Train-themed beer tasting coming just in time for National Beer Day

How far are you willing to travel to enjoy a craft beer tasting? If you don’t mind a trek up Route 6, Stourbridge Line and Runaway Train Brewery have partnered on a series of craft beer tasting events throughout the 2024 season aboard the train. The journeys will introduce passengers to the railroad’s history and how local craft brewing has played a role in Honesdale’s past. The city has a deep connection to both, starting in 1829, when the first commercial locomotive, The Stourbridge Lion, chugged on down the D&H Railroad tracks and into history.

Two decades later, in 1851, the first local brewery opened in Honesdale. Fast forward to the present, The Stourbridge Line continues to run on those same D&H Railroad tracks and located alongside those tracks is the new Runaway Train Brewery.

All of the craft beers made at Runaway Train are themed around the railroad. Their beers include names such as: Ticket to Ride, Golden Spike, Last Train Home, and Lucky Ticket.

“Considering the unique legacy of these two industries, we thought it would be an exciting way to introduce people to some of the extraordinary history of Honesdale, while also having a fun journey,” said Vince Benedetto, one of the managing partners of Runaway Train.

“We are excited to partner with a local business that embraces the history here in the birthplace of the American railroad and look forward to many themed events throughout the season”, said Jeff Hiller, group sales coordinator for The Stourbridge Line. “This year we have expanded our operations to include many special event excursions for both adult-only excursions and excursions for families to enjoy together. We have included several other local business partners in our events as well. One of the best parts about being in business in a small town is the relationships that can be built by working together and the impact that is made on the local economy by doing so.”

The first beer train excursion runs on National Beer Day, April 7 at noon. Passengers will enjoy a scenic train ride along the Lackawaxen River while being treated to two pints of the Runaway Train’s specialty craft beers paired with snacks. In addition to learning about the railroad, a brewery representative will be on hand to explain the beer tasting notes and the craft beer making history and experience. When the train journey is over, guests then proceed to the Runaway Train Brewery in historic Downtown Honesdale, where they will receive a tour of the brewing operations, a souvenir, and a sit-down lunch. A variety of train themed beer tasting and dining events continue throughout the 2024 season and reservations can be made online at theStourbridgeLine.net and RunawayTrainBrewery.com, or by calling The Stourbridge Line at (570) 470-2697.