From Homebrewer to Head Brewer with Exit Strategy Brewing Company (Plus: Ice-Cold Beer Myth-busting)

Hear how Exit Strategy Brewing Co’s co-owners went from homebrewers to brewery owners. Plus: a cold beer myth is busted. In this episode, you’ll get to know hosts Brian Noonan, semi-professional beer drinker, and Katherine Valleau, co-owner and Chief Everything Officer at Exit Strategy Brewing Company in Forest Park, Illinois. They explain why you should listen to this podcast, how Katherine got involved with her brewery, and how Brian got into drinking. Then, they’re joined by Chris Valleau, co-owner and head brewer of Exit Strategy Brewing Company, who explains how he went from a career in IT to law school to becoming a brewer. He and Katherine share nitty-gritty details about how they got started in brewing, including how they made early decisions like selecting beers and educating themselves about the industry. They also discuss the beer styles and trends currently shaping the industry, including how consumer and brewer preferences changed during and after the pandemic shutdown. To wrap up the show, Brian and Katherine bust a beer myth by answering the question: is it important for beer to always be served cold? Katherine also shares a hilarious story about bad customer behavior involving 24 cents. If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email [email protected]. We’re always happy to hear from you! Follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod