For the upcoming Harvest Fest on Saturday night, November 2, the St. James Men of Charity are running a series of interviews with some of the great participating home brewers in our local area. For tickets to the event, contact Paul Mattiola (908-419-0850).
Participating home brewers this year include Michael Singer, James Foti, Gregg Marks, Greg Rose and Rich Comeau. Today’s interview is with Greg Rose, local Basking Ridge home brewer and resident.
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Greg, please tell us about yourself :
I’ve been brewing off and on for 20 years. When I’m not boiling wort in my driveway on Sunday afternoons, I like to find projects to keep me busy. I just put on the finishing touches on a 4 tap bar in the basement and next year, it’s trellises on the side of the garage for growing hops.
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What can you tell us about what you are brewing for the Harvest Fest?
Gregg Marks and I are brewing a Chestnut Honey Brown Ale called P.O.T.G Ale. We’ll keep the event goers guessing on what that stands for, but suffice to say, it’s a smooth, sweet tasting ale brewed with fresh chestnuts and verona coffee beans, fermented with chestnut honey.
What do you like best about the Harvest Fest? What can first time attendees expect?
I like enjoying what the local brewers bring to the event, especially their seasonal beers. New Jersey is home to 26 breweries, with some of the younger breweries like Carton and Kane producing some of the best beers in the country. Harvest Fest is a great opportunity to try new styles where you don’t have to invest a six-pack. And talking to the professional brewers and home brewers, sharing tips and stories, is always enjoyable. These men and women are passionate about what they do and you can learn a lot about beer and beer making just by asking.
What are your favorite beers or styles to brew?
It really depends on the season. This time of year, I like drinking and brewing rich, complex beers that you can enjoy with friends on cold nights. Porters and Scottish Ales are two of my favorites.
Any unique beers you’ve brewed or would like to brew?
Gregg and I brewed a smoked porter for Harvest Fest two years ago on the day after Hurricane Irene. We aged it with whiskey-infused oak and it turned out great. We brewed it again a few months later and it tasted totally different. Professionals have to worry about making a beer taste the same every time. For the home brewer, there are no worries. You add the ingredients and enjoy whatever comes out the other end.
Favorite local brewers? Local restaurants or taverns?
Ridge Tavern was a favorite watering hole for me. Steve Prince, the manager, had an eye for unique, local beers, and always keep the taps rotating with different beers. I hope they continue that when the new restaurant opens up.
Where do you see home brewing going?
The technology is much different than when I started. I don’t bottle any more, I just keg my beers, which cuts down on the effort tremendously. Also, with access to the same ingredients as a professional brewer, home brewers can make beers on par with anything that is served in a bar.
What contests have you been in? Any awards?
This will be Gregg and I’s third time brewing for Harvest Fest and we’ve had the privilege to win the event for the past two years. Other than that, we just brew to enjoy our beers with friends.
What made you start home brewing? How did you get started in home brewing?
I started brewing in college as a cheap way to make beer, rather than buy it. I took some years off, but started back up recently for no other reason than to create unique beers that my friends and family could enjoy. For me, it’s the perfect blend of art and science. The only downside is you have to wait a month to enjoy it.
Any advice you would give to someone interested in home brewing?
Start with small batches, but brew something that you will enjoy drinking. And experiment. Most of all, have fun doing it.
The Men of Charity want to thank Greg and Gregg for the great interview and look forward to trying their P.O.T.G Ale! Best of luck on Nov 2! The Men of Charity welcome home brewers to participate in the Home Brew Tasting contest. To participate, please contact Mark Balzarotti (973- 216-8025).
The Harvest Fest will be held at St. James and proceeds will benefit works of charity. There will be German Fest foods, music, wine, microbrews from NJ craft brewers and home brewers, and a Tricky Tray raffle. Tickets are only $40.
