Something is always brewing at JB MDL and its called JB Brew.  JB Brew is brewed right here on base at the micro-brewery, located in what used to be Morgan’s Building 5455 on Alabama Avenue at Dix.  Mark Camlin, the JB Brew brewmaster and Army Combat Engineer, operates the brewery and is driven by his passion for a good brew and is determined to expand the community’s interest in the brewery.

When talking to Camlin, you can tell he is not just a guy who likes beer – he loves it. Mark’s love of beer extends beyond sitting at the bar with a frosted mug of suds – it’s the recipe, ingredients, the brewing process and the final product that he loves most.  It all began when Mark started brewing “bathtub beer” in college and after coming out of the Air Force.  At the urging of friends to “go pro” he opened Ugly Dog Brewing in the early 1990′s to pursue his passion for crafting a fine brew.  After a break to have a family and transferring to the Army, Mark found his new home at JB MDL.  With twenty nine years of military service under his belt and the discovery of the micro-brewery on base, it’s a dream come true and truly a labor of love for Mark.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mark spends Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday around the clock at the micro-brewery brewing the beer that is currently enjoyed by patrons at Pudgy’s Sports Pub at McGuire.  As a young adult Mark recalls how he loved the smell of beer brewing, the smell of the boiling grain and the smell of hops hitting the boiling mash with the end result being a great beer produced by his own hands.  Mark says “it’s very satisfying to craft a recipe, produce it and be surprised by the complexity and solidness of the beer.”  With a pinch of this and a twist of that, Mark’s own recipes produce an exciting and enjoyable beer drinking experience for those lucky enough to get a mug, bottle or keg of JB Brew.

According to Mark, there are fewer than thirteen breweries on military installations worldwide and JB MDL is one of them.  Mark took over brewery operations a couple of months ago and looks forward to putting the brewery to good use by introducing adults in the base community to the art of brewing and hopes to make JB Brew available at other FSS facilities including the Bowling Center and Golf Courses.

Along with the two flagship and seasonal brews, Mark is determined to bring interest and participation to the brewery with beer tasting events, Brew Your Own Batch BYOB beer brewing workshops, and even team building programs for units, groups and squadrons on base to create their very own batch – recipe, name, label and all.  Mark is excited to share his knowledge and passion and is interested in finding out the types of beer club patrons would enjoy. Pudgy’s proudly serves Pudgy’s Blonde Ale and American Pride Ale, the two flagship beers, as well as seasonal brews like the recent batch of Fa La La La Ale that was introduced for the 2011 holiday season. Fa La La La Ale features the flavors of cinnamon, black currant, orange peel and candy canes – yes, candy canes!  Seasonal and special occasion brews will be crafted throughout the year to include a Spring Bock, an Irish Ale for St Patrick’s Day, a light summer brew, a fall pumpkin spice brew, and even an Air Show Ale is in the works.  With his year’s of experience mixed with his passion and dedication, Mark turns out a full bodied brew that he’s proud to introduce and share with the base community.

When you meet and talk to Mark while he’s at the brewery, you can see he is in his element – like a mad scientist with bubbling kettles, special instruments, the malt, the wheat and yeast, infusing ingredients at just the right time and at just the right temperatures, breaking down the proteins and carbon dioxide production, and the fermentation process.  The final product is sampled (responsibly, of course), kegged and bottled, labeled and delivered.  Along with the final product, many times there is an amusing story or twist that make the special brews memorable for Mark.   Stay tuned for the funny back story behind the Fa La La La Ale and Mark’s great candy cane debacle of 201, his “How Beer Saved the World” story and others.

Stop in to Pudgy’s for a mug of JB Brew or bring home JB Brew to share with others.  Please stay tuned for regular updates on what’s happening at JB Brewing and upcoming programs offered at the brewery.  To contact Mark, please email mark.jbbrewing@gmail.com or call 484-256-1135.

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