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A Pennsylvania Craft Beer Thanksgiving: Maple-Brown Ale Glazed Turkey (Featuring Troegs, Victory, and More)

B. Kline — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:14:12 +0000

A Pennsylvania Craft Beer Thanksgiving: Maple-Brown Ale Glazed Turkey (Featuring Troegs, Victory, and More)

Thanksgiving at The Beer Thrillers household usually means one thing: yes, the kids are arguing over who gets the wishbone, the pies are cooling on the counter, and the Macy’s parade is droning in the background — but most importantly, a Pennsylvania craft beer is getting cracked and poured into whatever dish I’m cooking. Because if you’re not using local beer in your holiday feast… what are you doing?

This year, we’re going with a full-on PA-powered centerpiece: a Maple–Brown Ale Glazed Turkey, roasted low and slow, basted in a malty, caramel-rich glaze made with one of Pennsylvania’s best fall beers: Troegs’ Troegenator Doppelbock or Victory’s Festbier (both work beautifully and are easy to find statewide). The result is a turkey that’s juicy, glossy, sweet, savory, and unapologetically Pennsylvanian.

Below is the complete recipe, along with a few craft-beer-pairing side suggestions to turn your Thanksgiving table into a full flight of PA brew goodness.

Maple–Brown Ale Glazed Turkey Recipe Card

For More Thanksgiving Themed Articles

See our other Thanksgiving themed articles:

What Did the Pilgrims Really Drink at the First Thanksgiving?
Munching on Some Thanksgiving Leftovers (Amy’s Column Series)
Recipe: Crispy Beer Roast Turkey (using Troegenator)

Maple–Brown Ale Glazed Turkey (Made with Pennsylvania Craft Beer)

Beer Recommendation

Pick one of these PA craft beers depending on your flavor goals:

Troegs Troegenator Doppelbock – Dark fruit, caramel, toffee; slightly sweet.
Perfect for a deep, rich, almost BBQ-like glaze.
Victory Festbier – Clean, bready, slightly sweet malt.
Lighter, more delicate, but still beautifully malty.
Weyerbacher Merry Monks – If you want a more Belgian, fruity twist.

For the recipe below, I’ll assume Troegenator, because very little says “Pennsylvania in November” more than that purple-labeled doppelbock.

Ingredients

The Turkey

1 whole turkey (12–16 lbs), thawed
2 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried sage
Olive oil or melted butter (2–3 tbsp)

Aromatics (for inside the turkey)

1 orange, quartered
1 small onion, halved
3–4 garlic cloves
Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage

The Beer–Maple Glaze

1 ½ cups Troegenator Doppelbock (or your PA beer of choice)
½ cup pure Pennsylvania maple syrup
¼ cup apple cider
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp butter
Pinch of salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Prep the Turkey

Remove giblets and pat the turkey dry.
Mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and sage.
Rub the turkey generously with olive oil or butter, then coat with the seasoning blend.
Stuff the cavity with the orange, onion, garlic, and herbs.
Place on a roasting rack in a large pan.

2. Make the Beer Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine Troegenator, maple syrup, cider, soy sauce, Dijon, and brown sugar.
Bring to a simmer and reduce by roughly one-third (about 15–20 minutes).
Whisk in the butter until glossy.
Remove from heat and set aside — it will thicken slightly as it cools.

This stuff smells like caramelized heaven. Resist the urge to drink it.

3. Roast the Turkey

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Roast the turkey uncovered for 1 hour.
Start basting with the beer glaze every 20–30 minutes.
Continue roasting until the internal temperature hits 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh (usually about 3–3.5 more hours).
If the bird is browning too quickly, tent with foil.

Your kitchen will smell like a brewery decided to host Thanksgiving. This is a good thing.

4. Finish & Rest

When the turkey reaches temp, remove from oven and let it rest 20–30 minutes before carving. Brush once more with warmed glaze for that Instagram-ready shine.

Flavor Notes (Because This Is The Beer Thrillers)

A Troegenator glaze gives you:

Deep caramelized sugar from the doppelbock malt
Notes of date, fig, and dark fruit
Rich mahogany color
A slightly sticky, sweet–savory crust
Incredible drippings for gravy

If you go with Victory Festbier instead, the turkey comes out lighter and more bready-malt forward — still spectacular, just less intense.

Suggested Pennsylvania Craft Beer Pairings

Serve your turkey with any of these PA craft beer gems:

Troegs Blizzard of Hops – juicy, bright, seasonal, balances the turkey’s sweetness
Neshaminy Creek Shape of Hops to Come – for hopheads who want bitterness with the rich glaze
Rotunda Cran-Gose (Annville) – tart, salty, and the sleeper hit of the meal
Imprint’s Schmoojee Cranberry variants – dessert in a glass, but pairs amazingly well

Bonus: “Beer in Every Side” Pairing Ideas

Because why stop at the turkey?

