Wednesday 29th of May 2013 10:09:47 PM

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I stopped at the Maple Shade location of the Iron Hill Brewery chain while in town for a night. The atmosphere is very clean and appealing - it's more more like a moderately fancy restaurant that just happens to brew it's own beer.

I sat at the bar and the bartender (Chris) was very friendly and helpful. First, I ordered the Vienna Red Ale, which was a solid Red Ale. Then, I decided to try and experiment with the seasonals. I ordered a #100, which is named because every 100th beer brewed at this site is this one. The bartender suggested I try a sample, and I was grateful. The beer wasn't bad, but it was made with 8 types of malt and I'm not sure how many types of hops, so the end result was very complex. It was sweep, and hoppy, and good, but not something I'd want to try in 16oz quantities. I then went on to try a pint of the Maibock, and also enjoyed this one. It had an almost banana flavor to it, which was unique and tasty.

Overall, for a chain (albeit a small one), I was surprised that they have such a wide variety of good beers. I also had food (a club wrap), which was also simple but well done.

Sunday 13th of November 2011 01:06:02 AM

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As of 2011, Iron Hill has 8 brewpubs in the DE-PA-NJ tri-state area. I am impressed this chain hasn't lost touch with its craft microbrewery roots, because the brewmasters each have autonomy to constantly invent bold new recipes. I almost always find a new brew when I go into any Iron Hill, and I have tasted almost 200 different Iron Hill beers over the past several years! Their selection has excellent variety, and they usually have 12+ well-crafted beers on tap. I highly recommend visiting any Iron Hill brewpub to try a sampler! It's nice to see the IH chain expand across the Delaware River. The Maple Shade, NJ location is convenient and inviting.

Monday 16th of November 2009 11:06:59 AM

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Iron Hill is a small chain, 5 or 6 brewpubs. They have a fairly small selection of beers which is a pretty standard choice. They have the one light beer, one fruit beer, one wheat, one IPA, one stout, etc. The rasberry wheat beer is undrinkable, it's that bad but the rest of them are okay.

They have seasonals and specials and they tend to be much better and interesting.

The food is good, but maybe a bit expensive. They are part of the AWA's Pub Discount Program and fairly generous with that discount, so if you're a homebrewer, that helps.

The Maple Shade location is brand new (as of Sep/Oct 2009) and very nice inside. They are always crowded but I think they take reservations now.

Also, they server beers in several sizes which is nice. You can get a 2oz sample or a 10oz try if you're not sure you're going to like the beer, up to a 24oz of your favorite.

They usually have a nitrogen pushed beer too. Not going to check off "Cask Ale" because it isn't technically, but it can be quite tasty.

Edit - July 2011 - Since opening they've expanded their offerings by a lot. Selection is now amazing, usually 10-15 different beers on tap. Service has been excellent as of late too. I recommend checking them out if you are in the area.