One Fantastic (9 Year) Voyage

Nine, is just one more than eight, but for the Phoenix Brewing Company the difference between those two numbers is much more than just 365 days. It is the culmination of the last nine years into one fantastic journey.

One of their favorite parts of the journey has been the craft beer community.

“We didn’t really know what to expect when we opened. We were hopeful people would fall in love with craft beer as much as we had. It has grown into a larger community that has really embraced craft beer. I still get goosebumps.” Co-owner and head brewer Duncan Macfarlane commented.

“It is difficult to quantify community. How do you do that? It is easy to see growth in numbers addressing barrelage and production. But we have seen relationships begin, marriages, 5Ks, golf outings, trivia, bingo, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, dog adoption, book clubs, new friendships, philanthropy, collaborations, goals met, 5ks, and so much more. The craft beer community has grown. We get to be a part of it every day. What could be better than that.”

In 2014 the Phoenix brewed on a 5 bbl (150 gallons) system. That quickly expanded to include a 2nd 20-barrel (600 gallons) brewhouse. 10 barrels of fermentation tank space went from 10 barrels to 150 barrels and purchasing a 25,000 sq. foot warehouse. Delivering kegs from personal vehicles expanded to 2 delivery vans, and draft only transitioned to include bomber bottles and then 16 oz cans and owning their own canning line.

The staff has grown from 5 to 22, with 7 of those positions being full-time. Originally the positions were just brewer and bartenders. Now they include sales, distribution, brewers, cellarman, creative and marketing, safety, accounting, IT, bartenders, and bourbon stewards. Many work in dual positions, and many also serve on community organizations, community boards and committees, and with the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, and the Brewers Association.

The taproom only space expanded to include a patio, and then a second patio, or seasonal beer garden. And in 2023 the long-awaited renovation of the unused space into the Spirit Room at the Phoenix. The upstairs renovation into the Spirit Room at the Phoenix allows them to offer something different to patrons, but it also is a great space for private rental.

The beer portfolio started with only 4 offerings. The portfolio adjusts every year, but there are typically over 70 offerings throughout the year including collaborations with other breweries and non-profit organizations.

Since their beginnings, the Phoenix has tried to support and raise awareness for a variety of causes with local non-profit charities and non-profit national charities and organizations in the brewing industry through sponsorships, donations, special beer releases, fundraising events, apparel sales. In May of 2021, the Phoenix transitioned to a non-tipping establishment, in order for staff to secure a more fair and even wage with COVID disruptions.  Employee hourly wages were raised, and staff were able to also cross-train in different areas of the brewery. Any cash left behind is donated to a designated charity each month.

The Phoenix Brewing Company, in Mansfield, Ohio is celebrating its ninth anniversary this week with events all week. Macfarlane said, “We aren’t just celebrating ourselves; we are celebrating our whole community.  This journey really has just been fantastic. We even named a beer for it.”

ANNIVERSARY WEEK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Tuesday, April 25th at 3 PM,

The DISCO BANANA BLOND ALE will RELEASE on Tuesday,  APRIL 25 at 3 pm

The Disco Banana will release on draft at 3 pm with cans available later in the week Carapils, honey malt, 2-row, and just a hint of hops combine to create a delicious blond ale, infused with banana and chocolate. The Disco Banana is pale golden hue with a light malt sweetness. A fun flavor profile, and a low hop bitterness, the Disco Banana is delicious any time of year but available just in time for the 9th anniversary.

Tuesday, April 25 is BINGO night at the Phoenix, with prizes, great beers, and fun. Best of all it is FREE to play! The evening will consist of 5 total rounds of Bingo. Jason McManes is the BINGO MASTER for the evening.

Wednesday, April 26th, the Flight Club: Run/walk/Jog will meet at 5:30 pm in the Beer Garden for their weekly run starting at 6 pm. Chad Vanderpool will be leading the group on their weekly 5k and fun!

