Ep 184 - From Kona to Atlanta: Inside Firemaker with Kevin Wright

Host Mike sits down with Kevin Wright, Beverage & Operations Director at Firemaker Beer (Atlanta), to trace his brewing journey from Portland and Kona to Chicago and back to Georgia. They discuss Firemaker’s taproom culture, community-driven approach, and unique beverage portfolio — beer, cider, non‑alcoholic sparkling waters, protein water prototypes and more. Key topics include brewing styles (lagers, West Coast IPAs, hazy IPAs), recipe development and scaling, pilot systems, quality and consistency, and creative one-offs. Kevin shares hands‑on stories from Kona, tips on consumer education, and how Firemaker balances experimentation with reliable distribution (including a PGA partnership and multiple locations). Listeners can expect candid industry insight, tasting and style preferences, behind‑the‑scenes product development, and the role of community in brewery success — plus a few personal touches (music, cats, and favorite drunk food) that make this episode a lively, informative conversation for beer lovers and aspiring brewers alike.