Brew Two

On Saturday, we knocked out our second brew. Things went much smoother.

Brewed:
Deep copper colored Pale Ale
Malts: Nearly 80% Maris Otter with CaraMunich I and II and some Light Munich in the mix.
Hops: Columbus, Centennial and Amarillo
O.G. of 17.9 degrees Plato.

Peter promptly let me know that yesterdays IPA came in at 20.7 and not 19.3 degrees Plato. It should be a strong one when done fermenting.

(looking into the kettle, start of the boil)

"First First Wort" the Capt'n 3/26/10

Our first brew is fermenting away. It wasn’t totally smooth sailing, but Kevin got it done. Overall, it was a great day of brewing. Many thanks to all of our pals who stopped by to say hi, lend a hand, fix a pipe and snap a few shots too! Pretty cool how a boiling kettle can bring people together.

We brewed an IPA born from boatloads of Maris Otter, Briess two row, Caramel 20, and Munich premium malts. The hops: Columbus, Chinook, Centennial, and Simcoe in the kettle. OG: 19.3 degrees P, if I recall correctly. Planned dry hop: Chinook and Centennial.

Fire It Up Already!

We leapt through the last giant regulatory hoop o’ fire, we can now make and sell beer (Heavy Beer, High Point Beer!) right here in Utah, Downtown SLC no less. No burns, no bumps, it was a clean dive! Next post: What Really is Brewing Now!

Thanks to the Commission and all those at the Division that helped us for over a year and a half to get through the process.

Time to make some tasty craft beer on State Street.

Luck of the Irish and Green Stuff

Yep, this post is a day late. We were hopeful of getting the last documents we need from the City as a birthday present for Peter, sure enough turns out he is a Patty’s day born Swede who is now waiting for a belated b-day gift. We need some luck today so we can have those papers and get in front of the commission next week.

Next year, you will not see green beer although don’t rule out something special released on that day. If you want to see something green, check out our siding material made from recycled paper and plastic material and the LED lighting we installed throughout the building. LED fixtures are costly but good for the environment and as an added bonus; the light they produce won’t quickly “skunk” the hoppy beers.

A Long Satisfying Day

All the Tanks arrived today and we got all but 3 of the 11 set in place.

In the morning we got the brew house started and after lunch we had it in. Then we got started on the 20 barrel (620 gallon) Fermentation tank. We were done for the day around 7:00 pm as evidenced by the shot of Epic Stainless now gracing State Street!

“Dad, this place is a piece… “

The thing about kids is, when they are feeling free they tell you like it is. This guy in the picture here, Josh, just a few months ago, told me how lame the place was. Sure, it was a dive then when I tried to sell him on the potential. I took him by yesterday and he said he couldn’t believe the change, “it is pretty cool now, Dad.” Made my day.

BTW, rumor has it that the are tanks coming Monday, so take a look if you drive by.

Thanks to Salt Lake City!

In these times of stimulus packages, massive bailouts, job programs and plenty of talk, I can tell you where the local action is: Salt Lake City’s Office of Economic Development. Government that works, you had better believe it! These people really help local business with many aspects of getting a new business started in their town.

In our previous aquaculture business – some 10 plus years ago – SLC Economic Development provided us with an equipment loan for product line expansion, creating long-term jobs and helping us grow our business. This time, the Office of Economic Development has provided Epic Brewing with a clear understanding of City requirements for our start-up, as well as financing to jumpstart job creation and to remodel an old eyesore on State Street. Salt Lake City has something that works well, creates jobs, and improves the city for all. Many thanks to: Bob Farrington, Mike Akerlow, Bob Gore and the Loan Committee for their support and assistance.