I love walking into a bar or tavern with the hope of having a good conversation over a craft beverage or two. The problem is, not many bars offer up the opportunity to do that these days. From tight spaces and uncomfortable seating to loud music (I know, I know, old man yelling at cloud here), many bars these days act like they want to be clubs (not that I don’t love a good dance party) instead of a place for conversation (especially in a college town).
That is why I was so happy when I visited The Press Cidery and Craft Beverage House, one of downtown State College’s newest craft beverage purveyors. With a large wooden bar and a casual yet historic feel, it is the kind of place conversations can be had, friendship can be forged, and ideas can be shared, all with a tasty beverage in hand.
Which is just what co-founder Kory Blose and the rest of the team had in mind when they transformed the former home of The Deli and Z Bar into The Press.
“The Press is not just another bar — it is a destination for craft beverage lovers and curious minds alike,” Blose says. “We are focused on creating a unique experience that pairs high-quality, local produced ciders, meads, wines, and craft beers with a welcoming, intellectually engaging atmosphere. It is a place where you can stretch out, enjoy a drink, and share ideas.”
Sounds good to me, and it was with great curiosity that I sat down at the bar with Blose to get a taste of some of the craft beverages on tap at The Press shortly before their grand opening in mid-October.
The Press is a joint venture between Blose and a group of his friends. After dabbling in craft beverage making as a hobby for years, in 2021 Klose began to get serious about the dream (every craft beverage lover’s dream) of opening a cidery or brewery.
Three weeks after starting the process, he had his own official Pennsylvania Limited Winery License, which allows for the production and sale of ciders, wines, meads, and fermented fruit beverages. After hearing about how simple the process was, some of his homebrewing friends back in his hometown of Punxsutawney also took the plunge. The Press brings together Klose’s BeeCider operation with his friends’ Punx Cider Worx, both offering quality craft ciders.
As Blose has been focused on getting the space ready to go, the crew in Punxsutawney has been focused on producing the first ciders to be offered at The Press. When I stopped in, a variety of flavors were being served, and it was fun to talk them over with Klose as I sampled. I especially enjoyed one that was aged in maple whiskey barrels that had also been used in maple syrup production, giving the cider a complex flavor profile.
In the future, expect rotating taps of craft ciders, meads, wines, beers, spirits, and house-crafted cocktails, plus exclusive small-batch releases and collaborations with regional makers. Bottles, cans, and growlers will be available to go.
They do have a kitchen, but for now patrons are encouraged to bring in food from nearby local eateries. Kind of the opposite of BYOB. They have the beverage covered, and you can bring-your-own-food.
During nice weather, the patio outside will be open for those who want to sit and sip in the sun.
“I think we’ve created an inviting, low-key atmosphere that you can just come and relax. That is what we’re trying to do with this space,” says Klose, who also teaches and conducts research at Penn State. He hopes the space can serve as a hub for town and gown (I love when I can use our publication’s name organically in a story) connections and collaborations.
Klose says the goal is “to create a venue that’s as stimulating for the mind as it is satisfying for the palate.”
So, The Press is actively inviting professors, performers, and community educators to reach out about presenting engaging talks, workshops, or performances.
“State College is a dynamic mix of students, faculty, locals, and visitors,” says Blose. “We want The Press to be a place that celebrates Pennsylvania agriculture and craft beverages while giving the community direct access to the exciting work and creativity happening on campus.”
Yes, indeed, just what the doctor ordered, or what this writer is always looking for. I hope to see you there for a lively discussion, but forgive me if you see me typing on my keyboard. I mean, with a name like The Press, the space should always welcome a writer jotting down some ideas. Cheers! T&G
Vincent Corso enjoys drinking local and meeting new people at Central Pennsylvania’s many interesting establishments.
