Brandon Meves: Track & field star, adventurer, beer runner
Brandon (left) dreaming big
Brandon Meves can’t sit still.
In high school he was a track and field state medal holder, which has come in handy during Gulf of Mexico camping trips where speedy alligators lurked.
In college he was president of an outdoor adventure club focused on kayaking, rock climbing, sky diving, camping, mountain biking and whatever else came their way.
Now he’s putting that energy into planning the launch of his own microbrewery.
What’s your first memories of beer?
Most likely I came to like the barley water while grilling out at our cabin in Crivitz, Wisconsin. My grandmother would put the finished burgers and brats into a beer, butter and onion bath. This intoxicating aroma, accompanied with a taste or two from my fathers Miller led me to believe that I discovered what many of us call The High Life. I’ve tried to try as many beers as my wallet allows, moving beyond the basic macros to some of the finest creations the world’s breweries could produce.
How did you get into homebrewing?
Some people collect stamps or make photo albums. I brew beer. I needed a hobby that would be unique and satisfying. Also, there is no age restriction on buying the ingredients or equipment to make beer. As long as you have your parents convinced that it’s a great idea (hey dad, free beer!), you had just the loophole you needed to create beverages for high school get- togethers.
What are some of your favorite creations?
My favorite creations include a Bavarian Cherry Wheat, which was actually one of my first creations along with a Pumpkin Ale that my friend and I make annually. The Pumpkin Ale has been a beer to be proud of. You’ll want to find us this fall.
You’re into rock climbing and mountain biking. What’s some of your favorite places you’ve been for that?
A couple of favorites are Devil’s Lake for rock climbing and the Kettle Moraine area for some rad mountain biking. The great thing about Devil’s Lake is that you can go there to camp, fish, swim and hike as well. Beautiful area, and they have a great apple orchard nearby that everyone should check out. Good cider! (and for making into hard cider as well!)
What beer (or beers) do you think has some of the best messaging?
Carlton Draught of Australia. Although we don’t see much of it here in Wisconsin, they are known world-wide for their approach. Absolutely check out their web site and go to the advertising section. Hilarious stuff. But probably the most genius thing I’ve seen is their “Really Big Ad”.
Anything else to add?
I’ve been lucky to have like-minded individuals with me along the way that also share the passion for starting our own microbrewery - one of my good friends and my brother. Is it in the 5 or 10 year plan? I’m not sure yet. The one thing I do know is we’re moving forward. The goal is to make great beer for The People - something they can become passionate about, just like we are with our brew. To keep up to date, I’ve just started a new blog and I’ll also be posting on Twitter. That is all!