Hop-Infused Mashed Potatoes

Stir ½ cup of slightly warmed Troegs Sunshine Pilsner into your mashed potatoes with butter and cream — it adds a grassy, herbal brightness.

Brown Ale Stuffing

Use Lancaster Brewing’s Winter Warmer or Yards Brawler in your stuffing liquid. Absolute game-changer.

Stout Sweet Potatoes

Glaze roasted sweet potatoes with Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter (still PA! still craft-adjacent enough!). Chocolate + sweet potato = chef’s kiss. (If you have any left. They stopped making this two years ago. A good new substitute would be Troegs Chocolate Elf.)

Final Thoughts: A Thanksgiving Made the PA Way

If you’re a regular reader of The Beer Thrillers, you know that Pennsylvania isn’t just a craft beer state — it’s the craft beer state. From the giants (Tröegs, Victory, Yuengling) to the small-town killers (Boneshire Brew Workst, Rotunda, YAH Brew, Sworn Brewing, Sterling Pig, Forest & Main), the Commonwealth knows how to brew something for every season.

And Thanksgiving — with all its comfort, nostalgia, chaos, and warmth — is the perfect canvas to show off what Pennsylvania beer can do in the kitchen.

If you end up making this recipe, send pictures or tag us on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter. And let me know which PA beer you picked — I’m always curious what everyone’s pouring and cooking with.

Happy Thanksgiving, and cheers from The Beer Thrillers!

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Haunted Hops: Five Pennsylvania Craft Beers to Sip This Halloween

B. Kline — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 21:03:36 +0000

Haunted Hops: Five Pennsylvania Craft Beers to Sip This Halloween

As the leaves fall and the nights grow longer, it’s time to dive into the seasonal brews that bring all the thrills of October to your glass. For fans of craft beer and the spooky season, there’s no better time to explore Pennsylvania’s haunted-hops landscape. Below are five beers brewed by PA breweries that lean into Halloween vibes—names, labels, stories and all.

Pennsylvania Halloween Themed Beers (can art is our creation, for their labels see below)

1. Master of Pumpkins (2025) — Tröegs Independent Brewing (Hershey, PA)

Master of Pumpkins by Troegs Independent Brewing

One of Pennsylvania’s most iconic fall-season beers, Master of Pumpkins returns for 2025 with all its harvest-pumpkin glory. The Hershey-based Tröegs brewers source 3,000 lbs of Pennsylvania-grown longneck pumpkins every year, roast and purée them, then brew a rich, spiced ale that leans deep into autumn.

Abram-style: Sweet caramel malt backbone, pumpkin depth, spices (cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg) and at 7.5 % ABV, hearty enough for a brisk October night.

2. Young Pumpkinstein — Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company (Croydon, PA)

Young Pumpkinstein

A fun twist on the pumpkin-beer tradition: Young Pumpkinstein is described as a Märzen-style lager brewed with allspice, candied ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg, finishing dry yet spiced.
Specs: 5.2 % ABV, 23 IBU.

3. Michael Meyer’s Lemon IPA — Pizza Boy Brewing Co. (Enola, PA)

Pizza Boy’s Michael Myers Lemon IPA

Here’s a wild card on the Halloween list: a lemon-hazy IPA that uses horror theme branding to good effect. According to its description:

“Brewed with predacious amounts of oat and pilsner malt, fresh meyer lemon zest and a maniacal amount of Amarillo, Mosaic and NZ Motueka hops … Notes of supernatural citrus, blood stained everything, sharp knives and inside-out William Shatner masks.”
It clocks in at 6.66 % ABV.

4. Reaper’s Revenge Blood Orange & Pomegranate Ale — Wallenpaupack Brewing Company (PA)

Reaper’s Revenge by Wallenpaupack Brewing

Lending a hint of theatricality, this beer is tied to a haunted‐attraction experience and embraces the spooky side of fall. While I couldn’t find full specs, its marketing says:

“Just in time for the Halloween season … a beer that not only captures the essence of the season but … embodies the thrilling, hair-raising experience.” (via the brewery)
This beer joins the list to highlight a more theatrical style of Halloween craft brew—bold names, fruit twist (blood orange & pomegranate), an event tie-in. Great content for a blog segment like “Not just pumpkin: Halloween beers that think outside the Jack-O-lantern.”

