Welcome to my long awaited blog for April of 2011. The month of April is upon us and I couldn't be happier. I recently sent some samples of our beers to the lab and the results were quite interesting. The Ruud Awakening IPA clocked in at 8% Alcohol By Volume. I had it estimated around 7.5% ABV using my measuring equipment. I made some changes in recent months to my milling procedure and my mash efficiency went up, my yeast remained efficient(like usual) and in turn the ABV went up a little bit. I will have to make a minor adjustment to the amount of malted barley in the recipe in order to keep the Ruud Awakening where it should be(between 6.8% and 7.2%), otherwise it is a Double/Imperial IPA. Since I already have a 9.5+% Imperial IPA I will be getting the Ruud Awakening back where it needs to be. Don't worry, I will not reduce the hops.
Stephanie and I will be taking off saturday morning to begin our 2011 Brew tour. We are planning on hitting up the Firkin Fest @Rogues Green Dragon Bistro on saturday then probably heading over to the coast for a couple days. I will be bringing my steelhead rod along just in case they are running down there.
Enjoy the spring..Cheers-
Blaze The Brewer
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
March Madness
Typically, in March Old Schoolhouse Brewery is closed for three weeks. March is infamously known as one of the slowest months of the year here in the Methow Valley. This year we opted not to close, business has been good but this year our pub has grown into quite the local gathering place. We look forward to seeing our regular customers and new customers every weekend, and in March so many businesses in the valley do close, so where would everyone go...here of course. Well, it was worth it. Friday nights continue to be busy with lots of locals coming in to support our pub and their musician friends. We booked a lot of local acts this month, RT Jr. Band, Rivertown Ramblers, Ben Gilmore and we had our friends Ravinwolf from Ellensburg come and play two nights. I am really looking forward to April lots of things are starting to bloom. We've started to clean our outdoor patio and have begun to hire new employees. Music is looking good for April too, we have a lot of local musicians sprinkled into our line-up. We have newcomer Ben Bruce here on the 8th, he is well known for producing Summer Meltdown music festival in Darrington. Olivia De La Cruz is back from Mexico and will be here on the 22nd, and Vicci Marinez is here on the 30th, if you have to miss a show this month, don't miss these three. You can hear all of these artists if you log on and become a fan of ours on www.reverbnation.com.
See ya in April!
-Stephanie
See ya in April!
-Stephanie
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Craft Brewer's Conference in SF
Here's a big update on our trip to the National Craft Brewer's Conference (CBC) and our epiphany on the plans for Old Schoolhouse Brewery's future.
Last month, Laura and I road-tripped down to SF to enjoy the northern California coast and reconnect with lots of friends along the way. Our other goal was to attend the CBC with its many seminars about the business of making craft beer and to leave there with a solid plan for our future.
Weather-wise, timing was not good. Monsoon rains and winds ravaged the coast and SF most of the time, except in the small town of Mendocino where we stayed three nights in a nice (but haunted) B&B. Several of our friends met us there, stayed in town, and hiked with us. It was great to connect with the close friendships that have gone un-nurtured during the past three years since buying the pub. We also stopped along the way at many established breweries and gawked in awe at their enormous, efficient brew houses. We are so small and hand-crafted compared to these big, automated places. I pulled up my big-boy pants, drank their beers, left them a few of our own, and wondered if any of our beers would actually make it into the mouths of the actual brewer's of these big breweries.
In SF, Laura and I attended at least 15 seminars, some technical and some business-related and took lots of notes. I must say, my energy was off in SF. The city was crazy with people and noise. One night at midnight while reading info from the conference in our 7th floor hotel room in Union Square, I head a loud whack and screaming. I jumped to look out my balcony door to see a woman lying motionless in the road as the car that hit her sped away. With the heavy rains, I couldn't get outside for my usual daily runs which added to my dis-ease with the city.
Up until our trip, I had my mind set that the only cure for the growth issue with our pub was to build a new production brewery about a mile from the pub. At the conference, I never did met any of the 3900 attendees from 1600 breweries across the US that were similar to Old Schoolhouse Brewery. Everyone we talked with had a brewery or brewpub in a largely populated area. Winthrop is so small (about 600-800 people year-round) yet so busy with tourism in the summer, our dilemma is we either don't have enough beer or we have too much (depending on the season).
For many good reasons, I was having to let go of my belief that only a new brewery could solve our dilemma. In SF, I could feel my grip slipping away from my strong-held position to build a production brewery, yet I didn't have an answer to put in its place. Nothing made sense which left me in a pool of frustration. In downtown SF, I felt alone and isolated. After 4 days and nights of listening and trying to hold on to ourselves amidst all the chaos, we left SF.
