Allentown, Pennsylvania, has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. The city’s brewing scene has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the number of craft breweries reaching 25 and expected to increase further. These local breweries showcase a diverse range of flavors and styles, from traditional ales to innovative experimental brews.
Visitors and residents alike can explore a variety of taprooms and gastropubs throughout Allentown. Popular spots include Union and Finch, Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company, and The Trapp Door Gastropub. These establishments offer unique atmospheres and rotating taps, providing patrons with opportunities to sample the latest creations from local brewers.
The craft beer industry has become an integral part of Allentown’s economy and culture. It reflects the city’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality craftsmanship. Beer lovers can enjoy guided tours, tasting events, and festivals that celebrate the rich brewing heritage of the Lehigh Valley region.
History of Craft Beer in Allentown
Beer brewing in Allentown, Pennsylvania has deep roots stretching back to the 1840s. The city’s beer-making tradition began as part of a broader brewing culture in the Lehigh Valley region.
In the mid-20th century, large breweries dominated Allentown’s beer scene. However, the craft beer movement started gaining traction in the early 2000s, mirroring national trends.
Local entrepreneurs and beer enthusiasts began opening small-scale breweries, focusing on unique flavors and high-quality ingredients. These craft brewers often incorporated local elements into their recipes, showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty.
The number of craft breweries in Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley has grown significantly over the past two decades. As of 2024, the area boasts 25 craft breweries, with projections indicating further growth.
Allentown’s craft beer scene has become an integral part of the local economy. It has contributed to business growth and fostered a sense of community among beer enthusiasts.
Many Allentown breweries participate in beer festivals and events, celebrating the city’s brewing heritage. These gatherings have become popular attractions, drawing visitors from across Pennsylvania and beyond.
The craft beer movement in Allentown continues to evolve, with brewers experimenting with new styles and flavors. This innovation keeps the local beer scene vibrant and exciting for both residents and tourists alike.
Exploring the Craft Beer Scene
Allentown’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of breweries, unique flavors, and memorable experiences for beer enthusiasts. From established brewpubs to innovative microbreweries, the city boasts a rich tapestry of craft beer options.
Allentown Breweries Overview
Allentown is home to a thriving craft beer community with numerous breweries scattered throughout the city. Fegley’s Brew Works stands as one of the pioneering establishments, having helped kickstart the local craft beer movement. Newer entrants like Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company and Hijinx Brewing Company have further enriched the scene with their distinctive offerings.
The city’s breweries range from large-scale operations to intimate taprooms. Many offer tours, giving visitors insight into the brewing process. Tasting flights are popular, allowing patrons to sample multiple brews in one sitting.
Seasonal and limited-edition beers are common, encouraging repeat visits to try new flavors.
Highlighting Notable Breweries
Allentown Brew Works, part of the Fegley’s family, is known for its spacious multi-level brewpub and diverse beer selection. Their Hop’solutely Triple IPA has gained regional acclaim.
Hijinx Brewing Company focuses on small-batch brewing, offering a rotating selection of creative beers. Their taproom provides a casual, friendly atmosphere for beer tasting.
Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company combines craft beer with elevated pub fare. Their modern facility includes a rooftop bar with city views.
Bonn Place Brewing Co has garnered attention for its English-style ales and community-focused approach. The brewery’s intimate setting fosters a connection between brewers and patrons.
Specialty Beers of Allentown
Allentown breweries pride themselves on crafting unique, locally-inspired beers. The Allentown Amber Ale, produced by several local breweries, has become a city staple. This balanced, malty brew pays homage to the region’s industrial heritage.
Sour beers have gained popularity, with breweries like Funk Brewing and Yergey Brewing experimenting with tart and funky flavors. These complex brews often incorporate local fruits and wild yeast strains.
Imperial stouts and barrel-aged varieties are winter favorites. McCall Collective Brewing and Sherman Street Beer Company offer robust, high-ABV options perfect for colder months.
