Conshohocken Brewing Company Review

Beer Week exglenhausted 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.

conshyamber

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.

glendiscussingI 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.

Saison

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.