Gettysburg American Brew Tour By Junket

Gettysburg American Brew Tour By Junket offers a distinctive way to experience Gettysburg’s historic ambiance paired with Pennsylvania’s craft beverage scene. Priced at around $65.62 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this guided experience takes you through a series of carefully chosen stops that blend historical tales with flavorful drinks — from mead and cider to wine and beer. The tour is available daily, making it a flexible option for travelers eager to combine history with a good time.

What we love most about this tour is the focus on authentic, locally made drinks, which reveal a side of Gettysburg beyond its battlefield stories. Plus, the guides’ expert storytelling adds a layer of depth and context, making each stop more than just a tasting but a mini history lesson. Another highlight? Its inclusion of varied venues, from a meadery inspired by ancient brewing techniques to a lively bar in the heart of town, all within a compact 2-hour window.

One possible consideration is that this isn’t a traditional brewery tour—despite what the name suggests. Several stops are wine, mead, or cider-focused, and the final destination is a bar and grill with a broad drink menu. If you’re expecting multiple brewery visits or extensive beer tastings, this could feel a bit misleading. However, if you’re open to exploring a variety of craft drinks while soaking up Gettysburg’s history, this tour offers good value and unique experiences.

This tour works best for those who enjoy craft beverages, history lovers, private groups, or celebratory outings like bachelorette parties. It’s also suitable for anyone looking to combine casual fun with cultural insight, especially since it’s led by women and minority guides, emphasizing inclusiveness and community.

Key Points

• Variety of stops: From mead to wine to cider, the tour showcases a broad spectrum of Pennsylvania’s craft drinks.
• Historical storytelling: Guides provide well-researched narratives that deepen your understanding of Gettysburg’s past.
• Authentic local experiences: Visiting places that emphasize local, small-batch production makes this more meaningful than a generic tasting.
• Good value: At just over $65, the tour offers a mix of drinks and stories, making it a cost-effective way to spend an afternoon.
• Limited to 15 people: Small groups ensure personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Accessible: Near public transportation and with some parking on nearby streets, it’s fairly easy to join.

What You Can Expect From the Tour Overview

Starting at 452 Baltimore St, the tour kicks off in the heart of Gettysburg, a location that’s both central and steeped in history. For about two hours, you’ll visit six stops with each offering its own unique flavor, both literally and figuratively. The tour is designed to blend history and craft drinks seamlessly, making it a well-rounded experience for those curious about the town’s past and present.

The guides, led by experts familiar with Gettysburg’s stories and brewing scene, aim to offer engaging commentary alongside your tastings. The tour operates daily, enabling visitors to choose a time that suits their schedule, and booking about a month in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.

The Stops in Detail

1. Dawg Gone Bees:
This is where the adventure begins with honey-based wines inspired by ancient brewing techniques. It’s fascinating because these drinks are made from locally sourced honey, connecting you directly to the land and its history. You’ll taste the product of patience and care, reminiscent of battlefield brewing traditions that predate the Civil War. The 17-minute stop here allows everyone to sample and appreciate the craftsmanship.

2. Witness Tree:
Next, under the historic trees of Gettysburg, this craft brewery produces bold ales infused with history. Expect oak-aged stouts and smoked porters, each telling a story of the battlefield and its echoes. We loved the way this stop ties local natural history to beer, making each sip feel like a toast to the soldiers who once fought here.

3. Shriver House Museum:
While primarily a museum, the Shriver House offers a glimpse into Civil War-era tavern culture. The Shrivers operated a tavern in their basement where locals used to gather over drinks during wartime. Today, this stop adds a layer of storytelling to the experience, connecting past drinking customs with Gettysburg’s broader story. It’s a small but meaningful nod to the social side of history.

4. J&P Winery:
In the very heart of Gettysburg, J&P Winery introduces you to Pennsylvania’s winemaking tradition. From dry reds to sweet fruit wines, it’s clear that celebration and resilience continue even amidst war-torn history. We appreciated the variety of wines, which cater to different palates, and their modern approach to an age-old craft.

5. Ploughman Cider Taproom:
Here, the focus is on local orchards and Pennsylvania’s cider heritage. The small-batch blends are crisp, refreshing, and complex, offering a taste of the region’s terroir. Sipping cider in this setting is like tasting history—simple, authentic, and rooted in tradition.

