MicroBrewr 016: Nanobreweries rise up!
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In this episode I talk with Nick Ellis, founder and brewmaster at Opposition Brewing Co. in Medford, Oregon.
In 2011 Nick was employed as a bookkeeper when he received notice that he would loose his job within a year. So he and his wife, Erin partnered with Dennis and Penni Poncia to start the nanobrewery in Oregon’s Rogue Valley. They began with a 0.5-BBL system, but soon moved up to a 1.5-BBL system. Now they’re getting ready to install a 7-BBL system and are planning to package beer for distribution.
In the beginning, all 4 of them worked 12-hour days, 7 days a week. Now approaching their second anniversary, they’re getting things smoothed out and they each work about 9-hour days, 6 days a week.
We discuss the viability of CSA programs for homebrewers. Following the Community Supported Agriculture model, a box would be delivered to your doorstep on a regular basis. Rather than produce, it would have locally-grown ingredients for making your own beer.
Nick fully debunks any claims that nanobreweries cannot be profitable.
He also shares some great advice, including:
- Vet and register your name before using it
- Plan for yeast management
- Engage your customers with a fun, creative club
Listener question:
From Christina Sierra: Tell me why you brew what you do.
Book recommendation:
- Water: A Comprehensive Guide for Brewers (Brewing Elements) by John Palmer and Colin Kaminski.
Check out the entire list of recommended books, click here.
An upcoming beer style:
Flanders red
Other resources:
- 61 Brewers Speak Out: What I Wish I’d Known Before Starting a Brewery by Joe Shelerud, February 9, 2014.
- Flanders Red Ale Beer Recipe, American Homebrewers Association, February 8, 2013.
You can reach Nick Ellis and Opposition Brewing Co. at:
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