Happy A (maybe made-up) time to celebrate Centre County’s wonderful craft breweries
Ugh, here we are again, back to February. It is cold. It is dark. And we are all ready for spring. Sure, the days are starting to get a little longer, and we are dreaming of spring, but we are still stuck in the doldrums of a long, cold winter. But don’t despair. Instead of letting these dreary days get you down, you can celebrate Feb-Brewery and make it the best time of the year!
Now, you may be wondering, what is FebBrewery? Good question. Much like Festivus, it is a made-up month-long holiday (made up by me, but surely others have put this word play together before). So, you can call me Frank Costanza if you want, but, to me, this month is the perfect time to celebrate our local breweries and the tasty beverages that they produce (to be forthright, I am writing this in the middle of a dry January, so I may be deliriously craving a beer).
In my mind, that is what Feb-Brewery is all about: A month-long celebration of craft beer (and in these trying times, we need any reason to celebrate that we can find). After all, these small businesses serve this area by providing a variety of excellent brews to satisfy all tastes and bring people together with fun locations to gather, celebrate, and mingle.
There are a number of ways that you can be a part of the fun, but the first step is to stop by your local brewery, order a pint, and say Happy Feb-Brewery as you raise your glass for a toast. The rest is up to you, but there are plenty of ways to support your local breweries this Feb-Brewery, such as:
Make your Super Bowl party a local affair by picking up a sixpack (or case) of your favorite craft beer from one of Centre County’s many local breweries.
Celebrate with friends by gathering together for a local brew.
Make Valentine’s Day a hoppy affair and enjoy a romantic meal at a brew pub.
Don’t miss Elk Creek’s annual Day of Delicious Darkness on Feb. 22. The event features unique barrel-aged brews, special tastings, and chefprepared food.
Celebrate Mardi Gras on Feb. 17 with a local craft beverage or two.
As for me, I am planning to venture out to all our local breweries during the month to have a pint or two of one of my favorite unique brews from each location. I plan to take my time and really enjoy the flavors and atmosphere of each place (and gratefully tip my bartender).
Here are some of the beers I am looking forward to celebrating from some of our different breweries:
Antifragile Brewing Company: With an ever-rotating menu of excellent small-batch beers, I cannot pick a favorite from downtown State College’s only brewery. I just know that whatever I pick when I stop in is always good. I also hope to stop in for their new breakfast and coffee concept (breakfast cheesesteak, yes!), modeled after a European Café.
Axemann Brewery: I will be excited when Axemann puts out their Maifly Bock later this spring (I love Mai Bock style beers), but until then, I can never go wrong with an Auger Vienna Lager. It is a smooth, drinkable beer that tastes like it was brewed in Germany.
The Blonde Bistro Brew Works: I need to make my way back out to this sweet little spot over in Zion. Last time I was there, I had a blonde ale, naturally. That was right after they opened, so it will be exciting to see what else they have on draft these days. I am sure it will pair well with The Blonde Bistro’s yummy food.
Boal City Brewing: Brewer Mike Smith makes a lot of creative and great beers over in Boalsburg. The Point North Bohemian Pilsner and Wheelie West Coast IPA are great mainstays. I am excited about the Irish Red Ale, and I hope it is still on tap come February, so I can stop in and try it. I will dream of the upcoming warm day outside on Boal City’s awesome patio.
The Dead Canary Brewing Company: I love the vibe in and around Philipsburg, and last time I was impressed by their Ghosh Shift, an English Ruby Ale. I am excited to try it again. They are doing cool things up there.
Happy Valley Brewing Company: Since they opened, I have been a fan of the Tailgater IPA. It is light and citrusy and not overly high in ABV. But, looking at their website, there are some other interesting styles I might want to try next time I stop in the basement bar at the barn in Lemont.
Elk Creek Café and Aleworks: When I go somewhere, and they have an Elk Creek beer on draft, I usually order it. I’ll especially enjoy a Brookie Brown ale. Yum!
Marzoni’s Brick Oven and Brewing Company: Even though it is brewed with lactose and I am intolerant (of lactose), I appreciate the chocolate and coffee flavors of the Stone Mason Stout. Might as well order a pizza and go all in.
Robin Hood Brewing Company: Bellefonte’s first brew pub has a wide variety of tasty beers. I have always been partial to King Richard, because, as you have probably guessed, I enjoy malty beers.
Ottos Pub and Brewery: If there is one local beer that I have drunk the most, it would have to be Otto’s Red Mo Ale. Part of that is because Otto’s is the O.G. of our local breweries, and it truly is a favorite. But you also can’t go wrong with a Slab Cabin IPA or the Black Mo Stout.
Voodoo Brewing Company: Big, strong ales make navigating the parking at Voodoo worth the effort (well, that and the fun atmosphere). Good Vibes is a very good West Coast-style IPA. For the adventurous, try the Lacto-Kooler, a green colored sour beer. Let me know what you think!
Of course, you do not need to participate in my made-up holiday to go out and try these tasty beverages, or any of your own favorites. They are out there all year long. So, if you see me at any of these places next month, make sure you raise your glass and remember, you can support your local breweries every month of the year. Cheers! T&G
Vincent Corso enjoys drinking local and meeting new people at Central Pennsylvania’s many interesting establishments.
