Outside Lancaster Brewing Company

Lancaster Brew Tour

3 Breweries of Lancaster, PA

Escaping from Maryland, we headed to the historic city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania to visit 3 brewing companies: Spring House,  Lancaster, and WackerFor me, Lancaster brings thoughts of rich farmland with Amish buggies. Lancaster City, a lively town of about 60,000 people, is a lot more than just that. I love their Central Market, a terrific farmers’ market, which was closed during our stay.  Pennsylvania’s only U.S. President, James Buchanan, lived and worked in Lancaster. His historic home,  Wheatland, is worth a visit. Lancaster’s German heritage helped establish over 14 breweries years ago.Then prohibition hit. Today, the beer scene is bustling.  Currently, there are 3 breweries in the city, all within walking distance of each other.

Taproom Spring House

Outside the Taproom Spring House
Outside the Taproom Spring House

On a quiet afternoon, we entered the Halloween themed Taproom Spring House, hungry and wanting a beer. Only a few people sat in the taproom – we missed the lunch crowd.  The taproom was created because of the demand at the nearby Spring House Brewery. The Taproom has its own 1-barrel system on the premises.

Flight at Spring House
Flight at Spring House

I order the Reuben Sandwich, which was wonderful. The beers were nearly as good:

I am guessing that all their pale ales used Seven Gates as their base — all consistently tasty. The other beers I tried were fun and novel, very experimental. I relished my first experience with the enthusiastic Lancaster craft beer community. The obvious pride in their Lancaster (and Pennsylvania) beers proved a common theme throughout the day.

An afternoon at Taproom at Spring House Brewing Company
An afternoon at Taproom at Spring House Brewing Company

I asked for walking directions to Lancaster Brewing. Despite recommendations for Uber, I headed out on foot.

Lancaster Brewing Company

Beers on Tap at Lancaster Brewing
Beers on Tap at Lancaster Brewing

I hiked to Lancaster Brewing Company, maybe a 20-minute walk. This is a long-time Lancaster brewer. The Lancaster Malt Brewing set up at that location in 1995.

flight at Lancaster Brewing
flight at Lancaster Brewing

I was still full from lunch at the Spring House, so I stayed away from the food. I ordered a flight of 6:

  • Double Chocolate Milk Stout – Very sweet stout with coffee and cocoa flavors. Astringent medicinal finish
  • Bobbly Head Apple Ale – Tastes like a cider. I can’t taste the “very small amount of Tettnang hops”
  • Boss Hog – Grapefruit nose, Juicy citrus flavor. Honey sweet malt blended with hop flavors. Well done! (a double IPA)
  • Fest Beer Amber Lager – Sweet amber, honey nose with apple/rose taste. Light & drinkable
  • Milk Stout – Creamy stout, coffee & oat(maybe)? Sweet finish
  • Celtic Rose – Meh

All Lancaster Brewing’s beers were well-made but less daring than Spring House’s. The star of my flight was the Boss Hog double IPA. Unfortunately, I did not try any of their Hop Project series – a missed opportunity.

This brewery had the feel of a tavern, with several people eating. Young and old regulars kept the place busy, playing pinball, having growlers filled and talking among themselves and the staff. I had a long talk with a local, again hearing the pride in his voice as we discussed Pennsylvania beers. I was surprised he had never heard of or tried any Maryland beers like Flying Dog or Heavy Seas.

Lancaster Brewing's vessels
Lancaster Brewing’s vessels
Outside Wacker Brewing
Outside Wacker Brewing

Wacker Brewing Company

What's on Tap at Wacker
What’s on Tap at Wacker

I should have “Ubered” to Wacker but instead, made the long walk. The thin crowd mostly sat around the bar. I mentioned this was my first time to Wacker and I was from Maryland. Expecting the young locals to keep to themselves, I was surprised to be suddenly involved in a group discussion suggesting where to eat dinner, what beers to drink and a good place to hear some music. The warm welcome I received was matched by the pride of their local brewery’s beers. I ordered a sample of 5 beers.

I should not have been surprised at the traditional taste of beers considering the brewery’s German heritage. For me, the Kölsch and American Strong Ale were my favorites.

Wacker truck
Wacker truck

Wacker was one of the original breweries with roots dating back to 1853. It remained open until 1956. In 2014, Wacker Brewery is “reborn”.

distiller at Wacker
Thistle Finch Distillery

Besides the tasting room, Wacker beer can be found in some of the Lancaster restaurants and bars. Wacker also shares space with the Thistle Finch Distillery (see the picture above).

Cheers!

Warren