How many craft breweries do you know are still sticking to the Reinheitsgebot? With so many breweries throwing everything they can imagine in their beer, more and more are moving away from the German purity laws. However sticking to historical standards has not stopped Black Forest Brewery, in Ephrata, PA, from pumping out some delicious beer and carving a name for themselves in the growing Lancaster beer scene.
We sat down with brewery owners (and real life married couple) Denise and Bob Harter to learn more about their location. There’s a lot to take in when visiting Black Forest. More on their offerings later, but first let’s start off with the name. This came from the families love of hiking. As we were told Bob and his sons had spent years backpacking on the Black Forest Trail in Pennsylvania, and so the brewery name was born.
But as we said, there’s more to the brewery than just the name. Before you take even one sip of beer, the first thing you notice about Black Forest is the location. While most breweries are revitalizing old industrial buildings they have embraced the rural feel you can only get in central PA. The brewery has a warm feel to it as it sits in a building that reminds you more of a cabin in the woods than a brewing operation.
See it more for yourself:
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The fact that Black Forest Brewing still brews to Reinheitsgebot standards isn’t the only uniqueness to their brewery. This location also boasts a Bed and Breakfast! Very rarely do breweries also offer a stay over option. However as a part of opening this brewery the Harter’s also decided to pair it with it’s very own B&B.
The “1777 Americana Inn Bed & Breakfast” has been named a Top B&B for Beer Lovers by BedandBreakfast.com. They were one of only six Bed & Breakfasts in the country to receive the award in 2015!
Making a trip out to the area? With a B&B and Brewery on the same plot of land, why choose anywhere else for your next trip?
And of course it wouldn’t be a full getaway experience without a complete menu. With salads, sandwiches and traditional bar treats paired with wine and cocktails you have the ultimate dining experience for the whole family! See the dining menu here.
We were lucky enough to get a private brewery tour from Bob, who is not just the owner but also the head brewer and has 12 years home brewing experience before opening Black Forest. Each beer is designed and hand brewed by him with the help of his family from time to time. While this brewery sticks to the Reinheitsgebot, there is nothing old world about the flavors of these beers.
During our visit we tried each of the 6 beers on tap.
Pictured above are (right to left):
G.O.A.T. Slayer IPA: – New England, 7.5% ABV
No goats were harmed in the making of this beer. They wanted a beer to commemorate the Birds taking down the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) Tom Brady. Hazy in appearance with an intense, almost tropical, aroma and flavor, this full bodied yet smooth brew is sure to be your next favorite.
Shreck Tavern Stout: 5.5% Stout
Prominent roasted barley and malt aromas with distinct mocha undertones. This dark chestnut brew has a characteristic bitter snap to it followed by an enjoyable creamy finish.
BFB Belgian Pale Ale: 6.5%, Pale Ale – Belgian
A moderately malty, lightly fruity, easy-drinking, copper-colored Belgian ale. The BFB Belgian has a light caramel flavor with a moderate bitterness level, softened by honey undertones. Sit back and enjoy this beautifully balanced session beer, perfect for a beautiful Fall day!
Americana Pale Ale: 6.5%, Pale Ale – American
This beer grabs it’s incredible flavor flavor from the pilsner base malts and it’s generous hop infusion. Lighter in color the Pale Ale is one step closer to enjoying the hoppier characteristics of its big brother the IPA
Whistle Stop Red Ale: 5.6%, American Amber / Red
The Amber Ale has a beautiful copper color with great head retention. A great combination of malt and hop characteristics create a hearty brew with incredible body making it the premier session beer of the Black Forest line.
Conrad Kolsch: 5.5%, Kölsch
The BFB Kölsch is a relatively subtle ale created with all barley malt with a bright straw yellow hue. The flavor has a hint of sweetness followed by a crisp finish, creating a smooth balance to the palate. Perfect for summertime sipping, this brew will have you praying that the long hot summer days never end.
We took a tour of their 4 bbl system, enjoy for yourself:
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Black Forest truly is your definition of “shopping local”. Not just because of the down home feel, but the staff themselves! Obviously as we discussed they are run by a family. During our visit we met with Bob’s Father and one of their children as well. We also spoke with Eric, the bar manager, who is a former student during Denise’s school teaching days. After one visit it was very clear this hometown brewery is all about local!
We highly recommend a visit to Black Forest. With such a unique facility and brewing style this is a location worth the trip. And with a B&B right next door, it’s the ultimate weekend getaway location for a beer lover!
Make sure to check out their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the excitement.
If you stop by, tell the family we said hi!
