(Hershey, PA) – Aleheads posted an audio interview with Tröegs Brewing General Manager, Ed Yashinsky, tonight. Here are my notes…

– Just finished moving all the tanks over from old Harrisburg location

– In Hershey location, they are now operating on a 100bbl BrauKon system for large production batches and a 15bbl BrauKon system for small batches

– Built a water treatment facility at the brewery to get water characteristics the same as it was in Harrisburg

– Still adjusting to dial in the aroma on some of the beers

– Increased Nugget Nectar production 20-25% this year and is likely to make even more than next year (started about a month late due to the move)

– Been lucky with hops, paying more than open market prices but secured for hops that are in high demand like Simcoe

– Despite bigger system and increased production, not opening any new markets in 2012. Plan to add sales reps in eight-state footprint and better meet demand in existing markets.

– Perpetual IPA will be back but they don’t know when yet

– Closing in on timeframe in which they produce Sunshine Pils. First batch is in the fermenters though the beer may be released under a different name until it is dialed in.

– Dead Reckoning Porter is considered a short seasonal with more demand in the on-premise channel than off-premise

– Because of lack of demand for DRP, they have flexibility to extend Mad Elf season

– Suspended cask/firkin program for now (likely to resume in summer or fall) which means none for Nugget Nectar this year

– Barrel-aging program releases are branded as “Splinter series” beers. Currently have 40 barrels but want to have 400 barrels. Recognizes importance of blending new batches in with old batches.

– Spinter Gold is “getting close.” Has been aging since April 2010 and will be a brewery-only release again (750ml bottles)

– (for good measure) Just released Scratch #58, Triple Mango IPA