Pour Man’s Brewing Company has become a notable player in the Pennsylvania craft beer scene since its inception in 2018. Founded by business partners Sam Son and Ryan Foltz, the brewery emerged from their shared passion for homebrewing, which eventually led them to take the leap into commercial beer production.

Pour Man’s Brewing Company’s logo

Humble Beginnings

Pour Man’s opened its doors in August 2018 at 284 S Reading Road in Ephrata, PA. The original location, a former butcher shop, became the birthplace of their brewing operations and taproom. From the start, Pour Man’s focused on creating a diverse range of beer styles, with a particular emphasis on producing high-quality lagers.

Pour Man’s Brewing Company’s beer at their original location. (photo courtesy of Pour Man’s Brewing Company)

Growth and Recognition

The brewery quickly gained a following for its commitment to quality and innovation. In 2022, Pour Man’s achieved a significant milestone by winning the Breweries In PA 2022 PA Beer Bracket Championship, solidifying its position as a fan favorite in the state. They also won in 2023 under the new “Malt Madness” tournament.

Expansion and Relocation

As Pour Man’s popularity grew, so did the need for more space. In late 2022, the brewery announced plans for a major expansion. This expansion included moving the taproom to a new location at 24 E Main Street in downtown Ephrata, while retaining the original building to expand brewing operations. The new taproom, which opened in 2023, is housed in a historic building dating back to 1912. Formerly home to Sprecher’s Hardware for 88 years, the 8,000 square foot space has been transformed into a modern craft beer destination. The new location features:

• Two bars on the first floor
• Seating for over 100 guests
• A beer garden in the back
• A second-floor event space with a sky-view bar overlooking downtown Ephrata
• 20 house-made beers on tap
• An expanded cocktail, wine, and cider list
• A redesigned food menu focusing on locally sourced ingredients

Pour Man’s Brewery (photo courtesy of Pour Man’s Brewing Company)

Brewing Philosophy

Pour Man’s has built its reputation on a lager-focused brewing approach while still offering a wide range of styles to cater to various tastes. Their commitment to quality and innovation has helped them cultivate a passionate following of craft beer enthusiasts.

Community Involvement

The brewery has shown a strong commitment to community engagement. They always have a charity tap available, demonstrating their dedication to giving back to the local community. Additionally, Pour Man’s has been one of the main driving forces behind the creation of the Lancaster County Brewers Guild, further cementing their role in the local brewing scene.

Pour Man’s Brewing Company (photo courtesy of Pour Man’s Brewing Company)

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company’s logo.

Recent Developments

In a significant turn of events, Pour Man’s Brewing Company purchased St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. in 2024. Since then, they have continued to produce Boniface beers and operate the Ephrata taproom, expanding their influence in the local craft beer market. As of 2025, Pour Man’s Brewing Company continues to thrive in its new location, offering a welcoming atmosphere for craft beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

(See: Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company)

With its rich history, commitment to quality, and strong community ties, Pour Man’s has established itself as a cornerstone of the Ephrata and broader Pennsylvania craft beer scene.

See Also

• A History of St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company
• A History of Pour Man’s Brewing Company
• History of Brewing and Breweries in Harrisburg
• Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company

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

Thank You For Reading

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

Cheers.

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

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

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

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

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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

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 wide range of craft beer styles and selections.

In the ever-evolving tapestry of global cuisine and beverages, craft beer has carved out a vibrant, innovative, and deeply cultural niche that resonates with a diverse audience spanning continents. The craft beer movement, once a whisper among small circles of brewing enthusiasts, has crescendoed into a full-throated roar of creativity, community, and commerce. This renaissance of the ale, stout, lager, and more isn’t just about the resurgence of ancient brewing traditions or the defiance of mass-market homogeneity; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding desire to create, share, and enjoy the richness of life’s flavors. This exploration dives into the heart of the craft beer revolution, uncovering its roots, celebrating its achievements, and anticipating its future directions.

The Fermentation of a Movement

The craft beer movement’s genesis is a tale of revival and rebellion. In the late 20th century, the global beer market was dominated by a handful of colossal breweries, producing vast quantities of relatively similar-tasting beers. However, nestled within this landscape of uniformity, a counterculture began to bubble. Small-scale brewers, often hobbyists turned entrepreneurs, started experimenting with ancient recipes, unconventional ingredients, and artisanal brewing techniques. These pioneers weren’t just brewing for the sake of beverage production; they were crafting liquid art, imbued with local flavors, personal stories, and a palpable sense of place.

