Amanda and Brandon Wright of Werk Force Brewing have been in business out in Plainfield for over a decade, but their story and influence goes far beyond that. We spend a good long time talking with the Wrights and sampling through a lineup of their excellent beers, from lagers to IPAs to barrel-aged stouts. Just some of the topics we cover include accepting the inevitability of flagship beers, leaving ABV off the label, creating a community-based space open for all, finding the right food partner, starting a family while opening a business, capturing just the right images for label designs, dealing out rare Lukr side pull handles, withstanding FoBAB controversies, closing a legendary homebrew shop, collecting an impressive array of barrels, and fixing the toilets more than you could ever imagine. Plus, Craig finally gets the vest advice he’s been seeking. 

Beers Sampled

Really Decent (American Light Lager)

Forklift Road Warrior (American IPA)

Little Big Penguin (Hazy IPA)

DDH Formerly Known As… (American IPA)

Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stupid Sticky Fingers [collab w/ Rocky Reef Brewing] (Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels w/ cacao nibs, vanilla, and graham crackers)

3 Year Family Reserve Rye B.A. Sleepy Bear (Imperial Stout aged in rye whiskey barrels)