5. Batch No. 666 — Appalachian Brewing Company (Harrisburg area, PA)

Batch 666 by Appalachian Brewing Company

Bringing classic Halloween flair: devilish name, dark-bronze hue, and a clear “in the spirit of Halloween” tagline. The brewery describes it as:

“Produced with 1,666 lbs of malt along with three 6 lb hop additions. The result is a dark bronze colored brew with tons of flavor, and a delightfully clean finish! Be careful, this one can sneak up on you and take you to the dark side. We’re sorry, the devil made us do it!”
Vintage/specs: Strong Ale / American style, 7.7 % ABV.

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When Washington Goes Dark: What the 2025 Federal Shutdown Means for Pennsylvania Breweries

B. Kline — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 23:32:10 +0000

When Washington Goes Dark: What the 2025 Federal Shutdown Means for Pennsylvania Breweries

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

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

The Government Shut Down and Pennsylvania Breweries (2025 Edition)

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

What triggered it

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

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

What functions continue (and why)

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

Processing excise tax returns that include remittance (i.e. payments)
Maintaining minimal computer / IT operations to avoid data loss or system collapse
Protecting statute expirations, liens, seizures, federal property — i.e. safeguarding legal and financial infrastructures
Criminal enforcement, to the extent required by statute, and operations that cannot legally pause

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

Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) reviews and approvals
Formula approvals
Brewer’s permit application or modification
Laboratory services and testing
Non-criminal investigations, audits, inspections
Administrative support, customer service, and non-statutory tasks

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

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

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

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

Why breweries are uniquely vulnerable

Regulatory dependency: Breweries must interact with TTB for label approvals, permit changes, formula permissions, and compliance oversight. When TTB pauses, breweries cannot legally launch new products or adjust existing ones.
Seasonal and specialty beer timing: Many breweries operate on tight windows: spring IPAs, summer sours, fall pumpkins, winter stouts. Any delay in approval can push a beer’s launch past its season, undermining marketing and sales.
Supply chain interlocking: Ingredient imports, yeast procurement, packaging changes (if new label art or recipes), and logistics are often timed to regulatory clearance. Delays there cascade into production and distribution.
Margin sensitivity: Craft breweries typically run lean. A few weeks of delay can jeopardize cash flow, especially for smaller operations without deep reserves.
Three-tier distribution pressures: Because craft brewers often must move through distributors and retailers, downstream partners expect timely delivery. A delay in one link (label approval) can stall the entire path.

Recent shutdowns as precedent

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

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

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

Distillers, winemakers, and crossover impacts

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

Distillers see the same freeze on label and formula approvals during shutdowns.
The wine industry notes that permit and label processing stops entirely, though excise payment functions remain.
The broader hospitality sector feels the ripple: delayed new product releases, fewer SKUs entering the market, and slowed innovation.

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

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

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

The state’s brewing landscape (pre-shutdown)

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

Pennsylvania ranks among the top states in craft beer production and economic impact.
As of 2023/2024, the craft beer industry in PA contributed billions to state economies, with strong volumes.
However, 2024 saw some contraction: some of PA’s larger craft breweries reported sales declines, and at least 18 breweries closed in the state.
The craft boom in PA has also been tempered by saturation, competition, and broader market pressures.
Additionally, in 2025, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (a multi-location brewpub chain that included ten in PA) abruptly closed all locations, citing financial challenges.

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

Local precedents: how past shutdowns affected PA brewers

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

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

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

What’s different in 2025

Larger scale and more sophistication: Some PA breweries now operate regionally or nationally and often have tighter supply chains, making delays more damaging.
Slimming margins: With recent sales declines and closures, many breweries may not have much buffer.
Distribution complexity: Breweries supplying interstate markets will be directly hit if TTB doesn’t approve labels for out-of-state distribution.
Connected local networks: PA breweries often collaborate, co-brew, or share resources. Therefore, a shock to one node can affect others.
Media attention and local demand: As beer tourism picks up, local reputation matters. Delays or canceled launches may erode consumer trust.

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

Best positioned:

Large, vertically integrated breweries
For example, D.G. Yuengling & Son, with deep reserves, long operating history, and diversified operations, is better able to weather temporary disruptions. (Though even they are not immune—2024 saw an 8% sales drop for Yuengling.)
Breweries with stable, ongoing SKUs
Brewers whose core lineup dominates their sales are less reliant on frequent label tweaks or seasonal launches.
Breweries with local focus
Breweries that sell primarily within Pennsylvania and whose distribution doesn’t cross state lines may be less exposed to label/distribution bottlenecks.
Those with compliance and regulatory foresight
Breweries that preemptively processed label changes, modular formula options, or prepared alternate versions may be more resilient.
Cash-rich or well-funded operations
The ones with financial reserves to absorb a few weeks (or even months) of stalled product launches.

