Hey, all!

Bittersweet news this time, as I’ve decided after a number of false starts and too-slow progress to suspend all plans to move forward with Megalith Brewing at this time.

I’ve really enjoyed the process of putting together the business plan, crafting the brand and developing the recipes for my pillar beers. I still think it’s a more-than-viable business model, it’s just too far beyond my resources to actually bring it to fruition right now. Between coordinating the licensing, buying and renovating the food cart (with approvals from both the Oregon Health Department and OLCC), and negotiating with an eligible food cart pod, there were just too many plates for me to be able to spin effectively while also working a full time job.

I’m going to be focusing my energies in the meantime on home brewing for fun and friends, and spending more time on my arts-based hobbies. I’ve got the idea to put together a quick DIY Homebrewing zine, and to publish some of the recipes I’d been developing for Megalith. I am also seeking work in the local brewing industry so I can at least put all this knowledge to good use for somebody.

And who knows? In a few years, if I still have the drive to see this through, and am able to put together the savings to make it happen, you may still be able to visit my beer cart/taproom/nanobrewery and have a pint of Laser Brain! Until then, thanks for the support and words of encouragement!

Hey, all!

While I’ve got the hot liquor tun warming up, I wanted to take a moment and let you know what I’m up to right now!

The Business of Craft Beverages classes are moving right along. We’re starting our fourth week today, and I’m still doing alright. The last week’s focus was on packaging and distributing, which are things I hadn’t really included as part of my initial business plan (since the idea is to start out only with retail on-premises sales), but it’s still a good thing to keep in mind. Now I’m really looking forward to the point when I can start offering special limited 22-oz bombers in my taproom, for people to take home to share with friends!

As the classes continue, so does my GoFundMe fundraiser to help pay for them! I’m already enrolled in the second of the four classes, but there’s still two to go, and I’d appreciate any help you might want to offer to help me cover the tuition costs. I feel a little bad even asking since I know I’m going to register anyway, but hey! If you want to help, I’m certainly not going to stop you from pitching in! Every dollar helps me get where I want to be.

Today also begins a week-long vacation I had planned last month, so that’s always exciting. Originally I had planned to make it a creative retreat, but then I registered for the business class and that has preoccupied my mind with thoughts of beer. So, instead I’m using the week to focus on class, and brewing! Thus, today becomes my first Brew Day of the week! I’m making my long-time favorite ESB, Laser Brain, which I think might become my brewery’s standard Pale ale before too long – it’s just so damn good. Rich, strong, and with a great mouthfeel. Going to be another great batch.

And if you want to give this beer a taste (along with the stout I made a few weeks ago, and a couple other batches still-to-come), pay attention to this space! I’m planning to have another tasting party to celebrate the completion of the first two classes in the Business of Craft Beverages series, so that’ll fall sometime in late March/early April. Looking forward to seeing all of your faces and pouring some good beer down your gullets.