Kha Bui’s Journey From Vietnam to a Passion For Craft Beer
Kha Bui, the founder of CLAG Brewing, began an incredible journey from his birthplace in Vietnam, fleeing with a group of refugees in 1989. After a courageous ten-day voyage over the South China Sea, the Italian Navy rescued him, taking Bui to Taiwan, then onward to Hong Kong and finally, the Philippines. He spent three years in the Palawan Refugee Camp before his family immigrated to the United States, starting a new chapter filled with business success.
In the bustling Virginia capital, Bui and his brother, An Bui, fell in love with the vibrant craft beer scene. An Bui owned the famous The Answer brewpub in Richmond, VA, which quickly became a renowned name among beer aficionados. Kha later moved to Sandusky, OH, where he helped open Mekong Sandusky, a beloved Vietnamese restaurant. By 2014, he had ventured into the world of craft beer with the establishment of Small City Taphouse, a now cherished taproom offering a vast selection of craft brews that captured the taste buds of local beer lovers.
Creating CLAG Brewing: An Art of Brewing Freedom
Kevin Kowalski, the head brewer at CLAG Brewing, reflects on how Bui’s Small City Taphouse quickly became a hub for craft beer enthusiasts in Sandusky. Known for its fifty taps featuring sought-after beers like Toppling Goliath’s King Sue and Founders KBS, the taproom was the place to taste something special. Kowalski, drawn by Bui’s philosophy of brewing, started as a homebrewer and worked in various Ohio brewpubs before CLAG became his playground for innovation.
Bui’s approach gave Kowalski creative freedom rarely seen in craft brewing. Unrestricted by traditional confines, Kowalski experimented with high-quality hops and innovative recipes to craft flavorful and bold beers. This unique brewing approach has propelled CLAG to remarkable heights, boasting a fantastic rating on Untappd, positioning it as Ohio’s second-highest-rated brewery. This artistry makes CLAG a must-visit destination on any serious craft beer pilgrim’s journey.
The Spirit Behind “Cocky Little Asian Guy”
Despite CLAG’s abundance of accolades, Bui’s humility remains at the heart of the brewery’s culture. The acronym CLAG, for Cocky Little Asian Guy, originates from a joke with friends teasing Bui’s determination to brew superior beers. His low-key personality directs the spotlight to the extraordinary beers crafted by Kowalski, ensuring they speak volumes about the team’s dedication and creativity.
True to their experimental spirit, CLAG avoids static staples, instead offering an ever-evolving beer list. Standout brews such as the double IPA, Half a Million Brakepads, highlight their mastery in hops and emphasize CLAG’s reputation for enticing hazies and barrel-aged creations. The tribute beer, Papa Bui, honors Bui’s father with tantalizing tropical flavors—an homage to family and heritage echoing throughout CLAG’s brewery culture.
Setting the Stage for Future Brews: The CLAG Vision
With a slow and steady philosophy, CLAG Brewing continues its rise in the craft beer world by consistently delivering excellent beers and maintaining a vibrant brewing ethos. Collaborating with other standout breweries, like San Diego’s North Park, keeps CLAG on the cutting edge of brewing innovation, showcasing their creations across and beyond American borders.
For Bui and Kowalski, the brewery’s primary goal is to relish the joy of crafting delicious beers in a collaborative environment. Each new beer name often stems from inside jokes or listener suggestions, reinforcing CLAG’s approachable and down-to-earth character—a testament to their love for craft beer and the community surrounding it.
The vibrant craft beer vibes of Sandusky, and indeed the wider craft beer culture of the U.S., are available for exploration with BreweriesNearMe.us—your resource for discovering exceptional breweries and unforgettable beer experiences nationwide.
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