The Anatomy of Craft Beer

To truly appreciate craft beer, one must understand its components – the alchemy of water, malt, hops, and yeast – and how variations in each contribute to the symphony of flavors, aromas, and textures that characterize these beverages.

• Water: The unsung hero of beer, water’s mineral content can significantly affect the beer’s taste, influencing everything from the sweetness of the malt to the bitterness of the hops.
• Malt: Generally derived from barley, malt is the backbone of beer, providing the sugars needed for fermentation, contributing to the beer’s color, and influencing its flavor profile from sweet to nutty or toasty.
• Hops: The soul of many a craft beer, hops impart bitterness to balance the sweetness of the malt, but they also add a plethora of flavors and aromas ranging from floral to citrus, pine to spice.
• Yeast: The magic microorganism that turns wort (the sweet infusion of ground malt and water) into beer, yeast not only ferments the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide but also adds unique flavors and aromas, from fruity to funky.

Craft brewers manipulate these elements like artists, often incorporating additional ingredients such as fruits, spices, and even more unconventional additives like oysters or chilies, to create complex, surprising, and delightful beers.

The Cultural Ferment: Craft Beer’s Impact on Society

Craft beer has transcended the boundaries of a mere beverage; it has fostered communities, driven economic growth, and even influenced social change. Breweries often serve as communal hubs, places where people of diverse backgrounds gather, united by their shared appreciation for the craft. These establishments often support local artists, musicians, and businesses, weaving themselves into the fabric of their communities.

Moreover, the craft beer revolution has been a boon for local economies, generating jobs, attracting tourism, and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. Its rise has also paved the way for a greater emphasis on sustainability within the brewing industry, with many craft breweries leading the charge in implementing environmentally friendly practices.

Global Brews: The Worldwide Spread of Craft Beer

While the craft beer movement has its roots in the United States and the United Kingdom, it has since become a global phenomenon. From the hop fields of New Zealand to the monastic breweries of Belgium, from the bustling cities of Japan to the emerging markets of South America, craft beer has found a receptive audience worldwide. Each region brings its unique ingredients, traditions, and perspectives to the brewing table, enriching the global craft beer tapestry.

The Future of Craft Beer: Trends and Innovations

As we look to the horizon, several trends and innovations promise to shape the future of craft beer. The ongoing exploration of local and ancient ingredients offers new flavors and stories. The fusion of beer with technology, through apps and blockchain, is enhancing the consumer experience, from personalized recommendations to transparent sourcing. Moreover, the push for inclusivity and diversity within the craft beer community is not only expanding its audience but also enriching the ecosystem of ideas and flavors.

In Conclusion: A Toast to the Craft Beer Renaissance

The craft beer movement is more than a mere trend; it’s a dynamic, evolving narrative of creativity, community, and culture. As we raise our glasses to the artisans who brew with passion and purpose, we also celebrate the bonds formed over shared pints and the endless possibilities that lie within a humble glass of beer. The craft beer renaissance invites us all to explore, to taste, and to connect, reminding us that within the complexity of flavors lies the simple joy of discovery. Cheers to the journey ahead!

More Beer Information and Education Series Articles

• 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
• What is the Difference Between Bock and Lager Beer? Unraveling the Brews: The Distinctive Worlds of Lager and Bock
• Information on Milko Pours
• The Rise of Craft Lagers in Pennsylvania Brewing
• Brewing Prosperity: The Economic Impact of Craft Beer
• The Rise Of Hazy IPAs: Exploring The Juicy Trend In Craft Beer
• Hops, History, and Innovation: The Fascinating Tale of the IPA
• 14 Great High Grade Octane IPAs You Should Be Trying
• The Lifespan of an IPA: Navigating the Freshness of Your Favorite Craft Beers
• East Coast vs. West Coast IPAs: New England Hazy IPAs and How They Differ From West Coast Bitter IPAs
• Embracing the Dark Side: A Guide to Stouts

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.)

Anchor Brewing to Cease Operations, Liquidate Business

As we discussed yesterday – Anchor Brewing Could Be Sold Tomorrow – Anchor Brewing Company had their morning meeting today, and for one of the oldest craft breweries in America – the answers are in.

