Customer Spotlight: Triton Brewing Company
By: Paula Polei
BOB works with several remarkable craft breweries that have established themselves in the marketplace with great ideas, hard work, and dedication. This blog is the first in a continuing series spotlighting BOB’s craft beer buddies. To kick things off, we head to Indianapolis to meet Jon Lang, Master Brewer/Founder, and David Waldman, Operations Director/Founder at Triton Brewing Company.
How was Triton Brewing formed?
Waldman: I met Jon in 2010 through a mutual friend, and we hit it off immediately—yin and yang. I was the fire; Jon was the ice. Despite the rough economy, we raised a million dollars that year to bring Triton to life.
Lang: We found a building that had once been a military mule barn at Fort Benjamin Harrison—home to 250 mules! After major renovations, including new plumbing, electric, and server systems, Triton officially opened in fall 2011.
What makes your brewery unique?
Waldman: Quality and consistency. Our slogan, “Better Water, Better Beer,” says it all. We use a reverse osmosis filtration system to create 99.99% pure water, then build water “recipes” to match each style. If the water isn’t right, the beer isn’t right.
What are some breweries you admire?
Lang: The craft beer industry is full of camaraderie, not competition. We share ingredients and ideas with other breweries—they’re friends, not rivals.
What’s your favorite beer on tap?
Lang: I enjoy all beer. I don’t want to drink the same thing every day—variety keeps it interesting!
How has the craft beer industry evolved since 2011?
Waldman: The explosion of new breweries has brought both innovation and challenges. The market’s growth has outpaced education—sometimes beer sits too long before it’s served, which affects quality.
Lang: Indiana had about 60 craft breweries when we started; now it’s nearly 100. Ingredient availability, especially for hops, could shape the industry’s future.
What’s next for craft beer?
Waldman: We’ll likely see a shakeout—only breweries that focus on quality and strong distribution will survive as the market matures.
Recommended Resources
Waldman: There are more resources now than ever before. Here are some of my go-to recommendations:
- Craft Brewers Conference – A must-attend event for industry professionals.
- Brewers Association – Provides essential guidance and standards for craft breweries.
- The Complete Guide to Building Your Brewery by The Electric Brewery – A detailed step-by-step guide for building your own brewery.
- Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Laws and Rules Annotated – A great reference for legal compliance, with editions available for most states.
- Kinnek.com – A helpful resource for comparing quotes on essential brewery supplies.
Better Water, Better Beer
Triton’s philosophy encourages beer lovers to explore variety and appreciate quality craftsmanship. They want you to enjoy beer as an experience—savoring nuanced flavors and great recipes while sharing stories behind every pint.
Looking Toward the Future
Since opening in 2011, Triton has expanded twice, increasing capacity by 300%. In 2014, they produced nearly 5,000 barrels and are poised to double production within the next few years. Continued growth may soon require a larger facility to meet demand.
The Men Behind the Barrel
Jon W. Lang, Master Brewer/Founder
One of Indiana’s longest-tenured brewers, Jon previously led Barley Island Brewing Company (2000–2009) and has earned multiple Great American Beer Festival medals. He’s also a certified Beer Judge and classic Porsche enthusiast.
David M. Waldman, Operations Director/Founder
A former pub owner with 15+ years of experience in logistics and operations, David has toured over 300 breweries. His passion for quality craft beer drives Triton’s operational excellence and community presence.
Cheers to Triton Brewing Company—where better water truly makes better beer!
