Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Roll Out The Barrels.....Crooked Letter Brewing Company Is Here!!

Yes, it is true....OS has it's very own microbrewery nestled in a small unassuming building at the back of  Broome's parking lot on Government Street.

  It has only been open for a month or so and as residents of Ocean Springs, we (meaning me, my hubbie and daughter)  felt it was our civic and patriotic duty to investigate and partake of this new business.  Tours of the brewery and beer tastings are conducted on Saturdays from 1- 3 p.m.  This is the only brewery in Ocean Springs and one of only two in South Mississippi.  We arrived promptly at 1, began tasting with Wanda, Owner and Beer Temptress followed by a tour with Paul, Owner and Brew Master Rock Star and a final brief tasting to make our decision about our favorite brew. 

There are lots of souvenirs available for purchase including beer glasses, huggies and tshirts....we got distracted.....

Great shirts!  Go buy one and support the cause!
We turned our attention to the beer tasting bar on the opposite side of the room.......
There are 4 beers in currently being produced.  Mystery Romp, Gipsy IPA, Stabello and Crooked Heffy.
Wanda explained the differences.  "Romp" is infused with chocolate and coffee, NO! it is not like Guinness, very light and delicious.  The Gipsy IPA was an American style India Pale Ale.  The Stabello, a lager and Crooked Heffy, an American Hefweizen with banana and clove flavors.  All were very accurately described and quite tasty. 

Each person sampling had to be 21 and received their very own mini sampling glass.
 Moving on to the tour (taking our samples with us, of course) we followed Paul into the brewing area....As always beer begins with the grains that are ground and combined with yeast and water.


Grinding machine on the platform behind Paul is ready for action.
Paul explains the process that goes on within the tanks.  In the event of a hurricane, these tanks can hold 2,000 gallons of water that can be distributed to the community. 

 Leftover grains go to the cows and the beer is ready to be "kegged",cooled and distributed.
Crooked Letter Brewing Company currently produces about 300 kegs per week.  Several bars in town have their beer on tap and they are to begin bottling the beer in mid April.
End of the Beer Line
Shiny kegs awaiting to be filled with beer deliciousness!
Sadly, it was time to leave our new friends and our new favorite beer on the planet!!!  We are anxious to be drinking a Crooked Letter beer on our back porch during the sweltering months of summer just ahead!!
 You..too... can take advantage of this wonderful new opportunity to visit with Paul and Wanda and learn about the ancient process that produces this tasty beverage 
Crooked Letter Brewing Company is located at 1805 Government Street.  Check out their website and facebook page for more information.  Beer cheers!!!