The deal gives Astoria its own Brewery Block, and Nemlowill and Harris have lots of plans, beginning with a new production brewery and canning line on the ground floor of the Lovell Building....The result will be canned pounders of Vortex IPA--a fitting start, given that Vortex was named after the expedition to acquire the first brewery. (Video here of Chris describing it.) Vortex is also one of their best beers and a fantastic IPA, too, which probably factored into the decision.
Brewer Jack Harris and his crew of helpers will trek to Houston, Texas in March to disassemble a used 30-barrel brew system (930 gallons) and three 1,800-gallon fermentation tanks that they're buying from St. Arnold Brewing and load it onto five trucks for the trek to Astoria. The system will increase capacity nearly fourfold from thee current 260 gallon brewhouse, which will remain in operation in the Fort George Building.
Anyway, lots more in the story, so go have a look.
I find it interesting, if merely coincidental, that the story about Vortex being canned appears the day after OPB aired the story of the 1970 Vortex I festival. Lots of votices here in Oregon.
ReplyDeleteChris Nemlowill represented Fort George Brewery at a Beer Dinner at Venti's Cafe in Salem last October.
ReplyDeleteHe proved to be a gifted teller of tales, particularly the Kansas Vortex story.
As you noted, the Vortex [2X] IPA is excellent.
I think their stout would be fantastic in a can. I think I would prefer their Vortex in a bomber.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting, if merely coincidental, that the story about Vortex being canned appears the day after OPB aired the story of the 1970 Vortex I festival. Lots of votices here in Oregon.
ReplyDelete