Philadelphia, PA - Philly is becoming known for its beers, with historic breweries such as Yuengling making their way around the country. The region has seen its share of new and exciting Breweries and Beer startups opening every year. Below is a list of the 10 local Philly Beers to add to the list of must-try!
Best Philadelphia Beers
Yuengling Black & Tan 4.7% | Pottsville. Maybe it's not quite as cheap and easy as going to the bar and barking out "Lager," but the malty coffee and caramel tones of the Black & Tan stout are worth the upgrade. Think of it as Pennsylvania's attempt at a Guinness.
Yards Brawler 4.2% | Spring Garden, Philadelphia. Yards' most approachable beer is coveted by beer connoisseurs and newbies alike thanks to its delicate hops, hints of caramel, and English-inspired toasty flavor. The year-round brew is an especially sweet companion to any of Philly's better slices of Pizza. Now brewed at their massive Spring Garden facility, this mainstay will never leave you hanging.
Tröegs Mad Elf Ale 11% | Hershey Tröegs' winter specialty is the perfect (and dangerous) combination of tasty and potent: this strikingly red Belgian-style ale boasts hints of cherry, honey, and chocolate, and is so smooth you probably won't even notice the incredibly high ABV.
Sly Fox Maibock 6.6% | Phoenixville. This traditional spring beer is called something different each year because each year it's named after the goat that wins the surprisingly popular goat race at Sly Fox's annual Bock Fest. That alone is enough to get it on this list, but the beer—brewed with German Vienna and Pils malts and Hallertauer hops—is excellent in its own right.
Weyerbacher Merry Monks 9.3% | Easton. The Belgian-style tripel combines pilsner malt with an Abbey yeast strain that yields a dry finish with flavors of spice, banana, and pear. While Weyerbacher has faced some corporate restructuring and bankruptcy over the last few years, their Easton taproom is back open under new ownership and continues pouring this beloved classic. The year-round brew is a perfect pairing for Mediterranean and Italian foods alike.
Iron Hill Russian Imperial Stout 9.8% | Multiple locations. Don't let the sweet smell of this creamy vanilla-caramel-toffee stout fool you: the flavors combine to create a smooth roasted flavor that's made it one of the most popular local stouts. Plus, Iron Hill mixes its RIS up a bit by offering 16oz cans at a relative bargain.
Yards Love Stout 5% | Spring Garden, Philadelphia. A lot has changed since Yards first brewed this dry English-style stout in 1997—including their move to a massive new Center City-adjacent facility that has become a Philly landmark. However, this rich, well-rounded beer is still combining chocolate and coffee notes, which pair well with both sweet and savory eats.
Neshaminy Creek J.A.W.N 5.2% | Croydon. This time, J.A.W.N refers to Juicy Ale With Nugget, tugging at all our heartstrings with a name almost too Philly for Philly, even though the brewer is just outside the city limits in Bucks County. One taste of this crisp, malty, and hoppy brew with dark citrus and tropical tones, and you'll totally embrace it.
Victory HopDevil Ale 6.7% | Downingtown. Founded by two friends who went to elementary school together right here in Pennsylvania, Victory is currently winning this whole brewing thing (its suds are available nationwide). They secure a spot on our list with this American IPA boasting bold spices and citrusy notes that should convert any IPA nonbeliever.
Free Will Whit 5% | Perkasie. This cranberry sour ale is released annually, and local beer lovers savor every drop until it runs out. The cranberry is low-key enough to nullify any dizzying sweetness, while traces of lavender and herbs give it a well-rounded, delightfully complex taste.
Also, Read... Philly Bite Magazine's Top Beer Articles
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