Welcome to Their Humble Abode

BY ANTHONY PATTERSON

Over the years, Northeast Spokane had, at best, a handful of dive bars where one could enjoy a pint. For decades, this part of town was overlooked, considered the “Old Spokane” with some mainstay establishments, but entrepreneurial offerings were few and far between. Even back in August of 2018, the only thing that let me know I had found Spokane’s newest off-the-beaten-path brewery in this industrial park was a small banner hanging proudly above the front door.

But there it was–Humble Abode–an oasis for locals long-seeking a craft brewery in the Nevada-Lidgerwood beer desert. Matt and Courtney Gilbreath, the husband and wife owners of Humble Abode, were there with bright smiles and warm welcomes to those in the community who ventured a block north of Francis to find them at their corner of Houston and Pittsburg.

The name was coined by Matt, a holdover from his days as a homebrewer. Using the app FourSquare, Matt had simply placed a pin at the Gilbreath’s home, their “Humble Abode,” and encouraged friends to check in from the location whenever they came over to sample his new creations.

After working in customer service for decades, Matt had the idea to give professional brewing a shot. Before that could happen, though, he needed to perfect his craft, a task that professionals and home-brewers know is easier said than done.

Matt turned to his friends, Derek and Patricia Quist of Pints Alehouse (now Hop Chaos), to lend their palates and expertise to help develop his brewing skills. Each week, Matt would brew a new beer or two and submit his creations to Derek and Patricia for their sensory suggestions. The first few were rough, but with encouragement from his family, a passion for knowledge and a love of craft beer, Matt kept at it. The beers improved, and the Gilbreaths’ dream of opening a brewery progressed.

Since opening their first brewery, Humble Abode has built up a loyal local following and boasts a roster of mug club members. But Courtney and Matt welcome in guests and make them feel at home whether they’re regulars or have made a special trip to seek them out. Over the past five years, the Gilbreaths have heard a chorus of local beer-drinkings saying they wished Humble Abode had another location closer to Spokane’s downtown core. Those dreams finally came true this fall as they opened a second brewery in The Chronicle Building at Sprague and Lincoln.

When Humble Abode started, they operated on a 1-barrel nano-brewery-sized system, limiting production to roughly 30 gallons per brew. Over time, Matt upgraded to a 3.5-barrel system to accommodate their growing popularity; the downtown location is home to a 10-barrel system, which will allow Humble Abode to brew enough beer for their two taprooms and more!

Brewing is a collaborative effort at Humble Abode with input from staff members and customers considered when Matt and his team look to grow and improve their arsenal of beers. Sterling Jahn is Matt’s right hand when it comes to brewing, lending his superior knowledge of water chemistry to ensure every batch of beer is clean and consistent.

And when it comes to consistency, a few beers will always be on tap for guests at Humble Abode, no matter which location. “Dirty Sunshine” has seen a few facelifts over the years, but the New England IPA, with its hazy golden color, medium body and fruity nose is a must-have and stands out among Humble Abode’s wide range of India Pale Ales. Another one of Matt’s signature beers is his Peanut Butter Porter, a style made famous by California’s Belching Beaver Brewing Company, light enough to drink on a warm day but bold enough to warm you through the Spokane winter. And it’s even safe for folks with a peanut allergy.

Kindness, genuineness and hospitality are always on display at Humble Abode, and they’re traits exhibited not only by Courtney and Matt but by their entire staff, too. Since their opening, employee retention has been remarkable. Matt simply credits it to working side by side with his employees; having spent years as colleagues, friends and as a patron, it goes beyond that. The roots of Humble Abode are alive and well, with Matt, Courtney and their extended family of employees always giving a warm welcome to this home for local craft beer lovers they have created.

I look forward to a new audience of local beer lovers being welcomed to their new Humble Abode downtown this fall.