Love, Beer and History

I returned from yet another excursion to Gettysburg last night. I must admit that it was with much sadness that I departed the quaint town. It was time to head home, but inside I actually felt like I was leaving a place that is meant to be my home in due time.

Many things factor into my feelings for Gettysburg. The rolling topography, the stories of those that fought and/or lived there, the multiple fruit stands with Chambersburg peaches on the way there, the lovely town square and the historic aura. I even love it so much that I have a tendency to write some forms of run-on sentences when I think of it. I'm so attached to this place that I was too saddened to leave that I cost myself one of my few opportunities to visit Troegs Brewing Company in Hershey on the way home.

Union artillery in the newly-renovated Ziegler's Grove.

I have much to share in the next week or two in the beer-related things I discovered on this trip. I find it interesting that I was disappointed to find the sulking beer scene that I did last summer only to stumble upon a town infused with more craft beer. There's still more room for growth, though. My favorite place in the world is definitely on the ups in terms of craft beer.

I've been reveling with anticipation at a chance to finally visit the Gettysburg Battlefield Brew Works in the historic Monfort farm house. I found this to be a microcosm of the town's growth in beer presence. The place and process still needs some work, but the foundation for a cornucopia of fresh local beer is more than visible.

I was able to finally meet Justin of Justin's Brew Review over the weekend as well. We dined at the historic Dobbin House Tavern. I discovered a new Pennsylvania brewery by the name of Spring House. The Dobbin House had its 150th Anniversary Ale tapped in honor of the battle.

I also returned to one of my favorite burger joints in the Gettysburg area at Blue and Gray Bar and Grill. There I found an interesting beer contraption that was built into my table as well as more evidence of a diverse beer presence in the town. Stay tuned.

A History Lesson at Appalachian Brewing

Let's say you're touring the Gettysburg Battlefield and the heat is fairly brutal, which it usually is this time of the year. Not far from where the Confederates first stepped foot into the battlefield (just off of Buford Avenue) is an exquisite watering hole that not only brews its own beer, it provides you with a happy and full stomach.

As far as I've checked, Appalachian Brewing in Gettysburg features the most tapped brews (16 beers) at a time anywhere in town.

If you check out this place regularly, you'll notice that most of Appalachian Brewing's flagship brews are featured on tap as often as possible. These flagships include the infamous Mountain Lager (4.5 percent ABV), Water Gap Wheat (4.5 percent ABV) and Susquehanna Stout (4.6 percent ABV) just to name a few. If you're not in the mood for beer, be sure to try the homemade root, ginger and birch beers.

There is also some excellent food to pair your beers with at this place. If you're in the mood for a light lunch with whomever you're eating with, just grab a couple appetizers. I can vouch for both the pretzel logs, which comes with beer mustard to dip, and the Canadian Poutine, which is fries, gravy and cheese curds.

The menu also provides a wide selection of paninis and sandwiches. I've even been there at lunch and found numerous wraps and hoagies on a select lunch special menu.

If you want something heartier than that, the Brewer's Mac n' Cheese is the closest thing I've ever had to Rock Bottom's chicken mac n' cheese dish. Don't forget about the Mile-High Meatloaf or any of Appalachian's burgers.

I went with the BBQ Clucker sandwich.

You honestly can't go wrong here if you're a first-time visitor to Gettysburg. Go for lunch or dinner. Hell, One of the days last week in which I was there, I used up two of my meals at Appalachian Brewing. Appalachian is based in Harrisburg, but it also has pubs/restaurants in Collegeville and Camp Hill aside from this one in Gettysburg.

I've never had a beer that I didn't like from Appalachian. I wanted to get this write-up in as soon as I could before I started to review some of the beers I've tried. A few of them are among the best brews I've ever tasted.

I almost forgot to give you a brief history lesson I planned on sharing with you all. History is just feet from Appalachian Brewing's doorway. Arguably the most famous picture of the entire Civil War was taken just right across the street from the establishment, on Seminary Ridge.

The three Confederate prisoners stood next to what is now the stonewall as you turn onto Seminary Avenue.