What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
I am currently the head brewer at Wynkoop Brewing Company. I got started when I did the American Brewers Guild craft brewers diploma program in 1999/2000.
What’s new at Wynkoop?
Cans of Railyard Ale are new and selling really well! This spring we are installing a new automated keg cleaning machine and switching over from the old bung side kegs to new straight side kegs.
What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?
The best part about our craft brewing community is that we have a community! One mostly made up of interesting individuals too.
What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
I am a semi-professional musician (bassist) on the side, and I also enjoy building and hot rodding motorcycles and cars in my garage.
What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?
My favorite food and beer pairing is the Rumaki they make at Jonsey’s EatBar, which are bacon wrapped water chestnuts with pineapple chutney, paired with a nice snappy German Pilsner.
What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?
Last year I finished building my first from-scratch motorcycle/chopper. Her nickname is the Water Buffalo.
What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?
That would have to be the Orval. It must be a special beer because I can just say the word Orval and you know the beer I am referring to.
What’s the most exotic travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
Last fall I flew to Singapore and got to try Fal Allen’s beer with him from the Archipelago Brewery. That has to qualify as exotic.