Nick at the bar is a friend of mine
Nick Johnson, a retired Air Force Master Sgt., opened Inland Ale Works in Cheney, Washington, after a career that began out of necessity and led him to develop a passion for brewing. Starting as a home brewer during his military service, he turned his hobby into a thriving brewpub following his 2004 retirement. The brewery, located in a remodeled auto shop, has become a welcoming hub, especially popular among veterans.
- ▪Nick Johnson joined the Air Force in 1981 to secure stable housing and employment during high unemployment in Detroit.
- ▪He discovered craft brewing in 1988 when a home-brewed beer at a convention inspired him to start brewing as a hobby.
- ▪Inland Ale Works opened in February 2020 in Cheney, Washington, and grew into a successful veteran-friendly brewpub despite early pandemic challenges.
- ▪The brewery features a 'Beer It Forward' board that allows customers to donate drinks to veterans and others in need.
- ▪Johnson emphasizes inclusivity and avoids displaying political signage at his establishment.
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Inland Ale Works is a great brewery in Cheney, Washington. Established in a remodeled auto shop, the whole place is decorated with photos of old Spokane, Washington, breweries and horse-drawn wagons loaded with beer barrels. There are ads for Rainier, National Bohemian, and Golden Age beers. I was there on Saturday to talk to my friend, the owner and expert brewmaster, retired Air Force Master Sgt. Nick Johnson. I sat at the bar and ordered an Aye or Die Scottish Ale. For a small, annual “Mug Club” fee, I get a slightly larger pour.
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