Background – Richter Aleworks
Brandon Richter had been a home brewer for some time, but when traveling in Europe with their friends, Brandon and his wife April decided, they had to open their own brewery, Richter Aleworks. Upon returning, Brandon enrolled in the Brewery Immersion Course at the Colorado Boy Brewery from Tom Hennessy. Upon returning home, they began thinking of a name and looking for a location. The loved the name Mischief, researched to verify no other breweries had the name, just a beer named Mischief, and created shirts and stickers in preparation. Brandon figured they would get around to trademarking the name later. It took quite some time to find just the right property to create a warehouse feel they wanted for Mischief.
The Richters then received welcome news that they had been selected for the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program. Through this program, they got access to loans and coaching. Part of the requirement for completion was to verify a brewery name. At that point they found out the folks with the Mischief beer, trademarked it, taking it out of their use. Knowing his great-great-grandfather was a brewer in Germany, who came to America and opened a brewery in Utah, he decided to go with the family name. They also decided they needed a professional brewer and found Wes Burbank, who had worked for several years in a smaller brewery in northern Colorado as well as time at Left Hand in Longmont, CO. The Richter’s were able to open before they had all the paperwork required to actually utilize their seven-barrel brewing system on the premises. To prepare for the opening Wes collaborated with Steve McFate (another Colorado Boy Brewery participant) and brewed McRichter Paleworks. He also collaborated with North Mountain Brewing to create Belgian chocolate ale. Richter opened in December 2016. In February 2017, the first beer brewed onsite, West Side IPA was available.
Experience
We did not make it to Richter until mid-December 2017 on a Friday afternoon. It was actually on the day of their first anniversary party and they were expected a large crowd. At that time they had four of their own beers and nine great guest taps. We particularly enjoyed the kettle soured Peach Muther Pucker, Betruger – lager and Blurry, the hoppy Blonde. They did manage to create a warehouse feel with some nice art, lighting effects, an L shaped bar and several tables. The 7 barrel system is in a corner behind a sliding door. They do offer in house flatbread pizzas and salads and plan to expand offerings. In addition they often have food trucks.
No nearby lodging noted. We suggest while your in the area to check out the Peoria Artisan
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