Grand Canyon Brewing promotes head brewer, makes new hire

With plans for continued growth, expansion and improved quality control, the Grand Canyon Brewing Co. is solidifying its brewing team by hiring Josh Ward as a new brewer and promoting Jeff Fowler to head brewer.

Ward comes to Grand Canyon Brewing with several years of experience brewing at Redlands, Calif-based Hanger 24 Brewery. Ward worked his way up the food chain at Hanger 24, holding positions as cellar man, assistant brewer, senior brewer and brewery manager. He will join the Grand Canyon Brewing team in mid-August.

“I’m very excited to begin this new journey with the Grand Canyon Brewing Co. There’s a lot of room for growth and improvement and opportunities to experiment with new beer styles and recipes,” Ward said.

In addition to maintaining a high level of quality control and consistency with Grand Canyon Brewing’s current lineup of craft beers, both brewers will work closely and focus on the development and expansion of flavor profiles that capture the Grand Canyon state of mind.

“Josh has some great ideas and brings invaluable experience to the Grand Canyon Brewing team. I’m thrilled that he is joining us this month and look forward to working with him. I’m also very excited to see Jeff taking on the lead brewer role. His insight, experience and expertise will be of great value as we continue to grow,” said John Peasley, owner of the Grand Canyon Brewing Co.

Earlier this year, the company announced expansion plans and the development of a new 27,000 sq.-ft. production facility in Williams, Ariz., and has its sights set on eventually expanding into Southern California, New Mexico and Colorado. Hiring new brewery staff will help Grand Canyon Brewing achieve higher craft beer production and development at the new location.

The Grand Canyon Brewing Co. is a family-owned and operated microbrewery that produces a dozen different specialty craft brews each year. The company recently began production on a new 22-oz bomber bottle featuring its revolutionary new Flavor Bomb beer-flavoring widget.