Sadly, this is the answer: “Anchor Brewing, the nation’s oldest craft brewery, will cease operations and the business will be liquidated, the company’s public relations firm announced today.”

Not the answer many (most, or all) were all looking for.

A month ago Anchor Brewing Company announced they were stopping national distribution and canceling their production of Christmas Ale.

The San Francisco craft brewery, which was acquired for $85 million by Sapporo in August 2017, cited “a combination of challenging economic factors and declining sales since 2016.” Ultimately, the company said the economic pressure “made the business no longer sustainable.”

Anchor Brewing to Cease Operations, Liquidate Business – BrewBound

Yesterday as we noted here on The Beer Thrillers, there was going to be a meeting and discussion of the future of Anchor Brewing Company this morning. VinePair’s reporter (David Infante) was under the impression that the brewery would be sold – with possible candidates being Russian River Brewing Company, Sierra Nevada Brewing, and Drake’s Brewing Company.

Unfortunately, it appears the route of ceasing operations was chosen.

Workers at Anchor were given 60 day’s notice today “with intent to provide transition support and separation packages in line with company practices and policies,” according to a press release.

Production has ceased at the brewery, but packaging and distribution of remaining beer on hand will continue through the end of July. Anchor’s Public Taps taproom will temporarily remain open to sell through remaining inventory, including a small batch of 2023 Anchor Christmas Ale that was brewed prior to the decision to cancel the ale’s national release.

Anchor Brewing to Cease Operations, Liquidate Business – BrewBound

In the press release junket, Anchor Brewing spokesperson Sam Singer stated that several proposed and attempted sales and buy – outs fell through over the last year. Saying: “Repeated efforts” for the attempt at sales.

Sam Singer was previously quoted to say:

The inflationary impact of product costs in San Francisco is one factor, couple that with a highly competitive craft beer market and a historically costly steam brewing technique. [They’ve] probably been mulling over this decision for a year. It’s not something they take lightly.

Sam Singer, Anchor Brewing Company spokesperson

In the press release junket, Sam Singer reiterated the above, and also stated:

This was an extremely difficult decision that Anchor reached only after many months of careful evaluation. We recognize the importance and historic significance of Anchor to San Francisco and to the craft brewing industry, but the impacts of the pandemic, inflation, especially in San Francisco, and a highly competitive market left the company with no option but to make this sad decision to cease operations.

Sam Singer, statement, as spokesperson of the Anchor Brewing Company

A Buyer

A buyer could still emerge to buy the brewery while in the liquidation phase. Though, the company is entering a process in which an assignee will liquidate the business’ assets to pay off creditors as part of a California Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors, which is an alternative to filing Chapter 7 or 11 bankruptcy.

Possible buyers could still emerge, but the odds seem dwindling, especially giving the liquidation process.

The Wednesday press release stated that the company plans to provide transition support and separation packages to outgoing employees, and that the Anchor Public Taps taproom on De Haro Street will remain open temporarily to sell remaining inventory. Brewing has ceased, but the brewery says it will continue to package and distribute beer on hand through the end of July.

Anchor Brewing also said Wednesday that attempts over the past year to find a buyer were unsuccessful, but one could emerge during the liquidation process.

San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Company says it’s ceasing operations – SF Gate

Sapporo USA

Anchor Brewing Company whilst owned by Sapporo USA has definitely been changed, there is no doubt about that. Many employees have attested to that online and in various website forums, social media pages, and blogs and podcasts.

Last month they announced they were pulling back on national distribution and stopping production of beloved and cherished Christmas Ale.

Production under Sapporo’s leadership declined in every other year with the exception of 2021, when volume increased +45%, to 72,500 barrels, its highest point since the 89,612 barrels produced in 2018, according to the Brewers Association’s New Brewer Magazine.

In 2022, Anchor’s volume declined -10% in 2022, to 65,000 barrels..

Brewbound previously reported that Anchor employees were uncertain about their fate since parent company Sapporo reached a deal to acquire Stone Brewing in June 2022, citing a “lack of transparency” in Sapporo’s plans with Stone and how it affects Anchor.”

Union negotiations were delayed at Anchor earlier this year, although a second contract has been ratified.

