Science on tap when Paha Hills Brewlab opens this summer

Beer won't be the only thing on tap when Paha Hills Brewlab opens this summer near downtown.

Father-and-son team Drew and Nathan Letcher also will serve up a heavy dose of science.

Drew Letcher, 54, said the role of yeast, in particular, interested him when he started brewing beer at home about six years ago.

"Yeast is alive, and it's a living organism," the University of Iowa alumnus said. "Yeast is what actually makes beer, makes alcohol. Brewers don't make beer."

He said Brewlab will open at 505 E. Washington St. on July 1, hopefully with its brewing license.

The brewery will serve a variety of craft beers including blonde ale, tripel, porter, imperial stout, English bitters, German altbier, American wheat and hoppy pale ale.

Nathan, 31, will serve as head brewer and join his dad in Iowa City later this year after he graduates from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a degree in biochemistry. He previously worked at Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka, Calif., and Six Row Brewing Co. in St. Louis.

He said he spent a year living and studying in Lithuania, and his dad later joined him for a monthlong trip through Europe.

"We would like to re-create some of the more obscure styles of beer that we came across," Nathan Letcher said via email. "We both also have experimented with sour beers at home, and I hope to use my training in microbiology to culture our own yeast and bacteria."

Drew Letcher, a former software engineer, opted to set up shop in Iowa City after living in Chicago for about 20 years.

"It should provide a unique space for the local craft beer enthusiast to come and enjoy a pint or two," he said.

Part of that uniqueness will be the science-themed decor, complete with a black slate bar top and old science lab tables.

"At the Brewlab we hope to focus on more than just beer," Nathan Letcher said. "My father and I are both interested in fermentation science and have been experimenting with kombucha, sauerkraut and the like."

Menu items will range from $5 to $10 and feature small-plate dishes such as local cheeses and meats to pair with their 12 tap beers. Drew Letcher said they want to take advantage of the nearby Iowa City Farmers Market with classes, drink specials and foods sourced from the market.

Drew Letcher said education will be a big component of Brewlab, with tasting sessions and possibly sensory training, which he said would benefit most drinkers and teach them about what they're downing.

"It's all about learning the language of the flavors," Drew Letcher said. "You know what it is, but you can't describe it. There's some common terminology for beer, especially for judging."

He said his son was the one who got him into brewing and eventually becoming a certified beer judge.

"Brewing at home helps you learn about different styles of beer and the ingredients that go into each one," Drew Letcher said.

Anyone considering turning their basement into a brew house should first follow his tips from the trenches.

"Clean, clean and more cleaning," Drew Letcher said. "The second thing would be temperature control to keep the yeast happy."

Reach Laura Hordesky at lhordesk@press-citizen.com or 319-887-5407, and follow her on Twitter at @lhordesky.

Paha Hills Brewlab

• What: An artisan brewery and pub with a tasting room and small-plates menu.

• Address: 505 E. Washington St.

• Opening: July 1.

• I nformation: www.pahahills.com/.