USA, PA: Aristaeus Brewing aims at opening in Langhorne before end of this year

A new brewery is planning to open in Middletown, LevittownNow.com reported on January 30.

Lifelong Middletown resident Harry Arnold announced that he is moving forward with plans to open Aristaeus Brewing. The goal is to open up the five-barrel craft brewery in a roughly 3,000-square-foot space at 2475 Big Oak Road in the township’s Langhorne section before the end of 2020.

Arnold, who recently retired after more than 30 years at Verizon, told LevittownNow.com the brewery concept has been in the works for several years. Arnold has been perfecting his recipes and brewing ability by working with industry experts and the members of the ALEiens Homebrew Club that meets at the Hulmeville Inn.

“Everything I’ve done in the last five years has led to the point that I knew I was going to retire and make the leap,” he said. “I’ve worked to perfect the craft, design my own recipes, and figure out the processes.”

The new brewery space is in the design stages and a lease has been signed. Arnold said he is working with engineers and architects to make the place special and appeal to the community.

“I purposely wanted to be small and like a community hub where people can come and make memories,” he said. “I want a space that the community is going to call their own.”

Aristaeus Brewing will offer a number of beer choices of various styles. Cider and hard seltzer options are also being considered, Arnold said, adding he wants to have a broad offering for customers.

The brewery will also feature some food choices but those plans are still in the works.

Arnold’s passion for brewing beer began when he created his first English brown ale with a buddy in 1996. While he has taken breaks over the years, the past five years have involved the Middletown resident soaking up everything he could learn when visiting other breweries.

As he’s gearing up, Arnold said other local brewers have been helpful as he laid out his plans.

In addition, Arnold credited the members of the ALEiens Homebrew Club with offering appreciated feedback on his brews.

“That’s what great about it. It’s a community,” he stated.

For Arnold, who previously has been involved in local politics in Middletown, his retirement at 49 and passion for beer pushed him toward opening the brewery. Relaxing and traveling at that age was not on his to-do list, he said.

“I am too young to be retired.”

The brewery is in an area that is growing, Arnold said, pointing to current and planned development in Middletown and Lower Makefield. He also noted the easy access to major thoroughfares.

Aristaeus Brewing takes its name from a Greek god who is said to have shared the rustic arts, including brewing, with the people.

The brewery will join about 20 others sprinkled throughout Bucks County. In Lower Bucks County, Aristaeus Brewing will join Broken Goblet Brewing in Bensalem, Langhorne Brewing Company in Middletown, Moss Mill Brewing Company in Lower Southampton, Naked Brewing Company in Lower Southampton, Newtown Brewing Company in Newtown Township, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company in Bristol Township, Odd Logic Brewing Company in Bristol Borough, Second Sin Brewing Company in Bristol Township, Vault Brewing Company in Yardley Borough, and the soon-to-open Iron Hill Brewery in Newtown Township.

02 February, 2020