Reformation Brewery supports causes that make a difference in the communities we serve. We select causes to support based on availability of resources and impact on the greater community, with an emphasis on listening to and serving others well.
Community Revitalization
We believe local independent breweries are an important part of the long term health of communities. Independent breweries bring life to underutilized real estate spaces and create a place for conversations to happen face to face. Communities improve when discourse occurs in an environment that supports the sharing of ideas.
Human Connections
We believe in the beauty of all and will not let the extremes of political differences distract us from listening and serving others well. Reformers seek to find meaningful opportunities to share a beer with others.
Honest Conversation
We believe in asking questions before jumping to conclusions. With an open mind understanding and moderation become possible. Reformers seek to shine a light on the balance between extremes.
In a chaotic world, truly letting go and finding our happy place in the here and now takes practice.
I think everyone is looking for ways to strike a balance that brings true contentment. It’s taken me a while to learn how to say a resounding “NO” to the noise of everyday life, and make time for real relaxation. Nothing’s perfect, but here are a few things that help me tap into down time when I need it most. What’s in your list?
DIVE INTO YOUR HOBBIES
It’s easy for me to tune out the things I love when I’m busy. But I’ve realized, if we have even just a spare few hours, we have time to get out those art supplies that we put away months ago and forgot about. And perhaps get others in on it too! Find camaraderie with people that share your passions. Make a day of it, or meet once a month if your schedule allows! Big things can happen when people who like the same things get together. Maybe for you it’s finding a new book, exercise routine, or a new board game. Find what recharging looks like for you and dive in.
GET OUTSIDE
We all know that moving our bodies is good for us. Do what it takes to get yourself up! Walk with a friend, listen to a new album or podcast, or explore your neighborhood. I’ve only just started exploring the local trails and community parks right here in Woodstock, but there are plenty of hiking, biking, and waterways to discover. And a quick trip to the mountains of North Georgia is always worth the breathing room, if you ask me. You can make a day of it, and then refresh and reflect with a pint if you like!
PAUSE AND APPRECIATE
I’m always amazed by the things I see when I turn away from busyness. Sometimes I catch myself reveling in the things that no one else sees. A beautiful scene on the side of the road that I can’t help but stop and take a picture of – even if it means being five minutes late to that meeting. Social media can be a great resource for remembering these moments, but it’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing! Scratch pads and journals are a good concrete way to reminisce, clear your mental cache, or chart things you take in. Recognize the beauty. Find a way to put life on pause, and stop to appreciate the moment.
FIND A HEALTHY ESCAPE
Breaking away from my routine really helps me keep a healthy mindset. I’ve found that watching new films and listening to new music are some of my favorite ways to get away. It’s so nice to let go of a hard day by letting artistry take me into another world for a little while. And while it might seem unconventional, serving others can be an escape from the noise. Volunteering in your community can give you a sense of belonging to something bigger, and that feeling of purpose and meaning can lead to a real, abiding sense of perspective in our lives that keeps us in balance.
MAKE EVERYDAY SPECIAL
Never underestimate the benefit of buying that special beer you’ve been dying to try, getting the best kind of chocolate, or stopping for gelato on the way home from work. Celebrate life with small luxuries that make you happy, and get into the habit of treating yourself! Sharing moments with others can be great, but don’t be afraid to do something special on your own. Build margin for these humble but powerful things. We can all clear our schedules for a little bit to focus on calm, cathartic moments. And maybe, just maybe, life will be just that much more enjoyable.
Salty and sweet, popcorn is a perfect taste and texture companion to a well made beer. Test our favorite pairings, or BYOP (that’s bring your own popcorn) and explore your own!
IPA + Jalapeno Cheddar Popcorn
India Pale Ale lovers know that hop bitterness and heat goes hand in hand. With Nolan‘s rotating hop additions in each release, you’ll get a kick out of this pair combining white cheddar popcorn with a punch of jalapeno pepper.
