Tag Archives: new brewers

Hourglass Brewery announces new brewers

The Hourglass Brewery announces the departure of founding brewer, Sky Conley, and the elevation of Michael Delancett and Matthew Gemmell as co-brewers.

The change in brewers is part of The Hourglass Brewery’s plans to grow the distribution of its beers, first in Central Florida, and then throughout the state. “We’ve always had our sights set on distributing quality beer,” said co-founder, Brett Mason. In July 2015, The Hourglass Brewery began distributing its beer in Seminole and Orange Counties through Republic National Distributing Company. “Today’s personnel change is aimed at meeting the growing demands of our distribution while ensuring that a large variety of Hourglass beer remains available in our
taproom,” according co-founder and manager, Lance Butterfield.

Sky Conley, who co-founded The Hourglass Brewery, helped to launch the brewery in 2012 with a three-barrel brewing system in its former Longwood location. Conley established a strong reputation for concocting a wide variety of unique and interesting beers. Said Butterfield: “We could not have launched a brewery without Sky’s brewing talent and creativity. We appreciate all his efforts.”

Taking charge of brewing operations at The Hourglass Brewery are Michael Delancett and Matthew Gemmell. Both Dalancet and Gemmell have been working on the brewery’s ten-barrel system since the new location opened its doors in October 2014. According to Mason: “Matt and Michael have worked hard to learn this system and what it takes to produce high-quality beer. They’re doing a great job.”

The Hourglass Brewery is located at 480 South Ronald Reagan Parkway in Longwood.

Cask & Larder Logo

Two big pieces of Cask & Larder news

Two pieces of news from Winter Park’s Cask & Larder:

James and Julie Petrakis, chefs/owners at Central Florida’s award-winning Cask & Larder and Ravenous Pig, have appointed Garrett Ward and Larry Foor to lead brewing efforts at Cask & Larder’s acclaimed Brewery. Ward and Foor will continue to produce many of The Brewery’s popular beers, introduce new limited edition beers and collaborate with Cask & Larder’s chefs to further incorporate fresh, local ingredients into their microbrews.

Both Foor and Ward have deep Swine Family roots, having held various positions at Cask & Larder and Ravenous Pig. Foor, who has been part of the restaurant group since Ravenous Pig launched more than seven years ago, most recently was the bar manager at Cask & Larder, a role he also held at Ravenous Pig. Ward, now head brewer, had been an assistant brewer at Cask & Larder for the past year and has also worked behind the bar at Ravenous Pig during his tenure.

The duo boasts more than a decade of combined beer making experience and holds notable industry distinctions. Ward is a certified cicerone, one of the highest certifications a brewer can receive, while Foor recently earned a degree in brewing technology from the prestigious Siebel Institute in Chicago.

“Garrett and I are really excited to continue brewing the same great beer that Cask & Larder has been known for over the past two years,” said Foor. “ We also plan on working even closer with the kitchen to incorporate some of the same seasonally fresh ingredients in our beers as they are using in the food, placing a stronger emphasis on pairing the two.”

Ward added, “Not only will we continue brewing some of the most popular Cask & Larder beers, we also will introduce new ones, including the Big Belgian Holiday Spiced Quad, which will be ready for consumption very soon.”

In addition to the new beer varietals, Cask & Larder’s Brewery will launch Central Florida’s first to-go crowlers (canned versions of beer growlers) on Thursday, Nov. 13. Patrons will be able to purchase 32-ounce cans of Cask & Larder beers for $7 each directly from The Brewery and choose from a rotating selection of three Cask & Larder beers. The first batch of Cask & Larder beers packaged in crowlers and sold to-go will be the Lone Palm Golden Ale, Olde Southern Wit, and Flame Out Pale Ale.

Beginning in February 2015, Cask & Larder beer crowlers will also be available for purchase at Swine & Sons Provisions, the newest endeavor from the Petrakises. Located directly west of Cask & Larder, Swine & Sons Provisions will specialize in takeout charcuterie, butcher sandwiches, seasonally inspired homemade ice creams, signature spices and rubs, scratch-made biscuits, daily pastry offerings and more.