This seminar educates brewers on several practical alternative methods to traditional hop selection with a focus on quality improvements. Here, traditional hop selection refers to the selection of a single lot or multiple lots of whole leaf cone at a minimum contract quantity. We discuss why some form of selection is an essential brewery tool, the advantages and disadvantages of different options, how to diversify and mitigate risk, how to build systems for success, and how to communicate with suppliers to strengthen partner relationships.

Learning Objectives

Recognize why choosing between different lots of hops is important to the quality of your beerGet to know the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of selection, including whole leaf, pellet, lot samples, and lot trialsUnderstand the entire supply chain and learn how to gather information at each levelDiscuss how to build systems for selection, including target sensory profiles and relevant data trackingLearn how to validate your selections, make adjustments, and learn from your mistakes

About the Speakers

Sam Pecoraro, Brewmaster

Von Ebert Brewing

Sam Pecoraro is the brewmaster at Von Ebert Brewing in Portland, Oregon. Before assuming that role, his brewery experience includes time spent with Breakside Brewery, The Commons Brewery, and Burnside Brewing. Since 2018, Von Ebert has expanded to two breweries with four locations and has received back-to-back Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) medals in American IPA, as well as silver for Von Ebert Pils at GABF and gold at World Beer Cup®. Sam also sits on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Brewers Guild and Hop Quality Group.

Aaron Justus, Owner & Co-Founder

East Village Brewing

Aaron Justus is the owner and co-founder of East Village Brewing in downtown San Diego. Previously he worked at Ballast Point for over 10 years, where he started as a keg washer and worked his way through the ranks to director of brewing and eventually director of research and development and innovation. Before working in the craft beer industry, Aaron studied at the University of Kansas and received a degree in atmospheric science. He worked as a TV meteorologist for 13 years at various stations around the country. Aaron is a graduate of the American Brewers Guild and has passed the Institute of Brewing & Distilling Diploma in Brewing.