Listermann/Triple Digit has found its new head brewer.
Jared Lewinski, formerly of New York Beer Project, will take over the reins in August. Former head brewer Patrick Gilroy left Listermann at the end of June.
“I'm making the move to Listermann based entirely on the integrity of the people behind the name, and the integrity of the beer they have made,” Lewinski said. “There's a beer culture already in place there that fits my personality and brewing morality very well.”
Lewinski, a New Jersey native, also has worked for Weyerbacher Brewing and Silversmith Brewing Co. as a brewer.
“I aim to be with Listermann for many years and help grow the brewery, as well as keep kicking out radical beers to excite the Cincinnati palate, being within a great brewing culture and keeping it local and fresh,” he said. “I am very much looking forward to becoming a part of the Cincinnati, and overall Ohio, beer scene.”
Listermann is excited to have him as well. It conducted a national search for a new head brewer, focusing less on familiarity with the Cincinnati and Ohio craft beer scene and more on getting the right person.
“The focus was the right fit. There are advantages both outside and inside, just as with any place of work,” said company spokesman Jason Brewer. “With going outside the area, we get input on other cities' beer scenes and cultures and how other breweries do things. I am just hoping he is bringing us some chicken wings from Buffalo!”
Though the search only took a month, it was still extensive.
“About 25 people applied, and we talked with five or so at length. You can't just come here and brew beer. That's not what we do,” Brewer said. “You have to be able to come here and really push the limits of expectations and tastes.
“Jared is very much like us: He is a huge beer nerd,” Brewer added. “He doesn't just want to make IPAs. He has already sent me over a list of beers that is 50 or so long.”
Lewinski said he has experience with a variety of beers.
“My favorite beers to drink are always kind of based on my mood/season, but overall, sours of any variety, big, bombastic stouts, porters and barleywines and fresh, balanced IPAs," Lewinski said. "And I can get down on a well-put-together IPL (India Pale Lager) any day.
“Saisons are a huge favorite of mine as well. As such, I tend to like to make these beers as well, and am looking forward to helping develop a barrel-aged sour program at Listermann," he added. "Hopefully I'll be able to make some nice East Coast IPAs and IPLs for people to enjoy.”
Hardcore fans of Listermann/Triple Digit don’t need to worry about losing their favorite brews, though.
“Our core seasonals (Shamrock Shake, Cranium, Jungle Honey, etc.) aren't going anywhere either. Jared means we get to turn to a new chapter in our story,” Brewer said. “We have already been texting and emailing back and forth like teenagers talking about new beers and ideas for the brewery. With all of the renovations going on here, including a new bar and kitchen, we really needed someone to come in and kick it up a notch.”
Ultimately, the goal is to continue to grow the brand and the brewery, Brewer said.
“We don't want to rest on our laurels. We want to keep being creative and pushing the envelope,” he said. “There is no doubt that Jared is the right man to lead us forward in our new chapter.”
