Breweries are popping up all over Pennsylvania, and there is no shortage of amazing beer flowing from taps in breweries and bars. With established spots, newcomer brewpubs and warehouse breweries continuing to enter the marketplace, competition is growing fiercer by the day. That healthy, friendly competition is making for more experimentation and focus in brewing and location selection for entrepreneurs across the state.
Here are seven new Pennsylvania breweries you need to visit:
1. 2SP Brewing Company in Aston
2SP Brewing Company opened with accomplished brewer Bob Barrar as the head brewer, passionate and experienced Ruby Rubenstein heading up the cellar and Michael Stiglitz of Two Stones Pub managing the business. As a result of that caliber of experience, 2SP is making waves through Philly with offerings like The Russian, Bob’s latest imperial stout, and easy drinking options like Delco lager, which will be available in cans soon. The guys at 2SP truly please all, with selections that range from hop bombs to elaborately aged brews.
2. Hidden River Brewing Company in Douglassville
Hidden River Brewing Company recently opened its doors with a beautiful location, enchanting draft selection and local farm-to-table menu. The range of styles, which includes a stout aged in Dad’s Hat Whiskey barrels, pairs delightfully next to locally sourced food and cheese plates. The secluded atmosphere adds to the charm of this farmhouse and makes it worth a visit to experience the quaint, cozy spot.
3. Stickman Brews in Royersford
Stickman Brews opened a few months ago in a big warehouse space with young, seasoned brewer Ethan Buckman taking charge of the brews. After spending time brewing at the The Church Brew Works and Free Will, to name a few, Ethan joined up with his relatives Jim and Kate Buckman to open their own farmhouse-style brewery. Stickman Brews seeks to be a no-nonsense craft brewery; they implore the open top style of fermentation and characterize beers with simplistic stick figure labels. The diverse draft list of wild, often sour, brews is worth a stop to experience unique beers in the atmosphere that shaped their flavor.
4. Saint Benjamin Brewing Company in the Kensington section of Philadelphia
Saint Benjamin Brewing Company’s spot in Kensington is in the middle of a big expansion, with cans coming for distribution and a brewpub opening in the beautiful brewery. The space, which was once the carriage house and stables for the Theo Finkenauer Brewery, holds a nostalgic feeling, and it will be exciting to see how the brewpub takes shape in the years to come. Armed with offerings like India Cream Ale and Wit or Witout, Saint Benjamin Brewing Company is just getting started making its mark in northeast Philly.
5. Funk Brewing Company in Emmaus
Funk Brewing Company is growing a following out of Emmaus by pumping out respected IPAs. Kyle Funk has been brewing for over a decade, and that expertise has led to beloved beers like the Citrus IPA and the coming Double Citrus IPA. With hop-focused farmhouse style beers, Funk is creating a name for building offbeat beers based on common styles.
6. Crime & Punishment Brewing Company in the Brewerytown section of Philadelphia
Crime & Punishment Brewing Company opened its doors last year with a love for literature and Russian culture. Brews call attention to subtle nuances in particular styles and make use of odd ingredients like beets, which works well alongside food options like pelmeni and kielbasa. The quaint setting in Brewerytown makes for a great neighborhood bar, as well as a must-stop destination for craft beer lovers.
7. The Brew Gentlemen in Braddock
The Brew Gentlemen Beer Company is delivering delicious, hop-forward beers out of a spot in the historic steel town of Braddock. The draft list boasts hoppy, hazy ales, in addition to saisons and dark stouts, while events like Beer and Yoga bring in a youthful crowd. Asa Foster and Matthew Katas brew curious takes on classic styles, and their charismatic attitudes come through in invigorating brews that are exciting craft beer lovers in Western Pennsylvania.
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The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
