Courtesy Earthbound Beer
This weekend marks a double anniversary of sorts for Earthbound Beer (2724 Cherokee). A patio party on Sunday from noon–8 p.m. will mark the brewery's sixth anniversary, as well as its third anniversary of moving from a shotgun-style space to an expansive, multi-level home in the shell of the former Cherokee Brewery stockroom and lagering facility.
While Earthbound’s taproom hasn't been open during the COVID-19 pandemic, its patio has taken on greater importance. Offsite sales have also been a main driver of revenue.
Last week, after hand-packaging bottles of the seasonal Jeff Goldplum (a mixed fermentation ale brewed with plums, sumac, and lemon zest) in the cellar, co-owner Jeff Siddons moved to the main floor and opened a package featuring the labels for this weekend’s anniversary offering, Space Dream (an 8 percent ale brewed with wildflower honey, lavender, and raspberries).
“Space Dream is normally our anniversary beer, from when we moved in here," Siddons explained. "The past two years, it’s been brewed with blackberries. This year it’s raspberry.”
One of Siddons’ personal favorites, the beer will be available on draft and as a 22-ounce bomber. “I’m a big fan of beers with fruit and honey added," he said, "and I think raspberries are one of the best additions to this beer.”
Courtesy Earthbound Beer
Courtesy Earthbound Beer
At the present time, service at Earthbound is window-only
As with almost all of this year’s releases, off-premise sales are key, though that market has gone from kegs to individual four- and six-packs, as well as single bomber special releases.
Courtesy Earthbound Beer
T-shirts for sale this weekend
“This was meant to be a taproom, a place to drink at the bar,” Siddons says, standing behind the bar. “But we’ve gone to manufacturing package goods and selling that way, which is different. The new space has allowed us to adapt.”
Today, the the brewery’s taproom is scattered with office work and bits of gear. “It definitely feels that we are in a new space again,” he said.
