Where does one go to try craft beers, hang out with friends and enjoy the sounds of local music in a relaxed atmosphere? Many would say Taylor House Brewing Company, 76 Lehigh St., Catasauqua.

On June 1, this establishment celebrated five years in the community, and the business is only growing in popularity. The Press spoke with Annette Pompa, co-owner of Taylor House Brewing. She said she is proud the business has grown, relieved they survived the COVID-19 pandemic and excited to be expanding.

The co-owners will be leasing the Southwark Hose Company property, so they can increase production and create more beer.

Pompa said their brew master, Dave Barber, has created 197 different beers in five years. Taylor House Brewing’s four most popular beers are the Independence, an American IPA; the Revolution, a New England IPA; the Roughrider, an English Porter; and Madame Fantome, a witbier.

They have one barrel, which makes it good for experimenting, and there is not much waste. Pompa said customers like their products. There have been no duds in their beer-making, she said. They plan to still continue to improve the quality of the product.

The co-owners are also planning on producing enough beer to offer sixtels to other restaurants. A sixtel is a beer container that holds 5.16 gallons, or about sixty-four 12-ounce bottles of beer. Pompa added they are not looking to be a distributor. Currently, one must still come to Taylor House Brewing to get beer.

Pompa said Taylor House Brewing is for those who are willing to sample and savor the craft taste. For those willing to experiment, there are one to two new varieties every week.

The start of this business resulted when Pompa’s husband, Fred, lost his job of 20 years. They felt they had a choice of either moving or investing in their own business. The community has been supportive of Taylor House Brewing from the very start, she said, and Annette and Fred Pompa are very thankful for that.

Catasauqua Borough has been supportive of their impending expansion into Southwark Hose Company, she added.

Every weekend, Taylor House Brewing offers live music. At 2 p.m. every Sunday, there is a bocce ball tournament. There is no preregistration; one can just show up. The first Thursday of every month is open mic night if you can sing - or think you can sing! Taylor House Brewing is always looking for new entertainers, bands, singers and comedies. Contact Fred or Annette Pompa if you have interest.

Taylor House Brewing also offers food trucks every weekend. Besides traditional bar food, other options include high-end and different culture foods. Annette Pompa said they try to offer a variety.

If craft beer is not to your liking, they also serve mixed wine drinks and mead, or try a four-jar sampling of different beers if you prefer a variety and are not sure what you want.

Annette Pompa said their establishment owes a solid nod to George Taylor, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence as a representative of Pennsylvania. The establishment is filled with references to his place in history. George Taylor was an American iron master and politician who was a Founding Father of the United States. His former home, the George Taylor House in Catasauqua, across from Taylor House Brewing, was named a National Historic Landmark in 1971.

Taylor House Brewing co-owners and employees said they are thankful for their customers and the community. For some, going to Taylor House Brewing is a destination and a reason to visit the Lehigh Valley. Other times, they see many regulars who visit, come to meet their friends, seek new friends and sometimes to just unwind with a brew.