Kitten Distribution System Gifts Aftershock Brewery With Chill Cat
TEMECULA, CA—A Murrieta couple has revived Temecula's Aftershock Brewing Company, adding ice-cold beer to its taps and a new barroom cat to its hearts, thanks to what they call "the Cat Distribution System."Joe and Amber Pennington purchased the failing Aftershock Brewing Company with the intent of reviving the brand, he told Patch. The tap room's "Wild West" look and feel appealed to them, and there was much to love about the beer brewed there. But when visiting the fermentation room in late October, he was startled to see a tiny gray and white kitten wander inside the rollup doors like she owned the place. "The cat distribution system was at work," he said of the brewery cat he would later name Dusty Boots. She wandered into the fermentation room on a stormy day with beaten-up paws and a disheveled appearance, having lived near the dumpsters. "We fed her from a Campini's sub, and she ate everything. We realized we needed to care for her as best we could," he said. Longtime pet owners had lost several beloved dogs around the time they reopened the brewery. They were not intending to add another animal to their family, but the cat chose them. "What can you do?" he laughed. The months-old kitten took some taming before they could make her their own. As they watched, she climbed high on the tanks and got into a pile of grain, leaving little dusty pawprints as she went. "Dusty Boots was a perfect name for her," he told Patch." She was malnourished and had been on her own for a while, he said. After a time, it was clear she needed a full-time home. They had the cat spayed and gave her a full-time home. Fans visit with the brewery cat, Dusty Boots, at Aftershock Brewing Co. (Kari Hentz Photo).Aftershock Brewing Company's brewery cat has joined the plethora of distillery cats celebrated on an Instagram page dedicated to their "spirited tradition of working in distilleries, breweries, and bars." Some call them "guardians of the grain," keeping pests away and tolerating tasting room guests. Some, like Dusty Boots, are extremely affectionate and friendly.On most days, Dusty Boots goes with the Penningtons to the tasting room. She has developed a core group of fans, like Kari Hentz, who first told Patch about Dusty Boots. The cat, the myth, the legend of Dusty Boots in IPA and cat form. (Joe Pennington, Photo)."My husband has been going to the brewery for years. When the new owners took over in late 2023, we noticed they really put effort into getting to know their customers and regulars. We have since enjoyed their company and seen Dusty. They even named a beer after her."According to Pennington, the beer "The Legend of Dusty Boots" is a Session Cold IPA brewed with Sabro and the 2023 Pink Boots hop blend. Aftershock Brewing was developed in collaboration with the Pink Boots Society of Women Brewers, he said. "Our goal is to produce the most flavorful, memorable beers possible," he said of their latest offerings, all served ice cold.We have a few surprises coming, along with lots of new releases planned in 2024, Pennington said. (Photo: Joe Pennington).You'll be able to taste "The Legend Of Dusty Boots" and other Aftershock Brewing Company beer at the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. But if you want to see Dusty Boots herself, be sure and drop by the tasting room, during business hours. Chances are, she'll be there, snoozing on the bar. The brewery is open seven days a week from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 2 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 28822 Old Town Front Street #108. Check the website for current hours.Dusty Boots, sleeping in her barroom box at Aftershock Brewing Company. (Photo: Kari Hentz).The article Kitten Distribution System Gifts Aftershock Brewery With Chill Cat appeared first on Murrieta, CA Patch.
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