nibble-bit-tabby-brian-lethcoe-and-patrick-morse-of-eagle-rock-breweryThe boys of Nibble Bit Tabby will be at Eagle Rock Brewing Co.’s taproom tonight for an opening party and to release their brand spankin’ new brew. The get-together signals a new era for the L.A. beer scene. Brian Lethcoe, owner and founder filled us in on the deets about his long-awaited project.

Race for the Prize

The race to open a brewery in Los Angeles requires some serious endurance. Yes, Craftsman Brewing Co. in Pasadena was the first modern brewery in Los Angeles (props!). The mighty Eagle Rock Brewery, run by father-son duo Steve and Jeremy Raub, opened it’s brewery and taproom doors to the public within the last 11 months after years of agonizing paperwork. Brian, who had an opening in May found out shortly that he was still not technically allowed to open, has been working through the red-tape for at least two years now. Lethcoe admits he “was the tortoise” in the race to open, but the brewery will officially opening in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles come September 3, as posted on their Facebook page (be a fan of Nibble Bit Tabby, won’t you?)

Jeremy and Brian met at the Home Wine, Beer, and Cheesemaking Shop in Woodland Hills. Brian would come in to buy his grain and Jeremy frequented the shop as a member of the Maltose Falcons. The two have been in a friendly tug-of-war for two years over who would be the first Downtown L.A. based brewery, as Brian actually got his building permit before the folks at Eagle Rock. We think they both won: while Eagle Rock Brewery opened first, Nibble Bit Tabby will be based in the heart of Downtown. Beautiful how beer brings people together, isn’t it?

What’s In a Name?

Ever been to the desert? If you have, you know it’s hot during the day and very cold at night. While in Nevada, Brian and his friends were retiring from a night of drinking beers and stepped outside. Since his friend was still dressed for the heat of the day he blurted out, “It’s a nibble bit tabby out here.” Commence Brian and friends losing control laughing and shivering all the way home. “We’ve all been there at least once in our lives,” Brian said while laughing at his friend’s slurry moment.

Tap that!

“Uncle Arnie’s Irish Red is an Irish ale that runs about a 1060 gravity,” Brian told us. Gravity, when talking about beer, refers to the density of the wort when a beer is fermented. Knowing the gravity of a beer let’s brewers discern the heaviness and amount of alcohol in it. Read more about gravity here and look at all the intense math. Brian’s inspiration for the beer was his hard working, truck driving, beer loving uncle, names (you guessed it) Arnie. “There were lots of good times sitting around watching my family drink. I like to say I’ve done generations of research.” And then he laughs.

We can’t wait to try the beer tonight at Eagle Rock Brewery. The taproom is open from 4 – 10 PM at 3056 Roswell St. Los Angeles, CA 90065. See you there! If you miss it tonight, try Tony’s Darts Away, in Burbank, they have both Eagle Rock’s brand new Populist IPA and Nibble Bit’s Uncle Arnie’s Irish Ale on tap now.

brian-lethcoe-of-nibble-bit-tabby
nibble-bit-tabby brian lethcoe and cambria

When?
Friday, August 20, 2010 4 PM – 10 PM

Where?
Eagle Rock Brewery
3056 Roswell St.
Los Angeles, CA 90065