Being able to purchase beer alongside groceries is still a monumentally gratifying feeling in modern Pennsylvania, but a number of breweries are giving reason to stop in just to grab beer to go. Demand for craft beer continues to grow, and many breweries now offer more formats to go straight from their hands to yours.
Growlers
The obvious choice for a quick pick-up from your favorite local spot, growlers are convenient for bringing home fresh beer off the tap. The average growler is 64 ounces, but some breweries offer smaller options, too. While you’ll want to drink the beer soon after opening and within a few days, this is a great option for special occasions or a weekend evening. Some drawbacks to growlers are the potential for light exposure (make sure it’s not clear glass) and an improper seal. However, swing top growlers create a tight seam to protect against oxidation, and stainless steel growlers can protect against UV rays. In Pittsburgh, stop by Grist House Brewing Company. In the Philadelphia area, check out Aston’s 2SP Brewing Company’s large draft list for a fill.
Crowlers
Aluminum growlers were created by Oskar Blues Brewery — and we all owe a debt of gratitude! The brewery put 32 ounces of beer into a can the size of your head. While the seam on crowlers is questionably the same as or better than one on a growler, the aluminum can protects well against sunlight. Crowlers are also a better option when hitting the road, taking a long hike, tailgating or when you aren’t able to consume an entire growler. In the Philadelphia area, grab a crowler at Levante Brewing Company in West Chester. In Northwest Pennsylvania? Stop by Erie Ale Works in Erie.
Large Format Bottles
Large format bottles sold individually are another option when visiting breweries. These selections are typically from their higher end offerings, and could be a big imperial stout or a barrel-aged finessed saison. Perfect for sharing with friends or during a nice meal, large format bottles hold the beer nearest and dearest to the brewers’ hearts. Look for great selections from Zeroday Brewing Company in Harrisburg and Robin Hood Brewing Company in Bellefonte.
Sixtels
When your love for beer has materialized into a kegerator, sixtels are the way to go. Many local breweries distribute direct to consumers, allowing you to enjoy fresh draft beer right at home. Look for sixtels from Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg and Dock Street Brewing Company in Philadelphia.
Next time you’re looking for a beer to enjoy at home, make it a point to stop by a brewery to see what’s fresh on tap. With the range of vehicles available to transport fresh beer home, patronizing your local brewery has never been easier. Plus, you can do some research with a small pour at the bar before deciding what beer to choose.
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The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
Featured photo: Zeroday Brewing Company; other photos, top to bottom: Zeroday Brewing Company; Levante Brewing Company