Internal Brewsletter - September 7, 2022
UPCOMING PACKAGED RELEASES
Releasing Friday, 9/9
Flicker: India Pale Ale// Inspired by Autumn’s warm days and crisp nights, Flicker was designed to spark conversation and community while delivering a delightfully unique hop profile with notes of melon, lychee, stonefruit, and pine. Brewed often and canned fresh, look for Flicker around the Pacific Northwest this fall// 6.80% ABV
Takeaways: The autumnal entry in our Perennial beer series (following Animal Cookies and preceding Fresh Flow) will be around as we transition into fall. Look for it to stick around into November.
Tasting Notes: Candied Pineapple. Pine Resin. Transitional.
Luna Oscura: Dark Mexican Style Lager// Luna Oscura draws inspiration from the dark lagers of Mexico featuring pilsner and roasted malts, flaked corn, cool fermentation and extended cold conditioning. Medium bodied and crisp with notes of toasted nuts, dark caramel, and a gentle hop presence with a refreshing finish// 5.00% ABV
Takeaways: Using a product called Sinamar, originally developed by German maltsters to make a low-flavor coloring agent that is “Reinheitsgebot” (purity-law) compliant. It is made only using malted barley and water and allows us to darken a beer while keeping the flavor as light as possible.
Tasting Notes: Caramel. Walnuts. Autumnal.
Releasing Friday, 9/9
Specular Reflections: Belgian Style Dubbel// Our meditation on the Trappist-style Dubbel, this robust dark ale balances rich notes of dried plums, dark malts, fruit preserves, and clove spice—a complex and palate-provoking flavor profile that’s elevated by natural carbonation and a classically Belgian balanced finish// 7.00% ABV
Takeaways: Naturally carbonated in tank by refermentation to produce the dry, prickly mouthfeel classic to this style.
Tasting Notes: Baking Spice. Dates. Evocative.
CROWLER SALE
Fluffhead + Alt
BEER EDUCATION
Head to the Downtown Pub or the Tap Room for a tasting with the brewers!
Tuesday: Downtown Pub
Thursday: Tap Room
GENERAL
With some new menu items on the horizon, we thought it would be a good time to loop back around to food feedback! Here are a couple of key pieces to think about when gathering feedback:
If a customer sends back an item, or only finishes a small amount, please ask follow-up questions to gather a little more information from them. If they say they didn’t like their Tuscan Chicken Sandwich, gently asking what aspects of the item they did not enjoy can help identify areas that we might be able to improve.
When checking on food after it’s been dropped, ask how specific items are tasting from time to time, rather than blanket asking how everything is (we don’t have to ask each person individually, but often asking how something is tasting after you’ve recommended it will lead to great feedback).
If the guest says something tastes off, please let a line Lead know right away so we can check that batch for quality. If they just didn’t like the pickled onions on the Tuscan chicken, you can write that on the food feedback sheet.
PUB UPDATES
This week’s focus point for the FOH is consistency in ringing in bar tickets, and communication when ringing in a funky ticket. Linked below is a bar write-up on consistent cocktails that goes over some terminology as well as info on how to navigate questions when a guest just asks for a “martini”. Please read through the sheet and ask a manager if you have any questions!
TAP ROOM UPDATES
Check back next week!
HIGH FIVE SECTION
Tyler Lenz - For literally holding the taproom together, we appreciate you Ty Guy for all your hard work and willingness to help a friend out!
Amelia - Always picking up shifts and helping out the team when we are in a pinch. Also always bring a positive attitude with her to work and is just a joy to be around!
Bailey - This person is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. Never have I seen her just standing around; when she is on the floor she is constantly moving. Always has a positive attitude, and is always uplifting to her coworkers. I love every work day when we are scheduled together, no matter how crazy. The sweetest and funniest person I have ever met by far. She definitely deserves some recognition and appreciation for everything she does for this company!
Brana Drummond - Brana kicked literal boo-TAY on Friday night. She is one of the best, if not THE best, at finishing side work and making sure other are set up for success. We are so lucky to have her!!!
Thomas Herr - Brings smiles and laughs with him everywhere he goes. The best prepper!
Olivia S - Olivia S. is a ray of sunshine. Every time I see her scheduled with me I know I’m going to have an amazing shift. She lights up my time at Block 15 and I’m so grateful to have a coworker like her!
Liv Ross - Liv Ross is the most amazing coworker. She always leaves me with a smile and give me such an amazing work ethic to try harder and work better. She is the best dish washer and makes me want to do all of the small tasks to make block the best work place.
Kira S - Thanks for always helping me out whenever I am struggling and thanks for always helping me out with the weekly chores. Congrats on lead server <3
Olivia S - Liv S, You are the best at pre-busing tables and I appreciate how open you are to help when others offered. So glad to have you a part of the block team.
Kira - Kira is such a smiling amazing human. I am so glad she has become a lead and can’t wait to see her pouring my drinks. She is going to do great things through block and can’t wait to be there every step of the way.
Elise - Thank you for always encouraging me to do my best and helping me out whenever I need. You have made me feel so welcomed at block <3
Seth - Seth is the best host I’ve seen in block for a while. He is so charismatic and charming to all the customers. He makes everyone smile in our workplace and gives everyone the joy of a good day. Not only is he a stud but a gentleman too.
Goodie - I appreciate you always joking always around me, thank you for making block so much fun. I can’t imagine block without you!
Jess - For killing her first couple of weeks as a manager!
FEEDBACK
Hey friends! If you find yourself sitting at home, or out and about and something pops into your mind that you would like to pass along to the team, feel free to use this form! Please be mindful of keeping feedback or suggestions constructive and positively worded!
STAFF SECTION!
Welcome to the team to the following folks!
Check back next week!
WHAT’S UP ON INSTA??
COMING UP ON DRAFT
UPCOMING / IN PROCESS BEERS
*This list is subject to change based on the brewing schedule, so please keep that in mind!
Fresh Catch// India Pale Ale
Dark Matter// Chocolate Porter
The DAB Lab: Double Dab// India Pale Ale
THE PEOPLE’S PINT
Check back in November!
DINE OUT
Mary’s Peak Search and Rescue
September 13th
Mary’s Peak Search and Rescue Inc. (MPSAR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated with the state of Oregon. MPSAR provides search and rescue assistance for people who are lost out of doors. Specifically providing assistance to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and other official agencies in charge of search and rescue missions throughout Oregon.