By Britta Folden
How many of us are lucky enough to have a hobby that eventually turns into a potential career? Surely, Jon Bennett had no idea that he would one day be brewing beer for the masses when he made his first batch of homebrew four years ago. With the beer kit he received for his birthday from his wife, he made his first hand crafted beer and recalls that it “didn’t turn out very well.” His love for brewing (and drinking) beer kept him pursuing the goal of creating something enjoyable.
One evening, while enjoying a cold brew at a California brewery, he thought, “why can’t I do this?” and began dreaming and planning for a brewery of his own. His passion and vision brought him to the point of perfecting and experimenting with a variety of styles of beer and when he found out about an opportunity to take over as the brew master at Bog Water Brewing Company in Westport, he jumped.
Chris Tiffany, the owner of Cranberry Bog Winery and Bog Water Brewing, was in need of a new brewer to run the beer side of the business and fill the growing demand for local brews. He met Jon through a common friend and took a chance on this young and goal oriented local who was willing to put in the extra hours outside of his regular full time job to make things happen.
Jon enjoys the lifestyle of being a brewer. He is able to have time alone to work on his brewing technique and style and then shares the product with people. He is a humble brewer, acknowledging that he doesn’t know everything about brewing yet. His curiosity and humility drive his work, as he takes every chance he can get to learn from others, even his own customers. He admits that it is the first time that he has been able to really connect with people while working in a customer service position, often because he is able to share the common passion for beer with those willing to be a little bit adventurous with what they’ll tip back in their pint glass.
“I hope to be able to open their minds to something other than major beer labels,” he shared “but don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a Coors Light while I’m out mowing the lawn too.”
Currently, the small operation is looking to upgrade equipment and begin distributing to local bars in the near future. Jon has a special passion for making a difference in Grays Harbor, the place where he grew up and has chosen to return to. His vision for creating something that is authentically local and having pride in his creation is a part of a broader vision for the entire community. A brewery may seem like a small addition, but it can provide a beacon of hope for others and give people a reason to brag a little bit about the area.
“A rising tide floats all boats,” said Jon, as he hopes that what he can add to the community will help other businesses as well. “Plus, everyone loves beer… well, at least 99%.”
The tasting room is hard to miss, in the big red building at the end of the road, before taking a left to head south to the Grayland beaches. This summer, they will be open 7 days a week, with free tastings of their local brews plus a variety of other craft brews and their sparkling cranberry wines on tap. Live music and special events will occur each Saturday through the summer.
Jon explains that anyone is welcome to grab a pint and hang out in the brewery to watch the next batch being made.
2858 South Forrest Street
Westport, WA 98595
360-268-7082
