Last March I wrote: “Here’s a small-town scoop: A brewery is planned for Nevada City called the “Ol’ Republic Brewery.” Since then, the brewery underneath SPD at 124 Argall Way has received lots more attention — and is part of a booming regional trend (Loomis Basin Brewing Co., for example, opened last spring).
Last night, Ol’ Republic Brewery held its opening night for “friends and family,” and it was packed. “Raise your pints and toast to the opening,” the brewery’s Facebook page read. This weekend is expected to draw big crowds too.
“Such a great crowd and amazing beer,” one fan said about last night. “Well done.”
The Seven Hills parking lot was packed — and other businesses, such as Miner Moe’s Pizza at 102 Argall Way were benefiting too.
“Construction on the brewery started in early 2011 (yes, we’re mere toddlers in the brewing world) by Jim Harte, a 28-year home brewing veteran and Simon Olney, also an avid home brewer,” as the website reads.
“After Jim won a gold medal for his California Common and a bronze for his Irish Red Ale at the California State Fair, he started expanding Casa de Cerveza (his beer shed). While he was adding more and more bells and whistles than you could shake a stick at, he got to thinking; ‘Hey I know, I’ll open a nano brewery!’”
Other microbreweries in the region are booming. We’ve also visited and written about Loomis Basin Brewing Co. in Loomis. “Loomis Basin Brewery makes and serves handcrafted premium ales to the communities in and around Loomis Basin,” according to the current issue of Sierra FoodWineArt magazine. “They brew in the traditional English style that includes Pale Ale, IPA, and a Red ESB along with a seasonal Mandarin Wheat made with local mandarins.”
(photo credit: Chris Kelly’s Facebook page)
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A great evening, great beer and a good time. It is past time Nevada City had another brewery. Cheers !
I drank their stout and I missed not eating a piece of my chocolate cake along with the consumption of the delicious stout. I guess a piece of dark chocolate from Dorado’s would probable work as well. More trips planned to try the other flavors.
Cheers!, Prost!, Salute!, Sant’e!, Skoal!, Kanpai!…..
Cheers indeed. I might be stopping by this weekend for a pint.
We popped into Ol’ Republic this afternoon and visited a long time with Jim, Simon and others. It’s going to be a gem. Here’s what we sampled:
Helles (MUNICH LAGER)
Originally brewed as an alternative to the Pilsner from neighboring Bohemia, this malty, golden lager has a delicate hop finish. Perfect for Springtime in our beer garden.
Schwarzbier (BAVARIAN BLACK LAGER)
Almost black in color, but with very few toasted or astringent notes, this Bavarian beauty has some residual sweetness and a restrained bitterness that comes from the recipe’s noble hops. This brew is sure to change your perspective on lagers.
I really enjoyed my visit Sunday, enjoying a pint of California Common and conversations with the owners and Steve Enos. It would be a wonderful thing if this brought many people from different ideologies together all agreeing on at least one subject, THE BREW! Kudos to Jim and Simon!