Silva Brewing, Paso Robles, CA
Background
Silva Brewing
Chuck Silva, owner and head brewer of Silva Brewing, began home brewing in 1994. After four years of producing tasty homebrews he quit his day job as a Department of Defense Contractor. He signed up for brewing school at the American Brewers Guild. As a result of completing brewing school in April 1998 he began brewing for Green Flash Brewing in San Diego.
After 17 years at Green Flash experiencing great expansion, Chuck married Mary Jo in 2015. He soon resigned Green Flash to follow a dream of running his own brewery. The couple targeted Paso Robles and in 2016 opened Silva Brewing.
The Silva’s ultimate dream is to have a small farm brewery located in wine country where they can grow their own ingredients for brewing. Much to their dismay, their goal may take longer than expected. The San Luis Obispo zoning ordinance doesn’t currently allow for breweries to be located and operate in the agricultural zoned areas.
Experience
Chuck Silva leased out room within the building housing The Pour House for his brewing operations. To enter Silva one has two options, to enter through “The Pour House” a craft beer bar that has several Silva beers on tap or to go around to the back of the building and enter directly into Silva.
We arrived through The Pour House on a Wednesday afternoon. Chuck and his two assistants were working in the brewery. It is a small place with a short bar up front and high tables running down the side all right next to the brewing equipment. We opted for a flight of four offerings. The two IPA’s 525 Pine (The address) & Hop Maniac were good. We also enjoyed Gateway to Heffen & their well done Nut Farm Milk Stout. After we visited, I discovered Chuck is working on his barrel program and that there are at times bottles available for purchase. Unfortunately, I did not notice available bottles when we were there.
We will keep an eye on the Silva’s and their new adventure. When in Paso Robles check out Firestone Walker . No nearby lodging noted.
