The Brewers of PA’s Meeting of the Malts 2019 Featured Industry Updates, Discussion, Awards and More

The Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP) presented the 2019 Meeting of the Malts at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA on April 25.

The evening began with BOP president Chris Lampe of Weyerbacher Brewing Company providing some opening remarks. He celebrated that Pennsylvania brews more craft beer than any other state, the hard work of the BOP leadership and membership, and the close to 300 members currently in the organization.

“We are there for absolutely every brewery here – largest to smallest,” Lampe emphasized.

Tim Holden, member of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Boards (PLCB) presented the toast, thanking the members for what they have done “for our palates and our economy.”

The toast beer was the 717 Collaboration Beer for this year’s Harrisburg Beer Week. The Helles Bock was brewed at Tröegs Brewing Company with other breweries within the 717 area code.

Harrisburg Beer Week Announces 2019 “717 Collaboration Beer”

Bart Watson, Ph. D., chief economist for the Brewers Association, provided the craft beer economic update and forecast. Pennsylvania is currently seeing tremendous growth, and the state has the second most number of new breweries open in 2018.

Watson said three new breweries are opening every day in the United States, and he predicts there will be over 10,000 breweries open within two years.

Jim Koch, founder of The Boston Beer Company, and Craig Purser, President and CEO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) discussed the three tier system in the Bar Stool to Bar Stool segment.

Koch stated, “No three tier – no craft beer!” during a discussion about the importance of the relationship between breweries and distributors.

Craft Beer Panel Discussion

The highlight of the evening was the craft beer panel discussion. The panel members included Bryant Goulding of Rhinegeist Brewery, Garret Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery, Shaun O’Sullivan of 21st Amendment Brewery, John Trogner of Tröegs Brewing Company, and Wendy Yuengling of D.G. Yuengling.

The panel discussion focused on expanding customer base and the importance of innovation.

Wendy Yuengling, who serves as Chief Administrative Officer for D.G. Yuengling and Sons, Inc., emphasized the importance of quality, core brands, while still “playing in some new arenas” in order to appeal to new customers. Yuengling has some bourbon barrel beer in the works.

Hear Our Interview with Jennifer Yuengling in Podcast Episode 149

Shaun O’Sullivan, co-founder and brewmaster for 21st Amendment in San Francisco, said that the “heart and soul of every brewer is innovation.” The brewery recently released Sparkale, a Sparkling Rosé Ale with apple, cranberry, peach and cherry.

Bryant Goulding, co-founder and VP of sales and marketing for Rhinegeist Brewery, mentioned the need to “peak people’s curiosity.” While Truth IPA continues to boast 45% of the brewery’s sales, they recently released Bubbles, a Rosé Ale with apple, peach, and cranberry, a beer that they made to be “decidedly not hoppy.” The new beer is showing growing sales.

John Trogner, co-founder of Tröegs Brewing Company, said he’s inspired by all things around him, including techniques and ingredients. He emphasized the importance of staying dynamic and trying new things.

Garrett Oliver, brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, author of The Brewmaster’s Table, and James Beard Award winner, admits to making beers inspired by wines and cocktails, but emphasizes, “I make beer.”

Oliver said, “brewery religion is tested by real life.”

“I Make Beer” – A Discussion with Garrett Oliver at Meeting of the Malts 2019

PA Growler Awards

Following the panel and dinner service, the PA Growler Awards were presented.

Selected by the Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP) President, the President’s 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.”

The 2019 recipient was Dave Casinelli, the Chief Operating Officer of D.G. Yuengling. The award was presented to Casinelli by BOP President Chris Lampe at the 2019 Meeting of the Malts in Hershey, PA on April 25.

Yuengling COO Honored at Meeting of the Malts, Wendy Yuengling Discusses the Future of the 190-Year-Old Brewery

The Legislative Growler Awards were given, an honor that recognizes 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.

This year’s honorees included: Rep. Kurt Masser (Pa. District 107 serving Northumberland, Columbia, and Montour Counties), Rep. Peter Schweyer (Pa. District 22 serving Lehigh County), Sen. Bob Mensch (Pa. District 24 serving Berks, Bucks and Montgomery Counties), and Sen. Lisa Boscola (Pa. District 18 serving Lehigh and Northampton Counties).

The festivities concluded with the Pennsylvania BrewPub Festival, featuring 24 breweries from across the state.