Philadelphia’s Saint Benjamin Brewing Announces Brewery Expansion and Taproom

This spring, pioneering craft brewery Saint Benjamin Brewing Company will begin their most ambitious expansion yet: adding a new German brewhouse that will grow their production capacity from 440 barrels a year to 4,400.  Owners Christina Burris and Tim Patton will also debut their first Canned Beers, in tandem with an expanded focus on 750-mL Bottles.

Together with Lead Brewer Andrew Foss, Sales Ambassador Jackie Cusack, Sales Representative Bob Weaver, General Manager Beth Fox and Assistant Brewer Josh Caputo, the St. Ben’s team is also working towards the opening of their on-site Taproom.  The state-of-the-art facility, adjacent to the brewhouse, will serve St. Ben’s core and experimental brews alongside Pennsylvania-produced wines and ciders and a fresh, seasonal menu of beer-friendly fare.

· St. Ben’s new brewhouse arrived in February, and has already allowed them to expand their brewing capacity to nearly 1,500 barrels in 2016:

o Beginning in April, the brewery will begin canning their flagship beers, Inca (a West Coast-style India cream ale) and Wit or Witout (a traditionally spiced wheat beer perfect for summer time)

§ Foul Weather Jack and Junto will follow shortly after

o The brewery will also expand on their popular Bonne Année 750-mL bottles, adding Liaison Saison (a lightly-hopped, dry saison with notes of peppercorn and a subtle lavender finish)  and Saison Du Jour IX (a saffron and rosewater saison) to the large-format bottled line-up

o In addition, Patton recently introduced his new Belgian series, Franklin’s Abbey, at the famed back bar at Monk’s Cafe, including: Franklin’s Abbey Pale AleFranklin’s Abbey StoutFranklin’s Abbey AmberFranklin’s Abbey Tripel

o St. Ben’s has also teamed with award-winning local brewer Scott Morrison on a collaboration Maibock beer that will debut during the Craft Brewers Conference from May 3 through May 6

· As their operations grow, Patton and Burris will also expand into new markets, marking their first distribution outside of Greater Philadelphia:

o Already available on draft outside of Philadelphia, they will begin distributing cans and bottles in Montgomery, Chester, Bucks and Delaware Counties

o St. Ben’s will also begin serving parts of South Jersey and Delaware, and has plans to move farther into Pennsylvania, including  Allentown, Lancaster, Harrisburg and Reading

o In addition, St. Ben’s has partnered with the Reading Phillies: their beer will be served on draft at FirstEnergy Stadium throughout the minor league baseball season

· Housed in a three-story historic building, St. Ben’s has positioned themselves with ample room for growth, and recently secured anAmerican Street Empowerment Zone Business Grant:

o The $25,000 grant will cover kitchen equipment and furniture for their forthcoming Taproom

§ American Street Empowerment Zone Business Grants are reserved for businesses making significant investments in the underserved South Kensington neighborhood

o The Taproom will feature 12 taps and a beer engine, with 50 seats at the bar and at tables; exposed brick and original plaster will set a reclaimed-chic scene, while the walnut bar and wood flooring add to the warm ambiance

§ A glass viewing wall, directly against a drink rail, will offer sweeping views into the brewery, while shelves of old books and games invite drinkers to linger and vintage photos of the brewery and the building anchor St. Ben’s as a piece of its history

o The brewery is delighted to strengthen their commitment to Kensington, leading a growing tide of savvy entrepreneurs transforming the neighborhood into a haven of food and drink

o Previously open only once a month (for tours and growler fills), the brewery will throw open their doors at the new taproom, and invites fans and first-time drinkers alike to get to know their beers in a comfortable, casual setting