If you see this…
…at your local tap room or bar, then turn to page 20 to read my review / prescription for future breweries in Los Angeles…
And yes, those are a few of my beer books in the background.
Beer Paper LA – February 2020
Book Review – The Microbrewery Handbook
I received a press copy of the Microbrewery Handbook amidst a flurry of library books so I set it aside for a quieter time since this is not a book that you can gloss over quickly.
Author D.C. Reeves has achieved the rare feat of writing a book that is full of actual, helpful information. And most of the book does not talk about beer at all.
Want to write a business plan? Tips inside. Social media strategy? Tips inside. How to engage with the community? You guessed it. Tips inside. But the section that most impressed me was how to keep employees engaged and how to hire them. I have worked now for a few different companies and managers and I can say that if I had one that followed what Reeves instructs, I would probably never leave that job.
Any brewery that is in the starting gate should read this book. Or if your brewery is at an inflection point, it should be read. I do not normally read or like “business” books but this one was an eye-opener.
How To in 2019
I know that the Brewers Association has helpful tools and advice for those pondering the idea of opening their own breweries but sometimes you may want to hear from someone who has done it. DC Reeves offers up The Microbrewery Handbook based on his real life experience in opening up Perfect Plain Brewing Company in Florida (never heard of it myself but then again, I cannot keep up with California) The goal of the book is to offer “real-world advice and proven strategies to help brewers thrive in the competitive micro and craft brewing industry.”
What caught my eye is the fact that Reeves has sections where the following offer up advice: Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head, Jeffrey Stuffings of Jester King and Doug Resier of Burial Brewing. And if you are thinking, “Why would a customer only want to read this book?”, well maybe you will see something that your local brewery might be doing already or should do to make visiting a taproom and experience rather than a trial. Or maybe you will gain some empathy for those making this leap.