Several breweries collaborate with local businesses, creating beers that incorporate regional ingredients like honey, maple syrup, and locally-roasted coffee.
The Brewing Process
Allentown’s craft breweries employ skilled techniques and quality ingredients to create their signature beers. The process combines science and artistry, resulting in a diverse range of flavors and styles.
Ingredients and Techniques
Local brewers carefully select malted grains, hops, yeast, and water for their recipes. Many source ingredients from Pennsylvania farms to support local agriculture. Malted barley forms the base for most beers, while wheat and oats add body and flavor complexity.
Hops contribute bitterness and aroma, with varieties like Cascade and Centennial popular for IPAs. Yeast strains are chosen based on the desired style, from clean-fermenting lagers to fruity ales.
Brewers use various techniques to craft different styles. For IPAs, they often dry-hop to enhance aroma. Stouts may incorporate roasted malts for rich flavors. Some breweries experiment with barrel-aging or adding fruits and spices.
From Grain to Glass
The brewing process begins with milling grains and mixing them with hot water to extract sugars. This creates a sweet liquid called wort. The wort is boiled with hops, then cooled and transferred to fermentation tanks.
Yeast is added to ferment the sugars into alcohol, typically taking 1-2 weeks. For IPAs and pale ales, fermentation temperatures are often higher to enhance fruity flavors. Lagers like pilsners ferment at cooler temperatures for a crisp taste.
After fermentation, the beer may be dry-hopped, filtered, or conditioned further. Finally, it’s packaged in kegs, bottles, or cans for distribution to local bars and stores.
Beer Varietals and Tastings
Allentown’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Local breweries showcase signature brews and seasonal offerings, giving beer enthusiasts plenty of options to explore.
Understanding Beer Styles
Craft breweries in Allentown produce a wide variety of beer styles. IPAs remain popular, known for their hop-forward flavors and aromatic profiles. Stouts offer rich, dark flavors with notes of coffee and chocolate. Session beers provide a lower alcohol content option for extended tastings.
Many breweries offer flight options, allowing visitors to sample multiple styles in one sitting. This approach helps beer lovers discover new favorites and appreciate the nuances between different brews.
Signature IPAs and Stouts
Allentown’s breweries take pride in their signature IPAs and stouts. Local IPAs often feature a balance of citrusy and piney hop flavors, catering to the preferences of hop enthusiasts. Some breweries experiment with hazy or New England-style IPAs, known for their juicy flavors and smooth mouthfeel.
Stouts produced in the area range from classic dry Irish styles to bold imperial versions. Many incorporate local ingredients like coffee from nearby roasters or seasonal fruits. These signature brews often become year-round favorites among locals and visitors alike.
Seasonal and Limited Edition Brews
Seasonal and limited edition beers add excitement to Allentown’s craft beer scene. Spring often brings lighter, fruit-infused ales, while summer features refreshing wheat beers and crisp lagers. Fall introduces pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest-style brews.
Winter sees the release of heartier beers like barrel-aged stouts and strong ales. Limited edition brews might commemorate local events or showcase experimental brewing techniques. These special releases are often available in growlers or crowlers for take-home enjoyment.
Beer tastings focused on seasonal offerings allow enthusiasts to experience the full range of a brewery’s creativity throughout the year.
The Allentown Experience
Allentown’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of experiences for beer enthusiasts. From guided brewery tours to bustling taprooms and beer-centric gastropubs, the city provides numerous ways to explore its local brews.
Brewery Tours and Events
Several Allentown breweries offer guided tours, giving visitors an inside look at the brewing process. These tours often include tastings and opportunities to meet the brewers. The Colony Meadery, known for its honey-based fermented beverages, provides unique tasting experiences.
Many breweries host special events throughout the year. Seven Sirens organizes live music nights, attracting local bands and solo artists. Silent disco events have become popular, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite brews while dancing to music only they can hear through wireless headphones.