Anchor Brewing to Cease Operations, Liquidate Business – BrewBound

Anchor Brewing Company

For more information, view our articles here:

• Anchor Brewing Will No Longer Be Sold Nationally
• Anchor Brewing Could Be Sold Tomorrow

A History of Anchor Brewing Company

A brief history on Anchor Brewing Company:

Anchor began during the California Gold Rush when Gottlieb Brekle arrived from Germany and began brewing in San Francisco. In 1896, Ernst F. Baruth and his son-in-law, Otto Schinkel, Jr., bought an old brewery at 1431 Pacific Avenue and named it Anchor Brewery. The brewery burned down in the fires that followed the 1906 earthquake, but was rebuilt at a different location in 1907.^[7] There is no record of what Anchor did during Prohibition, but it resumed serving Steam Beer after Repeal, possibly as the only steam brewing company still in operation.^[8] However the brewery burned down yet again within the year, and it relocated once more, this time to a building a few blocks away.

The brewery continued operations into the late 1950s, but suffered heavily from the country’s increasingly strong preference for the light lagers produced by the megabreweries.^[9] Whereas there had been more than 4,000 breweries at the turn of the twentieth century, only 70 remained by the 1960s.^[10]

Anchor shut its doors briefly in 1959, but was bought and reopened the following year.^[11] By 1965, however, it was doing so poorly that it nearly closed again. Anchor’s situation continued to deteriorate largely because the current owners lacked the expertise, equipment, and attention to cleanliness that were required to produce consistent batches of beer for commercial consumption. The brewery gained a reputation for producing sour, bad beer.^[12]

In 1965, Frederick Louis “Fritz” Maytag III bought the brewery, saving it from closure.^[13] He purchased 51 percent of the brewery for several thousand dollars, and later purchased the brewery outright.^[14] It moved to its current location near Potrero Hill in 1979.

……

In 1993, the company opened Anchor Distillery, a microdistillery in the same location as the brewery, and began making a single malt rye whiskey, named Old Potrero after the hill. In 1997, the microdistillery began producing gin, called Junípero—Spanish for juniper, and a reference to Fr. Junípero Serra, an important figure in San Francisco’s and California’s history. Recently they have also begun producing a Jenever style gin called Genevieve, using wheat, barley, rye, and the same herbal ingredients as their Junípero gin.

In 2010, Maytag sold the company to former Skyy vodka executives Keith Greggor and Tony Foglio, from Novato, California, who planned to expand Anchor’s business while keeping its commitment to artisan brewing.^[10] In 2013, the brewery launched Anchor California Lager, a re-creation of a historic Boca Brewing lager from the 1870s.^[25] The brewery also announced a major expansion plan at Pier 48 in the Mission Rock neighborhood near Oracle Park,^[26] which would expand Anchor’s maximum annual production capacity from 180,000 barrels to 680,000 barrels.^[26]

In 2014, Anchor officially announced Anchor IPA,^[27] the first India Pale Ale in the brewery’s history.^[1] Anchor ended production of its winter seasonal Bock in 2014^[28] and replaced it a year later with Anchor Winter Wheat.^[29]

In 2017, Anchor was purchased by Sapporo.^[30]

In 2019, Anchor Brewing workers voted by an almost 2-to-1 margin to join the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, making Anchor Brewing – including Anchor Public Taps, the brewery’s on-site brew pub – the first unionized craft brewery in the United States.^[31]

In 2021, Anchor Brewing announced a major makeover of their logo and beer labels. On the eve of their 125th birthday, the brewery replaced their vintage-looking labels with a large Anchor logo in a two-tone color schemes per beer. Most labels were not changed in decades or at all. The beer itself remained unchanged.

Anchor Brewing Company – History (Wikipedia)

Anchor Steam Beer in particular has survived fires, earthquakes, deaths of multiple owners, years of Prohibition, and threats of bankruptcy. Yet each and every time, this amber beer rose from the ashes.

Over 150 years, Anchor Brewing Company has evolved into a legendary brewery making many iconic beers.

But more so than any other, Anchor Steam Beer endured. This is the liquid gold that kept the pulse of this San Francisco brewery alive from the very beginning.

