Pottsville brewery to celebrate anniversary at Brew Fest

Frank Andruscavage, Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
·2 min read

Jul. 20—POTTSVILLE — The ninth annual Schuylkill County Brew Fest is set for Saturday in downtown Pottsville.

This year's event is being held in conjunction with the second anniversary of the opening of Pilger Ruh Brewing located in the heart of the city.

Brad Moyer, brewmaster for Pilger Ruh, said there were 35 brewers signed up to participate as of Thursday.

"It should be great," he said. "The weather will be in the 80s, and there is very little chance of rain."

Brew Fest will begin with a VIP event from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by general admission from 2 to 5:30 p.m.

In conjunction with this year's celebration, Moyer said, Pilger Ruh has brewed a few special beers to celebrate the anniversary of the company and the success of Brew Fest.

Featured will be a strawberry blonde ale made with more than 100 pounds of strawberry puree, banana and pineapple sour.

A farmhouse ale will also be featured, made from black Persian limes, honey and hibiscus.

Moyer said there will be two competitions highlighting the event: the Home Brew Championship for the best home brewery and the Schuylkill County Beer Fest Award for the overall best brewer.

Among the brewers taking part, along with Pilger Ruh, are Robin Hood Brewing Co., Dover Brewing, Bright Path Brewing, Seven Sirens Brewing Co., Rusty Nail Brewing Co., Oakbrook Brewing Co., Michaux Brewing Co., Magnanimous Brewing Co., Brothers Kershner Brewing Co., FETISH Brewing Co., Aldus Brewing Co., Rural City Beer Co., Highway Manor Brewing, Rotunda Brewing Co., Shy Bear Brewing, Hidden River Brewing Co., Boneshire Bone Works, Fahnestock and Baer Brewing, Fluffy Bunny Brewing, Three Phase Brewing Co., McCall Collective Brewing Co., Yuengling Brewery, Prototype Brewery and Meadery, Manic Minds Brewing Co., Country Club Brewing, New Trail Brewing Co., Gift Horse Brewing Co., Cooperz Brewing Co., Conyngham Brewing Co., Vortex Brewing Co., Cartel Brewing and Blendery, Anomaly Brewing Co. and Chatty Monks Brewing Co.

Moyer said Pilger Ruh is proud of its second anniversary and for playing a role in the annual Brew Fest.

"I have worked all over and came back home to Schuylkill County brewing beer," he said. "Never did I think I would see this in downtown Pottsville, but it took hold and has become a great thing."

Moyer said he considers being a brewer akin to being an artist — making creations that people enjoy.

"I tell people I make fermented art," he said with a smile.

Admission for the general public is free from 2 to 5:30 p.m., and the event will be held rain or shine.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013