Brewery

June 18, 2010 Updated Jun 11, 2007 at 7:21 AM EDT

Fort Wayne was once famous for its breweries...nine major brewers have called the city home at some point in time.
One man in 21Country is determined to join their ranks.

Fort Wayne psychiatrist Doctor Dave Holmes is a passionate man...passionate about his family…passionate about his profession…passionate about airplanes.

He loves his World War II era T-6 Trainer...that's Dave in the pilot seat.

And he's passionate about his new business venture that is a happy marriage of all the he loves...his brand new brewery.

Dave Holmes, owner of Warbird Brewing Company says, “You can look at this as a great business venture or a very expensive hobby, but we're having a great time.”

Dave Holmes commands the Warbird Brewing Company, a microbrewery inspired by years of making beer in his basement for his own enjoyment.

Warbird Brewing was born when Dave hit upon a beer recipe his wife declared eminently marketable.

Holmes says, “The secret is if my wife likes it, most people like it. It's not overly dark. It's not overly hoppy. It's not overly alcoholic. It's basically low in all those spectrums because what we're trying to do is have a really easily drinkable beer.”

Dave dubbed his new brew 'T-6 Red Ale', in keeping with the Warbird motif.

Other varieties may follow, all named for vintage warbirds of course.

But for now, the brewery is focusing solely on the T-6 Red Ale.

Warbird Brewing is a new venture, but it's already scored some successes.

You'll find T-6 Red Ale in local liquor and grocery stores, and on tap at Fort Wayne's Flat Top Grill, Biaggi's Restaurant and the Red Star Tavern.

Dave says it will be years before the brewery is profitable, but he says that's okay with him.

Warbird is a welcome escape from the stress of a busy psychiatric practice and that, the doctor says, can't be measured in dollars and cents.

Holmes says, “Every time I walk in the building I smile. It releases so many good things for me and allows me to download stress. I love this.”

It is a very pleasant circumstance for a guy whose lifelong dream is finally taking off.