As we crossed the Bay Bridge, we could both feel a calmness settle back into us. Before we got to Sacramento to meet some close friends, our epiphany landed in our lap. No new production brewery, at least at this time. Instead we will add on to our existing building and add two 15-barrel fermenters that will more than double our current beer capacity. We'll also acquire a space from which we can store, bottle, and ship our beer while also ensuring we have plenty of beer for our ever-growing pub.
When Laura and I listen to the Universe and get clear with what we hear, it seems like everything starts fitting together like a perfect jigsaw puzzle. On the way home, we stopped and met with our banker, explained our new plan, and she loved it. When I talked to the builder that was setting up to build our proposed new brewery, he was cool with our revised plan and will be building a new building and leasing us the space we need to store, bottle, and ship our beer.
The Universe is embracing our new path. Laura and I and the OSB team are excited to be moving forward in a way that will allow us each to enjoy our friendships more and live in this incredible peaceful valley that is home to our spirits. If we wanted to be millionaires, we would sell everything, move to the big city, build a huge brewery, and sell millions of barrels of beer. That is not us. Our main goal is simple: Work hard and celebrate our lives with family, friends, and like-minded souls who share this sacred space and time that we are gifted with.
Any comments or ideas about our plans are welcome!
- Casey, 4/2/11
PS: After drinking dozens of beers on our journey, I am more convinced than ever that Blaze's beer can hold its own with the best in this country.
Last month, Laura and I road-tripped down to SF to enjoy the northern California coast and reconnect with lots of friends along the way. Our other goal was to attend the CBC with its many seminars about the business of making craft beer and to leave there with a solid plan for our future.
Weather-wise, timing was not good. Monsoon rains and winds ravaged the coast and SF most of the time, except in the small town of Mendocino where we stayed three nights in a nice (but haunted) B&B. Several of our friends met us there, stayed in town, and hiked with us. It was great to connect with the close friendships that have gone un-nurtured during the past three years since buying the pub. We also stopped along the way at many established breweries and gawked in awe at their enormous, efficient brew houses. We are so small and hand-crafted compared to these big, automated places. I pulled up my big-boy pants, drank their beers, left them a few of our own, and wondered if any of our beers would actually make it into the mouths of the actual brewer's of these big breweries.
In SF, Laura and I attended at least 15 seminars, some technical and some business-related and took lots of notes. I must say, my energy was off in SF. The city was crazy with people and noise. One night at midnight while reading info from the conference in our 7th floor hotel room in Union Square, I head a loud whack and screaming. I jumped to look out my balcony door to see a woman lying motionless in the road as the car that hit her sped away. With the heavy rains, I couldn't get outside for my usual daily runs which added to my dis-ease with the city.
Up until our trip, I had my mind set that the only cure for the growth issue with our pub was to build a new production brewery about a mile from the pub. At the conference, I never did met any of the 3900 attendees from 1600 breweries across the US that were similar to Old Schoolhouse Brewery. Everyone we talked with had a brewery or brewpub in a largely populated area. Winthrop is so small (about 600-800 people year-round) yet so busy with tourism in the summer, our dilemma is we either don't have enough beer or we have too much (depending on the season).
For many good reasons, I was having to let go of my belief that only a new brewery could solve our dilemma. In SF, I could feel my grip slipping away from my strong-held position to build a production brewery, yet I didn't have an answer to put in its place. Nothing made sense which left me in a pool of frustration. In downtown SF, I felt alone and isolated. After 4 days and nights of listening and trying to hold on to ourselves amidst all the chaos, we left SF.
As we crossed the Bay Bridge, we could both feel a calmness settle back into us. Before we got to Sacramento to meet some close friends, our epiphany landed in our lap. No new production brewery, at least at this time. Instead we will add on to our existing building and add two 15-barrel fermenters that will more than double our current beer capacity. We'll also acquire a space from which we can store, bottle, and ship our beer while also ensuring we have plenty of beer for our ever-growing pub.
When Laura and I listen to the Universe and get clear with what we hear, it seems like everything starts fitting together like a perfect jigsaw puzzle. On the way home, we stopped and met with our banker, explained our new plan, and she loved it. When I talked to the builder that was setting up to build our proposed new brewery, he was cool with our revised plan and will be building a new building and leasing us the space we need to store, bottle, and ship our beer.
