Highland Brewing's Mike Shield on Sensory Analysis and Industry Success

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mike Shield, a dedicated brewer with a wealth of experience at various breweries. We explored his journey in the brewing industry, discussed the finer points of beer production, and shared his insights on maintaining product consistency while navigating the complexities of the supply chain. Mike also illuminated the challenges and rewards of working in both small and large brewery settings, offering valuable advice to aspiring brewers.

Mike Shield graduated in May 2020 from a brewing program he started in 2018. He began his career with an internship at Highwire, landed a job at Wedge, and has since spent two years at Highland Brewing Company, where he transitioned from the cellar to the brewing deck. Mike is passionate about beer, particularly lagers and IPAs, and emphasizes the importance of sensory analysis and finding peace with repetitive tasks in brewing.

"Yeast management is both an art and a science, requiring genius and rigorous algorithms."

Today on Consuming the Craft:

·     Sensory sessions can be challenging but are essential in refining a brewer's palate and maintaining quality control.

·     Larger breweries must adapt to changing growing seasons and ingredient variations to maintain consistency.

·     Working in a small brewery allows for greater involvement in the end product, while larger breweries focus on repetitive tasks and team culture.

·     Yeast management is complex and crucial, demanding high precision and advanced tools like cellometers and PCR kits.

·     Avoiding production downtime and ensuring product quality involve comprehensive cross-training and a robust production schedule.

·     Expanding distribution without proper marketing and sales support can negatively impact customer experience due to product shelf life.

·     The craft beer scene in Argentina and Chile is growing, offering potential collaboration opportunities.

·     Continuous learning is vital in the ever-evolving brewing industry, challenging the concept of 'Master Brewer.'

Resources Mentioned:

• Michter's Small Batch Bourbon

• Contact Mike: Highland Brewing Company

This episode is brought to you by…

McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms website to learn more about our seasonal inventory and the delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

Consuming the Craft

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