The celebration continues Thursday, April 27 with a Brewhouse Disco with DJ B-Rad emceeing. The production brewery opens to the public at 6:30 pm with limited seating, plenty of space to move and groove, a tented outdoor area, and of course, a disco ball. The Disco Banana might even make an appearance. Disco attire appreciated, but not required.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28: Live Music from Jeff Ritz and Friends at 7:30 pm.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28: FERRYMAN FRENZY

The Ferryman is taking over the taps in the Spirit Room on Friday, April 28th. Cross over to the Craft Beer dark side with the Ferryman. Brewed with chocolate and roasted malts, flaked oats, and lactose, this creamy and rich milk stout is easily drinkable and sure to become a favorite no matter which variant you try.

The Ferryman Oatmeal Milk Stout, 2020 Silver medal winner Ohio Craft Brewers Cup, and one of the original Phoenix Flagships starting in 2014 has a bold ABV of 7.2% and mild bitterness with 30 IBUs.

The Spirit Room at the Phoenix will have 4 exclusive Ferryman variants available for in-house consumption only including:

·       Ferryman with Maple & Bacon

·       Ferryman with Mint & Chocolate

·       Ferryman with Coconut & Chocolate

·       Coffee Ferryman with Baba Budan from Relax Coffee House in Mansfield

The Phoenix Taproom will offer for in-house and limited crowlers to go:

·       Orange Chocolate Ferryman

·       Buckeye Ferryman

·       and the original Award-Winning Ferryman Oatmeal Milk Stout, also available in 4 packs to go

SATURDAY, APRIL 29: The Big Bash in the Beer Garden, Noon until 11 pm:

Doors open at noon. Over 30 beers will be available, with 16 taps inside and 16 taps out in the Beer Garden including 2 specialty cask ales, and limited can offerings. Included in the 30 plus beers are flagship beers, seasonal favorites, limited editions, and one-off infusions. Some of the beer garden exclusives and specialty beers will also be available for take-home, while they last.  

NOON: The FANTASTIC VOYAGE HAZY IPA will RELEASE APRIL 29 at NOON in can and Draft. The Fantastic Voyage is a Hazy IPA infused with passionfruit for sweet and twangy citrus notes.  It is medium-bodied and brewed with Belma, Barbe Rouge, Idaho Gem, and Cryo Pop hops for citrus and berry aromas and flavors. This batch is brewed with a special terpene blend to maximize their dankness and a little bit of lactose for a creamy mouthfeel. Terpenes are the compounds in hops that give the plant its aroma and flavor

3:30 pm: CAKE CUTTING Cake from the Sugar and Magic Cake Company, Mansfield, Ohio. The Sugar and Magic Cake company creates cakes that are too fantastic to cut, but too delicious not to. The cakes are edible art.

LIVE MUSIC:

12:30 pm to 3:30 pm: Avenue Blue featuring Sarah Blubaugh.  

4 pm to 7 pm: The McIan’s Duo, Central Ohio’s best Celtic duet featuring a mix of traditional and modern Celtic music.

7:30 pm to 10:30 pm: Tom’s Kitchen Table.

FOOD TRUCKS: Noon to 7 pm:

Along with live entertainment, local Mansfield food truck favorites, Cell Block Café and The Fry Guys, will be on hand serving their delicious fare starting at noon and Two Cousins Pizza will also be available from the in-house pizza warmer or for delivery directly to your table when ordered through them.

For more information about the celebration week please visit: phoenixbrewing.com/nin

For more information about designated philanthropies, please visit phoenixbrewing.com/phil

That was a cake???

The opening night of the Spirit Room was a blur for most. But if you made it out on February 17th, you more than likely saw a barrel sitting on the bar. But it wasn’t a barrel. It was a cake.

The “wooden” barrel, perched on a stand, it even had a tap promising something delightful within. And it actually poured bourbon! It greeted guests as they came in to explore the Spirit Room at the Phoenix at the opening on February 17. Most people didn’t even suspect it was a cake. It was so realistic, even some of the staff didn’t realize it was edible at first.

It weighed over 60 pounds, took over 40 hours to create, and 2 people to carry it up the stairs. And it actually poured Bourbon. The incredible barrel cake from Sugar And Magic Cake Company.

