F.X. Matt Brewing Company Director of Brewing Operations Keith Miller, who has spent almost four decades building the Utica-based brewing brand, has earned 2025 “Best in Brew” honors from the Beer Institute, a Washington D.C.-based information and advocacy group for brewers of one of the world’s favorite beverages.
“Congratulations to Keith Miller of F.X. Matt Brewing on being named a Beer Institute BEST IN BREW honoree. This recognition is a testament to Keith’s passion, innovation and dedication to advancing the U.S. beer industry,” Said Beer Institute CEO Brian Crawford.
“From grain to glass, Keith and other recognized industry leaders ensure beer continues to be a cornerstone of our economy, our communities and our culture. We are proud to celebrate the 2025 class of BEST IN BREW honorees, their achievements and the role they play in keeping beer vibrant and strong.”
‘F.X. Matt has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember’
“I’m originally from the area, so F.X. Matt has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” said Miller, a second-generation team member of the four-generation family-owned American brewery. “Some of my earliest memories are coming here with my father when I was very young—he worked in engineering—so the brewery was familiar to me long before it became my career. When I had the opportunity to work here, it felt like coming full circle.”
“I built my career here. I started on the floor and worked through multiple roles across the operation, which gave me a full understanding of how the process works from start to finish,” said Miller. “That hands-on experience is what allows me today to oversee the entire brewing operation, from grain all the way to the packaging tanks.”
Miller shared that what has kept him at F.X. Matt Brewing for so long are “the people, the culture, and the pride of being a part of something bigger than yourself.”
“This brewery is deeply tied to Utica, and that responsibility matters.” said Miller. “We’re trusted to make decisions, improve how we operate, and protect our people, our quality, and the legacy behind the brand.”
Miller oversees the entire brewing process at Saranac, from raw materials and brewing through fermentation, filtration and into packaging. Miller oversees the ‘grain to glass’ brewing process in its entirety at F.X. Matt, where he notes that safety, quality, consistency, and sustainability are all connected.
“Consumers want beer that tastes the same every time and delivering that consistency—while keeping our employees safe and continuously reducing waste, water use, and energy consumption—is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Miller. “We’re leading that effort by strengthening operating standards, investing in training, and improving systems that allow our teams to work safely while producing high-quality beer every day.”
v
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Utica FX Matt’s Miller wins Beer Institute ‘Best in Brew’ 2025 honors
Reporting by Cara Dolan Berry, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
