Nestled in Whitestown, Indiana, just beyond the bustling city of Indianapolis, lies Moontown, a small-town lager brewery that has carved out a significant reputation in the craft beer world. Their masterful brewing techniques and dedication to quality have brought them numerous accolades, including multiple World Beer Cup gold medals for their acclaimed Märzen, 'Follow the Lederhosen,' and a silver for their distinguished pale Skool House Bock. Beyond these international triumphs, Moontown has also garnered knockout scores from esteemed judges at Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine® and secured five GABF medals for their diverse range of lagers. Their remarkable achievements highlight a journey of overcoming equipment limitations through inventive processes, proving that exceptional flavor can be coaxed from dedicated craftsmanship.
Moontown Brewery's Path to Märzen Mastery and Lager Excellence
In the vibrant craft brewing landscape, Moontown Brewery, situated in Whitestown, Indiana, has distinguished itself through an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, particularly in its lager production. Under the insightful guidance of Cody Peczkowski, the director of brewing operations, Moontown has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional brewing, even within the constraints of a two-vessel system. Their celebrated Märzen, 'Follow the Lederhosen,' is a testament to this ingenuity, having earned multiple gold medals at the prestigious World Beer Cup, alongside a silver for their notable Skool House Bock. These accolades are further complemented by five GABF medals across their diverse lager portfolio, affirming their status as a leader in the industry.
Peczkowski's philosophy, deeply rooted in his extensive background brewing for the Gordon Biersch chain, emphasizes the critical role of premium ingredients. This foundation has allowed Moontown to experiment with various malt sources, including both traditional German and innovative American craft malts, to achieve distinct flavor profiles in their Märzen varieties. A cornerstone of their brewing methodology is the meticulous application of step-mashing, a technique essential for coaxing out complex flavors and optimizing attenuation. Furthermore, their unique mashout decoction process, though unconventional, provides an additional layer of flavor and contributes significantly to the character of their award-winning beers.
Beyond the technical mastery, Moontown also exhibits strategic thinking in managing the delicate balance of hop intensity in competition beers and effectively lowering alcohol levels in their malt-forward lagers without compromising taste. Their forward-thinking approach even extends to hop-forward West Coast-style pilsners, showcasing a versatility that defies their modest setup. The narrative of Moontown Brewery is one of persistent innovation, proving that exceptional beer is the result of thoughtful process design and an unwavering dedication to the craft.
Moontown Brewery's journey offers profound insights into the pursuit of brewing excellence. It powerfully demonstrates that innovation and quality are not solely dependent on expansive facilities or cutting-edge equipment. Instead, a deep understanding of ingredients, a willingness to adapt traditional methods, and a relentless focus on flavor development can lead to extraordinary results. For brewers and enthusiasts alike, Moontown's success serves as an inspiring reminder that true mastery lies in creative problem-solving and an unwavering passion for the craft, proving that even a small-town brewery can achieve global recognition and set new benchmarks for quality and taste in the competitive world of beer.