Brewing with Fred Bueltmann of New Holland Brewing Co.

BC: When does a "craft" company become just a "company"? Or, how big is too big?

Bueltmann: I think it all depends on the culture within the company. If you continue to connect to your mission and values and find ways to keep your growing number of team members connected with each other and a part of your vision, then size isn’t really a detriment. If size and pace convince the organization to sacrifice their original vision and values in the name of quick and easy growth – the phrase “it’s just business…” comes to mind, then they might start to look less recognizable to their origin, and start leaning towards the commodity brands they once battled against. Overall, it’s not a number – it’s about process, culture and connection.  

BC: Do you think a beer company can positively affect larger social change?

Bueltmann: Hell yes.

BC: What's your favorite food/drink pairing?

Bueltmann: An impossible question, to be sure. I’ll go with Dragon’s Milk and Gail Ambrosius Chocolates’ Shitake-chocolate truffle.

BC: Can you offer a few words to live by?

Bueltmann: I hope for all of us to take more time to Stop and Taste, to linger over flavors and conversation and to indulge in the unhurried meal.

"Bueltmann on a farm tour, as part of his harvest dinner series, where he and local chefs collaborate a multi-course beer dinner, inspired by foods that are at their very best in the moment."

Photos Courtesy of Fred Bueltmann