USA, PA: Rubber Soul Brewing to be brought to Hummelstown later this summer

The air is back in the tires at Rubber Soul Brewing, pennlive.com reported on June 24.

The one-time Maryland-based brewery was sold to new partners who are bringing the brand later this summer to Hummelstown.

Owners and Hummelstown residents Michael VanGavree, Joe Perkins and Michael Martini last year purchased Rubber Soul’s assets out of bankruptcy. It was started in 2015 by Steelton native Jesse Prall.

The new partners are in the midst of transforming a former borough building in the 100 block of South Hanover Street across from the Olde Antique Shop and Rita’s Italian Ice. They expect to open it in August.

“It’s definitely going to be exciting to see what people remember and it will be exciting to see what people think about the new beer,” said Jamie Mowery Lewis, the brewery’s head of marketing.

A seven-barrel system will produce Rubber Soul beer for a 10-tap system, cans and crowlers. Head brewer is Donovan “Dono” Krebs, who previously worked at Manyunk Brewing Company, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company and most recently at Levante Brewery in West Chester.

While the Rubber Soul name and beer are familiar, Lewis cautioned it won’t be the same. They will brew some of the original recipes but the beers might taste slightly different due to brewing with water from Hummelstown.

The partners originally wanted to add a canning line at a later date but are implementing it immediately due to the coronavirus pandemic and fact cans are more suitable for takeout, Lewis said.

To match the beer, Rubber Soul will serve a full menu including pizzas baked in a brick oven, Sunday brunches and an emphasis on to-go foods. Rubber Soul has acquired both a brewery and restaurant license, so it will serve a variety of alcoholic beverages including wines and cocktails.

The brewery’s setting will be intimate and not just one big room like you see at many craft breweries, Lewis said. During renovations they maintained much of the 100-year-old building’s original brick with elements of wood and an open ceiling.

Rubber Soul also will operate differently than other breweries with a community focus. The brewery will open at 7 a.m. and hopes to give customers an environment to for more than just beer, she said.

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