Master Brewer Larry Sidor, one of the nation’s renowned craft brewers, announced plans last week to open a small, artisanal craft brewery in Bend. Sidor has partnered with Dave Wilson, current VP of sales and marketing for San Francisco-based brewer 21st Amendment and Paul Evers, lead partner and chief creative director of tbd, a creative agency with a rich history in craft beer packaging.
“Our yet-to-be-named brewery will focus on more complex and barrel-aged brews that will be available in both draft and package beginning this summer,” says Sidor. “We look forward to offering our experimental brews in a small, but inviting, tasting room nested within the brewing facility.”
According to Sidor, the tasting room, located at 50 SW Division Street, Bend (in the former AAMCO building) will offer a wide selection of beers, including guest taps from friends in the craft world, offering opportunities for visitors to explore the “supercraft” segment of beer. A light fare menu that compliments the beer selections will also be available.
Brian E. Fratzke, CCIM, principal broker for Fratzke Commercial Real Estate, represented 856 Brewery on the lease of the entire former AAMCO building. “We spent eight months of investigation looking at over 40 buildings that would accommodate Bends first Tier IV brewery,” said Fratzke. “Part of the process included confirmation with the City of Bend that the water/sewer system would accommodate the business use. It is the second brewery that I have completed a lease for and it is so exciting to see the growth in Bend.”
“I am sure people will ask, ‘How many breweries can Bend handle?’ And the answer is, as many as we can support from a labor and infrastructure perspective,” added Fratzke. “As long as there are people to hire, acceptable access to water and sewer, and buildings to operate from, breweries produce a product where sales are not dependent on local consumption. Because beer can be transported and sold all over the world, the customer base is massive and the margin is good vs. a business that relies on people walking in the door to achieve sales. I believe Bend will have over 16 breweries by the end of the year 2013.”
“Our vision is to take the Northwest craft beer culture into some new territories,” continued Sidor. “We’ll focus on small volume brews that challenge beer lovers with complex flavors that push the boundaries of convention.”
“The Pacific Northwest is an epicenter for the craft scene that’s sweeping the nation and we can’t wait to play our part in this amazing culture of beer-loving folks,” said Dave Wilson. “Bend is becoming a huge destination for craft brewing. We plan to position our brewery in a way that contributes to and complements the current craft vibe we’re so lucky to have right here in our hometown.”
The partners plan to build a team of employees to support both the brewery and tasting room. During the first year they anticipate approximately 14 full time people. Five team members will bring expertise to the brewery and nine will support the tasting room.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the craft beer sector, Wilson will represent sales for the brewery. He plans to launch the new brews first in Oregon with sights on key markets in the Northeast and future expansions to other states where extreme beer enthusiasts thrive.
“We’re talking about small-volumes of high gravity, complex beers that are often aged in barrels and/or fermented with wild yeast strains to create crazy, unique aromas and flavors,” said Wilson. “We want our brews available to beer enthusiasts who are seeking bigger and bolder experiences.”
According to Wilson, knowing the story behind each unique brew is an important part of the experience for beer enthusiasts. That’s why Paul Evers and his team at tbd are critical partners in the new craft beer venture.
“We have found an extraordinary connection between impassioned beer lovers and the stories behind the beers they drink,” said Evers. “There’s a unique culture and language that’s part of the experience and our role is to capture the brewing story and share it with them in authentic and meaningful ways.”
According to Evers, renovations will begin on the nearly 6,000 square-foot industrial building the beginning of January. The building offers a maximum annual capacity potential of approximately 10,000 barrels. Year one capacity is expected to reach about 700 barrels. The tasting room will be approximately 1,000 square feet.
Info: Paul Evers at 541-390-4021. Future updates on the brewery’s progress will be available at yettobenamedbrewery.com.
