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

New Trail Broken Heels and Double Broken Heels 19.2 oz Cans

The Magic of Convenience

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

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

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

Who’s Buying the Tall Boys?

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

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

Leading the Pack: The Skeleton in the Can

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

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

The 19.2 Ounce Story: Imperial Pints and ABVs

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

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

The Pros and Cons of Going Big

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

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

Terrapin 19.2 oz Cans

Tall Cans Are Here to Stay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ever Evolving Craft Beer Landscape

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

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

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

A Series of Craft Beer Articles

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

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

• The Battle of the Breweries (2023) Winner Is
• Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies in the United States (2023)
• Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies in the United States (2023)
• What is Craft Beer?
• I’ve Missed Drinking (A Look at Non Alcoholic Beers)
• The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews
• Best Non-Alcoholic Beers For 2021
• Craft Beer 101: Your Guide to the World of Small – Batch Brewing
• How to Build Your Own Homebrew: A Comprehensive Guide for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
• Brewing a Traditional Lithuanian Farmhouse Beer – Keptinis
• Human Robot – Milko Pour – A Look at Milk Pours
• Hemp and Beer – Happy 4:20 Day
• Sipping on Tradition: A Guide to Craft Beer Flagship Beers
• Discovering the Best Independent Breweries with Beer Drop Craft Beer Subscription Service
• Breaking Down the Buzz: The Health Benefits of Craft Beer
• Craft Beer Styles: Exploring the Wide World of Flavor
• May the Fourth Be With You (2023) – Star Wars and Craft Beer
• Zelda and Craft Beer
• From Philly to Pittsburgh: Pennsylvania’s Top Craft Breweries You Must Visit
• Craft Beer Styles: Exploring the Wide World of Flavor
• How Does Beer Affect Studying? Understanding the Impact of Alcohol on Academic Performance
• The Rise of Hazy IPAs: Exploring the Juicy Trend in Craft Beer
• Unlocking Flavor and Branding: The Rise of 19.2-Ounce Craft Beer Cans
• Craft Beer Hot Toddies
• Raising the Stakes: Gambling and Alcohol Correlation
• Top Popular Beer Brands
• Embark on a Culinary Adventure: Cooking and Craft Beer
• Philosophy and Craft Beer: A Confluence of Thought and Taste
• Craft Beer Meets Keto
• Unraveling the Brews: The Distinctive Worlds of Lager and Bock
• What is Bock Beer? Exploring the Bock Beer Style: A Journey from Einbeck to Munich
• What is Lager Beer? Exploring the World’s Most Popular Beer Style
• Information on Milko Pours
• The Rise of Craft Lagers in Pennsylvania Brewing
• The Craft Beer Conundrum: Navigating the Troubled Waters of the Craft Beer Industry
• Mastering the Art of Craft Beer Tasting: Your Ultimate Guide to Flavor and Aroma – How to Describe Beer Like a Pro
• How Much Sugar is in an IPA? A Deep Dive into the Sugar Content of India Pale Ales
• How Much Sugar Is in IPA Beer? A Full Comparison with Other Beer Types
• Why 19.2-Ounce Cans Are Becoming the New Craft Beer Staple

Articles on the History of Beer

• The Rich History of Beer in Pennsylvania: From Colonial Times to the Craft Beer Revolution
• Hops, History, and Innovation: The Fascinating Tale of the IPA
• The Rise of Craft Lagers in Pennsylvania Brewing
• What is a Lager? Exploring the World’s Most Popular Beer Style
• East Meets West – The Duel of the IPAs: West Coast vs. New England Styles
• Exploring the Bock Beer Style – From Einbeck to Munich
• Unraveling the Brews – The Distinctive Styles and Differences of Lagers and Bocks
• The Lifespan of your IPA – Freshness Counts with Craft Beer
• Unleashing the History of Flying Dog Brewery
• Beer and Philosophy 101 – A Crash Course in Beer and Philosophy (A Confluence of Thought and Taste)
• Unearthing the History of Harrisburg Brewing: From Barnitz to Troegs
• Should We Shrink the Pint? A Study Suggests Smaller Beer Serves Could Improve Public Health

Thank You For Reading

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

Cheers.

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

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

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

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

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

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

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

A Mad Elf inspired homebrew. A Mad Elf clone homebrew recipe.

A homebrewed Barleywine. Titan’s Tribute.