The Universe is embracing our new path. Laura and I and the OSB team are excited to be moving forward in a way that will allow us each to enjoy our friendships more and live in this incredible peaceful valley that is home to our spirits. If we wanted to be millionaires, we would sell everything, move to the big city, build a huge brewery, and sell millions of barrels of beer. That is not us. Our main goal is simple: Work hard and celebrate our lives with family, friends, and like-minded souls who share this sacred space and time that we are gifted with.
Any comments or ideas about our plans are welcome!
- Casey, 4/2/11
PS: After drinking dozens of beers on our journey, I am more convinced than ever that Blaze's beer can hold its own with the best in this country.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Brewers Blog March 2011
Temperatures are on the rise and it looks like spring may be on the way. The brew is going quite well, the 2011 Barleywine is taking form and a new batch of Imperial Stout is coming along nicely. A new batch of Ruud Awakening is a-brewin and I am looking forward to trying some of the new Falconers Flight Hop Blend, which is a special blend of choice IPA hops(simcoe, amarillo, citra, sorachi ace, and more). Been out on the river steelheading with my younger brother Evan, with the warmer temps we have been doing quite well. I am very excited to hit up some of my favorite breweries during the upcoming brewery circuit me and steph are doing in April. Last year we had a blast and drank tons of quality beer. Our top beers last year came from Rogue, Deschutes, Ninkasi, and Pelican. We will definetely be hitting all these breweries again and hoping to find some good ones we missed on our last trip. Had a couple of stand out brews this month, Deschutes Jubel 2010 and Full Sail Black Gold. Cheers-
Blaze the Brewer
Blaze the Brewer
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Stephanie's Blog
Monday, February 21, 2011
Another happy customer!
I just wanted to take some time to thank you for the excellent service that we saw and received while at your establishment. Your staff was more than amazing, they were attentive and friendly even during a very busy time. The food was also amazing ...
I look forward to our return trip in the next few months.
Fondly, Jill.
I look forward to our return trip in the next few months.
Fondly, Jill.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
President's Week Festivities
Old Schoolhouse Brewery will be open EVERY DAY during President's Week (Friday, Feb 18th thru Sunday, Feb 27). It's our last big winter weekend and we don't want to miss the fun. We have live music at the pub with RT Jr. on the 18th and 19th. If you haven't heard his music before, you're in for a treat. He has quite a following here in the valley and also nationwide. Brody Blackburn will play his music also on Friday, Feb 25th. Brody is a folk/rock musician from Pateros and a pub favorite.
The Methow Valley's Winter Festival is also happening that week.
The Methow Valley Winter Festival is a ten-day festival celebrating the Methow Valley’s favorite winter activities and vibrant arts and cultural community. Winter activities include: Nordic skiing, biathlon, alpine skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. There are events and activities for every age and skill level. After a full day of playing outdoors, enjoy the many arts and cultural events being held during the Festival. Come see why winter is the Methow Valley’s favorite season!
Event Highlights:
• Methow Arts kicks off the festival Friday, February 18 with an evening of fun and laughter as Jet City Improv brings their live comedy experience to the Winthrop Barn at 7:00 pm.
• Methow Valley Nordic Club hosts the Tour of the Methow, Saturday, February 19. Skiers may choose to ski 20 to 80 kilometers of the Methow Valley’s incredible ski trails in this non-competitive, food and transportation supplied event.
• Sunday, February 20, don’t miss one of the craziest events: the annual Doggy Dash, a 6-legged costumed ski race for dogs and humans. Who will win the coveted “best in show”?
• Author Erik Brooks leads young skiers on a Storyski reading of his book Polar Opposites, Sunday, February 20. Skiers ski a 1km loop while reading large story book pages along the ski trail.
• Former Olympic cross-country skiers, Leslie Hall and Laura McCabe host a two-day Nordic ski camp, February 21-22 offering skiers an incredible opportunity to learn both skate and classic ski technique from two of the most acclaimed cross-country skiers in the nation. Leslie Thompson Hall is a three-time Olympian. Laura McCabe is a two-time Olympian, both women live and ski in the Methow Valley. Registration information can be found at http://www.mvsta.com/winter/documents/SkiFestivalNordicSkiCamp.pdf
• Methow Valley Nordic Team hosts a Cross-Country Ski Camp for youth ages 6-12 years old, February 22-24.
• The Methow Valley Biathlon Team hosts two opportunities for cross-country skiers to “Try Biathlon”. Wednesday, February 23 and Saturday, February 26. This event was the hit of last year’s festival. Don’t miss this great opportunity to test your skill at two different disciplines, skiing and shooting!
