Yuengling Brewery - Pottsville, PA

Ok ok, I know. This isn't a microbrewery. In fact, the beer is just OK but I thought I'd mention Yuengling because it is, after all, America's oldest brewery. It has been around since 1829, and has been ran by the same family for the whole time. That in itself is admirable. This picture shows not the actual brewery but the building Yuengling used to make ice cream during prohibition.

During prohibition, Yuengling survived by making ice cream (in building shown in picture here above), near-beer, and porter for which you could actually get a prescription from your doctor! It was said yo be good for pregnant women. I do personally believe it. Also, when prohibition ended, they supposedly had a bunch of beer suddenly and magically ready... In fact, they immediately shipped a truck-load of it to president FDR...

The tour is entertaining although they hold the corn up to show every one, as if they were proud of having it as a key ingredient. For beer amateurs, I have to make it clear that corn is considered an adjunct, that is something you add in the recipe to save on the cost. In other words, you "add junk". Miller does it, Coors does it (Bud uses rice) and so do most national brands. But the fact that the tour guide holds a jar of it up proudly and shows it to you on the tour is laughing matter to me... If you're going to use corn to cut cost and produce lower quality beer, at least don't brag about it!

Yuengling beers are very popular on the east coast though, and they still beat the big brand competition. They even recently opened a second brewery down in Tampa, Florida. Their porter is alright, and so is their black and tan which is a blend of the porter and their "premium" brew.


I'm not exactly crazy about their beers, but if it's that or the big ugly national brands, I'll pick a Yuengling any day. Also, they have a great gift shop with lots of cool, merchandise. Overall, I'd recommend checking it out if you have a chance. it may not be the best beer you've had, but it's a fun visit. Besides, as I said, it is America's oldest brewery, and yes: you do get a couple of free beers at the end of the tour!


D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.
5th & Mahantongo Sts.
Pottsville, PA 17901
Tel: (570) 622-4141
http://www.yuengling.com/

Bethlehem Brew Works (Eastern Pennsylvania)

I thought a quick mention of Bethlehem Brew Works would be in order. Although I have not been there in over two years, I enjoyed the place enough that it should be mentioned.

The beers were good, and so was the food. Although I may have to add further notes on the beers, the main reason I wanted to mention this brewpub was the Steelworkers’ Oatmeal Stout (1.058 O.G., 5.3% A.B.V.). This stuff was fabulous! In addition, I got with it a piece of what turned out to be the best pecan pie I'd ever had. The two combined made the long drive well worth it! I wish I had taken a picture of that delightful combination but you'll have to take my word on that one!

Moreover, the city itself is interesting to visit. Bethlehem, PA was founded on Christmas Eve (hence the name) by German Moravians, a church founded in the Czech Republic. The city adopted the official nickname of Christmas City, USA". It was once a major steel town but has revived thanks to tourism and the town's famous Musikfest, a large yearly music festival.

Bethlehem Brew Works
569 Main St
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Tel: (610) 882-1300
www.thebrewworks.com

The Penn Brewery - Pittsburgh, PA

The Penn Brewery was founded in 1986 in the historic Deutschtown section of Pittsburgh, across the Allegheny River from downtown. Beer had been made at this location since 1846. The brewery's charming old red-brick buildings buildings are actually listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Upon arriving there, one notices right away that the place has character. The main hall has an old German beer-hall feel to it, which is a great thing. The long tables and good amount of space may remind you of a smaller version of Munich's Hofbrauhaus, if you've ever been there.

I got to try the three beers that were available at the time: The Penn Pilsner (4%ABW), a light but very nice Vienna style lager, the Penn Gold, a light but smooth Munich-style lager (4% ABW), and the Penn Dark (also 4% ABW), also light bodied for the style but smooth and pleasant. The German tourist behind me agreed: "Ja, ja, it's like having a light bier!"

Although a bit light bodied, the beers were very drinkable, and all are made in accordance with the "Reinheitsgebot", the German beer purity law from 1516, which means that only the four classic ingredients are used: malted barley (and/or wheat), hops, water and yeast. No adjuncts such as corn or rice are used.

In addition, T-shirts are nice, the staff is pleasant, and Nick Rosich, the assistant brewer, came out of nowhere to give us a private personalized tour of the facility while our food was being prepared! Good brewery to visit while in touring America's Steel City!

Pennsylvania Brewing Company
800 Vinial Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212 USA
Tel: 412-237-9400
Web address: http://www.pennbrew.com

Church Brew Works - Pittsburgh, PA

You want a unique brewpub experience? Head to Brew Church! This is an actual Catholic Church, a beautiful historical one too, that was left behind by the church and rescued by.... beer brewers! God bless them! OK I was more impressed with the looks and the food than I was with the beer, but overall I still really enjoyed the experience. The beer wasn't bad but didn't make me jump off my chair either. I found the brews generally a bit light on both the hops and the body. I enjoyed a couple of them though: the Celestial Gold was light but but well balanced and pleasant, and the imperial stout was quite nice too, a bit sweet but great with dessert, or "in lieu" of it!


Overall, I really recommend the place for its uniqueness. The food was good and the staff great. And heck, how often do you drink beer to the light of stained-glass windows?


The Church Brew Works

3525 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15201
tel: 412-688-8200  Web: http://churchbrew.com

Tröegs Brewing Company - Harrisburg

This is strictly a brewery, not a brewpub. Tröegs is located in Harrisburg, the state capital, and can be visited on Saturdays at 2pm. I liked their beers much better than I thought I would and the tour was fun. The Dreamweaver wheat was very nice, so was the Pale Ale. The porter was a bit light but nice. Their signature beer is the Mad Elf, a cherry-flavored Belgian-style strong ale. At 11% ABV, it delivers a very flavorful kick with a nice body. See more about it at: http://www.troegs.com/beers_elf.htm



John Trogner owns and runs Tröegs with his brother Chris. Chris and John opened Troegs in 1997, ten years ago. The brewery distributes beer to many local businesses. They have a very cool gift-shop with nice shirts and other souvenirs, as well as beer to go of course. Unfortunately, in Pennsylvania, you can only buy beer by the keg or case, unless you want to go to a pub and pay an arm and a leg for a sixer. No beer in the grocery stores! Surprising for a state populated by such a huge number of Germans (Pennsylvania Dutch are German, not Dutch... serious!). It's still is a cool state though, once you accept its unique liquor and beer laws.

Tröegs Brewing Company
800 Paxton St. Harrisburg, PA 17104
Tel: 717.232.1297 Web: http://www.troegs.com