Bee's Knees Ale House, Versailles
May 2018
In the near future, tiny Versailles, population 2500, might just be known for its up-and-coming brewmaster, Chris Byars. Owner of the Bee’s Knees Ale House with his wife, Pam, they met on a blind date at the lake on Friday the 13th.
Pam manages the restaurant, which is known for built-to-order pizzas topped with house-made sauces. Specialty pizzas rotate into the repertoire. Sandwiches, nachos and salads also compliment the craft beer.
Although the brewery opened two-and-half years ago, Chris’ passion for brewing started much earlier. His pharmaceutical and industrial manufacturing career spans the past 20 years and involves extensive overseas travel. Along the way, Chris was introduced to outstanding brews in the Czech Republic.
“I tried to find beers here in the states like those I’d tasted in Europe, but none were up to par,” says Chris. “So I became the ultimate do-it-yourselfer and started brewing at home about ten years ago.”
Within the historic building, once a Packard dealership that now houses the restaurant, Chris creatively engineered a micro-brewery based on his experience with pharmaceutical technologies. But that changed recently. Given the popularity of Bee’s Knees ale, production was moved to a separate building down the road. Bottling started in mid-June.
“I recently traveled to the Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville where I picked up new, state-of-the-art equipment from overseas,” says Chris. “Our expanded brew house is ten times larger, and I’ve built a bottling line so that we can distribute around the lake.”
At the brewery, five beers remain on tap with the sixth changing seasonally. Beers feature honey and honey malt, which pay homage to the company name. “Electric Nectar” ranks as the most popular; the crisp, five-percent alcohol, blond ale utilizes honey malt for a hint of sweetness and a raspberry-infusion for summer. Chris’ business partner, Michael Garber, a former funeral home director, built the brewery’s furniture and bar. “Six Feet Bee-Low” alludes to his previous business. “Hazy Hive,” a high protein, light German-style beer incorporates wheat malt for easy drinking. “Pollinator Porter” reflects an English-style beer.
“We live on a farm north of town, and our three kids are involved here,” Chris explains, “Our goal is to make quality craft beer served in a family-friendly environment that’s welcoming to any age. Along with our casual menu, we offer kid’s meals plus events for the whole family.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/Beeskneesbrewingcompany.