Here at Portneuf Valley Brewing in Pocatello, Idaho, we have perfected the art of the black and tan by learning about the final gravity (FG) of each handcrafted beer that we brew. It also helps to have Penny Pink, a bio-chemist, as our brew-mistress.
The higher the FG, the higher the density. Reaching a lower or higher FG when brewing a beer depends on a few things. While your alcohol by volume (ABV) can have a lot to do with it, different malts, yeasts, mash temperatures and length of fermentation all play a roll in a beer’s FG.
The FG of each beer lets us know how to properly build a multi-layered beer. Usually we keep it at two or three layers, as building these beers is a bit time consuming, but we pull out the four-layer and just recently, the five-layer. It’s a little harder to distinguish the layers in the five-layer.
The actual process of pouring our layered beers is different than that of most pubs and establishments that serve these tasty beverages. Instead of using the backside of a spoon, we use different size ladles to be able to direct the flow of beer down into the ladle then back upwards, like a half-pipe effect. The ladle is placed at the exact level of the beer with the highest FG that has already entered the glass so that the excess amount of beer that flows into the ladle does not drop into or below the beer and mix. When the beer is filled to desired amount, the ladle is then rotated out of the glass and a new layer of lower FG beer can be added.
Photo Credit: Mopho Photo, Maureen Rosenthal
Lucas Bunzow Portneuf Valley Brewing’s Service, Entertainment and Catering Manager
Born on the mountain behind the brewpub, Lucas Bunzow has lived in Pocatello for pretty much his whole life, except for a stint in Hawaii, where he met his wife. When not booking the brewery’s music acts or planning other brewery events, Bunzow can be found skiing in the backcountry. To cool off in the summers, Bunzow spends his free time golfing, camping, hiking or floating the local rivers.
Portneuf Valley Brewing, Pocatello, Idaho Portneuf Valley Brewing poured their first beer for public consumption in July of 1996. Owner and Brew Mistress Penny Pink had been brewing fine beers for the enjoyment of her family and friends for many years. After eight years of working at the Idaho National Lab, Penny decided to pursue her interests closer to home. Setting up her first commercial brewery inside Dudley’s Sports Bar & Grill, her unique brews soon gathered a loyal following. Recognizing the need for expansion, Pink purchased the old East Idaho Brewing Company building at 615 S. First Avenue in Pocatello in March of 1999.
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