USA, CA: Earth and Fire Brewing launches in Paso Robles

Amid Paso Robles’ fast-growing craft beer scene — with Firestone Walker and BarrelHouse both expanding and former Green Flash Brewing Co. brewer Chuck Silva building his own brewery — two avid homebrewers are opening what they’re calling the city’s first nanobrewery, The San Luis Obispo Tribune reported on June 29.

Earth and Fire Brewing opened on July 2, offering small pours, pints and growlers in an old veterinarian’s office at 825 Riverside Ave. Nick Vega and Nolan Mott have done almost all the work to transform the space, with help from family and friends.

“Everything we have is literally handmade,” Vega said, from the industrial-inspired light fixtures and stained concrete bar and floors to the two-barrel brewing system. “It’s been blood, sweat and beers.”

The family-friendly brewery opened with four beers — vanilla porter, Belgian abbey, imperial chocolate stout and double IPA — with plans to roll out new flavors regularly.

“We’re not going to be afraid to get funky and try different things,” Vega said. “With such a small system, we don’t have to worry too much about making mistakes.”

Mott and Vega, who both have day jobs as engineers, spent about $50,000 on the 1,500-square-foot space, where they have a two-year lease with an option to buy.

Hours are 2 to 10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, and there will be a barbecue truck selling pulled pork and tri-tip on Saturdays.

03 July, 2016