It’s been just over a year with the new owners of The BBC and changes have been made all around. From the front of the house facelift to the most recent departure of their award winning brewer, Ian Larkin, steps have been taken in order to appeal to a larger market. Grab those 22oz bottles while you can, moving forward they’re pouring beers in 500ml bottles.

From the wire:

Here are the details!
What: Old St. Francis School Grand Opening Celebration with music by Hutch & Gentry! McMenamins winery, distillery and brewery tastings too!
Where: 700 N.W. Bond Street, Bend
When: Saturday, July 30, 2016. 3p to 6p Free – all ages welcome!

The celebration takes place property-wide. If you can find it, the Broom Closet Bar will be open, serving up specialty drinks and small bites for purchase.

Background: the original St. Francis School opened in 1936 and four bungalows were added sometime between the 1940s and 1960s. Recently, three of the four original buildings were sold to make room for the new lodging (the buyer is turning those structures into vacation rentals) and the fourth building, the Parish House, remains as an Old St. Francis School guest house.

What’s new? Over the past year, McMenamins has built two new lodging structures inspired by and incorporating design elements from the original bungalows. The 17-room Education House is themed after historic St. Francis School figures, such as the Donna Lutzky, the school’s first art teacher. The 24-room Art House features hand-painted scenes from McMenamins locations, lore and beyond. Guestrooms feature televisions, telephones, internet access and private bathrooms with showers. As with all Old St. Francis School lodging, overnight guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the soaking pool.

For more information hit up the Grand Opening page over at McMenamins.com

Cheers!

Coeur

de la Peche (or Heart of the Peach) is part of a new seasonal saison series that also includes their classic Farm Out Saison. The brew uses apricot and peach purees and the result is a brightly carbonated brew with a creamy mouthfeel and subtle clove and white pepper yeast flavors. Hints of peach and dried apricots round out the profile in aroma and taste. Coeur de la Peche is available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft through September.

Kama

Citrus IPA is a well-balanced blend of Centennial and Equinox hops, with the addition of real Mandarin orange and grapefruit purees. It’s clean and crisp with a juicy citrus flavor and fresh tangerine on the nose. A pronounced hoppiness and balanced profile combined with a 6.2% ABV might just make this the perfect summer IPA. Kama Citrus IPA is available in six-pack 12-ounce bottles and on draft through October.

These are Limited, so head over to the pub or your favorite bottle shop or grocery store to pick these up while you can. Cheers!

If you are familiar with Bend, you’ll know the location is prime! Cheers to Sunriver Brewing – here are the details straight from the press release:

“Sunriver Brewing Company will celebrate the opening of its second pub in Bend, Oregon. The new pub, located in the Bakery Building at 1005 NW Galveston Ave includes seats for approximately 65 people inside plus another 50 on the outdoor patio.
The Galveston Pub will start off featuring nine of their craft beers including Vicious Mosquito IPA, Fuzztail Hefeweizen and other year round, seasonal and specialty brews. Consistently recognized for innovative and high quality food, Sunriver Brewing’s Galveston Pub will feature many well-known favorites as well as several new dishes.
Sunriver Brewing will continue to operate its popular pub in The Village at Sunriver which opened in July of 2012. Sunriver Brewing was recently recognized as the People’s Choice at the 2015 Bend Brewfest and KLCC Brewfest. “There are so many awesome breweries all over Oregon, particularly in our area” says Brian Cameron, co- owner of the company. “We’re so grateful for the response we’ve received in the last couple years and really appreciate the support. It’s exciting to have an opportunity to do business in Bend” says Cameron. Other local acknowledgements include two consecutive wins as People’s Choice for best SMaSH (Single Malt and Single Hop) beer at Central Oregon Beer Week (single malt, single hop).
The brewery is equally excited about its release of Rippin Northwest Ale, a new year round beer. They note in the description, “Rippin has the amazing dank hop flavor of an IPA, but the easy drinking nature of a smooth pale ale.” Sunriver Brewing hopes to have its grand opening coincide with the Rippin Northwest Ale release on February 13th.”

Cheers!

As I cruised in to the BBC, it was clear that all’s well at this long-time Bend establishment. Even though it was a bit past the typical 12p-1p lunch hours, the place was busy and people were propped up at the bar enjoying pints and pub fare. My visit this time around however was for more than throwing back a pint or two, it was specifically to conduct an interview with the current and new owners – and to drop off a keg of Ian Larkin’s finest that had recently been “kicked”.

I noticed Wendi Day behind the bar with a some papers in one hand and the phone in the other – she glances over smiles to acknowledge my arrival. I also notice a not so familiar face shadowing the barkeep, getting some instruction on the POS system – turns out it’s one of the new owners.

Full disclosure: The BBC is my go to brewery in Bend. The beer, the people, and the location just make it easy for me to walk downtown take a right on Brooks and have a friendly neighborhood pint. And as I have mentioned before one of the three reasons we moved to Bend long ago. Big thanks to Wendi and Packy for their time on Monday, Leslie was not present during the interview.

Beer me Bend (CP): Packy what’s your story?
Packy Deeniham (PD): I went to Oregon State University from ’04 to ’08 then moved to Bend for just about two years where I first was a lift operator at Mt Bachelor, then started a crêpe cart in town – Crêpe Affair – we’d be right in front of Bellatazza downtown, farmer’s markets, and concerts, but it was such a seasonal endeavor from June to August it just couldn’t sustain itself full-time.

I still wanted the mountain vibe and get a career going so I moved to Denver on a whim and ended up there for five years.

CP: Where you met your wife and now business partner?
PD: Yep, she [Leslie] was going to CU Boulder, had a bunch of friends in Denver, and met her through one of her friends where I was working. Turned out she was a big skiier, and I’m a boarder, so we went on a date to Keystone, she kicked my butt on the mountain, and ever since we’ve been together.

CP: Nice! How’d you end up back in Bend?
PD: It’s always been the goal to get back [to Bend] since the day I left. The only reason I left was because of the tough times in ’08 and ’09, I really tried to make it work.

CP: So now you’re back. Good timing! Why the BBC?
PD: I think it’s really the tradition of BBC. First and foremost it’s got a great name, its reputation is fantastic, and ever since meeting Wendi, her father, and Rob [Wendi’s husband], it seemed like a natural fit. I’m extremely proud of now being part of the BBC, especially working with Wendi. I can’t imagine a better situation for myself, Leslie, and my dad to be in. Taking on a brewery with great quality of beer, food, and people, everything is awesome. There’s so much opportunity here and I’m pumped to get going on it. Being 29 and coming into this situation is a best case scenario.

CP: Did you contemplate starting your own brewery before purchasing the BBC?
DP: We looked into starting a brewery, but we didn’t put much thought into it once we heard Wendi would be interested in talking with us – This was a dream come true for us.

CP: When did you approach Wendi?
Wendi Day (WD): It was in July – I met with you at your house on July 30 [2015]. I know this because Rob’s birthday is on the 31st.

CP: Did it take you by surprise that someone was looking to buy your brewery?
WD: Yeah. Over the years I’ve sat down with a handful of people that were more interested in the properties next door and their potential opportunities. But when I met them [Packy & Leslie] and their family, that’s when I realized maybe I should really think about this. It’s been fifteen years since I’ve owned the BBC and was ready to have two to five more years here – We just had our Twenty Year Anniversary. I really like their family, so I talked with my dad [Jerry Fox – BBC founder] a lot about it. It just seemed like everything was happening for a reason and I felt comfortable that working through the transition I would be able to impart all my information to Packy and Leslie. I became confident that selling to the Deenihans was the right decision.

CP: What’s your experience in the brewing industry?
PD: I really like craft beer. I’ve never been in the craft beer industry, but will be bringing my business acumen, my father’s business acumen to BBC and learning as we go. I don’t have any brewing experience, but we have some of the best in the industry upstairs, and I’m excited to learn from them.

CP: Do you see any parallels between your family and the Deenihans?
WD: There’s a lot of different things. When my dad started the brewery he did not know how to brew a beer either, he was a business man, an entrepreneur – He drank a lot of beer, I drank a lot of beer before I was here and then became trained by all the great brewers that we’ve had and have just learned to love the culture, and the people that I’ve worked with over the years.
PD: Well, back in September we got our families together at Wendi’s for dinner, and I think the moment she was comfortable with the idea of selling was when she found out that my wife’s maiden name was Fox.
WD: We [Wendi and Leslie] have the same maiden name! What are the chances?

CP: That’s serendipitous! So you’ve been mulling it over for some time – that’s good. Are your plans to keep BBC a family run business?
PD: Absolutely. I think that’s what was attractive to Wendi – that we were going to continue on as a family owned business.
WD: His wife Leslie will work here too.
PD: Leslie is going to be a big part of it. She has a background in marketing and is going to be spearheading those efforts including social media.

