Puff Daddy":1azhoefw said:
I'm sipping on a Rogue Chocolate Stout at the moment. I don't usually like the effect of adding flavors (coffee, chocolate, etc) to beer but this one works. The first sip or two is "Whoa, chocolate added. Not so sure 'm gonna like this...." But then it settles nicely into a good rich flavor. There's a Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout ready for tomorrow.
When I was in Washington state earlier this summer for my daughters wedding we all ate at Silver City in Silverdale, Wa. There is a Silver City Brewery and a Silver City pub, separate facillities. The pub has great food and, of course, plenty of Silver City beer. Had
The Best beer I've ever had in my life that night, their Fat Scotch Ale, which to my uneducated palate fell squarely into the flavor arena of a Stout. If you're ever in the area.... (Unobtanium in California
)
Well then, you've experienced the delights of a very talented brewer - Don Spencer, who came up through me at Thomas Kemper in the mid 90's at Poulsbo.
Don was destined for greater things, and I really can't hold any credit except for perhaps introducing him to the world of brewing on a professional scale. And all the equipment that goes with it.
Don was already brewing at home when he came to us, with a very professional steam fired 3-bbl system and had his ducks in a row, so to speak. His beers were fine and I and others enjoyed them on many occasions. Most notably one of his X-mas celebrations at his digs back around '94 or so when many cigars were also smoked!
Don went on to become the Brewmaster at Silver City in Silverdale, a fledgling brewpub next to the Silverdale mall around '95, the year we closed down the Poulsbo brewery. I say "we" but I had no hand in that. It was a corporate decision and I wasn't consulted.
By then, Thomas Kemper had been acquired by Pyramid back in Sept '92, so I danced to that tune. And at the time I was Plant Mgr/Brewmaster the new Pyramid facility in Seattle, directly across from what would eventually be the home of the Mariners. And eventually the Seahawks, kitty corner. But back to Don Spencer-
Many was the time I visited the original Silver City location. Saw it being built. And the ambience, food, and especially the beers were without equal. Don certainly knew what he was all about.
In fact we at Pyramid use to joke that the decor was "Pyramid West" since it was designed by the same folks that designed Pyramid on 1st Ave South and Royal Brougham. Very similar!
Similarities notwithstanding, the Silvedale location went on to achieve great accolades, and well deserved. Don's skill as a brewer were much in evidence, and he went on to win awards for his beers in competitions.
Sadly the Silverdale brewpub is no more , but the brand lives on still under Don's guidance in the production facility in Bremerton, a few miles away. To say that Don has made a name for himself in WA brewing history is an understatement. And I can't lay any claim to hos success. He was destined for it!
:cheers:
Cheers,
RR
