https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog daily 0.75 2021-03-05 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/jeffsjourney monthly 0.5 2021-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1614981922186-1BTYVB57Q1OSESD6ZC3S/hop%2Bstache%2Bresize%2B2.jpg Blog - Jeff's Brewing Journey The man, the Myth, the Legend https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1614981685732-9EGJ8J2OW49SF14STRPX/Bijou+tangerine+cans.jpg Blog - Jeff's Brewing Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1614982084979-XQR0WKVKG4YAC20VGQVI/jeff+kettle+resize.jpg Blog - Jeff's Brewing Journey Basement brewhouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1614982119232-PXTXIH55FURQ4AUK8KQQ/jeff+mash+tun+resize.jpg Blog - Jeff's Brewing Journey The equipment looked a little different back then https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1614982113634-BQNK9T2O447CXOGRCN2A/hop+bines+at+the+bijou+resize.jpg Blog - Jeff's Brewing Journey Hop bines climbing the side of The Brockley Bijou https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1614982115024-Z8MF14T66XJG31PY3XQE/hops+in+kettle+resize.jpg Blog - Jeff's Brewing Journey Fresh hops right into the kettle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1614982198314-7VKUI5I6UJKTWGJ3OFZB/bijou+bar+resize.jpg Blog - Jeff's Brewing Journey The Brockley Bijou’s handmade bar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1614982106336-UQ4QQ26H7CBDTADO09UM/BOOBS+oktoberfest+resize+%282%29.jpg Blog - Jeff's Brewing Journey BOOBS Oktoberfest with Adam, Joe, and Jeff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1614982117657-T7WJVE0NN3SX3JRLZPJQ/jeff+and+zia+resize.jpg Blog - Jeff's Brewing Journey Best pals, Jeff and Zia https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/2017/4/5/sodablasting-and-the-value-of-hustle monthly 0.5 2017-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1493385832062-93UU2EVTUOT5PVVK0B1S/mm_beforesb Blog - Sodablasting and the Value of Hustle Before: believe it or not, there was white paint below a decade's worth of grime on the brick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1493386486985-VUK26RSFEMAY4B3TW44F/IMG_20170204_090014.jpg Blog - Sodablasting and the Value of Hustle - Early progress It took us a few hours to dial in the equipment. Even once we got everything running efficiently, it was slow going. This small patch probably took 10 minutes by itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1493386490911-YW02O5Q9P4W5O2WFYASF/IMG_20170204_185208.jpg Blog - Sodablasting and the Value of Hustle - Results As the clean brickwork grew, the effect on the atmosphere was immediate. The place felt warmer, more inviting to drink a beer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1493386647508-YWOT83QS6M280U0QUBWE/IMG_20170205_091334.jpg Blog - Sodablasting and the Value of Hustle - Marshmallow This giant filter bag sat outside of the building in David Grohl Alley. We used a series of blowers and plastic sheeting to create negative air in the building, which exhausted the fine soda media outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1493386639464-P9O600H0QM7Q1HGZSA6R/IMG_20170205_092412.jpg Blog - Sodablasting and the Value of Hustle - Dapper A Tyvek suit keeps the nasty stuff out and away from your skin, but it also does a great job of keeping your body heat in. So even though we were blasting in January and kept the brewery at 55 degrees, it didn't take long for moisture to start creeping out of the suits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1493386781833-OTXH3QSNT2MIAWTLN2ZL/IMG_1486344851944.jpg Blog - Sodablasting and the Value of Hustle - Safety First Proper care and maintenance of our PPE means everyone goes home (relatively) unharmed, save for a sore back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1493387289014-05QULYM03HF60OGGDHMG/IMG_20170211_122300.jpg Blog - Sodablasting and the Value of Hustle - Mechanics Naturally, our soda pot broke down and we had to field strip the machine and replace some parts. We learned more than we ever wanted to know about the workings of this 30 year old machine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1493386769768-MI1V1PJY9X1GLR0P4BMQ/IMG_20170219_202315.jpg Blog - Sodablasting and the Value of Hustle - The Juice is Worth the Squeeze We think you'll agree that the hard work was worth the effort when you see the natural color of the brick and joists shining. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1493386776476-OFTJEV00EQ3E55X9O4RW/IMG_20170225_151235.jpg Blog - Sodablasting and the Value of Hustle - Teamwork After spraying 3,000lbs of baking soda into the walls and ceiling, you need a big crew to help clean it up. We knocked it out in one day with the help of our volunteer corps. https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/2017/2/7/the-great-american-brewery-road-trip-part-3 monthly 0.5 2017-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486569929380-VWE6J89B9ONR7XH9PGM2/YNG Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 Aspiring industrialist and brewer, loaded up and ready to roll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486572047481-4IUDY8Y4SZIB7XL4NUW3/IMG_20161016_160031.