Lengthwise Brewery

Lengthwise Brewery

The name Lengthwise certainly creates a lot of questions from both young and old. The partners have been asked "What does it mean? The acronym was created to communicate the following message: LENGTHWISE-Live Experiences Now! Great Things Happen When Inspiration Silences Excuses! Life is short! Dreams are now! Live life Lengthwise. Then Lengthwise Brewing Company was established in 1998 in order to follow the Great American Dream of turning passion into product. Initially, the creative partners divided their time between their "day jobs" and what is now regarded as Kern County's most popular micro-brewery. The production system includes a 14 Barrel Liquid Asset brewhouse and four 14 Barrel fermenters. Long hours and no pay almost never discouraged the inspired from taking a risk to pursue their heart's desire. Childhood friends, Jeff Williams and Darin Schwicker, are transplants from California's Central Coast. Forged by a friendship of competitive swimming and unsuccessful fishing, the two vowed to create a brewed product "true" to their Lengthwise philosophy. Jeff's worldwide experience of designing and setting up breweries in such remote locations as the Caribbean, Ukraine, Russia and Japan certainly contributed to his vision for developing a brewery. And Now While sampling 6 original products, brewed by Darin, formerly of Bootlegger's Brewing Co., patrons find themselves in a friendly, pub atmosphere. The brewery is a sensual experience, which offers the taste and smell of fine ales, music, and conversation with others who appreciate an excellent beer. Currently, the company has completed the new, larger facility at 6720 Schirra Court. Plans for the future site include a full scale bottling facility and a casual eatery with patio access. Lengthwise T-shirts, caps and women's wear can all be purchased via on-line or by calling the brewery at (661)836-2537. We like hearing from fellow micro-brew lovers and those who live life Lengthwise! Partner Profiles: Brewmaster, Darin Schwicker has been in the industry for more than a decade. At last count, he has brewed over 1000 batches of beer. According to Darin, "Searching for the perfect beer guarantees change! It is one of the things I like most about this field. Lengthwise started out simple, but now we are getting bigger and better 'toys.' Of course, that means we're always learning how to make better beer." To Lengthwise fans looking for a great beer, Darin recommends his personal favorite, the Triple Hop Red Ale. "Pair it with all Lakers games and Jimmy Buffet music," says the Parrot Head, "and you're sure to have an awesome night!" President and Director of Operations, Jeff Williams, began consulting on brewery set ups both nationally and internationally in 1996. Prior to that, Jeff was first instrumental in bringing quality beer to Bakersfield when he assisted in the establishment of Bootlegger's Brewery. If you've sampled micro-brews around the U.S., you've likely had a beer made in a system put together by Jeff. "Every consulting trip I took brought me that much closer to the vision I have for Lengthwise." "The beer I am most proud of is our Centennial Ale. It is truest to the India Pale Ale style," reports Jeff. Brewed with Centennial Hops, this beer is also available at Bakersfield's own Robobank Arena. Jeff enthusiastically adds, "Request it on your next visit! You'll enjoy it 100%!"