Lehigh Valley Style's Local Guide to Brewers & Distillers (Nov. 2016)

AN ESSENTIAL COMPENDIUM OF CRAFT BREWERS & ARTISANAL DISTILLERS IN THE GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Raise your glass and give a cheer for good company, artisanal spirits and craft-brewed beer— all of which can be found in abundance right here in the Lehigh Valley. From main street mainstays in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton to up-and-coming brew pubs and innovative microdistilleries tucked away in virtually every corner of the Valley, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to tipping back a local libation or two (and, often enough, enjoying good conversation and a hearty meal at the same time). But with so much variety, it can be tricky to keep track of who’s who and what’s what, not to mention where and how to find a lesser-known favorite. Luckily, you now hold in your hands a helpful guide to the best and brightest brewers and distillers in the Valley. So pull up a chair, top off your glass and prepare to get (re)acquainted with these local purveyors of potent potables.

–Sláinte!

The Brewers & Distillers Guide is a special advertising supplement to Lehigh Valley Style. Its contents are copyright © 2016 Lehigh Valley Style, a monthly publication of IDP Publications, 3245 Freemansburg Avenue, Palmer, PA 18045-7118. Nothing contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Publisher disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors. Lehigh Valley Style and its owners are not liable for claims made by any advertisers or any inaccuracies or intentional copyright infringements. All rights reserved. The magazine welcomes, but cannot be responsible for, unsolicited manuscripts, contributions or photographs. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Printed in the USA.

Lost Tavern Brewing was founded by longtime friends Anthony Gangi and Robert Grim, who in 2015 joined with Ken and Kenny Rampolla to bring to life their dream of making great beer in the town they all call home: Hellertown.

The brewery is named after one of the first Hellertown buildings commissioned in the 1740s—a tavern where they undoubtedly brewed beer. Taverns were the main centers of interaction for most communities back then, and local beer provided the foundation.

Lost Tavern Brewing’s goal was to recreate this atmosphere in a modern-day setting. Their slogan, “Honor the Past. Craft the Future,” pays homage to this unique local history while also paying close attention to the ever-evolving world of craft beer.

The taproom provides a distinctive and comfortable feel, where great beer, personal interactions and memorable experiences are the main attractions. Live music and entertainment—from shuffleboard and darts to classic pub games—make this a top spot for high-quality beer and a great night out with friends or family!

Lost Tavern Brewing, LLC 782 Main St. Hellertown 484.851.3980 losttavernbrewing.com

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EightCraft Oaks Distillers 7189 Rt. 309 New Tripoli 484.387.5287 eightoaksdistillers.com

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When on Route 309 in New Tripoli, travelers may have seen the new red barn that is home to Eight Oaks Craft Distillers, a true small-batch, farm-to-bottle craft distiller that is proud to be rooted in the fertile Lehigh Valley. Co-founder Chad Butters created Eight Oaks from his fascination with agriculture and his interest in adding a unique and community-focused destination that not only crafts great spirits but serves as a place to gather and enjoy them.

Eight Oaks grows their grains both on site and at their farm just a few miles away. The ability to control everything from the seed to the bottle enables Eight Oaks to experiment with many recipes and create distinctive spirits. The current product line includes

American Vodka, American Gin, a white Colonial Rum and Authentic Applejack. Eight Oaks is currently in the process of aging bourbon and rye whiskey in barrels, which will be “bottled in bond,” highlighting that the spirits will be produced in one distillation season and solely from Eight Oaks. The company is also aging rum and applejack in bourbon barrels.

So does Eight Oaks’ farm-to-bottle approach deliver a good product? Evidently, the experts think so. The company took home a silver medal for its American Vodka at the recent American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Conference in San Diego in the Grain-to-Glass Wheat Vodka category. It can definitely be said that the proof is in the bottle.

Eight Oaks’ tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Friday. The distillery also hosts private parties and corporate functions. Eight Oaks’ spirits can be found in local farmers markets, select Pennsylvania State Stores and in area bars and restaurants. More information and directions to the distillery can be found at eightoaksdistillers.com or by calling 484.387.5287.

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HiJinx Brewing Company 905 Harrison St. Suite 111 Allentown 484.714.0080 hijinxbrewing.com

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HiJinx Brewing Company was born out of a fierce passion for great beer. The HiJinx crew’s dedication to quality and their willingness to experiment make for some tasty and unique beers. From the traditional to the exotic, their passion for beer knows no limits.

