Will Bike For Food!

We are currently in San Diego, one of the most beer-friendly places on earth. Before I get into how awesome this place is, I had to pull some photos from the archives to give some “uber beer-props” to one of our best brewery visits of the trip. That’s saying a lot considering we have ridden 5,500 miles visiting dozens of breweries.

This brewery has literally “bought the farm.” Rogue Ales of Newport Beach, OR has a Hopyard and Barley Farm and uses the ingredients grown there in their beer. They are taking steps to close the loop in the beer supply chain. Great example: They grow pumpkins on their farm, roast them in their kitchen, and put them in their (delicious) Pumpkin Patch Ale. They’re not the only brewery on the West Coast that has done this. Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido, CA also has a farm from which they source ingredients for their beer (more on them in posts to come)!

I have a feeling we’re going to see more of this in the beer world as time goes on. Why, you ask? Brewers of craft beer go the extra mile for their sudsy creations. Naturally, they care about each ingredient that goes into the beer because it greatly effects the quality of the product. If you’re making a killing brewing your hearts desire, why wouldn’t you try your hand at producing the ingredients for the product about which you are most passionate? Craft breweries are making strides to lessen the impact they have on the earth while increasing the impact they have on our pallets. They may be the greenest businesses out there (besides family farmers! Seeing this first hand brings a proud tear to my beer-loving eye.

We started our brewery tour with a tasting. What better introduction to a great brewery then sampling some of the product the freshest you can get it?

Because we had been cycling, and we believe in responsible consumption, Rogue hooked us up with something to put in our bellies. It became immediately obvious that people who care this much about their beer also care a ton about their food. They even combine the two. That's right. You will find Rogue's beer in your chili, Reuben, Ale bread, fish & chips, pizza, cheese soup, mussels, and pita!

With our bellies full, we took a tour with brewmaster John Maier. John has been with Rogue since 1989. At the top of these stairs is where he works his magic.

John shows us the computer used in the brewing process. Former Senior Technician at Hughes Aircraft Company, John is a smart dude. It takes a real pro to produce good beer on a large scale.

Here, malted barley and hot water is combined to create "wort" or young beer. The hot water extracts the fermentable sugars that the yeast eat a little later along the process.

Once the spent grains have been removed, the wort goes to the boil kettle. The boil removes any organisms that are not water in the beer. At this point, hops are added for bittering and aroma, as well as spices (depending on the beer) for flavor.

Specific beers are aged in barrels that were once used for whiskey, bourbon, or wine. The barrels add unique flavors and complexity to the beer.

Finally, the beer is sent to the bottling line. After this, it is ready for transport to beer-fanatics across the country.

Ever the attentive brewmaster, John inspects a bottle right off the line. This is one of my favorite pictures of the trip. Imagine capturing a picture of your favorite artist in the midst of creation. Beer is an art as much as painting and photography, and John is up there with the greats.

Rogue’s Mission is one that I can get behind:

To brew the finest varietal ales in the world with an uncompromising devotion to Quality and the Art of Brewing.

To present the finished work with a touch of educational, entertaining mischief.

To be dedicated to the Rogue in each of us.

To remember it is not simply a matter of profit, but a highly personal work of art.

To build relationships, not just ales.

To be like great friends and remember it’s what’s inside that counts.

Our Rogue experience in Newport Beach was a memorable one for sure. Thanks to John for showing us around, and sharing his art.

The awesomeness does not stop there. John is an avid cyclist, and bikes to work every day. His wife, Stacey, heard about our trip though our friends at PubQuest.com and hooked us up in a huge way. Rogue has their own B&B (Bed & Beer) across the river from the brewery. The first floor is a beer bar that features Rogue’s many delicious brews. The top floor has several little apartments for those who are in town visiting Newport.

Kate & I started our day without anywhere to sleep that night. No big deal, as we had done that dozens of times before. Well, Stacey & John couldn’t stand having us continue our ride down the Pacific Coast Highway searching for a camp ground at the end of the day. They put us up in the B&B for a night. Let me tell you, for two people who go long stretches without showers, privacy, or a comfortable bed, this was heaven! Even if we had all those things and this was just a vacation spot that we drove to, it would have stood out as an experience we’d remember forever.

We spent the night drinking fresh Rogue beer, listening to the seals in the harbor right outside our window, and airing out our wet camping gear. The kindness and generosity shown to us was overwhelming. They believe in what we are doing, and they showed their appreciation in the best way possible.

With over a dozen beer locations, nationwide distribution, and a busy brewing schedule, Rogue still took the time to help out the little guys. It wasn’t the first time we had been lent a helping hand, and it wouldn’t be the last. From someone who has traveled our country extensively, in perhaps the most vulnerable way possible, I want to let you know, people are good. The frightening state of the world on the news today is mostly sensationalized to boost ratings, and, despite the contrary, it is OK to step out of your comfort-zone.

We will always look back fondly on our ride down the Pacific Coast. The power and serenity of the Pacific Ocean is both inspiring and humbling. We might not have ever seen it, if we didn't take a chance and leave comfort and routine behind.