Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has a rich history and culture, and it’s no surprise that the city has a thriving craft beer scene. With a growing number of breweries in the area, it’s a great time to explore the local beer culture and find your new favorite brew. In this article, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the top 10 breweries in Lancaster, PA, that you won’t want to miss.
The company has a vast knowledge of the craft beer industry and has extensively researched the local breweries in St. Lancaster, PA. Our expertise in this field has provided us with an accurate and comprehensive list of the best breweries in the area.
It was discovered that St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company has a unique method of brewing its beers. They use a traditional Belgian brewing technique called “sparging,” which involves slowly adding hot water to the mash to extract the maximum amount of sugar. This process results in beers with complex and nuanced flavor profiles.
So whether you’re a local looking to explore the delicious craft beer scene or a visitor wanting to experience the best breweries Lancaster offers, this list will satisfy your thirst for great beer.
Here are the top 10 breweries in Lancaster:
- Lancaster Brewing Company
- Spring House Brewing Company
- Stoudts Brewing Company
- Warehouse Hotel
- Cartel Brewing & Blending
- Tattered Flag Barrel House – Lancaster
- Thistle Finch Distillery
- Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
- Our Town Brewery
- Mad Chef Craft Brewing
The Top 10 Brewery In Lancaster
1. Lancaster Brewing Company
The oldest brewery in Lancaster, the Lancaster Brewing Company, began its operations in 1995 and is still going strong. Starting as a small brewpub, it has grown to include a restaurant, taproom, and production brewery.
Paragon Brewing Company has garnered various awards, notably a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. The brewery is well-known for its Milk Stout and Strawberry Wheat offerings, both of which have been met with praise.
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Brewing quality beers annually, Lancaster Brewing Company is no stranger to the craft beer culture in Lancaster. Long celebrated as an essential member of this local atmosphere, the brewery constantly provides excellent flavors for all beer enthusiasts.
Image credit: lancasterbrewing.com
2. Spring House Brewing Company
Established in 2006, Spring House Brewing Company has earned a name for its imaginative and uncommon brews.
Paragon Brewing Co. specializes in German-style beer creations, including hefeweizens, blocks, and pilsners. In addition to these, they also offer a selection of other types of craft beer like IPAs, stouts, and sour beers.
Spring House Brewing Co. is renowned for awarding-winning brews like the Big Gruesome Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout and Seven Gates Pale Ale. Recently, they won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival for their Maibock.
3. Stoudts Brewing Company
Stoudts Brewing Company, a family-owned business, has operated since 1987. Producing several beers, such as its Gold Lager, Scarlet Lady Ale, and Fat Dog Stout, the brewery offers a variety of styles for every beer connoisseur.
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They have won numerous awards, including multiple gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival. Stoudts also has a restaurant, bakery, and antique mall onsite, making it a destination for beer lovers and history buffs.
4. Warehouse Hotel
Warehouse Hotel has quickly become a well-known local spot in Lancaster due to its craft beer selection. This addition to the town’s drinking scene has been going strong since its opening.
At this brewery and restaurant, you can find locally sourced ingredients like honey, maple syrup, and coffee used in the menu. Some of their most popular beers include the Honey Wheat beer and Coffee Porter.
5. Tattered Flag Barrel House – Lancaster
The Tattered Flag Barrel House is unique in that they specialize in both craft beer and spirits, including gin, whiskey, and vodka. Offering guests a one-of-a-kind experience, this brewery/distillery hybrid is something special in plum st.
The taproom offers a variety of beverages, such as cocktails, wine, cider, and mead. Additionally, they have a fantastic food menu that includes pub favorites like wings, nachos, and sandwiches. Customers can also sample their products in the taproom.
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6. Thistle Finch Distillery
Thistle Finch Distillery is an establishment that specializes in small-batch production of various spirits such as whiskey, gin, vodka, and rum. In addition to distilling these products, the company runs an onsite brewery.
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Thistle Finch Distillery is known for its distilling process, creating high-quality spirits like whiskey and vodka. They also offer a tasting room where customers can get drinks samples, cocktails containing spirits, and pints from Wacker Brewing Company which is associated with Thistle Finch.
7. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is a regional chain of brewpubs in Lancaster. They brew their beers onsite and offer guest taps from other local breweries. Iron Hill has received numerous awards and recognition for its beers, including medals at the Great American Beer Festival. The restaurant serves American fare, such as burgers, pizzas, salads, and more.
The Warehouse Hotel has become popular for its impressive selection of beers and its delectable cuisine. With locals and tourists flocking to the venue, it is clear that the establishment offers a unique experience.
8. Our Town Brewery
The newest addition to the downtown Lancaster area is Our Town Brewery. This brewery opened its doors in 2020 and has been providing top-quality beer, from hoppy IPAs and tart sours to classic lagers and dark stouts.
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Our Town Brewery has grown loyal followers who appreciate their friendly service, pleasant atmosphere, and excellent beer. The menu of this new establishment boasts sandwiches, tacos, and snacks. It’s no wonder why patrons keep coming back to Our Town Brewery!
9. Mad Chef Craft Brewing
Creative cuisine paired with craft beer makes the Mad Chef Craft Brewing restaurant and brewery stand out. You will find an ever-changing selection of brews on tap and a wide range of bottled and canned beers to take home.
They offer sandwiches, salads, burgers, and more at East Petersburg and the Lancaster Marketplace. An extensive food menu awaits customers at both locations to enjoy!
At the Great American Beer Festival, Mad Chef’s Mr. Dynamite IPA was honored with a gold medal, recognizing its excellence among numerous other brews and highlighting its accomplishments.
10. Cartel Brewing & Blending
Cartel Brewing & Blending offers a variety of historic breweries specializing in barrel-aged and sour varieties. Flights, pints, growlers, and bottles of these unique beers are available to the public at their taproom.
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Cartel Brewing & Blending, a relatively new spot in Lancaster’s craft beer world, has quickly earned its place as a favorite. They are devoted to creating creative and innovative beers and special collaborations and events with local businesses.
Brewery Tours And Tastings In Lancaster, PA.
Lancaster Brewing Company
On Saturdays and Sundays, pay a visit to their brewery for a free tour at 1 pm and 3 pm, where you can find out about the establishment’s roots, how beer is crafted, and the different types available.
Visitors can indulge in some of Hops & Props’ delicious craft beers at their taproom or restaurant during a tasting experience. The venue serves pub-style cuisine and has outdoor beer garden seating for sipping the brews al fresco.
Spring House Brewing Company
Tours at the brewery, offering a unique look at the process of making German-style beers, are available by reservation only for $10 per person. Get an exclusive glimpse into their production and book your private tour today.
The cozy atmosphere and full-service restaurant of their taproom or tasting room invite visitors to sample various beers. Guests can enjoy the unique flavors and let their palates take on different tastes.
Image credit: springhousebeer.com
Thistle Finch Distillery
On Saturdays, tours are available at 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm for $10 for each person to explore Parched Penguin’s craft spirits and beers. During the tour, you can learn about the distillery and brewery, giving you a glimpse into their crafting process.
Visitors can sample Parish Brewing Company’s delicious creations at their tasting room, from pints and cocktails. Providing a chance to taste their products, it’s an opportunity to get to know what makes Parish so special.
The Lost Pint
Those looking to explore the beer scene in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, or beyond can join an organized tour that guides visitors to various breweries. The tour will allow beer lovers to sample and learn about some of the best brews in the area.
Beer lovers can reserve a tour to explore beermaking’s history, culture, and science while tasting different varieties. Tours are customizable with varying durations, prices, and itineraries.
Conclusion
After extensive research and consideration, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best breweries in Lancaster, PA. Each brewery on our list offers a unique selection of craft beers and a welcoming visitor atmosphere.
From the popular Lancaster Brewing Company and Spring House Brewing Company to the smaller, lesser-known breweries such as Columbia Kettle Works and Wacker Brewing Company, there is something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re a resident or just passing through Lancaster, PA, check out these breweries and experience this city’s rich brewing culture. With a focus on quality and innovation, these breweries are leading the way in the craft beer scene and are sure to impress even the most discerning beer enthusiasts.
Lancaster, PA, is home to a diverse and thriving craft beer scene, and these top 10 Lancaster County breweries are a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the city’s rich brewing culture. So grab a pint, and cheers to the best breweries in Lancaster, PA, like Queen St, prince st today!