Fall is Fading Away

As autumn’s pumpkin spice craze gives way, it’s prime time for beer aficionados to circle back to the hop-infused delights that sparked our love for craft brews. With winter’s cozy warmers on the horizon and the decadent season of barrel-aged stouts soon to impact our holiday budgets and merry spirits, this November interlude is ideal for an IPA detox.

The craft beer scene might witness a feigned weariness towards hop-centric beverages, yet India Pale Ales remain the reigning choice for the discerning crowd. The rise of the ‘session IPA’—a lower alcohol iteration designed for extended hop enjoyment—has skyrocketed, becoming the trendiest addition to the craft beer repertoire.

Conversely, the high-alcohol end of the spectrum is where IPA artisans excel, infusing maximum flavor into every bottle. While double and triple IPAs fetch top ratings and prices, a discerning choice in this premium category ensures a rewarding experience. Below is a curated list of twelve exceptional, potent IPAs that perfectly complement the shorter days and cozy evenings of the season.

14 Great High Grade Octane IPAs You Should Be Trying

Here are fourteen examples of some high octane (high ABV) IPAs you should be trying this fall / winter season. They will certainly keep you warm in the cold months, and keep the hop heads amongst all of us happy.

Avery Maharaja (Boulder, CO, 10-12% ABV):

Avery’s Dictator Series offers the Maharaja, a giant among IPAs, crafted with traditional hops like Centennial and Columbus, and paired with the contemporary Simcoe. This concoction delivers a symphony of citrus, tropical, and pine notes, harmonized with a caramel malt foundation. With time, the Maharaja’s complexity unfolds, revealing almond and toffee nuances, setting it apart in the ultra-IPA market.

Green Flash Green Bullet (San Diego, CA; 10.1% ABV):

This seasonal offering from Green Flash utilizes New Zealand hops to deliver a spiced-up IPA experience with a classic pine resin profile.

Other Half All Green Everything (Brooklyn, NY, 10.5% ABV):

All Green Everything is a testament to Other Half’s reputation as New York’s buzzworthy brewery. This modern hop behemoth, while acknowledging the virtues of moderation, predominates with grapefruit, mango, and pineapple flavors, crowned with a resinous finish. Its less sugary profile elevates it above its East Coast imperial IPA counterparts.

Stone RuinTen (Escondido, CA, 10.8% ABV):

Stone’s triple IPA, RuinTen, balances the tartness of Citra hops with Columbus’s spicy notes and Centennial’s floral essence. Despite its strength, it’s not overwhelmingly bitter, offering layers of brown sugar and chocolate amidst the expected fruity and resinous undertones. This harmony distinguishes RuinTen within Stone’s acclaimed IPA lineup.

Dogfish Head 120 Minute (Milton, DE, 15-20% ABV):

The iconic Dogfish Head’s Minute IPA series is headlined by the 120 Minute IPA, a trailblazer in the extreme IPA category since its debut in 2003. At an arresting 18% ABV, its potent alcohol content is expertly paired with a bitter yet fruity hop profile. Regarded as a beer that matures well, the 120 Minute is an investment in both flavor and a spirited buzz.

MadTree Galaxy High (Cincinnati, OH; 10.2% ABV):

MadTree’s imperial IPA taps into Southern Hemisphere hops to present a fruit-forward flavor palette, marked by notes of peach, orange, and mango, balanced against a backdrop of pine.

Port Hop 15 (San Marcos, CA; 10% ABV):

Port’s Hop 15 is a masterpiece, blending 15 hop varieties added at 15-minute intervals, producing a complex brew where tropical and citrus notes meet biscuit and caramel for a balanced taste.

Founder’s Devil Dancer (Grand Rapids, MI; 12% ABV):

Released annually, Founder’s Devil Dancer is a testament to the longevity of hoppy beers, offering a rich tapestry of tropical, earthy, and citrus hop flavors supported by a robust malt base.

Oskar Blues Gubna (Longmont, CO; 10% ABV):

Oskar Blues’ Gubna, an annual changing brew, is notable for its unique combination of spicy rye malt and Sorachi Ace hops, offering a distinctive taste worth trying even out of season.

Ballast Point Dorado (San Diego, CA; 10% ABV):

Known for the popular Sculpin IPA, Ballast Point’s Dorado is a gift to hop lovers, with a resinous, fruity profile and a smooth finish, concealing its alcohol content with finesse.