Lager + White Cheddar Popcorn
JOGR is our top pick as a refreshing low cal favorite to wash down white cheddar. This palate cleanser is a perfect match for salty and savory crisp white cheddar popcorn.
Belgian Style + Caramel Corn Popcorn
Smooth but subtle caramel and a dry finish make Cadence, or big malt in Jude make these Belgian Style favorites a complementary pair. Who knows you might just nurture your inner child with each bite!
Declaration + Chocolate Caramel Crunch Popcorn
Declaration is an Imperial Stout with aromas of smooth dark fruit and roasted malts. Declare a day done well with this pairing of chocolate caramel crunch popcorn and this beer’s notes of coffee and bitter chocolate.
High Efficiency Brewing System
May, 2015 Co-founders Nick Downs, Spencer Nix, and Lead Brewer Paul Hamill.
New Beginnings
In May of 2015, Reformation Brewery in Woodstock, Georgia installed and started operation on a High Efficiency Brewing System (HEBS).
Developed in Australia by iDD Products, the HEBS uses 40% less water and up to 20% less grain than conventional brewing systems, paying off as both a cost-saving measure and an important step toward preserving the Etowah River Watershed, from which the brewery draws its water supply.
With the help of a hands-on tutorial from the system’s creator, Jeff Gunn, and some guidance from Chris Anderson at Coachella Valley Brewing Company (California) and Scotty Morgan at Rocks Brewing Company in Sydney (both of whom also brew on a HEBS), the new system is helping meet increasing demand for Reformation Brewery beer in Georgia.
Lightening the Load
The third brewing system for Reformation over the last year, the HEBS raises capacity from 3-7 barrel production to approximately 17.5 barrels. The High Efficiency Brewing System provides the ability to turn over the brewing cycle five times in a 13-hour day, lightening the load in more ways than one.
“For me, the biggest benefit is time. Knocking hours off our brew days allows me to spend more time with my family. And the malt is augered in and exits on a conveyor belt which means no shoveling out the mash tun. In Georgia summers, that is a big deal.” — Co-Founder and Brewmaster, Nick Downs
Nick adds that the increase in production with fewer resources translates into more affordable beer for the consumer. “There is a lot of pressure on grain and hop process year to year,” Nick notes. “Because of the HEBS, we use less grain and can keep our prices in check.”
COO Bjoern Jembsy is also pleased with the change. “I also love the ability to run many small batches fast thus enabling variety without it becoming too expensive. This has the added benefit of giving our brewers some of their lives back!”
Innovation
The new system also provides opportunities for innovation, opening up the possibility of using unmalted grains to provide unique flavor profiles. And with more time to explore future styles, the brewers can also focus on improvements to the existing lineup.
Although the technology isn’t new–iDD HEBS creators point out that “macro brewers have had access to this technology for nearly 45 years”–issues of cost and scale have previously been prohibitive for smaller breweries working on a limited budget.
With only eight iDD HEBS systems currently in operation in the US (and only 12 worldwide), Reformation Brewery is proud to be among the few taking this innovative step. Co-founder and CEO Spencer Nix says the decision to move to the new system was both practical and personal. “I love that the HEBS aligns with our value of moderation. It helps us maximize resources, freeing us to balance more out of life. Quality of life translates into quality of beer.”
Meeting Demand
“We’ve struggled to meet demand in this first year. It’s a good problem to have,” Spencer admits. Increased capacity and shorter brewing cycles with the HEBS mean more Reformation beer in the market.
And for Reformation enthusiasts like Cheryl, the return of their favorite beer to local taps is welcome news. “I’m thrilled that more restaurants will be carrying Providence soon, so I can enjoy my favorite craft beer on tap when I’m out.” (Cheryl Francis, Marietta, GA)
The new system will also help Reformation meet their goal of bottling “Commons” (22 oz bottles) which will be made available exclusively in the Keeping Room. Spencer Nix says they also hope to be able to offer 12 oz bottles in 6-packs and 12-packs by the end of the year.
