“Züm Bier,” in German, means “To The Bier.” I also think of it as the journey my wife, Talea, and I have shared for nearly two decades. Most importantly, ZümBier defines our intention; to bring you to our bier, with us, together.
I’m a former whiskey drinker. College wrecked my idea of what beer could be. Until, one fateful day, my brother handed me a home-brewed Rye double IPA.
Hard work and commitment to the craft of brewing quickly became contest medals and it was clear what was next for me. I shared my newly formed vision with my German wife, to which she said, “Prost!”
When we went on the road together, we searched for other Nano breweries in hopes of finding inspiration for our future. We became beer explorers, discovering hidden away breweries all across the country. Over the years we’ve encountered many innovators and seen countless examples of inspirational brewery design.
Fast forward to 2012, ZümBier Inc. was born, our journey’s destination. We even brought our families and friends along, with whom we couldn’t have done it without.
Our beers reflect us, who we are, and what we stand for. My children Lauren, Matthew, Misha, and Jan, my wife Talea, and my brother Greg, whose original recipe is now our “Unda Cova Brudda,” guided me and helped shape my vision. We all want to share and elevate the craft for you, and cordially invite you to enjoy our Bier, at ZümBier.
Prost!
Larry Bloom, Founder & Biermeister
Larry Bloom – Founder/Owner
What is your role at Zumbier?
Clean up man, most likely suspect, creative genius.
How long have you been working at Zumbier?
It began in 2011 as Local Hero, then Urban Legend, then ZumBier Inc in 2012.
What does Zumbier mean to you?
We (Talea and I) picked Zum Bier (literally To The, or Destination Bier) because there can be so much more than simply drinking a craft bier. We like to call it the “Bier Experience.”
What’s your favorite Zumbier bier?
Unda Cova Brudda (everyday), Lauren (special occasions).
Are you a pirate or a ninja?
Pirate, I’m way too loud and clumsy to ninja up on you.
What’s your favorite scent (candle, incense)?
Nag Champa.
Go to comfort food?
I’m fried chicken if I am what I eat.
Talea Bloom – Founder/Owner
What is your role at Zumbier?
The muse.
How long have you been working at Zumbier?
From its inception.
What does Zumbier mean to you?
It’s a place of endless possibilities- the dream machine; and although the name means “Destination,” for us it’s been all about the Journey.
What’s your favorite Zumbier bier?
Junipa IPA for every day and Lauren on special occasions.
Are you a pirate or a ninja?
A pirate I am, matey.
What’s your favorite scent (candle, incense)?
Fresh sea breezes and the forest floor on the sea coast.
Go to comfort food?
Udon soup with veggie and shrimp tempura in the winter, French fries and gravy (poutine).
Lauren – Art Department/Beer Tender
What is your role at Zumbier?
Art department and everyone’s favorite bartender.
How long have you been working at Zumbier?
The whole time! Since back in the day when all we had was a white room with one folding table, and had to painstakingly fill pitchers from the kegs to get all you hooligans your delicious bier!
What does Zumbier mean to you?
ZumBier is a gathering place of some of the most fabulous, kind-hearted, and interesting people I know.
What’s your favorite Zumbier bier?
Liberty Call, all day every day.
Are you a pirate or a ninja?
Pirate all the way.
What’s your favorite scent (candle, incense)?
Jasmine.
Go to comfort food?
Biscuits and gravy (don’t copy my answer Matthew).
Matthew – Brewer/Beer Tender
What is your role at Zumbier?
My role here at Zumbier is mainly a beer tender, but I do it all. From keg washing when its needs to be done, to helping brew every once and a while. I help out where help is needed.
How long have you been working at Zumbier?
Since the beginning; even before our taproom was open I would come in and help with brewing, bottling, or whatever the task was for that day.
What does Zumbier mean to you?
Zumbier means a lot to me. It’s not only a place I call work, but it a place I can come to unwind and relax. Zumbier is like a second home to me, a place I am really comfortable. It is also a business I have seen my family invest so much in. Zumbier is something that has inspired me, and shown me dreams are never too far away if you just really go for it.
What’s your favorite Zumbier bier?
Super Chong.
Are you a pirate or a ninja?
Ninja, because who doesn’t like the color black?
What’s your favorite scent (candle, incense)?
Nag Champa (Dad stole mine); I also really like the smell of beer with lots of aroma hops.
Go to comfort food?
Homemade biscuits and gravy.