Fire at the Brew Works

• Posted by Rick December 7, 2008 - 646 views

  I got the call last night, right before dinner with my girlfriend and her parents -- the Bethlehem Brew Works was on fire.

  Throughout the evening, it preyed on me. Brew Works, my favoritie brew pub, had a two-alarm fire working. To make matters worse, I was planning on going there on my birthday in less than two weeks. I felt like I was gut-punched.

  To understand, let me share with those who do not know about Brew Works. Located in the Christmas City of Bethlehem, PA, Brew Works took at old downtown department store and turned it into a themed brew pub in 1998. Bethlehem being home to the late, great Bethlehem Steel industry, the pub has a 1900s, industrial theme. So the ambience is stellar. The food is fantastic. And the beer is unbelievably good and made on the premises.

  I would easily call Brew Works one of the top brew pubs in the country, having been to more than a few. My friend Ryan, who has been to brew pubs from the East Coast to the West Coast, says he considers Brew Works to be the best, hands down, based on the quality of its beer and food.

  Here is the current beer menu from the Brew Works. One looks tells you why this place towers over others.

  Currently on Tap at the Bethlehem Brew Works: updated 12/01/08

   

   

  Devil’s Hearth (O.G. 1.064 ABV 6.4%) Golden Belgian Style Ale with hints of citrus and honey. Brewed with Coriander, honey and orange peel for a refreshing strong ale.

  CH-47 Pale Ale (1.047 O.G., 5.0% A.B.V)

  Pumpkin Ale (1.052 O.G., 5.2% A.B.V.)

  Rude Elf’s Reserve (1.086 O.G. 10.5% A.B.V.)

  Framboise (1.056 O.G., 6.7% A.B.V.)

  DeScaler Dark Ale (O.G. 1.068 ABV 7.3%)

  FLAGSHIP BEERS (Beers that we brew year ’round):

  Valley Golden (1.044 O.G., 4.7% A.B.V.)

  Steelgaarden Wit (1.052 O.G., 5.2% A.B.V.)

  Fegley’s E.S.B. (1.054 O.G., 5.4% A.B.V.)

  Steelworkers’ Oatmeal Stout

  And let me tell you, I have had most everything on there, with the exception of the DeScaler Dark Ale, which is new. Every beer they brew is good. I have never had a bad beer at Brew Works, unlike some other brew pubs I have been too -- like one near Philly where the beer is so damn high in alcohol content, it tastes like they just poured grain alcohol into the beer. But there is some good news, the paper this morning reports the fire was only in the ventilation system, and that once that is replaced, the Brew Works can reopen. So my fingers are crossed that it is a speedy repair and that they are coming back as strong as ever. After all, it would be an unbelievable tragedy if a brew pub of this caliber -- in my own backyard -- were to close its doors for good.

  (1.058 O.G., 5.3% A.B.V.) Our very own secret blend of roasted barley, chocolate, and black patent malts produces a nice medium bodied stout. Accented with notes of Fuggle and East Kent Golding hops. A Stout lover’s paradise! Deep red-amber in color, full-bodied, with a residual malt sweetness and hoppy flavor. An all-around Brew Works favorite. This British style ale is a great alternative for those who enjoy beers with more body and color as found in some popular Amber Lagers. Brewed with a special blend of Cluster, Fuggle, and East Kent Golding hops. This unfiltered Belgian Style wheat beer is brewed with special yeast that creates refreshing flavor and texture. Brewed with Chamomile, Curacao Orange peel and Coriander to create a smooth citrus finish. Usually enjoyed with a slice of lemon. Our #1 Selling Beer…Looking for an easy drinking, light bodied, refreshing beer? This beautiful golden colored brew is sure to satisfy those who wish to take a small step into the world of lighter microbrewed beers. thirst quenching with a premium malt taste that no commercial beer can match. Touched with Cluster and Hallertau hops. Deep ruby colored Belgian Strong Ale with a luscious toffee flavor and smooth malt finish. “World Beer Cup Winner” Our Belgian Style sour ale is as authentic as they come. Brewed with Raspberries, wild yeast and aged for several months to develop a tart and refreshing flavor. Not for the faint of palate, this beer is complex and for the experienced. Our Silver Medal winning Belgian style holiday beer brewed with dark Belgian candi sugar and special spices. This brew has a spicy aroma and flavor with a sweet malt taste. At 10.5% alcohol it is sure to warm you up during the holiday season. Our fall beer is made with real pumpkins, cloves, ginger, all-spice, nutmeg and cinnamon. This light copper Autumn ale will tantalize your taste buds. colored. Pumpkin pie in a glass! This light copper, dry finishing American Pale Ale is an excellent addition to the Brew Works fleet of pale ales. A hefty sling load weight of Chinook hops gives this beer its distinctive bite, Chinook and Amarillo hops contribute to its citrus like aroma. A hopheads Delight!