Don’t get us wrong limited release beers are fun. They tend to be creative, flavorful, and most of the time worth the chase. But there’s something about coming back to a beer year after year and getting the same flavor and crisp taste you’re accustomed to. Beers that can be purchased whether you live in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, or beyond.
With such a deep and rich history of craft beer, Pennsylvania is home to some amazing beers that will taste the same today as they do many more years into the future. Below are some of the best options the Keystone State has to offer.
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Yuengling Lager – Yuengling Brewing Company
A beer that needs absolutely no introduction. You can’t start a list like this without the oldest brewery in America. Yuengling has been producing the same amber colored lager beer for almost 200 years and there is no slowing down for them. And when you have putting out a consistent product for that long, it is no wonder you see the kind of national expansion Yuengling is experiencing. Hell, what other beer can you order by just using the style by name?
Stoney’s Premium – Stoney’s Beer
Another brewery in Pennsylvania that can trace its origins back to the 1800s is Stoney’s. You can read more about how the brand was resurrected here. Whether it is their Stoney’s Premium or Stoney’s Light, you cannot go wrong with either. Both beers have consistently been produced for hundreds of years to meet the high standards of beer drinkers everywhere. Stoney’s can be found all throughout Western PA.
Crisp Lager – New Trail Brewing
Not all beers on this list are from your grandparent’s generation. New Trail’s latest offering doesn’t have the history many of these other brands may have. But there is no doubt in our mind that their “Crisp Lager” has staying power. While the Williamsport brewery has become widely popular for its variety of Hazy IPA releases, regularly available in the market, Crisp Lager has taken them in a different direction. Packaged in 12 oz cans, this 4.8% lager is the perfect light beer to accompany any of your activities. And given New Trail’s large distribution footprint, it can be found almost all throughout Pennsylvania.
Sunshine Pilsner – Tröegs Independent Brewing
Despite being one of Pennsylvania’s older craft breweries, Tröegs has done an amazing job reinventing itself with new and fresh offerings every year. But a beer that has been a staple of theirs for decades has been their Sunshine Pilsner. The 4.5% Pilsner is described by the brewery as a “bright and refreshingly clean American craft pilsner” with “natural carbonation that delivers soft notes of fresh-cut straw and flowering herbs”. Thankfully Sunshine Pils (much like all of their beer) is widely distributed and can be found anywhere Tröegs beer is sold.
Kenwood Original – Kenwood Beer
They say if you do something, you should do it well. And that’s what Kenwood Original did with their Kenwood Beer. It is the only offering you will find from the brand, but after one sip you’ll realize it’s the only beer you’ll need. While it is brewed in the Philadelphia area, the brewery recently announced expansion into the Pittsburgh market, making this easy to enjoy statewide. The beer clocks in at 4.1% and will make you want to “grab a Kenny” over and over again.
Iron City – Pittsburgh Brewing Company
Doesn’t matter if you call it “Iron City” or “IC”, this is a beer Yinzers have been consuming for as long as anyone alive can remember. And thanks to the amazing success of Iron City and IC Light, the brewing company has been able to build a portfolio of special releases for even more enjoyment. But of course, Pennsylvania always comes back to the light drinking beers that made this brand famous. And with the maker behind the beer (Pittsburgh Brewing Company) moving operations back to the Steel City in a massive 170,000 square foot facility, it’s a beer that will stick around for generations to come.
