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Gearhead: Pilot Breweries Fly Us into the Great Unknown

Some brew systems make beer for us to drink. Others just solve mysteries—providing an acceptable outlet for failure and serving as the lifeblood of craft beer. John M. Verive is on the case.

John M. Verive Oct 21, 2021 - 14 min read

Gearhead: Pilot Breweries Fly Us into the Great Unknown Primary Image

Josie Becker checks on a pilot brew at Common Space. Photo: Courtesy Common Space Brewery

You might assume that all beer is meant to be enjoyed and that commercial breweries are laser-focused on making beer that people want to drink. However, not every batch brewed is destined for taps or tankards.

“We’re not always brewing with the intention of making great beer,” says Kushal Hall, head brewer at Common Space Brewery in southwestern Los Angeles County. “Sometimes, we’re more interested in making beer that answers a question.”

Sometimes, Hall says, the questions are process related. (“What if we mashed in at a higher temperature for a pale ale?”) At other times, there are questions about ingredients. (“What character will rice syrup solids add to a beer?”) Or often, the question is more playful. (“How can we make a rhubarb beer?”)

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