Great Find: Free Will Brewing, Lahaska PA

A great place to pop in and warm up after holiday shopping in the cold.

I take an annual shopping trip to a place called Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, Pennsylvania. Within the twisting and turning brick walkways that bring you face-to-face with cozy little shopfronts full of holiday wonder, a fabulous brewing company makes its home - Free Will Brewing Co. and their taproom at Peddler’s Village features a variety of exciting brews which you can buy to walk around the village or take packaged goods home with you.

Every time we walk in the chalkboard lists something new to try, and this time I sampled ELLA: An apple brandy barrel-aged Belgian Quad. At 14.7% alcohol content, it certainly warmed me up quick from the 32-F temp outside! And WOW what a taste - the apple brandy really comes through with a sweet smokiness that made this 6-oz sipper to swoon over. I had to buy some to bring home.

ELLA Apple Brandy Barrel-aged Belgian Quad (left), Lord Business Double IPA (right)

My husband tried their “Lord Business Double IPA” which had a crisp citrus-y finish he tends to enjoy, but this was a bit heavier than the citrus IPA’s you would generally experience in warmer months.

Their store has some great gifting options for holiday, some awesome T-Shirt designs and mugs for purchase as well. Definitely worth the try!