In this episode of the Brewbound Podcast, leaders from Sierra Nevada and New Trail discuss their craft portfolios, innovation, packaging and recent wins during the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference.
Sierra Nevada chief commercial officer Ellie Preslar and chief brewing officer Brian Grossman sit down with Brewbound editor Justin Kendall for a chat about new offering Pils, Pale Ale’s limited edition National Parks packaging and Big Little Thing’s recent glow-up.
For a limited time, Pale Ale packs are sporting art featuring four parks: Yosemite, Big Bend, Yellowstone and Great Smoky. Drinkers are “treasure hunting” to collect them all, Preslar said.
“It’s been really overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “It fits really well, right with who we are, the values that we’ve held dear for so many years. Consumers are really loving it, and we’re starting to hear a little bit of the treasure hunt mentality. Since the four parks that were highlighted are all mixed out there on shelf, people are searching and seeking.”
Then, New Trail chief operating officer Mike LaRosa joins Brewbound managing editor Jessica Infante for a chat about the fast-growing brewery’s volume gains, IPA-heavy innovation slate and debut on the Brewers Association’s top 50 list.
The Williamsport, Pennsylvania-based brewery will be spending 2025 happily dedicated to the status quo.
“To be honest with you, it’s been seven crazy years, and we’re excited to have another really promising year as far as growth is concerned, but this is the first year that we’re not adding additional infrastructure into buildings,” LaRosa said. “So there’s no new tanks, new canning lines, new brewhouse, new whatever. We finally have a spot where we have breathing room to grow into ourselves.”
But first, Jess and Zoe break down all the beer industry news, including distributors’ not-so-sunny outlook on the category as we enter summer, DoorDash’s findings that more people want booze delivered to their homes and the latest brands to leave RNDC in California.
They also discuss new Masshole Light Lager in depth and reveal appreciations for greater Boston’s gruff reputation and … seagulls.
Listen here or on your podcast platform of choice.