Black Orchid Brewing: Your Neighborhood Watering Hole
By Brandilyn & Christopher Mitchell
I have great news for NorthEast Modesto-you’re getting a new brewery! Have you heard of Black Orchid Brewing yet? I bet you have noticed the signage with curiosity, wondering when you can have your first pint.
Black Orchid Brewing nearly a decade in the making, with two of those grueling years in the building on Oakdale and Sylvan. Working from the walls and inward, they have repaired and built us a lovely little hang out with gorgeous woodwork welcoming you as soon as you step in. It’s a bit of an inconspicuous location-from a glance you wouldn’t think anything was back there, but I think that gives it a “if you know you know” vibe, making you feel extra special if you are in the loop.
Joffre Roberts and Henry Penado, brother-in-laws and best friends, started out as many do, homebrewing, hanging out, having fun, and drinking beer. Jeoffre started to appreciate beer after a vacation in Germany. “My friend gave me their version of a Bud Light and it was DELICIOUS. I thought, ‘Wait, this is their bad beer? What does their craft beer taste like?’ He took me to a beer garden and that was that!” He was hooked, and then made some batches of his own when he returned home. Then he fell in love with the hobby and wanted to learn everything he possibly could. He took some classes at Cal Poly Pomona, and worked as an unpaid intern with Don Miller, helping to open up one of Don’s breweries. Joffre worked many years as a chef, using the same science to instead create dreamy dishes. “Will there be food in Black Orchid’s future?” I asked. “Oh no, we are focused on beer. All the beer!” he answered. There is talk of food trucks and partnerships with nearby restaurants though, so never fear on the food front! Henry’s love of beer started when he took a trip to Boston and toured Samuel Adams. Then their idea for a brewery was born from a joke while they were on a cruise, doing a tasting on the boat. The joke wouldn’t die though, it became a “What if?” then a “How?” to a “Where should we open?”
After searching all over the 209 (and even North Bay) they settled on Modesto, where Joffre and his wife live. And they picked a great part of town where we needed a brewery. I’m tickled to report they’ll be reusing water whenever possible, using fresh local ingredients and donating their spent grains to local farms. Sustainability is vital, especially in our agricultural community.
And how did they get the name? The best answer I have ever received asking that question, “All the family put names they liked in a hat and we voted on them. Black Orchid won. It’s elusive, black orchids don’t exist. Except this one.” Henry said. They’ll be able to make 25,000 gallons a year, and serve it to you fresh and icy on their 12 taps. With flavors like Honey Lavender, Thai Tea, Jackfruit Stout, and all the traditional styles you know and love like IPAs, Cream Ales, Lager and Pilsner-they will have a style for everyone. “We want to share our love of beer. If we make and don’t like it, we won’t serve it. If it’s on tap, then we love it.” You’ll be able to come pick your favorite beer after March 1st. Stay tuned for their grand opening information on Facebook! We hope to catch you down there discovering your favorite soon!
Black Orchid Brewing
2101 Sylvan Ave #106, Modesto
blackorchidbrewing@gmail.com