Most vulnerable:

Small startups and taproom-centric breweries
New breweries relying on label and permit approval to launch or move beyond taproom sales could face crippling delays.
Breweries with heavy seasonal catalogs
Those whose revenue depends heavily on limited releases (e.g. fall pumpkin ales) are in the crosshairs.
Breweries with narrow margins
Those already struggling with rising costs, labor pressure, or debt burden will feel immediate financial strain.
Operators with heavy interstate distribution
If their label approvals are stalled, they can’t ship new beers out of state, which may suppress growth or demand.

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

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

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

2019–2020 shutdowns and craft beer

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

The TTB essentially stopped approving new labels, formulas, and permits. Breweries were left waiting.
In the Philadelphia region, breweries canceled or delayed seasonal launches.
Some breweries reportedly had beer languishing in tanks because they couldn’t legally bring it to market.

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

Shutdowns during the Trump era & industry behavior

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

Some breweries adopted strategies like:

Pre-submitting all anticipated label filings before seasonal cycles
Buffering product inventory before expected shutdown windows
Avoiding reliance on narrow release windows near the edges of regulatory cycles

These behavioral adaptations are relevant now as well.

Broader regulatory and enforcement shutdown history

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

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

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

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

Pre-shutdown preparedness (ideally before the lapse)

File early and often
Submit label changes, formula modifications, and permit adjustments before the funding cutoff—if possible.
Submit “scalable” or modular label/ formula alternatives
If your process allows, pre-file alternate labels or versions that require minimal changes so that small tweaks may sail through or avoid major rejections later.
Stock up buffer inventory
For key seasonal or high-margin beers, produce extra in advance so you have something to market while new releases are stalled.
Reserve critical raw materials
If import or customs delays might arise, have extra hops, yeast, adjuncts, or packaging materials in hand.
Tighten compliance and audits now
Make sure all existing labels, formulations, ingredients, and documentation are in order to minimize risk of regulatory flags when oversight resumes.
Stress test cash flow
Model scenarios: what if launches are delayed two months? What if some SKUs are stuck? Understand worst-case margins.
Engage with trade organizations
The Brewers Association, state brewer groups, and regional alliances can lobby, share intelligence, and amplify impact.

During the shutdown: defensive operations

Pause new launches
Don’t start marketing or production of new SKUs intended for release until the regulatory path clears.
Pivot focus to core SKUs and taproom sales
Double down on what you already can sell legally without needing new approvals.
Communicate carefully
Let distributors, retailers, and customers know there may be delays—maintaining goodwill is crucial.
Monitor federal announcements
Stay abreast of TTB, Treasury, and Congressional developments via official portals and trade newsletters.
Document everything
Track submission dates, label versions, formula data, correspondence—so when the agency reopens, you have clear records.
Plan for extended backlog
Anticipate that even after funding returns, approvals may be slow. Prioritize essential filings first and consider triaging less critical ones.
Explore intra-state sales or local channels
If possible under state law, sell more directly to local consumers or use taproom strength to offset distribution delays.

Post-shutdown: recovery & catch-up

Push prioritized filings immediately
As soon as TTB reopens, move critical filings (seasonal releases, revenue drivers) to the head of the queue.
Reconfirm submissions
Sometimes, during the pause, systems or databases may lose synchronization—confirm that your filings are intact.
Negotiate with distributors/retailers
Get buy-in for staggered delivery or alternate SKUs while the label queue clears.
Leverage marketing flexibility
Use the delay period to ramp up pre-launch hype so that once you’re cleared, demand is ready.
Learn and adapt
Use the shutdown experience to revise your regulatory strategy for future cycles.

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

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

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

Legacy scale & capital reserves: As the oldest brewery in America, Yuengling has operational depth and financial strength.
Core SKU dominance: They rely heavily on flagship beers, less frequent branding shifts, and have strong name recognition.
Vertical infrastructure: Large operations, distribution networks, and buffer capacity give flexibility.
Community and brand loyalty: Their historic brand status gives them a cushion when marketing or new SKUs stall.

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

Tröegs Independent Brewing (Hershey, PA)

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

Pittsburgh Brewing / Iron City

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

Mid-sized regional brewers

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

Taproom / direct-sales centric brewers

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

Traits to emulate (beyond names)

Advance filing discipline
Modular product planning
Cash buffer and financial flexibility
Strong local consumer support
Robust taproom and direct-to-consumer channels
Agile marketing and pipeline coordination

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

7. Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Sources

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

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The Top 5 Oktoberfest Beers in Pennsylvania

B. Kline — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 15:11:56 +0000

The Top 5 Oktoberfest Beers in Pennsylvania

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

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

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

The Top 5 Oktoberfest Beers in Pensnylvania Are….

