Discover Yards Brewing Company: Philadelphia's Craft Beer Legacy Since 1994
Have you ever wondered about the heart and soul behind some of Philadelphia's most beloved brews? Well, Yards Brewing Company is, like, a true landmark in the city's craft beer story, and it's been making a real mark for quite a long time now. This place isn't just about making beer; it's about a commitment to quality, a deep connection to the community, and a proud heritage that stretches back decades. It's pretty cool, you know, how they've grown while staying true to their roots.
You see, Yards Brewing Company isn't just another name in the world of craft beer; it's a Philadelphia institution. They've been brewing what many consider "Philly's beer" since 1994, which, honestly, is a good long run in this business. They really specialize in ales, especially those that follow the English tradition, and that's a bit of what makes them stand out. It’s almost like a nod to the past, yet they're very much a part of the present scene.
This article is going to take you through the story of Yards Brewing Company, from its early beginnings to its well-known beers and even what's coming next. We'll touch on their dedication to the people and organizations that make a difference, and, you know, how you can experience their brews for yourself. It's a tale of passion, community, and, of course, really good beer. So, perhaps, let's explore what makes Yards so special.
Table of Contents
- A Rich History: Brewing Philadelphia's Beer
- The Beers of Yards: A Balanced Portfolio
- More Than Just Beer: Community and Your Visit
- Looking Ahead: New Ventures and Milestones
- Finding Yards Near You
- Frequently Asked Questions About Yards Brewing Company
A Rich History: Brewing Philadelphia's Beer
The Early Days and Founding Spirit
So, you know, the story of Yards Brewing Company really begins with two friends, Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit. They had been making their own homebrews since 1988, which is, like, quite a while before they officially opened their doors. It was in 1994 that they decided to establish Yards, turning their passion for making what they liked to drink into a full-fledged brewery. That tradition of making what they enjoy, and then sharing it with their friends, family, and neighbors, has, you know, always been at the core of what they do. It’s a pretty simple idea, but it’s very powerful.
Reviving a Brewing Heritage
When Yards Brewing Company first opened its doors in 1994, it wasn't just starting a new business; it was, in a way, helping to bring back Philadelphia's long and storied brewing heritage. For years, the city had a vibrant brewing scene, and Yards came along and, well, kind of revived that spirit. They've been proudly brewing "Philly's beer" ever since, showing a real dedication to the city they call home. They’ve brewed in different parts of the city too, like Manayunk, Roxborough, Kensington, and Northern Liberties, always keeping that local connection strong. It’s almost as if they’re woven into the very fabric of Philadelphia’s identity.
The Beers of Yards: A Balanced Portfolio
Signature Brews: Philadelphia Pale Ale and Brawler
Among the many quality, handcrafted beers that Yards Brewing Company offers, two really stand out and have gained national recognition: the Philadelphia Pale Ale and Brawler. The Philadelphia Pale Ale, their signature IPA, is, honestly, a favorite for many. It's loaded through and through with assertive American hops, which gives it a really bold character. English barley provides its firm malt character, and then generous amounts of Chinook and Amarillo hops bring in aromas of pine and citrus, making for a perfectly balanced IPA. You know, it’s a brew that really showcases their skill. We believe that all other ales, arguably, pale in comparison to this Philly favorite, which is saying something.
Then there's Brawler Champion Ale, which is a fantastic English Dark Mild Ale style beer. This one has received quite a bit of praise, with, like, 1,220 ratings and reviews that give it a score of 3.84. Both of these beers lead a very balanced portfolio of what they create. They really show the range of what Yards can do, from a hoppy IPA to a smooth, darker ale. It’s pretty neat how they manage to hit different notes so well, basically.
Exploring the Full Portfolio
While Philadelphia Pale Ale and Brawler are certainly stars, Yards Brewing Company offers a much wider selection of beers. When you visit their spacious taproom, you can enjoy 20oz pints of their year-round favorites, which are always available. But that's not all; they also pour small batch and seasonal brews, giving you something new to try depending on the time of year. You can, you know, even get flights if you want to sample a few different ones, and they offer pre-batched cocktails too. It’s a pretty comprehensive offering, and you can browse their selection of beers, all brewed right there in the City of Brotherly Love. They really do have something for nearly every taste, which is good.
More Than Just Beer: Community and Your Visit
Supporting the Good People: Brew Unto Others
Beyond just making great beer, Tom Kehoe, the founder, and the entire Yards crew share a deep commitment to supporting the good people and organizations that make a difference in the community. This commitment is really captured by their motto, "Brew Unto Others." It’s more than just words; it’s, like, a guiding principle for them. They actively find ways to support community and sustainability initiatives, showing that their impact goes well beyond the taproom. It’s pretty inspiring to see a business with such a strong sense of civic responsibility, honestly.
