Page 113 - Southern Oregon Magazine Winter 2015
P. 113
es Romano,
owner of Fire Cirkl.
Fire Cirkl, White City
After a career both with the U.S. Navy and as a commercial pilot, James
Romano came to the Rogue Valley to found Fire Cirkl, a brewing com-
pany based in Sam’s Valley. “My intention was to make all styles of
mead under one roof,” says Romano, but the realities of the necessary
licensing eventually led him to focus on braggots, a style of mead that
combines malted grains and honey, most often made with herbs other
than hops. “It’s refreshingly different,” says Romano. “Of all the recipes
I had, people liked the braggots the best.”
The style has a rich history that Romano enthusiastically embraces,
with Native American to Scottish and Roman influences in the flavors.
He’s combined that history with a commitment to organic ingredi-
ents—Fire Cirkl has both Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO)
and USDA Organic certification—and sustainable production prac-
tices that honor the past and the present of brewing.
“Every one of my brews has a story,” says Romano. “There’s just a rich,
romantic history behind brewing.” With names like Dragon’s Blood
and Naughty Heather, Romano looks to produce more blends soon,
having now added his winery license and with plans to expand into all
meads in 2015.
Fire Cirkl
White City
www.firecirkl.com
winter 2015 • southernoregonmagazine.com 111
owner of Fire Cirkl.
Fire Cirkl, White City
After a career both with the U.S. Navy and as a commercial pilot, James
Romano came to the Rogue Valley to found Fire Cirkl, a brewing com-
pany based in Sam’s Valley. “My intention was to make all styles of
mead under one roof,” says Romano, but the realities of the necessary
licensing eventually led him to focus on braggots, a style of mead that
combines malted grains and honey, most often made with herbs other
than hops. “It’s refreshingly different,” says Romano. “Of all the recipes
I had, people liked the braggots the best.”
The style has a rich history that Romano enthusiastically embraces,
with Native American to Scottish and Roman influences in the flavors.
He’s combined that history with a commitment to organic ingredi-
ents—Fire Cirkl has both Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO)
and USDA Organic certification—and sustainable production prac-
tices that honor the past and the present of brewing.
“Every one of my brews has a story,” says Romano. “There’s just a rich,
romantic history behind brewing.” With names like Dragon’s Blood
and Naughty Heather, Romano looks to produce more blends soon,
having now added his winery license and with plans to expand into all
meads in 2015.
Fire Cirkl
White City
www.firecirkl.com
winter 2015 • southernoregonmagazine.com 111
