E-Malt.com News article: USA, MI: DirtBag Brewing Co. to open in Gobles in spring 2014

Relying on his background as a builder and history as a homebrewer, Ryan Long plans to open DirtBag Brewing Co. in Gobles in the spring of 2014, mlivr.com reported on October, 23.

DirtBag Brewing Co. will be in a 14,000-square-foot building.

"About a year ago I decided that I wanted to have my own pub and brewery," Long said. "I realized that I have such an amazing group of skilled and talented friends and that we could really combine our trades and make this microbrewery project a reality. I thought that instead of us always meeting at other pubs in town, we should have one that is unique, and really caters to our lifestyle."

Long said he has applied for the proper licensing.

As for the DirtBag's beer, Long is currently brewing pilot batches on a one-barrel system. He anticipates opening with a seven-barrel system and growing to a bigger system as needed.

He'll most likely have four standard beers - a pale ale, IPA, porter and stout - and a series of specialty brews, including a gluten-free offering. He will also be planting around 500 hop plants at his home for future seasonal brews.

When he begins packaging beer, he'd like to can. He's also leaning toward stainless steel growlers, or larger containers for beer to-go. Long said he's considering selling growler bicycle racks as well.

24 October, 2012