Five Questions With… COOP Ale Works
Here is the latest installment in my series Five Questions With…
Today I talk to JD Merryweather, a partner with COOP Ale Works in Oklahoma City. There’s a lot of COOP news these days: They’re celebrating their first year of brewing, they’re unveiling at least one new beer soon and, as I’ve mentioned in earlier blog posts, they’re hosting an open house this Saturday to celebrate. In addition, check The Oklahomanon Wednesday for a story on COOP by the paper’s food editor, Dave Cathey.
1. The Thirsty Beagle: You guys are coming up on one year in business. How has the first year compared to your expectations?
JD Merryweather: Year one has been overwhelming. We are extremely grateful to have had the Oklahoma community jump up and support COOP. We brew it and they drink it. We are thrilled to offer something that the state can be proud of and even brag about! Thank you Oklahoma.
2. TTB: Can you give an idea of how many new beers you guys will unveil in 2010? Any hints as to the types?
JDM: Our next planned release is our India Pale Ale. We look forward to presenting it this spring. We also plan to bring back our successful Oktoberfest in a larger quantity than 2009 and we are already working on next year’s Barrel Aged Imperial Stout.
3. TTB: On that same note, does there come a point when you put a cap on how many beers you offer? Will that be dictated by your capacity?
JDM:We currently offer five beer styles year round. The IPA may become our sixth. The plan is to offer one additional seasonal or special release each quarter to go with the primary releases. We have several amazing beers in development but they are in stealth mode.
4. TTB: If I remember correctly, you mentioned to me at Zoo Brew that there were no immediate plans for bottles. Where does that stand right now?
JDM: We have had such an amazing response to our draft beer that we work daily to keep up with demand. Bottling is in the plans but we have our hands full managing the keg demand at this time.
5. TTB: I’ve heard you guys at COOP are keeping an eye on the environment during the brewing process. What are you guys doing specifically?
JDM:We pride ourselves on being as green as possible. We are on OG&E’s 100 percent wind credit program. We use super-high-efficient hot water heaters and focus on water management. All of COOP Ale Works’ spent grain gets recycled and used by members of the OKC farmer’s co-op to feed chickens, pigs and worked into composting programs. I’d also like to note that drinking local draft beer has a very, very low contribution to a brewery’s carbon footprint. Our beer travels shorter distances (fresh), and the containers (kegs) are reused over and over so packaging waste is non-existent. We try and I think it shows.
So there you have it. I think it’s great that COOP contributes to the environment in such a positive way. Talk about a no-guilt beer drinking situation. Just a reminder: the open house is 7 p.m. Saturday at COOP Ale Works, 1124 NW 51.
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Great write up. COOP is not just a great local beer but in my opinion as good as any across the US. Look forward to bottles so I can keep some handy.