Updated for 2024
Nothing is better than exploring the fantastic breweries and distilleries in Hershey, PA. Craft beer has become more popular, with 9,552 craft breweries operating in the US in 2022—an increase of over 1,000 since 2019. According to the most recent statistics, the great state of Pennsylvania leads the pack with the most craft beer produced yearly—3,719,415 barrels and 1,229,906,400 12 oz. bottles!
Why the hype? What is craft beer anyway? While it can be hard to define, craft beer describes your small, independently-owned breweries versus macro beer like Budweiser, Coors, and Miller Lite. Craft brewers have the means to continually experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create new and exciting brews. If you’re new to craft beer, visit a local brewery and order a flight of flavors to see what appeals to you most.
You will find that the options are nearly endless, with different types of ale, stouts, IPAs, and lagers infused with various flavors, including chocolate, coffee, caramel, vanilla, and citrus. Explore our local options, and let us know your favorite! Here are seven must-try breweries and distilleries in Hershey, PA.
Are you looking for lodging near Hershey, PA, so you have a home base while sipping and savoring? Uplevel your brewery and distillery tours by ending your day with an unforgettable stay at our lovely countryside inn.
1. TRÖEGS INDEPENDENT BREWING: 4 MILES AWAY
Out of all the awesome things to do in Hershey, PA, this experience can’t be beat. Tröegs focuses on local ingredients and small-batch brews; this company creates a wide assortment of fun flavors to appeal to every palate. Choose between the hoppy Haze Charmer, the crisp Sunshine Pilsner, the toasty Night Gazer Stout, or other delicious brews on tap. If you’re lucky, you may have the opportunity to try a unique blend while they experiment with new flavors. Sip on their delicious selection of suds inside, or take in the sun with refreshment in hand out on the heated patio.
Beyond beer, you can shop for Tröegs t-shirts, sweatshirts, glasses, and other merchandise. Order from their brunch, lunch, or snack bar menu (including pizza) if you want a nibble to pair with your beer. Curbside pickup is available as well.
2. IRON HILL BREWERY & RESTAURANT: 4 MILES AWAY
Iron Hill is a craft kitchen and scratch brewery. That means everything they make is from scratch and in-house. They feature locations throughout the US, including one right here in Hershey. Their most decorated beer is an imperial stout, the Solzhenitsyn Vintage 2020 reserve bottles. This brew is aged to round out its full-bodied character and give it distinct sherry-like qualities that enhance the roasted and cocoa notes.
Other favorites include:
- Iron Hill Light Lager: Their lightest brew with a crisp, clean, and refreshing taste
- Vienna Red Lager: A European medium-bodied lager with a clean finish
- Pig Iron Porter: A nitro porter brew with full-roasted flavor and chocolate notes
- Philly Phavorite: Intense tropical flavors and aromas brewed with flaked oats and wheat
3. HIDDEN STILL SPIRITS: 5 MILES AWAY
Hidden Still Spirits offers a unique and intimate craft distillery experience tucked away in the heart of Chocolate Country. With a focus on small-batch production and artisanal techniques, Hidden Still Spirits produces a range of high-quality spirits infused with local flavors and ingredients. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the distillery, where they’ll learn about the distillation process and the history of spirits in the region. The cozy tasting room provides the perfect atmosphere to sample a selection of handcrafted spirits, from smooth bourbons to flavorful infused vodkas, all while soaking in the charm of this hidden gem in Hershey.
4. ROTUNDA BREW PUB: 5 MILES AWAY
Rotunda’s Brew Pub offers seasonal dishes prepared with the highest quality locally sourced ingredients. You can top it all off with their full-service bar, a rotating craft beer selection offering some of the most unique and complex beers from local, domestic, and foreign brewers. If you love out-of-the-box sour beer flavors, this is your spot! They also have classic lagers, pale ales, IPAs, stouts and more.
5. BONESHIRE BREW WORKS: 8 MILES AWAY
Located halfway between Hershey and Harrisburg, Boneshire’s beginnings stem from several personal inspirations. For example, the owner, Alan Miller, was hooked on craft beer when a friend introduced him. Then, after attending several festivals and launching a 4-year pilot project, he and several friends and family built and opened Boneshire.
The unique name combines his son’s nickname, Hambone, and his Yorkshire terrier dog. Moreover, the pig logo was inspired by Miller’s family history in pig farming in western PA and his aspirations to open a pit-style barbecue joint. This friendly gathering place is a must-try during your tour of the best Hershey PA attractions.
6. ENGLEWOOD BREWING: 7 MILES AWAY
Englewood Brewery is conveniently nearby, plus The Inn at Westwynd Farm guests receive a 20% discount! This brewery is right next to the Hershey Farmers Market and has the perfect combination of delicious beer, food, concerts, events, and outdoor seating.
Visitors can expect a diverse lineup of handcrafted beers brewed on-site, ranging between hoppy, malty, crisp, sour, and fruity flavors. They also offer a full taphouse menu with a wide variety of food, including crab cakes, pulled pork sandwiches, pizza, and even a weekend brunch menu with eggs benedict, french toast, and more.
The atmosphere invites guests to relax and unwind, savoring flavorful brews and hearty pub fare. Don’t be surprised if you spot the brewery’s dog, Lefty, a black lab with a beer named after him: Lefty At Large Black IPA.
7. RUBBER SOUL BREWING COMPANY: 7 MILES AWAY
Rubber Soul Brewing Company is a craft brewery in Hummelstown with spectacular beer, homemade food, and an inviting local vibe. Their specialties include IPAs, Lagers, Stouts, Sours, and Pilsners.
This spot is perfect for craft beer enthusiasts seeking innovative brews or anyone passing through looking for a bite to eat in a welcoming atmosphere. They offer a full menu with many bites ranging from boom-boom shrimp to meatball subs. They also have a comprehensive cocktail menu for anyone in your group who prefers gingerbread mules or soul-spiked iced chai tea over craft beers (we all have that one friend). The taproom provides a laid-back setting where guests can sip on fresh pints and soak in the vibrant energy of the local beer scene, including outdoor seating when weather permits.
These are just seven breweries and distilleries in Hershey, PA, to wet your whistle. An enjoyable way to sip and savor locally-made craft beer is via the Brew Barons Beer Trail. You can visit 20+ Pennsylvania breweries and tasting locations at your own pace. You can earn prizes using your phone’s GPS to check in at each place! Are outdoor concerts at wineries more your speed? Check out our guide to the sweet summer sounds at some of the best vineyards in Hershey. Are you ready to start exploring the breweries and distilleries in Hershey, PA? Check availability today and start planning your ultimate brewery and distillery getaway!
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