As the weather heats up, it’s time to find more ways to quench that summer thirst. Throughout the York area, you can travel the Susquehanna Ale Trail and dive into what local brewers have to offer.
Aldus Brewing Company
If you want to take on a craft beer experience but don’t know where to start, turn to Aldus Brewing Company in Hanover. These easy-to-drink brews satisfy summer thirst with seasonal ales. Sit down with some friends in the brewpub and order up some brisket and beer cheese nachos and a growler of White Bronco Imperial Orange Ale for a full orange flavor with hints of sweet melon and honey. Purchase kegs, growlers or cases, then take a tour at the brewery, open Monday through Saturday. 555 Centennial Ave., Hanover, (717) 634-2407
Center Square Brewing
Center Square Brewing has set up a three-barrel shop in the Altland House, a local hot spot and inn. Altland House already has a great reputation for fabulous food, and now you can add excellent craft beers to your list of reasons to visit. Center Square combines a variety of local and foreign flavors, so there’s a brew for everyone. Indulge your taste buds in a tall glass of German Chocolate Stout, created from hearty oatmeal with pecan and coconut flavors infused for an earthy undertone. When you’re looking for something a little lighter, take in a pint of the Center Square Wheat, smooth and refreshing with hints of clove and banana. Make sure you chat with Sarah, the only female brewer in the Hanover area, at the bar and get the 411 on any of the taps in house. 1 Center Square, Abbottstown, (717) 259-9535
Mudhook Brewing Company
Mudhook Brewing Company sits just behind York Central Market on Cherry Lane. A neighborhood anchor in York, Mudhook is the place to go for delicious food, great brews and good times. The menu offers more than just beer—it also bestows eats like a create-your-own burger with mouthwatering choices. Dress up your chosen patty with some crab dip, cheddar and balsamic glaze. Keep it simple with cheese and bacon, or bite into a piece of Chicago style with mustard, onions and relish. No matter what your culinary choice is, Mudhook has an accompanying brew. Stop by on a Wednesday for some cornhole and a taste of the new Cherry Lane Strong Ale. Tart cherries are mixed with a strong ale recipe and sweetened with dark Belgian candy sugar for a unique punch of sapor. When searching for more of an assortment in the tasting experience, the Mudhook Flight will dish up just that. A sampling of six brews will help you understand more of the flavors at this brewpub. Most Thursday nights deliver live country music all summer long. Check the events calendar for a full list of fun times to be had and happy hour specials. 34 N. Cherry Ln., York, (717) 747-3605
Collusion Tap Works
There is no shortage of heart at Collusion Tap Works. Head brewer Jared Barnes has traveled around the world to build on his knowledge of beer crafting. After winning multiple awards across the United States, Jared found his way back home to set up shop with his family. With rotating 24 tap selections, even experienced beer lovers will find a new tasting experience. Some of the hoppy beers boast peachy and tropical flavors for a sweet malt, like the Fuzzy Scrumpit. If you’re looking for a darker, fuller flavor, dare to drink up the Harlequin. Taste the strong brewed coffee combined with the dark bitter chocolate and medium-roasted malt in this slick concoction of smooth body. Many other brews are ready for consumption, including blondes, wheats, wilds and sours. Come celebrate Christmas in July on July 22. Collusion will release its Christmas-themed beers, along with the next in its Ben and Jared ice cream series of brews: Creme Brulee Russian Imperial Stout. Yes, please! New releases every Wednesday. 105 S. Howard St., York, (717) 848-8400
Bailee’s Homebrew and Wine Supplies
After getting your fill of the fine concoctions on the Susquehanna Ale Trail, stop by Bailee’s Homebrew and Wine Supplies before you head home. Find out what it takes to turn your taste for blondes and stouts into an at-home pastime. Sign up for a class, check out some recipes or stock up on everything you need to start your own supply. Bailee’s has it all—from spices to siphons and kits to hops. If you’re interested but not sure where to start, Bailee’s has plenty of resources for the novice and experienced crafter alike. 3605 E. Market St., York, (717)755-7599
Bube’s Brewery
Bube’s Brewery is more than just a brewery—it’s a complex offering multiple activities and events on site. Bube’s got its start in the 1800s and was relicensed in 2001. The current brewing location is housed in the original icehouse of the building and crafts ales for the four restaurants patrons can choose from. Surround yourself in authentic brewery history and appreciate much of the original structure and equipment. From the outdoor Biergarten to fine dining in the underground catacombs, Bube’s Brewery has an experience for everyone. With themed feasts, an escape room experience and plenty of live music, it’s the place to be. Check out the brewery’s Facebook page for upcoming events. 102 N. Market St., Mount Joy, (717) 653-2056
SBC Brewsmiths
Celebrating three local breweries, one-stop-shop SBC Brewsmiths offers patrons the chance to taste goods from Rumspringa Brewing Company, Divine Swine Brewing Company and Swashbuckler Brewing Company. As part of the Mount Hope Estate, the newly renovated touring facility is a must-see for visitors and locals alike. See how three small businesses have successfully formed a co-op of great local flavors to meet the higher demand of production. A great learning opportunity for those wanting to know more about the brewing process. 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim, (717) 665-7021
Rumspringa Brewing Company
Start your travels at the east point of the trail at Rumspringa Brewing Company. Situated between Bird-in Hand and Intercourse, this true-to-roots nanobrewery is the perfect gateway to local ale excursions. Enjoy complimentary beer tasting on the second floor at the Barn Cafe, with bartenders ready and eager to guide you through pairings and flavor spectrums. Hit up a tall glass of Red Caboose or Wild Oats Stout and order up a basket of hard or soft pretzels with some spicy mustard and enjoy the taps like a local. 3174 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-In-Hand, (717) 768-7194
The Susquehanna Ale Trail is ready for you year-round. Download a passport to take on your travels. All passports with at least six stamps will receive a free gift from York County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Let us know which stops you made on the trail. We would love to hear about your favorite pints and dishes!
- Collusion Tap Works photo: Collusion Tap Works
- Remaining photos: York Convention & Visitors Bureau
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