Brew masters
It was a real honor to open up C-VILLE [“More power to them,” April 28] and see myself listed as an up-and-comer in the local food and eats scene! Recognition is always so gratifying, and it was such a treat to have that surprise this week.
I felt a little bad, though, the way some people might take the wording as it concerned South Street Brewery. Certainly, they were making world-class beer before I arrived, as evidenced by Jacque winning a gold medal at the World Beer Cup for J.P. Ale in 2000 at the absolute highest level of beer competition in the world. And I certainly would not be a brewer today had Jacque not let me learn alongside him before I went off to brewing school in Chicago in 2000. When I made my slow exit from South Street with the blessings and good wishes of Jacque and Fred (the owners) it was to bring a different model of brewing to Virginia with a rural, wine-like take on the art, but I would not say I left to do something better. Just didn’t want y’all’s very kind (and appreciated) recognition to be a source of hard feelings for those to whom I owe so much!
Thanks!
Taylor Smack
Blue Mountain Brewery