliver the same kind of intimate friendship and kinship that craft breweries can give you, just based on the structure of how different the two are.

    After we departed, took Drew back to Boneshire Brew Works and let him get his car. It was 9:45PM and Boneshire was soon closing for the night. Made our safe returns and trips, and had ourselves a fantastic trip basically over Harrisburg and the suburb of it a bit. We got to drink at Boneshire Brew Works, The Vegetable Hunter, The Millworks, The Sturgis Speakeasy, and ZeroDay Brewing. Had great beer, Drew had some great food, lots of great conversations, lot of fun, and much laughter. Was a fantastic day, and a nice leadup to the end of 2019 and the end of a decade and to the start of a new year, new decade, and certainly many more adventures.

    As a final note before listing the beers, I started writing this up Sunday December 29th 2019 early in the morning before work, had to go to work, wanted to finish it after work, but had a retirement party for a co-worker at Thoroughbred’s, and after that it was late and I was unable to finish it. So I am now finishing this up (started at 5:30AM when I woke up, and now finishing it at 7AM). And since its December 30th now, I can safely say to Drew happy birthday, as the old man is now 35. So in his honor, make sure you listen to some of his podcasts and mentally give him a shout out and happy birthday.

    And now onto the lists!

    Boneshire Brew Works:

    Beers:

    • 2019 Holiday Reserve
    • The Hog

    Beer: 2019 Holiday Reserve
    Brewery: Boneshire Brew Works
    Style: IPA – New England
    ABV: 8.5%
    IBU: None
    Untappd Write-Up: What we have here is a small Christmas miracle! This year’s batch of Holiday Reserve is a NEIPA brewed with 12 varieties of hops and copious amounts of Flaked Oats, Wheat, and Barley and clocks in at 8.5% abv. This batch is brewed with Apollo, Cashmere, Columbus, Simcoe, Warrior, Motueka, Amarillo, Azacca, Lemondrop, Citra, El Dorado, and Mosaic. This NEIPA is sure to please everyone for the holidays.
    My Untappd Rating: 4.25
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.98 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: The Hog
    Brewery: Boneshire Brew Works
    Style: IPA – Triple
    ABV: 9.8%
    IBU: 51
    Untappd Write-Up: Our collaboration with Muggers of the year 2018-2019. Mike Luckovich and Dan Ploch dreamed up this big hoppy fruit forward IPA. Brewed with Simcoe, Amarillo, Zythos, and Citra hops.
    My Untappd Rating: 4.50
    Global Untappd Rating: 4.16 (as of 12.30.19)

    The Vegetable Hunter

    • Brother of Thor!
    • Today’s Tom Sawyer

    Beer: Brother of Thor!
    Brewery: The Vegetable Hunter
    Style: IPA – American
    ABV: 6.5%
    IBU: 27
    Untappd Write-Up: Hoppy IPA with the Viking/Norwegian yeast strain Loki.
    My Untappd Rating: 3.50
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.67 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: Today’s Tom Sawyer
    Brewery: The Vegetable Hunter
    Style: IPA – American
    ABV: 5.6%
    IBU: 70
    Untappd Write-Up: West Coast IPA – Slappin’ da bass hops! Nugget, Equinox, Citra, Amarillo, and Columbus hops.
    Drew’s Comments: Good, hoppy, tasty.
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.45 (as of 12.30.19)

    The Millworks

    • Market Day Session IPA
    • Winter Saison
    • Cherrywood Rauchbier
    • Kiwi Berry Gose
    • Triple IPA

    Beer: Market Day Session IPA
    Brewery: The Millworks
    Style: IPA – Session / India Session Ale
    ABV: 5%
    IBU: 30
    Untappd Write-Up: Light body, hop forward ale. Orange-golden in color. Floral and citrus in the aroma and flavor. Restrained bitterness that is noticeable but not overwhelming. Easy drinking, lower alcohol session ale.

    Malts: Pale, Vienna, Cara Pils

    Hops: Nugget, Cascade, Chinook, Crystal
    Drew’s Comments: Tasty, crisp.
    My Untappd Rating (from previous time): 3.50
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.66 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: Winter Saison
    Brewery: The Millworks
    Style: Farmhouse Ale – Saison
    ABV: 7.9%
    IBU: 30
    Untappd Write-Up: Medium body, dark spiced farmhouse ale. Deep mahogany in color, lightly spiced with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, vanilla, and french oak chips. Fermented with spicy belgian saison yeast.
    My Untappd Rating: 4.25
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.69 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: Cherrywood Rauchbier
    Brewery: The Millworks
    Style: Rauchbier
    ABV: 5%
    IBU: 20
    Untappd Write-Up: Classic Rauchbier brewed with local PA Cherry Wood smoked malt. Mild smokiness balanced with sweet bready malt
    My Untappd Rating: 3.75
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.87 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: Kiwi Berry Gose
    Brewery: The Millworks
    Style: Sour – Fruited
    ABV: 4%
    IBU: None
    Untappd Write-Up: PA Preferred beer brewed with Deer Creek Malt and 350 lbs of Kiwi Berries from Threefold Farm
    My Untappd Rating: 3.75
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.81 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: Triple IPA
    Brewery: The Millworks
    Style: IPA – Tripel
    ABV: 11.5%
    IBU: 80
    Untappd Write-Up: Full bodied IPA brewed with Amarillo, El Dorado, and Idaho 7 hops
    My Untappd Rating: 4
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.96 (as of 12.30.19)

    The Sturges Speakeasy

    • Goggles
    • Sunset

    Beer: Goggles
    Brewery: New Trail Brewing Co.
    Style: IPA – Imperial / Double New England
    ABV: 8.8%
    IBU: None
    Untappd Write-Up: Goggles is a Hazy Double IPA focussing on some of our favorite hops. Brewed with a mixture of wheats and oats. Heavy handedly hopped with Galaxy and Citra. Goggles is excessively fruity and dank.
    My Untappd Rating: 4.50
    Global Untappd Rating: 4.21 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: Sunset
    Brewery: New Trail Brewing Co.
    Style: Porter – Other
    ABV: 6%
    IBU: None
    Untappd Write-Up: Sunset is a Chocolate Porter brewed with layers of dark and chocolate malts, rested on Cacao Nibs from Ghana. Expect a rich porter layered with deep chocolate flavor reflecting both dark and milk chocolates. Brewed for the early winter sunsets and long dark nights.
    My Untappd Rating: 4.25
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.67 (as of 12.30.19)

    ZeroDay Brewing

    • Automatic Refresher
    • Financial Panther
    • Accidental Fluffer
    • Grievance
    • Smooth Metal
    • Mister Bubz
    • North St. Stout
    • ZeroDay Dunkel

    Beer: Automatic Refresher
    Brewery: ZeroDay Brewing Co.
    Style: Hard Seltzer
    ABV: 5%
    IBU: 0
    Untappd Write-Up: Hard Seltzer brewed for you! We brewed a blank Hard Seltzer and provide the flavors for you to add how you please!
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.87 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: Financial Panther
    Brewery: ZeroDay Brewing Co.
    Style: IPA – New England
    ABV: 6.5%
    IBU: 47
    Untappd Write-Up: Inspired by the hard work it takes to not only make the beer, but the prowess required to run the business, we are excited to release Financial Panther, our newest IPA double dry hopped with copious amounts of Motueka from New Zealand. With notes of crushed lime and bright citrus, it’s sure to start your weekend right.
    Drew’s Comments: Had this before, second favorite from ZeroDay behind Mango Hab
    My Untappd Rating (from previous time): 4
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.77 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: Accidental Fluffer
    Brewery: ZeroDay Brewing Co.
    Style: Malt Liquor
    ABV: 6.7%
    IBU: None
    Untappd Write-Up: A Zeroday holiday classic, Accidental Fluffer is one of our most creative libations. Peppermint flavor and aromas shine in this malt beverage from the addition of pounds of candy canes in the fermenter. This fresh, minty characteristic is complemented by a sweetness derived from a light grain bill, milk sugar, and copious amounts of Marshmallow Fluff.
    My Untappd Rating: 3.25
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.36 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: Grievance
    Brewery: ZeroDay Brewing Co.
    Style: Winter Warmer
    ABV: 8.5%
    IBU: 15
    Untappd Write-Up: (Blank)
    My Untappd Rating: 3.75
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.83 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: Smooth Metal
    Brewery: ZeroDay Brewing Co.
    Style: Red Ale – Other
    ABV: 7.3%
    IBU: 50
    Untappd Write-Up: Smooth Metal showcases a balance between a smooth caramel malt backbone and an assertive floral hop bitterness. The American grown Nugget and Cascade hops provide a classic hop character for this full-bodied ale. Smooth Metal is soft spoken at first, but definitely has a lot to say.
    My Untappd Rating: 3.75
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.65 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: Mister Bubz
    Brewery: ZeroDay Brewing Co.
    Style: Dunkelweizen
    ABV: 5.6%
    IBU: 16
    Untappd Write-Up: Our dunkelweizen is brewed to the traditional German style. This dark wheat ale (“dunkel” means “dark” and “weizen” means “wheat” in German) is a wheat-based beer with dark malt components. While the malt supports a smooth backbone, the yeast is what shines in this beer. Banana and clove aromas and flavors really standout in this dark brown easy-drinking wheat beer.
    My Untappd Rating: 3.75
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.46 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: North St. Stout
    Brewery: ZeroDay Brewing Co.
    Style: Stout – Coffee
    ABV: 8.3%
    IBU: 5
    Untappd Write-Up: A vanilla-latte inspired Stout brewed in collaboration with the Elementary Coffee Co.
    My Untappd Rating: 4
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.98 (as of 12.30.19)

    Beer: ZeroDay Dunkel
    Brewery: ZeroDay Brewing Co.
    Style: Lager – Munich – Dunkel
    ABV: 4.2%
    IBU: 20
    Untappd Write-Up: Light in body, dark in color, this Munich Dunkel brings forth notes of roasted malts and chocolate.
    My Untappd Rating: 3.50
    Global Untappd Rating: 3.45 (as of 12.30.19)

    Hopefully you enjoyed this travelogue of our jumpings and hoppins around of Harrisburg. Was a fun day for us, and we do this somewhat often (less now as we get older though). Hopefully there will be more articles like this in the future of more different / diverse places like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, etc. I’m looking forward to 2020 and hoping it has a lot more great breweries in store!

    For some other articles and beer reviews and brewery reviews, you can check out these past written articles:

    As always, there is tons of things to see, read, and do here on the blog. You can also head over and listen to the podcasts me and my friends – Drew, Esteban, Dan, Andrew, and Andy all have done and created. We talk about beer, movies, pop culture, TV, you name it. You can see the podcast listings here: So a Mexican and a Scot Walk Into a Bar…

    Please help us out with word of mouth, share, like, comment, re-tweet, re-blog, whatever works for you. We love to hear from you guys, so please leave a comment. There is still time to get in what you think was the best beer or breweries of 2019, as I’m hoping to have that article fully done and up before the end of 2019. Fingers crossed!

    Thank you for reading this long, rambling, blog post. I know its a bit different than some of our past articles. I’m looking to try and expand what all this blog has to offer, so there’ll be tons of different times of articles to read in the future. Not just beer reviews, but brewery reviews, beer related book reviews, home brewing articles, hop growing articles, beer event reviews, news, brewery opening news, travelogues, and so much more!

    I have a packed schedule coming up. Looking like at the end of the day on New Years Day I’ll be doing a LOST podcast, Seasons 1 and 2, and then on January 2nd, me and Josh are traveling to Mellow Mink to do a write-up and have some fun with the head brewer Matt Miller. So be on the look out for that. That should be lots of fun!

    I also just want to give a shout out – we just hit 100 Followers on Twitter. Thank you all so much for subscribing and following us on Twitter! If you aren’t following us already, you can click here: The Beer Thrillers on Twitter and follow us. That way you won’t miss any great announcements, pictures, and updates! You can also follow us on Facebook at: The Beer Thrillers on Facebook. Thank you everyone!

    As always, thank you everyone for reading, and cheers, and Happy New Year!

    -B. Kline