Here & Now Launches Canned Products for First Time

Some things are worth waiting for. Good things take time. Patience has its rewards. Three years later … we bring you cans.

Here & Now Brewing Company, 645 Main Street, will now offer a selection of canned beer for the first time in the brewery/restaurant’s history.

“We wanted to create a destination for Honesdale residents and regional beer and food enthusiasts alike,” said Allaina Propst, owner and managing partner. “Our focus has and always will be our local community, but now we are ready to expand further.”

With three years of operation, Here & Now Brewing Company has offered more than 300 different beers, ranging from hop-forward American beers to contemplative Belgians and black IPAs. (Also available are non-alcoholic beverages and artisan cocktails; something for everyone.) For their first can release, the team decided to release three different styles of beer: Affirmation — a bright & tropical IPA; Summer Everyday — a floral, citrus, hop-forward Pale Ale; and Night Orchestra — a smooth & rich Black IPA.

The labels were created by Summer Barrouk, the brewery’s assistant brewer. When asked about her labels being used for the first can release, Barrouk said, “At Here & Now I’ve always been encouraged and given the freedom to use my creative strengths. I waited three years to put out these labels. It is so amazing for me to see this project finally executed!”

Iron Heart Canning Co. helped make the brewery’s dreams of canning for the masses come true with its mobile canning operation. Within hours, hundreds of cans were filled and labeled.

When asked about the canning process and experience, Bryan Marich, H&N’s lead brewer said, “I’m so happy to have been given the opportunity to turn my dreams into reality.”

WEDCO (Wayne Economic Development Corporation) presented the brewery with a grant to purchase the brew equipment that allowed them to package beer.

“We’ve tried for many years to get to where we are today. I’m really happy with the outcome,” said Ben Cooper, assistant to the general manager. “I’m proud of everyone, especially Allaina.”

Restrictions in 2020 resulting from a global pandemic slowed, but did not stop the brewery’s momentum.

“Operating a restaurant during a pandemic gave us many challenges, but with those challenges came opportunities,” said CJ Fritz, restaurant manager. “We are a creative group, so we are going to keep pushing it.”