Ok, Ok.... It's been a long time since the last posting, but that should indicate just how busy we are getting the Tap Room ready for our opening and brewing a bunch of beer. Last we wrote the Hard Tail brew-day didn't go so well, but the Bohemian Blonde Ale was in good shape. As is turns out, we had to throw out the Hard Tail, which was a bit of a sad day, but the lessons learned were important and we are not about to serve beer that doesn't meet our high quality standards. Since then, we've been able brew our Pale Ale, Easy Rider English Ale, Bourbon Stout, and just this past Tuesday, another round of the Hard Tail, which I'm happy to say is fermenting along nicely. We've kegged the Soft Tail from early on, the Bohemian Blonde, the Pale Ale, and we'll be ready to keg the Easy Rider later this weekend. This upcoming Tuesday, we're pulling out the Belgian yeast strain and planning to brew a Belgian Saison, and then following that up in two weeks with a Belgian Dark Strong Ale. Lots of good beer in the works and we're itching to get open to start serving it.
The build-out is coming along as well, but is holding us up from opening up at the moment. January and February were really active for the construction: HVAC, electrical, and plumbing all finished up, the hardwood floors were put in, tile installed, and the walls were painted. We assembled our hand made bar over the past couple weeks, and the trim carpentry is being completed this weekend. Tim Moore, our great friend, is cranking out the banquettes for us, and those should be ready in the week or so. And Anna Thor (Goldsberry) is working on the cushions for the banquettes, as well. And a local artist, Kerry Sherman, is taking some custom photographs for us to hang on our walls, along with displaying some of her own original work. It's been a great team effort getting the place into the shape that it is, so we have much to be grateful for. The kitchen is coming along nicely, although the requirements for the health department are driving us a bit nutty. The appliances are pretty much in place and we've got a few local vendors supplying us with some great food that will pair well with beer and just plain taste great.
We just met with our local custom growler guys this afternoon who are making some incredible hand-blown limited edition Lake Bluff Brewing Company growlers. We're really excited about these!!! They are more like pieces of art than a vessel to hold beer, but I don't think it will stop someone from filling it up with beer. Our logo will be etched into it and the first 30 will be numbered as our first batch and will commemorate our opening. All custom, all hand-made, all about the craft. More details and pictures to follow.
It seems like a long ways off, but March 23rd is going to be the big day we open the doors (if not sooner if we can manage), and it will be here before we know it. We'll try to be better about getting more posts and pictures over the next month as we near the opening. Until then, thanks again for the support. Cheers!
