Pennsylvania has been brewing beer longer than it’s been a lot of things — the state’s brewing history stretches back to the 1700s, and it never really stopped. What makes this state different from most is that the old guard and the new guard are still standing side by side: a brewery that opened before the Civil War sits on the same shelf as one that opened ten years ago, and both are still worth your money.
We get asked about Pennsylvania beer brands almost daily — usually from someone who grew up on one name and wants to know what else is worth trying, or someone just getting to know the area and asking what’s actually local. This is our honest answer, covering both ends of that spectrum.
The Oldest Pennsylvania Beer Brand Still Brewing
That’s Yuengling, hands down — America’s oldest operating brewery, founded in 1829 in Pottsville, PA, and still run by the same family generations later. Before craft beer was a category, Yuengling was already brewing the lagers this state built its reputation on, and it’s still the name most people picture first when you say “Pennsylvania beer.”
Straub Brewery’s Old-School Reputation
Straub Brewery, out of St. Marys in northwestern PA, has been family-owned since 1872 and has stayed almost stubbornly old-school about it — Straub Lager built its following on a straightforward, no-frills approach at a fair price, and the brand has held onto that reputation for well over a century.
Pennsylvania Beer Brands Worth Knowing Beyond the Classics
The craft side of the state has produced some genuinely excellent names, spread from the Philly suburbs to the shores of Lake Erie.
Tröegs Independent Brewing
Tröegs, based in Hershey, PA since the late ’90s, built its name on hop-forward beers with real depth — their seasonal Tröegs Nugget Nectar, an Imperial Amber Ale loaded with citrusy, piney hop character, is one we carry and one that moves fast every time it lands.
Sly Fox Brewing
Sly Fox, out of the Phoenixville/Pottstown area since the mid-’90s, has built a loyal following across a range of styles — we’ve carried and reviewed their Slugger, and it’s a good example of why this brewery has stuck around this long.
Victory Brewing Company
Victory, founded in Downingtown, PA in 1996, is one of the pioneers of the state’s craft movement — they built their reputation doing everything well, from crisp lagers to bold, roasty stouts, and that range is still what sets them apart.
Yards Brewing Company
Yards, brewing in Philadelphia since 1994, is best known for Philadelphia Pale Ale — a crisp, citrusy pale ale that’s become one of the more recognizable names to come out of the city.
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company
Neshaminy Creek is about as local as it gets for us — founded in 2010 right in Croydon, Bucks County, it’s a genuine hometown name for anyone in our service area, not just a brand that happens to be brewed somewhere in the state.
Erie Brewing Company
Erie Brewing, up in the state’s northwest corner, started as a brewpub in 1993 before growing into a full-time brewery — it’s a good reminder that Pennsylvania’s beer scene isn’t just a Philly-and-Pittsburgh story.
Which Pennsylvania Beer Brand Should You Try First?
Start with Yuengling if you want the flavor most closely tied to the state’s history, or Tröegs, Sly Fox, Victory, Yards, Neshaminy Creek, or Erie if you’re after something more modern and varied. There’s no wrong entry point into Pennsylvania beer brands — it really comes down to whether you gravitate toward a clean, reliable lager or something bigger and bolder. If you want an even deeper list of the newer craft names we stock, we go further into hazy IPA and barrel-aged specialists in our best craft breweries in PA roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yuengling still brewed in Pennsylvania?
Yes — Yuengling’s original brewery in Pottsville, PA has been in continuous operation since 1829, and while the company has since added additional brewing locations, its roots and much of its production remain in Pennsylvania.
What’s the difference between a Pennsylvania beer brand and a Pennsylvania craft brewery?
All Pennsylvania craft breweries are Pennsylvania beer brands, but not all Pennsylvania beer brands are “craft” — craft beers status comes down to a few specific factors (production size, independent ownership, traditional ingredients), not just how old or new the brewery is. Legacy names like Yuengling and Straub predate the craft category entirely and don’t fit its definition, even though they’re brewed in-state just like the newer names.
Are Pennsylvania beer brands only sold in Pennsylvania?
No — several, including Yuengling and Tröegs, distribute well beyond the state, but you’ll typically find the widest and freshest selection close to where they’re actually brewed.
What style of beer is Pennsylvania most known for?
Pennsylvania doesn’t lean on one style — it’s known for excellent classic American lagers thanks to brands like Yuengling and Straub, while also holding its own in hop-forward IPAs through its craft scene.
Taste Pennsylvania Beer Brands for Yourself
Reading about these names only gets you so far — the real test is a cold one in hand. We keep a rotating mix of Pennsylvania beer brands on our shelves, from Yuengling’s classic lager to whatever Tröegs seasonal just landed, and our team can point you toward whichever end of that spectrum matches what you’re in the mood for. Stop by Bound Beverages in Warrington and take a look at what’s currently in stock.