USA, GA: Variant Brewing to open its doors to the public on November 3

In the beginning days of Variant Brewing, Founder and Owner Matthew Curling stated he is aiming to “push the limits of craft beer”, MDJOnline reported on October 24.

Roswell will have the opportunity to test that theory when the city’s newest brewery opens for business on Nov.3.

“It is truly heartwarming that I have the opportunity to do this here in my hometown,” said Curling, who was born and raised in Roswell.

“I've always thought about the possibility of opening a brewery since home brewing really started to become more than just a hobby to me,” said Curling, who recalled spending much of his free reading books and articles about brewing, fermentation and beer styles.

He credits “a great group of talented brewers” and his brief period of working at Cherry Street Brewing Co-op in Cumming for solidifying his decision to open his own brewery.

“Variant Brewing Company comes from the idea of taking a single brew and making two or more different beers,” said Curling.

“If we take a full batch of our ‘Oatmeal Stout’ and split it after fermentation, one goes straight into kegs and the other half is put into another vessel where it's treated with coffee, that Coffee Oatmeal Stout would be a Variant of our Oatmeal Stout.”

Curling referenced brewers at craft beer and growler shops featuring specialty beers and “adding combinations of fruits, spices, vegetables and nuts to create a unique drinking experience.”

“We want to be a part of that movement. The creative side of brewing is what really got me so interested and captivated with the process,” said Curling.

Variant Brewing will have four “year-rounds” or regular selections: Blonde, IPA, Saison and Oatmeal Stout.

Seasonal “variants” of these beers will be available plus other experimental one-off or annual beers, according to Curling.

Curling credits a “smaller system and splitting batches to have seasonal variants will keep our tap list fresh with exciting new ideas, so even regulars will have new beer to look forward to tasting for the first time when they visit.”

When asked what fine details will be implemented to set Variant Brewing in a class all its own, Curling was mum to reveal too many elements.

“We definitely have some more involved and experimental beers, but you'll just have to wait and see what those are,” he said.

“Without getting too nerdy about it, in brewing there are tons of levers you can pull on to get a desired characteristic,” he said.

According to Curling, “the driving forces for these characteristics” include, but are not limited to: hop selection, hop addition schedules, yeast selection, pitch rates and fermentation temperatures.

Georgia state law also played a role in the development stages of Variant Brewing.

The passing of Senate Bill 63 in July 2015 “made a few things more friendly and appealing to smaller breweries such as up to 72 ounces of to-go souvenirs possible for breweries.

Curling decided to push back Variant’s opening until after the new laws went into effect in September.

Variant Brewing has been working to make its name known to residents with appearances at the Roswell Beer Festival and every Alive in Roswell this year.

“Our attention is fixated on our local market. We'll be distributing kegs to local restaurants, bars and growler shops,” said Curling.

“We make sure to attend all of the local festivals and socialize with the community as much as possible. The community itself is very open and welcoming. While I've shared some beers with the craft beer community, our beer is not yet available to the public.

Curling eagerly anticipates that day when Variant Brewing beers are publicly available, which is coming soon.

A social media announcement on Oct. 19 announced that the official grand opening weekend is Nov. 3 through 5.

Variant Brewing is at 66 Norcross Street in Roswell.

26 October, 2017