The city of Lock Haven is getting its first modern-day brewery as Euphoria Heights Brewing Company has started working towards opening at 216 East Main Street. The new brewery has an estimated opening time of Summer 2024.
We recently spoke with co-owner and brewer Noah Schlesinger about the new brewery, and what craft beer fans can expect as they work towards opening.
Noah recently graduated from Penn College’s Brewing and Fermentation program, and along with his father and uncle purchased the Lock Have Elks building, last November 2022.
We first asked, “Can you explain the name Euphoria Heights?” Noah told us he was inspired by music and
Alexisonfire has a song called “Happiness by the Kilowatt” which is based off of Kurt Vonnegut’s short story The Euphio Question. Euphoria Heights is a location in that story. “My intent with the layout of the brewery is there will be a strong mix of craft beer and the artistic side of things, art, music, and literature.”
BIPA: What stage are you currently in? Is there a timeline for when the space will open?
Noah: We are currently renovating the building and getting it ready for a taproom on the main floor and brewhouse. We are planning on late spring/early summer 2024. This is all dependent on our licensing and equipment.
BIPA: How did you become initially interested in craft beer? Who is involved in the brewery?
Noah: It started with some homebrewing and a copy of Randy Mosher’s “Tasting Beer”, and then I went to Penn College when they started the Brewing and Fermentation Science program. I went through the 2-year program and graduated in 2021. Involved in the brewery are myself, Noah Schlesinger, my father, Mark Schlesinger, and my uncle, Jeff Schlesinger.
BIPA: What styles of beers will you focus on?
Noah: We want to offer a balance of traditional styles along with some experimental and trendier styles. We’re focused on both drinkability for the event center while still always offering something “new” for the craft beer enthusiast in the taproom. We’ll offer hazys, lagers, stouts, sours, and more traditional styles.
BIPA: Can you describe the space you are opening?
Noah: The building is currently the “Susquehanna Event Center”, and was formerly the Lock Haven Elks Club. It dates back to 1858 and was on the historic registry as the Simon Scott House.
Collectively the building is 15,000 sq/ft, with two floors, the second being an event center for 300 people. Our taproom will be on the first floor and will be about 4,800 sq/ft, with seating for about 99. It will feature 8-10 taps of our beer.
Our 5BBL brewhouse will be in the basement, in addition to an old speakeasy we are renovating down there as well, it will feature a fireplace and a lounge.
BIPA: Will you release crowlers/cans there as well?
Noah: We will have cans to-go from the beginning and will work into some self-distribution as well.
BIPA: Will you offer food?
Noah: There is a serviceable kitchen on each floor, we are looking to lease out the kitchen and have rotating pop-ups on a monthly basis. In a few years, we will possibly take control of the kitchen ourselves.
BIPA: Anything else our readers should know about the X Brewery?
Noah: Lock Haven doesn’t currently have a brewery. I know there have been a few in the past, but they were outside of the city limits. We are very excited to open!
Thank you to Noah for speaking with us! Make sure to follow Euphoria Heights on Facebook and Instagram to follow along as they work on the property and get ready to open.
