Thirsty Farmer Brew Works combines family's passion for farming with love of beer
Thirsty Farmer Brew Works might not be what you’d expect as the typical bar scene.
The family-owned brewery and brew pub opened March 23 and sits directly across the road from the Historic Round Barn and Farm Market in Biglerville. The business started as an idea that stemmed from the Knouse family’s love for home brewing, brewery outings and agriculture.
“As a family, we have all been really into craft beers for a number of years," said Thirsty Farmer Brew Works business manager Kevin Knouse. "With our passion for farming and our love for beer, those two things came together as the driving point for Thirsty Farmer Brew Works.”
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Six family members, spanning two generations, manage the ownership and operational tasks: Milton Knouse II, Brian Knouse, Tonya White, Kyle Knouse, Kevin Knouse and Milton Knouse III.
The family also works together to maintain their other business, Knouse Fruitlands Inc., which provides goods and services for the Historic Round Barn and Farm Market.
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“We’re staying true to our roots," Kevin Knouse said. "Our whole family is laid back and has fun. We wanted to build a place that we would want to go to."
The family incorporates both businesses together through the ingredients they use in their beers and ciders. All beers and ciders are brewed onsite and contain hops grown at the family’s 1,200 acre property.
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According to Kevin Knouse, the family has plans to expand their beer and cider menu to integrate other homegrown ingredients from Knouse Fruitlands, Inc. They hope to include ingredients such as fruits, hops from varying regions and other beer ingredients, like rye, into their brews.
“We are trying to utilize more of our own hops in our beers," he said. "With fruits and other ingredients, it’ll be based on growing season and when things are in for us so pumpkin season, strawberry season or apple season."
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Thirsty Farmer Brew Works currently offers nine styles of beer, which include American Wheat, Hefeweizen, Vienna Lager, IPA, Pale Ale, Brown Ale, Hazlenut Brown, Chocolate Porter and Apple Graff.
Their cider menu features a “test block” series, which includes a rotation of ciders ranging from sweet tart to dry and tart flavors.
"We’re trying to figure out what people like the most, and we are narrowing it down to the most popular flavors," Knouse said. "At the moment ciders are more rotational and beers are more consistent.”
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The brew pub also offers non-alcoholic beverages and food options for those who are under 21 or looking to grab a bite to eat.
Their food menu contains a selection of pulled meats, toppings and spreads that customers can choose from to build their own sandwich. There are also some basic bar food snacks available such as soft pretzels, fries and chips and salsa.
The owners encourage customers to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs when they come and visit to take advantage of the outdoor deck and grassy area open for picnics and lounging. They emphasize that the brew pub has open seating and an atmosphere that is both social and family friendly.
If you go
What: Thirsty Farmer Brew Works
Where: 290 Cashtown Rd., Biglerville
Contact: 717-334-3325
Facebook page: Search for Thirsty Farmer Brews