Luzerne County is getting another brewery soon in Mountain Top, PA, with Lanahu Ales at 12 Kirby Ave, Mountain Top, PA 18707. The brewery will be open starting November 11th for the general public.
We recently spoke to the owner and brewer George Merenich to get the story behind the brewery, and the details on what beer fans can expect when they visit.
The Story
When George began trying craft beer, he was immediately introduced to IPAs, and frequently took trips to get some very popular ones, including a trip to Vermont for some Heady Topper. He liked them so much, he decided he wanted to try his hand at making some, and built a small brewery in his basement.
As George brewed, he was considering retirement from the local power plant and realized he needed something to do. He started looking around and was originally going to put in a small 3-5bbl brewhouse in his backyard.
George and his wife Amy have been to Hawaii about 35 times with their kids and almost moved there. After putting in a few offers on buildings in July of 2019, they were out on Maui and decided to put one more offer in. They landed the building, and have been working on it since. And in a tribute to the area, they decided to name it Lanahu Ales. Lanahu means “coal” – for the coal region they’re located in.
The Brewery
Utilizing a 7BBL Alpha Brewhouse, the brewery will brew into four 7BBL fermenters and 1 brite tank. The brewery will feed 10 taps in the taproom. But this isn’t your normal taproom. Lanahu Ales has installed a “Pour My Beer” system. Guests will go to the check-in window upon arriving and get a wristband and an RFID card. This card will be linked to a credit or debit card, and be pre-programmed for a few pints of beer. When you’re done drinking, turn in the cards and you’re good to go. They also plan on offering pre-filled crowlers to go, as well as growlers.
Lanahu Ales will focus on IPAs but will be making a variety of other beers for everyone. They currently have the following brewing for their opening: a few juicy IPA’s, golden ale, pilsner rested on mango purée, lager, stout, a seltzer, and a few others that are a surprise.
There will be a self-serve food kiosk in the taproom, which will print a ticket to the permanent food truck at the brewery, Butcher Bob’s BBQ. The focus will be on appetizers and small plates, with the brewery also having big pretzels as well as hotdogs for beer lovers as well.
The Building
The building has gone through many iterations; it began its history as the Mountain Top post office, then rental center, a radio parts supplier for broadcasting building, and then a Geisinger clinic.
The interior will not be overly decorated with the Hawaiian theme. Some Hawaiian plants will be on tables, and a few signs will be hung up. Beer fans can order these plants directly from Hawaii at the brewery, as they are from Dan’s Greenhouse in Maui. The lady who runs the business is good friends with George and Amy, a friendship forged after visiting the island many times.
Can’t make it to the opening? Make sure to follow the brewery’s growth by visiting their website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
