Interview with Bobby Harl of Back Pew Brewing - Kingwood

Published: Jul 31, 2018, 1:15am

As part of our ongoing "Getting to Know Your Local Businesses" series, this week we sat down with Bobby Harl, brewmaster and owner of Back Pew Brewing.

Tell us a bit about your business: What does your business offer, and how long have you been around?

Back Pew Brewing is a family owned and operated brewery right here in the Porter/Kingwood/Humble area. We got our name because our beers come in two categories: Saints and Sinners, and the fact we took over an old snake handling/speaking in tongues church. We are nestled on a 14-acre plot of land for both our brewing operations and our taproom area (dubbed The Sanctuary). We have been selling beer in the market since November of 2015.

How did you decide to get involved in this line of work? How did the business get started?
Really, it was a hobby, turned obsession, turned profession. I started homebrewing in 2007 and just kept going. I am from Houston, so I started homebrewing while in my undergraduate days, but really got involved with a professional brewery in Nashville, when I was working on my graduate school. I wanted to come back home to start my own, and that is what I've done.

Tell us a couple things you are proud of about your business. What are you known for? What separates you from the competition?
We focus heavily on drinkable lager beers. We have all kinds, but a big part of the type of equipment we invested in has to do with making beers that you can drink all day, have great flavor, and you want to have more than one of. This comes from a part of the process known as decoction mashing, which is a tricky process and requires extra equipment on the large scale. We are known in the area since we are family friendly, bring in great food trucks, and have an awesome time out back when the taproom is open.

What is your favorite part of running this business?
The final product... kidding (but not really). What is actually fun about the business I think is really just like when you cook for people- getting to see people enjoy all your hard work, and that is the best part about the business.

Who is your ideal customer/client? Who do you serve best?
As our motto goes, you can be a saint or a sinner, but don't be an *******. Someone who wants to enjoy a good time, great food, and excellent beer.

Can you tell us something about yourself as the business owner? What is your background?
I'm an engineer by trade, chemical to be exact, so you can imagine that has a lot to do about what happens when I start talking about beer. Know that if you ask me some questions and I start diving too deep, just tell me to pull back. I try to watch myself, but I can't help it- beer is life!

Are there any special promotions, annual sales, or special events that you'd like to mention?
On Thirsty Thursdays, bring your friends and favorite board game (yes, with all the pieces) you'll get a free token!
We serve up free hot dogs all night!

Our Summer Concert Series Schedule:
Friday, August 3, 2018 from 4pm - 10:30pm - TNT - a Tribute to AC/DC.
Friday, September 14, 2018 from 4pm - 10:30pm - Nightbird
Friday, October 26, 2018 from 4pm - 10:30pm - The Fab 5

Visit us at our website or on Kingwood.com for more information.