Buckbean Brewing Company to Open in Reno

Nothing beats a cold, frosty brew after a long hike or mountain bike ride. But the straw on my Camelbak turns it into warm foam, bottles break getting jostled around in my pack, and my chiropractor has advised against attempting to bring a keg.

But thanks to the newest local brewery to hit the Truckee Meadows in more than a decade, I can reserve my Camelbak for water, dig through my pack without fear of errant shards of glass, and save my back on the trail. Buckbean Brewing Company, set to open Saturday, April 12 at 11 a.m., will package their beer in eco-friendly, hiker-friendly cans. “Reno is America's Adventure Place,” says Buckbean cofounder and Reno native Douglas Booth. “You can't take glass to where you want to have an adventure. You name the outdoor activity, it's safe to take a can.”

Initially, Buckbean will produce two beer styles for cans and kegs. Here's how they describe them at buckbeanbeer.com:

Original Orange Blossom Ale: Inspired by the rich fragrance of blooming orange groves, this copper colored ale combines the flavor and aroma of real orange tree flowers with a well balanced, full flavored ale to produce a real treat for the senses. Munich and light Caramel malts produce a smooth, creamy malt complexity, and American hops give the beer a bright, refreshing bitterness and dry finish.

Black Noddy Lager: A traditional Bavarian Schwarzbier style with a deep color and a smooth, rich flavor. Specially roasted malts give the black color and mild roastiness to this beer, while Munich, Caramel, and Honey malts add depth and character to the malt flavor. (The Beer is) moderately hopped with noble aroma varieties to achieve a perfect balance and a clean finish.

Although the brewery is not officially open until Saturday, I have been invited to a special, pre-opening tasting this Friday, so check back for photos and my brew review. If all this beer talk has you so parched that you simply can't wait, check out “Battle-Born Brews” from the March/April 2008 issue of Nevada Magazine.