Enchanted Circle Brewing in Angel Fire, New Mexico Hiring

Ever alert for job opps (not so much for me, you understand) this one caught my eye because of the location. Angel Fire, New Mexico. This is a very special place in a state overflowing with them ( assuming you can overflow in a high desert mountain range). Basically you head to Taos, then turn right. I've only been there once but it is firmly planted in my travel memories. I only hope that the population there will support this brewery. I know it's a favorite ski destination.


http://www.brewbound.com/jobs/21491-Master-Brewer-The-Enchanted-Circle-Brewing-Company?utm_source=Brewbound&utm_campaign=f0c2b0a2a2-mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6026cb3473-f0c2b0a2a2-168720889

Cheers.

More Upstate Adventures

Further adventures in the Greenville craft beer community:

Stopped by Upstate Craft Beer Co this afternoon to try and catch up with their 12 Days After Xmas beer selections (only one left, a Saison for tomorrow), sampled the three left on tap (they tend to empty the kegs quickly) and while sampling and taking notes, noticed that also enjoying some beers were Brian and Nicole from Iron Forge, joined by Beverage lawyer extraordinaire, Brook Bristow, Esq. This place has quickly become a neighborhood hangout for locals like me and other beer loving/making members of our community.

Cheers!

First Beer Fest of 2016: Barley's Biggest Little Beer Fest

The new year, time to work on the new calendar. First big craft beer event of the year, Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria (Greenville)'s Biggest Little Beer Fest is only two weeks away (Jan 17). That goes on the calendar. See you there.

Cheers.

Upstate Craft Beer Co. Catching On With Locals

Made a return visit to Upstate this afternoon, just time enough for a quick tasting flight. Their beer of the day, Hop N Wild Sour IPA, of course, with Green Man IPA and Sierra Nevada's Wild Hopped Mexicanus IPA. Quite a range of flavors, sour to cannabis dank, but that's where the fun of discovery comes in. Place was busy again, I think Chris and Jack have created exactly the sort of hangout they were hoping for. Now to start brewing my own!!

Cheers and many more nights to come!!

Upstate Craft Beer Co. Softly Opens

Just back from a very rewarding visit to Upstate Craft Beer Co. where they are quietly open before the big opening on December 26 (put that on your calendar as a must not miss!). Had their charcuterie; intensely flavored selection of cheeses and sausages, which I paired with Birds Fly South's Saison to start, then added a New Belgium Hop Stout. Interesting how each beer seemed to bring out different flavors in the food, especially the peach-ginger-pepper jam.
While munching and sipping away, Co-owner Jack McDonald was being interviewed for Channel 7 TV, while fellow owner/brewmaster Chris Hardin was busily brewing away on a Dunkelweisse. Good times were had by all. They are opening each day ('cept the 25th) at 10am so lunch is calling you. I'll certainly be back, one cause it's in my neighborhood, but also cause it's gonna be a favorite spot to hang out and play dominos.

Catch the action here:

 

 Cheers to their newly opened nano-brewery!

Bottling Birds Fly South's Brand New Eyes

Gathering my notes and photos from this past weekend which was filled with beer-related activities. One, the Loose Reed interview you know about. Another event I found really interesting and educational was watching Shawn and crew bottling Birds Fly South's first ever bottling of Brand New Eyes, a Farmhouse Ale brewed with Motueka hops. At 5.5% abv, this saison is almost a session beer, which befits the style. You can get more detailed info on this brew at their website, bfsbeer.com.
Shawn Johnson, owner/brewmaster, continues his brewing relationship with Thomas Creek Brewing, where the bottling took place, until next year when his newly leased facility will take shape. He gave me a heads up about a bottle share and BFS beer drinking opportunity that will happen early next year, perhaps mid-January, as a fund raiser and an only opportunity for the public to see the space before actual construction begins. Watch THIS space for further details as they become available.


Catch the action below:

That's the process, a table-top operation in this instance. Haven't opened the bottle Shawn gave me yet, but I'll post tasting notes when I do.

Cheers!

A Visit With Tracy @Loose Reed Nano-Brewing

As promised, here's what I learned after a conversation/photo shoot with Tracy of Loose Reed.

Although this will be the first time he's worked in a brewery (his own) it's the culmination of over 10 years of home brewing. Add that to the years that his parents were home-brewing and one can understand why he says he's been involved with beer brewing most of his life.

Moving on from his very first brewing experience, a hoppy brown ale from a 21st birthday present kit, which he describes as "ok" but it quickly led him to try more sophisticated recipes, even moving on from extracts to all grains. 

 I was able to sample one of his creations, Grapefruit Napoleon Complex, a berliner weisse with grapefruit added, at this year's Greenville Craft Beer Festival at Fluor Field. I enjoyed it so much, I went back for samples three times! His Gingah the Ninja Pale (with ginger) was already gone before I could taste it but I'm certain I would have liked it. Obviously, many folks did.

 

What's in store for his new location (the former Growler Station)? 
 
His plans include a 2 bbl brew house with 4 bbl fermenters and serving tanks, a larger seating area, a new bar, outdoor patio and very fresh beers from the tanks.
I asked him about his initial beer choices for brewing. He told me that the "beers will be mostly English and German ales with experimental variations." Sounds good to me. He also assured me (an unabashed hop head) that an American IPA will certainly be included in the mix. I'll drink to that!

Looking at the "hot side" brew house location.

Cooler space will not be an issue.

Good space for sipping in the sun. Probably a concrete patio is in the future.

I'm anticipating that by mid-Summer (maybe sooner) I'll have the pleasant problem of deciding which neighborhood nano-brewery to I want to try; Loose Reed or Upstate Craft Beer, which is just up the street on Augusta.

 I know, the life of a beer-blogger can be tough, filled with decisions and writing deadlines(ha!).... but it's important work and someone has to do it!!!

Cheers!!