Starr Hill Hopfetti (Crozet, VA; 10.2% ABV):

Celebrating Starr Hill’s anniversary, the Hopfetti is a harmonious mix of six hops and golden oats, resulting in a creamy, slightly sour tropical profile with a hint of vanilla.

Harpoon Leviathan (Boston, MA, 10% ABV):

With its roots in the East Coast IPA movement, Harpoon’s Leviathan is a powerful double IPA that combines classic and modern hops for a citrus-pine flavor blend.

Aslin Pinkies Up (Alexandra, VA, 18.4% ABV):

Aslin’s Pinkies Up Quadruple IPA has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 18.4% If you’re seeking an IPA that breaks from tradition and offers a unique tasting adventure, Aslin Beer Company’s Pinkies Up is a must-try. This innovative brew captures the imagination with its unexpected twists on the IPA genre. Crafted with a blend of premium hops and a creative twist of ingredients, Pinkies Up tantalizes the taste buds with a symphony of flavors that both challenge and delight. Each sip delivers a sophisticated profile of nuanced hop bitterness, complemented by an undercurrent of subtle fruit and floral notes. It’s a beer designed not just for casual sipping but for those moments when you want to indulge in something a cut above the ordinary. As the name suggests, Pinkies Up is about elevating your beer experience, inviting you to enjoy a brew that’s crafted with a touch of finesse and a nod to the connoisseurs of the craft beer world.

Troegs Independent Brewing – Scratch 501: Triple Perpetual IPA (Hershey, PA, 12% ABV)

Tröegs Independent Brewing’s Scratch #501, also known as Triple Perpetual IPA, elevates their esteemed Perpetual IPA to new heights. As part of their momentous Scratch series, this iteration arrives as their boldest yet, boasting a robust 12% ABV. This Triple IPA amalgamates a myriad of beloved hops, resulting in a sticky, citrusy hop explosion that delivers an artisanal and mechanical marvel. It’s a brew that commemorates the journey from their first Scratch offering to this 501st creation, embodying a craft that’s as audacious and complex as it is grounded in brewing tradition. They released it at the same time as Scratch 500 – Double Perpetual IPA. It is a limited scratch beer, so no word on if they will re-make or re-brew it. It is still currently available in their tasting room and general store on draft; and for crowler and growler fills.

High Octane IPAs

High-octane IPAs stand as titans in the craft beer landscape, catering to those who seek both intensity in flavor and potency. From the aromatic hop fields to the artful brewers’ tanks, these robust IPAs—like Avery Maharaja’s complex citrus notes, Stone RuinTen’s balanced bitterness, and the innovative hop profiles of Other Half All Green Everything—have defined a new pinnacle of beer craftsmanship. Including the unparalleled strength of Aslin’s Pinkies Up and the boldness of Tröegs Triple Perpetual IPA, these brews are not just drinks but experiences, crafted for moments of bold indulgence and savoring the zenith of brewing alchemy.

Check Out Our Recent High ABV Article

Looking for other brews that are high ABV? Then check out our recent article:

• Sipping on the Edge: Exploring the Top 5 Highest ABV Beers

A Series of Craft Beer Articles

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

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

• The Battle of the Breweries (2023) Winner Is
• Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies in the United States (2023)
• Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies in the United States (2023)
• What is Craft Beer?
• I’ve Missed Drinking (A Look at Non Alcoholic Beers)
• The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews
• Best Non-Alcoholic Beers For 2021
• Craft Beer 101: Your Guide to the World of Small – Batch Brewing
• How to Build Your Own Homebrew: A Comprehensive Guide for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
• Brewing a Traditional Lithuanian Farmhouse Beer – Keptinis
• Human Robot – Milko Pour – A Look at Milk Pours
• Hemp and Beer – Happy 4:20 Day
• Map of Maine Breweries
• Map of New Hampshire Breweries
• Map of Vermont Breweries
• Sipping on Tradition: A Guide to Craft Beer Flagship Beers
• Discovering the Best Independent Breweries with Beer Drop Craft Beer Subscription Service
• Breaking Down the Buzz: The Health Benefits of Craft Beer
• Sipping on the Edge: Exploring the Top 5 Highest ABV Beers

Thank You For Reading

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

Cheers.

