Meet the Composter: Artifact Brewing

Ryan McKinney, Brew Master/Proprietor, Artifact Brewing

Artifact Brewing, in Hatboro, is a win-win-win kind of business. Proprietor Ryan McKinney gets to fulfill his passion for brewing creative craft beer. Locals and customers from afar get to enjoy the delicious home brew and relaxed atmosphere. And the environment wins too as Artifact composts with Back to Earth Compost Crew!

Ryan and his business partner Matt Brzowski opened the doors to this neighborhood brewery in October of 2019 with the goal of building a space for the community to come together for good times, while being thoughtful about its environmental impact. When they saw that a friend and fellow brewer composted his grain with us, they decided to do the same.

“I’m all about being a steward of the environment and when you go through 500-600 pounds of grain each week, it only makes sense to compost it,” Ryan said.

Ryan grew up in Doylestown and has always loved being in nature. A geologist for an environmental remediation company and fly-fisherman, he always picks up trash when he sees it in the woods, recycles with his family at home, and only uses natural products in his brewing process. And this spirit is reflected in the tasting room.

Enter Artifact Brewing at 2 South York Road, a former auto body shop, and you’re surrounded by upcycled tree trunks for the bar top and tabletops, indoor plants, turkey feathers in center pieces, and other organic artifacts. It’s warm. It’s laid back. It’s kid- and dog-friendly. It’s exactly what they wanted – a cool spot for the community.

The beers boast names inspired by favorite bands – everything from classic rock to alternative and death metal. Some beers are collaborations with other local brewers like Crooked Eye Brewery, and there are offerings from guests like Stone and Key Wines – both in Montgomery County. Proceeds from the collaboration beer support a local K9 police officer, Ryan Allen, who was in a coma for weeks.

On weekends, you’ll find food trucks outside to accompany your flights and pints – there are about 15 local food trucks in rotation. Art from local artists adorns the tasting room, and Artifact hosts art shows twice a year.

In warm weather, the staff of about 10, raise the former garage doors, and place tables and chairs outside in the parking lot. Local bands play outside twice a month. The parking lot fills with locals, families, camping chairs, outdoor games… and the good vibes go on for hours.

Ryan and Matt wanted to and have succeeded in embracing the community through their brewery, and the community seems to have embraced them back.

If you haven’t visited yet, definitely check it out. You’ll not only be impressed by the flavorful craft beer, but you’ll have the added pleasure of supporting an environmental-conscious business.

Learn more about Artifact Brewing at https://www.artifactales.com/

Back to Earth Compost Crew is happy to have Lynh and Angie’s Vietnamese Cuisine in our composting community!