Pubcast 376 – Sturdy Shelter Brewing

Over the past couple of years, the Fox River Valley is starting to rival downtown Chicago in the sheer number of  craft breweries. The tri-cities of St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia alone can boast 11 locations and Sturdy Shelter Brewing is the newest of these, located beside the Fox River in historical downtown Batavia.

Co-owner and brewer, Frank Mercadante along with his wife Diane, and General Manager Oliver Bulley have created a taproom and brewery that has become an important meeting place in the Batavia community, plus the all-important brews are well made and there is something for everyone.

The Brit and co-host Ken McMullen (brewmaster at Hopvine Brewing) visited with the Sturdy Shelter team one Monday when the brewery was closed and we could sit down and enjoy some good conversation, and sample some of their current taplist. We find out how the name of the Italian Pilsner came about, the history of the building, and plans for the future.

Beers Sampled:

  • Francesco, Italian Style Pilsner, ABV 5.6%
  • Batavia Lager, Helles Style Lager, ABV 5.5%
  • Huckleberry Sour, Fruited Kettle Sour, ABV 4.3%
  • Pulped Up! Tropical, New England Hazy IPA, ABV 7.1%
  • Robustacious, Imperial Red Ale, ABV 7.5%
  • Porter, ABV 5.3%

Here’s our short ‘teaser’ video showing the brewery…

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