I first found Stoudts at a local bar in Philadelphia, Fat Dog Stout was the culprit. At the time Stoudts was going through some growing pains, the bartender told me and distribution was hit or miss in and around the city. They were really the Philadelphia area's first craft brewery, and over 20 years have grown and evolved "from a small brewery with limited draught distribution, to a packaging regional microbrewery with distribution in 10 different states, producing over 10,000 barrels a year." (www.stoudtsbeer.com) We get it in Florida now, and thank God we do. Though, funny side story - I first again ran into Stoudts here in Florida at World of Beer, where they had the IPA on draught. One night I asked, "Still have Stoudts on tap?" "Yes," was the reply "and, please drink it so we can finish the keg - we think you're the only one drinking it." Guess they could work on their awareness down here.
Anyway, the brewery...is located in a expansive complex that includes an antique shop, restaurant and the brewery in Adamstown, PA - which is on the outskirts on Lancaster. Cow country and home of the Amish. You really have to want to go there, but if you do it is really worth it. I spent an afternoon there with my friend Tobie - who at the time was a recent Amish convert, or new Lancaster resident. Favorite joke at the time, how to you know an Amish mechanic? He's the one with his arm up the horse's ass...I digress.
Tobie and I went for, if memory serves me, Oktoberfest. Oh yes...and they did it right. Keg throwing competitions, German Oompah Band, beer mug lifting and other beer induced feats of strength. We sat at family style tables, drank to great beer, ate German food and sang and watch Lancaster's finest parade around in Lederhosen. We drank so much, as was common practice when Tobie and I sent time together (see Top 50 Beer Moments #16) that we had to sit and sober up before going home. I think we tried to get his wife to come get us but she was busy, you know, being a doctor so we were SOL.
What do I like so much about Stoudts? Family atmosphere, party atmosphere, and well - good beer. We felt right at home at the tables, talking to others, singing along and drinking some fantastic beers. We had a great time, and that feeling lingers and is something that I'd like Mellody Brewing to one day emulate.
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