Surviving Earthquakes, Fire, Prohibition, and Near Bankruptcy: Anchor Brewing Has Run on ‘Steam’ for More than 125 Years – Hop Culture

For More Info on Anchor Brewing Company

The following comes from Untappd. Anchor Brewing Company is a Subsidiary of Sapporo Breweries, and is considered a macro brewery from San Francisco California. They have 341 unique beers and over 1.3 million ratings, with a global average rating of 3.52 (as of 7.12.23). Their Untappd description reads: Brewing hand-crafted beer in the heart of San Francisco since 1896.

You can follow them on these social media platforms:

• Anchor Brewing Company – Official Website
• Anchor Brewing Company – Instagram
• Anchor Brewing Company – Twitter
• Anchor Brewing Company – Facebook
• Anchor Brewing Company – Untappd

Brewery News

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

• Other Half Brewing Company Opening Friday 2.18.22 in Philadelphia
• Midwest Coast Brewery Opening
• Boulevard Presidents Steps Down Amidst Allegations
• Brewery Opening: Howling Henry’s (Hummelstown)
• Brewery Opening: Highway Manor (Camp Hill)
• Brewery Opening: Rotunda Brew Pub (Hershey)
• Is JB LoveDraft’s Opening a Brewery?
• Tattered Flag at Hollywood Casino – Grantville – Opening Their 5th Location
• JB LoveDraft’s Grand Opening (Mechanicsburg)
• ZeroDay Opens Their New Tap Room (Harrisburg)
• Victory Brewery Fire and Explosion (Kennett Square)
• Sign of the Horse Brewery is Expanding in Hanover (Taking Over the Old Miscreation Brewery)
• Brewery Tour: Couch Brewery (Pittsburgh)
• Brewery Visit: Mellow Mink (Mechanicsburg)
• A Sneak Peak at the new Rubber Soul Brewery (Hummelstown)
• Rubber Soul Grand Opening (Hummelstown)
• VooDoo Lancaster Closing
• River Bend Hop Farm and Brewery Closes
• Homaide Brewing Says Goodbye To Their First Home
• Grand Opening of Hemauer Brewing (Mechanicsburg)
• Rally Point Tap Room Opening – Cox Brewing Company – Elizabethtown
• Spigot Brewing Closes
• Full Pint Brewing Closes
• Night Shift Brewing Cancels Expansion
• Mikkeller Brewing NYC Closes Permanently
• Pilger Ruh Brewing Needs Your Help (Pottsville)
• Official BBQ (Pizza Boy Secondary Location) (Rutherford)
• Aslin Beer Co. Now Ships to Pennsylvania
• Boneshire Brew Works to Open Second Taproom in Harrisburg (Harrisburg)
• Aslin Beer Company Confirms Expanding to Pittsburgh
• Rural City Beer Company Coming to Beamstown PA
• Grand Opening of Forest and Main’s New Brewpub
• New Bells-gium – New Belgium Owned Company Buys Bell’s Brewery
• Human Robot Expanding to Jenkintown
• High Road Brewing Company Coming to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania in Summer 2022
• YAH Brewing’s First Can Drop
• RAR Brewing’s Star Wars Can Drop
• Arboretum Trail Brewing Company Opens Their Doors Tomorrow
• Macklin Brewing Company in Development
• Michaux Brewing Company Grand Opening
• Shy Bear Brewing Announces Two New Locations
• Newfangled Brew Works Announces Closure
• Fourscore Beer Company Celebrates Their 3rd Anniversary
• Penn Brewery Announces Sale and Owner’s Retirement
• Voodoo Brewing Company To Open Brewpub on North Shore of Pittsburgh – August 27th
• Truth Beer Company’s Grand Opening
• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery’s Grand New Location and Opening
• AleCraft Brewing Company Expands Into Pennsylvania
• Boneshire Brew Works Celebrates 6th Anniversary
• Funk Brewing Company – Elizabethtown Brewery – Fire
• Funk Brewing Company – Elizabethtown Brewery – Fire Update
• Victory Taproom in Kennett Square Re – Opens
• Pour Man’s Brewery Is Moving Their Tap Room
• Qatar Bans Alcohol Sales at World Cup 2022
• Second Sin Brewery Company Celebrates Third Anniversary
• Round Guys Brewing Company’s Brewpub in Lansdale is Getting a Revamp
• VK Brewing Officially Opens at Historic Ship Inn
• Rocket Frog Brewing Company Announces Closure on December 11th
• Co – Hops Brewery and Cannery Appears to be Closed
• Where to Watch the USA vs Netherlands World Cup Game – in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia
• Liquid Noise Brewing Company Announces the Show is Ending (Brewery Closure)
