Local Coffee House and Brewery Team Up For the Perfect Pint

MEDIA—Valentine's Day came a little early for coffee and beer lovers of Delaware County. On Feb. 11, happy hour fans at Iron Hill Brewery in Media were treated to a new coffee stout. This particular beer embodies the ideals of the Philly beer mantra: "make it fresh and make it local. "

Assistant brewer for Iron Hill Berwery in Media Kevin Walter approached Newtown Square's favorite coffee house to develop an English stout with a rich undertone of fresh coffee.

"I contacted B&B because they were local, which is big because I wanted to get coffee from a local roaster that the people who drink our beer might know. I also wanted to get the freshest coffee that I could, and talk to people more knowledgeable about coffee than myself, and B&B fit that description nicely.  I couldn't be happier with this fantastic coffee's contribution to our beer," said Walter. 

At the heart of this elixir is brewer Bob Barrar's personal English stout recipe, which is also used for their popular black cherry stout. Walter says he decided to add some coffee to one of the stout casks (a naturally conditioned keg used in brewing) prior to adding in the black cherry flavor. He liked how that turned out so the next step was finding the perfect coffee.

"I felt honored and excited," exclaimed Christine Endicott, marketing and sales director for Burlap and Bean. Walter and the staff at Burlap and Bean French-pressed 16 varieties of coffee before choosing their Ethiopian Harrar roast. Its woody flavor matches perfectly with English stout, plus the coffee has a hint of blueberry, which sets it apart from most dark stouts. 

Burlap and Bean fans packed up and set up in Media Friday night to celebrate the collaboration with the owners of Burlap and Bean, including regulars Bob and Phyllis Markowitz of Newton Square. The coffee house is a BYOB, and the Markowitzes can usually be seen front and center sipping appletinis during weekend shows, but tonight they left the shakers at home.

"I'm flexible, it's great," described Bob after his first taste. "I already ordered a pint and will be taking a growler home."  Phyllis noticed the hints of blueberry and enjoyed the "fruit notes."

Newtown Square resident and home brewer, Jim Delehanti definitely approved of the new beer. 

"It's the best of both worlds," he said.  He added that he thoroughly enjoyed the beer and was having a great time at Iron Hill Brewery.

Iron Hill Brewery in Media will have the collaborative coffee stout on tap for a few weeks, so stop by for a pint. If you are coming in for dinner, Walter recommends pairing the java stout with their steak dishes such as the beef tenderloin medallions or even save room for beer and dessert. 

The rich flavor pairs well with their chocolate bombs and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. One thing to remember though, Iron Hill in Media is the only one to exclusively hold Burlap and Bean's coffee stout. Despite being a local chain, Walters explained each Iron Hill has their own brewers and brewery. 

B&B fans don't have to worry skipping the stout to make a show; Iron Hill sells growlers of the coffee stout. The staff at Burlap and Bean is looking forward to seeing fans lugging the big brown bottles to their shows.

"It's a gratifying feeling working with another business where we both win," said Endicott.