USA, WA: Medal awarded brewer opens 54°40’ Brewing Co. in Washougal

Prolific brewer Bolt Minister will open his 54°40’ Brewing Co. in Washougal, Washington.

Bolt Minister has been brewing around Oregon and Washington for many years, from Pyramid Brewing to Walking Man, Rock Bottom, and most recently Old Town Brewing, where his beers won multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival, The Daily Meal reported on March 24.

More easily twittered and searched as “54-40 Brewing,” the name is in reference to the historic boundary dispute between the United States and the United Kingdom for the Oregon territory encompassing the greater Northwestern U.S. and British Columbia, or as it is called now, “Cascadia.” This area of land was marked at parallel 54°40′ north and became a democratic slogan for American annexation–”Fifty-four Forty or Fight!”–around 1845.

Having made a very successful career brewing for others, you might be wondering what Bolt Minister makes for himself, and that is exactly what he plans to brew.

Bolt isn’t chasing trends, but admits after having the opportunity to evaluate new experimental hop varieties with Indie Hops he fell in love with a few of them. He is excited about having a full-sized hop back to stuff with whole cones and spices. Perfect for Bolt to make what is one of his favorite beer styles — Fresh Hop Ale.

54°40’ Brewing gets started on the build-out soon and Bolt Minister hopes to be able to brew by October for the 2015 Hop Harvest season and Fresh Hop festivals. Let’s hope this brewery stays on schedule.

27 March, 2015