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Co-pilot Upon sitting in the driver's seat for the 17-hour drive ahead of me, I immediately regretted not recruiting a buddy to fly down with me to share the journey... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486572051351-O4WDXBCXERBI3PQ4WBAP/IMG_20161016_162048.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Sunny and clear The crowd had mostly dispersed from the indie flea market, but the taproom was still packed with thirsty patrons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486572034326-VMGE172LT7BZGX503MLM/IMG_20161016_162509.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - New digs Hidden Springs had recently installed their 15bbl brewhouse (3X the size of the system they sold us) and were making their final connections to brew on it the following week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486572035148-EN2RHVQOKCKY2LEB0BHZ/IMG_20161016_170617.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Loading up Josh deftly maneuvered the 500lb brewing stand into the back of the rental truck with their forklift. It only required a bit of muscle to slide it into the truck. Funnily enough, the 20 pounds of tow straps I had packed in my backpack were completely unnecessary, as the equipment fit snugly and was heavy enough to remain undisturbed on the drive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486572043240-WCK5IYX4ZCF7U7DK18GA/IMG_20161016_171633.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Signed, sealed, almost delivered I picked up a ton of knowledge from my short time with these guys, as well plenty of beard envy... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486574545720-1W5KEGPZ7MSOIJUR6AHN/IMG_20161016_230506.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Road weary Filling up in Jacksonville, FL. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486574539835-JHZRRAXPQSZ1ZZAT5GX1/IMG_20161017_023319.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Truckstop Catching a few hours of sleep to prep for the 12-hour non-stop ride from SC to Warren. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486574536849-R3VLCOINJH90QZ8FIB3J/IMG_5393.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Teamwork The Lime Tree staff was kind enough to lend us an hour of their time. Us downtown neighbors have to stick together! Special thanks Josh, Travis, Scott, and Kristin (behind the camera). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486574539820-VW0SFI3LPWXMHPDIUPM3/IMG_5397.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Easy does it Once we put Josh on the pallet jack, it was easy going. His forklift experience came in handy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486578113414-M8L5N5WDV3V5CXIAG2QX/IMG_5404.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Barrels of fun Each kettle weighs close to a hundred pounds, making safe team-lifting essential! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486574541932-PFEKXW9KYPJRQUSMFZLV/IMG_5411.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Brother to the rescue My brother, Lee, and Shawn muscling a kettle. Great form! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486574544229-5GAGUNNPKU08UQTC59DV/IMG_5417.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Job well done Many thanks to everyone for making the move a success, especially to Rose and Dave at TBEIC who did some quick legwork to enable us to store the equipment at our future location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1486575697865-FXFHIQ7HDKGV29XX4I1H/IMG_5426.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 3 - Home The brewery is safely home, but it will take months of demolition, construction, and buildout before we're able to craft tasty beers for all to enjoy. Until then, we'll continue producing small pilot batches on the homebrew scale to hone recipes and processes for our Modern Methods beer releases. https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/2016/11/7/the-great-american-brewery-road-trip-part-2 monthly 0.5 2017-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480368312102-9HSLNJ083ECGTQ5SEBAA/brewhouse Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 The Brewhouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480369950532-OQHCMRM8P1WTPSC8PZK0/DSCI0061.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 - Flame On Our brewhouse is equipped with four high-BTU burners. They are similar to what you would find under a giant commercial wok. They are fed by natural gas and held in place with strong TIG welds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480369044623-DVXHBZYAS54HT48AILHI/DSCI0067.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 - Inputs & Outputs A series of ON/OFF controllers, temperature probes, pumps, and solenoid valves control the mash tuns and boil kettles. This panel allows the brewer to set the temperatures and control the system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480370150228-NLO3GGC7PB4AS47URJ44/controls.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 - Behind the Scenes Like any complex electric system, behind the scenes are a series of simple ON/OFF switches that react to input. Importantly for us, all of these components are standard, so if one fails, we can easily source replacements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480370357134-VH2DD78HO8KHQ0I5PU0U/DSCI0069.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 - Brewing Platform The brewer needs access to the top of the kettles. Our system has a sturdy stainless steel platform that weighs a few hundred pounds. By standing on top of it, we can stir the mash to make keep the hot water and grain mixture consistent, add hops, and, of course, fully clean the kettles after each batch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480370704677-Q0LXIK6ZOOOQNZM8X41G/DSCI0072.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 - From Grain to Wort Each mash tun is equipped with a heavy-duty stainless steel screen at the bottom. This screen will keep the spent grains on top of the screen and allow the sugary wort to flow out of the mash tun and into the boil kettle. Without it, the grains would compact in the outflow tube and clog the pumps. This results in a very long day for the brewer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480370858936-L29LOVWAUN2T7PKBPIXC/tankless.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 - H20 In most breweries, a large tank of hot water known as the "hot liquor tank" is constantly kept at temperature for brewing and process water. In our system, we'll use a commercial tankless hot water heater to provide hot water on demand. This is much more energy efficient and allows us to keep the brewery footprint smaller. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480369227239-I8NCB45CDPUROHFOPNDX/mash+heat1.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 - Mashing Out During the mash, a reaction called saccharification converts the thick, starchy grain water to crystal clear, sugary wort. Our brewhouse uses a pump to recirculate the runnings from the bottom of the kettle where it is hotter to the top of the kettle. Maintaining an even temperature throughout the mash tun makes for a more consistent beer that can be repeated each time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480369211737-8SUL9TDKFENZX11VJ768/boil.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 - Boil Kettle Once the mash is complete, the wort is transferred to the final "hot side" vessel: the boil kettle. In this picture, you can see foam appearing at the top of the wort, which is being heated from the bottom by the burner. The foam is made up of proteins, tannins, and polyphenols that will be left behind at the end of the boil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480369231858-2GUPBCTMCFP54CR7MCTU/whirlpool.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 - Whirlpool Finally, the whole volume of wort is circulated to create a whirlpool and then left to settle before chilling and transferring to the fermenter. The whirlpool motion causes most of the heavy particles to settle in the center of the kettle in a tidy cone called trub (pronounced "troob," another funny German word). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480369219601-X4IIQDZUNTOUZAIA3226/chill2.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 - Chilling The piping hot wort is then pumped through a sanitized heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is made up of a series of stainless steel plates packed tightly together. On one side, it receives cold water or food grade glycol and on the other, it receives the hot wort. The cold plates rapidly chill down the wort from boiling to between 50F and 70F, depending on the beer. At this temperature, the yeast can effectively ferment the beer without off flavors. Since yeast is a living organism, it would be killed off rather quickly by temperatures over 120F and most yeasts will create unwanted off flavors fermenting above 70 degrees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1480372855603-XM7U6XGIVEIGYQWLANRV/tim+and+adam.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 2 - Cheers! Since we weren't the ones brewing, Tim and I enjoyed a beer during the brewday. Since brewers are dealing with large volumes of boiling wort and the brewing process requires careful attention to detail, it's best to enjoy the fruits of our labor until after the shift. https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/2016/10/24/the-great-american-brewery-road-trip-part-1 monthly 0.5 2017-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477335111982-S6OWQXO4EIUXMKWKSZPY/cigarcity3.