(Escondido, CA) – Some may be familiar with Stone Brewing CEO and Co-Founder, Greg Koch, only by his boisterous nature during public appearances. In a recent interview, however, Koch revealed his softer, gentler side talking one-on-one with the Better Beer Authority video podcast.

Humor aside, some interesting notes from this one…

On supporting other breweries:

– Now distributing 32 craft breweries through distribution arm

– Have more guest beers than Stone beers at their restaurant

– Only a few of 130 bottle list at restaurant are Stone beers

On benchmarks:

– First beer was Stone Pale Ale in 1996, was considered “very hoppy” for the time

– Ruination IPA became the first bottled double IPA on the planet in June, 2002, to his knowledge

[Note: ‘bottle’ reviews for Lagunitas Maximus date back to late 2001. There could be an earlier beer and I just don’t know it.]

– Anchor Steam was first craft beer that he discovered in 1987, feels he was ‘late’ in the game

On Mitch Steele:

– Started career with small northern California brewery, went to winery and then worked for Anheuser-Busch

– Credits conversation with Steele’s homebrewer friends from New Hampshire at NHC event as a factor in bringing him to Stone

On environment:

– Willing to stretch financials (and patience) to be environmentally-conscious

– Solar(?) powers 30-35% of brewery electricity

– Drives a Chevy Volt