DBTB Episode 104: Brad Clark of Private Press Brewing

Private Press is the newest chapter in Brad Clark’s brewing career. In 2005, fresh out of Siebel he co-founded Jackie O’s a Pub and Brewery in Athens, Ohio, working as the brewer and rising in the job titles as the company grew from a few hundred barrels a year to more than 10,000 annually. Along the way his recipes were lauded, racked up awards, and inspired a new generation of brewers who came up behind him.

And then in 2019 he announced that he was leaving. He was moving west to be closer to his partner and would be starting a smaller brewing operation – Private Press.

Two years in and he’s making 100 barrels of beer a year, which go to members who signed up to take a chance on his stouts and barleywines. There are only 700 spots available.

No taproom. No distribution. Just him, with the occasional help, and the barrels and stainless steel.

There are benefits to going small, he says, and a change of scenery and a change in life – namely fitness and mental health clarity – have led to the creation of at least one new style, the Munichwine, which his members will be able to taste next week for the first time.

The beers are purposeful and are more than just a liquid. They are crafted to tell a story, and an expression of a brewer who wants to make big boozy beers for adults, not candy adjunct ales.

It shows in the taste and in a career that has honored the past, but is continually looking forward.

This episode is sponsored by:

Briess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer. Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent. Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt.

NZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future. We’re in it together.

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About Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl

Drink Beer, Think Beer is a weekly podcast gets to the bottom of every pint with brewers, growers, and industry leaders on all aspects of the brewing industry. From ingredients and process, to philosophy and the art in each beer, the podcast is hosted by long-time journalist John Holl and is available on all the major podcast platforms.

Beer Edge releases new episodes of Drink Beer, Think Beer with John Holl every Wednesday.

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