Pennsylvania Beers: Discovering the Best Brews of the Keystone State

Pennsylvania is home to a rich and diverse craft beer scene, with a storied history of brewing that dates back to the colonial era.

The state offers a wide range of exceptional beers, from hoppy IPAs to robust stouts and everything in between.

With renowned breweries in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and beyond, Pennsylvania’s craft beer scene is a treasure trove for enthusiasts.

Here are ten of the best Pennsylvania beers you absolutely must try.

1. Yuengling Brewery’s “Traditional Lager”

Yuengling Brewery’s Traditional Lager is a classic and iconic beer from Pennsylvania.

• Style: Lager
• ABV: 4.5%
• Description: Smooth and well-balanced with notes of caramel, toffee, and a mild hop bitterness. It’s a staple for its rich flavor and easy drinkability.

2. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery’s “90 Minute IPA”

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery’s 90 Minute IPA is a renowned IPA known for its bold character.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 9.0%
• Description: Rich and hoppy with flavors of pine, grapefruit, and a hint of caramel malt sweetness. The beer is continuously hopped throughout the boil for a complex flavor profile.

3. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s “Pale Ale”

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s Pale Ale, though based in California, has a strong following in Pennsylvania and is often enjoyed there.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.6%
• Description: Crisp and refreshing with a balanced hop bitterness and notes of pine and citrus.

4. Victory Brewing Co.’s “HopDevil IPA”

Victory Brewing Co.’s HopDevil IPA is a standout beer from one of Pennsylvania’s leading breweries.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.7%
• Description: Bold and aromatic with flavors of grapefruit, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.

5. Tired Hands Brewing Co.’s “Alien Church”

Tired Hands Brewing Co.’s Alien Church is a popular and unique IPA.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 7.0%
• Description: Juicy and hazy with notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

6. Brooklyn Brewery’s “Brooklyn Lager”

Brooklyn Brewery’s Brooklyn Lager is a well-regarded beer that has a strong presence in Pennsylvania.

• Style: Lager
• ABV: 5.2%
• Description: Rich and malty with a balanced hop bitterness and notes of caramel and toasted bread.

7. Founders Brewing Co.’s “KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout)”

Founders Brewing Co.’s KBS is a highly sought-after stout that is enjoyed by beer enthusiasts across Pennsylvania.

• Style: Imperial Stout
• ABV: 12.0%
• Description: Rich and complex with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and bourbon, thanks to its aging in bourbon barrels.

8. Tröegs Independent Brewing’s “Perpetual IPA”

Tröegs Independent Brewing’s Perpetual IPA is a popular IPA with a strong hop character.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 7.5%
• Description: Crisp and hoppy with flavors of pine, grapefruit, and a balanced malt profile.

9. The Philadelphia Brewing Co.’s “Kenzinger”

The Philadelphia Brewing Co.’s Kenzinger is a well-loved pilsner.

• Style: Pilsner
• ABV: 4.8%
• Description: Light and crisp with a clean finish and subtle flavors of malt and hops.

10. Evil Genius Beer Co.’s “Purple Monkey Dishwasher”

Evil Genius Beer Co.’s Purple Monkey Dishwasher is a unique and flavorful beer.

• Style: Belgian Dubbel
• ABV: 7.7%
• Description: Rich and malty with notes of caramel, dark fruit, and a hint of spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the flagship beer of Yuengling Brewery?
Answer: Yuengling Brewery’s Traditional Lager is a classic beer known for its smooth, well-balanced flavor with notes of caramel and toffee.

What makes Dogfish Head Craft Brewery’s 90 Minute IPA unique?
Answer: 90 Minute IPA is known for its rich and hoppy character, with continuous hopping throughout the boil for a complex flavor profile.

What are the key characteristics of Victory Brewing Co.’s HopDevil IPA?
Answer: HopDevil IPA is bold and aromatic with flavors of grapefruit and pine, balanced by a malt backbone.

What distinguishes Founders Brewing Co.’s KBS?
Answer: KBS is an imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels, resulting in rich flavors of chocolate, coffee, and bourbon.

What is unique about Tröegs Independent Brewing’s Perpetual IPA?
Answer: Perpetual IPA is known for its crisp, hoppy profile with flavors of pine and grapefruit, balanced by a malt backbone.

Summary

Pennsylvania’s craft beer scene is rich and diverse, offering a wide range of exceptional brews.

These top picks highlight some of the best beers the state has to offer. Enjoy exploring the flavorful world of Pennsylvania’s craft beer!