Deandre Ridgel

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What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
I’m co-founder and head brewer at Policy Kings Brewery in Cedar City, Utah. I started homebrewing and it took off from there. I love making beer and sharing my love with others. I also saw the lack of diversity in craft beer in my area and wanted to change that. I created the first black-owned brewery in my state and the only brewery in Cedar City. I want to build community through my beer. 

What’s new at Policy Kings?
We recently hit our first milestone—our one-year anniversary! We are working on barrel aging, canning, and expansion this year. 

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?
We have loved the acceptance into our super small craft beer community. There is still so much room for growth and learning about craft beer here. We have to be at the forefront of teaching, guiding, assisting, and building that love through community. 

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.
There is nothing better than a smoked brisket with our Bronzeville Black IPA.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to brewing?
My biggest accomplishment is my kids. I do all of this for them.

What’s your favorite beer from another brewery?
Brooklyn Brewery’s Sorachi Ace.

What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
Go to movies, travel, BBQ, drink great beer, and spend time with my family. 

What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
San Diego. West Coast IPA is one of my favorite styles so I always like to try other brewers’ takes on them. We love the craft beer boom that is happening there and took that same energy back to our small town. 


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