Brewpub of the Month
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains
of Pennsylvania stands a haven of fine beer and food housed in an impressive
building built on the site of an old farmhouse. Very little of that original
building remains, but many of the exposed beams and paneling came from
older buildings, finding new life in this very attractive setting. Owners
Trip and Eileen Ruvane opened this establishment in December of 1995 and
have grown steadily ever since. Located in between a busy ski resort (Camelback)
and a large Outlet Center (The Crossings) has certainly helped their success.
But the dedication to quality has been their biggest asset. The menu is
complete and ever-evolving and the brewing lineup is consistent and varied.
Their beer selection consists of many different styles and are seasonally
rotated. The mainstays are Creek Light, Brown Antler Ale, Renovator Stout,
Aussie Gold, IPA & ESB. Some of their seasonals are Super Hop, Hefeweissen,Chocolate
Porter, Oatmeal Stout, Black Widow Lager, and the list goes on. My favorites
are the Renovator Stout and the Super Hop. Both beers are exceptional and
worth the trip alone. They also host several guest beers like Yuengling
Lager, Guinness, Harps, Bud,etc.
They
brew in a 10-barrel Peter Austin system with a copper-topped brick-encased
brewkettle, a mash tun, a 360 gallon hot liquor back and a grist mill.
They also have 2 lager conditioning tanks, 4 open fermentation vessels,
8 bright beer conditioning tanks and 2 Firkin cask-conditioning tanks.
They hold tours of the brewery Monday - Friday 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM and
Sundays at 12:30 PM. They used to have an evening open brew on the first
Thursday of the month so that one could come and watch the process, but
I believe they have done away with that.
We have relatives in Scranton
and try to stop whenever we get up that way. We have also made express
trips there when we're out on our beer tours. The food and service have
always been great and the ambiance cheerful. We have had both full meals
and sandwiches, each well-presented and with ample portions. They recently
added a beautiful outside deck where you can enjoy a summer day or evening
with friends and family.
All
their beer is brewed on the premises and is available for take-out in kegs
and half-gallon growlers. Whenever you are in the Pocono-Stroudsburg area,
make sure you put this wonderful brewpub on your list of places to go.
They also attend most of the Beer Festivals in Central and Eastern PA and
NJ, so if you can't get to the brewpub, stop by the booth and give a taste
to the fine beers that they have brought; it will certainly hasten your
plans for a trip to the restaurant.They have a great Website that they
keep up to date with the beers on tap and activities going on at the pub.
(www.barleycreek.com) By
the front door is their merchandise section which has T-shirts, glasses,
growlers, hats, etc. for the collector. Also on the premises is a game
room for the kids to enjoy. Make sure you leave enough time to sit and
enjoy their fine food and beer and to take in the beauty of the area! Then
take home some of their fine brew in a growler to enjoy later!
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BREWPUB!
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