Yards Brewing Co.: Celebrating Three Decades Of Philly's Favorite Brews
When you think about the heart of Philadelphia's craft beer world, one name probably comes to mind pretty quickly: Yards Brewing Co. This isn't just any brewery; it's a true cornerstone of the city's vibrant beer scene, a place where good times and great flavors come together. For years, people have loved what Yards brings to the table, and it's easy to see why, too, it's almost.
What started as a shared passion between friends has grown into something really special. Yards Brewing Co. has been pouring its heart into every pint, making beers that taste like home to many folks in the City of Brotherly Love. They've been at it for a long time, always focused on making drinks they truly enjoy themselves, and then, you know, sharing them with everyone else.
This article is going to take you on a little journey through what makes Yards Brewing Co. such an iconic spot. We'll explore their history, the famous beers they craft, and what you can expect when you visit their place. So, get ready to learn all about this beloved Philadelphia institution and, perhaps, find your next favorite beer, or something like that, at the end of the day.
Table of Contents
- Yards Brewing Co.: A Philadelphia Story Since 1994
- Signature Brews and What's Pouring
- Experience Yards: Taproom, Patio, and Tours
- Locating Your Next Yards Beer
- More Than Just Beer: The Yards Crew
- Frequently Asked Questions About Yards Brewing Co.
Yards Brewing Co.: A Philadelphia Story Since 1994
From Homebrew to Iconic Brewery
The story of Yards Brewing Co. starts with two good friends, Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit. They were just, you know, messing around with homebrews back in 1988. It was a hobby that really caught on for them. By 1994, they decided to take that passion to the next level, and that's when Yards got its official start. They were aiming to make something special, something they liked to drink and could share widely, which is what they did.
This journey from making beer in their own homes to running a well-known brewery is pretty cool, honestly. It shows what can happen when you stick with something you believe in. Yards has always kept that friendly, sharing spirit alive, right there at their brewery and taproom. It's a place where everyone feels welcome, more or less.
Brewing Philly's Beer for Three Decades
Can you believe it? Yards Brewing Co. has been making beer in Philadelphia since 1994. That's thirty years of brewing for the hard-working people of this city and beyond. It's been an incredible ride, apparently. To mark this big anniversary, they're pulling out all the stops.
They've got special events planned, some really cool new merchandise coming out, and even tap takeovers happening all over the city. There's going to be a lot more, too. It’s a way to say thank you for all the support over the years. This long history shows their dedication to making quality, handcrafted beers, and their commitment to the community, in a way.
Signature Brews and What's Pouring
Philly Favorites: Philadelphia Pale Ale and Brawler
When you think about Yards, two beers often come to mind first: Philadelphia Pale Ale and Brawler. These aren't just local favorites; they're known across the country. Philadelphia Pale Ale is an American IPA style beer, and many people feel other ales just don't quite measure up to this Philly classic. It has a really good rating, with many positive reviews, so.
Then there's Brawler Champion Ale. This one is an English Dark Mild Ale, a different kind of flavor but just as loved. It's often called the "standard beer for every occasion" because, sometimes, you just want a straightforward, tasty beer. Brawler also gets high marks from those who try it. These two beers really show Yards' skill at making ales, especially those with a nod to the English tradition.
Beyond the Classics: Small Batch & Seasonals
While Philadelphia Pale Ale and Brawler are mainstays, Yards Brewing Co. always has something new brewing, too. They offer a balanced selection of quality beers, including small batch creations and seasonal releases. This means there's always something fresh and interesting to try when you visit their taproom.
For instance, they have a beer called Philly Standard Punch. It's described as "the bomb," but with a little extra kick. It's made with fruits like pineapple, orange, and blueberries, so you get the idea of its flavor. It sounds perfect for a warm day, maybe when you're hanging out on your deck. At the taproom, you can get 20oz pints of their year-round favorites, or try flights to sample a few different ones. They even have pre-batched cocktails, which is pretty convenient, if you ask me.
Experience Yards: Taproom, Patio, and Tours
Dine and Drink at the Taproom
The Yards Brewing Co. taproom is a great spot to hang out. It's a spacious place where you can dine in comfort. If the weather is nice, you can even sit outside on their covered patio. It’s a very inviting atmosphere, ideal for spending time with friends and family.
At the taproom, they pour those generous 20oz pints of all their popular beers. But that's not all. You can also try their small batch and seasonal offerings, or get a flight to taste a variety of what they've got. For those who might want something different, they offer pre-batched cocktails and more. It’s really a full experience for anyone looking for a good time, honestly.
Learn the Story: Free Weekend Tours
Want to know more about how Yards makes their beer? You can take a free tour on weekends. It's a fantastic way to learn about the brewing process from start to finish. You and your friends will get to hear the whole story of Yards, from its beginnings to where it is today. And, you know, there's usually plenty of comedy thrown in along the way, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone.
These tours really give you a sense of the care and effort that goes into every single beer they make. It's a chance to see behind the scenes and connect with the people who make it all happen. It's a great way to spend part of a weekend, actually.
Locating Your Next Yards Beer
The Beer Finder Tool
So, you've heard about all these great Yards beers, and now you want to find some for yourself. Luckily, Yards Brewing Co. makes it easy with their "Beer Finder" tool. This online tool helps you see which stores, bars, and restaurants have recently purchased Yards beer for their establishments.
The Beer Finder shows places that have bought Yards products within the last 60 days, which is pretty helpful. It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability before you head out, just to be sure. This tool is a simple way to track down your favorite Philadelphia Pale Ale or Brawler, or maybe even discover a new spot that carries Yards, you know.
You can use the beer finder to see stores, bars, and restaurants that have purchased Yards for their fine establishments within the past 60 days. Please be sure to call ahead to confirm availability. It’s a really handy feature for anyone looking to enjoy their brews outside the taproom, which is great.
More Than Just Beer: The Yards Crew
Supporting Good People and Organizations
Yards Brewing Co. is about more than just making great beer; it's also about being a good neighbor. Founder Tom Kehoe and the entire Yards crew share a strong commitment to supporting good people and organizations. They believe in giving back to the community that has supported them for so long.
This commitment is part of their identity. It shows that they care about the bigger picture, not just what's in the glass. They aim to be a positive force in Philadelphia, which is pretty commendable, honestly. It’s part of what makes them such a beloved local business.
Stay Connected: Social Media and News
If you want to stay up-to-date with everything happening at Yards Brewing Co., the best way is to follow them on social media. Their Instagram page, for instance, is the top source for information about new beer releases and other Yards news. It’s a very active way to stay in the loop.
Connecting with them on social media means you'll be the first to know about special events, like those planned for their 30th anniversary. You can also see what's new on tap and get a glimpse behind the scenes. It's a simple way to keep up with one of Philadelphia's iconic craft breweries, really. Learn more about Yards Brewing Co. on our site, and link to this page here for more details on their history. For a broader look at craft beer's journey, you might check out a general resource on craft beer history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yards Brewing Co.
When did Yards Brewing Co. start brewing?
Yards Brewing Co. began proudly brewing in Philadelphia in 1994. Friends Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit actually started making their own homebrews back in 1988 before officially establishing the brewery.
What are some popular beers from Yards Brewing Co.?
Two of Yards Brewing Co.'s most recognized and popular beers are Philadelphia Pale Ale and Brawler Champion Ale. They also offer a range of small batch and seasonal brews, like Philly Standard Punch.
Can you take a tour at Yards Brewing Co.?
Yes, Yards Brewing Co. offers free tours on weekends. These tours teach you about the brewing process and share the story of Yards, often with some fun and humor mixed in.
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