In the Chef’s Corner: Bavarian Brothers Brewing

By Maggie Hatfield

The growth of the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, WV, has always been driven by its guests. In 1984, owners Erwin and Carol Asam added the inn to their restaurant so guests from Maryland and Washington, D.C., could enjoy dinner without worrying about driving home after. This heritage of hospitality has been passed down from Erwin and Carol to their sons, Christian and David, who now oversee operations, and has led the Asam family to make more changes to their business. When they noticed their guests’ needs evolving a few years ago, they knew that they, too, must evolve.

“About three years ago, we noticed our fine dining area was less busy and our casual dining space, Rathskeller, was always at capacity,” says Christian. “We decided a brewery and brewpub would be a great way to add another casual dining concept to our property and start a buzz—no pun intended—at the inn.”

It was then that Bavarian Brothers Brewing was born, and Christian and David have since transformed the Bavarian from a country inn to a new concept they are calling a boutique-destination brewery.

One way in which the new brewery stands out from others is through its focus on quality. Each brew is crafted with a quirky story behind it. The brothers hired Falling Waters Brewery as a consultant to help develop the specialty line of brews and their memorable names.

For example, Carol’s Royal Stout is named in honor of their mother, a native of Sheffield, England. Erwin’s Angry Ale IPA is named for their father, who grew up in Germany. The Luggage Assistance Porter is a salute to those who help resort guests with their baggage. The brews are only available on-site or through the purchase of a growler to go.

The brothers were able to expand on their creativity by pairing their brews with items on the menu. “Beer pairing and wine pairing are not much different,” says Christian. “The interesting part of our pairings is that it is usually much less formal and simpler than wine pairings. We like the food in our brewpub to be intelligent but also approachable and familiar, and the same goes with the beer.”

The brewpub’s menu offers small bites and shared plates, from an international cheese board to the Blue Crab and Gouda Fondue. Guests will find favorites like salads and a signature burger are still available, and for the food enthusiast, Executive Chef Jeffrey Ault has crafted unique entrees such as Golden Gazpacho with Crab, Zigeunerschnitzel and Sea Bass with Chorizo Chow Chow and Hominy Nage. The brewpub also offers a variety of other beers, wines and specialty cocktails, providing something for every taste.

As the brothers were looking to revamp the 11-acre property, they wanted to create a special atmosphere for the casual dining brewpub and lounge. With a view of the brewery and sliding glass doors that open onto an outdoor patio called the Beer Garden, patrons can enjoy drinks at the brewpub around a firepit or in the brew lounge—a great space that includes leather sofas, high-back chairs and a stone fireplace. The entire property sits on a bluff overlooking the Potomac River, offering stunning views both during the day and night.

Since the opening of the brewery this past spring, the brothers have been pleased that both new and old customers are enjoying the expansion. “Guests are thrilled that we have been able to add something new without disturbing the traditional experience,” says Christian. “If you have always enjoyed the traditional Potomac Room or Rathskeller, it is still there and better than ever, but we now have other new offerings to make our property more exciting.”

Bavarian Brothers Brewing at the Bavarian Inn is located at 164 Shepherd Grade Road in Shepherdstown. The brewpub is open daily from 2:30-9 p.m.

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Blue Crab & Gouda Fondue

Serves 2-4

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 c whole milk
• ¼ c crab stock
• ½ c shredded gouda
• 2 tbsp jumbo lump crab
• Warm bread or carrots, cauliflower and broccoli for serving

In a saucepan, combine the butter, flour, whole milk and crab stock, and bring to a gentle boil. Add the shredded gouda and jumbo lump crab. Stir until the cheese is melted and the crab is warmed. Serve with warm sliced bread or vegetables for dipping.

Beer Pairing

Carol’s Royal Stout, ABV 5.4%, is a beer celebrating the Queen of the Bavarian Inn, Carol Asam. A native of Sheffield, England, Carol’s proud British accent has filled the halls of the inn for the past 40 years. Just like her majesty, this beer is expressive and no nonsense yet incredibly graceful on the palate.

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Sea Bass & Chorizo Chow Chow

Serves 4

• 4 fish filets—seabass, rockfish or another flaky white fish
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Heat the olive oil in a pan and sear the filets.

Chow Chow

• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 c cider vinegar
• 1 c sugar
• 1 tbsp sea salt

Combine all the ingredients and bring to a simmer, then allow to cool.

Chorizo Hash

• ½ c loose chorizo
• ½ c fingerling potatoes
• Collard greens or greens of your choice
• 1 tbsp butter

Sautee the loose chorizo and add the fingerling potatoes. Next, add the greens and wilt. Finish by combining with the chow chow and heating with the butter.

Hominy Nage

• 1 c drained hominy
• 2 c seafood stock
• 1 tbsp white wine

Combine the ingredients, and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and allow to reduce until most of the liquid is gone.

Beer Pairing

Harry’s Hazy River IPA, ABV 6.7%, is named for Brew Master Harry Wright. When Harry is not brewing, you can find him on the Potomac River trying to reel in the big one. Hazy in color with a beautiful nose of tangerine and grapefruit. A balanced mouthfeel. Not too sweet, not too sour—just like Harry!

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Golden Gazpach

Makes 1 quart

• 2 yellow tomatoes, cored and chopped
• ½ yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Lump crab meat if preferred

Combine the ingredients, and blend to desired consistency. Salt to taste, and garnish with lump crab meat if preferred.

Beer Pairing

Mecklenbrau German-Style Pilsner, ABV 4.3%, is a tribute to Mecklenburg, the original name for Shepherdstown, settled by German settlers. Just like Shepherdstown took many years to be established, this beer takes tremendous patience in its nearly eight-week brewing process.