A look inside a Coachella Valley taproom on National Beer Lover’s Day
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – This Monday, September 7th marks more than just Labor Day; it's National Beer Lover's Day, too!
As you relax for the holiday, you might be reaching into your fridge for an ice-cold beer. It's the world's most consumed alcoholic drink.
There's a number of breweries around the valley perfecting their craft beer. To name a few: La Quinta Brewing Company, Luchador Brewing Company, Desert Beer Company, and Coachella Valley Brewing Company.
CV Brewing Co. first opened its doors in 2013. Its main hub is in Thousand Palms, but it also has a Palm Springs restaurant and taproom in downtown Palm Springs.
"For me, every day is a day to celebrate beer," said manager Wesley Gainey with a chuckle. "If you want to celebrate a beer, go buy local, get adventurous and take some chances."
Gainey said each batch they brew typically produces 20 barrels. It takes about 700 pounds of grains.
The brewing process takes about three weeks, the bulk of which comes from fermenting. Before that step, though, are several rounds of boiling, mixing, separating, and breaking down grains and sugars. Coachella Valley uses a unique "high-efficiency brewing system" – or H.E.B.S. – which helps the brewery be more sustainable. It says on its website it reduces water use by 60% and uses 65% less grain.
The waste products that are created are given to local farms to be used as animal feed. More information on sustainable brewing can be found here.
Between the various moving parts, Gainey estimated it's a multi-million dollar undertaking. Still, he called it a labor of love. "When [customers] are out there at the store or deciding where to go, you know, [or they're] right here chugging along, we’re making good stuff," he said, pointing at the operation.
He encouraged more people to get out and try more of their local craft breweries.
"Aside from, you know, you’re supporting local, you also tend to get a wider variety of flavors and different opportunities that you can get with with independent beers."
