Free Will Brewing Company is an established pillar of the Mid-Atlantic craft beer community, operating out of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Founded in early 2012, the brewery has transitioned from a small-scale homebrewing dream into a sophisticated production powerhouse with a reputation for experimental excellence. While many craft breweries focus solely on high-octane IPAs, Free Will distinguished itself early on by investing heavily in long-term barrel aging, wild ales, and traditional European techniques.

The Foundation of a Bucks County Staple

The story of Free Will Brewing Company began in January 2012, spearheaded by lifelong friends and homebrewers John Stemler and Dominic Capece. At a time when the "craft beer explosion" was just beginning to saturate the East Coast, Stemler and Capece saw an opportunity to bring a more diverse flavor profile to their hometown of Perkasie.

Their philosophy was grounded in "free will"—the idea that brewing should not be restricted by stylistic boundaries or commercial trends. This mindset allowed them to experiment with souring bacteria, wild yeasts, and vintage spirit barrels long before these methods became mainstream in the American craft market. Today, the brewery operates two distinct locations that cater to different consumer experiences, yet both remain tethered to the original mission of quality and innovation.

The Perkasie Headquarters: Industrial Heritage Meets Craft Innovation

The heart of the operation is located at 410 East Walnut Street in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. This facility is a massive 35,000-square-foot structure that originally served as a textile plant. The choice of location was deliberate, providing the necessary verticality and floor space required for a large-scale brewing system and an expansive barrel-aging program.

The Taproom and Brewery Atmosphere

Walking into the Perkasie facility, visitors are immediately struck by the industrial history of the building. The high ceilings and exposed brickwork provide a gritty, authentic backdrop to the polished stainless steel of the brewing vessels. The space is divided into several functional zones:

  • The Main Taproom: A bustling area featuring 15 rotating draft lines and plenty of communal seating.
  • The Music Room and Event Hall: Used for live performances every Friday and Saturday night, adding a rhythmic pulse to the weekend crowd.
  • The Barrel House: Perhaps the most important part of the facility for connoisseurs, this area houses hundreds of oak barrels where sours and stouts age for months or even years.
  • Outdoor Courtyard and Front Lawn: During the warmer months, these areas become the focal point for families and dog owners, offering a relaxed environment to enjoy a pint under the sun.

A Community Hub for Food and Music

One of the defining features of the Perkasie location is its "Bring Your Own Food" (BYOF) policy, supplemented by a rotating schedule of the region’s best food trucks. From Thursday through Sunday, the brewery hosts vendors serving everything from wood-fired pizzas to gourmet seafood. This creates a symbiotic relationship between the brewery and local culinary entrepreneurs, ensuring that the food offerings are as fresh and varied as the beer list.

Peddler’s Village: The Lahaska Taproom Experience

In October 2016, Free Will Brewing Company expanded its footprint by opening a second location in Peddler’s Village, Lahaska. This move marked a significant shift in strategy, placing the brewery in the center of one of Pennsylvania’s premier shopping and tourism destinations.

The "Sip and Stroll" Culture

The Lahaska taproom is notably different from the industrial Perkasie site. It is designed to be a modern, sleek retreat for shoppers and travelers. One of the unique aspects of this location is its integration with the village’s colonial-style atmosphere.

  • The Deck: Overlooking the village green, the outdoor deck is a prime spot for people-watching, especially during seasonal festivals like the Apple Festival or the Christmas light displays.
  • The Interior: More intimate than the Perkasie plant, the Lahaska taproom focuses on efficiency and a high-end bar experience.
  • Portability: Because of local regulations within the village, visitors can often grab a beer "to-go" in a plastic cup and enjoy it while browsing the 60+ retail shops nearby.

The Liquid Portfolio: A Deep Dive into the Taps

The real reason for Free Will’s longevity is the liquid itself. They maintain a rigorous brewing schedule that balances year-round flagships with highly anticipated seasonal releases.

The Sour and Wild Ale Program

Free Will is arguably most famous for its sours. Unlike "kettle sours" which are produced quickly, many of Free Will’s offerings are aged in wood to develop complex acidity and funk.

  • Olly: A flagship sour brown ale that has won numerous accolades. It provides a balanced tartness with notes of dark fruit and oak.
  • The Fruit Series: They frequently release limited-edition sours infused with cherries, raspberries, or peaches, often using hundreds of pounds of real fruit per batch.
  • Sour Sundays: A monthly event at the Perkasie location dedicated specifically to these complex brews, attracting enthusiasts from across the tri-state area.

Barrel-Aged Stouts: The Ralphius Legend

For fans of dark, heavy beers, the "Ralphius" series is the gold standard of the Free Will portfolio.

  • Base Ralphius: An American Imperial Stout with a high ABV (often exceeding 14%) that spends significant time in bourbon barrels.
  • Variants: The brewery experiments with variants like Mocha Ralphius, Maple Walnut Ralphius, and even triple-barrel-aged versions. The mouthfeel is famously viscous, with flavors of vanilla, charred oak, and dark chocolate.

IPAs and Modern Styles

While sours and stouts are the specialty, Free Will does not neglect the hop-heads.

