Following another successful Meeting of the Malts (this one in Pittsburgh), the Brewers of Pennsylvania gathered for their annual meeting last month at our very own Troegs Brewing Co. in Hershey.
I’m an Enthusiast level member of the group since late last year, but I was able to finagle a media invitation to the Sunday night social, wherein BOP members from all over the state met to socialize, sample and network with industry-related folk.
The agenda was abbreviated due to the impending forecast, so while sampling beers from Troegs (I started with a little Nugget Nectar, as one is wont to do this season) as well as treats from visiting brewers, I chatted with the surprising number of attorneys I already knew (like Brian Gregg and Tim Horstmann of McNees and their blog, Jurisbrewdence), as well as everyone’s favorite attorney-turned-insurance guy, Andy Enders.
Watch the What’s on Tap episode featuring Andy Enders.
Also on the scene were soon-to-open Zeroday Brewing Co. duo Brandalynn and Theo Armstrong, Appalachian Brewing Co.‘s Artie Tafoya, of course John and Chris Trogner of Troegs, Millbock‘s Alan Miller and The Brewery at Hershey’s Ryan DeLutis, among many others.
While waiting patiently for a refill (this time, a sample of Troegs Jovial), I chatted with Victory Brewing Co. founder and current BOP Board President Bill Covaleski, who despite being a craft beer superstar, was easy to talk to and incredibly friendly.
We also were treated to an incredible barbecue dinner, care of Troegs’ incredible Chef Christian DeLutis, who weighed us down with a half a chicken, macaroni and cheese, slaw, and a JavaHead cupcake.
Watch the What’s on Tap episode featuring ABC’s Artie Tafoya.
We did hear from keynote speaker, J.B. Shireman, who beyond an impressive resume spanning nearly every facet of the industry, is Vice President of First Beverage Group. Shireman talked quickly and thoroughly about trends in craft beer and how they can impact Pennsylvania brewers.
Socializing continued throughout the night, readying folks for the following day — a members-only business meeting that included presentations and discussion on a variety of relevant topics to the industry in Pennsylvania.
