Friday 19th of September 2008 11:03:47 PM

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It has been a couple years since stopping by Ruby Mountain - I need to return! Steve and Maggie are fantastic, down to earth people. They raise calves, grow/harvest hay, and brew beer. If I remember rightly, Steve has an agriculture degree. This brewery is the closest thing you will find to a "farmhouse" brewery in the western US. I don't know how they faired after the recent earthquake, however.

The limestone water from the sagebrush carpeted Ruby Mtns. (literally right out the back door) contributes to fantastic beer flavors. A favorite is the German hefe, which comes across like banana cream pie, but finishes refreshingly dry.

As previously reported - call or email ahead of time and then bring some cash so you can make off with a case or two. In this day and age of not knowing where your food/beer really comes from, get out there and meet the brewer/farmer and say "thank you."

Thursday 17th of April 2008 01:59:18 PM

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What a great experience visiting Ruby Mountain, a brewery that is also a working ranch. First to meet us was a trio of friendly farm dogs who thought it would be nice if they greeted us by climbing in the car. Then owner Maggie Safford comes over from feeding the chickens to settle things down and we head on over to the brewery. We begin the informal tour and a few minutes later owner/brewer Steve Safford takes time from his morning chores to say hello. The tour turns out to be as much friendly talk about the general state of the craft brew industry as it is explanation of the brewery operation. I have enjoyed Ruby Mountain’s Bristlecone Brown Porter and Angel Creek Amber styles often around home and it was a treat to meet the folks that make it happen. The brewery itself is compact and well run but like many others these days, they are working through the operational changes that are needed to deal with rising materials & packaging costs. One change Steve is considering is a return to 22 oz bottles. This visit was well worth the short detour from Interstate 80 and the beermap location has been updated to help you make a similar excursion. When you do, it’s best to call a few days ahead of time to be sure Maggie or Steve can be available to welcome you.