Rising Stars: Meet Larry Esper of Amherst Township

Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Esper. 

Hi Larry, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started brewing small batches of beer at home and really enjoyed the art. I shared my craft with friends who really enjoyed the brews. Along with my professional area of work of Mycology and skills as a tradesman, friends introduced me to people who wanted to open a brewery. I helped set up their brewery and learned how to brew on a larger scale. I wanted to do this on my own and found a piece of property in Amherst Twp. in 2019 and built the metal building myself along with my wife Michele and some others. We opened on 3/17/22 where I started brewing on a small system, which I soon realized was not enough capacity. I purchased some larger equipment soon afterwards and now have a 7 BBL system. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, we can blame COVID. Delays in the Electric panel, garage doors, unable to find reliable skilled craftsmen to help are to name a few. We learn by mistakes and that is what makes ESP Brewing Co. stronger. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I was a Medical Technologist for 20 years which enables me to know the life cycle of yeasts and what I can do to make my cultures more successful to brew great beers. I am proud that I was able to go to college and graduate with a Bachelors of Technical Applied Studies and use my education to further advance my professional career and apply that knowledge to my own business. 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
There are several local breweries who have started a collaboration where we meet and discuss things that have to do with Brewing etc. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.espbrewingco.com