Welcome to our “Meet The Brewer” series! Where we interview brewers in Pennsylvania, from breweries small to large. Let us know if you know anyone who should be featured, email us at info@breweriesinpa.com.

Last Minute Brewing opened in March 2019 in Scott Township, PA, in northern Lackawanna County. Last Minute opened with a 5 bbl brewhouse and the brewery has made quite a name for itself with its can releases. E.J. Lastauskas is the owner and head brewer at Last Minute Brewing. Read more to find out his introduction to beer, where he sees the craft beer industry heading, and more!

What was your introduction to craft beer?

My introduction to craft beer was stealing this “gross Pale Ale” from my father’s refrigerator, brewed by Sierra Nevada. I could not understand how anyone on earth could consume a beer that tasted like that. Now mind you, I’m a teenager at this point. My first actual love of craft beer came via wheat beers, such as Blue Moon, Franziskaner, and Allagash White. Which got me onto Belgian Tripels. But that “aha” moment came from sampling beer with my family at Cooper’s Seafood in Scranton when I tried that “gross Pale Ale” again from Sierra Nevada. There was now something mystical with that hoppy bitterness that I could not get enough of. The bitterness complimented the maltiness so well and so appropriate. To this day, many will tell you, best Pale Ale on Earth!

How did you get started as a brewer?

Late 1980’s, my father started to homebrew beer. I started to help him in the early 1990’s, mostly just stirring the pot, making sure there were no boil overs. Now my father took a few years off from brewing, but my friend, Nick T., got into it. I’d now go help him, and we had an awesome time brewing beer and learning the process. My wife bought me my first homebrew kit. Needless to say, she didn’t realize the monster it would create.

What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?

The style that allows me to be the most creative, would have to be the India Pale Ale. There is so much that can be done with an IPA, just look at all of the sub categories. At this time, the New England style is still very popular, and it really allows the aromatics and flavors of the hop to shine.

What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?

The first beer I brewed was an English Pale Ale kit. At that point, one thing was for certain, I wanted to brew an American India Pale Ale. So me being me, I picked up Safale US-05 yeast instead of the English variety, more malt extract for a higher ABV, and Centennial and Cascade hops verses the Fuggle hop the kit came with. I blended 3 gallons of spring water with 3 gallons of filtered tap water, don’t know why, it just sounded good. The beer turned out pretty decent, which got me looking for information and resources everywhere on how to make better beer.

Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years?

In my opinion, the craft beer industry in the next few years will continue growing at its stellar growth rate. Most people love supporting local, and take pride in having a local brewery. People’s palates are adjusting to what craft beer has to offer, at younger and younger ages.

Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania.

Being a brewer in PA is an honor. We started this brewery not having a clue what to expect. The goal that was set from the beginning was and is very simple, brew good beer. People driving 2+ hours for a can release, that haven’t even tried a beer from us, that’s badass.

What is the inspiration behind your beer names?

Last Minute Brewing’s beer names are mostly focused on time. As anyone knows, time is the most valuable thing we have and we can all relate to it. We have a team that comes up with some pretty awesome names, in my opinion!

What is your favorite beer to drink right now?

I’m in love with the Alchemist brewery and beers! They to me, represent everything a beer should be. The crispness of their IPA’s are certainly something extraordinary. And owner/master brewer, John Kimmich seems like one of the coolest guys.

What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?

The most important lesson I’ve learned in the beer industry is really just to focus on quality and pay close attention to details. Homebrewing for me was just having a good time hanging out and learning a process. On a commercial level, there is certainly an added pressure or three, but I love it!

Thank you to E.J. for talking with us! Make sure you visit Last Minute Brewing for all the latest beers, news, information, and special events. And also follow Last Minute Brewing on Facebook and Instagram.