To many folks like brewer Eric Surface, downtown Vancouver, Washington has a lot of potential. The quiet city, a stone’s throw from North Portland, is soon to be home to Surface’s revitalized business, Mt. Tabor Brewing. Started back in 2009, Surface and then partner Brian Maher took a leap and attempted opening the first round of Mt. Tabor on the actual hill itself in Maher’s portioned garage space. When that didn’t fly with the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau), the brewery managed a small shared warehouse space in nearby Montavilla neighborhood, just a bit east in 2010. After a short run and some fleeting success, Mt. Tabor Brewing lost its rented space and closed its doors in early 2011. Many folks might have given up, but not Surface.
Surface, a native to Vancouver, Washington, was determined to succeed at his dream of running a legitimate brewhouse. His day job is as a national sales manager for an East Coast valve and fitting manufacturer. And now, he’s ready to revisit his long sought after goal in downtown Vancouver in early October 2011.We caught up with brewer Eric Surface while on the North side of the Columbia to find out more about his new brewery.
Why did you decide to open a brewery in Vancouver, Washington?
Eric Surface: Because I live here. It’s close to home. Still having my day job, I can’t be driving 45 minutes. Also, Mt. Tabor (in Portland)’s real estate is too expensive.I mainly moved the brewery here for convenience. (I) live seven minutes north of here.
Why did you elect to keep the name Mt. Tabor now that you are in Washington?
ES: Eventually I hope to have a place over there. A lot has to do with the branding and the logo. Mt. Tabor is more than a place, it is a landmark.
Is the ‘Couv the next Portland?
ES: For the beer scene, I think so. I mean, there will be 3-4 new breweries, including me, in the next six months.
When will you at last open your doors in Vancouver?
ES: Friday October 7, 2011.
What can people expect for the first beers?
ES: The usuals that they’ve experience when I was in Portland – P5 Pale Ale, Asylum Avenue IPA, Dragon Lounge Pale Ale, Little Bull Stout, and maybe a fresh hop beer. I am growing my own fresh hops. I’ve got about 16 bines maturing in my back yard. The first batch of pale ale was brewed at Salmon Creek Brewing on September 1, 2011.
How did you and owner/brewer Larry Pratt (of Salmon Creek) work it out?
ES: Larry is one of the greatest guys out here. He’s willing to help anybody. I am fortunate to know him.
Will you have beer available in Portland?
ES: Oh yeah. I am finalizing distribution right now.
What is your ultimate goal/focus?
ES: It is to keep making beer that people want to drink. My ultimate goal is to have production here in Vancouver and a brewpub near Mt. Tabor (in Portland) with a pilot brew system.
Mt. Tabor Brewing will open their doors at 113 W. 9th Street in Vancouver, Washington on Friday October 7, 2011. They will feature their weekly Friday night hangout with live music and housemade beer on tap. Surface says he anticipates also having som finger food from artisan establishments from Portland and Vancouver available as well. For more information on Mt. Tabor Brewing, visit their website/blog: http://www.mttaborbrewing.com
Posted under beer news, brewpubs, places to drink beer
This post was written by Angelo on September 6, 2011
