New Tired Hands to open next week.....

Barren Hill, Beeryard, Teresa's, Earth Bread and Conshohocken Brewery.

 

Has Barren Hill gotten any better? I was last there right when they switched brewers and practically every beer I had was horrible.

 

Sounds feasible. Wouldn't they move to spread their distribution rather than sell at reduced prices though? Not being a smarty pants, just curious if that would make more sense. In any case, "desperation" was too strong a word on my part anyways. Whatever the reason, I'm still a little surprised by the move. With the no free samples, no flights, only TH growlers policy, and generally higher prices, a move to save customers money doesn't seem part of their ethos.

 

Just to be clear, Tired Hands and Forest and Main aren't super close to each other. Probably about 30-45 mins apart. Conshohocken Brewery is fairly in between the two, but would consider a cut below in quality. Barren Hill is also a good middle point. They also offer guest taps I think usually about half dozen or so. Another reasonably close to Tired Hands is Manayunk Brewery. It's more situated among other bars and restaurants so you would have options in you didn't like it.

As for retail places, Capone's in Norristown has some good taps on from time to time and a small bottle shop. For some of the best retail prices, the Whole Foods and Wegman's in the area are worth checking

I've never been a fan either, and the interior looks pretty much like the old place. As mentioned, they do offer other beers than their own, so there is always a chance they could have something there you like. There is also another place next door, that while not a craft beer bar, usually gets a good crowd if you wanted to factor that in to a visit.

 

I think they are trying to be careful and only giving accounts they have relationships with who they know will treat the beer properly(no holding onto hoppy beers extended times,charging crazy $ for small pours, clean tap lines ect) I'm sure they will add more draft accounts as they go though(hoping they eventually get out my way) They changed the growler policy and will now let you exchange any growler for one of theirs. I think the prices are a bit high but if thats what it takes to run the place and keep a lot of employees happy I don't mind paying a premium for beer thats clearly a cut above the rest. I don't think we will see Jean only getting around in a strange and beautiful helicopter or anytime soon, running a brewery(2) isn't cheap. I know if I lived closer I'd have a tough time staying away from half price Saisonhands

 

I can respect the idea of being cautious and taking it slow. They don't get much credit for the growler policy revision. It's a slight improvement, but the whole notion is a bogus premise. Taking the competitions growlers, and the free label advertising out of circulation isn't particularly noble. Personally I think their beer quality is worthy of a higher than average price. It's not on the customer to pay to keep the employees happy.

I don't know Jean, but the time or two I've spoken with him, he seemed a little aloof. I think it's fair to say the hipsterish vibe they promote comes off a little smug as well. With that said, I don't begrudge him making as much money as he can. If he can own a whole fleet of forward thinking helicopters, God bless him. The guy is obviously a very talented brewer, but that doesn't automatically make him as equally as talented of a businessman.

Not saying you personally Evah, but it strikes me that some confuse how much they like TH beer to equal TH can do no wrong in all areas. I enjoy going there and hope they are around for a long time. I just think there is a natural correction going on where they might need to come back down to Earth and adjust to legit negative feedback rather than riding the "beer genius" wave of their initial opening hype.

 

It's official, the burgers a keeper


Like to add how awesome it was to walk in and not worry that something may be not on tap within days.

 

Its been three years and they opened a second location. What am I missing?

 

What I'm trying to say is that since they opened, they've had much acclaim, with a very limited distribution/limited supply/limited menu. The scarcity of their offerings has magnified their appeal (a good idea). Since then, they've expanded things and may have over-reached on a few ideas (possibly a bad idea).

 

Judging by the crowd in there for Fathers' Day yesterday, the new location will probably be just fine.

I don't know if Jean is a great business man, but whoever he hired to run Fermentaria knows what they're doing. The team service is efficient and nice but not overbearing. Most of the tables had at least one kid at it (ours included) and the atmosphere was very welcoming of kids. The space is bright, and very clean, and loud but not obnoxiously so (again, great for kids).

I wasn't a fan of the concept when I first read about it, but it is really executed well. The infamous $26 fried chicken was absolutely worth every penny. A huge step up in quality from any chain fried chicken for sure. The chicken itself is extremely juicy and flavorful, you can tell they take the time to brine/marinate it probably for a full 24 hours prior to cooking. It has a double-fried texture that is crispy and not at all greasy. Pretty much perfect. My wife is not 1/10th the fried chicken fan that I am, and she really enjoyed it. The guac looked good and whatever salsa that was that came with the chips (arbol?) was outstanding. The beer needs no comment, obviously.