• Looks Like Homaide Brewing Company Might Be Done (January 2023)
• Old Soul Brewing Starting up in Waynesboro Pennsylvania
• Cox Brewing Company Returning to Their Roots
• Helping the Hemauer Family
• Cellar Works Brewing Closing Cooper Station
• Imprint Beer Company Unveils The GNARCADIUM
• Blueprint Brewing Company Announces Their Closing on March 31st
• Pilger Ruh Brewing is Expanding into Gettysburg
• Back Porch Brewing Grand Opening
• Jigsy’s Old Forge Pizza and Brewpub is Expanding into Hershey
• LoveDraft’s Brewery Sabotaged
• Homaide Brewing Company Resurfaces
• Sign of the Horse Brewery Announces Closure of Zeichen des Pferdes and Re – Branding
• Mount Gretna Craft Brewery in Palmyra Announces Closing Immediately
• The Englewood Announces Re – Opening
• AB InBev Closes Cleveland’s Platform Brewing Company
• Full Tit Brewing Closing
• Camp Hill Brewery – High Road Brewing – Plans Scrapped
• YAH Brew is Coming to Hershey in Spring 2023
• Bespoke Brewing Moving and Expanding
• BrewDog Pittsburgh Has Closed
• Isle of Que Brewing – The Que Brew Crew – Has Announced Their Closing
• Fermentery Form Announces Temporary Closure
• Separatist Beer Project Announces Temporary Closing of Both Locations
• Fermentery Form Cited for Failing Health Inspections
• Guinness Brewing is Closing Their Maryland Production Facility
• Cox Brewing Company Celebrates 8th Anniversary
• Human Robot Expands into the Schuylkill
• Despite Being Closed – Fermentery Form Selling Bottles Tomorrow
• Cape May Brewing Company Acquires Flying Fish Brewing Company
• Our Town Brewery Expanding into Philly
• Smoketown Creekside – Brewery Operations For Sale
• Founders Announce Closure of their Detroit Taproom
• The Bruery Store D.C. Is Closed
• Founders Brewing Company Sued for Racial Discrimination (Again) Just Before Detroit Taproom Shut Down
• Liquid Noise Brewing Company – New Ownership, New Beer, New Friends
• YAH Brew Grand Opening
• FX Matt Brewing Company Acquires Flying Dog Brewery
• The Beerded Goat Brewing Company Taking over the old NewFangled Brewery
• River Horse Brewing Company Acquires DuClaw Brewing Company
• Carbon Copy Brewing will be taking over Separatist Beer Project’s East Passyunk Location for the Summer
• Anchor Brewing Will No Longer Be Sold Nationally
• The First Hershey Beer and Music Festival Announced
• Cushwa Brewing Company Opening Second Location in Columbia Maryland
• Guinness Baltimore Blonde Beer Production Moving to New York
• Black Rock Brewing Company – Downtown Pottsville – Will Not Be Re – Opening
• Jim Thorpe Brewing Needs Your Support
• Cinderlands Foederhouse Temporary Closure
• Appalachian Brewing Company Coming Soon to Carlisle
• Tattered Flag Brewery and Distillery Is Up For Sale
• New Belgium Teams Up with Magic the Gathering for Vastwood Seer IPA
• Anchor Brewing Could Be Sold Tomorrow
• Anchor Brewing Company Ceasing Operations and Liquidating Business
• Brewery Closings – Archives
• Brewery Openings – Archives

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.

-B. Kline

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

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

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So this is a perfect place for a museum dedicated to the history of beer. (Just wish it was opened when I traveled through!) And this will definitely be a stopping point in a future visit to Pittsburgh.

The main presser reads: (dated December 3rd, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania): “Brew: The Museum of Beer’s plans to launch an exhibit on the Story of Beer in Pennsylvania in a downtown storefront were temporarily stymied by Covid-19 but, inspired by the creativity and perseverance of the region’s breweries and restaurants, Brew is forging ahead with an online exhibit of the Story of Beer in Pennsylvania. Supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the exhibit showcases the legacy and significance of Pennsylvania beer, from the origins of Penn’s Colony through the significant craft beer scene today.”

