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].
Rebel Hill Brewing Company opened its doors in March of 2018, in Phoenixville, PA. Operating a 7BBL brewhouse, they specialize in IPAs, Saisons, and Stouts, and are known for popular beer releases such as Bleed Green and Bleed Greenrrr. Greg Kluge is the head brewer at Rebel Hill 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 Dad loved all German imports, especially Oktoberfest’s. So that’s where my world was opened up to great foreign beer. But as far as American craft, it started with Victory back in the late ’90s. It was pretty difficult to find such a wide variety of craft beer back then. I’m old.
How did you get started as a brewer?
Like most who start brewing, I bought a kit from the old Keystone Home Brew in Montgomeryville. I don’t think it was the best by any means, but I was hooked from then on. From there, I read every book I could get my hands on about brewing and if I ever got the chance to help out at a brewery, I would take it. I went to all-grain shortly after that and later built a half-barrel electric system in my basement. I homebrewed for 10 years before opening Rebel Hill.
What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?
We try to be as creative as possible with all our beers in some way but stouts definitely allow for the most room in my opinion. The number of adjuncts you can add to mimic flavors found in the food world are pretty wide. As well as its ability to play nice in barrels.
What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?
Homebrew wise, it was that first kit – I believe it was a hefeweizen. Although it may not have been the best, it opened my eyes to the world of brewing and the magic of fermentation. As a professional brewer, the first beer I brewed at Rebel Hill was a Saison. What I learned from that beer was to not forget to open the blow-off during transfer or you’re in for a long night. Overall, never stop trying to improve.
Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years?
Hopefully, we will see the industry innovate artistically and be pushed to be a more inclusive, diverse place where we develop and grow from each other.
Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania.
I don’t really know what it’s like to brew in other states but we have a great community of breweries in our area that will help at a drop of a hat if we ever need anything and vice versa.
What is the inspiration behind your beer names?
Music plays a big role in my life. Most of our names come from music that I enjoy whether it be a song title or part of a lyric.
What is your favorite beer to drink right now?
I honestly love drinking all styles. But give me a Mary from Hill Farmstead all day.
What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?
Speaking from both a brewer and owner, I’d say it takes massive amounts of hard work and time. Don’t ever feel like you know it all. Be humble and accept others’ input. It will make you a better brewer and person in the end.
Thank you to Greg for talking with us! Make sure you visit Rebel Hill Brewing Company for all the latest beers, news, information, and special events. And also follow Rebel Hill on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
