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].

Allusion Brewing Company first opened in October 2020 at 143 Grant Avenue in Vandergrift, PA. The brewery operates out of a 100-year-old building with a 5BBL brewhouse and 10 taps. John Bieranoski is the Head Brewer and President of Allusion Brewing Company. Read more to find out how he got started as a brewer, the most important lesson he’s learned so far, and more!

What was your introduction to craft beer?

Years ago, we won’t say how long, a family member took me to Stoudt’s brewing in Adamstown. It was the first time I had a beer that wasn’t your basic light American style lager. As soon as I realized that there were other styles of beer out there, I was hooked.

How did you get started as a brewer?

I have been homebrewing for about 10 years. Right about the same time I was introduced to craft beer, I started looking into homebrewing. I just had the urge to try and brew something myself. Unfortunately for me, at the time there weren’t a lot of ways to get the supplies needed so after about a year or two I took a break. I picked up home brewing again about 8 years ago and haven’t looked back.

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

Currently, I would say fruited sours and hazy IPAs are the styles that I have found to push my creativity. I enjoy being able to work with the different flavors and new ingredients. Plus, as a brewer that normally enjoys traditional and historical styles of beer, these styles force me to continue to learn and adapt, which I feel is important in the industry.

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

I have always been a Brown Ale fan, so the first beer I brewed was a Brown Ale kit. What I learned from it was the basics of how to brew a beer, but I also developed the want to learn more and the drive to brew better beers. It started me on the path of research and learning that I still use today every time I brew.

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

I really feel that brewers are going to continue to push the flavor profiles that we see today in fruited sours, and Hazy IPAs, and if the demand remains, I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I do think though that we will also continue to have a large demand for a variety of both traditional and new styles so as brewers we need to be ready to adapt to the changing market.

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

Fantastic! The brewing community is very tight-knit, and everyone has been willing to help or assist in any way possible. Opening when we did was challenging enough, so to have such a great group of owners and brewers near us that were willing to share ideas, give tips and recommendations, or even just come in and show support, made it all worth it.

What is the inspiration behind your beer names?

We allude to classical literature, cinema, and pop culture in our names.

What is your favorite beer to drink right now?

I am always looking for a good malty brown or amber, but I won’t turn down a nice Pale Ale or IPA. Right now, if I am not drinking one of my own brews, you will probably find me with a Yard’s Brawler, or Troegs Perpetual IPA in my hand.

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

The most important thing I have learned is to keep learning and not be afraid to ask for assistance. I am always looking to increase my knowledge through classes and seminars, assisting or getting assistance from fellow brewers, or the time-tested trial and error.