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

1. Tröegs Oktoberfest Lager (Hershey, PA)

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

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

2. Human Robot Festbier (Philadelphia, PA)

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

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

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

3. Victory Festbier (Downingtown, PA)

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

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

4. Boneshire Brew Works Pigtoberfest (Harrisburg, PA)

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

5. Penn Brewery Oktoberfest (Pittsburgh, PA)

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

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

Honorable Mentions 🍂

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

Love City Brewing – Love Fest (Philadelphia): Weyermann malts give it a nutty, bready character with a kiss of caramel sweetness.
Neshaminy Creek – Creekfestbier (Croydon): Toasty, crisp, and bone-dry—a Festbier lover’s dream.
Sly Fox Brewing – Oktoberfest Lager (Malvern): Caramel and spice on the nose, crisp and malty on the palate. A yearly favorite.
Yuengling Oktoberfest (Pottsville, PA): Crisp large scale Oktoberfest

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

See More Articles About Fall and Pumpkin Beers

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Beer Review: Leaf Seeker IPA (Troegs Independent Brewing)

B. Kline — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 21:53:31 +0000

Beer Review: Leaf Seeker IPA by Troegs Independent Brewing

Happy National IPA Day, everyone!

You know, there’s no shortage of IPAs in the world. From the hazy juice bombs of New England to the palate-wrecking resin bombs of the early West Coast era, we’ve seen the IPA evolve into a hundred sub-styles and “IPA-adjacent” beers. But every once in a while, a brewery takes a classic template, sharpens the edges, and gives you something that makes you remember why you fell in love with hops in the first place.

For me this National IPA Day, that beer is Leaf Seeker IPA from Tröegs Independent Brewing.

I got to try this for the first time at Ffej of July just a few weeks ago, and went out and got me a can of it, it definitely deserved to be drank again!

(See our article: Troegs Brewing Releases Leaf Seeker IPA to Replace Hopora)

Leaf Seeker IPA by Troegs Independent Brewing

Beer Review

Leaf Seeker is replacing Hopora in the Troegs Brewing release schedule. Let’s see if it lives up to the replacement and deserves its own spot on the calendar!

First Impressions

Crack open the can, and it’s like you’ve just walked into a Pacific Northwest hop farm mid-harvest — dank pine needles under your nose, sticky citrus oils clinging in the air. The pour is a crystal-clear golden amber, with a lively white head that sticks around just long enough to leave a lace map of your drinking pace. No haze, no murk — this is a beer that wears its West Coast style on its sleeve.

Aroma & Flavor

Leaf Seeker IPA is all about balance without losing the bite. The aroma jumps with bright grapefruit, orange zest, and mango from the Citra and El Dorado hops, grounded by earthy, resinous pine from Chinook and CTZ. The first sip leans crisp and bitter up front — a throwback bitterness that makes your tongue sit up straight — but the bitterness doesn’t bulldoze. The malt backbone, courtesy of Pilsner and Vienna malts, keeps things grounded with a lightly biscuity sweetness that fades into a dry, lingering finish.

It’s 6.4% ABV, but drinks lighter, thanks to a snappy, clean body. That’s dangerous on a warm August afternoon.

Seasonal Vibes

Leaf Seeker is a fall seasonal, but it’s debuting just in time to bridge the gap between late summer patio sipping and crisp autumn evenings. I can already picture drinking this while watching the leaves just start to turn, hoodie on, fire pit crackling. The name isn’t just clever branding — it feels like the kind of beer you’d bring along on a road trip through the Appalachian backroads when the foliage hits peak.

National IPA Day Context

Today is National IPA Day, so I’ve been running through my mental catalog of IPAs I’ve loved over the years — Heady Topper, Pliny, Bell’s Two Hearted, Tröegs’ own Perpetual. Leaf Seeker doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it polishes it until it shines. It’s proof that a clear, bitter, West Coast IPA still has a place in 2025, even in a haze-heavy market.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a clean, hop-forward, no-nonsense IPA with just enough nuance to keep it modern, Leaf Seeker should be on your radar. On National IPA Day, it feels fitting to celebrate with a beer that respects the roots of the style while still feeling fresh and relevant.

Untappd Rating: 3.75 / 5 – Crisp, piney, citrusy, and a perfect seasonal sipper.
Global Untappd Rating: 3.83 (as of 8.7.25)
Would I Drink Again? Absolutely — especially outdoors in the fall.

