Exton Beverage has been supplying thirsty drinkers in and around Chester County with beer since 1975. In October of 1996, original owners Don Anderson and Jack Hoops brought Greg Ramirez on as a manager, and in 2007, Greg bought the business. The rest, as they say, is history. Now, Exton Beverage is celebrating 40 years of history in the business with a release of an exclusive beer brewed in collaboration with local favorite Sly Fox Brewing Company.
Greg wanted to create excitement when celebrating 40 years of selling beer. He has grown the business into Chester County’s premier beer store with one of the largest selections of craft beer in the five-county Philadelphia area. Additionally, Exton Beverage specializes in sixtels, which are perfect for home draft-beer systems. Greg met with Brian O’Reilly, Sly Fox’s Brewmaster, and Patrick Mullin, Director of Sales, to discuss brewing a specialty beer for this monumental occasion.
Greg knew he wanted to brew an IPA (India Pale Ale) because that is his favorite style. After tasting a few different beers together and discussing flavor profiles and appearance, the team settled on a recipe. The result: Exton Beverage 40th Anniversary IPA, an extra-hoppy beer lovingly referred to by Greg as Sly Fox EB40 IPA.
The beer was brewed and dry-hopped with a combination of Bravo, Chinook, Centennial, Citra and Sorachi Ace hops and is a golden-colored ale. EB40 has a 6.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
When asked about the finished product, Greg’s eyes lit up and you could sense his pride. He said, “It tastes fantastic and is very drinkable. It is an approachable beer and it’s not too heavy.” Greg continued, “It has fruity notes and a dry finish that has you screaming for more!”
This draft-only beer hit the taps at both Sly Fox locations in Pottstown and Phoenixville in early July and is now available in limited supply at Exton Beverage in both half kegs and sixtels. Greg suggests you call (610) 363-7020 to reserve yours.
EB40 will also be on tap at some of Greg’s favorite local bars including Pour House, The Drafting Room and Station Taproom. Keep an eye on Exton Beverage’s Facebook for announcements about when and where you can get a taste of this once-in-a-lifetime celebratory beer.
Find Exton Beverage at 310 E. Lincoln Highway in Exton; phone: (610) 363-7020.
Top photo credit: Sly Fox Beer; other photo credits: Ronna Dewey
