How The Dead Canary nanobrewery has brought new life into downtown Philipsburg
The Dead Canary Brewing Company in Philipsburg may have come about as a “stroke of luck,” but approaching its one-year anniversary, the nanobrewery is seeing success bringing inventive, small-batch brews to beer aficionados in Centre County, as well as new life to the neighborhood.
Brent and Hannah Baskin own the brewery, and Brent previously served as the president of the State College Homebrew Club. His now-business partner, Eric Kelmenson, who owns The Dead Canary’s location on North Front Street, reached out to inquire about the logistics of starting a brewery.
“We kept talking, became friends and realized pretty quickly that we would be doing this together,” Brent said. “I’m very fortunate that I was in that position at exactly that time.”
Philipsburg seemed a natural choice, both due to the lack of competition and the area’s need for a community gathering spot with a refined feel. The nanobrewery brews everything right on site, and the brewing area is one of the first things visitors see.
When it came to choosing a name, The Dead Canary was also an easy choice.
“(Kelmenson)’s friend just tossed it out,” Brent said. “It was mostly a reference to Philipsburg’s mining history and then also the fact that Philipsburg has seen better days. It’s the canary in the coal mine — but we’re hoping to bring it back to life.”
The Dead Canary offers six beers on tap, with a good variety of styles, both the expected and the not-so-much. A staple is the house cream ale, dubbed Canary, a light beer that Brent likens to an upscale Miller Light.
“On the more fun side of things,” he added, “we also try to focus on some experimental beers. For example, we have one right now that is a hazy IPA with coconut, lime, ginger and Thai basil. ... We also have a key lime pie sour. Because our system is so small, we can brew things and if it doesn’t work out, it’s not the end of the world. Of course, we also really enjoy the classic styles, too.”
Looking toward the winter, Brent is anticipating adding some hardier, heavier beers to the lineup, including a higher ABV, dark Saison.
There’s something new on tap just about every week, but beer’s not the only thing on offer. Hannah heads up the brewery’s cocktail program, with seasonal libations like this fall’s pumpkin pie cold brew martini, made with Big Spring Spirits Talleyrand Cream Bourbon and vodka, and Rothrock Coffee, and the spiced old fashioned, also made with Big Spring Spirits whiskey.
For those who discover The Dead Canary’s brews and know they’ve found something special, the brewery also offers a mug club, an annual membership that comes with special perks like free tastings of new beers, free and discounted merchandise and use of a club mug during every brewery visit.
“(The club beer mug) is slightly more volume than our pint glasses, so you’re getting a little bit of free beer every time,” Brent said.
After the brewery’s first year and looking to the next several years, Brent isn’t sure what the long-term future holds for The Dead Canary. He and Hannah still both have full-time day jobs. However, there’s only optimism ahead.
“From a lot of people, especially the locals, we hear that Philipsburg needed something like this,” he said. “It feels really good to know that we’re (filling this void) to the best of our ability. ... People have loved the beers and we’ve learned a lot over the first year of being open. Things are better now than they ever have been.”
The Dead Canary will host a one-year anniversary party on Nov. 4. A Halloween party is also slated for Oct. 27, with a costume contest, music, food and spooky-themed drinks. Regular weekly events — ranging from open mic nights to live music — take place throughout the month. Stay up to date on the brewery’s latest offerings and events, on Instagram and Facebook.
This story was originally published October 20, 2023 at 11:23 AM.