Beer taps awaiting patrons at Circa Brewing Company, located in Downtown Brooklyn. Each beer was crafted by Mike Kulha, the Head Brewer at Circa since August, 2020. -Connor Zaft, 5 May, 2021.
Mike Kulha, Head Brewer of Circa Brewing, begins his day by testing a "young" or unfermented beer and recording its measurements. Mike started as Head Brewer in August, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then he's had to help lead the brewery through a labyrinth of shut-downs and new regulations while maintaining a quality product. -Connor Zaft, 23 March, 2021
Mike works the console of his brewing system. -Connor Zaft, 23 March, 2021
Mike holds out a handful of American Barley, his favorite barley to brew with. -Connor Zaft, 23 March, 2021
Barely is emptied from the Mash Tun after it has completed boiling. "Most of my job is cleaning," says Mike Kulha, Head Brewer of Circa Brewing Co. After the tun is emptied he must make sure it is cleaned immediately. -Connor Zaft, 23 March, 2021
Once the barley is emptied into a dumpster, Mike pushes the remains into the back garbage storage. -Connor Zaft, 23 March, 2021
Mike measures out his selection of hops for the days brew. -Connor Zaft, 23 March, 2021
Mike stands between his Mash Tun and Brew Kettle, the heart of the brewery. He uses an automated system to track water heat and time when to add particular ingredients such as hops or yeast. -Connor Zaft, 23 March, 2021
Gauging the temperature of his water, one of the many factors needed to be tracked constantly during the brew process. -Connor Zaft, 23 March, 2021
Mike inspects his latest experiment, a blueberry hefeweizen, a beer-in-progress. He keeps track of how each element develops during fermentation. -Connor Zaft, 15 April, 2021
Patrons gather at the bar of Circa Brewing- Connor Zaft, 5 May, 2021
As a new trainee begins her shift, Mike talks her through the beer list. -Connor Zaft, 5 May, 2021
After a full day of brewing and bartending, Mike takes in the city from the Staten Island Ferry on his way home. -Connor Zaft, 5 May, 2021