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The Inside Scoop Behind The Creamery’s Unique Flavor Names

The Berkey Creamery is to ice cream as Beaver Stadium is to football; it’s beloved and timeless. Penn Staters hold this dairy destination close to heart. Whether a returning alum or a faithful, ice cream-loving student, the Creamery is a no-brainer when it comes to frozen treats.

The Creamery manufactures more than 250,000 gallons of ice cream in a year, along with approximately 750,000 hand-dipped ice cream cones. In just one day, more than 200 milkshakes are made. In the midst of all that frozen glory is probably your own sweet treat order.

Though the Creamery of course serves classics like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, the business is more reputable for its unique, quirky flavors. From Keeney Beaney Chocolate to Peachy Paterno, there’s a Penn State tale behind each. So what’s the real scoop behind your favorite treat?

Keeney Beaney Chocolate

This classic features the Creamery’s signature chocolate ice cream, chocolate chips, and vanilla bean. The flavor is dedicated to Professor Emeritus Philip Keeney, a nationally recognized teacher and scientist in ice cream and chocolate technology. Next time you savor this favorite, rest assured that a talented chocolateer was behind the magic.

Russ “Digs” Roseberry

This fruity favorite is named after the legendary Nittany Lions women’s volleyball coach, Russ Rose. Coach Rose owns a coaching record of 1189-186 and won seven National Championships, both of which rank first in NCAA Division I history. In addition to his impressive coaching history, Rose is also an author and professor.

Arboretum Breeze

Believe it or not, there are a few late summer and spring days where you may experience State College in warm temperatures. During those tropical periods, you’ve probably visited the famous Arboretum. The thought behind this minty flavor is that it’s refreshing and bright, like a peaceful stroll through the Arboretum.

Peachy Paterno

We all know Peachy Paterno was named after our beloved football coach, Joe Paterno — but there’s more to this story. In 1987, The Penn State Food Science Club took part in an ice cream naming contest. Its mission was to honor Joe Paterno’s academic contributions to the University in a fun way. Perhaps the catchiest and most charming of Creamery flavor names, Peachy Paterno was an instant winner and favorite.

Alumni Swirl 

The Creamery’s massive success is thanks, in part, to thousands of alumni — dedicated, loyal, and infatuated with the dairy destination. Huge lines stretch out the door on major weekends, made almost entirely of alumni. Penn State has the most powerful alumni network in the world, so it was only appropriate to attribute a flavor to them. This dessert, like our alumni, is uniquely Penn State.

Cherry Quist

Cherry Quist may be a lesser known gem, but delicious nonetheless. This flavor bares the name of John Almquist, professor emeritus of dairy science. Almquist also won the Wolf Prize, the highest award in agricultural science. Almquist was internationally known for his work in artificial insemination, as well as reproductive physiology of cattle. With over 165 research papers in scientific and professional journals, Almquist was prolific indeed. This extraordinary scientist passed away at 94 this September, but his groundbreaking research and memory lives on. Next time you taste this black cherry delight, take a moment to appreciate Almquist’s contributions to agricultural science.

Chocolate Cherry Cordial 

This flavor has a unique twist compared to the traditional confection. It combines amaretto and cherry swirl into classic chocolate ice cream. Instead of your cliché box of chocolates this Valentine’s day, perhaps consider this half gallon instead.

WPSU Coffee Break

Named after Penn State’s award-winning public broadcast TV channel, WPSU Coffee Break won the hearts of many Penn Staters. WPSU won two prestigious Emmy awards from the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

The Creamery named this coconut flavor “Happy Happy Joy Joy,” based on how excited the average Penn Stater becomes when seeing it on the menu. It may be silly, but it’s sure fun to say.

Palmer Mousseum With Almonds

This masterpiece was named after Penn State’s Palmer Museum, which you can walk to from the Creamery. Though not exactly a Michelangelo, this treat is a work of art just the same.

Centennial Vanilla Bean 

This centennial celebration was created in honor of the 100-year anniversary of the Creamery. There is a little extra richness in this vanilla bean flavor, making it an ideal topping for birthday cake, pie, or cobbler.

Birthday Bash

This fun favorite is the most recent addition to the Creamery flavor lineup. Tasting just like a delicious birthday cake treat, this flavor celebrates the 150th year anniversary of the Berkey Creamery.

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Of course some flavor names don’t include a Penn State fairy tale, but they’re enchanting nonetheless. Here are some flavor names that put Penn State puns to good use.

Berkey Brickle

Named after the Creamery itself, this flavor is creamy, gooey, and crunchy, just like brickle.

Mint Nittany 

Named after Mount Nittany, this flavor combines the beauty of mint chocolate chip with cookies and cream.

Lion’smore

This flavor combines your favorite mascot with your favorite summertime campfire treat.

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So there you have it: a little story behind the most unique Berkey Creamery flavors. As you can see, the history of your favorite ice cream destination is as rich as your go-to flavor. So…anyone hungry?

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About the Author

Carolyn Popescu

Current senior studying Advertising and Visual Arts, Carolyn has a passion for entertainment and music. She also loves photography, film, graphic design, social media, and all things in between. She's the current Sony Music Marketing Representative for State College, so be sure to reach out to her with any local music scene questions, ideas, proposals, or if you just need someone to geek out about music with.

(Contact her through [email protected] or [email protected])

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