2008 Woodie Awards
Community spirit thrives in local microbrewery
Audrey Leon
Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 2 next >
|
In addition to the sense of camaraderie and a lesson on how beer is made, the $5 admission price includes a commemorative eight-ounce glass tokens for four beers; after all, it is only a tasting.
No one would ever suspect a brewery exists in the middle of an office park tucked well away from the main highway. If it were not for several people spilling out of its doors, the brewery might be passed by completely.
Outside the office park headquarters, there is only a small sign. The parking lot is packed with cars. Inside the building, a woman wearing a tie-dyed brewery shirt tells visitors that they can pay at the bar. Further inside is a sea of people; the smart ones brought their own food to enjoy while relaxing on the brewery's solid wood benches.
A surprising number of people volunteer to assist the tour. Many are bartending; others are mingling, making sure the crowds are happy. These people have come out to work without pay. Perhaps the idea of free beer is all the motivation they need.
Both friendly volunteers and the production people are friendly. Bev Blackwood is Saint Arnold's brewery production manager. This Saturday, he kept himself available to answer the queries of any beer enthusiast.
During the brewery tour, visitors learn that some of the brewing vessels are named after saints and a special three are named after the Three Stooges.
"Larry, Moe and Curly are yeast-growing vessels," Blackwood said. "They are known as the knuckleheads."
The other larger fermenting units are named after saints because as a profession, brewing has the most patron saints. A few are named after the people who purchased naming rights, such as Saint Gonzo or Saint Bertha.
Blackwood said the names make it easy for workers to identify the tanks.