Chester County, PA, boasts a thriving craft beer scene, with several breweries producing incredible beers in various styles. Our team researched and visited each of the top 10 breweries in Chester County, ensuring we have expert knowledge of the area.
One exciting finding we discovered was that Crowded Castle Brewing Company, located in Phoenixville, operates out of a repurposed horse barn dating back to the late 1800s. With outdoor seating and a food truck on-site, it’s the perfect spot to try some of their special releases.
Chester County has something to offer if you’re looking for hoppy or sour beers, Belgian or German styles. Don’t miss out on the incredible beers and inviting beer gardens in and around the Brandywine Valley. So, here are 10 best breweries in Chester County PA.
- Victory Brewing
- Crowded Castle Brewing Company
- Artillery Brewing Company
- La Cabra Brewing
- East Branch Brewery
- Acadian Wine Company
- Be Here Brewing Company
- Black Powder Tavern
- Braeloch Brewing
- Brandywine Branch Distillers
Top 10 Breweries in Chester County PA
Here are 10 of the best breweries in Chester County, PA, for any beer enthusiast
1. Victory Brewing
Image Source: Victory Brewing
Victory Brewing Company originated in Downingtown, Chester County, in 1996. It quickly gained popularity in the craft beer for its signature beers, including the HopDevil, Prima Pils, and Golden Monkey.
Over the years, Victory has received numerous awards and recognition for its exceptional brewing operations and beer selections, including multiple awards from the Great American Beer Festival.
2. Crowded Castle Brewing Company
Image Source: Crowded Castle Brewing Company
Crowded Castle Brewing Company is a beloved brewery in Phoenixville, Chester County. Founded in 2017, Crowded Castle quickly made a name for itself by serving excellent beers from its repurposed horse barn dating back to the late 1800s.
It has several signature beers like the Sunshine IPA and Blackberry Gose and regularly hosts special events and releases.
3. Artillery Brewing Company
Image Source: Artillery Brewing
Artillery Brewing is a relatively new local brewery in Chester County, Pennsylvania that opened its doors in 2013. However, this has not prevented them from impressing locals and visitors with their fantastic brews.
Artillery Brewing stands out for its creative and innovative selection, including everything from hoppy to sour beers. Their beer-making process is centered on delivering exceptional taste, utilizing high-quality ingredients and precision brewing techniques.
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4. La Cabra Brewing
Image Source: La Cabra Brewing
La Cabra Brewing is a famous craft brewery in Berwyn, Chester County. Established in 2016, La Cabra Brewing is dedicated to producing high-quality regional craft beers using locally sourced ingredients.
Some of their notable beers include the Pico Duarte, a hazy IPA, and All Cats Are Grey in the Dark, an American stout. In addition, La Cabra has received several awards and recognitions, including a gold medal at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival for their Maizal Mexican Lager.
5. East Branch Brewery
Image Source: East Branch Brewery
Located in the charming town of Downingtown, East Branch Brewing Company is a popular spot for local craft beer enthusiasts. This cozy brewpub features an outdoor seating area and a rotating selection of delicious brews, including hoppy IPAs, flavorful porters, and refreshing sours.
Some East Branch Brewing Company’s standout beers include the East Branch IPA, the Nut Brown Ale, and the Bourbon Barrel-Aged Porter.
6. Acadian Wine Company
Image Source: Acadian Wine Company
Acadian Wine Company is a family-owned and operated winery in Chester County, PA. Established in 2017, the winery specializes in creating small-batch, handcrafted wines using grapes sourced locally and regionally.
Acadian Wine Company has received recognition for their excellent wines, with their Chambourcin and Traminette winning medals at the 2020 Pennsylvania Farm Show and the 2020 Pennsylvania Wine Competition.
Read More: How Many Modelos to Get Drunk? Find Out Here!
7. Be Here Brewing Company
Image Source: Be Here Brewing Company
Be Here Brewing Company is located in the bustling town of Downingtown. It offers various beers, including hoppy IPAs, Belgian-style ales, and flavorful stouts. Notable offerings include the “You Must Be Cocoa Nuts” coconut chocolate stout and the “Let’s Go Saison” farmhouse ale.
While still new, Be Here has quickly earned recognition and was named “Best Brewery” at the 2020 Taste of Downingtown festival.
8. Black Powder Tavern
Image Source: Black Powder Tavern
Black Powder Tavern has a rich history dating back to the 1700s as a gathering place for the revolutionary war-era patriots. This tavern is located in the heart of Valley Forge and is known for its delicious food and excellent beer selection.
Among their popular beers are Black Powder Porter, Patriot Pale Ale, and Valley Forge Wheat. The tavern has won several awards, including Best Restaurant from Main Line Today and Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs from Main Line Media News.
9. Braeloch Brewing
Image Source: Braeloch Brewing
Braeloch Brewing is a famous craft brewery in West Chester of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Established in 2016, the brewery produces various excellent beers, including hoppy, sour, and Belgian beers.
Some of Braeloch Brewing’s unique beers include “IPA Overload” and “Scottish Ale.” The brewery has won several awards and recognition for its incredible beers and special brewing operations.
10. Brandywine Branch Distillers
Image Source: Brandywine Branch Distillers
Brandywine Branch Distillers is a small-batch distillery located in Kennett Square, PA. The distillery produces a variety of craft spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey, using locally sourced ingredients. Some of their notable spirits include the Kennett Square Reserve Bourbon, the War Drum Whiskey, and the Revivalist Botanical Gin.
In 2020, Brandywine Branch Distillers was awarded a Double-Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for their Kennett Square Reserve Bourbon.
Read more: The 11 Best Japanese Beers
Brewery Tours and Tasting In Chester County
If you’re a beer lover looking for a fun and informative brewery tour with amazing tastings, there are plenty of great options in the area.
1. Victory Brewing Company
Victory Brewing Company tours are available from Monday to Sunday, varying times depending on the day of the week. The cost is $10 per person, which includes a souvenir glass and tastings. The Victory also offers a special brewery tour and food pairing event for $50 per person. The tour consists of a private tour and three courses paired with beers.
2. La Cabra Brewing
La Cabra is a brewery located in Berwyn, Chester County. They offer brewery tours and tastings on Saturdays at 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM. The cost is $10 per person, including a tasting glass and tasting. La Cabra also has an excellent selection of food and outdoor seating.
3. Crowded Castle Brewing Company
Crowded Castle is located in Phoenixville and offers brewery tours and tastings on Saturdays and Sundays. The cost is $12 per person, including a souvenir glass and tastings. Crowded Castle also has a food truck and a beer garden.
Read More: How Many Beers To Get Drunk? All You Need to Know
Conclusion
Chester County, PA, has a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries offering various excellent beers. Whether you’re a fan of sour, hoppy, or Belgian beers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Chester County’s breweries. With great food selections, outdoor seating, and beer gardens, these breweries offer the perfect location for a day of beer tasting and relaxation.
