A few weeks back I had the opportunity to travel with Augie and Jeremy from Carton Brewing to Louisville, Kentucky, to collaborate on a beer with Against The Grain Brewery. All I can say is, what a trip. When we started this blog a few years back, I didn’t think we would see an opportunity like this. We have made over 30 videos with them, and I think this particular project will top them all.
Against The Grain is one of the best beer makers in the country. If you are not familiar with them, Against The Grain has been making beer in the old Brown’s Brewery building at Louisville slugger stadium since 2011.
Making beers that live up to their name, they have some of the most clever puns, and amazing art work to pair with their ales and lagers.
Having had a few of their beers prior to this trip, I was eager to dive into to everything that is Against The Grain. Their restaurant has some really good food, and wide variety of beer flavors for all that come. I found myself having countless glasses of their lagers. Whether it was Show Us Your Tetts or Vienna Frothages, I could have sworn we almost tapped out the serving vessels.
This 15 barrel system has been cranking out quite a bit of beer over the last few years. It’s amazing that they serve so many markets both stateside and internationally.
A meeting of the brewers. On the left we have co-founder of Against The Grain, Jerry Gnagy and on the right everyones favorite bearded brewer from Carton, Jeremy Watts.
After mashing in we got to check out some of the facility. There are more than a few beers that ATG puts into barrels, so it was neat to see their set up. I am sure you have heard of their barrel aged stout, Bo & Luke.
I mentioned above that they have some killer labels. Local artist, Robbie Davis does a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. I personally think he nails it every time and if you are a fan of his work like me, check him out on Instagram.
After the the transfer to the boil kettle. SS Kentucky starts to take form.
Copious amounts of charred smoke pineapple are added.
Augie and Amelia bagging up the pineapple and discussing everything boat.
Speaking of Boat. You can’t make a bigger boat without drinking some in the process.
A big thanks to Carton and Against the Grain for having me along for this voyage of the most interesting bigger boat yet. The beer is vigorously fermenting and will be ready in a few weeks for a debut at Extreme Beer Fest.
Like all Carton beers it will make it’s away around their network and is sure to please beer drinkers in Jersey and Kentucky. This has been one hell of a project and I can only hope that this is the beginning of a great relationship between these creative beer makers.