Lancaster’s Kinetic Brewing Anticipates October Opening, Let the Flight and Physics Puns Begin

If its every homebrewer’s dream to open their own brewery, then Steven “Sven” Kinsey is living the dream. When the opportunity arose to open a brewpub in downtown Lancaster, CA, he jumped (with two other owners), into what will be Lancaster’s brightest and shiniest brewpub yet. Though currently under construction, we had a chance to take a peek inside Kinetic Brewing and talk with homebrewer-gone-pro Sven.

Slated to open (fingers crossed) by October 2011, the 4,144 sq.ft brewpub houses a 10 barrel Premier Stainless brewhouse in the approximately 1,000 square foot brewery. The pub has 28 taps and will likely serve “traditional and unexpected pub faire focused on a small or communal plates theme,” according to Kinsey. The brewpub’s interior decor will be steampunkesque, informed by the history of the Antelope Valley region which is rich with tales of flight experiments.

The Living Force That is Kinetic Brewing

The son of an air base worker, Sven has lived in Lancaster since he was just a teeny 6-month-old. To say he’s a supporter of the homebrewer community is an understatement.

He’s been a homebrewer since 1998, achieving awards and recognition for his brew. He has co-chaired the National Homebrewers Conference (NHC) twice, organized American Homebrewers Association (AHA) competitions, is a nationally ranked BJCP judge, a founding member of Brewing Enthusiasts of the Antelope Valley Region (BEAVR) and former President of the Crown of the Valley Brewing Society (he recently resigned in order to focus on Kinetic Brewing).

In addition to making great brew and supporting his fellow homebrewers, he devotes time to The Brewing Network, where his voice can be heard as “The Other Guy” in countless BN commercials and as part of the modestly self-proclaimed  “duo rap sensation” Push & Sven, heard before each Sunday Session.

Let the Beer Flight Puns Begin

What’s the big deal about another brewpub opening, especially in Lancaster? Before scoffing at the location, take a look at the city’s history.

The Antelope Valley region is a history of firsts in flight, initially because of it’s geographical advantages. In the 1930s a military lieutenant noticed the super flat, expansive, dry lakebed in the Muroc area would be perfect for runways, so he began acquiring parcels of land. The Edwards Air Force Base grew at this site, debuting its first major test flight in 1942. It was over the Antelope Valley that Captain Charles Yaeger became the first man to break the sound barrier with his Bell X-1 flight.

Today, space and flight are still vital industries, but the burgeoning solar industry has put Lancaster on the map as “the solar energy capitol,” being one of the best places in the world for harvesting energy from the sun.

It Takes a Village

Kinsey and team are part of a larger revitalization project in their ‘hood. The city is spending big dolla bills on completely revamping Lancaster Blvd. Unlike the city of Los Angeles, Lancaster is encouraging and helping this brewery get on its feet! They’ve provided tremendous support to help Kinetic Brewing develop. Here’s Co-owner Myrle McLernon talking about the city and the brewpub.

Mc Lernon is a LEED-certified architect, and he’s seeing to it that the construction of Kinetic Brewing has his green touch. The majority of the materials used to gut and convert what was once an audio shop into a shiny new brewpub are being recycled. The constructions workers have a tiny bin for trash and monster piles of concrete, cardboard, wood and other materials that will all be given a new life. Even the ceiling joists from the old building now make up the brewery ceiling (pictured below), thanks to the help of fellow area homebrewers.

The brewpub is situated on prime real estate, across from a Laemmle Theater smack dab in the middle of what will be the heart of Lancaster’s shopping, dining, and entertainment beacon.  Within walking distance you can find a the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, a NY-style deli, an independent coffe shop, Underground Bowling, the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, Cup+Cake Bakery, El Salvadorian eats, Five and Dime Candy Shop, RoShamBo Lounge and BeX Bar & Grill, retail, froyo, a teahouse, wine and more.

Let the Physics Puns Begin, Too

Things are moving fast for the brewpub. They are busting their butts to open just before LA Beer Week. Here’s a look at the facts, including some opening day details.

• Owners: Steven Kinsey, Myrle McLernon, Steve Eglash
• Brew system size: 10 barrel system with one 20-barrel + four 10-barrel fermenters and one 20-barrel + six 10-barrel serving tanks.
• Brewpub size: 4,144 sq ft
• Seating capacity: 104 + 36 patio
• Beers projected for launch: Kölsch, Continental Amber (combination of American, English and Belgian ingredients), porter, IPA, a seasonal tap (likely pumpkin for the opening) and a rotating Belgian tap which will probably be White Thai for the opening.
• Projected opening date: October 8, 2011
• Menu stlye: Traditional and new pub faire, small plates
• Chef: David Bowles from Sake Bistro & Lounge, Mixers Lounge, The Vines, Strada Pizzeria, Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill
• Number of taps: 28 — about 10 – 12 guest taps, house taps will be duplicated, plus one soda
• Projected hours: Open seven days a week. Monday – Thursday 11 – 12 AM, Friday & Saturday 11 – 2 AM, Sunday 11 AM – 10 PM
• Full bar? Beer and wine only at this time. Their current license enables Kinetic Brewing to self-distribute their own beer. They may revisit getting an additional license in the future that would allow a full bar.

Where?
Kinetic Brewing on The BLVD
735 W. Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Additional information:
Kinetic Brewing Website | Twitter | Facebook
The BLVD Website | Twitter | Facebook

Sources: City of Lancaster

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