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].
Log Tavern Brewing was founded in 2018 in Milford PA. Featuring 10 beers on tap, they make all styles of beer and experiment a lot. Log Tavern was founded from years of homebrewing, and is very influenced by the owners love of nature, as well at Yeti’s! Ryan Scott is the head brewer of Log Tavern Brewing, read more to find out how he got started as a brewer, where he see’s the craft beer industry heading, and more!
What was your introduction to craft beer?
A local ski resort near where I grew up has had a yearly Oktoberfest annually for about 20+ years. It’s where I got exposed to Marzen’s, Pumpkin brews, and a variety of other Brewery offerings I hadn’t knew existed. It roped me into wanting to explore more. I also remember trying Green Flash- West Coast IPA, Boulder – Hazed and Infused, and Lagunitas -Hop Stoopid in the mid 2000’s each one blew my mind. From there on I couldn’t get or brew enough hoppy beers.
How did you get started as a brewer?
I was given a extract Brew kit in early 2000’s which got me hooked. I messed around doing extract brews on and off for a few years until I moved to a larger home with a garage and had the space to upgrade my equipment to all grain.
What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?
We try to keep a wide variety of styles in our tap room, and I strive to stay creative with all of them. Though currently NEIPA’s would be my most creative/ experimental. We have a brew called Yeti Experiments at Log Tavern which will is a revolving door for my NEIPA’s recipes (along side Harford Haze and Milford Mosaic). I try to incorporate some of the newer Hops varieties or varieties that don’t exactly fit the mold for NEIPA’S. I also use it to experiment further with grain bill modifications and gather feedback from our customers.
What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?
Extract Brewing: My first brew was likely just a standard light American ale that came with the kit. All Grain brewing: My first brew was a pale ale clone recipe. Neither came out stellar. I’ve always driven myself crazy figuring out what went wrong, and how to improve. What I’ve learned from those brews is that while the iffy batches are not fun to drink somebody gotta do it.
Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years
I see the industry continuing to expand. Customers continue to enjoy brewery hopping on weekends, and they take pride in quality beer brewed locally. While at the same time I think brewing will make a return back to its roots style wise. Brewing is an Art and a very forgiving Art, with a nearly limitless canvas for creativity. I’ll be the first to admit I was late to the sour party, but some brews at this point are just absurd. If I want Twinkies or Oreos I wont be looking for them filtered through a brewery. Having said that there is an ass for every seat and to each their own.
Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania.
Its all around a great scene. The only way to describe it, is that everyone leaves their ego’s at the door and is willing to work together. Every brewery we’ve been introduced to has been willing to assist or lend a helping hand in any way possible. I’ve lived in P.A. just over 3 years now and the sense of community has been a welcome change that I feel is lost in other states.
What is the inspiration behind your beer names?
The inspiration for our beer names generally come from the the town of Milford and surrounding areas. Also anything to do with Nature, The Great Outdoors, or Yeti’s. Sometimes its just nonsense that Joe and I throw around that seem to fit.
What is your favorite beer to drink right now?
Right now I’ve still been stuck on The Duke of Cuke. Its a Kolsch ale, dry hopped with over 100lbs of fresh Cucumber that we released a few weeks back. I had a lot of fun making it and its refreshing crusher on hot days. I’ve also spent adequate time getting acquainted with the latest Yeti Experiments -V3 in my free time.
What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?
I’ve learned a lot over the last year.
Most importantly purchase the most comfortable pair of waterproof boots you can find. You’re gonna need em.
Secondly, while it’s good to stay current and follow trends (to an extent), trust your instincts and brew quality beer you’re proud of.
Third, If you feel you’ve put in a solid days work and you’ve got nothing left to give…Put in a few more hours. Tomorrow already has plans for any free time you thought you had.
Thank you to Ryan for talking with us! Make sure you visit Log Tavern Brewing for all the latest beers, news, information and special events. And also follow the brewery on Facebook and Instagram!
