BUSINESS
became his partner. “I loved being a fireman so much that I
would have done it for free,” he says. “Brewing is the same
way. It’s also a passion.”
After perfecting their beers, they began showing up at beer
festivals. “I really love getting that feedback from people who
taste our beers,” he says. “People started telling us that ours
was the best, so we started talking about starting a brewery.”
In 2015, the pair talked to Rob’s cousin Jeff, and after hearing
what they wanted to do, Jeff Blitman said, “Count me in,”
Kelly explains. “Jeff is the businessman.”
Like Side Door, HopLife will distribute its beer in kegs to
bars and restaurants. Kelly has also discussed distribution
with Fort Pierce-based Southern Eagle Distributing Inc.
ROOM TO GROW
Both breweries plan on making multiple types and flavors
of craft beers. One difference: HopLife will make lagers; Side
Door doesn’t. The lager beers take 4-6 weeks to make, according
to Kelly. In contrast, an ale might take two weeks or less
so many breweries just don’t have the time to create lagers.
Buchholz says they also have to ferment at cooler temperatures,
which is less efficient.
Both companies have plans for the future.
“We’re still growing,” Buchholz says. “We doubled our
brewing capacity and then doubled it again to 34 barrels at a
time.” One barrel equals 31 gallons. He works seven days a
week and in his spare time he studies the Bible and spends
time with his family. “I don’t have any other hobbies — I
can’t afford them,” he says.
36 Port St. Lucie Magazine
SIDE DOOR BREWING CO.
Address: 1419 Village Green Drive, Port St. Lucie
Owner: Dwayne Buchholz
Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 3-9 p.m.; Thursday, 3-10
p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 3-11 p.m. and Sunday, 1-8 p.m.
For more information:
Visit www.sidedoorbrewingcompany.com
>>
ED DRONDOSKI
The tasting room at Side Door Brewing Co. is a great place to try out a variety of craft beers and enjoy some conversation with fellow beer lovers.
/www.sidedoorbrewingcompany.com