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 info@breweriesinpa.com.

TrAils To Ales Brewery opened in 2017 in Franklin, with a 7 bbl system. With a full food menu of over 90 items and 16 tap lines, this is a must-stop for those visiting town. The brewery also plans to open a second location this year, just five minutes away! Justin Dudek is the head brewer at TrAils To Ales Brewery. Read more to find out his the first beer he ever brewed, where he sees the craft beer industry heading, and more!

What was your introduction to craft beer?

That’s a difficult one. I’m not sure I could pinpoint an exact moment. Although my parents would tell you that my interest in alcohol production all started when they took me to the Jack Daniels distillery when I was a kid. Back then, you were allowed to stick your finger in the mash, and taste it. I thought that was the coolest thing.

How did you get started as a brewer?

I started homebrewing when I was about 20 years old, and continued doing so for a few years. Eventually, I thought that brewing beer for a living would be an incredible thing. Then it was a case of meeting the right person, at the right time. That person happened to be Matt Allyn, right when he was starting Voodoo brewing co. So I started helping out with the brewery build-out, and then the next thing you know… I was the head brewer there.

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

Some of the more bizarre beers I’ve done have been stouts. I think a wide variety of flavor profiles just work well with a stout. Both sweet, and savory flavors pair well. I brewed a smoked brisket stout about 11 years ago. I threw 50lbs of smoked brisket right in the brite tank, and it turned out great! Now, if you added meat to an American light lager… it probably wouldn’t be very desirable. I’d love to make a Surstromming stout someday, but no one else seems to think that’s a good idea. I’m not sure why.

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

I think the first beer I ever brewed was a caramel porter. I learned that just because I brewed a beer, it doesn’t make me any cooler.

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

Into the ground. That’s probably not the answer you were looking for. But let’s be honest here… when there’s a new brewery opening their doors every 5 seconds, there’s bound to be trouble ahead. Oversaturation is something that has worried me for years, and it keeps getting worse by the minute. Luckily I can always fall back on my modeling career if need be.

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

It’s just like being a brewer in California, except with shitty weather. That’s what you meant, right?

What is the inspiration behind your beer names?

I usually just try to come up with the dumbest names possible. Although, since I’ve been at Trails to Ales, some of the names have been a little more conservative. I usually draw inspiration from pop culture. One of the favorites I’ve done was a beer called, The Nilbog Massacre. It’s a reference to the greatest film of all time, Troll 2. This was a name that 99% of people had no clue what it meant. But when you met that 1% that did, they absolutely loved it! I find that rewarding.

What is your favorite beer to drink right now?

I’m more of a seltzer guy.

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

That I probably shouldn’t be doing these kinds of interviews, because I always make an ass of myself.

Thank you to Justin for talking with us! Make sure you visit the TrAils To Ales website for all the latest beers, news, information, and special events. And also follow Trails To Ales on Facebook and Instagram.