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 1 - Cigar City's production brewery Cigar City produces around 50,000 barrels of beer a year in Tampa, FL. We're looking to brew just over 1,000 in our first year! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477335098771-TRFYV4TSZBMVL5GTOK7D/cigarcity0.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 1 - So many taps... Many of these beers are "taproom exclusives," meaning you can only get them in the brewery's taproom. It's great to see a big production brewery still embracing its creativity with all these offerings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477335107664-6IOK2XVOUG3ET5RR8OR2/cigarcity2.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 1 - Flight I loved how they offered their flights. You pick up a slip of paper at your convenience and write down what you want. The bartender then puts them in this custom paddle that you can pick up without the tasters falling out. Simple and efficient. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477335119883-AEMHH7128AOT9CW0T9K0/cigarcity4.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 1 - Journal entries The taproom has actual journal entries from the founder epoxied in the bar, creating a real sense of intimacy and a unique snapshot of the brewery at different stages. Very cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477336617789-EFTXRM0QME26KM8A2XFO/hiddensprings5.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 1 - Hidden Springs The brewery and taproom is located in a warehouse in the Tampa Heights neighborhood. It's probably an eighth of the size of Cigar City, which means I can (and did) learn a lot from them about how to run a smaller operation, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477336239633-NY0THIBS3WRZ6KL33ZDE/hiddensprings0.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 1 - Taproom Their taproom features local art that is changed out monthly. I really enjoyed the stripped down, minimalistic, industrial aesthetic that they're going for. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477336470895-MGMR7HJXWWKVJW5A0PB8/hiddensprings4.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 1 - Beer nerds If you look closely, you can see homebrewing books and an original Nintendo Entertainment System. Both clues that I'd share a lot in common with these guys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477336244019-0CR97KGUZW0KADYUX2F8/hiddensprings2.jpg Blog - The Great American Brewery Road Trip - Part 1 - Brewhouse I'd get a chance to brew on the system later on in the weekend. But we did get to peek at the production facility and got to chat with Josh and Austin for a bit. I think I may have asked a thousand questions about their operation over the weekend and they happily answered them. Good dudes. https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/category/values monthly 0.5 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/category/origins monthly 0.5 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/category/valuies monthly 0.5 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/tag/trave monthly 0.5 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/tag/diy monthly 0.5 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/tag/startup monthly 0.5 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/tag/taproom monthly 0.5 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/tag/values monthly 0.5 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/tag/brewery monthly 0.5 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/tag/buildout monthly 0.5 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/blog/tag/travel monthly 0.5 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/welcome daily 0.75 2020-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1476818187083-YDRG6YD4UHXF08RI10P7/IMG_5372.jpg Modern Methods Brewing Company https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477070075364-CE1V3YP4C71TDEUP2YV8/boyswithbrewery.jpg Modern Methods Brewing Company https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477070713938-BE6DGYVLW3STN4S4HMVH/Modern+Methods+Sign.jpg Modern Methods Brewing Company https://modernmethodsbrew.com/beer-list daily 0.75 2019-01-07 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/beer-list/2019/1/7/dub-city-ipa monthly 0.5 2019-01-07 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/beer-list/2019/1/7/darlene monthly 0.5 2019-01-07 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/somethings-brewing-in-warren daily 1.0 2026-03-06 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/story daily 0.75 2020-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477082693731-OY3Y5JEZM12ET9AAPQFF/Dad+and+Beer+fun.jpg Our Story Dad and me circa Winter of 2012. This was the moment that I said "I want to do this for the rest of my life." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477077462046-5S688X83W5TRHXSAFGV6/HB+Card.png Our Story A vintage homebrew info card https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477078658046-RU8N5FV7R35EISXU479Q/brewdork Our Story An unfortunate picture of me on my "big rig" brewhouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477087323613-93FWWTGABV9C984ZDSCJ/S%26A_DGA Our Story Sarah and me at a David Grohl Alley fundraiser. Unknown to us at the time, this would be the future home of Modern Methods Brewing Company! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477087363318-WJMV0ROWASRLA2LY8T6A/sig Our Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477080458554-KXI1VL5JMDFVGX1IYCG9/IMG_20160507_192120.jpg Our Story - Big Brew, Warren, 2016 What I love most about beer is its ability to bring people together, especially while we're brewing, where I can talk about the processes that go into making beer. This ragtag bunch gathered in my backyard to brew a 50 gallon batch of beer to fill our long-term sour barrel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1478279568396-LJOMMVEBEURQKF3MYTQA/Brew+Crew.jpg Our Story - Brew Team, North Jackson, 2013 Early on, we would send an email out to our "Brew Team" whenever we had a brewday planned. A crew of excited helpers would come to help out and, most importantly, test each finished batch for quality control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477080491048-7JIHXO5YWYXMNGZXT42P/IMG_20150822_170318.jpg Our Story - Oktoberfest, Lake Milton, 2015 I have two great beer traditions in my family: Wales and Bavaria. As a Fraternal member of the Youngstown Saxon Club, I've been fortunate to grow up steeped in German traditions, including a deep appreciation of beer. Here, Opa and I take a quick break from polka, food and beer to snap a photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1478280099205-6B8CNGD80M88AC5EI6EV/Black+Panther+Ale.JPG Our Story - Black Panther Ale, Warren, 2013 I teamed up with my friend Dennis of WarrenExpressed.com to brew this beer to commemorate the Western Reserve Black Panthers football teams of the past. I didn't know what to expect, but was blown away when I saw the labels start popping up on Facebook. People loved them. The deep pride that us Warrenites have for this town makes me incredibly excited to open a brewery here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1478281218583-UD42101A0BKTV9UHP3SQ/IMG_0839.JPG Our Story - Family Tradition, North Jackson, 2012 My family has supported my obsession with brewing beer since the beginning. They've displayed a ridiculous amount of patience with me. At times, I've even asked them to get in on the action to make sure a beer is ready. Here, my Mom and sister help me label a wedding brew late into the night. That's easily the most monotonous and thankless job imaginable in homebrewing. Thanks Mom and Cat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1478279575008-E8CCRSHKUKXF6AON47A3/Brew+Day+3.JPG Our Story - Brew Buds, North Jackson, 2013 I met my good friend Brian, an upstate NY native, by chance at Cedar's in Youngstown one night. We found out that we were both passionate home brewers and the next day he was out brewing with me. Later, Brian would work in Quality Control at Flying Dog Brewery and is now the Head Cider Maker at Jack's Hard Cider in apple country, PA. From our humble roots as home brew buddies, we're both finding our way in this industry! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477080554507-1R75DI88BOK10QDGEBIR/IMG_20141206_185830.jpg Our Story - Barrel Love, Warren, 2016 What is the greatest gift for a beer nerd? Why a 55 gallon wine barrel, of course. Sarah got me this beautiful barrel for my 28th birthday and it is currently in our basement filled with delicious sour beer. Yup, she's a keeper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1478281632163-SHW6N1E0UBBSFS451RZA/Brew+dog.jpg Our Story - Party, North Jackson, 2014 On rare occasions, we would actually just enjoy beer! Here we are celebrating Sarah's birthday in 2014. In the background you can see the reconditioned Delfield cooler that I purchased from an auction for $100. For a few bucks and a case of beer, a friend with HVAC skills got the cooler set up and it is still pumping out beer today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477080894777-M92S099NS59QND15SMJA/1462634837464.jpg Our Story - Cracking Grain, Warren, 2016 The brew team assembled to brew 50 gallons of beer in one shot to fill our sour beer barrel. Here Joe and Jason are cracking grain so that it can be transformed into tasty brew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477080904350-4QDC2GWLPPECO07MTU2B/IMG_20131130_152852.jpg Our Story - Research Trip, Riverhead, NY, 2014 Like most avid craft beer nerds, Sarah and I try to visit as many craft breweries as possible. Sarah's family on Long Island graciously indulges our hobby and I think are even becoming fond of visiting breweries! Here we are checking out the operation at Crooked Ladder Brewery in Riverhead, NY. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1478279613190-KRUQUO2Z3M6UBE3CMXR8/IMG_20130727_102541.jpg Our Story - Photo Break, North Jackson, 2013 This picture turned out to be prescient. Tim was visiting from Tampa, FL in the Summer of 2013. Almost exactly 3 years later, I would be in Tampa buying our brewhouse with Tim! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477080926863-3SRGGO768N76LNR3Q8BJ/IMG_20160827_102924.jpg Our Story - A Piece of the Dream, Tampa, 2016 I found kindred spirits in the guys over at Hidden Springs Ale Works in Tampa, FL. They're just over a year old and they've already upgraded from a 5bbl brewhouse to a 15bbl system. Luckily for me, this meant they were looking to sell their old brewhouse, which co-owner Josh actually welded together himself. I know it was hard for them to part with it, but we'll take good care of the old girl. It was surreal to be writing the biggest check of my life for this brewery with Tim, who I grew up with and played football with, and later played against when he transferred to Newton Falls. I think I finally forgive him for that now. Thanks to Tim and Brittany for hosting me in Tampa and making another piece of the dream possible! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477080943938-0LHOM7BPY5BQCSRCK7RY/IMG_20160430_192304.jpg Our Story - Art Opening, Warren, 2016 I've taken every opportunity to get my beer in front of people, especially when it will benefit local art and Warren. As a homebrewer, you're forbidden from selling beer, but it can be served at "organized affairs." Here's one of my good friends Scott and me serving beer at an art opening. People like Scott, who take time out of their lives to help us out, are another big part of why we're able to make this brewery happen. Thanks Scott! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1478281642675-G6HV35MR9H3D81GH73M2/Brew+Dog2.jpg Our Story - Brew Dog, North Jackson, 2014 "Behind every great beer, there's a great brew dog." Here's our faithful companion, Pete, hard at work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1478282752367-1UU5QJ9XG12FVRNHXLZK/Dad.JPG Our Story - Keck & Sons, North Jackson, 2012 Here's Dad and me enjoying our first Weizenbock, which I remember specifically as our first "good" beer. Since I brewed in my parent's garage in North Jackson and lived 20 minutes away in Warren, my Dad would keep an eye on the fermenting beers and tinker with the temperature controls to make sure it turned out alright. Sometimes this resulted in frantic phone calls with him to troubleshoot my rigged up fermenting system. I couldn't have made any beer without him and his eternal patience. Thanks Dad! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1477080944366-WMCI5CYOHQVTWBRNMS2X/IMG_20160930_192709.jpg Our Story - Mad Scientist, Warren, 2016 While it may look like I'm in a construction zone, I'm actually in our Victorian home in beautiful downtown Warren. When I'm not brewing or getting MMBC off the ground, I'm likely working on one of a thousand projects in our dream home. Starting a brewery, renovating a house built in the 1800s, and planning a wedding keeps us busy. But sometimes you have to stop and appreciate a 5000ml flask of lactobacillus. It just puts everything in perspective. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1478279573124-F039UNPCJZKQ0ZPIQEYR/Adams+Brewing+2015.jpg Our Story - All Season Brewing, North Jackson, 2015 Brewing in 15 degree weather can be grueling, but the job must be done! My friend Adam was always happy to join me in North Jackson. Especially if there was a hoppy beer on tap, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1478279579471-HURDCCKLRANNHJXKT74T/2014+Beer+taste+test.jpg Our Story - Friendly Competition, Warren, 2014 I'm lucky to have graduated high school with some friends that also picked up brewing in their adult lives. Once a year, we gather our friends together to sample and score the beers. The winner gets bragging rights for the year! https://modernmethodsbrew.com/on-tap daily 0.75 2025-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1628091354966-VPJEBODK9WCG1203QZ6R/modern_methods-beer_lineup.jpg What's On Tap - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1772824556563-FUYDECTOSO7UTZUS6HJV/1772824445110-53ca54aa-a219-45ac-a50a-ab96a667fe5b_1.jpg What's On Tap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1772824556734-NJBUTXK2SHV8A1LIQC2W/1772824445110-53ca54aa-a219-45ac-a50a-ab96a667fe5b_2.jpg What's On Tap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1772824557711-XEAKDT7J1UJBIR2WEIPP/1772824445110-53ca54aa-a219-45ac-a50a-ab96a667fe5b_3.jpg What's On Tap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1772824557887-WK0H8XIH1SJRNV0MMVRH/1772824445110-53ca54aa-a219-45ac-a50a-ab96a667fe5b_4.jpg What's On Tap https://modernmethodsbrew.com/keg-availability daily 0.75 2019-01-07 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/reservation daily 0.75 2021-07-19 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/click-for-more daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/f97ba39c-d9af-4d84-b0d9-d5fea21186ca/Blue+Red+Mailbox+Postage+Moving+Address+Announcement.png Click for more - Never Miss Another MM Event! Get the Modern Message in your inbox every Friday to stay up to date with upcoming events and beer releases. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1626457305296-N731TX1L950YLPQTYNZ6/Beer+Quote+Oktoberfest+Party+Facebook+Post.png Click for more - Upcoming Events Planning ahead for more fun? Check out our calendar of upcoming events including pop up food, live music, and more fun and games! https://modernmethodsbrew.com/darlenelounge daily 0.75 2026-03-05 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/night-market daily 0.75 2026-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/2d6cd135-fb2f-4b3b-a9da-b1fc98520096/IMG_0850.JPG Night Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1728592444570-TUCX0AC3HO310LVEFEGA/DSC_0107_VSCO.jpg Night Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1728592481368-NOC8ADM9WUQ6A5L8YK9Y/DSC_0155_VSCO+%281%29.jpg Night Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1728592445010-ZU88EYUQWI1RMIGA18RG/DSC_0292_VSCO.jpg Night Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1728592450556-L48KG9ZLIHC3XC1JJ6D8/DSC_0187_VSCO.jpg Night Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1728592438525-J7VVUD2H6NQK8NU4P7ZR/DSC_0099_VSCO.jpg Night Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1728592442009-VLCWQKZIOI9DOSOG0G0O/DSC_0105_VSCO.jpg Night Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1728592434870-1PURU9ATJ3FSQSIDBNJS/DSC_0091_VSCO.jpg Night Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1728592434382-WQ063XGDI32729THFAMI/DSC_0305_VSCO+%281%29.jpg Night Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1728592439504-EF2RB3C02PWT24SBKWI8/DSC_0103_VSCO.jpg Night Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1728592448486-42SNKX0ZIFVZAR835F65/DSC_0232_VSCO.jpg Night Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1728592448411-MQGLLJV2G8VPMM14VRVD/DSC_0210_VSCO.jpg Night Market https://modernmethodsbrew.com/events daily 0.75 2026-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/53ea8110-1e14-4c17-8532-87359c39314f/Event+Calendar+%2824%29.png Event Calendar - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://modernmethodsbrew.com/cause daily 0.75 2026-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/70b8a2cc-d09d-404b-ba2d-5df5a8eaf6eb/Untitled+design+%286%29.png Tips for a Cause https://modernmethodsbrew.com/black-is-beautiful daily 0.75 2021-02-12 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/hop-picknic-tee daily 0.75 2021-04-24 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/hop-picknic-tee/anniversary-baseball-tee monthly 0.5 2021-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1629420616120-6AIED66RRZUORMA3FIUF/7+frogs+art.jpeg 2021 Hop PICKnic Tee - 2021 Hop PICKnic Tee https://modernmethodsbrew.com/hope-rider daily 0.75 2021-07-14 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/hope-rider/hope-rider monthly 0.5 2022-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1626301815787-OV4WFTNDSRSVRMJIQQXU/HOPeRiderPoster1024_1.jpg HOPe Rider - HOPe Rider Hazy Pale Ale https://modernmethodsbrew.com/label-artist-show daily 0.75 2021-10-04 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/label-artist-show/artist-submission-fee monthly 0.5 2021-10-04 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/merch2 daily 0.75 2025-12-10 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/merch2/modern-methods-logo-fall-collection-shirt monthly 0.5 2025-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/5a2c1170-7b65-4a6f-929e-7eae7f4dc1e3/0A0A0BC0-A1AB-4C18-9C9F-2C0F426C52C9.jpg Merch - Modern Methods Logo Shirt - 0A0A0BC0-A1AB-4C18-9C9F-2C0F426C52C9.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/8e3649e9-685f-42ae-b143-06845bbeedc7/19407593-F9E4-445D-A813-F8857879FB10.jpg Merch - Modern Methods Logo Shirt - 19407593-F9E4-445D-A813-F8857879FB10.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1664466039101-F7KI7ILSI4SW0NGZ1MQJ/C7BF3B45-FD64-4AE8-AB48-2BF05BC34F54_1_201_a.jpeg Merch - Modern Methods Logo Shirt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1664466111935-PHXSLRMYBQRB7FR46PFG/C7BF3B45-FD64-4AE8-AB48-2BF05BC34F54_1_201_a.jpeg Merch - Modern Methods Logo Shirt https://modernmethodsbrew.com/kexmas daily 0.75 2022-11-03 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/kexmas/kexmasornament2 monthly 0.5 2022-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/1667491546459-ACMHJDA4LJLBSY3434NA/kexmas+demeter600px.png Kexmas - Kexmas Ornament https://modernmethodsbrew.com/ddd daily 0.75 2026-03-04 https://modernmethodsbrew.com/ddd/ddd-ticket monthly 0.5 2026-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ffcbc79f745606c2007ce3/449b32f8-5075-40ea-a26e-f3b00be1fae5/DNDND+%284%29.png Dungeons & Dragons & Drafts - D&D&D Ticket - DNDND (4).png