Finding good, honest people making good, honest beer isn’t as easy as craft beer has led us to believe. But every once in a while, a truly singular brewery—shielded by geography and rooted firmly to the land—reveals itself, putting forth artistry in liquid form while also providing a safe, beautiful, and intentional space for everyone who stumbles across its path.
Fox Farm Brewery is one such place. In his latest piece for Good Beer Hunting, titled “Degrees of Intent — Fox Farm Brewery in Salem, Connecticut,” Matt Osgood explores the unique utopian vision that founders Zack and Laura Adams have for their small New England operation, along with the cosmic coincidences that helped pave their way. By harnessing genuine curiosity and a sense of discovery, the family-run brewery remains a rare example of craft beer actually living up to expectations of humanity, where the beer is revered but the people are paramount.
As Matt explains in this podcast conversation, everyone’s stories matter to somebody, and we all share memories of family, community, and communion through food and drink. He describes what drew him to Salem in the first place, and what will likely keep him coming back. We explore the overlaps between beer and wine, however esoteric, and how spontaneity tinged with intent can yield delectable results. And we also talk about what else he’s working on, why he loves profiling people, and where he’s going next. This is Matt Osgood: Listen in.