Chatting with Corey Regini of KettleHouse Brewing Company in Missoula, MT
JustBeer recently had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with the Northside Lead Brewer at KettleHouse Brewing Company. Here’s what Corey had to say about women in the beer industry, and more.
By Shira Kogut on Nov. 23, 2016
After the articles, Women and the Beer Industry in Alberta and Chatting with Rob Walsh of Brewsters, we were curious to hear what some of the women in the beer industry had to say about their experiences in the business. For this article, the spotlight is on Corey Regini, Northside Lead Brewer at KettleHouse Brewing Company in Missoula, Montana.
JustBeer: What is a typical day for Corey?
Corey Regini: “I have many responsibilities at the KettleHouse. You can find me brewing, cleaning and sanitizing tanks, ordering supplies, helping out on the canning line or with kegging operations, and filling casks for our cask program.”
JB: How long have you been making beer and what got you into it?
CR: “I started working in the beer industry in July of 2009, shortly after graduating the University of Montana with a degree in Chemistry. I wanted a job that I could wake up in twenty years and still enjoy. I thought craft beer might be the answer and with seven years under my belt I have no complaints. I still love my job and working in the craft beer industry.”
JB: What is your favourite beer style to drink? Make? Why?
CR: “I work at a production brewery, so I only brew a few styles most of the time. The KettleHouse’s flagship beer is Cold Smoke (r) Scotch Ale and I do enjoy brewing it.”
JB: Besides your own beer, what are your favourite beers to drink?
CR: “I’m a hop head for sure. I enjoy drinking IPA’s and pale ales. I always enjoy trying new beers.”
JB: What beer creation of yours are you most proud of?
CR: “I am most proud of the Kolsch Style recipe I wrote last summer, Cooler Times Kolsch Ale. It was a local summer favourite which was put on tap at the minor league baseball stadium. It was so popular that I brewed it again this summer. It’s a easy drinking crisp beer which is perfect on a hot summer day.”
JB: If you could collaborate with one US brewery, who would it be and why?
CR: “This is a very difficult question to answer as there are a ton of awesome breweries that I would love to collaborate with. But, I think I would have to say New Glarus Brewing Company out of New Glarus, Wisconsin. They make awesome beers and I always get their mixer pack when I’m in Wisconsin.”
JB: What quality control measures do you have in place before the product goes out?
CR: “All of our beer is tested in a lab before it is sent into the market. We also have a tasting program in place which is made up of brewers and other production employees.”
JB: What advice would you give to new brewers?
CR: “Make good beer! Don’t be afraid to find a mentor and ask lots of questions!”
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JB: When you are not brewing beer, what are you doing?
CR” When I’m not at the brewery you can find me at the gym working out as I am an avid crossfit athlete or you can find me in my kitchen as I love to cook.”
JB: The Beer Industry is known as a Men’s Club, have you experienced any issues as a female brewer? If so, do you feel it has changed in the 7 years you are in the business? If not, do you feel that you being female is irrelevant to most of your industry contacts?
CR: “The Craft Beer Industry is definitely known as a Men’s Club but I really haven’t had any issues as a female brewer. I refuse to be treated differently based on my gender. My coworkers and industry colleagues would describe me as one of the guys. I would say being a female is completely irrelevant to my industry contacts. Honestly, with a name like Corey, most of my contacts think I am a man until I speak with them on the phone or meet them in person. I may not have a beard or a beer belly but I’m still an award winning Brewer.”
JB: Who are some of your male and female role models in the industry? Why?
CR: “My two biggest brewing idols are Ken Grossman and Teri Ferendorf.
Ken Grossman built Sierra Nevada from nothing into one of the largest Craft breweries in the United States. He has stayed true to his roots and provided careers for thousands of individuals all while continuing to make new and interesting beers. I highly recommend his book, “Beyond the Pale: The Story of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.” to anyone. The book shows that Grossman’s passion for brewing and the craft beer industry run deep and he is truly inspiring.
Teri Ferendorf is one of the founders of the Pink Boots Society which is a non-profit that I am honored to be a part of. Ferendorf is one of the original brewers in the Craft Beer Industry and is extremely knowledgeable. The Pink Boots Society’s goal is to assist, inspire and encourage women beer professionals through education. I highly recommend any woman in the Craft Beer Industry to join if you aren’t already a member.”
Video: Interview with Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada
JB: Do you see women playing a bigger role in the industry in the coming years?
CR: “I do see women playing a bigger role in the industry in the future due to the fact that women realize being a brewer is a career path they can choose. Craft Beer is becoming the beverage of choice for women in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties which I also believe will create more interest for women to want to join the industry.”
To read more interviews about the beer industry like this one, look below:
Chatting with Robert Walsh of Brewsters Brewing Company
Chatting with Erin Baker of Trolley 5 Brewpub
Chatting with Kent “Boomer” Paterson of Banff Ave. Brewing
Chatting with Zoei Thibault of Olds College Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management Program