I read a quote online recently…
that goes, “Challenges are what makes life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” It made me think back to the early days before the craft beer movement was a thing. In the 60s and 70s home brewing was illegal, ingredients were hard to come by, equipment was built by hand, information was scarce and nobody drank dark flavorful beer. To say that our early craft beer pioneers surmounted some steep challenges is a bit watered down.
I had the opportunity to talk to one of those early pioneers, Ken Grossman, who is a brewing icon, founder, and owner of Sierra Nevada Brewing. Join us as he shares his thoughts on how overcoming challenges has shaped the past, the present and will even shape the future of Craft Beer.
Challenge has been a constant companion throughout the history of brewing. Because of challenges we have styles like IPAs and Imperial Stouts. Happy accidents brought us Eisbocks and perhaps wild ales. Between you and me, I’m looking forward to seeing what challenges force us to come up with next.
Show Links
Jack McAuliffe – New Albion Brewing
Caitlin Landesberg – Sufferfest Brewing Co.
Charlie Bamforth – From UC Davis to Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada – Mills River N.C.
“Beyond The Pale” book