Stoudt's Brewing Company, Adamstown - Bar # 157

Generally, it is easy to get started writing about the Retired Guys latest adventure.  In the case of Stoudt's Brewing Company in Adamstown it is proving to be very difficult.  The issue is that there is so much about this place that held us in awe that where to start is a challenge! 

OK, I figure we should start with the most important element - the staff at the brewery.  First, we met Kathy who would be our bartender for the day.  She was so pleasant upon our entering just before opening time that we knew we'd have a good visit.  Kathy immediately advised us that samples from any of the 15 in house brew taps were available and graciously poured our first beers while inviting us to freely walk around the facility to view all that was available in the bar and restaurant.  Next we met Liam, a grandson of the founders who enjoyed fully describing each of the current beers on tap and bragging about the made from scratch food provided by his mom Elizabeth in the restaurant.

Next, we of course sampled a couple of beers.  We each had a version of our favorite ales and then for our second we basically had our socks knocked off when we tried the "Chocolate/coconut/bourbon stout at room temperature powered through the system by nitro.  It must be really good when a stout fearing person like myself praises it!  We convinced a number of other customers sitting at the bar to give it a try but with taste being so personal, we found we raved about it more than the others.  It is possible that after 157 bars, these older guys have expanded our tastes!

We shared a couple of delicious appetizers that caused us to vow to return in the not too distant future for a complete dinner.  Clearly, making from scratch on location contributes a huge difference!

Finally, I'll talk about the location.  As a man's man or a guy's guy (at least in my own mind) I can say that the term "quaint" when used to describe a restaurant or bar has never exited my mouth.....until today.  Stoudt's Brewing and Stoudt's Black Angus Restaurant is QUAINT! From the tin ceiling to the original woodwork to the art (soft porn) in the men's room everything takes us back to a period in time before even the Retired Guys age.  What a terrific place!  Without question, we will be returning soon!

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Levengoods, Lancaster - Bar # 156



 Today the Retired Guys wandered off the beaten path, not literally, but figuratively.  In the 100 block of West King Street in downtown Lancaster sits a cidery named Levengoods.  You may ask, "What are beer drinkers doing at a cidery"?  Well, they also dispense some very good craft brews from  Mad Chef in East Petersburg and we felt the need to broaden our appreciation of other types of brewing.

We were very pleasantly surprised with the taste and, in some cases, the ABV.  Garry commented that it took him back to his youth and drinking cider in Canada.  I must say I'm all in for reliving happy times from your younger days.  There are 12 taps of brews; 8 cider and 4 craft beer.  The ciders seemed to run the range of traditional cider taste to different fruit combos that give a refreshing, thirst quenching finish.  Tim, our server, was very good at recommending ciders and what to expect in the taste.  Garry and I both send a word of caution as the ciders we tried went down very easy.  The Mad Chef products were a porter, a lager and two IPAs.

The food menu is not large, but has some very good options to pair with cider or beer.  Some items are pulled pork sandwiches, chili and a cheese plater.  The Retired Guys chose the warm soft pretzels with dipping mustard.  It's hard to beat a beer and pretzel combo!

The moral for today's story is, walk a couple a paces off your normal path.  There are many people, places and things to discover.  Even if you have been around the block a few times, keep moving.  There is still much to discover and enjoy in life.

Until next time, CHEERS!

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Norse Brewing, Elizabethtown - Special Edition

Today the Retired Guys reaped a benefit from our quest that we had no idea would exist when we started our journey to all of Lancaster County's bars.  We have met so many good people that it is almost a shame we don't become regular patrons at some locations and nurture the friendships that spontaneously happen.

Ron Bell is a home brewer we met while visiting Cox Brewing in Elizabethtown earlier this year.  While at Cox talking beer and brewing with other beer lovers that day, everyone was in agreement that Ron is a home brewer with few equals.  In accepting a gracious invitation to visit his home today, we are ready to declare loudly that he is pretty darn extraordinary in his knowledge of beer, brewing and how to educate on beer appreciation.

Thank you, Ron, for sharing your love of beer and brewing.  You are exceptional at your craft as evidenced by the beer we sampled.  In the minds of the Retired Guys; today was proof that there really is a Santa Claus.

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and CHEERS!