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 [email protected].

Juniata Brewing Company first opened in March of 2020 at 1102 Susquehanna Avenue, in Huntingdon, PA. They brew on a 5 BBL system and make a wide variety of beer styles for all beer fans. The brewery recently announced plans to expand with another taproom. This space will be opening inside the Slinky Action Zone in Duncansville and will feature 16 taps and about 40 seats for beer fans.

David Welsch is the head brewer at Juniata Brewing Company. Read more to find out his introduction to craft beer, where he sees the craft beer industry heading, and more!

What was your introduction to craft beer?

My first experience drinking craft beer came from my dad. He always had a selection of craft IPAs and pilsners for him to choose from. Once I got old enough, I was able to try some of the great beer Pennsylvania breweries had to offer and found I enjoyed them more than many of the mass market beers I had been exposed to previously. I have a particular fondness for Victory Prima Pils to this day. Studying in France for a semester in college opened the door for my love of craft beer even more, as I was exposed to the myriad of unique Belgian and French beer styles that are some of my favorites and inspirations for many of the Belgian ales we now make at JBC.

How did you get started as a brewer?

I was fortunate to take a brewing course at Juniata College, as well as be president of the homebrew club. There I got to work with Dr. John Matter and learn how to homebrew beers in a variety of styles. I loved the synthesis of chemistry and creativity that brewing provided, and the joy of experimentation with different styles and flavors had me hooked ever since.

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

I think our Belgian beers, especially our saisons, give me the most opportunity to be creative. This style has a lot of room for experimentation with different herbs, spices, and flavorings. Sometimes the results can be unexpected for the drinker, and provide something different than our typical beer offerings. We have made a few saisons so far showcasing different flavors to our customers, and will keep trying new and interesting ways to make this style.

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

My first beer brewed was a pale ale while in college. While the result turned out drinkable at least, our mash technique was not ideal, leading to a beer with a lower alcoholic content than anticipated. This first brew taught me the importance of monitoring and ensuring a quality mash to make quality beer. You can add as many hops and flavorings as you want, but if you have a poor mash, you won’t get the type of beer you are aiming for.

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

I hope consumers start to move away from hazy IPAs, lactose-heavy milkshake IPAs, and fruited sours and perhaps enjoy more classic styles of beer. There seems to be a trend at the moment to move towards more lager beers, which I wholeheartedly support. I am not sure bigger is always better when it comes to lactose and flavorings. While I am not sure the industry will move this way, I would love to see more customers wanting to try Belgian-style ales besides sour beers as well.

I think another big trend we are likely to see continue is the decline of the in-person taproom model and a bigger emphasis on packaging beer. While I think taproom atmosphere thrives off in-person sales and interaction, this is the way the industry is headed, and breweries have to continue to adapt.

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

I am thrilled to be a part of the vibrant brewing community in Pennsylvania. The Brewers of PA have created an excellent organization that lobbies for changes beneficial to breweries in the state while providing resources for start-up businesses and encouraging the growth of this industry. I think that the great number of breweries in Pennsylvania has led to a better product for the consumer as well. Healthy competition between us has placed PA at the forefront of innovative beer styles, all of which grow the prestige of breweries in this state and further our common goal of bringing great beer to people all over the state, the country, and the world.

What is the inspiration behind your beer names?

JBC is lucky to be the first brewery in Huntingdon County, and as such we have the first opportunity to name our beers after many local landmarks such as the popular Raystown Lake. We have quite a few lake-themed names, as well as a few names themed around Juniata College, as my co-owner Sean and I are both alumni. The other significant theme is cats, as I have named a few beers after my cats and other local felines. Beyond this, our names vary from puns to alliterations to whatever other inspirations we may have beyond these themes.

What is your favorite beer to drink right now?

I have been enjoying quite a few pilsners recently, perhaps because I am eager for spring to arrive. I have always loved Prima Pils as previously stated, and am also enjoying JBC’s pilsner. Besides that, I am still guarding a few La Chouffe brown ales I received at Christmas. This is a wonderful Belgian ale full of malty flavor, and I save them for particularly cold or nasty weather to warm me up through the winter.

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

I would say don’t be afraid to add extra rice hulls to your mash! It’s better to go through some rice hulls that have a stuck sparge. Additionally, try not to get discouraged. The last few years have been hard on a lot of businesses, but that is not a reason to despair. Customers are enjoying great craft beer more than ever, and a solid product will speak for itself. Keep at it and one day it will pay off!

Thank you to David for talking with us! Make sure you visit Juniata Brewing Company’s website to see all the latest beers and news! Also, follow Juniata Brewing on Facebook and Instagram.