For More Information on Troegs Independent Craft Brewing

According to Untappd, Troegs Independent Craft Brewing is a regional brewery with 164 unique beers listed (despite their being over 500 Scratches). (A lot of vintage and variants get consolidated into single unique listings as well.) They have 2.4 Million ratings and a global average rating of 3.79 (as of 8.7.25). Their Untappd bio reads:

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

You can find them at the following social media pages:

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Seven Harrisburg – Hershey Area Breweries Come Together to Bring Back the 717 Collaboration Beer

B. Kline — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 23:36:09 +0000

Seven Harrisburg – Hershey Area Breweries Come Together to Bring Back the 717 Collaboration Beer

(The following is a press release.)

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

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

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

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

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

The Resurrection of the 717 Collaboration Beer

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

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

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

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

-Hannah Ison, Director of Brewing Operations at Zeroday

Distribution

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

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

Troegs Related Articles

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

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Leaf Seeker IPA: Tröegs Brewing’s Bold New West Coast-Style Seasonal Beer

B. Kline — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:20:22 +0000

Leaf Seeker IPA: Tröegs Brewing’s Bold New West Coast-Style Seasonal Beer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– John Trogner

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

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

Availability

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

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

Perpetual IPA
Graffiti Highway IPA
Leaf Seeker IPA
Forthcoming Oktoberfest Lager

Want to find Tröegs beers near you?

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

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

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

– Troegs Blog: Leaf Seeker IPA Release

For More Information on Troegs Independent Craft Brewing

You can find them at the following social media pages:

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The Beer Thrillers: Best Beer Reviews Roundup

B. Kline — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 00:14:16 +0000

The Beer Thrillers: Best Beer Reviews Roundup

As we reflect on another year of hops, malt, and unforgettable pours, it’s time to highlight some of our favorite beer reviews on The Beer Thrillers. Whether it’s seasonal delights, homebrewing adventures, or killer collaborations, these reviews capture the spirit of craft beer and the community behind it.

The Beer Thrillers: Beer Review Roundup

🌧️ Storm the Field – Tröegs Independent Brewing

This review hit home in more ways than one. A tribute to local sports culture and the Pennsylvania brewing scene, this beer combined citrusy brightness with clean bitterness and nostalgic vibes. With Tröegs being a regional juggernaut, this review blended personal insight, sharp tasting notes, and regional pride. A fan favorite.
Read the full review → Storm the Field

🌽 Hocktoberfest – Sterling Pig Brewery

Our deep dive into Sterling Pig’s Oktoberfest-style lager was as flavorful as the beer itself. Combining BBQ, malt-forward notes, and Philly-area love, this review celebrated local flavor in every sense. We especially loved how the pun-heavy branding paired with the beer’s clean, biscuity body and subtle caramel finish.
Read the full review → Hocktoberfest

🎃 Chocolate Pumpkin Stout – Homebrew Review

Sometimes the best beers are brewed at home. Our review of a rich, decadent chocolate pumpkin stout explored the joys (and quirks) of homebrewing. With roasted malt complexity, seasonal spice, and dark chocolate depth, this one proved that even DIY beers can steal the spotlight.
Read the full review → Chocolate Pumpkin Stout

⚾️ MLB Ballpark Craft Beer Guide

While not a traditional review, this post became one of our most-read articles. By matching craft breweries with MLB stadiums, we offered readers an all-star lineup of beers to enjoy across the country. Quick-hit tasting notes, brewery highlights, and practical travel insights made this one a grand slam.
Read the full article → The Closest and Best Brewery Near Every MLB Ballpark

👻 Juicin’ Voorhees – Pariah Brewing Company

Released on Friday the 13th, our horror-themed review of this hazy DIPA was as fun to write as it was to drink. With juicy peach, grapefruit bite, and a smooth finish, this 8.1% ABV beer slashed expectations. Our Jason Voorhees tribute made for a seasonal standout with hop-head flair.
Read the full review → Juicin’ Voorhees

⛰️ Pocono Punch – Barley Creek Brewing

Amy’s wonderful review of Barley Creek Brewing’s Pocono Punch.
Read the full article → Pocono Punch

We’ll raise a glass to another year of beers, cheers, and clear, thoughtful reviews. Whether it’s a humble homebrew or a hard-to-find hazy, we’ll keep drinking, writing, and sharing the stories that make craft beer more than just a beverage.

Got a favorite we missed? Drop us a comment or tag us on Instagram – we’re always thirsty for suggestions!

Cheers from The Beer Thrillers.

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Nimble Giant 2025 Release Date

B. Kline — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 19:02:17 +0000

Nimble Giant is Set to Return

On June 5th, 2025; the Giant is set to make its much awaited return.

