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TagsMaple Shade establishment is state's newest brew pub
BY JOHN HOLL
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
When it opens Monday the Iron Hill Brewery will be the first brewpub in the state to open in the last decade. With a sprawling space on Rt. 41 in Maple Shade, Iron Hill not only brings new life to the whole New Jersey beer scene, but also fills a void in South Jersey.
For years, those who appreciate well-made craft beer and good food, but live in the Southern part of the state, had to rely on Philadelphia's beer scene or make the trek to Atlantic City's Tun Tavern.
Kevin Finn, the president and operating partner of Iron Hill, said the brewery spent the last five or so years searching for a New Jersey Location. The brewery is a chain that already operates seven other locations throughout Delaware and Pennsylvania.
While the Maple Shade location does have a bit of a chain restaurant vibe, it mercifully does not have a sports-bar feel with only a few television sets in the bar area. The décor, done in warm tones with wood and wrought iron accents, will likely give the restaurant a more comfortable feeling over time.
The brewer, Chris Lapierre, plans on keeping five regular house beers on tap at all times. Four other taps behind the bar will go to special or seasonal brews, with at least one dedicated to a Belgium style brew.Separating themselves from the brewpub pack in the state, Iron Hill only serves the beer they make. As such Lapierre has created beers that will appeal to, not alienate customers who would otherwise reach for a commercially brewed beer, like Coors.
The light lager has the perfect hops and malt flavor and is immensely drinkable. Everything else from their Red Lager to the Pig Iron Porter are near-perfect representations of the styles. The true standout during a recent visit, however, was the India Black Ale.
Iron Hill is using its newest location to test out some new beer technology with the unveiling of its growler machine. Growlers are ½ gallon beer jugs that can be purchased to take home the restaurant's brew. The machine, which is a more efficient way of bottling beer than the standard tube from the taps way that is still popular with some brewpubs, will ensure that the beer will stay fresher in a customer's refrigerator, longer.
As for the menu, Iron Hill has the standard brewpub fare from pizza to salads. Prices range from $9.50 to $14.50 for sandwiches and burgers to $13 to $18 for entrees. There is even a "healthy option" category on the menu.
In all, Iron Hill is a welcomed addition to the New Jersey beer scene and while it can be a hike for those in North Jersey, it is certainly worth a visit.
