It's always a good time in the Cumberland Valley to try a delicious craft brew. Whether you like stouts, IPAs, sours, fruited lagers, or porters, you'll find a favorite flavor as you tap, tour, and try a pint at 30 locations along the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail. Sign up for the free digital passport, check in at participating locations, and earn prizes. Here are some staff suggestions to help get you started. Please drink responsibly and in moderation.
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Desperate Times Brewery
I’m all about the dark and robust beers, and one of my favorite places to find them is at Desperate Times Brewery in Carlisle. Their Black Forest Schwarzbier and Honest Lawbreaker are roasty, smooth, and balanced with a full-bodied flavor. In fact, the Black Forest Schwarzbier won a gold medal in the Dark Lager category at the 2020 U.S. Open Beer Championship. Each one pairs nicely with the German-inspired food menu, which offers, among other items, a selection of authentic sausages, schnitzel, and homemade sauerkraut. If you don’t like dark beers, Desperate Times has plenty of different options, with 12 rotating beers on tap.
--Stacey
Molly Pitcher Brewing Co.
Up until a year ago, I was a wine drinker. I found that fruity wheat beers were a good introduction to the craft brew world and remain one of my favorite beers to sample. Hands down, my favorite find has been the Black Currant Wheat from Molly Pitcher Brewing Co. in Carlisle. It showcases all the delicious characteristics of a traditional wheat beer, with fruity notes and a slightly tart finish from the black currants. Plus, it has a gorgeous pink hue that is perfect for Instagram photos!
--Ashley
Give me a peanut butter beer, and I will probably like it. However, the Peanut Butter Porter at Molly Pitcher Brewing Company is the best of these flavors. It’s a dark beer, as you would expect with a porter, and offers a great smell of peanut butter and some chocolate. The porter can be enjoyed as a dessert beer or the first of a few. The flavor is exactly what you want when introducing peanut butter.
--Aaron
Ever Grain Brewing Co.
I am constantly searching for the most delicious beer in the Cumberland Valley. I found it at Ever Grain Brewing Co. Their Fluffhead Bavarian-style Hefeweizen is incredibly drinkable and perfectly balanced with notes of banana and clove. The atmosphere of this location makes you feel like you are a part of the brewing experience and includes Ever Grain’s Craft Kitchen. The Fluffhead Hefeweizen and the soft pretzel are an unbeatable combination!
--Lauren
Wolf Brewing Company
Wolf Brewing Company is one of my favorite spots along the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail. Located on the outskirts of downtown Mechanicsburg, it is relaxing and inviting, with indoor and outdoor seating. I'm partial to the Fruited Kettle Sours, particularly the Sorbet Series. If you don't like sour beer, you'll find your favorite from an extensive selection of beers brewed on-site. Wolf Brewing has won over 135 awards nationwide with 58 different beer recipes, so you can't go wrong with any flavors you choose.
--Kristen
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Even if you don't drink, you don't need to miss out on the fun. There are several non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy along the Beer Trail.
- Appalachian Brewing Co: ABC's small-batch sodas are made using the finest ingredients. Choose from Root Beer, diet Root Beer, White Birch Beer, or Ginger Beer. All are caffeine and gluten free.
- The Winery at the Long Shot Farm: Enjoy non-alcoholic slushies.
- Grateful Goat Brewing Co.: You can quench your thirst with several N/A beers and craft root beer.
