Friends at Fullsteam Brewing

 Had an opportunity last week to stop by Fullsteam Brewing in Durham, NC, and say hello to former Greenville Brew-Gal, Hannah Parris, who is the lead brewer there. She brewed this delicious NEIPA, White Lily, which unfortunately is not currently available in SC ('Cept at my house). Well done, Hannah!!

 https://www.facebook.com/fullsteambrewery/

 

 Cheers!!

New SC Breweries

 

As since we seem to be on a new brewery theme, here's another one rapidly working on completion down in Orange Land, aka Clemson.

And when Magnetic South opens, the route along I-85 will get you to Carolina Baurenhaus and Golden Grove too! Making the trip to GA better, one brewery at a time!

https://www.facebook.com/KiteHillBrewing/

https://carolinabauernhaus.com/

https://www.facebook.com/GoldenGroveFarmandBrew/

https://www.facebook.com/magneticsouthbeer/

 

 Cheers!

Think Tank Brew Lab Opens Its Doors

 

Think Tank Brew Lab update:

 

In the interest of clarifying their opening schedule, I visited Brewer/Owner Ryan Kurlfink and wife Julie at the brewery where I learned that they are prepared to open any day now, but, as frequently happens to startup breweries, some unexpected circumstances created delays, including City permit issues. Ryan is confident that those issues will be quickly resolved and his doors will soon open for eager folks wanting to try his five beers (for now) on tap. 

 

Fortunately I was able to sample his beers and was very impressed, especially since they are all first runs. All but one were sessionable, consistent with his goal of keeping the ABV low and flavors high. I thought the Porter was a stand out for the style and his Pale has one of the hoppiest finishes I've had in a long time. And I expect his Belgian Golden Strong to be a crowd pleaser as well.

 

While we're hoping that any final hurdles are promptly overcome, here are a few snaps of the facility so you'll know what to expect upon entering the place:

 

 Cheers!

Critical Research (Traveling during COVID)

Despite some inconveniences due to C-19 restrictions, research must continue so a recent road trip to BiloxiMS, with a side trip to New Orleans offered the opportunity to indulge.

The route took us through Montgomery, AL, which has an active downtown area near the river, important historical museums and civil rights monuments and, of course, a brewery, Common Bond Brewers. I can truthfully state that it's Montgomery's best brewery! Due to some signage issues and location glitches, it can be a little difficult to find, on the first try anyway. But find it we did, which led to some a tasting of several excellent beers, thanks to the headbrewer, Andrew McNally. Coming over to our table to chat (masked all the while) his passion and enjoyment of the brewing experience was quickly evident. Like many brewers these days who began as a home brewer, his interest in getting more beers out to more and more people led him to create this, his first, brick and mortar venue.  Side note: he knows Greenville well, having gotten a Chemical Engineering degree from Clemson and is familiar with some of our more recent breweries.

Here's a link to their beer lineup and also some research pix taken during the visit:

https://www.commonbondbrewers.com/beer

Next up, Biloxi area breweries!

Brewery Canning Line Scales Up!

 

So, you’re a successful brewery (so far) with demand for your beers such that your very busy canning line is about maxed out. Time to scale up.

Here’s a little device that might be just what you need. 1900-2200 cpm. Stunning, no? Made by Krones. You’re welcome.

Oh, this one pictured is joining a Cartersville, GA brewery. 

 

 https://www.krones.com/en/products/complete-solutions/filling-and-packaging-lines.php?fbclid=IwAR38c3-gl7kwz1LIo5WYOOY7G3cj63HnTJMKs7ZAuffNLuLqK-DMd5thYVk

 

 

GVL's Newest Brewery Opens: Southernside Brewing Co.

 

 

What you’re looking at is the beer list and drinks menu from the just-opened Southernside Brewing Co. (owner/manager Nate Tomforde behind bar). All their own beers, brewed by Kenny Driggers, and all that I and wingman

Bob Muller

tried were solid, well made, especially for being first runs. I’ll have more details about the beer and the food (yum) when I finish editing photos.

Oh, they officially open today at 4pm.

 

 https://www.facebook.com/Southernside-Brewing-Co-105717171395211/

 

Take a look, some location photos below.

Cheers! 

Community Tap's VIBE

 So, The Community Tap's VIBE event is now but a memory, but what a memory that is. The Very Important Beer Event had been postponed from it's original date back in the Spring. You know the villainous reason why... I want to take a few moments (keystrokes?) to recognize the fact that Mike Okupinski, Anna Evans Okupinski, Ed Buffington and the entire Tap Crew pulled off a stellar event, even with (or perhaps because of) the familiar restrictions.

From the line at the entrance over which Mike monitored, to the temp checks and reading of our Miranda rights before being handed our first taster (Zwick'L lager), to the escorting to our tables, all was done with masked crew members and social distance awareness.

The idea of being seated and having the beers delivered to your table was inspired and prevented what is usually a bottleneck of sorts with folks lining up at a tap table for their samples, which in this case would have been unthinkable.

The Community Tap and The Community Tap - Trailside (the site of this event) have hosted many an event since the troubles began earlier but this one, at least for me, will rank as one of the best ever. No need tell you the many reasons why. I had 35 of them. Cheers.

A few moments captured for viewing: