Around these parts, no matter where you turn you are bound to find a Penn State logo or theme on something, especially during football season. From stickers on cars to flags outside of homes, and from the clothing people wear to the tattoos on their bodies, Penn State fans really love to show their pride. And who can blame them?
Of course, tailgates are the epicenter of this pride, and on game days the lots and fields around Beaver Stadium are a wash of blue and white. Just about anything you want for your tailgate can be found with a Penn State theme (I don’t know why someone would need Nittany Lion grill mitts, but they seem to be a very popular item).
Recently, I have noticed a new way for people to show their Penn State pride: by what they drink.
You see, many craft beverage producers are now putting that Penn State pride into and on cans or bottles, and I must say, it is a fun way to show support for the blue and white. The beverages are all pretty tasty, and the cans and bottles are fun to collect for their cool and sometimes funny designs. And everyone knows tailgates are more fun with craft beverages.
The latest release of a Penn State themed beer really shows how impressive and diverse the university’s vast alumni network is. Twelve Pennsylvania breweries who boast Penn State alumni as owners, head brewers, or managers came together to release a new beer called Buckeye Tears ahead of this season’s clash with Ohio State. The cold IPA features a cartoon of a crying Ohio State Buckeye on its label, hitting hard at the rivalry between the two teams.
Antifragile Brewing in State College teamed up with Acrospire Brewing from Glenshaw, Blondes and Brewnettes from West Grove, Cellar Works in Sarver, Grist House in Pittsburgh, Hidden Stories Brewing in Millerstown, Locust Lane Craft Brewery in Malvern, Mechanistic Brewing in Clarion, Michaux Brewing in Waynesboro, Moo-Duck Brewing in Elizabethtown, Rough Edges Brewing in Chambersburg, and ShuBrew in Zelienople to bring this brew to the public.
Who knows, maybe by the time you are reading this story in November, those buckeye tears will be a reality, after a Penn State win on October 21 (all in good fun).
Let’s take a look at some other Penn State themed beverages you can bring to your next tailgate, or wherever you cheer on the Nittany Lions:
814 Cider Works – White Out
With State College’s area code in its name, it is only natural that 814 Cider Works has Penn State pride. White Out is served at Penn State games and is a semi-sweet blend of lush apples and white grapes straight off the vine. Perfect for those looking for something other than beer.
Axeman Brewery – Blue Stripe
I have written about this very drinkable kolsch-style beer before, and it is popular for good reason. Axemann says its brewers spent years perfecting this beer for excellence on game days and every day. One thing is for sure, the white and blue packaging will leave no one guessing which team you are rooting for.
Happy Valley Brewing Company – Tailgater
Made over at the barn in Lemont, this pale ale is a good go-to beer on game days. If you can’t make it to a tailgate, it is nice to drink this one at the brewery before or after a Penn State win.
Moo-Duck Brewery – 409
This amber ale is named in honor of the number of wins by the great Joe Paterno. It is brewed to be enjoyed with football. I love the rolled-up khaki pants and black shoes on the can. I wonder who that is supposed to be. Fans can find this beer at Beaver Stadium too.
Mount Nittany Winery and Vineyard – Tailgate Red and Tailgate White
One would expect a winery with Mount Nittany in its name to have some Penn State pride. Both the red and the white are perfect for game time, and a gift box of both would make a great present for any Penn State fan with a love of the vino.
New Trail Brewing Company – State Light and White Out
For fans looking for a light beer, State Light has you covered. This new option is available at Beaver Stadium and goes down smooth in the stands.
White Out is a very loud, hazy double IPA with 8.5% ABV that is best shared with 107,000 people dressed in white.
Robin Hood Brewing Company – Melon Time and Hazy Valley
A watermelon-flavored wheat beer brewed with Canadian wheat and German-based Hallertauer Magnum hops, Melon Time might not seem like a Penn State themed beer to the untrained eye. However, the pink and black coloring on the label is a nod to Penn State’s original colors, and the football/watermelon with arms on the label is another indication that this is a game-day beer.
Hazy Valley could only mean one thing—a nice, New England style hazy IPA. This one is brewed with fluffy flaked oats and wheat and dry hopped with Ekuanot, Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe.
Rusty Rail – The Fans
This hazy IPA is drinkable, with 5.5% ABV. I especially enjoy the little hops on the can cheering for Penn State. This beer is also available at Beaver Stadium.
Stable 12 – We Are
We Are is a crisp American lager, brewed with all pilsner malt and German hops. I have yet to give this one a try, but maybe at my next tailgate.
University Wine Company – Lion’s Roar, White Out and Red Zone
With blue and white labels, there is no doubt which university this wine company based out of State College is referring to with its name. Lion’s Roar is a table wine with red, white, and blush varieties. White Out is an off-dry white table wine, and Red Zone is an off-dry red table wine. Perfect for game day or in their beautiful tasting room. You can see the stadium in the distance. T&G
Vincent Corso enjoys drinking local and meeting new people at central Pennsylvania’s many interesting establishments.
