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].

Beaver Brewing Company first opened in 2010, in Beaver Falls, PA. Operating a 2 bbl brewhouse, the brewery was an early adopter of shipping cans. They announced a shipping program back in June of 2019. Dan Woodske is the owner and head brewer at Beaver Brewing Company. Read more to find out his introduction to beer, where he sees the craft beer industry heading, and more!

What was your introduction to craft beer?

Southern Tier Brewing in Chautauqua NY. My wife and I were looking for something to do one evening on vacation up there and stumbled upon a “microbrewery”. We went there, (this is “pre-pumpking” days and in their old location), and hung out with the other 3 people in the bar, including the owners. Loved the down to earth feel of the place and that you could actually discuss beer with the people that made it. Really loved the vibe and the fact that they had several styles of beer available all in one spot.

How did you get started as a brewer?

This is probably the least inspiring “how I got started” story ever. I had several less than amazing job experiences before I got into beer. My first job was in politics and my boss ended up going to prison, so I got out of that. Then I went into community development, my boss asked me to do something that I thought was kinda illegal, and I “resigned”. Up next was construction sales, had to sue my boss to get paid. Safe to say, I hated working for other people…and I hated corporate bullshit. I thought that the beer business would be devoid of all the shit that I hated in the “real world”. Thankfully, I was right.

What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?

The ones that include beer. We make a hefeweizen with Circus Peanuts, a beer recipe from a defunct religious cult, a habanero IPA, and a braggot with Lapsang Souchong Smoked Tea. We brew on a 2 BBL system so we can take some chances (plenty of them stupid and defying market demand) that larger breweries won’t make because the demand might not be there. I also like to get “creative” and make styles of beer no one else is making right now. Like an Altbier, blonde ales, a hefeweizen…just basic “beer” flavored beer. The beer world is almost empty of “regular” beer. It’s almost weird to see it anymore.

What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?

It was so long ago in the journey of life I honestly have no recollection.

Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years?

Moving back to the basics, selling beer in a brewpub setting that is owned and operated by the brewery. Hell, Sam Adams is even going back to that model. I talk to so many brewery owners that wish they were a tenth of the size they currently are and just served in-house.

We are working on year 11 at the brewery, and what I am most happy about is that I never took on an outside investment that would have forced me to distribute.

Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania.

Awesome. Which is what I think it is (or at least should be) everywhere. I mean you get to create on a daily basis. You get to hang out with people that want to have a good time, and you get to work with people that are passionate about the product, and the process. Who doesn’t want to work in an industry like that?

What is the inspiration behind your beer names?

Two rules: One, people shouldn’t have to ask “what type of beer is that?” from the name. Two, it is either clever or funny. Examples. I.Pepper.A. Guess what, it is an IPA with Peppers in it. Chamomile Wheat, a wheat beer with Chamomile Flowers infused. S’more is Better Stout. A s’more tasting stout. You get the idea.

What is your favorite beer to drink right now?

Whatever is made closest to my current location. There is what, a gazillion breweries in PA right now? The only way they survive is to support them. I rarely, unless someone gives me one, will drink a beer made outside of PA, and in general, I drink whatever is made closest to where my feet happen to be at that time. It’s a rule I think every craft beer enthusiast should at least try for a month, or longer. You will discover that there is a TON of great beer made within 25 miles from your house.

You’ll also discover a brewery may not be great at one style of beer, but kill it at another. Give a brewery more than one shot, you’ll be surprised. My favorite part about this project is you get to grow with your local brewery and force your taste buds to try things you think you don’t like.

What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?

For me, the beer industry is about the people…not the beer. I love that people come in, grab a beer, and make lifelong friends while under our roof. That’s something really special, and I don’t take lightly. It’s a gathering spot. We don’t distribute. If you want our stuff, you have to put up with my bullshit at the brewery, or at the very least, my bullshit online. The place is not for everyone, and it is absolutely not meant to be. If you want a place for everyone, go to Applebee’s.

We have a super chill vibe, no bands, rarely any food, a solid rotation of George Michael and Jamiroquai on our jukebox, pinball machines, a Nintendo, super pretentious cocktails for no damn good reason, 3 mismatched couches, and movie posters from shit you never even heard of. It’s a place to relax, talk to your friend, meet new friends, and grab a beer.

We have had people meet their future spouses here, be the first spot they bring their newborn baby into, find out they had cancer, lose family members, have the first drink as a 21-year-old with dad moments, all the highs and lows of life. And I have heard people say hundreds of times, “I am so glad this place is here.” Makes me teary-eyed every time I hear it. That’s the most important lesson. It’s not always about the beer. It’s about the people you meet along the way. Having good beer doesn’t hurt, but really, focus on the people. Good beer will follow along.