In this lively episode of the Discovering Lake County podcast, recorded at the 11th annual Grays Lake Craft Beer Festival, a panel of local brewery owners dives into the vibrant world of craft beer. Hosted by Nader from Beer Bazaar, the discussion features Josh Grubbs of Black Lung Brewing, Kyle from Harbor Brewing, Dave Austin of Ninth Hour Brewing, and Lane Fearing from Roaring Table. They explore current trends like West Coast Pilsners and THC-infused beverages, share brewing challenges, and celebrate the community spirit of beer festivals. With humor and camaraderie, they highlight the resilience and creativity that define the craft beer industry.

Celebrating Craft Beer: Insights from the Grayslake Craft Beer Festival Panel

Welcome to the Grayslake Craft Beer Festival, a beloved event now in its 11th year, where beer enthusiasts gather to celebrate the vibrant world of craft brewing. This year’s festival featured a panel discussion with some of the most passionate and knowledgeable brewery owners in the industry. The panelists shared their insights on current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the craft beer world, offering valuable advice for both seasoned brewers and newcomers alike.

Meet the Panelists

Nader**: Organizer of the panel discussion and representative of Beer Bazaar. Josh Grubbs**: Owner of Black Lung Brewing, which opened its brick-and-mortar location in 2021. Kyle**: Representative of Harbor Brewing Company, with locations in Winthrop Harbor and Lake Villa. Dave Austin**: Owner of Ninth Hour Brewing Company, operating out of Harbor Brewing. Lane Fearing**: From Roaring Table, located in Lake Zurich.

Current Trends in Craft Beer

West Coast Pilsners Josh Grubbs highlighted the growing popularity of West Coast Pilsners. These beers are brewed with pilsner yeast and high hop rates, resulting in a hoppy and aromatic profile. This trend reflects a shift towards more flavorful yet approachable beer styles.

Non-Alcoholic and THC-Infused Beverages Kyle noted a rise in non-alcoholic (NA) beers and THC-infused beverages. This trend caters to a broader audience, including those who prefer to avoid alcohol but still want to enjoy the craft beer experience. Additionally, lagers are making a comeback as hazy beers take a step back.

Terpene-Infused Beers Dave Austin shared his experience with creating a beer infused with terpenes in collaboration with Beer Bazaar. Terpenes, aromatic compounds found in plants, add unique flavors and aromas to the beer, offering a new sensory experience for beer lovers.

English Ales on Cask Lane Fearing emphasized the beauty of English ales served on cask. These beers are known for their unique characteristics, such as a smoother mouthfeel and more nuanced flavors, which are achieved through traditional brewing methods.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Craft Beer Industry

Economic Challenges Josh highlighted the economic challenges affecting consumer spending. Breweries are working harder to attract customers through events and activities, emphasizing the importance of creating a memorable experience.

Building Community Connections Kyle sees an opportunity in building strong community connections. Hosting events and engaging with local residents can foster a loyal customer base and create a sense of belonging.

Rapid Expansion Dave pointed out the challenge of rapid expansion. Some breweries have closed due to overextending themselves. It’s crucial for breweries to grow sustainably and not compromise on quality.

Market Saturation Lane reflected on the saturation of the market. Craft breweries need to provide a unique experience that justifies the slightly higher price point compared to corporate beers. This can be achieved through innovation and maintaining high standards.

The Evolving Definition of Craft Beer

Reclaiming the Underdog Spirit Lane emphasized the need for craft breweries to reclaim their underdog spirit and showcase the value of artisanal brewing. This involves staying true to their roots and focusing on quality over trends.

Continuous Experimentation Dave shared his excitement about the evolution of hops and flavors. Craft brewing is seen as a continuous science experiment, with endless possibilities for creating new and exciting beers.

Personal Expression Kyle described craft brewing as an art form that allows for personal expression through taste and atmosphere. Each brewery has its own unique identity, reflected in the beers they produce.