Seasonal beer festivals showcase the best of Allentown’s craft beer scene, bringing together multiple breweries in one location.
Craft Beer Bars and Taprooms
Allentown boasts a variety of craft beer bars and taprooms, each with its own distinct atmosphere. The Trapp Door Gastropub offers an extensive selection of local and international craft beers on tap, along with a curated bottle list.
Tavern on Liberty, a popular downtown spot, features rotating taps of local brews and a cozy ambiance perfect for casual gatherings. Many taprooms offer flight options, allowing patrons to sample multiple beers in smaller portions.
Some bars host trivia nights and other events centered around craft beer, creating a vibrant social scene for beer enthusiasts.
Pairing Food with Local Craft Beers
Allentown’s restaurants and brewpubs have embraced the art of pairing food with local craft beers. Many establishments offer suggested pairings on their menus, helping diners enhance their culinary experience.
The Trapp Door Gastropub is known for its innovative beer and food pairings, often featuring locally sourced ingredients. Some breweries collaborate with local food trucks, providing a rotating selection of cuisine options to complement their beers.
Beer-infused dishes have become increasingly popular, with chefs incorporating local brews into sauces, marinades, and even desserts. Seasonal menus often highlight pairings that showcase the flavors of both the food and the beer.
Taking Craft Beer Home
Allentown’s craft beer scene offers numerous options for enjoying locally brewed beverages beyond taprooms and brewpubs. Enthusiasts can savor their favorite brews at home through various take-home containers and local retailers.
Choosing the Right Container
Growlers and crowlers are popular choices for taking craft beer home. Growlers, typically 64-ounce glass jugs, allow beer lovers to transport draft beer from microbreweries. They keep beer fresh for several days when properly sealed and refrigerated.
Crowlers, 32-ounce aluminum cans filled and sealed on-site, offer a more portable alternative. These single-use containers protect beer from light and oxygen, preserving flavor for longer periods.
Many Allentown breweries offer both options, allowing customers to choose based on their preferences and consumption habits.
Local Craft Beer Retailers
Allentown boasts several specialty shops and bottle stores dedicated to craft beer. These retailers offer a wide selection of local and regional brews, including limited releases and seasonal offerings.
Beer distributors in the area often stock products from Allentown’s microbreweries, providing convenient access to local craft beers. Some grocery stores also feature craft beer sections with offerings from nearby breweries.
Online ordering and delivery services have expanded, allowing residents to purchase craft beer from local retailers without leaving home.
Supporting Local Breweries
Allentown’s craft beer scene thrives on community support and innovation. Local breweries contribute to the city’s economy while fostering a vibrant social atmosphere.
Community Engagement and Sustainability
Allentown’s breweries actively engage with the community through events and sustainable practices. Many host regular trivia nights, live music performances, and food truck gatherings. These events create a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Sustainability is a key focus for several Allentown breweries. Some utilize locally sourced ingredients, reducing their carbon footprint. Others implement water conservation techniques and energy-efficient brewing processes.
Several breweries partner with local charities, donating a portion of their profits or hosting fundraising events. This commitment to social responsibility strengthens the bond between breweries and the community they serve.
Collaborations and Innovations
Allentown’s craft beer scene is marked by collaboration and creativity. Local breweries often work together on special release beers, combining their unique styles and expertise. These collaborations result in exciting new flavors for beer enthusiasts to enjoy.
Innovation is evident in the diverse range of beer styles offered. From traditional ales to experimental brews, Allentown’s craft breweries cater to various tastes. Some notable innovations include:
- Fruit-infused IPAs
- Barrel-aged stouts
- Sour beers with local fruit additions
- Low-alcohol session beers
Breweries like Two Rivers Brewing and Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company continually push boundaries with new brewing techniques and flavor combinations. This spirit of innovation keeps Allentown’s beer scene fresh and exciting for both locals and tourists.
