Welcome to part 3 of The Beer Guy’s celebration of “The Week After American Craft Beer Week” (“TWAACBW” for short), where we are highlighting four different craft breweries. On Tuesday, we met Jeff Erickson, a homebrewer for South OC Brewing. Yesterday, we met Chris Tourre and the good folks at Chicago’s Arcade Brewery.
Westfield River Brewing Company Managing member and Head Brewer, Sergio Bonavita, measures out some hops for a test batch of IPA.
Today, I introduce you to head brewer and managing member of Westfield River Brewing Company, Sergio Bonavita. Based in Westfield, Massachusetts (about 20 minutes west of Springfield, in western Massachusetts), WRBC was a dream of Bonavita’s 5 years in the making. Starting out as an owner of an area bar, Sergio tried his hand at…you guessed it…homebrewing. He was good at it too. So, he traveled throughout the country and visited a number of different craft Mineola breweries picking up tips and information for use in what would hopefully become his own brewery someday. The 3 most important tips for Sergio?
- Importance of cleanliness and sterilization practice.
- Do what you do best- we will not be everything to everyone.
- Keep everything in perspective.
During all this time, a construction supervisor license was obtained, a business plan put in place, investment & interest from family and friends received and a place picked out to open a brewery in. On April 3rd, 2012, with construction complete and everything in place, brewing began. Tours of the facility and beer tastings were open to the public on April 27th. Westfield River Brewing Company had arrived. For a tour given by Sergio, himself, see the YouTube video above.
For WRBC, it’s a family affair. Not just the family of Bonavita, but what seems to be the entire Westfield, Massachusetts community…maybe even the black squirrels the area is known for too. “This venture is ALL about family…The members of WRBC who are not related by blood are still our family…We are a very close group of family and friends,” says Bonavita. The most critical roles being played at the brewery are by the fathers themselves. How fitting for Life of Dad to find WRBC. Sergio and his father, Carlo, are very close. Carlo has an extensive background in business and marketing and has played a critical role in helping Sergio get the business off the ground. Sergio’s father-in-law, Roy, also has played a huge role in the operation. A former auto repair garage owner, Roy helps with the mechanical aspect of the brewery equipment. He has learned the equipment and has helped with troubleshooting. The marketing, event preparation and online social media are all handled by family as well.
The family that is Westfield, Massachusetts is heavily involved too. Bonavita says, “”People want to have a relationship with the person who makes what they consume.” By having brewery tours and tastings the 1st and 3rd weekend every month and being visible at local bars, package stores and brewing festivals, it is the hope that the community will “take pride in their local brewery.” To that end, WRBC is focused now on “quality, consistent brewing, and branding in the Westfield area and surrounding communities,” he continues. “More and more people are realizing the benefits of buying beer fresh from their local brewers, beer that tastes GOOD!” Over the next 3-5 years, beer lovers can expect to see a broader portfolio of beers in an expanded distribution region.
The future looks bright for the Westfield River Brewing Company family. That family continues to expand too. Sergio will soon be adding another title to that of “Head Brewer”: the title of “Dad”. There definitely is an excitement in the air at WRBC, not just with the brewery opening, but with the arrival of Baby Bonavita any day now as well. On behalf of all of us at Life of Dad, congratulations to the WRBC family on their opening. And to you, Sergio, congratulations on your first child. Welcome to our community of fatherhood. Welcome to the Life of Dad.
What’s on tap now at Westfield River Brewing Company: Described as a “fantastic new beer” and having an “aroma and full-bodied flavor (that) is a total winner,” WRBC’s flagship beer, the 5.1% ABV Black Squirrel Pale Ale, is an easy to drink Pale Ale that has a malty aroma balanced perfectly by just the right hops.
In addition, the 4.6% ABV Farmhouse Wheat is an American interpretation of the Farmhouse brewing tradition. This unfiltered beer has a citrus aroma that leads to an ever so slight hint of spice, then caramel at the finish, that leaves you wanting more.
Up tomorrow: Cismontane Brewing Company – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
About The Beer Guy – A dad, husband, friend and drinker of beer. I review & blog about it all on LifeOfDad.com, the premiere social networking website for Dads. The Beer Guy enjoys IPA’s and Pilsner’s, but will really try any kind of beer. You may disagree on some of his opinions. Let The Beer Guy know. Reviews are published on Thursdays. The mailbag is open on Tuesdays. Read more here to learn about The Beer Guy, who he is and his beer rating methodology.
The Beer Guy, and Life of Dad, promote responsible drinking. Never drink and drive.