A university professor with a Ph.D. in Education Administration seems an unlikely fit for founding and opening a craft beer brewery. Nevertheless, John Denny (a.k.a. Dr. John) and a group of friends are planning the opening of their Gainesville, Fla. brewery, First Magnitude Brewing Company for the weekend of August, 23.
The story of First Magnitude is a familiar one; a group of friends got together and came up with an idea for opening a craft beer brewery. The four friends all had other jobs and children making the idea of opening a brewery risky, but worthwhile in their opinion. So, with plenty of help from the Florida beer community, the group began the process of putting together a winning formula for a brewery in the burgeoning Florida market. As stated on the brewery’s website, their formula spoke to the group’s desire, “… to make excellent beer, have a great space for people to come and enjoy a pint, be an exceptional place to work, and be a big part of our local community.”
The team consists of Denny, Meg The Losen who serves as president and managers of all things outside of brewing, Christine Denny who serves as communications and outreach manager, Wells The Losen who is in charge of distribution along with financial responsibilities and Eric Dreyer who, with Denny brews the beer for the company.
There is no shortage of talent in the brewing team with Denny having won several awards in Florida beer competitions. He also serves the community as an active BJCP certified judge. He also co-produces and hosts Homebrew Talk, a popular program on Gainesville’s community Internet radio. Dreyer has brewed more than 150 batches since he began brewing in 2007. Over the years he has accumulated more than 35 medals in beer competitions including a Best of Show pale ale.
First Magnitude will feature three year-round beers when they open, the brewery’s website describes them:
Siren Blond Ale
“…brewed with an American two-row pale malt base with a generous amount of Vienna malt and a touch of Victory to add complexity and aid in head retention. Warrior hops are used for bittering, and the floral and spicy notes come from a combination of Hallertau Mittelfrüh and German Tettnang hops. Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5%.”
72 Degree Pale Ale
“72° features American two-row as a base malt with Munich malt to balance the hop flavor and Crystal malt to provide color and a bit of sweetness. Chinook hops provide the bittering while Cascade and Centennial hops are used for flavor and aroma. The aroma is enhanced by dry hopping. ABV: 5.5%.”
Drift English Mild
“…brewed with American two-row pale malt as a base and has Crystal 20, Munich, Brown, Aromatic, Chocolate and Black Patent malts for a complex malt profile. Warrior hops are used for bittering and Hallertau Mittelfruh adds a subtle hop character. British Ale yeast gives it just a hint of fruity esters and a well-rounded flavor that will have you asking for another pour. “
You can visit the brewery’s tap room beginning Saturday, August 23 at:
1220 SE Veitch St.
Gainesville, FL 32601
Hours are 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturdays and 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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