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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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Craft Beer and Election Day: Sipping Democracy in 2024

B. Kline — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:00:13 +0000

Craft Beer and Election Day: Sipping Democracy in 2024

Liberty Ale by Anchor Steam Brewing – a truly patriotic brew.

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, craft breweries across the nation are once again tapping into the political spirit with creative, election-themed brews. These special releases not only celebrate our democratic process but also provide beer enthusiasts with unique flavors to savor while awaiting election results. Let’s explore some of the most interesting election-inspired craft beers you can enjoy this November.

Pliny for President: A Hoppy Contender

Russian River Brewing Company, known for its iconic Pliny the Elder, has been “running” Pliny for President every election year since 2004. For the 2024 election cycle, they’ve developed a new recipe that’s sure to win over hop lovers:

Style: Triple Dry-Hopped IPA
ABV: 7%
Flavor Profile: Strong notes of stone fruit, tropical flavors, citrus, pine, and resin
Availability: Multiple batches throughout 2024, starting December 12, 2023

This special brew showcases Russian River’s commitment to both quality craft beer and engaging with the political process in a lighthearted way.

(See our beer review on Pliny the Elder.)

Bipartisan Brews: Uniting Beer Lovers Across Party Lines

Beer and Patriotism

Several breweries have created beers that playfully reference both major political parties, allowing drinkers to enjoy a cold one regardless of their political leanings:

The U.N.I.T.Y. by 1310 Kitchen & Bar (Washington, D.C.)

This election special, named after Queen Latifah’s song, aims to bring people together over a shared love of craft beer.

Purple Patch’s Sherry Week Specials

Coinciding with Election Day, this Filipino restaurant in Washington, D.C. offers $8 or $10 pours of specialty sherries, providing a sophisticated alternative to beer while watching election coverage.

Politically Charged Pints

Some breweries use their beers to make more direct political statements or engage voters:

The 270 Challenge at Royal Sands (Washington, D.C.)

This clever promotion ties into the electoral college:

Offering Blue, Red, and Purple themed drinks
If 270 drinks are sold by the end of the night (representing the electoral votes needed to win the presidency), the entire bar receives a round of shots
Starts at 5 p.m. on Election Day

Responsible Drinking on Election Day

While these election-themed beers add a fun element to the political process, it’s crucial to remember the importance of responsible consumption, especially on Election Day. Many bars and restaurants are offering special promotions to encourage civic participation:

Dirty Water (Washington, D.C.): 10% off for showing your “I Voted” sticker
Midlands Beer Garden (Washington, D.C.): $5 beers all night while showing election results on all TVs
Whitlow’s (Washington, D.C.): $5 Bud Light drafts and $8 Front Porch Rocker Teas

Craft Beer’s Role in Political Engagement

The trend of election-themed craft beers highlights how the brewing industry can play a unique role in political engagement. By creating these special releases, breweries:

Encourage political awareness and participation
Provide a common ground for people with different political views
Add a touch of levity to what can be a tense political climate

Voting Themed Beers

Second Sin Brewing’s “I Voted for Kang” and “I Voted for Kodos”

Second Sin Brewing released two beers – “I Voted for Kang” and “I Voted for Kodos”.

I Voted Today by Tired Hands

I Voted Today – Tired Hands

Brews and Ballots: How Beer is Shaping the 2024 Election

As the 2024 election approaches, craft breweries are tapping into the political zeitgeist with creative, election-themed beers. This trend has been fueled by recent high-profile moments connecting politicians and beer culture.

Vice President Kamala Harris made waves during her appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” by cracking open a can of Miller High Life. This strategic choice not only connected her with everyday Americans but also highlighted Wisconsin’s brewing heritage, a key swing state in the upcoming election, Harris’s beer moment has inspired local breweries to consider creating their own “High Life” themed brews for Election Day parties.

