USA, CA: Honey Wagon Brewing opens in Tehachapi

Beer poured plentifully as Tehachapi’s first microbrewery opened its doors to the anticipating public on Oct. 23, tehachapinews.com reported on October, 24.

Honey Wagon Brewing drew people in small droves, filling up tables, bar stools and sampling beers by the pints and samplers.

Steve and Nicol Roemer, the owners, called the turn out in the first hour of opening a good sign.

“It’s been a lot of work and we couldn’t have done it without a lot of friends,” said Nicol Roemer. “It’s all worth it to see people sitting at the bar smiling and having a good time.”

Steve Roemer said the work leading up to the opening had been hard.

“Everything before now has made this easy,” said Steve Roemer. Challenges included construction to obtaining a licence from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

“Everybody seems to be happy and enjoying the beer,” Steve Roemer said.

The beer ranged from Roemer’s signature brown ale to a blonde ale, red ale and IPA, something one patron enjoyed.

“The IPA is awesome and hoppy,” said Stuart Etherton, one of the patrons. “I’m a big hophead so it ‘s a good choice.”

“This place has a nice, laid back atmosphere,” Etherton said. “The warehouse feel is nice and it might be a place to go back to over and over.”

That’s exactly the style the Roemers aimed for. Steve Roemer said he’s ruled out putting in a television.

“We’re not aiming to be a sports bar,” he said. “This is just a nice place for friends to kick back and enjoy a beer.”

29 October, 2014