| http://www.greatbrewers.info/sites/default/files/images/yards_masterlogo_8003blk.preview.jpg | |
| Industry | Alcoholic beverage |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Products | Beer |
| Production output | 22,000 barrels/year |
| Owner(s) | Tom Kehoe |
| Employees | 38 |
| Website | www.yardsbrewing.com |
Contents |
Yards Brewing Company was founded in 1994 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by friends Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit who began producing their own homebrews in 1988. It is a production brewery within the city limits and the first wind-powered brewery in Pennsylvania. Currently the brewery is at 901 N. Delaware Ave where it produces 22,000 barrels a year. Within the first few months, "the Yards Guys" were producing one six-keg batch at a time out of their tiny 3.5-barrel brewhouse, and supplying ESA, Entire Porter, and several other cask-conditioned ales to bars clamoring for their wares. They delivered each keg themselves, making a point of being there whenever a bar tapped its first one.
After developing a loyal following, Yards eventually outgrew its first brewery, and in 1996 moved up the hill to the Roxborough section of Philadelphia. The larger brewery allowed Yards to begin bottling its beer for the first time. With a larger brewery Yards was also able to expand production of its Extra Special Ale and began introducing new beers including Philadelphia Pale Ale, which the New York Timesin 2003 rated as one of the best Pale Ales in the country. Five years before in 1999, Jon Bovit left Yards because financially he could no longer support his family. Jon was replace by new partners Bill & Nancy Barton in 1999. Yards lineup expanded to include India Pale Ale, Saison, Brawler, and other seasonal specialties.
In 2001, Yards Brewing Company moved into the old Weisbrod & Hess Brewery in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. Bill Barton and his wife Nancy located the new brewery site. Vacant since 1939, Yards improved the facility and steadily increased production.
In 2003, Yards Brewing Company partnered with the City Tavern — a favorite bar of the nation's founding fathers — to create Ales of the Revolution, a line of historic beer recreations based on the original recipes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin.
In July 2007, Tom Kehoe and Bill & Nancy Barton announced that they were dissolving their partnerships, effective August 2007. Tom Kehoe retained the Yards brand and recipes. Tom eventually moved to 901 North Delaware Avenue. This location once again increased Yard's production capabilities and expanded their product line.
In 2009 Yards was the recipient of the Penn Future Green Power Purchaser Small Business Award for becoming the first 100 percent wind powered brewery in Pennsylvania and for continued commitment to sustainability.
In 2010 Yards opened its Tasting Room, a 100 person capacity pub room which serves up a small rotating menu and features a century old pool table and shuffle board table
Core Brands
Ales of the Revolution
Seasonals
Specialty
| Year | Presenter | Award | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Philadelphia Magazine | Best Local Beer | Yards |
| 2000 | Philadelphia City Paper | Best Use Of Oysters | Love Stout |
| 2001 | Philadelphia City Paper | Best Guys In A Tough Town | Brewery Staff |
| 2009 | Penn Future | Green Power Purchaser Small Business Award | Yards |
| 2010 | World Beer Cup | Bronze Medal in "Extra Special Bitter" | ESA |
Real Ale: A session focused around cask conditioned beers is offered once a year on site at the brewery. This event features a wide array of firkins of varied ales from a large selection of breweries in addition to the traditional Yards lineup and one-offs as well as food and entertainment.
