Conshohocken Brewing Company Review
Beer Week exhausted me, my wallet, and my liver. I had hoped to dry out this past Friday and get ready for the weekend, but heard about the a brewery, Conshohocken Brewing Company, pouring at one of my local spots, Kennett Restaurant. I had been hearing decent things about the new brewery and it doesn’t take much to get me out of the house to try a new beer. Plus, Silent Bro from WIP is usually slinging drinks on Fridays. I couldn’t resist so I told the lady I’d run out, get a beer and bring home some food.
I nestled onto a barstool in the corner and was surprised to see sports-radio veteran Glen Macnow alongside Silent Bro behind the bar. Beer Week, new brewing company, a local celebrity guest-bartender, and a Phillies win over the Reds? This was turning out to be a solid Friday. Celebrities were abound as a local, unnamed female NHL insider was also in the house.
I hesitantly started off with a “Hale Fire” Red Ale. I’m not a big fan of red ales. When the beer arrived, I was relieved that it was more amber than red. The pour was a surprisingly good pour for a guy who is usually talking into a microphone or writing books. This was a good medium-bodied beer with a hint of citrus and a balanced blend of hops. The beer is crisp and easy for a healthy 6.6 % ABV. I grabbed a second.
I enjoyed the second Hale Fire while listening to Glen talk to a bunch of mid 20s kids at the bar. If I closed my eyes, I could have thought I was on my couch listening to a discussion on the radio. Glen was a bit too nice to the kids who were kind of trashing Rollins’ accomplishments on the field while elevating Chase to Ryan Sandberg-like status. One of the kids had no idea who Rod Carew was. ‘Nuff said.
I moved on to the Conshohocken Lealta Saison while waiting for my takeout tomato pie and salad. The lady was at home and sending me texts that I was taking too long and that it was getting too late to eat. A couple of hours had passed. So this was my last beer of the night, outside of the house. Good thing, too. The Saison was unbelievably tasty and I could’ve put three or four them away.
The Saison had great coloring with a healthy head. The taste was a pleasant combination of fruit and spice. This had nice balance. This too had a nice crisp finish. This Saison was smooth. It was dangerously smooth. I think this is also in the 6.5% abv range. I’ll be on the lookout for more of this at beer gardens throughout the summer. I wanted to try the ESB, but texts from home kept coming.
I’m always sketchy towards new local breweries. It seems like everyone is a brewer these days and most of them are underwhelming. However, Conshohocken Brewing seems like a welcomed addition. I wouldn’t say they are in the top echelon of local breweries just yet, but they are off to a solid start and definitely worth drinking. Do yourself a favor and find their Saison this summer for sure. I have a feeling this brewing company will be around for while.