Beer revolution comes to Thornbury
A revolution — sort of — in craft beer has arrived at Thornbury Farm. Farm owner Randell Spackman, along with two partners, are opening Artillery Brewing Co. at the family farm. There was a soft opening on June 16, but a full grand opening is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3 from 4-10 p.m.
“We’re taking farm to table to a whole new level,” Spackman said. “We’re going from farm to glass. It’s a revolution in microbrewing.”
Spackman, who is on the Thornbury Township, Chester County, Historic Preservation Commission, said the township has been supportive of the endeavor and that final state approval came last week.
Spackman, and partners Mike Loveless and Paul Zippel, said the farm will grow its own hops and barley for the beer and even collect native yeast for the project.
Spackman said Artillery Brewing is one way to keep his family-owned farm — which dates back to the early 1700s — alive.
“It’s a great way to bring the community to the farm,” he said.
Current plans are to have the brewery open Fridays, 5-10 p.m., Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 8 p.m. There’s also a possibility of opening on Thursdays as well, but not in the beginning. Also down the road is the possibility of having beers available at local restaurants and selling in refillable growlers.
In the beginning, however, beers will only be available for on-site consumption. There will be German, Belgian and India Pale ales sold in pints with price points at $6.50-$8.50 per pint.
Spackman said he chose July 3 as the date for the grand opening to be historically correct.
Thornbury Farm is located at 1256 Thornbury Road, between Birmingham Road and South New Street in Thornbury Township on the border with Birmingham Township.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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