Interview: Jonathan Cutler, Piece Brewery and Pizzeria

Tuesday, I took the time to get aquainted with Jonathan Cutler, the brewer at Piece Brewery and Pizzeria in Wicker Park.

Just a man and his tank.

Cutler’s been the brewer at Piece since they opened in 2001 and lost no time in creating great beer, winning bronze and silver medals at the World Beer Cup in 2002.

As Cutler explains, his path to becoming a pub brewer began when he and his college friends began brewing during “my 5th year of a 7 year undergrad.” It was shortly after he began to think his future could be in brewing:

Cutler speaks about his move from regular college to beer college.

Being the first brewer at a new pub has some unique challenges, including figuring out what the house beers should be.  Cutler learned to give the people what they want:

Cutler talks about the house beers.

Finally for all of us starting down the path to home brewing, I asked him if he had any advice:

Cutler gives advice on home brewing.

Piece itself is definitely worth a look. Imagine trendy-pizzeria meets tiny (by beer-hall standards) beer-hall and you get an idea. Between 7-9 of Cutler’s creations are on tap at any point during the year, so chances are you’ll find a style you like.