Since first opening its doors in 2013, Molly Pitcher Brewing Co. has been a staple in downtown Carlisle. With 20 rotating beers on tap, a kitchen serving up perfect pairings, and over 2,500 Beer Trail check-ins, they are leaving a lasting impact in the community. What began with humble roots and big ambitions has shaped Molly Pitcher Brewing into becoming the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail’s most popular location.
Humble Beginnings
Molly Pitchers Brewing’s story began in Newville. Cassie Fourlas, the brewery’s Vice President, began her career serving and managing restaurants. Her brother, Tim, started his brewing journey with his friend Brandon Bear in their grandmother’s garage. After many parties with family and friends, Tim and Brandon decided to open a business on South Street in Carlisle. Cassie joined them to combine her restaurant expertise with their brewing knowledge. They later established a tap room on High Street in the fall of 2014, where Molly Pitcher Brewing Co. is today.
A Name with Local Roots
The brewery's name pays tribute to the inspirational woman who helped shape the town during the Revolutionary War. Their first location on South Street was adjacent to the iconic statue, making Molly Pitcher the perfect figure for their brand.
Location
Molly Pitcher’s location in Downtown Carlisle has been a vital part of the brewery’s success. The current location offers a full commercial kitchen, expanded brewing capacity, and room for both canned production and wholesale growth. The dynamic storefront, which features large windows and plenty of foot traffic, allows them to sync with the local community, often collaborating with the Downtown Carlisle Association and neighboring businesses. “Having our tap room on High Street automatically creates a built-in community” Fourlas says.
Standing Out in a Crowded Craft Scene
While there are a lot of breweries in downtown Carlisle, Molly Pitcher sets itself apart through its quality and consistency. They pride themselves on brewing classic styles and doing them exceptionally well, with a focus on traditional English and American beer styles. “That’s what makes the craft beer scene in Carlisle so great,” Fourlas says. “Visitors are able to try experimental beers at some breweries, and traditional at ours.”
The Beer Trail Advantage
Joining the beer trail in 2017 helped grow their audience in more ways than one. The passport has allowed for in-depth interactions with their customers. “The Beer Trail really allows us to connect with our customers. We’re able to hear where they’re from, and recommend other businesses, Beer Trail participants or not, that they would enjoy,” says Fourlas. That human connection remains an integral part of the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail experience.
Crafting the Perfect Pint
Each new beer produced by Molly Pitcher Brewing Co. goes through an extensive implementation process. Ideas are generated by exploring the world-wide style guide. This allows the brewers to gain inspiration and tweak certain elements to make their beer unique. Once the plan is created, the beer is put through a one week brewing process, then ferments for an average of 3 weeks. Special “kick the keg” promotions are held to make room for the new release.
Global Ingredients, Local Flavor
Molly Pitcher’s beers are made with care and quality ingredients sourced from around the world. They use grains from the UK and hops from Yakima Valley in Washington. Other unique ingredients come via American distributors or direct shipments from Europe, bringing a taste of the world to downtown Carlisle.
With an ever-changing tap list, a new bar in the Southside Deli, and plans for continued growth, this brewery shows no signs of slowing down. But no matter how big they get, their focus will remain the same: brewing great beer and staying connected to the Carlisle community.
Explore Molly Pitcher Brewing Co., and more breweries along the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail!
