Pennsylvania Breweries

Rating:
Summary: More Than Just Another Beer Guide
Review: "Pennsylvania Breweries is a wonderfully informative book that goes beyond the usual fare, providing the reader with a unique insight into Pennsylvania's rich brewing heritage. Author Lew Bryson describes each brewery and brewpub in vivid detail and his engagingly personable writing style makes you feel as though you are touring right along with him.

The book divides Pennsylvania into six geographic regions, and also includes a section which the author has thoughtfully dedicated to the state's "Old Guard Breweries". The beginning of each regional section contains a wealth of information on items such as the region's history, cultural points of interest, and other available activities. Additionally, each brewery and brewpub entry is accompanied by information regarding local attractions, lodging, and dining spots.

Between the regional sections are segments entitled, "A word about..." which discuss subjects such as ales and lagers, the brewing process, and beer traveling. These sections provide pleasant diversion while adding valuable resource information, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the book.

You won't find point scales or stars (like the, uh, ones above) in this guide as Bryson doesn't attempt to critique every beer sampled. Rather, after discussing the offerings at each stop he recommends one or two beers in particular. In doing so, he subtly drives home the idea that beer traveling is more about the enjoyment and celebration of the brewer's art than it is about grading each offering.

"Pennsylvania Breweries" is a great read and an excellent resource for all beer enthusiasts, from novice to connoisseur. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: There are great beers made in Pa and Lew finds them
Review: An excellent source for the 'Real Beer' lover, not those who drink the dreck pushed by the big breweries. He includes other information that would make it possible to visit these fine breweries while discovering other parts of Pennsylvania. I was pretty thirsty after reading!!!

Rating:
Summary: Very Well Done
Review: For those interested in the regional brew scene, you can't go wrong with this fine book's tour of Pennsylvania breweries. Well written and entertaining, the book makes clear the author's knowledge and love of Pennsylvania brew. Excellent and Highly Recommended!R.Klein, Beer Scholar

Rating:
Summary: Pennsylvania's a great state, with some great beer.
Review: I wrote Pennsylvania Breweries for the 'beer traveller,' a new breed of tourist who travels to breweries to taste great beer at its source. Each narrative brewery entry (that's right: this isn't another sketchy brewery directory, it's a BOOK!) has additional information on the attractions of the area, some suggested lodgings, and (perhaps most important) some suggestions on OTHER beer spots to visit in the area--beer bars, really great bars, and the comfortable PA 'hotel bars.' I had a great time researching and writing this book; I know you'll have a good time reading it. (If you were wondering who I am to be writing a beer book, I'm Managing Editor at Malt Advocate magazine, Mid-Atlantic columnist for Ale Street News, and the Beer Community Moderator for Prodigy Online Service. I've been writing about beer fulltime for 4 years; it's not just an adventure, it's a job. Thanks for your interest!)

Rating:
Summary: Three Thumbs up from Bob Klein!
Review: This book is a entrancing and resilient entry to any beer lovers library. Each brewery description lingers gracefully in your mind like belgian lace.Even at midbook, although more poignant, like a loyal friend, this tome does not fail to disappoint.

Rating:
Summary: The only guide you'll need!
Review: This book is tremendous, and every state in our union should have one!

I knew there was a microbrew revolution occuring in this country, and especially in my state of Pennsylvania, but I wasn't aware of how quickly it occurred. As much as I enjoy brewpubs, I wasn't even aware of how many were so close by until I bought this book. Now I can find about 10 or so about a half hour drive from me.

This book gives a brief history of all of the breweries and brewpubs in Pennsylvania, and includes hours of operation, styles brewed, tour information, and most importantly--maps!

The only problem with this book is that so many brewpubs are appearing that the book will probably be outdated in a few years. No matter--I'll buy the updated editions. Overall I was very impressed with the book and plan on visiting many of the newer brewpubs in the area to make sure they thrive and are successful enough to encourage others to start their own business.

Rating:
Summary: "THE" beer and travel guide to PA.
Review: This is, without a doubt, "THE" book for any true beer lover living in or, planning on travelling to, Pennsylvania. Even if you're not a beer lover (if such a creature actually exists), the comprehensive lists of other attractions, side trips, lodgings, pubs, restaurants, etc. make it an invaluable travel guide to the state. I'd say the brewers of Pennsylvania, as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Tourism, owe Mr. Lew Bryson a huge vote of thanks.