Get ready, craft beer enthusiasts! Fat Orange Cat Brew Co., the beloved brewery in East Hampton, CT, is brewing up something special. Fans of Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. have a lot to look forward to, with exciting news about a brand new beer and plans for winter expansion.
A Zesty New Brew on the Horizon
Mike, the passionate brewer behind Fat Orange Cat Brew Co., recently shared some enticing details about an upcoming beer release. While still unnamed, this new creation promises a unique and refreshing flavor profile. “We haven’t named it yet. It’s really cool. It’s very tangerine-flavored,” Mike revealed. Intriguingly, the tangerine notes are derived entirely from the hops, showcasing Mike’s brewing expertise without the addition of any fruit.
The brewing process is meticulously monitored. “When I put it in the cooler on Sunday, by Monday or Tuesday, it’ll start to carbonate and we’ll start to sample it,” Mike explained, highlighting the anticipation building around this new beer. Naming the beer is the next fun step, with Mike hinting at a playful approach: “I have a long list of beer names on my phone. We’ll go down the list and see which one matches the flavor of the beer.”
Sheila, Mike’s wife and partner in the brewery, playfully suggested a fitting name inspired by their brewery’s namesake: “Maybe that should be Billy, if you love it. We’ve been wanting to name one after Billy, our original cat. Maybe that should be Billy Beer because it’s orangey. I kinda like that.” Given the brewery’s iconic orange cat, “Billy Beer” seems like a purr-fectly charming option.
Winter Plans: More Beer and Crowlers are Coming!
For those who adore Fat Orange Cat Brew Co., the thought of the season ending might be a little disheartening. However, there’s great news! Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. isn’t slowing down; they’re gearing up for winter with expansion plans to meet the growing demand. To ensure no beer lover is left wanting, Mike shared, “they’re going to ramp up production and get a larger system. This way, Mike will be able to brew 31 gallons of every beer he makes. So I really shouldn’t run out of beer on Saturdays.” This increased capacity means more of their popular brews will be available for everyone to enjoy.
Adding to the excitement, Sheila is focusing on introducing crowlers. “They’re like our growlers. It’s a one-at-a-time canning machine. And it’s a 32 oz. can. They’re really popular in Colorado. All the package stores said, when you’re ready, we’ll sell them. So that’s what we’re going to do over the winter when we’re closed here.” These 32 oz. cans will provide a fresh, convenient way for customers to take Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. beers home and enjoy them anytime.
The Passion Behind the Brews
Mike’s dedication to brewing is evident in his meticulous approach and continuous learning. “Early on, I did a lot of reading. I read everything I possibly could on brewing,” Mike stated. Sheila chimed in, “You still do!” Mike affirmed, “You know, I’ve got an eye for detail. What I’ve learned in this brew process is you can’t cut one corner to speed things up. When you do that, you’ve just compromised the best beer you could possibly do. The beer may still be very good, but it’s won’t be the best it could have been.” This commitment to quality ensures every beer from Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. is crafted to perfection.
Sheila affectionately describes Mike’s passion: “He’s like a mad scientist. He’s so passionate about it. You’ve found your calling.” This passion is the heart of Fat Orange Cat Brew Co., making it more than just a brewery; it’s a labor of love.
The brewery is a true partnership in more ways than one. Mike reflects on working alongside Sheila: “Even though we may work a lot of hours doing this, it’s not like we’re away from each other. We’re doing it together. And it takes a special relationship to be able to that—and we have it.” Sheila adds with a laugh, “We’ve only been married three years. If we’d been married thirty years, we wouldn’t be doing this.”
Here’s to Fat Orange Cat Brew Co., their exciting new tangerine beer, winter crowlers, and the passionate partnership that brings joy to the community. Visit them on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and experience the charm and delicious brews for yourself!
Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.
47 Tartia Rd. in East Hampton, CT
(860) 881-8045
https://fatorangecatbrewco.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Fat-Orange-Cat-Brew-Co-1406964119625420/
Open Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m.
