Welcome to our “Meet The Brewer” series! Where we interview brewers in Pennsylvania, from breweries small to large. Let us know if you know anyone who should be featured, email us at [email protected].
Brothers Kershner Brewing opened in July of 2018 in Skippack PA. They opened with a 15 barrel brewhouse and 12 taps flowing with a variety of beer styles. Read more to find out Basil and Kevin’s introduction to craft beer, the first beers they tried, where they see the industry heading and more!
What was your introduction to craft beer?
Basil: Going back to college days, it was Yuengling. Not just their lager, but their Black & Tan, Porter, and even Chesterfield Ale. I know they’re not necessarily considered “craft” today, but back in 94′ they were. There was this German restaurant & deli we used to frequent called Alexanders. Instead of stocking the deli display fridge with lunch meat he’d stock it with bottles of German & Belgian imports, anything from bombers of Chimay to bottles of St. Bernardus and everything in-between. You would buy a bottle, get a glass and sit and share while watching that nights band play. It was a great time. Then like many, Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale opened the doors to the hop side of brewing. It was always the special beer we’d get for a certain night. Around that same time, as luck would have it, Victory Brewing Co. opened up in our backyard! I remember sitting at the old bar drinking your only allotment of Old Horizontal, then grabbing a six of either Hop Devil or Prima and sitting on someones deck sipping away. Those beers still hold a special place in my heart.
Kevin: Like Basil, my intro dates back to college years. I was working at an Irish pub in Lancaster called Annie Bailey’s. Like most establishments, they offered “a shift drink” when finished and like most college kids, I ordered the lightest, most “crushable” beer they had on draft…Well the Bar Manager at that time who was in charge of their draft program had enough…I asked for my usual…and he said “no”…down the bar he slid a frothy pint that had a deep, glowing orange hue. The smell told the story of a train carrying grapefruits that collided with a florist who also sold juicy fruit gum. I took my first sip and “that was that” as they say. It was a Bells Two Hearted Ale…still one of my favorite “go to” beers!
How did you get started as a brewer?
Basil: I’ve also been a creative person. Each stage of my life I would have/need a creative outlet. Whether it was art, music, cooking and now brewing. It kept my mind busy. It started like many with a supped up homebrew kit my wife got me for Christmas. I spent a whole year just starring at it, almost as if I knew it would be an obsession. Once I started, it was.
Kevin: While in college, I received a gift from my brother, Basil…a Mr. Homebrew kit. I then proceeded to make the worst swill one had ever tasted. Not even my roommates would drink it during a time when we drank ANYTHING! After graduating, my brother and I were always hanging and he was always brewing…suffice to say I got better under his wing!
What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?
Basil: Not necessarily the style, but I really enjoy the malt and yeast side of the brewing process. It allows you the most freedom. The combinations are endless. Complex or simple. Saison’s are an excellent springboard to this creativity.
Kevin: N/A
What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?
Basil: a Belgian Pale Ale, which is currently one of our mainstays, The Belgian Exit. I learned that in most cases, simpler is better. You can sometimes get in the way of what you’re trying to do. Just let the beer be beer.
Kevin: It was an ale from an extract kit….I learned I should let my brother do the brewing!
Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years?
Basil: I see it staying the course, with the creativity in blending styles and pushing the boundaries of the beer format. However, I do feel a penchant for old world styles and classics coming our way!
Kevin: Back to the future! I believe the craft beer industry will ALWAYS push the limits and trends will of course come and go. Some heavily pursuant of trends while others going back to the basics. Thats the beauty of craft beer! its a “fluid” situation full of evolution and preservation!
Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania.
Basil: It’s been an overall welcoming experience. Pennsylvania is obviously no slouch in the brewing world. Being able to do what you’re passionate about and having a beer community so strong in our state is a wonderful thing.
Kevin: Being a brewery in PA really showcases what the keystone state has always been about. Hard work, creativity, honor, respect. Each one of us bringing our own flavor to these core values of course which is what makes the PA Brewing Community so diverse!
What is the inspiration behind your beer names?
Basil: Typically they come from what’s going on in my life at the time or the background of a particular style. Occasionally I’ll get inspiration from my two daughters. The names Bird Country, our oat IPA and Strawbird our German Lager came from them. We have a thing for birds in our house.
Kevin: Each one has their own little story! Stony Point, our rotating Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale for example was named after our home away from home at Granite Hill Camping resort in Gettysburg, PA. Every year, my brothers I venture to our site “Stony Point” for a weekend of light heartedness, hardy laughs and TOP NOTCH bluegrass music. We like them to be meaningfully original!
What is your favorite beer to drink right now?
Basil: Whatever’s cold and carbonated! I’m not gonna lie, I got a thing for lagers.
Kevin: Lagers have been my recent favorite! Ive been riding the hop train for years and while IPA’s will always be a go to, Lager me all day!
What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?
Basil: To stay the course and trust your gut!
Kevin: Quality is #1 priority above all else. Quality in the beer, in the service, in the establishment of which it is served. It is and always will be the CORE of our business.
Thank you to Basil and Kevin for talking with us! Make sure you visit Brothers Kershner Brewing for all the latest beers, news, information and special events. And also follow Brothers Kershner on Facebook and Instagram!