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

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

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

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

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

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

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

Tenebris – A barleywine by Adroit Theory

Adroit Theory

Adroit Theory is a craft brewery based in Purcellville, Virginia. Known for its experimental and bold approach to brewing, Adroit Theory specializes in a wide range of beer styles, particularly focusing on high-ABV (alcohol by volume) beers such as imperial stouts, IPAs, and barrel-aged brews. The brewery is also notable for its distinctive and often dark and gothic-themed artwork and packaging.

Gaming Time

I usually find myself drinking IPAs and DIPAs (or even TIPAs) while doing some gaming, but switched it up with Tenebris by Adroit Theory tonight. This was a fantastic beer to sit back and do a “gaming sesh” (as the cool kids call it). The 10.7% slowly crept up on me as I played and provided a perfect buzz for the gaming. And as Josh would say – “Its a Damn Big Beer”.

Beer Review: Tenebris by Adroit Theory

Tenebris (or GHOST Tenebris) is a Barleywine, in the American tradition. The stats for it are:

Beer: Tenebris
Brewery: Adroit Theory
Style: Barleywine – American
ABV: 10.7%
IBU: 60
Untappd Description:

We haven’t made this beer in over 6 years, but decided to re-address it in the style of an American Barleywine. Full, semi-sweet, and chewy body with a sticky texture offering malt driven notes of honey, toffee, and stone fruit with just enough bitterness for balance.⁠

Brewed with Amarillo + Centennial Hops

Appearance:

Tenebris pours a deep amber to mahogany color with a slight haze, topped with a thin, tan head that dissipates quickly but leaves a delicate lace on the glass. The viscosity is evident, hinting at the rich, high-alcohol content within. Swirling the glass reveals the beer’s thick legs, a visual testament to its bold and syrupy nature.

The clarity of the beer allows light to catch and reveal ruby highlights at the edges, adding to its visual appeal. The minimal head retention focuses attention on the beer’s rich color and inviting appearance, setting the stage for the sensory experience that follows.

Aroma:

The nose is an inviting blend of caramel, toffee, and dark fruits such as raisins and figs. Subtle notes of molasses and brown sugar are present, accompanied by a mild hop aroma that adds a layer of complexity. As the beer warms, deeper aromas of oak and vanilla become more pronounced, hinting at its barrel-aged pedigree.

Inhaling deeply reveals additional layers of aroma, including a faint earthiness and a hint of spice, likely from the interplay of malts and hops. The aromatic profile is rich and complex, drawing you in and encouraging a slow, deliberate tasting experience.

Taste:

The flavor profile is intensely rich and multi-layered. Initial sips reveal a strong malt backbone with pronounced caramel and toffee sweetness, balanced by a robust presence of dark fruit flavors—dates, raisins, and a touch of cherry. As it warms, additional nuances of vanilla, oak, and a slight nuttiness come to the fore, likely influenced by barrel aging. The finish is warm and slightly boozy, with a lingering bitterness that prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.

Each sip uncovers new subtleties, from hints of chocolate and roasted nuts to a whisper of smokiness. The balance of sweetness and bitterness is masterfully executed, making each mouthful a harmonious blend of flavors that evolve on the palate. The complexity and depth of Tenebris ensure that it remains interesting from the first sip to the last.

Mouthfeel:

Full-bodied and smooth, Tenebris has a luscious mouthfeel that coats the palate. The carbonation is moderate, adding a slight effervescence that helps balance the beer’s richness and high alcohol content. The viscosity of the beer provides a satisfying, almost chewy texture that enhances the drinking experience.

Despite its high ABV, the alcohol warmth is well-integrated and adds to the overall enjoyment without overwhelming the other flavors. The mouthfeel is robust yet elegant, making it a pleasure to sip and savor. Each sip leaves a lingering, velvety finish that invites you to take another.

Overall:

Adroit Theory’s Tenebris is a standout example of a barleywine. Its depth and complexity make it an excellent choice for slow sipping and savoring over time. The well-integrated flavors and warming alcohol presence are perfect for cooler weather, making it a great companion for a cozy evening. This beer pairs wonderfully with rich foods such as roasted meats or a decadent cheese platter and can also be enjoyed on its own as a dessert beer.

For fans of the barleywine style, Tenebris is a must-try, showcasing Adroit Theory’s expertise in crafting bold, flavorful brews. Its ability to evolve and reveal new flavors as it warms makes it an engaging and memorable experience. Highly recommended for those looking for an indulgent and memorable beer experience.

My Untappd Rating: ****.25
Global Average Untappd Rating: 4.12 (as of 11.21.21)

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