William Penn Colonial Lager Beer Review

William Penn Colonial Lager

Review Date 3/14/2008

Try? Re-buy?

William Penn was a leading figure in the early history of America; after all, he had a colony (later to become a state) named for him. Extra points if you can guess what it is: that’s right, Pennsylvania. William Penn was also known to brew up the occasional batch of beer, which in those days was not uncommon, liquor stores not being as common then as they are now. So, it was only fitting that, at the dawn of the American craft brewing renaissance, he had a beer named after him. William Penn Colonial Lager was that beer, and although it was a beer without a brewery (it was contract brewed by another concern), it was still a decent enough brew for its time.

I remember picking up a six-pack while honeymooning in Philadelphia in December of 1988. William Penn Colonial Lager was sold in very attractively packaged bottles. I never saw it sold outside of Pennsylvania or New Jersey, and now, of course, the beer is not sold at all. But it was a very crisp, drinkable all malt lager with a nicely balanced hop finish. Like William Penn the man, William Penn the beer was a pioneer for its day, even if it was likely nothing like the ales it's namesake would have turned out.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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