Our next Pilot Batch Brewer heading up our Byron brew deck
Our Pilot Batch beers are experimental brews created by our team of talented brewers, with occasional help from collaborators within our community, all at our Pilot Brewery in Byron Bay.
These small batch brews are special, limited and, once gone, may never return. The Pilot Batch brewery is a space for our brewers to get creative – an opportunity to trial weird and wonderful things, turning the brewery into an experimental playground to get a little fruity.
Every three months, one of our brewers takes up the helm in our Byron brewery, running the day-to-day operations. During this time, they have the chance to brew their favourite beers and run the Pilot Batch program.
Meet our latest Pilot Batch brewer, Lucas Leczkowski. Say G’day to him if you see him kicking around our Byron Brewery.
Give us a bit of background about yourself…
Having grown up near the Hunter Valley my Career started 15 years ago in working a Vintage in a winery. I absolutely loved the experience and that led to my first homebrew kit. I’m sure the wife might regret buying it for me now.
In 2006 I got an opportunity to work a vintage in the Napa Valley California USA. There I found the craft beer scene and beers like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I’ve been hooked ever since.
This year is my 11th as a pro brewer. And I’m not planning on stopping anytime soon.
What are your favourite styles of beer and why?
Toughest question ever. Umm, All of them because it’s all beer. I go through phases really. At the moment I’m loving darker malt driven beers. But I still love a good hoppy hazy IPA also.
What will you be brewing during your time here in Byron?
I’ve already brewed a Nutella inspired Chocolate Hazelnut Porter that is currently pouring, and I’m working on my next offering, but you’ll need to visit Byron tasting room to find out what.
Any beers you’re really excited about brewing and why?
I just love experimenting and trying to do things a little different, there are so many great beer styles out there and I just love adding my own personal touch to add a point of difference.
What do you like about using the Pilot Batch brewery to experiment?
Just having the opportunity to play with that kit, it’s soo much fun. Then seeing your hard work being tasted and enjoyed by punters at the bar is really satisfying.
