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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

DuClaw expands to Pennsylvania

I've been a big fan of DuClaw beers for a long time; this brewpub-originated beer started in Bel Air, Maryland, and has expanded to a small chain of pubs in the Baltimore area, fed by a production brewery. But you had to go there to get it. 

Well, I just got a press release from DuClaw that says they're expanding into Pennsylvania. 
DuClaw Brewing Company will host a launch party on Sunday, July 22, at Al’s of Hampden in Enola, PA, to celebrate with the brewery’s new Pennsylvania fans. The DuClaw crew will be on hand to answer questions, introduce guests to rare beers from their lineup and give away free prizes. Top sellers HellRazer IPA and EuForia Toffee Nut Brown Ale, perennial favorite Venom Pale Ale, the brewery’s unique Belgian Spiced Ale, Mysterium, and Serum xxIPA will be available at launch in 12 oz. bottle six packs and o\n draft, with several special edition brews and one-offs in both 22 oz. bottles and on draft to follow.
Known for their impressive variety and ever-rotating roster of seasonal brews, DuClaw Brewing Company will continually add exciting new additions to the line-up of beers available in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, and York counties through Westy’s Beer Distributors.
Yeah, yeah, I know: nowhere near Philly. Just stay cool. This is actually a good thing: it proves DuClaw is savvy enough to not grant whole-state distribution privileges to one wholesaler. We'll get our chance. And meanwhile, I can get DuClaw in south-central PA. Which is nice. 

15 comments:

Bill said...

" And meanwhile, I can get DuClaw in south-central PA. Which is nice."

Except you can't, because you're not buying retail booze in PA anymore!

Lew Bryson said...

Well, yeah, I am still buying beer. I'm protesting the State Stores, not Pennsylvania!

Rich Isaacs said...

I'm excited to see them come to Philly. I've had a few things from them that I've enjoyed. If they can keep their bomber prices close to other states, I'd definitely pick up more to try.

Anonymous said...

Work with this non-Pennsylvanian who just went back to read your Gandhi post. Beer isn't booze?

Bill

Lew Bryson said...

Fair point, Bill. I went back and changed the other post. I'm still buying beer in PA!

Anonymous said...

No, no, I'm not trying to make a point -- I fear I'm missing the point. I thought beer was only available in state stores, bars, and the occasional Wegmans?

Lew Bryson said...

OH! No, sorry, the State Stores only sell wine and spirits (and a couple corkscrews and magazines). Beer is sold at "distributors" (by the case and keg only), at breweries, and at bars. The grocery stores that do sell it have bought a tavern license and have to operate a cafe of some sort. It's silly.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone buy beer in Penna anymore,they are going to Delaware and buying 30packs of Bud,Coors.and Miller for $18.99 and their bottles are $17.99.
Not to mention Wegmanns with their 12pack pricing at $9.99.The brain drain comning from this state is crazy.Great the thinking is well they will buy a six pack at Wegs and really like it and run to there closest Beer Distributor and buy a case.They are buying one or two six packs of craft beer and not putting out their $40.00 Bucks at the distributor.
Go ask the guys on the main line where their craft beer case sales are going since the new Wegs opened in King of Prussia.
Cheers Pumpkin

Anonymous said...

Suppose I will have to give DuClaw another try, since it would be unfair to base my opinion solely on a lone visit to one of their pubs in Maryland. But based on that experience, I can't say I will be rushing to Al's for another taste, even though the place is only a few miles away. I really was not impressed with any of the five of DuClaw's beers I sampled.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Lew...Haven't heard from you in some time!

Anonymous said...

Yeah Cheers Pumpkin plenty of us buy beer in PA and have no problem buying by the case and also realize we can get a sixpack at our local bar (well, those that dont live in suburban hell).

Anonymous said...

Yes you can buy a six pack at the local bar for about the cost of a case in the distributor only kidding but you get my drift.My only point is the beer distributors better get use to the idea of buying cheaper beer and better selections at your local Wegmans,Whole Foods,and now Giant supermarkets who recently purchased Genuardis mkt and have 18 licenses to sell beer.
Pennsylvania is paying those distributors lip servce,in two years you have the supermarkets eating their lunch city boy.

Steven said...

"...and also realize we can get a sixpack at our local bar..."

I once bought a sixpack at a Pennsylvania bar because I was in one of those suburban towns without a state store (and yeah, it was probably 9:30pm) -- I think I still owe on the principal for that one.

Lew Bryson said...

Again...they don't sell beer at state stores. And bars are pretty much the only places you can buy a sixpack. Which is why we'd love to change the laws...

Steven said...

Sorry Lew, didn't mean to perpetuate that "state store" question, just meant I wasn't at the usual "beer selling" venue for Penn.

And I'm still broke. ;)