At Skagit Valley Malting, we’re at work adapting our products to better serve homebrewers. As we launch more homebrewer resources (link here!) we thought we would highlight one of our long time homebrew store customers. Tony and the folks at Micro Homebrew have supported us and helped us get tied in with the local homebrewing scene in Seattle over the past few years. Eric Buist, our Marketing Manager, has been a customer of theirs and found Skagit Malt first by shopping in their store.

By supporting homebrewers and homebrew shops, we are working toward our goals of creating a stronger grain economy, adding value to our growers land, and helping folks create really tasty beverages!

Here’s a little more about Tony and Micro Homebrew:

Who are you? Name/Store/Location?

Tony Ochsner. I own Micro Homebrew in Kenmore Washington

What is your shop known for?

In addition to our great customer service, we are know for our large inventory. We stock over 100 varieties of malt, 90+ varieties of hops and yeast from 6 different manufacturers.

Why did you start to bring in Skagit Valley Malts?

We believe an important aspect of the homebrewing hobby is the option to be very sustainable. Having Skagit Valley Malting so close to us gives us a malt choice that is good for the environment.

That got us to bring in Skagit Valley Malts. The fact that our customers love the product and what it does for their beer is why we continue to stock Skagit Valley Malts.

What has been your favorite malt from us?

I think the Francin Pilsner is my favorite. It is a very versatile pilsner malt that works in everything from traditional lagers to Hazy IPA’s.

Desert Island beer/brewery?

That’s a tough one, I tend to drink with the seasons, but if I could only have one brewery for the rest of my life, I think it would be the traditional lagers from Chuckanut Brewery.

Who would you love to have a beer with?

I always wished I had met Fred Eckhardt. I think he would be a great person to get a beer with.

Are you a homebrewer looking to start using Skagit Valley Malts in your beers? Head over to our homebrewer resources page to find out how! You can also tune in to watch Tony teach a homebrewing class on November 7th for National Learn to Homebrew Day!