It wasn’t just cake, it was art. And, it was delicious.

The decadent chocolate cake was smothered in layers of vanilla cream buttercream, covered in a layer of chocolate ganache, and encased in marshmallow fondant. It was airbrushed with food coloring and hand-sculpted to that look like aged wood and metal. Embossed of the front of the cake was the Spirit Room logo. Cutting the cake seemed almost criminal but Samantha “Sam” Macfarlane, Master Cake Artist and owner of the Sugar and Magic Cake Company, said “ Cut it! It’s meant to be eaten!”

Sam moved to Ohio from California almost a year ago. She was ready to get out her cake pans and start creating again, the opening was the perfect reason to get started. “The straps (on the barrel) were initially all silver,” Sam said, “but I hand-painted them to tone them down. Everything was made from scratch. It was so much fun just to play with sugar again. “ Sam started Sugar and Magic in 1997 while living in Puerto Rico when her husband Jack, was stationed there for the Navy.

If you didn’t get a piece of the barrel cake, we are betting you will be seeing cakes from the Sugar and Magic Cake company popping up around the area soon. Thanks, Sam for making the opening to the Spirit Room complete.

GREETINGS FROM KRAMPUS!

Krampus hiding behind the taps

You've been good. Right?  

Then you have nothing to fear from the Krampus!

Traditionally, Krampusnacht was the evening that the legendary Krampus came to punish naughty children for misbehaving. Sometimes they were beaten with a stick, but if they were really bad, they were taken to the Underworld for their punishment.

Krampusnacht at the Phoenix isn’t nearly as scary. It originally began as a way for the Phoenix to release the Krampus Kandy White Stout, a customer favorite. Krampus Kandy is a white stout, which is a golden ale infused with coffee.  It uses Highlander Grog to create roasty notes and hints of butterscotch and caramel, and is also infused with chocolate and vanilla. Since its first release, it has become increasingly popular leading to increased production and availability throughout the year.

“The release of the Krampus used to coincide with the traditional Krampusnacht celebration around the world.” creative and marketing Chair, Carmone Macfarlane. “but with increased production and health and safety concerns over the last few years, we held back on our celebration. But this year, our Krampusknacht is returning with new traditions including a canned food drive, beer pairing with cookies and candy, and my favorite part, a kegmas tree.“

Starting December 3rd through December 18th, the Phoenix will be accepting donations of canned goods to help fill local pantry shelves for families in need. Donations should not be expired or out of date. Guests are encouraged to consider items canned items like vegetables, dry goods like pasta, and items in glass jars like spaghetti sauce. For every donation, guests can enter their name in a raffle to win a holiday basket from the Phoenix that will be drawn on December 19th.

The Phoenix will offer a Candy, Cookie, and Beer pairing during the Krampusknacht weekend. Their creative experts have paired seasonal favorites together for unexpected flavor combinations. Holiday treats like snickerdoodle Stroopwaffels, chocolate biscuits, peppermint bark, and hazelnut chocolates will be paired with seasonal beers. The pairings will be available starting Saturday at Noon through Sunday, but only while supplies last. Their holiday menu will also be revealed including seasonal cocktails made from Ohio distilled spirits.

Macfarlane says, “I think I am most excited about the kegmas tree this year. We always have a small tree in the taproom, but a kegmas tree is a new tradition for us.” A kegmas tree is a large tree made from stacked kegs. The Phoenix kegmas tree will be located on their brick patio and the official lighting of the tree will will be at 6:30 pm. “The first time we saw a kegmas tree was in 2015 at Royal Docks Brewing Company. It’s a great way to combine some the brewing industry with the holiday season. And we will still have our little tree inside.”

Guests don’t have to dress in holiday attire but it is highly encouraged! Ugly or tacky sweaters,  Krampus costumes, ELF wear, Heatmiser, Crazy hats, hair or decorated beards. Closing out the celebration will be live music by Jai Merina starting at 7:30 pm.

Eight is Great!

Around this time 8 years ago there were butterflies filling our bellies. I couldn’t really say if they were from nerves or from excitement, most likely a hefty dose of both.

Truthfully, we didn’t really know what to expect when we opened. We were hoping people would fall in love with craft beer as much as we had. We were hoping it would become a sustainable business within Mansfield. We were hoping we hadn’t thrown away our life savings.

What it has done,… is grow.

When we first opened in 2014, the basement brewhouse was a small 5 bbl system with 2 fermenters and 2 brite tanks (serving tanks). That quickly expanded s to include a 20-barrel production system and over 120 barrels of fermentation space. We no longer deliver kegs from personal vehicles but from our delivery vans, and filling brown bomber bottles by hand has morphed into to a canning line capable of filling 20 cans per minute. Our beers are no longer only available in our taproom, but in restaurants, bottle shops, and to-go locations within a 70-mile radius. Our original staff with 5 part-time employees and owners has grown to 18, with 7 full time. And those first 4 first beers have blossomed into over 100 different beers over the years.

It might have looked pretty easy. on the outside, but growth provides a lot of challenges. Logistics, management, financial, consumer expectations, quality control, and changing regulations combined with COVID, supply chain disruptions, equipment failure and repairs, and seasonal changes. It hasn’t been easy.

We are so very lucky to be where we are today. Our dedicated staff have helped to drive the company forward with creative problem solving and the support from our community and the professional brewing community during some of those rough moments has been at times overwhelming.

So for whatever role you have played, we thank you., we appreciate you, we are so very grateful for you, and we look forward to spending many more years with you.

And, are the butterflies still there today? You betcha.

Anniversary Week Schedule of Events:

Tuesday, April 26th at 3 PM, the Carrousel Orange Wit releases. Brewed by a collective of Phoenix staff, friends, and family, in celebration the Eighth Anniversary, the Carrousel is a Belgian Witbier infused with orange. Named to honor the iconic downtown Carrousel District, it is pale in color and hazy from the wheat, oats, Munich, and Pilsner malts. The Carrousel embraces a light malt sweetness combined with juicy and fragrant all-natural orange flavor. Complemented by the addition of coriander during brewing for floral and citrus notes, this refreshing 5% Wit won’t last long. The Carrousel will be available on draft and for to-go sales in 4-pack 16-ounce cans.

Tuesday, April 26 is BINGO night at the Phoenix, with silly prizes, great beers, and fun. Best of all it is FREE to play! The evening will consist of 5 total rounds of Bingo. 3 traditional and 2 more "challenging" rounds. April’s special challenge rounds will focus on all things PHOENIX & BEER. Jason McManes is the special Bingo Caller for the evening. Special guests for April Bingo include the Richland Young Professionals!

Wednesday, there will be tapping a special single keg infusion of the Persephone Blond Ale infused with Pistachio.

The celebration continues Thursday with an Eighties Night with DJ B-Rad emceeing favorites from the Eighties from 7 pm to 9 pm. Eighties attire most certainly appreciated, but not required. Grab your neon, put your loafers on without socks, and get ready to party like it is 1987 but with way better beer.

The Big Bash in the Beer Garden, will be Saturday, April 30 with doors opening at noon. Over 30 beers will be available, with 16 taps inside and 16 taps out in the Beer Garden including 2 specialty cask ales.  Included in the 30 plus beers are flagship beers, seasonal favorites, limited editions, and one-off infusions. A limited amount of specialty crowlers will also be available while they last for some of the beer garden exclusives.  

Live music begins at 12 PM with Taylor Schlupp, a solo acoustic artist influenced by musicians like Paul McCartney, George Harrison, EVH, and John Mayer.  At 4 PM you can catch the McIan’s, Central Ohio’s best Celtic duet featuring a mix of traditional and modern Celtic music. .

 Headlining for the evening will be the Ricky Mitchell Trio at 8:00 PM.

Along with live entertainment, local Mansfield food truck favorites, The Fry Guys, will be on hand serving their delicious fare and Two Cousins Pizza will also be available from the in-house pizza warmer or for delivery directly to your table when ordered through them.

For more information about the celebration week please follow this link.