We sat down with owners, Jared and Mallory Griebel, to talk about their brewery and its role in the PA Wilds.
What inspired the name Lost in the Wilds, and how does that spirit show up in your beer and your brewery?
The name Lost in the Wilds came from our passion for spending time getting “Lost in the Wilds”—whether it was camping, hiking, or kayaking. This aspect is showcased in our brewery through our branding, the beautiful outdoor seating areas at the brewery, and the names of our beers such as our Through the Pines IPA and Bear Fox Brown Ale.
What kinds of beers do you specialize in, and what’s a must-try for someone visiting for the first time?
The beers we produce are as diverse as our customer base. Because of this wide range of consumer tastes, we create beers from all styles. Some examples are super clean and refreshing lagers, fruited sours, nitro stouts and IPAs. Our beer list is always rotating, so no matter what time of the year, there is something great to get your hands on.
How does being located in rural Clarion County influence your approach to brewing and hospitality?
Being located in rural Pennsylvania gives us a unique approach to running our business. First, we love being able to bring new ideas and flavors to our local community that tend to be more prevalent in the more populated areas. Secondly, we love being able to share our beautiful part of the wilds with customers from all walks of life. Lastly, we feel our customers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendly small-town service paired with the great beers that they enjoy when they visit our taproom.
What’s the vibe like here—are you more of a hangout-and-listen-to-music kind of spot, or a stop-by-and-sample place?
The vibe at our taproom is something of its own. Since we have such a comforting environment, customers can find themselves sitting and enjoying a few beers for an afternoon while others stop to grab beers to go. Lost in the Wilds has definitely become a must stop for travelers making their way through our area.
Do you offer flights, seasonal beers, or events that visitors should know about?
We offer plenty of rotating favorites on the tap list throughout the year. We host events ranging from live music, community fundraisers, and outdoor enthusiast activities. Typically, visitors can also expect to see a wide range of various food trucks from across Western Pennsylvania on most weekends and during events.
Do you experiment with any unusual ingredients or brewing techniques that set your beers apart from the typical craft lineup?
We utilize brewing ingredients that are not always seen as common. One example is our “Stargazer,” a prickly pear and key lime gose style that has gained a large following from our customers and received an an award from the Untappd Community Awards.
What kind of crowd do you typically see—locals, out-of-towners, trail-goers? What keeps them coming back?
Our customer base includes a wide variety of people. Hikers, cyclists, and travelers passing through can find themselves striking up conversations amongst the crowd. Some of the points we hear that keep them coming back are friendly staff, inviting atmosphere, impeccable cleanliness, and top-quality beers that are not always seen.
You’re just a short drive from trails, forests, and outdoor adventures—do you see a connection between craft beer culture and getting ‘lost in the wilds’?
Being located near Cook Forest State Park and the Allegheny National Forest, we definitely see a connection between those enthusiasts and our brewery. The Rail 66 Trail cuts through the center or our property here. Most weekends, people start their day here by riding the rail trail and ending it by enjoying a well-deserved beverage back in our taproom. No matter what the adventure is, folks will find themselves including Lost in the Wilds in their plans. After all, getting “lost in the Wilds” is a way of life around here.
What does being a part of the Clarion County craft scene mean to you, and what do you hope visitors take away from their experience here?
We definitely feel great that we can do our part to offer a destination for beer seekers traveling in the Clarion County area.
What’s one of your favorite moments or stories from a guest who visited the brewery for the first time?
There are way too many stories to pick just one. We are truly happy to share the friendships and relationships we have gained over the past 5 years. The countless amount of people we have met has really been inspiring.