Pennsylvania Brewing Company - Penn Pilsner

Winner of the Beverage Testing Institute's 2001 Gold Medal, Penn Pilsner was introduced in 1986 as Pennsylvania's first entrant in the Microbrewery revolution and since then has become a favorite of thousands of their local supporters. First impressions are everything and this one is awesome! Notice the clean golden straw hue coupled with a jagged cottony head that adheres to the glass. The flagship brand of Pennsylvania Brewery is made with 2-row and caramel barley malts, imported Hallertau hops and absolutely zero preservatives. Look for a subtle trace of sweet honey in the nose with an assertive hop finish. This Vienna-style lager combines full body with a noble hop aroma. Overall, an extremely smooth and enjoyable brew that would be a solid accompaniment to any early fall barbecue with friends. Heck you can even enjoy this one with strangers!

Many Americans haven't really had the experience of tasting what beer was really intended to be (let's just say that Budweiser, Coors & Michelob are definitely NOT what the beer gods had in mind when they handed down the secrets of beer brewing!) Luckily, our Beer of the Month Clubs are here to serve and educate. If you know someone who might enjoy getting their hands on some true, real, definitely non-imitation, genuine, authentic, legitimate, actual, honest-to-goodness beer, consider giving them a gift that expands their cultural horizons-a subscription to one of our Beer of the Month Clubs! Visit our website at www.monthlyclubs.com to get a gift subscription started today and play your part in spreading one of the most enjoyable cultural mores to your fellow man (and woman). Note: if you don't agree that drinking beer and learning about the multitudes of styles and varieties of malty brew out there is an example of a cultural experience, then be warned that you should put this newsletter down before it grows hands and slaps you in your blasphemous mouth! Tom Pastorius, a Pittsburgh native of German descent, discovered beer while stationed in Germany, a country that considers its "bier" as much a staple as bread. Once his service days ended, Tom returned to the states and earned his masters of business administration degree at Penn State University. He later returned to Germany for some time, residing there during the 1970's and living as the locals do by incorporating beer as a regular part of his diet. But upon moving back to the states in 1981, he began longing for good German beer. "Beer tastes better over there," he said. "I just missed the beer." Dissatisfied with commercially available beverage choices, and in need of a job, Pastorius decided to start his own brewery. In 1986, he started a real estate venture to purchase a nearly 150-year-old abandoned brick and stone brewery for $225,000. A three-year, labor-intensive $4 million restoration followed, and thus, the first microbrewery in Pennsylvania was born. Talk about going to great lengths to get great beer! Tom's goal to brew authentic German beers quickly became a reality, and these days he is considered a pioneer in the microbrewery renaissance. This year marks their 20th anniversary! For more information about the brewery and scheduled tours, or their attached restaurant, call (412) 237-9400, or visit their website at www.pennbrew.com.