{"id":8485,"date":"2012-11-26T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2012-11-26T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.guysdrinkingbeer.com\/?p=8485"},"modified":"2021-08-26T10:14:47","modified_gmt":"2021-08-26T15:14:47","slug":"getting-to-know-firemans-brew","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.guysdrinkingbeer.com\/getting-to-know-firemans-brew\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting To Know Fireman’s Brew"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Fireman's<\/a>Last month we told you about Fireman’s Brew<\/a> and it’s foray into the Illinois market.<\/p>\n

The brand, started by a pair of Los Angeles area firefighters and contract brewed at Mendocino Brewing, is one of a handful of new breweries to find their way to Illinois in recent months.<\/p>\n

We recently had a chance to sit down with samples of their beers and to fire some questions at Rob Nowaczyk, one of the founders of Fireman’s Brew, in hopes of giving you a better idea of what to expect from this growing brewery.<\/p>\n

Guys Drinking Beer:<\/strong> First, Rob, can you give us the background behind Fireman’s Brew? When the idea for a brewery was hatched? And how long it took to get the idea for craft beer from, well, an idea to liquid in a bottle?<\/p>\n

Rob Nowaczyk:<\/strong> I think you guys can really relate to the story behind Fireman\u2019s Brew.\"\"<\/a> A few years ago, my firefighter partner Ed Walker and I were part of crew knocking out a big brush fire up in local mountains. After the fire was out, we were mopping up some hotspots. We were tired, super-thirsty, and dreaming of an ice-cold beer to quench our thirst – when I turned to Ed and said “Hey – Why Don’t We Make Our Own”. In that quick flash, the idea for Fireman’s Brew was born.On the long trek back down to our engine company, that\u2019s all we could talk about \u2013 what styles of beers are we going to make, what are we going to call it, etc.<\/p>\n

And like every other aspiring brewmaster experiences, getting it from the idea stage to a bottle on a shelf took longer than we had expected, because we wanted to make sure we had it just right.<\/p>\n

Along the journey, Ed and I always talked about not only making great handcrafted beer, beer that we both loved to drink – but also creating a company that would give back to the firefighter community. And, with that – Fireman\u2019s Brew donates a portion of our proceeds to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, in addition to supporting other local Firefighter relief organizations.<\/p>\n

GDB:<\/strong> Your three flagship beers include a pilsner-style lager, a red ale and a doppelbock. When we think West Coast beers we think of giant hop bombs. Why didn’t you go that route? And why did you go with those three styles?<\/p>\n

Nowaczyk:<\/strong> You\u2019re right \u2013 the West Coast has definitely earned its reputation for stretching the limits of hoppy beer \u2013 but that\u2019s also part of the reason that we didn\u2019t head down that route.<\/p>\n

First, we set out to make great beer \u2013 by firefighters for firefighters. Beer that stood up on its own, with bold flavors, and handcrafted quality that comes through in its taste. But at the same time, we wanted all of our beers to be really accessible \u2013 with tastes & flavors that both beer enthusiasts and broader drinkers would appreciate. It\u2019s funny, when we head out to beer festival events \u2013 we\u2019re always one of the most popular beers there – not just because we bring out the firefighters, but also because after folks sample the more extreme beers, they head back to us for a beer to quench their thirst.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d like to say that our style choice was a strategic decision, but really it was the types of beer that we enjoyed drinking, and had fun home-brewing. It ended up working out great, because each beer pairs up great with different types of foods, and are nice complements to each time of year \u2013 Summer for the Blonde,Fall for the Redhead and Winter for the Dobblebock.<\/p>\n

GDB:<\/strong> What can people expect from the three beers now available in Illinois?<\/p>\n

Nowaczyk:<\/strong> They can expect that it really is beer made by Firefighters. And, all of Fireman\u2019s Brew award-winning beers are made from only the finest of all-natural ingredients. So, first and foremost it\u2019s that handcrafted quality that\u2019s really coming through in every pour. Beer that features great flavor mixed with easy drinking refreshment.<\/p>\n

Next they can expect that when they enjoy Fireman\u2019s Brew \u2013 they\u2019ll be supporting a great cause, with us giving back to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>GDB:<\/strong> Any plans to expand on the current, everyday offerings?<\/p>\n

Nowaczyk:<\/strong> Absolutely, we\u2019re always debating what our next brew is going to be \u2013 and that\u2019s part of the fun, experimenting, debating and \u201cresearch\u201d tasting all different types of beers.<\/p>\n

GDB:<\/strong> No wrong answer here, Rob, we have some great distributors in this state – but what made you choose Grant and Specialty Distributing to distribute your brands?<\/p>\n

Nowaczyk:<\/strong> Those guys have been awesome \u2013 since our first meetings together \u2013 they really got what we were doing and were really enthusiastic to be working with us. I personally liked the homegrown family atmosphere at Grand and Specialty, which aligns really well with our values here at Fireman’s Brew. I can\u2019t say enough good things about both distributors, and we\u2019re excited to be working with them to help build out the market.<\/p>\n

GDB:<\/strong> It would seem you’re pushing east (not that you can go any further west) expanding your distribution outside of California. What are the long-term plans for Fireman’s Brew; regional player…national player?<\/p>\n

Nowaczyk:<\/strong> We\u2019ve always said that Fireman\u2019s Brew has the potential to become a National Brand \u2013 because it really is a brand that everyone can relate too. I think also with the style and flavor profiles of the beer that we make, we\u2019re in a pretty good spot to take Fireman\u2019s Brew to the national level.<\/p>\n

GDB:<\/strong> Adam over at BeerPulse recently reported<\/a> on your $5 million dollar private offering. Does this play into your expansion east or are there bigger things on the horizon for Fireman’s Brew?<\/p>\n

Nowaczyk:<\/strong> Unfortunately, we can’t comment on the offering due to strict SEC regulations.\u00a0 However, generally speaking, companies of our size typically raise capital to expand their business.<\/p>\n

GDB:<\/strong> Finally, Rob, we’re curious if you have had any experience with the Chicago beer scene or if you’ve tried any of the beers produced here and – if so – what your thoughts are?<\/p>\n

Nowaczyk:<\/strong> Absolutely \u2013 does having an Old Style in the bleachers at Wrigley count? Chicago\u2019s one of my favorite towns and I love to hit up Goose Island when I\u2019m out there, and try out a few local favorites like Three Floyds.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Three of Fireman’s Brew staple beers are now on store shelves in Illinois. They include the Blonde, Brunette and Redhead.<\/p>\n