Nimble Giant (photo courtesy of Troegs Independent Brewing)

Tröegs Unleashes the Return of Nimble Giant Double IPA

Tröegs Independent Brewing has officially brought back one of its most sought-after seasonal beers — the bold and juicy Nimble Giant Double IPA.

Brewed just once a year, Nimble Giant is a fan favorite that rivals Tröegs’ iconic Mad Elf in the hype it builds leading up to its release. This limited-release Double IPA is now hitting shelves and draft lines across the brewery’s distribution network.

The beer’s journey began in the experimental Scratch Series, where Tröegs brewers first explored the layered complexity of Mosaic hops. It was during these small-batch tests that the ideal hop trio took shape.

“We loved our earliest trials with Mosaic,” says John Trogner, Tröegs brewmaster and co-founding brother. “But when we started dry-hopping with Mosaic and Simcoe together, we knew we had something special. Once we brought Azacca into the mix, it clicked — and we couldn’t turn back.” Weighing in at 9% ABV, Nimble Giant is a showcase of hop expression and balance. Expect vibrant notes of tropical fruit, pine resin, and honeysuckle, all built on a smooth base of pilsner and Vienna malts that give the beer its rich amber-orange color and silky body.

With an “Outstanding” rating on BeerAdvocate and regular top-10 appearances on Untappd’s trending list, Nimble Giant continues to impress both critics and hopheads alike.

This annual release is now available in 16-ounce cans and on draft wherever Tröegs beer is sold. Nimble Giant is available on draft and in 16-oz. cans across the brewery’s entire distribution footprint. To track down Nimble Giant near you, visit the Tröegs Brew Finder.

For More Information on Troegs Independent Craft Brewing

You can find them at the following social media pages:

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Those Beers With My Mom (Happy Mother’s Day)

AmyMWolfe — Sun, 11 May 2025 12:46:35 +0000

Those beers with my Mom

Grandma SueAnn being silly at Sworn Brewing

Happy Mother’s Day

I hope my mom knows she is my best friend and my best beer drinking friend! We could literally enjoy any beverage together and it would be a great time. Well, except rum, Grandma SueAnn can’t do rum anymore.

Ben recently joined me on a work trip and Grandma SueAnn was gracious enough to help out with Scarlet while we enjoyed a couple days away before the work trip. For taking on such a worthy task we, of course, brought her home a selection of beers from our trip.

We started off at RAR Brewing (see my article: May the Fourth Be With You – From a Non a Star Wars Lover at RAR Brewing’s Star Wars Fest), and made our way to Macklin Brewing in the evening. We thought of her often while perusing the crafts and art for sale amongst the street fair May the 4^th be with you but on the 3^rd. That street festival would have been Grandma SueAnn’s vibe. And then in the evening chilling at Macklin Brewery, a completely different tone than the street fair, while chatting with some other brewery goers would have fit her vibe just the same.

Saturday we visited Big Oyster Brewery, Misspillion River Brewing, First State Brewing Company, JAKL Beer Works and Crooked Hammock Brewery.

(See our Instagram to follow along with all of our adventures visiting breweries – The Beer Thrillers on Instagram)

Before we left Big Oyster Brewery I knew we were grabbing a 4pack to go. We decided to grab Pillars of Dankness. It is a delicious IPA that comes in at 7% ABV and has a 3.92 rating on Untapped. Pillars of Dankness is as juicy as it is hazy. You are completely lost in the hazy IPA takeover but there is an over silky pillow like softness that slowly settles you down to get ready for the next sip.

Grandma SueAnn would have loved First State Brewing. I am not entirely sure if she would have played Exploding Kittens with us, but sipping that flight and munching on the poutine would have done the trick. We picked up a crowler of the Vibrant Beats from First State Brewing. We already knew we were indebted to Grandma SueAnn for helping with Scarlet so we knew this was one of the brews to take home. She is a lover of the Belgium tripels. It comes in at 10% ABV and has a 3.94 overall rating on Untapped. It is described as a “blend of Antique Beats (Barrel Aged Barleywine) and vibrant Thoughts (Barrel Aged Belgium Tripel with Peach). We split this crowler with her on our second night home and paired it pizza, chicken boli and chef salad. Vibrant Beats has just a hint of booziness but it quickly grabs your attention with a slight fruity flavor with some maltiness and finishes with a sweet honey taste. We definitely recommend Vibrant Beats and check out the First State Brewing Company. (See our Instagram post here.)