Meanwhile, Ohio Senate candidate JD Vance went viral with a campaign video featuring him holding a six-pack of Old Style beer. His catchy tagline, “Make Six Packs Great Again,” tapped into the cultural significance of beer in American social life. This clever marketing could inspire breweries to create limited-edition beers that play off political themes during election seasons.

The concept of “beer polls” has also gained traction, where voters express their candidate preference based on who they’d rather share a drink with. Recent polls suggest more voters would prefer to have a beer with Kamala Harris over Donald Trump, showcasing how beer can be intertwined with political likability.

Savvy breweries are capitalizing on this trend by creating special labels or events themed around these findings. As Election Day approaches, craft beer enthusiasts can expect to see more politically-inspired brews hitting the taps. Whether you’re toasting to democracy or drowning your political sorrows, there’s sure to be a craft beer that speaks to your political palate. Just remember to drink responsibly, especially before heading to the polls!

Conclusion: Toasting to Democracy

Whether you’re celebrating a win, commiserating a loss, or simply participating in the democratic process, there’s likely an election-themed craft beer to suit your taste. As you enjoy these creative brews, remember that the true spirit of Election Day lies in exercising your right to vote and participating in our democracy. So raise a glass to the American political process, savor the craftsmanship of these election-inspired beers, and most importantly, make your voice heard at the ballot box. Cheers to democracy and great craft beer!

You can find lots of fun Instagram posts of people decking themselves out in gear and regalia for the voting and for the drinking, like Stouts and Stilletos Instagram post. Obviously also; there’s just a ton of vitriol and political annoyances on Instagram as well (albeit far less than on Facebook or Twitter) so be weary. Also, as always, beer and Instagram tends to lean towards a lot of “posting for the algorithm” of women in revealing outfits, so be forewarned about that as well.

As you gather with friends and family to discuss the issues that matter most to you, let these craft beers serve as conversation starters. Each sip can spark discussions about policies, candidates, and the future of our nation. Supporting local breweries not only enhances your voting experience but also strengthens community ties. Many breweries are hosting events that encourage civic engagement, offering discounts for those who show their “I Voted” stickers or organizing watch parties for election coverage. This Election Day, take a moment to reflect on the power of your vote and the role that craft beer plays in fostering community spirit. The act of voting is a celebration of freedom and choice, much like selecting your favorite brew from a diverse tap list. So whether you’re sipping an IPA with friends or enjoying a stout while watching the results roll in, remember that each beer has its own story—just like each voter has their own voice. Let’s raise our glasses not just to the beers we love but to the democracy we cherish. Cheers! Cheers to democracy and great craft beer!

(PS: We voted today. Was number 200 at 8:30 AM at our small town voting district. You can check out our Instagram to see our ‘I Voted’ Post.) (Instagram: The_Beer_Thrillers)

All of Our Nerd Content

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I know ya’ll here for the nerd reviews. So check out our other nerd reviews below:

Star Wars:

Futurama

Lord of the Rings:

Magic the Gathering:

New Belgium Teams Up with Magic the Gathering for Vastwood Seer IPA

Heroes of Barcadia:

Rollacrit Partners with Voodoo Ranger IPA for New Kickstarter, Heroes of Barcadia: Heroes for Hire Tabletop Game

Zelda:

Rick and Morty:

Beer Review: Peace Among Worlds (Cushwa Brewing Company)

Space Balls:

Beer Review: Moon of Vega (Equilibrium Brewery)

Game of Thrones:

The Simpsons:

Back to the Future:

Beer Review: Back to Reality (Three 3s Brewing Co)

Scrooged:

Beer Review: Scrooge IPA (Iron Hill Brewing)

Groundhog Day:

A Christmas Story:

The Peanuts:

Pro Wrestling:

Soccer:

World Cup:

Phillies:

Philadelphia Eagles:

The Philadelphia Eagles Running Back – D’Andre Swift – Visits Bald Bird Brewing Company

Matrix:

Matrix Monday

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

Beer Review: Terpenes in Time (BAREBottle Brewing Co)

HP Lovecraft / Cthulhu:

Beer Review: Azathoth (Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company)

Seinfeld:

The Muppets:

Other:

Voting:

Beer Review: I Voted Today (Tired Hands)
Some Beers to Enjoy After Voting
Craft Beer and Election Day: Sipping Democracy in 2024

Philosophy:

Philosophy and Craft Beer: A Confluence of Thought and Taste

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.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

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.

