125: Brad Clark of Private Press Discusses Intention, Quality, and Expression in Brewing and Blending Barrel-Aged Stouts and Barleywines

Leaving a senior-level job (overseeing brewing operations for a 14,000 barrel per year brewery) to launch a small startup brewery with a tightly focused approach to brewing and an extremely limited sales model, is a big risk. But it’s one that Brad Clark has embraced. Private Press Brewing launches early summer and will release only barrel-aged stouts and barleywines, sold only through a membership program. It’s a focused approach to making tightly edited, bespoke beers for discerning customers, but it’s only possible thanks to the reputation he built making such beers for more than a decade at the Athens, Ohio stalwart . In this episode, Clark discusses the challenge of moving from big to small, the gravity arms race in imperial-strength beers, choices for building body in big beers, designing component recipes for blending stock, how to use dark malts to guide oxidation in favorable directions, building a language to describe flavors and sensations while blending, defining the “pocket” for a blended beer, discovering emotion in exceptional barrels, being present and focused while tasting, and brewing and packaging lessons learned the hard way. “Happy accidents don’t happen anymore,” says Clark. “There’s intent, there’s vision, there’s palate, there’s this drive behind them. It’s not just an afterthought. It’s not a couple barrels in the corner. This is identity. Avoid happy accidents. Don’t even use that word. Think about what you’re doing and set it up for success.” This episode is brought to you by: G&D Chillers ( https://gdchillers.com ) : Nearly 2,000 breweries across the US, Canada & Mexico partner with G&D Chillers. Innovative, Modular Designs and no proprietary parts propel G&D ahead as the premier choice for your glycol chilling needs. Breweries you recognize—Russian River, Ninkasi, Jack's Abby, Samuel Adams and more—trust G&D to chill the beer you love! Call G&D Chillers to discuss your project today or reach out directly at GDChillers.com. Old Orchard ( https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer ) : Old Orchard supplies craft juice blends from the heart of Beer City USA. As the industry blending experts, they supply major national brands and growing breweries alike. They've been the best-kept juicy secret in craft beverage for years, but now the secret's out. Breweries across the board are experiencing a seamless transition to Old Orchard as their new juice supplier. So hop aboard the Old Orchard fruit train; their sample kit starter pack is waiting for you at www.oldorchard.com/brewer. Ss Brewtech ( https://www.ssbrewtech.com ) : The founders launched Ss Brewtech with a very clear goal to advance brewing equipment design, performance, and quality to the very highest standards in the industry. With a team that draws upon strong functional backgrounds in brewing science, mechanical engineering, industrial design, supply chain, and manufacturing, Ss Brewtech has the people and skill sets you would want and expect from your supplier of pro brewing equipment. Head over to SsBrewtech.com for more information on their brewhouses and brewing gear. Captain Pabst Seabird IPA ( https://captainpabst1864.com ) : Out of the west a storm surprised, swept down on Captain Pabst, That mariner and gentleman, his actions swift and fast, He sailed the seabird against the throes, routing twain wind and fear, He took haste to protect his kin, but the port aas far from near, Pabst’s intuition proved him right, and bore a friendly coast, The mighty seabird crashed aground, and to that we raise a toast, For while the seabird indeed was lost, safe were kin and crew, And without this mighty ship to steer, Captain Pabst... began to brew. CAPTAIN PABST SEABIRD IPA. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE IN WISCONSIN & CHICAGO. Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast