We had a brewery meeting today. One of the agenda items was to talk about SpringFest 2008. While there was some concern with a conflict with Cindo de Mayo, we decided to go with May 3rd, 2008.

We had a brewery meeting today.  One of the agenda items was to talk about SpringFest 2008.  While there was some concern with a conflict with Cindo de Mayo, we decided to go with May 3rd, 2008.

What can you expect with SpringFest 2008?  Well, we I can’t answer that yet.  We just picked the date.  The details are yet to be worked out yet.  But, I can say that you should expect great beer and good friends.  Remember this is an invitation only event, so if you aren’t already registered on the site, please do so.  We want to make sure you are on the invitation list.

Other items discussed today:

• Taxes
• Beer names
• Packaging

I am petty exited about 2008 and what it will hold for the growth of the brewery.  Check back soon for more updates.

Joe and assistant brewer at Gluek Brewing Company was nice enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to tour us around their brew house.

On Friday January 18th, 2008, Jim Pierson, Kevin Hubbard, Steve Rinker, Steve McLean, Jim Bartkey and I took a tour of the Gluek Brewing Company.  In addition to brewing their own brands Gluek, Stite, and Northern Reserve, they are also the number one producer of energy drinks in the United States.

One of the most unique things about the brewery is that they sit on a spring that is fed from an underground glacier lake.  The water filterd down through the granite into the lake making their water source naturally pure.

The brewing starts with a spring water in a 300 barrel batch.  The wart is chilled by 58 degree spring water which is fed into a hot liquor tank for the next batch of beer.  They have a highly configurable bottling and canning line that allows them to package many different sizes of bottles and cans.  Beer is pasteurized and then sent to the packaging line.  Everything is automated from filling to pallets.

The day we were there they were filling energy drink cans.  It is a fun process to watch.  Joe gave us some samples of Honey Bock, Red Bock, Stite and Stite Lite.

If you are ever in the Cold Spring, MN area, I suggest you check out the events and contact the brewery about a tour.  Thanks to the Joe and the rest of the staff for the hospitality.