At Brewtus, authenticity is on tap
IF YOU GO
Where:Brewtus Brewing Co.
Address: 23 Chestnut Ave., Sharon, Pa.
Phone: 724-308-6293
Hours:sday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight
Online: www.brewtusbrewing.com
Owners of Brewtus Brewing Co. Jason Camerlengo (left) and John LaRocca sit at the bar on the first floor of their location in Sharon, Pa.
SHARON, PA.
Craft beer lovers in Sharon are buzzing with excitement these days. The grand opening of the Brewtus Brewing Co. on July 10 marked the first time Mercer County has ever had an active brew pub.
The pub, in downtown Sharon, is in the former Chestnut Bar and a stone’s throw from the Three By The River complex. The interior has been beautifully redesigned by co-owner John LaRocca, who spent 20-plus years in the contracting business before joining his partner, Brewmaster Jason Camerlengo, in the venture.
Camerlengo is a Brookfield native and a 2007 graduate of Youngstown State University with a degree in business information systems. He spent seven years working in the technology field before starting Brewtus. The influence of his background is evident in his approach to brewing beer.
“We are incorporating many of the newest and most advanced technological tools in our brewing process. It is pretty amazing how you can use tech to make better beer if you research what’s out there and are willing to make the investment.”
One of the more impressive tools at Camerlengo’s disposal is a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis water purification system that regulates the parts per million of salt, calcium sulfate and calcium chloride to match the water in a city such as Munich or any other famous brewing city.
“The system allows us to create water that is precisely like what they use in breweries in any part of the world. Since water is the base of all beer, we can brew much more authentic beers with this process,” Camerlengo said.
Brewtus also has made a big commitment to the quality of its brewing ingredients. It uses three American-based supplier-importers, including one based in Kent. Every ingredient is imported directly from the country of origin that matches the style of beer Camerlengo is brewing.
“If we’re brewing a Belgian Abbey Ale, every ingredient comes from Belgium, and the water almost exactly matches what they would use there. It’s pretty great.”
Brewtus Brewing Co. also is a full-service restaurant offering a diverse list of pizzas and an impressive lineup of burgers, among other offerings. I had the chance to sample a pizza and taste the beers with the owners. Here’s a look at the beer lineup:
Shenango Valley Steamer: A California Steam Beer with lean lager flavor and a refreshing finish
Whisper Sister: A Milk Stout with creamy texture and notes of chocolate and coffee
Artificial Intelligence: An American IPA with citrus pine flavors balanced by malt
Struggle Buggy: A German Maibock that is golden amber in color with flavors of caramel and fresh baked bread
Gum Shoe: A Heffeweizen with clove and banana notes that is cloudy in the glass
Haymaker: A Kolsch beer that is perfect for summer refreshment