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.
Craig Nargi, President, Stable Craft Brewing — Waynesboro, Virginia
BREWER: What inspired you to start your brewery, and how has your original vision evolved over time?
NARGI: As a chef, my passion for working with ingredients and connecting that to the farm where food is produced led me to explore how grains can evoke the flavors of my favorite dishes and ultimately translating those experiences into unique beers.
BREWER: What has been your most successful strategy for navigating challenges like rising ingredient costs or economic downturns?
NARGI: My approach has always been to stay adaptable and make decisions with an eye toward future opportunities. I believe in being prepared to pivot at a moment’s notice, keeping plans for new ideas ready to implement when needed.
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?
NARGI: We’ve seen a trend where larger beer companies influence craft breweries to create lighter beers and staples, which often shifts consumer focus back to price rather than the craft experience. To remain relevant, we prioritize our product quality, the atmosphere we create, and the relationships we build with our community. We create reality from perception.
BREWER: What are you sippin’ on right now from your brewery that you really enjoy?
NARGI: I’m currently enjoying our Apres Ski Baltic Porter and a prototype brew called Tiny Footprints.
READ MORE: The Graduation of Stable Craft’s Mossy Creek
BREWER: What trends in the craft beer industry do you think are worth investing in over the next few years?
NARGI: I see a significant shift towards reducing packaging and eliminating chemicals in our ingredients and food supply. It’s crucial that we avoid controversial substances, like BPA, to maintain the integrity of our products. Words are just that, but when you take a closer look at your final product and the packaging you chose, it’s often more about logistics than quality disguised in being “cool.” We are fortunate to have more opportunities to control our selections from beginning to end, certainly a changing business climate forces us to pivot, but remain focused on our core goals.
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