About Big Timber Brewing

We can definitely see how Big Timber Brewing got its name. Located in the heart of Appalachia in Elkins, West Virginia, this brewery takes pride in its local community. We had to know more about how this brewery got its start in such a beautiful part of our country. We sat down, virtually of course, with President and Head Brewer, Matt Kwasniewski, to get the full story.

Big Timber started in 2014 when their first keg went out the door. In March 2019, they moved to a new a location with a 15bbl two vessel system! Matt’s passion began ten years prior to opening. Matt explains, “My wife Ashley and I started dating shortly after moving to Montana 10 years ago, and we both really got into the local beer culture out there. I had an itch to try home brewing for a while, and finally decided to scratch it.”

As their passion grew, they decided to start making plans to move back to Matt’s hometown, Elkins, West Virginia to start their own brewery. However, not everything happened at once as Matt describes, “When we were still figuring out that dream I started an apprenticeship at Glacier Brewing in Montana. Once I got some production experience we moved to Elkins and started working on our dream.”

 

Passion for the craft brewing industry

Matt has a real passion for small businesses and his business acumen really shines through when describing what excites him. Matt explains, “The thing that excites me most is how breweries can be such drivers to the local economies and culture. Small manufacturers that produce a consumable that for the most part is used by people in close proximity, helps people identify with the products and how and where they’re produced. I grew up in the manufacturing business and always enjoyed being part of creating a physical product.”

Matt has a passion for how beer can impact a community. He explains, “Beer and all the positive impacts it has to the people, culture, and economy is the root of my passion.”

With all Matt’s knowledge and passion we had to know his favorite beer style and why. Matt states, “Usually whatever is peaking my interest at the moment. It changes quite a bit based on development and seasonality. I do have a tendency to be a hop head.”

 

Challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic

Big Timber Brewing has had challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Matt describes his current situation, “Losing the vast majority of our draft sales has affected us immensely. About half of our production is draft so it hurts pretty badly, but we’ve been able to power through focusing on packaging. I just feel for our draft customers and hope they’re able to open back up when it’s safe to do so.”

He goes on to describe some solutions they’ve come up with, “We started packaging more of our beers. At least four that were supposed to be draft only are now cans only and it could be more. We also started doing home deliveries. We’re in a rural area so it’s not a game changer, but every little bit helps.”

 

Moving forward with support

On a more positive note, Big Timber has been able to brew new beer! They just canned a Mexican Chocolate Cake Stout called Yo Quiero Chocolate Cake, an 11.5% pastry stout! Sounds super innovative and delicious!

Big Timber hasn’t had much time for experimentation in the brew house as they’ve mostly focused on packaging the planned beers they had already brewed. However, this did not stop them from participating in the All Together Campaign! Matt explains their motivation, “We really liked the message and how it was designed to benefit the local industry, plus we had a gap in our hazy line up, so it all worked out.”

Matt is grateful for all community support and his sincerity and understanding really shines through. Matt says, “Most of our suppliers have been pretty good reaching out to see if we needed anything. Also I know if our sales are down, it’s probably hurting some people upstream as well, so I hope everyone is able to cope with these difficult times. Our community has been great, we only distribute in West Virginia, and our neighbors buying our beer is the only reason we’re in business and I thank them for that!”

 

Thank you!

We want to extend a big thank you to Matt at Big Timber Brewing for participating in this initiative during American Craft Beer Week! Our goal is to celebrate your business and tell your story during this difficult time. We know many breweries across the country are going through similar situations. Malteurop Malting Company is here to support you and your business during this difficult time.