Author Archives: Brian

About Brian

I like beer.

Climbing the Mountain

Two weeks ago, June 6, marked the three-year anniversary of the date that I created the business plan for our brewery in Google Docs. In an inadvertent metaphor, Nicole and I also hiked up to the summit of Mt. Mitchell … Continue reading

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The plans are done

Have we been on a roll lately! Last week we checked off another milestone, completing our architecture and engineering plans and submitting them to the City for permitting. If all goes well, we should have our building permit in the … Continue reading

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Adult Tested, TTB Approved

Miracles do happen! Last Wednesday, we received a notice that our Federal TTB Brewer’s Notice was approved. We filed the application on January 19, less than three months ago. Currently, this process is taking many breweries around the country six … Continue reading

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Freaking cool reclaimed metal roofing

We have returned from Bluffton, SC with some amazing material for the Fireforge tasting room. Thank you so much to Diana and Joe Zokan for donating a ton (literally) of metal roofing from the historic 19th century house that they recently … Continue reading

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The Deer Moves In

While it doesn’t look like much has happened from the outside here at Fireforge, a lot has been going on behind the scenes. Most importantly, my trusty deer, Bob Coble, has moved into the brewery. Bob has been with me … Continue reading

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Fireforge Crafted Beer Finds a Home

We’ve all heard it said that good things come to those who wait. The impatient, perpetual 12-year-old inside me has never liked that saying. However, I believe it’s true. After an 18-month search evaluating over 60 properties throughout Greenville and seemingly every … Continue reading

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Brewery Acquistion Mad Libs

Last month, Northern Brewer/Midwest Supplies, Minnesota-based mega homebrew shops, were acquired by ZX Ventures, a venture capital firm backed by AB InBev. ZX Ventures is self-described as “global disruptive growth group, incubator, and venture capital team.” I’ll say. They just … Continue reading

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Why It’s Important to Know Who Brews Your Beer

“It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.” – Michael Corleone, The Godfather The big news in craft beer these days is all about acquisitions. AB InBev acquired Goose Island in 2011 and followed that up with 10 Barrel, Blue Point, … Continue reading

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One Year Back in Greenville

One year ago today, our moving van rolled back into Greenville. Was it a triumphant return, or wounded retreat? I believe it’s the former. Nicole and I spent two and a half awesome years in Tampa. I look back at … Continue reading

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Fireforge and other South Carolina start-up breweries shut out from festivals and special events

“People love free beer. Why ruin the fun?” — Nicole Cendrowski, VP Arts & Crafts, Fireforge Crafted Beer Recently, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) and SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) began to strictly enforce a 20+ year-old state alcohol law that … Continue reading

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