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Audition: A Premier Pour Bartending + Oncore Brewing Collaboration Beer
Craft beer enthusiasts rejoice! It's time to raise your glasses to the culmination of a 17+ year friendship, passion for brewing, and the spirit of collaboration. On August 18, 2023, the taps flowed with excitement as we proudly unveiled "Audition," a hazy, juicy IPA born from the dynamic partnership between Premier Pour Bartending and Oncore Brewing in Swanton, OH.
A Friendship Brewing:
Every great beer has a story, and the saga of Audition begins with a friendship that has stood the test of time. Brennan Stanford, the creative force behind Premier Pour Bartending, and Keith Baker, the visionary behind Oncore Brewing, share a bond that transcends mere business dealings. Their journey traces back to a chance encounter during St. Patrick's Day festivities in Bowling Green, OH, where Brennan was working his magic behind the bar. Little did they know, this encounter would blossom into a lasting friendship that would span nearly two decades.
As fate would have it, Brennan and Keith's friendship continued to flourish over the years. From living under the same roof for a spell to embarking on adventurous snowmobiling escapades, they shared countless memories and experiences that solidified their bond. But it was a pivotal moment when Brennan decided to gift Keith his very first Mr. Beer brewing kit that would set the stage for their joint venture into the world of brewing.
This seemingly small gesture ignited a passion for home brewing within Keith, sparking a journey that would eventually lead to the establishment of Oncore Brewing in 2022. What started as a humble kit soon evolved into a full-fledged brewing operation, fueled by Keith's dedication and creativity.
In retrospect, it's clear that Brennan and Keith's friendship has been the driving force behind their shared passion for brewing. From that fateful meeting in Bowling Green to the inception of Audition, their story is a testament to the power of camaraderie and the transformative potential of a shared dream. And as they continue to write the next chapters of their brewing adventure, one thing remains certain: with friendship as their foundation, the possibilities are endless.
A Tribute to Beginnings:
Audition isn't just a beer—it's a tribute to the moment that started it all. As we brewed this special IPA, we couldn't help but reflect on the journey that brought us here. From that first batch of homemade beer to the bustling brewery we stand in today, every sip of Audition is a celebration of friendship, creativity, and the power of a shared dream.
Crafting the Perfect Brew:
Crafting Audition was a heartfelt endeavor, melding our collective expertise and fervor for brewing into every meticulous detail. Drawing upon Brennan's extensive tenure behind the bar and nearly 12 years immersed in sales and management within the beer distribution realm, coupled with our mutual affection for hazy, juicy IPAs, we embarked on a mission to concoct a brew that would encapsulate the essence of our camaraderie and the essence of collaborative spirit.
Keith's prowess as a maestro of recipes and flavors proved invaluable throughout the process. Brennan's conceptualization of the flavor profile served as a guiding beacon, which Keith deftly translated into a perfected recipe. Carefully curating the finest ingredients, from select malts to meticulously chosen hops, we crafted a concoction destined to tantalize palates and etch indelible impressions. Through iterative refinement, we meticulously adjusted the batch, harmonizing flavors and aromas until Audition achieved its zenith, a testament to our shared dedication and passion for the craft.
@premierpour 🎉 Brewed with friendship and a whole lot of flavor! 🍻 Introducing Audition: a hazy IPA collaboration with @Oncore Brewing that’s more than just a beer—it’s a celebration of camaraderie, creativity, and chasing your dreams. 🌟 From chance encounters to brewing adventures, join us as we raise a glass to the journey that brought Audition to life. Cheers to friendship and fantastic brews! 🎶 #AuditionIPA #CraftBeer #FriendshipGoals #BartenderLife #brewerylife #hazyipa
♬ Goliath - Red Wanting Blue
Naming the Beer:
The name "Audition" isn't just a random choice—it's packed with meaning that speaks volumes about the spirit of this collaboration. First off, it's a nod to Brennan's own "audition" into the brewing world, marking his transition from crafting cocktails to crafting brews, showcasing his skills beyond the bar. It's a bold step into a new arena, and "Audition" captures that sense of adventure perfectly.
But there's more to it than that. "Audition" also pays homage to Oncore Brewing's deep-rooted love for music. It's like hitting the stage for an encore performance, with Keith's late father Kenny, a legendary drummer in his own right, cheering them on from the wings. Music has always been at the heart of Oncore Brewing, and "Audition" embodies that passion for creativity and expression.
Last but not least, the name holds a special place in Brennan's heart. It's the title of a beloved song by his all-time favorite band, Red Wanting Blue—a group that's been the soundtrack to many of his life's moments. So when it came time to name their collaboration brew, "Audition" felt like the perfect fit, tying together Brennan's journey, Oncore Brewing's musical roots, and a shared love for great tunes.
This collaboration isn't just about brewing beer—it's about bringing together two worlds in perfect harmony. Brennan's expertise in bartending and Keith's mastery of brewing blend seamlessly to create a beer that's as unique as their friendship.
The Launch:
On August 18, 2023, as we raised our glasses to toast the launch of Audition, we couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude. This beer wasn't just the culmination of months of hard work—it was a symbol of the friendship, creativity, and camaraderie that had brought us together.
As we shared that first sip of Audition with friends, family, the Premier Pour Bartending team, and fellow beer lovers, we knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in our brewing journey. And as we look to the future, we do so with excitement and anticipation, knowing that the best is yet to come.
Cheers to Friendship + Craftsmanship:
Audition is more than just a beer—it's a testament to the power of friendship, creativity, and collaboration. So here's to Brennan and Keith, to Premier Pour Bartending and Oncore Brewing, and to the countless memories and moments that have brought us to this point. Cheers to friendship, cheers to craftsmanship, and cheers to many more brews shared together.
