USA, PA: The Dead Canary Brewing Co. preparing to open in Philipsburg before end of the year
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A new nanobrewery is preparing to open before the end of the year in Philipsburg, setting up the possibility that a taproom returns to the borough for the first time in about eight decades, the Centre Daily Times reported on May 22.
The Dead Canary Brewing Co., 5 N. Front St., is eyeing a late summer or early fall opening, co-owner Brent Baskin said. The small-scale brewery is believed to be the first in the borough since the Philipsburg Brewing Co.
Baskin is launching the project alongside Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation board member Eric Kelmenson, the man who floated the idea of opening a brewery some 2 1/2 years ago.
“I’m the type of person who, if someone says something and I get excited about it, I’ll just say ‘Yes’ without thinking about it. That was kind of what happened at the beginning. Then I woke up the next day and was like, ‘Oh damn, what did I just agree to do?’ ” Baskin said. “But the more that I spent time with Eric and started meeting the cast of characters in Philipsburg ... the more excited and less anxious (I got). Everyone just wants a cool space, they want something in Philipsburg that they can just enjoy.”
Baskin is a first-time business owner from Bucks County, one of Philadelphia’s neighbors that’s home to nearly 650,000 people. The Temple alumnus moved to rural Philipsburg about seven years ago.
He moved to Centre County for a woman — that “turned out to not be the best decision,” he said with a laugh — but fell in love with all the area had to offer.
“It really worked out. I guess life just has a way of doing that,” Baskin said. “I never saw myself living here, ever. It was never really in consideration and then I came up here. There’s so much of what I love up here, like hiking and outdoors. It’s such a stark contrast to the city. I’ve been really into it.”
The about 1,800-square-foot brewery doesn’t have set hours yet, but Baskin said the bootstrapped operation should be open Friday through Sunday.
Those hoping to get a taste before the opening of the brick-and-mortar location won’t have to wait much longer. Samples are set to be handed out from 5-9 p.m. May 27 at the Philipsburg Wine Walk & Brew HaHa.
The hope, Baskin said, is to give people a glimpse of what he and his business partner are trying to bring to Philipsburg. “We want to really put our best foot forward and make this something that people in Philipsburg can be proud of,” Baskin said.