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!

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.

Congressional Gridlock Could Threaten Small Breweries: What Craft Beer Fans Need to Know

B. Kline — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 02:35:39 +0000

Congressional Gridlock Could Threaten Small Breweries: What Craft Beer Fans Need to Know

The Capitol Building (in Washington, D.C.)

If you love independent craft beer, the latest turmoil in Washington might hit closer to home than you think.

While much of the media spotlight has been on Capitol Hill’s ongoing dysfunction—think leadership battles and budget showdowns—there’s a lesser-known consequence brewing behind the scenes: the impact on small and independent breweries across the U.S.

What’s Going On in Congress?

The U.S. House of Representatives has been facing serious hurdles in passing key legislation. Ongoing political infighting and short-term budget fixes have created instability in how federal funds are allocated—and how small businesses are supported. For the brewing industry, this dysfunction can disrupt everything from tax relief to supply chain stability.

Why It Matters to Brewers

At the center of it all is the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA). This critical piece of legislation made permanent a set of reduced excise tax rates for small brewers—giving them room to grow, hire, and invest in their local communities.

But the fight isn’t over. Many in the craft beer world are also looking for support on issues like supply chain relief, postal reform (to allow for more flexible beer shipping), and funding for programs that help brewers access raw materials like hops and barley.

Unfortunately, legislative gridlock means these priorities could be left hanging.

What This Means for Your Favorite Local Brewery

Without consistent action from Congress, the burden of rising costs, disrupted distribution networks, and uncertain tax policy falls squarely on the shoulders of small breweries—the same folks who bring you your favorite hazy IPA, crisp lager, or seasonal stout.

If breweries can’t plan for the future or rely on stable tax policy, that could mean fewer jobs, fewer taproom expansions, and even fewer new beer releases.

What Can You Do?

The Brewers Association is urging beer lovers and brewery owners to stay informed and stay active. That might mean contacting your representatives, sharing accurate info about the challenges breweries face, or simply supporting your local taproom with a few more pints.

Because let’s face it—craft beer doesn’t just magically appear in your pint glass. Behind every pour is a team of passionate brewers, workers, and owners who depend on a fair, functional government to help keep the industry thriving.

For More Information

For more information, you can visit the Brewer’s Association article here: https://www.brewersassociation.org/federal-affairs/how-discord-in-congress-could-impact-small-and-independent-brewers/

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.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server).

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.

2023 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) Winners: District of Columbia (DC)

B. Kline — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 01:55:00 +0000

The Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival from Denver, Colorado.

The Great American Beer Festival

Tonight at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver Colorado they announced their yearly winners. The Great American Beer Festival (or GABF for short) started in 1982 and has been a staple event of the craft beer community, running every year (going virtual during the COVID – 19 pandemic). Making this the fortieth annual event.

For those unaware, The Great American Beer Festival, is thee annual event for craft breweries across the country. Every year, hundreds / thousands of breweries and brewers meet up in Colorado for the annual event, showcasing their goods, and hoping to bring home some of the illustrious medals. Getting a gold, silver, and even bronze at the GABF means a big deal to the brewer, and to the brewery itself.

It helps solidify yourself as a top brewery, it helps to get you recognition, and showcases the merits of the brewers involved.

Past Winners

Medalists and Winners

The District of Columbia breweries received just one medal this year at the Great American Beer Festival.

Bronze

Bronze Medal at the Great American Beer Festival

Category: Stout
Brewery: Atlas Brew Works
Beer: Silent Neighbor
City: Washington D.C.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the Maryland breweries that medaled this year.

