"All hail the Goddess of brewing...Ninkasi"

Ninkasi Brewing is the brain child of Nikos Ridge and Jamie Floyd and was started 9 years ago in Springfield, Oregon.  Their first brew was a 17 hour labor of love called Total Domination IPA.    This leased space was a 15 barrel brewhouse which they outgrew in a years time.  In 2007, the dynamic duo purchased real estate in Eugene's Whiteaker neighborhood and moved the brewery to its current location.

So who is Ninkasi and what does she have to do with brewing?  Ninkasi is the ancient Sumerian goddess of beer.  The Sumerian text regarding a Hymn dedicated to her was written around 1800 BCE.  In this text, an ancient recipe for brewing is found and the priestesses of Ninkasi used it daily in their ritual for brewing fresh beer.

Hymn to Ninkasi

Borne of the flowing water,

Tenderly cared for by the Ninhursag,

Borne of the flowing water,

Tenderly cared for by the Ninhursag,

Having founded your town by the sacred lake,

She finished its great walls for you,

Ninkasi, having founded your town by the sacred lake,

She finished it's walls for you,

Your father is Enki, Lord Nidimmud,

Your mother is Ninti, the queen of the sacred lake.

Ninkasi, your father is Enki, Lord Nidimmud,

Your mother is Ninti, the queen of the sacred lake.

You are the one who handles the dough [and] with a big shovel,

Mixing in a pit, the bappir with sweet aromatics,

Ninkasi, you are the one who handles the dough [and] with a big shovel,

Mixing in a pit, the bappir with [date] - honey,

You are the one who bakes the bappir in the big oven,

Puts in order the piles of hulled grains,

Ninkasi, you are the one who bakes the bappir in the big oven,

Puts in order the piles of hulled grains,

You are the one who waters the malt set on the ground,

The noble dogs keep away even the potentates,

Ninkasi, you are the one who waters the malt set on the ground,

The noble dogs keep away even the potentates,

You are the one who soaks the malt in a jar,

The waves rise, the waves fall.

Ninkasi, you are the one who soaks the malt in a jar,

The waves rise, the waves fall.

You are the one who spreads the cooked mash on large reed mats,

Coolness overcomes,

Ninkasi, you are the one who spreads the cooked mash on large reed mats,

Coolness overcomes,

You are the one who holds with both hands the great sweet wort,

Brewing [it] with honey [and] wine

(You the sweet wort to the vessel)

Ninkasi, (...)(You the sweet wort to the vessel)

The filtering vat, which makes a pleasant sound,

You place appropriately on a large collector vat.

Ninkasi, the filtering vat, which makes a pleasant sound,

You place appropriately on a large collector vat.

When you pour out the filtered beer of the collector vat,

It is [like] the onrush of Tigris and Euphrates.

Ninkasi, you are the one who pours out the filtered beer of the collector vat,

It is [like] the onrush of Tigris and Euphrates.

Beer has come a long way since then...on the day we arrived this was their current line-up. We were anxious to see and taste the flavors of this crafty brewery.  I was surprised to see the size of this operation which extends for a couple blocks and includes a 55-barrel and a 90-barrel brewing system, office spaces, tasting room and local distribution.

In doing my research about this brewery I was hooked when I came across their Ethos...

"The ancient Sumerians worshipped the beer they made and praised the Goddess Ninkasi for the miracle of fermentation.  As one of the first-known communities, the Sumerians began to forgo hunting and gathering for an agrarian existence, establishing the first foundations of modern civilization.  They understood the value of beer in their communities and relied on the bravery as a pillar and hub of social connectivity.  Additionally, the beer and the fermentation process provided potable water, nourishment, health and joy.  It was the catalyst for written language and education; all valuable contributors to an evolved quality of life and living.

Today, Ninkasi Brewing Company is dedicated to brewing the highest quality craft beers in support of culture, community, and the uniqueness of each individual and their passions-while evoking as much enjoyment as possible along the way!  We believe in and are committed to sharing experiences that create value for our customers, our partners, and our communities in service to our core purpose: to Perpetuate Better Living.  Beer is a staple of civilization.  Believe in the Goddess.

Ninkasi Brewing Company was a bright shinning star after a long drive from Eureka, California.  I appreciate the courtesy they showed for our late arrival and I appreciate the dedication these guys have to producing some pretty outstanding beers!  

Cheers and all hail the Goddess!

http://www.ninkasibrewing.com/