Updates on Bank Street brewery progress, among other news items.

Everyone wants to know when brewing will begin at the Bank Street Brewhouse. Trust me: I’m among the inquiring minds.

Inside, plumbing, electrical and glycol (chiller) installation has been ongoing. The boiler is supposed to be operational by June 15 or thereabouts. Work is being done in the grain room, and with the mechanics to transport grain to the mash tun.

The only real sticking point thus far is the gas line coming into the building, which must be modified by Vectren to be of use. We think this has been scheduled for the 15th. If so, grain can be ordered shortly thereafter, and brewing will commence. Licensing is in place, so we’re okay on the regulatory front.

The four brands to be brewed initially at Bank Street for outside distribution are Elector, Beak’s Best, Bob’s Old 15-B and Hoptimus. Others like Community Dark will remain available to old familiar customers, and these will be brewed at Grant Line, where Jared also will brew seasonal and specialties.

In other news:

Outside, the north patio (half the former parking lot, where smoking will be permitted) is being constructed. The roof is going up first, followed by the stone walls and then furnishings. The sidewalk on the eastern building front has been approved for replacement by the city, and once poured and finished, it will extend further into the street, permitting non-smoking outdoor tables between the building and the sidewalk. This should begin soon.

Mark Tuesday, July 14 on your calendars. There’ll be a special Bastille Day menu at Bank Street, prepared by Chef Josh Lehman, and a few special French Bieres de Garde that I’m “importing” for the occasion – not that Elector doesn’t pair with cassoulet.

Finally, on the beer front at Grant Line, the summer’s being dedicated to the long-awaited revamp of the bottled guest beer program. As part of the annual culling of some items and adding others, we’ll be changing the way we organize the menu to emphasize style and point the way to the many new and exciting beers now available to us.

Your patronage is appreciated, and don’t forget to direct your questions to me, the Publican: roger@newalbanian.com

The Propagator and the Propaganda - Viva Che!

By John Campbell

Day 3 of the brewery installation. Come in for a beer and watch it come together, that's why we made the walls out of glass, ya know.

David and Jesse connecting Che, the yeast propagator:




David and the Brewhouse:





The Stormtroopers:


Meanwhile, Josh is creating edible art, Nasty is holding up the bar, the forklift door has been installed in the new malt room, and Dave and Jesse continue piecing together the future...

"We must spread our principles, not with words but with deeds, for this is the most popular, the most potent, and the most irresistible form of propaganda." - Mikhail Bakunin

My Life Out of Focus

By John Campbell

I recently bought a fancy new Nikon that I obviously don't know how to use. I was going to publish photos of the brewery installation last night, but immediately noticed a blur in my vision and - without Hoptimus - knew it must be a case of bad photography.

After some inner debate, I've decided to publish them anyway. Pretend you've had a pint or two of Hoptimus and you won't notice a thing.

Brewer Jesse Williams

the urban cyclist arrives

Brewer David Pierce behind the wheel

Lloyd directing traffic

One truck unloaded, one to go.

the Donut Man can

Left to right: Gregg Rochman, Jared Williamson, Jesse Williams, and Artist-In-Residence Anthony Beard

Don't look so mad, I'm not the one eyeing your donut!

one tank to go

the brewers riding the last one home

the coach enjoys a cigar from the sidelines

what has two thumbs and loves brewing?

These machines kill fascists.

Dave explains how to get it up.

Nate showed up for the heavy lifting.

a job well done, more to come...

Colleen gave me a crash course in photography this morning. She adjusted my settings and showed me the wonderful world of Auto Focus.

If future photos appear out of focus it will be because of Hoptimus.

New blood during the brewery installation.

This is John Campbell filling in for Roger Baylor while he is away. David Pierce and I will be uploading photographs of the brewery installation. Stay Tuned.