In Pennsylvania, we have beautiful outdoors and delicious craft beers. In Bedford, Pa., Dave and Mary Heller are wholeheartedly bringing those two pleasures together at Olde Bedford Brewing Company. Located in the same building that houses Fat Jimmy’s Outfitters, which supplies the area with outdoor equipment from kayaks to bikes, Olde Bedford Brewing Company is in tune with its surrounding community and nature. We spoke with owner and brewer Dave Heller about what it’s like to build synergy between the two companies, and how that may grow in the future.
Olde Bedford Brewing Company opened its doors in March 2018, but Dave has been brewing for about six years. After starting out on a small homebrew kit, Dave has been able to fine-tune recipes and upgrade to a six-barrel system with four 150-gallon fermenters. A relationship with Jim Fungaroli, owner of Fat Jimmy’s Outfitters, highlighted the fact that both businesses share a similar clientele. As luck would have it, Fat Jimmy’s Outfitters’ building had ample space for the brewery. And the response from the community has been more than welcoming: Dave and Mary are looking to further incorporate the town’s history and other local businesses as the brewery grows.
Bedford was a key location in the Whiskey Rebellion. Dave said, “Washington actually came here and stayed in Bedford with his troops as they were deployed toward Pittsburgh.” Washington likely brought his own porter — made with far different ingredients than modern-day brews — along with him for the journey. To pay respect to the town’s history, Olde Bedford Brewing incorporates murals of old wooden casks and copper brew kettles, as well as flight boards made of antique whiskey casks.
While doing some research, the Hellers discovered that in 1750, the first person to settle in Bedford was a man by the name of McCray. His first name has been obscured by time, but he was a Scotsman, and is now commonly referred to as “Scotsman McCray.” In homage, Olde Bedford brewed a Scottish ale for its grand opening, put it on cask and situated the firkin right up on the bar. Dave said, “We want to bring all of that history back.”
The local opportunities for growth and collaboration in the future are strong, too. Dave explained, “We have a hop garden at our own Hideaway Ranch, where we grow Cascade and Brewers Gold.” Since Olde Bedford cannot currently grow enough hops to brew exclusively with its own, Dave uses techniques to accentuate his own hops’ flavor. For example, he’ll use commercially available hops in the boil and then dry hop with his own Cascade, so those flavors are more pronounced.
Dave also plans on getting other local Bedford businesses in on the fun. “We have an indigenous candy store here, Bedford Candies, and a coffee shop, HeBrews. So we’re definitely looking forward to some collaborations.” For now, partnering with Fat Jimmy’s Outfitters is a naturally blooming relationship. The surrounding areas are full of parks and trails for hiking and biking, as well as water for fishing and kayaking. Dave said, “I bike and kayak myself, and our relationship with Jim definitely serves that community. The outdoors and beer just goes together.”
Looking to the future, Olde Bedford is already envisioning another spot for patrons to kick back and relax: Its Hideaway Ranch is conveniently located off many trails and near popular fishing areas. Dave said, “The idea is if you’re trout fishing on Bob’s Creek or skiing up at Blue Knob, or biking or running, you can finish up in our hops garden by our natural spring and have a beer.” Those picturesque surroundings paired with locally crafted beer sound like a match made in heaven. Dave added, “These opportunities are all very commonplace out West.”
In addition to his tight-knit ties to the community, Dave has additional perspective on the power of beer. Prior to opening the brewery, Dave worked in a much more high-stress environment. As a former member of the FBI, he recalled how beer could break barriers. He said, “Anywhere I went in the world, it seemed like the law enforcement community would always be able to come together over a beer.”
Referencing a months-long standoff in the 1990s, he continued, “By day, everybody was negotiating and was part of this big, armed standoff. But at night, we all went to the bar and sat down and had a beer. I’m sure that there were good guys and bad guys in there, but nobody really cared. Everyone was exhausted after a long day and just wanted to enjoy a beer.”
By connecting with the both the local interests of enjoying the outdoors and the historical impact of beer on American culture, Olde Bedford Brewing Company shows bright promise as a brewery with the best intentions at heart. From the tie-ins made to local history to the idea of opening a second taproom just minutes away from beautiful hiking trails, Dave and Mary are very in tune with the needs of their community. Dave said it best: “This is Bedford’s brewery. Mary and I are just the caretakers.”
The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
Photos: Olde Bedford Brewing Company
