Monk’s money-story

Modern Monk is taking a thoroughly contemporary approach to raising funds for its upcoming brewery.

Partners Dave Musser and Thomas Croskrey have launched a Kickstarter campaign seeking the final $15,000 needed for renovation of a long-vacant former mechanic’s shop at 2019 N. Monroe St.

That’s in addition to the $60,000 they’ve already raised for brewing equipment and the remodeling. Building permits were issued two weeks ago and work has begun with the goal of a summer opening.

“We named our brewery Modern Monk because monks live simply and are learning how to be a blessing. But more than that we want to be like Jesus; the way he loved, healed and was about restoring all things,” Musser, a pastor, says on the Kickstarter page.

“Plus he knew how to throw a great party, turning water (essentially worthless) into wine. And not just any wine but the best wine the people had tasted. We want to make the best beer!”

The one-barrel brewery will turn out both contemporary styles and some Old World traditions like braggot, a type of mead made with barley malt as well as honey.

A hoppy brown braggot is planned for starters, says brewer Croskrey, along with an Irish-inspired strong ale, oatmeal stout, hefeweizen and nonalcoholic ginger ale. The taproom will be open to all ages.