Just one week, and the west shore can boast yet another craft brewery.
It was a year and a half ago — while filming Brewed in the Burg — that I first learned about plans for a new west shore brewery. The owners chose to keep things pretty tight-lipped as they navigated purchasing brewery equipment, finding a location, trademarking a brand, and getting the necessary government approval.
However, as long as construction has gone on at 4444 Carlisle Pike (the old Sun Motors car dealership), where Ever Grain Brewing Company is joined by Our Kitchen Table, Evolve Salon (already open) and Cork & Fork (coming this fall), this has potentially been one of the worst-kept secrets, at least for those of us who follow this kind of thing.
Ever Grain Brewing Co. opens Thursday, Sept. 22 with 10 beers on tap.
»» Can’t wait? Sample Ever Grain at the Pop-Up Happy Hour at Strawberry Square on Sept. 21!
The brewery’s space, which used to be a car dealership, is massive. The long bar faces the six fermenters and beer-hall style seating gives you ample space to relax with a beer. You’ll never feel cramped in the large open space either.
The Beer
Brewmaster Bruce Tanner started his brewing career years ago in Arizona while at school studying biology and since has cut his chops at breweries across the country including a six-year stint at Troegs.
We got a sneak preview of some of the beers (those of you who attended the Capital City Invitational Beer Festival on Saturday may have tried one or two of these) this week, and we’re really excited about what Bruce is working on.
Ever Grain will open with 10 beers on tap — Here are a few you can expect:
Camp Pils – 5 % ABV
First, what an appropriate and great name for a local beer. A pilsner that is true to style with a clean flavor and crisp bitterness from the generous amounts of German Noble hops. A beer that anyone can drink.
Joose Juicy IPA – 6%
A juicy IPA that is packed with hop flavor and just the right amount of bitterness. Bruce spent more than eight hours dry hopping this beer to give it a great nose. It features piney and citrus flavors with a dry finish that get you ready for the next sip.
Udder One Milk Stout – 5%
Smooth and roasty, just like a milk stout on nitro should be. If you’re into the darker side of craft beer, this is right up your alley. Udder One, also a great name, highlights flavors of chocolate from the malts and vanilla from the lactose used in a traditional milk stout.
Fluff Head Hefeweizen – 5%
Some hefes are too much banana or too much clove and sometimes too much of both. This beer is perfectly balanced and easy to drink. The wheat lends a smooth mouth-feel with the just the right amount of sweetness.
Ever Grain will have these four on tap along with six more that include a Russian Imperial Stout, Fresh Hop Ale with Painted Horse Hops, Saison (which I also tried and loved), another IPA, Pale Wheat and Helles Lager.
Ever Grain has even kept their brewing equipment local. They are brewing on Pizza Boy’s first 18-barrel system, which will allow them to keep up with production and constantly keep the beer flowing.
When you grab your beer and find a seat, it will be time to head to Our Kitchen Table’s food window located right in the brewery.
The Food
Located in front of Ever Grain and connected by a convenient ordering window, Our Kitchen Table is run by Russ Freeman (you know him from Cafe on Market, Market Square Bistro, and more). They open on Thursday to support Ever Grain Brewing Co., as well as for limited catering.
However, long-term plans include full-service catering and evening a restaurant and -hopefully- bakery, potentially opening at some point for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Camp Hill.
The menu for Ever Grain will largely be based around “Bubba,” a massive smoker that will be used to prepare BBQ ribs, chicken, pulled pork, beef brisket and the like.
The menu features items like mac’n cheese with grilled shrimp; smoked chicken with rosemary potatoes, root vegetable medley; and Country Line Meat Loaf made with local beef, mashed potatoes, and mushroom sauce. Sides range from classic French fires to sauteed kale, house-made chips, and Chef’s vegetables.
Ever Grain Brewing Co. will be open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Plus, look for information about yoga in the brewery on Tuesday and Sunday mornings!
»» Follow Ever Grain on Instagram and Facebook.
