Berks County has a long history of beer brewing. No surprise, considering that German Palatine immigrants brought not just the craft of beer making but pretzel making and numerous other skilled traditions. In recent years, a burgeoning new breed of brewers started contributing their own beers, sours and stouts to the regional scene, often with restaurants serving stellar fare. Here are just three of many outstanding craft breweries to visit, highlighting which beverages sell best and what makes them such terrific destinations.
1. Saucony Creek Brewing Company
A microbrewery described as “adventurous,” Saucony Creek has created beers that attract a solid following. Their two locations serve food as well, with luscious burgers always on the menu, plus many New American-style dishes.
According to co-owner Kirby Powell, the favorite beverage is easy to identify: “IPAs! They have been most popular and continue to be,” says Powell. “We introduced a new IPA this year named Hayzeey, an IPA that’s 6.3 percent [abv]. We’re constantly experimenting with hops and different flavors.”
Naturally, Powell says, people’s tastes vary seasonally. “In the summer we have a shandy — a lighter, fruit-flavored style such as Mandarin Orange, Peach or Raspberry-Lemonade Shandy. In winter, we shift back to a very popular Cranberry Shandy. With no artificial flavorings, they feature vibrant, natural flavors.”
Another huge success is Maple Mistress brew, “introduced in September up through the fall and into Christmas,” says Powell. Customers love the flavor profile. “Some say the taste reminds them of pumpkin pie, with its cinnamon, nutmeg and maple syrup.” This fall, Powell shares, “Karamel Mistress will be a new variation.”
Their dark beers do best in late fall and winter. Powell says, “People like the big, dark, roasty beer experience. It’s like sitting by a fire on a cold night. We do a porter and a stout, working with local coffee roasters for the coffee stout.” As for sours, they usually have one or two on hand.
September finds the Kutztown location hosting a Wiener Dog Race. (Check out our web exclusive here!)
Gastropub: 15032 Kutztown Rd., Kutztown | 610.683.3128
Franklin Station Brewpub: 100 S. 7th St., Reading 484.755.5680 | sauconybeer.com
2. Oakbrook Brewing Company
“IPAs are the most popular,” says owner Sam Mengel, “but we have a lot of dark beers as well. We do brown ale, red ale, some stouts — and we have at least something in the dark category all the time. We’ll do a black lager for Oktoberfest too.” In warmer months, “we offer a lighter-style lager.”
A restaurant and brewery like Oakbrook, continues Mengel, “is built on regulars.” If you’re new to Oakbrook, count on a friendly reception. “You’ll probably hear questions like ‘Where are you from?’ and ‘What kind of beers do you like?’ and so on,” he says. Every Wednesday, a cycling group comes in, about 20 people. “They’ll go for a ride, like along the Schuylkill River Trail, then come back and drink beer and eat pizza.” Thursday nights are when trivia groups gather to compete. “Those two nights are always busy,” laughs Mengel. “It’s a blast.”
Detroit-style pizza
People also flock to the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck, which arrives every other month. Beer pong, corn hole games and special events abound. During Fall Festival in West Reading in September, Oakbrook is partnering with Comalli Taqueria in a beer garden. Mengel points out, “We’re very family-friendly.” Their Detroit-style pizza is like a pan pizza, rectangular, crispy and cheesy. “The cheese goes right up to the edge and caramelizes on the edge of the pan,” says Mengel.
628 Park Avenue, Reading | 484.755.5289 | oakbrookbrew.com
3. The Other Farm Brewing Company
Savana Comeriato at Other Farm Brewing reports, “Our most popular beer is a double IPA called What’s With All the Bears? The name hooks people!” she laughs. “Maybe it’s because they see all the bears around Boyertown.” Indeed, numerous painted, life-size fiberglass bear sculptures adorn the sidewalks outside businesses. “This is a strong beer,” she adds, “about 8.2 percent [abv] and with a very hoppy profile — almost like a West Coast profile.”
The company makes other craft beers and cider, she says. “The cider has become more and more popular in recent years.” A favorite is Frecon Farms Crabby Granny, strong cider blended with crab apples. To introduce newcomers, The Other Farm offers very affordable flights — “a good way to taste all the different beers we provide,” asserts Comeriato.
“Also, we have great variety for those who like pretty low-key lagers and wheats — there are 20 taps in total — all the way up to sours.”
Prefer stouts? “They’re normally pretty strong, like coffee stouts and imperial stouts,” says Comeriato, “and we offer them year-round.” A key event is the yearly [fall] Pickfest featuring bluegrass out in the backyard where the Colebrookdale train comes by. “We do all the beer, cider and food and have a huge lineup of local musicians.” Foods are locally sourced and the Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich, hand-cut French fries and artisanal pizza are exceptionally tasty.
128 E. Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown | 484.415.0741 | theotherfarmbrewingcompany.com