The concept for HiJinx began in 2007 when the founder, Curt Keck, was brewing up a batch of homebrew and imbibing in his garage with some friends. One of the group suggested that he open up a brewery to share the product of his passion with the masses. After some coaxing and a few more pints, Curt agreed and said that the brewery needed a name. He insisted that the name speak to the high jinks that took place in

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his garage. There was a simultaneous “eureka!” expression on the faces of everyone present… and HiJinx was born.

The licensing process began in early 2011 and, by November of that same year, it became official. Brewing began on a one-barrel brewing system in the very same cozy 400-square-foot garage where the idea was born. After brewing there for two years, the HiJinx crew made the decision to expand and share their beers with a larger audience. In 2014, HiJinx Brewing Company made the move and is now located in a 4000-square-foot facility and producing on a ten-barrel brewing system. There is also a tasting room that allows craft beer lovers to come to the source and try HiJinx’s delicious brews.

Come visit the tasting room, drink some HiJinx and let the tomfoolery begin!

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Social Still 530 E. 3rd St. Bethlehem 610.625.4585 socialstill.com

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Social Still ended Prohibition in the Lehigh Valley by becoming the first distillery to produce spirits in almost 100 years. Micro-distilling the highest-quality spirits is at the heart of their business. Sourcing most of the raw materials from Pennsylvania farmers, Social Still uses the finest grains and corn available. This family-owned distillery is like no other. They not only produce international awardwinning spirits, Social Still offers a restaurant and cocktail bar experience that is second to none. The distillery serves local wines, local beer, spectacular cocktails and the most delicious tapas and large-plate food around. The distillery and restaurant are located in a stunning, repurposed bank on Bethlehem’s South Side. The large pot still and distilling columns are on display behind a 25-foot glass wall so guests can see the production. Come out for great spirits, amazing food, and the best cocktails around. Casual never tasted so sophisticated.

Weyerbacher Brewing was founded in 1995 in a livery stable in downtown Easton. What began as a daydream in an avid homebrewer’s head has grown to the craft brewery that everyone knows and loves.

After brewing their first big beer—Raspberry Imperial Stout—in 1997, their path in this industry became clear: making full-flavored, high-quality brews.

From their humble beginnings in the livery stable to their approximately 30,000-square-foot facility they call home, they have always looked to push the envelope of taste experiences, obliterate style guidelines and have a blast while they’re at it!

The Tap Room at Weyerbacher is the gateway into the world of Weyerbacher. Enjoy Weyerbacher favorites, try special releases, check out the firkin of the week and grab some merchandise. Live music and brewery tours are offered every weekend. The Tap Room opens every day at noon.

Weyerbacher Brewing Company 905 Line St. Easton 610.559.5561 weyerbacher.com

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Barley Creek Brewing Company 1774 Sullivan Tr. Tannersville 570.629.9399 barleycreek.com

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Brewery or distillery? Why not both? Twenty years after opening the Pocono Mountains’ original brewpub, Barley Creek Brewing Company is doubling the fun by adding a craft distillery to complement its on-site brewery. Since 1995, Barley Creek has brewed more than a hundred different styles of beer, offering an outstanding selection of house brews on tap as well as a wide range of other regional craft brews. Set to open this fall, the new distillery will use grains from the brewhouse to craft small batches of great big spirits, including vodka, moonshine and whiskey. Guests can tour the brewhouse and distillery daily at 12:30 p.m., with free tastings for those 21+. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Barley Creek is also home to the famous Pint Size Park, a unique seasonal outdoor dining and event venue, where customers can eat, drink and play games like wiffle ball, cornhole and Firkin Curling.

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Family run, urban made and fiercely independent since 1998, the art and attentiveness behind brewing an awardwinning handcrafted Fegley’s Brew Works beer is a labor of love—just ask their Brew Masters! Blending sustainable, local ingredients and European brewing traditions, Fegley’s beers have distinctive flavor profiles. With a competitive Mug Club and plenty of loyalists, Fegley’s multi-level restaurants and brewpubs proudly anchor the downtown districts in Allentown and Bethlehem with outdoor dining, festivals, events, weddings and more.

There is always something going on at Fegley’s Brew Works, from annual events like the Whisky and Craft Beer Festivals to dog-friendly “Yappy Hours” and regular trivia nights.

Find Fegley’s Brew Works beers in bottles and kegs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with flagship beers available on tap at all times and seasonals throughout the year. Better yet, stop by the brewpubs to taste special-release cask beers, firkin ales or limited batches.

