Brian Richards

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What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?

I am the head brewer at Cognition Brewing Company [in Ishpeming, Mich.]. I got started in the industry by simply being a fan of quality craft beer. That led to homebrewing, and with the help of some great people we shaped that hobby into Cognition Brewing Company.

What’s new at Cognition?

It’s all new! We just opened in March 2015 so we are just getting going. It’s been going great thus far and the local people seem to really be getting into the beer.

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?

I get to live my dream as well as be a part of this group of people who are as amazing as it gets.

What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?

I’m a family man so when I’m not at the brewery I like to be with my wife and kids and our American bulldog Josie. We live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan so there are always plenty of outdoor activities.

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

One of my favorite snacks of all time is a bottle of Jolly Pumpkin Luciernaga and a chunk of Dubliner cheese. I really like Russian River Temptation with Chimay cheese too. I guess I just really like beer and cheese. Who doesn’t?

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

My kids. Love them to death and they crack me up every day.

What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?

I really love Rodenbach Grand Cru, Rochefort 10, Cantillon (anything), and Belgian golden strong ales in general.

What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?

I don’t have to go very far to find great beer. We have some of the best beer right here in Michigan.


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