It’s no secret that the right drink can turn an O.K. meal into a spectacular one. With breweries scattered across the state, Pennsylvania is a beer lovers paradise. But between Lagers, Stouts and Porters, to Pale Ales, Cream Ales and Black Ales, the world of beer has a lot to offer but can also be extremely overwhelming.
Fear not, fellow foodies, because I have taken the liberty to scout the Keystone State far and wide to find (and taste) some of the best beers that Pennsylvania has to offer. Here are the lucky seven that made the cut:
Photo courtesy of www.victorybeer.com
Victory Hop Devil – Downingtown, PA
This India Pale Ale (IPA) doesn’t mess around. Its bold taste and 6.7% ABV is what sets it apart from the competition. The Hop Devil is somewhat of an acquired taste, but its spicy and bold flavor will soon have you selling your soul to the devil.
Photo courtesy of www.victorybeer.com
Victory Golden Monkey – Downingtown, PA
Cousin of the Hop Devil, The Golden Monkey is not for the faint of heart. With a 9.5% Alcohol By Volume (ABV) you will soon find out why. Victory Brewery even went on to say, “This warming, flavored ale is rich in the spirited tradition of Belgian-inspired brewing. Our Golden Monkey is both playfully delightful and profoundly satisfying.” After tasting this beer, I translated that as “Drink with caution! This beer will sneak up on you when you least expect it.”
Photo courtesy of www.pittsburghbrewing.com
Iron City Beer – Pittsburgh, PA
Brewed and bottled in the City of Bridges by The Pittsburgh Brewing Company, Iron City Beer is a premium style lager that has a smooth malt taste, with very little bitterness. At only 4.7% ABV, this beer can be nicely paired with a Primanti Brother’s Sandwich.
(NOTE: In no way am I using this beer to promote my previous article Here’s What Happens When A Philly Girl Tries Primanti Bros.)
Photo Courtesy of jimsbrew.blogspot.com
Otto’s Slab Cabin – State College, PA
The Slab Cabin was born and raised in Happy Valley and is the perfect addition to any Nittany Lions fan tailgate. The 6.3% ABV India Pale Ale can be found on draught throughout the town of State College. Its medium hop flavor is perfect for those who are starting out in exploring the style of IPA.
Photo Courtesy of http://www.troegs.com
Tröegs Cultivator Helles Bock – Hershey, PA
Not only did Hersey, Pennsylvania perfect the chocolate bar, but it’s also perfected this pale gold Lager. Helles Bock (pronounced “HELL-US” for all of us non-German speakers) is simply a paler, more hopped lager made for consumption in the springtime. So put your shades on and crack open a nice cold bottle of Cultivator.
Photo Courtesy of www.yardsbrewing.com
Yards Love Stout – Philadelphia, PA
Brewed in the City of Brotherly Love, the Infamous Love Stout boasts flavors of roasted barley and chocolate malts. Yards describes their signature ale as “seductively smooth.” The Love Stout may hold the power to make you sexier by the sip.
Photo Courtesy of www.sommbeer.com
Yuengling Traditional Lager – Pottsville, PA
Tried-and-true, there is a reason that Yuengling is America’s oldest operating brewery. The guys over at Yuengling have been brewing this malty goodness since 1829 and, due to its popularity, it can be ordered by simply asking for a “Lager”.Owner Rich Yuengling is grooming his daughters to run the company and take it into its 6th generation as a family owned business (making it one of the few breweries owned by women).
Like what you see? Check out some of our other favorites: