Today on Consuming the Craft, I caught up with Ari Miller-Sisson, a graduate alumnus and head brewer at Broomtail Brewing Company in Wilmington. We explored Ari's winding journey from passionate home brewer through the challenges of graduating amid COVID to finding his stride in the professional brewing world. Ari reflected on the challenges of scaling up, the importance of creativity even in commercial settings, and the constant evolution of the local beer scene, especially along the Carolina coast.
Ari is a dedicated brewer whose hands-on experience spans from homebrew experimentation to large-scale operations at Catawba Brewing and now leading innovation at Broomtail. His story is marked by perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to dive deep into flavor, process, and community outreach. From revamping Broomtail’s homebrew shop to launching purple beers for charity, Ari continues to blend technical skill with a creative spirit that’s leaving a distinct mark on Wilmington’s beer landscape.
"Commercial brewing is not homebrew by any means, but you can take what you learn in commercial and apply it to your hobby." ~Ari Miller-Sisson
Today on Consuming the Craft:
· Ari’s journey began in homebrewing and was accelerated by AB Tech’s program, graduating mid-pandemic and quickly adapting to an uncertain industry landscape.
· Luck and timing played major roles in Ari landing jobs at Catawba Brewing and ascending at Broomtail, but so did strong personal connections.
· Transitioning from homebrew to commercial-size batches demands not only math but also a deep understanding of flavor dynamics and equipment.
· The brewing industry in Wilmington is highly seasonal, with lighter-bodied beers and innovative offerings like THC beverages in growing demand.
· Creativity flourishes at Broomtail, with Ari developing small-batch beers, including a purple blond ale for charity and annual autumn porters inspired by both New England and North Carolina.
· Personal protective equipment and proper handling of industrial-grade chemicals mark a huge shift from homebrewing to professional brewing operations.
· Community and education are central to Ari’s role, from leading Broomtail’s homebrew club to creating beers for local causes.
· Balance, passion, and self-awareness are crucial, Ari emphasizes knowing your "why" before turning a beloved hobby into a career.
Contact with Ari:
Broomtail Craft Brewing Company, Wilmington, NC
Resources Mentioned:
· American Homebrewers Association National Conference
· Lighthouse Bottle Shop (Voracious and Rare Festival)
· Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast at AB Tech
This episode is brought to you by…
McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms Facebook page to learn more about our seasonal inventory and the delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.
Consuming the Craft
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