In the early 1800s, the Schuylkill River was a hub of industrial activity—iron, coal, steel and other products were transported by boat up and down river between Schuylkill County and Philadelphia. By the mid-1800s the railroads took over—they moved goods and people more quickly and inexpensively than by water. Conshohocken was entering its prime as an industrial epicenter, and making a global name for itself.
Today the route alongside the river, the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT for short), is still a buzzin’ hotspot. It’s a mecca for bicyclists, dog walkers, nature lovers and a whole lot more. There are currently more than 60 miles of finished trail, including a 26-mile stretch from Philly to Phoenixville. Once complete, SRT will stretch 130 miles long.
Featuring flat, well-maintained terrain, beautiful views of the city and ‘burbs and intriguing, historical landmarks, it’s no wonder SRT was named ‘Best Urban Trail’ by USA Today. As an avid cyclist, SRT is my favorite spot to train. Over the years I’ve covered hundreds of miles on SRT, and many times I passed this cool spot where cyclists can stop for a bite and hand-crafted beer, and hang out with other bike riders.
Needing to know what it’s all about, one recent summer day I racked my bike and popped in for a taste and a chat.
Welcome to Conshohocken Brewing Company.
Picture this—walk up from the trail to a wooden deck flanked by roll-up garage doors. Hang outdoors and overlook the trail and train tracks or step inside to the warehouse-like tasting room. You’ll find the decor has stayed true to the industrial roots that date back more than a century. You’ll find corrugated steel and rough hewn, reclaimed wood from Kennett Square’s mushroom houses, and a bar constructed from the beer-tank packaging.
Two home brewers, Ken Buonocore and John Remington, founded this eco-friendly spot with big ideas and a big passion for specialty beer.
“For years I was a home brewer. I knew John for about a decade. We worked together and he started home brewing too,” said Buonocore. “We entered a few local competitions making our own beer, and actually won a few. I thought ‘Wow, this is easy.’ I quickly realized it’s not so simple.”
In 2012, Buonocore and Remington, who had both lived in Conshohocken at some point in their lives, got down to business … to open their own business.
“We invested in better equipment, scaled up our recipes,” said Buonocore. “Once we found this location, we hired on our award-winning Head Brewer, Andrew Horne.”
Horne has more than a decade of experience, having worked at accomplished breweries across the U.S., including Avery Brewing Co. and Oskar Blues in Colorado, Breakside Brewery in Portland, OR, and Philly’s own Yards Brewing Co.
“With his great knowledge and know-how, we involved Horne in all the decision-making and opened the doors in April 2014,” said Buonocore. “It’s become a quick success.”
With 10 draft lines, Conshohocken Brewing Company’s Tap Room offers a wide variety of beers to satisfy all different tastes. You can choose from three sizes – four, eight and 16-ounce glasses, or grab a 32- or 64-ounce growler to go. Also available are small-batch canned beers. I enjoyed the following signature draft brews that I sampled:
Summer ’19 Pre-Prohibition Lager: This one’s full-bodied, crisp style is not overly sweet nor overly bitter.
Puddlers Row ESB (Extra Special Bitter): The classic English style ale boasted mellow roasted flavor and just a hint of caramel sweetness.
Lil Lucien Belgian Style Table Beer: My favorite of the three, this table beer is brewed with locally grown malt, Mosaic hops and organic Ardennes-style yeast. It’s crisp and bright, and pairs well with a meal.
Buonocore was thrilled to say that in a very short time, Conshohocken Brewing Company has made a huge splash in Philly’s craft beer market.
“We now distribute to 150 bars in the Philly region. We’re new this season in Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field,” he said. “We’re sold in Wegmans and other local specialty beer stores.”
While tasting, beer connoisseurs can choose from different light-fare options, which Buonocore said “compliment the beer selections.”
The bartender suggested the beef chili and pulled pork. I went for the chili, as it’s one of my favorites. The spicy-yet-sweet chili is served with soft-on-the-inside-crunchy-on-the-outside bread from Conshohocken Italian Bakery. Also on menu the “Horne” dog with beef chili and sauerkraut, Bavarian soft pretzels and hummus. Next time I must try the pulled pork.
As the Tap Room continues to grow and evolve, more special theme nights and events are being added.
Monday: Turntable Monday: Dust off those old 45s and the DJ will spin your records.
Tuesday: Growler Fill Day: $2 off 64 oz., $1 off 32 oz.
Food Truck Wednesday: Featuring rotating food trucks from Philly.
Thursday: Conshohocken Running Club: Runners from all trail directions meet post-workout making the Tap Room become the spot for the group to gather.
Sunday: Unofficial day for cyclists to meet and sip
You can represent the Brewing Compamy with gear to go, too, from a logo pint glass, stainless steel growler, logo t-shirt and my favorite of course, the official Conshohocken Brewing Company cycling jersey. Hint, hint.
Find Conshohocken Brewing Company at 739 E. Elm St. in Conshohocken; phone: (610) 897-8962.
- Photos: Lauren Avellino Turton