First State Beer and Boli

We ended our evening at Crooked Hammock. We walked in thinking this would be a snack and a flight. Our waitress was so excited about the food and beverage selections we found ourselves ordering a flight, the street corn fries and the Papa Pig Burger. Our waitress absolutely helped make the visit very exciting but the food was amazing We stuffed ourselves but still only ate half of the food. Leftovers are great so don’t worry, we polished those off. But the flight was awesome. We ended up going with the Banana Hammock in a 4pack to split with Grandma SueAnn, since we now have purchased more beer. This 15% ABV Belgian Quadrupel was not boozy tasting and felt very sneaky. We recommend trying this one AT home kids. This has a surprising 3.73% rating on untapped, I thought for sure it would have an average of 4.0 or higher. This one is sneaky and smooth at the same time. It is, as Josh would call it, a big damn beer #BDB It has a beautiful amber color and, of course, has some banana flavor to it. But more of a caramelized banana flavor that still has the spicy Belgian yeast behind it. I can’t wait to drink this one on a hammock

I know my mom would vibe any each and every one of these breweries with us! Visiting a brewery is meant to be a fun and comfortable visit. Some of our fav brewery visits together have been Sworn, Troegs, Boneshire Breworks, YAH Brew and Evergrain. Grandma SueAnn has gotten to visit several breweries now with us, her list is ever growing and we definitely want to get her to more, like Fourscore Beer Co, and more in the area!

Grandma SueAnn has been to Our Town Brewery, Boneshire Brew Works, YAH Brew, Troegs Independent Craft Brewing, Ever Grain Brewing, Sworn Brewing, Official BBQ and Brewing; and she has enjoyed them all. Can’t wait for more adventures with Grandma SueAnn at breweries!

Below you can find pictures with Grandma SueAnn at each of the breweries. (The article would obviously be in remiss if we didn’t post pictures of her drinking!) As well as at her favorite place to drink — at home!

Official BBQ

We took Grandma SueAnn here to celebrate a birthday, she loved the beer, the food, and the gifts.

SueAnn at Official BBQ

Boneshire Brew Works

We got to take SueAnn to Boneshire Brew Works while Scarlet was just little yet, she enjoyed a flight and had a wonderful time hanging out with us.

SueAnn, Scarlet, Amy, and Ben at Boneshire Brew Works

Troegs Independent Craft Brewing

SueAnn came with to hang out for a Fall Fest at Troegs Brewing, we had the soft pretzel, the charcuterie and a few tasty fall beers.

Grandma SueAnn at Troegs Brewing for the Fall Fest

YAH Brew

We visited YAH Brew soon after they opened. Grandma SueAnn loved the atmosphere and the beer.

Grandma SueAnn enjoying a beer at YAH Brew

Ever Grain Brewing

SueAnn came out with me for a work event (Alzheimer’s Association) at the Ever Grain Brewing. She is always so supportive… especially if there’s beer involved!

SueAnn and Amy at Ever Grain Brewing

Sworn Brewing

After the work event at Ever Grain, how could we pass up stopping over at Sworn Brewing? Grandma SueAnn had heard so much about it and wanted to get in on those fantastic IPAs!

Grandma SueAnn being silly at Sworn Brewing

Our Town Brewery

Another work event brought Grandma SueAnn and I out to Lancaster. So of course…. Our Town is right there, and we had to get in on it. Grandma SueAnn decided to give the beers ‘bunny ears’ for my picture!

Our beers at Our Town Brewery (and Grandma SueAnn’s ‘bunny ears’)

Drinking at Home

Grandma SueAnn loves to ‘get down’ with some beers at home. After work, we love popping over to Grandma’s, having a beer or two to relax while Scarlet runs about the room playing. Its a great way to unwind from the long day and get to catch up with mom, enjoy some shared beer, and maybe even a great dinner to boot. She’s been featured in a few of my articles for our beer sharing:

Thanks for reading! Take your mom to a brewery, you are the reason she drinks. Happy Mother’s Day!

Drink More Beer!
- Amy

Editor’s Add – On

Ben here, jumping on. I can’t let Amy post a Mother’s Day article without adding how much I love, appreciate, and respect, her hard work, dedication, and effort as a mother. She is an amazing mother and is always so wonderful, loving, caring, and doing a fantastic job of raising Scarlet. As well as being an absolutely fabulous bonus mother to my older three girls. So I want to wish Amy an above and beyond, extraordinary Mother’s Day. And I want to extend that to my own mother, and to everyone else’s mothers who have played such a pivotal role in their lives. As well as to all the mothers out there reading this article. Happy Mother’s Day everyone! Remember, you are the reason she can’t jump on a trampoline anymore – so let her enjoy some good craft beers today!

-Ben

Amy’s Column Series

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