Where did the inspiration for Brickway start?

The inspiration for Brickway started with WHY. The loss of my father in my mid-twenties taught me that a beer or a cocktail had the ability to lift an occasion no matter if you are CELEBRATING, COMMISERATING, or COMMEMORATING. At Christmas, six weeks following our family's loss, I gave everyone two beers that I brewed (Jerry’s Pale Ale). One to save and one to drink. Following a short speech, some people laughed and some people cried.  The moment was changed with that beer. That inspiration can now be seen in every beer, spirit, canned cocktail, or non-alcoholic beverage that we make. 

What were your original goals?

Our first goal was to get beer and spirits production up and running.  Our license to brew and distill got caught up in the 2013 government shutdown. We started writing letters to President Obama and Speaker Boehner to illustrate the effect the shutdown was having on small businesses.  I remember that we offered to send the first case of beer to them when they got the government back up and running.  While more playful than effective, the government got back to work and our license was finally issued in April of 2014. 

We ran our business as a craft beer bar for the first 5 months. The community support that surrounded us was overwhelming and I'm still thankful today for everyone that was patient right along with us! 

Our next "first" goal was to craft well balanced thoughtful beers. We immediately got our Pilsner, Hefeweizen, India Pale Lager and Oatmeal Cream stout on tap and canned for the market. At the same time we started making our signature (now multiple international gold- medal winning) Single Malt Whisky. We laid that down into new charred American oak barrels and yet again, had to be patient. The criteria for our spirits was simple. Make them bold enough to stand out in cocktails, yet refined enough to be enjoyed neat.  

What can you share about the copper still design?

While I feel fortunate for my degrees in microbiology and chemistry, my year in Scotland where I earned a master’s degree in brewing and distilling was the differentiator to leave no detail unconsidered. One of the key parts was incorporating that education into our still design.  Pot stills have four distinct parts: the pot, head, lyne arm and condenser (join our tour, we have charts and graphs for this!).  We designed our lyne arm angle to go up to the condenser instead of the traditional down angle. This gives us reflux (re-distillation) all the way to the condenser and results in a more pure and lighter distillate. You'll find the proof in the glass.

What community partners does Brickway have?

We wouldn't be here without the community!

We have been generous with local and national charities in donations or discounting of our beers and spirits to raise money for causes that affect people all over the region. One very specific example was in 2020 when hand sanitizer was so badly needed and the store shelves were empty. We leaped right into action and began the production of Brickway Hand Sanitizer. We then donated it to hospitals, first responders, nursing homes, the homeless community, private businesses and any member of our community that were willing to come down and pick up a bottle. On a whim, we decided to put the hand sanitizer on tap and fill up to a 1/2 gallon to anyone if they brought their own container for free as well.  Fridays became known as BYOC (bring you own container).  At times there were lines that went blocks long.  In total we donated 10,000 gallons of hand sanitizer, the same amount of actual spirits we produced in the same time period. 

What is your favorite thing you’ve made so far?

Aside from my children, Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky is the favorite thing that I’ve ever produced. This is our signature Single Malt that is aged a minimum of 3 years in new charred American oak. It’s then moved into a Spanish Oloroso sherry cask for a minimum of another year. 

What are some things that you hope to refine or create?

100% blue agave spirit. Think tequila but made in Nebraska. 

How much product does Brickway produce in a year?

The number of different beers and spirits has grown tremendously in the last 9 years. In year number one we had 4 beers and one whisky. This year we will have several dozen beers and 13 different spirits. The brewery side of the business has seen modest year-over-year growth getting us into the top 10% of Nebraska breweries by volume. The distillery on the other hand has seen significant growth. We are now the largest distillery in the state. In our first year we sold roughly 2,600 bottles liquor. In our 9th year, we are on track to sell 86,000 bottles. I am so thankful to my team for doing such a terrific job and exceptionally appreciative to the community that supports us!

Tell us about Brickway’s awards!

The beer and spirits judges have given us nice recognition for our hard work. Since 2018 we have won over 20 medals for our beer and spirits. We are now the most awarded distillery in the state. However, creating products that bring people together during life’s moments will forever be the best award for our efforts!

Interview, Fall 2022