This is a part of a continuing series of Q&As with members of the brewing community from across the US. Brewer Magazine will share business and personal insights from Brewmasters, Head Brewers, Brewing Managers, Sales Directors, QCQA Managers and others each weekend to help you get to know each other better in the industry and learn more to better develop your own brand.
Parker Rush, Owner & Head Brewer, Narrows Brewing — Tacoma, Washington
BREWER: What inspired you to start your brewery, and how has your original vision evolved over time?
RUSH: I’ve always been fascinated by process and creativity, and brewing perfectly marries the two. I fell in love with craft beer the moment I could legally drink it and became obsessed with how just four ingredients could create such a wide range of flavors. That curiosity led me to study brewing at UC Davis and eventually purchase Narrows Brewing. My core vision has never wavered. Making the highest quality beer possible, but it’s definitely expanded. We originally focused on beers in the 4–6% ABV range. In the past year, though, we’ve started releasing some bigger, higher gravity beers in 19.2 oz cans, which has been an exciting evolution.
BREWER: What has been your most successful strategy for navigating challenges like rising ingredient costs or economic downturns?
RUSH: Hands down, partnering with local restaurant groups to brew their house beers. We now work with three different groups, and these collaborations have provided consistent demand and cash flow that have kept us strong through the toughest stretches in the craft beer industry.
BREWER: In the face of an evolving craft beer landscape, what significant changes have you noticed, and how has your brewery adapted to remain relevant?
RUSH: The biggest shift we’ve seen is that people are more mindful about alcohol intake. To meet that demand, we created Narrows Light Lager at 4.2% ABV, and it’s become a taproom favorite. Giving customers a great tasting, lower ABV options has been key to staying relevant.
BREWER: What are you sippin’ on right now from your brewery that you really enjoy?
RUSH: Narrows Light Lager. It is my everyday go to. We use a high percentage of flaked corn, which gives a subtle perception of sweetness while keeping the beer super dry and refreshing. I’m incredibly proud of it and love handing it to friends and family who normally reach for the mass market “cold brewed” Lagers.
BREWER: What trends in the craft beer industry do you think are worth investing in over the next few years?
RUSH: The rise of fruity, sweet-leaning beers that don’t fit neatly into traditional styles. There’s an entire generation of younger drinkers who, because of COVID’s timing, skipped the usual “graduation” from juice and seltzer into classic beer styles. Meeting them where they are with approachable, flavor forward beers is the best way to introduce them to everything craft beer can be.
Be the first to comment