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When Lacie Bray and Andy Coates, founders of Ozark Beer in Rogers, Arkansas, began planning their brewery, it wasn’t yet legal to sell beer in Benton County, and you could count the number of breweries in the state on one hand. But cultural and business changes were underway near the home of retail giant Walmart, and over the past decade they’ve grown in concert with the population and the culinary/hospitality world around them.
In this episode, Bray and Coates discuss:
- Designing beer for a market new to craft beer
- Working through the challenges of difficult alcohol laws
- Dialing in flavors that are attractive and interesting without being overwhelming
- Ingredient choices for longevity in packaging
- Using the Edinburgh strain as their house ale strain
- The value of Chinook in amplifying the character of other hops
- Creating craft lager that’s distinctive without referencing European styles
- Finding language that makes craft styles appealing to broad audiences
- The construction of BDCS (Bourbon Double Cream Stout), their quasi-annual barrel-aged stout that’s ready when it’s ready
- The importance of fresh barrels
And more.
For much more on Ozark Beer, see the cover story in the Fall 2021 issue of our Brewing Industry Guide.
This episode is brought to you by:
G&D Chillers
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This episode is brought to you by Rahr North Star Pils. A new base malt to set your compass by. Rahr North Star Pils is crafted for brewers looking for a domestic pilsner malt with low color and low modification. North Star Pils carries overtones of honey and sweet bread, supported by flavors and aromas of hay and nutty character. Suitable for any beer style, but particularly craft brewed versions of classic lagers. Let Rahr North Star Pils guide your craft by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com, or contact us at 1.800.374.2739.
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