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Four guys who brewed an idea into reality celebrated a milestone in their company's history earlier this month with the opening of San Ramon's first brewery. An official ribbon cutting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 5:30 p.m.

After over a year of campaigning, Schubros Brewery opened the San Ramon Taproom at 12893 Alcosta Boulevard on Jan. 19. Although Schubros has sold its 680 IPA, Nico American Wheat and other brews for half a year, the opening of the Taproom marks the official transition from start-up business to fully functional brewery, Schubros' President Ian Schuster told reporters.

"I think there's been a sort of a cultural void in not having a brewery because the demographics of this area are perfect: very affluent, highly educated people that generally appreciate having a high quality product," Schuster said. "You sort of have this northern Alcosta epicenter of nightlife that's up and coming and we're a very specific one focusing on craft beer."

The brightly lit, welcoming Taproom is designed to be a friendly place to enjoy beers. More of a hangout or learning environment than a bar, Schuster said customers are encouraged to order a tasting flight and then purchase a half-gallon growler to receive a special deal on drinks in the future.

Taproom hosts several Schubros beers including the Nico American Wheat, 680 IPA and Diablo Dark, as well as a guest rye beer from Ale Industries in Concord. Schubros also serves as an informal lab for testing new beers and offers tastes of two brews not yet available for purchase. Schuster added that the brewery is currently developing a chocolate/orange imperial stout called Alcosta, a collaboration with neighbors Raffine Chocolates.

"We're kicking off world tour of great beer styles but great beers always start from home , right here on Alcosta. This has a very robust flavor and is a strong beer at 9.25 percent alcohol. You would drink in brandy snifter, maybe put over candle to warm it up," Schuster said.

The founders, who live in San Ramon and Danville, also feel it's important to give back to the community, and part of money made from each product will be donated to nonprofit groups. For instance, 1 percent of the profits from the 680 IPA are going to the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation.

"I raised my kids here and so has our entire management team," said Chief Infrastructure Officer Jon Piening, a 25-year San Ramon resident. "With that said, we are personally committed to keeping our community beautiful, safe and home to California's top schools."

Schubros recently donated a premium beer-food pairing event to the Semper Fi Foundation's silent auction at the memorial for Lt. Corporal Joshua "Chachi" Corral held in Danville.

"As an ex-Navy guy, I consider programs that support the young men and women who have made extreme sacrifices in service to our county and community to be very near and dear to my heart," Schuster said.

Chief Brewing Officer Mike Johannsen recalled losing sleep as the first products he developed completed their brewing process and were tasted. Nico American Wheat is named after his young daughter, Nico, short for Nicolina, his grandmother's name.

Nico Wheat is successfully paired with escargot or shellfish, the brewers noted, while their 680 IPA goes with pizza or beef. They plan events to highlight pairings of their beers with food, a new trend in the craft beer industry.

Schubros is entirely organic and sold in 100 percent recycled kegs, according to their website. It will be sold in cans, rather than bottles, for better quality due partly to less oxygen seepage, but also because cans are more often recycled, are easier to transport with less breakage, and are more affordable.

Dolores Fox Ciardelli contributed to this article

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