CP: What’s your previous business experience?
PD: Worked for a couple of technology companies in Denver. Great companies, but not the industry I wanted to be in. I was looking for something more adventurous, more entrepreneurial.

CP: Well this industry is both of those for sure!
WD: Every day is an adventure.

CP: Wendi, talk to me about the transition.
WD: Well, I’m going to be here to make sure it’s a smooth transition. Since they moved up here a couple of weeks ago Packy and Leslie have shadowed me and worked with different departments – they’re going to bartend and serve, brew with Ian [Larkin] and Josh [Harned]. Just this afternoon he was in the kitchen watching how things are made.
PD: We’re getting as close to the business as possible, to learn it all. It’s become apparent that Wendi is the glue that keeps it all together. She’s the ring leader.
WD: I’m a good ring leader and really proud of all of them [employees]. So for transitioning, November we’re focusing on front of the house, working with the servers and other managers. December we’re going to start working with administrative stuff –
PD: – and trying to convince Wendi to stay on after January in some reoccurring role –
WD: – I’ll sit here and I’ll drink beer! I’m happy for them and the opportunity to help them as they need it. If something comes up or if they want to go on vacation I can fill in.

CP: What are the plans for the expanding the brewery?
PD: The biggest opportunities for BBC are producing more beer and distribution. Today, the majority of beer produced upstairs is consumed in the restaurant. Just being Bend Brewing Company, the name speaks for itself – It’s synonymous with great quality, award winning craft beer. So taking that to an expanded distribution footprint is going to be huge for us.

CP: So a larger production facility?
PD: All options are on the table, but the main focus is expanded production and distribution and not changing the tradition of Bend Brewing Company. We’ll make a few improvements here and there, but overall, BBC will remain the same. I’ve reiterated to the staff that I hope everybody stays and is part of this new chapter. I don’t want to focus on what we can change, but rather, how can we make more Ching Ching, more Hop Head, that’s where are current focus is. We’re going to be taking Ian and Josh’s lead in terms of what they think is best of expansion. They’re the pros and we’re here to facilitate that.

CP: Any plans for making pub improvements?
PD: Eventually yes. We’ve talked about redesigning the front, opening it up with a garage door and possibly raising the back deck to make it level with the restaurant floor.

CP: Favorite beer?
PD: [Big sigh] I’m liking Ching Ching a lot! I wasn’t a sour fan until about 5 months ago. But now, every time I can get my hands on Ching Ching, I do.

CP: Well, that’s not going to be a problem now.
PD: It’s [Ching Ching] got such a cult following, when I look on social media there’s so many comments on Ching Ching, I’d like to make it available to the masses and have it on tap year round.

CP: There ya go! I like your plans so far. Now if you can just get the Lovely on year round too, we’d be set. Wendi, what do you plan on doing next year?
WD: Spending time with my family.
PD: We’re part of Bend now, we’ve got our season passes, photos taken and are ready to go!

CP: Yeah, well better not pray for too much snow because you’re going to be at the pub all the time now. Welcome to you next adventure!

The transition is in process and the purchase should be official by January 2016. By the sounds of it a bigger facility is in the cards but may not be happening in the near future as they are still settling in. I wish them the best and I’m sure I’ll be seeing them more often than not on Local’s Nights! I’m stoked for the new owners, Packy and Leslie Deeniham, as well as for Wendi. Wendi has had the distinct opportunity to have some great brewers pass through the doors at the BBC, let’s cheers to her selection of the new owners of Bend’s second brewery, The BBC! May they be as awesome as she has been and continues to be, and may the the tasty award winning suds keep flowing! Cheers!
Oh yeah, and please keep the BBC Nachos and Blackened Steelhead Caeser on the Menu! ;P

It’s official! One Bend’s first breweries changes hands!

