Meeting of the Malts 2018 – Recap and Photos

Brewers, industry folk, members of the media, and craft beer fans alike gathered at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, PA this past Thursday, August 23 for another Meeting of the Malts presented by Brewers of PA (BOP).

The BOP began the night announcing the recipients of the second annual Legislative Awards, which honor a person or organization the BOP considers a partner in the industry, one who continually strives to promote and protect Pennsylvania’s craft beer industry.

Legislators were praised for the passing of the Malt Beverage Tax Credit, a Program designed to offset the cost of investment for manufacturing expenditures in the malt or brewed beverage industry.

Chris Lampe, president of BOP and part owner of Weyerbacher Brewing Company presented the Legislative Awards.

The following members of the House received the 2018 Legislative Awards: Rep. Paul Costa (PA District 34), Rep. Adam Harris (PA District 82), and Rep. Patty Kim (PA District 103).

The following members of the Senate received the 2018 Legislative Awards: Sen. James Brewster (PA District 45), Sen. John Rafferty (PA District 44), and Sen. Charles McIllhinney (PA District 10).

Barb Lampe, Vice President of Weyerbacher, presented the Inaugural President’s Award.

Selected by the BOP President, the Inaugural President’s Award was given to Carol Stoudt of Stoudts Brewing Company. The award is given to a person(s) or organization “in recognition of and appreciation for outstanding achievement and extraordinary contributions to the Pennsylvania Craft Beer Industry.”

Jim Koch of Sam Adams and Jen Yuengling from D.G. Yuengling & Son offered toasts with Yuengling Golden Pilsner prior to the panel.

Panelists included Bill Covaleski of Victory Brewing Company, Tom Kehoe of Yards Brewing Company, Joey Redner of Cigar City Brewing Company, Mike Stevens of Founders Brewing Company, and Wendy Yuengling of D.G. Yuengling & Son. Jim Koch of Sam Adams joined the panel at the beginning.

The panelists began by discussing the evolution of craft beer. Jim Koch said, “Craft breweries are creative and constantly pushing the envelope. He continued, “This group of misfits… changed the way Americans – and today the rest of the world – think about American beer.”

During a bit of reminiscing about early experiences with beer, Joey Redner admitted, “I’m a malt head… I don’t particularly like IPAs.” He went on to admit, however, “they keep the lights on.” Redner is not wrong. One third of craft beer business is from IPAs.

Bill Covaleski reminisced about being his father’s homebrewing apprentice in the early 1980s, and he recalled his first experiences drinking Stoudts beer.

When talking about the state of craft beer today, Mike Stevens stated, “America forgot how to make beer sexy.” He went on to say, “The key (is) our backyard… Our job is to connect with the consumer.” With hope he said, “Some day craft won’t even be craft. It will be American beer.”

When asked, “What’s going to save beer?” Tom Kehoe mentioned the lagers and light beers that craft brewers are producing to get people to drink beer.  Mike Stevens added that it’s time for craft brewers to become the biggest, adding, “Let’s go get it!”

The panel ended with advice for new breweries. Tom Kehoe encouraged new owners to commit, and “make it your full time job.” He also suggested finding a niche – what makes you unique and able to stand out. Bill Covaleski said, “Pay attention to your backyard.”

“Learn to recognize that your farts can smell,” added Joey Redner, encouraging new owners to take criticism and get better. “Create your own road,” Mike Stevens stated, emphasizing the importance of creating trends instead of following. Wendy Yuengling shared, “Make a quality product – your liquid has to be good,” adding the importance of hard work, perseverance, and passion.

After the inspiring and entertaining panel discussion, it was finally time for dinner.

The dinner menu paired craft beer with creative food dishes, with a vegetarian option available for each course. The first course was “Shrimp Toast” Shu Mai Dumpling with micro cilantro and three citrus lager ponzu paired with Victory Home Grown Dry Hopped Lager. Next up was Yards Signature IPA Braised Pork Cheek with puffed barley and hops, corn and heirloom tomato relish paired with Yards Signature IPA. Course three consisted of Grilled Prime Aged Beef with roasted mushrooms, Cigar City Meduro demi and pearl onion brown butter paired with Cigar City Maduro.  Finally, the dessert course was Peaches and Cream Ice Cream Sandwich with brown sugar cookie paired with Founders KBS.

Following dinner, the Meeting of the Malts Pennsylvania Brewpub Festival took place. Participating breweries included:

Special thanks to the gold sponsors for the evening, Micro Matic USA and Norris McLaughlin & Marcus.

About the Brewers of Pennsylvania

The Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP) is a 501c6 trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania based breweries, businesses that support brewing and enthusiast members in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state.

BOP strives to advocate for and promote awareness of BOP members; to increase the visibility of local beers through marketing, events, and consumer education; and to foster a healthy, ethical, and growth-focused beer industry.

Check out our photo gallery from Meeting of the Malts 2018

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