A new beer distributor in Schuylkill County has a link to the past.
Mach’s Gut Beer Barn opened Jan. 19 at 1468 Route 61 South in North Manheim Township. Owner Scott Koerbler, 57, bought the liquor license from Brewer’s Outlet, in Pottsville, which is now closed. He spoke with Bob Carl, the former owner of Brewer’s Outlet, about the license, which he said was available at a reasonable price. He declined to name the price he paid in 2015 for the license.
Carl declined to comment.
“We want to be different than anybody else,” Koerbler said.
He is attempting to do that by setting his prices lower than other distributors. He also has a climate-controlled building to make it a better environment for shoppers. He plans to add lottery tickets, tobacco and snacks to his inventory. Beef jerky is currently available for sale.
The approximately 3,000-square-foot store has 316 kinds of beer.
“We will be hitting probably 1,000,” he said.
So far, they sell craft beers like Sweet Baby Jesus, New Belgium, Flying Dog, Sierra Nevada and Tröegs. Domestic beers include Blue Moon, Shock Top, Samuel Adams, Yuengling and Budweiser. Malts and ciders are also stocked.
“I want people to come in and shop,” he said. He wants patrons to browse the store instead of just getting their beer and leaving.
The candle store, Mach’s Gut Candle Barn, which he also owns, is still at the same location, just on the other side.
“This is going to be like a one-stop-shop,” he said, with the store hosting beer and candles with plans to add lottery tickets and tobacco this year.
Business has been steady he said for the few days they were open before the storm walloped Schuylkill County with 2 feet of snow this weekend. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store also has a Facebook page, Mach’s Gut Beer Barn.