Lancaster County has a rich cultural heritage. However, we’re not only known for our historical legacy and Amish tradition, but also our brewmasters! Lancaster County is home to a number of craft breweries whse connections are downright decadent. There’s a reason we’re called the “Little Munich of America”. With more than a dozen in the area, let’s take a look at five local brewpub favorites.

Iron Hill Brewery

What started as two friends using a homebrew kit back in 1990 has become one of the most beloved local brewpubs in Lancaster. They also feature delicious artisan dishes to accompany your drinks. You can check them out at 781 Harrisburg Pike Lancaster, Pa.

The most popular drink from Iron Hill is the “Pig Iron Porter”. Described as a “classic porter”, it balances a slight bitter flavor with chocolate and roasted malt.

Iron Hill Brewery is also known for their “Ore House IPA”. This beverage emphasizes its hops with hints of pine and citrus. Along with the citrus aroma, it’s golden hue is a delight to see – making it an all-around home run for the senses.

Wacker Brewing Company

Wacker Brewing Company dates all the way back to 1853! When Joseph Wacker made his purchase, it stayed a family-run business until 1938. After surviving a devastating fire, and prohibition, the Wacker family sold its brewery to John Duschl. He maintained the business until 1956 when midwestern breweries overtook the market. In 2014, Wacker Brewing reopened – surging with creative energy combined with classic recipes. To see this historical landmark, head to 417 West Grant Street in Lancaster.

Their popular light-bodied dark beer, “Little Dutch Dunkel” is among their most popular beverages. A Dunkelweizen (“wheat beer”), this beverage starts with a bready flavor and finishes lighter like a lager.

Another popular beverage is their “Wacker’s German Pale Ale”, or “Kolsch”. This particular item is pale and fruity, with a medium to light bodied flavor.

Lancaster Brewing Company

In 1995, Lancaster Malt Brewing opened in the iconic tobacco warehouse of Lancaster city. Refashioned as a brewpub, this is where Lancaster Brewing Company still stands today. You can see the big brick building for yourself at 302 North Plum St. Lancaster, Pa.

Lancaster Brewing Company features several intriguing beer options, one of which is their “Milk Stout”. Deliciously sweet, this craft beer has hints of malt with overtones of milk chocolate and coffee. It’s a dessert drink for sure, and a nice introduction for newer craft beer aficionados.

The “Hop Hog IPA” is made especially for hop-lovers. This potent brew charges – like a hog – with hop flavor for a dry, yet satisfying, experience.

Spring House Brewing Company

Matt Keasey began the Spring House Brewing Company in 2006 as a tiny operation. However, his concoctions drew admirers from miles around, and he quickly outgrew his barn! His unique style and experimental brews can be experienced at 25 West King Street in Lancaster.

Spring House offers the “Big Gruesome Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout” for its sweet-loving Stout fans. Made with raw cocoa, vanilla beans, and peanut butter, this beverage has a full-bodied, rich taste. The raw cocoa packs a punch, but the peanut butter mellows it out for a truly mighty experience.

“The Astounding She-Monster Mango IPA” is a Spring House specialty. This beverage combines sweet mango with sour citrus for a fruity sensation.

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company

In 2010, Jon Northup and Mike Price opened a one barrel nanobrewery in Ephrata. After receiving overwhelming community support, they expanded to a three-barrel operation using local Mennonite-crafted metalwork. By 2015, St. Boniface’s rapid growth resulted in a 15-barrel brewery with over 90% of its production sold in-house. St. Boniface has become a local staple, and you can visit its rustic brewpub at 1701 W. Main St. in Ephrata.

St. Boniface developed the “Paideia Pale Ale” to represent the prototypical ideal for all pale ales. It’s single-hop and malt blend are pure, with reduced bitterness.

Their “Libation DIPA” is meant to evoke the gods themselves. Its emphasis on malt, and unique hop blend, showcase a sweetly balanced beer.

So Much Beer, So Little Time

Not enough time to visit all the breweries during your stay at Amishview Inn? Don’t Worry! You can always come back to finish your tour, we would be glad to have you again. If you are looking to try multiple craft brews at one location, don’t forget to check out our friends at Smokehouse BBQ & Brews or Rumspringa Brewing Company!