Bend Brewing Co. (BBC), established in 1995, and the second oldest brew pub in Bend, Oregon, is excited to share the news that a new family will take ownership beginning January 2016. For twenty years owner Wendi Day, along with husband Rob and father, Jerry Fox, established the brewery into a downtown Bend staple that has a rich tradition of serving award winning craft beer & exceptional, made to order, pub fare to families and friends alike.
“I am so proud of Bend Brewing Company, the people who I’ve worked with, the friends and families who have supported us over the years, and the recognition we have received in this amazing brewing community,” Wendi Day said.
The new owners, Packy and Leslie Deenihan, have been introduced to the BBC staff and both have been working closely with Wendi throughout the transition. “I am truly excited for this new opportunity and I would like to welcome Packy and Leslie to our BBC family,” added Day. Packy Deenihan is a graduate of Oregon State University and lived in Bend in 2008-09 before moving to Denver, Colorado, where he met his wife, Leslie. Leslie is a University of Colorado Boulder graduate and was also a member of their ski team. “We are thrilled to be taking over such a well respected & award winning brewery” said Packy Deenihan, and “we are especially impressed by the quality of staff at BBC and hope they all stay with us in this new chapter.”
Initially, Packy and Leslie will be focused on continuing to serve the loyal patrons of Bend Brewing Company. Going forward, they believe there is an opportunity to expand production & distribution of Bend Brewing Co.’s beer as well as having a stronger marketing and social media presence. Packy’s Dad, Ed, will also have a role at BBC, primarily focused on promoting the BBC brand and beer outside of Bend. Don’t expect too much change, though, the Deenihan’s are particularly focused on carrying on the tradition and culture that has made BBC so great 20 years later! See you at BBC!

Sure, costumes, candies, and Pumpkin beers are all part of it too; but there’s something to be said about chillin’ outdoors next to a Fire Pit sipping on a libation or two. Ah McMenamins. For whatever reason, I group McMenamins with Deschutes Brewery and Bend Brewing Company as my original good-time breweries in Bend. Both Deschutes and the BBC were here when we rolled into town. McMenamins moved in several years later, but quickly became a part of – what seems like – a long standing tradition of heading downtown for outdoor fireside pints with friends and family. An epic tradition, especially when it’s snowing out. A certain porter comes to mind during this time: The seasonal Black Widow Porter.

This years Black Widow Porter is rather delicious. I’ve had it at numerous McMenamins locations including from the bottle, which was so graciously delivered to my doorstep one fine day. Black Widow stands out with big malty flavor and undertones of caramel, licorice, and finishes out so smooth you just have to have one more. And this years batch – from Michael White “Curly”, McMenamins Old St Francis School Brewer – is on the money! Looking forward to having another soon, and possibly

All McMenamins breweries will be making a batch of the porter this year, and you’ll have until Halloween to get a taste of it, or of course while supplies last. So get it while you can.

While at Old Saint Francis yesterday I also had their 30th Anniversary left of their Fresh Hop offerings. Curly’s Fresh Hop Ranch Hand is on now, it is tasty.

If you were among the crowd at this years IPA Wars over at 10 Barrel you’ll know that us Benders love Oregon IPAs – So why not have another IPA Fest, right?! Except this one is demilitarized; PT80 isn’t some acronym for a weapon or explosive. PT80 is short for Pine Tavern’s 80 year celebration. The event will launch their 80th birthday celebration with a beer garden, food, judging and a people’s choice award for the best IPA. Sixteen Central Oregon breweries will be competing for the best IPA and judged by local celebrities and beer fans. Additionally they’ll be serving a signature PT80 beer.

What › PT80 Beerfest Challenge
When › September 29, 2:30p
Where › Pine Tavern
Why › Beer
How Much › $10 – Includes pint glass + 5 tasting tokens
Benefits › The Humane Society of Central Oregon

The Pine Tavern may not be top of mind for most aficionados when it comes to go-to pubs featuring a great selection of craft beer, but what better way to entice us by having a Beer Fest right? So cheers to the new owner for putting this on! Plus, I’m pretty sure they still have those delicious scones! And who knows, perhaps this is a start to a more “tavern-like”, Pine Tavern. For more information and a list of participating breweries, visit PineTavern.com or Facebook.com.

Cheers!

“We’re still killing it at our pubs in Bend, Portland and Boise, but you may have heard we recently came into some more resources, so we wanted to take it up a notch – It’s really all about expansion. Pubs, pubs and more pubs, and we feel like seven more is a good start.” – Garret Wales, 10 Barrel co-founder and VP of Pub Operations.

 From the wire: All seven pubs feature 10 Barrel’s signature style: natural wood with industrial touches and open air seating. The new pubs also feature 100 percent natural lighting, limiting their environmental impact.

“Honestly, these pubs have been in the works for a long time – We started talking about these way back in May or June, and we’re glad they finally came together.” – 10 Barrel co-founder Jeremy Cox.

Cheers!