This week on The Beer Rep Chats With, I'm joined by Kuba Zaleski, brewer at 3 Locks Brewing, to explore his journey from homebrewing to crafting award-worthy beers beside London's iconic Regent's Canal.
We discuss how a chance encounter with a bottle of Hobgoblin sparked a brewing career, and why great brewing is about far more than just recipes. Kuba shares his passion for traditional European beer styles, including the brewery's much loved Schwarzbier, German-style Pilsner, and seasonal Vienna Lager.
We also dive into brewing science, recipe development, fermentation techniques, sour beer acidity, and the challenges of creating unique beers such as a hibiscus and rose petal Gose. Along the way, Kuba explains why lager is enjoying a renaissance in craft beer, how Camden's international visitors influence the beers brewed at 3 Locks, and what the future holds for the brewery, including a rebrand, expanded capacity, and new taproom developments.
If you're interested in craft beer, lager brewing, brewery growth, recipe design, fermentation, beer styles, or the evolving UK beer scene, this episode is packed with insights from one of London's most thoughtful brewers.
Pod Website: https://www.beerrepchats.com/
3 Locks Socials
Website: https://www.3locksbeer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3locksbeer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3locksbrewerycamden
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CHAPTERS
00:00 - 01:04 Introduction and Meet Kuba from 3 Locks Brewing
01:05 - 04:00 From Hobgoblin Fan to Professional Brewer
04:01 - 05:31 Homebrewing Lessons That Still Matter Today
05:32 - 08:45 Brewing Unusual Beers and Sour Beer Science
08:46 - 11:38 Joining 3 Locks Brewing
11:39 - 16:24 Brewing in Camden and Serving Beer Tourists
16:25 - 20:46 Growing 3 Locks Brewing and Expanding Capacity
20:47 - 26:14 Recipe Development and Brewing Challenges
26:15 - 31:06 Fermentation Secrets and Brewing Better Beer
31:07 - 37:14 Craft Beer Trends, Lager and Low-Alcohol Growth
37:15 - 42:11 Favourite Breweries and The Future of 3 Locks Brewing
42:12 Final Thoughts and Outro
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