Brewer to Brewer: Cory King and Henry Nguyen (Ep. 33)
Oct 26, 2023
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Cory King interviews Henry Nguyen about owning and operating Monkish Brewing, the impact of weather on brewing, packaging methods, creativity and balance in brewing, the challenges of COVID-19, and future plans in the beer industry.
Monkish Brewing's shift to hoppy and Belgian-ish beers, especially their hazy IPA, marked a turning point for the brewery's success.
Henry Nguyen emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and finding motivation to pursue different brewing aspects, like barrel-aged stouts.
Deep dives
Monkish Brewery's Journey and Focus on IPAs
Monkish Brewing, owned and operated by Henry Nguyen and his partner Adriana, started as a sour brewery before shifting its focus to hoppy and Belgian-ish beers. The decision to make IPAs was a turning point for Monkish, with their hazy IPA becoming a hit. However, Monkish has not released a barrel-aged stout for almost two years, as Henry feels the need to find the motivation to dive back into that realm. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about changes for Monkish, forcing them to reevaluate their business and find a better work-life balance. Henry also discussed the potential future of Monkish and the importance of maintaining relevance in the industry while also considering personal fulfillment and happiness.
Balancing Hobby and Professional Space in Brewing
Henry shares his struggles in finding a balance between the hobby space and professional space in brewing. He discusses how beer used to encompass both aspects of his life, but as responsibilities and demands increased, he felt the need to preserve his humanity and prevent beer from dominating every aspect of his life. Henry reflects on the challenges and anxieties that come with maintaining a successful brewery while also maintaining emotional well-being and a healthy work-life balance. He emphasizes the importance of finding a better mindset and motivation when it comes to pursuing different aspects of brewing, such as barrel-aged stouts.
The Evolution and Challenges of Monkish Brewery
Henry discusses the evolution of Monkish Brewery and the challenges they have faced along the way. He mentions how the surge of popularity in beer prior to the pandemic led to a shift in consumer behavior, with people becoming less excited about beer. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about its own set of challenges, with initial slow sales followed by an influx of demand once restrictions were lifted. Henry reflects on the changing consumer demographic and the need to adapt to new market dynamics. He concludes by expressing his commitment to maintaining excellence in brewing while also exploring new avenues for growth and accessibility.
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