Tim Adams

Tim Adams of Oxbow Brewing Co.

(Editor’s Note: This is part of a series in which we scoured the country to find 30 innovative brewers and beer professionals under 30 years old, each of whom hopes to further the scope and breadth of the American craft beer scene.)

Tim Adams, 29

Co-owner and Head Brewer

Oxbow Brewing Co.

Newcastle, ME

All About Beer: What was the first beer you ever brewed and where did you do it?

Tim Adams: I brewed my first beer in the Mathias dormitory at Colorado College when I was 18. I was inspired by the Colorado craft beer scene, and my buddies who were fermenting beer in their closet. The beer was a blonde ale brewed with ginger. It was designed to drink with sushi. I’d been living in Tokyo for the previous four years.

What’s your favorite beer style?

Saison.

Do you have a mentor in the brewing world?

Unfortunately, I don’t have any true mentors in the brew world. Many brewers inspire me, but I can’t say I have a mentor. I’m self taught. Before we opened Oxbow, my friend Tyler Jones at Portsmouth Brewery brought me in for a few days to share his process with me. That was helpful and he came up under Tod Mott, so you know he’s good!

What inspires you when you’re brewing?

I’m inspired by beer, food, music and Maine.

What do you attribute to your success?

I believe our success is directly related not just to the quality and originality of our product, but also the culture and personality of our brand. We have a ton of fun with Oxbow and we can’t hide it. People are attracted to that and want to join our party. It’s awesome.

What do you think drives the popularity of craft beer?

I believe people are drawn to craft beer for the same reasons they are drawn to our brewery. Delicious flavors and the fun that is the American craft beer scene.

In general, how do you think the next generation of brewers will shake up the craft beer world?

The bar is going to be seriously raised. … If you wanna succeed you are going to have to stand out, and that’s going to become increasingly difficult. Time to bring the heat!

In particular, how will you contribute to that shake up?

We’ll keep cranking out the best beers we can and keep the creativity high.

Last one: Cascadian Dark Ale or Black IPA?

Black IPA.

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