I really have nothing negative to say about the place. Knowing that I can bring my kid there without feeling cramped or having to worry about her being loud is a huge plus (though obviously that doesn't apply to everyone). And it's a nice change to being in a bright open space from the dark, cramped cafe. The cafe is great if I'm going solo, but for the family, Fermentaria is where it's at.

 

Another thing I noticed after stopping by the fermentaria for lunch on Saturday was the amount of people in the cafe that were also at the fermentaria. So people are hitting up both places in the same day. I don't think the expansion has hurt them at all.

 

Increasing production and distribution is only going to help them be more successful. If you notice, people are not whining about the quality of the main product offered (beer). I only hear/see whining about Time Travelling Beer Ambassadors, $26 Fried Chicken, hot sauce and most of all, Hipsterism.

 

I agree on the quality of the beer. Even though the tap list for a time underwhelmed me (likely spoiled by the high bar they set for my expectations) the quality is still excellent. I didn't get the reference to the Time Traveling Beer Ambassadors, but some of the food is still quite high priced and not a particularly good value in some opinions (mine included). As for the Hipsterism and non-accomodation type stuff, I think those are still very fair criticisms. I've been to both locations quite a few times, and I have experienced and observed less than stellar/friendly service more than a couple times. I realize there are some who have come to expect and accept this, some might even like it, but big picture, it's a bit of a negative thing with a substantial amount of people. I've been at the bar and seen people come in an naively order something they don't carry (ex. popular beer, liquor, etc). and be treated rather condescendingly. Not a big fan of that type of smug behavior. Really no need for it.

I just want to clarify something as I fear I'm coming off as a Debbie Downer - I quite like TH, and personally the service I have received has gotten better and more friendly as I get to know some of the bartenders. A couple good dudes there, as well as the female bartender at the Brew Cafe. I'm just not one of those who has a "yes, thank you" attitude to whatever they do. I wish them the best.

 

I've walked in on occasion and not felt anything on the tap list. I don't typically get that excited at trying Jean's 187th permutation of hops, so it does leave me wanting from time to time. Fortunately now, with twice as many of their beers on, it should be far rarer that there isn't something on to get excited about somewhere in Ardmore.

I've always had great service there. Never had anyone be rude or condescending towards me, nor did I have to go there regularly for the privilege of nice service. Maybe I'm just really good-looking.

 

I don't doubt it....On the flip side, I'd be snooty to my ugly-ass-mug too....

As for your first point, I kinda agree, but I'd be lying if I said I've tired too many that I didn't enjoy. It has too get harder the longer you brew to come up novel strange and beautiful things....Generally, I check the website (which historically could be fairly inaccurate) before I make a run which can help. I'f definitely not been feeling the brew cafe list, which is a shame b/c I much prefer that spot.

 

I too have been frustrated by the fact that in the past the website did not always accurately represent the tap list. Hopefully in the future this could be rectified?

I was at the cafe last Saturday (6/20) and I was impressed by a number of beers on tap; particularly the Strawberry Berliner Weisse and the beer on cask (a dark mild).

Cheers!

 

Can anyone explain why I can fill any type of growler (32/64oz; any other brewery label) of Tired Hands beer at Als of Hampden in Enola but I cannot get a fill of Tired Hand in a 32oz crowler? No one could really explain to me why at Als, other than "the brewer requests that it not be filled in crowlers". It just came off extremely absurd that I can put the beer in one type of container but not another type of container. Especially one that is sealed in an airtight can.

 

A crowler would help retain carbonation, so clearly TH is opposed.

 

I have been very outspoken in the past about Tired Hands Growler filling techniques. I will say they have been dialing it in recently at the fermentaria and the last couple of weeks I have gotten 1 and 2L growlers and all have been perfectly carbonated and awesome. Even days after filling. I don't understand all their rules with no outside growlers and whatnot but they are clearly working on perfecting growler fills and for that I am happy.

I much prefer the vibe of the Fermentaria that that of the Brew Cafe. I know I'm probably in the minority.

 

I would think this is something that could be fine tuned, considering TH is a bit of a "destination" place for some folks, who may be traveling a bit of distance.

Regarding carbonation, I've never really had an issue, but mostly due to the fact that I usually consume any growler within a day or two anyways. More beer-knowledgeable friends have echoed the under-carbed sentiment to me.