Journeyman Distillery’s Sea of Monsters Brewery hosted Meet the Makers on Sunday, October 20, inviting craft beer enthusiasts and local residents for an exclusive look at the brewing process. The event, which was free and open to the public, allowed attendees to sample four craft beers, hear from Sea of Monsters Head Brewer Greg Winget, and learn about the history of the brewery and distillery from Founder Bill Welter.
The event featured an in-depth discussion led by Winget, who shared his journey through the craft brewing industry and provided a detailed look at the art of brewing. With nearly a decade of professional brewing experience, Winget explained the technical aspects of beer-making, from fermentation to barrel aging, and highlighted how far Sea of Monsters has come since its inception.
“Brewing is such a dynamic process, and every batch tells a story,” Winget said. “It’s amazing to see how small changes in ingredients or techniques can create a completely different beer.”
Guests were encouraged to ask questions, making the event interactive and educational. Winget’s insights offered attendees a deeper understanding of the complexities behind the craft.
The highlight of the event was a tasting session featuring four of Sea of Monsters' craft beers. Attendees sampled Festbier Der Metzgermeister, Hefeweizen Fantasmagoriana, Saison The Eyes, and Maple Barrel Porter Brewers Breakfast.
Each beer was carefully crafted, and Winget provided background on the unique brewing techniques behind each one. For instance, the Maple Barrel Porter, aged in bourbon and maple syrup barrels for 10-12 weeks at a time, offers an especially unique taste.
“I got some maple syrup barrels that were just completely soaked with maple syrup,” Winget said. “I put some of this beautiful English Porter into them, and the pickup of the flavor is much quicker because the maple syrup has already absorbed a lot of that flavor from the barrel. The beer soaks up the rich maple flavors without overwhelming sweetness, and the bourbon notes from the barrels add complexity.”
Welter reflected on the history of the distillery and the vision that brought it to life. He shared that he had been working toward creating a brewery like Sea of Monsters for nearly a decade.
“This has been a dream of mine for nine years,” Welter said. “Seeing it come to fruition and being able to combine our passion for spirits with craft brewing has been incredibly rewarding.”
The name, Sea of Monsters, was inspired by the risks taken by early explorers and the metaphorical "monsters" they faced. Welter likens this to the uncertainty and challenges of opening the brewery. The brewery encourages personal exploration, symbolized by venturing into the unknown.
Welter holds a long-standing commitment to the local community of Journeyman and its craft.
In addition to the beer tasting and discussion, guests were invited to get a closer look at the raw ingredients used in the brewing process. A display table was set up with examples of malt, hops, and other brewing components, allowing attendees to learn more about what goes into creating each batch of beer.
This interactive element allowed guests to connect the tasting experience with the ingredients and techniques discussed by Winget.
As the event came to a close, Winget hinted at what is to come for Sea of Monsters. The brewery is in the process of aging several new beers in barrels, with plans to release them in the winter.
“Barrel-aging is a key part of our long-term strategy,” Winget said. “We have the barrels, the spirits, and the infrastructure in place to build a robust barrel-aged beer program.”
Welter also expressed excitement about the future of Sea of Monsters, noting that the brewery’s focus will remain on innovation and quality as it continues to grow.
"This whole project started with a passion for craftsmanship and quality,” Welter said. “We’ve grown, and now the focus is on building a legacy that speaks to the community, to craft, and to sustainability. We want to be known for more than just great products; we want to leave a lasting impact."
The Meet the Makers event left attendees eager for the next chapter in the brewery’s story, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship that make Sea of Monsters a standout in the local craft beer scene.
“There’s so much more we can do with Sea of Monsters,” Welter said. “We’re just scratching the surface. Barrel-aging, experimenting with new styles, collaborating with other local breweries – it’s an exciting time for us and the craft brewing scene."
To learn more about Journeyman Distillery’s Meet the Makers series and other upcoming events, visit journeyman.com.
