Most people are probably still rushing around trying to get the perfect bouquet of flowers, decadent chocolates, sparkling jewelry, and even reservations at that expensive restaurant (probably last second) just to spend that perfect romantic evening with their special someone. However, let’s not lose sight of the true meaning behind Valentine’s Day, love.
Today, and everyday, we choose to celebrate those couples behind your favorite local brewing companies.
Our first couple is Ross Kelly, owner, founder and head brewer of Kelly Brewing Company and his girlfriend Sophie. Now when it comes to starting a business from the ground up, a husband and wife team sound unbreakable, but to be dedicated to someone and their dream without being married shows unconditional love and commitment. Sophie adds:
“We knew it was going to be tough, but we really had no idea how difficult opening a brewery was going to be. Luckily we’ve have the support of our family, friends and each other throughout the entire process. We adapt to and handle stress differently which I think is what helps keep each other sane. We constantly remind each other to have fun, live in the moment and to be thankful for the little things.”
After just opening this past Fall, Kelly Brewing Company is still fairly young so the only place to grab their product is at their Morgan Hill taproom. Which tonight, they’ll be offering a special for $2 off when you buy 2 tulips, and will be serving Madrigals tacos from 5pm – 10pm. Sounds like the perfect pairing for him and her!
Now a great alternative to champagne is well, cider – and we look to the husband and wife couple behind the rising South City Ciderworks, Alex and Jenn Martell, alongside business partner Greg Ruth. What’s the balance between each other responsibilities? Alex admits he still has his day job, which “gives me time to step back and look at the big picture while Greg and Jenn tackle the day to day. I enjoy thinking about what’s next and what we can do now to get there [,where] Jenn is more focused on what needs to be done right now.” Jenn adds:
“Building a business with your spouse definitely creates tons of opportunities for stressing out [on] the marriage but we have really grown together over the past five years as we build the business and enjoy working [together] as a team. I think if just one of us was in the business it would be a tremendous challenge. Instead it gives us a constant project to focus our efforts on and as we strategize together to make it grow.”
South City Ciderworks is has cans available in multiple stores and taps available in countless taprooms around the Bay Area. For that special Valentine’s Day evening you want to share with that special someone, I suggest their limited edition seasonal cider, the Oaked Pom Cider. This lovely cider has been aged for months on medium roast American oak and once it hits that sweet spot, an umami of flavor is blended with fresh-pressed pomegranate juice.
Use the holiday as a good excuse to take advantage and try something different than your cliche’ Valentine’s day doings. Let’s raise a glass to all the couples behind the local breweries (and companies).
Cheers \m/,
Joe Hawk