• Winthrop Physical Therapy hosts a three-day Women’s Ski and Yoga Retreat February 25-27.
• Torchlight Ski, Friday February 25. Ski from dusk to 8pm on the ski the trails of Mazama by torchlight, presented by the Methow Conservancy
• Cowboy Races, Saturday February 26. Try your hand at roping cattle while on skis! Learn from some of the Methow Valley’s finest ranchers and ropers. This is another very unique Methow Valley event, perfect for the whole family.
• Guided Snowshoe Hikes, February 19, 20 and 26. Free, Naturalist-led snowshoe tours held at Sun Mountain and Mazama.
• Alpine ski or snowboard daily at Loup Loup .
• Ice skating and hockey daily at the Winthrop Ice Rink.
The entire schedule of events for the Winter Festival can be found at http://www.mvsta.com/winter/winterfestival.html
The Methow Valley Winter Festival is presented in part by the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association and the Methow Valley Community.
The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting environmentally sound recreation on or near the trail system in the Methow Valley. The trail system includes over 200 kilometers of groomed trails and is recognized as one of the finest trail systems in North America for cross-country skiing, mountain biking and hiking.
Hope to see you here!
The Methow Valley's Winter Festival is also happening that week.
The Methow Valley Winter Festival is a ten-day festival celebrating the Methow Valley’s favorite winter activities and vibrant arts and cultural community. Winter activities include: Nordic skiing, biathlon, alpine skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. There are events and activities for every age and skill level. After a full day of playing outdoors, enjoy the many arts and cultural events being held during the Festival. Come see why winter is the Methow Valley’s favorite season!
Event Highlights:
• Methow Arts kicks off the festival Friday, February 18 with an evening of fun and laughter as Jet City Improv brings their live comedy experience to the Winthrop Barn at 7:00 pm.
• Methow Valley Nordic Club hosts the Tour of the Methow, Saturday, February 19. Skiers may choose to ski 20 to 80 kilometers of the Methow Valley’s incredible ski trails in this non-competitive, food and transportation supplied event.
• Sunday, February 20, don’t miss one of the craziest events: the annual Doggy Dash, a 6-legged costumed ski race for dogs and humans. Who will win the coveted “best in show”?
• Author Erik Brooks leads young skiers on a Storyski reading of his book Polar Opposites, Sunday, February 20. Skiers ski a 1km loop while reading large story book pages along the ski trail.
• Former Olympic cross-country skiers, Leslie Hall and Laura McCabe host a two-day Nordic ski camp, February 21-22 offering skiers an incredible opportunity to learn both skate and classic ski technique from two of the most acclaimed cross-country skiers in the nation. Leslie Thompson Hall is a three-time Olympian. Laura McCabe is a two-time Olympian, both women live and ski in the Methow Valley. Registration information can be found at http://www.mvsta.com/winter/documents/SkiFestivalNordicSkiCamp.pdf
• Methow Valley Nordic Team hosts a Cross-Country Ski Camp for youth ages 6-12 years old, February 22-24.
• The Methow Valley Biathlon Team hosts two opportunities for cross-country skiers to “Try Biathlon”. Wednesday, February 23 and Saturday, February 26. This event was the hit of last year’s festival. Don’t miss this great opportunity to test your skill at two different disciplines, skiing and shooting!
• Winthrop Physical Therapy hosts a three-day Women’s Ski and Yoga Retreat February 25-27.
• Torchlight Ski, Friday February 25. Ski from dusk to 8pm on the ski the trails of Mazama by torchlight, presented by the Methow Conservancy
• Cowboy Races, Saturday February 26. Try your hand at roping cattle while on skis! Learn from some of the Methow Valley’s finest ranchers and ropers. This is another very unique Methow Valley event, perfect for the whole family.
• Guided Snowshoe Hikes, February 19, 20 and 26. Free, Naturalist-led snowshoe tours held at Sun Mountain and Mazama.
• Alpine ski or snowboard daily at Loup Loup .
• Ice skating and hockey daily at the Winthrop Ice Rink.
The entire schedule of events for the Winter Festival can be found at http://www.mvsta.com/winter/winterfestival.html
The Methow Valley Winter Festival is presented in part by the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association and the Methow Valley Community.
The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting environmentally sound recreation on or near the trail system in the Methow Valley. The trail system includes over 200 kilometers of groomed trails and is recognized as one of the finest trail systems in North America for cross-country skiing, mountain biking and hiking.
Hope to see you here!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)