So this is pretty exciting news! We have been working the folks over at Arcade Asheville on a special beer release to celebrate their 1st anniversary on New Year’s Eve. That evening we will be releasing the first kegs of “8-bit Ale” to the public starting at 5PM.
The “8-bit” name was chosen in honor of the early Nintendo game console that we all grew up playing…..you know the one I’m talking about.
Looking for a unique gift for the homebrewer on your list? How about some local malt to brew with?
We just dropped off a fresh batch of malt at 2 Asheville homebrew shops. Please check out Asheville Brewers Supply on Merrimon Avenue or Fifth Seasonon Banks Avenue (downtown). Both of these shops can tell you all you need to know about working with our 6-row barley.
Just our way of helping you get into the Christmas spirits!
Last week I got a phone call from the good folks at the Blue Ridge Distilling Company based in Golden Valley, North Carolina. We started talking about local grain production, craft distilling, and the challenges of running a small business. By the time the conversation was over, we were both excited about the idea of producing local spirits, and I made plans to visit their facility the following day. I also realized that I had a fair bit of googling to do!
This weekend we are headed to the Raleigh/Durham area for the 2011 Sustainable Agriculture Conference that is hosted by our friends at Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. They have compiled an amazing line-up of foodies, farmers, and permaculture professionals for several days of workshops and presentations.
But you know what we are really stoked about?…..the first batches of brew from Weeping Radish using Riverbend malts will be featured this weekend!!
Uli (owner of Weeping Radish) will be bringing along a sneak peak of their seasonal Doppelbock.
I spent most of last Wednesday in our Sprinter van…running the gauntlet of I-40 for close to 500 miles.
I met with our buddy Uli Bennowitz, from the Weeping Radish Brewery, by the side of the road and dropped off our first shipment of malt! Weeping Radish is located near Manteo and focuses primarily on German styles. Although their beer is not currently available in WNC, they are expanding their distribution channels and offer shipping services on their website,
Great article on Riverbend Malt in Mountain Xpress
http://www.mountainx.com/article/35411/Brews-News-new-Malt-House-and-brew-tidbits
» Read more about: Riverbend Malt House in Mountain Xpress! »
Last week was a whirlwind….final inspections (which we passed), grain deliveries, and a successful kiln test!!! A wild ride to say the least. We capped off the week by starting our first batch. We have chosen to begin at 50% capacity…just until we get things “wired”. I also envision it will take us awhile to figure out the bag sewer…nothing like the thrill of holding a high-powered needle gun next to your fingers!
The weeks ahead will be packed with preparations for a busy Oktoberfest season.
Word is getting out about Riverbend and we are fielding calls from interested farmers across the state! In the past few weeks we have spoken to farmers in Granville County (near Kerr Lake) and Polk County who are interested in growing grain for us during the 2011-12 season.
Since Polk County is just an hour south of Asheville, I scheduled a visit to meet the farmer (Bruce Edwards) and “talk shop” in his driveway.
I know you’re all asking yourselves….what is taking so long? Trust us, we are right there with you. Since our return from Canada (and even during) we have worked with our contractors, city inspectors, and spent countless hours searching for equipment on the interwebs. Along the way we’ve experience the normal cost overruns, scheduling conflicts, and logistical headaches that plague most businesses during their initial start-up….but I’m proud to say we are well on our way!
