So, we have a pretty amazing neighbors. One of the biggest projects in getting the brewery built was getting the ancient paving slabs out of the stable floor, and pouring concrete for the base of the fermentation and stock room. 3 1/2 m³ reinforced concrete it’s not something to take “lightly“! So up step the neighbors: one of the great things about living in the country is that your neighbors tend to be hands-on artisans and craftsman, with real life experience. The other great thing is their generosity, both in spirit and muscle. I wasn’t prepared to tackle the task of pulling out all the old paving stones by myself, so I resigned myself to having to build up the floor about 30 cm to make it level – the stable was designed on a slope so the stalls for the horses had natural sanitation drainage. But then our local granite artisan shows up. “Why don’t I just bring my bobcat down, and we can yank them out and make it a level“. So in a few days he shows up, with his son we stop pulling out slabs of granite that are 25 cm deep, 25 to 30 cm wide, and up to a meter long. They are not light! Neighbor across the street comes to take a look, and he and his son pitch in. And in one Sunday afternoon, what I thought would be a week’s worth of grind, is done! Holly will be so happy to get the vats out of the house!