For more information on the competition, judging, and voting, you can go straight to the Great American Beer Festival’s page on ‘competition’: Great American Beer Festival – Competition.

Great American Beer Festival Wrap – Up

For more information, you can go to the Great American Beer Festival pages here:

Thank You For Reading

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

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

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!

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

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!

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Beer Review: Isolation Anniversary Beer (Aslin Beer Company)

BKline — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 03:15:00 +0000

Isolation Anniversary Beer by Aslin Beer Company

Welcome back to round number two of the four rounds of four beers I had during the last streaming I did with Drew on Knights of Nostalgia. The first was Pixels by Seminar Brewing, this is the second, the third will be Great Notion Brewing’s Fruit Monster, and the fourth will be Elder Pine Brewing and Blending’s Villeinage. (Spoiler alert: all four beers were really good.)

Aslin Beer Company is one of the many great breweries along the East Coast. In the middle of the East Coast; Virginia, Maryland, D.C, West Virginia, Delaware area; Aslin Beer Company, Burley Oak Brewing Company, The Veil, The Answer, Adroit Theory, Dewey Beer Company, are often mentioned on “must visit” and “top breweries” and “great” lists; they are usually the sought after, the traded for (the Facebook group ISO / FT), and the breweries that people mule back from. So needless to say, it’s fantastic to see some of these breweries (notably Aslin Beer Company and Burley Oak Brewing Company) popping up in distribution (distro) in the area. Breski’s Beverage on Eisenhower Boulevard (outside of Harrisburg between Harrisburg and Middletown) has been getting some wonderful cans from both breweries, as well as many other notable breweries, and is always worth checking in to see what they currently have in stock.

The mix-a-six selection at Breski’s and similar places are phenomenal right now (…phenomenally tasting; horrible on your wallet however). Last Tuesday before stopping at Tattered Flag for their Taco Tuesday, I stopped at Breski’s and got two mix-a-six six-packs (and paid about 60$), but picked up some tremendous beers; like the Isolation Anniversary Beer, two Great Notion beers, a pilsner (Billsner) from Burley Oak, a Black is Beautiful from Non Sequitur, Stickman’s The Growfather (can’t resist a good Godfather pun), two from Stranger Root’s Experimental Ales, Alarmist, Atlantic, etc. All in all, a wonderful selection of beers that you will be seeing reviews of (at least nine out of the 12 anyway, and hopefully in a timely fashion).

So, since I have a ton of reviews to do, and limited time (don’t we all limited time afterall?) I better get right down to this and do this beer review shouldn’t I?

Ok…. lets do it!

Isolation Anniversary Beer by Aslin Beer Company

Beer: Isolation Anniversary Beer
Brewery: Aslin Beer Company
Style: IPA – Imperial / Double Milkshake
ABV: 9.4%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: (Blank)

Always a little disappointing to see the description left blank (its nice to see notes from the brewers / brewery, or maybe a joke or pun, or some context behind the beer or the beer name, or why or how it was brewed, if it was a collaboration, if its someone’s favorite recipe, or something at least), but I think this beer doesn’t really need a description, as it stands on its own.

Appearance is similar to that of a New England IPA; its opaque, its hazy, its bright, and orange, and glowing, but its even thicker than a normal New England IPA looks. It has ‘floaters’ especially if you don’t roll it before opening it up and pouring it. Its very well carbonated and has a great foamy white head, with a good pour it has just the right amount of head, with a bad pour I could picture this filling a whole glass with just head. The bubbles on it are nice and it leaves a nice lacing in the glass. It’s turbid, busy, and active.

The nose on this is hoppy, juicy hoppy, citrusy hoppy, but also creamy and vanilla and lactose, like silky smooth creamy milk with lots of fruity, citrus, juice, hops in it. I get mango, peach, citrus, a bit of zest, and a small whiff of grapefruit hop notes in this blended with the vanilla sweetness and cream of the lactose.

