Marble Brew Day

 

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of craft beer. Something some people don’t know about me, is that at one point, years ago, I used to home brew. On top of enjoying a craft beer, I also enjoy the science and skill that go into creating a delicious pint. As time went on, I brewed less, but my love for it never waned. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to secure a ticket to the first of what I hope is many Mavster Brewing classes hosted by Marble Brewing. Guests are allowed a behind the scenes look and the opportunity to observe their head and lead brewer create a batch of beer beginning to end.

The day of the class I was excited and intrigued about what the day would bring. After signing in, and a quick introduction by head brewer Andrew and lead brewer Gregory, the day started with prepping the grain for brewing. In between steps, we were educated on various aspects of brewing, and the ingredients being used that day and it all starts with the grain. It was fascinating to sample each type of barley and to be able to taste the subtle differences within each one. After that, guests were invited to the brew deck to watch the beginning stages of the beer being made. The smell in the air was amazing, the volume being brewed was eye opening, and the knowledge and the passion of these brewers showed every step of the way. Any question that was asked was answered with great knowledge, approachability, and an obvious love of their job.

After a quick break for lunch, while we were waiting for the wort to come to a boil, guests were treated to a great tour of the brewery. The back of the brewery itself was smaller than I expected, but the volume of what they produce was eye opening. Rows of fermenters drew your eye up to the ceiling and it was amazing that so much beer comes out of this one building. On top of that, getting to see that we learned, that Marble is also one of only a couple of tank-to-tap breweries. This means they don’t keg the beers they serve, which equals a fresher product. The biggest takeaway from the tour was how committed they are to delivering a high quality product to all guests.

Once the tour was over, it was time to resume the brew, and once again guests were allowed on the brew deck to watch the hops get added. If I thought the aroma of the grains was amazing it was quickly beat out my the amazing citrus, pine, and floral aromas that wafted through the air as the hops hit the boiling wort. In between adding the hops, we were educated on the hops being used which was one of the most educational aspects of the day. I was in awe of how much hops can change, and the way we were taught to do that was amazing. We were taught to grind them up in our hands to mimic how heat changes the smell. For a hop to smell like an orange, and then a pepper after grinding it was nothing short of incredible, and again shows the knowledge and passion these brewers have. I didn’t even mind the green stains the hop residue colored my hands.

As the class came to an end, so did the brewing process by transferring it to a fermenter, adding the yeast and waiting for it to become Marble IPA in a couple weeks. One thing I did not touch on, which was the highlight of my day, was the samples we got to enjoy led by Andrew. This was so much more than having samples of beer, and it was a guided tasting of some of Marble’s beers. We got to enjoy the IPA, Pilsner, Desert Fog, and Hersbrucker Pilsner. Getting the opportunity to learn how to properly taste beer from the aroma to the flavor was incredibly educational. We were taught that each beer should have layers of flavor and how to taste those, which is something I never knew existed.

I think it goes without saying that this was a truly one of a kind experience that I am glad I did. If and when Marble does it again I would highly recommend it, and would probably do it again myself. To learn about the brewing process from an award winning brewery, and taste beer with a highly regarded brewer is an experience that cannot be replicated. This was a day full of great education, but more importantly great memories and it is something I will not soon forget.

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