12 breweries create Hershey Harrisburg Craft Beer Country

Craft beer takes a community. San Diego, Fort Collins, Asheville, Grand Rapids, Cleveland — these are all great beer burgs around the United States that create quality craft, but also draw fans from around the world to visit these indie brewing destinations. Along with those famous cities, rural communities are now banding together to create distinct craft beer havens and attract tourists. Just recently, 12 independent breweries in southeastern Pennsylvania created Hershey Harrisburg Craft Beer Country (HHCBC) as a craft community destination to experience the art of craft beer in PA. About 100 craft breweries are in the state, including famous HHCBC member Tröegs Brewing Co., which opened its new 90,000-square foot brewery in 2011. We quote an article from Just-Drinks:

“This collaborative program represents a wide range of breweries, all sharing a narrow focus on producing quality crafted beers,” HHCBC president Jason Reimer said [Reimer is co-owner of The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey]. “Together with our community partners we will draw the attention of new audiences to our region as a destination for craft beers and quality entertainment.”

According to the article, the program is based on a similar Hershey Harrisburg wine maker association. These 12 unique craft breweries are in close proximity to each other and top-notch hotels, world-class restaurants and some cool local attractions (art galleries, unique gift shops, farmer’s markets, museums and big sights like the myriad of Hershey’s Chocolate attractions. HHCBC member breweries include: Als of Hampden/Pizza Boy Brewing Co.; Alter Ego Brewing Co.; Appalachian Brewing Co.; Bube’s Brewery; JoBoy’s Brew Pub; Lancaster Brewing Co.; Market Cross Pub & Brewery; Millbock Brewing Co.; Saint Boniface Craft Brewing Co.; Snitz Creek Brewery; The Brewery at Hershey; and (as mentioned) Tröegs Brewing Co.

Each brewery has a diverse selection of handcrafted beer, independently owned and situated among the scenic Hershey-Harrisburg region. Just like craft beer trails, the HHCBC is a clever way for small and large craft breweries to band together to attract new customers to their breweries (especially if they’re not popular tourist attractions outside of the state). Download the brochure right here.