For Scott Mills, Cobblehaus Brewing Co. has been a lifetime of learning (and tasting) in the making. A longtime beer lover and homebrewer, Mills began dreaming about opening his own brewery from the first time he tried a craft beer on a trip to Colorado.
“I started home brewing right out of college. Once I experienced craft beer I knew that it was something that I truly enjoyed and wanted to see if I had the ability to do it,” he said.
Working in the oil, gas and steel industries, Mills’ career often took him to all parts of the country and allowed little time for personal hobbies and extra activities. But when the market slowed down in 2015, Mills’ workload dropped from 80 hours a week to 40 and he saw his chance to start putting together a plan to make his dream a reality.
Never shy of hard work, Mills developed his business plan, talked with other brewers and people in the industry, and started seeking out locations - all while maintaining his full-time day job.
“Everyone was amazingly helpful. They told me about the hard work and commitment that would be needed to be successful. I thought I understood what they meant – however, I have come to learn that until you actually experience it, you will never truly know what it means,” said Mills.
He also put time into finding the perfect spot for his brewery. “We did not want a highly commercialized area, but one with walking streets and a friendly neighborhood feeling,” he commented.
That hometown feel was found on the sidewalk-lined streets of downtown Coraopolis. Cobblehaus opened its doors on April 14, 2017 at 1021 5th Avenue and has become a town favorite, drawing beer enthusiasts from near and far.
“There is definitely a small town feel that just makes you feel welcome when you are here. You can feel it by just walking down the street and being greeted by those that pass by,” he said.
Originally hailing from Latrobe, Mills resides in nearby Moon Township with his two daughters, his wife, her children, and their two dogs. “We’re our own version of the Brady Bunch,” Mills laughed.
Though his family, career and business take up most of Mills’ free time, he looks forward to the happenings that come with being centrally located within the Coraopolis Business District.
“We really enjoy the activities that occur throughout the town. Second Saturdays, farmers markets, bar crawls, etc. Anything that can be done to get people in the streets, to meet their neighbors and enjoy the town is especially good for us and everyone,” he said.
Stop by to sample Cobblehaus Brewing Co.’s rotating draft list and check out its rustic and cozy interior. For non-beer drinkers, selections are available from their local drink partners Narcisi Winery, Wigle Whiskey, Quantum Spirits, Laurel Highlands Meadery, and Arsenal Cider.
Customers have the ability to order take-out from nearby Coraopolis restaurants to dine-in. Small groups also have the option of reserving the back room for private events. Cobblehaus Brewing Co. is open Wednesday through Sunday each week.
