Ep. 68 - Matt Wilson of Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
Explicit content warning
01/20/21 • 51 min
Some thoughts on this episode from host John Holl:
"When I first started drinking beer, one of the breweries that opened my eyes and palate to flavor was Magic Hat. Thanks to its Number 9, the beer was a fruity pale ale with whimsical labels, clever facts and saying under the bottle cap, and at a price point that didn’t make my budget scream.
Of course a lot has changed in 20 years and that brewery doesn’t dominate the conversation or even register too much for folks anymore. So, last year, I wasn’t too surprised when the corporate parent company of Magic Hat announced that it would be winding down operations and moving production to upstate New York.
The brewery, in South Burlington, however, would remain online and Zero Gravity, a popular Vermont brewery, founded in 2004, would be taking over the space.
I had only passing memories of Zero Gravity, having visited once or twice, but not for at least five years. Taking over a well-known spot with a lot of capacity was intriguing and I meant to reach out earlier. But, you know, the pandemic got in the way.
So just after the start of this new year I was able to call and talk with Matt Wilson the CEO and co-founder of the brewery.
In a state that knows and celebrates its IPA, Zero Gravity – which of course makes hop forward ales – has put a lot of focus on lagers. It also takes sustainability and growth seriously and is looking to the non-alcoholic space as well.
We get into it quick and he shares insights on what the future holds for Zero Gravity."
For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.
- Host: John Holl
- Guest: Matt Wilson of Zero Gravity
- Sponsor: The Beer Edge
- Tags: Beer, Lager, Vermont, IPA, Magic Hat, Non-alcoholic beer, sustainability, charity
Some thoughts on this episode from host John Holl:
"When I first started drinking beer, one of the breweries that opened my eyes and palate to flavor was Magic Hat. Thanks to its Number 9, the beer was a fruity pale ale with whimsical labels, clever facts and saying under the bottle cap, and at a price point that didn’t make my budget scream.
Of course a lot has changed in 20 years and that brewery doesn’t dominate the conversation or even register too much for folks anymore. So, last year, I wasn’t too surprised when the corporate parent company of Magic Hat announced that it would be winding down operations and moving production to upstate New York.
The brewery, in South Burlington, however, would remain online and Zero Gravity, a popular Vermont brewery, founded in 2004, would be taking over the space.
I had only passing memories of Zero Gravity, having visited once or twice, but not for at least five years. Taking over a well-known spot with a lot of capacity was intriguing and I meant to reach out earlier. But, you know, the pandemic got in the way.
So just after the start of this new year I was able to call and talk with Matt Wilson the CEO and co-founder of the brewery.
In a state that knows and celebrates its IPA, Zero Gravity – which of course makes hop forward ales – has put a lot of focus on lagers. It also takes sustainability and growth seriously and is looking to the non-alcoholic space as well.
We get into it quick and he shares insights on what the future holds for Zero Gravity."
For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.
- Host: John Holl
- Guest: Matt Wilson of Zero Gravity
- Sponsor: The Beer Edge
- Tags: Beer, Lager, Vermont, IPA, Magic Hat, Non-alcoholic beer, sustainability, charity
Previous Episode
Ep. 67 - Jake Miller of Heirloom Rustic Ales
Before launching Heirloom Rustic Ales in Tulsa, Oklahoma a few years ago Jake Miller cut his teeth at breweries like Prairie Artisan Ales, Wolves and People, and Saint Somewhere. Along the way he picked up different brewing techniques and a sense for the aesthetics that make for a good brewery and channeled it into his own place.
Today he's determined to follow a brewing path that excites him and is interesting. This means ditching his mixed fermentation program and putting a lot of focus on lagers. From avoiding burn out in the brewing industry, to offering up a customer experience that is an extension of his colleagues, Miller talks about what he hopes to achieve as a brewer in the modern age.
For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.
- Host: John Holl
- Guest: Jake Miller of Heirloom Rustic Ales
- Sponsor: The Beer Edge
- Tags: Beer, Lager, Tulsa, Mixed Fermentation, Brewing
Next Episode
Ep. 69 - Drew Fox of 18th Street Brewery
A decade ago Drew Fox decided to take his homebrewing hobby to the next level and went pro. Since then, as founder and president of 18th Street Brewery in Gary, Indiana, he’s grown the business into multiple locations, into bigger brewing systems and has traveled the country and the world working on collaboration beers and being a force of good will to the beer industry.
From recipe evolution and creation, to what he is choosing to focus on to help the brewery grow in a meaningful way, he gets into it all in this wide-ranging interview.
As a suicide survivor he is also speaking up on the importance of taking about and addressing mental health. His words and perspective are something everyone should listen to.
For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.
- Host: John Holl
- Guest: Drew Fox of 18th Street Brewery
- Sponsor: The Beer Edge
- Tags: Beer, Lager, Indiana, IPA, Collaboration Beers, Mental Health, Charity. Sour Ales,
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