In 2018 the city of Kennett Square continues their growth in craft beer as Braeloch Brewing is set to open on Birch Street. We recently stopped by the future location to learn more about what the town can expect once they open their doors.
During our visit we met with co-owners Kent Steeves and Kathy Drysdale, who along with their significant others (Amy Steeves and Matt Drysdale), are the ones behind this future brewery. Construction is still ongoing, so see first hand as they continue to build out their space!
How did Braeloch get it’s name? Great question! As we were told growing up Kent’s family had a house in the finger lakes region of New York. And on that property stood a lamp post with the name Braeloch on it. Hence why you see the lamp post in their brewery logo and how the name came about. And even better, that original lamp post has been transported from that property and will be in the brewery!
Originally built in 1903, their building was once a service station for street trolleys and train engines that ran in the area. It then went on to become a mushroom log (Kennett Square is the mushroom capital of the world after all) and finally a repair shop for fire fighting equipment.
With such a historic past the building in which Braeloch resides will be full of rich history as well as a thriving future. This 9,200 square foot location will house a 10 barrel brewing system and a taproom that is close to 4,000 square feet! However that isn’t all. Behind the bar they plan to build a warming kitchen that will offer light fare such as a German cheese pretzel, charcuterie, plethora of panini’s and more. If you are looking for something heavier, they will offer food trucks in their parking lot on most nights.
The inside of the brewery isn’t where it stops. Braeloch will also host an outdoor beer garden that sits conveniently next to a running creek to provide the ultimate outdoor seating area. At 3,500 square feet the outdoor seating area will provide almost as much space as the taproom inside. There will also be a private meeting space of almost 400 square feet available onsite as well.
The beer isn’t the only thing being made by hand here. They are even constructing their own cooler!
Their taproom will house a 12 tap system as well as local wine. With 10 years home brewing experience Kent is the mastermind behind the beer that will be offered. As he informed us they plan to fill those taps with a farmhouse saison, belgian, several IPA’s, three rotating seasonal offerings and an experimental tap. With Kent being such a porter/ stout fan you can expect one of those on tap all year round as well. The flavor profile that will be offered by Braeloch should satisfy a wide range of beer drinkers.
Construction is still ongoing, but check out the taproom and brewery as it is continuing to be built in this historic building: (some photo’s courtesy Braeloch Brewing social media)
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At 9,000+ square feet and a building with such a rich, historic past there is a lot to take in with Braeloch Brewing. They intend to open towards the fall of this year. We will keep you updated as they get closer to that opening date. For now make sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and their website to stay up to date on their growth!