Overcoming Financial Challenges Josh reiterated the underdog narrative, highlighting the challenges of starting a brewery without significant financial backing. Despite these challenges, passion and dedication can lead to success.

Favorite Beer Styles to Brew

Helles Lane expressed his love for Helles, a Munich golden lager. He appreciates its simplicity and the challenge of brewing it perfectly.

Kolsch Dave shared his appreciation for Kolsch, a style that requires precision and attention to detail.

Saisons Kyle favors saisons for their complexity and the variety of flavors they can showcase.

Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stouts Josh admitted to a passion for bourbon barrel-aged stouts, enjoying the creativity involved in brewing them.

The Significance of Craft Beer Festivals

Community and Connection Speaker 1 emphasized the community aspect of craft beer festivals. These events are an extension of the community, filled with good food, people, and, of course, beer.

Personal Experiences Josh Grubbs shared his personal experience with beer festivals, recalling how Grayslake Beer Fest was one of the first places he served his beer outside of his garage. The recognition and excitement from attendees fueled his passion for brewing.

Variety and Exploration Kyle highlighted the opportunity to try a variety of beers at festivals. These events allow attendees to explore different breweries and styles without committing to a full pour.

Face-to-Face Interactions Lane mentioned the invaluable face-to-face interactions at festivals. Meeting people can lead to opportunities, such as having their beer featured at local bars.

The Collaborative Nature of the Craft Beer Industry

Sharing Knowledge and Resources Lane pointed out that despite being competitors, breweries often work together, sharing knowledge and resources. Collaboration is not just about marketing but also about learning from one another.

Creating Together Josh shared his experiences of brewing with friends and the joy of creating something together. Collaborations often lead to great beers and memorable experiences.

Common Misconceptions About Brewing

The Hard Work Behind Brewing Kyle humorously dispelled the notion that brewing is all fun and games. It involves hard, backbreaking work and a lot of cleaning. He advised people to enjoy the beer and leave the brewing to the professionals.

Craft Beer is Not Always Heavy or Hoppy Dave added that many people believe craft beer is too heavy or hoppy. He encouraged attendees to explore lighter styles, such as helles or Kölsch, which can be more approachable than mass-produced lagers.

The Freshness of Craft Beer Josh emphasized the freshness of craft beer, contrasting it with mass-produced options that often lack flavor. Locally brewed beer is made with fresh ingredients and consumed shortly after production, offering a superior taste experience.

Audience Questions and Final Thoughts

Women-Owned Breweries An audience member inquired about women-owned breweries in the area. Josh proudly mentioned that his brewery is owned by his wife, Elizabeth, while Kyle noted that Harbor Brewing also has a female owner. They celebrated the contributions of women in the industry.

Impact of Tariffs Another audience member asked about the impact of the current tariff environment on the brewing industry. Kyle explained that while they try to source ingredients locally, they do rely on some imports, particularly for certain grains and aluminum for cans. He expressed concern about potential price increases due to tariffs but noted that they haven’t felt the impact yet.

Adapting to Challenges The conversation concluded with a discussion about how breweries have adapted to challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaker 1 mentioned that many breweries pivoted to selling growlers and cans to stay afloat during tough times. Lane suggested that the industry has shown resilience and innovation in the face of adversity, and they continue to find ways to connect with their customers.

Conclusion

The Grayslake Craft Beer Festival panel highlighted the vibrant community of craft beer, the importance of collaboration, and the need to dispel misconceptions about brewing. The panelists shared their brewing philosophies, favorite and least favorite beers, and the current state of the craft beer industry. They left the audience with a message of resilience and the importance of staying true to one’s brewing philosophy amidst changing trends.

As the festival continues to grow, it remains a testament to the passion and dedication of the craft beer community. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or a newcomer, there’s always something new to learn and enjoy in the world of craft beer. Cheers to the future of craft brewing!