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].
Rotunda Brewing Company started brewing 10 gallon batches when Eric Stubbs joined in July of 2016, in Annville, PA. Located in the Batdorf Restaurant, the brewery expanded with a 7 barrel brewhouse in 2018, and recently opened a second location in October 2019. Known for their IPA’s and popular “sWheat Tart” beer series, Breweries In PA did a beer collab called “Juice Invaders” with Rotunda in March 2019. Eric Stubbs is the head brewer at Rotunda, read more to find out how he was introduced to craft beer, the first beer he ever brewed, and more!
What was your introduction to craft beer?
Before I went to college, I remember my dad buying interesting beers from around the world. I did not know anything about the beer, but I really enjoyed seeing the varieties of names and labels. Later, when I went to culinary school, we spent a month in California touring wineries and breweries. I was really in to the process of making beer, but had no desire to drink it at that time. I look back now, and realize the wasted opportunities to try amazing beer form Anchor Brewing and Mendocino Brewing Company.
How did you get started as a brewer?
At least 20 years ago, my dad and I used to mess around with the 5 gallon bucket kits that alot of brewers started on. We used to go the original Keystone Hombrew location and pick out an ale or lager kit. Fast forward 10 years or more, and we decide to try brewing again. I was blown away with how large the new Keystone Hombrew had become, and how many more ingredients there were to choose from. We took it more seriously this time and started brewing as much as we could. When I got a call about an open position from the Rotunda’s, I dropped off a Growler of homebrew, and the rest is history.
What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?
I would not say a specific style allows me to be more creative. Brewing, in general, allows me to be creative. I feel the same excitement creating a lager recipe that I do when picking out new hops for the latest hazy iPA, or new fruit for the newest kettle sour. I am extremely grateful with how much creative freedom the Rotunda’s have given me.
What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?
I brewed an Arrogant Bastard kit. It came out nothing like it was supposed to, but I loved sharing my creation with whoever I could convince to drink it. I also realized that I loved the brewing process, and that I enjoyed it just as much as the culinary world.
Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years?
I wish I knew. I believe IPA’s, kettle sours, and big stouts will still dominate the beer scene. Flavorful, low calorie offerings seem to be gaining more popularity. Now we have the hard seltzer movement. Will this last longer that the hard soda craze? I do not know.
Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania.
It’s all I know, so it’s really hard to compare to something else. There are many great breweries in the state, and I hope it can become an even bigger beer destination.
What is the inspiration behind your beer names?
We do not have a set rule for naming beers. Sometimes we pick out something our artist created, and then pick a name based on the art. Sometimes, our regulars pick a name, and we go with it. Other times, we hear somebody say something, and say, “that would be a great beer name.” We just try to have fun with it.
What is your favorite beer to drink right now?
Annville IPA. The recipe has been adjusted a few times since its first brew, but it still remains the beer I dropped off in the Growler to the Rotunda’s that landed me the opportunity to try making my hobby a profession.
What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?
Trust the process.
Thank you to Eric for talking with us! Make sure you visit Rotunda Brewing Company for all the latest beers, news, information and special events. And also follow Rotunda on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
