Crafting History | Brussels Edition

Back in July, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Brussels, Belgium. A city and country rich with beer history, this trip is a bucket list destination for many connoisseurs. Belgium’s diversity of styles, centuries-old brewing techniques, and preservation of tradition have all impacted its place as one of the most culturally significant countries in the world when it comes to heritage. This installment of Crafting History features contributions from legends of the industry Werner Van Obberghen – Owner and Managing Director of 3 Fonteinen, Moeder Lambic owner Jean Hummler, and former Chairman of De Heikantse Bierliefhebbers Fons Minne, as well as reviews of a few Belgian relics – some of which have been cellared for over two decades.

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Crafting History | The Lost Abbey

Round two of Crafting History circles back into the familiar territory of Belgian-influenced beer. A mysterious hybrid concept rooted in monastic tradition, The Lost Abbey out of San Marcos, California found historical success through flavorful, imaginative beer with no boundaries. And here we find ourselves 17 years later, with Head Brewer/Co-founder & COO Tomme Arthur still holding tightly to those founding values, and creating a product that both retains its relevance as well as reminds consumers why this brewery has solidified itself a coveted spot in craft beer history. We had the privilege of speaking with Tomme, gaining first-hand insight into the brewery itself, their development over time, and some more history behind some of the bigger beers in their portfolio.

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Crafting History | de Garde Brewing

As the world of craft beer continually shifts and adapts with the times, consumers are ever-changing as well. Crafting History is a series that seeks to take a closer look at some of the impact factors that have had a lasting influence on the industry; certain breweries, historic venues, and even individual beers have changed the way craft beer enthusiasts view and taste beer now. This series will serve to both educate and remind the community just what (or who) it was that was rewriting the script without even realizing it. It’s at de Garde Brewing in Tillamook, OR, where we will start things off.

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Brewery Showcase | Rogue Ales

Here at PorchDrinking.com, we ran a series in August titled “the OGs of Craft Beer,” in which we featured classic or well-known beers that have helped to define and grow craft beer culture throughout the country. One beer featured in our series was Dead Guy Ale from Rogue Ales, a beer born in 1990 when the craft beer wave was in its infancy. Rogue Ales, established in 1988, is one of the true OGs of craft breweries and we’re proud to be featuring them today. Read More

Ultimate 6er | 6 Reasons to Love Bale Breaker Brewing Company

The Yakima Valley in Eastern Washington accounts for nearly 80% of the United States hop crop, and the team at Bale Breaker Brewing Company have established themselves as leaders in the Yakima Valley hop scene, both as growers and as brewers. The brewery is located amongst hop fields that were first planted in 1932, and the brewers at Bale Breaker have made a point of showcasing Yakima Valley hops in virtually every Bale Breaker brew. Though a relatively young brewery (they opened in 2013), Bale Breaker has become one of the most well-known IPA producers in Washington and is a leader in the Eastern Washington brewing scene. Today we present an Ultimate 6er dedicated the people who made Bale Breaker what it is today: 6 Reasons to Love Bale Breaker Brewing Company. Read More

Brewery Showcase | Temperance Beer Co.

Who better to build a craft brewery from the ground-up than a former architect? Josh Gilbert, born and raised in Evanston, IL (a northern suburb of Chicago), left the world of architecture and founded Temperance Beer Company in 2013, the town’s first brewery since Prohibition. Three years later, the brewery can best be summed up with one word — balance. Balance in beer. Balance in approach. Balance in philosophy.

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Brewery Showcase | Station 26 Brewing Co.

Address:
7045 E 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80207

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday: 2-10pm
Friday-Saturday: 1-11pm
Sunday: 1-9 pm

Food Trucks:
Their Food Truck schedule changes weekly but is posted on their Facebook page every week.

The recent proliferation of neighborhood breweries has on the whole been positive. It’s these neighborhood breweries that have help fuel the recent boon in beer consumption, exposing blue collar Americans to a wide array of exciting new styles and flavors. According to the Brewers’ Association, craft beer market share grew from 9.44 to 11.05 last year and small neighborhood breweries make up a decent percentage of that.

However, one alarmingly negative trend that continues to plague these micro and nanobreweries, is a lack of focus on the quality of beer being produced, as well as the decision to open up shop before they’re actually ready. Over the past year, a growing number of these operations have opened their doors only to run out of beer within a matter of days, and in some cases within a matter of hours. Even worse is the practice of flat out serving beer that isn’t ready to be served.

Luckily, Station 26 Brewing Company wasn’t one of those breweries. In fact, from the moment it opened its doors, it began renewing our faith in these neighborhood brewing operations. Why? Because they’ve done it the right way.

Station 26 Brewing Co. is one of those breweries that definitely stands out in your mind, not only because they have great beers but because their location is rather unique. Located in a former Denver Firehouse, Station 26 owns their surroundings, turning the historical building into a modern and inviting tap room even down to the red firehoses that form the lining for wall behind their bar. Their south facing patio also connects directly with a set of sliding garage doors giving the interior the feel of, well a communal porch.
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4 Hands Brewing Company | St. Louis, Missouri

4 Hands Brewing Co.

1220 S. 8th Street

St. Louis, MO 63104

Hours: Monday – Thursday 3-10pm

Friday and Saturday 12pm – 12am

Sunday 12pm – 9pm

Brewing Capacity: Right … Read More