Inspiring Conversations with David Quinn of Pisgah Brewing Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Quinn.

Hi David, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I started brewing at home in 2002 and quickly grew to enjoy the “magic” of fermentation. In 2003, I entered the National Homebrew Competition, the largest of its kind in the US, and won a Gold Medal for my Pale Ale. After finding a dream deal on a used 10-barrel brewing system, I moved from Folly Beach to Black Mountain to build Pisgah Brewing Company in a business incubator complex. A little over a year later, in April 2005, the first batches of Pisgah Pale were in the tanks, and we sold our first keg to Barley’s in Asheville. Within a few short weeks, we had dozens of accounts in Black Mountain and the surrounding area. In 2009, we built a stage and opened our outdoor music venue. We have grown now to a 30-barrel brew house, producing around 3,500 barrels per year and distribution in both Carolinas. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not always been smooth, but every time things get difficult, some small miracle saves the day, and we continue to survive and thrive. I once had to take out a second mortgage on my house to make payroll and buy supplies in the middle of winter when sales were at their slowest. 

The challenge in recent years has been staying relevant in the overall conversation about craft brew. There is a whole lot of competition out there!! 

As you know, we’re big fans of Pisgah Brewing Company. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the founder and original brewer. We specialize in making beer with as many organic ingredients as possible and hosting regular music on our outdoor stage in the warmer months. I am most proud to have grown in a slow and deliberate manner and will celebrate 19 years in business in April 2024. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I met several people in the early days of planning and building through friends of friends. I would say don’t be afraid to just listen to the wisdom of people who have both tried and succeeded as well as tried and failed. 

Contact Info:

• Website: pisgahbrewing.com
• Instagram: @pisgahbrewing

Image Credits
Megan Alexander