The Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine podcast from April 2018 features Henry and Adriana Nguyen, founders of Monkish Brewing in Torrance, California. In this insightful hour-long conversation, the duo discusses their unexpected journey from Belgian beer devotees to IPA innovators.
Initially famous for their “No MSG, No IPA” sign and dedication to Belgian-style brewing, Monkish underwent a remarkable transformation. They emerged as pioneers of West Coast hazy IPAs, developing a distinctive approach that emphasizes patience over the rushed processes often associated with the style.
The Nguyens share fascinating insights into their brewing philosophy, including how specific hop varieties influence mouthfeel and their preference for creating tension rather than balance in flavor profiles. Their evolution has attracted a diverse taproom crowd, challenging preconceptions about craft beer demographics.
The conversation also explores broader industry themes, including the challenges of running an independent brewery in a competitive market. The Nguyens reflect on their future direction, weighing their newfound IPA success against their Belgian brewing roots.
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on Apple Podcast
- CBBM website
