Best 15 Breweries in Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide
Pennsylvania is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with over 300 breweries scattered throughout the state. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun weekend activity, there’s sure to be a brewery in Pennsylvania that will satisfy your taste buds.
To help narrow down the options, here are some of the best breweries in Pennsylvania. These breweries have been selected based on factors such as the quality of their beer, the atmosphere of their taprooms, and their overall reputation in the craft beer community. From established favorites to up-and-coming newcomers, this list has something for everyone. So grab a pint and get ready to explore the best of Pennsylvania’s beer scene.
Historical Background
Pennsylvania has a rich history of brewing, dating back to the early 18th century when German immigrants brought their brewing traditions to the state. These immigrants settled in areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and their influence can still be seen in the state’s brewing industry today.
One of the most notable breweries in Pennsylvania is D.G. Yuengling & Son, which was founded in 1829 and is the oldest continuously operating brewery in the United States. Yuengling’s success can be attributed to its ability to adapt to changing market conditions over the years. During Prohibition, the brewery survived by producing non-alcoholic beer and other products such as ice cream.
The state’s brewing industry continued to grow throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, with many breweries producing German-style lagers. However, the industry faced challenges during Prohibition, and many breweries were forced to close. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the craft beer movement began to gain traction in Pennsylvania, with the opening of breweries such as Stoudts Brewing Company and Victory Brewing Company.
Today, Pennsylvania is home to over 300 breweries, many of which fall into the categories of craft, micro, and nano-breweries. These breweries produce a wide range of styles, from traditional German lagers to modern IPAs and sour beers. Some of the most notable breweries in the state include Troegs Independent Brewing, Yards Brewing Company, and Tröegs Brewing Company.
Top Breweries in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to some of the best breweries in the United States, with a rich history of crafting high-quality beers. Here are some of the top breweries in Pennsylvania that beer enthusiasts should visit:
Victory Brewing Company
Victory Brewing Company is a well-known brewery located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996, Victory Brewing Company has become a household name in the craft beer industry. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular HopDevil IPA and Golden Monkey Belgian Tripel.
Website: https://victorybeer.com/
Address: 420 Acorn Ln, Downingtown, PA 19335, United States
Brew Gentlemen
Brew Gentlemen is a brewery located in Braddock, Pennsylvania, that is known for its innovative and experimental beers. They offer a variety of unique and flavorful beers, including the popular General Braddock’s IPA and the Mexican Coffee Stout.
Website: https://www.brewgentlemen.com/
Address: 512 Braddock Ave, Braddock, PA 15104, United States
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. is a brewery located in Croydon, Pennsylvania. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular J.A.W.N. Juicy Ale With Nugget.
Website: https://neshaminycreekbrewing.com/
Address: 909 Ray Ave, Croydon, PA 19021, United States
Pizza Boy Brewing
Pizza Boy Brewing is a brewery located in Enola, Pennsylvania, that is known for its creative and flavorful beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Sunny Side Up Imperial Stout and the Murren River IPA.
Website: https://pizzaboybrewing.com/
Address: 2240 Millennium Way, Enola, PA 17025, United States
Voodoo Brewery
Voodoo Brewery is a brewery located in Meadville, Pennsylvania, that is known for its unique and flavorful beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Good Vibes IPA and the Gran Met Belgian-style Tripel.
Website: https://www.voodoobrewery.com/
Address: 215 Arch St, Meadville, PA 16335, United States
New Trail Brewing Company
New Trail Brewing Company is a brewery located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, that is known for its hazy IPAs and flavorful stouts. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Broken Heels IPA and the Southbound Brown Ale.
Website: http://www.newtrailbrewing.com/
Address: 240 Arch St building 18, Williamsport, PA 17701, United States
Rusty Rail Brewing Company
Rusty Rail Brewing Company is a brewery located in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, that is known for its flavorful and unique beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Fool’s Gold Peanut Butter Hefeweizen and the Blue Collar Blonde Ale.
