Back in May, we brought you the news that Van Lieus Brewing Company would be coming to Perkasie, PA. The time has come for the brewery to have its Grand Opening! Van Lieus will open at 211 West Walnut Street on Saturday, October 29th.
We recently spoke with co-owner and brewer Galen Barr about the new brewery and what beer fans can expect.
First, we had to ask: What’s in the name Van Lieus? Galen told us that it’s pronounced Van LOSE, and is the name of the road he grew up on and has been homebrewing at since 2017. Below is our conversation about the new brewery coming to Perkasie.
BIPA: How did you become initially interested in craft beer? Who is all involved in the brewery?
Galen: I have been homebrewing since 2017 in the house I grew up in, on a road called Van Lieus. I initially started with an extract kit, and my dad made wine. I also was able to brew on a bigger scale at the Ship Inn in Milford, PA. This was a great experience learning how to scale up brews from a homebrew size.
It’s me and my dad, James Barr, that will be running Van Lieus. I will be doing the brewing and some front-of-house work.
BIPA: What styles of beers will you focus on?
Galen: For styles, we will be all across the board, we want to have something for everyone.m Light/dark, sour, clear/hazy – you name it, we will want to have it. We also love British beer styles and will incorporate ESBs and some Bitters into our tap list as well.
There will be a nitro tap and that will have an Irish stout on a lot, and some of the British beers as well. Our tap list to start will have a NE IPA, west coast IPA, ESB, Kolsch, and a lager.
BIPA: Can you describe the space you are opening?
Galen: We are opening up in a 1,850 sq/ft building that used to be an old auto garage. Back in the 50s, it used to be a Texaco with gas pumps out front called Bucks County Auto. We took over the building in 2019.
Our taproom will have 32 seats, with 9 at the bar, and a drink rail along the side for more space. there are two garage doors that will lead to our outdoor area, with 4 tables outside.
For the brewhouse, we took delivery of a 5 BBL system and four 10 BBL fermenters. All of this will feed 10 taps at the bar, 9 traditional taps, and 1 nitro tap.
BIPA: Will you release crowlers/cans there as well?
Galen: To start we will have 32oz crowlers to go. Eventually, we will look into 16oz cans to go.
BIPA: Will there be food offered?
Galen: We will not have a kitchen but there are restaurants around us, and we will have local menus. We are also looking into the possibility of food trucks in the future too.
Galen goes on to say about opening in the local community, saying “Perkasie’s sense of community makes it a really special place to live and work. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive, and as a family-owned business, that has meant a lot to us Our whole goal is to create a comfortable spot to enjoy great beer and good company, and we are excited to finally get to share our dream with our neighbors.”
Make sure to follow Van Lieus Brewing Company on Facebook and Instagram and visit them in Perkasie once they officially open.
