Shelby's First Hometown Brewery

 

In 2009, our Brew Master—and son—Andy King was first introduced to beer making on a coworker’s front porch at a spot affectionately known as the “Union Street Brewery.” There, he began learning how flavors, ingredients, and brewing techniques work together to create each beer’s unique character.

Andy quickly became hooked after brewing his first Chocolate Porter. By 2010, his hobby had grown into a passion, and he increased his brewing capacity to make beer for his brother’s wedding. His Chocolate Porter and a Blonde Ale were served to more than 100 guests, and the response helped fuel his desire to keep brewing.

Over the years, Andy continued experimenting, refining recipes, and expanding his knowledge of the craft. What began as homebrewing eventually grew into a passion for creating quality craft beer for others to enjoy—and ultimately helped lead to the creation of Black Fork Brewing.

​

The Building

The barn type structure, with cupolas and a wraparound porch to welcome people came from a hand drawn picture scribbled on paper. That picture was taken to the architect and the building was born. While the outward look of the building has not changed from its first dreamed inception, the proposed locations have. Over the course of six- nine months, we looked at six different locations to house the brewery, but each time the door to those locations closed. When we were presented with the current location as an option, we began to dream about what could be. We hope when you walk into Black Fork Brewing, you will feel the down-home and welcoming vibes that come from living in a small town. It is our family’s desire, that you will want to bring your family to enjoy craft beer in a family friendly and open atmosphere. Now that the building is well underway, we are so excited for our dream to become our reality!

​

 

 

The Black Fork River brings negative thoughts for many residents and for the town of Shelby because of flooding. However, for our family the Black Fork River has also provided times of joy. Beth Potter King grew up on Central Avenue, now known as Black Fork Street. She grew up playing in the creek with neighborhood friends, looking for crawdads, fishing, finding treasures and playing in the water. Our sons, Andy and Brad grew up in Ganges Ohio. The Black Fork River meanders its way through Ganges as well. When Andy and Brad were young, they spent many hours with neighborhood friends in the shallow waters of the Black Fork, catching crawdads, fishing, and wading in the waters. For us, the Black Fork brings to mind the nostalgia of when things were simpler, and time moved more slowly. The Black Fork River has been an integral part of Shelby. We hope Black Fork Brewing will also become an integral part of Shelby where families and friends gather and share great times.

 

We are reminded that turning dreams into reality takes time and effort. We have been patient and persistent, and we have enjoyed the journey! We look forward to where that journey will take us with all of you by our side!

 

Gary and Beth King
Andy and Lisa King

Brad and Emily King