When Greer Brewing owner Chris Greer set the opening date for his brewery last year, November was what he had in mind. November of 2016 that is. “We’ve hit a couple snags along the way but all that doesn’t matter because we’re just a couple weeks away now,” he says as he stands at the top of his brewhouse’s platform. The brewery is set to have a soft opening on June 23 with a grand opening on June 24.
When I stopped by the brewery to meet with him, it was his first day brewing on brand new 15 barrel system and his face showed both nerves and excitement. He gestured towards the heavily bearded gentleman watching from below and proclaimed “The fact that he’s here makes me a little more relaxed.” That gentleman was named Corbin and the reason he made Chris feel more at ease was because he was with ABE (American Beer Equipment), the company that made the brewing equipment he was taking on its maiden voyage.
There was an IPA already boiling when I arrived with just about 20 minutes left to go. Since there was a brief lull in action, I asked Chris to pose for a few pictures near the boil kettle. We would both instantly regret that request. As Chris moved back, following my direction, he accidentally bumped against one of the buttons on the brewing system’s control panel. Not just any button mind you, the emergency stop button. The electronic display turned completely red and “EMERGENCY STOP” was all that showed on the screen. Corbin sprung into action and he and Chris worked together to get things back up and running. “Well, I guess I know what to do if that ever happens again,” Chris said with a relieved chuckle.
Even with that setback, the first day brewing at Ellisville’s newest (and only) brewery was a success. Fermenters were being filled and finally, a date to open was actually within reach. When the brewery opens, Chris hopes to have five beers available with four on draft and one being poured from a cask. “We’ll be producing some lagers at the brewery and we hope to have the Vienna on draft when we open but if it needs a couple days longer, we’re not going to rush it.” In addition to the beer, they will have some cold items like charcuterie available for the folks that fill out the 99 chairs in the seating room.
Here is the first round of beers that have been brewed for the brewery’s debut:
IPA | 6% ABV | 57 IBU
The malt bill includes Golden Promise and Crystal Specialty malts and is single hopped with Centennial.
Hefeweizen | 4.6% ABV | 11 IBU
Red wheat and Golden Promise malts get hopped just once during the boil for 60 minutes with Hallertau Mittlefruh.
Vienna Lager | 4.7% ABV | 24 IBUs
Vienna, Munich, and Caramunich malts are joined by traditional Hallertau Mittlefruh hops.
Belgian Specialty | 5.5% ABV | 26 IBU
Made with Pilsner and Aromatic malts, bitter orange peels with coriander, and Tettnang and Czech Saaz hops.
Best Bitter | 3.8% ABV | 29 IBU
Served on cask, Golden Promise and crystal malts, Williamette and EKGs hops.
While this variety of styles ensures there will be something for everyone when they open later this month, Greer is just getting started. With 8 draft lines and space for one cask, Chris hopes to have all 9 lines pumping out Greer beers by the end of 2017.
See below for contact information and pictures from our visit.
Contact Info
www.greerbrewingco.com
16050 Manchester Road
Ellisville, MO 63011
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Noon -10:00 pm
Thursday: Noon -10:00 pm
Friday: Noon -10:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am- 10:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am- 7:00 pm
Greer Brewing (photos)
Justin Phelps
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