Sips for Scholorships - Grayslake Craft Beer Fest Panel Discussion

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