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Quality Priority Pyramid Helps Brewers Implement Quality Programs

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Damon Scott started homebrewing while finishing a degree in chemistry from Hanover College, In. That unofficial ‘independent research’ led to a lightbulb moment and a move to Colorado to work as a brewer. In the following ten years, Damon managed brewing operations ranging from 200 to nearly 10,000 bbls/year and experienced first-hand the challenges craft brewers face daily. In 2010, he attended Heriot-Watt University and received an MSc in Brewing and Distilling. As technical brewing projects coordinator for the Brewers Association, Damon works with the technical committee to facilitate the development of best practice guidance for small and independent craft brewers.

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The Brewers Association (BA) quality subcommittee produced the Quality Priority Pyramid to be a visual reference for craft brewers as they implement their unique quality programs. The pyramid is now available for download in the Best Practices section of BrewersAssociation.org.

Jason Perkins, Allagash Brewing Company’s brewmaster and BA quality subcommittee chair, introduced the Quality Priority Pyramid in the March/April 2015 issue of The New Brewer. There, he outlined the importance of quality programs to ensure the production of quality beer. “Process techniques will vary from brewery to brewery, but they all have legally required standards to follow. Brewers must understand potential threats to quality and have procedures in place to control and prevent them.”

The subcommittee members believe it is important for brewers to prioritize the implementation of the six layers of the Quality Priority Pyramid to ensure effective execution. This process requires a commitment of time, energy and resources, so it is important to have a proactive strategy.