Why is it important to understand tradition in the production of modern lager beers? Tradition is often used as a marketing tool, which can cause it to be written off by brewers. Yet modern methods for producing characterful lager beer have their roots in centuries-old methods. Understanding the origins and applications of techniques such as decoction and natural carbonation can help brewers produce better lager beer.

Learning Objectives

• Get to know the role of tradition in modern lager beer production, including raw materials and fermentation
• Understand the methods and applications for decoction in the modern brewhouse
• Discuss capturing the fifth ingredient, using spunding and krausening for natural carbonation

About the Speakers

Joe Connolly, Sales Director

Jack's Abby Craft Lagers

Joe Connolly (he/him) is the Sales Director for Jack's Abby Craft Lagers and the co-author of Modern Lager Beer: Techniques, Processes, and Recipes. Since joining the beverage industry in 2007, he has developed a passion for beer education and its importance for the brewing industry. Between steins of lager you can find him exploring wild places with his wife, son, and dog.

Jack Hendler, Founding Brewer

Jack's Abby Craft Lagers

Jack Hendler is founder and co-owner of Jack's Abby Craft Lagers located in Framingham, Massachusetts and the co-author of Modern Lager Beer: Techniques, Processes, and Recipes. Following years of hands-on experience and a degree in brewing from the Siebel Institute in Chicago and Doemens in Munich, Germany, Jack opened Jack’s Abby Brewing in 2011 with his brothers, Eric and Sam. Inspired by Jack’s education and travel in Germany, Jack’s Abby brews only lagers. The brewery has since grown to be one of the largest breweries in the state and remains family owned and operated.