(Williamsport, PA) – Just got an email from Kira Gay Hiller of Bavarian Barbarian. Here is some info on the brewery and a returning seasonal straight from Hiller:

“We started bottling this past July. Currently our Hammerin’ Ale, Weldspatter IPA and Headbangerz Brown Ale are available in [22 oz] bottles (prices online). Our Steel Drivin’ Stout took a summer vacation, but should be back by 9/26, if not sooner. We plan on bottling it as well and adding it to our V packs (variety cases).

We primarily distribute in the Williamsport area. We have taps in some of the surrounding areas (Selingsgrove, Danville, State College). We also have a wholesale distributor in the Philly area who carries both the bottles and kegs. We also have a little distribution in lower Luzerne, Carbon and Skuykill counties. There is a beerfinder page on our website – I do my best to keep it up to date.”

The brewery also makes a unique use out of its spent grain by making dog biscuits out of it. See the press release below:

“WILLIAMSPORT, PA – The Bavarian Barbarian Brewing Company is excited to announce the release of Barbarian Dogbites. Dogbites are dog treats shaped like battle axes, made with spent grain – a by-product of the brewing process. The treats come in three varieties – Peanut Butter, Chicken and Beef. The Black Dog Bakery makes the treats, which are available in 8oz bags at both the brewery and the Williamsport Grower’s Market.

The idea to make dog treats from the spent grain was actually inspired by Luke, the “Barbarian” dog. “As we are a two-person operation, our beagle, Luke, often visits the brewery,” owner, Kira Gay Hiller explains. “On brewing days we noticed that Luke would make a beeline to any spent grain that had fallen on the floor and start munching.” Knowing that many breweries use spent grain to make bread, Kira checked the internet and found a simple dog treat recipe. She made several batches, which were shared with friends and family. “Everyone loved them, even the “picky” dogs. Someone even asked if they could pay me to make more. While making dog treats sounded like a great idea, I just couldn’t find the time.”

Then Kira’s husband, Mike, stopped at the Williamsport Grower’s Market one Saturday and met Todd and Milissa Hiller of the Black Dog Bakery. Knowing that Luke had “tested and approved” their dog treats before, Mike asked them if they would be interested in making dog treats and they agreed. A few sample batches later and a new partnership was born.

“The best part is that, like us, the Black Dog Bakery is comprised of a husband-wife team,” said Mike Hiller, “and they are only a year older then us.” “Plus, they have improved on Kira’s original recipe – I’m tempted to eat them myself.”

The Black Dog Bakery, located in Loganton, opened April of 2006. Each biscuit is hand rolled, cut and baked in owner, Milissa Hiller’s, kitchen. The bakery is fully licensed and registered with the PA Dept. of Agriculture. All Commercial Feed License Laws are followed and all of their products are laboratory tested. No sugar or preservatives are added to any of the recipes. For more information on the Black Dog Bakery, visit their website at www.bdbakery.com or call 570-725-2167.”