Brewing with Fred Bueltmann of New Holland Brewing Co.

BC: Where do you want to take this company?

Bueltmann: I want to see us continue to be a healthy, strong, creative company that makes people’s lives better by the products and information we put forward. I want to keep helping people connect to the food and drink they buy and enjoy their experiences with them as well. There’s a lot of pressure to go faster and shout louder, which I believe can take away from the original purpose of the craft renaissance. If we continue to offer more quality choices to people, while upholding the quality and integrity of products like Dragon’s Milk and Mad Hatter, amongst others, while making sure we take time to “Stop and Taste,” – we’re happy.  

BC: New Holland does a lot of experimentation with spirits, barrels and yeasts. What's the creative environment like?

Bueltmann: It varies, but overall, we like the idea of being perpetual students and always being willing to ask questions and explore new answers. As any company grows, this can get challenging, as we have to balance it against being consistent and having really strong protocols over an ever-growing team. Our leadership is empowered to make a case for something new or challenge an existing idea.

One of the best parts of an independent operation is the ability to make your own rules – on Bueltmann's farm, horses drink for free.

Our company’s vision is built around six core values: People, Teams & Teamwork, Artistry, Quality, Profitability and Ambition. I think it’s our job to keep all of those in balance, so that your commitment to being creative is also a commitment to driving quality forward, while doing so profitably with people feeling valued and enjoying working together. It’s harder than it sounds, but we believe in keeping those values as our guideposts, and I think it makes for both a productive and creative environment.

BC: We hear you have a new brewpub in the works. What are you looking forward to most about it?

Bueltmann: We are opening “The Knickerbocker,” a New Holland brewpub and distillery in Grand Rapids in the fall of 2016. It’s our first “new” build out and it’s part of neighborhood revitalization, which is all very exciting. We’ll be showcasing a great deal of connection to food and drink. The Knickerbocker will capture the essence of eating and drinking well, by exploring the art of cooking, brewing, distilling and hosting. The building is inviting, including large community spaces, as well as smaller, cozy nooks. We will feature specialty beer and spirits brewed on-site, as well as the established beer and spirits brands New Holland is well known for, and a full-service restaurant featuring farm to table, nose to tail scratch cooking.