Ask a Brewer: Device’s Ken Anthony

Device Brewing is one the newest additions to the growing Sacramento, California beer scene.

In August 2013, the first commercial batches of Device Brewing beer were produced. Our beers are on tap at select locations around the Greater Sacramento Area, Elk Grove, Roseville and Folsom. The brewery taproom is now open and features our mainstay beers as well as some seasonal offerings.

Ken and Melissa Anthony own and operate the 7 barrel brewhouse and tasting room. I haven’t been to Device, or tried any of their beers, but it’s at the top of my list of places to check out next time I’m in Sacramento.

Ken and his wife, and business partner, Melissa.

Ken and his wife, and business partner, Melissa.

What’s special about your brewery?

We are family-owned, and family-operated. We are self-funded. We started with a 1 barrel brewhouse and have worked our way up to an American made 7 bbl brewhouse – all on our own.

What’s your least favorite part of the brew day?

Clean up

What is your favorite part of the brew day?

Drinking a cold beer after knockout

What was the biggest mess you’ve made making a beer?

Spraying hop sludge all over trying to clean out a fermenter.

What’s your favorite beer festival?

Sierra Nevada Single, Fresh, Wet & Wild

Have you shared, or are you willing to share, a homebrew clone recipe for any of your beers?

No

What’s the strangest ingredient you’ve added to a beer?

Star anise (not that unusual)

What was your happiest moment as a brewer?

Having Dr Bill try all my beers at GABF and remark how much he liked them and how surprised he was that we were only a year old at the time.

Who do you admire most in the craft beer industry?

Chris Miller. He doesn’t play politics, never censors himself, makes no aplogies for anything, and brews great beer.

What beer should be served at your funeral?

The last recipe I wrote.

Leave a Reply