Written By Breweries In PA Contributor Shane Fisher (@Sfish521 & @GoofyFootedBrewingCO)
Brewery ARS is a small garage brewery in South Philadelphia and the brainchild of Andy and Sean Arsenault, who began their brewing career as engineers with curiosity. After spending Friday evenings at the Foodery at 10th and Pine with a 6 pack of Yuengling and one craft beer from around the world each week, the brothers realized that they both were fond of the Belgian styles and grew an affinity for yeast-forward beers.
While they loved the pricey beers of Belgium, they simply could not afford to purchase them at that time and decided, “why don’t we just make them?” They stopped into Home Sweet Homebrew at 20th and Sansom and met with George Hummell, who has inspired and guided many great homebrewers and master brewers, such as Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head. Andy stopped in the shop about once a week with samples for feedback and to browse the new malts and hops that had just come in. After homebrewing often, amassing four refrigerators in their house for primary fermentation, secondary fermentation, housing kegs, and of course food, which made their girlfriends, now wives give them an ultimatum: “either do something with it, or don’t do it anymore.”
Naturally, they chose to do something about it. Andy decided to take the traditional route, receiving his Master Brewer certificate from UC Davis while Sean lived in Europe, sampling beers at over 100 breweries while working around his day job, further solidifying his love for Belgian beer.
After years of planning and tinkering recipes, the brewery officially opened its doors on December 17, 2016. Since then, the duo have brewed over 70 different batches of 56 different beers, including collaborations with Highway Manor Brewing and Kurant Ciders, exploring the endless flavor profiles craft beer has to offer.
Brewery ARS take pride in their community and have a mission to give back. When their father, Wayne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the brothers decided to brew Wayne’s Pale Ale and contribute proceeds to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Each dollar that they contribute goes directly do Parkinson’s research. Along with contributing to a cause they believe in, they also regularly contribute to their neighborhood association, often hosting and promoting community events, including a coat drive to benefit those in need.
Along with their community and charitable contributions, Brewery ARS take the necessary steps ensure that they are doing their part to be eco-friendly. Every day, Sean cleans up their sidewalk before and after opening, which makes up the bulk of their one garbage bag each week. By serving snacks in compostable containers, having two recycle bins, air dryers in their restroom and sending their spent grains to a pig farmer in New Jersey, they are keeping their carbon footprint small, meanwhile being good neighbors.
What’s next for Brewery ARS in 2018? First, they seek to distribute more beer outside of the brewery, with monthly can releases sold only at their brewery. Sean and Andy hope to continue working with local breweries on collaborative beers going forth. Above all their efforts in the coming year, their top priority is to continue being present in the brewery and contributing to their community. They believe heavily in the idea of personal selling and that behind their product should be a face thanking them for their patronage and supporting them in their dream.
We look forward to seeing what’s next for Brewery ARS. Their passion for supporting their neighborhood and providing a quality product are integral to their success. With a bright future filled with delicious beer ahead, we strongly encourage that you visit them at on W Passyunk Ave in Philadelphia.
Make sure to follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to see all their updates.
