Imagine, if you will, a garage in Manayunk. From that humble space, Yards Brewing Company emerged. Today we stand before a testament to dedication. This is more than just a brewery. It’s a Philadelphia story brewed to perfection.
Yards Brewing Company’s journey began in 1994. Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit, two college friends with a passion for homebrewing, started it all. They brewed beer for friends. People loved it and wanted more. So the Yards Brewing Company was born.
Initially, “the Yards Guys” brewed small batches. They produced only six kegs at a time. Their 3.5-barrel brewhouse supplied ESA, Entire Porter, and other cask-conditioned ales to local bars.
Yards has moved several times. Each move reflects growth. They started in Manayunk. Then, they moved to Roxborough. Later, they relocated to Kensington. Now, Yards Brewing Company overlooks the Delaware River from its Spring Garden Street location.
Tom Kehoe has remained the driving force. He expanded the Yards brand. He increased production capacity. In 2015, Yards could brew 55,000 barrels.
Yards is deeply rooted in history. Their nod to English ales blends colonial traditions with modern flavors. It all started with the Philadelphia Craft Beer Festival in 1995. Yards ESA made its debut at booth 406. Dawson Street Pub bought one of the first ESA kegs.
Kehoe associated Philadelphia with the country’s founding fathers. Some of them were brewers. In 1999, Yards launched the Ales of the Revolution series with City Tavern. They recreated 18th-century recipes. Yards drew inspiration from brewing recipes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.
In 2011, Yards became the first brewery in Pennsylvania powered entirely by wind. This commitment reflects their dedication to sustainability. The tasting room features a 12-tap system. It has a century-old billiards table and shuffleboard.
Yards offers a wide array of beers. Brawler is a malt-forward English Mild. ESA is their flagship English Ale. General Washington’s Tavern Porter offers dark and smooth flavors. Thomas Jefferson’s Tavern Ale is brewed with oats, maize, rye, wheat, and local honey.
Yards had been self-distributing. Then, they partnered with Muller, Inc. They distribute throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Yards proudly brews Philadelphia’s beer. They are committed to quality, community, and sustainability. Their “Brew Unto Others” motto reflects this. It is a call to action. Yards encourages everyone to enjoy their beer together.
So here’s to Yards Brewing Company, a true Philadelphia original. They honor history. They embrace innovation. They brew for the hard-working people of Philadelphia and beyond. Now, who’s ready for a taste of revolution?