It all started by drinking a beer
After enjoying a pint of flavorful craft brewed wheat beer made by a former home brewer in Portland OR., Don started thinking about brewing beer at home. He purchased a beer kit back in April of 1990. One taste of that first beer and he was bitten by the bug. With a solid academic background and a natural curiosity, he scoured brewing books to learn more. Bolstered by his acquired knowledge, his beers improved. It wasn’t long before he entered his first beer competition. Entering three beers; he won two gold, one bronze and a best of show award for his efforts. Don continued making beers to share with family and friends and was content to brew beer just for himself.
Ten years later, he met Carrie, the love of his life and was smitten. They married in May of 2003. At their reception they served three of Don’s home brews. The celebration continued long after Carrie and Don left for their honeymoon and all 30 gallons of beer were consumed. The word spread quickly and friends came to visit Carrie and Don often. Don made a lot of beer and taught several friends how to brew to keep up with the demand. “I WOULD BUY THIS BEER” was often heard by people that tried Don’s beers. Don joined two local home brewing clubs, he was eager to gain knowledge and share his own brewing knowledge with other craft beer lovers. He made many new beer friends and his appreciation for the art grew. He became president of the Riverside Home Brew Crew in 2014.
It was Carrie who saw a real passion in Don when it came to beer. She saw him “light up” while explaining brewing details or when drinking a beer and describing its flavor with friends, strangers or anyone that showed an interest. He loved discussing beer and mentoring other home brewers in the craft. So one day Carrie popped the question, “Why don’t we start a brewery?” A plan was formed to open up a ten barrel production brewery and tasting room.
Don is a BJCP Certified Beer Judge
Don enjoys tasting beers and learning and discussing the beers with the other judges. He continues to expand his knowledge of beer by constant reading, experimentation and of course brewing and tasting beer. In January 2015, Don started his professional brewers certificate program.
Euryale Brewing Company hopes to produce and serve many beers and become a destination brewery in the Inland Empire. Our plan is to expand in to the market place in Southern California, Northern California, Nevada and wherever this fine beer can find an audience of thirsty fans.