Each of Erie Brewing Company’s finely handcrafted beers have been named for a local person or story associated with the rich history of the city of Erie and “Johnny Rails Pumpkin Ale” was no exception. When bestowing a name upon the new pumpkin brew, many ideas were kicked around. The one that stuck was the nickname of one of our own Erie Brewing staff, “John.” As hardworking as the Railbenders who built our railroad, Johnny Rails, with his blond hair, skinny body, wiry strength, and “BIG” head was the perfect fit. Thus, the beer’s name was born.