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Dog Rose Brewing, St. Augustine
(photo by Linda Johnson)
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An experienced commercial brewer, Doug started homebrewing while living in Atlanta before relocating to North Florida. He began working at A1A Ale Works (St. Augustine) in June 2001 and became the brewpub's head brewer in 2002. There, he managed the brewery operations and produced 3-5 flagship beers for the company, along with creating new recipes. A few years ago, he looked to open his own place in St. Augustine and began working on a concept. Although close to signing a lease on a property at the time, things didn't take shape, and he continued to explore properties around the area. When A1A Ale Works ceased brewing operations at the end of 2016, Doug acquired the brewpub's brewing equipment. Things fell into place in February when Dog Rose Brewing signed a lease on a property in Lincolnville, and renovation of the building, which previously housed an art gallery, began.
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Doug Murr, President, CEO and Head Brewer, at the natural-wood bar
(photo by Linda Johnson)
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A look down the bar
(photos by Linda Johnson)
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Shuffleboard area along the side wall |
So, who's getting thirsty? When Dog Rose Brewing opens, expect to find all-house beers on tap from the get-go. The brewery won't experience "growing pains" with new equipment, because this is Doug's "baby," as he's already very familiar with the system. Federal Brewer's Notice in hand, he's ready to start brewing again, which should start within a couple of weeks. Ten draft taps will pour beer from ten serving vessels in the cooler. The 10-barrel brewhouse system includes three 10-barrel fermenters and three 20-barrel fermenters. In other words, there will be quite a bit of beer here.
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Fermenters on site, waiting to be filled! |
But don't expect copied versions of the former A1A Ale Works beers. While he "enjoys pushing the limits" of brewing beer, Doug also wants to "go back to basics" and serve "good, straightforward beers." Generally, the tap room will offer three or four flagship brews, along with five or six rotating beers, as Doug keeps "coming up with the next thing." He's always open to new ideas and "not following bandwagons." Look for a lighter-style beer, such as a lager, an amber ale and an IPA to always be on tap. Of course, some of the beers may "morph" over time, and some styles may depend on reactions from customers. And, yes, there will be a few barrel-aged beers. Who knows, there may even be a beer with rose hips down the line.
What's the first beer Dog Rose Brewing will brew? Probably an IPA, says Doug, followed by a lager: a "filtered, polished light beer."
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(photo by Linda Johnson) |
Although business hours aren't set yet, the tap room will be open 7 days a week. Beer-to-go will be offered in growlers.
Dog Rose Brewing is located at 77 Bridge Street, in St. Augustine's Lincolnville district. The area is rich with history, as it was settled after the Civil War and is home to the city's largest collection of Victorian-era residences. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, according to the City of St. Augustine. Doug expressed his excitement to be a part of Lincolnville, and looks forward to giving the local residents a place to visit regularly.
Excitement is growing at Dog Rose Brewing. A brewery by this name promises to be pretty sweet.
[Ed. Note: See the follow-up story, October 29, 2017, after Dog Rose Brewing opened October 2017]
I had an awesome time hanging out with Doug at the new Dog Rose Brewing earlier this week. While there's construction dust and the humming of power tools right now, things will be taking form quickly, as furniture and additional equipment make their way inside. Thanks to Doug for the hospitality! And, Congrats!
That's a wrap this time around ...
Cheers!
Til next time,
Linda
Linda Johnson,
Certified Cicerone®
(All photos by Linda Johnson)
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