  • Techno IPA: A staple of their lineup, known for its bright citrus notes and crisp finish. It’s an approachable IPA that bridges the gap between West Coast bitterness and New England juiciness.
  • Safeword: A potent Triple IPA that challenges the palate with intense hop resins and a hidden alcoholic warmth.
  • Side-Pulled Lagers: In recent years, Free Will has embraced the traditional Czech side-pull faucet. This hardware allows for a dense, wet foam head that enhances the aromatics and smoothness of their pilsners and lagers.

What Makes Free Will Brewing sours unique?

The uniqueness of Free Will’s sour program lies in their patience and their dedicated "sour cellar." By separating the production of sour beers from their "clean" beers (like IPAs and Lagers), they prevent cross-contamination of yeast strains like Brettanomyces.

In our observations of their process, the use of varied barrel types—from red wine puncheons to bourbon casks—allows them to layer flavors that cannot be replicated in stainless steel tanks. The "Sour Sundays" events serve as a showcase for these experiments, where they often pull rare vintages from the cellar that have been aging for three or more years. This commitment to time is what elevates their wild ales above the standard market offerings.

Crafting the Taproom Experience: Beyond the Glass

A visit to Free Will is designed to be an immersive experience. At the Perkasie location, the inclusion of a "Music Room" indicates their commitment to the local arts scene. Every Friday and Saturday, the brewery transforms from a production site into a concert venue, hosting local singer-songwriters and bands.

Private Events and Gatherings

The 35,000-square-foot facility isn't just for drinking; it’s a versatile event space. They offer various sections for private rentals, including weddings, corporate retreats, and birthday parties. The industrial-chic aesthetic makes it a popular choice for those looking for a venue that feels authentic and unpretentious.

Sustainable and Local Sourcing

While not always explicitly marketed, Free Will maintains a strong connection to local agriculture. Whether it’s sourcing grains from regional maltsters or using local fruit for their seasonal sours, the brewery acts as a vital link in the Pennsylvania agricultural supply chain.

How to Plan Your Visit to Free Will Brewing Company

If you are planning a trip to either location, there are a few practicalities to keep in mind to ensure the best experience.

Perkasie Location Tips

  • Parking: There is a dedicated lot, but it can fill up quickly on Saturday nights. Street parking is available nearby.
  • Food: Check their online calendar for the food truck schedule. If you have specific dietary needs, feel free to bring your own food.
  • Tours: While formal tours are not always scheduled, the open-concept design of the brewery allows you to see the equipment from the taproom. On some Saturdays, staff may offer informal walk-throughs.

Lahaska Location Tips

  • Crowds: Peddler’s Village is extremely busy during October (Scarecrow Festival) and December. Expect longer lines during these months.
  • Happy Hour: They offer an excellent happy hour from Monday to Friday, typically between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, featuring discounts on most draft beers.

Online Sales and Shipping

For those who cannot make it to Bucks County, Free Will offers a robust online store. They ship 4-packs, bottles, and merchandise to any address within the state of Pennsylvania. This has become a vital part of their business, allowing fans in Pittsburgh or Erie to access limited releases like the Ralphius series.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Free Will Brewing Company allow dogs?

Yes, the Perkasie location is very dog-friendly, especially in the outdoor courtyard and front lawn areas. The Lahaska location also welcomes dogs on the outdoor deck, though the interior space is more restricted.

Are kids allowed at the brewery?

Both locations are family-friendly. The spacious nature of the Perkasie taproom makes it particularly accommodating for families with strollers. They often provide non-alcoholic options like sodas or locally made lattes.

What is "Sour Sunday"?

Sour Sunday is a recurring special event, usually held once a month at the Perkasie location. It features a curated tap list of rare, barrel-aged, and experimental sour ales that are not typically available on the standard draft list.

Do they serve anything other than beer?

Yes. Free Will offers a seasonally rotating cocktail menu featuring spirits from Pennsylvania distilleries. They also have a selection of wines and occasionally non-alcoholic craft beverages like lattes or sodas.

Can I buy beer to go?

Absolutely. Both locations have a wide selection of 4-pack cans and 750ml bottles available for purchase. You can also get growler fills of most beers on the draft list.

Is the Perkasie location handicap accessible?

Yes, the main taproom and the primary entrance are on the ground level and fully accessible.

Why Free Will Brewing Remains a Must-Visit Destination

In an industry that is constantly chasing the next "hype" style, Free Will Brewing Company has succeeded by staying true to its name. They have the free will to brew a traditional 4% ABV lager one day and a 20% ABV barrel-aged monster the next. Their dual presence in the industrial heart of Perkasie and the tourist hub of Lahaska allows them to serve both the local die-hard enthusiast and the casual weekend traveler.

The combination of historic architecture, a diverse and expertly crafted beer list, and a deep commitment to the community makes Free Will more than just a place to grab a drink. It is a destination that captures the spirit of Pennsylvania’s craft beer revolution—one barrel at a time.

Summary of Key Information

Free Will Brewing Company is a premier craft brewery in Bucks County, PA, known for its extensive barrel-aging program, specifically sours and imperial stouts. With a massive flagship facility in Perkasie and a charming taproom in Peddler's Village, they offer a wide range of experiences from industrial live music nights to relaxed village strolls. Whether you are seeking a complex wild ale or a crisp side-pull lager, Free Will provides a high-quality, community-focused environment for all types of beer lovers.