Located along the Butler County Beer Circuit on Main Street in Slippery Rock, PA you’ll find one of the area’s original breweries. Having been in operation for the past 14 years, North Country Brewing is much more than your local brewpub… however, that is exactly the feel you will take away after one visit.
Walking in 15 minutes after they opened on a Saturday morning, we expected a quiet conversation with the owner, Bob McCafferty. We got anything but. With only being open for a short time that morning, the brewpub was buzzing with excitement. A few 30 minutes later there was a line at the door of patrons waiting for the food and liquid gold that awaited them.
Immediately we enjoyed a Rooftop Hops. This 6.2% IPA is brewed with hops grown on top of The David L. Lawrence Center in Pittsburgh, which is how it got its very unique name. As we enjoyed this flavorful beer we toured the brewpub and learned more about the brewing companies rich history and how Bob started in the industry.
An archeologist by trade Bob, like most commercial brewers, got his start in home brewing. It wasn’t long until this passion lead him to what is now North Country. The brewpub is located in a very historic building, having been around since 1805. This location took many forms before it became what is now one of the area’s longest running breweries. A former cabinet shop, public inn, tavern, coffin manufacturer and county morgue (seriously) now is home to the companies 7 barrel brewhouse.
The 11,000 square foot family and dog-friendly location offers a robust menu with over 50 items to accompany the ever-rotating list of craft beers. From entree’s, burgers, salads, kids menu, desserts and more there is truly something for everyone here. (We weren’t daring enough… but why not go ahead and try the frog legs)
The building is clad in wood reclaimed from archeological sites from Bob’s previous career. Look around the brewery because you will find many hand carved structures hidden throughout by a local artist.
We could go on and on about this location. But we think it is best for you to see for yourself.
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The brewpub is just a third of the North Country brand. Add in a canning location as well as The Harmony Inn, and you have the trifecta that makes up North Country. With the canning location being a short drive away, Bob took us to see where the real work goes down.
As we learned, the 7 barrel brew system at the pub is a pilot system compared to the breweries official brew house. Sitting in the canning location is a very large 30 barrel brew system that allows North Country to keep up with demand. As you’ll see below, the brew pub was just the tip of the North Country iceberg. Stacked full of cans, kegs and tanks from floor to ceiling the canning location offers North County all the space it needs to share their craft beer with the masses.
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The canning line isn’t just for production though. Patrons can walk in any time between 5:00 to 10:00 from Thursday to Sunday to enjoy the space for themselves.
As you can tell, there is much to take in with this historic brewery. We could tell the breweries story for hours. But better yet, we suggest you visit any of their locations to learn more about their history and all that is offered. Can’t get there too soon? Make sure to follow the brewery on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to experience all they have to offer.
