Modern Methods motors ahead with tradition

By Jim Cyphert

Mahoning Valley Flight Crew

Modern Methods Brewing Co.

Video Set

Brewing beer is a family tradition for Adam Keck, owner of Modern Methods Brewing Co., 125 David Grohl Alley in Warren.

Adam’s great grandfather, Lee Keck, home-brewed in his basement years ago in North Jackson, and his grandmother, Dorothy (Cockerell) Keck, was the inspiration for his brewery’s Welsh Pale Ale.

Adam’s grandfather, John Bachinger, was born in Eberschwang, Austria, in the heart of Bavaria. That heritage influenced Adam’s love of German-style beers.

In 2010, Adam and his brother, Lee, bought their father, John, a home-brew kit. By Thanksgiving 2011, the kit hadn’t been used.

“I told my dad if he didn’t use it, I would,” Adam recalled.

Keck & Sons Brewing was born.

While all three enjoyed the process, brewing became Adam’s passion. Seven years later, he’s operating a brewery of his own, which opened last month.

The family tradition is still alive, and will come full circle soon.

“My cousins, who still live on the family farm in Eberschwang, will be in Warren later this month for our Maifest and the release of our Maibock,” Adam said.

The cousins won’t be disappointed in Modern Methods’ beers. Ten were on tap the night we visited, ranging from traditional German-style beers – like Scrappy German Hefeweizen and Gretchen Munich Helles Lager – to a Saison and even a Double IPA.

“We love the new wave of American craft beers, but we’re traditional-style beer nerds,” Adam said.

The Flight Crew has known Adam for some time through craft-brewing circles. We stopped by one evening the brewery wasn’t open to the public so he could focus on telling us his story and about his beers.

He treated us like brothers, as usual, and couldn’t wait to quench our thirsts. Let’s just say, we didn’t leave thirsty.

Single Cylinder Session IPA

(4.8 percent ABV)

Dave Shively

“When you love IPAs, you want to share your passion for this style of beer with a friend. It’s hard to find an IPA to serve as an introduction to someone who’s never tried one. That’s not the case with Single Cylinder. Named after the Packard, a single-cylinder luxury car manufactured in Warren almost a century ago, this is a nice gateway beer for someone who might have a curious palate for this style of beer. It’s a full-bodied and smooth beer, but it’s not bitter as a result of the addition of a single layer of citrusy Centennial hops. With a low ABV of 4.8 percent, this is a beer you can have several of before shifting gears to a more robust, bitter offering like Dub City IPA.”

On the Lamb Welsh Pale Ale

(5.3 percent ABV)

Jason Jugenheimer

“Just as counting sheep has you caught between lying awake and a deep REM sleep, this Welsh Pale Ale catches you somewhere in the middle of two distinct styles of beer. Adam wanted to go back to his grandmother’s Welsh roots to develop a beer. What he found was a guy in a home-brew forum discussing a Welsh Pale Ale. His curiosity led him to develop what ‘might’ be the only Welsh Pale Ale style being brewed in America. On the Lamb is a hybrid of a malty English Ale and a classic Pale Ale. It’s a beautiful caramel color and is clean and crisp on the palate. English East Kent Goldings hops – added both late and dry hopped – add floral notes to the aroma, but really shine when played against the English malts. It’s a perfectly balanced beer, full of flavor that will leave you longing for your shepherd’s crook while sipping this beer and tending your herd.”

Gretchen Munich

Helles Lager

(5.4 percent ABV)

Jim Cyphert

“My first inkling was to review Dub2, a double IPA, one of my favorite styles. Hearing Adam explain how he’s enjoyed a Munich Helles Lager in Germany, that generations of his family have loved traditional German beers and how this inspired him to brew Gretchen, I naturally was drawn to her. There’s beauty in Gretchen’s simplicity, its color and its great taste. Gretchen features Bavarian Lager yeast that really lets the malt bill shine. And, the addition of late-kettle Noble hops provides an awesome bouquet of hop flavor and aroma. This beer was good enough to not make me regret my decision. But don’t worry; I also had a nice sample of Dub2. Cheers!”

Roast Beast American Stout

(6 percent ABV)

Roger Gillespie

“Roast Beast is an American Stout that carries an ABV of 6 percent. The aroma of roasted coffee, with a hint of chocolate, is just the beginning. Delivered on nitro, this delicious brew is smooth as silk. Modern Methods claims to have struck ‘the balance between the bold and the drinkable’ with this one. I couldn’t agree more.”

Chirpin’ Saison

(7 percent ABV)

Brian Long

“Tweet this ... Say sun...? SAISON!! Yes, it’s out there, and Modern Methods Chirpin’ Saison at 7 percent ABV is pouring at the right time. Chirpin’ has a nice golden hue with a lemony fruit fragrance. Keep the nice weather coming, Mother Nature ...

as you can easily have a few of these refreshing craft brews, that go with just about anything.”

(Alt)imate Warrior Altbier (5.3 percent ABV)

Joe Sanfilippo

“The Ultimate Warrior was a WWE champ back in the ’80s and ’90s. Now, in 2018, we have a new champ … the (Alt)imate Warrior Altbier. When Adam served this one up, I knew it was going to be a champ. It had a refreshing blend of caramel and toffee with a deep amber color.”

Recommended Flight Pattern: Navigate the short trip to Warren (aka the City of Modern Methods) for a taste of some of Trumbull County’s finest craft beers.