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].
Insurrection AleWorks opened in November of 2015, in Heidelberg, PA. They opened with a 3.5bbl brewhouse (which they have since expanded), brew a wide variety of brews, and are very big into saisons and sours. Brad Primozic is the head brewer of Insurrection AleWorks, read more to find out how he was introduced to craft beer, the first beer he ever brewed, and more!
What was your introduction to craft beer?
My first real introduction was going to The 2007 North Country Microbrew Festival in Glens Falls, NY. Everything changed at that moment. I was only familiar with the typical domestics like Miller Lite & such and some English beers like Sammy Smith. It opened a whole new world of possibilities for me. I didn’t know that beer could be like “that”.
How did you get started as a brewer?
I got started brewing because there was an English-style brewpub a few blocks away when I lived in the Adirondack Mountains, near the Vermont border. I would go there and just watch them brew while I was sitting at the bar. I kept asking if I could help and always asked a ton of brewing questions. One day, they let me help…
What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?
The styles that let me be the most creative are Wild & Sour ales. There are just so many variables: from the amount of acidity, types of fruit, blending barrels, time spent in the barrel, the local microflora & bacteria. It is endless possibilities.
What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?
The first beer I ever brewed was a Chinook IPA called ‘Patient Zero’. I learned that the brewing process was very science-related. That’s what hooked me.
Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years?
I see or at least hope to see the craft beer industry produce even more lower ABV styles & lagers in 2020 & moving on.
Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania.
It’s great being a Pennsylvania brewer. Everyone is so helpful with one another and still competitive as well. It is a nice community.
What is the inspiration behind your beer names?
When it comes it comes to naming our beers, it’s one of my least favorite things to do. Most of our stuff is named after Grateful Dead & Phish songs/lyrics. Some of them are synonyms for ‘insurrection’. Some of them are named after our pets. Or some lines from our favorite movies.
What is your favorite beer to drink right now?
My favorite beer to drink is from a blendery in Vermont called Backacre. I found it on a shelf by itself back in 2012 at a place called Manchester Discount Beverages. It was/is so perfect. The manager would always save me a few bottles every time he got it in stock (Thanks Rusty!).
What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?
One of the most important things I learned in the beer industry is that you always got to try to be better & never stop learning. There are a lot of people cranking out fantastic beer. It’s amazing to see the creativity in the industry. The wheel is turning & you can’t slow down.
Thank you to Brad for talking with us! Make sure you visit Insurrection AleWorks for all the latest beers, news, information and special events. And also follow Insurrection on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
