As we settle in to what may be another year of below-average rainfall here in California, brewers need to be concerned about how far they stretch their local water supplies. Not only for their own bottom-lines, but for the good of the planet. Brewing takes a LOT of water. The average water-to-beer ratio is 7:1 — that is, every barrel of beer requires SEVEN barrels of water … [Read more...] about Seismic Brewing: It’s the Water, and a Whole Lot More
Brew news
Armistice’s Day
Meat was smoking, music blaring, and beer finally flowing at Armistice Brewing Company’s recent soft opening party, to which yours truly was fortunate enough to snag an invite. It was quite amazing to note the transformation in the couple of months since my last visit, when they were well in the throes of construction. The ladders, power tools, planks and dust have given … [Read more...] about Armistice’s Day
Beer, There, Everywhere — Armistice Brewing Company, Richmond
It happened to be a big day (one of many more to come, I’m sure) when I arrived at Armistice Brewing, Richmond’s newest brewery. The giant French doors leading out to the beer garden were going in, the last step before their final Alcoholic Beverage Control inspection the next day. “Can’t open the doors if they aren’t there!” said Alex Zobel, who along with Gregory Zobel … [Read more...] about Beer, There, Everywhere — Armistice Brewing Company, Richmond
Lagunitas Relationship Status — It’s Complicated
I’m a Craft Beer Enthusiast (CBE). That means indie (ugh, hate that word) all the way. Ownership matters! Down with Big Beer! “Dude, Heineken just bought 50% of Lagunitas!” Okay. Um, I’m fine with that. Just a partnership, right? Trying to open up some distribution channels, make some inroads into some new markets. That’s fine. They’re long since past the days … [Read more...] about Lagunitas Relationship Status — It’s Complicated
Masters of The Beerverse: Don Barkley
I’m not one for hyperbole, but I’m a bit giddy these days because I just got to interview a craft brewing legend. Okay, he might think that a bit grandiose. How about pioneer? Trailblazer? Sherpa? Whatever, doesn’t matter. Don Barkley has been in the craft brewing game since before there was one, when he convinced Jack McAuliffe in the late 1970s he could use some help … [Read more...] about Masters of The Beerverse: Don Barkley