First sip… wow. Second sip… double wow. This has a LOT going on. Which is not a fault or problem at all; granted sometimes it can be, but not in this case. This has a lot going on, but all in proportion to the beer itself and within its style and how the beer is supposed to be. It’s not going off into all kinds of different places with varied and confusing mixtures of flavors, or with off flavors, or with competing notes. This just has a lot going on within it, but all with a purpose, all within the style, and all just how you should want it. Its a milkshake, its a hop bomb, its juicy, its turbid, its hazy, its strong, its delicious. Most importantly…. its delicious. And… did I mention yet…. that its delicious? This was hands down my favorite of the night, and it was the boldest, most flavorful, and had the biggest wallop of flavors, notes, aromas, hop, juiciness, and outright drinkability. I could easily kill a four pack of these, and probably in short time too; its just that drinkable. Which is scary at its 9.4% ABV, but it doesn’t feel heavy, or boozy, or knocking you on your face and teeth skittering across the cement floor of the basement kind of alcoholic; its just crushable but at a higher ABV. This is like drinking a smooth, juicy, silky, creamy, orange juice with the fruity citrus juicy hops in for extra flavor. Just like with aroma, I got mostly mango and peach with the flavor, but also got citrus, some zest, and a teeny weensy bit of grapefruit. I do have to say, as much as I could crank down a four pack of this, as someone with lactose intolerance, thats probably not a great idea. These milkshake IPAs and milkshake sours and such with some having an insane amount of lactose in them (this one probably has a rather large amount in it) typically give me some ‘gastro’ issues next morning when I wake up. One or so don’t usually hurt too much, but after that it starts pushing it, especially with the very heavy lacto ones.

My Untappd Rating: ****.5
Global Untappd Rating: 3.98 (as of 10.25.20)

After wrapping up the beer review here, I wanted to do a bit more research on the beer for the blog, so I did a quick Google search (ASLIN ISOLATION ANNIVERSARY BEER) and the first site was their online ordering form for the beer, which you can find here: Order Isolation Anniversary Beer. It also came with a description for the beer which reads:

“🎉 ISOLATION ANNIVERSARY BEER 🎉 Today‘s the day we opened our (garage) door 5 years ago! 🍻In honor of the 1825 days that have passed since then, we bring you our Aslin ISOLATION ANNIVERSARY BEER. Soft ripe yellow peach, mango, and passionfruit unite with explosively juicy results, and a full-bodied, perfectly zippy taste that finishes off with woody resin notes from Cypress & Sugar Maple wood. This is juicy fruit flesh squeezed into a hazy DIPA!! We’re raising a glass of this to all of you for your incredible support that has helped bring us to YEAR 6. Hang tight, this is not the only drop in our 5th Anniversary series! 🎉 🍻”

Also came with a picture:

Aslin Isolation Beer (Picture courtesy of their Online Order Form: https://www.aslinbeer.com/online-ordering/Isolation-Anniversary-Beer-DIPA-4-Pack-p236935594)

Hopefully that provides a bit of closure on the beer and fills in for the lack of a description on Untappd for everyone.

As always everyone, thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon as I do the other two beers, as well as some recent travelogues (just did a recent hike with my faithful canine companion Leela to the Pinnacle Overlook in Hamburg and stopped at 1787 Brewing Company and Schaylor Brewing Company). As always, there is a ton to check out here on the blog, so be sure to be on the lookout, hit the subscribe and follow button, and always feel free to comment, we love to hear from you!

You can see my latest beer reviews here:

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!

Also, in recent news, the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) 2020 ended (their 34th edition; this year virtually rather than in person in Boulder, Colorado), and they’ve announced their winners. You can see what Pennsylvania Breweries won here. As well as the 2020 NAGBW Awards.

Cheers everyone, and stay safe and healthy out there with all the rises in COVID cases. Remember to mask up, remember to wash hands, and most importantly: remember to drink some great craft beers!

Aslin’s Isolation Anniversary

Isolation Anniversary Beer by Aslin Beer Company

-B. Kline