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Jay Fox

A Fox guarding the brewhouse

Jay Fox should be proud of what he’s accomplished in Huntington. He’s led The Peddler’s brewing operation from start-up to becoming one of the state’s most successful craft brewers.

Jay Fox at the brewery
Jay Fox at home in The Peddler brewhouse [Erin McCoy photo]

On this episode of the West Virginia Beer Roads podcast, we sit down with Jay to get his read on how he keeps The Peddler at the top of its game. We learn that he does it with a combination of well-made, sessionable standard brews and creatively-titled, sometimes wacky, yet catchy beer creations. Earning a super solid 3.85 overall rating for The Peddler on Untappd, Fox attained that score without brewing a bunch of high ABV Imperial-style ales to jack up his ratings. In fact, it’s hard to find a beer on The Peddler’s taps that tops 7% ABV.


Listen to the Podcast here

Episode 56 • West Virginia Beer Roads

Peddle hard but have fun doing it

Over its five years of operation, The Peddler has experienced steady growth with no appreciable downturn during the COVID pandemic. Jay’s advice to other brewers wanting to grow their business: Know your audience and make beer that sells.

As Jay says, craft beer doesn’t have to be pretentious. “At the end of the day, it’s about getting together with your friends, having some beers, having a laugh, telling some stories.”

Jay’s beers are sessionable, conversational, and fun. They make you talk; they make you smile. Pique your customers’ curiosity with the name and concept. Win their love with flavor and quality. What this sly Fox has done at The Peddler is master a formula for producing beers that captivate both the palate and the heart. It’s definitely a case of the Fox guarding the brewhouse.

Brewer Skills Checklist – Fox masters the keg press. [Erin McCoy photo]

Some of The Peddler’s popular brews

Core Beers commonly on tap

  • Appalachian Bandido Mexican Lager
  • Fist Bump IPA
  • Happy Hunty Hefe Wheat Beer
  • Boogercat Brown Ale
  • Silt Sucker Hazy IPA
  • Brawndo series (Gatorade-flavored)
  • Old Gregg Sideshow Stout
  • Bearded Lady Blonde

A Few Specialties (some gone but not forgotten)

  • Superblock NEIPA
  • Tell Em Large Marge Sent Ya (fruited sour)
  • Space Camp Tramp Stamp (tang sour)
  • Every Way, Shape, Form, or Fashion
  • PLUMb Bob Fruited Sour
  • Mountain Don’t (Mountain Dew clone)
  • Cautious Granny (spiced ber)
  • Mighty Morphin Sour Ranger
  • Pin Balls and Pool Halls (session IPA)
Tanks sit next to the customers at The Peddler [PHOTO: Erin McCoy]
The Peddler’s open concept kitchen cranks out tasty fare. [PHOTO: Erin McCoy]
Customers enjoying food and beer on a busy Tuesday evening. [PHOTO: Erin McCoy]

LINKS

The Peddler webpage

A look back to 2017, when The Peddler opened


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