PHOTO PROVIDED Rosko’s Brew House, 601 Pine St., which offers a variety of artistically made beers in a historic building, “is a reflection of ourselves,” says co-owner Adam Roskowski.

Drinking artistically made pints at Rosko’s Brew House is becoming a weekend staple for craft beer lovers in and around Williamsport.

Opened by Adam and Samantha Roskowski in Aug. 2022, “Rosko’s Brew House is a reflection of ourselves,” Adam said. “We are family-oriented but are also social people…and our customers and staff have become like family to us.” Samantha bartends occasionally and maintains her career with UPMC, though Adam says she is still very much involved by “tweaking ideas behind the scenes.”

Serving up specialty brews and original beers with a twist, Adam and his full-time brewer, Taylor Strein, make it their mission to excite patrons’ taste buds. Having initially been self-taught, Adam “learned to brew beer in the driveway as a homebrewer” before doing further research and getting his Certificate in Brewing Technologies from the Siebel Institute in Chicago.

His right-hand man, Taylor, brings science to the brewery, having a background in physics and graduating from the Penn College Brewing and Fermentation program. “With his scientific approach and my gutsy approach, we collaborate and strive to make the best beers possible for our customers,” Adam said.

Typically having seven to eight beers on tap, Adam explained the breadth of brewing he and Taylor take on; “We have several ‘brands’ that we like to recreate or even reinvent with small differences, such as our Leggy Blonde (fruited blonde ale), BRRR (cold IPA), and Party Possum (coffee porter) series. Most importantly, we make a lot of beers that are not as easily achievable on a large distribution scale. For instance, brown ales, porters, red ales, and Kolsch…beers that have deep historical significance but aren’t as easy to find on retail shelves…and we always have at least one IPA or hoppy beer on tap, too!”

Sorry to basic beer fans, but this bar doesn’t carry any domestic or imported drinks.

“We only serve our housemade beer,” Adam explained. “However, we also offer wines from Fero Vineyards in Lewisburg, and canned cocktails from Four Birds (Bald Birds) in Jersey Shore and Mason Dixon Distillery in Gettysburg”

Rosko’s Brew House does not have a kitchen. However, they sell locally baked soft pretzels, encourage patrons to bring their own food, and partner with local food trucks regularly. The soft pretzels are delivered weekly by a company and served with your choice of dip. When asked where the pretzels come from, Adam simply replied “They are based out of Mifflinburg and are a local trade secret!”

Having renovated the 1870s house for four years before opening, the Roskowskis wanted to keep the home’s innate charm. “We were instantly attracted to the aesthetics of the house,” Adam said, “but we had to squint a little to reimagine it. The home was vacant and blighted, and the property was in poor shape. It took over four years to renovate and restore the space. It has allowed us to create a homey, cozy, and welcoming vibe perfect for our taproom.”

For the explorers and history buffs of downtown, Rosko’s Brew House would make an excellent impression. With Pennsylvania’s natural marshy terrain, the Victorian home was built on a stone culvert over a stream by the original owner and architect, William Fink.

The Roskowskis open the stone culvert for patron visitation only four times a year. Adam says it is because “by opening it occasionally, it keeps it a fun and special attraction.”

After purchasing the run-down home and beginning the renovations, the Roskowskis discovered that Fink himself was a famous small-time brewer, known for ciders and wines he crafted inside of the home. That means the house has been the site of locally renowned drinks for over 150 years!

Open Wednesdays to Saturdays each week, Rosko’s is establishing a rotation of specials and events. “We recently opened on Wednesdays offering Kolsch Service,” Adam explained. “We are known as a recurring Quizzo spot…[we host] Jon Mackey’s Quizzo every Thursday at 7 p.m. and have developed quite the following. We welcome new customers to join our regulars and encourage them to grab a beer and a pretzel while hanging out with friends and testing their trivia knowledge. Fridays and Saturdays we leave open for live music, events, and food trucks. We offer private events, as well as community events and fundraisers. It’s important to us that we give back to our community and connect with the folks around us.”

Next time you’re feeling parched, stop by Rosko’s Brew House at 601 Pine St., Williamsport. To view on-tap beers and upcoming events, visit them online at roskosbrewhouse.com and follow them on Facebook & Instagram @roskosbrewhouse.