Brewing up riparian conservation in Sisters

A new beer from Three Creeks Brewing Co. began flowing from the taps and made its debut at Sisters Movie House Thursday. The one-time release of Water of Life altbier was created in support of the National Forest Foundation's "Tale of Two Rivers," a conservation campaign for the Whychus Creek and Metolius River.

"It's our water that we use for brewing. It's our lifeblood here in the brewery," head brewer Pat "Patio" Shea said about water taken from the Three Sisters watershed for creating beers at the restaurant.

The beer was on sale at Sisters Movie House for the showing of "Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time," which played to a sold-out crowd. The documentary raised awareness about Leopold, a 20th century American conservationist and author of "A Sand Country Almanac."

Funds generated by the beer's sales will be invested directly in on-the-ground restoration and stewardship efforts on the Metolius and Whychus, according to NFF's website.

Wade Underwood, a co-owner of Three Creeks, said the NFF was great to work with. Three Creeks staff connected with people at the foundation through Erin Borla, executive director of the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. Josh Cosci, Three Creeks assistant brewer, added that the folks at the NFF were diligent in getting the word out about the beer and about presales of the brew.

"It's going to be sold out in a few weeks," Shea said of the ale. The brewing company pre-sold more than 80 percent of the batch. The amber-colored brew will also be available at Depot Café, Black Butte Ranch and Bend restaurants Zydeco, The Blacksmith and The Astro Lounge, Cosci said.

Shea used an old-style German ale recipe to develop the beer, and also came up with the name.

"Without it (water) we wouldn't be making beer. Beer's the water of our life," Shea added.

"It's a great style to revive," Shea said of the ale that originated in Dusseldorf, Germany. Ale yeast tends to be more round on the palate and the longer process brightens up the taste, giving it an effervescent, tart flavor. The batch of beer took more than three weeks to condition, while other Three Creeks flavors take about two weeks, he said.

Underwood said that each beer brewer usually has an experience with certain products and mixers for beers.

"Pat and Josh are doing a fantastic job with all the recipes," he said.

Both Cosci and Shea came to Three Creeks Brewing Co. within a few months of each other more than a year and a half ago.

Next up will be the tapping of Ridge Trail Ale, a bitter beer which will be available May 26. The special release brew was created for the Sisters Stampede last year and is being brought back for the cross-country mountain bike race happening Sunday. The Ridge Trail Ale is a lighter beer and leads the transition into the season of lighter beers.

This summer, locals and Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show attendees will have the chance to taste the light golden ale Golden Stitches, developed by Cosci. The beer will be available in 22-ounce bottles and sold around Sisters.