Your Visit to Yards: Taproom and Events
If you're looking for a great spot in Philadelphia, Yards Brewing Company is, well, a spacious and friendly place to visit. You can dine in their taproom, which is quite large, or, you know, choose to sit outside on their covered patio, which is nice on a good day. They offer a variety of beers, of course, but also light bites to enjoy with your drinks, and you can even catch some sports there. It’s a very welcoming environment, perfect for just hanging out with friends or family. You can read reviews, see photos, and check their menu and hours online before you go, which is very convenient.
Yards also provides a unique alternative for your special events. Philly’s brewery offers a truly distinct setting for private gatherings, making any occasion feel, like, a bit more memorable. Whether it's a birthday, a corporate get-together, or some other celebration, they can accommodate it. It's definitely worth checking out if you're planning something. You know, it’s a pretty cool place to host a party.
Looking Ahead: New Ventures and Milestones
B3 Beverage Co.: A New Chapter
Looking to the future, Yards Brewing Company is embarking on an exciting new venture called B3 Beverage Co. This is a partnership with Bald Birds Brewing Co., and it’s set to ramp up production for smaller brands that are, like, facing industry challenges. This new operation will begin on June 06, 2025. It’s a way for Yards to use their established capacity and knowledge to help other, smaller businesses in the beverage industry, which is a pretty supportive move. It really shows their commitment to the broader craft beverage community, which is good.
Celebrating 30 Years of Brewing
As you may have heard, Yards Brewing Company is celebrating a really big milestone: 30 years of brewing! Thirty years of making beer for the hardworking people of Philadelphia and beyond has been, honestly, nothing short of incredible. To mark this special occasion, they are planning a whole host of special events, which is very exciting. There will be exclusive merchandise drops, tap takeovers around the city, and much more. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate their journey and acknowledge the community that has supported them all these years. So, you know, keep an eye out for those celebrations; they sound like a lot of fun.
Finding Yards Near You
Delivery and Curbside Pickup Options
For those in Philadelphia, Yards Brewing Company makes it really easy to get their beers. They offer delivery and curbside pickup, which is super convenient. Deliveries go out at 12 PM on Fridays, serving all Philadelphia zip codes, so you can get your favorite brews right to your door. Just be sure to place your weekly delivery order by Thursday at midnight, as that's the cutoff. It’s a pretty helpful service, especially if you can’t make it to the brewery. You know, they really try to make it accessible.
Using the Beer Finder Tool
If you're wondering where to find Yards beers beyond their taproom, they have a really useful beer finder tool. This tool lets you see which stores, bars, and restaurants have purchased Yards products for their establishments within the past 60 days. It’s a great way to locate your favorite brews when you're out and about. Just remember, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability, because, you know, stock can change pretty quickly. It’s a very practical resource for fans of their beer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yards Brewing Company
What kind of beers does Yards Brewing Company specialize in?
Yards Brewing Company specializes in ales, particularly those that follow the English tradition. They have a balanced portfolio that includes nationally recognized beers like the Philadelphia Pale Ale, which is an assertive American IPA, and Brawler Champion Ale, an English Dark Mild Ale. They also offer a variety of year-round favorites, small batch releases, and seasonal brews, so there's always something different to try, which is nice.
When was Yards Brewing Company founded?
Yards Brewing Company was established in 1994 by friends Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit. They had actually been homebrewing together since 1988, so they had a good bit of experience before opening their doors officially. They’ve been proudly brewing "Philly's beer" ever since, and, you know, they're celebrating 30 years of brewing in 2024, which is a pretty big milestone for them.
Does Yards Brewing Company support the local community?
Yes, absolutely! Founder Tom Kehoe and the entire Yards crew are very committed to supporting good people and organizations in the community. Their motto, "Brew Unto Others," really captures this spirit. They actively engage in community and sustainability initiatives, showing that they're about more than just making beer. It’s a core part of who they are, honestly, and they really put that into practice.
To learn more about Yards Brewing Company, you can visit their website, which is a good place to start. You can also explore more about their wide selection of beers on our site, which is, like, pretty comprehensive. For more general information about the craft beer scene in Philadelphia and beyond, you might find resources from the Brewers Association quite helpful, which is a good external reference for the industry.
So, as you can tell, Yards Brewing Company is a place with a lot of history, a lot of great beer, and a real heart for its community. Whether you're looking to try a classic Philadelphia Pale Ale, grab a Brawler, or just enjoy a friendly spot with light bites and sports, Yards has something to offer. It's a testament to their dedication that they've been going strong for 30 years, and they’re still innovating with ventures like B3 Beverage Co. You know, it’s a pretty special spot in Philadelphia’s landscape, and they truly embody the spirit of the City of Brotherly Love.
Beautiful Front Yard Landscaping Ideas - Top Dreamer
Top 10 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas - Birds and Blooms
How To Design A Sloped Front Yard at Sally Hyland blog
