Join us in congratulating Humble Parlor Brewing Company who plans to open its brewery on Saturday, February 12th. The new nano-brewery will be opening at 3237 Amber Street 4-2-E between the Kensington & Port Richmond neighborhoods of Philadelphia.
In a recent profile, we spoke with owner Alex Howell to see what beer fans can expect from the newest brewery coming to the area.
BIPA: What’s in the name “Humble Parlor”?
Alex: After I found this building, I started moving all my equipment and then furniture in from my house. The space felt like a living room with a couch and a coffee table setup. Since “parlor” means a living room or sitting room, the name stuck and I went with Humble Parlor.
BIPA: How did you become initially interested in craft beer, and what is your background? Who is all involved in the brewery?
Alex: I have been homebrewing for 5-6 years, and have placed well in a bunch of competitions. I am a CPA by trade and come from a compliance background. In addition to all the permitting and licensing that I did myself, I also do all the graphic design work too.
And for who is involved, it’s my wife Maria and myself. My wife will take care of the front-of-the-house things, and I will be doing all the brewing.
BIPA: What styles of beers will you focus on?
Alex: My personal preference leans towards Hazy IPAs and dark beers. So I want to make a lot of IPAs, porters, stouts, as well as some kettle sours. I have done all these styles well in competitions.
That being said, I have plans to have a variety on tap. I am also looking to do Belgian beers and some lagers in the near future. When we open (estimated Jan/Feb timeframe) we will have 4 initial beers.
BIPA: Can you describe the space you are opening?
Alex: We are opening in a former textile mill from the 1920s. It was bought and repurposed into smaller units, and we are right near many other businesses including manufacturing, artists, and also Sacred Vice Brewing!
Out location is about 600 sq/ft and will have about a 14 ft bar with 4-8 taps, and 7 seats. We will have a couch/living room area, and the max occupancy will probably be around 25.
There is a sectioned-off space for the brewery, that will be pretty visible for customers. We currently have a half BBL system with a few fermenters and looking to add more very soon. I will be doing split batches when I brew.
BIPA: Will you release crowlers or cans when you open?
Alex: Yes, I have a canning machine already, so we will have 4 packs of 16oz cans right when we open.
BIPA: Will you have food at your brewery?
Alex: No we will not have food. I may look into food trucks in the future.
Follow Humble Parlor on Instagram, and make sure to keep up with Alex and his progress with the newest brewery to come to Pennsylvania!
