Breweries in Gettysburg: A Craft Beer Lover's Guide to Adams County
← Our Journal

Breweries in Gettysburg: A Craft Beer Lover's Guide to Adams County

From history-inspired taprooms to award-winning distilleries and scenic beer gardens, here's your complete guide to the best breweries in and around Gettysburg, PA.

Breweries in Gettysburg: A Craft Beer Lover's Guide to Adams County

Gettysburg is famous for its pivotal role in American history, but there's a growing scene that deserves just as much attention: craft beer. Over the past several years, a vibrant community of breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms has taken root in and around this historic Pennsylvania town, offering visitors a delicious way to unwind after a day of exploring the battlefield.

Whether you're planning a corporate retreat, a weekend getaway with friends, or simply want to sample what Adams County has to offer, here's your complete guide to the best breweries in Gettysburg.

Fourscore Beer Co.

Named in honor of Lincoln's iconic Gettysburg Address — "Four score and seven years ago" — Fourscore Beer Co. has been crafting fresh, local beer and scratch-made pub fare since 2019. Located at 603 S. Washington St., just a short stroll from the historic downtown, this brewery pairs history with hospitality.

Fourscore's beer menu rotates with the seasons, featuring everything from crisp lagers that refresh on a summer afternoon to robust stouts that warm the soul on a chilly evening. Their flagship beers — including Ohhhh Jeee, Time Keeper, and Hop Hat — have become local favorites. The kitchen turns out inventive pub fare made from scratch, making it an ideal spot for lunch or dinner after a morning of sightseeing.

Appalachian Brewing Company — Gettysburg Battlefield

Appalachian Brewing Company (ABC) is a Pennsylvania institution, and their Gettysburg Battlefield location at 259 Steinwehr Avenue brings the brand's signature craft beer and craft sodas right to the edge of history. Set against the backdrop of the historic battlefields, this brewpub features a lush beer garden and a walk-up service window — perfect for grabbing a cold one and enjoying the outdoors.

ABC is known for its wide-ranging beer lineup, from hop-forward IPAs to smooth, drinkable amber ales. They also craft their own sodas, making this a great stop for groups where not everyone drinks beer. The spacious pub menu covers everything from burgers to flatbreads, and the beer garden is a standout feature during Gettysburg's beautiful fall season.

Battlefield Brew Works & Spirits of Gettysburg Distillery

For something truly unique, Battlefield Brew Works combines a craft brewery, an award-winning distillery, and a full restaurant — all housed in a historic Civil War-era building on Hunterstown Road. This is not your average taproom.

The brewery offers rotating taps of craft beer, while the distillery side produces artisanal spirits that have earned over 22 medals in international competition in the last four years. They were even named Best Distillery and Restaurant in Pennsylvania for 2024 and 2025 by multiple organizations. You can sample spirits by the shot, enjoy them in craft cocktails, or take a bottle home. The kitchen, known as Justine's Kitchen, serves fresh, made-to-order food that rounds out the experience.

Pilger Ruh Brewing Taproom & Beer Garden

Pilger Ruh Brewing brings a laid-back, community-focused vibe to downtown Gettysburg at 110 Chambersburg Street. Their taproom and beer garden features eight beers on tap, canned options to go, and a monthly rotating craft selection that keeps things fresh.

With outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere, Pilger Ruh is the kind of place where you can settle in for an afternoon, chat with the friendly staff, and discover your new favorite beer. It's a smaller, more intimate spot compared to some of the larger brewpubs — and that's exactly its charm.

Michaux Brewing Company

Michaux Brewing Company is dedicated to creating high-quality craft beer across a wide range of styles. Their philosophy is simple: great beer in a welcoming space where friends, families, and craft beer lovers can come together. With a focus on variety and quality, Michaux is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the artistry of brewing.

Thirsty Farmer Brew Works

Just eight miles west of Gettysburg in Biglerville, Thirsty Farmer Brew Works offers nine consistent beers on tap in a relaxed, rural setting. It's a short and scenic drive from town, and the countryside location makes it a perfect addition to a brewery tour that also includes nearby wineries and orchards. The Cashtown Road location puts you right in the heart of Adams County's agricultural beauty.

The Gettysburg Brewfest

If you want to sample it all in one day, plan your visit around the annual Gettysburg Brewfest, held each August at the Historic Daniel Lady Farm. The 2026 edition takes place on Saturday, August 15th, featuring 40+ breweries, cideries, and distilleries pouring samples alongside live music, food vendors, and historic house tours. There's even a Trail 5K that morning if you want to earn your beer the hard way.

The Brewfest is one of the best ways to get a comprehensive taste of the regional craft beverage scene in a single afternoon, and the setting at Daniel Lady Farm — a Civil War-era property — adds a historic touch that's pure Gettysburg.

The Adams County Pour Tour

Beyond the breweries, Gettysburg sits at the center of the Adams County Pour Tour, a self-guided trail that connects breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries across the region. It's an excellent way to structure a day or weekend of tasting, and many of the stops are within a short drive of downtown Gettysburg.

Plan Your Brewery Weekend at The Baladerry Inn

After a day of hopping between taprooms and sampling the best craft beer Adams County has to offer, you'll want a comfortable, elegant place to unwind. The Baladerry Inn offers the perfect home base for your Gettysburg brewery adventure — a boutique inn set on four scenic acres, with luxury amenities and a peaceful atmosphere that's ideal for recovering from a day of indulgence.

Whether you're planning a corporate retreat with a brewery tour component, a couples' getaway, or a group weekend with friends, The Baladerry Inn puts you minutes from Gettysburg's best breweries while providing the comfort and sophistication your group deserves. Book your stay and start planning your craft beer itinerary today.