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].
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company started in June of 2012 in Croydon, PA. The brewery was named after the creek that, yes, they still draw water from for beer. NCBC has expanded since opening with the Borough Brewhouse in Jenkintown, and most recently their Taproom in New Hope. Jason Ranck is the head brewer at Neshaminy Creek. Read more to find out his favorite beer to drink, how he got started as a brewer, and more!
What was your introduction to craft beer?
It sounds tame now, but Guinness Stout was the first beer I had ever experienced that was completely outside of what I thought beer was. Everything about it was special: The black color, the carefully poured pint, the long-lasting head leaving behind rings of creamy foam in the glass and the complex roasty flavors of coffee and chocolate…magic!
How did you get started as a brewer?
I started homebrewing and the first time I witnessed an active fermentation I was hooked. I sat down in the basement next to my bucket and watched and listened all night. Brewing and reading everything I could get my hands on quickly became an obsession. I enjoyed it as a hobby for several years and at some point realized there weren’t enough hours in the day for me to do this at the level I wanted to and decided to pursue it as a career. I went to brewing school, landed some internships, joined MBAA and doors started opening for me.
What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?
For me, creativity flows when I have some limitations and know that I need to brew something specific, as odd as that sounds. It’s not necessarily the beer style but just the fact that I have to brew something makes me creative.
What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?
It was an amber ale, a preassembled ingredient kit from the local homebrew shop. I’ll never forget what it was like opening the first bottle and hearing that pop! I learned that this was something I enjoyed and could do well.
Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years?
I hope we see a mad love affair with Gruits.
Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania.
It’s great to be a brewer in the Keystone State! We are lucky to have so many wonderful breweries.
What is the inspiration behind your beer names?
Mostly absurdity. Naming beers is a group effort at Neshaminy Creek and it’s a real joy when we come up with something that works. Then we see it’s been used by nine other breweries on Untappd.
What is your favorite beer to drink right now?
Von Trapp’s Dunkel is divine.
What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?
Never be afraid to ask for help. We are blessed to be a part of such a collaborative and friendly industry.
Thank you to Jason for talking with us! Make sure you visit Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company for all the latest beers, news, information, and special events. And also follow Neshaminy Creek on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