Website: https://www.rustyrailbrewing.com/
Address: 5 N 8th St #1, Mifflinburg, PA 17844, United States
Helltown Brewing
Helltown Brewing is a brewery located in Export, Pennsylvania, that is known for its flavorful and unique beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Mischievous Brown Ale and the Idle Hands Double IPA.
Website: https://www.helltownbrewing.com/
Address: 5578 Old William Penn Hwy, Export, PA 15632, United States
Weyerbacher Brewing Co
Weyerbacher Brewing Co. is a brewery located in Easton, Pennsylvania, that is known for its flavorful and unique beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Imperial Pumpkin Ale and the Merry Monks Belgian-style Tripel.
Website: https://weyerbacher.com/
Address: 905 Line St Suite G, Easton, PA 18042, United States
Bullfrog Brewery
Bullfrog Brewery is a brewery located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, that is known for its flavorful and unique beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Edgar IPA and the Blueberry Sour.
Website: https://www.bullfrogbrewery.com/
Address: 229 W 4th St, Williamsport, PA 17701, United States
Dancing Gnome
Dancing Gnome is a brewery located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that is known for its hazy IPAs and flavorful stouts. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Lustra IPA and the Black Clouds Stout.
Website: https://dancinggnomebeer.com/
Address: 1025 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15215, United States
Tired Hands Brewing
Tired Hands Brewing is a brewery located in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, that is known for its hazy IPAs and flavorful stouts. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular HopHands Pale Ale and the Alien Church IPA.
Website: https://www.tiredhands.com/
Address: 16 Ardmore Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003, United States
Tröegs Independent Brewing
Tröegs Independent Brewing is a brewery located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, that is known for its flavorful and unique beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Perpetual IPA and the Mad Elf Belgian-style Strong Ale.
Website: https://troegs.com/
Address: 200 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
2sp Brewing Company
2sp Brewing Company is a brewery located in Aston, Pennsylvania, that is known for its flavorful and unique beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Delco Lager and the Up and Out IPA.
Website: https://www.2spbrewing.com/
Address: 120 Concord Rd #101-103, Aston, PA 19014, United States
Free Will Brewing Co
Free Will Brewing Co. is a brewery located in Perkasie, Pennsylvania, that is known for its flavorful and unique beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Cloudy with a Chance of Charcuterie IPA and the Ralphius Russian Imperial Stout.
Website: https://www.freewillbrewing.com/
Address: 410 E Walnut St #1,10, Perkasie, PA 18944, United States
Beer Styles and Specialties
IPAs
Pennsylvania is known for its delicious IPAs, and many of the state’s breweries produce exceptional versions of this popular beer style. Some notable IPAs include Nugget Nectar from Tröegs Independent Brewing, The Shape Of Hops To Come from Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, and Idle Hands Double IPA from Helltown Brewing.
Stouts
Stouts are another popular beer style in Pennsylvania, and many breweries produce delicious versions of this rich and flavorful beer. Some notable stouts include Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout from Imprint Beer Co, Russian Imperial Stout from Victory Brewing Company, and Wild Ale from ShawneeCraft Brewing Company.
Pale Ale
Pale Ales are a classic beer style that are loved by many, and Pennsylvania breweries produce some exceptional versions of this beer. Some notable Pale Ales include Mad Chef Craft Brewing’s Simcoe Pale Ale, Rumspringa Brewing Company’s Pale Ale, and Tröegs Independent Brewing’s Perpetual IPA.
Juicy IPA
Juicy IPAs are a newer beer style that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Pennsylvania breweries produce some delicious versions of this beer, including Imprint Beer Co’s Schmoojee series, Brew Gentlemen’s General Braddock’s IPA, and Bullfrog Brewery’s Juicy Jawn.
Barleywine
Barleywine is a strong and flavorful beer that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. Some notable Barleywines from Pennsylvania breweries include Weyerbacher Brewing Company’s Blithering Idiot, Victory Brewing Company’s Old Horizontal, and Tröegs Independent Brewing’s Flying Mouflan.
Amber Ale
Amber Ales are a classic beer style that is loved by many, and Pennsylvania breweries produce some exceptional versions of this beer. Some notable Amber Ales include Downingtown’s Victory Brewing Company’s Headwaters Pale Ale, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company’s Trauger Pilsner, and Rumspringa Brewing Company’s Amber Ale.
Farmhouse Ales
Farmhouse Ales are a refreshing and flavorful beer style that is perfect for summer. Some notable Farmhouse Ales from Pennsylvania breweries include ShawneeCraft Brewing Company’s Belgian Saison, Tröegs Independent Brewing’s LaGrave, and Victory Brewing Company’s Helios.
Kriek
Kriek is a sour beer that is made with cherries, and Pennsylvania breweries produce some delicious versions of this beer. Some notable Krieks include Imprint Beer Co’s Kriek, ShawneeCraft Brewing Company’s Cherry Sour, and Tröegs Independent Brewing’s Splinter Blue.
Pennsylvania breweries produce some of the best craft beer in the country, and there is something for everyone when it comes to beer styles and specialties. Whether you prefer IPAs, stouts, Pale Ales, Juicy IPAs, Barleywines, Amber Ales, Farmhouse Ales, Russian Imperial Stouts, or Krieks, you are sure to find a delicious beer to enjoy at one of Pennsylvania’s many breweries.
Brewery Experiences
Tasting and Tours
Pennsylvania’s craft breweries offer unique experiences for beer enthusiasts. Many breweries offer tastings and tours that allow visitors to learn about the brewing process and sample different beers. Some popular breweries in Pennsylvania that offer tours and tastings include Troegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, and Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of beer styles at these breweries, ranging from classic lagers to hoppy IPAs and flavorful stouts. Some breweries even offer seasonal beers and limited edition releases that are only available for a short time.
Food and Pairings
In addition to beer, many breweries in Pennsylvania also offer food and pairing options. Visitors can enjoy everything from pizza and BBQ to gourmet dishes and small plates. Some breweries even offer food trucks and rotating menus to keep things fresh.
Pairing food with beer can enhance the flavor and experience of both. Many breweries offer suggestions for food and beer pairings, and some even host beer dinners and events that showcase the best pairings.
Events and Festivities
Pennsylvania’s craft breweries are also known for hosting events and festivities throughout the year. From live music and food festivals to beer releases and holiday celebrations, there’s always something happening at these breweries.
Some popular events include the Great American Beer Festival in Pittsburgh, Lancaster Craft Beerfest in Lancaster, and the Philly Beer Week in Philadelphia. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as board games, hard seltzers, hard cider, spirits, wines, and cocktails at some breweries.
Overall, Pennsylvania’s craft breweries offer unique experiences for beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a tasting and tour, food and pairing options, or events and festivities, there’s something for everyone at these breweries.
Craft Beer in the Community
Craft beer has become an important part of the community in Pennsylvania over the past decade. Breweries have become gathering places where locals can enjoy a good beer, food, and company. Many breweries have also become hubs for events and activities, such as trivia nights, live music, and even yoga classes.
Pennsylvania breweries are also known for their commitment to using local ingredients in their craft beers. This not only supports local farmers and businesses but also creates unique and flavorful beers that can only be found in Pennsylvania. For example, Wyndridge Farm in Dallastown uses local apples to make their ciders, while Imprint Beer Co. in Hatfield uses local coffee from Java Cask in their stouts and porters.
Craft beer in Pennsylvania has also gained national recognition, with many breweries being named in the top 100 by BeerAdvocate. This has helped to attract more consumers to the state, who come to taste the unique and high-quality craft beers that Pennsylvania has to offer.
Breweries in Pennsylvania are also known for their gratitude towards the community. Many breweries participate in philanthropic efforts, such as donating a portion of their proceeds to local charities or hosting benefit events. For example, Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown hosts an annual DirtWolf release party, where a portion of the proceeds go towards the Wolf Conservation Center.
Overall, craft beer has become an integral part of the community in Pennsylvania. It brings people together, supports local businesses, and creates unique and flavorful beers that are enjoyed by many.