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].
Boneshire Brew Works opened in Harrisburg in November of 2016. Since opening, the brewery has gotten a name for themselves, even being featured in Poured In PA’s Web series. Alan Miller is the head brewer of Boneshire Brew Works. Read more to find out how he was introduced to craft beer, how he got started as a brewer, and more!
What was your introduction to craft beer?
A good friend of mine introduced me to Widmer Hefeweizen back in the early 2000s once I got into grad school it was all over. We used to go to Kclingers tavern in Etters all the time.
How did you get started as a brewer?
I started as a homebrewer back in 2004.
What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?
For me its stouts I really enjoy playing with different malts and adjuncts.
What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?
It was a stout that actually turned out really well. I learned that if you follow directions you can make a good beer. Ha! The next couple of batches weren’t soo good.
Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years?
I see it continuing to grow some at least in Pennsylvania. I think you will see that the number of brewery closings will increase over the next several years. It’s getting tighter in the market. A good product and a good business model are going to be super important.
Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania.
Its an honor especially with the beer history in our state. There are a lot of interesting characters in the business and provides for some great camaraderie when we get together.
What is the inspiration behind your beer names?
It comes from all over the place but mostly music related. I generally like to use names that mean something….ex. Anagnorisis, or Angels on the Sideline, or Devils Burden.
What is your favorite beer to drink right now?
Dark of the Forest which is our over the top coffee stout brewed with coffee from St. Thomas Roasters.
What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?
I have always been a humble person and now that I have been in the industry for several years, it’s more important than ever to stay humble. I love making beer and I love our customers and love what we have created, but in the end, it is a business and there are bills to pay. If you don’t stay on top of your game from all sides, this industry will chew you up and spit you out. Its highly competitive and there are a lot of people throwing money into it now.
Thank you to Alan for talking with us! Make sure you visit Boneshire Brew Works for all the latest beers, news, information, and special events. And also follow Boneshire on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
