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].
Iron Hill Brewery opened its first location in 1996 in Delaware. The next year they were winning awards at the Great American Beer Festival, and soon they had a second location in West Chester, PA.
Fast forward to today, and they have built 17 individual breweries, with plans for their 12th (and 18th total) coming to Pennsylvania!. Their unique locations, all featuring an on-site brewery for freshness and quality, would prove to be successful for them. We spoke with the brewer of their West Chester space, Justin Low. Learn about Justin’s background from our convo below.
What was your introduction to craft beer?
I believe it was Pyramid Apricot over 10 years ago at a Pittsburgh bar, if you would call them much of a craft brand. Since I was there for school Church Brewworks and Rock Bottom were definitely near the firsts.
How did you get started as a brewer?
I was an electrical engineer homebrewing and wanted to learn more science behind it, so I ended up at UC Davis for their Master Brewing Program. I came back after the program and got a job as an Assistant Brew at Dock Street, before long I was the Head Brewer
What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?
Styles, I don’t know. It seems styles are pretty blended otherwise we’d lose the idea behind the craft. IPA seems the most flexible allowing hops to create various flavors or adding various flavors to the beer
What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?
Bubbly Wit at Dock street was the first professional brew alone. I learned to bag up spices or spend time blowing out the heat exchanger.
Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years?
I think we will see more neighborhood pubs. Market is getting very tight on the shelves and though there will still be a demand, I think the neighborhood pub is the route. We have such a great market and growth in this area no reason for anyone to search anywhere else.
Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania
It’s the best. No other state I feel has the community, growth and mostly state support that we do.
What is the inspiration behind your beer names?
The life around me. Random things. Whatever seems suiting. My next few names will be from things my 3 year old says.
What is your favorite beer to drink right now?
Whatever has the frestest can date
What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?
Use caution mopping under tanks. I snagged a clamp and popped the outlet off a fermenter, that was fun
Thank you to Justin Low for talking with us! Make sure you visit Iron Hill Brewing Company for all the latest beers, news, information and special events. And also follow Iron Hill on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
