We love talking with people about beer. Our conversations with Scott McFarland, co-owner of Sky High Brewing and Pub, were no exception. “I’ve always had this fascination and interest in beer and I’ve always enjoyed it,” he told us.
Open in late 2012, Corvallis’ newest brewpub features 12 taps pouring a rotation of traditional style ales and lagers brewed using locally manufactured equipment and locally sourced hops, grains, and yeast. Laurence Livingston, Sky High’s head brewer, is serious about local ingredients.
Laurence’s commitment to quality ingredients comes through in his beers. His latest, a Belgian honey triple, includes “local raw unpasteurized wildflower honey.” An amateur bee keeper for over 20 years, Lawrence knows a thing or two about this particular ingredient. “Honey has its own special characteristics that lend unique flavors.” Eric and I had the pleasure of sampling this unique brew straight from the tank (one of the fringe benefits of Hopstories) and I for one can’t wait until it’s ready. It’s delicious.
Quality beers like the honey triple, fresh hopped IPA, and their Russian Imperial Stout (brewed with absurd amounts of unsulfured blackstrap molasses) are quickly earning Sky High a solid reputation in the Pacific Northwest brewing community, a family they were welcomed into with open arms. Scott told us that when he was just getting started, “I could walk into any brewery and they’d pour me a pint, throw open the doors and, say ‘What do you want to see?’. They were excited for me. That’s a really nice working environment. It’s not just a business, it’s got some soul.”
Editor’s note: Hopstories tell the stories behind Oregon’s breweries. Find more stories or nominate a local brewery at Hopstories.com.
