An Afternoon with Jared Welch of Southern Grist
When you think about beer, the chance is high that you’re not just thinking about a simple drink. You’re thinking about community, about innovation, about the exciting intersection where tradition meets innovation. One person who embodies this exciting frontier is Jared Welch, the co-founder and Head Brewer at Southern Grist. In this interesting conversation, we get to explore Jared’s insights about balance, intuition, and artistry within the brewing industry.
Who is Jared Welch
Jared Welch is not just a beer enthusiast. With a degree in Chemical Engineering and a love for all things beer, he decided to blend his passion and knowledge to venture into the ever-growing world of craft brewing. Alongside Jamie Lee and Kevin Antoon, Jared orchestrated the birth of Southern Grist Brewery in East Nashville back in 2016. Ever since, their distinctive and detail-focused style has made them a standout in the beer community.
The Beginnings of Southern Grist
Southern Grist was born out of the trio’s shared love for unique, flavourful beers. They took a predominantly home brewing background and decided it was time to step it up. By combining a strong understanding of the science involved with brewing along with a finely tuned tastes for what works, Southern Grist quickly gained a reputation for producing beers that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Balance: A Key Player in Success
During our conversation, one thing that became clear is that Jared has an innate understanding of balance, and it’s what he believes sets Southern Grist apart. From balancing malt and hops to juxtaposing traditional and innovative brewing techniques, Jared views brewing as an art that requires a discerning hand and a keen eye for detail.
Traditional Meets Innovation
Jared and the team are not afraid to experiment boldly, pushing the frontiers of craft brewing to new horizons. Be it releasing a sour IPA with dragon fruit and toasted coconut, or a stout with coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla – Jared’s audacity to tactfully play with flavours allows Southern Grist to consistently surprise and delight its customers.
The Power of Intention
Progression is a valuable aspect of Southern Grist’s ethos. But, it’s not simply progression for progression’s sake. Jared emphasizes that every step they take, every new release, every new technique, should be backed with intention. If there isn’t a genuine reason behind a move, it risks detracting from the simple pleasure of the beer itself. Intention, for Jared, becomes the road map which ensures they’re progressing in the right direction.
Building a Brewing Community
Getting to spend time with Jared, it’s clear that he’s not just building a brewery, but a community. This is evident in the way he and his co-founders have centered Southern Grist around their taprooms in East Nashville and The Nations neighborhood. These become places where people can connect, enjoy innovative beers, and feel a sense of belonging. For Jared, the goal is to make beer an experience that everyone can become a part of.
Final Thoughts
Jared Welch is changing the game of craft brewing. His unique approach combines technical knowledge with artistic intuition, creating a balance rarely seen in the industry. Southern Grist is not only an institution with delicious and intriguing offerings, it is also a place of community. A place where experimentation, tradition, and progress live side-by-side. It’s clear that Welch’s dedication to balance, progression, and intention has put Southern Grist at the forefront of the craft beer world.
