Friends,

I have some difficult news to share with you. I’ve been diagnosed with a serious heart condition, specifically coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, and diastolic heart failure. As you may already know last April, I was diagnosed with pulmonary embolisms (PE) — blood clots — in my lungs.

I’m managing all these with medications, and I am doing well all things considered. However, my illness is affecting my ability to provide the highest level of service at the shop. I felt that an explanation for somewhat erratic opening hours and a drop off in the response or turn around time in orders was due.

I sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience and continued support as I sort out this difficult time. It would be tough enough just navigating a small business with Covid-19 to worry about, but when I add these health concerns and limitations to the mix, some days it’s more than I can do. This is why I shortened the shop operating hours by one day per week and two hours per day. It’s also why I continue to operate with curbside service only for my local customers. It’s a total hassle, but it’s the safest way for me to continue to run the shop for now.

I had planned to operate it for three to five more years before I fully retired. That doesn’t really seem to be an option any longer, but it’s important to me that the brewing community in NWA has this resource locally available. I’ll continue to offer the best service I can and finest ingredients available until another path presents itself.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you what a strong, smart, supportive, resourceful, and loving partner and care giver my wife Gretchen is for me. She has more than enough on her plate as a public school teacher during this public health crisis, yet she finds the time and energy to care for me and take up the slack left when I can’t go anymore. She is simply amazing, and I love her beyond words.

Take care. Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Be well. There are people who need you.