Brewer: Aaron Allen, Seven Arrows Brewing Company
How long have you worked at the brewery? I have been working professionally in brewing since April of 2008 when I took a position with Coors Brewing Company. Then in 2014, my wife Melissa and I started Seven Arrows Brewing Company, and I’ve been the master brewer ever since.
How did you get involved in brewing? I had initially tried to get into the brewing industry when I completed my B.S. in Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University. Fortunately, I was able to obtain a position as a process engineer in antibiotic fermentation with Eli Lilly and Company. I officially started in brewing in 2008 when I took a position as a process control engineer at Coors Brewing Company. While at Coors, I studied brewing through the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. This is where I earned a General Certificate in Brewing, a Diploma in brewing, and completed the first portion of the Master Brewer Certification.
Tell us something people don’t know about your brewery: The one thing that people don’t realize is that my wife Melissa is really what makes Seven Arrows work. I get to “play” in the back of the house and make beer, really doing what I love. Brewers tend to get a lot of attention, but this is a business, and without Melissa, there would be no Seven Arrows. Without her constant effort and hard work, Seven Arrows would not be the successful brewery that it is today.
What’s your favorite food and beer combo? My favorite food and beer pairing would be Chori Pollo and a Vienna-style lager. There is something about spicy food and a smooth lager that really works well.
Tell us about your pets: Melissa and I recently brought home two new additions to our family, Helios and Nyx. They are two Shih Tzu puppies and have been quite a handful. They are quickly becoming brew dogs though!
What is your favorite thing to do in the Shenandoah Valley? My absolute favorite thing to do in the Shenandoah Valley is cycling and running. Prior to starting the brewery, Melissa and I were very active in the local endurance sport community. If we weren’t running a marathon or competing in a triathlon, we were training for one. It was simply a part of our life. Now that we have the brewery and have found some balance, we are starting to get back into cycling and running.
What’s the best way to spend time in the outdoors in the Shenandoah Valley? I love running and cycling, but for relaxation, Melissa and I love to hike. Whenever we are able, we will take time to slow down and enjoy the countless hiking trails in the area. It is a great way to reset yourself from the stress and strain of running the brewery.
