Learning About Craft Beer from The Grateful Dead Tours with Kevin Sondey

As a young man, Kevin Sondey followed The Grateful Dead's rock band to learn about music and himself. The Grateful Dead not only provided him with great music—but also introduced him to craft brews. Kevin is a stalwart of the craft beverage industry, having worked in several market niches, from distilling and brewing to kombucha and ginger beer; as the Production Manager of Ginger's Revenge, Kevin focused on supporting his team in efficiently creating quality products.

Kevin joins me today to share how The Grateful Dead introduced him to the world of craft brewing and the journey that followed. He shares his professional background and experience in brewing. We also discussed his break from the brewing industry and how working as a credentialed therapist in behavioral health served him in leadership roles. He also describes his experience working with a kombucha company and discusses his current work at Ginger's Revenge.

This week on Consuming the Craft:

●      The micro-brewery boom of the 90s and how following The Grateful Dead introduced Kevin to craft beer and the craft beverage industry

●      Kevin’s brewing and distillation stint at Dogfish Head

●      The difference between a distillery and a production-style brewing company

●      Behavioral health, the burn-out period, and why Kevin returned to the craft beverage industry

●      Kevin’s work at Highland and Catawba and his foray into kombucha brewing

●      The learning curve involved in transitioning from beer to kombucha scouby

●      Scaling the kombucha process

●      Booze Clues: Sarilla’s carbonated tea

●      Kevin’s work at Ginger’s Revenge

●      Mocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and the sober movement

Connect with Kevin Sondey :

●      Ginger’s Revenge

●      Ginger’s Revenge on Instagram

●      Ginger’s Revenge on Facebook

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 delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

Consuming the Craft 

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