All About Beer Brewer to Brewer: Sam Zermeño and Alex Helms (Ep. 41)
Feb 15, 2024
Sam Zermeño interviews Alex Helms, the owner and brewer at Troon Brewing, known for his hoppy ales inspired by music and photography. They discuss Alex's transition from a line cook to a brewery owner, sharing the adventure and challenges in the craft beer industry. The duo reminisces about the vibrant music culture in New Jersey, juxtaposing physical album collecting with the rise of digital streaming. Innovative brewing techniques and the significance of audience preferences also take center stage, enriching their conversation on craftsmanship.
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Alex's Brewing Career Start
- Alex Helms began brewing by volunteering on the packaging line at Jester King, which sparked his passion for craft beer.
- This experience shifted his career path from cooking to brewing, driven by intuition and experimentation.
From Growler Fills to Crowlers
- Initially, Truôn Brewing sold growler fills by hand with no limits, causing long hours and frustration.
- This led them to transition to crowlers for efficiency and to better manage demand.
Music's Influence on Alex
- Alex grew up immersed in New Jersey's hardcore and metal scenes, shaping his music taste.
- He collected physical records and values album art, noting youth now mostly stream music digitally.