In a world of mass-produced beers and fleeting trends, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to find a brewery that truly embodies the essence of craft brewing. Many beer enthusiasts find themselves longing for authentic flavors, sustainable practices, and a genuine connection to the people and place behind their favorite brews. Diving into the three pillars of Riggs Beer Company:
As fifth-generation farmers turned brewers, we at Riggs Beer Company understand this struggle intimately. Our journey from the fields of our family farm to the fermenters of our brewery has given us a unique perspective on what it takes to create truly exceptional beer. We’ve combined our agricultural heritage with years of brewing experience, including extensive training in Germany, to develop a brewing philosophy that sets us apart in the craft beer landscape.
In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of Riggs Beer Company, exploring the three pillars that form the foundation of everything we do: family, tradition, and innovation. You’ll discover how these elements come together in every beer we brew, and how our unique approach translates into flavors you can taste and quality you can trust. By the end, you’ll not only understand what makes a Riggs beer special, but you’ll also gain insights into how to appreciate the craftsmanship behind every pint you enjoy.
The three pillars of Riggs Beer Company – Family: It’s In Our Roots
When we say Riggs Beer Company is a family affair, we mean it! Our story starts on our family’s 5th generation farm right here in Champaign County. Growing up, we watched our parents work the land, instilling in us a deep respect for agriculture and hard work.
Today, that family spirit is alive and well in our brewery. Matt’s wife, Caroline, manages our taproom and office, while Darin and his wife, Gail, are raising the 6th generation of Riggs farmers on our ancestral farmstead. Even our beer garden cats are part of the family!
But for us, family extends beyond blood relations. When you visit our taproom, you’re not just a customer – you’re part of the Riggs extended family. We’ve created a space where families can gather, friends can reconnect, and new connections can be made over a pint of locally crafted beer.
The three pillars of Riggs Beer Company – Tradition: Honoring Our Heritage
Tradition plays a huge role in what we do, and it comes in two flavors: agricultural and brewing.
Our farming tradition goes back to 1874 when our ancestors first purchased our family farm. Today, we’re proud to incorporate thousands of pounds of our locally grown and malted grain into our beers each month. It’s our way of honoring our agricultural roots and ensuring that every sip tells the story of our land.
On the brewing side, we’ve embraced German brewing traditions. Matt spent years in Germany, learning the art of brewing at places like Brauhaus Faust and Doemens Academy. We’ve brought those time-honored techniques back to Illinois, crafting authentic German-style beers that would make our mentors proud.
From our American Lager that harkens back to pre-Prohibition recipes to our traditional Hefeweizen, each beer we brew is a nod to the rich history of brewing, both in America and in Germany.
The three pillars of Riggs Beer Company – Innovation: Brewing for the Future
While we have deep respect for tradition, we’re not afraid to innovate. In fact, we believe that pushing boundaries is essential to creating truly exceptional beer.
One of our biggest innovations is the integration of our farm and brewery. “On our farm, we grow beer” isn’t just a catchy slogan – it’s our unique approach to brewing. By growing our own ingredients, we have unparalleled control over the quality and character of our beers.
We’re also at the forefront of sustainable brewing practices. Our solar-powered brewery often generates more electricity than we use on sunny days. It’s our way of ensuring that we can continue brewing great beer for generations to come, while also being responsible stewards of our environment.
In our brewhouse, we’re constantly experimenting with new recipes and techniques. Whether it’s creating unique seasonal offerings or finding innovative ways to incorporate local ingredients, we’re always pushing ourselves to brew better beer.
Where Family, Tradition, and Innovation Meet
So, how do these three pillars come together in your glass? Let’s take our Hefeweizen as an example:
- Family: The wheat in this beer is grown right here on our family farm, tended by generations of Riggs farmers.
- Tradition: We brew this beer true to the German style, using techniques Matt learned during his time in Bavaria.
- Innovation: We’ve adapted our farming practices to grow the perfect wheat for this beer, and we’re constantly fine-tuning our process to make each batch better than the last.
The result? A Hefeweizen that honors German brewing tradition, showcases the quality of our family farm’s produce, and reflects our innovative approach to local brewing.
Come Experience the Riggs Difference
We invite you to come and see (and taste!) how family, tradition, and innovation come together at Riggs Beer Company. Stop by our taproom, take a tour of the brewery, or relax in our spacious beer garden. Try a flight of our diverse offerings and experience for yourself the unique character that defines a Riggs beer.
At Riggs Beer Company, we’re not just making beer. We’re continuing a family legacy, honoring brewing traditions, and innovating for the future – all while crafting some darn good beer. We can’t wait to share it with you!