Centre County’s newest brewery is set to open soon. What to expect at Boal City Brewing
Boal City Brewing Taproom and Beer Garden is set to soon open its doors after the project, which sits on the Boal Mansion Museum grounds, was initially announced in 2021.
Owner Gordon Kauffman said the project faced “a lot of headwinds” in regard to construction, which delayed the taproom’s opening, originally slated for mid-fall 2022.
“We’re getting down to the final details. ... All the final details take a lot of time and a lot of decisions, but we’re getting really close,” he said.
As of late March, he said he anticipates a soft opening in April, before being fully operational by May 1.
Once opened, Boal City Brewing will include a 1,000-square-foot and seven-barrel brew house and 1,500-square-foot taproom, plus additional outdoor space with picnic tables, other seating and games. The space will be both family and pet friendly.
“We’ve come up with a really creative space. We used a lot of local craftspeople to build what you’ll see in the taproom. It’s turning out to be just what we had envisioned, so we’re really excited about it,” Kauffman said.
The brewery plans to offer a “well-rounded” selection of beers and beer styles, with an eye toward beer education and experiences. A mural details the brewing process on one of the taproom walls, while tours and other events are planned to bring the community together for an opportunity to learn more about “the intricacies of making beer professionally.”
“We’re really interested in beer education at Boal City Brewing and we want to offer different styles (of beer), staying true to the origins of those styles, but with a creative and innovative approach to brewing,” Kauffman said. “We want to be nimble and offer a rotating menu of beers, which is important.”
Visitors can expect lagers, pilsners, ales and Belgian-style beers on the beer list. Current offerings listed on the Boal City Brewing website include a low-ABV table beer, oatmeal stout, Belgian-style Dubbel, New England IPA, Pilsner and Gose. While most of the beer will be sold in the taproom, canned beer to-go will also be available soon after opening and small kegs may be offered to restaurants or bars in the future. Mike Smith, a State College native with experience at well-known breweries such as Dogfish Head Brewing Company, as well as local spots like Barrel 21, acts as brewer.
In addition to beers brewed on-site, the taproom will also offer Pennsylvania wines and spirits, and as non-alcoholic beverages like kombucha, nitro coffee and espresso, also sourced regionally. A menu of snack foods will be available in the taproom, but food trucks are planned to be on-site at least four days per week. Live music events, both indoors and out, are likewise anticipated.
Kauffman hopes the brewery and taproom’s location near Rothrock State Forest will position the new business as a gathering place for “the outdoor adventure crowd.”
“We’re so close to the bike path and we’re also so close to the forest. ... On the Boal Mansion property, we have access to hiking trails right near the taproom, where you can hike, run or cross-country ski,” Kauffman said. “That’s what makes it unique.”
Kauffman also sees Boal City Brewing as part of a greater movement of new business and progress in Boalsburg.
“I’m really excited for Boalsburg right now, due to some of the other businesses that are opening, including our buddies at Breakfast on Boal,” he said. “My friends are opening a bicycle shop in the Boalsburg Diamond soon as well. There are a lot of really cool things happening right now in Boalsburg. We’re focused on that and excited about it.”
Follow Boal City Brewing’s Facebook page for updates.
This story was originally published April 2, 2023 at 7:00 AM.