Rep. Lewis and Victory’s Brewing Manager, Kenneth Thorpe discuss the various aromatic qualities in select hops.
DOWNINGTOWN – The Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP), the state’s official beer guild, has launched its fourth Brewer For A Day program, an initiative designed to give state legislators a hands-on insider’s perspective on the brewing process, as well as further educate Pennsylvania Senators and Representatives on the direct economic impact craft brewers have on communities throughout the state.
Representative Harris Lewis Jr., (R-74), visited Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown last month for an up-close brewing experience where he weighed hops, analyzed malts, learned about the fermentation process, and engaged with the state-of-the-art automation that helps Victory brewers produce some of Pennsylvania’s finest craft beers.
“Representative Lewis demonstrated his unwavering support of his community, and our industry of brewing by participating in our Brewer For A Day Program,” said Bill Covaleski, BOP President and President of Victory Brewing Company. “He arrived full of keen questions, and was fully engaged in the brewing process. We were honored to host him, and look forward to working with Representative Lewis on issues pertinent to our industry and community.”
Representative Lewis represents parts of Chester County, including the townships of Caln, East Caln, East Fallowfield, Sadsbury and Valley; the boroughs of Downingtown, Modena, Parkesburg and South Coatesville; and the city of Coatesville.
“I was truly amazed as to how Victory products are produced, and was reminded just how significant and important Victory has become,” said Representative Lewis. “In my travels, I see the Victory brand all over the country, and it’s exciting knowing that such a good, diverse product gets brewed right here in our home town. I thank Victory for the Brewer For A Day experience, and I will definitely return very, very soon.”
Throughout the remainder of 2016 and into 2017, the BOP will invite state legislators from throughout the Commonwealth to visit BOP-member breweries to participate in the Brewer For A Day program. State Senator Rafferty, (R-44), was the first legislator to take part in this fun and informative program. Sen. Rafferty visited Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown in August. Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) visited Old Forge Brewing Company in Danville in September. Senator Sean Wiley, (D-49), was the third legislator to serve as Brewer For A Day, visiting Lavery Brewing Company in Erie in October.
In July, 2016, Pennsylvania Governor, Tom Wolf, signed a $1.3 billion revenue package. Part of that package included a Malt Beverage Tax Credit not to exceed $5 million annually. The tax credit, matching equipment and facilities investments made by applicant breweries, has been one of the BOP’s top legislative goals since 2013. The BOP fully supports this tax credit measure, and considers it a major victory for all craft breweries in the Commonwealth, particularly smaller breweries as the benefits of the measure is capped at $200,000 per year, per brewery.
