Harrisburg Beer Week is one of the most highly anticipated beer-centric events in Central Pennsylvania. Each year, beer lovers come from near and far to indulge in one or more of the exciting beer-themed events at various venues throughout the state’s capital.
The approach of the Harrisburg Beer Festival, set to unfold Friday, April 20, through Sunday, April, 29, means that it’s time for the annual collaboration brew to be created in honor of this special occasion. New this year, Harrisburg-based Zeroday Brewing Company joins Tröegs Independent Brewing, Appalachian Brewing Company and Pizza Boy Brewing in the creation of the “717 Collaboration Beer.”
“In the spirit of Harrisburg Beer Week, we want to celebrate the growth and inclusivity of our local beer community,” said Sara Bozich, Harrisburg Beer Week co-founder and organizer. “As our community continues to flourish and grow, it only makes sense to add new breweries each year to grow the 717 Collaboration beyond the tanks and taps of its originators.”
Harrisburg Beer Week organizers selected Zeroday Brewing Co. to join this year’s team of brewery collaborators. The Midtown-based brewery opened in 2015, just weeks before the inaugural Harrisburg Beer Week, and has been actively involved not only in Harrisburg Beer Week but with the community at large.
So, what is the creative collaboration beer this year, you ask? It’s an Extra Cream Ale brewed with cherries and vanilla, inspired by Zeroday’s addition to the brewing team. Zeroday Brewing Co.’s name pays homage to a hiking term that refers to a day spent exploring a town off the trail.
“We’ve always felt Harrisburg is a zeroday town,” said Theo Armstrong, co-owner and brewmaster. “It’s a place worth stopping and exploring.”
The Harrisburg area is home to a small piece of the 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail (AT), including its midway point in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. In 2005, Armstrong hiked the entirety of the AT with his brother. As is a trail tradition, Armstrong enjoyed the “Half Gallon Challenge” at Pine Grove General Store, where thru-hikers consume a half-gallon of Hershey’s Ice Cream to celebrate and refuel at this halfway mark. Armstrong’s flavor of choice: Vanilla with cherries.
Before the brewing day arrived, the collaborators met several times in order to discuss concepts and develop a recipe, including sampling a test batch and ingredient profiles. On Tuesday, March 13, the brewery teams gathered at Appalachian Brewing Company, this year’s host brewery, and created the unique Extra Cream Ale.
The 717 Collaboration Beer was designed to be low on the bitterness side and approachable to all, consisting of malts with subtle flavor profiles, hops with stone-fruit notes, lactose and loads of cherries and vanilla beans. The Extra Cream Ale boasts a 7.17% ABV and 20 IBUs.
You can try this brew for the first time beginning on Friday, April 20, the first day of Harrisburg Beer Week. The beer will be available for sale and growler/crowler fills at all Appalachian Brewing Co. locations, Tröegs Independent Brewing Co., Al’s of Hampden/Pizza Boy Brewing Co. and Zeroday Brewing Co.
The 717 Collaboration Beer also has a philanthropic aspect to it. A portion of the proceeds from the 717 Collaboration Beer will go back to benefit Harrisburg Beer Week’s exclusive beneficiary, Harrisburg River Rescue & Emergency Services.
Those craving the first taste of the Extra Cream Ale will also be able to find this new brew at the Harrisburg Beer Week VIP Kickoff Party at Strawberry Square on Friday, April 20, and PA Flavor at the Pa. Farm Show Complex on Saturday, April 21.
- Photos: Harrisburg Beer Week