6. Lincoln Square:
This central gathering spot is where locals and visitors alike have long raised glasses and shared stories. The square’s historic taverns, now replaced by modern breweries and wine bars, still echo with the voices of past generations. It’s an ideal place to soak in the town’s lively atmosphere, with the added thrill of imagining Lincoln walking these same streets.

7. Blue & Gray Bar & Grill:
The tour concludes here, a Gettysburg mainstay with hearty fare and a wide selection of craft beers. You can opt for Civil War-themed brews or contemporary favorites like IPAs. The lively atmosphere, with walls whispering stories of visitors past, makes for a fitting end to a day of exploration.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

The reviews highlight some mixed feelings. One reviewer noted, “The name of the tour is misleading. We did not visit any breweries.” It’s true; the stops are more wine, mead, and cider-focused, with the final stop at a bar serving a variety of drinks. This suggests that if you’re expecting several brewery visits, you might be disappointed. However, if you’re open to sampling a diverse range of craft beverages while learning about Gettysburg’s history, this tour offers excellent value.

Another review praised the wine selection and value for money, emphasizing how each stop provides a genuine taste of Pennsylvania’s local drinking traditions. The small group size also appears to enhance the experience by allowing more interaction and personalized storytelling.

What the Tour Means for Travelers

If you’re a history buff with a taste for wine and cider, this tour combines your interests beautifully. It’s also a good choice for casual drinkers who want something more meaningful than just bar-hopping—each sample is paired with local stories, making it educational as well as fun.

While it might not satisfy beer enthusiasts expecting multiple brewery visits, it offers a relaxed, low-pressure environment to experience Gettysburg’s culinary and cultural heritage through drinks.

Pricing and Value

At just over $65, the tour isn’t the cheapest option in town, but considering the quality of the venues, the guided storytelling, and the variety of drinks, it’s a solid value for money. The small group size also adds to its appeal, providing a more intimate and engaging experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for adults interested in combining a bit of history with craft drinks, especially those seeking a relaxed, social outing. It appeals to couples, small groups, or solo travelers who enjoy exploring local flavors. However, those expecting a typical brewery-focused tour should note the emphasis on wine, mead, and cider.

The Gettysburg American Brew Tour offers a unique and authentic way to experience the town’s flavor and history simultaneously. Its focus on local wines, mead, and cider paired with captivating stories makes it stand out from more traditional battlefield tours. The guided aspect ensures you’ll learn more than just the drinks — you’ll get a sense of Gettysburg’s communities, past and present.

For those curious about Pennsylvania’s craft beverage scene or looking for a relaxed, informative outing that combines good stories with good drinks, this tour hits the mark. While it might not satisfy those craving an all-beer brewery hop, it compensates with a well-rounded, flavorful, and memorable experience that’s worth considering.

Is this tour suitable for children or under 21?
No, this tour is not recommended for travelers under the age of 21, as it involves alcohol tastings for adults.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, covering six stops around Gettysburg.

Are drinks included in the tour price?
No, drinks are not included in the initial price; they are purchased at each stop.

Can I cancel or reschedule the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour begins, allowing for flexible planning.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, there are parking spots on side streets behind the Inn and on the main street. Avoid parking in the Brickhouse Inn lot, as your vehicle may be towed.

How many people are in a typical group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate; however, since it involves walking to several locations, check with the provider for specific accessibility questions.

What if I don’t like wine or cider?
The stops feature a variety of drinks, including mead, wine, cider, and some beer options at the final stop, so there should be something to suit most tastes.

What is the main focus of the tour?
While it highlights the craft beverage scene, the tour also emphasizes the historic stories and heritage of Gettysburg.

Are tips included?
Tips for guides are not included in the price and are appreciated for excellent service.

To sum it up, the Gettysburg American Brew Tour offers an engaging blend of history and craft drinks for adult travelers seeking both education and relaxation. Its focus on local, authentic beverages paired with storytelling makes it a memorable experience for those open-minded about its scope. It’s ideal for small groups, curious visitors, and anyone looking to toast Gettysburg’s past in a lively, friendly setting.