Episode 494 - Private Press Brewing

ABV Chicago Craft Beer Podcast

Brad Clark is the man behind the highly sought-after blended barrel-aged beers of Private Press, and Craig sat down with him over some decanted barleywine to talk about the history and future of his members-only brewery. Brad shares how his background at the renowned Jackie O’s in Ohio led to some of the more daring experiments at his current Santa Cruz brewery, and how peaceful running led to him inventing an entire style. Also, he shares details about his meticulous blending process, how his barrels travel treacherous terrain to reach their destination, where the inspiration for his labels and beer names originate from, and why he once had to set a barrel on fire in an attempt to save it. If that wasn’t enough, we also open four of his beers that are just about unmatched in quality, and Craig talks about an unexpected visitor while dining at The French Laundry.

Brad Clark Interview (00:10:02 - 00:55:28)

Beers Reviewed

Life is Round (Blend of barleywine ales aged in bourbon barrels)

A Silent Pursuit (Blend of barrel-aged Munichwine ales)

Double Barrel Almond Suite - collaboration with Side Project (Imperial stout brewed with almonds and lactose, aged in bourbon and Cognac barrels)

Third Press (Blend of stout and barleywine ale aged in oak barrels)