Consistent Brewing: Never Spill the Difference

Apr 9

Written By Tom Lamont

Big Grove Brewery: Expanding Reach and Refining Recipes

Using PLAATO Pro to Optimize Your Brew Sheets

An Iowa Brewing Gem: The Rise of Big Grove Brewery

Introduction

In the heart of Iowa, nestled amongst rolling hills and stretches of farmland, lies Big Grove Brewery. Since its humble beginnings in Solon, Iowa, in 2013, Big Grove has transformed into a regional powerhouse. With five locations across the Hawkeye State and plans for continued expansion, the brewery's unwavering commitment to quality, community, and the environment sets it apart.

In this article, we delve into a recent interview with Andy, the Director of Brewing at Big Grove Brewery. Andy provides insights into the brewery's journey, its brewing philosophy, the iconic Easy Eddy Hazy IPA, and the exciting plans for the future.

The Backstory

Andy's passion for brewing started in Fort Collins, Colorado – a haven renowned for its craft beer scene. Inspired by the flavors of New Belgium and Odell's, he began homebrewing. However, his dream of opening his own brewery was put on hold for about a decade. That changed when the head brewer position opened up at Big Grove, and a mutual friend encouraged him to apply.

"They also had a very interesting project on the horizon. They were about to start building a small production brewery in Iowa City," recalls Andy.

After a successful interview, where he even showcased his homebrewing awards, Andy landed the coveted role and played a crucial part in building Big Grove's production facility in Iowa City.

Listen to the full interview here:

From Small Batches to Scaling Up

Big Grove's initial 3.5-barrel brewhouse in Solon offered valuable lessons in refining recipes and brewing techniques. "We got a ton of reps, you know, we got a ton of brews in," Andy explains. This hands-on experience laid a strong foundation for the brewery's expansion.

As Big Grove expanded, Andy wisely advocated for scaling down batches when brewing on larger equipment. "Anytime you get on new equipment, usually your recipes need a little bit of refinement ... we give ourselves more turns and ... give ourselves a chance to refine those recipes more quickly," he emphasizes.

The Rise of Easy Eddy

A flagship beer that propelled Big Grove's regional success is Easy Eddy, their beloved hazy IPA. Developing the recipe for Easy Eddy was a meticulous and time-consuming process.

"I didn't really understand hazy IPAs right away ... the haze was the pursuit. And that didn't make sense to me," Andy admits. Only when he grasped the true focus of the style – hop character, low bitterness, and mouthfeel – could they perfect the recipe.

Big Grove's meticulous approach shines through in Easy Eddy. "Our hazy IPA ... is not a hazy IPA that you find true turbidity in," Andy states, highlighting their emphasis on shelf-stability and consistency.

Growth and Maintaining Quality Across Locations

Big Grove's expansion to five locations poses the challenge of maintaining consistency across brewhouses. Their strategy involves hiring talented brewers and a unique onboarding process.

"We've been fortunate ... to recruit and hire a lot of really good brewers ... [who] come and see how we do it ... and they get to know our quality team ... and they just see the way we do it here at Big Grove," explains Andy.

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Community and Sustainability at Heart

Big Grove embodies a deep connection to its community and the environment. Their "Trees, Trails, and Water” philosophy demonstrates their commitment to conservation efforts.

"Water's so key to making good beer, and Iowa, Iowa water you know could use some support ... We would like to do our part to try and invest in ... getting that to a better spot," states Andy.

Big Grove has also made significant contributions through grants and initiatives such as river cleanups, further solidifying their values.

The Future: Expanding Capacity and Reach

As Big Grove's popularity surged, so did the demand for their beer. To meet this demand, they are constructing a new production facility, increasing their capacity by 50%, and opening a distribution center.

"We like to make a lot of different beers .... With this additional capacity ... we can brew more styles and more variety throughout the year," Andy says excitedly.

While expansion is on the horizon, Big Grove remains committed to thoughtful growth. "We certainly have a vision, but ... we like to take it slow and ... grow in what we see as the right way," Andy explains.

People-First Philosophy

Andy emphasizes the importance of people in Big Grove's success. "So much of what Big Grove is, is the people ... Their energy, their passion is what makes Big Grove," he states.

Big Grove's focus on fostering a positive work culture and supporting employees is a key element of their strategy for continued growth and success.

Conclusion

Big Grove Brewery's journey is a testament to dedication, quality, and a strong sense of community. Their success story is fueled by a passion for brewing, commitment to excellence, and a deep connection to its Iowa roots. As Big Grove continues to expand, one thing is certain: the future looks blissful.

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