Hatboro brewery to tap into Bucks County beer scene with Doylestown location

It has sat vacant in the heart of Doylestown for more than five years.

But soon, a new occupant will bring the former liquor store building on West Court Street back to life.

The owners of Artifact Brewing are in the process of rehabbing the old Fine Wine & Good Spirits storefront to put in a second location for their Hatboro-based craft beer business.

Founders Ryan McKinney and Matt Brzowski started the brewery in October 2019, pushing through early setbacks brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually growing their following to a point that demand soon outpaced production.

"Ever since we’ve opened, the town has embraced us and we’ve been very lucky with all of our customers," McKinney said.

Artifact Brewing, in Hatboro, is expanding, as its owners prepare to open a second location in Doylestown Borough next year.
Artifact Brewing, in Hatboro, is expanding, as its owners prepare to open a second location in Doylestown Borough next year.

The success prompted the two owners to bring on a third partner, Dan Richards, to further position the brewery for expansion, which McKinney, a Doylestown native, said he looks forward to bringing to his hometown.

“I’m excited to get back into Doylestown and back to my roots, and to catch up on everything I’ve missed since moving to Horsham and to share my love of craft beer with the town and all my friends,” he said.

When will Artifact Brewing open its Doylestown location?

Construction on the new location is about 75% complete with an aim to open in early 2024.

Hoping to attract people from all walks of life, McKinney said they’re working to create an inviting space where everyone can relax and feel a part of the community.

“I want lawyers to be able to come and enjoy a pint after a trial, and a local artist to feel just as comfortable sitting next to that person,” he said.

Construction is underway at the former Fine Wine & Good Spirits building on West Court Street in Doylestown Borough, on Monday, November 13, 2023, where Artifact Brewing plans to open its second location by early 2024.
Construction is underway at the former Fine Wine & Good Spirits building on West Court Street in Doylestown Borough, on Monday, November 13, 2023, where Artifact Brewing plans to open its second location by early 2024.

Doylestown pizza shop goes viral: Barstool Sports' David Portnoy visits Doylestown, rates Lucatelli's Pizzeria for 'One Bite'

The taproom will have bar seating, high top tables and a live edge drink rail, along with a roll-up glass door, which they will open up on warmer days. From there, customers will be able to see into the production area and catch a view of the 7-barrel brewing system.

What’s on tap at the new Doylestown brewery?

The tap list includes a wide range of styles and flavors, including IPAs, fruited sours, saisons, stouts, lagers and blonde ales. McKinney said customers can always expect to try something new since every batch they brew is different.

Artifact Brewing, with one location in Hatboro and a second coming to Doylestown, offers a rotating selection of craft beers.
Artifact Brewing, with one location in Hatboro and a second coming to Doylestown, offers a rotating selection of craft beers.

“No matter who you are and what your tastebuds are, you’ll be able to find a beer you like,” he said.

“It’s always exciting to go somewhere where I know they make decent beers, and every time I know it’s going to be something different and something good.”

New Doylestown store and cafe: It takes two: New collaboration brings more shopping and a cafe to downtown Doylestown

For those who look forward to special releases, Artifact has a barrel-aging program, which allows them to offer mixed culture saisons. They will also continue the annual limited release of Into Oblivian Blonde Ale and Hole in Garden Wall Saison, made using fresh green chile from New Mexico to give them both a touch of heat.

In addition to beer, the menu will include Pennsylvania wines, whiskeys from Upper Moreland-based Mermaid Spirits and specialty cocktails made with Blue Stem Botanicals.

Will the Hatboro brewery and taproom remain open?

Yes, McKinney said the original Artifact Brewing location in Hatboro will continue to operate, and their customers will continue to get the same experience they’ve come to expect.

Go: 2 South York Road, Hatboro; artifactales.com

New brewery opening: Brewery comes to Souderton, tapping into history at old freight house property

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Artifact Brewing in Hatboro opening second taproom in Doylestown