Fegley’s Brew Works 812 W. Hamilton St. Allentown 610.433.7777 559 Main St. Suite 101 Bethlehem 610.882.1300 thebrewworks.com

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Saucony Creek Craft Brewery & Gastropub Yergey Brewing Yergey Brewing, at the corner of South 5th and Railroad Streets in Emmaus, is a nanobrewery and taproom, producing and serving artisanal beers to the Lehigh Valley. Owner, brewer and retired chemist Jim Yergey serves patrons well-crafted, enjoyable and diverse styles of beer that give evidence to his passion as a brewer. When visiting Yergey Brewing, expect a comfortable, fun atmosphere and relationship with the brewer. Stop in for a beer!

Saucony Creek Craft Brewery & Gastropub is a forward-thinking craft brewery and gastropub proudly fashioning hyper-local, adventurous beers and bites in an effort to keep glassclinking camaraderie alive and well. Saucony Creek recognizes that a truly spectacular beer and food pairing possesses the power to erase all boundaries and unify individuals no matter what their differences may be.

Visit sauconybeer.com or their official Facebook page for hours and information on weekly gastropub events and specials.

518 Bank St., Emmaus 484.232.7055 | yergeybrewing.com

15032 Kutztown Rd., Kutztown 610.683.3128 | sauconybeer.com

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Two Rivers Brewing Company is a farm-to-table brewpub located in a historic hotel in downtown Easton.

For 200 years, the building was operated as the Mount Vernon Hotel. After buying the hotel in 2011, the building was renovated and opened as a restaurant in 2012. The centerpiece of the restaurant is the antique, Art Deco bar, a Sears, Roebuck & Co. kit installed in 1929. Live local music fills the barroom on Fridays and Saturdays.

The menu features gourmet comfort food, with many ingredients sourced locally. Relationships are fostered with local farmers, and the menu changes seasonally to feature these ingredients. The brewery was added in 2015 and produces unique craft beers. As with its food, Two Rivers uses local ingredients for its beers whenever possible. Recent beers have featured local malt from Deer Creek Malthouse in Glen Mills and hops from WasserHops Farm near Hellertown.

Two Rivers Brewing Company 542 Northampton St. Easton 610.829.1131 tworiversbrewing.com

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Deer Creek Malthouse Deer Creek Malthouse is the first commercial malting operation in Pennsylvania since Prohibition. They grow and malt high-quality barley, wheat, rye and other grains that bring truly local character and innovation to the craft beverage tradition. Their handcrafted, artisanal malts are traditionally floor germinated and custom kilned with distinct flavor and terroir characteristic of the Philadelphia region. Deer Creek Malthouse believes that amazing things can happen when the supply chain is shortened. Cheers!

1629 E. Street Rd., Glen Mills 717.746.6258 | deercreekmalt.com

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Keystone Homebrew Supply Keystone Homebrew Supply has provided high-quality beer- and wine-making supplies since 1992. Friendly and experienced staff are available seven days a week to offer service, advice and support throughout the beer- or wine-making process.

As the top-rated supplier in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Keystone Homebrew Supply has guided and helped many aspiring local brewers over the years to realize their dreams of opening a brewery. Stop in to see how they can help!

128 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem 610.997.0911 435 Doylestown Rd., Montgomeryville 215.855.0100 keystonehomebrew.com

DRAUGHTS & DRAMS

Gotta try ‘em all? Keep track of what & when with this handy log!

BARLEY CREEK BREWING COMPANY

DEER CREEK MALTHOUSE

EIGHT OAKS CRAFT DISTILLERS

TANNERSVILLE (pg. 8)

GLEN MILLS (pg. 12)

NEW TRIPOLI (pg. 2–3)

FEGLEY’S BREW WORKS

HIJINX BREWING COMPANY

KEYSTONE HOMEBREW SUPPLY

ALLENTOWN (pg. 4-5)

BETHLEHEM & MONTGOMERYVILLE (pg. 12)

ALLENTOWN & BETHLEHEM (pg. 9)

LOST TAVERN BREWING, LLC HELLERTOWN (pg. 1)

SAUCONY CREEK CRAFT BREWERY & GASTROPUB

SOCIAL STILL BETHLEHEM (pg. 6)

KUTZTOWN (pg. 10)

TWO RIVERS BREWING COMPANY

WEYERBACHER BREWING COMPANY

EASTON (pg. 11)

EASTON (pg. 7)

YERGEY BREWING EMMAUS (pg. 10)

D E T F A R C D N A H HERE

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