The event looks extremely interesting, as a person very interested in the history of beer (and history in general), as well as craft beer, and specifically Pennsylvania and the role beer has played in the Keystone State, this event looks very very very interesting to me, personally, as well as I’m sure it is to many of our readers out there.

The exhibit will include:

• Video interviews with many of Pennsylvania’s brewing pioneers, brewers, historians, and collectors
• An updated and expanded interactive map of all of Pennsylvania’s breweries as presented by BREW Museum (including pending breweries)
• A searchable list of the breweries and brewers who have won awards at Great American Beer Festival in the 21st Century
• A beer quiz to test your knowledge of Pennsylvania craft beer – the first 25 participants to finish (and score) will receive a prize

SEE – Pennsylvania’s 2020 GABF Award Winners.
SEE – Pennsylvania’s 2019 GABF Award Winners.

The presser continues: “To kick off the exhibit, Brew will have live presentations via Zoom by Brew founder Joe McAllister, brewer Paul Young, and special guest, Lauren M. Churilla, Curator, McCarl Coverlet Gallery and Lecturer of History at Saint Vincent College, who will be speaking about the first Benedictine brewery in the U.S. and the controversy it engendered in Latrobe, PA and around the world. The presentations will commence at 7:00 on Tuesday, December 15 and the exhibit will debut immediately thereafter. Once the site is live, the QR code below will take you directly to the exhibit site.”

So be sure to mark your calendars for December 15th (Tuesday) at 7:00PM (EST Time) to be able to visit the exhibit and attend the live zoom. Once its live, the QR code will be usable and will get you access.

The museum for BREW – The Museum of Beer has tons of information and links and ways you can help and support the museum, by donating or by buying merchandise. You can visit their site here: BREW – The Museum of Beer.

You can also follow them on their social media pages:

• Facebook – The Museum of Beer
• Instagram – Pittsburgh Museum of Beer
• Twitter – @BrewMuseum

Check them out, and be sure to like and follow them on their social pages to stay abreast of when their museum opens, when there will be new virtual tours or exhibits or interviews with brewers and brewery workers and brewery news. Check out their available merchandise and see if there’s anything to your liking, and help donate to get this great project up off the ground.

About Brew: The Museum of Beer – Brew: The Museum of Beer is a widely-anticipated Pittsburgh-based museum dedicated to the fascinating, 10,000-year-old story of beer, spanning beer’s role in the origins of civilization to the diversity and aspirations represented in the contemporary craft beer movement. Brew will be a must-see 50,000-square-foot complex capable of accommodating 400,000+ visitors per year. Aside from unique beer artifacts and exhibits, the multi million-dollar museum will also include a 300-seat brewpub, state-of-the art interactive technology, a large event space, gift store, and Beer Hall of Fame. The size and scope of Brew will be comparable to Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

I would like to thank Deborah Stueber for reaching out to me and sending the press release for the exhibit and their online opening.

As always everyone – thanks for reading, and visiting the blog. Please be careful and stay safe. Support your local craft breweries, as this week or the next, there might be new mandates, restrictions, and hardships pressed upon breweries (and bars, and businesses, and restaurants in general). So do what you can to help support each other. Give to food banks, give your time at shelters, do whatever you feel comfortable and able to help support your fellow man right now. We are all in this together – as much as that is a cliche, it is the truth. This week or the next might end up being very difficult for many of your favorite small breweries and businesses, be sure to support and show your support, so that they can stay open once this is all over.

-B. Kline

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, 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!

Be sure to check out our other articles on brewery openings:

• A Sneak Preview of Rubber Soul Brewing (Hummelstown)
• Midwest Coast Brewing Opens (Chicago)
• Rally Point – Cox Brewing Taproom Opens (Elizabethtown)
• Boneshire Brew Works to Open Second Taproom in Harrisburg (Harrisburg)
• Irv’s Pub Rebranded as Rotunda Brewing Pub (Hershey)
• Official BBQ (Pizza Boy Secondary Location) (Rutherford)
• The Grand Opening of Hemauer Brewing
• Pilger Ruh Brewing Needs Your Help (Pottsville)
• Highway Manor Brewing Co. (Camp Hill)
• Grand Opening: Rubber Soul Brewing Company (Hummelstown)
• Tap Room Opening: Howling Henry’s Brewery (Hummelstown)
• Little Fish Brewing Extending into Dayton
• Levity Brewing Expanding Taproom and Opening Second Location in Altoona
• BREW – The Museum of Beer

