On this episode of the Brewer to Brewer podcast Alex Helms of Troon Brewing interviews James Priest of The Referend.

It’s a conversation centered around experimenting with spontaneous fermentation, connecting with drinkers, and tapping into creativity.

In 2015, after working in the cellars of breweries and wineries, beer bars and wine bars, James Priest conceived of an all-spontaneous “blendery” utilizing a mobile coolship and fixed barrel cellar in rural New Jersey. The Referend Bier Blendery opened in 2016, and has specialized in exclusively spontaneously fermented beer since then. Priest has since transitioned the blendery to its new, permanent home: a Pennsylvania farm brewery with its coolship nestled into an organic vineyard and its barrel cellar built into the earth. 

Listen to the show where you download podcasts including Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon, and Overcast.

This episode is sponsored by:

Osmanthus radiates fresh floral Spring like no other flower. Add osmanthus to lambics, lagers, pilsners, witbiers, or other Belgian styles. Firsd Tea is your source for osmanthus and teas that fit the unique flavor profiles you’re looking for. Email info@firsdtea.com to discover the perfect teas and botanicals for your next project.  You can find out more about Firsd Tea’s collaborations with brewers and tea ingredients by visiting firsdtea.com/blog.

Malteurop Malting Company (MMC) is based in North America—specializing in growing and producing quality malts for the craft beer and distilling industries. With local farms and Malthouses spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, MMC’s commitment to excellence is fully ingrained into every batch it produces, ensuring breweries and distilleries of any size can create the finest beverages on the planet. Visit www.malteuropmaltingco.com to learn how MMC can support your malting needs. Contact MMC at customersuccess@malteurop.com or (844) 546-MALT (6258) for questions or to place your order.

For more than a decade The Beer Law Center has been dedicated to the craft beverage industry, meeting the legal needs of breweries, wineries, distilleries, and all manner of alcohol producers and sellers around the country. From company formation to federal and state licensing, trademarks, regulations, and compliance or if you are buying or selling an alcohol business, the Beer Law Center should be your first call.  The firm never charges for an initial consultation and if they can’t help you, they’ll help you find someone that can. Have a legal question? Contact the Beer Law Center. On social media @beerlawcenter and online at beerlawcenter.com.

Iron Heart Canning is the quality leader in mobile canning and much more. With a decade of packaging experience, Iron Heart is your turnkey solution for your all your canning needs. Are you looking for a unique can size or nitro dosing? Iron Heart offers filling sizes from 6oz up to 19.2, dedicated equipment for mixed culture products and nitro dosing capabilities for still beverages and beer. Looking to break into other beverage segments? Look no further, Iron Heart also provides a robust network of co-packing solutions to get a variety of beverages in cans both alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike. Iron Heart Canning. You have the capability because Iron Heart can do it for you. Visit them at IronHeartCanning.com or email at info@ironheartcanning.com.