Exploring the Art and Local History of Beer is latest in speaker series
Beer lovers and history enthusiasts alike will have a unique opportunity to dive into the region’s brewing heritage as the Folsom History Museum presents The Art and Local History of Beer with Erik Schmid. The event, set for this Thursday, Mar.13, will offer an engaging evening of education, storytelling, and beer tasting.
Schmid, the owner and operator of Red Bus Brewing Company, is at the helm of Folsom’s first and only brewery since the 1880s. His passion for brewing was set in motion early on. “My father was a novice home brewer and beer lover,” he recalls in the story of how it all started. “I went to school at Chico State, and Sierra Nevada kind of sucked me in.”
Home brewing since 1990 while earning a degree in finance, Schmid eventually formalized his expertise by graduating from the American Brewers Guild in 2002. His blend of business savvy and brewing passion led him to take over The Brewmeister, a homebrew supply store, in 2005. Now with three locations, the shop has helped cultivate the craft beer community throughout the region.
Growing up in Cameron Park and calling Folsom home with his wife, Lisa, and son, Ollie, for over a decade, Schmid saw a need for Folsom to have a brewery of its own. Watching many of his Brewmeister customers go on to launch successful breweries, he asked himself, “Why not me?” That question turned into action in 2016 when he began formulating plans for a brewery in Folsom. After months of scouting locations and refining branding ideas, inspiration struck when he stumbled upon a red 1968 VW Bus—giving Red Bus Brewing Company its name and identity.
Beyond his brewing expertise, Schmid is also a dedicated motorsports enthusiast. A lifelong sports car racing fan, he has owned over 50 cars and worked nearly as many jobs. He volunteers with the Sports Car Club of America and is on track to become a vintage racer in his 1970 Porsche 914-6. His involvement in the brewing industry also extends beyond his own business, having previously served on the board of the Sacramento Area Brewers Guild.
At the upcoming event, Schmid will share the history of beer in the region, details about the brewing process, and what led him to bring a brewery to Folsom. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sample selections from Red Bus Brewing Company, making for an immersive experience in both education and flavor.
The event takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Folsom History Museum, located at 823 Sutter Street. Tickets range from $5 to $15, with discounts available for students and museum members. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Folsom History Museum’s website at www.folsomhistory.org.
<p>The post Red Bus brewer Erik Schmid featured speaker at Folsom History first appeared on Folsom Times.</p>