You can read about more brewery closures here:

• Stoudt’s Brewing Closing
• Crystal Ball Brewing Closes
• Voodoo Brewery Lancaster Closes
• Spigot Brewing Closes
• Full Pint Brewing Closes
• Night Shift Brewing Cancels Expansion
• Mikkeller Brewing NYC Closes Permanently

What makes this beer so unique? It’s a baked, raw ale.

The brewing session took just over ten hours to complete. When finished, this beer will closely resemble a cross between a brown ale and a barley-wine, but with much less bitterness. The body will be huge, and the aroma and flavor will be filled with deep toffee, caramel, and dried fruit (raisin) notes, accompanied by spicy phenolics from the Hornindal Kveik yeast.

According to Lars Marius Garshol, “keptinis is an ultra-obscure style of beer, made only by a few farmhouse brewers in north-eastern Lithuania, and by three commercial breweries. One being Ramunas Čižas, the other two being Dundulis and Kupiškio.” Craft breweries will struggle to make this style because of the amount of oven space required to bake large pans of wet malted barley mash, which is the signature process that makes this beer so unique.

Remember that this is a farmhouse beer. For centuries, farmers would set aside a portion of their grain, whether it was barley, rye or even oats, to brew the family beer, both for nourishment and celebration. Most had a separate small building on premise for the malting process, and the farmers understood this process well. The issue was that they rarely had a kiln, which is where the complex flavors, color and mouthfeel would come from. Specialized malt was expensive and hard to find, and a far distance away. The solution? Make a mash, then bake it at high temperatures to allow the maillard reaction to caramelize the sugars in the malt.

So let’s get into how my ten hour brew day went…

Knowing that the goal was to caramelize as much of the malt as possible, I lowered my mash liquid to malt ratio from 1.420 quarts/pound to an even 1 to 1, which made a thick mash. I mashed in with 15 pound of Viking Pale Malt, and five pounds of Viking Rye Malt.

After an hour in the mash at 156 degrees Fahrenheit, I poured the mash into four aluminum pans, and placed them on my outdoor grill at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. I was only able to fit half of my mash into the pans, so in the future I will need another baking solution to fit more volume. I highly recommend using the aluminum pans so you don’t ruin your good baking pans, and you can bend and peel the aluminum to get the bark-like malt out of the pans after the bake is complete.

The three pictures show my progress at one hour, two hours, and at the completion of three hours.The high temperatures boil the mash and release steam, reducing the liquid and therefore thickening the mash. Eventually, when most of the liquid boils off, the malt begins caramelizing.

After three hours, I pulled the pans from the heat, and added the now carmelized malt back to the mash, and recirculated the mash for another thirty minutes. Note in the picture you can see the varying degrees of carmelization, all which will provide unique flavors to the finished beer.

During recirculating, I also brought three gallons of water to a boil, and added two ounces of Northern Brewer Hops, making a hop tea. After recirculating the mash, as the recipe suggests I added the hop tea to the mash during the sparging process, which would bring earthy, spicy hop flavor and bitterness to the beer.

As I mentioned earlier, this is a raw beer, so the wort was never actually brought to a boil, but the wort did get collected at around 180 degrees F so we can assume any bad bacteria has been killed off and won’t effect the finished product.

Another note worth mentioning is that this was an intensely sticky mash, both from the carmelization and from the heavy use of rye. This made lautering and the collection of wort very difficult. I ended up collecting a half gallon less than anticipated…even after using boiling hot hop tea to sparge.

In the end, I collected four gallons of wort at a gravity of 1.082. The color was a deep amber, with tons of toffee and caramel flavor. I pitched the Hornindal Kveik yeast at 80 degrees F, and commenced cleanup. When I woke up this morning, less than 12 hours later the kveik yeast was doing its job and bubbling away. A successful keptinis brew day complete. Stand by for tasting notes when the beer is finished in a few weeks.

Happy National Homebrew Day!

Relax, have a homebrew!

Cheers!

Karl D. Larson